From The Original Manuscript Deposited At
Washington's Head Quarters, Newburgh, N. Y.
Edited By E. B. O'Callaghan, M. D.
Albany, N.Y.: J. Munsell, 78 State Street.
1860
To Robert Townsend, Esq. of Syracuse, N.Y.
Sir:
THE Battle of Saratoga has always attracted a
large share ot intelligent and interested attention. Its
important results have induced a recent English author to class
it, preeminently, among the Fifteen Decisive Battles of the
World'.
__________________
1 Nor can any military event be
said to have exercised more important influence on the future
fortunes of mankind than the complete defeat of Burgoyne's
Expedition in 1777; a defeat which rescued the revolted
colonifts from certain subjection, and which, by inducing the
courts of France and Spain to attack England in their behalf,
insured the independence of the United States, and the formation
of that transatlantic power which not only America, but both
Europe and Asia now see and feel. — Creasy, p. 312, Am. ed.
______________
In our own country, its name still stirs the
blood, warmly and proudly, in the popular heart. The interest
that thus attaches to the subject has led to the publication of
numerous official, and other Documents, relating to the
Expedition of Burgoyne, and its unsuccessful termination. The
Publisher feels that he cannot err, in the opinion that that
interest will yet justify an addition to our authentic printed
memorials of these events; and, in that belief, he takes much
pleasure in laying before the Publick the Orderly Book of
General Burgoyne' s Expedition.
The Leader of this memorable Expedition has
published to the World his Narrative of the Invasion, and his
Apology or its failure. The present official programme of his
daily movements, daguerreotyping, as it were, the occurrences
and events of the march, almost makes us spectators of the
changing scene. We look not through media, colored by the
incense of partiaity, or darkened by the smoke of prejudice,
but, viewing these events of the past in their own truthful
light, we are enabled to exercise our individual judgment, and
form conclusions altogether our own. The very nature of an
Orderly Book, its slrictly practical, almost commonplace
character, gives a peculiar trustworthiness to the opinions
formed from its perusal : and in cases like the present one,
whether the verdct be of approval or of censure, we cannot doubt
that it is both unbiassed and just.
In addressing. Sir, to you, the following
pages, the Publisher would desire to make a public
acknowledgment of his thanks for the interesl: you have shown in
bringing this subject to his notice; and likewise for the many
kind offices which a library rich in varied treasures of genius
and art, a discriminating taste and profound historical
research, have enabled you to render, in the course of his
publication of books kindred to this in their antique style and
historical subject.
J. M.
Albany, Oct. i860.
INTRODUCTION.
In presenting to the Public a volume
containing mainly Orders issued from day to day, to an Army on
its march, some apology may be deemed proper, were it not that
the interests involved in the march of that Army were of such
vast magnitude as not only to justify, but to exact the
preservation of every record, however trivial and minute, of
every well established incident and circumstance connected with
its progress and operations.
The people of the Colonies had already been
two years arrayed in hostility against England; the Declaration
of Independence had been nearly twelve months before the world,
yet so far from decided was the result of the contest, that no
Court in Europe dared as yet to acknowledge that Independence,
or to risk a Treaty with America.
It was at this season of gloom, uncertainty
and doubt, when many good men already hesitated, and some had
even despaired, that Great Britain gathered up her strength
afresh, evoked her power at home and exerted her influence
abroad, for one combined and overwhelming movement that would,
she promised herself, forever crush the giant nation struggling
to be born.
As Commander of the Northern Division of this
movement, the ministry had selected an officer who had already
distinguished himself in the field; whose merit, they admitted,
it had been their care to cherish; discovering it in its growth
and rewarding it in its progress by raising him above his
seniors in the service.1
________________
1 Speech of Lord North. Hansard's
Par. Hist., xix, 1222.
________________
John Burgoyne, the Officer in question, was a
man not only of obscure birth, but even of doubtful parentage.
He is said, upon what authority does not appear, to have been
the illegitimate son of Lord Bingley. Be this as it may, his
education was of the most liberal kind, and it is not improbable
that he was either destined for, or had resolved upon, the
profession of arms, at a very early period. While yet a
subaltern, without any fortune but his sword, he had the rare
good luck to engage the affections of, and run away with, Lady
Charlotte Stanley, youngest daughter of Edward, l0th Earl of
Derby, whom he married. This connexion secured doubtless for
Burgoyne in after life, much of that favour to which his
advancement in his profession was owing. He was commissioned
Captain in the 11th Dragoons,14th June, 1756; and on the 10th of
May, 1758, was raised to the brevet rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
In the August of 1759, appointed
Lieutenant Colonel commandant of the 16th Light Dragoons. With
this regiment he served in 1761, at Belleisle, where, during the
siege of Palais, he was entrusted with a negotiation for an
exchange of prisoners.
A more busy service awaited him upon his
return home. Spain had now acceded to the family compact, and
after vain endeavours to draw over Portugal from its alliance
with England, had refolved to attack that country in the hope of
an easy conquest : a hope which arofe from her convidtion of the
weak and undisciplined state of the Portuguese army. In this
exigency Great Britain hastened to the succour of an ally, who
had preferred the chance of utter ruin to the shame of having
violated her faith.
The troops destined for this service arrived
in the Tagus on the 6th of May. They were immediately marched to
join the Portuguefe army, under the command of the Count de la
Lippe Buckeburg, and took the field in the course of July. The
campaign had been commenced by the Spaniards on the side of Tras
os Montes, in which province Miranda, Braganza, and some other
towns, had fallen into their hands. They next resolved to
proceed against Oporto, but this design was frustrated by the
bravery of the peasants, who took possession of the defiles, and
compelled the Spanish army to a disorderly retreat. Disappointed
in this quarter the enemy turned their steps towards the
province of Beira, and laid siege to the frontier town of
Almeida, which, after a short defence, fell into their hands
through the imbecility and cowardice of its governor. Their army
now approached the Tagus, the only direction in which an invader
can penetrate to the capital, all other access being rendered
nearly, if not quite impracticable, by immense chains of
mountains, and other natural obstructions.
To second the operations of this army, by an
incursion into Alemtejo, or by advancing on the opposite side of
the Tagus, and thus to distract the attention of the Portuguese,
already but too feeble in point of numbers, a body of troops was
beginning to assemble in Spanish Estramadura, at the town of
Valencia de Alcantara. It consisted at present of about 1200
men. Well knowing that if this force were suffered to increase,
it would embarrass him very confiderably, the Count de la Lippe,
who was encamped at Abrantes, formed the bold design of
attacking and dispersing it before it assumed a more formidable
aspect.
The execution of this plan was confided to
Burgoyne, who then held the rank of Brigadier. No inconsiderable
difficulties stood in the way of this enterprise; but the spirit
of the commander was not of a nature to be depressed by such
considerations. He crossed the Tagus, at midnight on the 23d,
and with 400 of his own regiment, was joined as he advanced by
one or two small detachments, and after a laborious march of
more than fifteen leagues, performed through bad roads, and
without halting, he arrived on the morning of the 26th at some
distance from the town of Alcantara. His intention had been to
surprise the place before break of day, but he now found that
from the delay, occasioned by the ignorance of the guides, the
dawn was at hand, and his scheme would be frustrated if he
waited till his whole division could cooperate in the attack.
He, therefore, boldly pushed forward with his dragoons alone.
This audacity was favoured by fortune. At the head of his
handful of soldiers he entered the town with such determined
resolution, that the guards in the square were all killed or
made prisoners before they could take arms, and the ends of the
streets were secured after a trifling resistance. Some parties,
having rallied, attempted to return to the charge; but their
lives paid the forfeit of their temerity. A firing was for a
Ihort time kept up from the windows. It was, however, put a flop
to, by the menace of fetting the town in flames, at the four
corners, if the doors and windows were not instantly thrown
open. Parties were immediately sent out to pursue such of the
enemy as had escaped into the country, and in this service their
success was very considerable.
In this gallant action the lofs of the
English was scarcely worthy of notice; while on the other hand,
that of the Spaniards was remarkably severe. Many prisoners were
taken, among whom was the Spanish general, and the regiment of
Seville was totally destroyed. Three standards, with a large
quantity of arms and ammunition, fell into the hands of the
victors. In consequence of the strift discipline observed by the
British, very little was suffered by the town or inhabitants.
The generosity and gallantry of Burgoyne were indeed subjects of
praise among the Spanish officers themselves. From the Count de
la Lippe they received, in the public orders of the day, the
highest encomiums.
All danger was thus at an end on the side of
Alemtejo; but it was not so on the other bank of the Tagus,
where their immense superiority of numbers enabled the Spaniards
to obtain a footing, though but a trifling one, in Portuguese
Estramadura, and make a somewhat nearer approach to the capital.
Early in October they attacked the old Moorish castle of Villa
Velha, and the defiles of St. Simon. The castle was, for a
considerable time, supported across the river by Brigadier
Burgoyne, who was ported near Nisla and the Tagus. It was,
however, at last compelled to surrender, the enemy having
contrived to turn the position. A body of two thousand Spaniards
now encamped in the neighbourhood of Villa Velha. It was soon
perceived by Burgoyne, that this corps, proud of its late
successes, was a little more careless than was proper in the
neighbourhood of a vigilant and enterprising adversary. For this
unsoldier-like negligence he soon inflicted upon them an
exemplary chastifement. Under his orders, Lieutenant Colonel
Lee, afterwards a Major General in the Army of the American
Revolution, crossed the Tagus on the night of the 5th of
October, with a detachment of 350 Britifh soldiers, and
succeeded in completely surprising the Spanish camp. A
considerable slaughter took place, with a very trifling loss to
the assailants. Some magazines were burned, six cannons spiked,
and sixty artillery mules, and a large quantity of baggage
taken. After this decisive blow, the detachment recrossed the
Tagus, and resumed its original quarters, without interruption.
Here closed the campaign. Harrassed,
dispirited, and reduced to almost one half of their original
numbers, the Spanish troops retired within their own frontier.
Peace was shortly after concluded between the belligerent
powers, and the subject of this memoir returned to his own
country, with the reputation of an enlightened, intrepid, and
active officer. On the 8th of October, previously to his
embarking for England, he had been raised to the rank of
Colonel.
At the general election in 1761, he had been
chocen member for Midhurst, and he accordingly, on his arrival
from Portugal, took his seat in the Houfe of Commons. He does
not, however, appear to have been, at this period, a very active
member. On the 18th of March, 1762, he was appointed Colonel of
the 16th Light Dragoons. At the election in 1768, he he was
returned for the borough of Preston. Some circumstances arising
from this event, and from his prefumed connection with the Duke
of Grafton, drew upon him the hostiiity of Junius, who, in
several of his letters, adverts to him in language of great
severity. The same year he was appointed Governor of Fort
William; and Major General in 1772.
In the debates of Parliament he now took a
more frequent part than he had before done. The administration
having accepted, in 1771, from the Spanish government, a very
inadequate satisfaction for the insult which had been offered to
Great Britain, by the seizure of the Falkland Islands, he
arraigned their conduct in a speech of much eloquence and
vigour. But his efforts, and those of his friends, were
unavailing; an address approving the convention between tlie two
powers was carried by a large majority.
The next year he was not less strenuous in
endeavouring to detect and bring to punishment the corruption
and delinquency which disgraced the characters ot those to whom
authority had been delegated in the Eastern empire. It was on
his motion that a committee was appointed "to inquire into the
nature, state, and condition of the East India Company, and of
the Britifh "aflfairs in the East Indies." His speech on this
occasion is highly honourable to him, both as a man, and as an
orator. As chairman of the committee, he found himfslf
repeatedly called upon to defend the measures and intentions of
himself and. his colleagues, and he was not backward in the
performance of this duty.
But, amidst the pressure of senatorial and
professional avocations, he found time for pursuits of a more
light and amusing nature. A marriage took, place in June, 1774,
between Edward, son of Lord Stanley, and Lady Elizabeth
Hamilton, daughter of the Duke of Hamilton. On this occasion a
fete champetre was given at the Oaks, which in taste and
splendour far exceeded every thing of the kind that had been
feen before. The superintendence of the whole was committed to
Burgoyne. It was for this festival that he wrote his first
dramatic piece, entitled 'The Maid of the Oaks. This elegant
comic entertainment was afterwards, with some additions, it is
faid, from the pen of Garrick, successfully brought forward on
the boards of Drury Lane Theatre. Nor has it yet lost its
attractions with the public, though Mrs. Baddely and Mrs.
Abingdon, the original repre- sentatives of Maria and Lady Bab
Lardoon, have never been equalled by later performers of those
characters.
His attention, however, was soon called off
from letters to arms. He embarked in 1775, with Generals Howe
and Clinton, for America, and arrived at Boston early in June.1
Some of the official papers issued there, at that period, are
attributed to his pen. His stay this time in America was short,
as he returned to England during the winter. But in the spring
of 1776, he sailed for Canada, where he had fome fhare in
affifting Sir Guy Carleton to expel the Americans, who had for
many months held a footing in that province, and even reduced
its capital, Quebec, to the greateft ex- tremity. The campaign
being at an end, he again, at the close of the year, landed in
his native country. During his absence in America he suffered
the loss of his wife, Lady Charlotte Burgoyne, who died at
Kensington Palace, on the 5th of June, 1776.
___________
1 The subjoined Impromptu, was published at
London, on the departure of these Brisih Generals for America:
"Behold the Cerberus the Atlantic plough !
"Her precious Cargo, Burgoyne, Clinton, Howe
"Bow ! wow ! wow !"
_______________________
Government resolved to make, in the Summer of
1777, a decisive effort against the revolted Colonies. A large
force was to penetrate toward Albany from Canada, by the way of
the Lakes, while another confiderable body advanced up the
Hudson's river, for the purpose of joining the Canadian army. By
this means it was hoped that all communication would be cut off
between the Northern and Southern Colonies, and that each of
them, being left to its own means of defence, and attacked by
superior numbers, would inevitably be reduced with little
trouble. To distract; the attention of the enemy, a detachment
was at the same time to attack Fort Stanwix on the Mohawk river.
On the first of September, 1776, Burgoyne was
appointed Lieutenant General, preparatory to assuming command of
this expedition. His opinion of, and dispofition towards the
Americans, may be inferred from his speech already pronounced in
Parliament on the motion for the Repeal of the Act imposing a
Duty on Tea. He considered that America had been spoiled by too
much indulgence; the independence of that country of the British
legislature was in question, and he was ready to resist that
proposition and to contend at any future time against such
independence. The future here appealed to was at hand, and we
shall now see what it had in store for the champion of
Parliamentary Taxation.
His Army, numbering between seven and eight
thousand men, set out from St. John's on the 14th of June, 1777,
and encamped at the river Bouquet, on the west side of Lake
Champlain, near Crown Point. At this place he met the Indians in
congress, and, according to the usual custom, gave them a war
feast. To repress their native barbarity, he addressed them in a
speech, recommending humanity to the enemy, and promising
rewards for prisoners, but assuring them that all claims they
might make for scalps would be looked into with a very
suspicious eye. His next step was to issue a Manifesto to the
Americans, in which their hopes and fears were alternately
worked upon, in order to induce their return to obedience.
Turgid, pompous and bombastic, this
Proclamation instead of producing the effect desired, became the
subject of ridicule, derision and satire, and instead of
frightening the Americans, only gained for its author the
soubriquet of Chrononbotonthologos. It was turned into
Hudibrastic rhymes by, it is said, the witty [Francis]
Hopkinson, who thus travestied the threats of the British
General :
I will let loose the dogs of hell,
Ten thousand Indians, who shall yell,
And foam and tear, and grin and roar,
And drench their moccasins in gore :
To these I'll give full scope and play
From Ticonderog to Florida;
They'll scalp your heads and kick your shins,
And rip your -- , and flay your skins,
And of your ears be nimble croppers,
And make your thumbs tobacco-stoppers.
If after all these loving warnings,
My wishes and my bowels' yearnings,
You shall remain as deaf as adder,
Or grow with hostile rage the madder,
I swear by St. George and by St. Paul,
I will exterminate you all.
Subscribed with my manual sign
To tell these presents — John Burgoyne."
Having made some stay at Crown Point, for the
purpose of establishing a hospital and magazines, and for other
necessary services, the army advanced towards Ticonderoga, which
the Americans abandoned. Their retreat was discovered at the
dawn of the 6th of July. A rapid pursuit was instantly begun,
and continued with such vigour that their vessels were totally
destroyed. Hopeless of making any stand at Skenesborough, the
American troops retired, after destroying, as well as they
could, the various works which had been raised for its defence.
At Skenesborough, General Burgoyne was
compelled to wait several days for the arrival of tents,
baggage, and provisions. While his Army remained here, it was
incessantly employed in opening roads. Towards the end of July,
it arrived near Fort Edward, which was abandoned by the
Americans, who retired to Saratoga.
Here, nostwithstanding the most strenuous
endeavours were used to forward the service, a halt of fifteen
days was found indispenfable for the purpofe of bringing forward
bateaux, provisions, and ammunition, from Fort Anne. Neither
oxen nor horses were to be procured, and the country was besides
inundated with continued rain. Intelligence was here received
that Colonel St. Leger had begun the siege of Fort Stanwix.
General Burgoyne, therefore, determined to cross the Hudson
river. But, though every nerve had been strained, the provision
in store was very trifling. A supply, however, must absolutely
be obtained. The Americans had established a magazine at
Bennington, and it was hoped that by surprising it, a large
proportion of what was wanted might be secured. On this service
Lieutenant Colonel Baum was dispatched, with about five hundred
men. The British, at the same time, moved along the Hudson. and
threw a bridge over it opposite Saratoga. Baum had not reached
Bennington, when he received advice that the enemy were in great
force at that place. He accordingly halted, and sent off to the
English camp for assistance. It was dispatched, but before its
arrival Baum had been attacked, and his whole party killed or
made prisoners. Ignorant of his defeat, the detachment which had
been sent to his fuccour continued to advance, until it was
surrounded by the victorious Americans, and suffered very
severely in making its retreat. Six hundred men were lost to the
army by these two engagements. Shortly after, Colonel St. Leger
was compelled to retire from before Fort Stanwix.
Nearly thirty days' provision having been
collected, Burgoyne crossed the Hudson, about the middle of
September, and encamped at Saratoga. The Americans were at
Stillwater. The British advanced to attack them in that
position, and an obstinate battle ensued, in which much honour,
but no solid advantage, was gained by the assailants. The field
of battle, it is true, remained in the possestion of the
British, but nothing more, and it was dearly paid for by the
fall of a number of brave men. Nothing could be done against the
American camp, all approach to which was rendered impracticable
by natural obstacles, as well as by numerous fortifications.
Every day also swelled the force of the Americans, and lessened
that of the British.
Still hoping that, by the approach of an army
up the Hudson from New York, he should be enabled to accomplish
the purpose of the campaign, General Burgoyne decided upon
holding his position as long as possible. Great exertions were
accordingly made to secure it by strong lines and redoubts.
But while the General was fufficiently
occupied in front, by the American Army, a daring attempt was
made to shut him up in the rear. From the head of the
Connecticut river a body of fifteen hundred men marched, with
the utmost secresy, and without being discovered, against
Ticonderoga, and succeeded in surprising some of the outposts of
that place. They made reiterated assaults upon the fortress
itself, for four days; but, being every time repulsed, they at
last retired.
The month of October opened, and no
assistance was at hand to extricate Burgoyne from his perilous
situation. He now found it expedient to put the troops upon a
shorter allowance, and on the 7th of October, to make a movement
to the right, to discover whether it was possible to open a
passage forward, or, if that could not be done, at least to
facilitate a retreat. This motion was also designed to cover a
forage of the army.
Fifteen hundred men, with eight cannon and
two howitzers, were destined for this purpofe. The General
himself commanded them, and was seconded by some of his best
officers. But Arnold, who had perceived how critical his
situation would be if he were turned, did not wait to receive an
attack; he quitted his position, and gave battle to the division
which was advancing against him. Constantly reinforced by fresh
battalions he succeeded, after a desperate conflict, in driving
the British to their camp, which was immediately assaulted in
various parts, and the Americans broke into the lines in that
quarter which was defended by Colonel Breymann. An opening was
thus made on the right and the rear.
The position being no longer tenable it was
resolved to abandon it, and take post on the heights above the
hospital, by which the front would be changed, and the Americans
compelled to form a new dispofition. This delicate and dangerous
movement was effected in the night without loss or disorder.
Battle was next day offered to the Americans, whose movements
obliged the British to leave their favourable ground, and retire
towards Saratoga. By the morning of the tenth the whole of their
Army had crossed the fords of the Fishkill near that place, and
posted itself in a strong situation. It was followed there by
the Americans, who took every step which could preclude the
possibility of escape.
Far from all succour, surrounded in the most
difficult of countries by an Army more than four times his own
in numbers, provisions growing short, the regiments mouldering
away, every part of the camp exposed to grape and rifle shot,
and without power to compel the enemy to an action, Burgoyne
assembled a council of war to deliberate upon the measures to be
taken in so painful an exigency. Such were the circumstances of
the case, that to advance, retreat, or engage, was equally
impossible. The unanimous voice of the council, therefore, was
for entering upon a negotiation. It was finally settled between
the generals, that the British Army should march out of its camp
with all the honours of war, and should be sent to Europe, on
condition of not serving in America during the present war.
Thus terminated this attempt to crush the
Independence of this country, and thus it was, amid the throes
and thunders of battle, that the American nation was ushered
victoriously into life, and baptized in blood on the field of
Saratoga. The nations of Europe no longer hesitated to recognize
its legitimacy, which France had the honour the first to
acknowledge, on the 6th February, 1778.
The ideas hitherto entertained of the
Americans by Gen. Burgoyne, now experienced a total revolution,
and he declared that it would be impoffible for Britain to
fucceed in her views, and that he fhould, on his return to
England, recommend the recognition of their Independence.
He arrived early in 1778 in that country,
whither the news of the Saratoga convention had preceded him,
and had been received by Ministers with the most bitter
vexation. Pressed already beyond endurance by the opposition,
they were well aware that this additional heavy misfortune would
be urged against them in Parliament with all the powers of
argument and eloquence. To throw the blame on the General was
the best means of escaping reproach that suggested itself to
their minds. No open attack was indeed immediately made in
either house, but insinuations and hints were not spared.
An audience with his Sovereign was requested,
and refused. A court of inquiry, appointed to examine his case,
declared him, as a prisoner on parole, to be out of its
cognizance; and a court martial, which he next insisted upon,
was denied him on the same ground. Parliament alone remained
upon which he could throw himself for a hearing. He accordingly,
on the 26th of May, attended his duty in the House of Commons,
and vindicated his conduct in a long, animated, and satisfactory
speech. Two days after he made another in which he arraigned
with pointed severity the weakness and incapacity of those who
held the reins of government. Some management had been observed
towards him by Ministers during the first debate, but they were
now goaded into the most determined hostility. To get rid
entirely of all further trouble from him, a weak attempt was
made by some of them to exclude him from the house, under
pretence that, as a prisoner of war, he could have no right to
speak or vote. The Speaker being appealed to for his opinion on
the subject, his decision was given in favour of the General.
As this mode of getting rid of him had
failed, it was resolved to try another. A lucky opportunity of
effecting this had, it was thought, occurred, in the
circumftance of Congress having declined to ratify the
Convention, until advices of its having been approved of by the
English ministry had arrived in America. An order from the
Secretary of War was accordingly sent him in the beginning of
June to repair to New England, his presence there being
necessary to the troops. Obedience to this order he very
properly declined. A long correspondence took place on this
subject, which ended by his voluntary resignation of all his
appointments, amounting, it has been said, to about $17,000 a
year. His rank in the Army he, however, retained, in order to
render him amenable to a court martial hereafter, and to enable
him to fulfil his personal faith with the enemy.
The long-desired time for defending his
calumniated character at length arrived. A committee had, on the
repeated demands of Sir William Howe, been appointed in 1781, to
inquire into his own conduct during the American war. Before the
sittings of this committee were closed, Burgoyne succeeded in
procuring evidence to be examined before it with respect to the
proceedings of the army under his command. The result was such
as could not but be highly flattering to his feelings. Every
officer that was examined gave the strongest testimony to his
bravery and superior talents. It did not appear that a single
fault had been found with any of his plans or movements by the
most enlightened judges who were on service with him; but it did
clearly appear that he enjoyed the entire confidence of the
army, and that, in situations of the most trying nature, in the
face of disaster, of danger, and of death, he was looked up to
by his troops with the warmest affection, and the most undoubted
reliance; that they were at all times ready to suffer, to fight,
and to perish with him. The committee was shortly after suddenly
dissolved, without having passed a single resolution upon the
subject which had been referred to its confideration.
In 1780 he appeared before the public with
two productions of very dissimilar natures. The first of thefe
was, A State of the Expedition from Canada as laid before the
House of Commons and verified by Evidence. It was inscribed, in
an elegant and affectionate address, to the officers of the army
which he had commanded against the Americans. He narrates, in a
concise and perspicuous manner, yet with great spirit, the whole
of the transactions which took place.
His other literary effort was a comic opera,
in three acts, called The Lord of the Manor, which was received
with much applause. It is a light but lively and well- conducted
little piece, far superior in merit to many later favorites of
the same kind. In the course of it, many severe and witty
sarcasms are aimed at the administration which was then in
power.
The party which had so long and so eloquently
opposed the ruinous war with America having at last been called
to share in the toils and the honours of government, Gen.
Burgoyne was not forgotten. He was on the 16th of April, 1782,
appointed Commander in Chief of his Majesty's forces in Ireland;
a few days after, a member of the privy council of that country,
and on the 7th June, 1782, Colonel of the 4th Foot. The rank of
commander in chief, however, he retained not quite two years,
when a new administration was again formed.
The new Ministry soon found itself vigorously
attacked by the party in opposition. No pains were spared to
render it an object of hatred and contempt. To accomplish these
ends the powers both of wit and argument were incessantly
employed. Of the weapons used in the lighter of these two modes
of hostility, the Criticisms on the Rolliad, and the
Probationary Odes, were, perhaps, the most offensive to the
minister and his friends. No less than twenty-one editions of
them have been published. The Westminster Guide, and one of the
Probationary Odes, were contributed by General Burgoyne. Both
these pieces are reprinted in the Collection of his Works.
In 1786 appeared his comedy of The Heiress.
It was welcomed, by crowded audiences, with that applause which
it so well merited. Nor was it less attractive in the closet.
The sale of ten editions in one year bore ample testimony to its
merits. He not long after gave to the stage an adaptation of
Sedaine's historical romance of Richard Coeur de Lion, and was
again successful in his claim to public approbation. The piece
had a very flattering run, and has been since revived.
At an early period of his parliamentary
career, Gen. Burgoyne was active in the pursuit and exposure of
Indian delinquency. After a lapse of thirteen years he was
called upon to assist others in the performance of a similar
task. He was chofen in 1787, one of the committee of managers
for conducing the impeachment of Mr. Hastings. Under this
charadler he, during the course of the trial, moved the censure
of the house upon Major Scott, for a libel on the conduct of the
committee. The motion was carried. His sleady performance of his
duty as a manager, exposed him to an anonymous attack, published
in a collection of epistles, the poetical style of which was in
imitation of the New Bath Guide. The conclusion of Mr.
Hastings's trial the General did not live to witness. His death
took place on the 4th of August, 1792, from a sudden attack of
the gout, at his house in Hertford Street, May Fair, and was an
unexpected stroke to his friends, as he had been out in
apparently good health the preceding day. He was buried, in a
very private manner, on the 13th, in the cloislers of
Westminster Abbey. Only one coach, containing four gentlemen,
attended his funeral. No memorial, not even a simple stone,
marks the spot where his remains are interred.1
Having thus dispofed of the principal actor
in the momentous movement against the infant liberties of the
Republic, nothing remains but to allude to some other portion of
our labours. By the courtesy of Mr. Thornton of Boston, we are
enabled to add a copy of the Parole signed by the officers of
the army at Cambridge, in December, 1777; also the names of
those officers now, as far as we are aware, for the first time
correctly printed. The reader will find also, in this volume,
carefully prepared biographical sketches of Gen. James
Wilkinson, Gen. Riedefel, and other officers who made this
campaign, and likewise a list of the several Brunswick officers
who served under Gen. Riedefel's command. We are indebted to the
politeness of the Hon. James Partridge, Secretary of State of
Maryland, for a copy of the joint Resolution of the General
Assembly of that State, conferring a pension on Gen. Wilkinson,
and to Mr. Dawson of White Plains, for the German work from
which we have obtained the materials for the life of Gen.
Riedefel, and the roll of his officers, with such particulars as
are appended to each of their names. Other assistance will be
found acknowledged in the Appendix.
1 Most of the particulars repecting Gen.
Burgoyne, embraced in this Introduction are borrowed from a
Sketch of the Life of that officer prefixed to an edition of his
Dramatic and Poetical Works, London 1808, 2 volumes.
__________________
The Chaffeurs, Light Infantry and Grenadiers
under Col. Bremen, form the Advanced Guard opposite the Point,
which is a little above cleared Ground, on the Right of the
Incampment. The Dragoons of Reidesel follow immediately the
Advanced Guard. The First Brigade British leads the Line at the
Distance of about 200 Yards in the Rear of the Dragoons. The
German Brigades follow in their order. Each Corps will make a
Column of four Boats in Front, and on the Flanks of the Column,
taking care to leave Room for the Oars of the Center Boats.
As soon as the whole are disposed in the
above order, two Guns will be fired from the Maria, and a Jack
hoisted at Foretopmast Head, at which the whole will move, and
whether sailing or rowing, will endeavor to keep the same Order.
Sandy Bluff, June 20, 1777.
Parole, St. Peters. Countersign, Florence.
Lieut. General Burgoyne takes the Occasion of
the Army assembling to express publickly the high Opinion he
entertains of the Troops which his Majesty has been graciously
pleased to entrust to his Command; they could not have been
selected more to his Satosfaction. And the Lieut. General trusts
it will be received as one mark of his Atte tion to their Glory
and Welfare, that with the promise of every encouragement the
service will allow, he declares a determination, and he calls
upon every officer to assist him, to maintain a steady System of
Subordination and Obedience.
The following Standing Regulations laid down
to prevent the necessity of lengthening the daily Orders, and
are to be invariably observed.
Officers of all Ranks commanding our Ports
and Detachments, are constantly to fortify in the best manner
the circumstances of the place and the implements at hand will
permit. Felling Trees with their Points outward, barricading
Churches and Houses, Breastworks of Earth and Timber, are
generally to be effected in a short Time, and the Science of
Engineering is not necessary to find and apply such resources.
The Pracflice of fortifying which is useful in all Services, is
particularly so in this, where the Enemy, infinitely inferior to
the King's Troops in open space and hardy Combat, is well fitted
by dispofition and practice for the Stratagems and Enterprises
of little War. And neither the distance of Camps nor the
Interference of Forests and Rivers are to be looked upon as
security against his Attempts. Upon the same principle it must
be a constant rule in or near Woods to place advanced Centries
where they may have a Tree or some other defence to prevent
their being taken off by single marksmen.
Together with these precautions Officers will
ever bear in mind how much the publick honour and their own are
concerned in maintaining a Post; and that to justify a Retreat
in the present War, the number of the Enemy must be much
superior to that which would make their Jsftification when
acting against brave and disciplined Forces.
The Officers will take all proper
Opportunities, and especially at the beginning of the Campaign,
to inculcate in the men's minds a Reliance upon the Bayonet. Men
of half their bodily strength, and even Cowards may be their
match in firing; but the onset of Bayonets in the hands of the
Valiant is irresistable. The Enemy, convinced of this truth,
place their whole dependance in Entrenchments and Rifle pieces.
It will be our Glory and preservation to form where possible.
The Attention of every Officer in Action is
to be employed upon his men. To make use of a Fufil, except in
very extraordinary cases of immediate personal defence, would
betray an ignorance of his importance, and his Duty.
No occasion can make it necessary to keep the
Arms loaded in the Bell Tents : nor are the Battalions of the
Line ever to be loaded upon the march till very near the time
when they may be expected to engage.
No Parties are to go from Camp with or
without Arms, without a proportionate number of Officers. Not
only the Discipline and Honour, but also the safety of the
Troops require the strictest prohibition from Straggling and
Plundering, and the Savages as well as the Provost will have
Orders to punish Offenders in these respects, instantly, and
with the utmost rigour.
The Camp will always be extended as widely as
the Ground will admit, for the sake of Cleanliness and of
Health; but as it must often happen that the extent will be
insufficient for the Line to form in the Front of the
Encampment, according to the present establishment of open Files
and two deep, the Quarter-Master-General will therefore mark at
every new Camp the Portion of Ground each Battalion is to clear
over and above its own Front, in order to make the work equal.
To clear this Ground must be the immediate business after
arriving in Camp, and in this Country, it may often be necessary
to have an Alarm Post cleared in the Rear as well as in the
Front. By clearing is meant the removal of such obstructions as
might prevent the ready forming of the Troops to receive or
advance upon the Enemy. It is not necessary to cut the large
Trees for that purpose, except where they may afford Shelter for
the Enemy.
Quarter Guards are always to face outwards,
and at the distance of a hundred yards from the Bells of Arms,
and to have a Fluke of earth or timber thrown up before them.
When the Encampment of the Line is with the
Front to the water, and too near to admit of this regulation,
the Quarter Guards are to be ported in the Rear, and those of
the Flank Regiments occasionally upon the Flanks.
Though the ground will seldom admit a strict
regularity in pitching the Officers' Tents, they are never to be
placed so as to interfere with the Line of Defence.
All Deserters from the Enemy, suspected
Spies, or other persons presenting themselves at the Outposts,
or otherwiie stopped, are to be sent forthwith to Head Quarters,
without questioning them.
In all Duties by Detachment, the Corps will
furnish according to their Effeftive Strength.
When the Lieut. General visits an Outpost,
the men are not to stand to their Arms, or pay him any
Compliment.
The Articles of War which regard the men, to
be read at the head of every Regiment to-morrow evening parade,
and afterwards these Regulations.
The Daily Duties will be as follows. One
Brigadier General for the Day, who will visit the Outpofts, and
have a General inspection over the Camp. All reports are to be
made through him, except when any Alarm or other Exigency
requires instant notice to the Commander-in-Chief
A Major of Brigade for the Day, who is to
parade all Guards, and Detachments, &c.
When the last Brigade arrives the Picquet
will consist of one Field Officer for each Wing; one Captain for
each Brigade, one Subaltern, one Serjeant, one Corporal, and
twenty-five Private men, from each Regiment. A Drum to be
furnished by the Regiment which gives the Captain.
The whole Picquet to assemble half an hour
before Gun firing at the Centre of the Line, and to be exercised
in marching and charging with Bayonets, under the inpection of
the Brigadier of the day, in order that the British and German
Troops may acquire a uniformity of pace and motion when acting
together in Line.
Half the Picquet is always to be polled
during the night at some distance from the Camp, and at such
places as may be exposed to the secret approach of the Enemy. It
will be the care of the Brigadier of the Day to poll them.
Camp at River Bouqjjet,
June 21st, 1777.
Parole, St. Mark. Countersign, Rome.
The Army will move forward on Monday, and
take up the Ground now occupied by Brigadier
General Fraser's Corps, near the River
Bouquet. They will
take their Orders from Major General
Reidesel.
Camp at River Bouquet, June 22, 1777. Parole,
St. Mary. Counterfign, Scotland.
Camp at River Bouquet, June 23, 1777. Parole,
St. George. Counterfign, England.
Camp at River Bouquet, June 24, 1777.
Parole, St. Marguerite. Countersign,
Chamblee.
The Lieut. General has observed with
satisfaction, that some Corps have got the Art of making Flour
cakes without ovens, which are equally wholesome and relishing
with the best Bread. He recommends it strongly to the Commanding
Officers to bring their Corps into this useful Practice, as it
may frequently happen that the movements of the Army will be too
quick to admit a possibility of construcfling ovens.
No Guns to be fired in Camp, and the standing
Orders against any Soldier going beyond the advanced Gentries is
to be put strictly in Execution from this day. One day's
Provisions to be cooked this evening or to-morrow morning, to be
ready for the next movement of the Army.
Camp at River Bouquet, June 25, 1777.
Parole, St. Julien. Countersign, Lisbon.
The Army will move tonight, weather
permitting. Major General Reidesel commands.
The daily Duty as regulated in the Orders of
the 20th June takes place.
Brigadier General of the day, Powell.
Brigade Major, Muir.
Field Officer for the Picquet British, Maj.
Irwine.
Field Officer for the Picquet German, --
Crown Point, June 26'!^, 1777.
Parole, St. Anthony. Countersign, Padua.
Each Regiment will send the D. A. General a
Return of the Dates of the Officers' Commissions, specifying
those who have Rank in the Army senior to their Regimental Rank.
Monthly Returns are to be sent the first of
every month to Head Quarters. The British according to the
printed Forms. The Brigades will send in their weekly States
immediately; for the future they are to be sent to Head Quarters
every Monday.
Each Regiment will send in a Return of the
number of Rations daily drawn for Officers, Effective Soldiers,
Women and Servants.
The British are to send six Batteaux and the
Germans ten, with five men in each, and proper Officers and
Non-Commission Officers along side of the Washington, to-morrow
morning at four o'clock, to receive Directions from Mr.
Commissary General Clarke, for unloading and transporting
Provisions on Shore.
The British to furnish 40 men, and the
Germans 20, with Officers, &c., to receive the Provisions at
Chimney Point, and to arrange them. This Party to parade half an
hour after the former.
When the Wings of the Army are separated, as
in the present instance by a River, it is not required that the
Picquet should join, but they are to assemble by Wings in the
Front of the Encampment, and the Field Officer of each Wing will
poll the Part that is to be advanced.
No Evening Gun to fire till further Orders.
Lieut. Twifs, Aid de Camp to Major General
Phillips, has the Command of the Corps of Engineers, and is to
be obeyed accordingly.
In case of an Alarm, the Army is always to
form in the Front of the Camp, unless particularly ordered to
the contrary.
Camp Crown Point, 27 June, 1777.
Parole, St. James. Countersign, Genoa.
Brigadier General for the day, Specht.
Brigade Major, Cleve.
Field Officer for the Picquet British, Colo.
Hill.
Field Officer for the Picquet German, Lt.
Col. Praslonus.
A Return to be given in this Evening, what
Batteaux are missing. If any cannot proceed without repair, they
are to be reported at the same time.
The evening Gun will fire this evening from
the Right, and is to be repeated upon the Left, and to be
continued till the Wings join, when one Gun only will be fired.
If any of the Regiments want working Tools to
clear their Ground, they are to apply to the Brigades of
Artillery upon the Flanks, and return them as soon as the work
is done. The greatest Attention must be had to the care of the
Tools, as the Regiments will be answerable for them.
Lieut. Roberton of the Corps of Engineers is
attached to the Right Wing of the Army, and to take Orders
occasionally for Strengthening the Right of the Camp, from the
Brigadiers Powell,1 and Hamilton. Lieut. Dunford is
attached to the Left Wing of the Army under the Command of Major
General Reidesel.
1 Henry Watson Powell. We find this officer
appointed in 1756, to the command of a company in the 64th Foot,
which regiment served in the expeidtion against the French West
India Islands in 1759, and in America in 1768. On the 2nd June
1770, he became Maor of the 38th, and on 25th July, 1771,
Lieutenant Colonel of the 53rd, which formed a part of this
expedition, wherein Leieut. Colonel Powell held the rank of
Brigadier General. When the Americans evacuated Ticonderoga on
the 6th July, 1777, Big. Powell was left in command of that post
with a suitable garrison. After the defeat of Baum at
Bennington, the Americans devised a plan to cut off Burgoyne's
supplies. With that view an expedition was got up to recover
Ticonderoga. The
manner of conducting the movement was left to G. Lincoln with a
force of 1500 of the New Hampshire and Connecticut militia. Such
secrecy and activity had been used on the occasion that early on
the 18th of September they succeeded in securing the old French
lines near the fort and sumoned the garrison to surrender. Brig. Gen. Powell
however declined the invitation, and for four days maintained a
most gallant defence, and at als obliged the enemy to retreat.
On the evacuation of Ticonderoga in November, Brig. Powell
returned to Canada. He obtained the brevet rank of Colonel in
1779; was advanced to the grade of Major General on 20th
November, 1782, and to the chief command of the 69th regiment in
april 1792. On the 20th April, 1794, he became Colonel of the
15th foot; Lieutenant General in 1796; a General oin the Army on
1st January, 1801, and died at Lyme, at an advanced age, on 14th
July, 1814.
Camp Crown Point, 28th June, 1777. Parole,
St. Patrick. Countersign, Dublin
Brigadier General for the day, Hamilton.
Brigade Major, Kirkman.1
_________________________________
1 Michael Kirkman received a comnission of 2d
Lieutenant in the 21stt Fuzileers on the 12th May, 1761, the
regiment being sent on the expedition against Bclleisle. He was
appointed ist Lieutenant in 1768, accompanied his regiment to
Canada in 1776, and became Adju-tant of it in February of that
year, and Captain on the 8th June, 1777. His name appears for
the last time in the Army List of 1782.
________________________
Field Officer for the Picquet British, Lt.
Col. Lind.
Field Officer for the Picquet German, Lt.
Col. Lentz.
Should it be necessary for the Line to embark
suddenly, two Guns will be fired from the Right Wing, which are
to be repeated upon the Left.
Upon that Signal, the men's Tents are to be
struck immediately, and flowed in the Batteaux, together with
Knapsacks, Blankets, Provisions, and Ammunition; no other
Articles of Baggage are to be carried, consequently 17 Boats
will suffice for each Battalion British, and 22 Boats for each
Bat-talion German.
The remaining Boats to be left to bring
forward the Officers' Tents and rest of the Baggage when
ordered.
A Subaltern and 20 men per Regiment and one
Captain from each Brigade to be left in charge of them.
Should it be necessary for the Line to move
suddenly without embarking, four Guns will be fired from the
Right and repeated upon the Left. At which Signal the Line to
form with all possible expedition, in the Front of the Bells of
Arms, and Tents to be left standing.
These Orders to remain in force during the
whole Campaign.
The Troops are to make up Cartridges
according to the Standing Order of the Army, to a
hundred rounds a man. Those Regiments which
are not supplied with that number in Powder, Ball and Paper, are
to apply to the Artillery. But should the Magazine-Vessel not be
arrived for delivery of those Articles directly, the Regiments
to make an equal Division of the Ammunition as it now stands,
and the Brigadiers General will give Orders accordingly.
The greatest care to be taken of the Musquet
Cartridges, not only of those carried by the Soldiers, but what
is reserved in the Ammunition Boxes, and the Ball never to be
lost or thrown away. And as the Orders given last year are
sufficiently clear and strong on this matter, no more need be
observed than that from the difficulty of fresh supplies cross
the Lake, it becomes the duty of the Commanding Officers of
Companies to be particularly attentive to this, so material a
part of their Service. And the Commanding Officers of Corps are
made answerable that the Orders given on this subject are
obeyed.
Orderly time is fixed for 11 o'clock.
Crown Point, 29th June, 1777. Parole, St.
Francis. Countersign, Cork.
Brig, General for the day, Powell.
Brigade Major, Muir.
Field Officer for the Picquet British, Major
Forstier.
Brigadier General for the German, Specht.
Brigade Major, Cleve.
Field Officer for Picquet German, Major
Hille.
While the Wings of the Army remain divided,
the Brigadier's Duty of Inspection will be done by a Brigadier
of each Wing, who will take this duty three days about. And the
Brigadier of the Left Wing will report to Major General
Reidesel. The Corps de Reserve of the Left Wing will receive
Provisions this afternoon to the 8th of July inclusive. The rest
of Army will tomorrow morning receive Provisions to the same
time.
All the Batteaux that want repair are to be
sent to Chimney Point with proper men to take care of them,
which men are to assist in picking Oakum if necessary. Each Wing
will send ten Batteaux at a time.
The Reserve of the Germans to furnish a Guard
upon the Depot at Chimney Point of an Officer and 30 men to
furnish Centinels as the Commissary General shall require. The
Reserve will also furnish a Sergeant and 12 men to cover the
Workmen in the Woods : they are to receive their Orders from
Engineer Twiss.1
______________
1 William Twiss was born in the year 1745,
and entered the Military Department of the Ordnance in July, 1
760, and in November, 1763, obtained a commission as Ensign in
the corps of Engineers. He did duty as an Engineer in the
Garrifon at Gibraltar until 1771, when he was promoted to a
lieutenancy; from 1772 to the end of 1775, he was employed on
the new fortifications for the defence of the dockyard at
Portsmouth; early in 1776 he embarked with General Burgoyne and
his army for Canada, and landed at Quebec in June, when he was
nominated Aid-de-Camp to Major General Phillips. He was with the
Army in pursuing the Americans up the river St. Lawrence, and
was in the affair at Three Rivers, 8th June, and proceeded with
the Army until the Americans were driven out of Canada, and
embarked in their fleet and boats on Lake Champlain in July. He
was then appointed by Sir Guy Carleton, the Commander-in-Chief,
to be Comptroller of Works, and to superintend the construction
of a fleet for Lake Champlain, with gun boats and batteaux for
carrying the army over the Lake; and with the able assistance ot
the naval department, over which Admiral Schank was made
Commissioner, they began, in the middle of July, every necessary
preparation for so arduous an undertaking, and at a time that
government had neither vessel nor boat on Lake Champlain, nor
the smallest building for barracks, store-houses, or workshops.
Notwithstanding all which, a numerous fleet was constructed
which fought and defeated the Americans at Valcour Island, on
the 11th and 12th Oftober, and obtained the naval superiority
during the whole war. He then proceeded with the army to Crown
Point, and with it returned and wintered in Canada. In the
Spring of 1777, he was appointed Commanding Engineer under
General Burgoyne; and in July was with the army at the
investment of Ticonderoga, where the Americans had employed many
thousand men, during eight months, in fortifying Mount
Independence; but from the position which the army took, these
works were immediately abandoned. He served with the army the
whole of the campaign, and was present at all the general
actions, and was included in the Convention of Saratoga, but
was, with other officers, exchanged a tew days afterwards and
returned to Ticonderoga, when he assisted in the evacuation ot
that post in November, 1777. At the close of 1778 he obtained a
commission as Captain, and in that year was sent by General Sir
F. Haldimand to Lake Ontario, to form a naval establishment on
the east side of that lake; and was afterwards employed in
different parts ot Canada as Commanding Engineer, until the
peace of 1783, when he obtained leave to return to England. In
1785 he was employed as Secretary to the Board of Land and Sea
Officers, appointed under the King's Sign Manual, to report upon
the defences of the dockyards at Portsmouth and Plymouth. From
1785 to 1792, he was employed as an Engineer at Portsmouth,
where many new works were constructing, particularly Cumberland
Fort, at the entrance of Langston Harbour. In June, 1794, he was
made Lieutenant Colonel, and in the same year was appointed
Lieutenant Governor of the Royal Academy at Woolwich. Between
1792 and 1799, he was employed in augmenting the defences on the
coasts of Kent and Sussex, particularly at Dover Castle. In
1799, upon Colonel Hay of the Engineers being killed in Holland,
he was sent as Commanding Royal Engineer, under the Duke of
York, and remained there until the evacuation of that country
was completed; and on the 1st January, 1800, he obtained the
rank of Colonel, in which year he was sent to visit the Islands
of Guernsey and Jersey. In 1802 he was ordered to make the tour
of Ireland, and report respecting its defences. In 1803 he was
again sent to the coasts of Kent and Susex, and was appointed
Brigadier General in February, 1804; Major General on the 30th
October, 1805, in which year he was directed to carry into
execution the system of detached redoubts and towers which
government had adopted for the defence of that seacoast, and was
finished about the year 1809; on the 24th of June in that year
he was appointed Colonel Commandant of the Royal Engineers, when
he ceased to be Lieutenant Governor of the Academy at Woolwich.
In 1810, after an active service of fifty years, he obtained
leave to be unemployed, and retired into the country. On the 1st
January, 1812, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant General, and
became General in the Army 27th May, 1825. General Twiss died
March 14th, 1827, at his seat at Harden Grange, Yorkshire, aged
82 years. (Gcntleman's Magazine. )
__________________
Two Batteaux with proper Oars are to be sent
from every Regiment to Chimney Point, to be delivered to Mr.
Stuart, foreman of the Caulkers.
The Picquets of the Line to be formed an hour
before Sunset, in order to their being ported while it is light.
The Regiments to parade under arms at the
same time to practice the firing motions, which is to be done in
as quick time as possible, being regular. The Brigadiers will
take care that every Regiment pursues the same method.
Crown Point, 30th June, 1777. Parole, St.
David. Countersign, Wales.
Brigadiers and Brigade Majors as yesterday.
Field Officer for Picquets British, Lt. Col.
Sutherland.1
Field Officer for Picquet German, Ma Mongon.
The Army embarks tomorrow to approach the
Enemy. We are to contend for the King and the Constitution of
Great Britain, to vindicate the Law and to relieve the
Oppressed. A Cause in which His Majesty's Troops and those of
the Princes His Allies, will feel equal Excitement.
The Services required of this particular
Exped tion are critical and conspicuous. During our progress
occasions may occur, in which nor difficulty nor labour nor life
are to be regarded. This Army must not Retreat.
_______________
1 Nicholas Sutherland was commissioned
Lieutenant in the 62d or first Highland Battalion 8th January,
1757, on the organization of that corps. The number of this
regiment was afterwards changed to the 77th, and Mr. Sutherland
became Captain-Lieutenant of it 15th September, 1758, and served
in the expedition against Fort Du Quesne, which was reduced in
the following November. This regiment formed part of the army
under Amherst in 1759, and was detached against the Cherokees,
in 1760, Capt. Lieutenant Sutherland was wounded in that
expedition; obtained a Company in December, 1761, and served in
the expeditions against Martinico and Havana in 1762, and in
1763 went on half pay, where he remained until March, 1765, when
he obtained a company in the 21st Fuzileers, of which corps he
became Major, 21st February, 1772.
He
was promoted to be Lieutenant Colonel of the 47th Foot on the
5th November, 1776, and signed the Cambridge parole in the
following month. Lt. Col. Sutherland held his rank in the 47th
until his death, which occurred in the year 1781.
_____________
The General to beat tomorrow at dawn of day,
instead of the Revallie; the Assembly an hour afterwards. The
Dragoons of Reidesel form the Advanced Guard, except the Part of
them which
guard the General's T^nts, who will come up
in the rear ot the Line. Each Wing to form a Column of Batteaux
as in the former movement, the Right Wing keeping the Weft
Shore, the Left Wing the Eaft. Both Wings are to take up the
Ground of the new Encampment in two Lines.
A Detachment of one Field Officer, two
Captains, four Subalterns with Non-commission Officers in
proportion, and two hundred men are to remain at Chimney Point
to guard the Magazines. This Detachment to be taken from the
Second Brigades of each Wing. The British give the Field
Officer, one Captain, two Subalterns, and one hundred men — the
German one Captain, two Subalterns and one hundred men. Field
Officer for this Duty Lieut. Cololonel Austruther; this
Detachment to relieve the present Guards at Chimney Point this
evening an hour before sunset. Immediately after coming to the
new Camp to-morrow a Party of Fatigue, consisting of 25 men per
Regiment of the Right Wing, with Officers in proportion, to
parade in front of their first Line, where they will receive
tools and take Directions from the Engineer of the Wing. The men
designed for this party are to be spared from the labour of
rowing the Batteaux in order to keep them fresh. The Left Wing
will at the fame time clear their Front to the extent of a
musquet shot.
The 62d Regiment are to compleat their
Provisions to the 8th day of July inclusive. The two
Batteaux per Regiment that were ordered to be
delivered to Mr. Stuart in yesterday's Orders, have only been
obeyed in part. Those Regiments that negledted to lend their
Batteaux are to send them immediately.
When Orders are given and no particular time
named, they are to be executed not only with Punctuality, but
with the utmoft difpatch.
No Officers to go to the advanced Corps of
the Army without leave, and having permission are never to go
beyond the Outposts of those Corps, without previous leave of
the Officer commanding them.
His Excellency Sir Guy Carleton has been
pleased to make the following Promotions in the Army.
53rd Regiment Mr. Hamilton1 to be
Enlsgn in the Room of Ensign Davis deceased. Quarter Master
Price2 of the 53rd Regiment is appointed Lieutenant
in the Emigrants.
Serjeant Major John Chalmers of the 53rd
Regiment is appointed Quarter Master in room of Lieut. Price.
Mr. May is appointed Ensign in the Emigrants.
Captain Green3 of the 31st Regiment is appointed Aid
de Camp to Major General Phillips during the Campaign.
_______________
1 Thomas Hamilton was promoted to a
lieutenancy 27th December, 1785, and went on half pay in 1788.
2 1 David Price was appointed Quarter Mafter
of the 53rd regiment 29th March, 1776, and on the above date was
commissioned Lieutenant in the 1st battalion of the 84th, which was
disbanded in 1783.
3 Charles Green was born at Gibraltar,
December 18, 1749, the second son of Christopher Green,
Esq. a Captain in the army, by Britannia,
daughter of Charles Hamtlton, of Monaghan, in Ireland, Esq. He
was appointed Gentleman Cadet in the Royal Artillery 1760,
Ensign in the 31st Foot 1765, and joined that regiment in the
following year at Pensacola in West Florida. In 1768 he was
employed under Brig. Gen. Haldimand in a particular service to
New Orleans and the Natches, on the Mississippi, and in 1769
removed with the regiment to St. Auguftine in East Florida. He
was promoted to a lieutenancy November 23, that year. In 1771,
he was employed as an Engineer in the Bahama Islands; and having
rejoined the 31ft regiment at the latter
end of 1772, in the Island of St. Vincent,
served in the campaign against the revolted Charibs. He returned
to England with the regiment in May, 1773; was appointed
Adjutant soon after; purchased the captain-lieutenancy in 1774,
succeeded to a company in 1775. In 1776 he again accompanied the
regiment across the Atlantic; and was present at the action of
Trois Rivieres, on the 8th of June. At the opening of the
campaign of 1777, he was appointed Aid-de- Camp to Major Gen.
Phillips, the second in command; and was wounded at the action
of Freeman's Farm
in September. Having returned to England in March, 1778, Capt.
Green was appointed Aid-de- Canip to Lt. Gen. Sir A. Oughton,
Commander-in-chief in North Britain; after whosc death, in May,
1780, he rejoined the 31st regiment, and in 1781 was appointed
Major of brigade to the Montreal district. He was included in
the brevet of Majors in 1783, and purchased the majority of the
31st in 1788. On the breaking out of the war in 1793, he being
then nearly at the head of the list of Majors in the army, was
appointed Lieutenant Colonel of one ot the battalions formed
from the in dependent companies; whence, in February, 1794., he
exchanged to the command
of the 30th regiment, with which he proceeded to Corsica in May
tollowing, and remained there until 1796, having for the greater
part of that time acted as Inspector General of Corsican troops
raised for the Britslh service. In 1796 Lieut. Col. Green was
appointed Civil Governor of Grenada, in which office he
continued until 1801, when, his sight being much injured by the
climate, he received pcrmission to return. He had in the
meantime been promoted to the rank of Colonel, in January, 1797,
and Brigadier General, Oct. 1798. Early in 1803, he was
appointed Brigadier General on the staff in Ireland, and
commanded in the counties of Tipperary and Kilkenny; and was
afterwards removed to the staff in England, and to command at
Dover and Deal. He received the honour of knighthood May 3, that
year. In January, 1804, he was appointed Colonel of the York
Light Infantry Volunteers. In the same month he received orders
to proceed immediately to Barbadoes, to take the temporary
command of the troops in the Leeward Islands.
He arrived there in March, and, in pursuance
of his instructions, sailed in April, in command of an
expedition against the Dutch settlement of Surinam, which, after
an active series of operations for about nine days, capitulated
to the Britosh arms. He remained at Surinam about a year in
administration of the civil government; and, having obtained
leave to return home on account of ill health, was honoured on
his arrival with a patent of Baronetcy, dated December 5, 1805.
In May, 1807, Sir Charles Green was appointed to the command of
the garrison at Malta, which he retained until the May
following. In August, 1808, he was removed to the 16th regiment;
in 1809 promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General; in March,
1812, placed on the Staff to command the Northern district; in
November, 1813, removed to the London district; in 1814, appointed Colonel of the
37th Foot; and in 1819, advanced to the rank of General. He died
at Cheltenham, in 1831, aged 81. (Annual Biog. xvi, 439.)
________________
Camp at Ticonderoga
1st July, 1777. Parole, St. Peters.
Couritersign, Westminfter.
Brigadiers and Brigade Majors as yesterday.
Field Officer for Picquet British, Major
Forbes.
Field Officer for Picquet German, Major
Elurenkrook.
Communications to be made between the second
Line and first Line towards the great wood leading from Crown
Point to Ticonderoga.
Should it be necessary to sustain the
Advanced Corps of the Army. The First Brigade British will move
by Land, the Seond Brigade by water. It will be therefore
necessary that the ground over which the First Brigade would
pas, be thoroughly reconnoitered, and it is to be a standing
rule for the Commanding Officers of Corps, as well as the
Brigadiers, always to make themselves acquainted with the Ground
in Front. No fires to be made at the roots of trees, nor are the
trees not cut down to be belted, as marks of communication will
be sufficiently made by notches.
A Working Party of 25 men, a Regiment from
the Right Wing with Officers in proportion to be ready to turn
out at five o'clock tomorrow morning, to attend the Commanding
Engineer.
Camp near Ticondercga, 2nd July, 1777.
Parole, St. Theodorius. Countersign,
Gloucester.
Brigadier General for British, Hamilton1
Brigade Major, Kirkman.
Field Officer for British Picquet, Major
Irwing.
Brigadier General German, Gall,
Brigade Major, Gismar.
Field Officer German Picquet, Major Luke.
_________________
1 James Inglis Hamilton was Captain in the
Army as early as 1755, and on the 25th August, 1756, obtained a
coinpany in the 34th Foot, which regiment had ormed part of the
garrifon at Fort St. Philip when besieged by the French in June,
1756. In 1758 the regiment was employed in the expedition to St.
Male on the coast of France, and in 1760 served in the
expedition against Belleiske. On the increase of the Army in
1761, Captain
Hamihon was appointed Major commanding the newly raised 113th
regiment, and on its reduction in 1763 went on half pay. In 1772 he obtained the
brevet rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and on the 11th March, 1774,
was appointed
Lieutenant Colonel of the 21st or Royal North British Fuzileers,
and proceeded to Canada in 1776 with the rank of Brigadier
General, having the command of the 2d brigade. Having
accompanied the Britilh portion of the "Convention " troops to
Massachusetts, his name is found signed to the parole given by
the officers at Cambridge in December. These troops having been
afterwards ordered to the South, Brig. Hamilton was stationed at
Frcdericktown in
Maryland. When orders were received for their
removal to Lancaster on the approach of Lord
Cornwallis in 1 781, and for the separation
of the officers from the soldiers, he did all in his power to
alleviate the sufferings of the men and ordered that they should
be paid the balance of their accounts. Brig. Hamilton was
advanced to the rank of Major General in 1787, and on the 22nd August, 1792,
was appointed Colonel of the 15th Foot, and on the 20th June,
1794, of his old regimcnt, the 21st Fuzileers. He was advanced
to the grade ot Lieutenant General in 1797; became General in
the Army in 1802, and died at his house at Murdostown, 27th
July, 1803.
______________________
Upon the Order for establishing Point an Fer
a Military Post, Lieut. Twiss of the Corps of Engineers, with
Lieut. Beacrost of the 24th Regiment, Assistant Engineer, were
sent there to form the Establishment accordingly.
A Detachment of Infantry was also sent to
cover the Workmen and defend the Post, when it became a matter
of doubt whether the Officer Commanding that Detachment was to
cosfider himself under the Orders of the Engineer at that Post,
although of Senior Rank by Commission.
To prevent Doubts or Inconveniences in the
Service for the future, it is to be understood by the Army, that
whoever has the honour to have a Commission from the King must
take Command according to the date of such Commission, and
therefore Engineers and Assistant Engineers, being stationed or
employed by Order ot the Commander in Chief at any Post with any
Detachment of the Army, must be obeyed as commanding that Post,
should the date of his Commission be senior to that of other
Officers in such a Situation.
The Conduct however of the Officers who went
on these Detachments is to be commended by having declined any
dispute which might have proved of any inconvenience to the
Service.
The Parties that were applied for by the
Paymaster General and the Hospital, being for a temporary
purpose, they were of course to return to their Regiments as
soon as that duty was done.
Camp near Ticonderoga, 3rd July, 1777.
Parole, St. Honora, Countersign, Dover.
Brigadier Generals and Brigade Majors as
yesterday.
Field Officer Picquet British, Lieut. Col.
Hill.
Field Officer Picquet German, Major Passem.
It being apparent that Liquor is sold or
given to the Savages, notwithstanding the positive and repeated
Orders to the Contrary, the Commanding Officers are to assemble
the Sutlers and Women of the respective Regiments, and inform
them that the first person found guilty of disobedience shall
inftantly have their liquors and sutling stores destroyed and
turned out of Camp, besides receiving such Corporal Punishment
as a Court Martial shall inflict. All Officers are also to
communicate to their men this prohibition of fspplying the
Savages with Spirituous Liquors. And it is expected that
Officers, instead of screening Offenders, will be the first to
bring them to condign punishment; and to give further force to
this prohibition, ten Dollars will be paid by the Adjutant
General to the first perfon who shall discover an Offender, upon
Conviction of such Offender before a Court Martial.
A large Road of Communication to be made
forthwith from the Camp of the Left Wing to the ground where
Colonel Brumens Corps is now posted.
The Brigade of Gall are to take up the ground
where Brigadier General Fraser was encamped at Threemile Point.
They will send over their Quarter Masters and Camp Collourmen to
mark their Camp, and have their Baggage loaded, but are not to
pass till dark. They will be upon their Arms during the night,
and be prepared to encamp at day light.
The first Brigade British to march
immediately and take up the ground to the Left of General
Frasers Corps, extending their Left to the Ravine.
The Second Brigade to return to Camp as soon
as the First arrives, and be prepared to move tomorrow morning.
Till further Orders the Regiments are never
to be without two days' Provisions ready cooked.
It is known that there are many men in the
Rebel Army who are well affected to the Cause of the King. Some
have been compelled into the Service, others engaged only with a
view of joining the King's Troops. The Savages are therefore
cautioned against firing upon any single man or small parties
that may be endeavouring to come over, and the Army in general
will consider these men in a very different light from common
Deferters, and treat them with all possible encouragement; and
should it unfortunately happen that any Soldier of this Army
should fall into the hands of the Enemy, it will be his Duty to
let this Order be known in the Enemy's Army.
The Hospital will remain at Threemile Point
till further orders. One sergeant and twelve men is to be
furnished from each Wing as an Hospital Guard.
The Hospital will draw Provisions from the
Commissary, who will have Orders to provide fresh Provisions as
often as possible.
When the Hospital shall be so circumstanced
that those Gentlemen shall think it necessary for any men to be
removed, they will make their Application to the Deputy Adjutant
General.
Camp near Ticonderoga,
4th July, 1777.
Parole, St. Hillary. Countersign, Dartmouth.
Brigadier Generals and Brigade Majors, as
yesterday.
Field Officer Picquet British, Major Harnage.1
Field Officer Picquet German, Major
Eluronkrook.
The Brigade of Gall to furnish the working
Parties on the West of the River.
An Orderly Sergeant from the British to be in
waiting till further Orders, day and night, at the house at
Threemile Point.
The Dragoons of Reidesel to take up the
Ground upon the heighth in the rear of General Frafer' s Brigade
where will be the Head Quarters. All possible diligence is to be
ufed to compleat the communication and Roads for Artillery.
No private persons are to buy horses from the
Savages, as they are designed for the Public Service of the
Army.
________________________________
I Henry Harnage of Belleswardine, Shropfhire,
England, received a commission as Lieutenant in the 62d
regiment, on the organization of that corps in 1757, and served
afterwards in the West Indies, where he obtained his company in
1767. After returning to Ireland this regiment received orders
for Canada in 1775, at the close of which year Mr. Harnage was
appointed Major. He was wounded at the battle of Stillwater and
accompanied the Convention troops to Cambridge. He became
Lieutenant-Colonel in the Army in 1780; on the 18th March, 1782,
was appointed Lieut. Colonel of the 104th Foot, but left that
regiment in the beginning of 1783, and was afterwards appointed
Inspecting Field Officer of Yeomanry and Volunteers on 24th
September, 1803. Mrs. Harnage accompanied her husband throughout
this Campaign, and died May 27, 1790. In 1791 his daughter Mary
was married to George Blackman, Esq., afterwards Sir George
Harnage, Bart.; and in 1798 his daughter Ottavia was married to
Edward Gwatkin, Esq. We find subsequently to this William Henry
Harnage of Bellefwardine, Captain of dragoons, but whether he
was son of Lt. Col. Harnage or not, we have no means of
determining.
_________________________
Camp near Ticonderoga,
5th July, 1777.
Parole, St. Agatha. Countersign, Dorchefter.
Brigadier General Britifh, Powell.
Brigade Major, Muir.
Field Officer British, Lieut. Colonel Lynd.
Brigadier General German, Specht.
Brigade Major, Cleve.
Field Officer German, Major Lueke.
In consideration of the heat of the weather
and the alacrity with which the men have worked, a Refreshment
of Rum will be given to the whole Army. The Quarter Master with
proper parties will receive it this evening from Mr. McKenzie at
Threemile Point at the rate of half a Pint a man.
The Brigadiers will regulate the Portion of
water to be mixed with it, and the times of distribution.
Exclusive of the working parties upon the
Road, 400 men from the Right Wing are to be kept fresh for
working under the Chief Engineer tomorrow at Sunset.
Ticonderoga, 6th July, 1777.
Parole, St. Stephen. Countersign, Cambridge.
The 62nd Regiment to take possession of Mount
Independence; the Regiment of Prince Frederick to take
possession of Ticonderoga; Brigadier General Hamilton to command
the two Regiments.
All the rest of the Army to Proceed by South
Bay, leaving Batteaux and a small Guard to follow as soon as
possible with the Tents and Baggage.
General Hamilton will place Guards for the
preservation of all the Buildings from fire and collect all the
Powder and other Stores, and secure them.
After Orders at Skeinesborough.
Every Circumstance of this day affords matter
of Applause to the Officers and Soldiers.
Every man must now perceive how essential it
may be to the King's Service to continue vigorously the pursuit
of a flying Enemy.
The Lieut. General therefore depends upon the
zeal of the Army not to relax, whatever may be the fatigue,
while there is a prsfpect of overtaking the Fugitives. The
Provisions remaining is to be cooked at daylight, in order that
the meat may be carried cold in the Haversacks, and the
Regiments will be ready to move at a moment's warning.
Camp at Skeinesborough,
7th July, 1777.
Parole, St. Martha. Countersign, Berkshire.
The Commissaries are to deliver to the Army
eight days' Provisions, commencing the ninth instant. This
Provisions is on board the Royal George. All the rest of the
Army's Provisions is
to be landed tomorrow morning at day break
under the direction of Lieut. Ciirrie1, Commissary of
the Second Brigade.
All papers found containing any intelligence
of the Rebels are to be sent to the Adjutant General
immediately; and for the future, it is to be an invariable rule,
to send in all papers of that nature as soon as they are found.
It is of the utmost prejudice to the King's
Officers to molesl or territy persons coming in to surrender;
the attempt to take anything from such people, as well as every
other kind of Plunder, will be punished with the greateft
severity.
The Standing Order for conducing all
Deserters from the Enemy to Head Quarters immediately, and
without questioning, is not sufficiently attended to.
The Quarter Master of each Regiment will be
on board the Royal George this evening at five o'clock, to
receive 8 days' Provisions from Capt. Scott, Commissary to the
Firft Brigade.
Camp at Skeinesborough House,
July 8th, 1777.
Parole, St. Simeon. Countersign, Exeter.
The Lieut. General has made Collo. Skeine's
Houfe Head Quarters. A Guard consisting of a Serjeant, Corporal
and 18 men to be post at Head Quarters immediately.
___________________________
1 Samuel Currie entered theArmy as 2d
Lieutenant in the 21st Fuzileers, 14th March 1766 and
became 1st Lieutenant in 1772. He was killed
at Saratoga in the course of this Campaign.
__________________
The Posts of battle are as follow. The Right
Brigade British are to place their Right to the Rock near the
wood, and extend their Left to the Fort.
The Dragoons of Reidesel secure their Flank
on the heighth in the wood. The Second Brigade British are to
occupy the Fort.
The five Companies of the 24th Regiment are
to form in the rear of the Fort, as a Corps of Reserve.
The Brigade of Specht is to form on the
ground where they drew up this morning, with the fortified Barn
before the Centre. This Brigade and the Regiment of Hesse are to
throw a picket into the Barn and to fortify a Post on the Summit
of the Hill, where they will post a picquet of an hundred men.
The Regiment of Hesse are to form with their
Right to Skeinesborough House, and their Left to the Brigade of
Specht.
The ground making it necessary for the Corps
to encamp in the front of the Line of Battle, should they be
ordered under arms they are to strike their Tents instantly and
leave them on the ground. It is to be observed that the Line
forms behind the Artillery.
Camp at Skeinesborough House, 9th July, 1777.
Parole, St. Agnes. Countersign, Stamford.
All Prisoners that have been taken from the
Enemy, to be forwarded as soon as possible, except such as are
wounded, and to be lent on board the Commodore under proper
Guards. The Guards are to return as soon as the Prisoners are
delivered.
One Subaltern and 20 men from the Right Wing
will mount at the Fort as a main Guard, and receive all
Prisoners that may be sent. One Subaltern and 20 men will mount
at the fortified barn in the Left Wing, as a main Guard, and
will receive all Prisoners that may be sent.
Camp at Skeinesborough House,
July 10th, 1777.
Parole, St. Eustage.
Countersign, Falmouth.
On the 6th of July the Enemy were dislodged
from Ticonderoga by the meer continance and activity of the
Army, and driven on the same day beyond Skeinesborough on the
Right, and to Huberton on the Left, with the loss of all their
Artillery, five of their armed vessels taken and blown up, by
the spirited condust of Capt. Carter1 of the
Artillery, with a part of his Brigade of Gun boats, and a very
great quantity of Ammunition, Provisions and stores of all
forts, and the greatest part of their Baggage.
________________________
1 John Carter was appointed 1st Lieutenant in
the Royal Artillery 2nd April, 1757; Captain-Lieutenant 1st
January, 1759; and Captain 7th December, 1763; appointed Major
in the Army 29th August, 1777, for his conduct on the above
occaion; he reached the rank of Lieutenant- Colonel in the Army
in 1783, when his name is dropped.
_________________________
On the 7th Brigadier General Fraser at the
head of a little more than half the Advanced Corps, and without
Artillery, which with the utmost endeavours it was impossible to
get up, came up with near two thousand of the Enemy, strongly
posted, attacked and defeated them with the loss on the Enemy's
part of many of their Principal Officers, two hundred men killed
on the spot, a much larger number wounded, and about two hundred
made prisoners. Major General Reidesel with his Advanced Guard
consisting of the Chasseur Company and Grenadiers and Light
Infantry arrived in time to sustain General Fraser, and by his
judicious Orders and a spirited execution of them, obtained a
Share for himself and for his Troops in the Glory of the Action.
On the 8th Lieut. Colonel Hill1 at
the head of the 9th Regiment was attacked near Fort Anne by
more than fix times his number, and repulfed
the Enemy with great lofs, after a continued fire of three
hours. In confequence of this Adtion Fort Anne was burnt and
abandoned, and a Party of this Army is in polleffion of the
Country on the other side.
____________________
I John Hill was commissioned Lieutenant in
the 19th Foot on 4th August, 1756; obtained a company in the
13th Foot in December, 1758, and was advanced to the rank of
Major in October, 1765. On the iith September, 1775, he became
Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, and on the 10th November of the
same year was promoted to be Lieutenant Colonel of the 9th Foot,
then under orders for Canada. This regiment formed, on arriving
in that country, part of the 2nd brigade under Brig. Hamilton
and was cantoned in the settlements back of Montreal until the
opening of this disastrous campaign. On the 7th of July, 1777,
he took post with his regiment at Fort Anne, where he was
attacked by the Americans in considerable force. Col. Hill
gained great honor by his conduct in this action, for the enemy
finding, after repeated attacks, that they could not force him
in front endeavored to surround his men. This movement he
however prevented by changing his ground with great calmness and
bravery in the very heat of action, and after a fight of three
hours obliged the Americans to retreat, leaving some thirty
prisoners and the colors of the New Hampshire regiment in the
hands of the 9th regiment.1 Lt. Col. Hill
participated in the other engagements in this campaign and
signed the parol at Cambridge (Mass.), in December, 1777. He
became a Colonel in the Army in 1782, and continued with the 9th
until the Summer of 1783, when he retired from the Army. His
name is among the subscribers to Capt. Anbury's book in 1789.
__________________
1 Gen. Wilkinson in his Memoirs, p. 190,
gives a somewhat different version of this affair, as follows :
" The 9th regiment, under Lieut. Col. Hill, was sent in purfuit
of Col. Long and his detachment, consisting of the invalids and
convalescents, with his regiment, about 150 strong, making in
the whole four or five hundred men. Col. Long, finding himself
pressed, advanced and met Lieut. Colonel Hill, and an action
ensued, in which the British officer claimed the victory; but it
is a fact, that the 9th regiment had been beaten, and was
retreating, and but for the entire failure of Col. Long's
Ammunition, the Lieutenant-Colonel must have been made priloner,
as well as Captain Montgomery of that regiment, who was wounded
and left on the field, when, as Gen. Burgoyne tells us, "Col.
Hill found it necessary to change his position in the heat of
action," but in truth, when his corps was obliged to retreat,
and Colonel Long, for want of ammunition, could not pursue him."
___________________
These rapid succcesses, after exciting a
proper sense of what we owe to God, entitle the Troops in
General to the warmest praise; and in particular distinction is
due to Brigadier General Fraser, who by his Conduit and Bravery,
supported by the fame qualities in the Officers and Soldiers
under his Command, effected an exploit of material Service to
the King, and of signal honour to the Profession of Arms.
This Corps have the further Merit of having
supported fatigue and bad weather, without bread and without
murmur.
Divine Service will be performed on Sunday
morning next at the head of the Line, and at the head of the
Advanced Corps, and at sunset on the same day, a feu de joye
will be fired with Cannon and fmal Arms at Ticonderoga, Crown
Point, the Camp at Skeinesborough, and the Camp at Castleton,
and the Post of Breemen's Corps. These Orders will be read to
every Battalion by the Commanding Officers. Major General
Reidesel will have them conveyed to the Detached parts of the
Left Wing. And Brigadier General Hamilton will have them
conveyed to Crown Point.
A Return to be sent to Head Quarters this
afternoon, of what wounded Officers and men are in a condition
to be moved to the Hospital at Ticonderoga.
The General Officers will send an Account to
Mr. Rousseau, Commissary to the Staff, of the number of Rations
they would chuse to be daily supplied with.
The Regiments that have Volunteers serving
with them, will send in a List of those gentlemen's names this
afternoon, to the Deputy Adjutant General, mentioning when they
joined, and by whom recommended.
The British and German Brigades, Advanced
Corps and Reserve, with the Reidesel Dragoons, are to be
compleated with powder and ball and paper to make up Musquet
Cartridges to 100 Rounds a man according to the establishied
Orders. Return to be sent in tomorrow morning to Major General
Phillips of what Ball is wanting to compleat every Corps, and
what Powder and Paper to make up the ball into Cartridges, in
order that these Articles be sent from the Magazine at
Ticonderoga immediately.
It must have been observed how difficult it
is for Magazines to follow the rapid movements of the Army, and
it is not doubted but the utmosf Care will be taken of the store
of Powder and ball with each Regiment.
Camp at Skeinesborough House,
11th July, 1777
Parole, Eloisa. Countersign, Italy.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Colonel
Sutherland.
All the Cattle to be delivered in to the
hands of Mr. Assistant Commissary Mackenizie, who is to make an
equal partition of them alive through the whole Army, taking
Receipts from the Quarter Masters of the several Regiments for
as many days' Provision as their respective lots, upon a fair
computation may be supposed to afford. This distribution of
Cattle, with the computation, to be reported as soon as it is
done. All Cattle brought to any detached Corps of the Army, or
any of the Advanced Posts, or driven in by Order, are to be
forwarded to the Commissary General at Head Quarters. This is to
be a Standing Order unless where the distance is too great, to
be supplied from the regular Magazines. In that case the
Commanding Officers will make a report of the Cattle they have
detained for the immediate subsistence of their Corps or
Detachments; and the Brigade Commissaries will give proper
receipts to the Inhabitants.
The Return for Ammunition is to be sent by
Brigades, for the British, and Major General Reidesel will send
a General Return for the Left Wing. Thsfe Returns to be sent in
today, and as soon as possible.
Camp at Skeinesborough House, 12th July,
1777.
Parole, St. Abelard. Countersign, Reading.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forbes.
It is observed that the injunctions given
before the Army took the Field relative to the Baggage of
Officers have not been complied with, and that the Regiments in
General are encumbered with much more Baggage than they can
possibly be supplied with means of conveying when they quit the
Lakes and Rivers. Warning is therefore again given to the
Officers to convey by the Batteaux which will soon return to
Ticonderoga, the Baggage that is not indispensably necessary to
them, or, upon the first sudden movement, it must inevitably be
left upon the ground.
Such gentlemen as served in America the last
War may remember that the Officers took up with Soldiers' Tents,
and often consined their Baggage to a Knapsack for months
together. When opportunity shall offer to carry forward the
Baggage that shall be lodged at Ticonderoga, so as not to
interfere with the transport of Magazines, the Lieut. General
will be happy to contribute to the convenience and comfort of
the Officers.
Lord Viscount Pctersham is appointed to act
as Aid de Camp to Lieut. General Burgoyne, and is to be obeyed
accordingly.
Govern. Skeine1 is appointed to
act as Commissary, to administer the Oath of Allegiance, and to
grant Certificates of Protection to such Inhabitants as sue
properly for the same, and to regulate all other matters
relative to the Supplies and Assistances that shall be required
from the Country or voluntarily brought in.
Mr. Hoakesly is appointed Waggon Master to
the Army.
___________________
1 Philip Skene, was styled Lieut. Governor of
Crown Point and Ticonderoga, &c. See vol. I of this Scries,
p. 106, for a Biographical sketch of him.
____________
Divine Service at the head of the Right Wing
at 10 o'clock tomorrow, and at the head of Brig. General Fraser
s Corps at 1 2 o'clock.
Tomorrow being set apart as a day of
rejoicing, all working Parties are to be remitted, except such
as may be necessary for the cleanliness of the Camp. Should the
weather be fair the Tents are to be struck at five in the
evening tomorrow, and the Troops to form for the Feu de joye an
hour before Sunset, in order of Battle, the Right Wing; taking
up the ground according to the Orders of the 8th Inftant. And
General Fraser s Corps taking up the ground allotted in that
day's Orders to the Left Wing.
After the Feu de joye the Tents are to be
pitched again.
Captain Gardner is going to England. Officers
who have Letters to send will leave them at Head Quarters before
Orderly time the 14th instant.
Camp at Skeinesborough House, 13th July,
1777.
Parole, St. Dorothy. Countersign, Winchejler.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Irivmg.
The weather being wet the Tents are not to be
struck. And the Troops will form in the Front instead of the
Line of Battle. The firing will begin with the Cannon, and then
to be taken from Brigadier General Fraser's Corps.
A Subaltern and 25 men to go tomorrow morning
early to General Reidesel's Camp at the River near Castleton to
Conduct the Army horses to Skeinesborough.
If there are any sick that are likely to
recover sooner in the General Hospital at Ticonderoga than in
Camp, the Brigades will send in a Return of them immediately.
The Corps on the Left of the River will take
the Duties on this side the water.
A working Party to be furnished tomorrow
morning at day break, to make roads and communications towards
Fort Anne, and also to draw Batteaux over the carrying place
into the Creek. Whatever number of men the Quarter Master
General shall require for these Duties Frasers Corps and the
Line will furnish.
Camp at Skeinesborough House, 14'h July,
1777.
Parole, St. Jqfeph. Countersign, Durham.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lieut. Colonel
Hill.
The Brigades will send off their Sick
reported according to yesterday's Order, to the General Hospital
at Ticonderoga, in Batteaux, under the care of an Officer. The
party that conduct them will return immediately to Camp, leaving
the Batteaux at Ticonderoga, except what are necessary for the
men to return in.
It having been reported that the Soldiers
straggle from Camp after Gun firing, and that many disorders
have been committed by them; this being contrary to all Military
rule and good discipline, every Soldier is strictly forbid to
quit the Camp after Retreat beating. The Brigadiers will give
the strongest Orders on this head, and the Commanding Officers
of Regiments will be answerable for those orders being obeyed.
No Soldier, either of the Advanced Corps, or
of the Right Wing, to pass the Bridge at night. The Quarter
Guards of both Camps are to send Patroles round the Camp from
Gun firing to daylight, who are to make prisoners all Soldiers
they find straggling about. And the Commanding Officers of
Regiments are desired to have the Rolls called at uncertain
hours of the night, that they may have immediate notice of all
absent men.
Camp at Skeinesborough House, 15th July,
1777.
Parole, St. Alexander. Countersign, Weymouth.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lieut. Colonel
Lind.1
_____________________
1 John Lind was at this time
Lieutenant-Colonel commanding the 20th Foot. Having entered the
army he was commissioned in December, 1755, Lieutenant in the
34th Foot, which regiment sustained a siege at Fort St. Phillip
in 1756, and formed part of the expedition against Belleisle in
1760, on the 12th January of which year Mr. Lind obtained a
company. He became Major of the regiment in 1771, and on the 6th
January, 1776, was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel of the 20th
Foot, under orders for Canada. He was wounded in two different
actions during this campaign. His name is attached to the parole
signed by the British officers at Cambridge, Mass., 13th
December, 1777. In 1782 he received the brevet rank of Colonel;
was raised to the rank of Major General in Octobcr, 1783, and
died May 19, 1795.
_____________________
Camp at Skeinesborough House, 16th July,
1777.
Parole, St, Silvestre. Countersign, Devon.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forster.1
The Army to receive four days Provisions. The
working Parties and covering Party to be continued till further
Orders.
_____________________
1 George Forster. This Officer servcd in
Germany with the 8th Foot, in which he was commissioned a
Lieutenant 26th September, 1757. He afterwards served in
America, and obtained his Company 25th December, 1770. In the
early stage of the Revolution the head quarters of his regiment
was at Niagara with detachments at other posts. Capt. Forster
was slationed at Oswegatchie (now Ogdenlburgh) in the fore part
of 1776. To dislodge a party of Americans, of three hundred and
ninety men, who had taken post at the Cedars, above Montreal, he
with two subalterns and one hundred and twenty-six men, and one
hundred and twenty Indians, were detached on the 11th of May to
the attack of that post. Proceeding on his march, he learnt on
the 17th, that the Americans were ignorant of his approach, and
that if speedily attacked, the whole party might be surprised.
The next day he landed at Point au Diable, six miles from the
Church of the Cedars, and proceeded under the cover of a thick
wood; when within a mile of the Fort, he halted the detachment
to make the necessary dispositions for attack. One division was
ordered to take possession of the wood, and to penetrate as near
as possible to the enemy, when another party of Indians were
placed at the Falls, at the entrance of the Cascade, to cut off
the communication with the Island of Montreal. This party fell
in with a detachment of the garrison returning from the Cascades
with provisions, who fled to the Fort, and carried the first
intelligence of Capt. Forster's approach. Capt. Forster sent a
flag, demanding the surrender of the Fort, to which Major
Butterfield requested four hours to consider of it. Capt.
Forster, conceiving that the object was to gain time, and having
learnt that an Officer of the Americans had been sent to
Montreal for a reinforcement sent a second flag, stating that
the Indians were at present under his command, but that if the
Fort did not surrender, and any of them were killed by further
resistance, he could not answer for the consequenccs. The
Commandant, in answer to this demand, agreed to surrendcr the
Fort, on condition, however, that the garrison should retire to
Montreal, which Capt. Forster not consenting to, a redoubt was
thrown up on the edge of the wood, at five hundred yards
distance from it. On the morning of the 19th of July, he
advanced within one hundred and twenty yards of the Fort, and
commenced a heavy fire of musketry, until twelve o'clock, when
the American Commandant surrendered, on condition of sparing
their lives, and preserving their baggage from plunder. As
Captain Forster was informed the next day, that Major Sherborne,
with one hundred men, was advancing from Montreal, he ordered
one hundred Indians to take posession of the woods on both sides
of the road, and to attack the detachment as it advanced. An
action ensued, which only continued about ten minutes, when the
Americans surrendered, and were brought to the Fort by the
Indians, who had ressolved on putting every one of them to
death. Captain Forster remonstrated with them on this inhuman
conduct, and at length, by his persuasions, and by presents,
effected their release. Capt. Forfter then left the Cedars, on
his way down the river, and on his arrival at Vaudreuil, was
informed that Colonel Arnold, with a strong party, had advanced
as far as La Chine from Montreal, and had with him six hundred
men, treble the number of Forster's party. Forster, upon hearing
this, did not push on, and Arnold apprized of the weakness of
Forster's party, marched to meet him. On their approach, the
latter formed in three divisions on three several points of land
that stretched out into the river. They had no sooner taken
post, than they were attacked on all sides, but defended
themselves so well, that the Americans were defeated, and
retired to St. Anne's, on the Island of Montreal. Capt. Forfter,
encumbered with his prisoncrs, proposed a cartel, which Arnold
readily assenting to, on the 27th of May, an exchange was
effected for two Majors, nine Captains, twenty Subalterns and
four hundred and forty-thrce Soldiers. Four American Captains
were sent to Quebec as hostages, and they remained until the
prisoners were duly exchanged. The cartel however was broken by
Congress, under the pretence that Capt. Forster had conducted
himself towards the prisoners in a cruel and inhuman manner. In
justice to Capt. Forster, there was not the smallest foundation
for such a charge. (Smith's History of Canada,ii, 135-140) On
the 5th November, 1776, he
became Major of the 21ft Fuzileers, svVi' Sutherland (supra, p.
17), and at the end of this campaign ac companicd the Convention
troops to Cambridge, Mafs., when he was admitted to parole. He
was advanced to the rank of Lieutenant-- Colonel in ihc Army in
1782, and of the
66th regiment 31st December, 1784. His name disappears from the
Army List in 1787.
_____________
The Second Brigade will send their spare
Baggage off to Ticonderoga tomorrow morning, Lieut. Valancy,
Assistant Quarter Master General, will regulate the spare
Batteaux for this purpose. These Batteaux to be brought back as
fall as possible, in order that the First Brigade may take
theirs down, who will leave them at Ticonderoga, except what
will be necessary to bring the men back to Camp,
Camp at Skeinesborough House, 17th July,
1777.
Parole, St. Louija. Countersign, Lincoln.
Field Officer Britih Picquet, Lt. Col.
Sutherland.
Camp at Skeinesborough House, 18th July,
1777.
Parole, St. George. Countersign, Dorset.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forbes.
Each Regiment to send to the Adjutant General
the names of their petty suttlers and other followers not
servants.
All persons desirous of establishiing Huts or
Tents, in the rear of the Army, for the sale of useful
Commodities, are to apply to the Adjutant General1,
in order that their characters, and the nature of their Traffick
may be inquired into; and any person presuming to Traffick with
the Troops without a proper permit in writing, or who shall
abuse such permit by retailing Liquors to Soldiers or Indians,
will be punished with severity.
_______________
1 Major Robert Kingston, of whom see post.
_______________
The Disturbance of the 16th Inst. between
fome British and German Soldiers, was occasioned by Liquor, and
one of the greatest principles of Military Order was fo far
forgot by some British Soldiers, that a Guard was insulted.
Any conduct for the future, whether of
British German, that shall tend to obftruct the Harmony which
has hitherto so happily reigned between the two Nations, and
which must continue to subsist among brave Troops serving in the
same cause, unless violated by intoxication or misapprehenfion,
will be punished as a Crime the most fatal to the success and
honour of the Campaign. A Captain's Guard with the Colours ot
the oldest Regiment to mount tomorrow upon the Congress with the
Indian Nations. This Guard is to be at the Indian Camp by half
past eight tomorrow morning.
The Inspector of the Hospital having
represented that two women from each Battalion of the Army will
be absolutely necessary to take care of the Sick and Wounded,
the Commanding Officers of Corps will give their Directions
accordingly.
Ten Batteaux with 40 Men to attend at the
Commissary's Store, to bring Provisions from the Row galley. A
Serjeant and eighteen men also to be at the Commissary's Store,
to take on shore the Provisions and to arrange them. This order
to be continued every morning at 5 o'clock, till the Provisions
are all landed.
Camp at Skeinesborough House, 19th July,
1777.
Parole, St. Barbara. Countersign, Blandford.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Irwing.
The Germans will receive their Ammunition
according to the Orders of the l0th and 11th Instant, from the
Artillery, beginning tomorrow morning at 6 o'clock.
A working party of one hundred men, one
Captain, Subalterns and Non Commissioned Officers in proportion,
to parade tomorrow morning at 4 o'clock, each with his Blanket
and two days Pro- visions. Captain Lawes will meet the Party at
the Bridge and conduct them. General Fraser's Corps will furnish
a covering party of a Captain, Subalterns, Non Commissioned
Officers and 50 men.
Camp at Skeinesborough House, 20th July,
1777.
Parole, St. Timothy. Countersign, Sarum.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Colonel
Hill.
A working party of 100 men with proper
Officers will parade at 4 o'clock this afternoon to draw some
Batteaux over the carrying place. General Fraser's Corps will
furnish this party.
Eight days' Provisions for the Corps of
Savages, Canadian Volunteers, &c. under Major Campbell to be
delivered this afternoon to their Commissary that it may be
stowed on board their Batteaux immediately afterwards.
The next delivery of Provisions will be salt
meat, in order to preserve all the Cattle alive for the next
movement of the Army. Four days' Provisions to be issued to the
Troops to the 24th inclusive.
Camp at Skeinesborough House,
21st July, 1777.
Parole, St. Cecilia. Countersign,
Marlborough.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Col. Lind.
Camp at Skeinesborough House,
22nd July, 1777
Parole, St. Clement. Countersign, Calne.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forster.
The Line will relieve all the Posts occupied
by General Fraser's Corps, with the same numbers at Sunset this
evening.
Camp at Skeinesborough House,
23rd July, 1777.
Parole, St. Bridget. Countersign, Chippenham.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Colonel
Sutherland.
The Prisoners of War are to be conveyed from
Skeinefborough to Ticonderoga tomorrow morning early under the
Escort of an Officer and twenty men Britifh.
The Sick necessary to be sent to the General
Hospital to go at the same time.
When the Army moves, a Detachment consisting
of fifty British, fifty Germans, and fifty Provincials will be
left posted at Skeinefborough for some days; and that the
Battalions may be weakened as little as possible, the
Detachments are to be composed of the Convalescents, and men
least able to march; and this Notice is given in hopes that some
men in slight cases of the Flux, designed for the Hofpital, may
upon examination be found capable of this Duty.
Brigadier General Powell will inform the
Quarter Master General this afternoon of the number of Batteaux
necessary for the above purpose, as far as regards the British.
General Reidesel will regulate the proper number of Batteaux for
the sick of the Left Wing, and send them from the East Creek.
As many Carts of the Army as can be put in
repair, with two horses to each, and proper Conductors, to be
ready to proceed tomorrow under such Escort as Brigadier Powell
shall regulate according to their numbers. The Escort, after
conducting the Horses and Carts to the Neighbourhood of Fort
Anne, will remain as a Guard upon them till the Army comes up.
They will therefore take with them their Knapsacks, Blankets,
and three days' Provisions. The Conductors are to take in their
Carts grass for one day, and a portion of the Corn now in Store,
according to their numbers, taking care to preserve the Corn
till the horses come upon the hard work.
Lieut. Atherton is appointed to act as
Provost to this Army, and is at all times to have the Guard of a
Serjeant and 10 British, and a Serjeant and the same number of
Germans. This Guard to be relieved once a fortnight. And at the
marking of every new encampment, a proper house or Ground for
the Provost is always to be allotted in the Rear of the Army.
Besides Patroles of the Provost to be made
daily, and occalionally at night, to preserve the regularity and
cleanliness of the Camp, he has Orders to enforce in the
strictest manner, the Regulation of the 18th Inst. relative to
the vending of Spirituous Liquors by the Sutlers or any other
followers of the Army. For this purpose he is directed
diligently to examine all Huts, Tents, or other abodes in the
rear of the Encampment, and wherever any Person shall be found
trafficking without a permit from the Adjutant General, or
(having such permit) of retailing spirituous Liquors to
Soldiers, Women or Savages, or presuming to sell such liquors to
Servants of Officers or other Persons whatsoever without a
Certificate in writing signed by a Commission Officer, the
Provoft is instantly to make the Offender Prisoner, to have all
the Liquors belonging to him or her destroyed, and burn the
dwelling.
This order to be forthwith made known by the
Provost to all the followers of the Army encamping out of the
Line. As soon as the Provost's Guard is established, the
Prisoners are to be delivered over to him, and the main Guard
will cease. The German Dragoons will furnish the Serjeant and 10
men for the Provost's Guard till the Left Wing arrives.
A Subaltern and 25 men of the Picquet to
remain upon the old ground, the Field Officer will post the rest
of the Picquet upon the Left, where the Picquet of the Advanced
Corps was posted. Each Regiment will give a Batteau to Lieut.
Valancy1, Assistant Quarter Master General.
The Army to be Vidtualled to the first of
August.
The Officers for the Detachment named in
yesterday's Orders to remain at Skeinesborough are to be one
Field Officer, one Captain and one Subaltern British, one
Captain, one Subaltern German, and two Subalterns of the
Provincial Corps.
As the German part of the Detachment cannot
join till tomorrow night, the British are to relieve the Guards
upon the Cattle at the Red house this evening, which is to
confilt of a Serieant, Corporal and twelve. The Field OlScer
will receive his instructions from the Adjutant General this
evening.
________________
1 George Preston Vallancy entered the army in
-- and was commissioned Lieutenant in the 62rd regiment 1st
September, 1771, and acted as Assistant Quartermaster General
throughout this campaign. He was advanced to the rank of Captain
18th Auguft, 1778, and went on half pay in 1784. He was appointed to the
46th or South and
Devonshire Foot, on the 31st May, 1787, and continued with that
regiment until 1792, when his name dsfappears from the Army
lists.
_____________________________
The Provisions etc. of the Right Wing, Tents
excepted, to be loaded this afternoon . The General to beat
tomorrow morning instead of the Revallie at three o'clock; the
Tents are then to be put on board, and the Batteaux to proceed
immediately under a proper Escort. The Assembly will beat an
hour after, and the Troops to march.
The Reidesel Dragoons make the Advanced
Guard.
The Rear Guard is to be composed of a Captain
and one Company from the Regiment in Rear. The Provost's Guard
to follow a quarter of a mile in the Rear of the whole, and take
up all Stragglers.
The Officer commanding the Escort of the
Boats will be answerable that no Soldier or other person go
ashore till they arrive at the place of Destination, great
enormities having been committed at different times upon the
People of the Country for want of this being attended to. The
Provincials will march in the Rear of the British. The Carts are
to follow in between the main Body and the Rear Guard. Those
Regiments that wish to receive money on account of the ensuing
Muster, will send their Pay masters to the Deputy Pay Master
General at Ticonderoga for the money want. And will rejoin their
Regiments by the first Escort over Lake George.
Field Officer for the Command at
Skeinesborough, Major Irwing.
Camp at Fort Anne,
25th July, 1777
Parole, St. Rosalind. Countersign,
Canterbury.
His Excellency Sir Guy Carleton has been
pleased to make the following Promotions in the Army at the
Recommendation of Lieut. General Burgoyne :
9th Regiment, Ensign Joseph Fish1
to be Lieutenant, vice Lieut. Westrop2 killed, dated
14th July. Volunteer Thomas Dcan3 of the 31st
Regiment to be Ensign, vice Fish.
24th Regiment, Captain William Agnew4
to be Major, vice Major Grant4 killed. Captain Lieut.
______________________________
1 Joseph Fish was commissioned Ensign in the
9th Foot 7th October, 1775, and was advanced to the rank of
Lieutenant 14th July, 1777. He continued in the fervice until
after the peace of 1783.
2 Richard Westropp was appointed Ensign in
the 9th Foot 14th March, 1772, and Lieutenant 1st January, 1774.
3 Thomas Dean was commissioned Ensign in the
9th Foot, 14th July, 1777; became Lieutenant in Scptember, 1781,
and Capt. Lieut, in 1787. His name is dropped in 1793.
4 William Agnew was commissioned Lieutenant
in the 24th regiment in 1756; became Captain-
Lieutenant in 1763, and obtained his company
20th May, 1767. He was promoted to be Major on 14th July, 1777,
and was twice wounded in this campaign. His name is attached to
the Cambridge parole, dated 13th December, 1777. He became
Lieutenant-Colonel of his regiment in 1782, but continued so
only the fore part of 1783.
5 Robert Grant was commissioned a Lieutenant
in the 620 (afterwards 77th) or 1stt Highland battalion, known
generally as Mon gomery's Highlanders, on the organization of
that regiment in 1757, and served in the old French war, at Fort
du Oucfne, Ticonderoga, &c. He obtained his company in in
1762, and exchanged into the 40th regiment in 1764; became Major
of the 24th Foot 5th March, 1775, and was killed at the battle
of Hubbardton, July 7th, 1777. On this occasion he commanded the
advanced guard. About five o'clock in the morning, says Anbury,
we came up to the enemy who were busily employed in cooking
their provisions. Major Grant, of the 24th regiment, who had the
advanced guard, attacked their picquets, which were soon driven
in to the main body. From this attack we lament the death of
this very gallant and brave officer, who in all probability fell
a viftim to the great disadvantagcs wc experience peculiar to
this unfortunate contest, thofe of the riflemen. Upon his coming
up with the enemy, he got upon the stump of a tree to
reconnoitre, and had hardly given the men orders to fire, when
he was struck by a rifle ball, tell off the tree, and never
uttered another yllable.
__________________
George Coote1 to be Captain of a
Company, vice Agnew. Lieut. Thomas Scott2 to be
Captain Lieut.
____________________
1 George Coote was appointed to a lieutenancy
in the 98th regiment 28th Oct. 1760. This regiment was reduced
in 1763, and on 16th Jan. 1765, Mr. Coote passed into the 24th
by purchase. He was ordered to Canada with his regiment in 1776,
having been promoted to the command of a Company on 2d March of
that year, and went on half pay after the peace of 1783, and to
remained until 1797, after which his name disappears from the
Army list.
2 Thomas Scott was appointed to an Ensigncy
in the 24th Foot the 20th May, 1761; he joined in Germany, and
served the whole of the campaign of 1762, carried the colors at
the action of Willimstall or Grabiniton, and also at the attack
of the British picquets on the Fulda, under the command of Major
Hume of the 25th regiment, which the 24th supported. After the
war he served at Gibraltar for nearly six years with the
exception of one year's leave of absence. The 7th June, 1765, he
was appointed Lieutenant; he accompanied the regiment to America
in the Spring of 1776, and served that campaign and the
following one under General Burgoyne, with a company of Marksmen
attached to a large body of Indians, during which there was a
variety ot very fatiguing and hard service. On the 14th July,
1777, he was promoted to be Capt. Lieut, of his regiment, and in
most of this campaign employed on the outpost duty, which was
done so much to the satisfaction and approbation of his
commanding officer, Brigadier General Fraser, that he was twice
thanked in public orders; he was in the action of Freeman's
Farm, where a very considerable loss was sustained in officers
and men was soon after sent in disguise through the enemy's
country with dispatches from General Burgoyne to Sir Harry
Clinton, and for which purpose he was particularly selected out
by Brig. General Fraser, and which he effected with much
difficulty and great personal risk of being taken and hanged as
a spy, having at the same time suffered the extreme of hunger
and cold. He was appointed the 8th October, 1777, Captain in the
53rd regiment, then in Canada, with which he served the
remaining part of the war; he was upon two expeditions from
Canada to the Mohawk river, under the command of Sir John
Johnston, which were attended with great fatigue, and much
harrassed by the enemy, for which service he was selected by Sir
Frederick Haldimand. He commanded the Fort and Island of
Michilimackinac with its extensive dependencies for a year,
having been sent there for the purpose of carrying into effect
reforms ordered to be made by government, as well as to correct
abuses which had crept into the Indian department. This he did
to the entire satisfaction of Lord Dorcherter, at that time
commanding in Canada, and to the company of merchants trading to
that country. He returned to Europe twelve months before his
regiment in 1788. In 1791 he served six months during the
Spanish armament with a detachment of the 53rd regiment on board
his Majesty's ship Hannibal, commanded by Sir John Colpoys;
accompanied the regiment to the continent in the Spring of 1793
under Sir Ralph Abercrombie; was in the Affair at Famars, served
the whole of the siege of Valenciennes and of Dunkirk, and was
in the whole of that day's attack where the Austrian General
D'Alton was killed; also at the siege of Nieuport, where he was
promoted to the rank of Major for his exertions in the defence
thereof (13th November, 1793); was in the action of the 24th of
May, and was wounded that day in the inside of the right thigh,
by a musket ball. The 27th October, 1794, he was appointed to
the Lieutenant Colonelcy of the 94th (Scotch brigade) regiment
by purchase, and went with it to Gibraltar in 1795, to the Cape
of Good Hope in 1796, where he was Deputy Adjutant General to
the forces, which situation he relinquished in order to go with
his regiment to India in 1798. He served the whole of the
campaign of 1799, in the Mysore country, commanded a native
brigade, was at the siege and taking of Scringapatam, and in
consequence of ill health returned to Europe in 1800. The 1st
January, 1801, he was appointed Colonel by brevet in September,
1802. Inspecting Field Officer of the Edinburgh recruiting
district; in 1803 Deputy Inspector General of the Recruiting
Service in North Britain; in August, 1804, Brigadier General;
25th April, 1808, Major General on the staff of North Britain,
and served as such until 4th June, 1813, when he was promoted to
Lieut. General, in consequence of which his appointment on the
staff ceased. He died in 1814.
____________________________
vice Coote. Ensign Jphn Ferguson to be
Lieutenant, vice Scott. Volunteer Lindsay1 to be
Ensign, vice Ferguson.2
29th Regiment, Enfign Dowling3 of
the 47th Regiment to be Lieutenant, vice Lieutenant Douglas4
killed. All dated as above, 14th July, 1777.
Fort Ann, 26th July, 1777.
Parole, St. Matthew. Countersign, Windburn.
Field Officer British, Lieut. Colonel Hill.
It being proper to keep the Advanced Corps compleat in their
present situation, the Right Wing of the Line is to furnish a
party of 150 men with one Captain, two Subalterns, and proper
number of Non Commission Officers to conduct the boats of
____________________
1 Wat. Crymble Lindsay was promoted to a
lieutenancy 24th April, 1782, and did not obtain any higher rank
in the army. His name appears for the lafl time in the Army list
of 1787.
2 John Ferguson was commissioned Ensign in
the 24th regiment 3lst August, 1774, and was promoted to a
lieutenantcy as in the text. His name was dropped in 1783.
3 James Dowling was appointed Ensign in the
47th regiment 18th June, 1775, and was transferred and promoted
to the 29th as above. He went out in 1781.
4 James Douglass, of the 29th regiment,
entered the army in 1773 and was promoted to be Lieutenant 30th
June of the following year. He was wounded at the battle of
Hubbardton, and as he was carried off the field received a ball
directly through his heart.
________________________
Brigadier Fraser's Corps to Skeinesborough,
where they are to deliver them into the hands of Capt.
Harrington.1 This party is to return to Camp as soon
as the boats are delivered. Fifty of the above party are to take
their Arms with them.
All the Ox teems that are with the German
Troops at Skeinesborough, and likewile all the Horses and Carts
not the private Property of Officers, to be forwarded as soon as
possible after the receipt of this Order, to the Waggon Master
at the Camp of Fort Anne. All Teems, Horses and Carts under the
same description in the hands of the British (the Advanced Corps
excepted) to be delivered into the Hands of the Waggon Master
forthwith, in order that he may form a proper distribution for
the next movement of the Army. The Provisions must be first
attended to, the men's Tents next, and the Officer's Tents and
Baggage afterwards.
It being impossible to supply sufficient
Carriages to effect the above purposes at once, and the Service
at the same time requiring as speedy a movement as the nature of
the Roads will permit, the Troops must expect to be some days
without their usual conveniences. The Commanding Officers will
therefore take care that three days' provifions be forthwith
cooked.
_______________
1Henry Harrington entered the army
in 1759 as Ensign in the 5th Foot, serving then in Germany; was
appointed Lieutenant 2d April, 1762, and went on half pay in
1763. He was recalled to active service in 1772, and appointed
to the 20th Foot, and on the 28th March, 1777, was promoted to a
company in the 62nd. We find his name in the Army list of 1786
for the last time.
________________
The Batteaux of the Right Wing to be unloaded
as foon as they arrive in order that they may be returned to
Skeenefborough.
Camp at Fort Anne,
27th July, 1777.
Parole, St. George. Countersign, Sherborn.
Field Officer British, Lieut. Colonel Lind.
The Right Wing will be in readiness to march
tomorrow, in the same order as from Skeinesborough; the Reidesel
Dragoons to form the Advanced Guard, &c.
Camp at Fort Anne, 28t July, 1777.
Parole, St. Bernard. Countersign, Biddeford.
Field Officer British Picquet.
The four British Regiments will march this
evening or tomorrow morning, as Brigadier General Powell chuses.
The Brigade Major will get a Return of the
number of Collar makers in each Regiment, and of all such men as
can assist in making Harness for Carts or Sleys.
Camp at Pitch Pine Plains,
29th July, 1777.
Parole St. Edward. Countersign, Exmouth.
British Picquet Field Officer, Major Forbes.
The Advanced Corps of the Army will encamp
tomorrow on the heighth beyond Fort Edward. The Indians,
Canadians, and such of the Provincials as are arrived, in the
front, and upon the Left Flank of the Advanced Corps. The Head
Quarters will be at the Red house near Fort Edward, covered by
the Reidesel Dragoons, who will encamp in the Plain. The Right
Wing of the Line will encamp on the rising ground on this side
the Plain. The Transport of Provisions and Camp equipage of the
Advanced Corps, and the Right Wing, having been greatly impeded
by want of punctuality in the arrival of the oxteams ordered
from Skeinesborough, it becomes necessary to halt the Left Wing
at Fort Anne, till that Service is performed during this halt.
Major General Reidesel will order proper Detachments to convey
to Skeinesborough all the Batteaux from Fort Anne, and after
delivering them there, those Detachments will rejoin their
respective Corps.
The Provincials and Canadians who are not
arrived, will march this afternoon under proper Officers of
their own, to Fort Anne, in order to assist in the above
Service, and afterwards to assist in transporting the Batteaux
over the carrying place at Skeinestorough, and from thence to
Ticonderoga.
And measures are taking for proving them with
Arms to be delivered there, with which they will afterwards join
their Corps by the Route of Lake George. The Commanding Officers
of Corps are to be answerable that the Carts employed in the
Regimental Baggage are not overloaded, the slightness of the
Carts and the preservation of the horses renders a strict
attention in this point of the greatest consequence, and the
Service will suffer much less by a delay of time, than from the
inconveniences attending broken Carriages and exhausted Cattle.
The same order holds good in the fullest sense with regard to
all Officers or Commissaries charged with the Transport of
Provisions.
The Brigadiers General will place safe Guards
wherever there is Indian or other Corn or good Grass in the
neighborhood of their Encampment, to preserve it for the use of
the Cattle of the Army.
When any Body of Canadians or Regulars may
occasionally be ordered to join the Savages, they are to be
under the Command of Major Campbell unless the Officer of the
Regular Troops should be of Superior Rank. Major Campbell is to
receive Direftions from Brigadier General Fraser till further
Orders.
Camp at Fort Edward,
30th July, 1777.
Parole, St. Gervas. Countersign, Newcajlle.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Colonel
Hill.
Each Regiment of the Line will turn out 20
men, burn and bury all old meat, rubbish, and every other
nuisance in or near the Camp, under the Direction of the
Provost:. This is not confined merely to the ground where the
Troops are encamped on, but extended to every nuisance and
unwholefome thing about the Camp.
Twenty men are to be fent immediately with
fpades and pickaxes to Head Quarters to burn and bury all old
meat, rubhish and every other nuisance there.
Camp at Fort Edward,
31st July, 1777.
Parole, St. Basil. Countersign, Lyons.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Colonel
Lind.
The Picquet of the Reidesel Dragoons,
consisting of an Officer and 24 men with Non Commission Officers
in proportion, to be posted at the Fort to guard the ford there,
and extend Centries in the to Major General Phillips1
Quarters on their
______________________
1 William Phillips was commissioned Captain
in the Royal Artillery on 12th May, 1756, and
afterwards distinguished himself in Germany.
He commanded the Artillery at the battle of Minden in 1759, and
received the particular thanks of Prince Ferdinand on that
occasion with a present of one thousand crowns as a reward for
his services, and in the following year also distinguished
himfslf in the bat tle of Warbourg. He was in return promoted in
August, 1760, to the rank of brevet Lieutenant-Colonel in the
Army; in 1768 received the sinecure appointment of
Lieutenant-Governor of Windsor Castle, and in 1772, became
Colonel in the Army. In January, 1776, he was commissioned Major
General in the Army in America, and was attached to the
expedition under Lieut. Gen. Burgoyne. In August he was gazetted
full Major-General. Throughout this period he acted with valor,
and on the surrender became a prisoner with the rest of the
Army. On Burgoyne proceeding to England in May, 1778, Maj.
General Phillips succeeded to the command of the Convention
troops. In this trying position he at times exhibited evidences
of a cholerick and impatient temper. He was finally exchanged in
Nov. 1779, and returned to active service. In the Spring of
1781, he was detached from New York with a force of 2000 men to
the relief of Brig. Gen. Arnold, then at the Chesapeake. He
committed much damage in Virginia, and after a brief career,
marked by all the devastations of war, he was seized by a fever
on the 1st, and died at the residence of Mrs. Boiling, near
Petersburg, on the 13th of May, 1781, whilst Gen. La Fayette was
yet cannonading the place. His remains were deposited in the old
Blandford Churchyard, where they still repose.
________________
Right, and covering Head Quarters to the end
of the Ifland upon their Left. They are to remain upon this Duty
after day break, till the Fogs are quite cleared up, and then
return to Camp.
Camp at Fort Edward,
1st August, 1777.
Parole, St. Thomas. Countersign, Barnet.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Colonel
Sutherland.
The Standing Order respecting Stragglers from
Camp is very ill obeyed. Soldiers have been feen at the distance
of three miles. Some have very narrowly escaped being made
prisoners, others have been fired upon by the Savages who
supposed them to be Enemies or Deserters, and who certainly
would have scalped them as such, had their shot succeeded.
The Officers will also recollect that the
Order of the Camp at Crown Point for the Troops to get instantly
under arms on the firing Four Guns, subsists during the
Campaign, and that we are now within three miles of the Enemy.
They will consequently take care never to be so far out of the
way as to expose themselves to the censure of not being among
the first at the head of the Lines in case of an Alert.
The rolls are to be called twice a day and
once a night at inequal hours.
If fetching water is made an Excuse of
Absence from roll calling, it becomes a reflection upon the
Discipline of the Regiments, as that Duty, when the water is not
close to the Camp, should be done like all other Duties beyond
the Camp Colours, by Parties under the Charge of Non Commission
Officers.
The Regiments will be in readiness to receive
Provisions this afternoon at six o'clock from Mr. Commissary
McKensie.
The Muster Rolls are to be prepared
immediately; the Regiments will get their Instructions from
Captain Campbell1, 29th
Regiment, Deputy Commissary General of Musters.
_______________
1 Archibald Campbell entered as Ensign in the
29th Foot, known as one of the Irish regiments, on the 22nd
June, 1756, and was advanced to the rank of Lieutenant 13th
February, 1762. Though his regiment was sent to America in 1766,
to enforce the odious measures of the ministry, and was
subsequently involved in the memorable massacre which occurred
in Boston in 1770, Mr. Campbell, who obtained his company 2nd of
August, 1769, does not appear to have been mixed up with that
unfortunate affair. The Grenadier company which he commanded
failed from Spithead in H. M. ship lsis on the 11th March, 1776,
and landed at Quebec on the 6th May. At the battle at Freeman's
farm, Capt. Campbell (whom Anbury styles Major) was field
officer of the day. He was appointed Major by brevet 17th
November, 1780; Major of his regiment 22nd August, 1787; Lieut.
Colonel of his regiment 5th December, 1792, and Colonel in the
army 1795. After 1797, his name does not occur in the Army List.
___________________________
Camp at Fort Edward,
2nd Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Sabine. Countersign, Berwick.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forbes.
The Country people having brought in sheep
for sale, Notice is given that Officers chusing to buy may
purchase them.
Camp at Fort Edward,
3rd Aug. 1777.
Parole, Xavier. Countersign, Glamorgan.
Field Officer Britifli Picquet, Lieut.
Colonel Hill.
The 21st Regiment is to be relieved tomorrow
morning by a Regiment from the Left Wing, which Regiment will
have two pieces of Cannon with it.
This Regiment will be relieved by the
Regiment of Hesse Hanau, when that Regiment moves forward from
St. Anne's.
Camp near Fort Edward,
4th Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Adelaide. Countersign, Carnarvon
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Colonel
Lind.
Camp near Fort Edward,
5th Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. James. Countersign, Britole.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forster.
It appearing that there is still a
misapprehension in some Corps of the Army respecting the
carriage of Officer's Baggage, when the Service shall make it
necessary to quit the River, it is from henceforward to be
underslood that no provision has been made by the King's Orders,
nor those of his Excellency Sir Guy Carleton for that purpose;
nor is there any example of such being made, in any Service. The
allowance of bat and forage money has been in the proportion of
that granted the last and the present year to the Army in
Canada.
Such Gentlemen therefore as have not
understood this general System of the Service, will provide
themselves by purchase as opportunities offer, always
remembering that the prohibition againft purchasing from the
Savages is still in force.
An Officer and 20 men with Non Commission
Officers in proportion from the Line, will conduct all the
Prisoners taken from the Enemy to Fort George, tomorrow morning.
Camp near. Fort Edward,
6th Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Joseph. Countersign, Potton.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lieut. Col.
Sutherland.
The Picquets of the Line, Regiment of Rhetz
excepted, to march this afternoon at five o'clock on the road to
Fort George in order to proceed at day break tomorrow morning to
the ground that will be shown by Engineer Roberton1,
where they are to cover and assist in working at the repair of
the roads. The Regiments will supply Tents in proportion to the
number of their respective men, which Tents are to be brought by
five in the afternoon under proper charge to the following
places, where Carriages will be ready to take them up. First
Line British Right Flank of the 9th Regiment, Second Line
British Right Flank of the 20th Regiment. The Germans to the
Right Flank of their Encampment.
All the unarmed men of the Provincial Corps
to march at the same time for the same purpose.
There is reason to believe that the Deserters
from the 53rd Regiment have been scalped by the Savages. The
general and faithful attachment of the Soldiers of this Army to
the cause of the King, gives no apprehension of the Crime of
Desertion spreading, nevertheless, to prevent the Stragghng from
the Camp for the purpose of marauding, drunkenness, or other
Disorders, leading to Desertion, it is positively ordered that a
Report of absent men be sent to Head Quarters within one hour
after each rollcalling, in order that parties of Savages may be
immediately sent in pursuit, who have orders to scalp all
Deserters.
________________
1 John James Roberton was he advanced no
higher than that commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the grade, and
his name appears for the Royal Engineers, 13th July, 1774; last
time in the Army List of 1781.
_____________________________
A Commissary Serjeant from each Brigade to be
sent to Mr. Commissary McKenzie, to assist him in the
arrangement of Stores, till further Orders.
The Department allotted to Colonel Skeine by
the Orders of the 12th July becoming too extensive and
complicated to be executed by one person, Mr. Daniel Jones and
others are appointed to act as his Assistants, and among them to
constitute a Board or Office, a Quorum of which is to be three,
to sit every morning at Head Quarters when the Army is not
marching, to receive, discuss and regulate the applications of
Inhabitants and other persons coming in from the Enemy,
respecting Protections, sale of Cattle, enlistment, and all
other purposes, taking care to form distinct Reports, to be laid
before the Lieut. General of such cases as do not come within
the limits of their Instruction to determine.
The design of this Institution is to prevent
complaints, abuses, and irregularities, and mutually assist the
demand of the King's Service, and the Protection of the
well-affected. And all persons are to take notice and obey
accordingly.
Camp near Fort Edward,
7th Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Lucreece. Countersign, Burton.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Colonel
Hill.
All ox teams, carts, horses and oxen
belonging to the King and now with the different Regiments, are
to be sent without delay to the Waggon Master General, near the
Fort, in order to their being immediately employed in the
Transport for the Army.
Lieut. Colonel Bailey of the 20th Regiment is
appointed to act as Assistant Quarter Master General.
Camp near Fort Edward,
8th Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Anne. Counterfign, Biggleswade.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Colonel
Lind.
Camp near Fort Edward, | 9th Aug, 1777.
Parole, St. David. Countersign, Conway.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forster.
Brigadier General Powell is to relieve
Brigadier General Hamilton in the command at Ticonderoga. The
53d Regiment will march tomorrow to relieve the 62nd Regiment at
the same place; the return provision Carts will take their Camp
Equipage, &c. Four Companies will embark at Fort George in
the First return Boats, and the remaining four Companies are to
wait for the boats that bring the 62d Regiment from Ticonderoga.
Captain Monin's Company is to march as soon
as the 53rd Regiment arrives at Fort George to join the Advanced
Corps of the Army. Captain Boucherville's1 Company to
march to Fort George to replace Captain Monins Company.
Divine Service will be performed tomorrow at
eleven o'clock at the head of the Line. There will be divine
service at Head Quarters at the fame hour.
Camp near Fort Edward,
10th Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Pierre. Countersign, Truro.
Field Officer British, Major Forbes.
The Soldier Tasselebend, condemned to suffer
death by the sentence of a Court Martial for Desertion to the
Enemy, is to be executed tomorrow morning at ten o'clock in the
Front of the Regiment of Reidesel.
_____________________
1 ReNe Antoine de Boucherville, son of
Francois Pierre de Boucherville, author of Relation des
Aventures de M. de Boucherville a son retour des Sioux en 1728
et 1729, and Miss Margaret Raimbault, was born at Cataracouy
(now Kingston, C. W.), on the 12th February, 1735. He married at
Montreal Mifs Madeleine Raimbault St. Blain on the 6th June,
1770, and had distinguished himself in this war at the ficgc
of St. Johns. He was afterwards member of the
Lcgislative Council of Canada, and filled the
office of Grand Voyer, or Inspector of Roads. He died at
Boucherville, near Montreal, on the 2d September, 1812.
______________________
The Picquets of the Line will alTemble
tomorrow morning at half pall nine o'clock and march to the
Front of the Regiment of Rcidejel to attend the Execution.
A General Court Martial to assemble tomorrow
morning at the British Encampment for the Trial of William Sheen
and John Dering, and such other Prisoners as may be brought
before them. Lieut. Colonel Hill, President.
The 9th Regiment gives two Subalterns.
20th Regiment two Captains two Subalterns.
21th Regiment one Captain two Subalterns.
47th Regiment one Captain two Subalterns.
Captain Lindsay1 of the 9th
Regiment is to a6l as Deputy Judge Advocate, Captain Craig being
fick.
Any Detachment, party, or even one man, going
from a Regiment, is to have a Certificate from the Commanding
Officer of the time they or he may have been victualled to; as
without fuch a Certificate no Provisions will be issued by any
Commissary. This Order extends to the Naval Department, and to
all Artificers, Drivers, and others attending the Army.
_____________________
1 Waterhouse Lindsay entered The regiment
continued in America the 9th regiment as Enfign 26th until 1
769, when he went to Ireland. January, 1761, served in the
expedition against Belleisle, and was commissoned Lieutenant
31st July, 1762, in which year he served at the Havana;
afterwards in Florida,
The regiment continued in America until 1769,
when he went to Ireland. Mr. Lindsay obtained his company in
1772, and accompanied his regiment to Canada in 1776. His name
is dropped in the Army List of 1782.
Camp near Fort Edward,
11th Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Mathias. Countersign, Penzance.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Col. Lind.
The Rev. Mr. Brudenel and Major Skeine are
added to the Commissioners appointed to administer the Oath of
Allegiance and grant Certificates of Protection to such of the
Inhabitants as sue properly for the same, and to regulate all
other matters relative to the Supplies and Assistances that
shall be required from the Country, or voluntarily brought in,
etc. etc.
Camp near Fort Edward,
12th Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Luc. Countersign, Dartmouth.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forbes.
Mr. Commissary McKenzie being gone forward to
the Advanced Corps, Mr. Commissary McCullogh has the direcction
of the Stores at Fort Edward. The Order of the 6th relative to
the Commissary Serjeants, continues in force till the Stores are
arranged.
Each Brigade will fend a Cooper to the
Commiss to repair some Provisions Calks that have suffered much
in the Transport.
Camp near Fort Edward,
13th Aug. 1777
Parole, St. John. Countersign, Ipswich.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forbes.
The Army to receive Provisions this Afternoon
to the 16th inclusive.
Such Batteaux as can be allotted to the
Troops for the present Transport ot their Camp equipage will
bedivided at five this afternoon, and the Qr. Master will attend
to take charge of them. But it being exceedingly desirable that
the Troops should be practiced in conctructing expeditiously
such slight rafts as will serve for present purposes, the
Commanding Officers of Corps will take this occasion to make the
Experiment.
It was proved by the Advanced Corps in the
transport three days ago, that rafts of about eighteen feet by
nine were much more convenient than Batteaux in the shallows and
narrows on this side Fort Miller.
The Army marches tomorrow by the Right in one
Column. The General will beat at day break; the Quarter Mafters
and Camp Colourmen to march at the same time.
When the ground of the Encampment falls upon
the fame fpots where the Tents of any foregoing Troops have been
pitched, the Quarter Mafters are to be responsible that all
rubbish is burned, and the ground thoroughly cleared before the
respective Corps arrive.
The Assembly to beat an hour after the
General, and the Troops to march immediately after, having a
proper number of men to load and work the Batteaux and Rafts.
All the Bat horses and carriages, such as are
the perfonal property of Officers, are to follow in the rear of
the Column. The Provost in the rear of the whole.
The General Court Martial of which Lieut.
Colonel Hill was President is dissolved.
The Baron Salans of the 9th Regiment is to
act in Capt. Frasers Corps till further Orders.
Mr. Munro is appointed to act as Captain of
Batteaux in the Quarter Mafter General's Department.
Whereas two Barrels of Madeira Wine, three
Barrels of Rum, one bag of Coffee, one bag of Barley, two kegs
of Butter, and two rolls of Tobacco have been put clandestinely
into the Provision Carts of the Army, and very properly reported
by the Waggon Master General, the said Articles are to be
received into the Public Stores by the Commissary, and to be
issued according to future Orders.
Camp at Duer's House,
14th Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Valentine. Countersign, Wootton.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lieut. Col.
Hill.
The Bridge not being finished the hour of
march cannot be ascertained, but the Army will hold
themselves in readiness to march tomorrow at
a moment's warning.
After Orders.
A working party of one Captain, three
fubalterns and one hundred men with proper Non Commission
Officers to parade at day break tomorrow morning, and march
immediately after, to the Lower Crane below the hill. This
working party will take their instructions from Captain Lawes.
For this party :
British -- Capt. 1, Subs. 2, Men. 70
German -- Subs. 1, Men 30
All Teams and Carts belonging to the King now
with any of the Regiments to Head Quarters tomorrow morning at
six o'clock.
Camp at Duer's House,
15'th Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Theodosia. Countersign, Drury.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lieut. Colonel
Lind.
The Army will hold themselves in readiness to
march at a minute's warning.
Camp at Duer's House,
16th Aug. 1777
Parole, St. Lawrence. Countersign, Pittsburg.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forster.
The Quarter Masters of the Army to attend at
four o'clock this afternoon to receive Provisions.
The General Court Martial of which Lieut.
Colonel Hill was President have passed Sentence as follows upon
the Prisoner William Sheen, Soldier in the 47th Regiment, tried
for robbing Mr. William Johnson at Fort Edward on the 7th
August.
It is the Opinion of the Court that the
Prisoner is guilty of the Crime laid to his charge, being a
breach of the second Article of the 20th Section of the Articles
of War, and sentence him to receive one thousand Lashes. The
Prisoner John Dering, Soldier in the 47th Regiment, tried at the
same time for robbing Mr. William Johnson at Fort Edward on the
7th August, is also found guilty of the Crime laid to his
Charge, being a breach of the second Article of the 20th Section
of the Articles of War, is fsntenced by the Court to receive one
thousand Lashes.
Lieut. General Burgoyne has been pleased to
confirm both the above Sentences of the General Court Martial,
and to order the same to be put in Execution.
A Subaltern and thirty men with Non
Commission Officers in proportion of the British Picquet of this
night are to march immediately after mounting, and to take
pollession of the Bridge over the Hudson's River.
The Officer will divide his Party to secure
both ends of the Bridge from any attempt of ill-designing people
to injure it. As the Army passes tomorrow this Guard will fall
into their respective Corps.
The Army will march tomorrow from their
right, and in the same manner as the last march.
The last Regiment which passes the Bridge on
the march tomorrow, will leave an Officer's Party to prevent the
bat horses and carts which follow the Line of march from
pressing in such numbers at a time as may endanger the Bridge.
This Guard will remain till the Baggage is past, and then join
the rear Guard of the Army, which will be furnishied as upon the
last march.
The General to beat at day break, and the
Quarter Masters and Camp Colourmen to march at the same hour;
the Assembly to beat an hour after. The Line to be alert and
march immediately.
A working party of one Captain, three
Subalterns and one hundred men, with proper Non Commission
Officers to be at the Rapids at Fort Miller tomorrow morning at
four o'clock, and take their instrucctions from Capt. Lawes.1
British, Capt. 1, Subs. 2, Men, 70
German, Subs. 1, Men, 30
____________
1 George Lavves entered the service as 2d
Lieutenant in the 61st Foot, 22d November, 1756, which regiment
formed part of the expedition againft the French West lndia
Islands in 1759, at the close of which year he was promoted to a
lieutenancy in the 75th. This corps served in the expedition
against Belleisle (France) in 1761; and againft Martinico in
1762, when Mr. Lawes obtained his company. He was afterwards
stationed in one of the Leeward Isands until the
peace, when his regiment was reduced and he
went on half pay where he remained until 1769. When the American
Revolution broke out, warrants were granted to divers officers
to embody old officers and other loyalifts in America into
Provincial corps, In this way Brig. General McLean raised the
ist battalion of the 84th or Royal Highland Emigrants in Canada,
and Capt. Lawes received a commission in that regiment on the
1st June, 1777, on the opening of this campaign. He returned to
Canada after this expedition, and is mentioned in the Memoirs of
Pierre du Calvet, whom he arrested on suspicion of treasonable
praftices in 1780. He died, it is suppofed, in the summer of
1782.
_______________
Instead of the working party ordered to be at
the Rapids, a Detachment of the same number is to be at that
place, tomorrow morning, for this Duty, and remain there till
further Orders. The same numbers and proportions as the working
party ordered to be with Mr. Vallancy this afternoon at four
o'clock, will be at the same place tomorrow morning at day
break, and when the Duty is finishied, the Officers will march
their parties up to the Army and join their respective Corps,
Camp at Duer's House,
17th Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Ferdinand. Countersign, Madrid.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forbes.
It was endeavoured among other objects of the
Expedition which marched to the Left, to provide such a supply
of Cattle as might have enabled the Army to proceed without
waiting the arrival of the Magazines. That attempt having failed
of success through the chances of War, the Troops must
necessarily halt some days for bringing forward the Transport;
and the several Corps will employ that time to collect their
sick and convalescents, and such other scattered parties as are
merely on Regimental Duty.
The 47th Regiment is to march tomorrow
morning to Fort Edward, where they will receive Orders from
Major General Phillips. They are to take under their charge the
Prisoners brought in by Colonel Brumert's Corps, and whatever
other Prisoners of War there may be now here. The Flour taken
from the Enemy to be delivered into the hands of the Commissary
here. The Teams and Carriages taken are to convey the baggage of
the 47th Regiment, and to be delivered by them into the hands of
the Waggon Master General.
The Bridge over the great river having given
way, by the increase and rapidity of the water, the materials
are to be collected together in order to form a Bridge lower
down.
Camp at Duer's House,
18th Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Louis. Countersign, Paris.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lieut. Colonel
Hill.
It having been a practice for Officers to
order to be taken from the Provision train in the service of the
King for this Army, the carts and horses for the carrying of
baggage and other purposes, to avoid tor the future this danger
and inconvenience to the service, it is in the most positive
manner ordered, that no cart or horse is to be used, but for the
public transport of the Army; nor is any Officer, accidentally
coming to any particular post, to interfere with the provision
train, in any other manner than to give it every aid and
assistance in his power, which he is on all occasions to do.
Camp at Duer's House,
18th Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Anthony. Countersign, Turkey.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forster.
Camp at Duer's House,
21st Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Matilda. Countersign, Coventry.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forbes.
Four German Recruits in different British
Regiments having been absent at two roll callings, yesterday,
and it being supposed they are deserted. Parties of Indians and
Provincials have been sent in search, and it is not doubted but
they will be brought in or scalped.
The general zeal of this Army in the cause of
the King and the British Constitution, is too appa- rent to
admit a suspicion of the crime of Desertion, ever entering into
the men's minds, except when they are intoxicated, or imposed
upon by Emissaries of the Enemy.
There is reason to believe such Emissaries
have dared to intrude in the Camp, and by spurious
promises, false representations, and perhaps
by a readiness in the German language, have deluded these late
criminals to an ignominious death. In order to bring such
miscreants to condign Punishment, a reward of one hundred
Dollars will be given for the discovery of any Person who shall
be tampering with any Soldiers, or holding conversation in
favour of the Enemy, or otherwise tending to persuade men to
desert. This reward to be paid immediately upon the conviction
of the offender; and the offender himfelf will be punished with
death. And further to prevent such iniquitous attempts, the
Regimental Gentries are not to suffer any Person who is not a
Soldier or Officer's Servant at any time to be in the streets of
the Camp; and the Provost and all Guards and Patrolls are to
oblige all persons who shall at any time or place be found
converfmg with Soldiers, to give an account of themselves, and
they are to make prisoners all suspicious persons.
In regard to Deserters themselves, all out
polls. Scouts and working Parties, of Provincials and Indians,
are hereby promised a reward of twenty Dollars for every
Deserter they bring in; and in case any Deserter should be
killed in the pursuit, their scalps are to be brought off.
The Army will be victualled tomorrow morning
at 10 o'clock to the 24th inclusive.
Camp at Duer's House,
22th Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Agnes. Countersign, Sorell.
Field Officer Britsh Picquet, Lt. Colonel
Hill.
There being still a want of uniformity in
distributing the daily Orders to the men, notwithstanding
repeated verbal explanations, upon this Subject, the Rule to be
invariably observed for the future by every Regiment, is to form
each Company in a Circle, at the evening roll calling upon the
Parade, of each Regiment by word of Command from each Commanding
Officer present; the Officers of Companies are to remain within
their respective Circles till the whole of the Orders of the day
have been read and explained by one of them.
The Commanding Officer of each Battalion is
to be answerable that every man of the Battalion is present at
the evening roll calling, except such men only who are absent
upon Duty, or confined by sickness.
Camp at Duer's House,
23rd Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Joan. Countersign, Arc.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forster.
A General Court Martial to assemble tomorrow
morning for the Trial of George Hundertmark, Soldier in the 9th
Regiment, for Defertion, and such other prisoners as may be
brought before them. President, Lieut. Col. Lind.
The three Regiments present, viz. 9th, 20th
and 21st, give one Captain and three Subalerns each, Members.
All Prosecutors and Evidences to attend at
the hour and place appointed by the President. Captain Gray,1
Judge Advocate.
Camp at Duer's House,
24th Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Cecelia. Countersign, Kelly.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forbes.
The General Court Martial of which Lieut.
Colonel Lind was President, have found Patrick McDonald, private
Soldier in the 47th Regiment, guilty of Desertion, and have
sentenced him to receive one thousand Lashes. The same Court
Martial have also found George Hundertmark, Soldier of the 9th
Regiment, guilty of quitting his Post when Centinel without
being regularly relieved, and of Defertion, and have sentenced
him to be shot to death. Which Sentences are approved, and the
Court Martial is dissolved. The day after tomorrow the Sentences
will be put in Execution. The Picquets of the Line to attend.
Lieut. Colonel Hill will give proper directions for a Party of
men to execute the Sentence of death.
_____________
1 Warner Wald Gray entered the army as Enlign
in the 83d regiment 3d January 1760, and was promoted to a
lieutenancy 13th February, 1762. The regiment being disbanded
after the peace, he
went on half pay and did not return to active
service until 1768, when he was appointed to the 9th Foot. He
obtained a company in that corps 26th September, 1772, and
disappears from the Army List of 1781,
______________
Camp at Duer's House,
26th Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Mary. Countersign, Jerusalem.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lieut. Colonel
Lind.
The Lieut. General having received the report
from Lt. Col. Brcymann,1 relative to the affair at
Saintwick. Mills, and also having obtained every collateral
information possible, thinks it justice to declare publickly,
that he has no reason to be dissatisfied with the personal
Spirit of the officers and Troops in the Action; that on the
contrary the Officers who commanded the different Corps acted
with intrepidity.
__________
1 Lt. Col. Heinrich Christoph Breyman. This
officer commanded the German reserve, composed of the Brunwick
chasseurs, light infantry and grenadiers, in this expedition,
and was engaged in the battle ot Stillwater on the 19th
September. Being ordered on the 7th of October, to accompany
Gen. Burgoyne in reconnaisancc, the party was vigorously
attacked and Breyman's corps suftered severcly, having left
their commanding officer dead on the field of Freeman's farm.
_____________
The failure of the Enterprise seems in the
first Instance to have been owing to the Credulity of those who
managed the Department of intelligence, suffered great numbers
of the Rebel Soldiers to pass and repass, and perhaps count the
numbers of the Detachment, and upon ill-founded confidence
induced Lieut. Col. Baume1 to advance too far to have
a secure retreat. The next cause was the slow movement of Lieut.
Col. Breymann's Corps, which from bad weather, bad Roads, tired
horses and other impediments stated by Lieut. Colonel Breymann,
could not reach 24 miles from eight in the morning of the 15th
to four in the afternoon of the 16th. The Succour therefore
arrived too late. The failure of Ammunition, in the management
of which there appears to have been improvidence, was another
missfortune. The rest seem common Accidents of War. Upon the
whole. the Enemy have severely felt their little success, and
there is no circumstance to affect the Army with further regret
or melancholy, than that which arises from the loss of some
gallant men. But let the Affair of the Mill2 at
Saintwick remain henceforward as a lesson against the
impositions of a treacherous Enemy, many of whom in the very
hour of (wearing allegiance to the King, fought against his
Troops, and against expending Ammunition too fast, by which
conquering Troops were obliged to retire with loss. The
Reflection upon this Affair will moreover excite Alertness and
Exertion in every Corps marching for the fupport of another, by
shewing in whatever degree those qualities may be possessed by
the Commanding Officer (and they are not doubted in the present
instance), yet unless they are general, common accidents may
become fatal, and the loss of two hours may decide the turn of
an enterprise, and it might happen in some cases, the fate of a
Campaign.
___________
1 Friedrich Baume was Lieut. Colonel of
Riedefel's (dismountcd) Dragoons. He was feverely wounded at the
battle of Bennington, 16th August, 1777, taken prifoner, and
died two days after.
2 This Mill, known as Van Schaick's Mill,
ftands at the junction of the Wallomscoick and White
creeks, in the Town of North Hoosick,
Rensselaer county, N. Y. Here the
memorable battle of Bennington ended.
____________________
Camp at Duer's House,
27th Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Magdalen. Countersign, Babylon.
Field Officer British Picquel, Major Forster.
Great irregularities having been committed by
Conductors and others, followers of the Army, Camp Courts
Martial will occasionally be assembled in the nature of Garrison
Courts Martial, consisting of one Captain and four Subalterns
from the Line, who will try such offenders according to the
Clause in the Mutiny Ad:. All followers of the Army are subjest
to Military Law.
Captain Money1, Deputy Quarter
Master General, is appointed also to do the duty of Commissary
of Horses and Inspector on the part of the King of the
performance of the Contract made for furnishing and keeping up a
certain number of Horses for the King's Service.
_______________
1 John Money was born in the year 1740, and
entered the military profession as early as 1760, as Ensign in
the Norfolk militia. He afterwards servcd as a volunteer in the
15th Light Dragoons, and as such was in 1761 at the battle of
Felinghausen and other engagements. He was appointed Cornet in
the 6th or Innilkilling Dragoons, 11th March, 1762, and ferved
with that regiment until February, 1770, when he was
commissioncd Captain in the 9th Foot. This regiment was ordered
to Canada in 1776, in which year Capt. Money participated in the
engagement with the Americans at Three Rivers. In the present
expedition he acted as Deputy Quarter Master General, and had
entire charge of that department; was in action of the 19th
September, 1777, and was taken prifoner on the 8th October
following. In November, 1780, he received the rank of Major by
brevet and was promoted to be Major of his regiment 28th
September, 1781. After the war Major Money went on half pay and
became Lieutenant Colonel brevet 18th November, 1790. When the
people of Belgium took up arms against Austria in 1789-90, he
offered his serviccs to the patriots, from whom he received a
commission of Major General. But the resistance not proving
successful, he returned to England, where he became Colonel in
the army in 1795; Major General in 1798; Lieutenant General
1805, and General 4th by June, 1814. He died at Trowse Hall,
Norfolk, March 26th, 1817, in the 78th year of his age. Gen.
Money was Colonel of the East Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry at the
time of his death.
________________________
It having appeared that many of the horses
belonging to the King have been made use of for Private
purposes, and secreted in the woods preparatory to the next
march of the Army, all Commanding officers of Regiments will
make strict inquiry into such enormities. It cannot be supposed
that any Officers are privy to an offence that would subject
them to be Cashiered with the utmost disgrace; but it is to be
made publick to all Sutlers, Servants, Provincials, and all
other Dependants upon and followers of the Army, that whoever
hereafter shall be detected with one of the King's horses in his
possession, unless authorized by the Department of the Quarter
Masler General, will be tried by a Court Martial for Theft. And
all Officers of that Department are forbid giving that
authority, except by order of the Lieut. General, or evitable
Exigencies of the Service. And any Agent, Commissary, Conductor
or Driver who shall presume to sell or lend any horse. Cart or
Harness, or connive at the use of such for any other purpose
than the publick service, will be punished with the utmost
rigour.
As long as a Brigadier shall be upon Duty at
Ticonderoga, the Brigadier with the Army will command both
Brigades.
There will be a sale of horses tomorrow at
twelve o'clock at the round Tent near Head Quarters, where such
Officers as chuse may furnish themselves.
Camp at Duer's House,
28th Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. George. Countersign, Windsor.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forbes.1
The Army will this day receive four days
Provision to September 1st inclusive.
The different departments employed with the
Army and allowed to be victualled, will receive their Provisions
at the same time.
_________________
1 Gordon Forbes was born in the year 1738;
entered the army as Ensign in the 33rd Foot in 1756;
became Lieutenant 2nd Oct., 1757, and was
tranfferred to the 72nd regiment; obtained a company in 1762,
when he ferved at the Havana, and exchanged into the 34th
regiment 12th April, 1764. He served with the latter regiment in
Louisiana, and in November, 1776, became Major of the 9th. He
was twice wounded in this campaign. He must have been exchanged
before the peace of 1783, for we find him commissioncd 24th
September, 1781, Lieutenant Colonel of the I02nd (a newly
raised) regiment, which proceeded soon after to the East Indies,
where he
spent four years, and attained the rank of
Colonel. On the rcduction of his regiment in 1785, Col. Forbes
went on half pay. In 1794, he was promoted to be Major General,
and the same year became Colonel of the 105th Foot, which
however was shortly after reduced, and Col. Forbes was
tranfferred to the 81st regiment on 24th January, 1797. He
remained at the head of this corps but a few months and became
Colonel of the 29th, on the 8th August of the same year. He was,
commander of the forces in St. Domingo two years, became Lieut.
General in 1801, and General in 1812. He died at Ham, in the
county of Middlefex, January 17, 1828, in the 90th year of his
age.
_______________________
Camp at Duer's House,
29th Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Joseph. Countersign, Portugal.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Col. Hill.
The strict economy in the delivery and
receipt of Provisions at all times are essential Duties, now
becomes an object of the most important consequence. The fate of
the Campaign may depend upon it, and the preservation of the
live Cattle requires the most particular attention. They are
only to be slaughtered for the sick, and in such cases as
absolutely require it. The Commanding Officers of Regiments will
therefore send in an account upon honour of the fresh Provisions
requisite for their sick to the Commissary, the day before the
General issue of Provisions to the Army, and be responfible that
a proper reduction of Rations is made for the fresh Provisions
received.
Whenever the Stock of Cattle shall be
sufficient to admit of it, every attention will be had to the
convenience and comfort of the Officers. And notice will be
given when they can be supplied with Rations of fresh Provisions
instead of salt.
The Lieut. General meaning that every
Regiment should be upon the same regulation, directs that the
Servants and Batmen be allowed as follows :
Field Officers. Servamts 1. Batmen 2
Captains. Servants 1. Batmen 1
Subalterns of a Company. Servants 2. Batmen
1.
When the men's Tents are carried upon
Bat-horses, a Batman to be allowed each Company.
The Batman to be always armed, and to form
the baggage Guard. The Servants to be considered as effectve in
the Ranks, and are to attend at every evening parade; the other
parades and roll callings are excused, unless the Regiments are
ordered under Arms.
The Commanding Officers of Regiments will
take care that this Order is complied with strictly.
Whenever Cattle is killed, it must be always
at night. The Commissaries are made answerable for this.
Camp at Duer's House,
30th Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Charles. Countersign, Castile.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Col. Lind.
It appearing beyond a doubt that great abuses
prevail among the Soldiers and Inhabitants regarding the sale of
horses, that horses have been often stole from Inhabitants, and
that Officers not knowing this have been led by cheap prices to
purchase such horses; in order to stop such iniquitous
proceedings, and that Officers may not be imposed on, it is
strictly ordered that no horses are to be bought privately by
any Officer or other person, but that whoever has horses to sell
bring them to the Board of Regulation for examination, and if
proved the real property of the person so bringing them, notice
is given that at 12 o'clock every day there will be sales at the
Tent where the Board sits. Any Soldier or any Inhabitant
detected of, and proved to have stolen horses, or having taken
away horses on any pretence from any person, shall be punished
for theft. It cannot be imagined after this Order, so positively
given, that any Officer will buy horses at any other place than
the publick sale.
All Cattle brought into the Camp to be
ordered to the Board of Regulation, and by that Board to be sent
to the Commissary General. The Troops must be sensible that
buying Cattle privately, and by that means preventing a general
supply, must prove very injurious to the Army.
The Quarter Master General's Department to
receive Orders from Major General Phillips, and to report to
him.
Lieut. Wilkinson1 is appointed to
act as an Assistant Engineer under the Orders of Mr. Twiss the
Commanding Engineer.
Mr. Robertson is appointed a Brigade
Commissary of Provisions to the several Corps and Parties of
Provincials until farther Orders.
Camp at Duer's House,
31st Aug. 1777.
Parole, St. Mark. Countersign, Venice.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forster.
A General Court Martial will be held tomorrow
(composed of Officers belonging to that Corps) for the Trial of
Walter Harris, Soldier in the Light Company of the 53d Regiment,
for advising Wil- liam Bell, Soldier in the Light Company of the
24th Regiment, and Jofeph Brooks, Soldier in the Light Company
of the 53rd Regiment to desert to the Rebels, and for declaring
an intention to desert himfelf.
Camp at Duer's House,
1st Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. James. Countersign, Pembroke.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forbes.
The Army will receive four days Provisions
for the fifth Sept. inclusive.
___________
1 William Wilkinson was commissioned Ensign
in the 62nd. Foot, 31st December, 1772; Lieutenant 1stt May,
1775, vice Dalrymple, killed at Bunker Hill; he was appointed
Adjutant of the regiment in 1782, and Captain-Lieutenant soon
after. His name is dropped after 1786.
______________________
Camp at Duer's House,
2nd Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. Peters. Countersign, Rome.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Col. Hill.
The Additional Companies are expected in Camp
tomorrow.
Captain Frsfers Markmen are to be augmented
with one Non Commission Officer and sixteen men from each
British Regiment of the Line (the 53rd excepted); they are to
take two from each Company, and chosen according to the Orders
of last year, dated the 6th Sept., viz. men of good character,
sober, active, robust and healthy; they are to be provided with
a very good firelock, and to be in every respect proper to form
a Body of Markmen, &c. &c. &c. Brigadier General
Hamilton will see this Order complied with.
His Excellency General Carleton has been
pleased to make the following Promotions in the Army.
Alexander Baillie1 Esq. Captain
Lieutenant in the Ninth Regiment to be Captain of a Company in
___________________
1 Alexander Baillie held a Lieutenant's
commission in the 60th or Royal American regiment as early as July, 1758, and
served through the French war. He went on half pay in 1763, and
was not recalled into active service until 29th Nov., 1771, when
he was appointed Lieutenant in the 21st Fuzileers. He obtained a
company in the 9th Foot 23d Sept., 1776; became Major in the
army 1 8th November, 1790, and of his regiment i 7th February,
1794; Lieutenant Colonel by brevet 1st March, 1794, and
continued in active service until Auguft, 1795, when his name
disappcars from the Army List.
________________
the said Regiment in the room of Captain
Stapylton1, dead of his wounds.
Lieut. Neil McLean2 of the 21st
Regiment to be Captain Lieut. in the Ninth Regiment in the room
of Captain Baillie promoted.
Ensign Minchin Hubert of the 24th Regiment to
be Lieut, in the 21ft Regiment in the room of McLean promoted.
Mr. Hanbury, Volunteer, to be Ensign in the
24th Regiment in room of Hubert, promoted.
Camp at Duer's House,
3rd Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. Gertrude. Countersign, Denmark.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Col. Lind.
The Additional Companies to be divided among
the eight Battalion Companies of each Regiment.
The men now wanting to compleat to be filled
up, and the Supernumerary to be accounted with
by a particular Pay Bill, and a particular
account kept, and regulated by the Commanding Officers of each
Company.
_________________________
1 Francis Samuel Stapleton was commissioned
Ensign in the 9th Foot 4th September, 1762; served in Florida;
became Lieutenant 12th December,
1770, and Captain 31st May, 1773, and was killed in this
Campaign.
2 Neil McLean entered the army 15th
September, 1758, as Ensign in the 2nd battalion of the 42nd
Highlanders; accompanied that regiment to the West Indies, and
in 1759 served in the expedition against Martinique and
Giiadaloupe. He was promoted to a lieutenancy 14th February,
1762, and went on half pay in 1763, where he so remained until 1771, when he was
appointed to the 21st Fuzileers. In June, 1775, he obtained a
company in
that regiment and was transferred to the oth
Foot 10th August 1777. His name disappears from the Army List in
1794.
_______________
The Officers of the Additional Companies are
to be posted until further Orders to the weakest Companies, and
where there is a Captain he is to have the Command of a Company
whose Captain is absent and cannot be supposed to join this
Campaign.
All the Regiments to send in their monthly
Provision returns to the 24th August inclusive, with three
General Receipts for each month, for the Provisions drawn by
them, to assist Commissary General Clarke.
Camp at Duer's House,
4th Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. Paul. Countersign, Southwark.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forster.
Camp at Duer's House, 5th Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. Timothy. Countersign, Buckingham.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forbes.
The Army will receive four days' Provisions
for the ninth inclusive. The Quarter Masters will be with the
Commissary at two o'clock. Such Regiments as have
Supernumeraries are immediately to compleat their Grenadier and
Light Infantry Companies. The additional men arrived yeslerday
are to be exercised from seven to nine every morning, and from
three to five every afternoon.
In their exercisings they will fire ball
occasionally. The Army will march in a very short time. Each
Regiment will therefore make such Inspection and preparation in
regard to their Sick, their Baggage, and other Regimental
Arrangements as will enable them to move alertly, and with their
Ranks as strong as possible.
All the Provincial Corps must send in their
monthly returns the first of the month, and their weekly states
every Monday.
This to be invariably observed.
Camp at Duer's House,
6th Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. Alban. Countersign, Hertford/
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Col. Hill.
The Surgeons of the Hospital having requested
that ten men from the Provincials be ordered the Hospital to
serve as Storekeepers and orderly men, who are to remain with
and will be paid by the Hospital, according to their station and
services.
The Lieut. General permits the Surgeon to
employ ten men accordingly, and they will apply to the
Provincial Corps for sober, diligent men.
The Surgeons of Regiments will send to the
General Hospital a Return of the number of sick they will be
obliged to have on the Army's moving. A Surgeon of the Hospital
will receive the sick upon their returns in order to know their
exact state, and at what time they will again be fit for
service.
The Surgeons of Regiments are reminded of the
Order of last year for proper returns being made when sick are
sent to the General Hospital, of their cases, and the length of
time they have been ill. And the Commanding Officers of
Regiments will direct a Non Commission to attend the reception
of their sick in the General Hospital, who is to deliver to the
Clerk of the Hospital their Arms and Accoutrements and
Necessaries, for which he is to receive a Receipt from the
Clerk, who will preferve a list of them in his Hospital Book.
The Surgeons of Regiments to meet at Fort
Miller at one o'clock tomorrow the Surgeons of the Hospital, to
concert proper measures for the future conduct of the Sick; and
for keeping in a correct manner the proper connexions between
the Regimental and General Hospitals.
The Troop of the Army to beat at nine o'clock
in the morning, taking the time from the Right Wing.
Lieut. P. England1 of the 47th
Regiment is appointed to act as Fort Major at Ticonderoga,
&c.
______________
1 Poole England entered the service as Ensign
in the 47th regiment 6th November, 1769; and was appointed
Lieutenant 16th April, 1773. He was at the battle of Bunker Hill
in 1775, on which occaaion he was wounded; and after the
evacuation of Bofton, accompanied his regiment to Canada. He
figned the Cambridge parole in 1777, and received his company
17th May, 1782. His name is omitted in the Army Lift of 1783.
_______________
Camp at Duer's House,
7th Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. Phillip.
Countersign, Spain.
Field Officer Britifh Picquet, Lieut. Col.
Lind.
All the Prisoners except the Military, in the
Provost or other Guards, to be brought before the Board of
Commissioners tomorrow morning at ten o'clock; all witnesses to
attend at that time.
Camp at Duer's House,
8th Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. George. Countersign, Kent.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forbes/
A General Court Martial to assemble tomorrow
morning for the trial of all prisoners that may be brought
before them, at the round Tent, at nine o'clock. Major Forster
President. One Captain and three Subalterns from each of the
Regiments present. Members. Captain Craig, Judge Advocate. All
prosecutors and evidences to attend.
The Army will receive four days Provisions
tomorrow morning, to the 13th inclusive.
A working party of 50 men will be wanted
tomorrow morning at 6 o'clock to repair the roads between this
and Fort Edward, to take their Orders from the Quarter Master
General.
Lieut. Roberton will attend upon this Duty.
Camp at Duer's House,
9th Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. Vincent. Countersign, Brentford.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Col. Hill.
Assistant Commissary General Clarke is
ordered to pay the strictest attention to the preservation of
the Salt in the Provision Barrels, and to give the necessary
Directions to all the Commissaries and Persons concerned in
issuing Provisions for this purpose, as this Article will become
very necessary when there shall be a sufficiency of fresh
Provisions for the Army.
The whole will march from here tomorrow
morning. The General will beat at eight o'clock. The Assembly at
nine. The Regiments will march by the Right. Brigadier Specht
will furnish the rear Guard from the Germans. The Baggage to
follow the Line.
One Sergeant and twelve men to be furnishied
for a Guard to the Paymafter General.
One Sergeant and twelve men for the Hospital
Guard, who are also to give every assistance in the removal of
the Sick and Wounded, Hospital Stores, &c.
The General Court Martial, of which Major
Forster was Prefident, is dissolved.
Camp at Duer's House,
10th Sept. 1777.
Parole St. Thomas. Countersign, Weymouth.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Col. Lind.
All the Paymasters of the Army will receive
the Subsistence of their Regiments and Corps from the 25th June
to the 24th Auguft, 1777, and settle all Accounts with Mr.
Geddes, Assistant Paymaster General, to the 24th August. The
Paymaster General is also ready to account with the German
Corps.
The Regiments here will march tomorrow
morning in the same order as directed yesterday. The General
will beat at 8 o'clock. The Assembly at nine.
Lieut. Skene is appointed to act with Capt.
Fraser' s Corps of Rangers till further Orders.
Camp near Battenkill,
Sept. 11th, 1777.
Parole, St. Margaret. Countersign, Navarre.
Field Officer Britifh Picquet, Major Forster.
The Army will be ready to move forward
tomorrow morning. A working Party of 100 men from the Line for
Captain Shank at 5 o'clock, to load Provisions. Work to nine.
Camp near Battenkill,
12th Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. Michael. Countersign, Cornwall.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forbes.
The Officer who was so unmindful of his Duty
some days ago as to quit his Post of the utmost importance, to
attend upon private business, having expressed a thorough sense
of his misconduct, and as far as in him lies atoned for the dame
by evident marks of concern, is releaded from arredt. But the
favy having become notorious to the whole Army, the Lieut.
General, in vindication of his own charavter, finds himdelf
obliged to declare, that in suffering so uncommon a breach of
Discipline without the Judgment of a Court Martial, he can only
justify himself by the Confidence that the Officers of this Army
in general do not want an example of Punishment to impress upon
their minds a knowledge of the great principles of their
Profession, a consciousness of their respective stations, and a
regard to personal honour, and he forgives and will forget the
fault in queslion, convinced that it is impossible it should
happen twice.
A great line of economy and also an attentive
adherence to the minuter parts of it, in the preservation and
distribution of the Provisions becoming of the utmost importance
to the Campaign, the Lieut. General requires the strictest
attention and precision, that no species of imposition from the
under branches of the Corps or Departments may be admitted in
the following Returns.
A Return from Brigadier General Fraser of the
number of Rations drawn for by the Advanced Corps, in which is
to be included the Indians, Canadians and Provincial Corps, the
Company of Pioneers under Capt. Wilcox, and all their
Con-ductors, Drivers, and their usual other followers.
A Return to the fame purpofe from Major Gen-
eral Phillips for the Right Wing of the Army and Artillery.
A Return to the same purpose from Major
General Reidesel for the whole Left Wing of the Army in which is
to be included Col. Breyman's Corps.
A Return from Capt. Money to the same purpose
from his Departments as Deputy Quarter Master General and
Commissary of Horse.
All these Returns are to be sent to the
Lieut. General sealed, and no Copies communicated. In order that
the several Officers who are to be responsible for their
correctness may have time to prepare them, these Returns are not
required till the 17th Inst. But in the meantime all
Commissaries are forbid under the severest penalties to deliver
any species of Provisions to any Persons, without having due
Authority from the heads of Corps and Departments.
The Army will be ready to move tomorrow. The
Park of Artillery will follow immediately after the Advanced
Corps, and the Reserve, and the British Regiments of the Line
follow the Artillery. The 47th Regiment will encamp on the
ground left by the German Reserve, to cover the Provisions and
assist in loading them.
The Left Wing will receive their orders from
Major General Reidesel.
Camp at Saratoga,
13th Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. Nicholas. Countersign, Yarmouth.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Col.
Anstruther1.
The Army may be required to take Arms at the
shortest notice : Officers therefore are not to quit the Camp.
No Soldier nor follower of the Army is to pass the Fishkill
under pain of the severest punishment.
The present post of the six Companies of the
47th Regiment being destined to cover the Depot of Provisions,
those Companies are not to take any of the Duties of the Line,
but will augment their own Picquet to 40 men, which will during
the night occupy a post upon the Island and upon the point of
land on the fouth side of Fishkill where it falls into the
River. The 20th Regiment will advance four Companies to cover
Head Quarters; they will bring their Tents and take their orders
from Sir Francis Clarke.
________________
I John Anstruther is found commissioned in
1761 Captain Lieutenant in the 63rd Foot, which regiment served
in 1759 in the expedition againft Guadaloup; Captain in 1762 and
Major in 1766; he became Lieutenant-Colonel of the 62d in
February, 1773, and was wounded in two different actions during
this campaign; was promoted to be Colonel in the Army in 1780,
and is dropped towards the close of 1782.
_______________________
The Picquet and Quarter Guards of the Line
are to be posted upon the Right Flank of the Encampment, so as
to form a front in the same line of direction with the British
Light Infantry. If it should be necessary to form a Line of
Battle to that front, the Regiments of the Line will march to it
by two Columns, the 9th Regiment followed by the 21st, making
the Right, and the 62nd followed by the 20th making the Column
of the Left, in order to fill up the space between the Corps of
General Fraser and Colonel Breymann. Brigadier Hamilton will
order the proper Communications for this movement, and mark it
in such manner to the Commanding Officers, that it may be made
in the night time with alertness and free from Confusion.
When Major General Phillips shall have
directed the Roads proper to be taken for the part the Artillery
is to bear in this movement, they are also to be well
reconnoitered by the respective Officers, that their march may
not clash with the Columns. If this movement is made, the 47th
Regiment keeps its ground, and is to defend it to the last
againsl: any attack from the other side of the water, and the
four Companies that cover Head Quarters, are to take post in the
Redoubt above the Bridge that leads to Head Quarters.
In case of any movement on this side the
Hudson's River, Major General Reidesel will form the Left Wing
of the Army at the Head of this Encampment, but not march off
the Ground.
_____________________
1 Friedhich Adolph Riedesel was born on the
3rd June, 1738, at Lauterbach in Rhinehesse. About the age of 15
he was sent to College at Marburg, where he shortly after
entered the military service as Ensign in an Infantry regiment
then in garrison in that place. This regiment having been
received into the English establishment, Ensign Riedefel
accompanied it to England, where he remained for a couple of
years and acquired, during his sojourn, a tolerable knowledge of
the English language. On the breaking out of the Seven Years'
War in 1756, his regiment was recalled to Germany, where he was
attached to the person of Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick. He was
appointed in the year 1760, Captain of a regiment of Hessian
Hussars, then lately formed, and which is defcribed as one of
the best and most splendid in the service. After serving two
years in that corps, he found himfelf passed by when promotions
were made, which led him to resign his commission, but in
reparation for the loss Prince Ferdinand appointed him
Lieutenant Colonel of his Black Hussars in 1762. He was engaged
in active service throughout the whole of the war, and when
peace was declared retired into winter quarters, and in the
month of December, 1762, was married to Frederica Von Massow,
second daughter of Commiffary General Von Massow, whose
acquaintance he had formed in the course of his military career.
On the disbanding of his regiment in 1767, Riedesel was
appointed Adjutant-General of the Brunswick Army, and in 1772,
named Colonel of Carabineers, formed shortly after into a
regiment of Dragoons. A few years after thi.s the American
Revolution broke out, and to crush the rifing spirit of
Independence, England entered early in 1776, into treaties with
the petty sovereigns of Germany to take into Britifh service
nearly 20,000 German troops. Over 4,000 of these were
Brunfwickers. Colonel Riedesel was advanced to the rank of Major
General and appointed to the command of the latter corps, which
consisted of the following troops : 1. A regiment of
(dismounted) Dragoons; under Lieut. Col. Baum. 2. Prince
Frederick's regiment of Infantry; Lieut. Col. Pratorius. 3.
Rhets's regiment of Infantry; Lieut. Col. von Ehrenkrook. 4.
Riedesel's regiment of Infantry; Lieut. Col. von Specht. 5. Von
Specht's regiment of Infantry; Col. von Specht. 6. Grenadiers;
Lieut. Colonel Breyman. 7. Rifle Battalion (Jagers); Lieut.
Colonel Earner. General Riedefel failed from the Elbe on the
21st
The Quarter Mafters and Camp Colourmen of the
Left Wing will mark out their ground tomorrow morning, but that
Wing is not to pass the River till the last of the Depot shall
have passed the Bridge, for expediting of which purpose, all the
Departments concerned are to use their utmost diligence.
___________________
March, 1776; arrived at Spithead on the 28th
of the same month and failed on the 4th April for Quebec, where
he arrived on the 1st of June. After spending a year in Canada,
he proceeded on the present expedition. It is not necessary to
detail here the operations in which he was engaged. After the
surrender of the Army he accompanied General Burgoyne to Albany,
where he was entertained with most honorable hospitality at the
mansion of Gen. Schuyler. He left that city on the 22nd October,
1777, and proceeded to Cambridge, where he and the other German
prisoners arrived on the 7th November following. In Nov. 1778,
the German troops were ordered to Virginia, whither Maj. Gen.
Riedesel followed, and in the course of the year 1779 were sent
into Pennsylvania. In November of that year he was permitted to
remove to New York. Having been exchanged in the autumn of 1780,
Gen. Clinton conferred on him a command on Long Island, and Maj.
Gen. Riedesel in consequence took up his quarters in Brooklyn.
He remained there until 1st July, 1781, when he, his family and
suite embarked on board the transport Little Deal for Canada.
After touching at Halifax he arrived a second time at Quebec on
the l0th September, 1781, and proceeded to occupy his old
quarters at Sorel, having been put in charge of the district
south of the St. Lawrence between Sorel and Lake Champlain. In
1783, an order was received to send back the German troops to
Europe, and Maj. Gen. Riedesel failed from Quebec in August of
that year, and after a brief passage arrived in England, whence
he proceeded to Brunswick. Of the 4000 Brunswickers that left in
1776, about 2800 returned to Germany. On the 5th of March, 1787,
Maj. Gen. Riedesel was advanced to the rank of Lieut. General,
and in the following year was appointed to the command of the
Brunswick contingent, which formed part of the German army that
was sent to Holland to support the cause of the Stadholder. He
served with brief intervals in that country until the close of
1793, when he retired to Lauterbach. He returned in 1794 to
Brunswick, of which city he was appointed Commandant, and died
on the 6th January, 1800, in the 62nd year of his age. Of nine
children, one daughter only was living in 1856. Mdme. Riedesel,
who has made herself familiar to all American readers by her
interesting and entertaining Letters, survived her husband eight
years and died in Berlin on the 29th March, 1808.
_____________
Four days Provisions to be issued to the Army
tomorrow morning for the 17th Instant inclusive.
Camp at Saratoga,
Sept. 14th, 1777.
Parole, St. Jerome. Countersign, Bath.
Field Officer British Picquit, Lt. Col. Hill.
Enormous mismanagement has been committed in
respect to the King's Carts, which have been allowed for the
carriage of Camp Equipage only. Upon the next march, Commanding
Officers of Corps are to be responfible that the Regimental Qr.
Master or in his absence some other Officer deputed to act for
him, inpect the loading of the Carts, and suffer no Article
beyond the extent of the order to be put thereon.
A Field Officer of each wing is to review the
Carts as they pass off, and in case he finds any overloaded, he
is to direct the improper Articles to be thrown off, and left
upon the ground, and afterwards report the Regiment to which
they belong. Any Soldier or other person detected in
ill-treating any drivers, or horses, may be expected to be
severely punished.
During the next marches of the Army, the
Corps are to move in such a state as to be fit for instant
Action; it therefore becomes an unavoidable necessity to
circumscribe more than at present, regimental convenience, in
regard to the attendants upon baggage, cattle, and other
inferior purposes.
The Brigadier Generals will collect this
evening from the Commanding Officers of Corps under their
command, a Report of the number of Rank and File each Corps can
march in the Ranks tomorrow, and an Account how the absent men
are disposed of.
It is to be a standing order for the rest of
the Campaign, that all Picquits and Guards are under Arms an
hour before daylight every morning, and remain so till it is
compleatly light. All Outposts and Picquits are to send out
Patroles at this time. The Army will be in readiness to march
tomorrow.
Major Hughes1 has requested that
Mr. Charles Gordon may be named in the Orders as an Acting
Assistant for the Contract of Horses.
Camp at Saratoga,
15th Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. Louisa. Countersign, Brancton.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Harnage.
The Tents to be ftruck at twelve, and the
Bag- gage loaded immediately.
_________________
1 William Hughes was appointed Lieutenant in
the 53d Foot on the organization of that regiment in 1756, and
obtained his company ten years at Gibraltar the regiment was
ordered to Ireland where it remained until 1776, when it was
sent to Canada. Capt. Hughes succeeded the Earl of Balcarras as
Major of the regiment, 8th October, 1777, and signed the parole
at 20th October, 1765. After serving Cambridge in December
following. He is supposed to have died in October, 1780.
______________________
The Army to march in three Columns after
having passed Schuyler's house.
The Right Column, consisting of the British
on the Right of the road.
The Left Column, consisting of the Left Wing
along the Meadow to the Left of the Road.
The Artillery to form the Center Column,
followed by the Baggage. The two Brigades of Ar- tillery of the
Line to lead.
Breymanns Corps to form the Rear Guard of the
Army, and are to wait upon their Ground till they receive an
order from an Aid de Camp of the Commander in Chief, or from
Major General Reidesel.
The Provisions are to be floated down under
the care of Capt. Brown. The 47th Regiment will move with the
Rear of the Provisions.
The Hospital to move as quick as Carts can be
provided for them.
The Bridge to be broke up and floated down
immediately after the Army is marched, under the order of Capt.
Shanck.1
_________________
1 John Schanck was a son of Alexander
Schanck, Esq. of Castlereg, in Scotland, and was born about the
year 1746. He went to sea in early life, and was for fome time
in the merchant service. In 1757 he served for the first time in
a man-of-war, the Elizabeth, of 74 guns, commanded by Sir Hugh
Palliser, whom he afterwards accompanied to another ship in the
capacity of Master's Mate. We next find him in the Emerald
frigate. Captain Douglas, with whom he went to the north cape of
Lapland, to observe the transit of Venus. About 1771 Mr. Schanck
joined the Princess Amelia of 80 guns, fitted for the Jamaica
station, under Sir George Rodney. Previous to this, he a pears
to have the good fortune to save the life of Mr. Whitworth, who
was overset in a small boat in Portsmouth Harbour, and
afterwards lost in America while serving under Lord Howe. Mr.
Schanck was also for some time a midshipman on board the
Barfleur, and was ordered to America, where he became known to
Earl Percy. In 1774 he invented a new construction of vessels,
with Aiding keels, adapted for navigating in shallow water, and
applied his invention to a boat built for Lord Percy, then at
Boston. The experiment was attended with so much satisfaction,
that it was introduced into the British navy, and led to other
improvements of asimilar kind. In the month of June, 1776, after
a laborious service ot eighteen years' continuance, Mr. Schanck
was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, and appointed to the
Canceaux, an armed schooner, employed on the river St. Lawrence.
This command he nominally retained for a considerable time; we
say nominally, for almost immediately after the commencement of
the war in Canada, the late Admiral Vandeput, with whom he had
served as a midshipman in India, and who had conceived a just
idea of his talents, recommended him as a proper person to fit
out a flotilla, to act against the revolted colonists on the
Lakes; in consequence of which he was appointed superintendence
of the naval department of St. John's, and in the year following
received a second commission, nominating him to the elevated
station of senior officer of the naval department in that
quarter. In fact, he might have been truly called the civil
commander-in-chief, all the conjunct duties of the Admiralty and
Navy Board being veiled in him. The force under his direction
was considerable, no less than four different flotillas, or
squadrons of small vessels, being at one time subject to his
direction in the civil line. His exertions and merit were so
conspicuous, as to draw forth the highest encomiums from the
admiral commanding on the station, particularly on account of
the celerity and expedition with which he constructed a ship of
over 300 tons, called the Inflexible, the very presence of which
vessel on the Lakes struck with insurmountable terror the whole
American fleet, and compelled it to seek for safety in
ignominious flight, after having held out a vain boart of many
months' continuance, that the first appearance of the British
flotilla would be the certain forerunner of its immediate
destruction. The Inflexible was originally put on the stocks at
Quebec; her floors were all laid, and some timbers in; the
whole, namely, the floors, keel, stem and stern, were then taken
down, and carried up the St. Lawrence to Chamblais, and thence
to St. John's. Her keel was laid, for the second time, on the
morning of the 2nd September; and by sunset, not only the
above-mentioned parts were laid and fixed, but a confiderable
quantity of fresh timber was, in the course of the same day, cut
out and formed into futtocks, top-timbers, beams, planks,
&c. On the 30th September, being twenty-eight days from the
period when the keel was laid, the Inflexible was launched; and
on the evening of the 1st October, she actually sailed,
completely manned, victualled, and equipped for service. In ten
days afterwards this vessel was engaged with the enemy; so that
it may be said, without the smallest exaggeration of Lieutenant
Schanck's merits, that he built, rigged, and completed a ship,
which fought and beat her enemy, in less than six weeks from the
commencement of her construftion. Among other curious
particulars relative to this extraordinary circumstance, it was
no uncommon thing for a number of trees, which were actually
growing at dawn of day, to form different parts of the ship,
either as planks, beams, or other timbers, before night. Few
professional men, and methodical shipwrights, would, perhaps,
credit this fact, were it not established beyond all possibility
of controversy. Exclusively of the armaments which he had fitted
out and equipped for service on the Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron,
and Michigan, Lieut. Schanck had the direction of four different
dockyards at the same time, situated at St. John's, Quebec,
Carleton Island, and Detroit. In all these multifarious branches
and divisions of public duty, his diligence and zeal were
equalled only by the strict attention which he paid on all
occasions to the economical expenditure of the public money; a
rare and highly honorable example, particularly at that time of
day, when peculation and plunder were charges by no means
uncommon, and when the opportunities which he possessed of
enriching himself, without danger of ncurring complaint, or
risking discovery, were perhaps unprecedented. His services on
this occasion were not solely confined to the naval department.
When Gen. Burgoyne arrived from England, and placed himself at
the head of a formidable army, by means of which, in cooperation
with other assistance, it was expected that America would be
suddenly and completely subdued. Lieut. Schanck's talents were
again called into exertion. In a country so frequently
interfered by creeks, rivulets, streams, and rapid rivers, the
progress of troops was liable to an endless variety of
obstruftions. It is usual in Europe to make use of pontoons on
similar occasions; but these were not always to be obtained in
America, and even when procured became cumbersome and
inconvenient in a forest, as they were to be carried through
swamps and woods, sometimes impervious to wagons. To obviate the
inconvenience to which Gen. Burgoyne was subjected on this
account, Lieut. Schanck became not only the inventor, but the
construction of several floating bridges, by which the progress
of the army was materially aided, and without which it would
have been in all probability totally impeded much sooner than it
really was. They were so constructed as to be capable of
navigating themselves; and were not only equipped with malls and
fails for that purpose, but having been built at the distance of
seventy miles from Crown Point, were actually conveyed thither
without difficulty, for the purpose of forming a bridge at that
place. The unhappy result of Gen. Burgoyne's expedition for the
subjugation of the Colonies is too well known; and it is almost
unnecessary to remark, that the floating bridges, like the army
destined to pass over them, were but too soon in the power of
the enemy. Such services as these could not but be followed by
correspondent rewards; and we accordingly find Lieut. Schanck
promoted, first to the rank of commander, and then to that of
post-captain; the latter event occurred August 15, 1783. After
the commencement of hostilities with France, consequent to the
French Revolution, Captain Schanck's abilities were considered
far too valuable to be neglected; and he was accordingly
appointed to be principal agent of transports in the expedition
sent to the West Indies, under the orders of Admiral Sir John
Jervis, and General Sir Charles Grey. This fatiguing and
important service he executed, not only with the strictest
diligence, but with an attention to the national finances,
uncommon, and perhaps unprecedented. He remained some time at
Martinico, after the capture of that valuable island. So
conspicuous was his assiduity in the preceding service that when
the reveries of war compelled the British troops to quit
Flanders, and retire into Holland, whither they were followed by
the armies of the French Convention, Capt. Schanck was appointed
superintendent of all the vessels employed in the various
services of conveying either troops, stores, or property, from
one country to the other; and his exertions tended at least to
reduce disaster within its narrowest possible limits. The
acquisition of coast gained by the enemy, and the general
complexion of public affairs, causing an apprehenfion that an
attempt might be made to invade Britain, a new and formidable
system of defence was, by the orders of the Admiralty Board
projected, arranged, and completely carried into execution,
under the direction of Capt. Schanck. In short, the defence of
the whole coast, from Portsmouth to Berwick-upon-Tweed, was
confided to him; and few commands have ever been bestowed of
more magnitude and importance, or requiring more extensive
abilities. The objects he had to attain were infinitely more
multifarious than generally fall to the lot either of a land or
of a naval officer; for he was not only under the necessity of
contriving and constructing a variety of rafts, and vessels of
different descriptions, capable of receiving cannon, but he was
also compelled to fit and adapt for the same purpose, the
greater part even of the fmall boats which he found employed in
different occupations on the coast. When even these difficulties
were overcome, he had still to undergo the task of teaching the
inhabitants throughout the several districts, the art of
fighting and managing this heterogeneous, though highly
serviceable flotilla, in case the necessity of the country
should be such as to require their personal exertions. To have
overcome these multiplied difficulties would, in itself, be a
matter of sufficient praise to entitle a man to the highest
tribute public gratitude could bestow, were every other occasion
that could call for it wanting. In 1799, Captain Schanck was
again appointed to superintend the transport service connected
with the expedition to Holland; and on the formation of the
Transport Board, he was nominated one of the Commissioncrs; a
station he continued to hold with the highest credit and honour
to himself, till the year 1802, when, in consequence of an
opthalmic complaint, he was under the necessity of retiring from
the fatigues of public service. On the promotion of
Flag-officers, which took place November 9, 1805, Commissioner
Schanck was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral. He became a
Vice- Admiral, July 31, 1810; and an Admiral of the Blue, July
19, 1821. Admiral Schanck was one of the original members of the
Society for improving naval architecture, set on foot by the
late eccentric John Sewell, the bookseller; and some of the
papers published by that Institution were the productions of
this ingenious ofHcer. He appears also to have been the inventor
of gun-boats with moveable slides, for firing guns in any
direftion. He likewise fitted the Wolverine sloop with the
inclined plane in her gun-carriages, which is juftly considered
as the greatest modern invention in gunnery. Admiral Schanck
married Miss Grant, by whom he had a daughter, who married, in
1800, Capt. John Wright, R. N., and who died May 6, I 812,
leaving a young family. On the 6th of March, 1823, Admiral Schanck
died at Dalish, in Devonshire, in the 83rd year of his age.
__________________
At Dovogot Camp, after order.
One Captain, two Subalterns and one hundred
men from the ninth Regiment to take post at the Bridge on the
great road. The whole Line to he accoutred tonight.
Camp at Dovogot,
16th Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. John. Countersign, Valentia.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lieut. Col.
Lind.
No foragers are at any time to go out in
small parties, nor ever till the Fog is cleared up. When forage
is wanted, the Brigadier Generals will send a report to the
General of the numbers proposed and of the time they are meant
to be absent from the Camp, that a judgement may be
formed whether the numbers can be spared for
that time. The foragers when out are to keep together, and upon
the firing of three Guns are to return to Camp with all possible
expedition.
The Carts that are sent to the Regiments for
carrying their regimental baggage, are to be returned to the
orders of the D. Qr. Mafter General as foon as they arrive in
Camp, except at fuch times as the march of the Army is likely to
be con- tinued in a few hours.
Camp at Sword's Farm,
17th Sept. 1777
Parole, St. Honora. Countersign, England.
Field Officer Britifli Piquet, Major Forster.
The whole Army to lie Accoutred and be under
Arms an hour before day break and continue so till it clears up.
Camp at Sword's House,
Sept. 18, 1777.
Parole, St. Patrick. Countersign, Dublin,
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forbes.
To the great reproach of discipline, and of
the common sence of Soldiers who have been made prisoners, the
Service has sustained a loss within ten days that might in
Action have cost the lives of some hundreds of the enemy.
The Lieut. General will no longer bear to
lose his men for the pitiful consideration of potatoes or
forage.
The life of the Soldier is the property of
the King, and since neither friendly admonition, repeated
injunctions nor corporal puniihments have effect, after what has
happened, the Army is now to be informed, and it is not doubted
the Commanding Officers will do it, solemnly, that the first
Soldier caught beyond the advanced Centries of the Army will be
instantly hanged.
If the Army does not march this afternoon,
two days more provisions will be issued to victual them compleat
to the 21st Instant inclusive.
It is possible that some flour may have
received damage by water carriage; in that case care must be
taken that the distribution is made equally, that no particular
mess may suffer.
The baggage is to remain loaded, as the Army
will march as soon as the Bridges are repaired.
In case of an Action, the Lieut. General will
be found near the Center of the British Line, or he will leave
word there where he may be followed.
In case of an Aftion, one orderly Subaltern
Officer is to be sent from each of the following Corps, viz. one
from the British Line, one from Brigadier General Fraser's
Corps, and one who speaks French from the Left Wing. These
Officers are to be on Horse back.
Beyond Freeman's House, on the Field of
Battle,
19th Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. Eustatia. Countersign, Holland.
Camp Freeman's House,
20th Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. Andrew. Countersign, Orkney.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Col. Lind.
The whole Army will march exactly at three
o'clock. The British Regiments upon the Left will dress with the
Right of the Grenadiers, and the Britslh Line will extend their
Right, dressing with the Regiment on their Left. Mr. Vallancey
will show them their ground.
Camp at Freeman's Farm,
21st Sept. 1777.
Morning Orders.
As parties are to be employed making roads
this day in order to advance towards the Enemy, it's
the General's Orders that the Corps encamp on
their present Ground immediately.
21st Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. Louisa. Countersign, Lincoln.
Field Officer Britifh Picquet, Major Forster.
The Lieut. General having an opportunity of
observing the Conduct of the Troops in all parts of the Action
of the 19th Instant, thinks it incumbent on him to give his
publick testimony to the exemplary spirit of the Offocers in
general, and in many instances of the private men. In both these
distinctions the Artillery are to be noticed, and the Brigade
under Capt. Jones1 in particular deserves a
conspicuous place.
His particular thanks to Major General
Phillips cannot be omitted upon an Occasion where, added to the
service of the department under his special inspection, he finds
hisfelf under great obligations for the assistance of a most
able and zealous Second in General command.
The zeal and spirit of Major General Reidesel
demands also the Lieut. General's particular acknowledgements,
and the regular fire given by the Troops he brought up, and the
good countenance of the Germans in general was fully noticed.
______________________
1 Thomas Jones was commissioned 2d Lieutenant
of Artillery 2nd April, 1757; Captain-Lieutenant 23d October,
1761, and Captain 1st January, 1771.
We have lost many brave men, and among that
number is to be lamented Captain Jones, of the Artillery. who
was killed at his brigade of guns. The Artillery of the army
distinguished themfelves greatly, but this brigade in
particular, the officers and men stationed at those guns being
all killed and wounded, except Lieutenant
Hadden, who had a very narrow escape, his cap being shot away as
he was spiking up the cannon. — Anbury, i, 418.
_______________
Brigadier General Fraser took his position in
the beginning of the day with great judgment, and sustained the
Action with his usual presence of mind and vigour.
Brigadier General Hamilton acquitted himself
very honourably at the head of his Brigade by his activity and
good conduct during an Action of several hours.
Amidst these general subjects of Applause,
the impetuosity and uncertain aim of the British Troops in
giving their fire, and the mistake they are still under, in
preferring it to the Baynotte, is to be much lamented. The
Lieut. General is persuaded this error will be corrected in the
next engagement, upon conviction of their own experience and
reason, as well as upon that general principle of discipline
never to fire but by the order of an officer.
One hundred and twenty men of tried bravery
and fidelity from the Provincial Corps of Jessops, Peters,
McAlpins, and McKay are to be incorporated for the service of
this Campaign only in the six British Regiments, in the
proportion of twenty to each Regiment. They will have a
Certificate under the hand of the Lieut. General to entitle them
to a Discharge on the 25th day of December next. They will also
receive a gratuity upon their incorporation, and another at the
expiration of their service, and this will be the only number
required from them.
Those Corps whose establishment is to take
place upon a certain number of men being raised, are allowed to
reckon the men furnished upon this order as a part of that
number.
It is not doubted that the Officers now at
the head of the feveral corps concerned, will assist to carry
into effect so very material a piece of service by every
encouragement in their power, in order to the number being
supplied by Volunteers; the names of whom, and the Corps they
belong to, are to be sent to Capt. Campble, Deputy Muster Master
General, early tomorrow morning.
Discharging the Arms in Camp, which would be
at all times irregular, is particularly so when near the Enemy,
as it occasions false Alarms. The Commanding Officers of
Regiments are to be responsible that the slanding order against
keeping Arms loaded in the Bell Tents be better enforced, and if
any duties occasionally require loaded Arms that they may be
properly examined by an officer of a Company every morning, that
such as cannot be drawn may be collected in one place and fired
together.
Camp at Freeman's Farm,
22nd Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. Edmund. Countersign, Gloster.
Field Officer British, Lieut. Col. Lind.
Camp at Freeman's Farm.
23rd Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. Charlotte. Countersign, Ludlow.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forster.
No person whatever to pass the Bridge from
this side the water, without a written Order, signed by the
Lieut. General, except scouts or other parties marching with
Arms, or Engineers or workmen employed under them. And all
persons coming from the other side are to be taken to Lieut.
Col. Sutherland, or Commanding Officer of the 47th Regiment, to
be examined.
Patrick Shehan, private Soldier in the 62nd
Regiment, tried for desertion before a General Court Martial,
held Sept. 9th, 1777, has been found guilty by that Court, and
is sentenced to receive a Corporal punishment of one thousand
Lashes, which sentence is confirmed by the Lieut. General, and
ordered to be put in execution.
The Army to receive two days provisions
tomorrow morning for the 25th inclusive.
Camp at Freeman's Farm,
24th Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. Rupert. Countersign, Hampton.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Col. Lind.
Camp at Freeman's Farm,
25th Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. Dorothy. Countersign, Leeds.
Field Officer Britifh Picquet, Major Forster.
Mr. John McComb is appointed by the Lieut.
General Paymsfter to the Provincial Corps.
Camp at Freeman's Farm,
26th Sept. 1777.
Parole St. Stephen. Countersign, Stilton.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Col. Lind.
The Lieut. General, desirous to contribute
every thing in his power to the comfort of the wounded, has
directed half a pound of meat per day to be added to their
present allowance of fresh meat. Each Regiment of the Army is to
send one Camp Kettle to the General Hospital to be delivered to
the Purveyor, who is to give a receipt for the same, that they
may be redelivered.
Camp at Freeman's Farm,
27th Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. Jojepha. Countersign, Upton.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forster.
By some mistake a Cask of wine has been
brought from the Lakes among some wine belonging to an Officer;
any perfon specifying the nature and quantity of the wine, and
giving sufficient proof of its being really their property,
shall be paid for it by applying to head quarters.
Each British Regiment to send a baker to Mr.
A: Commissary General Clarke to assist in baking for the Army.
Lieut. Campbel of the 24th Regiment is
appointed to act as an Assistant to the Quarter Master General,
and is to be attached to the Advanced Corps.
Lieut. Torriano1 of the 20th
Regiment is appointed to act as Brigade Commissary of Provisions
to the Right Wing in the room of Lieut. Corrie killed.
As there will be a dispofition made for a
general foraging party tomorrow, and the time and place
named early in the morning, the Commanding
Officers of Corps will take care that no parties are
suffered to go out.
The Lieut. General has been pleased to post
the Canadian Officers as follows : Lieut. Bauhien to act as
Captain vice Monin killed; Ensign De Bonne from Bounhoiel's
Company to act as Lieutenant vice Baubien. Voluntier Vignong to
act as Ensign, vice De Bonne, till his Excellency Sir Guy
Carletonls pleasure is known.
_____________
1 Charles Torriano received a commission in
the 3rd Buffs as Ensign 26th December, 1770, and was appointed
Lieutenant in the 20th Foot 14th November, 1775. We don't find
his name in the Army List after 1784.
__________________
The Army will make a forage to the rear
tomorrow morning, to be ready to set out with the batt horses at
eight o'clock, but not to move till the firing of one gun from
the Center of the Line,
at which time the whole will proceed towards
the Rear, and will feed the horses for four hours, after which
they are to return to Camp with as large truffes of forage as
possible. This foraging party to be covered by a Captain, three
Subalterns, and one hundred and fifty men from the Advanced
Corps, and one Captain, two Subalterns, and one hundred men from
the Left Wing. The Detachment of the Advanced Corps will post
themselves on the Heights, on this side of the Ravine, leading
to Fisher's house, otherwise Dovogots. The Detachment of the
Left Wing to take post near the River; communicating with that
of the Advanced Corps, and no forager under pain of being shot
as a deferter to proceed beyond the Covering party. The Deputy
Quarter Master General
and Commissaries of Horse, with the Waggon Master to attend in
their department this foraging party.
The Assistant Qarter Master General Bailey,
from the Line, and Campble from the Advanced Corps are to go
with the two Detachments, to see that a proper communication is
kept between them. The Field Officer of the Picquet for this
night is to inspect the whole.
The foragers are to return at three o'clock,
and the covering party half an hour after.
Should three Guns be fired from the Camp, the
whole are to return immediately.
Capt. Money, Deputy Qr. Mafter General, will
assign the parts where forage is to be taken.
Two days Provisions for the 29th inclusive
will be ilTued tomorrow and fent in Carts to the differ- ent
Brigades and Corps. Lieut. Vallmicey will take charge of this.
Camp at Freeman's Farm,
28th Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. Charles. Countersign, Madrid.
Field Officer British Piquet, Lt. Col. Lind.
The Lieut. General has received intelligence
of an attempt made by the Enemy upon Ticonderoga, in which they
miscarried and have retired, but have made prisoners some part
of the 53d Regiment posted upon the carrying place of Lake
George.
Till circumstances are more authentically
known, it would be unjust to accuse any of so great a fault as
suffering a surprize, but the occafion cannot be overlooked of
repeating to Officers in general the necessity of vigilance and
unremitting alertness upon their posts, and warning them that no
distance of the Enemy or situation of ground is security or
excuse, if they are found off their guard.
Camp at Freeman's Farm,
29th Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. Ann. Countersign, York.
Field Officer British Piquet, Major Forster.
Notwithstanding the positive orders to the
contrary, some men still expose themselves beyond the Advanced
Guards. Orders are given to all out Guards and Centries to make
prisoners every man that shall presume to go beyond them, and a
very severe example will be immediately made of any Soldier,
Driver or other follower of the Camp that shall be found guilty
of disobeying this order, either for forage or upon any other
pretence.
After Orders.
The Line will forage tomorrow morning at
eight o'clock if the fog is off.
The Govering Party is to be commanded by a
Field Officer. One Captain, two Subalterns and eighty men from
the British. A Captain, three Subalterns and one hundred and
twenty men from the Germans.
The Left Wing gives the Field Officer. The
particular orders for the foraging will be given to the Field
Officer tomorrow morning.
Camp at Freeman's Farm,
30th Sept. 1777.
Parole, St. Raphael. Countersign, Italy.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Col. Lind.
All the Drivers are to be allembled this
evening at their different departments at the time of Roll
calling, and are to be informed that seven men of those who
deserted have been scalped by the Enemy's Indians, and that the
Indians belonging to our Camp are in pursuit of the rest. They
are also to be informed that the first Deserter taken belonging
to them will be hanged up immediately.
Mr. Alexander Crookshanks is appointed to ast
as an Assistant Commissary.
Camp at Freeman's Farm,
1st Oct. 1777
Parole, St. Elfrida. Countersign, Newark.
Field Officer tomorrow British Picquet, Major
Forster.
One days Provisions for the second instant
will be issued to the Army immediately.
Parole, St. Mary. Countersign, Clifton;
changed on account of a deserter.
In consequence of authentic letters received
by the Lieut. General from Brig. Gen. Powell at Ticonderoga, and
Capt. Aubrey1 of the 47th Regiment commanding at
Diamond Island in Lake George.
____________
1 Thomas Aubrey, 2d son of Sir Thomas Aubrey,
Bart., of Glanmorganshire, entered the army in 1762, as Enfign
in the 9th Foot then serving in Florida; was promoted to a
lieutenancy in 1765, and in the following year exchanged into
the 4th or King's Own, in which regiment he served until 1771,
when he obtained a company in the 47th Foot, which was soon
after ordered to America and was engaged at Bunker Hill in 1775.
During this campaign he was stationcd with two companies of his
regiment at Diamond liland in charge of the stores at the south
end of Lake George. Here he was attacked on the 24th September
by the Americans in two divisions. who, however, were repulsed
with considerable loss and forced to retreat. After the
surrender of Burgoyne, Capt. Aubrey returned to Canada, and became Major
in the Army in 1782, and continued in active service until
1789, when he is found on the half pay list. He represented the
borough of Wallingford in Parliament, and having rose to the
rank of Colonel in the Army died on the 15th January, 1814,
leaving issue one daughter. His eldest brotherm Sir John Aubrey,
Bart., was lord of
the Admiralty in 1782; lord of the Treasury in 1783, and "father
of the House of Commons " in 1826.
______________________
The Army is informed that the Enemy having
found means to cross the mountain between Skenes borough, * * *
[Two leaves missing from the original
manuscript.]
Camp at Freeman's Farm.
3rd Oct. 1777.
There is reason to be assured that other
powerful Armies are actually in cooperation with these Troops;
and alhough the present supply of provision is ample, it is
highly desirable to prepare for any continuance in the field
that the King's service may require, without the delay of
bringing forward further stores for those purposes; the Ration
of Bread or Flour is, for the present, fixed at one pound.
With the same confidence in the King's grace
the Lieut. General has ventured to order the Deputy Paymaster
General to issue one hundred and sixty five days forage money to
the Officers of this Army.
The Provost to make the round of the Camp
this afternoon, and to report who are the persons that traffick
in the sale of fresh meat, and from whence such traffick is
supplied.
Each Regiment will send the spare Arms
belonging to their men in Hospital to the Deputy Quarter Master
General. They will be delivered in good order, and he will have
them placed in the store till such time as the Regiment shall
again apply for them.
Mr. McDonald is appointed to act as Surgeon
to the Corps of McAlpin and McKoy.
The Army including the Advanced Corps will
forage tomorrow morning.
The Covering Party is to be Commanded by a
Field Officer. One Captain, two Subalterns and eighty men from
the Right Wing. One Captain, three Subalterns and one hundred
and twenty men from the Left Wing. The Germans give the Field
Officer,
A Reserve of 300 Men with proper Officers to
be in readiness tomorrow morning an hour after Revillie beating
to turn out at the shortest notice under the command of
Brigadier Specht, who will take his orders from Major General
Riedesel.
The foragers and the Detachment under the
Field Officer to assemble at eight o'clock on the plain by the
Bridge. The Deput Quarter Master General with his Assistants,
and the Commissaries of Horse to attend this foraging.
Parole and Counterfign both changed to
Parole, St. Clara. Countersign, Rome.
Camp at Freeman's Farm,
4th Oct. 1777.
Parole, St. Cloud. Countersign, Champlain
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Col. Lind.
Camp at Freeman's Farm,
5th Oct. 1777.
Parole St. Omer. Countersign, Crownpoint.
Field Officer British Picquet, Major Forster.
All out Guards and posts not intended to be
concealed, are to light fires one hundred yards in their front,
that they may the better distinguish anything advancing within
that distance of their Stations.
Complaints having been made of several
Bullocks and Cowes being stolen, no Cattle are to be
sllaughtered without leave in writing from the Quarter Master
General or his Assistants, which leave will be granted to such
persons only as prove the Cattle to be their own property.
The Parole and Counterfign are both changed
to
Parole, St. Rupert. Countersign, Holland.
Camp at Freeman's Farm,
6th Oct. 1777.
Parole, St. John. Countersign, Saratoga.
Field Officer British Picquet, Lt. Col. Lind.
While the Army lies contiguous, the German
Recruits in the British Regiments who are desirous of attending
the Lutheran Service, will have leave upon applying to the
Commanding Officer of their respective Regiments; who will order
an Officer to march them to the place where the Service is
performed, and return with them when it is over.
In the next delivery of Provisions, two days
fresh meat will be issued at the rate of one pound of beef per
Ration, to each man. The other two days will be salt provision
as usual.
His Excellency the Lieut. General is pleased
to make a present of twelve barrels of Rum to the Troops to be
distributed as follows :
German Corps, 3 ballels
Officers do, 1 barrel
Advanced Corps, 3 barrels
Officers do, 1 barrel
British Regiments & Artillery 2 barrels
Officers do, 1 barrel
Jessups, Peters, Batteau men & naval
department, 1 barrel
Total, 12 barrels
This Rum to be sent this afternoon to the
different Corps. And the Brigadier General will take care that
the Quarter Masters of the different Regiments issue it in equal
proportions to the men. The Brigade Commiffaries will receive
and give receipts for the same.
Camp at Freeman's Farm,
7th Oct., 1777
Parole, St. Charles. Countersign, Dover.
Near the Redoubts,
8th Oct. 1777.
Parole, St. Mark. Countersign, Milford.
Field Officer British Piquet, Major Forster.
At Dovogot,
9th Odlober, 1777.
Parole, St. Julia. Countersign, Stratford.
Six days Provision to be issued to the Army
immediately. Breymann's Corps having by some mistake not drawn
two days provisions on the last delivery, will now receive eight
days provisions. To prevent delay the Quarter Masters of
Regiments will unload as many Carts as they think necessary to
fetch up this provision. An Officer and 30 men from the British,
and a like party from the Germans, to go immediately to the
Commissary's to assist in the delivery.
After Orders.
Each Regiment will send four Carts instantly
to the Batteaux for their provisions.
Camp at Saratoga,
10th Oct. 1777.
Parole, St. Matthew. Countersign, Durham.
The Provision Carts to be drawn up directly
to their respective Regiments, the provisions to be immediately
issued to the men. The Officers will take care that all the
messes cook as soon as possible.
As it is possible fome of the provisions were
lost in the march yesterday, a return to be sent in immediately
from each Regiment of what provisions will be wanting to
compleat their men with six days from tomorrow the 11th to the
16th inclufive.
Field Officer Lt. Col. Lind for the British
Picquet, 10th of Oct.
Ten men from each Regiment to be sent
immediately to the 67th Regiment, and take their Orders from
Col. Anstruther.
Camp Saratoga, 11th October, 1777.
Parole, St. Maurice. Countersign, Barton.
Field Officer British Piquet, Major Forster.
Parole and Countersign changed to
Parole, St. Albinia. Countersign, Nocton.
The Army to receive one day's fresh meat
tomorrow morning, which will be for the 17th inclusive.
Camp Saratoga Heights,
12th Oct., 1777.
Parole, St. Michael. Countersign, Enfield.
Field Officer British Piquet, Lt. Col. Lind.
Camp Saratoga Heights,
13th Oct. 1777.
Parole, St. Elizabeth. Countersign,
Springfield.
Field Officer British Piquet, Major Forster.
Camp Saratoga Heights,
14th Oct. 1777.
Parole, St. Justian. Countersign, Brookfield.
Field Officer British Piquet, Lt. Col. Lind.
Camp Saratoga Heights,
15th Oct. 1777.
Parole, St. James. Countersign, Wilton.
Field Officer British Piquet, Major Forster.
Camp Saratoga Heights,
16th Oct. 1777.
Parole, St. Joseph. Countersign, Cambridge.
Field Officer British Piquet, Lt. Col. Lind.
17th October.
Treaty of Convention signed.
No. I.
October 13th, 1777
Lt. General Burgoyne is desirous of sending a
Field Officer with a Message to M. Gen. Gates upon a matter of
high moment to both Armies. He requests to be informed at what
hour Gen. Gates will receive him tomorrow morning.
M: General Gates.
Major General Gates will receive a Field
Officer from Lt. General Burgoyne at the advanced posf of the
Army of the United States, at ten o'clock tomorrow morning, from
whence he will be conducted to Head Quarters.
Lt. Gen. Burgoyne.
No. 2.
Major Kingston delivered the following
Message to M. General Gates, October 14th, from Lt. Gen.
Burgoyne.
After having fought you twice, Lieut. Genl.
Burgoyne has waited some days in his present position,
determined to try a third conflict against; any force you could
bring to attack him.
He is apprized of the superiority of your
numsbers, and the disposition of your troops to impede his
supplies, and render his retreat a scene of Carnage on both
sides. In this situation he is impelled by humanity, and thinks
himself justified by establislied principles and precedents of
state and war to spare the lives of brave men upon honourable
terms. Should Major Genl. Gates be inclined to treat upon that
idea. General Burgoyne would propose a cessation of arms during
the time necessary to communicate the preliminary terms by which
in any extremity he and his Army mean to abide.
No. 3.
In answer to the Message by Major Kingston,
Major General Gates delivered the following Terms :
1. General Burgoyne's Army being exceedingly
reduced by repeated defeats, by Desertion, Sickness, &c.,
their Provisions exhausted, their Military Stores, Tents and
Baggage taken or destroyed, their retreat cut off and their Camp
invested, they can only be allowed to surrender prisoners of
war.
Answer.
Lieut. General Burgoyne's Army, however reduced, will never
admit that their retreat is cut off while they have Arms in
their hands.
2. The Officers and Soldiers may keep the
Baggage belonging to them; the Generals of the United States
never permit Individuals to be pillaged.
3. The Troops under his Excellency Gen.
Burgoyne will be conducted by the most convenient Route to New
England, marching by easy marches, and sufficiently provided for
by the Way.
This
Article is answered by Gen. Burgoyne's first proposal, which
is here annexed.
4. The Officers will be admitted on Parole,
may wear their side Arms, and will be treated with the
Liberality customary in Europe, so long as they by proper
behaviour continue to deserve it; but those who are apprehended
having broken their Parole (as some Britifh Officers have done)
must expect to be close confined.
There
being no Officer in this Army under, or capable of being under
the description of breaching his Parole, this Article needs no
answer.
5. All Publick Stores, Artillery, Arms,
Ammunition, Carriages, Horses, &c. &c. musl be delivered
to Commissaries appointed to receive them.
All
Publick Stores may be delivered. Arms excepted.
6. These Terms being agreed to and signed,
the Troops under his Excellency General Burgoyne's Command, may
be drawn up in their Encampments, where they will be ordered to
Ground their Arms, and may thereupon be marched to the River
side to be passed over in their way towards Bennington.
This
Article inadmissible in any Extremity; sooner than this Army
will consent to ground their Arms in their Encampment, they
will rush on the Enemy, determined to take no Quarters.
7. A Cessation of Arms to continue till
sunset to receive General Burgoyne's Answer.
Signed,
Horatio Gates. Camp at Saratoga, Odt. 14th,
1777.
No. 4.
Major Kingston met the Adjutant General of
Major General Gates's Army Oftober 14th, at Sun Set, with
General Burgoyne's Answer, and delivered the following Message.
If General Gates does not mean to recede from
the 6th Article, the Treaty ends at once.
The Army will to a man proceed to any Act of
Desperation rather than submit to that Article.
Then delivered the Preliminary Articles from
Lieutenant General Burgoyne and the Army under his Command.
The Cessation of Arms ends this Evening.
No. 5.
Answers being given to Major General Gates's
Proposals, it remains for Lt. General Burgoyne and the Army
under his Command to state the following preliminary Articles on
their part.
1. The Troops to march out of their Camp with
the Honours of War, and the Artillery of the Intrenchments which
will be left as hereafter may be regulated.
Answer.
The Troops to march out of their Camp with the Honours of War,
and the Artillery of the Intrenchments, to the Verge of the
River where the old Fort stood, where the Arms and the
Artillery must be left.
2. A free passage to be granted to this Army
to Great Britain, upon condition of not serving in North America
during the present Contest; and a proper port to be assigned for
the entry of Transports to receive the Troops whenever Gen. Howe
shall so order.
Agreed
to for the Port of Boston.
3. Should any Cartel take place, by which
this Army or any part of it may be exchanged, the foregoing
Article to be void so far as such Exchange shall be made.
Agreed.
4. All Officers to retain their Carriages,
Bat Horses and other Cattle, and no Baggage to be molested or
searched, the Lt. General giving his Honour that there are no
Publick Stores secreted therein. Maj. General Gates will of
course take the necessary measures for the security of this
Article.
Agreed
5. Upon the march, the Officers are not to be
separated from their men, and in Quarters the Officers shall be
lodged according to Rank, and are not to be hindered from
assembling their men for Roll-calling, and other necessary
purposes of Regularity.
Agreed
to as far as circumstances will admit.
6. There are various Corps in this Army,
composed of Sailors, Batteaux-men, Artificers, Drivers,
Independent Companies, and Followers of the Army, and it is
expected that these Persons, of whatever Country, shall be
included in the fullest sense and utmost Extent of the above
Articles, and comprehended in every respect as British Subjects.
Agreed
to in the fullest extent.
7. All Canadians and Persons belonging to the
Establishiment in Canada to be permitted to return there.
Agreed.
8. Passports to be immediately granted to
three Officers not exceeding the Rank of Captain, who shall be
appointed by Gen. Burgoyne to carry despatches to Sir William
Howe, Sir Guy Carleton, and to Great Britain by the way of New
York, and the publick faith to be engaged that these despatches
are not to be opened.
Agreed.
9. The foregoing Articles are to be
considered only as preliminaries for framing a Treaty, in the
Course of which others may arise to be considered by both
parties, for which purpose it is proposed that two Officers of
each Army shall meet, and report their deliberations to their
respective Generals.
This
Capitulation is to be finished by two o'clock this Day, and
the Troops march from their Encampments at five, and be in
readiness to move towards Boston tomorrow morning.
10. Lieut. General Burgoyne will fend his
Deputy Adjutant General to receive Major General Gates's Anfwer
tomorrow morn- ing at ten o'clock.
Complyed
with.
Signed
Horatio
Gates. Saratoga, 15 th Oct. 1777/
No. 6.
The eight first Preliminary Articles of
Lieutenant General Burgoyne's Proposals, and the second, third
and fourth of those of Major General Gates of yesterday being
agreed to, the foundation of the proposed Treaty is out of
Dispute, but the several Subordinate Articles and Regulations
necessarily springing from those Preliminaries, and requiring
Explanation and precision between the parties before a
Definitive Treaty can be safely executed, a longer Time than
that mentioned by General Gates in his answer to the 9th Article
becomes indispenfably necessary. Lieutenant General Burgoyne is
willing to appoint two Officers immediately to meet two others
from Major General Gates, to propound, discuss and settle those
Subordinate Articles, in order that the Treaty in due form may
be executed as soon as poffible.
Signed
John Burgoyne.
Camp at Saratoga, 15th Oct. 1777.
Major Kingston1 has Authority to
settle the place for the meeting of the Officers proposed.
_________________
1 Robert Kingston entered the Army 3d
September, 1756, as Ensign in the 11th Foot and was promoted to
a lieutenancy in that Corps 26th January, 1758. In the following
year he exchanged into the 16th Light Dragoons, then commanded
by Lt. Col. John Burgoyne, and was appointed Captain in the Army
27th April, 1761, and became Major 15th July, 1768. He went on
half pay in the fore part of 1773, and in April, 1776, was
appointed to the command of the Irish Invalids, who were then
called in active service. He accompanied this expedition as
Adjutant General and Military Secretary to General Burgoyne and
was promoted to be Lieutenant Colonel in the Army 29th Augurt,
1777. Gen. Wilkinson gives the following particulars of some of
the incidents connected with the negotiations which were carried
on between Gates and Burgoyne at this time. After the former
consented to receive a Field Officer, I askcd him, says
Wilkinson, whether he had not condescendcd improperly in
agreeing to receive the deputy of his adversary at his head
quarters, within his guards, and between the lines of his army.
After a minute's reflexion he replied, "You are right, young
man. I was hasty. But what's to be done." "I will meet the flag,
said I, and endeavour to draw the message from the officer; but
if he claims your engagement, he must be admitted." "Agreed,"
said he, "do so." And at the hour appointed I repaired to the
advanced port, accompanied by Mr. Henry Livingston, of the Upper
Manor on the Hudson's river. The bridge across the Fishkill had
been destroyed, but the sleepers remained. We did not wait many
minutes before the chamade was beat at the advanced guard of the
enemy, and an officer descending the hill, stepped across the
creek on one of the sleepers of the late bridge; it was " Major
Kingston, with a Message from Lieutenant-general Burgoyne to
Major-general Gates. I named to him Col. Wilkinson, on the part
ot General Gates, to receive the message." He paused a moment,
pulled out a paper, looked at it, and observed, "My orders
direct me to Major-general Gates." "It is to save time and
trouble that I am authorized to receive the message you bear."
He then took General Gates's note to General Burgoyne from his
pocket, read it, and said, "General Gates has agreed to receive
the message, and I am not authorized to deliver it to any other
person." "Well then, Sir, You must submit to be hoodwinked." He
affected to start at the proposition, and objected, on the
ground of its being an indignity. I could but smile at the
expression, and observed, that I had understood there was
nothing more common than to blindfold military messengers, when they
were admitted within the walls of a place, or the guards of a
camp. He replied, " Well, Sir, I will submit to it, but under
the express stipulation, that no indignity is intended to the
British arms." I then carefully bound up his eyes with his own
handkerchief; he took my arm, and in this way we walked upwards
of a mile to head quarters.
_______________
This was, after some conversation, agreed to
by Major General Gates.
Fixed by Major Kingfton to be upon the Ground
where Mr. Schuyler's House stood.
Major Kingston appeared to be about forty; he
was a well formed, ruddy, handsome man, and expatiated with
taste and eloquence on the beautiful scenery on the Hudson's
river, and the charms of the season. When I introduced him into
General Gates's tent, and named him, the gentlemen saluted each
other familiarly, with " General Gates, your servant," — " Ah !
Kingston, how do you do?" and a shake of the hand. Being seated
a few minutes, he arose and observed he had certain
communications to make Major General Gates from Lieutenant
General Burgoyne, and to guard against inaccuracy of memory, he
had committed them to paper, and with permission would read
them. The General consented, and the Major took from his pocket
and read : " The General from a deal of business did not
yesterday answer your letter about the officers, but intended
it. In regard to
the reproaches made upon this army of burning the country, they
are unjust; General Schuyler's house and adjacent buildings
remained protected till General Gates's
troops approached the Ford. General Burgoyne avows the order for
setting fire at that time
to everything that covered the movement. The barracks
particularly took fire by mere accident, and measures were
taken, though ineffectual, to save them. If there has been any
vindictive spirit in burning other buildings on the march, it
has probably been done by some secret well-wishers to the
American cause, as General Burgoyne has been informed that fome
of the buildings belonged to supposed friends of the king. The
General does not think that General Gates has a right, from
anything that has appeared in his conduct or reasoning, to make
use of the term trifling; and he still persists, that he cannot
interfere with the prisoners in General Howe's army, and more
especially in a case that has been under negociation between
Gen. Howe and General Walhington." He added that General Gates
would perceive this was an answer to his letter of the 12th, and
that the other paper to which he claimed the General's attention
was of a very different nature; he then offered, [as printed
under No. 2, p. 133.] So soon as he had finished, to my utter
astonishment. General Gates put his hand to his side pocket,
pulled out a paper, and presented it to Kingston, observing,
"There, Sir, are the Terms on which Gen. Burgoyne must
surrender." The Major appeared thunderstruck, but read the
paper, whilst the old chief surveyed him attentively through his
spectacles. Having finished the perusal of the propositions of
Gen. Gates, Major Kingston appeared cxceedingly mortified, and
said to the General, " I must beg leave to decline delivering
this paper to Lieutenant General Burgoync, because, although I
cannot presume to speak for him, I think the propositions it
contains cannot be submitted to." The General observed he might
be mistaken, and that there could be no impropriety in his
delivering them. Kingston requested they might be sent by one of
his own officers, which the General declined, and remarked,
"that as he had brought the message, he ought to take back the
answer." To which the Major reluctantly consented, took leave,
and I again filletted him, and at his request conducted him to
our advanced guard. Very different was his conversation in
returning: he complained of General Gates's propositions, to
which I was still a perfect stranger; talked of the pride and
spirit of his army, and called my recollection to the feats
performed by six British regiments at the battle of Minden, I
felt for his chagrin, and said nothing to increase it; and
having passed him beyond our guards, I hastened back to head
quarters. About sunset the same day it was notified to me that a
flag waited at the advanced guard, and I proceeded to receive
it. I again met Major Kingston, who presented another message
from Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Major General Gates,
accompanied by the propositions of the latter, which had been
transmitted by Major Kingfton, and the answers of the former
annexed, together with the preliminary articles, proposed by
General Burgoync, which were substantially assented to by
General Gates. Burgoyne made his own Convention, and saved his
accoutrements, military chest, and colours, all of which were
retained notwithstanding Genera! Gates's letter to Congress of
the 3rd December, 1777, which was unworthy of a soldier.1
Capt. Kingston returned to England in 1778 and was examined
before a Committee of the Houfe of Commons relative to this
Expedition. In September, 1779, he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 86th
Foot, and in 1780 of the 28th regiment; became Colonel in the
Army 20th November, 1782;
Major General in 1793, and died in 1794.
1 Wilkinson's Memoirs, I., 299-304.
1
Q. What became of the rest of the money in
the military chest?
A. It was taken by the paymaster-general to
Albany.
Q. Did any part of it fall into the hands of
the enemy ?
A. Not a shilling that I ever heard of.
Examination of Colonel Kingston before the
House of Commons,
2 General Riedesel commanded that the colours
should not be surrendered to the enemy with the arms, but on the
contrary that the staffs should be burnt and the flags carefully
packed up; this was done as ordered, so that each of the German
regiments really kept possession of their colours; and the same
was no doubt the case with the British corps, as the colours of
the 62nd regiment particularly were on the field the 19th Septm
ber, and three or four Ensigns were killed. —Memoirs of the
Baroness of Riedesel.
______________________
No. 7.
In the coursee of the night Lieutenant
General Burgoync has received intelligence that a considerable
force has been detached from the Army under the Command of Major
General Gates during the course of the Negociations of the
Treaty depending between them. Lieutenant General Burgoyne
conceives this, if true, to be not only a violation of the
Cessation of Arms, but subvertive of the principles on which the
Treaty originated, viz., a great superiority of numbers in
General Gates's Army. Lieut. General Burgoyne therefore requires
that two Officers on his part be permitted to see that the
strength of the forces now opposed to him is such as will
convince him that no luch Detach- ments have been made, and that
the fame principle of Superiority on which the Treaty first
began still exists.
16th Oct. 1777.
N. B. Lieut. Colonel Wilkinson, Adjt. General
to General Gates, came to Genl. Burgoyne, and declared upon his
own and General Gates's word of honour, that no Detachment nor
movement had been made since the opening of the Treaty.
No. 8.
Message to Lieut. General Burgoyne from Major
General Gates, Oct. 16th, 1777, by Colonel Wilkinson.
Major General Gates, in justice to his own
reputation, condescends to assure your Excellency, that no
violation of the Treaty has taken place on his part, since the
commencement of it. I have fursther to inform your Excellency
that the requisition contained in your Message of this day is
inadmissible; and as it now remains with your Excellency to
ratify or dissolve the Treaty, Major General Gates expects your
immediate reply.
Lieut. Gen. Burgoyne requested time to lay
the Message before his Council, which was granted, and the
Treaty was signed and exchanged in the Evening.
1st.
The Troops under Lieut. Genl. Burgoyne to
march out of their Camp with the Honours of War, and the
Artillery of the Intrenchments, to the Verge of the River, where
the Old Fort stood; where the Arms and Artillery are to be left.
The Arms are to be piled by Word of Command of their own
Officers.
2nd.
A free Passage to be granted to the Army
under Lieut. General Burgoyne, to Great Britain, on Condition of
not serving again in North America during the present Contest;
and the Port of Boston is assigned for the Entry of Transports
to receive the Troops whenever General Howe shall so order.
3rd.
Should any Cartel take place by which the
Army under General Burgoyne, or any part of it, may be
exchanged, the foregoing Article to be void, as far as such
exchange shall be made.
4th.
The Army under Lieut. Genl. Burgoyne to march
to Massachufetts Bay by the easiest, most expeditious and
convenient Routes; and to be quartered in, near, or as
convenient as possible, to Boston, that the march of the Troops
may not be delayed when Transports arrive to receive them.
5th.
The Troops to be supplied on their March and
during being in Quarters, with Provisions, by General Gates's
Orders, at the same Rate of Rations as the Troops of his own
Army; and if possible, the Officer's Horses and Cattle are to be
supplied with Forage at the usual Rates.
6th.
All Officers to retain their Carriages, Bat
Horses, and other Cattle, and no Baggage to be molested nor
searched, Lieut. General Burgoyne giving his Honour that there
are no public Stores secreted therein. Major General Gates will
of courfs take the necessary Measures for the due performance of
this Article. Should any Carriages be wanted during the March
for the Transportation of Officers' Baggage, they are if
possible to be supplied by the Country at the usual Rates.
7th.
Upon the March and during the Time the Army
shall remain in Quarters in the Massachusetts Bay, the Officers
are not, as far as Circumstances will admit, to be separated
from their Men. The Officers are to be quartered according to
Rank, and are not to be hindered from assembling their Men for
Roll-Callings, and other necessary purposes of Regularity.
8th.
All Corps whatever of General Burgoyne's
Army, whether compofsd of Sailors, Batteau Men, Artificers,
Drivers, Independent Companies and Followers of the Army, of
whatever Country, shall be included in the fullest Sense, and
utmost Extent of the above Articles, and comprehended in every
Respect as Britifh Subjects.
9th.
All Canadians and Persons belonging to the
Canadian Establishment, consisting of Sailors, Batteau Men,
Artificers, Drivers, Independent Companies, and many other
Followers of the Army, who come under no particular Description,
are to be permitted to return there; they are to be conducted
immediately by the shortest Route, to the first British Post on
Lake George; are to be supplied with Provisions in the same
Manner as the other Troops, and are to be bound by the same
condition of not serving during the present Contest in North
America.
l0th.
Passports to be immediately granted for three
Officers not exceeding the Rank, of Captains, who shall be
appointed by Lieut. General Burgoyne to carry Dispatches to Sir
William Howe, Sir Guy Carleton and to Great Britain, by the Way
of New York; and Major General Gates engages the publick Faith,
that the Despatches fhall not be opened. These Officers are to
set out immediately after receiving their Despatches, and are to
travel the shorteft Route, and in the most expeditious manner.
11th.
During the stay of the Troops in
Massachufetts Bay, the Officers are to be admitted on Pairole,
and are to be permitted to wear their Side Arms.
12th.
Should the Army under Lieutenant General
Burgoyne find it necessary to send for their Cloathing and other
Baggage to Canada, they are to be permitted to do it in the most
convenient Manner, and the necessary Passports granted for that
Purpose.
These Articles are to be mutually signed and
exchanged tomorrow Morning at 9 o'clock, and the Troops under
Lieut. General Burgoyne are to march out of their Intrenchments
at three o'clock in the Afternoon.
Camp at Saratoga, 16th Oft. 1777. (Signed),
Horatio Gates,
Major General.
To prevent any Doubts that might arise from
Lieut. General Burgoyne's name not being mentioned in the above
Treaty, Major General Gates hereby Declares that he is
understood to be comprehended in it as fully as if his name had
been specifically mentioned. (Signed),
Horatio Gates.
Major General Philip Schuyler.
No. 9.
Letter from Capt. Craig1 to Col.
Wilkinson.
Sir,
Upon reporting the Proceedings of this
evening to Lieut. General Burgoyne, I was happy to receive his
approbation of and ready concurrence
_________________
1 James Henry Craig, of the Craigs of Dalnair
and Colbirton, Scotland, was born in 1748 at Gibraltar, where
his father held the appointment of civil and military judge. He
entered the Army 1st June, 1763, as Ensign in the 30th regiment,
then in garrison in that Fortress. In 1769 he was promoted to a
lieutenancy, and in 1770 was appointed Aid-de-Camp to General
Sir Robert Boyd, then Governor of Gibraltar. In March, 1771, he
obtained a company in the 47th regiment, with which he went to
America in 1774. His company formed part of the reinforcement
sent by Gen. Gage to dislodge the Americans from their position
on Bunker Hill, 17th June, 1775, on which occasion he was
feverely wounded. On the evacuation of Boston, his regiment was
ordered to Halifax and thence to Quebec, where it arrived on the
8th May, 1776. It was thence sent up the St. Lawrence and
Captain Craig commanded his company in the action at Three
Rivers, and the advanced guard of the Army in pursuit of the
retreating Americans. In this campaign he was engaged in the
battle of Hubbardton, when he was again severely wounded, and
received a third wound at the battle at Freeman's Farm,
September 19th. At the close of the campaign Capt. Craig was one
of the officers selected to settle the subordinate Articles of
the Treaty preparatory to the surrender of Burgoyne's Army. At
his request, the Term Capitulation was changed to Convention. He
was sent immedateiy after this with despatches to England, and
Government having resolved to raise ten new regiments, Capt.
Craig was appointed Major of the 82nd, 25th December, 1777, and
proceeded to Halifax in 1778. He was engaged in 1779 in the
operations on the Penobscot (Maine); was afterwards ordered to
the South; and in 1781 was dispatched to take possession of
Wilmington, N. C, which he occupied until the Autumn, when,
informed of the Surrender of Cornwallis, he abandoned the place
and fled precipitately to Charleston. He became
Lieutenant-Colonel of his regiment 31st December, 1781; in 1783
was transferred to the 16th Foot, and was appointed Colonel in
the Army 18th November, 1790. In 1794 he obtained the rank of
Major General, and in the beginning of the following year was
sent on the expedition to the Cape of Good Hope, which having
been reduced, he was appointed Governor of the Colony. In
August, 1795, he became Colonel ot the 46th regiment. He
remained at the Cape until 1797, and as a reward for his
services was made Knight of the Bath. Having returned to England
he was ordered to India, in which country he served five years.
In January, 1801, he was promoted to the rank of Lieut. General,
and in 1802 returned to England, where he was put in command of
the Eastern District. In January, 1804, he was appointed Colonel
of the 86th Foot; in 1805 was selected to command the Troops in
the Mediterranean; proceeded to Lisbon, Gibraltar, Malta, and
thence to Naples, and after the battle of Austerlitz withdrew to
Sicily. He returned to England in 1806, and was appointed
Colonel ot the 22d regiment. In Auguft, 1807, he was appointed
Governor in Chief of British North America, with the local rank
of General; but however qualified he might have been for a camp,
his administration of the affairs of Canada showed him
altogether unfit for the duties of a civil governor. Weak,
suspicious, and hasty; perhaps from ill health and a broken down
constitution; he soon became the tool of a few rapacious,
overbearing and irresponsible officials; saw in every opponent
of his policy a disaffected rebel; seized liberal presses and
suppressed opposition newspapers; imprisoned editors, at and
during, his pleasure, and employed spies to discover treason in
Canada and to foment and encourage it in the United States.
After a troublesome administration of four years he embarked for
England on the 19th June, 1811, thoroughly detested by the
people, and confessing, it is said, on his departure, that among
his professing friends he had experienced more deception and
ingratitude in Canada than in the whole course of his life
before coming to it. Sir James H. Craig did not long survive his
return to England. He died of dropsy in January, 1812, aged 62
years. He had been nearly 50 years in the Army, and during that
time had not been a day on half pay.
__________________
in every article that has been agreed on
between us. It however appears upon a retrofpedt of the Treaty,
that our zeal to compleat it expeditioufly has led us into the
admiffion of a Term in the Title, very different from his
meaning and that of the principle Officers of his Army, who have
been confulted on this important occafion. We have. Sir,
unguardedly called that a Treaty of Capitulation, which the Army
means only as a Treaty of Convention; with the single alteration
of this word Lieut. Col. Sutherland and myself will meet you at
the stipulated time tomorrow morning, with the fair Copy signed
by General Burgoyne.
I hope, Sir, you will excuse my troubling you
so late; but I thought it better than by any delay to prevent
the speedy conclusion of a Treaty, which seems to be the wish of
both parties, and which may prevent the further effusion of
blood between us. I beg your immediate answer. I am. Sir,
Your obedient humble servant,
James Henry Craig,
Capt. 47th Reg. Camp at Saratoga,
13th Oct., half past 10 o'clock.
Answer.
Colonel
Wilkinson's Compliments to Capt. Craig; Major General Gates
will admit the alteration.
[Appended to the foregoing pages in another
hand writing, said to be that of Gov. Clinton, are the two
following papers.]
When General Burgoyne arrived at Bemises
Heights, he was received by Gen. Gates at the Head of the
Continental Army, which was drawn up on that occasion. Gen.
Gates advanced to receive him, told him he was glad to see him.
Gen. Burgoyne replyd, I am not glad to see you; it is my
Fortune, Sir, but not my Fault. Gen. Schuyler's Carriage was
sent for, to receive and conduct Gen. Reidsel, his wife and five
children to Albany. Gen. Burgoyne and the rest of the Staff
Officers were escorted on Horseback. They all dined at General
Schuyler's. At Table General Gates drank the King of Great
Britain's Health. Gen. Burgoyne in return thanked him, and in
the next Glass drank the Continental Congress. Gen. Burgoyne
observed to Gen. Gates, he admired the Number, Dress and
Discipline of his Army; but above all, the Decorum and
Regularity that was observed; said. Your Funds of Men are
inexhaustible, like the Hydra's Head, when cut off, seven more
sprang up in its stead.
When Gen. Burgoyne arrived in Albany, the
Boys gathering round, cryed out, "Make Elbow Room there" — the
Rejoycing Word.
The Number of Prisoners Surrendered by
Capitulation under the Command of Lt. General Burgoyne the 16th
of October, 1777.
British Prisoners, 2442
Foreign do, 2198
General Burgoyne and Staff Officers,
including fix Members of Parliament, 12
Sent to Canada, 1100
Sick and Wounded, 598
Total, 6350
Prisoners before the Surrender, 400
Deserters, 300
Lost at Bennington, 1220
Killed between the 17th Sept. and the 18th
October, 600
Taken at Ticonderoga, 413
Killed at Gen. Herkimer's Battle, 300
Total, 3233
Grand Total, 9583
Ordnance, Stores, &c. taken.
6 Pieces of Cannon at Bennington.
2 do and 4 Royals at Fort Schuyler.
400 Set of Harness, a Number of Ammunition
Waggons and Horses.
5000 Stand of Arms.
37 Pieces of Brass Cannon, Implements and
Stores Compleat.
The above is exclusive of Indians, Teamsters
and Suttlers.
NAMES OF THE OFFICERS OF THE BRUNSWICK
REGIMENTS IN THIS CAMPAIGN.
Staff.
1. MAJOR General von Riedesel, (See supra, p.
103).
2. Captain Heinrich Dan. Gerlach, Quarter
Mailer General; died 29th Sept., 1798, Lieutenant Colonel and
Commander of the Artillery at Brunswick.
3. Captain Laurence O'Connel; was taken
prisoner at Bennington; attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel,
and died in 18 19, in Ireland, on half pay.
4. Lieutenant Friedrich Christian Cleve, (See
post.)
5. Paymaster General Johannes Conr. Godecke,
died 25th Dec., 1782, in America.
Dragoon
Regiment.
1. Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum, (See
supra, p. 82.)
2. Major Just. Christoph von Maibom; was
taken prisoner at Bennington, and died at Wolfenbuttel, 17th
Feb., 1804.
3. Captain Carl von Schlagenteuffel; was
taken prisoner at Bennington; left the army in 1788.
4. Captain Heinrich Christian Fricke; died a
Major 3d July, 1808. at Konigflutter.
5. Captain Carl Friedrich von Reinking;
killed in the battle of Bennington, 16th Aug., 1777.
6. Captain Adolph von Schlagenteuffel;
retired from the service with the rank of Major in 1783.
7. Lieutenant Aug. Wilhelm Breva; was taken
prisoner at Bennington; died 16th Aug., 1790, Chief Captain
(hauptman) of Invalids at Blankenburg.
8. Lieutenant Otto Arnold von Sommerlatte;
pensioned in 1783 on account of blindness.
9. Lieutenant Carl Friedrich von Reckrodt;
taken prisoner at Bennington; deserted from Wolfenbuttel, 12th
Aug., 1784.
10. Lieutenant Friedrich Wilhelm Dietrich von
Bothmer; was taken prisoner at Bennington; discharged in 1783
with the rank of Captain.
11. Lieutenant August Friedrich Heinrich
Bornemann; retired in 1788, and entered the Dutch service; died
in India.
12. Cornet August Ludwig Lucas Grufe; was
taken prisoner at Bennington; remained by permission in America
in 1783; returned to Germany the following year, and died
Governor of the Prince of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.
13. Cornet Johan Balthazar Stutzer; was taken
prisoner at Bennington; was quartered at Springfield in 1788;
died half-pay Lieutenant Colonel in Brunswick, 29th Nov., 1821.
14. Cornet Johan Friedrich Schonewald; was
taken prisoner at Bennington; quartered at Westminfter in 1788;
died Lieutenant Colonel on half pay, in Brunswick, 5th July,
1826.
15. Chaplain Carl Melsheimer; deserted nth
May, 1779.
16. Auditor Thomas; taken prisoner at
Bennington; remained by permission in America in 1783.
17. Surgeon Borbrodt; prisoner at Bennington;
pensioned in 1783.
Grenadier
Regiment.
1. Lieutenant Colonel Heinrich Christoph
Breymann, (See p. 82).
2. Captain Ernst August von Bartling; taken
prisoner at Bennington; died Lieutenant Colonel in command of
the regiment, at Maestricht, 1st Jan., 1793.
3. Capt. Albrecht Daniel von Lohneysen; died
2d May, 1820, at Nemlingen.
4. Captain Gottlob Dietrich von Schick;
killed at Bennington.
5. Captain August Wilhelm von Hambach;
retired in 1783.
6. Lieutenant Heinrich Wilhelm Uhlig; became
Captain in 1783.
7. Lieutenant Theodor Friedrich Gebbard; was
taken prisoner at Bennington; died Lieut. Col. at Brunswick, 3rd
June, 1810, on half pay.
8. Lieutenant August Wilhelm Helmecke;
discharged in 1783.
9. Lieutenant Christian Wilhelm Trott;
retired in 1783.
10. Lieutenant Otto Heinrich Rudolph; died
Lieutenant Colonel at Brunswick, 3rd June, 1810.
11. Lieutenant Gebbard Thedel Friedrich von
Wallmoden; died Major unattached at Alten- Wallmoden, 2d Sept.,
1807.
12. Lieutenant Ludwig Casimir von Muzell;
attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and died 28th July,
1814, Groom in Waiting to his Serene Highness Prince George of
Brunswick.
13. Lieutenant Johann Andreas Meyer; was
taken at Bennington.
14. Lieutenant Johann Jacob von Meyern; died
3rd July, 1802, Chief Captain of the Company of Invalids at
Blankenburg.
15. Lieutenant Carl Franz d'Anniers; died
prisoner at Bennington in 1777.
16. Lieutenant Gottfried Jul. Winterschmidt;
deserted in 1779.
17. Lieutenant Johann Caspar Balke; died in
America in 1778.
18. Surgeon Henkel; died in America in 1778.
Prince
Frederic's Regiment.
I1. Lieutenant Colonel Christian Julius
Pratorius; died on half pay loth April, 1794, at Holzminden.
2. Major Friedrich Wilhelm von Hille;
attained the rank of Major General, and was appointed Commandant
of Wolfenbuttel; he died at Brunswick, 29th April, 1805.
3. Captain Adolph Lorenz Dietrich; died
Lieutenant Colonel at Wolfenbuttel, loth March, 1794.
4. Captain Carl August Heinrich von
Tunterfeld; died Chamberlain at Brunswick, 4th June, 1802.
5. Captain Jacob Christian Sander; died
Lieutenant Colonel at Wolfenbuttel, 14th March, 1799.
6. Captain Friedrich Albrecht Rosenberg;
retired with the rank of Major in 1788.
7. Capt. Georg Ernst von Zielber; died at
Horter, 23d Feb., 1797.
8. Lieutenant Ernst Christian Schroder; died
in 1783.
9. Lieutenant Friedrich von dem Knesebeck;
retired from the servicc in 1783.
10. Lieutenant Friedrich Wilhelm Volckmar;
retired in 1783.
11. Lieutenant Joh. Fried. Harz; appointed
Secretary of the Klosterrath in 1787.
12. Lieutenant Johann Gottfried Wolgart; died
Lieutenant Colonel at Wolfenbuttel, 2nd Oct., 1825.
13. Lieutenant Gottl. Christ, von
Reitzenstein; remained by permission in America in 1783.
14. Lieutenant Johann Friedrich Heinrich
Burghoff; was taken prisoner at Bennington, and died in America
in 1780.
15. Lieutenant August Wilhelm du Roi; after a
service of over fifty years, this officer, in a fit of
melancholy, committed suicide by drowning, on the 23d March,
1814. At the time of his death he held the rank of Lieut.
Colonel, and filled the office of Commissary General.
16. Lieutenant Christian Friedrich Wiesener;
retired in 1783.
17. Lieutenant Edmund Victor von Konig;
remained in America by permission in 1783.
18. Ensign Siegfr. Heinr. Lancerjahn;
remained in America by permission in 1783.
19. Ensign Carl Friedrich Christ, von
Adelsheim; deserted 1780.
20. Enfign Johann Christian Sternberg; died
Commissary of Provisions at Wolfenbuttel, 16th Nov., 1799.
21. Ensign Carl Wilhelm Reinerding; died at
Blankenburg, 14th March, 181 5.
22. Ensign Friedrich Kolte; remained in
America by permission in 1783.
23. Chaplain Friedrich August FiIcerer:
discharged Oct., 1779.
24. Chaplain Friedrich Wilhelm Conrad
Schrader; was sent to America in April, 1779, with recruits, and
died 19th Dec, 1792, Pallor of Beierftedt.
25. Auditor Paul Gottfried Frans Wolpers;
died Register in Chancery at Wolfenbuttel, 11th May, 1802.
26. Surgeon Johan August Berndt; died 27th
Feb., 1807, Town Surgeon at Holzminden.
Regiment
of Rhetz.
1. Lieutenant Colonel Johan Gustav von
Ehrenkrock; died the 22nd March, 1783, at Three Rivers, in
Canada, and was buried with military honors on the 27th of the
same month, in the garrison burying ground of that town.
2. Major Balthasar Bogislaus von Lucre.
3. Captain Ludewig von Schlagenteuffel; died
in 1783 at Calvorde.
4. Captain Conrad Anton Alers; died at
Brunswick 17th Odlober, 1810, Major unattached.
5. Captain Georg Philip Arend; died loth Dec,
1803, Lieutenant Colonel unattached.
6. Captain Heinrich Urban Cleve; died 2d
Jan., 1808, at Salzgitter.
7. Captain Wilhelm Ludwig Fredersdorff; was
wounded on the 7th Oft., 1777, in the battle of Freeman's Farm,
and died at Albany in the following year.
8. Lieutenant George Bodemeyer; died a
Captain at Maeftricht, 1793.
9. Lieutenant Friedrich Julius von Papet;
died a Captain at Maestricht 5th April, 1793.
10. Lieutenant Curt von Hessler; discharged
in 1783 with the rank of Captain.
11. Lieutenant Friedrich Leopold Engelhard
Meyer; died 6th Dec., 1802, Inspector of Excise at Scefen.
12. Lieutenant Thedel Wilhelm Bielstein;
permitted to remain in America in 1783.
13. Lieutenant Carl Friedrich Conrad;
dischargcd in 1783, and returned to America.
14. Lieutenant Hans Philip Heinrich von
Dobeneck; died Captain in 1796, at Holzmindcn.
15. Lieutenant Carl Ludwig Petersen; died 7th
May, 1 814, at Meerdorf.
16. Lieutenant Christian Heinrich Modrach;
died a Captain 18th August, 1803, at Bevern.
17. Lieutenant Johann Ludwig von Unger; died
2d May, 1805, at Salzliebenhalle.
18. Lieutenant Friedrich Wilhelm Feichel;
died Captain at Brunswick, 29th May, 1794.
19. Enfign Friedrich Bandel; deserted his
regiment in 1779.
20. Enfign Bernhard Erich; discharged in
1783.
21. Enfign Johan Friedrich Bode; died 19th
Sept., 1783, at Stade, on his return from America.
22. Enfign Johan Heinrich Godecke;
transferred to a regiment of the line (land-regimente) in 1783.
23. Chaplain Christian Timotheus Togel; died
1st Oct., 1797, Pastor of Great Twulpstedt.
24. Auditor Schmidt; transferred to
Riedesel's regiment in 1783.
25. Surgeon Johann Friedrich Schrader; died
i6th Dec, 1804, at Brunswick.
Riedesel's
Regiment.
1 . Lieutenant Colonel Ernst Ludewig Wilhelm
von Speth; taken prifoncr 7th Oft., 1777, at Freeman's Farm;
died 27th Oct., 1800, Major General and Commandant at
Wolfenbuttel.
2. Major Otto Carl Anton von Mengen; died
Lieutenant Colonel unattached, at Luneburg, i8th May, 1797.
3. Captain Julius Ludwig August von
Pollnitz'; died 29th March, 1805, Major General and Commandant
at Wolfenbuttel.
4. Captain Carl Friedrich Morgenstern;
discharged with the rank of Major.
5. Captain Carl Friedrich von Bartling; died
in 1783 at Munster, on the march from America to Brunswick.
6. Captain Gottlieb Benjamin Harbor; died a
Captain on half pay.
7. Captain Ernst Heinrich Wilhelm von
Girsewald; died Major General at Brunswick, l6th Jan., 1818.
8. Lieutenant Wilhelm Hoyer; died in America
in 1782.
9. Lieutenant Johan Carl Morgenstern; died a
Captain at Brunswick, 8th Dec, 1787.
10. Lieutenant Friedrich Carl Reinking; died
a Captain.
11. Lieutenant Ludwig Traugott von Burgdorff;
discharged in 1786.
12. Lieutenant August Theodor Gottfried
Wolgart; died a Major at Brunswick, 4th March, 1821.
13. Lieut. Heinrich Julius Freyenhagen; died
in America in 1777.
14. Lieutenant Christian Theodor von Pincier;
discharged in 1784, and returned to America.
15. Lieutenant Heinrich Wilhelm Gottfried von
Cramm; died a Captain at Maestricht, 3rd Feb., 1794.
16. Lieut. Ludwig Gottlieb VON Meyern; died
in America in 1781.
17. Enfign Ernst Christian Heinrich Brander;
discharged, 1786.
18. Enfign Ludwig Unverzagt; died in America
in 1776.
19. Enfign Carl Christoph von Maibom; died
26th April, 1794, on the return march from Maestricht to
Holzminden.
20. Ensign Raymond Gottlieb Heberlin; taken
prifoner at Freeman's Farm, 7th Oft., \'7T!; died a Captain 6th
Oft., 1796, at Helmftedt.
21 . Ensign Carl Conrad Andree; taken
prisoner at Bennington; died Lieutenant in a regiment of the
line.
22. Ensign Friedrich Ludwig Denecke; was
taken prisoner at Ben- nington, 16th Aug., 1777; and resided at
Westminfter in Jan., 1778,
23. Ensign Heinrich Friedrich von Forstner;
discharged in 1794.
24. Chaplain Johann August Milius; died 17th
January, 1819, Pastor of Salder.
25. General Staff Auditor Carl Friedrich
Wilhelm Zinken; died 3d Aug., 1806, Judge at Seesen.
26. Surgeon Pralle; died at Jcrrheim.
Specht's
Regiment.
1. Colonel Johann Friedrich Specht; died 24th
June, 1787, at Brunswick.
2. Major Carl Friedrich von Ehrenkrock; died
17th July, 1797, at Brunswick.
3. Captain Leopold Franz Friedrich Balthazar
von Plessen; died 6th Feb., 1808, at Gandersheim.
4. Captain Aug. Conr. von Lutzow; died
Colonel, 26th Nov. 1799, at Brunswick.
5. Captain Bernh. Rich. von Dahlstirna;
wounded on the 7th Oct., 1777, in the battle at Freeman's Farm,
and died the year following at Albany.
6. Captain George von Schlagenteuffel; died
15th Aug., 1818, Upper Bailiff at Schoppenlfedt.
7. Captain Heinrich Jager; died in 1782, in
America.
8. Lieutenant Johann Heinrich Meyer; died
23rd Oct., 1800, Postmaster at Helmfledt.
9. Lieutenant Daniel Arnold Hertel; died 1st
Aug., 1799, at Konigslutter.
10. Lieutenant August Wilhelm von Papet; died
Colonel at Brunswick, 25th July, 1808.
11. Lieut. Heinrich Anton David Dove; died in
1780 in America.
12. Lieutenant Christian Friedrich von
Milkau; discharged, 1783.
13. Lieutenant Friedrich Ernst Oldekopf;
appointed Secretary of the post department in 1784, and died in
that office.
14. Lieutenant Heinrich Daniel de Anniers;
discharged in 1783.
15. Lieutenant Johann Friedrich Julius
Kellner; died 30th Nov., 1808, Commissary at Brunswick.
16. Lieutenant Anton Adolph Heinrich du Roi;
died Lieutenant Colonel at Brunswick, 19th Aug., 1823.
17. Lieutenant Friedrich Bodo von Unger; died
Counsellor at Salzgitter, nth Nov., 1819.
18. Ensign Johann Heinrich Carl von
Bernewitz; died Lieutenant General and Commandant at Brunswick,
13th Dec., 1821.
19. Ensign Friedrich von Redeken; died in
1777, in America.
20. Ensign Johann Edmund Fromme; died Major
at Wolfcnbuttel, 8th May, 1822.
21. Ensign Samuel Jacob Anton von Ulmenstei;
died Lieutenant 9th July, 1793.
22. Enfign Grimpe; died at Brunswick.
23. Chaplain Kohle.
24. Chaplain Munchhoff.
25. Auditor Behr.
26. Surgeon Johann Carl Bause; died General
Staff Physician unattached, at Brunswick, 15th Dec, 1814.
Rifle
(Jager) Regiment.
1. Major Ferdinand Albr. von Barker; died
Colonel, 2nd Oct., 1797.
2. Captain Georg Ludewig Thoma; died Captain
at Woltenbuttel, 10th Jan., 1800.
3. Captain Carl von Geyso; taken prisoner at
Freeman's Farm; at Rutland in 1778; discharged in 1783, with the
rank of Major.
4. Captain August Friedrich Dommes; taken
prisoner at Bennington; died Chief Commissary at Blankenburg,
6th Jan., 1 802.
5. Captain Maximilian Christoph Ludwig
Schottelius; died Postmaster at Holzminden, 3rd Dec, 1807.
6. Captain Gottlieb Joachim von Gliessenberg;
taken prisoner at Freeman's Farm, in 1777; in Albany in 1778;
died Colonel and Commandant at Wolfenbuttel, 20th Feb., 1801.
7. Lieutenant Johann Caspar Hahnemann; died
Forest Ranger.
8. Lieutenant Philip Sigismund Cruse; died
Captain in the line.
9. Lieutenant Johann Gottfried Kotte; died at
Quebec in 1776.
10. Lieutenant Albrecht Christian Rabe; died
at Konigflutter, 18th Oct., 1806.
11. Lieutenant Johann Gottlieb von Gladen;
died Major at Wolfenbuttel, 14th Dec, 1827.
12. Lieutenant Carl Anton Ludwig Muhlenfeldt;
killed at the battle of Bennington.
13. Lieutenant Johann Friedrich Pfluger; died
in America, 1777.
14. Lieutenant Andreas Meyer; died at the
Ducal Caftle at Salzdahlum, 7th Dec, 1795.
15. Lieutenant Georg Friedrich Gebhard
Fricke; died Postmaster at Goflar, 19th Nov., 1807.
16. Lieutenant Johann Andreas Bode; killed at
the battle of Freeman's Farm, 7th Oct., 1777.
17. Lieutenant Caspar Friedrich Rohr;
discharged in 1783.
18. Ensign Wilhelm Lucas Rhenius; died at
Drangftedt 30th Sept., 1783, on the march from America to
Brunswick.
19. Ensign Johann Jul. Anton Specht; taken
prisoner at Bennington; remained by permission in America in
1783.
20. Ensign Johann von Begert; drowned in
America in 1777.
21. Ensign Georg Leopold Hegemann; killed at
the battle of Bennington.
22. Ensign Ernst August Count von Rantzau;
taken prisoner at Freeman's Farm; drowned in the Schuylkill.
23. Surgeon Kunze; died on half pay.
Brigade
Major Cleve.
FREDERICK Christian Cleve was the youngest
son of the Chamberlain of the Court of Brunswick, in which city
he was born in 1739. In the year 1759, he entered the service as
Corporal in the Regiment of Imhof, in which corps two of his
brothers held commissions. On the 7th May, 1759, he was promoted
to an Enfigncy, and on the 18th Sept., 1761, was appointed
Lieutenant. At the end of the war he was discharged. On the
breaking out of the American war he was appointed Adjutant in
Gen. Riedesel's staff, with the rank of Lieutenant, and on
returning to his native country in 1783, was promoted to a
Company in Riedesel's newly organized regiment of Infantry. On
23d Dec, 1788, he was appointed Major and served in Holland
until 1794. On the return of his regiment to Brunswick, he was
placed at the head of the Military Academy; on 22nd Dec., 1798,
advanced to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and on 28th April,
1801, to that of Colonel. He took an active part in organizing
the Westphalian army, and in 1817 was appointed Major General.
Full of years, and with the character of a moral and religious
Soldier, he died on the 6th of January, 1836, in the 88th year
of his age.
Major
Irwing.
PAULUS Aemilius Irving was born at Waterford,
Ireland, August 30th, 1751; he was the only son of Lieutenant
Colonel Irving, of Woodhouse, County of Dumfries, Scotland,
Governor of Upnor Castle, and at one time President of the
Council in Quebec. He was appointed to a Lieutenancy in the 47th
regiment, on the 15th June, 1764, and obtained his company 29th
October, 1768; came to America in 1774, and on 31st March, 1775,
became Major of his regiment. According to Philippart, he was in
the battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill, and in
Boston during the blockade. On the evacuation
of that city, he accompanied his regiment to Quebec, was at the
affair of Three Rivers in June, 1776, and followed the Americans
to Ticonderoga. At the close of Burgoyne's campaign. Major
Irving shared the fate of the rest of the army. He remained a
prisoner three years; towards the close of 1780 he obtained the
brevet rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and became Lieutenant Colonel
of his regiment 3rd August, 1781, when he returned to England,
and in 1786 married Lady Elizabeth St. Lawrence, second daughter
of the first Earl of Howth. In 1790 he went to the Bahamas,
became Major General in 1794, and joined Sir John Vaughan's army
in the Weft Indies in 1795. On the death of that officer that
year, Major General Irving succeeded to the chief command of the
army in those parts. In September he went to St. Vincents, and
on 2nd October achieved a decisive victory over the French at
St. Vigie, for which he received the thanks of the king. He
returned to England at the close of 1795, and in 1801, was
promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General, became Colonel of
the 6th Veteran Battalion in 1802; and was raised to the dignity
of a Baronet in 1809. In 1812 he reached the rank of General,
and died at Carlisle in 1828, aged 76 years. Some writers
confound this officer with his father, in consequence of both
having the same name.
Lieutenant
Beecroft.
RICHARD Beecroft entered the 24th regiment of
Foot as Ensign in 1761; was promoted to a Lieutenancy in
February, 1766. When theAmericans attacked Ticonderoga in
September, 1777, Lieut. Beecroft was stationed with some troops
on Mount Independence, where he greatly distinguished himself,
and in confequence obtained a company in October following; in
1781 he exchanged, or was transferred, to the l01st regiment.
This regiment being disbanded in 1785, Capt. Beecroft went on
halfpay and so remained until 1796, when his name disappears
from the Army List.
Lord
Viscount Peterborough.
CHARLES Stanhope, Viscount Petersham, eldest
son of William 2nd Earl of Harrington, was born on 17th March,
1753. He entered the Army as Ensign in the Coldstream Guards in
the seventeenth year of his age, and at the age of twenty,
received a Captain's commission in the 29th Foot. Having been
ordered to Canada, his lordship arrived at Quebec on the 6th
May, 1776, and had the honor to command the detachment which
relieved that city, then besieged by the Americans. On
accompanying the expedition under Gen. Burgoyne, Lord Petersham
was appointed to the Grenadier company, which he commanded at
the battle of Hubbardton, Vt., on the 7th July, 1777. A few days
after, he was appointed supernumerary Aid-de-Camp to Gen.
Burgoyne, and in that capacity served in the engagements of the
19th of September, and 7th of October, and attended the funeral
of Brig. Gen. Frazer, who was killed on the last menuoned day.
On the 17th of October his lordship was one of the officers that
attended Gen. Burgoyne on occasion of his surrender as prisoner
of war to Major General Gates, after which, being selected to
carry General B.'s despatches to London, he went to Albany,
thence to New York, and embarked for England where he exchanged
into the 3rd Foot Guards, whereby he attained the rank of
Colonel in the Army, 16th January, 1778. He succeeded to the
title of Earl of Harrington on the death of his father, 1st
April, 1779; on the 23rd May following he married Jane, daughter
of Sir John Fleming, Bart., and on the 1st June was examined
before the Committee of the House of Commons on Burgoyne's
expedition. In 1780, he was appointed Lieut. Colonel of the 85th
Foot, and then served two years in the Weft Indies. In 1782 he
received the brevet rank of Colonel, and became Colonel of the
65th Foot in March 1783. He was appointed to the command of the
29th regiment in January 1788, and of the 1st regiment of Life
Guards on the 5th December, 1792; was advanced to the rank of
Major General the following year, and of Lieut. General in 1798,
after which his lordshiip was sometime employed on the staff in
Great Britain and served also in Ireland. Having attained the
rank of General in the Army; been Governor and Constable of
Windsor Caftle, and having been honored with the Grand Crofs of
the Bath, his lordship died on the 5th Sept., 1829, in the 67th
year of his age.
Baron
Salans.
ALEXANDER Salans entered the 9th regiment as
Ensign 2nd September, 1776. He returned to England after this
campaign, and in 1780 was appointed Captain in the 85th, a newly
raised regiment, of which Lord Harrington (supra, p. 76) was
Colonel. This corps was dslbanded in 1783, when Baron Salans's
name disappears from the army list.
Colonel
Wilkinson.
JAMES Wilkinson was born in Maryland, in
1757, and at the age of 17, entered the Medical School of
Philadelphia. After passing through the requisite studies he
returned to his native place to practice his profession. On the
breaking out of the Revolution, he joined, as a Volunteer, Col.
Thompson's company of Rifles, then at the camp before Boston,
and in September, 1775, was commissioned Captain in Read's New
Hampfhire regiment. He joined this corps in 1776, but was soon
after ordered to Canada, and joined General Arnold at Lachine,
22nd May of that year, but was obliged to quit that Province
with the remains of the American army, and return to
Ticonderoga, where he was appointed Major of Brigade. In
consequence of an attack of fever, he had to be removed to
Albany, and in January, 1777, was commissioned Lieutenant
Colonel in a newly raised regiment, commanded by Colonel Gueft,
but was shortly after transferred to Hardey's regiment, and
proceeded to Maryland to recruit. On General Gates being
appointed to the command of the Northern army. Lieutenant
Colonel Wilkinson left Hartley's regiment, and joined Gen.
Gates's stafF as Adjutant General, in which capacity he made the
campaign of 1777. On the furrender of Burgoyne, Wilkinson was
\ent with Gates's despatches to Congress, and recommended for
promotion; but his progress was slow. He had halted on the way
to pay his respects to Mifs Biddle, to whom he was attached.
When it was afterwards moved in Congress to present the
messenger with a fword, it was proposed by way of amendment,
that he should be presented with a pair of golden spurs. He,
however, received the brevet of Brigadier General, 6th of
November, 1777, and returned to the North. In January, 1778, he
was appointed Secretary of the Board of War, and proceeded in
February to Pennsylvania. Here he quarrelled with and challenged
Gates, in consequence of some misunderstanding, but the
interference of friends prevented a hostile meeting. General
Wilkinson's promotion having given offence to a number of
Colonels in the Continental Army, who felt slighted thereby, he
threw up his brevet on the 3rd, and his Secretaryship on the
28th March, 1778; the latter in consequence of Gates being
President of the Board. The dominant influence of that officer,
and the feuds and intrigues in Congress and in the army, left
him unemployed until the 29th July, 1779, when he received the
appointment of Clothier General to the forces. After the peace.
General Wilkinson turned his attention to the Western country,
and in February, 1784, fettled at Lexington, Ky., as agent of a
commercial company in Philadelphia. He soon engaged in politics,
and in 1786 was elected member of the Convention preparatory to
the entrance of that territory into the Union. Hitherto no trade
had been permitted between the Western people and New Orleans,
but General Wilkinfon conceived the idea of eftablishing a
regular trade thither, and accordingly, in 1787 sent a cargo of
tobacco, flour, butter and bacon down the Mississippi, which he
shortly followed, and by his personal influence, caused the
removal of those commercial barriers which had, up to that time,
closed that market to the Western trade. The troubles with the
Indians now absorbed public attention, and measures became
neceflary for the proteflion of the fron- tier. In 1791 an
expedition against the Wabash Indians was, therefore, organized,
of which Wilkinson was chosen Colonel. His services on this
occasion commended him to the Federal Government, and on 7th
November of that year, he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of
the 2nd regiment of Infantry, and on 5th March, 1792, Brigadier
General. He commanded the right wing of Wayne's army at the
famous battle of the Maumee, 20th August, 1794, and
distinguished himself on that occasion. The Treaty of Greenville
was shortly after concluded, and put an end to the Indian wars
on the Ohio. General Wilkinson took advantage of this treaty to
purchase, in company with others, a large traft of land
extending from the Little to the Great Miami, on part of which
the town of Dayton, O., now stands. In December, 1796, he became
General in Chief of the army, with his head quarters at
Pittsburg; visited Detroit and Michilimakinac in 1797, and in
1798, on the organization of the Territory of Mississippi,
established his headquarters at Natchez, where he erected Fort
Adams, so called after the Prefident then in office. In the year
following (1799) he was called to New York to aid the government
with his advice in the then critical state of our foreign
relations, but after his returning to Natchez, was engaged in
1801 in negotiations with the Indian tribes south of Tennessee,
and in determining the boundary between the Whites and the
Chickafaws, Choftaws, &c. It was while thus employed that he
was nominated one of the Commissioners for receiving possession
of Louifiana. He executed that commission December 20th, 1803,
and returned to New York in 1 804, after having been honored
with a public dinner. In 1805, he was appointed Governor of the
Territory of Louisiana, now comprising the States of Arkansas,
Missouri, &c. He reached St. Louis, the seat of the
territorial government, in June, and administered the affairs of
the territory until the close of 1806. He was next employed in
protesting the south-western frontier from invasion by the
Spaniards, who had assembled a large body of troops on the
eastern boundary of Texas. On concluding that business, and
making the requisite arrangements with the Spanish authorities,
he returned to New Orleans, where he was soon actively engaged
in breaking up the plans and project of Aaron Burr. General
Wilkinson's activity on that occasion, drew down on him the
enmity of Burr's friends, and as a consequence, in December, 1
806, an investigation into his official conduct. This resulted
in his favor, and the report having been approved. General Wilkonson was
ordered (1808) to return to New Orleans to provide for the
public defence, but having a special mission to the Havana, he
did not reach Louisiana until 19th April, 1809. He was
superseded in his command in December following, and recalled to
Washington, which he reached in April, 1810. Another
investigation into his conduct followed, and in July, 1811, he
was tried by court martial on charges of having received bribes
from, or having been in the pay of Spain, and for having
connived at the designs of Burr, &c. This trial occupied
much time and confiderable public attention. It terminated at
length, in December, by a verdift of not guilty, which was
approved by the President 14th February, 1812, and General
Wilkinfon was once more ordered back to New Orleans, to resume
his command. He reached that city on the 8th June; war with
England was declared on the 18th, and he was commissioned Brevet
Major General l0th July following, and Major General 2nd March,
1813. In April, 1813, he reduced Mobile and fortified Mobile
Point, afterwards called Fort Bowyer. He then returned to New
Orleans, and in May was removed from the South and ordered to
take command of the army on the Northern frontier.
The General did not win many laurels on that
frontier, and at the close of the campaign, broken in health, he
asked to be transferred to some other command. In February,
1814, the Secretary at War reported to the President various
charges against him, and recommended that he be superseded, and
that a court of inquiry examine into his conduct. He was
accordingly ordered to reside either at Philadelphia, Baltimore
or Annapolis, and meanwhile to consider himself under arrest.
Towards the close of June he arrived at the city of Washington,
then agitated by the approach of the British under Gen. Ross.
Thereupon General Wilkinson offered to take command of the
militia and save the city, if his arrest were suspended and his
sword temporarily restored. The administration took no notice of
this offer, and he left the city on the 20th August, and retired
to Maryland. He renewed his offer in September, but with no
better success. It was decided to bring him to trial. A court
martial accordingly assembled at Troy in January, 1815, which
terminated its labors March 21, by the honorable acquittal of
the accused on all and each of the charges the government had
brought against him.
_______________
1 According to Allen's Biographical
Dictionary, General Wilkinson married about this time a Miss
Trudeau, aged 26
years.
_____________
Peace having been concluded, Congrefs passed
an act (May 1815) to reduce the army. Upwards of eighteen
hundred officers were discharged. General Wilkinfon was the
principal one of these, notwithstanding his forty years in the
public service, and his recent honorable acquittal by the
general court martial. He thereupon retired to Germantown. Pa.,
where he employed himself in the compilation of his Memoirs,
which were published in 1816, in 3 vols. 8vo. with an Atlas. In
the beginning of that year, the General Assembly of his native
state passed the following Joint Resolution No. 47, Dec.
Session, 1815.
By the General Assembly of Maryland.
Passed Jan. 26. 1816. In favor of James
Wilkinson.
WHEREAS it appears to this General Assembly
that Wilkinson, an Officer of the Revolutionary In favor of War,
and who served to its termination, did not receive the
Commutation money of five years pay, in lieu of halfpay for
life, promised to the officers and soldiers who continued in
service to the end of the war : Therefore
Resolved,
That the Treasurer of the Western Shore, be and he is hereby
authorized and direfted to pay to the faid James Wilkinfon,
yearly, in quarterly payments, during life, the halfpay of a
Colonel of Dragoons, as remuneration for services rendered his
country in the revolutionary struggle for liberty. (See vol.
Laws, Dec. Session, 1815, p. 224.)
He subsequendy went to Mexico, and in August,
1825, obtained from the government of that country a grant of
land in Texas. He derived no benefit, however, from that grant,
for he was seized soon after, with an attack of diarrhea, and
died near the city of Mexico, on the 28th December, 1825, aged
68 years. His body was brought to the house of Mr. Poinsett, the
American minister, and his interment took place on the evening
of the 30th, in the parish of St. Miguel. As an old soldier of
the Revolution, every effort was made to procure for him
military honors, but these were peremptorily denied, on the plea
that such honors were not even granted to Mexicans. He was
followed to the grave by the most distinguished military and
civil officers, and by all the respectable foreigners of the
city. "Public opinion," says Niles, in his Weekly Register, "has
long been much divided as to the character of the deceased. We
have thought that he was a man more sinned against than finning;
" though some parts of his conduct rather appeared inexplicable.
Let his faults be buried with him, and the fact that he was a
gallant Soldier of the Revolution overfshadow his memory, and
endear the recollection of all who reap the fruits of the
exertions of those who gave themselves up to their country when
men's souls were tried."
Reminiscences of Gen. Wilkinson by James F.
Watson, Esq.
Germantown, Sept. 12, 1860. Dr. E. B.
O'Callaghan :
Dear Sir — Our mutual friend, E. Armstrong,
has desired me to write to you of my recollections of General
James Wilkinfon. I am happy to reply, and to manifest my
respect, personally, for yourself.
General Wilkinson was an elegant gentleman in
person and manners. He was of medium size, probably 5 feet 8 or
9 inches. I knew him first in years 1800 to 1804. He dwelt in
the house next door to me, in the Six Buildings, in Wafhington
city. He was sumptuous and hospitable in his living, not very
nicely balancing his means and ends. He appeared much abroad
with his Aid, both in full uniform, and generally on horseback.
His array was splendid, he having gold stirrups and spurs, and
gold leopard claws to his leopard saddle-cloth. The buttons of
his clothing were also gold. He had then two sons at college.
One or both of them married and settled at Natchez. The elder
son was tall and handsome. It seems to me as if one of them got
in a duel there.
I once saw Gen. Wilkinson walking Spruce
street in Philadelphia, going, as I supposed, to a dinner; he in
full uniform, having his hair toupeed and powdered, and carrying
his chapeau under his arm, and caring for no one's eyes or
remarks. That should have been about the year 1800. It was
before hacks, &c.
General Wilkinson's first wife was Msfs
Biddle of Philadelphia, sister of Clement Biddle, very long
known as a very active and efficient agent for merchants and
captains operating at the custom house. He acquired money, and
lived to 80 years of age. His second wife was a Creole of New
Orleans. About the years 1804-5, I used to see her and her
sister very often. They were very handsome; not deemed affluent;
lived on a Plantation above New Orleans. They always came to the
city in a volante, driving their pair of Andalusian horses
themfelves.
General Wilkinson first introduced the
cropping of hair in the army. Colonel Butler could not endure to
lose his long-cherished cue. He resisted. It created great
feuds, and much divided officers, so that several duels
occurred. He first introduced msfical instruments, and their
cost was much disputed at first by the department.
In the year 1814 I came to dwell at
Germantown, as cashier of the newly founded bank. In two or
three years after, General Wilkinson came to be my near neighbor
at Riter's Tavern, where he purposed to board and write his
three volumes of Memoirs. It was a long two-storied stone house,
with a high attic, extending the length of the whole house, and
was well lined with unpainted cedar boards. It was used as a
masons' lodge. There he would pace to and fro, and dictate his
composition to his amanuensis, seemingly an Englishman. I felt
surprise at such a mode of bookmaking. I was allowed to be
present, when I chose. The General made no shew abroad, while
there, and did not desire to visit, as I think. My house being
near, and informal, he seemed to like to relax by calling in,
and talking mostly with Mrs. Watson. She admired him for his
elegance and proprieties of manner. See what I have said of him
and his Memoirs in appendix to my Annuls of Philadelphia.
Sir
Francis Clark.
SIR Francis Carr Clerke, Bart., of Hitcham,
Buckingham county, England, was born 24th October, 1 748, and
succeeded to the Baronetcy in 1769. He entered the army as
Ensign in the 3rd regiment of Foot Guards, on the 3rd Jan. 1770,
and attained the rank of Lieutenant and Captain on 26th July,
1775. He accompanied General Burgoyne in the capacity of
Aid-de-camp , was severely wounded on the 8th, and died on the
13th October, 1777. The following circumstances attending his
death are related in General Wilkinfon's Memoirs, 1, 269, note:
"When I returned to headquarters from the
field of battle, I found Sir Francis Clark reposing on General
Gates's bed, and those gentlemen engaged in a warm dispute, on
the merits of the revolution, Sir Francis admitting that every
procedure on our part, short of the declaration of independence
was warranted by the conduct of the Britifli administration;
that he had on this ground vindicated us in public and private,
but that the fudden aft of severance, convinced him the contest
had originated in a premeditated view 10 independence, into
which the colonies had been cheated by the puritans of New
England; and that he, of consequence, had changed his opinion,
and taken part against us. On the other hand. Gates contended,
that the idea of disunion had never entered into the head of any
American, until the menaces of the parliament, the repeated
oppressive acts of the British government, and the manifest
vindictive resentment of the sovereign, left the colonists no
alternative between abject vassalage and self-governmcnt.
"The old General became quite incensed, and
calling me out of the room, asked me if I had ever heard so
impudent a son of a b — h. Sir Francis,
who was I think a member of parliament, appeared to be an
impetuous, high-minded, frank, fearless fellow, for suddenly
changing the conversation, he inquired of me, whether our
surgeons were good for anything, as he did not like the
direction of his wound, and was desirous to know whether it was
mortal or not. The following extract of a letter from Doctor
Hayes to General Burgoyne, dated the 9th October, describes Sir
Francis's particular case: 'I have seen Sir Francis Clark, and
am sorry to inform you that I have some unfavorable opinion of
his case. The ball entered his right flank, struck the two last
of the false ribs, penetrated the cavity of the abdomen, and
seems to run towards the spine; a tension of his belly, and
involuntary discharges of urine are bad symptoms. He has been
attended with great care and tenderness; I stay by him this
night, and shall not omit any attention for his recovery. Major
Ackland is wounded in the thick part of both legs. The left
seems to have the bone touched, but of no consequence.' Sir
Francis died I think the 13th, and the day before questioned Dr. Townsend,
who attended him, as to the probable issue of the wound. The
Doctor felt a reluctance in announcing his doom; he observed it,
and remarked, 'Doctor, why do you pause? Do you think I am
afraid to die?' The Doctor then advised him, as an act of
prudence, to arrange his private affairs. 'Thank you, Doctor,'
replied he, 'I underftand you; as to my private affairs, my
father settled them for me, and I have only a few legacies to
bequeath.' Among them he gave twenty guineas to the matron of
our hospital, who had paid particular attention to him."
THIS document is in the possession J. Wingate
Thornton, Esq., of Boston, Mass., and is signed by Gen. Burgoyne
in a broken and tremulous hand, and one hundred and eighty-eight
other officers.
" We, whose names are hereunto subscribed,
being under the restrictions of the convention made on the
sixteenth of October last, between Lieutenant General Burgoyne
and Major General Gates, do promise and engage, on our word and
honor, and in the faith of gentlemen, to remain in the quarters
assigned us for our residence in Cambridge, Watertown, Medford,
and Charlestown, in the State of Massachusetts Bay, and at no
time to exceed or pass the following limits, viz. Swan's shop at
Charlestown Neck, the Cambridge road up to the crossway between
Mr. Codman's house and Fort No, 3; the said crossway out to the
road by Mr. Inman's house, taking in the Hospital Barracks; from
thence a straight line to Cambridge bridge; from thence to the
north bank of Charles river to Watertown; from thence the Bofson
road as far as the crotch of the way at Anger's corner; from
Watertown bridge up the road to the northwest corner of Mr.
Remington's house, and from Learned's Tavern the Cambridge road
on to the common to the Menotomy road, up said road to Cooper's
Tavern, taking in the Menotomy pond; but not to pass the beach
on the south, west, or north sides thereof; from Cooper's Tavern
down to the east end of Benj'n Tuft's houfe in Medford, and from
Medford Bridge the Boston road to Swan's shop, the
first-mentioned bounds. The intermediate roads are within the
parole, and the backyards of the respective quarters to the
distance of eighty yards from them, during our continuance in
this State, or until the Continental General commanding in this
State, His Excellency General Washington, or the Congress of the
United States, shall order otherwise; and that we will not
directly or indirectly give any intelligence whatsoever to the
enemies of the United States, or do or say anything in
opposition to or in prejudice of the measures and proceedings of
any Congress for the said States during our continuance here as
aforesaid, or until we are duly exchanged or discharged; and
that we will at all times duly observe and obey the rules and
regulations already established for the government of the troops
in quarters.
Given under our hands at Cambridge, in the
State of Massachusetts Bay, this thirteenth day of December, in
the year of our Lord 1777.
BRITISH.
Lieutenant General. J. Burgoyne.
Major General. W. Phillips.
Brigadier General. James Hamilton
Lieutenant Colonels:
John Lind, Nicholas Sutherland, John
Anstruther,
Majors:
Balcarres, G. Forbes, George Forster, William
Agnewe, Henry Harnage, P. Irving, John Holmes, Jun.
Captains:
Thomas Hosmer, Ellis Walker, William Cotton,
J. W. Heman, Noah Simpson, Nich's Ailward Vigors, John Carter,
James Sheldon, W. Lindsay, Neill MacLean, Alexander Baillie,
George Swettenham, J. Rollinson, Francis Wemyss, Robert W.
Winchester, William Maxwell, Paul Banks, James Lovell, J.
Farmar, George Petrie, Thomas Kirkman, George Brodie, Stephen
Strangway, R. Master, H.Pilmor, William Fergussone, George
Coote, A. Jameson, Rd. England, J. D. Alcock, Henry Marr, Thomas
Blomefield, George Marlay, Erie Hawker, Alexander Campbell, John
Shrimpton, H. Sotheron, Thomas Anburey. Lieutefiatits. William
Cox, Dan' Davids, Jas. Hadden, James Dunbar, William P. Smith,
William Houghton, William Collier, H. T. Thomion, Bright Nodder,
Robert Stordy, James Batterfby, W. Houghton, Edward T. Jones,
Hamilton Maxwell, W. Digby, Charles Williams, Sewell Maunfell,
William Mure, Thomas Steel, Napier, Anson Nutt, Archibald Fife,
George Rawdon, John M'Neill, James Murray, George Vincent, James
Kimmis, W. Prince, Joseph Stevely, S. Rimington, Geo. H. Reade,
J. Steele, John Gafkell, Richard Norman, W. R. Gilbert, Richard
Croft, Robert Dobson, Wm. Charlton, Clifton Wheat, Charles
Torriano, W. Fetherston, John Hepburne, George Edward Shlagel,
William Douglas, B. Innes, Robert Burnet, John Blackwood, John
Dalgleish, Torphichen, Wellon Alcock, Richard Brown, R. Steele,
Charles Williams, William Doyle, Thomas Bibby, George Coffer,
Charles Johnfton, Charles Earle, John Fergutfone, W. Campbell,
Thomas Reed, Thomas Storey, T. Poe, Min. Hobart, Henry Baldwin,
A. French, Bernard G. Ward, John Rotton, Abm. Banbury, J. Jones,
Arthur Blackall, William Wilkinfon, Connolly Coane, Lowther
Mathews, Gonvill Bromhead.
Ensigns:
Henry May, W. Hoey, Thomas Dcane, Thomas
Orchard, James Moon, Robert Grier, Cooper,
Richard Bateman, E. F. Mcrida, William Noble,
M. Burroughs, G. Stephens, John Percey, Richard James, H.
Blacker, George Hervey, James Power, John Grattan, Daniel
Gwynne, St. Leger Bevill, Ouin John Freeman.
Surgeons:
G. Wylde, William Burke, M. Cahili, W.
Pemberton, Samuel Sone, Leonard Dobbin, Alexander Moodie.
Surgeons' Mates:
Alexander Melville, William Brown, A. B.
Carroll, Charles Watson, Colin MacLasty, Joseph Alder.
Adjutants:
Isaac Fielding, J. Dalladine. Deputy Adjt.
General. Rt. Kingston.
Chaplains:
R'd Montague Money, Andrew Brown, Charles
Mongan, R. Higinbothom, Edward Brudenell,
Quartermasters:
William Paxton, Jno. Holmes
Commissary General:
Jonathan Clarke.
Assistant Commissaries.
J. Rousseau, Andrew Foster, L. Cromanteau,
Nathaniel Collyer. John Powell,
Assistant Com. of Beer:
John M'Kenzie, dep. do.
Assistant Quartermaster:
George Vallancey.
Dep. paymaster general.
David Geddes.
Acting Physician:
Vincent Wood.
Mates of Gen. Hospital
Richard Woodthorp, John Park.
Aids-de-camp:
Charles Green, R. R. Wilford,
Wagonmaster General:
Robert Hoakefly, P. O'Donnel, dep. do.,
Philip Skene, a poor follower of the British army. [These words
are in his own handwriting.]
[These names are not given in the order in
which they appear on original record, but have been carefully
collated with it, and are correct as far as we are able to
decypher them with the aid of the Army list.]
GERMANS.
Riedesel, Maj. General.
J. W. Specht, Brig. Gen.
W. R. De Gall, do.
Lentz, Lieut. Colonel.
Majors:
Von Lucke, Von Mengen, Ehrcnkrook, Von
Passern, H. U. Cleve Brig. Maj.
Captains:
J. Willoe, de Schlagenteussel, de Lohneysen,
C. A. Alers, J. G. P. Arend, Morgenstern, Bartling, Harbord,
Girsewald, Lutzow, Schlagenteussel, Jaeger, C. L. Schottelius,
F. de Germann, Scheel, Schaften, Paufch, Trott.
Lieutenants:
Borneman, Ulig, Trott, Rudolphi, De Mayer, C.
von Muzell, G. S. Wintersmitz, Helmeke, Curt von Hefler, Meyer,
Counradj, Von Dobeneck, Peterson, Modrach, Von Unger, Feichel,
Reinking, W. Hoyer, Morgenstern, Burgsdorff, Brands, Meijern,
Cramm, J. Meyer, August Papet, Sen., Milkau, Oldekop, D'Anniers,
J. F. J. Kettner, A. H. Du Roi, Unger, P. S. Cruse, J. F.
Pfluger, J. G. H. Gladen, G. F. Fricke, C. F. Rohr, P. W. L.
Rhenius, M. von Butler, Von Lindau,
Von Eschwege, Von Bifchaufen, Von Trott,
Siebert, Graf von Pukler, Sartorius,
Quarter Master:
F. V. Geyling, W. Dusais, C. D. Spangenberg.
Ensigns.
Bandel, Erich, Bode, Meibom, Bernewitz,
Ulmenstein. E. Grimpe, Von Richtersleben, Von Weyhers,
Heerwagen,
Adjt. Chaplains.
Toegel, Milius, Kohle, Theobald.
Surgeons.
Schrader, Pralle, Baufe, J. H. Kunze,
D. Adjt. Gen:
Poellniz
Aid-de-Camps.
A. Edmonstone, Cleve,
Quarter Master General:
H. D. Gerlach
Secretary:
Langemeyer
Serjt. Major:
t. T. Heildebach
Auditors:
Schmidt,
Zincken,
A. H. Bahr.
[These names have been compared with the
original, kindly placed in our hands by Mr. Thornton for the
purpofe; and with those on another parole, given when the
prisoners were marched to Virginia, also in the possession of
Mr. Thornton. They will be found in some case to differ slightly
in orthography from the names on p. 155, et seq. We have
followed the original.]
THE RED HOUSE.
AT the time of our revolutionary contest, the
fortification at Fort Edward was so dilapidated that it was
worthless, and was seldom occupied by any of the troops that
were stationed there. And the three block-houses or outposts of
the fort, in opposite directions upon the surrounding heights,
were in the same condition. In addition to these, the only
structures there at that time were three dwelling houses, the
history and situations of which were briefly as follows :
The widow Campbell house, from which Jane
McCrea, Mrs. Campbell and a servant boy living with her, named
Norman Morrison, were taken by Indians from Burgoyne's. camp,
was some 16 feet by 20 in size, built of round logs, with a door
on its east side only, an old fashioned fire place without jambs
at its north end, on one side of which were ladder-like stairs
leading to a loft over-head, and rather south of the centre of
the floor, a trap door, opening into an unwalled cellar-hole
underneath. This building was subsequently the residence of
Sheriff Peter B. Tierce, who married a grand-daughter of Mrs.
C.'s. It was demolished some fifty years ago. It flood in what
is now the garden of Dr. Norton, some ten rods southwest of the
brick house in which the doctor resides, and was thus
equidistant between and about eight rods from the road on one
side and the river on the other, and some sixty rods north of
the fort and one hundred and fifty south of the tree and spring
where it is currently but I think erroneoudy reported Miss
McCrea was murdered, the spot where that atrocity occurred,
being some thirty-five rods east, at the summit of the hill
where the old military road to Fort Ann and Fort George ascended
the hill. Of this I became assured, upon casting over all the
evidence I could obtain when investigating this subject fourteen
years since, the testimony of Esq. Samuel B. Cook, an
intelligent man who came to reside here in 1788, and accompanied
me over the grounds, being most full, explicit and strongly
corroborated by facts derived from several other sources.
The other two were framed buildings, which
are still standing. When the second fort at this place was
erected by Gen. Lyman's army in 1755, feveral buildings were
reared within it, for officers' quarters, barracks, ftorehoufes
and workftiops. After the French war, Patrick Smyth was
superintendent of the public property here, and Canada being now
conquered, it was supposed there would never be any further use
for this fortification. It was therefore neglected and went to
ruin, and the fuperin- tendant and his brother. Dr. James Smyth,
took down the two best buildings in the fort and reerected them
where they now stand, for their own residences. That of the Dr.
S. was opened as an inn, and in 1788 he sold it to Ezekiel
Baldwin, who continued for a long time to occupy it in the same
manner. This house has now for a long time been out of repair
and unoccupied. It is situated between the village street and
the canal, somewhat south of the fort and north of Fort Edward
creek.
The third building, in which Patrick Smyth
resided, is below this, at the south end of the village, a
little below where the road from Argyle comes into the river
road. It is now modernized in its appearance, with an
observatory on its top, and painted white, and is the residence
of Col. Abraham Fort. When Charlotte (now Washington) county was
set off from Albany, in 1773, Smyth was appointed the county
clerk, and the courts were held in this house, Wm. Duer and
Philip Schuyler being the presiding judges at the six terms
which were held before the outbreak of the revolution caused
their suspension. The troops which were stationed at this place
in the latter years of the war, to guard the frontier against
incursions from Canada, quartered themselves in this house, and
Gen. Stark's regiment, when on this service, fortified it by
surrounding it with palisades. The Smyths being loyalists,
withdrew to Canada, felling this house to Adiel Sherwood. A son
of Patrick Smyth, born here, named Charles, was a lawyer,
resident in Albany, and for a time clerk of the supreme court.
He afterwards resided and died on an island he owned on the
Canada side of Lake Ontario. Sherwood opened this house as a
tavern, and thereupon the county courts, which had been
recommenced at New Perth (now Salem) meeting house — the only
framed building then in the county, in addition to these two —
came to be held alternately there and in this house again until
1797.
This building was formerly designated as the
old Yellow house. I pre- fumc it was repainted of this color, by
Sherwood, for I have the impression that both the Smyth houses
were originally red, though I am unable to find any memorandum
stating this fact. That this is the house that was occupied by
Gen. Burgoyne and his staff, whilst the Dr. Smyth house was at
the same time thronged with the families which abode there
temporarily for protection from his Indians, fully appears from
numerous statements which I have gathered.
Robert Blake of Eall Greenwich (now deceased)
says: "I was a boy sixteen years old, when my father's family
went to Burgoyne's camp to take protection. Whilst there, we
resided with an uncle of mine, Wm. Bell, whose house was a half
mile north of the village. The widow Campbell, was living at my
uncle's temporarily, at the same time. She used to go down from
my uncle's to the camp, every day, to visit her cousin Gen.
Frazer, as she termed him, who, with the other officers, had
their quarters at Smith's house, as it was called. This was a
large house, below the fort, and across the brook from the fort.
It was afterwards surrounded by pickets. It belonged to Dr.
Smith and his brother. Their Christian names I don't remember.
Mrs. Campbell, or McNeil as she should be called, for McNeil was
her last husband, was talking a great deal at that time, about
houses that belonged to her in New York city. Whether she really
had any houses there, or was really a cousin to Gen. Frazer I
don't know. But every day, when she returned from her visit to
the camp, she was telling how she was going to give the use of
such a house to this officer, and such a house to that, for
their quarters, on their arrival in New York — for that they
would reach New York was a fixed fact at that time." — Letter
from Dr. Afa Fitch.
BRIGADIER GENERAL FRAZER.
SIMON Frazer was the youngest son, it is
said, of Hugh Frazer of Balnain. His mother was daughter of the
Frazer of Forgers. So little is known of his early history, that
we can with difficulty trace him beyond the year 1761. However,
we are inclined to the opinion that he served in one of the
Scotch regiments or companies in the pay of Holland previous to
the breaking out of the French war. We find a Simon Frazer
commissioned a Lieutenant in the 60th Royal Americans on the
organization of that regiment in 1756, who was transferred on
5th January, 1757, to Frazer's Highlanders. With this regiment
he served in the expedition against Louisbourg; obtained his
company 22nd April, 1759, and accompanied Gen. Wolfe to Quebec.
On the 15th March, I761 , he received the brevet rank of Major,
and was commissioned Major of the 24th Foot, 8th February, i
762. He was garrisoned for a few years at Gibraltar, whence his
regiment went to Ireland. On 14th July, 1768, Major Frazer was
appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 24th, which corps was
ordered to Canada in 1776, and formed part of the forces
commanded by Gen. Burgoyne, whom Lt. Col. Frazer accompanied
with the rank of Brigadier General, on the present expedition.
His services therein are matters of public history. He closed an
honourable career on the field of battle on the 7th of Oftober,
1777. The circumstances attending his death are thus narrated by
Mde. Riedesel:
" General Frazer, and I believe Generals
Burgoyne and Phillips, were to dine with me on that day. I
remarked much movement in the camp. My hufband told me that it
was a mere reconnoissance; and as this was frequent, I was not
much alarmed at it. On my way homeward, I met a number of
Indians armed with guns, and clad in their war dresses. Having
asked them where they were going, they replied, 'War, war;' by
which they meant that they were about to fight. This made me
very uneasy, and I had scarcely got home, before J heard reports
of guns; and soon the fire became brisker, till at last the
noise grew dreadful, upon which I was more dead than alive.
About three o'clock in the afternoon, instead of guests whom I
had expected to dine with me, I saw one of them, poor General
Frazer, brought upon a hand-barrow, mortally wounded. The table,
which was already prepared for dinner, was immediately removed,
and a bed placed in its stead for the General. I sat terrified
and trembling in a corner. The noise grew more alarming, and I
was in a continual agony and tremour, while thinking that my
husband, might soon also be brought in, wounded like General
Frazer. That poor general said to the surgeon, 'Tell me the
'truth, is there no hope?' His wound was exactly like that of
Major Harnagc; the ball had passed through his body, but
unhappily for the General, he had that morning eaten a full
breakfast, by which the stomach ' was distended, and the ball,
as the surgeon remarked, passed directly through it. I heard
often amidst his groans, such words as these, 'O bad ambition!
poor General Burgoyne! poor Misress Fraze.' Prayers were read,
after which he desired that General Burgoyne should be requested
to have him buried on the next day, at 6 o'clock in the '
evening, on a hill where a breastwork had been cosftruftcd. He
sent me several messages to beg my pardon for the trouble he
thought he gave me. About 3 o'clock, I was informed that he
could not live much longer, and as I did not wish to be present
at his last struggle, I wrapped my children in blankets, and
retired into the entrance hall. At 8 ' o'clock in the morning he
expired.
'After he had been wafhcd, he was wrapped in
a sheet, and laid out. We then returned into the room, and had
this melancholy spectacle before
us the whole day. Many officers of my acquaintance were brought
in wounded, and the cannonade continued. There was some talk of
retreating, but I faw no indications of it. About 4 o'clock in
the afternoon, I saw the house which had been built for me, in
flames, from which I inferred that the enemy was near. We were
informed that Gen. Burgoyne intended to comply with General
Frazer's last request, and to have him buried at 6 o'clock, in
the place which he had designated. This occasioned an uselefs
delay, and contributed to our military misfortunes. At 6
o'clock, the corpse was removed, and we saw all the generals
with their retinues, on the hill, assisting at the funeral
ceremony. The English chaplain, Mr. Brudenel, officiated.
Cannon-balls flew around and above the assembled mourners.
General Gates protested afterwards, that had he known what was
going on, he would have stopped the fire immediately. Many
cannon balls flew close by me, but my whole attention was
engaged by the funeral scene, where I saw my husband exposed to
imminent danger. This, indeed, was not a moment to be
apprehensive for my own safety.'
General Burgoyne has described this scene
with his usual felicity of expression and eloquence, and in a
much more graphical style than our authoress. We beg leave to
copy the following passage:
"The incessant cannonade during the
solemnity; the steady attitude and unaltered voice with which
the chaplain officiated, though frequently covered with dust,
which the shot threw up on all sides of him; the mute but
expressive mixture of sensibiiity and indignation, upon every countenance; these
objects will remain to the last of life upon the mind of every
man who was present. The growing duskiness added to the scenery,
and the whole marked a character of that juncture that would
make one of the finest subjects for the pencil of a master, that
the field ever exhibited. To the canvas, and to the faithful
page of a more important historian, gallant friend, I consign
thy memory. There may thy talents, thy manly virtues, their
progress and their period, find due distinction; and long may
they survive; long after the frail record of my pen shall be
forgotten!" — State of the Expedition from Canadn, &c.
&c. p. 126,
DAVID JONES
DAVID Jones was the lover of the unfortunate
Miss McCrea, His older brother Daniel married, previous to the
war, and was living north of Sandy-hill, I presume on lot 55,
Kingsbury, of which the county records show him to have been the
owner. This is three miles north of Sandy-hill, in the
neighborhood called the Pine Plains in Burgoyne's expedition,
now Moss street. Peters's corps, in which Daniel and David Jones
were commissioned officers, was mostly composed of men from the
loyalist families in this county, who had repaired to Canada
when this expedition was organizing. As the party of Indians was
sent for Miss McCrea when the army, in its advance, encamped at
the Pine Plains, it appears altogether probable that it was
mutually understood that she should come to this place and
temporarily stay at the house and with the family of Daniel
Jones; and thus there was less temerity in this arrangement than
has currently been supposed. Who could have anticipated there
was any particular danger in employing a company of friendly
Indians to take a horse to her and escort her back with them, by
day, three or four miles, transferring her from his mother's to
his brother's house ?
When the family withdrew to Canada, Daniel
located himself at Brockville, where he engaged in business
actively, extensively and successfully. His oldesl son was sent
to England to complete his education, but was a profligate
spendthrift who came to nothing. His two other sons, by a second
wife, Daniel and David, were lawyers in Brockville, and the
latter was recently and perhaps is still the county clerk there,
the former being deceased. After their father's death, some
thirty or forty years since, one of these sons came to
Sandy-hill to recover something for the lands from which his
father, he said, had been forcibly driven. His advent there, on
such an errand, produced a considerable excitement; one or more
articles appeared in the village newspaper, sarcastically
alluding to his family's claims upon this country; and he found
the temper of the community such that he was impelled to
withdraw and abandon the business. Though his family was
probably legally entitled, in our courts, to the compensation he
sought, there is no doubt they had long since received from the
British government, a fair equivalent for the losses they had
suftained.
The widow Jones and her sons are reported to
have come here from New Jersey, from whence also came the
McCreas, whose father was a Presbyterian clergyman in that
state. The widow Jones's house stood on the west or Saratoga
side of the river, over a half mile below the old fort, nearly
on the spot where a cream colored house now stands, some twenty
rods below the stone house of Halsey Rogers. At this place was
the principal ferry on the river, which continued to be known as
the Jones Ferry many years after the family had left. Philander
Doty succeeded the widow Jones, and the house was defsroyed at
the time of Carleton's descent hither, in the autumn of 1780.
The following statements from Jacob Bitely, deceased, merit to
be copied, in this connexion.
"Father moved to this place from Skenesboro,
in the spring of 1779, when I was 17 years old. Though the land
there suited him well enough, he did not feel we should be safe
in residing there. We should be better guarded, he said, to be
in the rear of Fort Edward. So he came down here, and bought out
a rank tory on the opposite (Saratoga) side of the river, named
Tuttle, father of John and Wm. Tuttle. The farm was all cleared
up and under cultivation. It lay on Snoot kill, and our house stood
where the white house south of the mouth of Snoot kill now
stands. Other tories about here also sold out and went to Canada
about the same time with Tuttle; for they now began to despair
of the king's conquering this country, and the whigs were
getting to feel in such high
fpirits, they could not bear to remain in the neighborhood. The
widow Jones and her sons sold their place to Philander Doty.
Their ferryman, who set Jane McCrea across the river, the
morning of the day she was murdered, remained and continued to
do the ferrying several years after we came here. I have the
most perfect recollection of hearing him state these things,
viz: That Miss McCrea left her brother John's house and went up
to the widow Jones's, and staid there over night [several days
and nights, other testimony authentically establishes], and he,
the ferryman, set her over the river, the next morning, for her
to go to her aunt Campbell's. The ferryman termed Mrs. Campbell
Miss McCrea's aunt. Whether she was so, or not, I do not know.
The ferryman also described Miss McCrea as being dressed up in
her best suit of clothes, when he set her across the river that
morning; and described to me her wedding cap, as he termed it.
What its material or fabrication was, I do not remember, but I
suppose it was very nice for those days, the ferryman
having seemed to notice it so particularly. She had put on these
fine clothes at Mrs. Jones's, that morning. I do not rccollect
of the ferryman's telling whether there was a black woman
accompanying Miss McCrea at that time. * * * *
"Malloy, Geo. Campbell, and another Campbell,
whose first name I cannot recall, with some others around here
of less note, also sold out their possessions at the same time
with the Joneses, and moved ofF to Canada. But it seems they
could not forget their happy homes of former years, and such
were their feehngs of hatred and malevolence towards the whigs,
that it added gall to their cup to think that these, their
bitter enemies, were living in quiet comfort, in their old
residences. They therefore resolved to destroy what they could
not enjoy. A large company of these refugees, under the lead of
the Tuttles and Geo. Campbell, it was always said and believed,
came down from Canada as volunteers in Carleton's force, for the
purpose of destroying our property and burning our houses. That
year continues to be designated in this quarter, as 'the year of
the great burning'" — Letter from Dr. Asa Fitch.
MEDALS IN HONOR OF THE SURRENDER.
A MEDAL was struck by order of Congress, two
inches in diameter, in commemoration of the success of the
American arms over this formidable expedition. On one side is
the bust of Gen. Gates, with the Latin inscription, horatio
gates duci strenuo comitia Americana; on the reverse, Burgoyne
is represented in the attitude of delivering up his sword, and
in the background, on either side of them, are seen the two
armies of Britain and America, the former laying down their
arms. At the top is the Latin inscription, salus regionum
septentrional: below HOSTE AD SARATOGAM IN DEDITION ACCEPTO DIE
XVII OCT. MDCCLXXVII. An engraving of the above is given in
Lossing's Pictorial Field Book of the Revolution, i, 83. The
French also caused a bronze medal to be struck to commemorate
the surrender of Burgoyne and Cornwallis, in which their own
succor is made conspicuous.
Device.
Head of Liberty; the hair blown back as if by
the wind, against which the goddess seems to be running, to
announce to the world the tidings of her victories. On the right
shoulder she bears a liberty cap.
Legend.
Libertas Americana. 4 Juil : 1776.
Reverse.
Pallas holding in her left hand a shield on
which are three fleurs de lis (the arms of France); opposed to
her is a leopard (England), in the act of springing, into whose
breast she is about to plunge a barbed javelin that she holds in
her dexter hand. Beneath the shield is an Infant strangling with
one hand a serpent, which he is holding up, whilst he stoops and
chokes another found at his feet.
Legend.
Non sine diis animosus infans.
Exergue.
17 Oct. 1777
19 Oct. 1781
This Medal belongs to the Worden Collection
of the New York State Library; it is a beautiful specimen of
art, and in its design highly classical. Hercules, according to
the ancient mythology, was said to have strangled whilst in his
cradle, two serpents which had assaulted him, having been
assisted by the protection of the goddess Pallas. Infant
America, like Hercules in his cradle, had destroyed two British
armies. The two epochs of those exploits are marked in the
Exergue 17 Oct. 1777 — Burgoyne's Surrender at Saratoga — and
19th Oct. 1781 — Cornwallis's Surrender at Yorktown, Va. The
motto is from Horace, Ode 4, Book III. V. 20. The allusion is
highly appropriate. — Doc. Hist., iii, 1181.
PRELIMINARY ORDERS.
MONTREAL, 30th May, 1777. The Regiments
destined for the Expedition under General Burgoyne are to leave
in their respective stores, their Blanket Coats, Legging, and
all Baggage that can be spared during the Summer Months; the
Officers are depended on not to encumber the Service with more
Baggage than shall be absolutely necessary for a Campaign where
the Movements may be expected to be sudden and alert; the
portion of Bateaux to each Regiment will be regulated on those
principles. Three women per Company will be allowed to follow
the army. The exercise of the Troops under the Lieut. General's
Orders is to be confined to firing with Ball-Cartridges,
Bayonets fixed, and rapidity of Movements in Marching,
Evolutions, and Forming. — State of the Expedition, p. 72.
GENERAL BURGOYNE'S ORDERS MODELS TO
COMMANDING OFFICERS.
EXTRACTS from the Orders of Gen. Burgoyne
were published in 1780, after the appearance of The State of the
Expedition, and printed uniformly with it; the editor's
principal inducement for offering them to the public being
ostensibly that the latter work was incomplete without them. "It
was conceived," he says, "that if Gen. Wolfe's Orders "were
esteemed as models to commanding officers of Corps, as well as
instructive lessons in their profession to those of an inferior
rank, Gen. Burgoyne's would more fully answer that description,
as they relate to military transactions far more important, and
to scenes infinitely more interesting to the public. Beside
that, the author of them is known to add to the knowledge and
experience of the General all the exterior graces and refinement
of the scholar and the writer,"
From Griswold's Curiosities of American
Literature.
THE PROGRESS OF SIR JACK BRAG.
Said Burgoyne to his men, as they passed in
review,
Tullalo, tullalo, tullalo, boys!
These rebels their course very quickly will
rue,
And fly as the leaves 'fore the autumn
tempest flew,
When him who is your leader they know, boys!
They with men have now to deal,
And we soon will make them feel,
Tullalo, tullalo, tullalo, boys!
That a loyal Briton's arm and a loyal
Briton's steel
Can put to flight a rebel as quick as other
foe, boys!
Tullalo, tullalo, tullalo—
Tullalo, tullalo, tullalo-o-o-o, boys!
As to Sa-ra-tog' he came, thinking how to jo
the game,
Tullalo, tullalo, tullalo, boys !
He began to see the grubs, in the branches of
his fame.
He began to have the trembles left a flash
should be the flame,
For which he had agreed his perfume to
forego, boys!
No lack of skill, but fates,
Shall make us yield to Gates,
Tullalo, tullalo, tullalo, boys !
The devil may have leagued, as you know, with
the States!
But we never will be beat by any mortal foe,
boys !
Tullalo, tullalo, tullalo—
Tullalo, tullalo, tullalo-o-o-o boys.
THE FATE OF JOHN BURGOYNE.
When Jack the king's commander
Was going to his duty,
Through all the crowd he smiled and bow'd
To every blooming beauty.
The city rung with feats he'd done
In Portugal and Flanders,
And all the town thought he'd be crown'd
The first of Alexanders.
To Hampton Court he first repairs
To kiss great George's hand, first
Then to harrangue on ftate affairs
Before he left the land, sirs.
The Lower Houfe sat mute as mouse
To hear his grand oration;
And all the peers, with loudest cheers,
Proclaimed him to the nation.
Then off he went to Canada,
Next to Ticonderoga,
And quitting those away he goes,
Straightway to Saratoga,
With great parade his march he made
To gain his wilsed for station.
While far and wide his minions hied,
To spread his Proclamation.
To such as staid he offers made
Of "pardon on submission;
But savage bands should waste the lands
Of all in opposition."
But ah, the cruel fates of war!
This boafted son of Britian,
When mounting his triumphal car
With sudden fear was smitten.
The sons of Freedom gathered round,
His hostile bands confounded,
And when they'd fain have turn'd their back
They found themselves surrounded!
In vain they fought, in vain they fled.
Their chief, humane and tender.
To save the rest soon thought it best
His forces to surrender.
Brave St. Clair when he first retired
Knew what the fates portended;
And Arnold and heroic Gates
His conduct have defended.
Thus may America's brave sons
With honor be rewarded,
And be the fate of all her foes.
The fame as here recorded. G. of H.
THE NORTH CAMPAIGN.
Come unto me ye heroes,
Whose hearts are true and bold.
Who value more your honour
Than others do their gold;
Give ear unto my story,
And I the truth will tell
Concerning many a soldier.
Who for his country fell.
Burgoyne, the king's commander,
From Canada set sail
With full eight thousand reg'lars,
He thought he could not fail;
With Indians and Canadians,
And his curled Tory crew,
On board his fleet of shipping
He up the Champlain flew.
Before Ticonderoga,
The first day of July,
Appear'd his ships and army.
And we did them espy.
Their motions we observed
Full well both night and day.
And our brave boys prepared
To have a bloody fray.
Our garrison they viewed them.
As straight their troops did land.
And when St Clair, our chieftain.
The fact did understand.
That they the Mount Defiance
Were bent to fortify.
He found we must surrender,
Or else prepare to die.
The fifth day of July, then,
He order'd a retreat.
And when next morn we started,
Burgoyne thought we were beat;
And closely he pursued us,
Till when near Hubbardton,
Our rear guards were defeated.
He thought the country won.
And when 'twas told in Congress,
That we our forts had left.
To Albany retreated,
Of all the North bereft,
Brave General Gates they sent us.
Our fortunes to retrieve.
And him with shouts of gladness.
The army did receive.
Where first the Mohawk's waters
Do in the funlhine play.
For Herkimer's brave soldiers
Sellinger ambush'd lay;
And them he there defeated.
But soon he had his due.
And feared by Brooks and Arnold,
He to the North withdrew.
To take the stores and cattle
That we had gather'd then,
Burgoyne sent a detachment
Of fifteen hundred men;
By Baum they were commanded.
To Bennington they went;
To plunder and to murder
Was fully their intent.
But little did they know then,
With whom they had to deal;
It was not quite so easy.
Our stores and flocks to steal;
Bold Starke would give them only
A portion of his lcad;
With half his crew ere sunset
Baum lay among the dead.
The nineteenth of September,
The morning cold and clear,
Brave Gates rode through our army
Each soldier's heart to cheer;
"Burgoyne," he cried "advances,
But we will never fly,
No — rather than surrender,
We'll fight him till we die."
The news was quickly brought us,
The enemy was near,
And all along our lines then.
There was no fign of fear;
It was above Stillwater
We met at noon that day.
And every one expected
to see a bloody fray.
Six hours the battle lasted,
Each heart was true as gold,
The British fought like lions,
And we like Yankees bold;
The leaves with blood were crimson.
And then brave Gates did cry —
"'Tis diamond now cut diamond!
We'll beat them, boys, or die."
The darkness soon approaching,
It forced us to retreat
Into our lines till morning,
Which made them think us beat;
But ere the sun was risen,
They saw before their eyes,
Us ready to engage them,
Which did them much surprise.
Of fighting they seem'd weary,
Therefore to work they go
Their thousand dead to bury.
And breastworks up to throw;
With grape and bombs intending
Our army to destroy,
Or from our works our forces
By stratagem decoy.
The seventh day of October,
The British tried again, —
Shells from their cannons throwing
Which fell on us like rain, —
To drive us from our stations
That they might thus retreat;
For now Burgoyne saw plainly
He never us could beat.
But vain was his endeavour
Our men to terrify;
Though death was all around us.
Not one of us would fly.
But when an hour we'd fought them,
And they began to yield,
Along our lines the cry ran
"The next blow wins the field!"
Great God, who guides their battles,
Whose cause is just and true,
Inspired our bold commander
The course he should pursue.
He order'd Arnold forward,
And Brooks to follow on;
The enemy were routed !
Our liberty was won !
Then, burning all their luggage.
They fled with haste and fear,
Burgoyne with all his forces
To Saratogue did steer;
And Gates our brave commander.
Soon after him did hie,
Resolving he would take them,
Or in the effort die.
As we came nigh the village,
We overtook the foe;
They'd burn'd each house to ashes,
Like all where'er they go.
The seventeenth of October,
They did capitulate —
Burgoyne and his proud army
Did we our prisoners make.
Now here's a health to Arnold,
And our commander Gates;
To Lincoln and to Washington,
Whom ev'ry Tory hates;
Likewise unto our Congress,
God grant it long to reign,
Our Country, Right and Justice
For ever to maintain.
Now finished is my story,
My long is at an end;
The freedom we're enjoying
We're ready to defend;
For while our cause is righteous,
Heaven nerves the soldier's arm,
And vain is their endeavour
Who strive to do us harm.
THE BATTLE OF SARATOGA.
Here followeth the direful fate
His power and pride and many threats,
Of Burgoyne and his army great,
Have been brought low by fort'nate Gates
Who so proudly did display
To bend to the United States.
The terrors of despotic sway.
British prisoners by Convention, 2442
Foreigners — by Contravention, 2198
Tories sent across the Lake, 1120
Burgoyne and his suit in state, 12
Sick and wounded, bruisedd and pounded,
Ne'er so much before confounded, 528
Prisoners of war before convention, 400
Deserters come with kind intention, 3oo
They lost at Bennington's great battle
Where Starke's glorious arms did rattle, 1220
Kill'd in September and Oftober, 600
Ta'en by brave Brown, some drunk, some sober,
413
Slain by high famed Herkerman,
On both flanks, on rear and van, 300
Indians, futtlers, butchers, drovers,
Enough to crowd large plains all over.
And those whom grim Death did prevent, 4413
From fighting against our continent;
And also those who stole away,
Left they down their arms should lay,
Abhorring that obnoxious day;
The whole make fourteen thousand men,
Who may not with us fight again. 14,000
This is a pretty just account
Of Burgoyne's legion's whole amount.
Who came across the Northern Lakes
To desolate our happy States.
Six generals, of fame most rare;
Their brass cannons we have got all —
Fifty-six — both great and small
And ten thousand stand of arms,
To prevent all future harms;
Stores and implements complete.
Of workmanship exceeding neat;
Cover'd wagons in great plenty,
And proper harness, no ways scanty.
Among our prisoners there are
Six generals of fame mos
Six members of their parliament --
Reluctantly they seem content;
Three British lords, and Lord Balcarras,
Who came, our country free to harafs.
Two baronets of high extraftion.
Were
sorely wounded in the action.
_______________
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