University of Virginia Library

CHAPTER VIII.

October 1.—A writer in the London Gazette, in a letter[1]
to the lord mayor, says:—I was last week on board the Amer-

ican privateer called the Yankee, commanded by
Captain Johnson, and lately brought into this
port by Captain Ross, who commanded one of the West India
sugar ships, taken by the privateer in July last; and, as an
Englishman, I earnestly wish your lordship, who is so happily
placed at the head of this great city, (justly famed for its great
humanity even to its enemies,) would be pleased to go likewise,
or send proper persons, to see the truly shocking, and I
may say, barbarous and miserable condition of the unfortunate
American prisoners, who, however criminal they may be
thought to have been, are deserving of pity, and entitled to
common humanity.

They are twenty-five in number, and all inhumanly shut
close down, like wild beasts, in a small, stinking apartment,
in the hold of a sloop, about seventy tons burden, without a
breath of air, in this sultry season, but what they receive
through a small grating overhead, the openings in which are
not more than two inches square in any part, and through
which the sun beats intensely hot all day, only two or three
being permitted to come on the deck at a time; and then they
are exposed in the open sun, which is reflected from the decks
and water like a burning glass.

I do not at all exaggerate, my lord; I speak the truth; and
the resemblance that this barbarity bears to the memorable

black hole at Calcutta, as a gentleman present on Saturday
observed, strikes every one at the sight. All England ought
to know that the same game is now acting upon the Thames
on board this privateer, that all the world cried out against,
and shuddered at the mention of in India, some years ago, as
practised on Captain Hollowell, and other of the King's
good subjects.

The putrid steams issuing from the hold are so hot and
offensive, that one cannot, without the utmost danger, breathe
over it, and I should not be at all surprised, if it should cause
a plague to spread. The miserable wretches below look like persons
in a hot bath, panting, sweating, and fainting for want of
air; and the surgeon declares, that they must all soon perish in
that situation, especially as they are almost all in a sickly
state with bilious disorders.

The captain and surgeon, it is true, have the liberty of the
cabin, (if it deserves the name of a cabin,) and make no complaints
on their own account. They are both sensible, and
well-behaved young men, and can give a very good account
of themselves, having no signs of fear, and being supported
by a consciousness of the justice of their cause. They
are men of character, of good families in New England, and
highly respected in their different occupations; but being stripped
of their all by the burning of towns and other destructive
measures of the present unnatural war, were forced to take the
disagreeable method of making reprisals to maintain themselves
and their children, rather than starve.

Numbers of gentlemen, and friends of government, who
were on board at the same time, will confirm the truth of
this my representation, being very sensibly touched themselves
at the horrid sight.

English prisoners, taken by the Americans, have been
treated with the most remarkable tenderness and generosity,
as numbers who are safely returned to England most freely
confess, to the honor of our brethren in the colonies. And it
is a fact, which can be well attested in London, that this very
surgeon on board the privateer, after the battle of Lexington,
April nineteenth, 1775, for many days voluntarily and generously,

without fee or reward, employed himself in dressing
the King's wounded soldiers, who but an hour before would
have shot him if they could have come at him, and in making a
collection for their refreshment, of wine, linen, money, &c.,
in the town where he lived. This is a real fact, of which the
most ample testimony may be had.

The capture of the privateer was solely owing to the ill-judged
lenity and brotherly kindness of Captain Johnson, who
not considering his English prisoners in the same light that he
would Frenchmen or Spaniards, put them under no sort of
confinement, but permitted them to walk the decks as freely
as his own people, at all times. Taking advantage of this
indulgence, the prisoners one day watching their opportunity,
when most of the privateer's people were below and asleep,
shut down the hatches, and making all fast, had immediate
possession of the vessel without using any force.

I shall conclude with saying, that though this letter is
addressed to your lordship, I hope that all who may read it,
and have any influence, will do all in their power to gain the
necessary relief; and it is humbly apprehended, that the well
disposed, who are blessed with affluence, could not better
bestow their bounty than upon those poor objects. Vegetables
and ripe fruits of all kinds, with porter, &c., must be very
useful, as well as the means to procure other necessaries.
The privateer lies opposite to Ratcliffe Cross, a mile and a
half below the Tower, and by asking for Captain Johnson,
admittance may be obtained.[3]

The important day is come, big with the fate of millions,
and America now beckons to her sons to kindle all their

native fire, push into action every power, and
press to the seas or fields where Fame and Glory
call. The united wisdom of America in Congress has determined
that it is necessary to the salvation of these States, that
an army be raised to serve during this war. The wisdom of
this measure must appear to all; therefore let us all promote
it with our utmost power. He that enlists into this army of
freemen, in defence of every thing good and great, enrolls his
name in Fame's brightest temple, where it will shine (if not
blotted by after misconduct) with growing lustre down
applauding ages; while posterity rises through successive
eras to taste the bliss of freedom handed down by US,
their forefathers; and every infant tongue and hoary head
will bless our memory; with rapture hail the day when we
drew the sharpened steel against the Tyrant George, and with
transports all their own, pass down the stream of time till
time shall be no more!—How angelic the design to communicate
felicity to all those millions who may rise after us, and
inhabit these United States? "The blessings of future ages,
which the conscious imagination anticipates," crowd together
in the patriot's breast, and are the solid pleasures which delight
his mind!

The history of mankind bleeds with the destruction which
tyranny has made in all countries and nations; and while we
weep over the "tragic pages stained with the blood of patriot
citizens," they speak like a voice of thunder in the ears of
Americans to guard against the execrable monster! Despotic
kings, from the days of Nimrod to this hour, have deluged
the world in blood, and have been the curses of mankind;—
but in the whole catalogue of royal villains, has there been
one of a more infernal character than George the Third? Do
not our heroic ancestors, who fled from the tyranny of Britons,
and subdued American wildernesses in spite of savage barbarity,
speak to us from their celestial abodes, to defend the dear
inheritance of Liberty, which they left us, while Posterity
mingle their cries, reason and religion unite their voice in the
pressing call! Imploring the assistance of Him, who gave us
the rights of humanity, let us with a sacred ardor and
unalterable firmness watch over and defend the rights of
America, "nor pause to waste a coward thought on Life."

Every good mind must feel a glow of gratitude to heaven
for the animating prospect of seeing America the asylum of
liberty, the land of virtuous freedom, the seat of learning, of
industry, manufactures, commerce, and husbandry; the nurse

of heroes, the parent of science, the bosom of virtue, and the
guardian of mankind. The whole series of divine dispensations,
from the infant days of our fathers in America, are big
with importance in her favor, and point to something great
and good. If we look round the world, and view the nations
with their various connections, interests, and dependencies, we
shall see innumerable causes at work in favor of this growing
country. Nature and art seem to labor, as it were, travail in
birth, to bring forth some glorious events that will astonish
mankind, and form a bright era in the annals of time.[5]

The Hessians plunder all indiscriminately, Tories as well as
Whigs; if they see any thing they want they seize it, and say,
"Rebel good for Hesse man." A Tory complained to General
Howe that he was plundered by the Hessians. The general
said he could not help it—it was their way of making war.
So the friends of government are protected! This is great encouragement
for the Tories. Lord Dunmore told Lord Stirling
he was sorry he kept such company. His lordship replied,
"My lord, I have kept whiter company than your lordship has
of late."[6]

October 8.—So vast a fleet was never before seen together in
the port of New York, or perhaps in all America. The ships are

stationed up the East River or Sound, as far as Turtle
Bay, and near the town. The multitude of masts
carries the appearance of a wood. Some are moored up the
North River, others in the bay between Red and Yellow Hook;
others, again, off Staten Island, and several off Powle's Hook,
and towards the kills. The men-of-war are moored chiefly up
New York Sound, and make, with the other ships, a very
magnificent and formidable appearance. Five men-of-war
have been detached from the squadron into the North River,
above Greenwich, probably to assist the operations of the army
against the rebels, who still remain on the northern extremity
of the island, and on the heights above King's Bridge.

The savage burning of the city by the New England incendiaries
will be a lasting monument of inveterate malice
against the trade and prosperity of this colony, as well as
rooted disaffection to British law and government. They had
long threatened the performance of this villanous deed; and
this is the best return that the people of property in this city,
who have espoused their cause, are to expect for their heedless
credulity.[8]

October 14.—Lately died, at his house upon Long Island,
Cadwallader Colden, Esq., for many years lieutenant-governor
of New York, a man of great probity,

knowledge, and steadiness, which he had occasion
to show upon many occasions. When above ninety years of
age, not all the threats of rebellious incendiaries could shake
his undissembled loyalty to his sovereign, nor all their wiles
seduce him from his attachment to the constitutional liberties
of his country, in opposition to the republican system of popular
tyranny. He died full of days, and had the satisfaction,
before his departure, to know that the arms of his prince had
prevailed, in a single instance, over the forces of the rebels.
They who knew him best, will give his character that eulogium,
which even a stranger will rejoice to pay to such distinguished
merit.[10]

It has been observed that the British power, in the beginning
of a war, generally makes but feeble, and oftentimes unsuccessful
exertions; but that in the prosecution

of hostilities, her force gradually increasing, like a
gathered torrent, becomes almost irresistible. The last war is
a striking evidence of the truth of this observation; and we
have seen since the commencement of these troubles, the same
line of conduct pursued towards these colonies. The first force
sent out was small, and employed with apparent reluctance—
we might have said, sent out with a wish that they might not
be employed at all. This, instead of being imputed to its
proper motive, was construed into the weakness and (who could
have thought it!) into the timidity of Britain. Our countrymen
at home were stigmatized as cowards, while their brave
hearts only abhorred the idea of fighting against those who
claimed the title of brethren and friends. Nothing but repeated
insults and menaces against their King, their country,
and themselves, could have induced a persuasion in the army,
that the leaders of the sedition seriously meant nothing else
than to become rebels and enemies. At last the British lion is
roused. We have seen, in the course of a summer, a powerful
army cross over the Atlantic, under the conduct of a gallant
fleet. We have heard of other considerable armaments arriving
safely elsewhere upon this continent; and we have no
reason to doubt but that, if it were possible these should fail,
greater and greater would be sent out to reduce this country
to its indefeasible allegiance and duty. To all this there are
only to be opposed the wisdom of a Congress consisting of men
either of new and doubtful characters, or of none at all; a
wretched paper currency which will only eat up the property
of the continent without adding an atom to it; and a vagabond
army of ragamuffins, with paper pay, bad clothes, and worse
spirits. Is it reasonable to think that such a cause, with such
supporters, will ever be able to maintain itself against veteran
battalions of brave and loyal Britons, contending for British
honor and constitutional liberty? Is it not strange that a people
in such circumstances should be persuaded to reject all
overtures of reconciliation, by the machinations of an artful
and ambitious Congress? It can only be accounted for by the
old adage, Quos Deus vult perdere prius dementat. [12]

October 16.—This morning, at ten o'clock, the members of
his Majesty's council, the judges, and all the other well affected
citizens, who were not driven away by the hand of violence, or

sent prisoners to other provinces, met at the City Hall in New
York, when a decent and respectful address to Lord Howe and
General Howe, the King's commissioners for re-
storing peace to America, was read, representing
the firm attachment of the inhabitants to our rightful and
gracious sovereign, George the Third, and their sense of the
constitutional supremacy of Great Britain over these colonies;
lamenting the interruption of that harmony which formerly
subsisted between them, and praying that the city and county
might be restored to his Majesty's peace and protection. The
address was unanimously approved and adopted, and it was
agreed that the inhabitants should all sign it. But the number
assembled being too great to sign at that time, two respectable
citizens were appointed to attend at a public house, adjoining
the City Hall, from ten o'clock A. M., to two o'clock
P. M., every day, to take subscriptions till all had signed. As
this measure was the first step which was necessary to be
taken on our part towards effecting a reconciliation with Great
Britain, joy was lighted up in every countenance, at the prospect
of returning peace and union with the parent state. The
populace expressed the feelings of their hearts by loud acclamations
and shouts of applause.

After this, an affectionate address to his Excellency William
Tryon, Esq., our worthy governor, was read, "requesting
him to present the above address to the commissioners, and
otherwise to exert himself that the prayer of it might be granted."
This address was also unanimously approved and agreed
to; and the honorable Mr. Chief Justice Horsmanden was
desired to sign and deliver it to his Excellency, in behalf of
the inhabitants.

The well-known humanity of the commissioners, and the
tender regard they have manifested for the welfare of America
in their several declarations, afford the most flattering hopes
that the address to them will be productive of the desired
effect. And it is most devoutly to be wished, that the continent
may follow the example of this city—that the Americans
in general may avail themselves of his Majesty's clemency
and paternal goodness, in offering to restore them to his

royal protection and peace. Those who continue deaf to such
benevolence, and thereby prolong the present destructive and
unnatural rebellion, will be utterly inexcusable in the sight of
God and man. Their obstinacy must be detested by the wise
and virtuous; the inevitable ruin attending it will be unpitied
by all, and posterity will execrate their memories.[14]

It is an observation of the celebrated Montesquieu, "that
individuals rarely incline to part with power—great bodies

never." The conduct of the Congress furnishes
another instance of the truth of this remark.
Though it is the grand interest of America to be reconciled to
Great Britain, and though it has been the constant and repeated
profession of the several assemblies, that reconciliation
was their object; yet, when reconciliation was held out by
government, and commissioners were appointed to confer with
the colonies upon their own ground for that purpose, these
ambitious incendiaries, seeing that, upon such an event, all
their assumed consequence must be lost, had art enough to
hasten a declaration of absolute independence, before the desired
commission could possibly arrive. The delegates had
perfect information of what was intended, and fearing that this
act of benevolence and conciliation might operate upon many
persons in the colonies, whose properties made it their interest
to solicit peace, resolved to put it out of the power of the several
assemblies to listen to any overtures, by previously drawing
them into an acquiescence with the avowal of independency.
Thus the avarice of some indigent men, bankrupts
both in fortune and character, and the ambition of others who
lusted after power, has plunged this once happy country into
a flood of miseries, for which the lives and fortunes of these
parricides would, in the issue, make but a poor atonement.
'Tis easy to foresee that, so long as these demagogues have the
direction of affairs, no peace or settlement can be hoped for.
And it is not to be believed that the colonies can have had reconciliation
sincerely in view, because they have hitherto employed
means which they must have known were exceptionable
and offensive. Nor can it be supposed that they will
ever be really desirous of it, till they have applied themselves,
not through the medium of a Congress, but of their own respective
assemblies, to the promoting of this salutary measure.[16]

Last night, General Mercer passed over to Staten Island
with part of the troops posted at Perth Amboy, New Jersey,
and advanced within a few miles of Richmond

town, having been informed that a company of
British troops, one of Hessians, and one of Skinner's militia
lay there. Colonel Griffin was detached with Colonel Patterson's
battalion, and Major Clarke at the head of some riflemen,
to fall in upon the cast end of the town, while the remainder
of the troops inclosed it on the other quarters. Both divisions
reached the town by break of day this morning, but not before
the enemy were alarmed. Most of them fled after exchanging
a few shot with Colonel Griffin's detachment. Two of them
were mortally wounded, and seventeen taken prisoners, with
the loss only of two soldiers killed on our side. Colonel Griffin
received a wound in the foot from a musket ball, and
Lieutenant-Colonel Smith was slightly wounded in the arm.
Amongst the prisoners taken in this action, are eight Hessians.
Our troops brought off from Staten Island forty-five muskets,
a number of bayonets, cutlasses, &c., and one standard of the
British light horse.[18]

October 22.—Behold a Coward!—The public is desired to
take notice, that Daniel Pittee, ensign in Captain Timothy
Stow's company, Colonel Wheelock's regiment, applied at
head-quarters for a discharge, upon hearing the enemy were
likely to attack our lines. He was refused, and next day deserted
our camp. This infamous runaway belongs to the south
parish of Dedham, in the county of Suffolk.[19]

October 23.—Friday morning last, we were alarmed by
the drums beating to arms, and the enemy landed at Rodman's

Point with their whole force. The brigade under
the command of Colonel Glover, consisting of
about seven hundred men, one regiment being absent for
guard, marched down towards the place where the enemy
were advancing, with a body of sixteen thousand, and a
very large artillery. The first attack was made by a small
party, on their advanced guard, which were effectually routed
and forced to retreat to their main body, who, when they came
up, were fired upon by two regiments, advantageously posted
by Colonel Glover and Major Lee, (who behaved gallantly,)
which brought many of them to the ground. Thus we continued
fighting them and retreating the whole afternoon, until
they came to a stand, where they now remain, stretching
down along the Sound, towards Connecticut—we suppose for
forage. Our men behaved like soldiers—conformed to the orders
of the officers and retreated in grand order, which is the
life of discipline. Our loss is about nine or ten killed, and
about thirty wounded. The enemy, a deserter says, lost two
hundred killed on the spot, and a great number wounded.
People may think what they please of the regular and spirited
behavior of the British troops, but I that day was an eye-witness
to the contrary. I saw as great irregularity, almost, as in
a militia; they would come out from their body and fire single
guns. As to their courage, their whole body of sixteen thousand
were forced to retreat by the fire of a single regiment, and
many of them old troops. The fourth regiment was one that
run; and had we been reinforced with half their number, we
might have totally defeated them; the shot from their artillery
flew very thick about our heads. The next day, General
Lee (under whose command we are) came and publicly returned
his thanks to Colonel Glover, and the officers and soldiers under
his command, for their noble, spirited, and soldier-like conduct
during the battle, and that nothing in his power should be
wanting to serve those brave officers and men; and General
Washington has since expressed himself much in the same
words in his general orders. General Lee says we shall none
of us leave the army, but all stay and be promoted; but how
that will be is uncertain. Yesterday one of the corporals and
two men in our regiment, by leave from the colonel, went out
to see what they could pick up, and by going in the mouth of
the enemy they brought off a number of fat cattle. Flushed
with their success, they went again this afternoon, and going
directly in the rear of the Hessian camp, went into a house
where they washed for the British officers, and were bringing
off three tubs of shirts, but the man of the house informed the
camp. They turned out four hundred, who obliged our lads
to retreat; but meeting with some of their comrades, they attacked
and drove the Hessians, killed the major, took his commission
and ten guineas out of his pocket, and have taken
three of them prisoners, besides a number killed; many of our
officers who saw them, say they are ugly devils. They are
now in camp. The enemy have so far quitted York, that our
people have been down as far as a place called Bowery Lane,
which is but one mile from the extent of the city.[21]

By the favor of Providence we have reached that political
point (which the wise have long seen to be the only foundation

of safety)—Independence; our work is now plain before us—
to persevere to the end in supporting the Declaration we
have made to the world. To do this, every consideration urges
us; to retreat is death—is slavery, calamities of every name,
and all the gloomy horrors of the most odious and execrable
tyranny. Before us is all the glory of Freedom, pregnant with
every felicity our wishes can grasp, or human nature enjoy.
If we continue our exertions with that wisdom and magnanimity
with which we began, Liberty will soon triumph, wealth
flow in through ten thousand channels, and America become
the glory of all lands. Tyranny is now exerting her utmost
power, and if resisted a little longer, George, and all his murderers,
must bid adieu to America forever; then we shall
have the double happiness and honor of subduing the tyrants,
and enjoying liberty; the expense and dangers it has cost us
will sweeten the blessing. If we have not suffered enough yet
to make us duly prize the inestimable jewel, let us patiently
bear what is yet to come. But if we continue in the ways of
well-doing, we shall certainly succeed; for unerrring wisdom
has told us, "if we trust in the Lord and do good, we shall
dwell in the land and be fed;" therefore we have nothing to
do but to be faithful to God and our country, and the blessings
we contend for will be the portion of us and our children. The
price of liberty is not to be gained in a day, nor bought with a
small price, but is the reward of long labor and unremitting exertions;
and a people are commonly made to realize their dependence
on Heaven for so great a favor, before they are crowned
with complete success. The poor Dutch provinces were oppressed
by a Spanish tyrant, like George of Britain, and
they (although poor and small in number, compared with the
States of America) resisted the tyrant who had at his command
a great and rich nation, and after a bloody contest of many
years, gloriously triumphed in the complete freedom of their
country. During the conflict, they were sometimes reduced
to such extreme difficulties as would have sunk any but free
minds into absolute despair; but they were blessed with a succession
of heroes and statesmen, who wisely preferred liberty to
every thing else; and persevered through a long series of the
severest calamities of every kind, with undiminished fervor in
the glorious cause, until they arrived at the blissful period of Independent
States, and remain to this day a glorious monument
of the supereminent virtue and valor of freemen. Let us imitate
this bright example. With them we shall shine in the
history of mankind, until the heavens are no more. The blood
and treasure it may cost, will heighten the value of liberty,
and brighten the future days of peace and glory, when we or
posterity shall recount the noble exertions, and amazing intrepidity
of those who were honored by Heaven as the instruments
of saving this great people from infernal tyranny. It will add
to the joys of prosperity, and sweeten the sacred triumphs of
freemen, when encircled with the charms of peace, to look
back upon the trying scenes of the present time, and review
the difficulties surmounted through a series of conflicts, while
each moment was big with importance, and the fate of thousands
hung upon every hour.[22]

Yesterday, the Hessians, the Waldeckers, and other
troops, debarked from their respective ships, at New York, and
passed by the East River, in a multitude of flat-

bottomed boats and other vessels, in the highest
spirits imaginable. It being a very fine day, the scene was
rendered extremly beautiful by the crowds upon the water,
cheering their military brethren and other spectators on shore,
and making the hills resound with trumpets, French horns,
drums and fifes, accompanied by the harmony of their voices.
These have added an agreeable reinforcement to the British
army, and they are, to all appearance, as fine troops as any in
the world.

Nothing can exceed the unanimity and ardor of the
seamen upon the present occasion. The sailor looks upon the
soldier as his brother, and when a soldier has occasion to pass
over water, rather than his uniform shall be damaged, hauls
him away upon his shoulders from the boat to the shore;
while the soldier welcomes the sailor on his part, and rejoices

to see the old British spirit for King and country, revived in
in everybody about him. The very seamen on board the
transports vie with the seamen of the men-of-war, in distinguishing
themselves in actual service. One soul seems to
animate them all; and it is confessed by many of the oldest
officers, that such a spirit of harmony and military ardor was
never seen to unite the two services of land and sea, so
entirely before.[24]

Lost, an old black dog, of the American breed; answers to
the name of Putnam;—had on a yellow collar with the follow-

ing inscription, "Ubi libertas ibi patriâ, 1776.
Long Island:" is an old domestic animal,—
barks very much at the name of N(ort)h, and has a remarkable
howl at that of Howe. Was seen in Long Island some time
ago, but is supposed to have been alarmed at some British
troops who were exercising there, and ran off towards Hellgate.
As he was a great favorite of the Washington family,
they are fearful some accident has happened to him.[26]

The cowardly rebels, besides being very successful in the
use of their legs, are the noisiest rascals in the world. Not
sobered down by being driven from every post they have
formed, they are now wasting their powder in celebrating the
capture of a few cattle from Long Island. Yesterday morning,
before daybreak, a party of them stole over from Eastchester,
and carried off four old working oxen, a mangy dog and two
kittens, and they are so rejoiced at this success of their arms, and
the prospect of a good dinner, that Mr. Washington has ordered
a feu de joie, and the usual complement of bad cider-rum.[27]

October 27.—This morning, about seven o'clock, two
frigates moved up the North River, and came to an anchor

near Burdett's ferry, apparently with an intention
to stop the ferry way and cut off the communication
between Fort Lee and Fort Washington. The enemy at
the same time appeared on Harlem plain, and Colonel
Magaw, who commands on York Island, ordered the lines to
be manned. The ships endeavored to dislodge them by firing
on their flanks, but they fired to very little purpose. The
barbette battery, on the high hill on the left of the ferry,
opened on the frigates, and fired a considerable time without
doing them any, or but very little damage. Upon our ceasing
to fire, a gun from fort number one on York Island began
to play on them with great advantage, and hulled the one
highest up above twenty times. At this time two eighteen-pounders,
which were ordered down this side the river
opposite the ships, gave them so warm a salute that they
hoisted all sail; the foremost slipped her cable and appeared
to be in the greatest confusion; she could make no way
although rowed by two boats, till the lower one perceiving
her distress, sent two more barges to her assistance, who at
length dragged her out of the reach of our fire. It is very
probable that many of her men were killed; and she herself
extremely damaged; but the weather was so hazy that it was
impossible to see any thing distinctly at a distance. The
enemy by this time had begun a smart fire on the island with
field-pieces and mortars; our men returned the compliment.
They were out of their lines great part of the day. There
were but few discharges of small arms. Our men killed about
a dozen Hessians, and brought them off. We had one man
killed with a shell. This was the account at five o'clock;
it is now seven, and the firing has just ceased, but nothing
extraordinary has happened. We take this day's movement
to be only a feint; at any rate it is little honorable to the
red coats.

Yesterday, a party of the light horse and infantry took
possession of Phillip's Manor, between King's Bridge and our
main army; they continued there all night, but this morning
they retired.[29]

November 1.—Died at Williamsburg, in Virginia, Colonel

Richard Bland, of Prince George, who lived universally
beloved, and died universally lamented. He was
more than thirty years a representative in
General Assembly for that county, and filled the trust with so
many shining abilities, so much unremitted attention, that
he gained the esteem and confidence of his constituents.
When his country called him forth to the arduous and important
task of a delegate in the Continental Congress, he
approved himself an able and zealous friend and advocate
for the rights and liberties of his injured country. In a private
sphere of life he supported the character of a humane and
benevolent man, an affectionate, kind, indulgent husband and
parent, and, amongst his acquaintances, that of a warm and
steady friend. In short, he possessed all the inestimable
qualifications that could render him dear to society,—all that
could form the virtuous, upright man.[31]

A writer in the Gazette offers the following explanations
and amendments to General Howe's late letters to Govern-

ment, "in order to make the matter entirely clear
and intelligible:"—"The Mercury packet is
despatched to inform your lordship of the arrival of the
Halifax fleet, &c., at Sandy Hook, &c., where I met with
Governor Tryon on board of a ship, (to which a most loyal
people obliged him to retire,) and many gentlemen, fast friends
to government (a few Scotchmen of no property nor probity)
attending him, from whom I had the fullest information of
the state of the rebels, who are very numerous, and very
advantageously posted with a strong intrenchment, &c., with
more than one hundred pieces of cannon for the defence of
the town from the sea, and to obstruct the passage of the
fleet up the North River, (so that we may sooner think of
snuffing the moon than doing execution here.)

"We passed the Narrows with three men-of-war, and the
first division, &c., landed the grenadiers, &c., to the great
joy of a most loyal people, (who, because they are now left to

our discretion, are exceeding loyal,) who (as they pretend) have
long suffered on that account, under the oppression of the
rebels stationed amongst them, who precipitately fled on the
approach of the shipping, (and probably to entice us to pursue
them, in order to cut us to pieces; but thanks to our profound
wisdom, we did not venture to stir an inch.)

"In justice to Captain Raynor, who made the disposition
of the boats in landing the troops, and to Captain Curtis,
who was to superintend the execution, I must express my
entire satisfaction in the (wise and spirited) conduct of these
gentlemen, (as I already mentioned the rebels fled, and there
was not a soul to hinder or harass our landing,) and the
dependence to be placed upon their services in this line,
(viz., in landing troops without the least opposition.)

"I propose waiting here (though there is hardly a possibility
of staying without exposing my few troops to the utmost
danger) for the English fleet, or for the arrival of Lieutenant-General
Clinton, in readiness to proceed, (but by no means
much further,) unless by some unexpected change of circumstances,
(and, entre nous, I expect that change every moment,)
it should be found expedient to act with the present force,
(to defend our retreat on board the ships.)

"Vice Admiral Shuldham was joined on his voyage by
six transports, &c. There is no other intelligence of that
embarkation, (that stands in need of being published,) except
an account (because of its being) published in the New York
papers, that two transports of the fleet were taken by the
enemy's privateers, (but in what manner, place, or time, your
lordship need not know, and suffice it;) that Major Menzies
was killed in the engagement, and that Lieutenant-Colonel
Campbell, with fifteen other officers, and about four hundred
and fifty of our men, were made prisoners, (but how many men
were killed and wounded in the engagement I cannot tell, for
it was not published in the New York papers.)

"Governor Franklin, who for a long time maintained his
ground in Jersey, (I suppose under pretence of being a friend
to America, but now discovered,) has been lately taken into
custody (by a most loyal people) at Amboy, and is now a prisoner
at Connecticut.

"The mayor of New York was a few days ago confined on a
frivolous complaint, viz., of sending intelligence to Governor
Tryon, (in order to destroy the main Provincial army of thirty
thousand men, and to betray the whole plan of the Congress
laid in defence of the glorious cause of Liberty,) brought to
trial, and condemned to suffer death.

"Notwithstanding these violent proceedings, (as we Tories
and Jacobites call it,) I have the satisfaction to inform your
lordship (in the same manner as all our governors did before;
and should it turn out to the contrary, the minister can but
plead misinformation in the House of Commons) that there is
great reason to expect a numerous body of inhabitants to join
the army from the provinces of New York, the Jerseys, and
Connecticut, who only wait for opportunities to give proofs of
their loyalty and zeal for government; (witness that from the
above provinces, containing two hundred thousand inhabitants;)
sixty men came over two days ago with a few arms, and I understand
(though I will not be positive) that five hundred more
are ready to follow their example. This disposition of the
people (viz., the five hundred men out of two hundred thousand,
who are ready to join our ministerial army) makes me
impatient for the arrival of Lord Howe, concluding the powers
with which he is furnished (which, as I am informed, is to
treat with the Congress, and to make great condescensions)
will have the best effect at this critical time.

"A naval force is preparing to be sent up the North River,
and orders are given for two of his Majesty's ships, one of
forty guns and the other of twenty, to proceed on that service;
(but your lordship must look upon these two ships as good as
sunk already, as being exposed to the fire of the above-mentioned
one hundred pieces of cannon of the rebels.)

"Several men have, within these two days, come over to this
island, (I believe I have mentioned that already,) and to the
ships; and I am informed that the Continental Congress (and
which your lordship must have known some months ago) have
declared the United Colonies Free and Independent States."[33]

Last Monday we[34] received intelligence that the enemy, with
their whole body, were advancing towards us. The army were
immediately alarmed, and part of General Wads-

worth's brigade, with some other regiments under
the command of General Spencer, consisting in the whole of
five or six hundred men, were sent out as an advance party,
to skirmish with the enemy, and harass them in their march.
We marched on to a hill about one mile and a half from our
lines, with an artillery company and two field-pieces, and
placed ourselves behind walls and fences, in the best manner
we could, to give the enemy trouble. About half after nine
o'clock, our advance parties all came in, retreating before the
enemy; and the light parties of the enemy, with their advanced
guard, consisting of two or three thousand, came in
sight, and marched on briskly towards us, keeping the high
grounds; and the light horse pranced on a little in the rear,
making a very martial appearance. As our light parties
came on to the hills and discovered where we were, the enemy
began to cannonade us, and to fling shells from their hobits
and small mortars. Their light parties soon came on, and we
firing upon them from the walls and fences, broke and scattered
them at once; but they would run from our front and
get round upon our wings to flank us, and as soon as our fire
discovered where we were, the enemy's artillery would at
once begin to play upon us in the most furious manner. We
kept the walls until the enemy were just ready to surround
us, and then we would retreat from one wall and hill to another,
and maintain our ground there in the same manner, till
numbers were just ready to surround us. Once the Hessian
grenadiers came up in front of Colonel Douglass's regiment,
and we fired a general volley upon them, at about twenty rods
distance, and scattered them like leaves in a whirlwind; and
they ran off so far that some of the regiment ran out to the
ground where they were when we fired upon them, and
brought off their arms and accoutrements, and rum, that the
men who fell had with them, which we had time to drink round
with before they came on again. They formed at a distance,
and waited until their artillery and main body came on, when
they advanced in solid columns upon us, and were gathering
all around us, ten to our one. Colonel Douglass's and Silliman's
regiments fired four or five times on them, as they were
advancing, and then retreated, but not until the enemy began
to fire on their flanks. Colonels Silliman, Douglass, and
Arnold behaved nobly, and the men gained much applause.
Colonels Webb's, Silliman's, and Douglass's regiments had the
principal share in the action. Colonel Webb had four killed,
and eight or ten wounded; Colonel Silliman lost six, and
had ten or twelve wounded; Colonel Douglass had three
killed, and six wounded. Colonels Brooks's, Smallwood's, and
Ritzma's regiments, who were drawn up on the hill near the
lines, suffered considerably. Our loss in the whole may be
seventy or eighty killed or wounded. It is said by all the
deserters and captains, who agree in their stories, that the enemy
had about three hundred killed and wounded.

The scene was grand and solemn; all the adjacent hills
smoked as though on fire, and bellowed and trembled with a
perpetual cannonade and fire of field-pieces, hobits, and mortars.
The air groaned with streams of cannon and musket shot; the
hills smoked and echoed terribly with the bursting of shells;
the fences and walls were knocked down and torn to pieces,
and men's legs, arms, and bodies, mangled with cannon and
grape-shot all around us. I was in the action, and under as
good advantages as any one man, perhaps, to observe all that
passed, and write these particulars of the action from my own
observation.

No general action was designed on our part, and I believe
one thousand men were never, at one time, engaged with the
enemy. They came on to the hills opposite our lines, and
halted; and after cannonading part of the lines a short time,
they became very still and quiet.

Yesterday, (October 31st,) it was observed that they had
near finished four or five batteries which they had erected
against us; and as our ground, near the centre of the town at
White Plains, was not good, being overlooked by neighboring

hills, the generals, last night, drew off most of the troops from
the lines there, and this morning the guards and sentries
burned the town and forage all around it, and came off about
nine o'clock.

We carried off all our stores, and planted our artillery on
the hills about a mile and a half back of the centre of the
town. The enemy advanced, this forenoon, on to the ground
we left, but as soon as they came over the hill, we saluted
them with our cannon and field-pieces, and they advanced no
further. Their main body now lies over against us, and they
have formed no lines across the country, as yet, below us.
Their light horse may possibly scour across as far as the
river, but how that is we cannot determine. All things seem
to be quiet at Fort Washington.[36]

Wanted, by a gentleman fond of curiosities, who is shortly
going to England, a parcel of Congress Notes, with which he
intends to paper some rooms. Those who wish to make something
of their stock in that commodity, shall, if they are clean
and fit for the purpose, receive at the rate of one guinea per
thousand for all they can bring before the expiration of
the present month. Inquire of the printer. N. B.—It is expected
they will be much lower.[37]

November 3.—There is a general curiosity in mankind to
inquire into the character of those who arrive at stations of
high trust and dignity. In the dreadful times of

public commotion and civil discord, this laudable
passion is most strongly excited. To satisfy this in part, an
old friend of General Putnam's gives the following authentic
account of that officer:

The general's paternal state consisted of a small farm in
the colony of Connecticut, by the diligent cultivation of which,
he supported himself till he entered the colony's service, during
the late French war in America. The stories that have

been repeatedly told, of his being a blacksmith and carpenter,
are the contradictory effusions of ignorance and falsehood.
When very young, he gave a proof of early courage, in following
a fox that had plundered the poultry-yard into its den,
creeping on his hands and knees, where, discovering it by the
brightness of its own eyes, he destroyed it. This is not a very
important fact, but it is a real one, well known to the people
of Pomfret.

When a major of the rangers, in the year 1758, leading the
van of a scouting party, he was overpowered and taken by a
body of five hundred Indians and Canadians. During the latter
part of the engagement, he was tied to a tree, and exposed
to the fire of his own men. At last the enemy being forced
to retreat, an Indian, in passing, struck him with the butt end
of his musket, intending to kill him, but happened only to
break one of his jaw-bones; immediately after a Canadian
came up, cut the straps that fastened him to the tree, and led
him off. He was carried to Ticonderoga, and soon after exchanged.
A romantic account of this skirmish was given in
the public prints some months ago, in which it was said that
he had received a multitude of wounds, beside being scalped.
All this is fiction; the blow above mentioned was the only one
he received in that action.

In the colony service he considerably increased his estate.
He has now a large, well-cultivated farm, and generally represents
the town of Pomfret, in the colony assembly.

When the discontents in New England rose very high, in
1775, he was very much caressed by the American party; and,
on a false rumor spreading through the country, of the King's
troops having massacred five hundred inhabitants of Boston,
he headed a large party of volunteers, in Connecticut, and
marched to the relief of Boston, but soon returned home, on
that intelligence being contradicted.

After the action at Concord, in April, 1775, he joined the
Massachusetts troops, commanded by Warren.[39] He was then
a colonel in rank. On June seventeenth, at one o'clock in the

morning, they took possession of Bunker's Hill, opposite to
Boston, where in a few hours they threw up a redoubt and intrenchment.
When he saw the British troops embarking to
attack them, he advised Warren, who commanded in chief, to
retreat, and founded his opinion on the following reasons:—
"That he had often served with the King's troops; that although
one-half or two-thirds of them should be killed, yet
those that remained would certainly storm their works; that
the moment the intrenchment was mounted, his countrymen,
whom he knew very well, would run; for though they would
fight as long as any troops whatever, while under cover, yet
they would never stand an open engagement, and the push of
the bayonet; that the spirit of veteran troops ought not to be
expected from them, who were raw men, badly disciplined,
and badly armed; that it would be highly injudicious to put
them, at first, to so severe a trial, as the check they would in
all probability receive, would tend greatly to dishearten them,
and have a very bad effect on all their future operations."

This salutary advice was rejected by Warren, who was very
opinionated, addicted to liquor, and in haste to distinguish
himself, this being the very first morning of his apprenticeship
in the art of war. He replied, "That they had been branded
as cowards, but would show the military they could fight as
well as themselves," and ordered the colonel to return to Cambridge,
and bring on the rest of the men. Putnam obeyed.
On the march back, his men followed him with spirit enough
till they reached the fort of Bunker's Hill, when the heavy
firing, it being then the heat of the engagement, made them
shrink. (This he has often mentioned when speaking of that
day's service.) Whilst he was laboring fruitlessly in this
manner, the King's troops stormed the redoubt, and he was
instantly joined by the fugitives; upon which they all retreated
over the neck as fast as possible. The colonel had frequently
given it as his opinion that if but five hundred men
had pursued them, he could not have kept one man at Cambridge.
But no pursuit being made, he took post there; and
as they heard from Boston that very night what dreadful havoc
they had made amongst the King's troops, the men immediately

recovered their spirits. So much does success in war depend
on the improvement of a single moment.

The colonel was now promoted to the rank of major-general,
but his commission was hardly delivered to him, when it
was debated, in the General Congress, to supersede him, and
give his rank to Mr. Thomas,[40] a favorite of General Washington.
He was only saved from this insult by the necessity
they had for his services. During the summer and autumn,
1775, whilst Boston was blockaded, he was by far the most
popular officer in the American camp; he was the first to take
up the spade and the mattock, and to join the common men in
all the fatigues of the day, which very naturally endeared him
to them. His popularity, however, suffered a great shock,
towards the latter end of the same year; for, at the request of
the General Congress and the commander-in-chief, attempting
to persuade the men, whose time of service was nearly expired,
to continue in arms four months longer, till another army could
be embodied, he raised a general clamor against himself. The
men went off precisely at their time, and exclaimed against him
over all the country, as an enemy to liberty. By this defection,
in the space of six weeks in the middle of winter, there were
not more than seven thousand men in the extensive lines round
Boston. If General Howe had had good intelligence, he might
have cleared the whole environs of that town in less than
twenty-four hours; for such a small body of troops were very
insufficient to defend a line of intrenchments and redoubts, that
extended at least twelve or fourteen miles, from Mystic River
all round the head of the Bay to Dorchester Point. Another
raw army was at last drawn together, which made some semblance
of attacking Boston, on which General Howe left it.
Since the war has been moved into the territory of New York,
we find General Putnam commanding in the lines, at the battle
of Brooklyn. It is not surprising that new levies should
be beat by veterans. After the defeat, the desertion of their
lines was a wise measure, as their retreat might have been cut
off by ships of war posted in the East River.

There is no doubt but General Putnam wishes as sincerely
for peace as any man on either side of the question;
yet there is no man in either army will do his duty with greater
bravery in the field. He never was a favorer of American Independency.
As to his person, he is middle size, very strongly
made, no fat, all bones and muscles; he has a lisp in his speech,
and is now upwards of sixty years of age.[41]

November 8.—This day, a few of the common soldiers of
the third and fifth Pennsylvania battalions, gave rise to a
little skirmish, which, though trifling in itself, we

cannot help relating it, as it seems to point out
some of the effects of discipline.

The scene of this little rencontre lay on an eminence between
the termination of Mount Washington and King's
Bridge,[43] in a transverse line with, and under the full command
of a height in possession of our Hessian enemy. Near the
summit of this eminence, and facing some of our works, is a
large rock or natural breastwork, where a small body of their
men were posted. Two of our people had the boldness to advance
up this hill without the least cover, in order, they said,
to have a fairer shot at those planted behind the rocky barrier.
These sustained the musketry of the Hessians, and the fire from
a field-piece from the neighboring height. Some more of our
men went up to their assistance. The fire upon the breastwork
was now redoubled, and poured in upon our enemies, in such a
close and well-managed succession as entirely silenced them.

The Hessian main guard, who were posted about four hundred
yards from this place, seeing the danger of their sentries,
turned out and marched to their relief. About fifty of the enemy
were in motion. Our little body was now augmented to between
fifteen and twenty. They were at but a very small
distance from the breastwork, when, perceiving the route of the
Hessians, they saw they must either give up the ground they
had gained, or intimidate the approaching enemy. At this critical

juncture, I could see the brave fellows form with the utmost
regularity and order; and then, as if under the command
of the best officer, arrange into three divisions. The spectators
on both sides, as if by mutual agreement, seemed willing
to trust the issue of this little affair to those already in the
field and in motion.

Two of our divisions immediately began a circuit around the
bend of the hill, in order, as was supposed, to get on the rear of
the enemy at the rocks, and oppose the main guard, who were
coming on, whilst the centre division advanced towards the
rock, keeping up, all the while, a regular fire. This little
piece of instinctive, or, rather, mechanical generalship, had a
most beautiful effect. The sentries, aware of their danger,
precipitately retreated, carrying off two killed or wounded.
Our men took possession of their post, burned their huts, and
secured a rifle gun, a musket, and blanket, which we suppose
belonged to those who were carried off. Upon gaining the
contested ground, they gave three cheers for the Congress,
which was returned by their flanking parties, and replied to
by the Hessian artillery.

The divisions now united, and seemed, notwithstanding the
enemy's field-pieces and superior force, which was advancing
against them, resolved on defending the height they had so
martially obtained. For this purpose we could see them dispose
themselves along a rail fence that commanded the road,
by which the Hessian guard must pass before they could make
an advantageous attack. They were now reinforced with a few
stragglers from other regiments.

Their fire was so very well directed and judiciously managed
as to keep the Hessians at bay; and, at length, forced them to
take shelter in an orchard, nearly opposite to our little line of
adventurers. They held their ground till night, and then came
off in good order, and with only one man wounded—a Sergeant
Wright, of the third Pennsylvania regiment. He received
a ball in advancing to the rocky breastwork.

I have been more particular in the detail of this little affair,
as it seems to show, in some measure, the force and advantages
of good discipline. Here, a few men, without any preconcerted

plan, met together by chance, and without a leader to direct
them, exhibited an epitome of generalship that would not have
dishonored even Hannibal or Scipio. Examples of this kind
show, more than any thing else, the importance and necessity
of early and late inculcating the strictest forms of discipline.
It is by no means improbable, that the beauty and order of
most of the animal motions arise from repetition. This, particularly
in the soldiery, begets habits which are often preferable
to the greatest courage.[44]

November 9.—Hitherto the achievements of our little
army on York Island have been extremely fortunate. The
genius that presides there seems to be of the enterprising
kind. Last campaign it was thought a matter of great hardihood
and praise to burn the enemy's guard house at Roxbury,
on Boston Neck, and a few houses in Charlestown,[45] under
cover of the night; but here such exploits are conducted in
open day.

This morning, we found the enemy once more in possession
of the rock from whence we had routed them yesterday.
About eighty men, under the command of Colonel Penrose,
of Philadelphia, and Major Hubley, (late an officer at the
northward,) resolved to dislodge them a second time. As the
men were in high spirits, and the barn and dwelling-house
which the guard occupied at but a small distance, the colonel
proposed storming them. We soon regained the rock, and,
with surprising rapidity, the houses, notwithstanding an incessant
fire from the enemy's artillery, main guard, and a small
redoubt in an orchard adjoining the guard, that commanded
the road. The Hessians were soon obliged to abandon their
posts. We killed on the spot about ten, and the rest either escaped
or were burned in the houses, which some of our men,
without orders, immediately fired.

It is something remarkable that on our side we had only
one man wounded. Perhaps the sally was so unexpected as
to have entirely disconcerted and confused the enemy. As

it is, no men ever behaved more resolutely or bravely than
ours.[46]

November 13.—Yesterday the British decamped from
Dobb's ferry, and marched as far as Phillip's manor, (five
miles from King's Bridge,) where they halted and pitched
their tents. They seem to be bending their course towards
York Island, and it is apprehended they mean to attack Fort
Washington. Yesterday we reinforced the garrison at that
place with five hundred men, and we hope it is very tenable.
Deserters inform us that they are resolved to take it this campaign,
if they are obliged to invest it with their whole army.
The three ships which went up the North River a few days
ago, have fallen down within three miles of Fort Lee, and will
push by the first fair wind.

Last night we went a Tory hunting with a party of fifty
men, but the birds had flown before we arrived. However, we
were repaid by a sight of the enemy's encampment, whose
fires being very numerous and greatly extended, exhibited a
delightful appearance.[47]

It is very remarkable, says a correspondent, that the event
of this unnatural war should so directly contradict Lord Sandwich's
assertion in calling the Americans "cowards," and that
his particular friends should suffer so essentially. Major Pitcairne
re-echoed his lordship's opinion, and boasted, before
he embarked at Portsmouth, that if he drew his sword but
half out of the scabbard, the whole banditti (as he termed them)
of Massachusetts Bay, would flee from him. Behold, he is
slain, on the first time he appears in the field against them.
Captain Howe, of the Glasgow, another of his lordship's
friends, falls in with two or three ragamuffin privateers, and
he brings his lordship an undeniable proof that the Americans
are not cowards; and now we have a Gazette account that
these cowards have beat two fifty-gun ships, four frigates, of
twenty-eight guns each, and two others of twenty-eight guns

each, making together two hundred and fifty-two guns.[48]
How many had those cowardly Americans? Why, truly,
nineteen. And though the King's ships had so many as two
hundred and fifty-two well manned, to so few as nineteen,
yet those cowardly Americans made those heroes and friends
of Lord Sandwich, with his boon companion Sir Peter Parker,
and a Scotch lord, confess that their attempt to take
an insignificant fort "was impracticable, and that a further
attempt would have been the destruction of many brave men,
without the least probability of success." They certainly confided
in Lord Sandwich's bare ipse dixit, and could not be
otherwise convinced, without losing one of the King's ships,
and having five more nearly battered to pieces, besides losing
sixty-four killed, and one hundred and forty-one wounded.[49]

November 16.—About two o'clock this afternoon a large
body of British troops from New York, with a body of Hessians
from King's Bridge, made an attack upon

the American lines at that place. At the same
time, a number of boats from the shipping came up Harlem
River, and landed a party of men, who advanced forward with
an intention to cut off our retreat, which in part they effected;
but a part of our men taking advantage of a hill, got safe to
the fort; the other part, being almost surrounded, were obliged
to fight their way through the enemy, by which means the
heaviest fire from our troops was directed against the Hessians,
who were beat back, and obliged to be reinforced three several
times by large detachments from their main body. In this
manner our small army, under the command of Colonel Magaw,
retreated, sustaining with unexampled resolution a continual
fire of the cannon, field-pieces, and musketry of more
than five to one in number, till they reached Fort Washington,
when the engagement ceased. Soon after the engagement
ended, the enemy made a demand of the fort, and Colonel
Magaw finding it impossible to defend it, surrendered the same
to the enemy about sunset.

The number of our men who were killed in the above
engagement is uncertain, but the whole loss in killed and taken
prisoners, is upwards of two thousand. What loss the enemy
sustained is likewise uncertain, but if we may believe the
account given by a deserter who came to head-quarters since
the engagement, the Hessians had between four and five
thousand men killed on the spot.

Master James Lovel, of Boston, who has been a prisoner
more than eighteen months, is now on his way from New York
to Boston, having been exchanged for Governor Skeene, who
was some time held a prisoner in Hartford.

We hear Colonel Ethan Allen is now on board a ship at
New York; that he has been treated since his being taken a
prisoner with the utmost barbarity, till lately, but the rigor
of his oppressors has been a little softened, and he is now
treated according to his rank; and we hope an exchange will
soon take place, when he may again return into the bosom of
his grateful country.[51]

John Hancock, Esq., President of the American Congress, is
now more the object of pity than contempt. His fortune alone

raised this very weak man to consideration
in the political world, and with the diminution
and loss of property, his power and influence have declined
and fallen. Adams' conspiracy, like that of most others, was
originally composed of persons destitute of property and the
means of living. Mr. Hancock was therefore early admitted
a most useful member, and with his name and credit, a
system of sedition was undertaken and reared to a general
rebellion and revolt, which, through the poverty and dishonest
characters of the others, could not have been supported and
propagated without these aids. They even found it necessary
for some time to play him off as head of the league; and he
not only contributed profusely towards the charges and
expenses of the common cause, but advanced moneys for the
discharge of the debts, and for the maintenance and subsistence
of his indigent friend Adams, who had no other visible means
of freedom from a jail. He had in return the appearance of
gratitude and respect, in being raised to the first honors in the
election and gift of the people, and thought himself indebted
to Adams for the promotion to the president's chair. But
this person was too much a politician to have regard to his
benefactor in these preferments; he made him only the
stalking horse of his own ambition, and consulted his honor
no further than was conducive to his own interest, and the
designs of the confederacy. These could not long be promoted
by Hancock, exhausted of his whole estate; and he
has lately suffered repeated acts of mortifying neglect, and
had many clear evidences of the wishes of his old friends, not
so much for his ruin, which would little avail them, as for
his retirement with Mr. Speaker Cushing, whom they had
before laid aside as useless. His natural peevishness was
irritated by these unexpected and ungrateful dispositions of
his friends; he would least of all brook an injury from one so
much obliged to him as Adams personally had been, and his
resentment hurried him into an open opposition and contention
with this insidious man, which probably before this time
has terminated in his own fall and ruin. For it appears by
the last advices from Philadelphia, in a channel of intelligence
of great credibility, that this very Adams had made a motion
in Congress for the expulsion of his benefactor Hancock,
founded on the ostensible reason of holding principles incompatible
with independency; in which, though he did not
immediately and directly prevail, because it was not thought
derogatory of the honor and prejudicial of the general interest
of that body to depose and expel their president, yet it was
not doubted that a more decent method would be taken to
lay him aside.[53]

November 18.—By a person lately from the American
camp, a gentleman of undoubted veracity, who was prisoner
and enlarged by General Howe, we are informed that the

enemy lost before the lines of Fort Washington, seventeen
hundred killed on the field, and ninety-six wagon loads of
wounded, the most mortally; that our people
behaved with the greatest intrepidity and resolution;
that our loss was about three hundred killed and
wounded.—This account may be depended on, as it came
from divers of the British officers, with whom the gentleman
was intimately acquainted.

The attack did not commence at the lines at Harlem, as
has been reported, that post being at least six miles distant
from Fort Washington, but at the outlines north of the fort,
distant about a quarter of a mile; that the Hessians made the
attack, and marched within point blank pistol shot of the
lines, where they were kept at least two hours, and were, by
the intrepidity and well-placed fire of our people, cut down in
whole ranks. The brave Americans kept their post until a
heavy column of British troops appeared in their rear; the lines
there being entirely open, obliged them to retreat and endeavor
to gain the fort; but the British troops being nearer
the fort, cut off and obliged a considerable part to surrender
prisoners. The fort was immediately summoned, but the
commanding officer first pleaded for a term of five days; that
being refused, plead for the honors of war, which was also denied,
and the garrison was informed that unless they surrendered
at discretion, the fort would be immediately invested,
and they must abide the consequence. A council of war was
immediately held, and it was decided that, as they had not
any water, nor could get any at the places from which the
garrison had been supplied with the article, they being in possession
of the enemy, and that the fort was not capable of defence,
agreed to surrender it and themselves at discretion. The
commanding officer of the fort is a gentleman of great courage,
and would have defended it as long as a single soldier remained
to support it, had it been capable of defence. The
highest honors are due to him, his gallant officers, and the
brave soldiers who were under his command.[55]

George Selwyn, the other evening, in one of the polite
gaming houses in London, hearing a young gentleman speaking
with great animation of the miraculous escape

of General Howe, who was said to have been
patting Lord Percy's charger, at the time the animal was shot
under him, replied:—"You are right; and never was a more
miraculous escape, or perhaps more temper shown upon any
occasion, than by the two general officers, in that situation."
"How was that? I did not hear any thing about it." "No!—
why it seems they were disputing about the age of the horse,
and had made a bet upon it;—Lord Percy said he was aged;
Sir William said otherwise; and just as the latter was looking
into his mouth, to satisfy his doubts, a nine pounder came from
Fort Washington, and severed the horse's head from his body;
upon which Sir William Howe, with great composure, took up
the head and showed his lordship the mark in his mouth.
Lord Percy, instantly dismounting, paid him the money, and
then, with the greatest intrepidity, led his brigade to the walls
of the fort."[57]

November 21.—An officer in the British navy has written
home, that the bravery of the King's troops cannot be too
highly commended. He then says that every capital enterprise
hitherto made by General Howe, has either been in the night
or by break of day, our soldiers being taught to depend more
upon their bayonets than their muskets; and about twilight is

found the best season for hunting the rebels in the woods, at
which time their rifles are of very little use; and they are not
found so serviceable in a body as musketry, a rest being requisite
at all times; and before they are able to make a second
discharge, it frequently happens that they find themselves run
through the body by the push of a bayonet, as a rifleman is
not entitled to any quarter.

He also says, that on the rebels first retreating, a clergyman
at Westchester assembled the people, and, in a very
pathetic and loyal address, advised them to repentance and
submission, which had the desired effect. This conduct enraged
the rebels against him exceedingly, and on their return
they cut his throat, and afterwards mangled the dead body in
a shocking manner. His wife and children were stripped almost
naked, and driven round the rebel camp. They were
treated in this cruel manner several days, and then sent to our
camp. Notwithstanding these instances of savage cruelty,
their prisoners with us are treated with the utmost humanity.[59]

Yesterday, a party of the British army landed near Dobb's
ferry, and soon after took possession of Fort Lee. On the ap-

pearance of our troops, the rebels fled like scared
rabbits, and in a few moments after we reached the
hill near their intrenchments, not a rascal of them could be
seen. They have left some poor pork, a few greasy proclamations,
and some of that scoundrel Common Sense man's letters,
which we can read at our leisure, now that we have got one of
the "impregnable redoubts" of Mr. Washington's to quarter
in. * * * * We intend to push on after the long-faces in
a few days.[61]

In the country dances published in London for next year,
there is one called "Lord Howe's Jig," in which there is "cross
over, change hands, turn your partner, foot it on both sides,"
and other movements admirably depictive, says a correspondent,
of the present war in America.[62]

After the late battle of the White Plains, the provincial
officers who were taken prisoners, being dispersed in different
parts of the regular army, were occasionally

asked to dine at the tables of our general officers.
It happened one day that a party of them dined with General
De Heister, the Hessian General, who, as soon as the cloth was
taken away, drank "the King." Some of the provincials
drank the toast, others drank their wine and said nothing. At
last, one who had more plain dealing about him than the rest,
refused drinking it, giving it as a reason, with many apologies,
"that if it had been a favorite toast with him, he would
not then be in the situation he was at present." This occasioned
some confusion, and in particular brought on an altercation
between him and the general, which in the end terminated
in the latter so far forgetting himself as to strike the former
with his cane. This no doubt is nothing more than what is common
in the German discipline, yet, though it may be thought
advisable for us to want their assistance as soldiers, it is to be
hoped British generals will reprobate such feelings and manners.[64]

There is very good intelligence that the British intend to
make a push for Philadelphia. We hear part of their force is
embarked, either to go up the Delaware, and make their attacks
on both sides at once, or else to amuse the Southern
States, and prevent their sending any assistance to Philadelphia.
We have not force enough to oppose their march by
land. We look to New Jersey and Pennsylvania for their
militia, and on their spirit depends the preservation of America.
If in this hour of adversity they shrink from danger,
they deserve to be slaves indeed! If the freedom that success
will insure us, if the misery that awaits our subjection, will not
rouse them, why let them sleep till they awake in bondage.[65]

November 27.—Yesterday afternoon, at the review of the
militia for the city of Philadelphia and liberties, nothing could

exceed the zeal and ardor of the men, who unanimously turned
out volunteers, to serve their country at this important juncture.
So laudable an example, it is hoped, will be followed
in the other parts.

At eleven o'clock this forenoon, a very large and general
town meeting was held in the State House yard. The mem-

bers of the General Assembly and the Council of
Safety were present; Mr. Rittenhouse, vice-president
of the council, being in the chair. The intelligence which
has been received of the probability of General Howe having it
in contemplation to invade the State, was laid before the citizens,
and they were informed that the Congress requested the
militia of the city, and several of the counties, and part of the
militia of each of the other counties, to march into New Jersey.
The people expressed their cheerful approbation of the
measure, by the most unanimous acclamations of joy ever observed
on any occasion, and the militia are ordered to be reviewed
to-morrow, at two o'clock in the afternoon. General
Mifflin addressed his fellow-citizens in a spirited, animating,
and affectionate address, which was received by them with
marks of approbation, which showed their esteem for, and
confidence in, the general.[67]

November 30.—This day, the Howes have issued a proclamation
commanding all persons whatsoever, who are assem-

bled together in arms against his Majesty's government,
to disband themselves, and return to
their dwellings, there to remain in a peaceable and quiet manner.
They also charge and command all such other persons as
are assembled together under the name or names of general or
provincial Congresses, committees, conventions, or other associations,
by whatever name or names known and distinguished,
or who, under color of any authority from any such Congress,
committee, convention, or other association, take upon them to
issue or execute any orders for levying money, raising troops,
fitting out armed ships or vessels, imprisoning and otherwise
molesting his Majesty's subjects, to desist and cease from all
such treasonable actions and doings, and to relinquish all such
usurped power and authority, so that peace may be restored;
a speedy remission of past offences quiet the apprehensions
of the guilty, and all the inhabitants of the said colonies be
enabled to reap the benefit of his Majesty's paternal goodness,
in the preservation of their property, the restoration of their
commerce, and the security of their most valuable rights, under
the just and moderate authority of the crown and parliament
of Great Britain. And they further declare and make known
to all men, that every person who, within sixty days, shall appear
before the governor, or any other officer in his Majesty's
service, having the command of any detachment or parties of
his Majesty's forces, or before the admiral or commander-in-chief
of his Majesty's fleets, or any officer commanding any
of his Majesty's ships-of-war, or any armed vessel in his Majesty's
service, within any of the ports, havens, creeks, or
upon the coast of America, and shall claim the benefit of this
proclamation, and, at the same time, testify his obedience to
the laws by subscribing a declaration in the words following:

"I, A. B., do promise and declare that I will remain in a
peaceable obedience to his Majesty, and will not take up arms
in opposition to his authority," shall and may obtain a full and
free pardon of all treasons, misprisons of treason by him
heretofore committed or done, and of all forfeitures, attainders,
and penalties for the same; and upon producing to them, or
either of them, a certificate of such, his appearance and declaration,
shall and may have and receive such pardon made and
passed to him in due form.[69]

Messrs. Howe.—We have seen your proclamation, and as
it is a great curiosity, think it deserves some notice; and lest
no one else should deign to notice it, will make

a few remarks upon what was designed for public
benefit. In this rarity we see slaves offering liberty to free
Americans; thieves and robbers offer to secure our rights
and property; murderers offer us pardon;—a perjured Tyrant,
by the mouth of two of his hireling butchers, "commands" all
the civil and military powers in these independent States, to
resign all pretensions to authority, and to acknowledge
subjection to a foreign despot, even his mock majesty, now
reeking with blood and murder. This is truly a curiosity,
and is a compound of the most consummate arrogance and
folly of the cloven-footed spawn of despairing wretches, who
are laboring to complete the works of tyranny and death. It
would be far less wicked, and not quite so stupid, for the
Grand Turk to send two of his slaves into Britain, Howelizts
and W. Howoldozt, to command all the Britons to acknowledge
themselves the slaves of the Turk, offering to secure
their rights and property, and to pardon such as had borne
arms against his Sublime Highness, upon conditions of their
making submission within "sixty days."

Messieurs Howe and W. Howe, pray read your proclamation
once more, and consider how modest you appear; and
reflect on the infinite contempt with which you are viewed
by the Americans, and remember the meanest freeman
"scorns the highest slave."

We do not, however, suppose you are such idiots as to
expect your proclamation will meet with any thing but
contempt from these independent States; you have had too
much experience of their wisdom and valor to hope for any
thing else; but as you have failed to subjugate the Colonies,
(and as our haughty masters have told the nation you would
"bring them to obedience,") this proclamation is to furnish
a puff in the place of victory; thereby to support the dying
hopes of those miserable wretches who are wishing for our
destruction. So that George and his slaves, while they are
gaping for the tidings of our being conquered, will, instead
thereof, receive your conquering proclamation, commanding
us to submit! Truly, if we had any pity for tyrants or their
tools, we should pity you; but, to be honest, we sincerely
despise you, and all your abettors, without the least mixture
of fear, esteem, or compassion. except that which is due to the
greatest criminals.

Before concluding, we will give you some good advice,
and some information, which we had thought of issuing by
way of proclamation, but it may suffice in this place. We
advise you, and each of you, jointly and separately, to make
the best of your way to Britain; and if your master should
frown upon his wicked servants for not having done more
wickedly, you may perhaps escape with your necks; and if
not, you will perhaps only be hanged, and that may preserve
you from a worse punishment in America.—And now for
information, (which you seem very much to want:) Know ye,
the States of America are now completing an army raised for
the whole war, consisting of eighty-eight battalions, viz.,
sixty-four thousand and sixty-four men, who are to be
reinforced if necessary from the well-formed militia in the
States, which may be three hundred and forty-six thousand.
This will be something of an object; but add to this vast
army our resource by sea, (the captures this year are
estimated at not less than two millions sterling;) and consider
our rapid progress in arms and all the implements of war;
can you suppose, can even the button-making idiot of Britain
imagine these United States, with the glorious prize of liberty
in their hands, and the most animating prospect of every
felicity that Heaven can bestow, will resign themselves, their
posterity, and all that is great and good into the devouring
jaws of hellish tyrants?

You are no doubt pleased with being reinforced by a few
dastardly Tories at New York; and we sincerely wish every
wretch who deserves that name was with you. We would
inform you, that we have assurance from Europe, that several
nations are preparing to revenge past injuries received from
Britain, and that his Tyrantship will have full employ very
soon, without troubling the States of America. In concluding,
let us advise you to prepare for your latter end that you may
be proper objects for a pardon.[71]

There was a large forest, inhabited by a few sheep. In

the neighborhood was a nation of mastiff dogs, another of
foxes, another of wolves, and another of boars. The sheep
were protected by the dogs till they increased to a
great multitude. After a bloody war, in which they
were saved by the dogs from both the foxes and the wolves,
the sheep imagined themselves to be a very mighty people,
and some old stinking rams told them it was not proper that
the dogs should any longer rule over them. The dogs had
bit them they said, and intended to bite them more severely.
And so the sheep proclaimed themselves a commonwealth of
free people. Yet while they complained how the dogs had
oppressed them, they boasted with the same breath, that
so greatly had they prospered, that in twelve years they were
become a match for the world, though it was evident that
before that time they could not defend themselves against the
foxes only. The dogs, upon this, resolved to bring them
back to obedience, but the sheep implored the foxes, the
wolves, and the boars to attack the dogs, which they gladly
performed; and while the best mastiffs were in the country
of the sheep, these different tribes so violently attacked their
old formidable enemies the dogs, that they utterly broke their
strength, and ruined them as a people. But the sheep did not
long boast of their profound politics; the foxes, the wolves, and
the boars poured in upon them, and soon rendered them the
most abject and miserable of all animals.

THE MORAL

is this. The Americans are, in reality, as defenceless as
sheep; it is impossible they can, for several centuries, constitute
an empire; they want many requisites. The English
are generous, brave mastiffs; the French have always been
sly, ravenous foxes, the Spaniards cruel wolves, when they
conquer, and the Dutch mere wild boars, wherever they
can effect a settlement. Amboyna and all their settlements
witness this. But though, for the fable's sake, I suppose
the conquest of the mastiffs, I trust that event is yet very
distant; and that half a million of determined fighting

sheep, with all their ingratitude, (a circumstance infinitely
more to be feared than the strength of their horns,) will
never effect so unworthy a purpose. And let me add,
there is a circumstance in the natural history of the sheep
which greatly resembles American courage. When you go
near a flock of sheep, a few will at first run, then the whole
body of them will draw up in a line like soldiers; will watch
your motions; will seem as if they felt vastly bold, aye, and
will stamp their feet on the ground in a menacing manner;
but let a mastiff walk up to them, and half a million of these
determined threateners, will instantly take to their heels, and
fly off in the greatest fear and confusion.[73]

December 1.—Since the rebels abandoned Fort Lee, they
have been hurrying through the Jerseys, closely followed by
Cornwallis and his magic lights. The arch-rebel Washington
is now at Brunswick, but how long he will remain the
devil only knows, (for the Lord won't have any thing to do with
him.) Yesterday we heard that our friends were coming on,
and, in that event, we shall soon lose the company of the
Congress tatter de mallions, which certainly most of the
people here (Brunswick) do not feel sorry for. * * * * * * *

Ned has just come in from Bonum, by the back road, and
says that the troops are now passed through that town, and
will soon be here.[74]

December 2.—Yesterday, on the appearance of the enemy
at Brunswick, General Washington ordered a retreat to
Princeton, where we arrived early this morning. We are in
a terrible situation, with the enemy close upon us, and whole
regiments of Marylanders and Jerseymen leaving us. Tomorrow
we go to Trenton, where the general is determined to
make a stand. * * * A Tory from Monmouth lower county,
was brought in here to-day by a party of the Pennsylvania
boys. He mistook them for the reg'lars, and came quite into
camp without perceiving his mistake. This afternoon, after

taking off his breeches and giving him an absolution, by seting
him on the ice, (to cool his loyalty,) they set him to work
bringing in fagots. He seems pleased with his new office,
knowing that he got off easy. Notwithstanding General
Stirling deprecates severity to the infernal Tories we catch,
they get absolution often.[75]

When Governor Trumbull recommended to the householders
in Connecticut, who were not obliged to do military

duty, to form themselves into companies, choose
their own officers, and equip themselves for the
defence of these States, a number of aged gentlemen in the
town of Waterbury embodied themselves, and nominated
their own officers, who were honored with commissions. When
the regiment of militia, to which they belong, was ordered to
New York, agreeable to a late resolve of the general assembly,
this company was the first that marched and reached the
place of rendezvous. It is now at Rye, and consists of twenty-four
men; their ages added together, are a thousand years;
they are all married men, and when they came from home
left behind them their wives, with an hundred and forty-nine
children. One of them is fifty-nine years of age, and is the
father of nineteen children, and twelve grandchildren;
fourteen of his own children are now living. A worthy
example of patriotism.—Let others go and do likewise.[77]

Mr. Washington has ordered the people of New Jersey
to burn and destroy all the hay and corn which they cannot
carry back into the country. This, among other enormities
of the like kind, will ruin many farmers in that
province and desolate the country. And yet this is the man,
who has the assurance to accuse others of devastation and
mischief. Rebels are hopeful reformers.

So great is the rage of fighting among the Presbyterian
preachers, that one of them has taken no less than seven
different commissions, in order to excite the poor deluded

men who have taken up arms, they know not why,
to stand forth with an enthusiastic ardor, against their King
and the constitution.

Two or three members of Congress, one or two of them
worse than nothing, and the other involved in debt, have
realized great sums, which they have remitted to Holland
and some of the European banks; where, it is supposed, they
mean to retire when the desperate game they are now playing
can be no longer maintained. This is plunder upon their
country, under the infamous pretence of patriotism and public
virtue. Charity itself cannot wish that men with such ill-gotten
goods, acquired at the expense and ruin of a once
happy and flourishing country, should ever be able to
enjoy them in peace and security.[78]

This morning, at Charleston, South Carolina, John Roberts,
a dissenting minister, was seized on suspicion of being an enemy
to the rights of America, when he was tarred and feathered;
after which, the populace, whose fury could not be appeased,
erected a gibbet on which they hanged him, and afterwards
made a bonfire, in which Roberts, together with the
gibbet, was consumed to ashes.[79]

December 12.—Since last Sunday, we have all been at the
laboring oar, from the generals to the privates. Early in that
day we heard that Cornwallis was coming in three

different ways.[81] Knowing our weak situation, he
made a forced march to come up with us, and was within two
miles of Princeton, when Lord Stirling began his retreat with
two brigades. Boats from every quarter were collected, and
our stores, together with the troops remaining at Trenton, were
immediately conveyed over the Delaware. On Sunday morning,
having every thing over, we crossed the Delaware, and took
our quarters about half a mile from the river. About eleven
o'clock the enemy came marching down with all the pomp of
war, in great expectation of getting boats, and immediately pursuing;
but of this we took proper care, by destroying every
boat, shallop, &c., we could lay our hands on. They made
forced marches up and down the river, in pursuit of boats, but
in vain. This is Thursday; the enemy are much scattered,
some in Trenton, directly opposite; from that on their left to
Bordentown and Burlington, on the river banks. They are at
least twelve thousand strong, determined for Philadelphia, for
which purpose they are transporting flat-bottomed boats from
Brunswick to Trenton by land.[82]

December 13.—This morning, about eleven o'clock, General
Lee was taken prisoner at Baskenridge, in New Jersey,

by Colonel Harcourt with a party of light horse.
The sentry placed at the door of the house at
which General Lee was stopping, saw the troopers coming on
the run, and at first supposed them to be ours; but soon perceived
his mistake by their swords, which are more crooked
than ours. His piece not being loaded, he charged; they
rode up to him and said, "Don't shoot; if you fire we will
blow your brains out." General Lee cries out, "for God's
sake, what shall I do?" The lady of the house took him up
stairs, in order to hide him between the chimney and the
breastwork over the fireplace, but he could not, the place being
so small. The enemy at this time firing in at the windows,
the captain gave orders to set fire to the house. The
general seeing no way of escaping, sent down he would resign
himself. They fired three times at the messenger, but missed
him. The general came down without his hat or outside coat,
and said, "I hope you will use me as a gentleman; let me get
my hat and coat." The captain said, "General Lee, I know
you well; I know you are a gentleman; you shall be used as
such. I know you too well to suffer you to go for your hat
and coat," and ordered him to mount. Upon which they went
off, carrying with them the general and a Frenchman, left the
baggage, wounded one of the aide-de-camps, and one or two of
the guard. There were but thirteen men with the general. He
was about four miles from his division, and a mile out of the
road.[84]

Intelligence of General Lee's unguarded situation was given
to the enemy last night, by an inhabitant of Baskenridge,
personally known to the general, and who had made great
pretensions of friendship for the American cause, though at
heart the greatest villain that ever existed. This Judas rode
all the preceding night to carry the intelligence, and served as
a pilot to conduct the enemy, and came personally with them
to the house where the general was taken.

The enemy showed an ungenerous, nay, boyish triumph,
after they had got him secure at Brunswick, by making his horse
drunk, while they toasted their king till they were in the same
condition. A band or two of music played all night to proclaim
their joy for this important acquisition. They say we cannot
now stand another campaign. Mistaken fools! to think the
fate of America depended on one man. They will find ere long
that it has no other effect than to urge us on to a noble revenge.[85]

December 14.—A correspondent gives the following receipt
to make a patriot:—Take two drachms of reason and six
ounces of resolution; half a pound of eloquence and a pound
of logic; three grains of truth and a pound of falsehood; stir
them up together in a quart of opposition, with the necessary
ingredients of poverty and distress; strain out all the pernicious
juice of principle or honesty, and leave the dregs of
treachery to settle at the bottom. Thus, after being boiled in
the heat of ministerial vengeance, you will have a MODERN PATRIOT. N. B.—If the least use is made of that attracting weed
called pension, the compound will instantly dissolve.[86]

Saturday morning last, (7th,) Sir Peter Parker, with
seventy sail of men-of-war and transports, came into Narra-

ganset Bay, from New York, and anchored above
the harbor of Newport. On Sunday they landed
a body of troops, under the Generals Clinton and Percy, who
took possession of the town, the inhabitants having previously
determined that the place was not defensible against the enemy's
shipping. The few troops we had on the island retreated
to Bristol, leaving behind them some pieces of artillery. By
the best accounts yet received, the enemy's troops do not consist
of more than five thousand men; among them are a number
of Hessians, some horse, and many invalids. They are
intrenching, it is said, at a place called Meeting House Hill,
three miles distant from Bristol ferry.

From the first appearance of the fleet, the militia and independent
companies of the State have been in motion, and are
since joined by a large body of troops, with some companies
of artillery from the neighboring States. The readiness and
zeal manifested on the occasion, by the troops of Rhode Island
and her sister States, reflect on them the highest credit, and we
hope will prove a happy presage of their success, should the
enemy attempt to gain a lodgment in Providence, or penetrate
the country.

We hear the enemy's troops were escorted into Newport

by a set of well-known infamous Tories, who have long infested
that town, and who may yet possibly meet with the
fate justly due to their atrocious villanies.[88]

Some time ago a most excellent coup de main was executed
at Guilford, in England, by Monsieur Masteau, a professor of
fireworks, who had for some evenings exhibited

specimens of his infernal abilities, in divers rockets,
horizontal wheels, flying pigeons, &c., in a field adjoining
the town, enclosed all round with a high wall.

As this was to be the last night, Monsieur, with all the politesse
and address imaginable, applied to every family in
town, begging them to take tickets "for the most august, superb,
and grand exhibition of fireworks ever seen in the kingdom,"
assuring them he did not mean to get a penny by it,
but did it purely to blaze his own reputation, and to testify
his gratitude for the many honors he had received from the inhabitants
of Guilford. He proposed to display a most surprising
specimen of his art, by showing them forts and castles
in the air, firing cannon, with ships under sail attacking them
—being an exact representation of Sir Peter Parker's action
with the Americans at Charlestown. After a series of manœuvres
between the ships and castles, he told them that they
would all blow up together—when the air would be filled with
rockets and flying fiery dragons.

These wonderful promises drew a vast concourse of people
to the place; and when all his tickets were come in, proclamation
was made at the door, "that Monsieur, out of his great
regard for the poorer sort, would admit them at two-pence
each;" which soon introduced the whole canaille into the
field; when Monsieur, recollecting something material left at
his lodging, stepped home to fetch it—having first ordered his
tyro to let off two rockets during his absence; then locking
the whole company into the field, he set off with the key in
his pocket.

The two rockets being let off, and Monsieur not returning,

the company began to grow clamorous, when the deputy attempted
to fire other pieces, but to his great surprise, not one
would fire, and on examination proved to be only paper cases,
without a grain of composition within side. It is impossible
to describe the indignation of the deluded multitude, who had
now been locked in nearly an hour; and it was some time before
they could get out, which was at last effected by breaking
open the door, when they were informed that the Monsieur
had been met three miles from the town, on a dog-trot for
London.[90]

December 21.—Some ministers of the established church
of Scotland, are said to be such staunch friends to America,
that since the declaration of war against the Americans, they
have neglected to pray for his Majesty. One of them at Edinburgh
having neglected it, the clerk, or, as he is there called,
the precentor, being more loyal than the pastor, entertained
the audience as follows: After sermon he took out of his
pocket a paper, which he read, "The prayers of this congregation
are desired for Janet Brown, an aged pauper, under great
distress both of body and mind, and for King George," which
sent the congregation home in a laugh.[91]

December 26.—General Washington, finding it absolutely
necessary to rouse the spirits of the army, which have been

sorely depressed by the long series of disasters
which have attended us for almost the whole of
this month, resolved to attempt surprising a considerable body
of Hessians, quartered at Trenton, consisting of about nineteen
hundred, and a detachment of British light horse. The plan
was as spiritedly executed as it was judiciously concerted, and
terminated in fully answering the warmest expectations of its
projectors. Yesterday morning, orders were given for a large
part of the army to have three days' provisions ready cooked,
and forty rounds a man, and to be ready to march by three
o'clock in the afternoon; accordingly the farthest brigades
marched by two o'clock. About eleven o'clock at night it
began snowing, and continued so until daybreak, when a most
violent northeast storm came on, of snow, rain, and hail together.

Early, the American army, which did not exceed twenty-four
hundred men, crossed the Delaware with several companies
of artillery, and thirteen field-pieces, and formed in two
divisions; one commanded by General Greene, the other by
General Sullivan, and the whole by General Washington. The
attack began about seven o'clock by the van-guard of Sullivan's
division, who attacked the Hessians' advanced guard,
about a mile from the town. These they soon drove, when the
whole pushed with the utmost vigor for the town, which they
immediately entered. General Greene's division attacked the
town on the other side at the same time. The Hessians did as
much as could be expected from people so surprised, but the
impetuosity of our men was irresistible; fifteen minutes decided
the action, and the enemy threw down their arms and surrendered
prisoners of war. They consisted of three regiments of
grenadiers and fusileers, and were equal to any troops the
Prince of Hesse could boast of. The troop of British dragoons,
without waiting to be charged, scampered off with the
utmost expedition. Could the brigade under Colonel Ewing
have landed below the town, as was intended, the light horse
must inevitably have been taken, as well as a considerable
number of the Hessians who got off; but the violence of the
wind was such, and the quantity of ice so great, that he found
it impossible to cross. Our success, though not complete, was
great. The men behaved with the utmost bravery. Finding
that their guns did not generally go off, owing to their having
been exposed to the snow and rain for six hours, they charged
bayonets, and, with three cheers, rushed like bloodhounds upon
the Hessians, who, astonished at their fury, fled or threw down
their arms; and it was owing to the ardor of the attack that
so little blood was shed. The army returned the same day,
and, notwithstanding a continual pelting for twelve hours, of
a most violent rain, hail, and snow-storm, we had only two

men frozen to death. Luckily they found some hogsheads of
rum at Trenton, large draughts of which alone preserved the
lives of many. The soldiers behaved exceedingly well with
respect to plundering, considering they were animated by revenge
for past insults, exasperated by the injuries done their
messmates taken at Fort Washington, and animated by every
incentive that could work upon the license of a successful
army. The general gave the Hessians all their baggage, and
they have since gone to the western counties of Pennsylvania,
with their packs unsearched. They were amazed at the generosity
of the general, so opposite to their own conduct, and
called him a very good rebel.

The enemy who lay at Bordentown soon had the alarm,
which was communicated to all the parties along the river,
who, after remaining under arms the whole day, in the evening
marched off, leaving us to take possession of Bordentown,
Mount Holly, and Burlington.[93]

On the Hessian standards taken at Trenton, were engraved
these words:—"Nescit Pericula," a fearlessness of danger, which
was not displayed in the battle where the standards were surrendered
to the American arms, and which hath drawn on the
timid Hessian and his vaunting motto, the following epigram: