University of Virginia Library

CHAPTER XI.

July 1.—The movements of the American army in the
north, since the commencement of the war, have been, with

one or two exceptions, but a series of disgraceful
defeats, or more disgraceful retreats. The only
satisfaction those who have been taken have enjoyed, is the
kind treatment of General Carleton, who has lately been deprived
of his commission for his kindness to rebels; while the
reward of those of us who have managed to escape, has been
the hardest of poor fare, and a continual suffering, the usual
attendant upon bad generalship and still worse internal mismanagement.
* * * * We are now at Ticonderoga, and
to-day General Burgoyne, whose army has been hovering
around us and in sight for the few days past, has
put forth a pompous proclamation, which is probably
intended to frighten us into desertion or a surrender.[3] It
is as follows:

By John Burgoyne, Esq., Lieutenant-General of his Majesty's
armies in America, Colonel of the Queen's regiment of
light dragoons, Governor of Fort William, in North Britain,
one of the Representatives of the Commons of Great
Britain in Parliament, and commanding an army and
fleet employed on an expedition from Canada, &c., &c., &c.

The forces entrusted to my command are designed to act
in concert, and upon a common principle, with the numerous
armies and fleets which already display in every quarter of

America, the power, the justice, and, when properly sought,
the mercy of the King.

The cause in which the British arms are thus exerted, applies
to the most affecting interests of the human heart; and
the military servants of the crown, at first called forth for the
sole purpose of restoring the rights of the constitution, now
combine with love of their country, and duty to their sovereign,
the other extensive incitements which spring from a due
sense of the general privileges of mankind. To the eyes and
ears of the temperate part of the public, and to the breasts of
suffering thousands in the provinces, be the melancholy appeal,
whether the present unnatural rebellion has not been
made a foundation for the completest system of tyranny that
ever God, in his displeasure, suffered for a time to be exercised
over a froward and stubborn generation.

Arbitrary imprisonment, confiscation of property, persecution
and torture, unprecedented in the inquisitions of the
Romish church, are among the palpable enormities that verify
the affirmative. These are inflicted by assemblies and committees,
who dare to profess themselves friends to liberty,
upon the most quiet subjects, without distinction of age or
sex, for the sole crime, often for the sole suspicion, of having
adhered in principle to the government under which they were
born, and to which, by every tie, divine and human, they owe
allegiance. To consummate these shocking proceedings, the
profanation of religion is added to the most profligate prostitution
of common reason; the consciences of men are set at
naught; and multitudes are compelled not only to bear arms,
but also to swear subjection to an usurpation they abhor.

Animated by these considerations; at the head of troops
in the full powers of health, discipline, and valor; determined
to strike where necessary, and anxious to spare where possible,
I, by these presents, invite and exhort all persons, in all places
where the progress of this army may point, and by the blessing
of God I will extend it far, to maintain such a conduct
as may justify me in protecting their lands, habitations, and
families.

The intention of this address is to hold forth security,

not depredation to the country. To those whom spirit and
principle may induce to partake of the glorious task of redeeming
their countrymen from dungeons, and re-establishing
the blessings of legal government, I offer encouragement and
employment; and upon the first intelligence of their associations,
I will find means to assist their undertakings. The domestic,
the industrious, the infirm, and even the timid inhabitants,
I am desirous to protect, provided they remain quietly
at their houses; that they do not suffer their cattle to be removed,
nor their corn or forage to be secreted or destroyed;
that they do not break up their bridges or roads; nor by any
other act, directly or indirectly, endeavor to obstruct the operations
of the King's troops, or supply or assist those of the
enemy. Every species of provision brought to my camp, will
be paid for at an equitable rate, and in solid coin.

In consciousness of Christianity, my royal master's clemency,
and the honor of soldiership, I have dwelt upon this
invitation, and wished for more persuasive terms to give it impression;
and let not people be led to disregard it, by considering
their distance from the immediate situation of my camp.
I have but to give stretch to the Indian forces under my direction,
and they amount to thousands, to overtake the hardened
enemies of Great Britain and America; I consider them the
same wherever they may lurk.

If, notwithstanding these endeavors, and sincere inclinations
to effect them, the frenzy of hostility should remain, I trust I
shall stand acquitted in the eyes of God and men in denouncing
and executing the vengeance of the State against the wilful
outcasts. The messengers of justice and of wrath await them
in the field; and devastation, famine, and every concomitant
horror that a reluctant but indispensable prosecution of military
duty must occasion, will bar the way to their return.[4]

To John Burgoyne, Esquire, Lieutenant-General of his Majesty's
armies in America, Colonel of the Queen's regiment
of light dragoons, Governor of Fort William in North
Britain, one of the Representatives of the Commons of
Great Britain, and commanding an army and fleet employed
on an expedition from Canada, &c., &c., &c.

Most high, most mighty, most puissant, and sublime
General.

When the forces under your command arrived at Quebec,
in order to act in concert and upon a common principle with
the numerous fleets and armies which already dis-

play in every quarter of America the justice and
mercy of your King, we, the reptiles of America, were struck
with unusual trepidation and astonishment. But what words
can express the plenitude of our horror when the Colonel of the
Queen's regiment of light dragoons advanced towards Ticonderoga.
The mountains shook before thee, and the trees of the
forest bowed their lofty heads; the vast lakes of the north were
chilled at thy presence, and the mighty cataracts stopped their
tremendous career, and were suspended in awe at thy approach.
Judge, then, oh ineffable Governor of Fort William in North
Britain, what must have been the terror, dismay, and despair
that overspread this paltry continent of America, and us its
wretched inhabitants. Dark and dreary, indeed, was the prospect
before us, till, like the sun in the horizon, your most
gracious, sublime, and irresistible proclamation opened the
doors of mercy, and snatched us, as it were, from the jaws of
annihilation.

We foolishly thought, blind as we were, that your gracious
master's fleets and armies were come to destroy us and our
liberties; but we are happy in hearing from you (and who
can doubt what you assert?) that they were called forth for
the sole purpose of restoring the rights of the constitution to a
froward and stubborn generation.

And is it for this, oh sublime lieutenant-general, that you
have given yourself the trouble to cross the wide Atlantic,
and with incredible fatigue traverse uncultivated wilds? And

we ungratefully refuse the proffered blessing? To restore the
rights of the constitution you have called together an amiable
host of savages, and turned them loose to scalp our women
and children, and lay our country waste—this they have performed
with their usual skill and clemency, and we yet remain
insensible of the benefit, and unthankful for so much goodness!

Our Congress have declared Independence, and our Assemblies,
as your highness justly observes, have most wickedly imprisoned
the avowed friends of that power with which they
are at war, and most PROFANELY compelled those, whose consciences
will not permit them to fight, to pay some small part
towards the expenses their country is at in supporting what we
call a necessary defensive war. If we go on thus in our obstinacy
and ingratitude, what can we expect but that you should,
in your anger, give a stretch to the Indian forces under your
direction, amounting to thousands, to overtake and destroy us;
or which is ten times worse, that you should withdraw your
fleets and armies and leave us to our own misery, without
completing the benevolent task you have begun, in restoring
to us the rights of the constitution.

We submit, we submit, most puissant Colonel of the
Queen's regiment of light dragoons, and Governor of Fort
William in North Britain! We offer our heads to the scalping
knife and our bellies to the bayonet. Who can resist the
force of your eloquence? Who can withstand the terror of
your arms? The invitation you have made in the consciousness
of Christianity, your royal master's clemency, and the honor
of soldiership, we thankfully accept. The blood of the slain,
the cries of injured virgins and innocent children, and the never-ceasing
sighs and groans of starving wretches now languishing
in the jails and prison ships of New York, call on us in vain,
whilst your sublime proclamation is sounded in our ears. Forgive
us, oh our country! Forgive us, dear posterity! Forgive
us, all ye foreign powers who are anxiously watching our
conduct in this important struggle, if we yield implicitly to the
persuasive tongue of the most elegant Colonel of her Majesty's
regiment of light dragoons.

Forbear then, thou magnanimous lieutenant-general! Forbear

to denounce vengeance against us! Forbear to give a
stretch to those restorers of constitutional rights, the Indian
forces under your direction.—Let not the messengers of wrath
await us in the field, and devastation, famine, and every concomitant
horror, bar our return to the allegiance of a prince,
who, by his royal will, would deprive us of every blessing of
life, with all possible clemency.

We are domestic, we are industrious, we are infirm and
timid; we shall remain quietly at home, and not remove our
cattle, or corn, or forage, in hopes that you will come at the
head of troops in the full powers of health, discipline, and
valor, and take charge of them for yourselves. Behold our
wives and daughters, our flocks and herds, our goods and chattels.—Are
they not at the mercy of our Lord the King, and of
his lieutenant-general, member of the House of Commons, and
governor of Fort William in North Britain? [6]

John Burgoyne. [7]

July 4.—This day, being the Anniversary of American
Independence, when the thirteen United States publicly

and gloriously threw off the shackles forged by
George the Third, the British tyrant, and nobly
reassumed those rights which God and nature bestowed on
man, the same has been noticed by every mark of joy. In the
forenoon, the Reverend Mr. Gordon, of Roxbury, at the desire
of the assembly sitting at Boston, preached an excellent discourse
from 1 Kings xii. 15. After which the General Court
having given previous orders for making every preparation for
drinking success to the Thirteen United States, sent an invitation
to General Heath, and the officers of the Continental
army and navy; Colonel Crafts and the officers of the train;
Colonel Hichborn, of the independent company; Colonel
Hatch, the officers of the militia, and many other gentlemen.
While the Congress, and other toasts were drank, the guns
at Fort Hill, Castle Island, Hull, and the vessels of war in the
harbor, fired a grand salute. Also a detachment of Colonel
Crafts' regiment of artillery in Congress street, gave thirteen
discharges from brass cannon and with powder, both manufactured
in the State of Massachusetts. The independent company
and the militia, in conjunction with the train of artillery, made
a very martial appearance, manœuvred and performed their
firings in view of the General Court, to their full acceptance,
and the approbation of the spectators at large.

In the evening Colonel Crafts illuminated his park on the
common, threw several shells, and exhibited a number of fireworks.
The cheerful appearance of the gentlemen and ladies
in the park, and the pleasantness of the eve, closed with
universal satisfaction the joys of the day, which so conspicuously
appeared in the countenances of every true friend of
America.[9]

We hear that the young ladies of Amelia county, in Virginia,
considering the situation of their country in particular,
and that of the United States in general, have entered into a resolution
not to permit the addresses of any person, be his circumstances
or situation in life what they will, unless he has
served in the American armies long enough to prove by his
valor that he is deserving of their love.[10]

July 5.—Yesterday, being the first anniversary of the Independence
of the United States of America, was celebrated

in Philadelphia with demonstrations of joy and
festivity. About noon all the armed ships and
galleys in the river were drawn up before the city, dressed in
the gayest manner, with the colors of the United States and
streamers displayed. At one o'clock, the yards being properly
manned, they began the celebration of the day by a discharge
of thirteen cannon from each of the ships, and one from each
of the thirteen galleys, in honor of the thirteen United States.

In the afternoon an elegant dinner was provided for Congress,
to which were invited the president and the supreme
executive council, and speaker of the assembly of the State,
the general officers and colonels of the army, and strangers of
eminence, and the members of the several continental boards
in town. The Hessian band of music, taken in Trenton the
twenty-sixth of December last, attended and heightened the
festivity with some fine performances suited to the joyous

occasion; while a corps of British deserters, taken into the
service of the continent by the State of Georgia, being drawn
up before the door, filled up the intervals with feux de joie.
After dinner a number of toasts were drank, all breathing Independence,
and a generous love of liberty, and commemorating
the memories of those brave and worthy patriots who
gallantly exposed their lives, and fell gloriously in defence of
freedom and the righteous cause of their country.

Each toast was followed by a discharge of artillery and
small arms, and a suitable piece of music by the Hessian band.

The glorious fourth of July was reiterated three times,
accompanied with triple discharges of cannon and small arms,
and loud huzzas that resounded from street to street through
the city. Towards evening several troops of horse, a corps of
artillery, and a brigade of North Carolina forces, which was
in town on its way to join the grand army, were drawn up in
Second street, and reviewed by Congress and the general
officers. The evening was closed with the ringing of bells,
and at night there was a grand exhibition of fire-works (which
began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the commons,
and the city was beautifully illuminated. Every thing was
conducted with the greatest order and decorum, and the face
of joy and gladness was universal.

Thus may the fourth of July, that glorious and ever memorable
day, be celebrated through America by the sons of freedom,
from age to age, till time shall be no more. Amen and amen.[12]

July 7.—Friday last being the first anniversary of the glorious
formation of the American empire, when thirteen colonies,
driven by necessity, threw off the yoke and

rejected the tyranny of Great Britain by declaring
themselves free, independent, and sovereign States, the
same was commemorated by every demonstration of joy.
Ringing of bells ushered in the day. At sunrise, American
colors were displayed from all the forts and batteries, and vessels
in the harbor. The Charleston regiment of militia, commanded
by the Honorable Colonel Charles Pinckney, and the
Charleston artillery company, commanded by Captain Thomas
Grimball, were assembled upon the parade, and reviewed by his
Excellency the President, who was attended upon this occasion
by his honor the Vice-President and the honorable members of
the privy council. At one o'clock the several forts, beginning
with Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan's Island, discharged seventy-six
pieces of cannon, alluding to the glorious year 1776, and
the militia and artillery fired three general volleys. His Excellency
the President then gave a most elegant entertainment
in the council chamber, at which were present all the members
of the Legislature then in town, all the public officers, civil
and military, the clergy, and many strangers of note, to the
amount of more than double the number that ever observed
the birthday of the present misguided and unfortunate King
of Great Britain. After dinner the following toasts were
drank, viz.: "1. The free, independent, and sovereign States
of America. 2. The great council of America—may wisdom
preside in all its deliberations. 3. General Washington. 4.
The American army and navy—may they be victorious and invincible.
5. The nations in friendship or alliance with America.
6. The American ambassadors at foreign courts. 7. The
fourth of July, 1776. 8. The memory of the officers and soldiers
who have bravely fallen in defence of America. 9. South
Carolina. 10. May only those Americans enjoy freedom who
are ready to die for its defence. 11. Liberty triumphant. 12.
Confusion, shame, and disgrace to our enemies—may the foes
to America (slaves to tyranny) humble and fall before her. 13.
May the rising States of America reach the summit of human
power and grandeur, and enjoy every blessing." Each toast
was succeeded by a salute of thirteen guns, which were fired
by Captain Grimball's company from their two field-pieces,
with admirable regularity. The day having been spent in
festivity, and the most conspicuous joy and harmony, the
evening was concluded with illuminations, &c., far exceeding
any that had ever been exhibited before.[14]

July 9.—This night, General Prescott, who has held the
command of the British forces on Rhode Island, since the departure
of Earl Percy, was taken prisoner at his

quarters, and carried off by a party of Americans.
The following particular account of the manner of his
taking, is by a gentleman from Rhode Island:—Lieutenant-Colonel
Barton,[16] of Warren, in Rhode Island, is a young gentleman
of about twenty-three or twenty-four years of age, of a
martial and enterprising disposition, who has signalized himself
on several occasions, particularly in attacking and driving
the noted pirate, Wallace, and a party of his men, from an
island near Newport, which they had been robbing and plundering;
and in an expedition last fall, to Long Island, attacking
a number of Tories, and bringing them prisoners to New
Haven. He was then a captain, having refused a higher post
till he had done more to deserve it; and in the body of forces
lately raised by the State of Rhode Island for fifteen months,
was appointed lieutenant-colonel in Colonel Stanton's regiment,
stationed at Howland's ferry, on the west side of the river.

Here Colonel Barton happening to see a deserter from the
British army in Newport, who gave him a particular account
of the place where General Prescott kept his head-quarters,
formed a scheme to surprise and bring him off. It being communicated
to and approved of by the commanding officer,
Colonel Barton selected and engaged about forty men to go
with him on a secret expedition by water in five batteaux.
When they were prepared and got to the shore he told them
his design, acknowledged it was hazardous, and probably could
not be executed without the loss of life to some of those engaged
in it; that for his part he was determined to risk his,
which would be at least as much exposed as any of theirs; but
if any of them were unwilling to engage in the enterprise, they
were then at full liberty to decline it, and he should not have
the worse opinion of any person for so doing; that he desired
no man with him who did not go willingly, and would freely
hazard his life to render his country an important service, and

obtain honor to himself. On putting the matter to their
choice, they unanimously resolved to go with him.

They then set off with muffled oars, crossed the bay, passed
Bristol ferry, where the British have a fort, undiscovered, and
went to Warwick Neck on Providence side, near the east side
of the island, where the British have several forts but no ships,
as they would be exposed to the guns in our forts. They passed
the enemy's redoubts on the east side, and when they came to
the west, which is guarded all along by the enemy's ships-of-war,
they passed between them and the shore till they came
opposite to the house where General Prescott kept his headquarters.
Here they landed, about five miles from Newport,
and three-quarters of a mile from the house, which they approached
cautiously, avoiding the main guard, which was at
some distance. The colonel went foremost, with a stout, active
negro close behind him, and another at a small distance;
the rest followed so as to be near, but not seen.

A single sentinel at the door saw and hailed the colonel;
he answered by exclaiming against and inquiring for rebel
prisoners, but kept slowly advancing. The sentinel again
challenged him, and required the countersign; he said he had
not the countersign, but amused the sentry by talking about
rebel prisoners, and still advancing till he came within reach
of the bayonet, which, he presenting, the colonel suddenly
struck aside and seized him. He was immediately secured
and ordered to be silent, on pain of instant death. Meanwhile,
the rest of the men surrounding the house, the negro,
with his head, at the second stroke forced a passage into it,
and then into the landlord's apartment. The landlord at first
refused to give the necessary intelligence; but on the prospect
of present death he pointed to the general's chamber, which
being instantly opened by the negro's head, the colonel calling
the general by name, told him he was a prisoner. He replied
he knew it, and rising from his bed, desired time to put on his
clothes. The colonel told him to put on his breeches, and the
rest of his clothes should be carried with him, at the same time
handing his slippers from the bedside. Meawhile the general's
aide-de-camp got out of the window in his shirt, but was there

secured by some of the party, who all went off by the same
way they came, carrying with them the general, his aide-de-camp,
and the sentinel.

The general was desired to run, but he said he was an old
man and could not. He was told that they would help him,
and accordingly a stout man taking him under the arm on each
side, enabled him to run. As they went through a field of
barley, the stalks very much annoying the general's naked
legs, he exclaimed, "Gentlemen, do you mean to kill me?"
One of them replied, "No, we do not intend to kill you, but to
exchange you for General Lee, and after that we do not care
how soon the devil has you."

They all embarked in their boats, and rowing back the
same way they came, passed all the enemy's ships and forts
undiscovered. When they passed the last fort, the general
exclaimed, "And is it possible that I am a prisoner of war!
Yes, I see I am; but when you set out with me, I had no
doubt but that I should have been rescued, and you all have
been made prisoners."

When the boats had got almost to Warwick Neck, a sky
rocket was sent off, and immediately alarm guns were fired
from all the ships and forts on and about the island, and there
appeared to be such a general confusion and consternation,
that it was thought one thousand men could have taken them
all prisoners. From Warwick Neck a flag was sent for the
general's clothes.

Thus was this general officer, in the midst of the British
army and navy, where he was commander-in-chief, made prisoner,
together with his aide-de-camp and the sentinel that
guarded his door, by the bravery and judicious conduct of
this young colonel and his gallant followers, without the loss
of a man, or the fire of a gun, though they did not expect to
have accomplished their design without resistance and a pursuit
from the enemy, for both of which they were prepared.
In the planning and execution of this enterprise, Colonel Barton
has given a noble proof of his zeal and ability to render
the most important services to his country. In comparison to
this action, how contemptible was that of Colonel Harcourt,

for which the King, his master, was in raptures, and lavished
upon him such extravagant encomiums,—his surprisal, with a
large force, of General Lee, unguarded, several miles distant
from his army, and betrayed by an ungrateful wretch, on
whom he had just before been conferring great and unmerited
favors.[17]

July 17.—By an express from the northward we learn
that the American forces, under the command of General St.

Clair, abandoned Fort Ticonderoga and the adjoining
lines, on the morning of the 6th instant,
and are now encamped in the vicinity of Moses Creek. A
letter from an officer at that place, written this day, gives
the following account of the retreat and its consequences:—
The retreat from Ticonderoga will be a matter of speculation
in the country, and the accounts different and confused, a
true state of facts will therefore be very satisfactory without
doubt.

We were deceived with respect to the strength of the enemy,
and our own reinforcements. The enemy have practised a
piece of finesse which has too well answered their purpose;
they have so conducted that all hands in the United States
believed they had drawn their force from Canada to the southward,
and designed only to garrison their posts in the northern
world; the consequence of this belief has been the ordering
eight regiments, destined for Ticonderoga and its environs,
to Peekskill, and little attention has been paid to this department.
The enemy's condition in Canada has been represented
as miserable, confused, scattered and sickly; this has been the
general opinion in camp and country, and our situation has
been thought perfectly safe.

Our force consisted of about four thousand, including the
corps of artillery, and artificers who were not armed, a considerable
part of which were militia; we could bring about three
thousand fit for duty into the field. General Burgoyne came
against us with about eight thousand healthy, spirited troops,
with a lake force consisting of three fifty-gun ships, a thunder
mounting eighteen brass twenty-four pounders, two thirteen-inch
mortars, a number of howitz, several sloops, gun-boats,
&c., &c.

Their strength being so very superior to ours obliged us
to tamely sit still and see them erect batteries all around us,
without hazarding a sally. Two batteries were erected in front
of our lines, on higher ground than ours; within half a mile on
our left they had taken post on a very high hill overlooking all
our works; our right would have been commanded by their
shipping and the batteries they had erected on the other side of
the lake. Our lines at Ticonderoga would have been of no
service, and we must have inevitably abandoned them in a few
days after their batteries opened, which would have been the
next morning; we then should have been necessitated to retire
to Fort Independence, the consequence of which, I conceive,
would have been much worse than the mode adopted; for the

moment we had left Ticonderoga fort, they could send their
shipping by us, and prevent our communication with Skenesborough;
then the only avenue to and from Fort Independence
would have been by a narrow neck of land leading from the
mount to the Grants. To this neck they had almost cut a road;
a day more would have completed it. A few troops stationed
at Ticonderoga, would have prevented our communication
with Lake George, as our own works would have been against
us. Their shipping would have destroyed our connection with
Skenesborough, and their main body might have been placed
on this neck of land, which, by a few works, might have prevented
all supplies and reinforcements; we might have stayed
at the mount as long as our provisions would have supported
us; we had flour for thirty days, and meat sufficient only for a
week. Under these circumstances General St. Clair, on the
sixth instant, called a council of war, and an evacuation was
unanimously agreed upon as the only means of saving the army
from captivity.

It was necessary also that our retreat should be precipitate,
as the communication was almost cut off, and they would soon
be apprised of our designs. It was therefore determined to
send the baggage and sick in boats to Skenesborough, and for
the army to march by land from the mount to that place,
being forty miles. At the dawn of day we left Fort Independence,
and I cannot say the march was conducted with the
greatest regularity; the front, which was the main body, marched
thirty miles to a place called Castleton, about twelve
miles from Skenesborough; the militia halted three miles in
the rear of the front, and the rear guard, commanded by Colonel
Francis, being joined by Colonels Warner and Hale, halted
at Hubbardton, about a mile and a half in the rear of the
militia. As the march was severe, the feeble of the army had
fallen in the rear, and tarried at Hubbardton with the rear
guard. This body in rear might consist of near a thousand
men. Before I proceed further it may be necessary to give you
the enemy's dispositions after they were advised of our retreat:
A large body, at least two thousand, were detached to pursue
our main body and harass our rear; all the gun boats and some

of their shipping were sent after our baggage, came up with
it at Skenesborough and took it. The ninth regiment, commanded
by Lieutenant-Colonel Hills, was ordered to run down
South Bay, and land and march on a by road to Fort Ann,
and take that before our troops could reach it; the remainder
of the army went on to Skenesborough, except a garrison at
Ticonderoga.

The body of the enemy sent to harass our rear, came up
with it the next morning at Hubbardton, which was then
commanded by Colonel Warner; by the exertions of the
officers our little army formed and gave them battle, which
continued about twenty-five minutes very severe, when our
party were overpowered with numbers and gave way. The
loss on both sides was considerable; as our people took to the
woods and are daily coming in, it is impossible to ascertain our
loss. Colonel Francis, a worthy, brave officer, after signalizing
himself, was shot through, and expired instantly; Colonel Hale
is missing. It is natural to ask why was not Colonel Warner
reinforced? Let me tell you; orders were sent to Colonel —,
who commanded the militia, to go to the assistance of the rear
guard, but before they arrived, the action was over and our
people dispersed. Our main body being now twelve miles
from Skenesborough, and hearing that a large body of the
enemy were arrived there, and knowing that a large body
were in our rear, the general imagined if we pursued our route,
that we must engage both in front and rear under great disadvantage;
and to pursue his plan in first retreating, which was
to save the army, he though prudent to file off to the left, and
before we reached Hudson River, we marched one hundred
and fifty miles; in this march we picked up about thirty
prisoners, part British, part Waldeckers, and part Canadians.
The party of our men who were at Skenesborough, retreated to
Fort Ann; they were twice attacked by the ninth regiment,
and both times repulsed them. They took a Captain Montgomery
and a doctor, and would probably have taken the
whole regiment had their ammunition held out. This is a
candid statement of facts, and for this conduct we are told our
country calls us either knaves or cowards; I conceive they

ought to be grateful to our general, for had we stayed we very
certainly should have been taken, and then no troops could have
stood between the enemy and the country. Our affairs now
are not desperate in this quarter, as they would certainly have
been; we have destroyed Fort George and its appendages, and
shall soon be able, I hope, to make head against our enemies,
as we are gathering strength and re-collecting ourselves.[19]

On the late alarm occasioned by the evacuation of Ticon-
eroga, a number of the Stockbridge Indians marched with

the militia of that county, and were stationed
with Generals Nixon and Fellows, between Fort
Edward and Fort Ann. On the eighteenth of July, General
Fellows sent out five of them on a scout to Skenesborough;
the next day before sunset they returned with six prisoners,
consisting of two regulars and four Tories. The account being
somewhat entertaining, we shall give it to the public nearly in
their own words, as related by Abraham, who commanded the
party. He says: "We passed the creek, and went within a
mile or two of Skene's house, where we lay down in a thick
spot of woods, by the side of the road. It was not long before
there came along two regulars driving a number of horses;
we jumped up and seized them; the regulars were so very
much frightened that they made no resistance; neither could
they speak plain. We found by the noise there were a number
more behind driving cattle. One of our prisoners called
to the sergeant for help; upon this we thought it wise to make
the best of our way into the woods. Our prisoners attempted
to get away from us; we were therefore obliged to make them
feel that our hatchets were heavy. I told them, "If you will
behave like prisoners, we will use you well; but if you don't,
we must kill you." After this they behaved well, and did
every thing we bid them. On our way to our encampment,
we thought we would take in with us as many Tories as we
could find; and in order to find them out, we gave our prisoners
their guns, taking out the flints. When we came near a
house, we told our prisoners, "you must keep before us, and if
you see any men you must cock your guns and present them
at them, and demand who they are for, the King or country."
They did so, and the Tories answered they were for the King,
or they should have moved off long ago. They seemed to be
glad to see the regulars, and told them, "You are our brothers."
I knew one of the Tories as soon as I came in sight of him; I
therefore put my hat over my face for fear the fellow should
know me till the red coats had done their duty. After he had
in a most strong manner declared he was for the King, I asked
him further, "Will you be true to the King, and fight for him
till you die?" "O yes," said the Tory. Upon this he discovered
his error, knew me, and immediately said, "What King
do you mean? I mean King Hancock." "Ah," said I; "we
have found you out; we don't know kings in America yet;
you must go along with us."

When they came near the camp, their war-cry was heard
and answered by the rest, who went out to meet them. The
prisoners were delivered to General Nixon, and sent to headquarters.[21]

July 27.—General Burgoyne is at Fort Edward, and has
with him about six thousand regulars, three or four hundred
Indians, and about two hundred Canadians. The

frequent injuries and horrible actions committed
by his scouting parties on single unarmed men and defenceless
women, are sufficient to give every man a thorough detestation
of their whole conduct; and were not the Tories' hearts made of
more than iron hardness, it would inspire them with a desire
of ridding this world of such a set of villains as their army is
in general composed of. Several of our officers and soldiers
have been inhumanly shot as they passed from one fort to
another unarmed, and scalped while yet alive. It would take
too much time to enumerate every action of this kind. One
instance which happened yesterday, during a skirmish, may
serve for the whole. A young lady, by the name of Miss
Jenny M`Crea, of a good family, and some share of beauty,
was, by some accident, at Fort Edward when the enemy attacked
the picket guard. She and an old woman were taken
by the savages, who generally serve as an advance guard or
flanking parties to the regulars, (the latter of whom were drawn
up on a hill just above the fort,) and then, with a barbarity unheard
of before, they butchered the poor innocent girl, and
scalped her in the sight of those very men who are continually
preaching up their tender mercies, and the forbearance of their
more than Christian King. Is not this sufficient to congeal the
heart of humanity with horror, and even oblige a Tory of liberal
sentiments to curse the cause which approves or winks
at such worse than hell-like cruelties?

The unfortunate maid's corpse was brought to Snook Hill
last night, together with a young lieutenant, a Mr. Van Rachter,
of Brunswick, who is also scalped, and will be interred
to-day. What renders this affair more remarkable is, that
Miss M`Crea has a brother an officer in the British service,
now at New York, and she herself leaned to that side of the
question; but thus they treat their friends as well as their enemies.
The young lady has also a brother a senior surgeon in
our hospital, a worthy, sensible young fellow, who will not
forget the injury, but revenge it tenfold.[23]

August 1.—At a meeting of the Common Hall, of Williamsburg,
in Virginia, to-day, to take into consideration the
arrival of General Washington's lady, they came

to the following resolutions:—Resolved unanimously,
That the most respectful testimony be presented to
her on the occasion, of the high sense this hall entertains of
General Washington's distinguished merit, as the illustrious
defender and deliverer of his country.

Resolved unanimously, That a golden emblematical medal
be prepared, to be presented to the general's lady, as the most
suitable method of carrying that design into execution; and
that the mayor be desired to form the device, and agree with
some proper persons to execute the same.

Resolved unanimously, That the freedom of this city be
presented to General Washington through his lady, and that
the mayor be desired to wait upon her with the same, and with
a copy of these several resolutions.[25]

August 5.—This morning, about eleven o'clock, arrived at
Williamsburg, in Virginia, from the seat of Burwell Bassett,
Esquire, in New Kent, Lady Washington, the amiable consort
of his Excellency General Washington. Upon her arrival
she was saluted with the fire of cannon and small arms, and
was safely conducted to Mrs. Dawson's, in the city, and intends
setting out for the northward in a few days.[26]

August 7.—Yesterday, about nine o'clock, an engagement
ensued between a part of the militia of Tryon county, under
the command of General Herkimer, and a party

of savages, Tories, and regulars, a short distance
from Fort Stanwix. It lasted till three o'clock in the afternoon,
when the British thought proper to retire, leaving General
Herkimer master of the field. Unluckily, however, the
general and some valuable officers got wounded or killed in
the beginning. But this did in nowise intimidate the ardor of
the men, and the general, although he had two wounds, did
not leave the field till the action was over. He seated himself
on a log, with his sword drawn, animating his men.

About one o'clock, Colonel Gansevoort[28] having received
information of General Herkimer's march, sent out Lieutenant-Colonel
Willet,[29] with two hundred men, to attack an encampment
of the British, and thereby facilitate General Herkimer's
march. In this the colonel succeeded, for after an
engagement of an hour he had completely routed the enemy,
and taken one captain and four privates. The baggage taken
was very considerable, such as money, bear skins, officers'
baggage, and camp equipage; one of the soldiers had for his
share a scarlet coat, trimmed with gold lace to the full, and
three laced hats.

When Colonel Willet returned to the fort, he discovered
two hundred regulars in full march to attack him. He immediately
ordered his men to prepare for battle, and having a
field-piece with him, Captain Savage so directed its fire as to
play in concert with one out of the fort; these, with a brisk
fire from his small arms, soon made these heroes scamper off
with great loss. Colonel Willet then marched with his booty
into the fort, having not a single man killed or wounded.

General St. Leger, who commands the enemy's force in
that quarter, soon after sent in a flag to demand the delivery
of the fort, offering that the garrison should march out with
their baggage, and not be molested by the savages; that if
this was not complied with, he would not answer for the conduct
of the Indians, if the garrison fell into their hands; that
General Burgoyne was in possession of Albany. Colonel
Gansevoort, after animadverting on the barbarity and disgraceful
conduct of the British officers, in suffering women and
children to be butchered as they had done, informed the flag
that he was resolved to defend the fort to the last, and that he
would never give it up as long as there was a man left to defend
it.[30]

A gentleman, who lived some years in Philadelphia, informs
us, that during all his residence in that city, he never
saw a person begging in the streets. This happy

circumstance is owing to the following wise and
useful institution: There is a building near the city called the
Veteran House, which he describes to be about the size of the
London Foundling Hospital, with large gardens adjoining. Into
this house, all persons not being able to procure employment, are
received, and put to work at their respective trades, the house
supplying them with tools, materials, and every other requisite.
They are likewise found in lodging, clothes, provisions, &c.,
and paid the customary price for their work, one shilling a day
being deducted out of their earnings for the support of the
foundation. Those who through laziness do not earn the
stipulated sum, receive proper punishment. Persons who cannot
give an account how they maintain themselves are compelled
to work in the Veteran House. Might not, says our
correspondent, similar institutions in this kingdom, especially
in London, where, notwithstanding the excessive heighs of the
poor's rate, every street swarms with beggars, be attended
with very happy consequences?[32]

August 17.—Yesterday is to be remembered on account of
a signal victory the militia, under the command of General
Stark, obtained over a body of the King's troops,

commanded by Colonel Baum, some account of
which is here given by one who was himself in the action. It
seems that General Burgoyne had detached this corps, consisting
of about fifteen hundred men, chiefly Waldeckers and
Brunswickers intermixed with some British troops and Tories,
a motley compound, to penetrate as far as Bennington, and
further if it should be found practicable, with a view to increase
the number of his friends, to disperse his protections in
the country, to procure for his army provisions, and to wreak
his wrath and vengeance on those who had disregarded his
calls of mercy, and slighted with indignity his proffered protection.
Colonel Baum had advantageously posted his corps
within about five miles of Bennington meeting-house, where in
different places they made breastworks for their own security.
This digression was of such ill tendency, and savored so much
of presumption, that General Stark, who was at that time
providentially at Bennington, with his brigade of militia from
New Hampshire State, determined to give him battle. Colonel
Simond's regiment of militia in Berks county was invited
to his assistance; and a part of Colonel Brown's arrived seasonably
to attend on the action, and some volunteers from
different towns, and Colonel Warner, with a part of his own
regiment, joined him the same day. The general, it seems,
wisely laid his plan of operation, and Divine Providence blessing
us with good weather, between three and four o'clock P. M.
he attacked them in front and flank in three or four different
places, at the same instant, with irresistible impetuosity. The
action was extremely hot for between one and two hours; the
flanking parties had carried their points with great ease, when
the front pressed on to their breastwork with an ardor and
patience beyond expectation. The blaze of the guns of the
contending parties reached each other, the fire was so extremely
hot, and our men easily surmounting their breastworks,
amidst peals of thunder and flashes of lightning from their
guns, without regarding the roar of their field-pieces, that the
enemy at once deserted their covers and ran; and in about
five minutes their whole camp was in the utmost confusion
and disorder, all their battalions were broken in pieces, and
fled most precipitately; at which instant our whole army
pressed after with redoubled ardor, pursued them for a mile,
made considerable slaughter amongst them, and took many
prisoners. One field-piece had already fallen in our hands.
At this time our men stopped the pursuit, to gain breath, when
the enemy being reinforced, our front fell back for a few rods
for conveniency of ground, and being directed and collected by
Colonel Rensselaer, and reinforced by Major Stanton, renewed
the fight with redoubled ardor. They fell in upon the enemy
with great impetuosity, put them to confusion and flight, and
pursued them about a mile, making many prisoners. Two or
three more brass field-pieces fell into our hands, which are supposed
to be the whole of what they brought out with them.
At this time darkness came upon us, and prevented our swallowing
up the whole of this body. The enemy fled precipitately
the succeeding night towards the North River, and, unless
they should be met with by a party of our army there, may
have reached there without any further molestation. Governor
Skeene, in surprise and consternation, took horse and fled.

This action, which redounds so much to the glory of the
Great Lord of the heavens, and God of armies, affords the
Americans a lasting monument of the Divine power and goodness,
and a most powerful argument of love to and trust in
God. Our loss is about forty or fifty killed, and more wounded.
The enemy's loss is greater, and many more wounded.
Their baggage fell into our hands. The number of prisoners
taken is said to be about six hundred. Two of their colonels
were amongst the prisoners and mortally wounded.
A number of inferior officers have also fallen into our hands,
and in particular the general's aide-de-camp. A good number
deserted and joined us. This victory is thought by some
to equal any that has happened during the present controversy;
and, as long as prudence, moderation, sobriety and valor, are
of any estimation amongst the United States, will not fail to
endear General Stark to them. It is the opinion of some, if
a large body of militia was now called to act in conjunction
with the northern army, the enemy might be entirely overthrown.
May all be concerned to give God the glory, whilst
we commend the good conduct of the officers and soldiers in
general on so important an occasion.

There is adjoining Pittsfield, in Massachuetts, a place called
Jericho. From this place forty men marched, under Colonel
Brown, for Bennington; on their way eighteen of them deserted
and went over to the enemy. After the battle, fifteen of
the eighteen were found dead upon the field. The remaining
twenty-two were in the action, signalized themselves by their
bravery, and came off unhurt. May all villains and traitors
meet a similar fate to that of the fifteen.[34]

Among the many brave militia who were in the action
yesterday, at Bennington, the Reverend Mr. Allen, of Pittsfield,

ought not to be omitted. At the commencement
of the action, he marched up within a few yards
of the enemy's breastworks, and demanded a surrender of the
same in the name of the Congress, on which he received a
shower of balls, accompanied with the epithet of a "damn'd
bold Yankee." Mr. Allen, however, soon returned at the head
of the Pittsfield militia, and was one of the first over the
breastwork.

[The above account reminds the printer of another he
received from a private gentleman immediately after the battle
of Bennington, which places Mr. Allen's conduct in a different
point of view, and shows it to have arisen solely from a sudden
impulse of humanity, which hurried him, contrary to the
opinion and advice of his friends, into a total disregard of his
own personal safety. On finding the superiority of our troops,
and that the enemy had no probable means of escape, just before
the onset he threw himself between the two armies,
called to the enemy, reminded them of their situation, pathetically
exhorted them, from a regard to justice to their country,
and to their own safety, to surrender, and prevent the effusion
of blood. While he was speaking, with his hat in his hand, a
number of balls were fired at him, several of which went
through his hat; on which he retired, joined in the attack of
the enemy, and was among the foremost to enter their intrenchments.] [36]

August 23.—Yesterday morning, before daybreak, a body
of rebels, under the command of Messrs Sullivan, Smallwood,

and De Bourg, landed in two divisions upon the
west end of Staten Island. By the acknowledgment
of some of their officers, now prisoners here, their number
was at least two thousand. One division of them soon fell in
with a part of the New Jersey volunteers, which brigade was
posted, in small detachments, along the side of the island, from
Decker's ferry to the point opposite Perth Amboy, a distance
of fifteen miles. The rebels, greatly superior in numbers, had
the fortune with success to engage the detachments that were
commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Laurence, and Lieutenant-Colonel
Barton, who were both made prisoners, with several
other officers, and a considerable number of men. They then
marched down to Decker's ferry, where they burned about
thirty-five tons of hay, and set fire to a barn. As soon as the
alarm had reached head-quarters, Brigadier-General Campbell
marched with the 52d British and 3d battalions of Waldeck,
leaving a regiment of Anspack to guard the camp and redoubts.
Upon the approach of the regular troops, the rebels
instantly marched off with all speed. In the mean time Brigadier-General
Skinner had collected those of his corps which
had been dislodged from their stations, and detached Major
Tympany, with twenty-five men, to gain information of the
route which the enemy had taken. The major came up with
a number of them at the house of Doctor Parker, which they
were plundering. He attacked them immediately, killed several,
and took the rest prisoners; among the killed was Mr.
Smallwood's brigadier-major.

It was now known that the rebels on this side had gone off
towards Richmond; they were eagerly pursued, and on the
road beyond that village an account was received from Lieutenant-Colonel
Dongan, that his post had been attacked by the
second division of the enemy, and obliged to retire, (which
they did with very little loss,) towards Lieutenant-Colonel
Allen, who had himself very seasonably retired, and taken
post on a height near Prince's Bay, where Lieutenant-Colonel
Dongan had joined him. A large body of the rebels had
twice made a show of attacking them, but finally declined it,
and marched off towards the Old Blazing Star. Those two
gallant officers soon determined to pursue them, and now
gave information to Brigadier-General Skinner that they were
on the way, and requested orders which were immediately
despatched to them, to proceed, and at all events to attack the
enemy as soon as possible, informing them at the same time,
that their brother volunteers from the right were coming up

with all speed to join them, and that the regular troops, with
General Campbell, were at hand to support them. These
orders were executed with equal spirit and success. Notwithstanding
a great disparity of numbers, these new troops attacked
the rear of the enemy, consisting of Smallwood's and
other corps that are foremost in reputation among the rebels,
with an intrepidity and perseverance that would have done
honor to veterans. A considerable number of the enemy
were killed, and about three hundred taken prisoners, including
twenty-one officers, viz., one lieutenant-colonel, three majors,
two captains, ten lieutenants, three ensigns, one surgeon, and
one officer wounded. By this time General Campbell had got
up one piece of cannon with a detachment of the artillery.
That piece was soon followed by two or three more, and a
well-directed fire of round and grape shot had a great effect
on the rebel boats, and on those of their people who had got
over to the Jersey shore. Our loss, in the whole affair, is five
killed, seven wounded, and eighty-four missing. Among the
wounded were Lieutenant-Colonel Dongan[38] and Major Barnes,
both officers of distinguished bravery.

The rebels, by this attempt, have, indeed, got a good deal
of plunder, chiefly from the inhabitants, of which they may
possibly be ready to boast, for they have often boasted of exploits
which honest men would deem a disgrace; and they
have reason on this occasion to blush for their conduct.[39]

An American who took part in this expedition gives the following
account: About eleven o'clock last night (August 23)

I returned to Hanover[41] from an excursion from
Staten Island. Thursday, at four o'clock in the
afternoon, the division marched from this place, and arrived
at Elizabethtown; at ten in the evening moved down to Halsted's
Point, where there were boats collected, and at daybreak
the division had completely crossed. Colonel Ogden
with his own regiment, Colonel Dayton's, and about one hundred
militia, crossed at the same time at the Old Blazing Star.
General Sullivan moved with General Deborre's brigade to
attack Colonel Barton's regiment that lay at the New Star.
General Smallwood, with his brigade, moved in another column
to the Dutch church, to attack Colonel Buskirk's regiment;
and Colonel Ogden marched in another column to
attack Allen's, Laurence's, and Dongan's regiments, that lay
about the Old Star. General Smallwood's guide, instead of
bringing him in the rear of the regiment, led him in full front
of them; they formed on the east side of the bridge, and the
general was moving over in a solid column to attack them;
but the enemy, unwilling to be shot at, retreated to their
lines in the northeast part of the island. Instead of Buskirk's,
it was a British regiment, which retreated so precipitately
that the general took their stand of colors, burnt seven small
armed vessels and a large barn full of forage. The general
being ordered not to go any farther than that place, joined
General Sullivan at the New Star, who had in a little time
settled the matter with Colonel Barton's regiment, they
being but few in number, and the greatest poltroons I ever
saw.

They made a show of fighting, but did not stand to receive
our fire; we took about thirty of them, and their colonel.
Colonel Ogden's party advancing with the utmost precipitation,
drove the cowardly enemy before them, took Colonel
Laurence, three captains, six subalterns, one doctor, and eighty
privates. General Sullivan marched the division to the Old
Star, and got them all over except the rear guard, which the
enemy advanced upon and took. The bravery of the little
party commanded by Major Stewart would do honor to the
first troops in the world; they were posted behind a hedge,
and kept up such a blaze upon the enemy, that they were
forced to retreat every time they advanced; the little party,
consisting of not more than fifty men, having bravely maintained
their post and expended their ammunition, Major Stewart,

whose gallant behavior would do honor to the first of
characters, told his party that he had too great respect for
their bravery to sacrifice them, that he would surrender himself
and give those that could swim an opportunity to get off;
they all pulled off their hats, and begged of him not to surrender;
that some of them had two cartridges left, that they
would fire them, and stand by him till they were cut to pieces.
They were, however, obliged to surrender, and Stewart, fixing a
white handkerchief on the point of his sword, walked as coolly
as if he had been going to shake hands with a friend; many
of the party got over the river. The action was grand, though
horrid. I plainly saw the whole. We have lost three majors,
some captains, subalterns, stragglers, and in all one hundred
and twenty-seven privates.[42]

By a gentleman from Albany, we are favored with the
following anecdote: At the late battle between General Herkimer
and the enemy at Oneida Creek, there was a friendly
Indian, with his wife and son, who distinguished themselves
remarkably on that occasion. The Indian killed nine of the
enemy, when having received a ball through his wrist that
disabled him from using his gun, he fought with his tomahawk.
His son killed two, and his wife on horseback, fought
by his side, with pistols, during the whole action, which lasted
six hours.[43]

August 25.—Yesterday morning (Sunday) part of the
Continental army, amounting to about ten thousand men, with
his Excellency General Washington at their head, marched
through Philadelphia, and proceeded over the Schuylkill to the
southward. This day General Nash's brigade of North Carolinians
and Colonel Proctor's regiment of artillery have also
passed through the city, and are to pursue the same route in
order to join our most illustrious general.[44]

Early this morning the people of Liverpool, in England,
received the account of General Burgoyne and his brave forces
having taken the fortress of Ticonderoga from the provincials,
a place fortified so well both by art and nature as to imprint
an idea in the minds of many that it was impregnable. But
what task is too hard, what dangers so great, or what obstacles
too difficult for British seamen and soldiers to surmount at
any time, but more especially when commanded by a Howe
or a Burgoyne? This welcome news diffused a universal
joy through all ranks of people. And in celebration of this
glorious event, colors were displayed on the public buildings
and on the ships in the docks and harbor. The bells rang,
the cannon planted on the batteries, and in other parts of the
town, were, at intervals, discharged; at noon, the invalids
quartered there, were drawn up before the Exchange, and
fired three volleys, by way of feu de joie, and this evening skyrockets
and other fireworks have been exhibited.[45]

August 26.—The governor and the council of New Jersey
have confined James Parker, one of his Britannic majesty's
nominal council of that quondam province, and

Walter Rutherford, both gentlemen of very large
landed estates, which they seem determined to secure by such
a neutrality of conduct as to stand equally fair with both contending
parties in the final result of the conflict. Having
evinced their disaffection, or at least want of affection to the
present government, by repeatedly refusing to take the oaths
of abjuration and allegiance prescribed by law, (as a test to
try all suspicious and doubtful characters,) and hence become
proper objects for the purpose; they are to be kept in
durance until the honorable John Fell, a real councillor of
New Jersey, and Captain Wynant Van Zandt, a young gentleman
of great magnanimity and merit, (both kidnapped by the
Tories in the county of Bergen, carried to New York and
there imprisoned,) shall be set at liberty.

The governor and council have also confined a number of
other disaffected inhabitants, chiefly of Bergen county, to
be released, for an equal number of honest citizens stolen and
imprisoned in like manner, being determined in the future
thus to retaliate, till the enemy shall think proper to discontinue
that infamous part of their infamous system.[47]

Exclusive of the natural character by which mankind are
distinguished from each other, there is, in most men, a second-

ary or artificial character, through which they
present all their actions to the world. I call it
artificial, because it is neither produced nor supported by any
principle, and is no more than the fashion under which the actors
suppose they appear to the most advantage.

This taste is formed very early in life, and frequently by
accident either of company or education. Some men are
pedantic, and with them every phrase must be technical;
others are foppish, and their descriptions are always intended
to be light and novel; but Burgoyne's turn, or artificial
character, is that of a mountebank, in which every thing must
be wonderful. In his proclamation, which has already been
in most of the papers, he has handed himself out under as
many titles as a High German doctor, and given as wonderful
a detail of enterprises as is to be found in Waltho Van Clutterbank's
harangue.

The same pompous complication opens his instructions to
Lieutenant-Colonel Baum. "The object (says he) of your
expedition is to try the affections of the country, to disconcert
the councils of the enemy, mount Reidesel's dragoons, to complete
Peter's corps, and—to obtain large supplies of cattle,
horses, and carriages."

From this catalogue of orders we may infer, that the instant
Burgoyne got into the country, he was at loss how to

go on, and perhaps by this time he is at as great a loss how
to get out; that his dragoons were on foot, his army incomplete,
and unfurnished with horses and carriages: but the
grand secret, and that which engrosses his first thought, and
occupies his first line, is "to try the affections of the country."
A mountebank may sometimes hit upon the right disease, and
Burgoyne has here given a proof of it; for unless America
turns a traitor to herself, his efforts will be in vain. The second
article in the orders is very judiciously placed, viz., to
endeavor to disconcert our councils; very happily thrown in!
Because it shows us the necessity of attending firmly to business,
and the danger of employing our ingenuity to evade or
perplex it.

After this introduction of general heads, he lays down the
route, the manner of conducting it, with directions for the treatment
of the inhabitants. "All possible care (says he) is to
be used to prevent plundering." This seems a very extraordinary
order to be given to a plundering party, but is perfectly
consistent when we understand that plundering a country for
stores or supplies is the general's perquisite, and plundering
houses, that of the men. Burgoyne's orders are to bring in one
thousand three hundred horses at least, with all the saddles and
bridles, that can be found, together with all the wagons, carriages,
draft oxen, and cattle fit for slaughter; for these no
money was to be paid, but receipts were to be given, and those
to such only as had complied with the terms of his manifesto.
Had Burgoyne made the sweep of horses, saddles,
bridles, cattle, &c., which he was in hopes of, he would at
least have pocketed thirty or forty thousand pounds, by taking
those articles from the country without paying for, and
charging them to the treasury as if he had purchased them;
the receipts and the pretended distinction of persons serving
as a mask to cover the fraud. As this plundering in the wholesale
was the business the party was sent upon, no wonder
they were forbidden to spend their time in dividing themselves
into parties to rob hen-roosts and cider-cellars, or stealing
blankets, breeches, and petticoats.

"As you will," say the instructions, "have persons with

you perfectly acquainted with the abilities of the country, it
may perhaps be advisable to tax the several districts with the
portions of the several articles, and limit the hours for the delivery;
and should you find it necessary to move before such
delivery can be made, hostages of the most respectable people
should be taken to secure their following you the ensuing
day."

Of all the unjust modes of taxation hitherto proposed by
our enemies, this is the most summary and the most pernicious.
A stranger to the country is to be informed by strangers
to him, of the circumstances of the inhabitants; and upon such
information a tax is to be imposed, for the immediate payment
of which the most respectable people are to be seized as hostages
and carried into captivity! Take care, Americans, how
you admit men who practise such wicked methods of taking
your property, and such cruel ways of enforcing your compliance.

"You will," say the instructions, "use all possible means
to make the country believe that the troops under your command
are the advanced corps of the army, and that it is intended
to pass Connecticut on the road to Boston. You will
likewise insinuate that the main army from Albany is to be
joined at Springfield, by a corps of troops from Rhode Island."

No real, lasting good, Sir John Burgoyne, can come of lying,
and if no credit is to be given to your declarations, you cannot
expect that any will be given to your proclamation, but that
the inhabitants, in all places, will look upon the latter and
upon all others which either you or General Howe may put
out, as farragoes of threats and delusions, to deter or dissuade
them from removing their property till you or he may send
parties to plunder and fetch it off. This is the true intent and
meaning of all your proclamations.

There is something prophetically pensive towards the conclusion
of the instructions. "It is highly probable," he says,
"that the corps under Mr. Warner, now supposed to be at
Manchester, will retreat before you; but should they, contrary
to expectation, be able to collect in great force and post themselves
advantageously, it is left to your discretion to attack

them or not; always bearing in mind that your corps is too
valuable to let any considerable loss be hazarded on this occasion."
Poor unfortunate John Burgoyne!

The general, in the next paragraph of his instructions, gives
a kind of triumph over his qualmish apprehensions, and putting
on the soldier, assures Colonel Baum, that should the rebels
attempt to interrupt him, he, General Burgoyne, "will make
such a movement as shall put the rebels between two fires."
A wonderful piece of firework indeed!—and shows that one
real fire of ours is better than two of his contriving; for the
event of this double-barrelled scheme has been, that the colonel
and his party are defeated,[49] near a thousand of them made prisoners,
and, they say, poor General Burgoyne is gone Stark Mad. [50]

September 1.—We are credibly informed that Burgoyne,
the chief and director of the King of Great Britain's band
of thieves, robbers, cut-throats, scalpers, and murderers of every
denomination, now infesting the northern and western frontiers
of several of the American United States, has not only discontinued
the reward he had offered and given to the savage
Tories, Indians, Britons, Hessians, Brunswickers, Waldeckers,
and other profligate scum of the human race, now in
his service, for the scalps they brought him, from the murdered
and half murdered inhabitants, but has strictly prohibited,
for the future, under a severe penalty, the practice of scalping.
It must not, however, be supposed, that the chief of the ruffian
band was so weak as to be in the least influenced to this prohibition
by any motive of compassion or humanity; his inducements
were purely political. He had found by experience,
that his rewards lessened the number of his emissaries, who
not only scalped some of his Tory friends, concealed among
the inhabitants, but also scalped one another; and that a scalping
party of a lieutenant, and about thirty men, he lately sent
out, with a large number of Indians, were by the latter all
killed and scalped, none of the party having been since seen or
heard of, and the lieutenant's hair, which was remarkably full,

bushy and red, being known. We had intelligence by several
persons, that Burgoyne had laid aside his usual practice of
scalping, and strictly forbid it for the future, but we did not
before know his reason for the prohibition. It is not improbable
he might be apprehensive, that some of the dexterous hands
about him, might take an opportunity, one time or another,
and slip off his own night-cap.[51]

September 2.—Lord Mulgrave, in the Ardent man-of-war,
took the other day, on his cruise in the English channel, a
Dutch vessel, with three hundred barrels of gunpowder on
board, no part of which could be found in her bill of lading.
On board her likewise were several French officers of distinction,
and a German count, disguised as common mariners, who
were discovered, it seems, by one of them being heard to speak
elegant French. Finding they could no longer conceal themselves,
they went down into the cabin, and soon after came on
deck dressed in their French uniforms, denied that they were
bound to America, and insisted on being released as officers
of the King of France. Lord Mulgrave, however, refused to
release them, but told them if they expected to be treated like
gentlemen, they must honorably confess the errand on which
they were going, for that he was convinced their intended
voyage was to join the rebel forces of America. This had the
desired effect, for it extorted from them a confession that they
had each of them received commissions from the Congress,
and on landing at Boston were to have been invested with
separate commands of great consequence.[52]

September 5.—General Washington, our great and illustrious
commander, the prop and glory of this western world,

issued this day at Wilmington, the following
orders, which cannot too much be admired on account
of the virtuous and noble sentiments they contain:—

General Orders.—From every information of the enemy's
design, and from their movements, it is manifest that their

aim is, if possible, to possess themselves of Philadelphia.
This is with them a capital object; 'tis what they last year
strove to effect, but were happily disappointed. They made a
second attempt at the opening of this campaign; but after vast
preparation and expense for that purpose, they abandoned their
design and totally evacuated the Jerseys. They are now making
their last effort. It seems they first intended to come up the
Delaware, but from the measures taken against them in the
river, judged the enterprise that way too hazardous. At length
they have landed on the eastern shore of Maryland and advanced
some little way into the country, but the general thinks
they will again be disappointed in their views, should they
push their design against Philadelphia, on this route. Their all
is at stake. They will put the contest on the event of a single
battle. If they are overthrown they are utterly undone—the
war is at an end. Now, then, is the time for our strenuous
exertions; one bold stroke will free the land from rapine, devastation,
and burnings, and female innocence from brutal lust
and violence. In every other quarter the American arms have
been of late rapidly successful; great numbers of the enemy
have fallen in battle, and still greater numbers have been taken
prisoners. The militia to the northward have fought with a
resolution that would have done honor to the oldest soldiers—
they bravely fought and conquered, and glory attends them.
Who can forbear to emulate their noble spirits? Who is there
without ambition to share with them the applause of their
countrymen and of all posterity, as the defenders of liberty, and
preservers of peace and happiness to millions in the present
and future generations?

Two years we have maintained the war and struggled with
difficulties innumerable, but the prospect has since brightened
and our affairs put on a better face. Now is the time to reap
the fruits of all our toils and dangers; if we behave like men
this third campaign will be our last. Ours is the main army.
To us our countrymen look for protection; the eyes of all
America and Europe are turned upon us, as on those by whom
the event of war is to be determined; and the general assures
his countrymen and fellow-soldiers, that he believes the critical,

the important time is at hand, which demands their most
spirited exertions in the field.

Here glory waits to crown the brave. Peace, freedom, and
happiness will be the rewards of victory. Animated by
motives like these, soldiers fighting in the cause of innocence,
humanity, and justice, will never give way, but with undaunted
resolution press on to conquest. And this the general assures
himself is the part the American forces, now in arms,
will act, and thus acting he will insure them success.[54]

September 8.—By intelligence from the grand army, we
learn that General Washington's head-quarters were at Wil-

mington on the first instant, and the main body
of the army encamped on the heights, on the
environs of the town; that strong parties of light troops and
militia were advancing towards the enemy; that frequent
skirmishes ensue, though of but little consequence.

That the enemy landed about four miles below the head
of Elk, and in a day or two advanced their van to Grey's
Hills, where they remained inactive. That their cavalry
suffered very much during the voyage for want of forage,
(having on board only enough for three weeks, whereas they
were out six weeks;) many of them died before they were
landed, and many more have been ruined by being turned
into corn-fields, so that we may presume Mr. Howe will not
be in a capacity to act vigorously very soon. Deserters come in
daily, and our people frequently pick up small parties of
prisoners. The American army is in high health and spirits,
and eager for action.

We hear from Poughkeepsie, that about a week ago, seven
Tories were committed to jail there, charged with robbing
several houses, and putting the families in fear. It is said,
when taken, they were all painted and dressed like Indian
men, but that five of them proved to be women, three of
whom are a mother and two daughters. Thus do the infernal
designs and proceedings of the court of Great Britain

assimilate to their own character all those who espouse their
cause; not only seducing them to become base, treacherous
thieves, robbers, murderers, &c., but divesting them of humanity,
and converting them into savages and perfect devils in
human shape.[56]

September 11.—We have had a severe time of it to-day.
Early in the morning the commander-in-chief receiving intelligence
that the British were advancing in two

columns from their camp at Kennet Square, made
a proper disposition to receive them. The first attack was
made by Knyphausen, on a party of Americans under General
Maxwell, who had crossed the Brandywine, and posted himself
in an elevated position on both sides of the main road. In
this affair the Americans twice repulsed the British, but the
latter receiving a strong reinforcement, General Maxwell was
obliged to give way and retreat across the river.

About four o'clock in the afternoon the action became
general, and continued very severe until dark, when the
British stopped the pursuit, and the Americans retired to
Chester, where they are now encamped.[58]

September 17.—As the rebels have in their newspapers
favored the public with General Burgoyne's orders to Lieuten-

ant-Colonel Baum, it might be interpreted maliciously
should we refuse to commit to print any
pieces of elegance of their commanders which may fall into our
hands. For this reason I send you a copy of some orders for
the Jersey militia which we picked up in a late excursion.
I hope no invidious comparisons will be drawn between this and
General Burgoyne's, for though the latter, to give him his due,
writes in a pretty style, and plausibly enough as to military
matters, his performance falls infinitely short of that energy,
that precision, that sublimity which grace the composition of
the Jersey Brigadier. The candid public must consider, that
probably poor Burgoyne has not had those advantages of education
which have refined the sentiments and expressions of
the elegant writer of the following orders. I give them in the
original spelling. Probably the brigadier strove to adapt his
orthography to the genius of his troops:—

" Mendon Sep. 5 1777.

"Sir you are to keep one man allways with an order already
writ to Impres any Horss on the way he shall want that
upon the first appearance of the enemy's coming to attack you
or yours you are to dispatch the man and tell him to come the
nighest road direct to me or my house and he is to call to
every man woman and child he sees and desire them to call
upon all men to push down whare the enemy is and give them
battle. But he is not to stop to tell his story but call out as
he rides along and tells his story he is to ride six or seven
miles an ower if they have no guns or Ammunison they are
to carry pitchforks flailes stones or such weapons as they chuse
or think best. But if any man is afraid to goo to battle that
hath no gun he is immediately to set out as a Common Cryer
towards the back country and desire everyone he sees to come
down to the help of the Lord against the mighty and I will
keep a becon out so that if you with what will turn out nigh
by can keep the enemy in play a few howers I will be down
with 1000 or 1500 men. Shew this letter to all men you see

and send Coppys of it to all the militia officers you can that
live within 15 or 20 miles of the Lines and Shores.—This gentlemen
I have writ to the commanding officers down at the
shore therefore I desire all men old and young as they regard
their lives & properties and all that is dear to them when
they hear the a Larm that they a quip themselves as well as
they can and march immediately towards the enemy whare I
will meet them. Let every man as soon as he is ready stop
for no company. But call as they see to come along & they
are to send word by some of thare family that cant fight to
their next neighbor of the a Larm—and cursed is he that is well
& will not turn out when this a Larm comes.

William Winds, B. G.[60]

September 20.—Yesterday, about noon, the two armies
met near Stillwater, and a most obstinate and bloody battle
ensued. The advanced parties of the Americans,

which were composed of Morgan's riflemen and
Dearborn's infantry, received the first fire of the enemy, and
a little after two o'clock the action became general. The right
wing of the British forces was commanded by Burgoyne in
person, the left by Phillips and Reidesel, and the centre, covered
by Frazer and Breyman, was supported by the savages, Canadians,
and renegade Provincials and Tories. Never was more
bravery or determination shown. For upwards of three hours
the blaze from the artillery and small arms was incessant, and
sounded like the roll of the drum. By turns the British and
Americans drove each other, taking and retaking the field-pieces,
and often mingling in a hand to hand wrestle and fight.
Scammell[62] fought like a hero, leading his regiment where the
fire was the hottest, and did not leave his post until he was
wounded and taken off the field. The British artillery was
well served, and worked with sad havoc among our poor fellows,
who are the more to be wept, for their gallantry and devotion
to their country. The cannon of the British was lost to
us only for the want of horses to draw them off. Arnold
rushed into the thickest of the fight with his usual recklessness,
and at times acted like a madman. I did not see him
once, but S. told me this morning that he did not seem
inclined to lead alone, but as a prominent object among the
enemy showed itself, he would seize the nearest rifle-gun and
take deliberate aim.

During the action a party of our men got up into some
trees, and as the clouds of smoke opened, poured in upon the
enemy single shot. In this manner several of the officers were
killed or wounded. One of Brook's regiment says he silenced
two fellows with laced coats, and it is said that Burgoyne had
a narrow escape.[63]

At sundown the action was less furious, and a little after
dark a greater part of the two armies retired from the field.
Some of our men did not come off until near midnight. In
the midst of so much destruction, it is a wonder how any of
them escaped; "but it is in this cause," as old Emerson used to
say about the hens that laid every day in the year but Sunday,
"Providence is with 'em."[64]

September 22.—Yesterday, the British having received
intelligence of the situation of General Wayne, and his design

of attacking their rear, should they attempt to
pass the Schuylkill, a plan was concerted for surprising
him, and the execution intrusted to Major-General
Gray. The troops for this service were the fortieth and fifty-fifth
regiments, under Lieutenant-Colonel Musgrave, and the
second battalion of light infantry, the forty-second and forty-fourth
regiments, under the general. This last detachment
marched at ten o'clock last night, the other at eleven. No
soldier of either were suffered to load; they that could not
draw their pieces, took out the flints! The general knew
nearly the spot where the rebel corps lay, but nothing of the
disposition of their camp. He represented to the men that
firing would discover them to the enemy, kill their own
friends, and cause a confusion favorable to the escape of the
rebels, and perhaps productive of disgrace to the British. On
the other hand, by not firing, they would know the foe to be
wherever fire appeared, and a charge insured his destruction;
that amongst the enemy, those in the rear would direct their
fire against whoever fired in front, and consequently destroy
each other.

General Gray marched by the road leading to the White
Horse, and took every inhabitant with him as he passed along.
About three miles from camp he turned to the left, and proceeded
to the Admiral Warren,[66] where, having forced intelligence
from a blacksmith, he came in upon the out sentries,
pickets, and camp of the rebels! The sentries fired and ran
off, to the number of four, at different intervals; the picket
was surprised, and most of them killed in endeavoring to retreat.
On approaching the right of the camp, the line of fires
were perceived, and the light infantry being ordered to form
to the front, rushed along the line, putting to the bayonet all
they came up with, and overtaking the main herd of fugitives,
stabbed great numbers, and pressed on their rear till it was
thought prudent to order them to desist. The forty-fourth
regiment, advancing in line likewise, closed up in support of
the light infantry, putting to the sword such of the rebels
as in the heat of the pursuit had escaped that corps, whilst the
forty-second came on in a third line as a reserve. Upwards
of two hundred were killed, many more wounded. Seventy-one
prisoners were brought off; forty of them being badly
wounded were left at different houses on the road. The British
loss consisted of Captain Wolfe, and one or two men killed;
Lieutenant Hunter, and five men wounded! It was about one
o'clock this morning when the attack was made, and the rebels
were then assembling to move towards the King's forces.[67]

September 25.—To-day, as a party of Captain Emmerick's
new corps of chasseurs were bathing near Kingsbridge, in
New York, he suddenly beat to arms, when they, with the

greatest spirit imaginable, flew to their firelocks, and appeared
naked, in order to have attacked any enemy that might
be at hand. This so pleased the captain, that he presented
each man with a dollar, and gave them his thanks for their
alertness.[68]

September 26.—Last night, the royal army, under the
command of his Excellency Sir William Howe, Knight of the

Bath, marched from their encampment, near the
Swedish ford, in two grand divisions, one by the
Falls of Schuylkill, the other by the road to Germantown,
and formed their camp at and near those places. This morning
a large detachment, under the command of the Right Honorable
the Earl Cornwallis, entered Philadelphia, marched
through Second street, and after placing the proper guards,
encamped to the southward of the town.

The fine appearance of the soldiery, the strictness of their
discipline, the politeness of the officers, and the orderly behavior
of the whole body, immediately dispelled every apprehension
of the inhabitants, kindled joy in the countenances
of the well affected, and has given the most convincing refutation
of the scandalous falsehoods which evil and designing
men have been long spreading to terrify the peaceable and
innocent. A perfect tranquillity now prevails in the city;
numbers who have been obliged to hide themselves from the
former tyranny and to avoid being forced into measures against
their conscience, have appeared to share the general satisfaction,
and to welcome the dawn of returning liberty.[70]