The
Diary of Ensign
John Barr
1780
Courtesy of Don Wilt. Transcribed by Arlene Goodwin
January 1st Saturday New Years day Clear and Cold. Drew a Quart of Rum agreeable to yesterdays Orders Lt Hyatt returned from Furlough
Sunday 2d continues Cold but Clouds up, turn to Snow with a Strong N. E. Wind which makes a violent Storm
Monday 3d the Storm continues, quits snowing about Dusk but the Wind and Cold Sticks by.
Wednesday 5th Cloudy but warm, Snow about
9 OClock, clears off about 10, Ensign Tuthill goes for Furlough—has leave of
Absence for two Months. 13th Snow
Thursday 6th Cloudy and Cold turns to
Snow blown by a Strong N. W. Wind.
Friday 7th the Storm continues from the N.
W.
Saturday 8th excessive Cold the wind from N.
W.
Sunday 9th More Moderate.
Monday 10th very pleasant and Warm but very
Cloudy which brings on a Warm moderate Snow. 15th Snow
Tuesday 11th very pleasant but Clouds over.
Wednesday 12th pleasant for the Season but
turns to Snow
Thursday 13th very Cold a Detachment of
two Thousand Men and Nine Pieces of Cannon, with Mortars and Howatzers Passed my
Quarters to Day to Surprise Statten Island, commanded by Mjr. Genl. Lord
Sterling *(Major General William Alexander, Earl of Sterling, Continental Army.
Heitman, Historical Register, pg. 66) 16th Snow
Friday 14th five hundred Sleighs were
empressed to follow the Detachment which carried 2000 Troops more passed here
Today.
Saturday 15th Had Intelligence of Major Genl.
Lord Sterling going on Statten Island with the Detachments aforesaid.
Sunday 16th our Troops returned off the
Island with 500 Sleigh Loads
Loads of Divers Articles and burnt 9 Sloops Loaded with Wood & c
Monday 17th Nothing remarkable
Tuesday 18th Lieut Frilick Lodged with me at
my Quarters on his Return from Statten Island Expedition Lieut Hyatt came from
Camp to see me.
Wednesday 19th Something Cold.
Thursday 20th very Cold nothing else
Stirring.
Friday 21st went to Camp red 5 Month’s
Pay, viz, from the 1st of June 1779, to the 1st Novr also
received a Quart of Rum agreeable to this Days’ Orders.
Saturday 22d Nothing Stirring
Sunday 23d drew a Nother Quart of Rum agreeable to
Orders
Monday 24th moved from Mr. Broadwell’s to
Camp paid him Sixty Dollars for my Trouble 30 Days.
Tuesday 25th 400 Men were detached with 4, 8
Inch Howatzrs Six 6 Pounders, two 12 Pounders and one 18 Pndrs with 700 Sleighs
to got to the Lines.
Wednesday 26th No News
Thursday 27th were Mustered by Major Nicholas
Fish *(Major Nicholas Fish, 2d New York Regiment. Hietman, Historical Register,
p 227.) for the Months November and December Snowed to Day
Friday 28th Not Notable.
Saturday 29th Chose Capt Charles Graham,
*(Captain Charles Graham, 2d New York Regiment. Ibid., p. 255.) of the 2d N York
Sunday 30th Regt Lieuts Bowen *(Second
Lieutenant Prentice Bowen, 3d New York Regiment. Ibid., p 112.) and Hutton
*(Lieutenant Christopher Hutton 3d New York Regiment. Ibid., p 312.) as a
Committee to wait on his Excellency with the Resignations of 64 Officer of the
Brigade on acct of ill treatment from the Senate and Assembly.
Monday 31st attended the Lodge at the Half
Moon Tavern where Lt Abraham Hyatt and Mr. Burnside *(Second Lieutenant John
Burnside, 2d Continental Artillery. Ibid., p 135.) of the Artillery were I. t.
d. *(Initiated)
Tuesday February 1st 1780 were inspected by
Coll Reginer *(Lieutenant Colonel Pierre Regnier de Roussi, 4th
New York Regiment. Ibid., p. 195) and Major Fish. *(Major Nicholas Fish, 2d New
York Regiment. Ibid., p 227)
Wednesday 2c No News Stirring
Thursday 2d our Lodge Formed at Capt Hamtramacks
*(Captain John Hamtramack, 5th New York Regiment. Ibid., pg 271) Hutt.
Friday 3d Nothing remarkable.
Saturday 5th orders for a Reserve Piquett in
every Brigade to remain in their respective Brigades
Sunday 6th Alexander Richey *(Alexander
Richey, 6th Company, 4th New York Regiment. Archives, p.
216) try’d by a Regimental C. M. for Stealing was found Guilty & sentenced
to receive one hundred Lashes on his bare Back. And James Connoley *(James
Connoley, 2d New York Regiment, New York in The Revolution as Colony and State,
v. I, p. 31.) Corpl for buying a Pair of Shoes of Said Rickey, forfeited the
Price of the Shoes, viz, 18 Dollars reserved for the Benefit of the Sick and the
Regt Sentences put in Execution this Evening.
Monday 7th Nothing Remarkable
Tuesday 8th Snowed all Last Night and chief
of this Day 18th Snow
9th Nothing Remarkable
Thursday 10th Capt Job Vernon *(Captain Job
Vernon, 5th Pennsylvania Regiment. Heitman, Historical Register, p.
560) of the 5th Pennsylvania and Ensn Bartholomew Venderburgh
*(Ensign Bartholomew Vanderburgh, 5th New York Regiment. Ibid., p.
555) 5th N. York were I. T. D.
Friday 11th rained a little to Day
Saturday 12th }
Sunday 13th } Nothing Notable
Monday 14th Lieut Andrew Little *(Lieutenant
Andrew Lytle, 5th Pennsylvania Regiment. Ibid., p. 362) In.t. D.
*(Initiated)
Tuesday 15th Left Camp on purpose to go home
to the State of New York to recover my Health rode with Mr. Abraham Frears,
rained all Day Lodged at Mr. Cornelius Davenports 27 Miles from Morris Town Cost
this Day 13 Dollars
Wednesday 16th Eat Breakfast at Coll Sewards
*(Not found; probably colonel of a militia regiment. L[o]dged at Mr. Azariah
Martins *(Azariah Martin, quarter master in Captain Ebenezer Woodhull’s light
house of Cornwall. Clinton Papers, v. I, p. 551) 10 Miles from Coll Stewards
& 16 from Davenports whole Cost to Day Night 46 Dollars.
Thursday 17th Lodged at Mr. Mapes near goshen
Distance 16 Miles Cost to Day 21 Dollars Bought 3 Dozn Coat Buttons & 3 do
of Jacket Do which Cost 56 Dollars bought them at Goshen Court House.
Friday 18th Lodged at Mr. Anthony Frears
*(Lieutenant Anthony Freer (Frair), 1st Regiment, Ulster county
militia, Ibid., v. IX, pg 362.) in the Palts from Mapes 28 Miles Cost to Day 6
Dollars.
Saturday 19th Came to Esopus & From
thence rode with a Negroe 5 Miles to Capt John Stevenbarghs *(Not found) at
Redineback Flatts, thence walked four miles to the Widow Westfalls, there Lodged
28 Miles from the Plats Cost to Day 24 Dollars.
Sunday 20th walked two Miles to Capt Stewart
Little Nine Partners, thence rode with Capt Benjamin Vanluver *(Not found) as
far as Capt Ingles’s *(Captain Joseph Inglis, Charlotte county militia.
Archives, p. 276) 9 Miles thence walked 12 Miles to Capt Wheeler’s *(Captain
Valentine Wheeler, 3d Regiment of Dutchess county militia. Archives, p. 281
Clinton Papers, v. VI, p. 646; or Captain Noah Wheeler, 6th Regiment
of Dutchess county militia. Clinton Papers, v. V, p. 31) in the Great Nine
Partners there Lodged. Distance from the Widow Westfalls 23 Miles Cost to Day 12
Dollars.
Monday 21st walked home to Mr. Joseph
Pennoyers in the Oblong Dutchess County & State of New York distance 3
Miles, Eat Breakfast at Major Gilbert Willets *(Not found)
Tuesday 22d Snowed and rained to Day 19th
Snow
Wednesday 23d wrote a letter to Lieut Abram Hyatt
*(Lieutenant Abraham Hyatt, 4th New York Regiment. Heitman,
Historical Register, p. 312.) Snowed and rained to Day
Thursday 24th Snowed and was very Cold,
Lodged at Ensign Saml Johnsons to Night.
Friday 25th At Mr. Johnson’s all Day more
Moderate
Saturday 26th returned to Mr. Pennoyer’s
Sunday 27th Nothing Remarkable
Monday 28th Rode to Sharon on Business
Tuesday 29th went to the
Pine Plains after my Portmantua that I left at Capt Stevenbarghs found it at Mr.
Youngs Tavern, delivered a Black Silk Handkerchief to Old Mrs. Graham Sent in my
Care to her by Capt Charles Graham, *(Captain Charles Graham, 2d New York
Regiment, Ibid., p. 255; Clinton Papers, v. X, p. 398.) dined at Capt Ingles’s
my Expense to Day 19 Dollars
March 1st Nothing Material to the 6th
Monday 6th went to the Great Nine Partners
dined at Captain Roger Sutherlands *(Captain Roger Sutherland, 6th
Regiment of Dutchess county militia. Clinton Papers, v. VI, p. 7) lodged at Mr.
Saml Jones.
Tuesday 7th rained this
Afternoon returned home.
Wednesday 8th went to Capt John Pennoyers in
Sharon where Lieut David Strong *(Lieutenant David Strong, 5th
Connecticut Regiment. Heitman, Historical Register, p. 525) had Joel Johns a
Deserter from the Connecticut Troops Who had been absent upwards of two Years
Cost 11 Dollars
Thursday 9th Nothing Moving
Friday 10th Snowed and rained Chief Part of
the Day.
Saturday 11th Pleasant Weather
Sunday 12th Snowed and haild all Day
Monday 13th Lodged at Mr. Robert Freeman’s
Jur
Tuesday 14th }
Wednesday 15th } Nothing Remarkable
Thursday 16th Snowed all Day & chief of
the Night. 22d Snow
[From Friday 17th through Sunday 20th
the writer notes "Nothing Material."]
Tuesday 21st rode to the City in the Great
Nine Partners bought 3 ½ Yards Linnen of Mr. Hildridge which cost me 166
Dollars dined with Mr. John Punderson *(John Punderson (Penderson) of Colonel
Roswell Hopkins’s Regiment of Dutchess county militia. Clinton Papers, v. X,
p. 755) at his Father in Laws Mr. Curtiss.
Wednesday 22d }
Thursday 23d }
Friday 24th } Nothing moving but snowed a little on Thursday. 23d
Snow
Saturday 25th at Mr. Joel Harvey’s all Day
& Night Snowed this 24th Snow Afternoon.
Sunday 26th returned home to Day
Monday 27th this Evening with Company at Mr.
Roys Lodged at Mr. Joel Harvey’s.
Tuesday 29th went to Sharon this afternoon
Lodged at Ensign Saml Johnson Cost 6 ½ Dollars.
Wednesday 29th Nothing Material
Thursday 30th Do
Friday 31st Snowed all Day and Fell about 3
Inches. 25th Snow
April 1st [From April 1st to Monday 3d "Nothing
Remarkable."]
Tuesday 4th Rode Mr. Robert Freeman
*(Possibly Robert Freeman of Amenia precinct, Dutchess county, N. Y. Clinton
Papers, v. IX, p. 362) Junrs Horse to Town Meeting Cost 26 Dollars
Wednesday 5th bought 1/8th of a
yard of Cambrick of Capt Brown at Mjr Willetts Cost 30 Dollars
Thursday 6th Nothing Remarkable
Friday 7th went to Sharon Cost 17 Dollars
Saturday 8th to Thursday 13th Noting notable.
Friday 14th rode Mr.
Willetts Horse to Mr. Isaac De Lamaters in Oblong dined at Mr. Wm Youngs.
Saturday 15th Nothing Remarkable
Sunday 16th went to the Red Meeting House no
Minister
Monday 17th Snow fell Last Night in some
Places 6 Inches 26th Snow
Tuesday 18th }
To
}
No Strange
Thursday 20th }
Friday 21st went to Mr. Wm Youngs Mr. [ ]
Saturday 22d dined to Day at Mr. Mygatt’s
Sunday 23d }
&
}
Nothing notable
Monday 24th }
Tuesday 25th being Election at Mr. Simeon
Cooks *(Clinton Papers, v. IX, p. 225.) in the Great Nine partners for Governor
and Lieut Governor Senate and Assembly, Expensed 16 ½ Dollars
Wednesday 26th a Genl Day of Fasting, Prayer,
& Humiliation throughout the 13 United States of North America.
Thursday 27
&
Nothing Notable to the 30th
Friday 28th
Sunday 30th attended Meeting at the Red
Meeting House heard Mr. Thompson, rained on us coming Home.
May 1780
Monday 1st dined at Mr. Peter Shavalear’s
Lodged at Ensn Saml Johnson’s
Tuesday 2d eat Breakfast with Ensn Johnson
Wednesday 3d on Business at Sharon Expences 22 Dollars.
Thursday 4th went to Mr. Wm Youngs for a Pair
of Shoes.
Friday 5th }
Saturday 6th } Nothing Material
Sunday 7th attended Meeting at the Red
Meeting House heard Mr. Thompson
Monday 8th }
Tuesday 9th } nothing Notable.
Wednesday 10th drank Cider at Mr. Elias
Shavalear’s in Compy with Mr. Silas Marsh and Mr. Garrett Wianegar.
Thursday 11th went to Ellection in Sharon
Connecticut Lodged at Mr. Boardman’s Expenses 10 Dollars
Friday 12th to Day at Sharon also drawed
Provision for March and April to Mr. Saml Canfield A. C. of Issues Expenses to
Day 10 Dollars.
Saturday 13th went this fore Noon to Mr.
Elias Shavelears to drink Cider with Mr. Silas Marsh.
Sunday 14th dined at Mr. Silas Marsh’s, was
taken this afternoon very suddenly with the Putrid Fever.
Monday 15th Continues in Great Pain, was Let
Blood by Doctr Jonah Barns, after which I felt easer.
Tuesday 16th find myself Considerable Better.
Wednesday }
And
}
I find myself much recovered
Thursday }
Friday 19th Thundered and rained some this
Morning, but when the Sun arose it appeared to be Eclipsed, tho, contrary to
Nature, as the Moon fulled this Morning at 6 OCLock of the Preceeding Day, this
Phenomenon Continued until 10 or Eleven OClock A. M. making a wonderful
appearance both in the Horrizon and on the Earth, terrible indeed to all the
beholders.
Saturday 20th }
To
}
nothing Remarkable
Thursday 25th }
Friday 26th went to
Doctr John Chamberlain’s on business
Saturday 27th dined at Ensn Saml Johnson’s
and went this afternoon to Mr. Elias Shavelear’s in Company with Lieut John
Lloyd to drink Cider Expenses 12 Dollars
Sunday 28th Nothing
Remarkable
Monday 29th dined at Mr.
Peter Shavelears.
From Tuesday 30th }
Saturday
}
nothing material
June the 3d }
Sunday 4th rode in Mr. Robert Freeman Jrs
Waggon to the Red Meeting House, heard Mr. Thompson. Lodge at Lieut Isaac
Darrows. *(Lieutenant Isaac Darrow in Colonel Roswell Hopkins Regiment of
Dutchess county militia. Archives, p. 283)
Monday 5th breakfast with Lieut Darrows
Tuesday 6th being Set apart as a Day of
Prayer and Humiliation in Mr. Thompson’s Congregation on account of the
unusual Drought in the Land.
Wednesday 7th went to Litchfield in Company
with Ensn Saml Johnson 23 Miles and returned 5 Lodged at Capt Amos Barnes *(Not
found) in Blue Swamp. Expenses 22 Dollars.
Thursday 8th dined in Day at Lieut Parterson’s,
*(Not found) as also as on the Preceeding day, arrived at home this Evening
distance 18 Miles.
Friday 9th }
And
}
Nothing notable.
Saturday 10th }
Sunday 11th being Indisposed did not attend
Meeting.
Monday 12th }
To
}
nothing Material
Wednesday 14th }
Thursday 15th attended a Frolick at Mr. Roys.
Friday 16th went to Litchfield Lodged at Mr.
Thomas Blakesly’s in Water Towns in Northbury State of Connecticut distance of
31 Miles, Expenses 9 Dollars.
Saturday 17th Returned to Day being very
fatigued. Distance 31 Miles, Expenses 5 Dollars.
Sunday 18th did not attend Meeting to Day
being fatigued
Monday 19th }
To
}
Nothing Remarkable
Wednesday 21st }
Thursday 22d at a Training to the Militia at Mrss
Wheelers when there was a Detachment of the Militia to go to West Point for 8
Days. Expences 13 Dollars Lodged at Lieut Isaac Darrows.
Friday 23d }
To
}
Nothing Notable
Saturday 24th }
Sunday 25th Went to Mr. Simeon
Cooks *(Major Simeon Cook of Colonel Roswell Hopkins’ Regiment of Dutchess
county militia. Clinton Papers, v. IV, 400; v. VI, 7)
Monday 26th a Genl alarm throughout this
State.
Tuesday 27th the Militia from this
Neighborhood marched for Fish Kills to Day.
Wednesday 28th Ploughed Corn to Day & to
Saturday
July 1st
do
Sunday 2d did not attend Meeting by Reason I
took Physic
Monday 3d Nothing Remarkable
Tuesday 4th being the Anniversary of the
Independence of the 13 United States of North America, being the first Day of
the 5th year thereof. Expenses to Day 7 Dollars.
Wednesday } the Militia are ordered to rais Eight Hundred Men
3 Thursday 6th } Months to be ready to March to Fish
Kills on the 14th inst
Friday 7th went to visit the Revd Mr. Elkanah
Holmes who was bit by a Mad Dog about 3 Weeks ago.
Saturday 8th eat Breakfast with Ensn Saml
Johnson, dined at Mr. Boardman’s Sharon State of Connecticut, thence to Mr.
Jeduthan Grays who fetched a Letter from Capt Isarel Smith *(Captain Israel
Smith, 4th New York Regiment. Heitman, Historical Register, p. 503)
Paymaster to the 4th N. York Regt Genl Clinton’s Brigade directed
to me.
Viz,
West Point Thursday 29th June 1780
Dear Sir
Yours of the 24th Inst came safe to Hand and Sorry to hear so little
Prospect of your Recovery. I am very unwell myself at the Present, but hop to
get Better.
I wish it was in my Power to comply with your Request, but have not drawn any
Money Since December & believe the Officers in General have been out of
Money two Months, Should always be Glad to hear from you
In haste I am Dear Sir yours
Signed Israel Smith
To Ensign John Barr
In the Oblong.
Sunday 9th }
To
}
Nothing Remarkable
Wednesday 12th}
Thursday 13th do
Friday 14th
Rode out on acct of my Health in Company with Lieut Isaac Darrow Stopt to
refresh at Doctr John Chamberlain’s. dined at Wm Youngs, Stopt again at Capt
Wm. Chamberlain’s *(Captain William chamberlain of Colonel Morris Graham’s
regiment of levies. Clinton Papers, v. II, p. 120) Rode about 6 Miles and stopt
at Lieut Ichabod Pains, *(Not found) Rode about 4 Miles and stopt at Major
Simeon Cooks wher the 3 Month’s Men above mentioned came to Rendezvous, but
the Orders were Countermandd and Prorogued until 25th Inst
Saturday 15th Nothing Remarkable
Sunday 16th attended Meeting at the Red
Meeting house heard Mr. Thompson Preach from the 65th Chap. of the
Prophicy of Isaiah & th [e] 1st Verse
Monday 17th }
&
}
Nothing Stirring
Tuesday 18th }
Wednesday 19th Serjt Selah Brush *(Sergeant
Selah Brush, 8th Company, 4th New York Regiment, Archives,
p. 218) & Ezekiel Gee *(Ezekiel Gee, 8th Company, 4th
New York Regiment, Ibid., p. 218) & John Shavel [ear] *(Joseph Shevalier, 8th
Company, 4th New York Regiment. Ibid., p. 219) of the 4th
N York Regt came to my Qurs being sint after Serjt John Holly *(John Holly, 1st
Company, 5th New York Regiment. Ibid., p. 222) deserted.
Thursday 20th
Friday 21st Went to Mr. Shavelears to
drink Cider in Company with Mr. Stone Expenses 15 Dollars.
Saturday 22d Nothing Remarkable
Sunday 23d at home all Day
Monday 24th at Ensn Samuel Johnson’s dined
and supped there.
Tuesday 25th Rode with Ensn Saml Johnson as
far as Mr. Enos Northrups in the Great Nine Partners. Distance about 15 Miles
Expences 20 Dollars
Wednesday 26th Nothing Notable
Thursday 27th Reaped with Mr. Joseph Pennoyer
Friday 28th do Recd a Letter by Pierce Baker
*(Pierce Baker, 8th Company, 4th New York Regiment, Ibid.,
p. 218) of the 4th N. York Regt from Lieut Abraham Hyatt as follows.
Camp West Point July 21st , 1780
Dear Sir
I recd Several Letters from you, and you wrote to me that you had not recd any
from me. I have wrote four Letters to you, and would have wrote by Serjt Gray of
the Militia but was on Duty, I send you by the Bearer Pierce Baker one Coat and
a Pair of Shoes, which is all the Cloathing we have drawn since you left the
Rest for the Officers the Shoes and Stockings of Lines and Wickham I could not
get, these are some that I have procured for you as I am doing Pay masters Duty
I wrote you that you were arranged in Capt Norton’s Company, but since there
has been another arrangement and you are in Capt Smith’s Company and I am
likewise as to News I have none, should be glad to see you
I am you friend and humble Servt
Signed Abraham Hyatt
To Ensign John Barr in Oblong Dutchess County
A true copy.
Saturday 29th Reaped for Mr Pennoyer to Day
heard a heavy Cannonade supposed to be at Rhode Island.
Sunday 30th being weary Stayed at Home all
Day
Monday 31st Reaped for Mr Pennoyer to Day
Tuesday 1st do
Day of August
Wednesday 2d Something unwell
Thursday 3d Nothing Material
Friday 4th at Night [ ]
Saturday 5th No News
Sunday 6th had the good
News of the Second Division of the French’s arival our brave allies Consisting
of Eleven Sail of the Line and on Board 6000 Land Troops as also all the Teems
of the Neighborhood empressed for the purpose of the Removal of the Continental
Army to the White Plains
Monday 7th }
Tuesday 8th } Nothing Material
Wednesday 9th Rode to Mr. Quackenbushes, Esqr
Grisold’s & Capt Pennoyers in Sharon Recd a Letter from Lieut Hyatt by the
Hands of Lieut Darrow as follows.
Camp Kings Ferry 3d August 1780
Dear Sir
I recd a Letter from you the other Day wherein you informed me, that you was in
a Poor State of Health which I am very sorry to hear.
I had Just before sent you a Letter by Pierce Baker and
likewise sent you a Coat and Pr of Shoes—and have a Shirt and Pr of over halls
for you if I had an Opportunity
I should be glad to have you to Join if you are able, as there
had been in our Encampment one Mr. Basley *(Given below as Beardsley) who
reported that he had understood you was teaching a School in the Place where you
now are which will be nothing in your Favour if it be true.
I should be glad to see you.
I am you humble Servt and well wisher
Signed Abrm Hyatt
Directed to Ensign John Barr
Oblong Dutchess County
A true Copy . Pr favr of Mr. Basley
Thursday 10th went to Capt Colby Chamberlains’
*(Captain Colby Chamberlain of Colonel Morris Graham’s Dutchess county
regiment. Clinton Papers, v. IX, p. 120) & delivered the following Letter
directed to Lieut Abraham Hyatt of the N York Regt Viz.
Oblong Amenia Dutchess County N. Y.
10th 1780
Dr Sr
Recd yours of the 21st July last as also about a Pr of Shoes by Pierce Baker, you Kindness I gratefully acknowledge, as also yours of the 3d inst by Mr. Beardsley yesterday, wherein I found that Mr. Beardsley had reported that I teached a school, but this is groundless as he will acknowledge, he tells me that he is going to the Camp to morrow and will inform your of the mistake as to that or any other Business if I had been capable of Performing, I think I have more honour that to be engaged in it while I am in the service, otherwise Should be unworthy of supplying the Station I have the Honour to be appointed to. I can produce many honourable Evidences that I have been hitherto unable for any sort of Camp Duty, but if my word is not sufficient I am unworthy of my Post there, though I have through mercy recovered Past Expectation yet I am Still unfit to Join, but by divine Assistance expects to Join soon, it would be mere madness in me to Stay in a Place where three times my Wages will not defray my Expences.
In hopes of seeing you soon
Dr Sr I am you most obt & very hmbl servt
John Barr
To Lieut Abraham Hyatt 4th N. Y. R. at Kings Ferry
was at Capt Wm Chamberlains *(Captain William Chamberlain of Colonel Morris Graham’s Dutchess county regiment of levies, Clinton Papers, v. IX, p. 120) in Compy with Lieut Isaac Darrow Spend Chief of the Evening at Doctr John Chamberlain in Company with Capt Colby Chamberlain Lieuts Darrow Boyd *(Lieutenant John Boyd of Colonel Roswell Hopkins’ Dutchess county regiment., Ibid, v. IX, p. 71) & Doty *(Not found) And Lawyer Reuben Hopkins returned home with Lt Darrow.
as also a visit to Mr. Elihu Beardsely’s who acknowledgd
that he was mistaken in reporting that I teached a School and give me proper
Satisfaction, as also went after Moses Cook *(Moses Cook, 3d Regiment of
Dutchess county militia. New York in the Revolution as Colony and State, v. I,
p. 139) a Deserter from our Regt but did not find him Expences 7 Dollars
Friday 11th Nothing Material
Saturday 12th Rode as far as the Pine Plains
with Mr. Girdon Johnson Stoped at Mr. Inglis’s Rained whilst there Returned
and dined at Mr. Moses Meads on our Return rained on us the Chief of the Way
from there home.
Sunday 13th at home all Day
Monday 14th Breakfast at Ensign Saml Johnson
Tuesday 15th Breakfast at Lieut Isaac Darrow
Wednesday 16th was taken very unwell this
Morning Expence 6 Doll [ars]
Thursday 17th Took a Vomit this Morning,
& in the afternoon took Some Salts & c.
Friday 18th found in the Fishkill News Paper
the Names of some Deserters from the 4th N. York Regt went after one
of them Names Job Randle *(Not found) found him dined with Lieut Isaac Darrow.
Saturday 19th This Morning before Daybreak
Set out after another of the above Deserters Named Jonathan Harrington *(Not
found) to Capt Hamlin’s *(Not found) on Sharon Mountain but found that he had
Set off to Join the Regt in the afternoon went after another named Gideon
Brockway *(Colonel John Harper’s Regiment, New York levies. New York in the
Revolution as Colony and State, v. I, p. 68) in the lower Part of Sharon near
Kent but found him not Expence 13 Dollars breakfasted at Mr. Benjn Sages on
Sharon Mountain & dined at Mr. Wm Young in the Oblong.
Sunday 20th Eat Breakfast with old Mr. Robert
Johnson.
Monday 21st nothing Material
Tuesday 22d Rode Mr. John Freeman’s Horse to
Litchfield in Connecticut Lodged at Capt Amos Barns’s in Blue Swamp Expence 6
Dollars
Wednesday 23d Returned to Day dined at Mr. Benjn Sages
Sharon Mountain
Thursday 24th Eat Breakfast with old Mr.
Robert Johnson
Friday 25th went to Town Meeting at Mr.
Simeon Cooks where the Minds of the Precinct was taken in Respect of Supporting
the Credit of this New Emission, & getting a Law made to prevent the illegal
Trade with the Enemy unanimously agreed to sign the following Petition.
To the Legislature of the State of N. York, The Petition of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of Dutchess County, humbly Sheweth that our Petitioners for the Defence and Security of their Just Rights and invaluable Priviliges are engaged in a bloody and expensive War, with a Powerful and cruel Enemy, that should they overcome us nothing will remain but the blackest Prospest of Abject Salvery, under the most cruel and relentless Taskmasters, that without Money we cannot carry on the War to any considerable Effect, that through the ***Scarcity of Specie, there is a Necessity of Substituting a paper Currency, that in Order to make Paper supply the Place of Specie, it is Necessary to prevent its Depreciation and give it a free Circulation, ---and your Petitioners beg Leave to observe further, that though Sufficient Funds may be Established for the Redemption of our Paper Money yet as a Great Part of the Inhabitants of this State are opposed to Independence, there is Reason to expect that they will do all in their Power to ruin us through our Paper Currency, and by every Means in their Power endeavour to depreciate its Credit and Stagnate its Circulation,--and your Petitioners beg Leave further to observe that there is within the State a vile Set of Men whose God in their Gain, who are lost to every Principle of Virtue, and distitute of any Regard for the Public Good, are carrying on a trade with the Enemy in hard Money, and refuse to sell their Goods otherwise than for Specie, to the Great Discouragement of those who endeavour to keep up the Credit of the Paper Money---and you Petitioners beg Leave further to observe, that the Disaffected People are confederate to gether to avoid as much as Possible the taking of Paper Money, and with that View refuse to sell the Necessaries of Life to those who Stand in Need, except for hard Money, to the insuperable Discouragement of those whose wish it is to Support our Paper Currency—and you Petitioners beg Leave further to observe, that though they have a high Sense of the Wisdom manifested in the Legislature, at that last Meeting, by the Laws that were then made for the Security of the Paper Currency, yet they beg Leave to express their fear that unless further Measures are taken in the Premises the New Bills emitted by the Act of Congress of the Eighteenth Day of March last, will be in great Danger of depreciating, in Consequence of which we fear that we shall be reduced to the most deplorable and Remediless Situation, ---we therefor beg Leave to request the Legislature to make Laws Effectually to prevent the illicit Trade with the Enemy, and to compell all those who have the Necessaries of Life to Spare to sell reasonable Quantities of the same, to those who stand in Need, for the Said New Bills at the Price that those Articles are usually sold for in Silver and Gold---and you Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever Pray.
A True Coppy
[Friday 25th] Expences to Day 8 Dollars
Saturday 26th wrote three of the above
Petitions for the circul[ate] in the Different Precinct.
Sunday 27th went to the Red Meeting House, no
Minister went in the After Noon to Mr. Lewis De Lavergne’s delivered the three
Copys as above Mentioned to Judge Eperaim Paine, heard the Revd Mr. Elkanah
Holmes Preach from these Words, He that Standeth Take Care least he falleth,
dined at Mr. Selah Trowbridge’s.
Monday 28th Nothing Material
Tuesday 29th }
&
}
Nothing Material
Wednesday 30th }
Thursday 31st had Intelligence of Some of our
Army taking Possession of Powleshook, Where they took 600 Load of Forage 200 Tun
of which was Hay the Remainder Wheat in the Sheave, with 70 Prisoners.
Friday September 1st dined at Mr. Joel Harvey’s
then rode out as far as Capt Lewis De Lavergne’s. Expences 11 Dollars
Saturday 2d returned home Stoped at
Mrss Wheelers had a glass of Bitter eat Breakfast with Mr. Joel Harvey. Expences
three Dollars and a half.
Sunday 3d raines pretty hard all Day
Monday 4th at the raising of Mr. Robert
Freeman’s Barn at a Dance at Mr. Roys in the Evening Expences 14 Dollars
Tuesday 5th Nothing Material
Wednesday 6th do
Thursday 7th Rode Mr. John Freeman’s Horse
to Litchfield on Business in Company with Ensn Johnson Lodge at Mr. Thos
Blakesleys in Water Town in North Bury Expences 9 Dollars.
Friday 8th Breakfasted with Mr. Lewis about 3
Miles East of Mr. Blakeslys returned to Litchfield about Noon was detained on
Business recd ten dollars Connecticut State Money for three Months & 20 Days
Provisions
Friday 8th Lodged at Lieut Patersons in
Cronwall Expences 24 Dollars
Saturday 9th returned home to Day eat
Breakfast at Ensn Johnson’s *(Ensign James Johnson, 5th New York
Regiment. Heitman, Historical Register, p. 322) walked with Mr. Johnson &
Mr. Lloyd to Capt Noah Wheelers *(Captain Noah Wheeler, 6th Regiment,
Dutchess county militia. Clinton Papers, v. X, p. 976) in the Great Nine
Partners. Expences to Day 17 Dollars dined to Day at Mr. Daniel Guernsey’s.
Sunday 10th at home all Day being fatigued by
my Journey
Monday 11th dined with Ensn Samuel Johnson [
]
Tuesday 12th rode Lieut Isaac Darrows Mare to
Capt Reeds in Oblong for to get me an Hat but was disappointed came to Mr Mase
Hamlins had some Grogg in Company with Lieut David Strong, Mr. Wm Young and a
Number of Others Expences there 30 Dollars. Supped with Mr. Wm Young rode home
about 11 OClock rained the Chief Part to the Night.
Wednesday 13th Supped with Lieut Isaac Darrow
Lodged there Expences 12 Dollars
Thursday 14th Rode Ensn Saml Johnson’s
Horse as far as Mr. Wm. Young was at Mr. Delamarters House Warming Expences 13
1/3 Dollars.
Friday 15th went with Mr. Isaac Pearson as
far as Mr. Moredocks dined at Mr. Peter Shavalears
Saturday 16th Noting notable
Sunday 17th Set off to go to meeting dined at
Mr. Peter Shavalears
Monday 18th went to Mr. Wm Young rode Mr
Peter Shavalears Horse, bought a Pair of Boots of him Cost me 36 Dollars
Expences for Liquor 15 Dollars
Tuesday 19th Rode Mr. Daniel Guernsey’s
Horse to Sharon thence to Mr. Wm Youngs in Oblong State of N. York Expences to
Day 33 Dollars.
Wednesday 20th [ ]
Thursday 21st Rode Mr Joel Harvey’s to
Sharon thence to Capt Wm Chamberlains bought a hair Comb for Mss Lucy Pennoyer
as a Present Cost 36 Dollars Settled for my Board and Washing Paid 443 Dollars
for my Board for three months at Mr. John Pennoyers.
Friday 22d Set off for Camp in Company with Capt Lieut
David Strong *(Captain Lieutenant David Strong, 5th Connecticut
Regiment. Heitman, Historical Register, p. 525.) of the Connecticut Line Lodged
at Mr. Hurds near Fredericksburg Expences 57 Dollars
Saturday 23d eat Breakfast at Mr. Everitts near Cromb
Pond thence prosicuted our Journey as far as Mr Joshua Hyatts at Cromb Pond was
Horse Ran there to Day Expences 66 ½ Dollars
Sunday 24th Eat Breakfast at Mr. Stillwells
Peekskill thence proceeded to Cross Kings Ferry, thence proceeded to Clerks Town
Eat Dinner at Mr. John Coleman’s in Compy with Majr Scott *(Major John Paul
Schott, Ibid., p. 484.) Capts Solomon *(Captain Solomon Strong, 5th
Connecticut Regiment, Ibid., p. 526) & David Strong reached Camp about 4
OClock P. M. in Orange Town in the State of N. York, about 18 Miles for Kings
Ferry near South being 80 Miles for Sharon Expences 30 Dollars
*N. B. Attended the Lodge on Sunday Evening the 24th
inst where Coll Thos Chambers *(Not found) of the Pennsylvania Line & Ensn
Saml Talmage *(Ensign Samuel Tallmadge, 4th New York Regiment. Ibid.,
p. 532)
Monday 25th was a Genl review of the whole
Army
Tuesday 26th was ordered to be ready to March
on a Minutes warning on acct of the Enemy coming up the River. Had intelligence
of one Mjr John Andre Adjt Genl of the British Army, as a Spy he was detected by
Mr. Polding*(John Paulding) at Sing Sing on his return to New York, as also the
Genl Arnold had deserted his Coulours fled to N. York, this Day paid Mr.
Nathaniel Richard 191 Dollars for the use of his Horse to ride to Camp, the
first and Second Pennsylvania Brigades Marched last Night for West Point on the
Intelligence that Arnold had betrayed the Garrison there.
Wednesday 27th Nothing Material
Thursday 28th detached for Brigade Camp Guard
blustry Weather the aforementioned adjt Genl as a Spy was brought to Camp.
Parole to Night Rotardam,
C Sign { P. W. Word advan[ce].
{C.
Friday 29th relieved this Morning by Ensn
Bartholomew Venderburgh went in Company with Lieut Rudolph Van Hovenbaragh
*(Lieutenant Rudolph Van Hoevenbergh, 4th New York Regiment. Heitman,
Historical Register, p. 556.) to Dobb’s Ferry to see the Works where there is
Block House built with a very Strong Redoubt round it. Expences to Day 15
Dollars
Saturday 30th went to see Capt Lieut David
Strong of Coll Bradleys *(Colonel Philip Burr Bradley, 5th
Connecticut Regiment. Ibid., p. 117) Regt Genl Huntington’s *(Brigadier
General Jedediah Huntington, Continental Army, Ibid., p 311) Brigade Connecticut
Line
October 1789
Sunday 1st Detached for Officers of Police,
Major Andre Adjt Genl to the British Army was tried for coming a Shore within
our lines, Changing his Cloats, and taking the Plan of Stonny Point, and west
Point as a Spy, found Guilty by a Board of General Officers, and condemnend to
be hanged to Day at 5 OClock P. M. but reprieved until the 2d Day at 12.
Monday 2d Major Andre was executed at 12 OClock this Day
concluding his life with repeating these Words—that he was reconciled to his
death, but was disappointed at the Mode of it, & that the Spectators would
bear Witness that he met his fate like a brave Man.
Tuesday 3d Nothing Remarkable
Wednesday 4th on Brigade Camp Guard, Parole
Warwick
{N. W Word C. S. {B. Hark
Thursday 5th relieved by Ensn Saml Dodge,
*(Ensign Samuel Dodge jr, 4th New York Regiment. Heitman, Historical
Register, p. 199) Rained all Last Night built a Chimney to our Tent & c
Friday 6th had Orders to march, the Genl to
beat at 7 OClock, the Assemble to beat half after 8 and March precisely at 9 A.
M.
Saturday 7th marched at 9 A. M. being the
Left wing consisting of the N. York, N. Jersey, Starks and New Hampshire
Brigades encamped on Noyells Farm in harvey Straw *(Haverstraw, Rockland county,
New York) 5 Miles below Kings Ferry, distance from Orange Town 15 Miles
Sunday 8th Marched by land on the West Side
of the North River Sent our Baggage by Water to West Point, we encamped on
______ Farm Distance from Noyells 13 Miles our March to Day being very tedio
[us] Occasioned by a very Rough and Stony Road as also very Mountainous.
Monday 9th marched to West Point by the Way
of Fort Montgomery distance 9 Miles reached the Point about 1 OClock P. M.
Expences to Day 15 Dollars.
Tuesday 10th went Fishing in Company with
Capt Silas Gray, as far as Mr_____ being 9 Miles had a very tedious Time of it.
Lay out all Night near Fort Montgomery.
Wednesday 11th returned to Camp about Dark
Expences 12 Dollars
Thursday 12th was Ordered for Guard, but by
reason of a Dispute with Ensn Bartholw Venederburgh *(Ensign Bartholowew
Vanderburgh, 2d New York Regiment. Ibid., p. 555) concerning our Rank were both
arrested by Lt Coll John Conway *(Lieutenant Colonel John Conway, 1st
New Jersey Regiment. Ibid. p. 168) of the 1st N Jersey Regt foe
Disobedience of Orders. N. B. He was officer of the Day.
Friday 13th }
Saturday 14th } Nothing remark [b]le
Sunday 15th drew my Defence on Purpose for
Tryal on Monday the 16th
Monday 16th come to Trial
Coll Shreve President
Capts { Members }
Mr John Strong Judge Advocate
1stly I produced a Resolve to the honourable the Council of
appointment Passed as at Kingtons July 1st 1780
Present
his Excellency George Clinton Esqr Governor of the State of N. York
{Rynier Myndorse }Eqrs
Honourable { Levi Pawling } Members
{Isaac Rosevolt }
being a Resolve respecting many Officers of the Brigade as also, Resolved that Joseph Morril, *(Ensign Joseph Morrill, 4th New York Regiment. Heitman, Historical Register, p. 402) John Barr, *(Ensign John Barr, 4th New York Regiment. Ibid,., p. 89) Samuel Dodge *(Ensign Samuel Dodge jr., 4th New York Regiment. Ibid, p. 199) and Stephen Griffing *(Ensign Stephen Griffing, 4th New York Regiment. Ibid., p. 263) Gentlemen be and are hereby appointed Ensns in the 4th New York Regt and their Respective Commissions Bear date from the 1st January 1779, they doing Duty as Such from that Time.
As also a Brigade Order by Coll Cartlandt, *(Colonel Philip Van Vortlandt, 2d New York Regiment, Ibid., p. 555) that the appointments made by the Council of appointment of the State of New York, of the Officers Concerned as Published in Brigade Orders of July the 8th Inst is to take Place immediately, and the Officers whom it Respects are to be obeyed accordingly.
My Defence as follows.
Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Court.
I have admitted the Charge which the Prosecutor had Produced against me to prevent you any unnecessary trouble or Delay by the Examination of Witnesses, it only remains therefore with me to Explain to you Gentlemen the Principals upon which I acted, and the Motives of my Conduct, I believe I can with Confidence declare that Coll Conway as Prosecutor will not impute the Disobedience in me to a Designed Disrespect or Contempt of his Orders, for my Part I must totally disclaim any Intention of that Nature, the order was Occasioned
By a Dispute of Rank on the Grand Parade between a Gentleman of the Brigade and myself, Coll Conway was Officer of the Day ordered us to Determine it by Lot, Confident of the Justice of my Claim, and at the same Time unwilling to hazard or cede my Rank, I in the most respectful words declined complying with the Order, I wished also to bring the Dispute (as it was frequently repeated) to a Settlement, and conceived this to be the most proper and Effectual Method. I will state to the Court the Nature of my Claim, and submit it to your decision, how far my Conduct was Proper the honourable the Council of Appointment of the State of N. York, upon the Recommendation of the Commanding Officer of the Regt by a Resolve bearing Date the 1st of July 1780, appointed me with several other Gentlemen of the Regiment Ensns in the 4th N. York Regt, and Expressly ordered that we should take Rank from the 1st January 1779, upon the Publication of this Arrangement of the Council in the Brigade Orders, Several other Gentlemen of other Regiments conceiving themselves Injured, entered a Complaint to Coll Gavsivoort (Colonel Peter Gansevoort, 3d New York Regiment, Heitman, Historical Register, p. 242) at that Time Commanding the Brigade, who Issued an Order that we should take Rank from the 1st of June 1779, but afterward revoking that Order, and Stating our Rank at the 15th of May 1779 conceiving Coll Gansivoort had no Right, as the appointment of the other Gentlemen was younger than ours, to counteract the Resolve of the Council of Appointment, or to destroy the appointment we paid very little attention or Regard to this Order, but still insisted on our Rank given us, a Copy of the arrangement had been read in Evidence to the Court, from which you may Judge the Validity of our Appointment, I shall not detain or trouble you Gentlemen with any further Observations on the Subject, and Shall rest the Matter on the Determination of the Court.
I am with Respect and Esteem Gentlemen you very humble servant
John Barr
Coll Gavsivorts Regt embark to Day for Albany
Tuesday 17th appeared before the Court made a
few observations on the Subject as also produce a Muster where I was Mustered
from the 1st Jany 1778 Shewing the inconsistancy of Coll Gansivoorts Order.
Coll Vanscoil’s *(Colonel Goose Van Schaick, 1st
New York Regiment. Heitman, Historical Register, p. 557) Regt arrived here last
Night. Expence to Day 10 [?] Dollars
Wednesday 18th our Regt embarked for Albany
Sailed this Evening about 4 OClock but I with Ensn Griffing were left behnd on
Acct that the Proceedings of the Court were not yet Published Expences 18
Dollars.
Thursday 19th lodged last Night with Capts
Charles Nukirk *(Captain Lieutenant Charles Newkirk, 3d new York Regiment.
Ibid., p. 412) and Charles Graham *(Captain Charles Graham, 2d New York
Regiment. Ibid., p.255) of the 2d Regt.
Friday 20th do
Saturday 21st Lodged this Evening with Adt
John L. Hardenbergh, *(Lieutenant John Hardenbergh, 2d New York Regiment. Ibid.,
p. 273) had Orders of Genl James Clinton to Join the Regt embarked on Board of
Mr Abraham Travises Sloop for Albany in Company with Lieut Prentice Bowen
*(Second Lieutenant Prentice Bowen, 3d New York Regiment. Ibid., p. 112) of the
3d Regt and lodged with him on Board.
Sunday 22d arrived at Poughkeepsie about 2 OClock.
Walked 16 Miles and lodged at Mr. Thomas Smith’s in Oswago.
Monday 23d Rode one of Mr. Smith’s Horses as far as
the Red Meeting house in the Great Nine Partners *(A land tract of Dutchess
county. See Sauthier’s Chorographical Map of Province of New York, Documentary
History of New York, v. I, p 774) Distance of 18 Miles. Dined at Mr. Topheer
Jones in Tilking Town Expences 16 Dollars.
Tuesday 24th got home dined at Mr. Saml
Johnson in Oblong
Wednesday 25th at Troming at Major Cook’s
Expences 8 Dollars
Thursday 26th eat Breakfast with Mr. John
Freeman
Friday 27th Set off to Join the Regt lodged
at Mr Peter Millers in Clawvarack *(Present Claverack, Columbia county, New
York) in Albany County Distances 38 Miles Expences 78
Dollars
Saturday 28th prosecuted my March lodged at
Mr. Daniel Northrups in said County Distance 34 Miles Expences 26 Dollars
Sunday 29th Come to Albany Distance 15 Miles
Dined at Mr. Hugh Dinniston’s Expences 127 Dollars
Monday 30th prosecuting my March in Company
with Lieut Benscotten *(Lieutenant Peter van Buchotten, 4th New York
Regiment. Heitman, Historical Register. P. 132) & Ensn Griffing arrived at
Mr. Isaac Truaxes *(See Clinton Papers, v. X, p. 886) distances 11 Miles Exps 5
½ Dollars
Tuesday 31st reached Schenectady at 9 OClock
where found the Regt distance 5 ½ Miles.
November, 1780
Wednesday 1st drawed one Gallon of Rum from
the State Store had a Company of Indians this Evening.
Thursday 2d Snowed to Day have Orders to March to morrow
Morning for Cannojoharrie. Had a Forlick with the Indians give me the Name of
Tuaghseraro.
Friday 3d Marched for Connojohary took Quarters on the
South Side of the Mohawk River distance 12 Miles Lieuts Hyatt & Tuthill
*(Lieutenant Azariah Tuthill, 4th New York Regiment. Heitman,
Historical Register, p. 552) and Ensn Morrill *(Ensign Joseph Morrill, 4th
New York Regiment. Ibid., p. 402) and Lt Denniston *(Lieutenant Daniel D.
Denniston, 4th New York Regiment. Ibid., p. 194) and I Crossed the
River to the Widow Groots Supped and Lodged there.
Saturday 4th Breakfast & Supped there as
also was sent after Flour for the Regt got some of Mr. Abner Willson Wt 60 for
which he got Beef. Lodged at Mrss Grooats.
Sunday 5th Settled with Mrss Grooat Expence 182
Dollars march today Crossing the River & Quartered at Dort Steadards 20
Miles.
Monday 6th Crossed the River at Mr. Wolradt’s
to Fort Plains distance 10 Miles Took Quarters at Mr. George Crouses
Tuesday 7th Sent on Express to Governor
Clintons Head Quarters at Mr. Crouses Connojoharie
Wednesday 8th Nothing Remarkable
Thursday 9th drew half a Gallon of Rum of the
State Store [ ] drew 9 lbs of Sugar and 12 Oz of Tea had some Company to drink
Milk Punch. Lodged at Capt Henrys House in Fort Plains in Compy with Lt
Hovanbargh *(Lieutenant Rudolph Van Hoevenberg, 4th New York
Regiment. Heitman, Historical Register, p. 556)
Friday 10th Nothing Material
Saturday 11th Wrote to Comy James Moore
Sunday 12th do Snowed.
Monday 13th The Express arrived which we sent
off the 7th
Tuesday 14th Drank Milk Punch at Capt Gray’s
*(Captain Silas Gray, 4th New York Regiment. Ibid., p. 258) Quarters
Wednesday 15th have Orders to march to Fort
Schuyler to morrow.
Thursday 16th did not march for want of
Waggons Capt Titus *(Captain Jonathan Titus, 4th New York Regiment.
Ibid., p. 545) retired from Service.
Friday 17th Marched about 8 OClock had 97
Waggons. halted at Mr. Digarts distance 15 Miles Expences 28 Dollars
Saturday 18th came to Fort Harkimar *(Fort
Herkimer.) where we were received by the Fire of 3 Cannon, returned 13 with
Three Cheers and Joined by 120 of our Regt Sent with Stores to Fort Schuyler
Commanded by Capt Dunscomb, *(Captain Edward Dunscomb, 4th New York
Regiment. Ibid., p. 207) Lieuts Thomas Hunt *(Lieutenant Thomas Hunt. 4th
New York Regiment, Ibid., p. 310) Abrm Hyatt and Joseph Frilick *(Lieutenant
Joseph Froelick, 4th New York Regiment. Ibid., p. 238) and Ensn
Woodruff *(Ensign Ephraim Woodruff, 4th New York Regiment. Ibid., p.
604)
Sunday 19th marched about 1 OClock P. M.
halted at Fort Pickering in the German Flatts Distance 11 Miles Passed Fort
Dayton 1 ½ Mile from Fort Harkimar also got a Barrel of Potatoes here to carry
to Fort Stanwix as also Crossed the Mohawk River.
Monday 20th Marched about 8 OClock arrived
and encamped at Old Fort Schuyler Distance 9 Miles.
Tuesday 21st Marched about 8 OClock Crossed
the Mohawk River broke one Waggon left it on the Ground halted at Orisco
Distance 9 Miles Expence 8 Dollars.
Wednesday 22d arrived at Fort Schuyler
about 3 OClock P. M. where we relieved Major Hughes Comdt of the Fortress with
the Militia & Capt Brown *( Captain Jonathan Brown, 2d Continental
Artillery. Heitman, Historical Register. P. 125) of the Artillery.
Thursday 23d The Militia and Artillery marched to Day as
also Major Daviss *(Major John Davis, 4th New York Regiment. Ibid.,
p. 188) to See the Committee Chosen for new arrangement of the two Regiments of
the State of N. York by whome I returned myself to retire.
Friday 24th drew for the Rooms and Lieut
Hyatt and I drew No. 1 on the Left of the North Side of the Fort.
Saturday 25th ……………………….
Sunday 26th ……………………….
Monday 27th ……………………….
Tuesday 28th ……………………….
Wednesday 29th drew the last of 4 ½ Gallons
of Rum and ¾ lbs of Tea and 15 lbs of *(Evidently and omission of some article
from the list of stores.) Being given us as a Present from the State and Stores
of Rum & Tea for 3 Months and Sugar for 5 Months all the Officers of the
Garrison assembled here & had a Dance Edward Collins *(Edward Collins, 6th
Company, 4th New York Regiment. Archives, p. 216) Soldier was
confined to Breaking open our Door with an Ax in a Comtemptuous Manner. Expences
32 Dollars. Snow
Thursday 30th Collins tried to Day by a
Garrison Court M. for his Conduct Last Night the Court adjudged him to receive
100 Lashes which was put in Execution of Retreat beating.
December 1780
Friday 1st }
Saturday & } Nothing Notable
Snow
Sunday }
Monday 4th wrote a letter to Ensn Johnson
*(Probably Ensign James Johnson before referred to.) & one of Jesse Pennoyer
Capt McKinstry *(Captain John McKinstry, 15th Continental Infantry,
Heitman, Historical Register, p. 373) arrived here with 50 Men of the Militia as
an Escort for 47 Cattle of this Garrsion.
Tuesday 5th Wrote a Letter to Mr. Joseph
Pennoyer Snowed Last Night Snow
Wednesday 6th }
&
}
two Indians with three Squaws came in from Niagara
Thursday 7th }
Friday 8th Nothing
Material
Saturday 9th Capt Gray Lieutenant Abraham
Hyatt with two Serjeants and two Corporals and 20 Men with 5 Sleights together
with Lieut James Brewster *(Lieutenant James Brewster, 2d Continental Artillery.
Ibid., p. 120) of Capt Moodies *(Captain Andrew Moodie, 2d Continental
Artillery. Ibid., p. 397) Compy of Artillery with 11 Men one Brass 3 Poundr went
to the Oneida Castle after Corn.
Sunday 10th Rained all Last Night
Monday 11th Capt Grey returned fetched some
Corn & Potatoes and two Swivels which he found at the Oneida Castle &
reports that there is one Thousand Bushels of Corn there Yet.
Tuesday 12th ……………………….
Wednesday 13th dined at Mr. Tucker’s in
Company with Capt Silas Gray Lt Snow Abraham Hyatt Lt Azariah Tuthill, Ensign
Samuel Dodge and Doctr Abner Prior *(Dr. Abner Prior, surgeon’s mate, 4th
New York Regiment. Ibid., p. 453) had an Eligant Dinner & drank Green Tea in
the Evening retired about 8 OClock P. M. Snowed Last Night and all this Day.
Thursday 14th }
&
}
Nothing Material
Friday 15th }
Saturday 16th The Express arrived but no
Great Intelligence
Sunday 17th Sent Sergt
Daniels *(Sergeant John Daniels, 6th Company, 4th New York
Regiment. Archives, p. 215) as an Express to Albany
Monday 18th rained all Last Night & Chief
of this Day
Tuesday 19th }
To
}
nothing remarkable
Wednesday 20th }
Thursday 21st Capt Norton *(Captain Nathaniel
Norton, 4th New York Regiment . Heitman, Historical Register, p. 416)
arrived here from Albany. Recd a Letter by him from Capt Charles Nukerck as
follows viz.
Fort Renslear Decmr 19th 80
Sr
I recd yours from Cannojohaire Dated ________ and should have Sent you an Answer together with the Proceedings of the Court Martial you was tried by, but was Just then on my March from the Point to Albany or Schenectady, where I was hardly Seated when I was ordered to this Post. I am Sorry its not in my Power to send you the Proceedings Verbatum in short they amount to a reprimand, for not agreeing to a Temperary Settlement on the Parade. Ensn Venderburg, agreeing to or Proposing his, was acquitted with honour any Time this Winter should you or any of your Officers come down to Schenectady by applying to Adjt Hardenberg may have them in full. I am sire
My Complements Your Humble Sert
To the Officers Charles Nukerck
To Ensn John Barr Fort Schuyler
Friday 22d }
Saturday 23d } rained
Sunday 24th Snowed
Last Night and rained to Day
Snow
Monday 25th CHRISTMAS Snowed the Day through
had a Frolick at our Room dine at Capt Andrew Moodies (Captain Andrew Moodie, 2d
Continental Artillery. Heitman, Historical Register, p. 387) of the Artillery in
Company with Lt James Brewster ( Lieutenant James Brewster, 2d Continental
Artillery, Ibid., p. 120) of the Artillery, Lts Tuthill *(Lieutenant Azariah
Tuthill, 4th New York Regiment. Ibid., p. 552) Denniston *(Lieutenant
Daniel D. Denniston, 4th New York Regiment. Ibid., p. 194) &
Frilick *(Lieutenant Joseph Froelich, 4th New York Regiment. Ibid.,
p.238) of *(Omission in the manuscript) Ensns Woodruff *(Ensign Ephraim
Woodruff, 4th New York Regiment. Ibid., p. 604) Morrill *(Ensign
Joseph Morrill, 4th New York Regiment. Ibid., p 402) & Dodge
(Ensign Samuel Dodge jr, 4th New York Regiment. Ibid., p. 199) of our
Regt & Doctr Prior *(Doctor Abner Prior, surgeon’s mate, 4th
New York Regiment. Ibid., p. 453)
Tuesday 26th serjt Daniels *(Sergeant John
Daniels, 6th Company, 4th New York Regiment. Archives. P.
215) arrived here about 12 OClock which went on Express the 17th Inst
which brought me the following letter
Amenia *(In Dutchess county, New York) November 1st 1780
Sr
The Express Just getting on Horse Back nothing of Importance to acquaint with, I
am appointed in the Q. M. Department, and Stand in Need of such a Man as you are
have been told you expect to come home shortly. Should that be the Case, should
be glad to employ you with me as I am not certain what Pay can’t make you any
Proposals, only this, as a clark and at some times something else Should it Suit
Should be Glad of a Line from you soon
I am Sir with Respect
Yours & c.
Gilbert Willett
To ensn Barr
Fort Schuyler
ARRANGEMENT OF THE NEW YORK LINE
1st Regt Second Regt
Coll Van Shaick Coll Cortlandt
Lt Col Vandyck Lt Coll Cochran
Major Graham Major Fish
Captains, Captains,
Hick Pell
Wandle Wright
Parsons Hallet
Aorson Walker
Jansen Fowler
Bleeker Hamtrameck
Sytez Duboys
Gregg Vanderbergh
Teabout Smith
Liutents Lieutenants
Tenbrook Fairly
Tearse Munday
Hardenbergh Hutton
Snow Weissenfels
Lewis Van Hovenbergh
Van Voort Connoly
Wandle [Wendall] Frilick
Bogardus Dinniston
Bagley Colbraith
Kenny McGee
Ensigns Ensigns
Ryckman Brown
Gilbert Talmage
Marsh Carpenter
Lansing Johnston
Funda Woodruff
Renslear Dodge
Clinton Herring
Venderbergh Swatourt [Swartwout]
Morrell Griffing
Wednesday 27th Wrote a Letter to Major
Gilbert Willett in ansr to his of the 1st of Novr letting him
understand that I retire from Service by the 1st of January 1781.
Thursday 28th Make Muster Rolls for Septr
Octr Novr & Decmr 1780 as also Pay Rolls for the Same & one for Augt
Preceeding
Friday 29th }
Saturday 30th } nothing Moving
Sunday 31st
were mustered for the above Months by Lt Thos Hunt *(Lieutenant Thomas Hunt, 4th
New York Regiment. Heitman, Historical Register, p. 310) had a Billett to dine
with Coll Weissensels. Let Close the Year with Joy and Gladnes and drive away
all Griefs and Sadness
On the Night of the 17th of May 1803 I was informed
by a Vision in My Sleep that I should live but Six Years---John Barr
*(Apparently a later interpolation on a space left blank in the manscript.)
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