The
Diary of Ensign
John Barr
1781
Courtesy of Don Wilt. Transcribed by Arlene Goodwin
January 1781 Monday 1st dine with Coll Weissenfels in Company
with Lieutinants Hovenberg, Frilick, Barrett, Dinniston and Tuthill, Ensign
Talmage, Woodruff, Morril and Dodge. Doctr Prior of our Regt and Lieut James
Brewster of Capt Moodies Compy of Artillery where the following Toasts Past, 1
Congress, 2d Genl Washington, 3d the United States Army 4th May the
Righteous Cause of America flourish by the Coll 5th the United States
by Lt Barrett 6th the Independancy of North America by myself 7th
The King of France by Lt Hovenbarg---and so finished in Good Order.
Tuesday 2d Thursday 4th was ordered from this
Point and marched to Day and came in Mr. Graham’s Sleigh as far as Fort
Harkimer distance 35 Miles.
Tuesday 4th very Cold, and Wind insists upon blowing from the N.
E. grows more moderate towards Dark.
Friday 5th
marched in such order as far as
Cannojohary and Lodged at Mr. Wormwood’s.
Saturday 6th Went to Fort Plank
Sabath day 7th dined at Fort Plains with Capt
Wright *(Captain Jacob Wright, 2d New York Regiment. Ibid., p. 607) at the
reverend Mr. Gross. *(Rev. Johan Daniel Gros of Canajoharie, N. Y. Clinton
Papers, v. X, p. 417)
Monday 9th
Set off for Albany arrived there on Tuesday where we remained until the 15th
when I was appointed in the Quarter Master General’s department arrived at the
Nine Partners the 17th hired my board of David Boland Jur. In Sharon
the 15th of March and lived there until the 18th of June.
Following this moved to Lieut Thomas Cripen’s in the same Neighbourhood the 21st
of June when I remained until the 21st of May 1782. I was appointed
in the 8 Months Levies.
Monday 27th Snowed
29th [May] Set off and arrived at Fishkill took Quarters at Capt
[1782] Bocrums with
some other Officers. Distance 40 Miles.
June 2d Set
out for
home Stayed Monday & Tuesday. Distance 40 Miles
Wednesday 5th arrived at Fishkill marched from thence to the Landing went on Board a Public
Schooner Lay on board all Night.
Thursday 6th arrived at Esopus about Dark Lodged at Mr. Cornelius Elmendorphas. Distance 30
Miles
Friday 7th
marched for Stone Ridge arrived there about 2 OClock where the Coll was
Quartered. took Quarters at Mr. John Tack’s Innkeeper
Saturday 8th all the officers of the Regt met at Col *(Lieutenant Colonel Frederick
Weisenfels, New York Levies. Archives, p. 259) Quarters, but Capt Thos Hunt
*(Captain Thomas Hunt, New York Levies, Ibid., p. 259) Lt Tuthill *(Lieutenant
Azariah Tuthill, New York Levies. Ibid., p. 259) and Lt Young, *(Lieutenant
Samuel Young, New York Levies, Ibid., p. 259) Capt Bowen *(Captain Prentice
Bowen, New York Levies, Ibid., p. 259) & Lt McArthur *(Lieutenant Alexander
McArthur, New York Levies, Ibid., p. 259) to whose Company I belong, Viz Capt
Pauling *(Captain Henry Pawling, New York Levies. Ibid., p. 259) Lt Finch
*(Lieutenant John Finch, New York Levies. Ibid., p. 259) and Lt Ostrander
*(Lieutenant John Ostrander, New York Levies. Ibid., p. 259) Capt Westfall
*(Captain Abraham Westfall, New York Levies. Ibid., p. 259) Lt Aldert Roosa
*(Lieutenant Aldert Roosa, New York Levies. Ibid., p. 259) Lt Charles Stuart
*(Lieutenant Charles Stuart, New York Levies. Ibid., p. 259) Capt. Gilb.
Livingston *(Captain Gilbert I. Livingston, New York Levies. Ibid., p. 257, 259)
Lt Dubois *(Lieutenant Cornelius I. DuBois, New York Levies. Ibid., p. 259)
& Lt Dubois *(Lieutenant John I. Dubois, New York Levies, archives, p. 259)
Capt Andrew White *(Captain Andrew White, New York Levies. Ibid., p. 259) Lt.
Nottingham *(Lieutenant William Nottingham, New York Levies. Ibid., p. 259) Lt
Weissenfell *( Lieutenant George P. Weissenfell, New York Levies. Ibid., p. 259)
Capt John Hardenbargh *(Captain Johannis L. Hardenbargh, New York Levies. Ibid.,
p. 259) Lt Johnson *(Lieutenant Johannis T. Jansen, New York Levies. Ibid., p.
259) & Lt Vanwyck *(Lieutenant Theodorus Van Wyck, New York Levies. Ibid.,
p. 259) Placing Capt Pauling on the Right Capt Abrm Wesfall on the Left Capt
Livingston on the Left of Capt Pauling Capt White on the Right of Capt Westfall
and Capt Hardenbargh in the Center, Capt Hunt at Bedford, West Chester County
Capt Bowen at orange Town—orange County *(In the margin of the manuscript is
written: “These five Companies are in Ulster county.”)
Monday 10th set off to take my Station as ordered by Coll Weisenfills at Peenpack, *(In
Ulster county, N. Y.) in Company with Lt Stuart and two Servants Rode in Mr.
Benn Roosa Waggon as far as Nepanough thence marched as far as Turinkill
Distance from Stone Ridge 24 Miles Lodged at Matthew Newkirks.
Tuesday 11th Set out in Company with Coll Weisenfells. Major Dewit *(Major Thomas De Witt,
New York Levies. Ibid., p., 259) and Wynkoop *(Major Adrain Wynkoop, 1st
Regiment New York Militia. Ibid., p. 298) with Stuart *(Lieutenant Charles
Stewart, New York Levies. Ibid., p. 259) Servants and Guard arrived at
Nervinkill *(Possibly Neurenkill (Lurenkill). that day about 12 oclock Distance
23 Miles took Quarters at Capt Jacob R. Dewitts *(Captain Jacob Rutsen De Witt,
New York Militia. Ibid., p. 299) in Peenpack.
Friday 14th went to Company with Lt Roosa to Capt Westfalls Distance 3 Miles
Sunday 16th Rode with Capt Westfall & Lt Roosa to Lt Stuarts Post at the Block House
Distance 8 Miles and Returned. dined at Mr. Jacob Chamber’s where Lt Stuart
Quartered.
Wednesday 19th Lt Stuart & Mr. Chambers paid us a Visit to Day.
Saturday 22d moved to
Esqu Harmanis Vaninwagen’s for Quarters have a Guard of one Corpl & Six
privates thundered
Sunday 23d Rode in
Company with Capt Westfall & Lieut Roosa to Bashes Land Distance 8 Miles
where there is a Guard of one Serjt and 10 Privates. thundered & Rained.
Monday 24th are busy with Day Cleaning and repairing the Fort went to Capt Westfalls
Quarters about three Quarters of a Mile
Tuesday 25th rode in the Cart in Company with Lt Stuart as far as Capt Jacob Rutsen
Dewitt’s Distance 3 Miles Dined there returned by the way of Capt Westfalls.
Wednesday 26th had orders for one Subaltern, one Sergeant one Corporal and 20 Privates for
Command to be at the Colonel’s Quarters on the first Day of July next to be
relieved the first of August by the like Number—one Corporal and Seven
Privates the Detail of Capt Westfall’s Company for the above Command the
Orders were brought me by Lt Aldert Roosa.
Thursday 27th The Centinal discovered a Panther about forty Yards off our Fort last Night but
he did no Damage.
Friday 28th was Visited by Major Dewitt, Captain Westfall and Lieutenant Roosa; went to the
Captains.
Saturday 29th went to Capt Dewtt’s in Company with Captain Wesfall parted with Major Dewitt
and drawed my Proportion of Ammunition for my Post which amounts to ten Dozen
Cartges Sent of [f] the Corpl and Seven Privates with two others for the
Colonel’s Guard, with Major Dewitt appointed Emmanuel Middough Corpl at this
Post.
Sunday 30th a Large Star or Commet broke on the South flying North East being admirable
Large by appearance Seemed to be Several Rods in Length and braking oppisite the
East into Several Stars or Parts and intirely dissolved before it Struck the
Earth Continuation about 3 Miles Capt Westfalls Company but only Small guards at
each Post convened at the Captain’s to Day Manouvered a Little went to their
Respective Posts about half after one oClock
***July 1782
Monday 1st was Visited by Captain Westfall & made out a Monthly Return of his Company,
conveying him home met Capt Bundle was introduced to him by Capt Westfall and
also to Capt Chambers.
Tuesday 2d Capt
Westfall came to my Quarters on his way to Bashes Land, I could not go with him
for want of a Horse, busied myself in repairing the Fort.
Wednesday 3 went to
Capt Westfalls and dined there to Day.
Thursday 4th being the anniversary of the 6th Year of the Independence of the
United States of North america Rode in Company with Capt Westfall to the Block
House Distance 5 Miles dined to Day at Mr. Jacob Chambers in Company with Capt
Westfall & Lt Charles Stuart.
Saturday 6th went to Squire Depuy’s to Visit the men that Garrison that Place found them in
good order after returning for Squire Depuy’s received the following Letter
directed to Cap Westfall.
Well’s Farm Shangum
July 5th 1782
Dr
Sr
Yester Morning five men armed with Pistoles called at House that one Kelly lived at in Smith’s Clove a few weeks ago, but is now moved, and his Place is Supplyed by a Whig, when they found their mistake withdrew,--which Men, tis expected have gone through from Niagara to N. York, in the Time of Goshen Court, and now have a Mind to get back; if they could be taken, tis likely would be of Material Consequence, last Night Guard were Planted at the Different Bridges on Wallkill, and will be again to Night, if they should Escape our Vigilence perhaps they may not yours, with Respect I am your friend and very Humble Servant. Jonathan Swezy
To Capt Westfall
Peenpack
Sent out Patroles in
Consequence of the above Letter in the following order viz. A Corpl & 4
Privates Patroled from the Block House to Capt Westbrooks where the like number
met them from Capt Westfall’s Quarters the same Number from my Quarters to
Capt Westfalls the Same Number ordered from Capt Dewitts to my Quarters by Lt
Roosa Distance 8 Miles but discovered nothing.
Monday 8th Recd a Letter from Coll Weissinfells informing that the Enemy were fortifying
Oswego.
Wednesday 10th Recd orders to make Muster Rolls for May and June Capt Westfall came to my
Quarters I accompanyed him home made our one Description Roll of his Company.
Thursday 11th rode to Lt Stuarts Qrs 5 Miles to see him being unwell dined at Mr. Chambers
returned home by Evening.
Sunday 14th went to Capt Aldert *(Probably the first name should be Jacob R. Earlier in the
manuscript the writer crossed out the name Aldert and substituted Jacob R.)
Dewitts 3 Miles to visit Lieut Roosa dined there.
Monday 15th walked to Capt Westfall’s on Business. Received a Note from Lt Roosa on
account of our Rations. Our Party returned from Nepanough with the Waggon sent
off Sunday the 14th Inst with 3 Bbs of Peas and 9 Gallons of Whiskey
for the Troops here.
Tuesday 16th Recd a Letter from Coll Weissenfels with an account, that it was reported that
the *(Proves to be false) Marquise De La fyatte had arrived in the Chesapeek Bay
with 8 Sail of the Line and 5000 Land Troops on Board—and also a Large Party
of Indians was discovered at Schoharry lately Rode with Capt Westfall as far as
Capt Dewitt’s and after our Return Jonathan Pierce and Caterlin being Scouters
returned & reported that they had discovered Signs of Small Parties of
Indians on our Fro[n]tiers
Wednesday 17th made two Muster Rolls for Capt Westfalls Company for May and June Last.
Thursday 18th went fishing to Day but catched nothing. In the other part of the Day employed
myself in making Muster Rolls.
Friday 19th Capt Westfall’s Company was Mustered to Day for May and June by Major Dewitt.
I recd a Letter from Coll Weissenfells wherein was order for me to Join Capt
Bowens Company at Orange Town immediately.
Saturday 20th finished Capt Westfall’s Muster Rolls and carryed them to his Quarters
Sunday 21st rode in Company with Capt Wesfall to Capt Dewitts to visit Lt Roosa Dined there
on an Extraordinary Roast Pig.
Monday 22d Rode to the
Block House in Company with Captain Wesfall to see Lt Stuart returned by the Way
of the East Side of the Nervinkill caught 5 Dozen of Trouts To Day
Tuesday 23d was alarmed
this morning between 8 and 9 oClock by a Small Party of Indians who took 2 Men
and two Horses from Capt John Westbrook. *(Not found) we collected the Company
pursued them in the following disposition Viz Dividing the Company in four
Divisions Lt Roosa had the advanced Party, Capt Wesfall in the front Lt Stuart
on the Left & I in the Center pursued them 9 or ten Miles but in Vain Sent a
detached Party on and we returned on our return detached a Nother Party North
they discovered some tracks of them, our first Party returned thinking they had
discovered a Large Body but was deceived Capt Helmus Westfall of the Militia
pursued them as far as MonGalp and discovered the party to be on more than 6 or
7 Strong but Could not come up with them gave up the Chase to Night in order to
pursue to morrow.
Wednesday 24th Paraded our Company in order to prosecute our Design but it Rained Sent out a
Small Party to make further Discoveries. The Party returned in the Evening but
made no further discoveries than before.
Thursday 25th received a letter from the Coll informing that he was a Lurinkill, had the rest
of the Regt under marching orders for to reinforce us if Necessity required.
Wrote a Letter to Capt White on the Subject
***Friday 26th Set off from Pien Pack in Company with my waiter Timothy Howe and James Williams
for to Join Capt Prentice Bowen’s Company at Orange Town. Refreshed at William
Roosa’s on Shangum Mountain distance 4 miles coming over a very Rocky Mountain
and Barren Land.
Friday 26th Thence proceeding through a very rough and Stonny Country to Mr. James
Dolson’s in Wallkill distance 9 Miles where we dined, thence throug [h] a
pretty good Part of the Country to Mr. John Kenedy’s in Florida distance 10
Miles total march 23 Miles and Expenses 3/6.
Saturday 27th from Mr Kenedy’s to Capt Minthorn’s *(Captain John Minthorn, 4th
Regimen, Orange county militia. New York in the Revolution as Colony and State,
v. I. pp. 292, 542) in Warwick through a fine Country distance 7 Miles, where we
Eat Breakfast, thence over a very Steep Mountain to Mr. Macey’s in the Bound
of Sterling distance 5 miles where we refreshed—thence to Mr. Staggs at
Sterling distance 5 miles where we Eat Dinner, thence to Mrss Sidman’s in the
Clove where we Refreshed Passing Sterling Iron Works in 3 Places—from Staggs
to Sidman’s 7 Miles thence to Squire John Suffrans distance 3 Miles in New
Antrim where we Lodged distance to Day 27 Miles Expences 10/6.
Sunday 28th Thence we proceeded about East to Mr ________ in Kekeate where we eat Breakfast
wrote a Letter to Mjr Gilbert Willett and one to Lt Thos Crippen in Sharon
Connecticut and one to Mr. Peter Shavelear in Oblong in N. York State Expences
1/6 distance 7 Miles. Thence we Proceeded to Esqr David Py’s in Clerks Towns
distance 6 Miles where we refreshed, thence proceeded to Orange Town distance 7
Miles, total to Day 20 Miles Expences 4/6. Orange Town lies about South East of
Peenpack and is in Genl but a Rough Mountainy & Rocky Barren Country
between; whole Distance 70 Miles
Monday 29th prepared Capt Bowen’s Muster Rolls.
Tuesday 30th Mustered Capt Bowen’s Company about 3 Oclock P. M.
Wednesday 31st wrote a Letter to Coll Weissenfels Stationed at Marble Town, one to Lt Edward
Conner at Napanogh and one to Capt Abram Westfals at Peenpack in Ulster County.
August 1782
Friday 2d Sent out a
Scout of 16 men commanded by Lieut Alexr McArthur *(Lieutenant Alexander
McArthur, New York Levies. New York in the Revolution as Colony and State. V. I.
p. 259) to the Lines was alarmed this Evening on acct of some horse thieves in
Kekeate took away 3 Horses Proved to be false. Lt McArthur returned with the
Scout but preposes to go out to Night with an addition Lt McArthur went out Last
Evening with a Party had nine Refugee Prisoners, 2 of which are Sailors, Sent
here for Exchange, they were sent here on the 2d Inst wrote a Letter to Coll
Skinner *(Colonel Abraham Skinner, commissary general of prisoners. Heitman,
Historical Register, p. 499) Comt Genl of Prisoner sat Dobbs Ferry but he was
gone from Quarters had no ansr. Lt Mc Arthur returned with his Party about 10
OClock but met with nothing remarkable. Got half a Pound of the flour of Sulpher
of Doctr Stephen Gano *(Dr. Stephen Gano, surgeon’s mate, 2d Continental
Artillery, Ibid., p. 242) for to take in the Morning one Table Spoonf. Daily for
40 Days on Purpose to cure me of the Rhematism.
Tuesday 6th began to take the Sulpher as I mentioned Capt Bowen went out with a Party to
return on Thursday the 8th read a York Paper of the 3d Inst which
give an acct of a Severe action between a French and British Frigates of 36 Guns
each—also of 13 Sails of the Line of French on the Coasts Consisting of one 82
4, 10 and 8, 74, Gun Ship 2, 36 gun Frigates and one Cutter. wrote Letter to Mr.
Gilbert Wall at Sharon.
Wednesday 7th Dr. John ______ was here in Company pretty Jolly.
Thursday 8th Lieut McArthur went on Scout Seized one Elihu Cranes Waggon who had on Board
Capt Solomon Strongs Wife and Children the Waggen is detained for tryal
tomorrow.
Friday 9th walked with Capt Bowen to Squire Coopers in the State of New Jersey, the Waggon
was purposed for tryal when I returned – the Waggon and articles were not
condemned
Saturday 10th went on Scout, went as far as the Liberty Pole Eat supper at Mr. Bensons Divided
my Party in three divisions, keeping three Men with my Self, the Corpl and 2 in
another and 3 in another covering Several Roads
Sunday 11th In about 4 Miles in Length—found nothing, met about 6 OClock in the Morning
Eat Breakfast at Mr. Anderson’s in the English Neighbourhood, then marched as
far as Fort Lee took a View of the British Encampments on York Island.
Sunday 11th returning by the Wary of Moore’s Mill crossing the Marsh into Tenack,
*(Teaneck, N. J.) observe Moore’s Mill is a Tide Mill, dined at Mr.
Vanwageners than marched across the fields to the New Bridge Hackensack—then
marching North to Mr. Boskirk’s Lodged there, marching in the Morning Still
North 2 or 3 Miles thence East, Eat Breakfast at Mr. Abram Demeree in
Monday 12 Kenedimack,
then Prosecuted our March to Mrss English’s Harrington’s then home to Orange
Town having accomplished a March of between 50 or 60 miles having found nothing
Material—afterwards walked as far as Mrss Englishes in Company with Capt Bowen
& Mr. Thos Lefoy returning this Evening getting very Wet being the only
Shower that has been for Some Months. Serjt Valentine went our with a Party.
Tuesday 13th Nothing Material happening to Day Serjt Valentine returned but without any
Intelligence.
Wednesday 14th walked as far as the Reverend Mr. Gano’s in Company with Capt Bowen Mr. Thos
Lefoy and Doctr Stephen Gano. Capt Bowen went home
Thursday 15th Capt Bowen went out on Scout.
Friday 16th blank
Saturday 17th Capt Bowen and Party returned without any material Intelligence.
Sunday 18th walked in Company with Capt Bowen as far as Lt James Barrett’s *(Lieutenant
James Barrett, 4th New York Regiment. Heitman, Historical Register,
p. 89) about 1 ½ Mile. on my Return Stopped at the Reverend Mr. John Gano’s.
Tuesday 20th walked with Lt Alexr McArthur *(Lieutenant Alexander McArthur, 4th
New York Regiment. Ibid., p. 363) as far as the Sloat being 2 Miles.
Wednesday 21st the Prisoners which were sent here on the 2d Inst Set off for N York this
morning. Lieut McArthur Set out on a Scout downwards.
Thursday 22d Lieut Mc
Arthur returned about 9 OClock P. M. but no news.
Friday 23d }
Saturday 24th
} Capt Bowen very Sick
Sunday 25th The Remainder of Lt McArthurs Scout returned went to visit Capt Daniel Gano who
was very ill returned in Company with Doctr Stephen Gano Thos Lefoy & John
Hoglin. Corpl Garrison with four men went out on Scout.
Monday 26th walked as far as Clarks Town with John Hoglin distance of 7 miles dined at Mr.
John Coleman’s, thence visited Capt Bowen about half a Mile East attended the
Lodge at Mr. Coleman’s where Capt Sandford *(Captain John Sandford, New York
Levies. Ibid., p. 481) was deputed Master Vice Capt Bowen Sick, Doctr John Van
Bewerin was raised to the Sublime Degree of a M. M. went home with Esqr David
Pye Senr Warden of Said Lodge—Lodged there—in Company with Capt Frothingham
*(Captain Benjamin Frothingham, 3d Continental Artillery. Ibid., p. 238) of
Artillery at Stony Point.
Tuesday 27th Breakfast with Esqr Pye—walked to Mr. Coleman’s Drank Grogg in Company with
Captain Bowen and Mr. James Riker—went home with Capt Bowen where I dined,
Visited Lt George Lee Craft in the Afternoon—drank Tea at Mr. Coleman’s,
when I set off for Orange Towns where I arrived about 10 OClock P. M.
Wednesday 28th walked in Company with Doctr Gano and Thos Lefoy to Mr. John Hoglin’s in the
Evening.
Thursday 29th went a hunting in Company with Mr. Hoglin and Mr. Hadley; Killed only one
squirrel which I did myself—drank Tea at Mr. Hoglin’s this afternoon
Friday 30th went hunting to Day as Yesterday wrote 2 Letters *(The other three letters were
probably recorded in afterthought.) one to Coll Weissenfells & one to Doctr
Vanderlyn at Marble Town on to Capt White at Nepanough one to Capt Westfall and
one to Lt Stuart at Peenpack—was visited by Capt Robert Johnston of Clarks
Towns.
Saturday 31st walked in Company with Mr. Hoglin and Mr Isaac Hadley to Greenbush about 4 Miles
to a Horse Race went to Clarks Town with Lt Joseph Frilick, Lodged at Mr.
Coleman’s Innkeeper
September 1782
Sunday 1st visited Capt Bowen who was very sick, went for Docr John Ferrin for him---dined
with Capt Bowen returned to Orange Town about Dusk
Monday 2d Walked in
Company with Mr. Hadley as far as Mr. Kenedy’s in the Jersey’s about 5 Miles
where Capt Haring’s and Blanches Militia Companies met for Exercise I
manouvered them a little returned in Company with Capt Haring.
Tuesday 3d } blank
Wednesday 4th
} blank
Thursday 5th Lt McArthur and I went on Scout Lodged at Mr. Abrm Lasheers at the Liberty Pole.
Friday 6th marched to Fort Lee, Stopp’d at Mr. Peter Pardetts—thence to Mr Garlock’s
where we eat Breakfast, about a Mile below were fired upon by a Boat returned
the fire briskly no Damage done We beat the Boat to the other side of the North
River, continued our march as far as Mr Petersons when we turned West, thence
turned towards the English Neighbourhood—Stopt at Mr. Andersons dined there
about Sun down marched about 2 or 3 miles Where we put up for Quarters—2 Men
appeared which were challenged by our Centinel, did not answer were fired upon
by the Centinel we pursued them Give them Several Shots but to no purpose
returned to our Quarters.
Saturday 7th Set off for home Stopt at mr ________ where we breakfasted, then purs[u]ed our
Course home where were arrived about noon having compleat[ed] a march of upwards
of 60 miles but to very little Purpose, and nothing turning up advantageous.
Sunday 8th } went out on a Scout as far as Fort Lee Lay by Peter
Monday 9th } Pardett’s all Night by the side of the North River, at
Tuesday 10th
} break of Day took the Mountain west of Pardett’s watching the Traders motion at Nigh took Post by
the River but found nothing.
Wednesday 11th took the mountain at Day break rained very fast the Sun about half and hour high
being the first Shower that happened in ne[arly] 2 Months—were obliged to quit
our Post on account of the Rain Stopped 5 Girls which we Suspected had been
trading with the Enemy. Got home about 2 OClock.
Thursday 12th was visited by Capt Robert Johnstone of Clarks Town—walked with Mr. Lefoy as
far as the Revd Mr. Gano’s. Capt Bowen returned to Camp.
Saturday 14th Capt Bowen with four men went to Van Planks Point after ammunition. Mr. Hadley
went on Scout with 4 men.
Sunday 15th went on Scout Lodged at fort Lee in the woods.
Monday 16th detached Corpl Hillman *(Nicholas Hillman of the New York Levies. New York in
the Revolution as Colony and State, v. I., p. 72) three miles farther Lay
opposite Fort Lee this Night
Tuesday 17th Lay all Day waiting a trading Boat Lodged in the woods all Night.
Wednesday 18th Lay in woods all Day and Night
Thursday 19th marched down the North River 3 [?] Miles Eat Breakfast at Mr. Garlough’s—returned
home having accomplished a march of near 70 Miles. Mr. Hadley took 4 Prisoners
on the 16th one made his Escape two were Paroled to Hackensack one
Whose Name is Capt Everitt remaining here
Friday 20th Lieut Mc Arthur went on Scout.
Saturday 21st dined at Mr. John Hogland’s about ¾ of a Mile North East of Orange Town
Church.
Sunday 22d received a
Letter from Capt Bowen at Clarks Town Lt McArthur
} desiring me to go
and See him Concerning moving our Everit }
Company to let make Room
for Commissioners from our have the } and the British army
to settle
accounts Concerning Liberty of }
Prisoners Provisions agreed that I should
Look Quarters *returned } on the morrow* returned from Clarks
Town about
8 about
} OClock in the Evening found Lieut McArthur
returned 8 OClock } and
had Enlarged Capt Everitt a Prisoner taken by Mr
P. M. }
Hadley on
the 16th Inst and given him the Liberty of
Town.
Monday 23d drank Tea at
the Revd M. Gano’s went to Clarks Town Got Quarters } attended the
Lodge held at Mr. John Coleman’s Lodge for the }
there in Company with Mr. Willson.
Company }
Tuesday 24th returned to Orange Town found our Company somewhat confused—thinking best to
acquaint Capt Bowen of some Particulars Set off to visit him. on my way dined at
Mr. Barrett’s about 1 ¾ from Orange Town—then proceeded to Clarks Town
Lodge at Squire David Pye’s.
Wednesday 25th Breakfasted with Capt Bowen Returned to Mr.
dined with }
Coleman’s whilst
there Mr McArthur Came there Mr. Coleman}
informing me that Everitt
had forfeited his Parole and made his Escape also that he had moved the Company
to Judge John Perry’s where I had got Quarters for them on the 23d. I returned
to Orange Town found some of the Commissioners arrived—marched to Judge
Perry’s and took Quarters there.
Thursday 26th walked as far as Mr______ Maybie’s Mill about a Mile Shot some Ducks Placed a
Guard there on that Road returned about 3 oClock.
Friday 27th walked as far as the Mill to Day Ordered the Guard in and men to keep it there
in the Night only walked as far as Orange Town in Company with Mr. Hadley where
all the Commissioners were convened.
Saturday 28th the Commissioners afore mentioned dispersed having done no Business, I walked to
Clarks Town in Company with Mr. Hadley—was at a Vendue at Squires Pye’s
where were sold some Countraband Goods, Seized by Capt Frathingham *(Captain
Benjamin Frothingham, 3d Continental Artillery. Heitman, Historical Register. p
238) dined at Mr Coleman’s and returned to Judge Perry’s.
Sunday 29th returned with our Company to our old Quarters in Orange Town.
Monday 30th attended the Lodge at Clarks Town Carried the Monthly Returns to Capt Bowen.
Lodge with Mr. Garrett Myer about 2 Miles E & B-S of Mr. Coleman’s Lt
McArthur acquainted me this Day that he had been down to Mrss Anderson for to
get money
October 1782
Tuesday 1st Breakfasted with Mr. Myer returned to Capt Bowen’s where he & Lt McArthur
had a Quarrel. Lt McArthur Challenged Capt Bowen to fight him in an hour from
that Time which was near Eleven OClock A. M. Capt Bowen and I walked to Mr.
Coleman’s where the Quarrel rather Ceased--& I returned to Orange Town on
my way dined at Lieut James Barrett’s *(Lieutenant James Barrett, 4th
New York Regiment. Ibid., p. 89) moved my Quarters to Mr. Thomas Lefoy’s in
Said Town
Wednesday 2d went a
Squirrel Hunting with Mr. Hogland Kil [led] Some Breakfasted with Mr. Hogland.
Mr. Hadley went on Scout.
Thursday 3d dined with
Mr. Hogland walked with mr. Hogland to Capt James Wessals
Friday 4th Mr. Hogland and I went a Squirrel Hunting took a Circuit of 12 or 14 Miles but
had no Success also in the Evening walked as far as Mrss Englishes about 2 Miles
Saturday 5th
6th
Paraded
the Company on purpose to march to Clarks Town, but remained until Monday.
Monday 7th march by 5 OClock for Clarks Town and I took Quarters with Capt Tunis Thew.
*(Captain Theunis Thew. Archives. P 533)
Tuesday 8th went on Scout with Corpl Garrison and 5 Men, was Joined by one Burges a
Continental Solder at orange Town, left orange Town at ½ and hour before Sun
Set, halted at Anderson near Hackensack, to refresh, then continued our march
till midnight, and Lodged within 2 Miles of Fort Lee in the Woods until Day.
Wednesday 9th then continued our march to fort Lee, where we Lay until the afternoon where I
left the Corpl and 3 men—whilst I and the other 3 went about 6 miles down the
north River oposite Bull’s ferry, lay by the River Side all night but very
much chilled with the Cold when we got up and Searched after Sun rise found the
Ice to be near of an inch thick.
Thursday 10th found the Ice this morning near of an Inch thick kept our Quarters in the Bush
until 8 OClock then being hungry and fatigued went to Mr. Peet’s where we
Breakfasted, and refreshed, when we took woods west of his House, marched up
again to where I left the Corpl, lay in the woods all night the wind blew very
hard.
Friday 11th marched down about a Mile and Breakfasted with Mr. Garlough and old high
Dutchman, Who informed me of a Party of Refugees in pursuit of me after I found
their number to be no more than mine I went in Quest of them, I at Last came up
with them near Peter Pardet’s taking a boat away, which they were obliged to
leave and Sculk for, have a Large Gut or inlet between them and me Secured their
retreat otherwise some of them Perhaps should have fell a victim for some of
their inhumanity, having made their escape we thought it necessary to return
being our of Provisions came to mr Andersons in the English Neighbourh[ood],
refreshed ourselves at his Expence he being one of the Illicit traders were
thought it no harm we eat and drank plentifully, thence continues our march to
Mr. Noghoughs where I received Lt Hamilton
[Here follows an
account or a bill bearing the date December 15, 1783. See Footnote.]
Decemr 15th
[Deleted ……………………………………….
To 1 Pr Leather
Breeches………………………1:10:0
Ta 1 Pr Worsted
Stockings…………………….. [?]
To Velvet for Jacket
& Breeches……………….2:0:0
To 2 Sticks of Twist at
9d……………………..0:1:6
Posted………………………………………….3:9:6
Friday 11th Chalmers, who absconded the British the Preceeding Night, Sent my Corpl and
Party to Weehawk with him where he had his wife and Bagage. I dined at Mr.
Nagloughs and walked out about 3 Miles being somewhat uneasy being alone amongst
my Enemies although I was confident they dare not insult me—returned to Mr.
Naglough’s and went to bed but slept none the family assuring me they would
conceal me if any of British Party appeared—tho. Telling me they frequently
came there.
[The following page
bearing the date December 15th 1783 carries the accounts paid to Mary
Shaevlear and a Mr. Williams. See Footnote below.}
Saturday 12th the Corpl returned with Lt Chalmers and his wife Child and Baggage about 11
OClock Last Evening when it rained violently.
Decemr 15th To
Cash………………………………….0:3:6
To l yd Silk Lace
………………………..0:4:0
To Cast to Sila Shavilr…………………..0:1:3
To 2 ¼ Yards of Mode
}…………….1:7:0
At 12s pr yard
To 2 Yards of Durant
}……………..0:6:0
At 9s pr yd
______
2-1-9 1:15:0
______
0:6:9
To Sundries at Mr.
William’s……………0:16:9
To Rum, Sugar & Tea
at do……………..0:4:9
______
1:7:3
______
2 pr Contra Cr
By Cash
……………………………………0:9:0
By 2 Bushels of
Wheat at 78
s………………………………0:14:0
Sheep………………………………………….0:8:0
Lace…………………………………………….4
______
1:15:0
3 Pr of Sleeve Button
at 6 d pr……………………1: [ ]
3 Skeans
Silk………………………………………2: 3
1 Stock
Buckle……………………………………1: [ ]
2 Bushels wheat
Cash……………………………14:0
______
1:0:0
_____
Posted………………………………………………………2:19:3
2:11:0
_____
0:8:3
_____
Set out for our
Quarters. Breakfasted with Mr. Benjamin Westerfelt arrived at Orange Town about
one OClock, conducted Lt Chalmers to Mr. Lawrence agreeable to Major Smith’s
Orders where he had ordered to remain at Mr. Dewitt’s in Orange Town for Genl
Washington’s Directions, dined at Mr. Lawrence’s with a Number of French
Gentlemen returned to Clarks Town Lodge with Capt Thew.
Sunday 13th Breakfasted with Capt Thew—and dined with Mr Coleman walked to Garret Myers
and Lodged
Monday 14th wint a fishing with Mr. Myers he being a b[rother] Mason, dined with Brother
Abram Thew, and Lodged with Mr Myers
Tuesday 15th Breakfasted there returned to Clarkes Town and marched our Company to Orange
town, took my Quarters at Mr. John Hoglands.
Wednesday 16th had orders to march our Company to Clarkes Town, I would just remark that Capt
Bowen and Lt McArthur have not been fit for Duty for Some weeks before and I
have the whole Care of the Company, where we arrived by 7 OClock Lodged at Mr
Myers.
Thursday 17th dined with Mr Coleman Lodge at David Pyes
Esqr.
Friday 28th being something in the fall and being from home since the first of June, having
a desire to see my family began think about home Set off to try to hire a horse
but in vain Lodges with Majr De Witt in Orange Town
Saturday 19th dined with Mr. Hogland and returned to Clarks Towns
Sunday 20th Set off in Company with Capt Bowen in Mr. Coleman’s waggon as far as Kings
ferry crossed the ferry and prosecuted march and Lodged at Absalom Neilson’s
in Peekskill [ ] Lands Distance [ ] Miles.
[Here the daily
recordings of the journal cease. The next eight leaves, which probably formed a
continuation of the diary, have been cut from the manuscript in toto. The
following leaf is covered with staves of music for several pieces. Viz: “Snow
Balls [ ],” “Waggon Wheels.” And “Flowers of Edenburgh.”]
[Promissory Note] Due
to John Barr this Seventh Day of December AD. 1792 forty one Shillings and Six
pence which I promise to pay to the Said John Barr or his assigns on Demand in
Good Merchantable White Pine Boards at the Market Price [No signature]
***[Three pages totally
missing at this point. The last page of the manuscript is unnumbered and
attached by a pin. It records an enactment of the State Legislature respecting
the payment of certificates to soldiers, as follows:]
In Compensation for the Defficiency of Pay as is above mentioned, Officers and Privates who are still in actual Service and the Accounts of Officers non Commissioned Officers and Privates shall be audited by the said Auditors accordingly, and the Said Officers now Commissioned Officers and Privates shall be intitled to such Certificates a [afore] said for the Balance due to them Respectively.
and be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid that the Accounts of all Persons deceased Shall [be se]ttled and liquidated by the Auditors to be appointed [in] pursuance of this Act, in like Manner as if such Persons should have been in full life, and Certificates for the Bal[ances] which shall appear to have been due to such persons at [the] time of their Death, respectively shall be given to and [in the] Name of the Executors or Administrators of such Persons Respectively.
and be it further enacted by the auth[ority] aforesaid the Gold or Silver only and no other Species of [money] Shall be received by the Commissioners in Cases where the [re shall] be a Difficiency of Certificates, any Law making other [currency a] tender, Notwithstanding and that all the Gold and S[ilver] which shall be so received by the Commissioners shall [be by]them paid into the Treasury of this State there to [remain as a fund for the redemption] of such of Said Certificates, [as may not be redeemed with lands in the manner prescribed by this act. And that the said auditors shall, from time to time, keep regular accounts and make due] Returns to the Treas[sury] of this] State of Abstracts of all Accounts Liquidate and Certificates Issued by them. *( Laws of the State of N. York, v. I, p. 301-2.)
Senate of N. York and Assembly 23d 1780 This Bill having been read the third Time re[solved] that the Bill do pass by Order of the House
Signed Everit Barker
Speaker
State of N. York in
Senate Septr 25th 1780
This bill having been read the third Time resolved the Bill do pass by Order of the Senate.
Pier Van Cortlandt President
Home
Table of Contents
John Barr Home Page
Revolutionary
War Home page