Army encamped on the
bank of James river—part of French fleet, with troops on board, in view.
Recrossed James river and encamped at Williamsburg. Army in high spirits—reinforcements
coming on.
SOURCE: J. B.
Lippincott & Co., Publisher, The Record of the Court at Upland, in
Pennsylvania. 1676 to 1681. And a Military Journal Kept by Major E. Denny, 1781
to 1795, p. 242
General Washington
arrived; our brigade was paraded to receive him; he rode along the line
quarters in Williamsburg.
SOURCE: J. B.
Lippincott & Co., Publisher, The Record of the Court at Upland, in
Pennsylvania. 1676 to 1681. And a Military Journal Kept by Major E. Denny, 1781
to 1795, p. 242
Officers all pay
their respects to the Commander-in-chief; go in a body; those who are not
personally known, their names given by General Hand and General Wayne. He
stands in the door, takes every man by the hand—the officers all pass in,
receiving his salute and shake. This the first time I had seen the General. We
have an elegant encampment close to town, behind William and Mary College. This
building occupied as an hospital. Williamsburg a very handsome place, not so
populous as Richmond, but situate on evenly, pretty ground; streets and lots
spacious—does not appear to be a place of much business, rather the residence
of gentlemen of fortune; formerly it was the seat of government and Dunmore's
late residence. A neat public building, called the capitol, fronts the
principal street; upon the first floor is a handsome marble statue of William
Pitt.
The presence of so
many general officers, and the arrival of new corps, seem to give additional
life to everything; discipline the order of the day. In all directions troops
seen exercising and manœuvring. Baron Steuben, our great military oracle. The
guards attend the grand parade at an early hour, where the Baron is always
found waiting with one or two aids on horseback. These men are exercised and
put through various evolutions and military experiments for two hours—many
officers and spectators present; excellent school, this. At length the duty of
the parade comes on. The guards are told off; officers take their posts, wheel
by platoons to the right; fine corps of music detailed for this duty, which
strikes up; the whole march off, saluting the Baron and field officer of
the day, as they pass. Pennsylvania brigade almost all old soldiers, and well
disciplined when compared with those of Maryland and Virginia. But the troops
from the eastward far superior to either.
SOURCE: J. B.
Lippincott & Co., Publisher, The Record of the Court at Upland, in
Pennsylvania. 1676 to 1681. And a Military Journal Kept by Major E. Denny, 1781
to 1795, pp. 243-4
Joined by the last
of the troops from the eastward. French encamped a few miles on the right; busy
in getting cannon and military stores from on board the vessels.
SOURCE: J. B.
Lippincott & Co., Publisher, The Record of the Court at Upland, in
Pennsylvania. 1676 to 1681. And a Military Journal Kept by Major E. Denny, 1781
to 1795, p. 244
The whole army moved
in three divisions toward the enemy, who were strongly posted at York, about twelve
miles distant. Their pickets and light troops retire. We encamped about three
miles off — change ground and take a position within one mile of York; rising
ground (covered with tall handsome pines) called Pigeon Hill, separates us from
a view of the town. Enemy keep possession of Pigeon Hill. York on a high, sandy
plain, on a deep navigable river of same name. Americans on the right; French
on the left, extending on both sides of the river; preparations for a siege.
One-third of the army on fatigue every day, engaged in various duties, making
gabions, fascines, saucissons, &c., and great exertions and labor in
getting on the heavy artillery. Strong covering parties (whole regiments) moved
from camp as soon as dark, and lay all night upon their arms between us and the
enemy. Our regiment, when on this duty, were under cover, and secured from the
shot by Pigeon Hill; now and then a heavy shot from the enemy's works reached
our camp. Our patrols, and those of the British, met occasionally in the dark,
sometimes a few shot were exchanged—would generally retire. Colonel Schamel,
adjutant-general to the army, with two or three attendants, on a party of
observation, ventured rather close; they were seen and intercepted by a few
smart horsemen from the British. Schamel forced his way through, and got back
to camp, but received a wound, of which he died next day. His death was
lamented, and noticed by the Commander-in-chief in his orders. Possession taken
of Pigeon Hill, and temporary work erected. Generals and engineers, in viewing
and surveying the ground, are always fired upon and sometimes pursued. Escorts
and covering parties stationed at convenient distances under cover of wood,
rising ground, &c., afford support. This business reminds me of a play
among the boys, called Prison-base. At length, everything in readiness, a
division of the army broke ground on the night of the 6th of October, and
opened the first parallel about six hundred yards from the works of the enemy.
Every exertion to annoy our men, who were necessarily obliged to be exposed
about the works; however, the business went on, and on the 9th our cannon and
mortars began to play. The scene viewed from the camp now was grand,
particularly after dark — a number of shells from the works of both parties passing
high in the air, and descending in a curve, each with a long train of fire,
exhibited a brilliant spectacle. Troops in three divisions manned the lines
alternately. We were two nights in camp and one in the lines; relieved about
ten o'clock. Passed and repassed by a covert way leading to the parallel.
SOURCE: J. B.
Lippincott & Co., Publisher, The Record of the Court at Upland, in
Pennsylvania. 1676 to 1681. And a Military Journal Kept by Major E. Denny, 1781
to 1795, p. 244-5
Second parallel
thrown up within three hundred yards of the main works of the enemy; new
batteries erected, and additional number of cannon brought forward—some
twenty-four pounders and heavy mortars and howitzers. A tremendous fire now
opened from all the new works, French and American. The heavy cannon directed
against the embrasures and guns of the enemy. Their pieces were soon silenced,
broke and dismantled. Shells from behind their works still kept up. Two
redoubts advanced of their lines, and within rifle shot of our second parallel,
much in the way. These forts or redoubts were well secured by a ditch and
picket, sufficiently high parapet, and within were divisions made by rows of
casks ranged upon end and filled with earth and sand. On tops of parapet were
ranged bags filled with sand — a deep narrow ditch communicating with their
main lines. On the night of the 14th, shortly after dark, these redoubts were
taken by storm; the one on our right, by the Marquis, with part of his light
infantry — the other, more to our left, but partly opposite the centre of the
British lines, by the French. Our batteries had kept a constant fire upon the
redoubts through the day. Belonged this evening to a command detailed for the
purpose of supporting the Marquis. The night was dark and favorable. Our
batteries had ceased — there appeared to be a dead calm; we followed the
infantry and halted about half way — kept a few minutes in suspense, when we
were ordered to advance. The business was over, not a gun was fired by the
assailants; the bayonet only was used; ten or twelve of the infantry were
killed. French had to contend with a post of more force their loss was
considerable. Colonel Hamilton led the Marquis' advance; the British sentries
hailed them — no answer made. They also hailed the French, "Who comes
there?" were answered, "French grenadiers." Colonel Walter
Stewart commanded the regiment of reserve which accompanied the Marquis; they
were immediately employed in connecting, by a ditch and parapet, the two
redoubts, and completing and connecting the same with our second parallel. The
British were soon alarmed; some from each of the redoubts made their escape.
The whole enemy were under arms—much firing round all their lines, but
particularly toward our regiment, where the men were at work; the shot passed
over. In about three quarters of an hour we were under cover. Easy digging;
light sandy ground.
SOURCE: J. B.
Lippincott & Co., Publisher, The Record of the Court at Upland, in
Pennsylvania. 1676 to 1681. And a Military Journal Kept by Major E. Denny, 1781
to 1795, pp. 246-7
Heavy fire from our
batteries all day. A shell from one of the French mortars set fire to a British
frigate; she burnt to the water's edge, and blew up made the earth shake. Shot
and shell raked the town in every direction. Bomb-proofs the only place of
safety.
SOURCE: J. B.
Lippincott & Co., Publisher, The Record of the Court at Upland, in
Pennsylvania. 1676 to 1681. And a Military Journal Kept by Major E. Denny, 1781
to 1795, p. 247
Just before day the
enemy made a sortie, spiked the guns in two batteries and retired. Our troops
in the parallel scarcely knew of their approach until they were off; the thing
was done silently and in an instant. The batteries stood in advance of the
lines, and none within but artillery. This day, the 16th, our division manned
the lines—firing continued without intermission. Pretty strong detachments
posted in each battery over night.
SOURCE: J. B.
Lippincott & Co., Publisher, The Record of the Court at Upland, in
Pennsylvania. 1676 to 1681. And a Military Journal Kept by Major E. Denny, 1781
to 1795, p. 247
In the morning,
before relief came, had the pleasure of seeing a drummer mount the enemy's
parapet, and beat a parley, and immediately an officer, holding up a white
handkerchief, made his appearance outside their works; the drummer accompanied
him, beating. Our batteries ceased. An officer from our lines ran and met the
other, and tied the handkerchief over his eyes. The drummer sent back, and the
British officer conducted to a house in rear of our lines. Firing ceased
totally.
SOURCE: J. B.
Lippincott & Co., Publisher, The Record of the Court at Upland, in
Pennsylvania. 1676 to 1681. And a Military Journal Kept by Major E. Denny, 1781
to 1795, p. 248
Several flags pass
and repass now even without the drum. Had we not seen the drummer in his red
coat when he first mounted, he might have beat away till doomsday. The constant
firing was too much for the sound of a single drum; but when the firing ceased,
I thought I never heard a drum equal to it—the most delightful music to us all.
SOURCE: J. B.
Lippincott & Co., Publisher, The Record of the Court at Upland, in
Pennsylvania. 1676 to 1681. And a Military Journal Kept by Major E. Denny, 1781
to 1795, p. 248
Our division man the
lines again. All is quiet. Articles of capitulation signed; detachments of
French and Americans take possession of British forts. Major Hamilton
commanded a battalion which took possession of a fort immediately opposite our
right and on the bank of York river. I carried the standard of our regiment on
this occasion. On entering the fort, Baron Steuben, who accompanied us, took
the standard from me and planted it himself. The British army parade and march
out with their colors furled; drums beat as if they did not care how. Grounded
their arms and returned to town. Much confusion and riot among the British
through the day; many of the soldiers were intoxicated; several attempts in
course of the night to break open stores; an American sentinel killed by a
British soldier with a bayonet; our patrols kept busy. Glad to be relieved from
this disagreeable station. Negroes lie about, sick and dying, in every stage of
the small pox. Never was in so filthy a place — some handsome houses, but prodigiously
shattered. Vast heaps of shot and shells lying about in every quarter, which
came from our works. The shells did not burst, as was expected. Returns of
British soldiers, prisoners six thousand, and seamen about one thousand. Lord
Cornwallis excused himself from marching out with the troops; they were
conducted by General O'Hara. Our loss said to be about three hundred; that of
the enemy said not more than five hundred and fifty. Fine supply of stores and
merchandise had; articles suitable for clothing were taken for the use of the
army. A portion furnished each officer to the amount of sixty dollars.
SOURCE: J. B.
Lippincott & Co., Publisher, The Record of the Court at Upland, in
Pennsylvania. 1676 to 1681. And a Military Journal Kept by Major E. Denny, 1781
to 1795, pp. 248-9
Joined by a new
raised regiment from Pennsylvania. Officers hastened to partake of the siege,
but were too late. British troops march into the interior to Winchester and
other places. Visit Gloucester, small village opposite York; nothing seen
there. Some of our officers return to Pennsylvania, others take their place.
Visit Williamsburg in company with young gentlemen of the country, on
horseback; spend a few days very agreeably. Militia employed leveling the
lines. Our brigade prepare for a long march.
SOURCE: J. B.
Lippincott & Co., Publisher, The Record of the Court at Upland, in
Pennsylvania. 1676 to 1681. And a Military Journal Kept by Major E. Denny, 1781
to 1795, p. 249
Three regiments of
Pennsylvania, a detachment of artillery, and Maryland troops, commence their
march for South Carolina—General St. Clair, the commanding officer. Easy,
regular marching; roads generally good, through sandy country. Pass through
Richmond and Guilford, in North Carolina, where General Green and the British
had a hard fight; also Camden, where Gates was defeated. Halted at least one
day in the week for purpose of washing and refreshing.
SOURCE: J. B.
Lippincott & Co., Publisher, The Record of the Court at Upland, in
Pennsylvania. 1676 to 1681. And a Military Journal Kept by Major E. Denny, 1781
to 1795, pp. 249-50
Continued on our ground until 4 o'clock in the afternoon; moved 5 miles towards Leesburg, where I am informed that Dan'l May lives and keeps a public house. Loudon Co.—5 miles.
SOURCE: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Publisher, Journal of Lieut. William Feltman, of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, 1781-82, p. 3
Continued on this ground till evening, it being very wet and disagreeable.
SOURCE: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Publisher, Journal of Lieut. William Feltman, of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, 1781-82, p. 3
Took up the line of march at 10 o'clock A. M. Passed through Leesburg, (which is but a very small town and not built regular.) We encamped at Goose Creek, being 15 miles.
SOURCE: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Publisher, Journal of Lieut. William Feltman, of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, 1781-82, pp. 3-4
Marched at six o'clock in the morning, and had orders from Gen. Wayne to leave our heavy baggage at this place (Mr. Corks's mills), and the sick of the line under the care of a surgeon. Marched through a low country, roads being very bad, in consequence of the rains we had a few days before, and encamped at the Red House, 18 miles—Prince William County.
SOURCE: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Publisher, Journal of Lieut. William Feltman, of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, 1781-82, p. 4
A wet morning, cleared about 10 o'clock, A. M. Marched at 1 o'clock P. M., proceeded 12 miles towards Rappahannock, where we lay out without any kind of shelter—12 miles.
SOURCE: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Publisher, Journal of Lieut. William Feltman, of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, 1781-82, p. 4
March at six o'clock, A. M.—9 miles, Fauquier County.
SOURCE: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Publisher, Journal of Lieut. William Feltman, of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, 1781-82, p. 4
Continued on our ground in consequence of a heavy rain.
SOURCE: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Publisher, Journal of Lieut. William Feltman, of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, 1781-82, p. 4
