American Revolution Notebook: 1st PA REGT

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Monday, October 26, 2026

Journal of Lieutenant William Feltman, September 1, 1781

The troops took up the line of march at 9 o'clock this morning, and encamped at Surry Court House—12 miles.

This morning an express arrived in our camp, informing us that the French fleet was close by us, being 28 ships of the line, and 4 frigates all very large vessels, viz: One of 110 guns, three of eighty, ten of seventy-five, and all the rest sixty-fours—12 miles,

SOURCE: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Publisher, Journal of Lieut. William Feltman, of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, 1781-82, p. 11

Journal of Lieutenant William Feltman, September 2, 1781

This morning at day-light, the troops took up the line of march and encamped opposite Jamestown, where lay a small English vessel under the sanction of a flag. We lay about two hours on our ground expecting every moment to see a glorious sight; at last a number of large boats appeared in sight with about three thousand French troops on board, and also three large armed vessels to cover the troops landing.

The troops landed on our opposite side, on James's Island, and there encamped—which spread an universal joy amongst our officers and soldiers. Never did I behold a more beautiful and agreeable sight.

This morning I mounted the rear camp guard of our line. This evening Gen. Wayne was unfortunately wounded in the thigh with a buck shot, by one of the Marquis's sentinels, which renders him unfit for duty—5 miles.

SOURCE: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Publisher, Journal of Lieut. William Feltman, of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, 1781-82, pp. 11-12

Journal of Lieutenant William Feltman, September 3, 1781

This morning the general beat at 6 o'clock. The troops in half an hour after marched to James River, where the French boats lay in order to cross our troops. We landed below James's Island, and lay by the greatest part of the day, near the church, within half a mile of where we had the action of the 6th of July last. In the evening we marched for the Green Springs, and there lay that night without tent or any other shelter. A very heavy rain the whole time of our march.

Took a walk to take a view of the French troops, who make a very fine, soldierly appearance, they being all very tall men; their uniform is white coats turned up with blue, their underclothes are white.

We left all our tents and baggage on the other side of the river. This day three seventy-fours and one frigate went up York river, to block up the British vessels.

The Count de Grasse sent a flag to Lord Cornwallis, desiring him on his peril not to destroy any of his vessels, stores, &c.—2 miles.

SOURCE: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Publisher, Journal of Lieut. William Feltman, of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, 1781-82, p. 12

Journal of Lieutenant William Feltman, September 4, 1781

The troops took up the line of march at 4 o'clock this morning for Williamsburgh, (which is a place I long wished to see,) joined the Marquis la Fayette's corps of Infantry, about two miles from town-having no provisions this day nor yesterday, we formed our line close near the College, and were received by the French Gen. St. Simon, and a number of other French gentry. In the evening our troops quartered in the College—7 miles.

SOURCE: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Publisher, Journal of Lieut. William Feltman, of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, 1781-82, p. 12

Journal of Lieutenant William Feltman, September 5, 1781

This day marched hack again one mile in order for our men to wash their clothing and cook provisions.

Took a walk to town with a number of our gentlemen, and took a view of the town, as it is the metropolis of Virginia. There are some very elegant buildings, such as the College, Palace, Capitol or State House, in which is erected a statue of marble, the image of Lieut. Gen. Berkely, Govornor of the State of Virginia, &c.

As we passed through town Doct. Nicholson very politely asked as to walk with him to his house; we were very elegantly entertained with a good dinner, a glass of good spirits and Maderia wine.

SOURCE: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Publisher, Journal of Lieut. William Feltman, of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, 1781-82, p. 12

Journal of Lieutenant William Feltman, September 6, 1781

This morning 8 o'clock, the troops took up a line of march and marched through Williamsburg towards Yorktown, and encamped near Col. Nat. Burrell's mill, which is a very advantageous post. At said Mr. Burrell's mill I had the pleasure of seeing rice growing, which I thought was a great curiosity. It grows about two feet high, with one long small leaf and exactly like the top or seed of Indian corn. It grows in low marshy ground—4 miles.

SOURCE: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Publisher, Journal of Lieut. William Feltman, of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, 1781-82, pp. 12-13

Journal of Lieutenant William Feltman, September 7, 1781

This morning I mounted the rear picquet of our line. As we were on the grand parade, a party of the enemy's Dragoons drove a party of our Horse within our advance picquet, where they were very warmly received by them with a platoon of musketry; they immediately retired. All our guards marched to Mr. Burrell's mills, and there took post, where we remained for some time expecting them to return again. We were then ordered to march to our respective post.

In the evening I marched my picquet within one mile and a half York river.