CARLISLE. — The Pennsylvania Line, after the revolt and
discharge of the men, last winter, were reduced to six regiments; the officers
ordered to different towns within the State to recruit. An appointment of
ensign in the 7th had been obtained for me in August last; the 7th and 4th were
incorporated, and under command of Lt. Col. Comt. William Butler, rendezvoused
at this place companies now about half full. The effective men were formed into
four companies, and marched to Little York; I was arranged to one of the
marching companies, Samuel Montgomery, captain, and George Bluer, lieutenant.
All the recruits fit for service, from the different stations, were brought to
York, formed into two regiments of eight companies each, destined for the State
of Virginia. A few days spent in equipping, &c., and for the trial of
soldiers charged with mutiny, General Anthony Wayne, the commanding officer,
influenced, no doubt, by experience of the revolt last winter, expresses a
determination to punish, with the utmost rigor, every case of mutiny or
disobedience. A general court martial continued sitting several days; twenty
odd prisoners brought before them; seven were sentenced to die. The regiments paraded
in the evening earlier than usual; orders passed to the officers along the line
to put to death instantly any man who stirred from his rank. In front of the
parade the ground rose and descended again, and at the distance of about three
hundred yards over this rising ground, the prisoners were escorted by a
captain's guard; heard the fire of one platoon and immediately a smaller one,
when the regiments wheeled by companies and marched round by the place of
execution. This was an awful exhibition. The seven objects were seen by the
troops just as they had sunk or fell under the fire. The sight must have made
an impression on the men; it was designed with that view.
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. 237-8
