Journal of Captain John Montresor, August 29, 1777

Weather delightful and cool especially the mornings and evenings which are now rather cold. The Chasseurs pushed a body of the rebel Infantry at daylight this morning. Several of the Small craft arrived at the Lower landing with provisions &c. This country abounding in Forage, Pasture and vegetables, but the Inhabitants flown. Large quantities of apples green and Indian Corn which are in moderation great refreshments to the Soldiery. This night Lt.-Gen. Kniphuysen with the Troops left at Elk Ferry, crossed the Elk and encamped at Cecil Court house. 13 of our men deserted from us, or taken by the Enemy when marauding. A man came in from Philadelphia, that passed through the Rebel country who assured us that they are posted at Brandywine with a considerable body at White Clay Creek. About four hundred men advanced to Iron hill about five and a half miles from hence.

SOURCE: G. D. Scull, Editor, The Montresor Journals, p. 444

Diary of Reverend Enos Hitchcock, June 7, 1777

A Soldier in Col^o Marshals Regt. set on ye Gallows ½ an Hour & receivd 100 Stripes for enlisting twice & deserting. Col^o Hays dined with us upon Venison Soop &c fair & pleasant—Report of ye Capture of ye Milford.

SOURCE: Amos Perry, The Town Records of Rhode Island, Publications of the Rhode Island Historical Society, New Series, Vol. 7 (1899), p. 111

Diary of Reverend Enos Hitchcock, June 28, 1777

An account of two large Vessels sailing down the Lake—turned out at Gunfiring attended Prayers on the Brigade parade before Sunrise—warm Day— about Sunset one of their Vessels was discovered this side five mile point by a boat of ours & three a little below, upon seeing our Boat (80 Rods distant) they hoisted two, chased & fired upon it, several fires were exchanged which soon communicated to ye guard Boat who gave the Signal & an Alarm was fired—about half after 9 ^oClock, I had just got into Bed, but immediately turned out & went parade, found the Brigade generally turned out & very Spirited—dismissed at half after eleven to lay on arms—Lieut. Huax deserted to the Enemy—

SOURCE: Amos Perry, The Town Records of Rhode Island, Publications of the Rhode Island Historical Society, New Series, Vol. 7 (1899), p. 115

Diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer, August 29, 1768

About nine o'clock this morning a soldier was shot for desertion in front of the Jews' burial-ground wall.

SOURCE: Jacob Cox Parsons, Editor, Extracts from the Diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer, of Philadelphia, 1765-1798, p. 15

Journal of Lieutenant Ebenezer Denny, December 30, 1782

Broke up our camp. Pennsylvanians have been reduced, by deaths, desertions, &c., and were now incorporated into one regiment of six hundred men. Supernumerary officers went home to their own State. Lieut.-Col. Commt. Josiah Harmar, who had acted as Adjutant-general since our junction with General Green, took command of this regiment.

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. 253-4

Diary of Sergeant James McMichael, July 24, 1776

At the beating of Tattoo a boat was hailed by our sentries, going down Raritan river. This alarmed us all and occasioned us to stand by our arms and go to our alarm posts. On being brought to shore we found the crew had deserted her, and only a few swivel balls on board.

SOURCE: “Diary of Lieutenant James McMichael,” William H. Egle, Editor, Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, Vol. XV: Journals and Diaries of the War of the Revolution with Lists of Officers and Soldiers, 1775-1783, p. 196