Journal of Lieutenant William Feltman, September 30, 1781

This morning about 8 o'clock, upon strict examination, we found that the enemy had evacuated all their outworks, which we immediately took possession of. The French and British had a severe engagement this morning. One of the French officers lost his leg, and a number of the privates killed and wounded.

Col. Scammell was wounded and taken prisoner this morning.

Lt. Tilden and self took a walk to view their works which they evacuated last night, which was within musket shot of their main works, when we perceived a flag advancing towards us, which we immediately went to meet, and on examination found that he had a letter for Lieut. Col. Huntington of Col. Scammel's Reg't, informing him of his captivity, and desiring him to send his waiter and clothing to Williamsburgh, where he would be sent on parole as soon as his wound was dressed.

This day Capt. Davis laid a bet with me of a beaver hat that Lord Cornwallis and his army would be prisoners of war by the next Sunday.

This evening Capt. Smith of our battalion, a sub. from Col. Gaskin's Reg't, and self, with fifty men, mounted the advance guard in front of the enemy's left, near the ruins of a mill.

SOURCE: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Publisher, Journal of Lieut. William Feltman, of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, 1781-82, p. 16

Journal of Captain John Montresor, August 12, 1777

Wind as usual S. W. — Course W. N. W. weather fine but a hazy horizon. Small Swell; observed a gentle current. Could smell the land, the fragrance of the pines in particular at 6½ this morning. The Ships of war hoisted their Colours, supposed for seeing the land. The water Changed very visibly. A small flock of sand larks passed. Fleet scattered. Sounded at 11 o'clock A. M. in 18 Fathoms, supposed to be 12 leagues from land. Latitude (at Noon) 37° 31'. Gained 50 miles westing this last 24 hours to 12 o'clock this day. Weather somewhat cooler but very hot yet. The heat of the Sun here feels more like an artificial than a genial heat, and the heat of this night Insupportable. The wind this night from S. W. to W. S. West. Sailing one time with another about 2 Knots & ½. At 3½ P. M. discovered the land from the Mast head and at 7 the fleet tacked and stood off. At five P. M. could observe the land from the deck.

SOURCE: G. D. Scull, Editor, The Montresor Journals, pp. 435-6

Journal of Captain John Montresor, August 21, 1777

Fair wind, all the morning and a fine tide. At 5 o'clock the Fleet weighed, weather very clear and water smooth. At 7 A. M. Came abreast of Annapolis, the Capital of Maryland and on the River Severn. The rebels had 2 flags flying on 2 forts, one on Horn's Point and one on Greenberry Point to command the entrance of the Harbour, besides the works at the Point of the Town. Several of our fleet damaged during our voyage by Lightning, some men Killed and several Horses.

SOURCE: G. D. Scull, Editor, The Montresor Journals, p. 441

Journal of Lieutenant Ebenezer Denny, October 18, 1781

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

Journal of Lieutenant Ebenezer Denny, October 19, 1781

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

Journal of Samuel Curwen, May 5, 1775

I find the drums beating, colours flying, and detachments of newly raised militia parading the streets;—the whole country appears determined to assume a military character, and this city, throwing off her pacific aspect, is forming military companies, a plan being laid for thirty-three; composed of all ranks and nations, uniting shoulder to shoulder, they form so many patriotic bands to oppose like the invincible Macedonian phalanx, the progress and increase of parliamentary authority. The Quakers, not to be behind in manifesting their aversion, have obtained permission of the city committee to make up two companies of Friends exclusively, and they are to be commanded by Samuel Marshall and Thomas Mifflin,¹ both of that persuasion.

So powerful is the love of liberty, and so great the dread of ministerial designs, that the strongest prejudices and habits have given way and are controlled by the former.

The House this day having received a message from the governor with Lord North's conciliatory plan, has on a full debate rejected it, being resolved to adhere to the union.

Joseph Lee² hearing I was in the city, came to see me, and advised my going to London.

_______________

¹ See Supplement.

² See Supplement.

SOURCE: George Atkinson Ward, Journal and Letters of the Late Samuel Curwen, Judge of Admiralty, etc., An American Refugee in England from 1775 to 1784, pp. 26-7