Diary of Sergeant James McMichael, July 18, 1776

This morning received orders to resume our former station at Amboy, and at 10 o'clock left Elizabethtown. This night we joined Gen. Mercer's brigade, no longer to take orders from an officer under a Brigadier General, for we now act as Continental troops, tho' raised for the defense of Pennsylvania.

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

Diary of Sergeant James McMichael, July 23, 1776

This day 1000 of the Pennsylvania militia came to Perth Amboy. A rifleman was shot by the enemy going in a boat to Staten Island.

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

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

Diary of Sergeant James McMichael, July 25, 1776

At 4 P. M. three schooners came down the Sound and were hailed by our sentries. Returning no answer, a heavy cannonade ensued on both sides—from our battery near the Ferry, and from the enemy at Billop's Point on Staten Island. During the action we had one man killed and one wounded—the schooners got off much damaged.

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, pp. 196-7

Diary of Sergeant James McMichael, May 27, 1776

After Capt. Marshall's company formed at the Cross Roads, Drumore township, Lancaster County, we all marched at 3 o'clock P. M., and arrived at Colonel Thompson's at 6, where we remained that night. Being necessitated to Lodge without a Bed, I passed the night without sleep,—it being the first night I ever was denied a bed.

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. 195

Diary of Sergeant James McMichael, May 28, 1776

Marched from Col. Thompson's at 7 A. M., proceeding thro' Fagg's Manor and arrived at Welch's Tavern. Here I spent the night with my worthy friend Lieut. John Clark.

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. 195

Diary of Sergeant James McMichael, May 29, 1776

Having orders to proceed to Chester we marched at daybreak, and at 2 P. M., reached our destination; but orders being countermanded we returned to Prospect Hill, near Marcus Hook, where we encamped in tents, which was to me very disagreeable.

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. 195

Diary of Sergeant James McMichael, May 30, 1776

Having now joined Col. Miles's Regiment we were this morning ordered on parade, when we went thro' our manœuvres and evolutions with great applause.

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. 195