Diary of Christopher Marshall: Leaf B, April 26, 1775

[B]

PHILADELPHIA, April 26, 1775.

Wednesday, 12 o'clock.

By an Express just arrived, we have the following.

Wallingford, Monday morning, April 24, 1775.

Dear Sir

COL. Woodworth was over in this place yesterday and has ordered 20 men from each company in his regiment, some of which have already set off, and others go this morning. He brings accounts which came to him authenticated as late as Thursday afternoon. The king's troops being reinforced a second time and joined as I suppose from what I can learn by the party who were intercepted by Col. Gardiner, were then encamped on Winterhill, and were surrounded by 20,000 of our men who were entrenching.

Colonel Gardiner's ambush proved fatal to Lord Percy, and one other General Officer, who were killed on the spot the first fire.—To counterbalance this good news, the story is, that our first man in command (who he is I know not) is also killed.—It seems they have lost many men on both sides.—Col. Woodsworth had the account in a letter from Hartford.—

The country beyond here are all gone off, and we expect it will be impossible to procure horses for our waggons, as they have or will in every place employ their horses themselves. In this place they send an horse for every sixth man and are pressing them for that purpose. I know of no way but you must send immediately a couple of able horses, who may overtake us at Hartford possibly, where we must return Mr. Noy's and Meloy's, if they hold out so far. Remember the horses must be had at any rate. I am in great haste

Your entire friend and humble servant

JAMES LOCKWOOD.

P. S. Col. Gardiner took 9 prisoners, and 12 clubbed their firelocks and came over to our party.—

Colonel Gardiner's party consisted of 700, and the regulars of 1800 instead of 1200, as we heard before.—They have sent a vessel up the Mystic river as far as Temple's Farm, which is about half a mile from Winterhill.—These accounts being true, all the King's Troops, except 4 or 500, must be encamped on Winterhill. At the instance of the gentlemen of Fairfield just departed this copy is taken verbatim from the original, to be forwarded to that town.

ISAAC BEARS

The above is copied and authenticated by the several Committees through Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey

*** Winter Hill is about two miles from Boston. Wallingford is fourteen miles from New Haven.

Printed by W. and T. BRADFORD.

SOURCE: William Duane, Editor, Passages from the Diary of Christopher Marshall, Kept in Philadelphia and Lancaster during the American Revolution, Vol. 1, 1774-1777, p. 22-3

Journal of Lieutenant William Feltman, September 15, 1781

This morning about two o'clock, as I was walking up and down past one of my sentinels in order to keep myself awake, I was very agreeably entertained by the singing of a mocking-bird. He sang by himself and continued his notes till day-light. One would have imagined that he was sensible of the merit of his accomplishments and that it was in complaisance to man as well as for his satisfaction that he was pleased to sing when all was silent (but the barking of some dogs). Nothing animated him so much as the stillness of nature; 'twas then that he composed and executed all his tones. He raised from seriousness to gaiety, and from a simple song to a more sportive warbling, from the lightest quivers and divisions, he softened into the most languishing and plaintive sighs, which he afterwards forsook to return to his natural sprightliness.

Interrupted by the passing and repassing of the soldiers, waggons, &c. by examining them.

This day we had a very heavy shower of rain.

SOURCE: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Publisher, Journal of Lieut. William Feltman, of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, 1781-82, p. 14

Journal of Captain John Montresor, August 31, 1777

Lt.-Gen'l Kniphuysen marched easterly on the neck into the Country, together with Generals Gray, Agnew, and Sir William Erskine in order to secure Cattle, waggons and Horses, &c., the army lying in great want of horses, owing to so long and unexpected a voyage hither both as to their flesh and their numbers. Weather very fine but intensely hot in the middle of the day, mornings and evenings rather cool. A Skirmish this morning—a body of rebels having appeared which the 23d Regt. attacked and pushed, taking 3 prisoners—they having one Killed and 5 wounded. Two deserters came in from the Rebel Army. The Command with General Kniphuysen taken 261 head horned Cattle and 568 sheep and 100 horses. Picket of 5th Regt. took 36 head Horned Cattle. A light horse deserter Came in. Lost 5 more Royal Artillery's.

SOURCE: G. D. Scull, Editor, The Montresor Journals, pp. 444-5

Journal of Captain John Montresor, June 28, 1777

At 4 this morning the whole marched and reached Amboy in 5 hours and mostly encamped. Weather exceptionally hot—no firing at all. This country richer and better watered. Part of the Army Continued their march, crossed the Ferry to Staaten Island and encamped there, and one Brigade of Hessians embarked on board their respective vessels lying near Amboy. Much baggage, Waggons, Horses & ferried across likewise. Some deserters from the Rebels and one Light dragoon. The Vigilant armed with 18 and 24 pounders & made up the Rariton, so as to flank our Camp. Flat bottomed boats and such cratt arrived this afternoon at Amboy from Princes Bay.

SOURCE: G. D. Scull, Editor, The Montresor Journals, pp. 425-6

Journal of Captain John Montresor, Sunday, June 29, 1777

The whole day principally taken up in transporting in Flat boats & the Baggage of this Army across to Staaten Island together with every kind of "Stores de Guerre de bouche" besides Artillery, Horned Cattle, waggons, Horses and a working party of 300 men employed in Erazing the Interiour faces of the Redoubts & the Exteriour of Fort Callibogus fronting towards Staaten Island. Six deserters came in. Captain Finch of the Grenadiers died of his wounds and buried this day at Amboy. Every preparation forming this day for our leaving the Province tomorrow. Gallies and armed vessels posted in the Kills and Raritan so as to cover our passage from Staaten Island which ferry is about of a mile across. New York Company of Volunteers detached from King's Bridge towards White plains—killed 6 of the rebels and brought in Eight Prisoners—Twenty five head of Cattle and Eleven Horses.

SOURCE: G. D. Scull, Editor, The Montresor Journals, p. 426