Journal of Lieutenant Isaac Bangs, May 22, 1776

Growing Better, I am determined to go into the Tents.

SOURCE: Edward Bangs, Edited, Journal of Lieutenant Isaac Bangs, April 1 to July 29, 1776, p. 36

Journal of Lieutenant Isaac Bangs, May 23, 1776

Ride up to the Tents, & almost Frieze in the Night.

SOURCE: Edward Bangs, Edited, Journal of Lieutenant Isaac Bangs, April 1 to July 29, 1776, p. 36

Journal of Lieutenant Isaac Bangs, May 24, 1776

Spend my Time very disagreably upon account of the Caprice of several pretended Gentlemen. However I have several worthy Friends; I am determined to take as little of insults as possible. Had News from Boston of a valuable Prize being taken by Capt Mugford in a Continental armed Schooner. Capt. Mugford unhapily lost his Life by opposing 13 Boats from the Men of War, who endeavoured to board him & retake the Prize; but they were repulsed with great loss.

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Blog Editor’s Note:  The Franklin was a 60-ton, six-gun armed schooner originally employed as a fishing vessel at Marblehead, Massachusetts, before being fitted out for American military service by order of General George Washington in 1775. On May 17, 1776, while operating in Boston Harbor under the command of James Mugford, she captured the British transport ship Hope, a vessel of approximately 300 tons that had sailed from Cork, Ireland, carrying a valuable cargo of military supplies, including 1,500 barrels of gunpowder and 1,000 carbines intended for British forces. The capture was accomplished without resistance, despite the presence of British warships nearby, and the Hope was brought safely into Boston. Two days later, on May 19, Mugford took the Franklin out on another cruise in company with the American privateer Lady Washington, commanded by Captain Cunningham. After running aground near Point Shirley, Massachusetts, the Franklin was attacked during the night by a British force of twelve or thirteen boats filled with armed men. Mugford and his crew vigorously defended the schooner, reportedly sinking several enemy boats and inflicting considerable casualties before repulsing the attack. Mugford, however, was mortally wounded during the engagement. According to General Artemas Ward's report to General George Washington dated May 20, 1776, Mugford was run through with a lance while attempting to prevent the British from boarding his vessel; Ward also noted that no other member of the Franklin's crew was killed or wounded. The schooner subsequently escaped and was returned to her original owner later that year.

Sources:

1. Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command, entry for Franklin (Schooner), 1776.
2. General Artemas Ward to George Washington, May 20, 1776, Naval Documents of the American Revolution, vol. 5.
3. Chester G. Hearn, "The Death of the Valiant Mugford," Naval History, April 1995.

Historical note: Contemporary accounts differ concerning the precise circumstances of Mugford's fatal wound, with some reporting that he was shot and General Ward's report stating that he was pierced by a lance.

SOURCE: Edward Bangs, Edited, Journal of Lieutenant Isaac Bangs, April 1 to July 29, 1776, p. 36

Journal of Lieutenant Isaac Bangs, May 25, 1776

Being unable to walk, I took a ride into the City; took this opportunity to call upon Miss Betsy Grim, whom I had not visited since I was first taken ill. She had the day before gone to make a visit in the Country. The Family wondered at my so long absence, but concluded I was sick. Saw Lieut. Webb, who was doing Duty with about of the Company on board the Whale Boats; he desired me to write home to acquaint his Wife of his welfare, which I did the next Day.

SOURCE: Edward Bangs, Edited, Journal of Lieutenant Isaac Bangs, April 1 to July 29, 1776, pp. 36-7

Journal of Lieutenant Isaac Bangs, Sunday, May 26, 1776

Being lame, I could not attend upon divine Service, but spent the chief part of the Day with Majr Haden in his & my own Tent in reading Herveys Meditations. I wrote to my Mother. The Enemy are collecting a Fleet of Transports & Ships of War at Sandy Hook. Our Men have been very busied in building Forts & Breast works on the Jersie Side.

SOURCE: Edward Bangs, Edited, Journal of Lieutenant Isaac Bangs, April 1 to July 29, 1776, p. 37

Journal of Lieutenant Isaac Bangs, May 27, 1776

This is the first Time I did Duty since my late indisposition from which, thro the Goodness of God, I have almost perfectly recovered, excepting a lameness from a very bad Boil under my left Ham. I mounted Piquet, unable to do other Duty. The Men complain of hard Duty, a thing not uncommon in Armies. The Duty is very constant, tho not hard.

SOURCE: Edward Bangs, Edited, Journal of Lieutenant Isaac Bangs, April 1 to July 29, 1776, p. 37

Journal of Lieutenant Isaac Bangs, May 29, 1776

Gen Election at Boston. I took a walk into the City.

SOURCE: Edward Bangs, Edited, Journal of Lieutenant Isaac Bangs, April 1 to July 29, 1776, p. 37

Journal of Lieutenant Isaac Bangs, May 30, 1776

I went upon Fatiegue upon the Jersie side. Lieuts Hudson, Church, & Myself were the officers from our Regt. We worked upon a small Fort; the Men in General worked well. Had some disagreement with the Engineers assistant about detaining us too long, as the Men would not work after 5 o'clock, as we had to row across the River home. However, we tarried till six o'clock, tho we did no work after 5. The Men behaved well to the officers. I enjoy myself well on the recovery of my Health.

SOURCE: Edward Bangs, Edited, Journal of Lieutenant Isaac Bangs, April 1 to July 29, 1776, p. 37

Journal of Lieutenant Isaac Bangs, May 31, 1776

I took a walk to visit my Friends in the City. I am greatly rejoiced at the great regard and Esteem that I discovered I had shewn me on a particular Occasion by some of the officers in our Regt.

SOURCE: Edward Bangs, Edited, Journal of Lieutenant Isaac Bangs, April 1 to July 29, 1776, pp. 37-8

Journal of Dr. James Thatcher, July 1, 1775

The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker's Hill, June 17, 1775
Painting by John Trumbull

I improve the interim of my suspense to record an authentic narrative of the battle on Breed's hill, on the 17th of June. Intelligence had been received that it was the intention of General Gage to post a part of his troops, within a few days, on a promontory just at the entrance of the peninsula at Charlestown, called Bunker's hill. It was deemed important that our troops should possess themselves of this eminence, before the enemy could occupy it. Accordingly orders were given to Colonel Prescott a veteran of the last war, with one thousand men to march silently in the evening of the 16th of June, and throw up some intrenchments on the height of Bunker's hill. By some mistake they took possession of Breed's hill, which being about one fourth of a mile nearer Boston, was less capable of being defended. From some cause, the detachment was delayed in their labor, till 12 o'clock; but such was their alacrity, that before day light they had formed a small redoubt and some imperfect line of defence. About 4 o'clock in the morning the British were astonished to behold the works which had been thrown up in a single night, within a short distance of their vessels, without giving the least alarm. They immediately commenced a tremendous cannonade from their shipping, their floating batteries, and from all their fortifications, which could have a bearing on the American works. Bombs and shot were incessantly rolling among the provincials during the forenoon, till the royal grenadiers and light infantry could be prepared to make their formidable attack; yet one man only was killed; and the Americans courageously persevered in strengthening their works. They received in the course of the forenoon a small reinforcement, which augmented their number to about fifteen hundred, and this was not much exceeded during the day of battle. It was by an unaccountable error that those people, who had been laboring all the night, were not relieved by others, nor even furnished with provisions before the battle. Generals Putnam, Warren and Pomeroy, animated and encouraged the troops with their presence. At about 1 o'clock, 17th of June, the royal forces were observed to cross the river from Boston, and land on the shore at Charlestown; at the head of these veterans were Major General Howe and Brigadier General Pigot; their force consisted of about three thousand men, well provided with field artillery. They formed in two lines, their officers haranging them probably in such language as this. "Those cowardly rebels must and shall be put to flight. See the dastardly Yankees with rusty guns and scarcely a bayonet among them. March on, my lads, march on, show them that you are Britons; show them these dazzling arms, and bayonets bright and sharp, and you shall soon see them take to their heels and run." Hear the voice of Putnam, of Prescott and Warren. "See my brave soldiers that phalanx approaching; these lines must and shall be defended; these are the cruel enemies to your freedom; they have come to enslave you; remember their barbarous murders of our friends at Lexington; fight manfully, and they shall be vanquished, reserve your fire till their near approach; then with a sure aim cut them down, cut them down, and the victory shall be ours." The regulars deliberately advance to the attack, the grenadiers in front. The Americans reserve their fire till the enemy are within eight or ten rods, that they may do effectual execution; when, by a general discharge of musketry and field artillery, several officers and men are seen to fall, "their ranks are thinned; see the ground covered with the slain; see those wounded officers borne off the field." The conflict becomes close, and such are the fatal effects of the incessant and furious discharge of our musketry, that the regulars retreat in disorder and many of them flee even to their boats. The officers greatly agitated pursue their men and threaten them with their swords; with great difficulty they are rallied, and commanded to advance again to the attack. The provincials are prepared, and when sufficiently near, a deadly fire from their ranks puts the enemy a second time to flight, leaving such numbers of dead and wounded that several of their officers exclaim, "It is downright butchery to lead the men on afresh against the lines." At this critical moment Major General Clinton, who till now had been a spectator with General Burgoyne on Copp's hill in Boston, passed over and entered the field, just in time to unite his efforts with those of the other officers for the purpose of forcing the regulars to renew the attack. The Americans still remain firm and courageous at their posts; but unfortunately it was now discovered that their powder was nearly expended, and another supply could not be procured. The enemy now change the position of their cannon and place them in a situation to rake the inside of our breast work in its whole course, which at length obliges the provincials to retire within their little redoubt. The firing from the British ships, and other armed vessels and batteries, is now pushed to the utmost extremity; the regulars are impelled forward by their officers, and our redoubt is attacked on three sides at the same time. Our brave men continue their resistance, and actually confront the enemy with the butt end of their muskets after they had entered the fort. A party of our men under command of Captain Knowlton had taken up a post and rail fence, and placing it against another, filled the vacancy with newly mowed hay, which served as a slight defence. The British light infantry attempted to force this little party from their stand, and by this means to cut off the retreat of our troops. In this they displayed the greatest bravery, but their opposers poured forth their reserved and formidable fire in such a manner as to produce astonishing execution, and to arrest their progress, till the whole of the Americans could effect a retreat. The narrow neck of land over which alone the provincials could retire, was so securely guarded by a man of war and two floating batteries, as to render it extremely hazardous to pass over; but notwithstanding their incessant firing, our loss there was quite inconsiderable. The provincials were obliged to leave five pieces of field artillery in the hands of the enemy, finding it impossible to remove them. But a loss infinitely to be lamented, and which occasions universal grief and sorrow, is that of Major General Joseph Warren.

Joseph Warren

Portrait by John Singleton Copley, c. 1765

This distinguished patriot and hero was, but a few days before, appointed by Congress to the rank of Major General in our army. Such was his zeal and ardor that he rushed into the battle foremost in danger with his musket, and encouraged the soldiers by his example, till near the close of the battle, when he received a fatal shot and immediately expired. The loss at this crisis of a man possessing so much public virtue and military ardor is almost irreparable. But the valor with which he is signalized reflects glory on his memory. It yet remains to mention that on this ever memorable day, just at the commencement of the battle, General Howe ordered the handsome town of Charlestown to be set on fire, that the smoke might conceal their manœuvres. The town consisted of upwards of three hundred dwelling houses, some of them elegant, and about two hundred buildings of other descriptions, which contained property and goods to a large amount, belonging to the distressed inhabitants of Boston. Fire was communicated to a number of houses, which, being wafted by the wind, soon reached the sacred temple, when the flames issued from its lofty spire; while from the conflagration and the embattled field, smoke mingled with smoke in majestic columns, and ascended to the clouds. This, with the roaring of cannon, sheets of fire from the musketry, and the awful slaughter, formed a spectacle which for sublimity and grandeur has never perhaps been exceeded. This most dreadful scene, with all its concomitant horrors, was within view of a vast concourse of agonized spectators, posted on the tops of houses and steeples in Boston, and on numerous surrounding hills, hundreds of whom were trembling for the fate of a parent, a husband or a brother. Well might a devout person exclaim, Good Heavens! what a scene do I behold! what carnage of the human race! what sacrifice of precious life. My God! stay thy hand, restrain a further effusion of human blood, spare the innocent, let punishment fall on the heads of the guilty. Is there not some hidden curse in reserve for our country's foes! At the head of the British army General Howe advanced with undaunted bravery, continually pressing into the most exposed situation. It is truly wonderful that he escaped with only a wound in his foot. The valiant Major Pitcairn, who was so conspicuously active at Lexington, was among the first who mounted our breast works, and at the moment when he was heard to exclaim, "the day is ours," the fatal ball pierced his body and he fell. His son, a Captain, received him in his arms, with all the ardor of filial love and tender sympathy, and bore him to the boat where he expired. On the American side, Generals Putnam, Warren, Pomeroy, and Colonel Prescott were emphatically the heroes of the day, and their unexampled efforts were crowned with glory. The incomparable Colonel Prescott marched at the head of the detachment, and though several general officers were present, he retained the command during the action. He displayed a native daring bravery altogether unrivalled, and infused the conquering spirit of a soldier into the hearts of all who were under his command, and crowned himself with immortal honor. Colonel John Stark commanded a regiment from New Hampshire, and signalized himself by his active bravery. His very valiant Major McClary was killed by a cannon ball while recrossing Charlestown neck, which is lamented as a public loss. On this never to be forgotten occasion a fair opportunity was presented for the trial of the courage and prowess of the people of New England, when contending for their constitutional freedom. They marched to the field as an undisciplined, inexperienced body of yeomanry, rather than as professed warriors; a large majority of them carrying ordinary fire arms, unprovided with bayonets, and habited in the style of country laborers. It was their lot to contend with an army of disciplined veterans, professedly experienced in the art of warfare, uniformly clothed and armed, and commanded by generals whose names, even in Europe, are little less than a host.

The comparative force of the two armies was about two to one, against the provincials, besides the royal artillery ships, and other armed vessels. What in fact is the result of this most unequal combat? Certain it is, that on the first and the second onset, the veterans were fairly repulsed, and whatever advantage was ultimately obtained, was at the expense of some of their most valuable officers, and the flower of the British grenadiers and light infantry. These two corps, at the moment of their first onset, lost three fourths of their number; of one company five, and of another, fourteen only escaped. The remarkable disparity of loss is a clear demonstration of the superior advantage on our side. It is an ascertained fact, that of the enemy nineteen commissioned officers were killed, and seventy wounded; and their total loss, according to General Gage, was one thousand and fifty four. Of the provincials, the killed and dead of their wounds, are one hundred and thirty nine. Other wounded, two hundred and seventy eight. Prisoners by the enemy thirty six. Total four hundred and fifty three. The provincials have much

being required to describe the mode of treatment in rheumatism, among other remedies he would promote a sweat, and being asked how he would effect this with his patient, after some hesitation he replied, "I would have him examined by a medical committee." I was so fortunate as to obtain the office of surgeon's mate in the provincial hospital at Cambridge, Dr. John Warren being the senior surgeon. He was the brother and pupil of the gallant General Joseph Warren, who was slain in the memorable battle on Breed's hill. This gentleman has acquired great reputation in his profession, and is distinguished for his humanity and attention to the sick and wounded soldiers, and for his amiable disposition. Having received my appointment by the Provincial Congress, I commenced my duty in the hospital, July 15th. Several private, but commodious houses in Cambridge are occupied for hospitals, and a considerable number of soldiers who were wounded at Breed's hill, and a greater number of sick of various diseases, require all our attention. Dr. Isaac Foster, late of Charlestown, is also appointed a senior hospital surgeon; and his student, Mr. Josiah Bartlet, officiates as his mate; Dr. Benjamin Church is Director General of the hospital.

I am informed that General George Washington arrived at our provincial camp, in this town, on the 2d July; having been appointed, by the unanimous voice of the Continental Congress at Philadelphia, General and Commander in Chief of all the troops raised, and to be raised, for the defence of the United Colonies, as they are now termed. They are, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. General Washington is a native of Virginia; he was in General Braddock's defeat in 1755, and having had considerable experience in the wars with the French and Indians on the frontiers of that colony, in former years, he is supposed to possess ample qualifications for the command of our army, and the appointment gives universal satisfaction. Such is his disinterested patriotism, that he assured Congress, on his appointment, that he should receive from the public, for his military services, no other compensation than the amount of his necessary expenses. He has been received here with every mark of respect, and addressed by our Provincial Congress in the most affectionate and respectful manner. All ranks appear to repose full confidence in him as Commander in Chief; it is the fervent prayer of the religiously disposed, that he may be instrumental in bringing this unhappy controversy to an honorable and speedy termination. He is accompanied by General Lee and General Gates; two gentlemen who have held commissions in the royal army. The former is now appointed Major General, and the latter Adjutant General, by our Continental Congress. General Washington has established his head-quarters in a convenient house, about half a mile from Harvard College, and in the vicinity of our hospital. The provincial army is encamped in various parts of this town and Roxbury, and some works have been erected on Prospect Hill, and on an eminence near Roxbury church, within cannon shot of Boston. The amount of our forces I have not ascertained; but we are daily increasing in numbers, both of militia and enlisted soldiers. The operations of the war have interrupted the progress of education at college; the students have returned to their homes, and the college buildings are occupied by our soldiery.

SOURCE: James Thatcher, M.D., A Military Journal during the American Revolutionary War, from 1775 to 1783, pp. 28-36

Journal of Sally Wister, October 27, 1777

Morn[ing].  A polite "Good morning" from the M—, more sociable than ever. No wonder; a stoic cou'd not resist such affable damsels as we are.

Eve[ning].  We had again the pleasure of the Gen'l and suite at afternoon tea. He (the Gen'l, I mean) is most agreeable; so lively, so free, and chats so gaily, that I have quite an esteem for him. I must steel my heart! Capt. Furnival is gone to Baltimore, the residence of his belov'd wife.

The Major and I had a little chat to ourselves this eve. No harm, I assure thee: he and I are friends.

This eve came a parson belonging to the Army. He is (how shall I describe him?) near seven foot high, thin and meagre, not a single personal charm, and very few mental ones. He fell violently in love with Liddy at first sight; the first discover'd conquest that has been made since the arrival of the Gen'l.

Come, shall we chat about Col. Guest? He's very pretty; a charming person; his eyes are exceptional; very stern; and he so rolls them about that mine always fall under them. He bears the character of a brave officer; another admirer of Liddy's, and she is of him.

When will Sally's admirers appear? Ah! that indeed. Why, Sally has not charms sufficient to pierce the heart of a soldier. But still I won't despair. Who knows what mischief I yet may do?

Well, Debby, here's Dr. Edwards come again. Now we shall not want clack; for he has a perpetual motion in his head, and if he was not so clever as he is, we shou'd get tired.

SOURCE: Albert Cook Myers, Editor, Sally Wister's Journal A True Narrative Being A Quaker Maiden's Account Of Her Experiences With Officers Of The Continental Army, 1777-1778, pp. 94-6

Journal of Sally Wister, October 28, 1777

Nothing material engag'd us to-day.

SOURCE: Albert Cook Myers, Editor, Sally Wister's Journal A True Narrative Being A Quaker Maiden's Account Of Her Experiences With Officers Of The Continental Army, 1777-1778, p. 96

Journal of Sally Wister, October 29, 1777

I walk'd into aunt's this evening. I met the Major. Well, thee will think I am writing his history; but not so. Pleased with the rencounter, Liddy, Betsy, Stodard, and myself, seated by the fire, chatted away an hour in lively and agreeable conversation. I can't pretend to write all he said; but he shone in every subject that we talk'd of.

SOURCE: Albert Cook Myers, Editor, Sally Wister's Journal A True Narrative Being A Quaker Maiden's Account Of Her Experiences With Officers Of The Continental Army, 1777-1778, p. 96

Journal of Sally Wister, Evening, October 30, 1777

Nothing of consequence.

SOURCE: Albert Cook Myers, Editor, Sally Wister's Journal A True Narrative Being A Quaker Maiden's Account Of Her Experiences With Officers Of The Continental Army, 1777-1778, p. 96

Journal of Sally Wister, October 31, 1777

A most charming day. I walk'd to the door and received the salutation of the morn from Stodard and other officers. As often as I go to the door, so often have I seen the Major. We chat passingly, as, “A fine day, Miss Sally." "Yes, very fine, Major.'

[Night.]  Another very charming conversation with the young Marylander. He seem'd possessed of very amiable manners; sensible and agreeable. He has by his unexceptionable deportment engag'd my esteem.

SOURCE: Albert Cook Myers, Editor, Sally Wister's Journal A True Narrative Being A Quaker Maiden's Account Of Her Experiences With Officers Of The Continental Army, 1777-1778, p. 97