Museum Education Docent Guide IV

The Burning of Fairfield 4th Grade American Revolution

Table of Contents The Burning of Fairfield Exhibit Text from Landscape of Change……. Page 2

Main Points: People Lived in Fear……. Page 3 The (Slow) Burning……. Page 4 Possible Reasons Why the British Attacked……. Page 4 Timeline……. Page 4

Character Portraits: Rev. Andrew Eliot……. Page 5 Caleb Brewster & The Culper Spy Ring….Page 7 Mary Fish Silliman……. Page 9 Thaddeus & Eunice Dennie Burr……. Page 11 Cargo Lists of Items Shipped from Fairfield District……. Page 14

Map of Colonial Fairfield in CT by William Lee……. Page 17 Showing significant places in the Burning of Fairfield

The British in CT: The Battle of Ridgefield……. Page 18

Bibliography……. Page 20

FAIRFIELD MUSEUM AND HISTORY CENTER 370 BEACH ROAD, FAIRFIELD, CT 06824 www.fairfieldhistory.org | 203-259-1598

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Docent Guide IV The Burning of Fairfield

From the exhibit text of Landscape of Change, the Fairfield Museum’s inaugural exhibition from 2007

On July 7, 1779, the people of Fairfield awoke to a warning from the fort at Black Rock. A British fleet had been spotted and was anchoring off the coast. With feelings of dread and uncertainty, residents prepared to defend the town. Livestock was driven to safety. In haste, people gathered their possessions, hiding their valuable silver in wells and stonewall crevices. Some loaded wagons with household goods and food, and took refuge inland. Others stayed to defend the town. A few remained in their homes, believing the British would not harm them. No one predicted the extent of destruction that was about to occur, and with it, the downfall of the town’s prosperity.

The British invasion came in late afternoon when the troops disembarked at McKenzie’s Point, and marched up the beach. As they came within range of cannons at Black Rock Fort, Isaac Jarvis, the fort’s commander, ordered his men to fire on the troops. Local militia near the town center opened fire with muskets. Undaunted by the attack, General Tryon and his troops proceeded to set up headquarters in a home on Beach Road. The Fairfield men did not give up. They successfully defended a makeshift fortification at Round Hill, and tore up a strategic bridge crossing Ash Creek. Tryon was angered that his plan to march troops to Black Rock Fort had been foiled. In retaliation he began burning homes one by one. The terrifying scene became even more dramatic at night; a lightning storm illuminated the sky, making the flames visible to distant observers.

But the greatest damage was inflicted on the following day as the British left Fairfield. A rear guard of German mercenaries had been ordered to cover the withdrawal. In the face of furious inhabitants, they set fire to virtually all the buildings, including the churches and ministers’ homes, which Tryon had given protection. Three men were bayoneted and another was shot. Reverend Andrew Eliot, the Congregationalist minister, called the Jaegers “the vilest [soldiers] ever let loose among men.” Despite its substantially Loyalist congregation, even the Anglican Church was burned. Nine or ten people were killed; others were wounded or declared missing. Docent Guide IV: Burning of Fairfield 2

Fairfield never fully recovered from the destruction. Its stature as one of the most influential and prosperous towns in the region diminished in the slow process of rebuilding. In the decades following the war, the economic center of coastal Fairfield County shifted to Bridgeport and its superior harbor.

People Lived in Fear Although the attack may have been a surprise, the people of Fairfield lived in constant fear of attack and other activities. - Quotes from Reverend Andrew Eliot “we live – we sleep in constant fear” - Privateers – akin to pirates, but sanctioned by . • Operated whale boats between Connecticut and Sound – called The Devil’s Belt. • Patriots tried to attack, capture and sabotage British ships – and vice versa. • The British were mainly situated on Long Island and New York. • Privateers from Long Island would come to Connecticut and kidnap people for ransom to the British (as in the case with General Silliman) – and vice versa.. • Officers were highly valuable.

The Culper Spy Ring The Culper Spy Ring was created by to obtain intelligence about the British. Caleb Brewster was a key member of the Spy Ring - he lived in Fairfield, but he was born in Setaucket, Long Island. He operated a whale boat across the Sound that was docked at Black Rock harbor (see Appendix).

The (Slow) Burning Warning shots were fired from Black Rock Fort when the British were spotted anchoring their ships. See below for the entire timeline. • The people of Fairfield had time to load their things and escape the center of town . • In his journals, William Wheeler recalled gathering cattle and driving them to Toilsome Hill (now Bridgeport). • People hid valuables in stone walls and other hiding places. • Many people left behind were women, children and the elderly. The men were defending the fort, some had gone to help New Haven, others were in the militia in other areas. • Some women chose to stay behind, such as Eunice Dennie Burr. • Soldiers raided houses, ransacking the contents and even stealing the buckles off women’s shoes! • The recollections of Mary Fish Silliman are poignant reminders that the townspeople could hear, see and smell what was happening to their beloved town.

The total number of buildings destroyed included: 97 Dwelling Houses / 17 Barns / 48 Stores / 2 Schoolhouses / 1 County House 2 Meeting Houses / 1 Episcopal Church

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Reasons for the British Attack The British had several reasons for attacking the coast of Connecticut and Fairfield. Several prominent Generals disagreed about the common goal, yet several reasons emerge, including: • British Generals hoped to “draw out” George Washington from his encampment at West Point on the in New York. • The raids would send a message to the rebel privateers who were spying and attacking British supply ships. • Fairfield and the surrounding area provided provisions and supplies to the militia, such as wheat, beef, pork and mutton. Horses were indispensable for cavalry soldiers as well as pulling supplies. Governor Trumbull ordered huge quantities of flax. It is believed that flax was traded for war materials. • General Tryon wanted Black Rock Fort, which defended Fairfield, destroyed. • See the Cargo lists in the Appendix. Fairfield exported abundant amounts of flax, food products, horses, chickens and more.

The Burning of Fairfield Timeline July 2, 1779 – British General Tryon leaves New York with 2,600 troops.

July 7, 1779 4:00 a.m. – Fairfield Coast Guard spots 4 British ships off the coast Isaac Jarvis fires a warning shot from Black Rock Fort then a fog sets in over Fairfield William Wheeler and his father move their cattle to Toilsome Hill 10:00 a.m. – The fog lifts and the British ships are seen off McKenzie’s Point 3:00 p.m. – Tryon and his men come ashore, near South Pine Creek Road and their troops march east 4:00 p.m. – Tryon and his men near the spot called The Pines British troops march east on Fairfield Beach Road and then march up Beach Road 5:30 p.m. – British reinforcements arrive, led by General Garth and begin to march over Sasco Hill The Fairfield militia wait at Round Hill Some of the militia march to the Fairfield Green and fire upon the British The militia also destroy a bridge at Ash Creek 6:30 p.m. – The first houses are burned near the Fairfield Green. One of them is the home of Isaac Jennings That night, there was a thunderstorm that cracked and flashed

July 8, 1779 4:00 a.m. – The British start to bombard Black Rock Fort so that they could retreat 7:00 a.m. – The British stop attacking Black Rock Fort 8:00 a.m. – The remaining Crown Soldiers began marching back to their ships Throughout the day, German mercenaries destroy the buildings around the Fairfield Green by setting them on fire. 2:00 p.m. – The British troops depart in their ships Later that day, Greens Farms is attacked

July 11, 1779 – The British attack Norwalk

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Character Portraits Reverend Andrew Eliot

Background:  Born in 1743, died in 1805  son of a pastor of the North Church in Boston,  Harvard College graduate o Graduated in 1762 o Was a tutor at Harvard in 1768 o then a fellow in 1773  Became pastor of Church of Prime Society in Fairfield, Connecticut o Took the place of Noah Hobart who had died in 1773. o Andrew was very enthusiastic during his sermons . Led to some apprehension about hiring him  Similar to Gold Selleck and Thaddeus Burr o All important character in Fairfield during the Revolutionary War  Supporter of the patriot cause during the Revolutionary War  Some theories say that Eliot was a spy for the patriot cause  Was someone that the community looked to for guidance, especially after the Raid.

 Thoughts on British invading

“We are very much troubled on the Connecticut shore by marauding parties who pay us almost a weekly visit –we live – we sleep in constant fear.”

 Address to the First Church and Society in Fairfield - Excerpt from Eliot’s address to the first Church and Society in Fairfield at their parish meeting after the Burning of Fairfield.

It is along five years since you invited me to take the Pastoral Charge over you. Since the time when I was solemnly separated to the work of the Gospel ministry with a particular reference to the flock of Christ in this place. At that time I considered the engagement we reciprocally laid ourselves under as ministers and people to be of the most serious and Solemn Nature. By no means to be infringed upon or (?) and looked upon it as a situation for life, a life which was to be a pent in the most solicitor and (?) care for the (?) of Religion. The prosperity of Precious and Immortal Souls; determined to avoid concerning myself in any affairs but to those which pertain to my office to please and gratify the people of my charge as far as I could, will a good conscience determined to know nothing among you comparatively but Jesus Christ and him crucified – As the Great head of the Church in his holy

Docent Guide IV: Burning of Fairfield 5 providence seemed to point out this as my Station – In obedience to his call. I left parents in the decline of life – I bed (?) to the most agreeable friends and relatives. I gave up the most hopeful prospects of a settlement near my connections, in the land of my nativity – I was ambitious of nothing higher than to live and die your minister. Happy indeed was I in my situation – happy in the generous provision made for my (?). Happy in the tokens of love and respect I daily received from you. I in the esteem (?) by the multitude of kind presents received from many individuals – may god reward you a thousand fold into your own bosoms – Not a twelve months elapsed after my nomination before a cruel and unnatural war broke out which involved many of my nearest connection in trouble.

At left: The speech given by Reverend Andrew Eliot, in his own hand, on July 30th, 1779, about the buildings destroyed by the British.

MS #37, Fairfield Family Papers, Box I, Folder Q, from the collections of the Fairfield Museum and History Center.

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Character Portraits Caleb Brewster – Culper Spy Ring

Caleb Brewster of Setauket, Long Island, was an important member of the American spy ring that operated out of Setauket during the Revolutionary War under the direction of Major .

Austin Roe of Setauket, brought the secret messages from the chief spy in New York, (alias Culper, Jr.). These were turned A drawing by William Lee depicting a whaleboat like the type used by Caleb Brewster and privateers, used over to , who in turn gave them with his permission . to Caleb Brewster, who carried them across the sound in one of his boats and delivered them to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, who delivered them to General Washington, wherever he might be located.

Caleb Brewster was born in Setauket in 1747. He was the son of Benjamin Brewster, grandson of Daniel Brewster, great-grandson of the Rev. Nathaniel Brewster (the first minister of the old town church in Setauket) who is supposed to have been a nephew of Elder William Brewster, who arrived with the pilgrims. His father was a farmer and, as was too often the case in that day, gave his son only a limited education. Caleb was an active boy and was anxious to explore the world beyond his native village, so at the age of 19 went on a whaling ship bound for the coast of Greenland under command of Capt. Jonathan Worth.

His next voyage was to London in a merchant ship, and upon his return found his country engaged in the Revolutionary War. He immediately volunteered his service and within a short time was made a lieutenant of artillery. He was help in such high esteem by his officers and the commander in chief for his integrity, courage and patriotism, that in 1778 he was employed as a secret agent by Congress. Through the rest of the war he devoted himself in procuring and transmitting important information relative to the movements of the British Army in New York and on Long Island.

Brewster was among those who under Col. Parsons crossed the sound in 1777 for the purpose of capturing a company of British soldiers who had taken possession and made a fort of the Presbyterian Church at Setauket. This expedition was not successful, as, while they were making their attack on the British in the old church word came that reinforcements were coming down the sound to the aid of the British, so the attack was abandoned.

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For several years, Brewster was the trusted messenger of the secret messages from Setauket to the headquarters of major Tallmadge, across the sound, and in his lightly armed whaleboats, with good men, traveled this route as often as was necessary. He sailed under his own name and made no attempt to keep secret which side he served on. In addition to this he captured several supply ships headed for the British Army in New York, and also led his men on raids across Long Island, burning and wrecking whatever they could find belonging to the British. He had many encounters with the enemy and was sometimes wounded, but always came off victorious and was never caught.

He was with Major Tallmadge in November 1780 in the expedition that came across the sound from Fairfield, Conn., and landed at Mt. Sinai; then marched across the Island and made a successful attack on the British Fort St. George at Mastic. They returned the same way with their prisoners and part of the force went back by the way of Coram, where they burned a hay stack of 300 tons collected by the British.

On December 7, 1782, Capt. Brewster, with the whaleboats under his command, gave chase to several armed boats of the enemy in the sound, and after a desperate fight succeeded in capturing two of them. During this encounter his shoulder was pierced with a rifle ball and he was hospitalized for some time, after which he was placed on the pension roll of the army for the rest of his life. He was engaged in several other important encounters with the enemy on the water after this, and in 1783 captured the Fox, an armed British vessel in the sound during a short but fierce encounter.

In 1784 he married Anne. Daughter of Jonathan Lewis of Fairfield, Conn., where he continued to live when not in public service. He was long remembered for his great size, his fine proportions, vigorous constitution, unrivaled wit and his devil-may-care bearing. He died on his farm at Black Rock, Conn., at the age of 79. http://www.longislandgenealogy.com/patriots.html#brewster

For more information on George Washington’s spy ring (and fun activities!) go to: - Spy Letters of the American Revolution – includes images of primary sources and examples of how secret messages were hidden in quill pens, codes and more! http://www.si.umich.edu/spies/methods-quill.html

- The Setauket Spy Ring – includes an excellent map of the Culper Spy Ring http://homework.northport.k12.ny.us/ocean/mdavidson/est572/spy.htm

- Three Village Historical Society, Setauket, NY This is where Fairfield resident and privateer Caleb Brewster was from. http://www.threevillagehistoricalsociety.org/local_history.htm

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Character Portraits Mary Fish Silliman

Mrs. Silliman was a prolific letter writer – offering us a glimpse into her life. Her writings are rare - women were not always taught how to read and write in those times. • Mary Fish Silliman’s husband General was kidnapped in May, two months before the burning of Fairfield (see Appendix). • She made the arrangements to get General Silliman back by negotiating a trade. Silliman was traded for a prominent British officer. • The Silliman’s house was a refuge for many Fairfielders seeking shelter.

Background

Portrait of Mary Fish Silliman, by  Born May 30, 1736 and died July 2, 1818 Reuban Moulthrop, 1795. From the  collections of the Fairfield Historical Society. Wife of Gold Selleck Silliman (May 7, 1732 – July 21, 1789)  Gold Selleck Silliman was a justice of the peace in his entire life, a major in the 4th Regiment of Militia and in 1776, Silliman became Brigadier General of the 4th Brigade. o Silliman’s Kidnapping: On May 2, 1779, British troops broke into her home in the middle of the night and kidnapped her husband and took him prisoner in Long Island. Mary is pregnant at the time  Mary later arranged for his freedom a year later.  While Mary’s husband was held captive, the British invaded Fairfield on July 7, 1779. Mary was able to escape and her home and property were not damaged.  Importance in Fairfield history: Her writings help show us what life was like for a woman during the Revolutionary War and how she survived

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Selections of Mary Fish: From The Way of Duty: A Woman and Her Family in Revolutionary America by Joy Day Buel & Richard Buel Jr.  Gold Selleck Silliman’s kidnapping o “Mary lay trembling with Sellek beside her. The appearance of these ruffians, caring their guns with bayonets fixed, increased her terror… Silliman dressed quickly embraced his wife and went out to them … Then, while some of them set about smashing every window in the house… others began to hunt for plunder… Mary listening intently, heard them leave the house, and sprang into action.”  Burning of Fairfield, in Mary’s words o “The firing grew heavier, and as we traveled many ran out of their houses to speak with us, women distressed for their husbands, sons, and brothers, fearing that they would fall in battle...But oh what a dreadful night! We could see at seven miles distant, the light of the devouring flames by which the town was reduced to ashes. The night was spent in dreadful expectation, and sleep departed from my eyes...But how it was with the young man Joseph I could not hear, until the next morning, when I had great reason to bless God for his preservation, for he had been where the bullets flew, and a cannon ball killed a man that was not far from him.”

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Character Portraits Thaddeus & Eunice Dennie Burr

Portraits of Thaddeus Burr and and Eunice Dennie Burr, 1758–60, by John Singleton Copley. From the collections of the St. Louis Art Museum.

Eunice Dennie Burr (1732-1759) was the daughter of James Dennie and Eunice Sturgis. She was born, raised and died in Fairfield, Connecticut. Eunice has been described as “a lady of rare excellence and dignity of character.” She is more famously known as the wife of Thaddeus Burr, who was a prominent figure in the town of Fairfield, serving many different government/ military positions for the town. He served as a leader in the colonies against the King during the Revolution, as; member of the town committee of war, licensing of privateers to seize British ships and mobilizing Connecticut’s militia regiments.

After the Revolution, he served as a delegate for Fairfield and was called to ratify the constitution of the . Eunice and Thaddeus did not have any children, eventually adopting Thaddeus’ nephew, Gershom, and referring to him as their son. Gershom went on to marry the daughter of Reverend Andrew Eliot, Betsy.

The Burr mansion on Old Post Road was known as one of the most beautiful homes in Fairfield and often hosted parties for dignitaries and Revolutionary war heroes. Thaddeus’ friend John Hancock and his wife Dorothy Quincey even had their wedding reception at their home.

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Unfortunately, Eunice will be remembered in history for probably the worst experience of her life. During the Burning of Fairfield on July 7th, 1779 by the British, Eunice refused to flee her home because she thought her husband’s standing as a political figure in Fairfield would spare her property. Even though she had a signed agreement with British General Tryon that he would not harm her property, the British soldiers and mercenaries took everything, including her shoe buckles! They burned down her house, not caring that Tryon had signed an agreement. Eunice was able to flee in time, but she was shocked and hurt with the way she was treated.

Thaddeus and Eunice started to rebuild their home shortly after the raid and it still stands in Fairfield today. Eunice’s recollection of the burning of Fairfield gives us a woman’s perspective on the raids. Since most of the men were fighting the war, the women were left behind to care for the elderly, children and relatives. Primary account narratives reveal how they tried to protect their homes and property from the British.

Primary Accounts from the Burning of Fairfield:

Eunice Dennie Burr The text below is quoted from the book by Royal R. Hinman entitled A Historical Collection ( 618- 623.), located in the library at the Fairfield Museum and History Center.

“The testimony of Eunice Burr, wife of Thaddeus Burr, Esq., respecting the proceedings of the enemy at Fairfield, on the 7th and 8th days of July, 1779, is as follows:—

On Wednesday morning, 7th of July, 1779, between 9 and 10 o’clock, some friends came in and told me that they believed that the enemy’s shipping were standing in, and that it was their opinion that the enemy would land.

Being formerly well acquainted with a number of the British officers, and ever finding them of a polite, humane disposition, and observing the good order they kept up among their soldiers, I was induced [forced], once to act against all the entreaties [pleading] of my friends, and risk my life, and all that was dear to me, in hopes to save an ancient, pleasant mansion house, with its valuable furniture and stores.

By the time the . . . enemy had got up to the court house ; instead of the once humane and polite Britons [British], a pack of the most barbarous ruffians came rushing into the house, and repeatedly accosted [attacked] me with, “You rebel, where is your husband, he is a selectman [town official]!” . . . at the same time stripping me of my buckles, tearing down the curtains of my bed, breaking the frame of my dressing glass [mirror], pulling out the drawers of my table and desk ; and after taking what they could find, they then went up stairs, and proceeded much in the same manner.

. . . there came in an officer . . . upon my representation of the conduct of the ruffians towards me, he ordered them out of the house. No sooner were one set out, but another came in, calling for cider, breaking down the china, stone, and glass ware in the closets, and wherever they found it. Docent Guide IV: Burning of Fairfield 12

In the midst of this confusion, General Tryon came into the house; he behaved with politeness; he demanded the papers. I told him there were none but of very old dates, which related to the old estates. The general said, those are what we want, for we intend to have the estates.

Gen. Tryon, upon hearing [a] captain relate the situation he found me in, was kind enough to order two sentries at the house, which caused me a more quiet night than I feared ; though horror and distress were my constant companions, a great part of the town being then in flames. Just before the sun rose, Capt. Chapman came to me very politely, and told me that Gen. Tryon wanted to speak to me. I immediately waited on him; he told me that . . . he should spare my buildings, Mr. Elliot’s, the church, and meeting house; that he did not like destroying those buildings.

He asked for pen, ink, and paper. I very readily procured them ; he then, unasked, and unsolicited by me, gave me a protection for my house and property, and the Rev. Mr. Elliot’s, written with his own hand, and signed with his own name. Thus deluded with a false hope, after the fatigue of the day, night, and more dreadful morning, when every building around me, was on fire; and some of my poor neighbors, whose habitations were in flames, had run into my house for shelter, instead of attempting to carry out and secure what was in the house; our whole attention was taken up in supplying the house with water, and although they were almost buried in flames, neither the barn or house took fire.

The pleasure and satisfaction I felt for a few minutes, in thinking that I had a shelter for myself and some of my distressed friends, was great; but alas! How soon was it over. No sooner had the horn blew, I suppose for the whole to retreat, my sentries went off, and a band of those savage creatures were left as a rear guard to complete the destruction; some of whom, unperceived by me, came into the house . . .

Seeing a number more . . . come into the gate, I once more took courage, went out and entreated [pleaded] them to spare the house; told them that I had Gen. Tryon’s protection in writing; upon which they [said bad things about] the general . . . and tore it from me, while a number went into the house to set fire to it; two or three others come to search me; they took my pocket book and buttons, which till then, I had preserved . . . I disengaged my pocket and fled into the meadow. The house, with every thing they had left, both furniture and stores, were consumed.

Should this narration fall into the hands of any of those officers, who afforded me assistance, in those hours of horror and distress, they have my sincere thanks for it.

Sworn at Fairfield, August 2, 1779, before Samuel Squire, Justice of Peace.”

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Items Shipped FROM the Fairfield District – 1790 TOTAL CARGO from 17 vessels that made 27 trips to the West Indies

Livestock Dairy 364 Horses 1,330 Pounds of Cheese 579 Sheep 5 “ceggs” of eggs 333 Oxen 2,054 Pounds of Butter 415 Hogs 25 Kegs of Butter 66 Cattle 11 Bags of Lard 5,232 Poultry 414 Turkeys

Meat & Fish Products Wood / Misc. 1,594 Barrels of Beef (whole and half barrels) 18,860 Shingles 122 Barrels of Pork (whole and half barrels) 35,780 Hoops for Barrels 303 Barrels of Fish 79,150 Staves for Barrels (dried, salted & pickled – whole & half barrels) 5,000 Pounds of Fish 13,000 Bricks (herring, codfish, shad & sturgeon) 3 Barrels of Ham 190 Ship Planks 600 Pounds of Bacon 1,770 Feet of White Oak Planks 1 ½ Barrels of “Tungs” 39,600 Feet of “fine boards” Pine, etc. 11 Barrels of Tar Produce 200 Gallons of Oil 248 Barrels of Potatoes 7 Kegs of Tallow 573 Bushels of Potatoes 8 Boxes of Candles 13 Barrels of Apples 9 Barrels of Tobacco 16 Barrels of Carrots 10 Tons of Ground Bark 185 Barrels of Corn 58 Pairs of “shammy” shoes (made from chamois & dressed with fish oil / soft leather) 8,740 Bushels of Corn 14 Barrels of Onions Grains 320 Bushels of Onions 376 Barrels of Indian meal (barrels and hogsheads) 45 Barrels of Peas 63 Barrels of Rye Flour 121 ½ Barrels of Wheat Flour 32 Barrels of Corn Meal 20 Barrels of Bread 8,408 ½ Bushels of Oats 29 Barrels of Buckwheat 5 Tons of Hay Docent Guide IV: Burning of Fairfield 14

Items Shipped TO the Fairfield District – 1790 TOTAL CARGO: Food 39,029 Gallons of Molasses 51,241 Pounds of Sugar (brown) 115 Pounds of Sugar (lumps and potts) 3,177 Pounds of Coffee 8 ½ Pounds of Tea 42 Gallons of Vinegar 8 ½ Barrels of Limes 3 Boxes of Limes 18,716 ½ Bushels of Salt 2 Barrels of Fruit 32 Pots of Tamarinds 2 Kegs of Tamarinds 2 ½ Barrels of Tamarinds 42,984 Gallons of Rum 762 Gallons of Brandy 588 Gallons of Geneva (gin) 4 Gallons of Cordials

Misc. 2 Boxes of Glassware 2 Boxes of Glass & China 10 “Looking Glasses” (mirrors) 58 “straws” of glassware 9 Dozen Hosiery 18 Horn Lanterns 3 Hatts 3 Dozen Tin Quart Pots 1 Piece Muslin $15 21 Raw Hides 1 Bag of Cotton Wool 1 Bale of Cotton Wool 400 Pounds of Cotton Wool 100 Buttons 8 ½ ? Buttons 445 Yards Lais 52 ½ Yards of Silk

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What About Flax?

1794 Exported to: Massachusetts / Boston 165,300 lbs. of Flax Maine 3,920 lbs. of Feathers New York 22,000 Quills North Carolina & Maryland

1795 Exported to: Norfolk, Virginia 203,100 lbs. of Flax Snow Hill Maryland 4,300 lbs. of Feathers Frenchman’s Bay & Kennebuck, Maine 71,500 Quills Newbern, North Carolina Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey Rochester, Plymouth & Nantucket, Mass.

1800 96,100 lbs. of Flax 10,400 lbs. of Feathers 15,000 Quills 1801 135,800 lbs. of Flax 19,300 lbs. of Feathers 500 Quills

© Fairfield Museum and History Center Library and Special Collections, Elsie Dannenberg Collection.

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The British in Connecticut: Before the British attacked the coastline of Connecticut in 1779, an army of British troops led by General landed at Compo Beach, an area now part of Westport, on April 25, 1777. This event became known as The Battle of Ridgefield. The British marched inland through North Fairfield (now Weston and Easton) and Redding to Danbury. Tryon launched the raid to destroy military supplies stored in Danbury. The account below is taken written by Keith M. Jones of Ridgefield.

The Battle of Ridgefield by Keith M. Jones At the outbreak of Revolution, Ridgefield, Connecticut consisted of only about fifty dwellings, for most of the community’s 1,700 residents were scattered in outlying farms that dotted twenty-three square miles. On April 27, 1777, the full fury of Revolution arrived at the head of Town Street, as the village became host to Connecticut’s only inland battle of the eight-year war.

Shortly before noon, American Generals and Gold Selleck Silliman (of Fairfield) arrived with about five hundred men – hastily mustered Fairfield County militia – old men and patriotic farm boys. They were greeted by Colonel Philip Burr Bradley and a handful of Continental troops of his Ridgefield-based 5th Connecticut Line, together with a company of Continentals from nearby Salem, New York under Captain Samuel Lawrence, plus a few dozen raw recruits raised by Captain Ebenezer Jones of the recently formed 1st Ridgefield Militia.

Under Arnold’s command the little army erected a barricade of timbers, carts, carriages, stones and earth at the northern end of Town Street and waited for the British column advancing southward from Danbury. After burning the Colonial supply depot in nearby Danbury, 1,900 British troops under General William Tryon were in trouble. Expecting much of the countryside to rise up in support of the Crown, Tryon had two days earlier disembarked 1,500 handpicked regulars, a six-piece artillery unit, and a small mounted contingent of resplendently-garbed elite mounted dragoons from a fleet of 26 ships.

Tryon’s force was augmented by a 300-man regiment of Loyalist irregulars, drawn from Long Island and Fairfield County, known as the Prince of Wales Provincial Volunteers. Because he truly believed that his army would be warmly received if it refrained from looting and pillage, Tryon excluded the unruly Hessian mercenaries from his expedition.

But General Tryon had miscalculated! Like a swarm of angry hornets, American forces were closing on Danbury from all directions. Twelve hundred Continentals under General McDougall were marching from Peekskill. Four Hundred and seventy-strong, the Dutchess County New York militia under Colonel Ludington was in motion, and contingents from as far as Litchfield, Wallingford and New Haven were also on the way. What’s more, Colonel Jedidiah Huntington with fifty Continentals, and Major Nehemiah Beardsley with 150 men of the 16th Connecticut Militia regiment lurked in the Danbury hills. Worst of all, Tryon learned that Major General , together with Arnold and Silliman, was at Bethel in his rear with another 700 militia.

At 2:00am in the morning of April 27th, Tryon roused his troops and began retreat to the awaiting ships at Compo Beach. To avoid Wooster’s force, the British army veered south from Danbury, marched through Ridgebury, and headed for Ridgefield. Hoping to delay Tryon until overwhelming reinforcements arrived, Wooster split his force, sending the main body with Arnold and Silliman to Ridgefield, while personally harassing the British rear with the remainder. Collectively the three engagements that followed became known as the Battle of Ridgefield. With the element of surprise, Wooster swooped out the woods about three miles north of Ridgefield and crashed into Tryon’s rear guard as it paused briefly for breakfast. Killing at least two redcoats, Wooster took about fifteen prisoners in this first engagement, then vanished back into the trees.

An hour later, Wooster struck again, but this time the British were ready, having positioned three artillery pieces in the rear. Rallying his men, the 67-year-old David Wooster was mortally wounded about two miles from Ridgefield center (a marker still graces the site) and his inexperienced militia dissolved in confusion. Wooster died five days later in Danbury, but his sacrifice had purchased precious time for Arnold to prepare a defensive position at Ridgefield.

Fife and drum blaring, colors rippling in the breeze, and bayonets gleaming, the British Column arrived in martial splendor at the base of Arnold’s barricade sometime after noon. Following an artillery barrage of the barricade, Tryon dispatched flanking parties to test both sides of the American position. Having anticipated this move, General Silliman posted forces at either flank that blunted these initial thrusts.

Outnumbering the Patriots by more than three to one, Tryon advanced on all three fronts, hurling a 600-man column under covering artillery fire against the barricade itself. Superior numbers and disciplined tactics carried the day for the Crown forces, but not without cost – at least sixteen were killed and thirty wounded. After breaching the barricade and smashing both flanks, the British pursued their American adversary in a running battle the length of Town Street, and seized the town.

With twelve dead and double that number wounded, the Americans withdrew under Benedict Arnold’s personal direction. Positioned between his men and the advancing enemy, the heroic Arnold was fired upon by an entire platoon of redcoats. Hit by nine separate musket balls, his horse collapsed, pinning the General to the ground.

After dispatching an advancing soldier (some reports say two), by pistol, Arnold worked free of the unfortunate horse and fled to a pre-arranged rendezvous where the next day he was again unhorsed in combat. After encamping for the night just south of the village, the British departed next morning, leaving six houses and the Episcopal Church (a Patriot supply depot) in flames. Although Tryon’s Danbury raid and Ridgefield action were clear British successes, the retreat was a near thing, for within six hours thousands of American soldiers poured into the area. Never again would the British mount an inland expedition in Connecticut.

19 Bibliography

Most of the sources cited below were accessed in the library at the Fairfield Museum and History Center and used for the “Famous Fairfield Folks” biographies. Additional information was found in the exhibit script for “Landscape of Change.”

• The map, “Map of Colonial Fairfield, CT” was created by William D. Lee and used with his permission. A copy is in the collections of the Fairfield Museum and History Center.

Fairfield – Buildings - 449 Mill Plain Road. Fairfield Museum and History Center Vertical File.

Fairfield – Buildings - 739 Old Post Road (Burr Mansion). Fairfield Museum and History Center Vertical File.

Farnham, Thomas. “The Day the Enemy Was in Town.” Journal of The New Haven Colonay Historical Society. Vo. 24, No. 2, Summer 1976.

Farnham, Thomas. “Fairfield, The Biography of a Community.” West Kennebunk, ME: Fairfield Historical Society, 1988.

Harper, Alanson C., ed. “Fairfield High Schools: School & House Names.” Transcript. [ca 1956] Fairfield Museum and History Center.

Miner, Marcia. “Fairfield Women Remembered.” Fairfield Citizen News. January 26, 1996

Miner, Marcia. “The Heroines.” Fairfield Citizen News. January 26, 1996

Gold’s Dragoons. Fairfield Museum and History Center Vertical File.

Gould Family Papers, 1729 – 1977. MS#6. Finding Aid. Fairfield Museum and History Center Special Collections.

Jacobus, David Lines, ed. History and Genealogy of the Families of Old Fairfield. Two Vol.s. Fairfield, CT: Eunice Dennie Burr Chapter, D.A.R., 1930.

Perry, John H. “Andrew Ward – An Historical Sketch. For the occasion of the dedication of the Andrew Ward Monument” Fairfield: Published by the Author, 13 June, 1907.

Schenck, Elizabeth. History of Fairfield; Fairfield County Connecticut. Two Vol.s.

Sturges. Fairfield Museum and History Center Vertical File.

Sturges Family Papers, 1707 - 1954. MS#32. Finding Aid. Fairfield Museum and History Center Special Collections.

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