GONTmENTAL CONGRESS
AT YORK,.i'EKN'A. f
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FKIi.Sli.VTEU U\
Continental Congress
at York, Pennsylvania
and t
York County in the Revolution
By GEORGE R. PROWELL
Author of the History of York County, Pennsylvania, Curator and Librarian of the Historical Society of York County, Member of tlie National Geographic Society, American Historical Association and the Pennsylvania History Club
ILLUSTRATED
YORK. PA. THE YORK PRINTING CO. 19H eifi Author
MAf 22 ;iM
/^' /^/^'7 'tCk^fS<^J PREFACE THE following pages furnish a careful record of the transactions of Conti- nental Congress, while it held its sessions in York from September 30, 1777 to June 27, 1778. Shortly before the Battle of Brandywine Congress ad- journed from Independence Hall to meet at Lancaster, but held only one day's session in that city. Meantime, the British had taken possession of Philadeljihia and Congress removed to York. While in session here for a period of nine months, Continental Congress, with representatives from the thirteen original states passed the Articles of Confedera- tion, received the news of the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga, issued the first
Thanksgiving Proclamation, commissioned Baron Steuben a major general in the American army, and also received a comnjunication from Benjamin Franklin, our commissioner at Paris, that the French government had entered into a treatv to assist the infant Republic of the United States, by sending not only money, but a fleet and an army to aid the Americans in their struggle for liberty. These im- portant facts of general history are told in a connected narrative in this volume. In addition the work contains an exhaustive account of the part taken bv
York County in the war for Independence. Attention is called to the article on the Flying Camp, which contained three regiments of troops west of the Susque- hanna, who performed valiant services at the battle of Fort Washington. No other city of the Union, except Philadelphia, New York and Boston has more in- teresting associations relating to the Revolution than York, Pennsylvania, and it is the object of these pages to bring out this fact clearly to the student of American History. (^ R P York, Pa., April 1. 1^)14.
THE REVOLUTIOX 157
YORK COUNTY IN THE REVOLUTION.
CHAPTER XH The British lost nearly 300 men, and though reinforced, narrowdy escaped capture. This THE REVOLUTION was the beginning of the Revolutionary war. First York County Troops Thompson's — On the loth of Alay, 1775, the second Sixth Battalion—Expedition to Canada— Continental Congress assembled in Phila- Pennsylvania Battalion—Battle of Three delphia and on the same day Ticonderoga Rivers — McClean's Company — Grier's and Crown Point, on Lake Champlain. were Company—Miles' Regiment—Albright's captured by patriots from the Green Comipany—First Pennsylvania Regiment Mountains and Connecticut Valley, under —Battle of Long Island. Ethan Allen and Seth Warner. The tocsin of war had now been sounded In 1774 the difficulties between the King and American troops began to assemble in of England and the thirteen colonies were the vicinity of Boston. These men had not adjusted by the appeals made to the come from farms and workshops and, al- King and Parliament. As the result of this though untrained as soldiers, were eager condition the first Continental Congress for armed conflict with the British foe. with representatives from the diflerent Meantime reinforcements had arrived from colonies, met in Philadelphia in September England. General Gage was succeeded by of that year. This Congress sent a decla- Sir William Howe, who now commanded ration of Rights to tlie King, but it was un- 10,000 men, and on June 17 the famous bat- answered. Soon afterward IMassachusetts tle of Bunker Hill was fought. Although assembled a Provincial Congress and began the Americans were defeated, tlie moral to form troops and collect military stores to efifect of the battle was in their favor. oppose by armed resistance what was At this time the American forces around termed the tyranny of the English govern- Boston were composed of undisciplined ment. Gen. Thomas Gage, who had troops. The news of the conflict at Lexing- fought under Braddock in the French and ton and Concord soon spread from Massa- Indian war, was in charge of the British chusetts to Georgia. It aroused a spirit of troops at Boston. patriotism that prevailed throughout the On the evening of April 18, country during the entire period of the war. Concord 1775. Gage dispatched 800 Continental Congress had taken charge of and regulars to Concord, a few the assembling of troops in Massachusetts Lexington, miles northwest of Boston, to to oppose the British forces of Sir William capture the army stores there. Howe, and now^ supported active measures On their way they found a party of armed for a war against the mother country. On yeomanry on Lexington Common. A June 14 this body of patriots adopted a British officer ordered them to disperse and resolution that eight companies of trained as they remained motionless his soldiers riflemen from Pennsylvania, two from fired, killing seven men, and then proceede- " population. The men who composed these I'll take only the men that can hit that companies were trained liunters and skilled nose at one hundred and fifty yards," said marksmen so that when tlieir patriotism young Lieutenant ]\Iiller, as he chalked a was aroused, these sturdy pioneers were small nose on a barn door. quick to respond to the resolution of Horatio Gates, recently appointed adju- Congress and the appeals of their fellow- tant-general of the army and who iiad countrymen in New England. chanced to arrive in York from his home in When the news of Lexington and Con- Virginia on his way to headquarters, de- cord reached the county seat at York it was cided it would be unwise to refuse the en- soon transmitted to every section of York listment of such courageous men. " They County. A similar spirit pervaded the will make soldiers," he said. neighboring counties of Pennsylvania. One The committee appointed to pro\ide the of the eight Pennsylvania companies was to necessaries for the company did their work be recruited in York County. Each com- so well that in a few days a company of lOO pany was officered with a captain, three lieu- men was completely armed and equipped tenants, four sergeants, four corporals, a for the field without a farthing being ad- drummer and sixty-eight privates. The vanced from the Continental treasury. captain was to receive twenty dollars per " The spirit of the people on this oc- local cor- month ; a lieutenant, thirteen and one-third casion," wrote the committee of " dollars; a sergeant, eight dollars; a cor- respondence to Congress, gave the com- poral, seven and one-third; a drummer the mittee encouragement. Tlie men seemed same; privates, six and two-thirds. All actuated Avith the greatest zeal and thought were to find their own arms and clothes. tliemselves honored in having their names enrolled among the sons of liberty who are FIRST TROOPS. YORK COUNTY to fight for their country and in defense of The sturdy yeomanry of this section of their dearest rights and privileges. The Pennsylvania \vere ready for the emergency. only uneasiness they feel is that they are not Local militia companies had been organized. this moment at the scene of action. From At this period there were three armed the spirit of the soldiers we entertain the companies in the town of Y'ork. From the most flattering hopes that they will prove militia of the county it was decided to select servicable to the cause of liberty and reflect the reciuisite number of officers and sixty- honor on this county. The principal people eight riflemen to form a company. Recruit- here have caught the spirit of the honorable ing began at Marsh Creek, at Gettys' tavern, Congress and in their small circle have done now the site of Gettysburg. Some men everything in their power to animate their came from the ]\Ionaghan settlement, where neighbors to stand forth in this day of Dillsburg now stands, and still another despotism and resist the arbitrary and im- scjuad was recruited in the southern part of just measures of Parliament with all the the county. These men, ready to enlist in power which heaven has given them. And the cause of American Independence, came we have the pleasure to inform you that to York, where the company was organized their labors have not been in vain and that with Michael Doudel as captain ; Henry the county is ready to strain every nerve to first Dill, second put into execution any measures which the Miller, lieutenant ; John lieutenant; James Matson, third lieutenant. Congress may judge necessary to oiu" com- On receipt of the instructions of Con- mon defense. The officers are men of gress the York County committee, which whose courage we have the highest opinion. was made up of such sturdy patriots as The captain has behaved very well on this James Smith, Thomas Hartley, George occasion and has done all in his power by Irwin, John Kean, Joseph Donaldson and advancing money, etc., to forward the com- Michael Hahn, immediately assembled and mon cause." tbok steps to prepare the company for the It would be interesting to record the en- front. Everything was done with the tire muster roll of this band of patriots. greatest expedition. So many men wanted The official records being defective, all to enlist that there were more than the that can be here given are the fol- of^cers were authorized to accept. lowing: : THE REVOLUTIOX 159 Captain, Berks County, Captain George Xagel; one MICHAEL DOUDEL. in Bedford County, Captain Robert Clug- Fit'st Lieuienant. HEXRY MILLER. gage ; one in Northumberland, Captain Second Lieutenant, John Lowdon ; two in Cumberland, which JOHN DILL. then included Franklin, commanded by Third Lieutenant. Captain James Ross and Captain Matthew- JAMES MATSOX. Smith. In all, there were nine companies Corporal, WALTER CRUISE. from Pennsylvania, one more than re- Privates, quested by Congress. By order of Conti- Armor, Robert Lelap, Daniel nental Congress and the Pennsylvania As- Armstrong, George Lewis, Abram organized into what was Beverly, John McAlister, John sembly, they were Bettinger, Christian McCrary, John termed b}' General Washington in organi- Brown, John McCurt, John zing the army, " Colonel Thompson"'s Bat- Campbell, Thomas Minshall, Joshua Clark, John Mill, James talion of Riflemen from Pennsylvania." Cline, William Moore, Edward Cooper, William Ramsey, David THOMPSON'S BATTALION. Dougherty, George Russell, William Douther, John Shields, Matthew Col. William Thompson, who was as- Evans, Abel Staley. Jacob signed to the of this battalion, Ferguson, John Start, Andrew command Graft, Robert Sullivan, Patrick was a native of Ireland, born in 1725. He Griffith, John Sweeney, Isaac settled in Cumberland Coimty early in life Halbut, Joseph Tanner, Tobias Kennedy, Richard Taylor, John and during the French and Indian war had Kennedv. Thomas Turner, Cornelius commanded a company of mounted frontiersmen. When the Revolution opened The form of enlistment to which every he was a surveyor residing at Carlisle. The one of these volunteer soldiers appended his this bat- " following is the field and staff of signature before leaving York reads : I talion when organized on its arrival at have this day voluntarily enlisted myself as Washington's headquarters a soldier in the American Continental army Colonel—William Thompson. for one year, unless sooner discharged, and Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Hand. do bind myself to conform in all instances — Robert McGaw. to such rules and regulations as are. or shall Major— Rev. Blair. be, established for the government of said Chaplain— Samuel army." Adjutant—David Ziegler. According to the diary of Rev. Quartermaster—Frederick Hubley. Leave John Roth, pastor of the Mora- Surgeon—William McGaw. for vian Church at York, Captain Surgeon's Mate—Christian Reinecke. Boston. Doudel and his company attended Pay Master—David Harris. religious services at Zion Re- Commissary—John Biddle. formed Church on the morning of July ist. ^^'agon Master—Adam Egle. They listened to a patriotic sermon de- The officers of this famous battalion of livered by Rev. Daniel \\'agner, the pastor, riflemen were the first after General Wash- who enjoined them " to keep God before ington to recei\-e commissions from Con- their eyes continually and then they would gress, and these patriots from Pennsylvania be assured of his guidance and protection." were the first troops west of the Hudson At I o'clock in the afternoon, this band of and south of Long Island to join the one hundred American patriots started out American army under the commander-in- East Market Street on the long march to chief at Cambridge, Massachusetts. The join the army under Washington at Cam- York riflemen, after crossing the Susque- bridge. hanna, passed through Reading and Bethle- In answer to the resolution of Congress hem, reaching New York before any other for eight companies from Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania company, and proceeded to recruiting of men took place in the other Boston, arriving there July 25. At this time counties of the Province. One company there were 10,000 British regulars in Boston was raised in Xorthampton County, com- under Sir William Howe, and others were manded by Captain Abraham Miller; one in on the war from England. : i6o HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Continental Congress was joining the division on the right, when a party of reg- ulars came down the hill to relieve their guard, and Washington in closed now session behind cro.ssed our«riflemen under Captain Doudel as they were Takes . doors in Carpenter's Hall, lying on the ground in Indian file. The regulars were within twenty yards of our men before they saw them Command. Philadelphia. On June 15 and immediately lired. The riflemen returned the salute, Thomas Johnson, a delegate killed several and brought off two prisoners and their from Frederick, ^Maryland, and afterward arms, with the loss of Corporal Cruise, who is supposed to have been killed as he has not been heard of since the first governor of Maryland, nominated the affair. George \\'ashington for commander-in- August 9, 1775. —The riflemen from York county have chief of the American army. John Adams, annoyed the regulars vcrj* much. By a gentleman who in an eloquent speech, seconded the motion, left Boston yesterday, we hear that Captains Percival and Sabine of the Marines, Captain Johnston of the and Washington, who was then a member Royal Irish, and Captain LeAIoine of the train, were of Congress from Virginia, was unani- killed Monday. Captain Clietwyn, son of Lord Chet- is The number of privates mously chosen. He started for Boston on wyn, mortally wounded. killed this week we have not heard. The regulars have horseback June 21, and, while passing- thrown up a breastwork across the neck at the foot of through New York city, June 25, received Bunker Hill to protect their sentries and advance guards. the news of the battle of Bunker Hill. He arrived at Cambridge July 2. The next day Frothingham, in describing Thompson's he took formal command, drawing his battalion other riflemen from the south sword under an elm tree which a few years and in his " Siege of Boston," saj's ago was appropriatel}' marked. At this " riflemen from Pennsylvania at- time there were 14,500 New England troops The attention. They had enlisted equipped for duty around Boston, but ac- tracted much with great promptness and had marched cording to an official statement they had four seven hundred miles. In a onl}^ nine rounds of ammunition to a man. from to short time large bodies of them arrived in Washington at once organized these raw camp. were remarkably stout, hardy troops into divisions for drill and discipline, They frocks, or rifle shirts, and began to lay siege to the city of Boston. men, dressed in white hats, skillful marksmen. The arrival of the troops from Pennsyl- and round and were vania was enthusiastically received by the At a review, a company of them, while on quick advance, fired balls into circular patriots of New England. The evidences of a the courage and fortitude of the riflemen targets seven inches in diameter at a distance of yards. were statioiied from York and their willingness to join in 250 They on the lines and became terrible to the the struggle for American liberty is shown by the following extracts from Moore's British. The account of their prowess was circulated over England." Diary of the Revolution : Corporal Walter Cruise, mentioned York July 25, 1775. —Capt. Doudel, with his A in the above extract from Moore's ip company of riflemen from York, Penn- roopb Local Diary, was a member of Captain sylvania, arrived at Cambridge about one in o'clock today, and since has made pro- Hero. Doudel's company from York. He Action posals to General Washington to attack was taken a prisoner to the British the transport stationed on Charles river. camp. So many of the officers and privates He will engage to take the transport with thirty men. The General thinks it best to decline at present; but at of the royal army had fallen under the un- the same time commends the spirit of Captain Doudel erring aim of the Pennsylvania, Maryland and his brave men who, though just arrived after a very long march, offer to execute the plan immediately. and Virginia riflemen that Cruise, being July 30, 1775. —Last Friday the regulars cut several one of the first of them to be captured, be- trees and were busy all night in throwing up a line of came the object of their resentment. The abatis in Charlestown Xeck. In the evening orders were given to the York county riflemen to march down British finally sent him to England to be to our advanced post in Charlestown Neck, to endeavor tried on certain charges, where a curiosity to surround the advanced guard and bring ofif some had been aroused to see, in his frontier prisoners, from whom we e.xpected to learn their design in throwing up their abatis in the Neck. The rifle com- costuine, one of the riflemen of whom they pany divided and executed their plan in the following had heard such wonderful stories. After a manner: Captain Doudel with thirty-nine men filed off before to the right of Bunker Hill, and, creeping on their term of imprisonment he was taken hands and knees, got into the rear without being dis- the mayor of London, but that magistrate, covered. The other band of forty men, under Lieu- finding no crime charged against him, of tenant Miller, were successful in getting behind the sentinels on the left, and were within a few yards of which he could take cognizance, released THE REVOLUTION i6i him from custody. Artliur I-ee, of Virginia, mittee, of which he was a member, was the secret agent in London for the Ameri- adopted July 4 at Independence Hall. Phila- can colonies, upon hearing of Cruise's re- delphia. lease, sent for him and after congratulating Thompson's battalion of Pennsylvania him upon regaining his freedom, delivered riflemen remained with the arm\' under Cruise a package of papers. Washington during the summer of 1775, " These papers are of the greatest mo- participating in the siege of Boston. Cap- ment to the liberty of our country. Can I tain Michael Doudel, who commanded the trust you to deliver them safely into the company from York County, resigned his hands of General Washington and the commission on account of ill health- and re- Continental Congress?" turned to his family at York. Lieutenant " You can trust me," was the reply. Henry Miller was promoted to captain. " Then I will secure a passage for you to This battalion was placed in the division of Halifax, the nearest and safest route to General Charles Lee upon the organization America. For the cause of American of the American army around Boston. It liberty you will guard these papers well, remained in his command until August 20, and when you arrive in America, deliver when it was transferred to General Israel them as soon as possible to General Wash- Putnam, encamped four miles from Cam- ington and the Continental Congress. I bridge. On August 29, Lieutenant-Colonel " can promise you that your country will not Edward Hand writes : Our battalion forget your services." formed the picket guard of the two Wishing him success on his mission, thousand provincial troops who on the Arthur Lee bade him farewell, and Cruise evening of the 26th of August took posses- was soon aboard a vessel bound for sion of Ploughed Hill and threw up en- America. On his arrival at Halifax, the trenchments, and on the morning of the heroic corporal hastened with his valuable 27th met with its first loss. Private Simpson, despatches to Xew York, the headquarters of Captain Matthew Smith's company, who of the American army, where he delivered was wounded in the leg- and died there- them safely into the hands of General from." Washington, who immediately transmitted Captain James Wilkinson, who, after the copies to Continental Congress at Philadel- Revolution, became commander-in-chief of phia, where the news was eagerly received. the army, joined Thompson's battalion at An impression had been prevalent among Boston as a volunteer. In recording the " the American people that peace commis- death of Private Simpson, he says : The sioners would be sent to adjust the differ- young man was visited and consoled during ences between England and the colonies, his illness by General Washington in per- but instead, the despatches brought by son and by most of the officers of rank be- Corporal Cruise informed them that the longing to the army. Every exertion by King intended to send more English troops surgeons was made to save him, and his and to hire German soldiers for the war in death became a theme of common sorrow America. in an army of twelve or fourteen thousand Nothing enraged the .\meri- men." Declaration cans more than the arrival .\n incident now occurred of of this news nor urged them Proposed which interested all the Penn- Independence, more to declare indepen- Canada syhania soldiers under Colo- dence, than this hiring of Expedition, nel Thompson. An expedi- foreign mercenaries by the British govern- tion had been planned to in- ment. At length, in June, a motion was vade Canada. The story goes that this ex- made in Congress liy Richard Henry Lee. pedition was suggested by Benedict Arnold, a delegate from Virginia. " that these then considered a skillful soldier, who held United Colonies are. and of right ought to the commission of colonel in the army be, free and independent states." This around Boston. One thousand men were to motion was carried on July 2 and the be detached and sent under Arnold through Declaration of Independence draughted by the wilderness of Maine to Quebec. On Thomas Jefferson and re\ised by a com- September 5 the company under Captain II : 1 62 HISTORY OF YORK COUXTY, PENNSYLVANIA Smith, of Dauphin County, and the com- \\-ounded : British loss, seventeen killed and pany under Captain Hendricks, of Cuinl)er- one wounded." land County, were ordered to parade upon The ne.xt day, according to official re- the Boston Common, preparatory to join- ports. Colonel Thompson and his battalion ing Arnold, and they united witli his expe- were pidjlicly thanked by AX'ashington in dition the following week. The story of general orders. General Washington's their experience in this campaign is given army around Boston was increased in in the history of the first expedition to numbers by the arrival of new troops Canada, described elsewhere in this work. during the winter of 1775-6. Early in The York riflemen under Henry Miller March there were indications that General were disappointed in not having the oppor- Howe, the commander of the British forces, tunity of joining Arnold on this expedition, was making arrangements to evacuate the for they already had attained a high reputa- city, and on the 17th of March the siege of tion as trained marksmen. A troubl'e had Boston ended, when General How^e set sail arisen, however, in Thompson's command, with his army for Halifax, in Nova Scotia. for some of his troops, including the York It was this incident in .American history that Riflemen, had been lax in discipline, even ga\-e rise to the humorous expression going so far as to have released some of " Gone to Halifax," After his arrival at their companions from the guard house, for Halifax, Howe made arrangements for an which offense they themselves were expedition against New York City. punished. In order that idleness might not Immediately after the departure of the be a bane to them, the commanding general British. Washington took possession of ordered that they should thereafter do all Boston. Believing that the final destination camp duty the same as other regiments. of Howe was New York, he began to move Obedient to the order, a strict discipline part of his army toward that city, leaving was now enforced by the company officers, Boston in possession of New England and a contemporary letter states, "that troops. He accompanied his army on the upon every alarm it was impossil^le for march toward New York. men to behave with more readiness or Colonel Thompson was jiromoted to the attend better to their duty." On the gth rank of brigadier-general on March i, and of November, these men, who had already Lieutenant-Colonel Hand was placed in been the first Pennsylvania troops to en- connnanil of the battalion, receiving his gage the British in armed conflict, took commission as colonel from Continental part in the skirmish at Lechmere's Point, Congress, March 7. During the siege of in sight of Boston. In describing this affair Boston, W'alter Cruise, John Brown and the Philadelphia Evening Post of 1775 Cornelius Turner, of York Count}-, were says taken prisoners. At this time Colonel Ed- " The British had landed ward Hand reported that his battalion was Valor of under cover of a fire from composed of six companies. Pennsylvania their batteries on Bunker, Hand's battalion, which now in Troops. Breed's and Copp's hills, as An official papers was called a reg- well as from a frigate which Historic iment. had a standard of " deep lay three hundred yards ofT the point. In a Banner. green ground, the device a tiger high tide it is an island. Colonel Thomp- partly enclosed by toils attempt- son marched instantly with his men, and ing the pass, defended by a hunter armed though it was a \ery stormy day, they re- with a spear (in wdiite) on crimson field, garded not the tide nor waited for boats, the motto ' Domari Nolo." " Their uni- but took to the water up to their armpits, forms were made of brown holland and for a quarter of a mile, and notwithstand- Osnaburgs, something like a shirt, douljle ing the regulars' fire, reached the island, caped over the shoulders in imitation of the and although the enemy were lodged behind Indians; and on the breast in capital letters the walls and under cover, drove them to was their motto, " Liberty or Death." their boats. Loss, one killed (Alexander When Washington discovered that Howe Creighton, of Ross' company) and three was preparing to leave Boston, he sent THE REVOLUTION i6- General Sullivan with Thompson's, now FIRST EXPEDITION TO CANADA. Hand's, riflemen with five other regiments to Xew York. They left Boston on March Soon after the opening of the war at 14 and arrived at New York March 28. Ar- Lexington and Concord, the conquest of rangements had been made for Sullivan to Canada was contemplated by the New reinforce the expedition against Montreal England leaders, but Congress was un- in Canada, taking the place of Thomas, who willing to adopt measures except such as succeeded Montgomery after the latter had were purely defensi\-e in character. It was been killed. only with reluctance that Congress had Hand's regiment, in which the sanctioned the garrisoning of Ticonderoga March York riflemen, under Captain Mil- in northeastern New York by Connecticut to ler, were now serving, was ]:)laced troops. During the summer of 1775 it was Long under General Israel Putnam, who ascertained that Sir Guy Carleton. the Island, had been sent to New York by Governor of Canada, w^as about to take Washington to take command of steps to recover Ticonderoga. which had all the forces in and around that city and been captured by Ethan Allen in May. await the e.xpected arrival of the British Congress also learned that the English had army from Halifax, .\pril 5. Hand's reg- intrigued with the Iroquois Indians of cen- iment w'as moved by order of General Put- tral New York to harass the New* England nam to Long Island, where it remained at a frontier and the region along the Hudson station near New Utrecht during the re- River. \\'ith this condition of affairs mainder of April and the months of May Congress resolved upon the invasion of and June, doing some good service. Canada as a measure of self-defence. On the 22d of April. 1776. General W'ash- An expedition led by General ington said in a letter to the President of March Richard ^Montgomery passed Congress. " The time for which the rifle- to down Lake Champlain against men enlisted will expire on the first of Juh' Quebec. Montreal. On September 12, next, and as the loss of such a \-aluable and Montgomery, with a force of two brave body of men will be of great injury to thousand men, laid siege to the fortress of the ser\-ice I would su1:)mit it to the con- St. John's, which commanded the approach sideration of Congress whether it would not to Montreal. .After a siege of fifty days St. be best to adopt some method to induce John's surrendered and Montgomery en- them to continue. They are. indeed, a very tered Montreal nine days later. Meanwhile useful corps, but I need not mention this. \\'ashington. in command of the army at as their importance is already kncjwn to Cambridge, detached one thousand infantry. Congress." 'Morgan's Virginia sharpshooters, and two Congress had (without the knowledge of companies of riflemen from Pennsylvania to the commander-in-chief) passed a resolu- advance through the forests of Maine to tion, dated April 15. to recruit and re-enlist Oueljec. This expedition was in command the battalion and the independent rifle com- of Colonel Benedict Arnold, wdio is sup- panies attached to it. for a term of two years posed to have suggested it. .\aron Burr unless sooner discharged. On the 30th of served on the staff of Arnold in this expeili- June, the day when the time of those who tion and at one time acted as a spy in the did not re-enlist expired. Colonel Hand said garb of a Catholic priest. One of the Penn- in a letter. " Almost all the men discharged sylvania companies that went with this ex- today declare that they will stay to know pedition was recruited in Cumberland what the fleet will do." meaning the British County and was commanded by Captain fleet bringing Howe's army from Halifax to William Hendricks: the other connnanded the harbor of New York. (3n the first of In- Captain Matthew Smith, had been raised July. 1776. the rifle battalion, recruited and in the present area of Dauphin County. re-enlisted, entered on another term of Both of these companies had served in service as the First Regiment of Pennsyl- Thompson's Battalion at the siege of Boston vania in the Continental Line. Pennsyl- and both contained some York County sol- vania troops thus formed the first regiment diers. Lieutenant Michael Simpson, who of the regular army of the United States. afterward wrote the introduction to Hon. : 1 64 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENXSYLVAXIA John Joseph Henry's account of this expe- York count}' had no troops yet organized in dition, was a lieutenant in Captain Smith's response to these \'ariotis calls for the ex- company. He resided on the Simpson pedition to Canada, James Smith, a practic- Ferry property at New Market in Fairview ing lawyer and chairman of the Committee Township. of Safety for York county, wrote the fol- Arnold's march, which was as difficult as lowing letter Hannibal's crossing of the Alps, was con- James Smith to Benjamin Franklin and Robert Morris, ducted with great ability, but it was nearly Esquires, and the Committee of Safety of Penn- ruined by the misconduct of a subordinate sylvania. York, Pa., December officer, who deserted with two hundred men 2i, 1775. Gentlemen : —By the last night's post we received the and the greater part of the provisions. public papers, acquainting us of the resolve of congress After frightful hardships to which two hun- touching the raising of four battalions in this province and desiring the conmiittee of safety to appoint the com- dred more succumbed, of men on the 13th pany officers and recommend the field officers of those X^ovember the little army climbed the battalions to the honorable continental congress. Heights of Al)raham, fronting Quebec. As The time limited for the appointment and recom- mendation being fi.xed to the second of January it will Arnold's force was insufficient to storm the be impracticable for the members of your committee in city and the garrison would not come out to this county to attend; in this situation of affairs the Committee of Correspondence for York County hope fight, he was obliged to await the arrival of your board will not think it improper to trouble you on Montgomery, who had just taken Montreal. that subject, well knowing that the great cause of On the morning of December 31, Mont- American liberty is our primary object and that every- thing that may tend to forward that glorious cause gomery and Arnold made a conijjined attack through whatever channel will not be unacceptable. I on Quebec and each came near carrying his am directed by the Committee of Correspondence for point, but in the assault Montgomery was this county to write to the Committee of Safety and in the strongest terms to request that the board may slain and Arnold wounded in the leg. The please to recommend Thomas Hartley, Esq., to be lieu- enthusiasm of the troops was chilled and tenant colonel of one of the battalions to be raised in they were repelled. Captain Morgan suc- this province and in case that recommendation should take place that the board will please to appoint David ceeded Montgomery in the temj^orary com- Grier. Esq.. to be captain; John McDowell, lieutenant; mand but in a violent attack on the British, William Nichols, ensign, of one company; Moses Mc- Clean, captain ; Lewis Bush, lieutenant, and Robert he and his company were made prisoners. Hoopes, ensign, of another company in the same bat- With the failure of this desperate attack talion; and if a third company should be raised in York passed away the golden opportunity for tak- county to please to appoint Bernard Eichelberger, cap- tain or lieutenant as you may think best. ing the citadel of Canada. Arnold remained If the board should think this application not im- throughout the winter in the neighborhood proper in this situation and it should be agreeable to them, the Committee of Correspondence here will exert of Quebec and in the spring the enterprise every nerve in assisting the officers to get their com- was taken up by W'ooster and Sullivan with panies filled in the most expeditious manner witli the fresh forces. best men and at the least possible expense to the public. I am the fall of Con- During 1775 Gentlemen Reinforce- gress asked that five battalions with great respect merits for l)e rais"ed in Pennsylvania to re- Your most Innnble Servant, To Benjamin Franklin & James Smith, Chair' for the Canada, inforce the expedition Robert Morris, Esq., and of the Com'e York Co. conquest of Canada. When the Connnittee of Safety of the Province these battalions were organized the first of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia. was commanded by John Philip De Hass, of By the Lancaster post to be delivered as soon as Lebanon; the second by Colonel Arthur St. possible. Clair, of Westmoreland county, who had SIXTH PENNSYLVANIA BATTALION seen service in the British army under Am- William Irvine, a graduate of medicine herst ; the third by Colonel John Shea, an Irish merchant of Philadelphia; the fourth from the University of Dublin, who settled by Colonel Anthony Wayne, a surveyor and at Carlisle in 1764, where he practiced his member of the assembly from Chester profession until the opening of the Revolu- county, and the fifth by Colonel Robert tion, was appointed to command the Sixth McGaw. of Carlisle. January 4, 1776, Con- Battalion. Colonel Ir\-ine had servetl as an gress passed a resolution that a sixth bat- officer in the British army in the war be- talion be raised in Pennsylvania, which was tween England and France before he came recruited west of the Susquehanna. .Ks to this country. Thomas Hartley, then a 'rill'". REVOLU'i'IOX l6: ])racticing lawyer at ^'()|•k. was inailc lieu- one ensign, four sergeants and four cor- tenant colonel; James Dunlap. major: Rev. porals: pri\ates to be enlisted for one year William Linn, chaplain: John Brooks, ad- at five dollars per month : each private to be jutant, and Robert Johnston, surgeon. allowed instead of bount}-. one felt hat. a Immediately after the receipt of the news pair of yarn stockings and a pair of shoes: from Congress asking for troops from west the men to find their own arms : the en- of the Susquehanna, recruiting began at listed men to be furnished with a hunting N'ork. in the lower end of York county, in .^hirt. not exceeding in value one and one- the Monaghau settlement around the pres- third of a dollar, and a blanket, provided ent site of DilJsburg. at Hanover, and in tliese can be procured but not to be made the Marsh Creek country around the site • part of the terms of enlistment. of Gettysburg. In a short time two com- The Sixth Battalion under Colo- panies were organized. One of these com- Join nel Irvine arrived at .\lbany panies was commanded by Captain David Sullivan's May ro. where it joined a part Grier. a member of the bar. wdio had been Command, of Wayne's l)attalion from admitted to the practice of law at York in Chester county. These troops 1 77 1. The other was commanded by Cap- proceeded to Fort Ticonderoga on Lake tain Moses }iIcClean. son of Archibald Mc- Champlain. where they embarked with Gen- Clean. a noted surveyor of York who had eral John Sullivan for St. John's. Here assisted in running Mason and Dixon's line. the\' joined the Pennsylvania and other Colonel Irvine's command, known in his- troops, all of which were placed under com- tory as the Sixth Pennsylvania battalion, mand of General John Sullivan, a native of was organized at Carlisle in March. 1776. Maine, who had held a command under On the 22d _of that month Colonel Irvine Washington at the siege of Boston. He wrote to John Hancock. President of Con- was one of the eight brigadier generals first gress : commissioned by Congress at Philadelphia. 'T am honored with your orders to march On June 2 he took coinmand of the northern my battalion to New York, wdiich shall be army on the borders of Canada, succeeding complied with, with all possible expedition. General Thomas, of Massachusetts, wdio Many of the arms are old. and want bay- had died of smallpox near Montreal. Wil- onets and repairs. However. I shall not liam Thompson, who had been promoted wait for bayonets, as I hope to be supplied from the command of his battalion of Penn- at Philadelphia or New York. I have been syhania riflemen to the rank of brigadier ol)liged to purchase many rifles, but I pre- general, had been ordered from Boston in sume they may l)e changed for muskets, April, 1776, to reinforce General Thomas should the service require it: knapsacks, with four regiments which were afterward haversacks, canteens, and many other ne- increased to ten. He met the northern cessaries which the commissioners promised army on its retreat from Quebec and as- to forward for my battalion, have not yet sumed the chief command when General come to hand. Though I do not mean to Thomas was sick, yielding it up on Jvme 4. wait for them, yet X think it proper to ac- to General Sullivan, by whose orders two quaint you. as t^erhaps your fitrther orders days later he made a disastrous attack on may be necessary." the enemv at Three Rivers. A few days later Colonel Irvine left Car- BATTLE OF THREE RIVERS. lisle with his battalion for the Canada cam- paign. His command numbered 780 men. The story of the battle of Three Rivers 'I'he captains of the eight dilTerent com- is liest told in a letter written by Ivieutenant panies comprising this battalion were: Colonel Hartley, of York, to his personal Da\id Grier, Moses McClean, Samuel Hay. friend, Jasper Yeates. of Lancaster. This Robert Adams, Abraham Smith. William letter dated at the camp at Sorel, three days Riiqjew James A. \\ ilson and Jeremiah after the i)attle. June 12. 1776. reads as fol- Talbotl. lows : In accordance with a resolution of Con- "Before the arrival of Colonel Wayne's gress each company was to be com])osed of and Irvine's regiments under the command sixty-eight men. one captain, one lieutenant. of General Sullivan, Colonel St. Clair, with 1 66 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PEXNSYLVAXLV a (letacliment of seven hundred men. was difficulties we were to surmount in the mire, sent down the river St. Lawrence al)out otherwise the way by the shipping would nine leagues, to watch tlie motions of the have been preferred. enemy and act occasionally. General Sul- "We waded three hours in the mud about livan's arrival here was at a critical time. mid-deep in general, the men fasting. We Canada was lost, unless some notable exer- e\ery moment expected to get through and tion was made; the credit of our arms gone find some good ground to form on, but were and no large numlier of our American deceived. The second division under Colo- troops to sustain our posts. It was saitl nel Anthony Wayne, saw a part of the that the taking of Three Rivers, with such enemy and attacked them. Captain Samuel troops as were on it would be of service. .\ Hay of our regiment (Sixth battalion), with detachment under General Thompson was his company of riflemen, assisted and be- sent down the river. The corps under Colo- haved nobly. Colonel Wayne advanced, nel St. Clair w'as to join it, and if the Gen- the enemy's light infantry were driven from eral thought it expedient, he was ordered their ground and the Indians in their flanks by Sullivan to attack the enemy at Three were silenced. Rivers. "The great body of the enemy, "We left this on the evening of the 5th A Furious which we knew nothing of, instant in several batteaux and joined St. Fire. consisting of two or three thou- Clair about twelve o'clock at night. It be- sand men, covered with en- ing too late to proceed on to Three Rivers trenchments, and assisted with the cannon the enterprise was postponed until the next of the shipping and several field pieces, be- night. gan a furious fire and continued it upon our "In the dusk of the evening of the 7th we troops in the front. It was so heavy that set ofi from the Nicolette with about fifteen the division gave way, and from the badness hundred rank and file besides officers. It of the ground could not form suddenly was intended to attack Three Rivers about again. St. Clair's division advanced but the daybreak in four places. Thompson landed fire was too heavy. Part of Irvine's divi- his forces about nine miles above the town sion, especially the riflemen, went up to- on the north side of the St. Lawrence, and wards the enemy. I understood the army divided his army into five divisions. Max- was in confusion. I consulted some friends well. St. Clair, Wayne and Irvine each com- and led up the reserve within a short dis- manding a division, and I had the honor of tance of the enemy. McClean's and Grier's commanding the reserve. Leaving two companies from York county advanced with hundred and fifty men to guard the bat- spirit; McClean's men took the best situa- teaux, the army proceeded swiftly towards tion, and within eighty yards of the enemy the town. I was to be ready to sustain the exposed to the fire of the shipping as hot as party which might need assistance. hell. I experienced some of it. "The guards proved faithless and the "Not a man of McClean's company be- General was misinformed as to the number haved badly; Grier's company behaved well. of the enemy as well as to the situation of Several of the enemy were killed in the at- the town. Our men had lost their sleep for tack of the reserve. Under the disadvan- two nights, yet were in pretty good spirits. tages, our men would fight ; but we had no Daylight appeared and showed us to the covering, no artillery, and no prospect of enemy. Our guides (perhaps traitors) had succeeding, as the number of the enemy was led us through windings, and were rather so much superior to ours. Wayne and carrying us off from the post. The General Allen rallied part of our men, and kept up a was enraged at their conduct. fire against the English from the swamp. "There were mutual firings. Our people The enemy, in the meantime, dispatched a killed some in a barge. Our scheme was strong body to cut ofT our retreat to the no longer an enterprise. It might have boats, wdien it was thought expedient to been prudent perhaps to retreat but no one retreat. Our General and Colonel Irvine would propose it. We endeavored to pene- were not to be found ; they had both gone up trate through a swamp to the town and to the front in a very heavy fire. This gave avoid the shipping. A\ e liad no idea of the US ereat uneasiness l)ut a retreat was neces- THE REVOLUTION 167 sary. This could not l)e done regularly, as ing every difficulty, we got up, crossed the we could not regain the road on account of ri\er and arrived at Sorel, Monday after- the enemy's shipping and artillery, and went noon, June 10. We brought nearly twelve off in small parties through the swamp. hundred men back with our party. ]\Iany Wayne and Allen gathered some hundreds are yet missing, one hundred and fifty or together and I got as many in my division two hundred. Some scattered ones are as I could, with several others amounting continually coming in so that our loss will to upwards of two hundred. not be so great as was first imagined. "Wayne with his party, and I with mine, "Colonel Wayne behaved exceedingly tried several waj-s to get to our batteau.x. well and showed himself a man of courage Wayne was obliged, not far from the river, and a true soldier. Colonel Allen exerted to march by seven hundred of the eneni)-. himself and is a fine fellow. Colonel Max- He intended to attack 'them, but his men well was often in the midst of danger. His were so much fatigued that it was deemed own division was not present to support unsafe. The enemy fired their small arms him. He was also very useful in the re- and artillery on our men as loud as thunder. treat after he joined \Vayne. Lieutenant They returned a retreating fire. Several of Edie. of the York troops, I fear is killed. the enemy were killed and wounded. We He was a fine young fellow and behaved came within a mile of where our boats were, bravely. He approached the enemy's works but our guard had carried them ofi. The without dismay several times and remained English had possession of the ground where in the swamp to the last. He was in the we landed. Their shipping proceeded up second engagement where it is supposed he the river, covering parties being sent to take was killed. Ensign Hoopes of the same possession of the ferries we were to pass. company was wounded near the breast- "Wayne with his party lay near the works when I led up the reserve. I cannot enemy. I passed through a big swamp and say too much of his bravery. He showed at night took possession of a hill near the the greatest courage after he had received enemy. We were without food and the se\-eral wounds in the arm. He stood his water very bad. I mounted a small quarter ground and animated his men. He nobly guard, fixed my alarm post, and made every made good his retreat with me through a man lie down on the ground, on which he swamp nearly eighteen miles long. Sev- was to rise for action in case of an attack. eral of our regiment were killed. I appre- I slept a little by resting my head on a cold hend between thirty and fifty. bough of spruce. "June 13. Last night a sort of flag of "Morning dawned (Sunday, June 9). and truce came from the enemy. General I consulted our officers and men. They Thompson, Colonel William Irvine. Dr. said they were refreshed with sleep. It was McKenzie, Lieutenants Edie and Currie and agreed to stand together, that they would Parson McCalla (of the First) are prison- support me and effect a passage through ers. They were taken up by some of the the enemy or die in the attempt. A little rascally Canadians in the most treacherous spring water refreshed us more. The manner." necessary dispositions were made but we At the time of the battle of Three Rivers, had no guides. We heard the enemy within the British forces in Canada numbering a half mile of us, but no one seemed alarmed 13,000 men. were under command of Sir so we proceeded and luckily fell in with Guy Carleton, a noted soldier in the English Wayne's track. We pursued it and over- army, who had been appointed governor of took him near the river Du Lac. This the Province of Quebec in 1772. He had made us upwards of seven hundred strong recaptured Montreal before the contest at and we agreed to attack the enemy if they Three Rivers, where the British troops were fell in our way to Bokie (Berthier). opposite commanded by Sir John Burgoyne, the ill- Sorel. We were sure they would attempt fated officer who, in 1777. surrendered his the fort at Sorel before we could arrive, but entire army at the battle of Saratoga. The as we came up the English left the ferries American forces at the battle of Three Riv- and drew all their forces l)ack to Three ers were composed entirely of Pennsylvania Rivers. Bv forced marches and surmount- troops, with the e.xception of a small de- : 1 68 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. PEXXSYLVAXIA tachmcnt from Xew Jersey. They fought Init was o\erruled. Some Indians observed gallantly against great odds with all the ad- their motions, and wdiile they were at a vantages in favor of the enemy. It was the house drinking some spruce beer, the sav- first engagement of the Revolution on ages surrounded them, killed Captain American soil fought by Pennsylvania Adams, Ensign Culbertson and two privates, troops. Although they did not succeed, the whom they scalped in a most inhuman and battle proved again to the ministry and the barljarous manner, and carried off prisoners King of England that the American volun- McClean, McFerran, McAllister and Hoge teers, fighting for libert\- and independence, and two other privates. But a party coming were destined to rank in a])ility and achieve- to their relief from camp aided Captain Rip- ment with the trained soldiers of Europe. pey and Ensign Lusk to make their escape." After the engagement at Three The bodies of those killed were brought Sullivan Rivers and the defeat of .Arnold to the Isle Aux Noix and decently buried Retreats, at Montreal, Sullivan began his !)} Wa}'ne, ^\ho with a party followed the masterh- retreat. He joined Indians and recovered the batteaux with Arnold at St. Johns, on the Sorel river, the bodies. wdiich flows from the mouth of Lake Cham- Isle Aux Xoix proved very unlTealthy; plain into the St. Lawrence. Wayne had sixty men out of one hundred "The rear of the army," says Wilkinson and thirty-eight taken down with sickness, in his "Memoirs," "with baggage stores, after their arrival there: and on the 24th of reached St. Johns on June i8th, was em- June, de Haas and all his field officers with barked and moved up the Sorel the same a number of his men were sick. On the afternoon. After the last boat except Ar- 25th, General Sullivan commenced moving nold's had put off, at Arnold's suggestion, the army to Isle la Motte. Colonel Hartley, he and Wilkinson went down the direct with two hundred and fifty men of Irvine's road to Chamblv for two miles, where they battalion, went by land, scouring the coun- met the advance of the British di\ision, tr}', traversing disagreeable swamps, de- under Burgoyne. They reconnoitered it a stroying on the way the houses, mills, etc., few minutes, then galloped back to St. of the traitor McDonald, who had deceived Johns and stripping their horses, shot them. them at I'hree Rivers. Arnold then ordered all on board, pushed ( )n June 27th, at Isle la Motte off the boat with his own hands, and thus Gates in all the army took vessels and indulged the vanity of being the last man Command, came to Crown Point, which wdTo embarked from the shores of the they reached on July ist. enemy. They followed the army twelve General Gates arrived there on the evening miles to the Lsle Aux Xoix, where they ar- of the 5th, superceding General Sullivan, rived after dark." and on the 7th at a council of war, it was The head of Burgoyne's column entered determined to remove the army to Ticon- St. Johns on the evening of the i8th, and deroga. The battalions of de Haas, St. Philip's advance guard on the morning of Clair and W ayne arrived there on the loth, the 19th. On the 19th general orders at the Sixth battalion under Hartley remain- Isle Aux Noix directed the commands of ing posted at Crown Point, where it en- de Hass, Wayne, St. Clair and Ir\-ine to camped the balance of the summer and fall, encamp on the east side of the island. the sentinel regiment of Gates" army. On On the 2 1 St. Irvine's battalion met with the 20th Gate's brigaded his army, and the another heavy loss, as is detailed by a letter four Pennsylvania battalions were consti- from one of the regiment tuted the Fourth Brigade, Colonel Arthur "Captains McClean, Adams and Rippey, St. Clair commanding: Edward Scull bri- Lieutenants McFerran. McAllister and gade-major for the Third and Fourth bat- Hoge, and Ensigns Lusk and Culbertson, talions. August 14th, Hartley's scouts with four privates, went over from the Isle found the British still at St. Johns. -Aux Noix to the western shore of the lake, On the 6th of Septemlier, Hartley desired about a mile from camp, l)ut within sight, General Gates to send to Crown Point, to fish and divert themselves. McClean either General \\'ayne's battalion or the prutlently proposed to take arms with them Second and he would defend it with them. TTIH REVOLUTIOX 169 Gates gave liim jjositive orders to retreat ion under the command of Ucutenant if the British reached that point. 'i'he Colonel Hartley reached Carlisle on its British did not come, however, and on the return March 15. 1777, where it was re- 22d Irvine's regiment was still at Crown enlisted for three years or the war as the Point-^one lieutenant colonel, one major, Se\enth Pennsylvania Regiment of the four captains. li\-e tirst lieutenants, three Continental Line. second lieutenants, five ensigns, four staf¥, Colonel Irvine, of Carlisle, who com- seventeen sergeants, fifteen drvmis, and four manded the Sixth battalion in which the hundred and eighty-six rank and file. On York county troops served, was captured the rith of October, Hartley still main- at Three Rivers and carried a prisoner to tained his post, having found in the woods New York, where he was paroled August some cannon lost in the French war. With 3, 1776. but was not exchanged until May great labor he had roads cut and transported 6. 1778, when he resumed the command them to Crown Point, and had a battery of of the Seventh Pennsylvania regiment. He six guns read}' for the enemj' not any too took part in various campaigns ami was soon, for on the same day the British at- promoted to brigadier general and after the tacked Arnold's fleet on Lake Champlain, war ser\'ed as a member of Continental compelling him to retire towards Crown Congress. Point. On the 14th Hartley set fire to all A\'illiam Thompson, who was captured the houses at or near Crown Point and re- at Three Rivers, had commanded Thomp- tired to Ticonderoga. son's Rifle Battalion in front of Boston until The season was too far advanced for the he was promoted brigadier-general and British to make any further progress ; after joined the expedition against Canada. He threatening Ticonderoga they retired into was held a prisoner in New York until winter quarters. On the i8th of November August, 1776, when he returned to Phila- General Gates putting \\'a\-ne in command delphia on parole but was not exchanged of Ticonderoga, proceeded to join General until 1778. He died near Carlisle in 1781, \\'ashington with the larger part of the aged 56 years. army, the three Pennsylvania battalions Captain Moses McClean, who was ca]5- whose time would expire on the 5th of Jan- tured by the Indians in this campaign, was uary, agreeing to remain until they were re- held a prisoner of war until 2^Iarch zj. 1777. lieved by other troops. On the 29th of when he was exchanged. After the war he November, the Second, commanded by moved to Ohio and died at Chillicothe. Au- Wood, numbered four hundred and twenty- gust 25. 1810. aged seventy-three years. six officers and men ; Wayne's five hundred Captain Da\-id Grier, who won a brilliant and sixty-five ; Irvine's five hundred and record for gallantry at Three Rivers, was three. promoted to major of his regiment October On the 4th of Deceml)er. Wayne writes -5- ^77^- He was made lieutenant colonel to the Committee of Safety: of tlie Seventh Pennsylvania regiment, "The wretched condition the battalions which he commanded during Colonel Ir- are now in for want of almost every neces- vine's imprisonment. In September, 1777. sary, except flour and bad beef, is shocking he participated in battles under General to humanity, and beggars all description. Wayne 'and was wounded slightly at We have neither beds nor bedding for our Chad's Ford and was also wounded in the sick to lie on or under, other than their side by a bayonet at Paoli. Colonel Grier own clothing; no medicine or other things practiced law after the war and was a prom- needed for them. The dead and dying, inent citizen of York. He was a presiden- lying mingled together in our hospital, or tial elector at W'ashington's first election. rather house of carnage, is no uncommon He died in York in 1791. sight. The}' are objects truly worth}- of Lieutenant John Edie. who became a your notice." prisoner of war at Three Rivers, was not On the J4th of January, 1777, the exchanged until April 10. 1778. From 1791 The Pennsylvania battalions left Ti- to 1798 he was editor and one of the owners Return conderoga with General Wayne of the Pennsylvania Herald and General Home, for their homes. Irvine's battal- .\d\ertiser published at York, the files of I70 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA which paper are in the Historical Society of Necdham, Robert Sample, VVilham Shugart, EH York county. After the Revolution Lieu- XolX' LukT"' Simonton, John tenant Edie became brigadier general in the O'Har'a. Dennis Sloane, David state militia. Patten, John Smith, Patrick Sulhvan, Peter Lieutenant Abdiel McAllister, of Grier's RobhTson.' John Tibbens, Henry company, who was captured at Three Riv- ers, was the oldest son of Colonel Richard CAPTAIN DAVID GRIER'S COM- McAllister, founder of Hanover, who com- PANY. manded the Second regiment in the Flying Captain David Grier's company came Camp. from York, Hanover, the vicinitj' of Dills- CAPTAIN MOSES McCLEAN'S COM burg and the lower end of York county. PANY. Its membership was almost entirely com- posed of Scotch-Irish. The following is The following is a complete muster roll the complete muster roll of the company: of Captain Moses McClean's company re- Captain, cruited partly in York county and partly in Grier, David. the present area of Adams county: First Lieutenant, McDowell, John. Caftain. Second Lieutenant, McClean. Moses. McAllister, Abdiel. First Lieutenants. Ensigns. Eichelberger, Barnet. Nichols, William. Edie. John. Hughes, John. Seeond Lieutenant, Sergeants, Hoge. John. Walker, Andrew. Ensign, Kno.x, John. Hoopes, Robert. Jeffries, Robert. Sergeants. Hayman, John. Ralston, Robert. Corporals, Smith, John. Lawson. James. Milligan, James. Mcllhenny, Felix. King, John. Lethew, David. Allison, Robert. Tomson, Ezra. Drum and Fife, Drum and Fife, Conner. Patrick. Hamilton, James. Stack, Richard. Wright, Mathias. Privates, Privates, Adair, John Jayne, Aaron Anguis, William Hoy, Thomas Alhson, Robert Johnston, George Barnes, Patrick Jackson, Archibald Atcheson, Edward Johnston, James Baker, George Johnston, Robert Barclay, Joseph Kelly, Edward Bacheldor, Ebenezer Johnston, William Blain, John Kennedy, Samuel Barry, James Kelly, George Blakely, George King, Patrick Beard, Robert Kelly, Thomas Brown, John King, William Brian, John Leeson, James Campbell, William Kincaid, Samuel Campbell, .Archibald IVLason. William Chesney, Thomas Limerick, Patrick Clemmonds, John Matthews, Jacob Cochran, William Long, Joseph Conn, Adam McCall, John Conn, John Lynch, Patrick Conner, George McCoy, William Commoly, John Alahon, Charles Conway. Charles McDaniel, John Crawford, Robert Madden. Timothy Cooper. George McGowan, Samuel Cunningham, David Ma.xwell. James Corrigan, Cornelius McKissack, Henry Cunningham, Patrick Meloy, Bartholomew —Davis, David McMeehan, Michael Dill, Thomas McBride, John Dulany, Thomas McMullan, James Dingley, William McDaniel, James Dorce or Deis. John Mealy, Lawrence DuflSeld, Felix McDonald, William Dougherty, Charles Murphy, Michael Dunlap. John McDowell, John Dougherty, John Murphy, Dennis Evan. William McFarland. Jacob Esson, Alexander O'Loan. Patrick Entrican. William McGee, John Falkner, John O'Niel, Peter Faith, Alexander McGonagal, Neal Frick, John Pcarcy, John Gerard, Mathias McGuan. Patrick Forsyth, Robert Price, James Gibbons, Henry McKeeder, Owen Gedcies, Joseph Quigley, William Gravnor, Thomas McManery, James Grant, Peter Redmond, Murtough Griffith, David McWilliams, John Guncager, Charles Robinson, James Hall, John Morgan. Christian Gytinger, Charles Roney. Patrick Hargie, John Mullen, Daniel Harkins, James Russel. Joseph Heinerman, Michael Murphy, Dennis Hickenbottom, Edward Scullion, Patrick Hughes, William Murray, Eneas Hodge, Isaac Schregh, Peter THE GLOBE INN, WHERE LAFAVETTE WAS ENTER- TAINED IN 1N25 FIGLKE OF JUSTICE IN COLONIAL COURT HOUSE THE REVOLUTIOxX 171 Shaw, Arcliibald Swartz, Peter eral Sullivan, connuanding the left wing of Shaw. James Taylor, John Washington's army. There are no minute Standley, Francis Trees, Jacob Shive, Philip Wade, Joseph details of the part taken by Captain Al- Schultz. Micliael Weaverling, Adam bright's company of York County troops in Seidle. Peter Welch, Edward Schneiiler. Jolin White, Isaac this famous Ijattle. The report of Miles, in Spencer, Edward Wilkinson, William whose regiment Captain Albright served, Stevenson, James Wilson, Joseph will be found interesting. Swank, Baltzer Worley, George Swartz, George Wright. Matthias "On the landing of the British army on Long Island, I was ordered with my rifle COLONEL MILES' REGIMENT. regiment to watch their motions. I marched The next troops to leave York to battle near to the village of Flat Bush, where the for the cause of independence were led by Highlanders then lay, but they moved the Captain Philip Albright, a prominent citizen next day to General Howe's camp, and their of the county. This company joined Colonel place was supplied by the Hessians. I lay Miles' Pennsylvania Ritle Regiment, which there within cannon shot of the Hessian was organized March 5, 1776, in response camp for four days without receiving orders to a call of the State Assembly for 2,000 from General Sullivan. I was stationed troops to defend Pennsyh-ania. Colonel directly in front of the village of Flat Bush, Saiuuel Miles, its first commander, was but on the left of the road leading to New then a resident of Philadelphia. He had Y^ork, where the Hessians were encamped. served with credit in the French and Indian The main body of the enemy, under the im- War under Braddock. and when peace was mediate command of General Howe, lay declared, was placed in charge of a garrison about two miles to my left, and General on the site of Erie. He raised his regiment Grant, with another body of British troops, of 1.000 men and formed them into two bat- lay about four miles to my right. There talions within a period of six weeks and were several small bodies of Americans dis- rendezvoused at Marcus Hook, on the persed to my right but not a man to my left, northeast coast of New Jersey. although the main body of the enemy lay to At this time the British army my left. This was our situation on the 26th Marches under Howe, which had evacu- of August. About I o'clock at night Grant to Long ated Boston March 18. had not on the right and Howe on the left, began Island. yet arrived at Long Island. their march, atid by daylight Grant had got Colonel Miles drilled and dis- within a mile of our entrenchments, and ciplined his regiment for active service in Howe had got into the Jamaica Road, about the field and on July 2 he was ordered to two miles from our lines. The Hessians Philadelphia, where the regiment was kept their position until 7 in the morning. thoroughly equipped. On July 5 he marched As soon as they moved the firing began at with his command to Trenton and from our redoubt. I immediately marched to- thence to Amboy. July 16 he joined Hugh wards the firing, but had not proceeded Mercer, who had been raised to the rank of more than one or two hundred yards when brigadier-general at the request of Wash- I was stopped by Colonel Willey, who told ington, and placed in command of the Fly- me that I could not pass on ; that we were ing Camp, composed largely of Pennsyl- to defend a road that led from Flat Bush vania troops. The British army was soon road to the Jamaica road. to attack New York and on August 10 "I made a retrograde march, a distance Miles was ordered to Long Island. of nearly two miles through woods within On August 12 Miles' regiment and Colo- sight of the Jamaica road, and to my great nel Samuel Atlee's battalion of musketry, mortification saw the main body of the from Lancaster, were brigaded with enemy in full march between me and our Glover's and Smalhvood's regiments and lines, and the baggage guard just coming placed under the command of Lord Stirling, into the road. I had then only the first bat- an English officer who was made a briga- talion with me. The second was some dier-general in the American army. Stir- distance to the rear, and I directed Major ling's brigade took an active part in the Williams, who was on horseback, to return battle of Long Island, serving under Gen- and order Lieutenant-Colonel Brodhead, of I7-' HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PEXXSVLVAXIA my regiment, to pusli on b_\- tlie left of tlie Colonel Miles" regiment, when organized, enemy and endeavor to get into our lines had i.ooo men. rank and file. Of this num- that way. They succeeded, but liad to wade her 650 entered the battle of Long Island, a mill dam. in which a few were drowned, in which about 50 were killed and wounded I returned to the battalion and called a and 159 taken prisoners. Captain Albright's council of the oi^cers and laid three propo- company lost in this engagement in killed, sitions before them ; first, to attack the bag- wounded and prisoners, three sergeants and gage guard, endeavor to cut our way twenty-seven privates. The responsible through them, proceed to Hell Gate and position held by Miles in this battle is shown then cross the sound ; second, to lay where in the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Brod- \ve were until the whole had passed us and head, of the regiment. On September 5, then proceed to Hell Gate; or third, to en- 1776, he wrote: "Xo troops could have be- deavor to force our way through the haved better than ours in this battle, for, enemy's flank guards into our line at though the\- seldom engaged less than fi\-e Brooklyn. to one, they frequently repulsed the enemy "The third pro])osition was with great slaughter, and I am confident Colonel adopted, and we immediately that the number Icilled and wounded on Miles a began our march, but had not their side is greater than ours, notwith- Prisoner. proceeded more than half a mile standing we had to fight them front and rear until we fell in with a body of imder every disadvantage. I understand seven or eight hundred light infantry, which that General Sullixan has taken the liberty we attacked without hesitation. Tlieir to charge our bra\e and good Colonel Miles superiority of numbers encouraged them to with the ill success of the day, but gi\'e me march up with their bayonets, which we lea\e to say, that if General Sulli\'an and the could not withstand, having none ourselves, rest of the generals on Long Island had I therefore oi'dered the troops to push on been as \ig'ilant and prudent as he. we toward our lines. I remained on the might and in all probability would ha\e cut grounds myself until they had all passed me. oft Clinton's lirigade: our officers and men the enemy being then within less than in general, considering the confusion, be- twenty yards of us. and by this means I haved as well as men could do—a few lie- came into the rear instead of the front of haved badly. Our men are getting very my command. ^^'e had proceeded but a sickly for want of blankets and clothing, short distance before we were again en- ha\-ing thrown away those the}- had in the gaged with a superior force of the enemy, engagement, which I fear they cannot be and here we lost a number of men, but took furnished here." Major Moncrieffe, their commanding of- In this battle Miles' regiment and Atlee's ficer, prisoner. Finding that the enemv had battalion suli'ered so severely that General possession of the ground between us and Washington ordered the three liattalions to our lines, and that it was impossible for us be considered as a regiment under the com- to cut our way through as a l)ody, I directed mand of Lieutenant-Colonel Brodhead until the men to make the best of tlieir way as further orders. Both these commands had well as they could. Some few got in safe, enlisted for fifteen months to defend the but there were 159 taken prisoners. I my- state of Pennsyhania. As they were now self was entirely cut off from our lines and with the American army in another state, therefore endeavored to conceal myself, Colonel Brodhead petitioned the State with a few men wdio would not leave me. I Legislature at this time to know their hoped to remain until night, when I in- military relations, whereupon both com- tended to try to get to Hell Gate and cross mands were turned over to the authority of the sound ; but about 3 o'clock in the after- Congress. On September 19 the three bat- noon was discovered by a party of Hessians talions mutinied and appeared on jiarade and obliged to surrender—thus ended the under arms. After this two hundretl men career of that day." Lieutenant William deserted, about thirty of them were kept AlcPherson. of Alljright's company, became back 1)y fnrce. Those who deserted gave as a ]>risoner of war and was held by the a reason a lack of sufticient clothing, British for more than a year. blankets, rations and pay. but the records THE REVOLUTIOX 173 seem to show thai they had ah^cady Ijcen Quartermaster Sergeant, jiaid in continental money, which had Lytle, Andrew. greatly depreciated. Meantime, however, a Drummer, supply of clothing had been sent from Harden. John. Philadelphia. Privates, Awl. John, Lead, Connid. (Jn Octolier Captain Al- 3. liarron. Robert. Lcavingston, Jacob. Re-organi- bright had in his company Beltzhover, Ludwig. Lutes, John. — zation. three sergeants, one drummer Boned, .Andrew. Malseed, Samuel. Boyd. .Mexandcr. McBroom. Henry. and forty-six i)rivates. On the Branon, William. McCay, James. same day the Pennsylvania Council of Brown. John. McClughan, Hugh. Burk. Safety ordered a re-arrangement of the Michael. McCown, Daniel. Bushani. Jacob. McCown, Patrick. three battalions, and on the 25th of the Carlton. Edward. McElnay, John. same month, ten of the companies of the Conrad. George. McFarlane, James. Croan, Henry. McGinish. Patt. battalion ceased to exist l)y being consoli- Crookham. John. McGuire, Bartholomew. dated with others. On the same day Cap- Cuxel. James. McNeal, Daniel. tain Albright's company and six others Diiffield, Rachford. Morrison. James. Ferril. Hugh. Myer. Joseph. were ordered to retain their captains. Fink. Michael. Newman. Jacob. These and the remnants of the other bat- Foster, Thomas. Reed. Hugh. talions of the state troops followed the Glen, Patrick. Rinehart. John. Gobin. Hugh. Rubart. Adam. fortunes of the Continental army. Part of Gordan. James. Ryan, Christian. the regiment under Lieutenant-Colonel Grearley, John. Ryan. Michael. Gregg. John. Shadow. Henry. Brodhead was present at the battle of Fort Gregg. Robert. Smith, John. \\'ashington. November 16. The remainder Helm. George. Spangler. Charles. of the regiment accompanied Washington Helsley, Jacob. Stockdel, Torrence. Hendry, John. Stuart, David. in the retreat across New Jersey and took Hollan, William. Stump. Charles. part in the battles of Trenton and Princeton. Hudson, John. Sturgeon, Robert. Hutchinson, Late in the year 1776 a dif^culty arose James. Swartz. John. Jacobs. Johnathan. Trine, George. between Major Williams, of Miles' regi- James. William. Wampler. George. ment, and Captain Philip Albright. The Kennedy, Philip. Wells. Edward. ^ Kilean, Michael. Welshance. William. major had made himself obnoxious in many Kilpatrick, Robert. Williams. Thomas. ways to the subordinate officers, with whom Kilpatrick, William. Woods, Samuel. he was not popular. Both Williams and Al- Knee (Karee). Thomas. bright explained their differences to the Council of Safety of Pennsylvania, but the CAPTAIN PHILIP ALBRIGHT was a matter was never satisfactorily adjusted, descendant of George Albright, who left the Palatinate and Captain Albright resigned his commis- German and arriving in this country settled in Philadelphia, and engaged sion on January 2;^. 1777. in commercial pursuits. He remained in The following is the roll of Captain Philip that city until York, Albright's company after the battle of Long 1740, when he moved to then a part of County, in which Island, taken in camp near King's Bridgfe, Lancaster county he had a number of \aluable planta- N. v.. September i, 1776: tions. Captain. Captain Albright was the youngest of Albright, Philip. three sons of George Albright, and received First Lieutenants, his education at York in the school main- Thomson, John. tained by the German Lutheran Church. Sheriff. Cornelius. Endowed with the usual German thrift, he Second Lieutcniint. w'as able to save enough in succeeding years McPher.son. William. to purchase the estate of the Rankin family. Third Licutcndnt. This property was situated on the Codorus Stake, Jacob. about two miles below York, and consisted Sergeants, of a large flouring mill and plantation. Wilson. Thomas. Philip Albright made his home upon his Tate. Robert. newlv purchased plantation, having some Willey, James. Geddes, James. years previous married Anna Maria Ursula, 174 HISTORY OF YORK COUXTY. PEXXSYLVAXIA daugliter of Johann Daniel Duenckle. a ing Albright's company, of which he became German refugee and aristocrat. second lieutenant. During the hottest of When the tension with Great Britain be- the fighting in the battle of Long Island. came keen, there was no more enthusiastic Lieutenant McPherson fell into the hands partisan of colonial independence than of the enemy and was held a prisoner of war Philip Albright, and when the preliminary njear Xew York city for one year. After the steps were taken looking to tlie achievement war he l)ecame a prominent and influential of that end, he was chosen a member of the citizen of the ]\Iarsh Creek country. He Committee of Observation, formed at York, represented York County in the State December i6, 1774. On March 19, 1776, he Legislature from 1790 to 1799. except in was appointed captain of the First Battalion 1793. During the last year he served in the of the Pennsylvania regiment under the Legislature, he secured the passage of a bill command of Colonel Samuel Miles. He fol- to divide York County, and organize the lowed the fortunes of this regiment under new county of Adams, which was accom- Washington at the battle of Long Island plished in 1800. He died at Getty slnirg, and other engagements around Xew York August 2. 1832, at the age of seventy-five and in the Jersey campaign, during the years. Lieutenant McPherson was twice winter of 1776-7. As a result of difficulties married, first in 1780, to Mary Garick, of with Major Ennion Williams, Captain Al- Frederick County, Maryland, and second in bright resigned his command on January 1793, to Sara Reynolds, of Shippensl)urg. -3' '^777- H^is retirement to private life, He was the father of fourteen children. however, was of short duration, for on April John B. McPherson, one of his sons, was 5, 1778, while Continental Congress was in forty-five years cashier of the Gettysburg" session at York, he was commissioned bank, the oldest financial institution in the lieutenant-colonel of the Third Battalion of county. Hon. Edward McPherson, son of York County Militia, David Jameson, colo- John B. McPherson, was born in 1831 and nel. Five days after the date of his com- died in 1895. He was a representative in mission, the Ijattalion was ordered out to the Thirty-sixth and Thirty-seventh Con- guard the frontier against hostile Indians, gresses, and sixteen years clerk of the who had committed depredations in the national House of Representatives. Wyoming Valley, and in central and west- THE FIRST PENNSYLVANIA ern Pennsydvania. REGIMENT. At the close of the war, Philip Albright returned to his family, with whom he lived The First Pennsylvania Regiment was in considerable state and was highly es- organized in the field at the headquarters teemed by his fellows. In 1797. he lost his of the army at Long Island, July 11, 1776. wife. The same year, in recognition of his Most of the membership was composed of services to his country, he was elected to re-enlisted men who had previously served the State Legislature from York County, one year in Thompson's battalion. The and served two years. Lieutenant-Colonel new regiment was placed in the command Albright died April 2, 1800, "a warm friend of Col. Edward Hand, of Lancaster, with of his country," leaving a large estate, and Benjamin Chambers, of Franklin County, as survived by two sons and four daughters. lieutenant-colonel, and Rev. Samuel Blair, One of his daughters married George Small, chaplain. Owing to a controversy James father of Philip A. and Samuel, founders of Ross was not appointed major until three the f^rm of P. A. & S. Small. months afterward. When the regiment was LIEUTEXANT WILLIAM McPHER- organized, the nine companies were com- SON, who was captured in the battle manded respectively by Henry Miller, Mat- of Long Island, was a son of Robert thew Smith, Robert Cluggage, James Ross, McPherson, who served as a captain in Charles Craig, James Grier, David Harris, the French and Indian war, and com- James Parr and James Hamilton. The two manded a battalion of York County companies which had accompanied Arnold's militia in the Revolution. He was born expedition to Canada had returned in time near the site of Gettysburg, December 2, to join the regiment when it was organ- 1757, and at the age of 19 aided in recruit- ized. : THE REVOLUTION 175 This regiment now entered upon British. lUit they decided not to attack Under a career of drill and discipline him. Captain Miller then returned to the Sullivan preparing for a contest with the regiment, which moved along the enemy's at Long British, which was expected to flank. Our men now fired and killed several Island. come soon after their arrival at Hessians. Strong guards were maintained Long Island. General Sullivan, all day on the flanks of the enemy and our under whom Thompson's battalion had regiment and the Hessians kept up a severe served in front of Boston, liad now returned firing with a loss of but two wounded on our from the ex])edition to Canada and Captain side. We laid a few Hessians low and made Miller's company from York, with the I'irst them retreat out of Flat Bush. Our men Pennsylvania Regiment, was again placed in went into the town and brought the goods Sullivan's command on Long Island. Gen- out of the burning houses. eral Howe arrived with 25,000 troops at the "The enemy nearly lost their field pieces. entrance of Xew York harbor early in We could certainly have taken the cannon August, and was accompanied by his had it not been for some foolish person brother. Admiral Lord Howe, with a resist- calling retreat. The main body of the foe less fleet. The .\merican army untler returned to the town and when our men ^\'ashington numbered less than 10.000. came back to camp they told of their ex- General Israel Putnam commanded 5.000 ploits. Their stories were doubted by some, troops at Brooklyn Heights and Sullivan, which enraged our men so that a few of under whom the York soldiers were serving, them ran and brought away several Hes- had 4,000 men guarding the roads on Long sians on their backs. This kind of firing by Island. August 2^. Howe, with 20.000 our riflemen and theirs continued until 2 troops, attacked Sullivan. \\'ith his great o'clock in the morning of the 26th. when our superiority of force he was able to surround regiment was relieved by a portion of the the Americans and take more than 1,000 Flying Camp, and we started for Fort prisoners, including General Sullivan. Had Greene to get refreshment, not having lain Howe attacked the works on Brooklyn down the whole of this time and almost Heights he would probably have met with a dead with fatigue. We just reached the fort bloody defeat; but Bunker Hill had taught when the alarm guns were fired. We were him a lesson and he determined to besiege compelled to return to the lines, and, as the place instead of assaulting it. When soon as it was light, saw our men and theirs Washington perceived this intention he engaged with field pieces. withdrew the army, taking it across the "At last the enemy surrounded East River one dark, foggy night in such A our advance guard, and then a boats and scows as he could collect. This Spirited heavy firing continued for several skillful retreat under the very nose of the Contest, hours. The main body that sur- enemy was a wonderful achievement. rounded our men marched within In the battle of Long Island Hand's regi- thirty yards of Forts Brown and Greene; ment took a conspicuous part. Lieutenant- but when we fired they retreated with loss. Colonel Chambers, of this regiment, in de- Our men behaved as bravely as ever men scribing the engagement wrote as follows did, but it is surprising that with the superi- "On the morning of August 22 there were ority of the enemy our men were not cut to nine thousand troops approaching us on pieces. They behaved gallantly, and there New Utrecht plains. The guard alarmed are but fi\e or si.x hundred missing of the our small camp and we assembled at the flag 2.500 comprising our brig'ade. staff. We found our forces too small to "General Lord Stirling fought like a wolf attack the enemy on the plain. .\ detach- and was taken prisoner. Colonels Miles and ment of the regiment under the command of .\tlee. Major Burd, Captain Peebles, Lieu- Captain Miller, of York, follo\ved the enemy tenant Watt, and a great number of other with the design to decoy a portion of them otiicers are also prisoners. Colonel Piper is to follow him. The remainder of our regi- missing. From deserters we learn that the ment was stationed along the woods near enemy lost Major General Grant and two Captain Mille-'s detachment, which had brigadiers and many others, and five hun- moved to a point 200 yards from the dred killed. Our loss is chiefly in prisoners." J 76 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Colonel Hand, in his report of the retreat most experienced generals and army in the after the battle of Long Island, said: "W hen world : for it entirely disconcerted the de- it \vas determined to exaeuate Long Island. signs of the enemy to surround us. I had General AlifBin. of Pennsylvania, told me the honor to be in the rear guard: the sun that Washington had honored him with the was up before I left the island. Governor's command of the covering party and that our Island was given up yesterday. \\'e shall regiment was to be emploj'ed in that ser- leave New York in a few days, for this vice. He then assigned us our se\'eral sta- place is too advantageously situated for the tions which we were to occupy as soon as it enemy, and the possession of it will not was dark and pointed out Brooklyn Church afford them an easy access to the back as an alarm post to which the whole force country." was to repair and unitetlly oppose the A contemporary writer states this addi- enemy in case they discovered our move- tional fact: "Captain Miller, in this retreat, ments and made an attack in consequence. was the last man to enter the boat, and that, My regiment was posted in a redoubt on when they were pushed off and were sup- the left and in the lines on the right of the posed to be out of danger, a heavy fog hung great road below Brooklyn Church. Cap- over them. He stood up, hat in hand, and tain Henry iMiller commanded in the re- gave three hearty cheers. This brought on doubt." them a heavy volley of musketry." Lieutenant-Colonel Chambers wrote: After Washington had crossed into New "The Pennsylvania troops received great York city from Long Island, he placed his honor l)y being chosen corps de reserve to army on the east bank of the Hudson in the cover the retreat. The regiments of vicinity of White Plains. He abandoned Colonels Hand, Morgan, Shea and Hazlett everything on Manhattan Island except were detailed for that purpose. We kept up Fort W^ashington. To defend this strategic camp fires with the outposts stationed until point he sent a body of nearly two thousand all the rest were over. We left the lines troops in command of Colonel Robert Mc- after it was fair day and then came off. Gaw, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. This officer Never was a greater feat of generalship had been major of Thompson's riflemen, shown than in this retreat—to bring of¥ an which had marched from southern Pennsyl- army of twelve thousand men within sight vania to Boston at the opening of the war. of a strong enemy, supported by as strong a Colonel McGaw had won distinction for fleet as ever floated our seas. We saved all gallantry at Long Island and had merited our baggage. General Washington saw the the promotion he received upon the recom- last troop cross o\'er.'" mentlation of the commander-in-chief. ^Vriting to his wife. Captain While presenting a front parallel to that of Captain Miller states: "Today, August 4, Howe, frecjuent skirmishes occurred in Henry my company was reviewed by which the Americans were entirely success- Miller's General Washington, but owing ful. Account, to the heavy cannonading up the Hand's riflemen followed the river his stay was very short." Hand's fortunes of the army under Again, on the 31st of the same month: "As Regiment Washington on the east bank our regiments were sent only as an advance in New of the Hudson. On October 12 guard to watch the movements of the York. Colonel Hand and his riflemen enemy and not for the purpose of making a assisted by Colonel Prescott, of stand where they did, and as they were Bunker Hill fame, checked the advance of brought into action by the great spirit the British at Pell's Neck, immediately after which prevailed among the Pennsylvania, they had landed from Long Island. Octo- Maryland and lower country troops, the ber 23 Colonel Hand attacked two hundred result of the battle could not be ])roperly and forty Hessian chasseurs near East called a defeat. \\'e forced the enemy to Chester and routed them. In both these retreat three different times from their ad- skirmishes Captain Miller and his York vanced posts, and their loss was greater Count}' men took a conspicuous part. than our ow'n. The retreat was conducted At this juncture General Greene, with a in such a manner as would do honor to the small force, garrisoned Fort Lee, upon the — THE RE\'OLl"l'IOX 1/7 Palisades on the west bank of the Hudson, CHAPTER- Xni nearly opposite Fort Washington. Sulli- van, Stirling and Morgan, who had been REVOLUTION—Continued. captured at the battle of Long Island in The Flying Camp—York County Regi- August, now rejoined the army after being- ments—Battle of Fort Washington exchanged. General Charles Lee arrived Washington's Retreat and Victory at from South Carolina and was placed second Trenton—Battle of Princeton. in command of the .\nierican army around iSew York. Washington had taken up his In June, 1776, after the British under headquarters at White Plains, where both General Howe had evacuated Boston armies were concentrating. The Americans and were about to threaten New were placed in four divisions commanded York, Continental Congress issued a respectively by Lee, Heatli, Sullivan and call for troops to join Washington's Lincoln. On October 28 Howe attacked army. These troops, 10,000 in num- Washington at White Plains, where he lost ber, were to be enlisted for a term of two hundred and twent3'-nine men. six months from the organized militia in \\'ashington now moved up the river and Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. soon after had five thousand of his men Colonel Miles" Rifle Regiment and Colonel under Putnam cross to the west side of the Atlee's Battalion of Musketry, state troops Hudson into New Jersey at Hackensack. already in the field, in all 1500 men, were to He sent Heath up to Peekskill with three be accredited as part of the quota from thousand men to guard the entrance to the Pennsylvania, which was expected to raise Highlands, and left Lee at North Castle 6000 men. Maryland was to furnish 3400 with seven thousand men. The enemy and Delaware 600. This body of troops greatly outnumbered A\'ashington at this after enlistment and organization became time. His entire army was credited with known as the Flying Camp. By request of nineteen thousand men, but the term of Washington, his personal friend. General service of many of them had expired, so that Hugh Mercer, a physician by profession and his entire army did not exceed twelve a soldier by instinct, was selected as com- thousand efificient men to oppose twenty- mander with the rank of brigadier-general. five thousand trained British and Hessian General fiercer was a nati\e of soldiers. At a council of war now held with General Scotland, and in 1747, settled in his generals, W'ashington decided to retreat Mercer. Franklin County, Pennsylvania, across New Jersey, but Congress desired at the site of Mercersburg, where that he should continue to hold Forts he practiced medicine among his Scotch- Washington and Lee. The officious inter- Irish neighbors. He had served with dis- ference of Congress, an error of judgment tinction in the French and Indian war under on the part of Greene, and the insubordina- Braddock. being severely wounded in the tion of Lee, occurring altogether at the shoulder at Monongahela, and received a critical moment brought about the greatest medal from the city of Philadelphia for his disaster of the war and came within an ace bravery in this expedition. In 1758, he of overwhelming the American cause in commanded a regiment under General total and irretrievable ruin. The story of Forbes against the Indians at Fort Du- the disaster of Fort Washington, where quesne. After the close of the French and York County lost at least six hundred Indian war, he practiced his profession at ofificers and men, is told in the succeeding Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he became pages of this work in an article relating to a close and intimate friend of Washington. the Flying Camp. The enlisted men of the Flying Camp under the act of Congress, were required to furnish their own arms, blankets, haversacks and knapsacks. Men. unable to furnish their own muskets, were to be supplied with arms which had been made by order of the Assembly for the use of the militia. The Pennsylvania Assembly adjourned in June, 12 : ; 178 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PEXXSYLVANIA tyrant ; or that your posterity will have your work to 1776, witliout completing arrangements for do over again. You are about to contend for i)erma- the organization of troops for the Flying ncnt freedom, to be supported by a government which Camp. The Pennsylvania Conference, will be derived from yourselves, and which will have for its object, not the emolument of one man or class of representatives from the com- composed of men only, but the safety, liberty and happiness of mittees of safety in the dififerent counties, every individual in the community. We call upon you, which are due met in Philadelphia during the latter part therefore, by the respect and obedience to the authority of the United Colonies to concur in this itself of June. This conference considered important measure. The present campaign will probably the only representative body in Pennsyl- decide the fate of America. It is now in your power vania and made immediate provisions for to immortalize your names, by mingling your achieve- ments with the events of the year 1776—a year which the enlistment of as many as possible of the we hope will be famed in the annals of history to the 4500 men intended for the Flying Camp. end of time, for establishing upon a lasting foundation liberties of one quarter of the globe. conference appointed a committee of the The Remember the honor of our colonies is at stake. twelve men representing the different coun- Should you desert the common cause at the present your former ties of Pennsylvania to devise ways and juncture, the glory you have acquired by exertions of strength and virtue, will be tarnished; and and to in- means for raising the 4500 men, our friends and brethren, who are now acquiring laurels quire into all matters necessary for sending in the most remote parts of America, will reproach us blush to own themselves natives or inhabitants of them to the army. and Pennsylvania. In the apportionment Philadelphia city But there are other motives before you. Your houses, your fields, the legacies of your ancestors, or the dear- and county was to furnish 956 men ; Bucks bought fruits of your own industry, and your liberty, County, 400 men ; Chester County, 652 now urge you to the field. These cannot plead with Berks, 666; Northampton, 346; Cumberland, you in vain, or we might point out to you further, your your aged fathers and mothers, 334; Lancaster, 746; York, 400. Colonel wives, your children, who now look up to you for aid, and hope for salvation founder of Han- Richard McAllister, the in this day of- calamity, only from the instrumentality over, then in command of a battalion of of your swords. Remember the name of Pennsylvania. Think of your militia, was a representative from York ancestors and of your posterity. County on this committee. The Pennsyl- Signed by the unanimous order of the conference, vania Conference appointed Colonel James Thomas McKean, President. Smith, Dr. Benjamin Rush and John Bayard June 25. 1776. to prepare a draft of an address to the As- The formation of the Flying sociators. James Smith was then a prac- Elect Camp, as directed by Con- ticing lawver at York and commander of a Brigadiers, gress, from such of the asso- battalion of militia in this county. ciated battalions as volun- The address which Smith and teered for the purpose. rec[uired full organ- called at Lan- A Patriotic his associates prepared is sup- ization, and a meeting was Appeal, posed to have been written by caster, to which the militia of the state were this ardent patriot, who shortly directed to send representatives. This after signed the Declaration of Independ- meeting, composed of the delegates from ence. The address reads as follows: the ofiicers and privates of the fifty-three battalions of Associators, convened on the To the Associators of Pennsylvania memorable Fourth of July, 1776, for the Gentlemen : The only design of our meeting to- — purpose of choosing two brigadier-generals. gether was to put an end to our own power in the province, by fixing upon a plan for calling a convention, Colonel George Ross was chosen president to form a government under the authority of the people. of the meeting, and Colonel David Clymer, unexpected separation of tlie late But the sudden and Colonel Mark Burd, Colonel assembly, has compelled us to undertake the execvition secretary. of a resolve of Congress, for calling forth 4500 of the George Ross and Captain Sharp Dulaney militia of the Province, to join the militia of the neigh- were appointed judges of the election. The boring colonies, to form a camp for our immediate resulted in the choice protection. We presume only to recornmend the plan election was held and we have formed to you, trusting that in a case of so of Daniel Roberdeau and James Ewing, the your love of virtue and zeal for much consequence, former having 160 votes and the latter 85. liberty will supply the want of authority delegated to us expressly for that purpo.se. Upon the announcement of this result, the We need not remind you that you are now furnished president immediately declared Daniel Rob- with new motives to animate and support your courage. erdeau commander of the First Brigade and You are now about to contend against the power of Great Britain, in order to displace one set of villains to James Ewing commander of the Second make room for another. Your arms will not be ener- Brigade. vated in the day of battle with the reflection, that you was a native of the are to risk vour lives or shed your blood for a British Daniel Roberdeau I'lII': REVOLUTION. 179 Island of Si. Christopher, and became a brethren ha\e been comi)elled to enter the prominent merchant of Philadelphia. In war, and those wiio were married and had 1776 he was the colonel of a battalion of As- gone to Jersey, have again returned in the sociators. In May of the same year he pre- first jjart of tine week to their respective sided over a public meeting at Philadelphia, homes. The young single men of our so- which favored the Declaration of Independ- ciety, of whom tlicre are about ten absent, ence. In that year he owned a privateer ha\e been drawn into the Flying Camp. which captured a prize of $22,000, which "In the beginning of September, some of money he turned over to the disposal of those who had gone to the front from here Congress. In 1777 he was a leading mem- returned. On the 28th of September, 1776, ber of Continental Congress at York. Philip Rothrock returned from a visit to liis James Ewing was a citizen of York sons in camp near New York." Count V. residing on his plantation in Hel- In oljedience to the call for 1am township, near W'rightsville. He was The militia from Pennsylvania then forty years of age. He had served as Organization, to join the Flying Camp, a lieutenant in Forbes' expedition against Ijeing formed in the State Fort Duquesne in 1758. In 1771-5 he was of Xew Jersey, five battalions of Associ- a member of the General Assembly of Penn- ators left York County in July, 1776. These s\dvania, and at the outl)reak of the Revo- battalions passed through Lancaster and lution became a member of the Committee Philadelphia, and then proceeded by water of Safety for York County. to Trenton and from thence to the head- On July 7, 1776, the pastor of the quarters of the Flying Camp at Perth Am- A Moravian Church at ^'ork. made Ijoy, arriving there late in July. At this Local the following entr}- in liis diary: time, other battalions of Associators from Diary. "Strict orders came that all As- Pennsylvania and Xew Jersey arrived at sociators of this county should Perth Ambo}', wdiere General fiercer and hold themselves in readiness to march to his brigadiers, Ewing and Roberdeau, the front. In the following week they left. began the organization of the Flying Cam]), "July 17—Yorktown seems quite de- liy asking volunteer enlistments. serted on account of tlie departure for the The Convention of the State of Penn- army of all men under fifty years of age. syh-ania, on August 12, resolved to Our young 'men had to lea\e for Jersey. add four additional battalions to the Ernst Schlosser, the three sons of Brothers Flying Camp. York County being re- Rothrock, Brinkman. John Seifer's eldest quired to furnish 515 men toward son. John Hoenrison. and. in short, tjie making out the number of 2,984, the most of the others who are under fifty years amount of the four new battalions. On of age, will have to march off in the next the same day, Colonel George Ross, vice- few days. Several of our people, because president of the convention : Colonel the town has been so emptied, have in addi- Thomas Matlack, of Philadelphia, and tion to other persons been elected as mem- Colonel Henry Slagle, of York County, bers of the committee ad interim, with a were chosen commissioners to go to the guard given them day and night, in order to headquarters in Xew Jersey, to aid in form- maintain peace and quietness, and give ing the Flying Camp. Before a complete security against the plots of Tories. All organization had been effected, the British business is prostrated, all shops are closed. were threatening the city of Xew York. How many prayers and tears will now be Colonel Miles' regiment was sent to Long brought Ijefore the Lord, by parents for Island, and the newly organized regiments their children. l)y children for their parents, under Swope and McAllister, of York li\' wives for their husbands. Coimty. were sent forward for active "August—Numerous bands of soldiers operations in the field. from Maryland, Virginia, etc., passed .\fter the recjuisite number had been en- through the town. listed. General Mercer issued an order. "September 4—Our town has not re- -August 19, authorizing the return to their mained exempt from the pre\'ailing unrest homes of the balance of the associated of the land. Xone of oiu^ comnnmicant militia. This patriotic band of soldiers was ———— —— I So HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PEXXSYLVAXIA organized shortly after tlie Declaration of Seventh Compan}- Independence, when the political affairs of William Xelson, captain. the State of Pennsylvania were controlled James Todd, first lieutenant. by the Provincial Conference. Joseph Welsh, second lieutenyn. The British army under General Howe Ensign Xesbit. was arriving" on Long Island from Halifax, Eighth Company Xo\a Scotia, where it had gone after Joshua A\'illiams, captain. evacuating Boston. Xew York was in the Jacob Brinkerhoiif, ensign. hands of the Americans and a battle Soon after the organization. Colonel between \A'ashington and Howe was soon Swope's regiment, with other commands of expected at Long Island or in the northern Ewing's brigade, was ordered to garrison part of Xew Jersey. Fort Constitution, afterward named Fort Lee, situated on the west side of the Hud- YORK COUNTY REGIMENTS. son River, above New York City. October 8, it contained commissioned officers and York County showed her lo\'aIty to the 2t7 staff, 44 non-commissioned officers, and catise of independence by sending more 359 rank and file. troops from the militia service than were The Second Pennsylvania needed for her quota for the organization McAllister's Regiment of the Flying of the Flying Camp. Two regiments had Regiment. Camp, commanded by Colo- been formed from the York County militia. nel Richard McAllister, was These commands were designated the First composed of eight companies. Six of and Second Pennsylvania Regiments of the tliese companies were recruited out of the Flying Camp. The officers of the First l)attalions of militia which had marched to Regiment were: Michael Swope, colonel; New Jersey from the various parts of York Robert Stevenson, lieutenant-colonel ; Wil- County, and the territory now embraced in liam Bailey, major. It was composed of Adams County. These companies were eight companies with the following officers: commanded respectively by Captains Xich- First Company olas Bittinger, AX'illiani McCarter, W\ Mc- Michael Schmeiser, captain. Coskey, John Laird, Samuel Wilson and Zachariah Shugart, first lieutenant. John Paxton. Two companies from Bucks Andrew Robinson, second lieutenant. County belonged to this regiment. Mc- William A\"ayne, ensign. Allister's regiment was at Perth Amboy Second Company October 8, 1776, when it contained 41 com- Gerhart Graeff, captain. missioned officers and staff, 43 non- Daniel McCollom, ensign. commissioned officers and 438 rank and file. Third Company David Kennedy was lieutenant-colonel and Jacob Dritt, captain. John Clark, who had previously served with John Baymiller, hrst lieutenant. the first troops that left York for Boston, Henry Clayton, second lieutenant. was commissioned major. Jacob Mayer, ensign. Meantime, the battle of Long Island had Daniel Herrington, corporal. been fought and the British had taken Fourth Company possession of New York City, which then Christian S.take, captain. covered the lower part of Manhattan Cornelius Sheriff, first lieutenant. Island. W^ashington retreated to the Jacob Holtzinger, second lieutenant. northern part of the island and then placed Jacob Barnitz, ensign. his army on both sides of the Hudson. The Fifth Company enemy held Long Island and Staten Island. John McDonald, captain. General Mercer, commanding the Flying A\'illiam Scott, first lieutenant Camp, despatched McAllister's regiment to Robert Patton, second lieutenant. attack a body of the enemy on Staten Ensign Howe. Island, October 14. Major John Clark, in Sixth Company his autobiography, says, "In the expedition John Ewing, captain. to Staten Island, I took a stand of British William Paysley, ensign. colors of the Twenty-third Light Dragoons. 'I" I lie RFA'OLL'TIOX i8i I commanded the ad\rince of 500 riflemen British army, was sent to summon the gar- and the first Hessians taken, or rather rison in Fort Washington to surrender, W'aldeckers, fell into my hands, about threatening at the same time, to "put it to sixty." the sword," if the demand was rejected. At Soon after the Staten Island affair, Mc- this juncture. Colonel McGaw sent the fol- Allister's regiment joined tho brigade at lowing communication to General Greene: Fort Lee. At this time, ]\Iajor Clark "A flag of truce came out just now from selected 200 men from the regiment to King's Bridge. The adjutant-general was guard the passes opposite White Plains. He at the head of it. I sent down Colonel fortified his position and laid plans to pre- Swope. The adjutant-general would hardly vent detachments of Howe's army from give him two hours for an alternative be- passing up the Hudson. tween surrendering at discretion or every With the same detachment on November man being put to the sword. He waits an 9, at the command of General Greene, answer. I shall send him a proper one. Clark was sent to Dobb's Ferry on the east You will, I dare say, do what is best. We side of the Hudson to protect the landing are determined to defend the post or of a quantity of flour for the American die." army. \\'ith his accustomed sagacity, In response to this communication. Colo- Clark reconnoitered the situation and dis- nel Swope, of York, delivered the following covered that the enemy to the number of remarkable document to the adjutant- about 5,000 were encamped nearby. He general of the British army in accordance reported that in his opinion, the British with the directions of Colonel McGaw: were laying plans to cross the river and "If I rightly understand the purport of attack Fort Washington, situated in the your message from General Howe, com- northern part of Manhattan Island. municated to Colonel Swope, this post is to Swope's regiment was stationed on the be immediately surrenderetl or the garrison New Jersey side of the Hudson to guard the put to the sword. I rather think it is a passes of that stream during the battle of mistake than a settled resolution in General White Plains, fought on the eastern side of Howe to act a part so unworthy of himself the river, below Yonkers. Colonel Robert and the British nation. McGaw, of Cttmberland County, Pennsyl- "But give me leave to assure his Excel- vania, with twelve hundred men, was placed lency that, actuated by the most glorious in charge of the defenses of Fort \\'ashing- cause of mankind ever fought in, I am de- ton. General Greene, struck with the im- termined to defend this post to the very last portance of protecting McGaw. suggested extremity." to the commander-in-chief that a portion of After learning the determination of these the Flying Camp, then stationed on the gallant Pennsylvania troops, the British western side of the Hudson, should cross decided to make the attack, the following o\-er and assist Colonel ^NIcGaw in defend- day. Early in the morning on the six- ing Fort Washington. This fort was con- teenth, the enemy's batteries from the east- sidered a strategic point, and General Howe ern side of the Harlem River, opened fire determined to attack it with a large force. upon the commands of Colonel Baxter, of It was one of tlie most hazardous positions ]\Iaryland, and Colonel Lambert Cadwalla- defended by Pennsylvania troops during the der, of Pennsylvania, who held positions entire period of the Revolution. Ten witliout the fort. thousand regulars would have been re- Meantime General \\'ashington, with (juired to successfully perform this duty. Greene. Mercer and Putnam, crossed the river from Fort Lee to the vicinity of F"ort BATTLE OF FORT WASHINGTON. Washington, and examined the position of In accordance with Greene's suggestion. the .American troops and reconnoitered the Colonel Swope's and a part of I\lc.\llister's movements of the enemy. These officers regiments crossed the Hudson and joined then returned to Fort Lee, entrusting the the Pennsylvania troops under McGaw in entire command to Colonel McGaw and his defending the fort. November 15, the heroic band of patriots. adjutant-general. Colonel Patterson, of the Aljout noon. General Knyphausen, com- I«2 HISTORY OP^ YORK COL'XTY, PEXXSYLVAXIA manding" the Hessian forces, l:)egan a 3,000 men were compelled to surrender to furious attack upon tiie north. SimuUa- the enemy. neous attacks were made by Lord Percy on Colonel Xliomas Hartley, in 1779, wrote a the south, and Colonel Sterling and General letter stating that nearly 400 York County Matthews crossed the Harlem river and troops, largely from Swope's regiment and movetl on the fort from the east. The partly from iNIcAllister's regiment, had been British dro\-e the Americans from their out- held in N^ew York and Long Island as posts and soon stood victorious upon the prisoners of w-ar; that at the expiration of hills overlooking the open fields around three years only fifty of the entire number Fort \\'ashington. Xear the fort severe captured had returned to their homes. He skirmishes took place and many of the Hes- made this assertion to prove the loj'alty of sian pursuers were slain. The defense was the people west of the Susquehanna to the gallant, but pike, ball and baj'onet, used by cause of American independence, and fur- live thousand men, overpowered the weak- ther claimed that York County had fur- ened patriots and they were nearly all nished more troops for the army than any gathered within the ramparts of the fort, other county in the thirteen original states. but not until about i,ooo men had fallen These American soldiers were placed in "into the hands of the enemy. jails, churches, sugar houses and other General Howe sent an order buildings, and held as prisoners of war for Surrender for surrender. Perceiving fur- many months, some of them not having of the Fort, ther resistance to be in vain, been released until three years after their McGaw complied and at half capture. The stories of their treatment if past one the British flag was waving where they could be given in detail would rank the ContineiTtal banner had been unfurled among the most sorrowful ever recorded on defiantly in the morning. The entire gar- the pages of history. They w-ere given an rison, numbering nearly three thousand insui^cient amount of food, were obliged to njen, surrendered. Washington, standing remain in cold, damp rooms without any on the ramparts of Fort Lee with tears in privileges of outdoor exercise. Many of his eyes, saw the garrison in Fort Washing- these gallant sons of Pennsylvania died ton meet its doom, and the American ban- from the horrors of British prison pens and ner torn down and replaced by the flag of others contracted diseases from which they England. never recovered. The treatment of the When the attack on Fort ^^'ashington British and Hessian prisoners by the began about noon of Xovember i6, 1776, Americans formed no comparison to the Swope's regiment was defending one of the treatment of Colonel McGaw's men while outposts some distance to the southeast. they were held prisoners in New York and His position was assaulted by the Hessian Long Island. troops under Knyphausen. Swope's men Owing to the absence of oiTicial doc- fought gallantly, but being o\'erpowered by uments, a complete record of the casualties the enemy, were compelled to fall back. In in Swope's and McAllister's regiments can- this movement they were flanked by the not be given. From various sources of in- British and Hessians and forced to sur- formation the following facts have been ob- render. Almost the entire command of 400 tained. Among the prisoners captured at York County soldiers became prisoners of Fort AA'ashington were Colonel Michael war. Jacob Barnitz, a young man of Swope. Major William Bailey, Surgeon eighteen and a color bearer of the regiment, Humphrey Fullerton, Captains Michael was wounded in both legs by rifle balls and Smyser, Jacob Drift, Christian Stake, John was left on the held. The attack of the McDonald, Henry Clayton, Flenry Lewis, enemy was violent and impetuous, and as Lieutenants Zachariah Shugart, Jacob they approached the outposts of the fort, Holtzinger, Andrew Robinson, Benjamin the Hessians lost heavily in killed and Davis, Lieutenants Clayton, Robert Patton, wounded from the well directed aim of the Joseph Welsh, Ensigns Jacob Barnitz, Pennsylvania soldiers. Colonel McGaw's Jacob Morgan and Jacob ]Meyer, and Adju- loss in killed and wounded did not exceed tant Howe. 100 men, but almost his entire command of The follo\\'ing sohliers served in Captain : ; THE REVOLUTIOX 183 Stake's company and were taken prisoners Pennsylvania for a pension, stating in his at Fort \\ asliington Sergeant Peter application tlnat his property had been sold Haack, Sergeant John Dicks, Sergeant to support his family during his long im- Henry Counselman, Corporal John Adlum, prisonment. David Parker, James Dobbins, Hugh Dob- John ^IcKinley, of Lower Chanceford bins, Henry Miller, John Stroman, Christian Township, the great-grandfather of William Stroman, James Berry, Joseph Bay, Henry McKinley, served in the Sixth Battalion, Hoff, Joseph Updegraff, Daniel ^liller, York County Militia, and marched with it Jacob Hake, Jr., Henry Shultz, William to join the Flying Camp in 1776. Lukens, the mulatto cook. Gerhardt GraetT, a captain in the Flying The casualties of ^McAllister's regiment Camp, was taken a prisoner at Fort Wash- as far as could be obtained were the follow- ington, and died in captivity. Almost his ing: Captain ^IcCarter, shot through the entire company became prisoners of war at breast and died five days after the battle Fort Washington. Captain Nicholas Bittinger, the ancestor of GENERAL JAMES EWING, who com- the Bittinger family in York and Adams manded one of the divisions of the Flying- Counties, held as a prisoner of war in Xew^ Camp, was born in IManor Township, Lan- York for several months; Lieutenants Wil- caster County, August 3, 1736, of Scotch- liam Young, Joseph Morrison, Hugh King, Irish ancestry. His father emigrated from Shannon, Henry Bittinger, Ensign Thomas the north of Ireland to Pennsylvania in Reed, Private Charles \\'ilson. 1734. The son received a good education. The battle of Fort Washington was During ForUes' expedition to Fort Du- fought largely by troops from west of the quesne in the French and Indian war, he Susquehanna River from York and Cumber- entered the provincial service and was com- land Counties. .About one-half of the en- missioned lieutenant. May 10, 1758. He listed men of Swope's and AIcAUister's was a member of the General Assembly of regiments were Pennsylvania Germans who Pennsylvania from 1771 to 1775. At the fought gallantly before they would sur- outbreak of the Revolution, he was on the render the fort to the enemy. Committee of Safety for York County, and Captains William Scott, John Jamison, on July 4, 1776, was chosen one of the two Thomas Campbell, Lieutenants Samuel brigadier-generals of I he Pennsylvania As- Lindsay, Henry Bear, Joseph Morrison, sociators, out of which was formed the Fly- John Irwin. John Findlay, Godfrey Myers, ing Camp. He commanded one of the di- Matthew Bennett, of York County, were visions of the Flying Camp in the campaign prisoners of war on Long Island, in August, around New York City during the year 1778. 1776. In December of that year, when Among the soldiers belonging to Swope's General Washington had planned an attack regiment, who died in New York prisons, on the British at Trenton, General Ewing, were Sergeants Peter Haack and John in command of the Pennsylvania Militia, Hicks; Privates Hugh Dobbins, Henry was stationed at a point a few miles below Hoff, David Parker. They were buried in Trenton. It was intended that his division Trinit}' churchyard, New York, in the same of troops should cross the Delaware to New hallowed ground in which were interred the Jersey on Christmas night at the same time remains of Alexander Hamilton and many that \\'ashington was crossing a short other noted Revolutionary soldiers. Cap- distance above Trenton, where the stream tain McCarter, of McAllister's regiment, was narrow. Owing to the width of the who was mortally wounded at Fort Wash- river below Trenton and the floating ice, ington, was also buried in Trinity grave- Ewing was unable to cross until after the yard. victory had been won at Trenton. General Benjamin Davis, who served as lieuten- Sullivan commanded a body of men near ant in Captain Smyser's company, was held Bristol, and was also unable to cross the as a prisoner of war during the whole period river on account of the obstructions. Some of the Revolution. He owned a fulling mill days later, both these commands took posi- in York County and 186 acres of land. In tion in New Jersey and acted as a reserve at ^larch. 1781. he applied to the State of the battle of Princeton. After the war. 1 84 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA General Ewing returned to liis plantation in justice of the peace in 1764; judge of the Hellam Township, about t\\o miles west of Orphan's Court in 1767; member of the AVrightsville, where he followed the occu- Pennsylvania Assembly from 1768 until the pation of a farmer. His character, promi- opening of the Revolution ; member of the nence and ability Avon him recognition at committee of correspondence at York in the hands of his fellow-citizens and he was 1775, and the same year was chosen major frequently called upon to serve in high posi- of the First Battalion of York County tions of honor and trust. Immediately after Militia, commanded by James Smith, signer the>war, he was chosen a member of the Su- of the' Declaration of Independence. When preme Executive Council of Pennsylvania Smith became a member of Continental and was vice-president of the Council, a Congress, Major Swope was elected colonel position corresponding to lieutenant-gov- of the First Battalion of militia. In the ernor, from November 7, 1782, to Novem- summer of 1776; when the militia was called ber 6, 1784. The following year he served into active service. Colonel Swope took his as a member of the State Legislature, where battalion to Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and he was active in securing the passage of at this place recruited from the different laws relating to the material development battalions of York County militia, the First of the state. The state constitution of 1790 Pennsylvania Regiment in the Flj^ing Camp, made the Legislature composed of two whose history is given in the preceding bodies, Senate and House of Representa- pages. At the battle of Fort Washington, tives, and from 1795 to 1799, General Ewing November 16, 1776, Colonel Swope was represented York County in the State Sen- taken prisoner, together with most of his ate, being one of its most influential mem- regiment. He, with other officers, was con- bers. It was during this period that he be- fined in New York City until June 23, 1778, came deeply interested in the navigation of when he was released on parole. His parole the Susquehanna River, advocating the con- was cancelled by special order on the 8th of struction of a channel in the centre of the August, 1779, and he was required to return river through the Conewago rapids and ex- to prison in New York, where he remained, tending from Harrisburg to the Chesapeake with some fellow-prisoners, until he was Bay. When the subject of making Wright's finally exchanged for a British officer of the Ferry the seat of the United States govern- same rank, at Elizabeth, New Jersey, Janu- ment was discussed in Congress, he was one ary 26, 1781. He then returned to York on of the strong supporters for the selection of foot, a distance of 170 miles. Before leaving the west bank of the Susquehanna, at prison, the American agent, Lewis Pintard, AVrightsville, as the place for the national gave him a large supply of Continental government. General Ewing was a mem- money to pay his expenses on his return ber of the Presbyterian Church and was home. At this time. Continental money had prominent in the councils of that church. become almost valueless, and Colonel He had served as vice-president of the State Swope exchanged seventy-five dollars in during the same period that John Dickinson currency for one in specie. was president, and when Dickinson College Colonel Swope first began business at was founded at Carlisle, in 1783, he was York as an inn-keeper. In 1783, two years chosen a member of the first board of after his return to York from his experience trustees of that institution. He died at his as a prisoner, he was assessed as a store- home in Hellam Township, near the Sus- keeper, with merchandise and real estate quehanna River, March i, 1806, at the age valued at 1,119 pounds. He then had a of seventy years. family of five persons. He owned silver- COLONEL MICHAEL SWOPE, one of ware to the amount of thirty-two pounds, a the heroes of Fort Washington, was born at pleasure carriage and one slave. In 1782, York about .1748, son of George Swope, one he was commissioned one of the court of the commissioners who laid ofif York justices for York County. County in 1749. Early in life, Colonel Colonel Swope was first married to Anna Swope became one of the most influential Maria, daughter of Casper Spangler, of citizens in the town and county of York. York. She died sometime before the He was elected coroner in 1761 ; appointed Revolution. In 1777, when Continental THE REVOLUTION 185 Congress came to York, his second wife, of York Count}' ]\Iilitia. During the fall of Eva Swope, rented their home, on the south the same year, he received the commission side of West Alarket Street, to John Han- as colonel of a battalion of Minute Men, cock, president of Congress. This building formed out of the militia of York County. was then known as the President's house, In July, 1776, when Congress issued a call and the rental of it for the use of the presi- for ten thousand troops. Colonel McAllister dent of Congress, was paid by the govern- marched with his battalion through Lan- ment. Hancock resigned his office two caster and Philadelphia to Perth Amboy, N. months after Congress came to York and J. At this point, when the Flying Camp returned to ]Massachusetts. In February, was organized under the command of Gen- 1778, when Baron Steuben came to York to eral Hugh Mercer, he was chosen colonel of ofier his services as an officer in the Ameri- the Second Pennsylvania Regiment. Colo- can army, he occupied the Swope residence nel ]McAllister commanded his regiment in for a period of three weeks, with his retinue the campaign around New York City and of attendants. ^leantime, he received the led the expedition to Staten Island. commission of a major-general and pro- Later in the campaign. Colonel McAl- ceeded to Valley Forge to drill the army in lister's regiment took part in the defense the tactics he had learned while serving of Fort Washington, where he lost a large under Frederick the Great of Prussia. In number of troops who became prisoners of 1785, Colonel Swope removed froin York to war, including two of his captains. In the Alexandria, Virginia. After going there, campaign of 1776 he was, present with his his business affairs at York were conducted regiment, under General James Ewing, sta- by Colonel Thomas Hartley, who disposed tioned below Trenton on the Pennsylvania of his real estate. side of the Delaware, when Washington COLONEL RICHARD McALLISTER, captured the Hessians in Trenton on who commanded the Second Penns\lvania Christmas night. Regiment of York County Troops in the After the expiration of his term of service Flying Camp, was born in 1724. He was a in the Flying Camp, in 1777, McAllister re- son of. Archibald ]\IcAllister, who came to turned to his home at Hanover, and in America from Scotland in 1732. About ISIarch of this year he was elected by the 1745 Richard ^IcAllister moved from Cum- General Assembly of Pennsylvania, county berland County to the site of Hanover, lieutenant. This office required him to see where he purchased a large tract of that the six difterent battalions of the land. On February 2t„ 1748, he married militia in York County, which then included Mary, daughter of Colonel Matthew Dill, Adams, were drilled and disciplined ready who commanded a regiment in the French for service in the field when they were re- and Indian war, and whose son. ]\Iatthew, quired to defend their state against the in- ' founded Dillsburg. In 1750, Richard Mc.\l- vasion of the British foe. He was successful lister was a candidate for sheriff of York in this position and on several occasions County against Colonel Hance Hamilton, issued calls for certain classes of the militia who resided near the site of Gettysburg. to march from York County to the army The election was so close that it was con- under \\'ashington. During the years tested and the Provincial authorities com- 1783-84-85-86, he was a member of the Su- missioned Hance Hamilton. In 1763, Rich- preme E.xecutive Council of Pennsylvania, ard McAllister founded the town of Han- which, under the state constitution of 1776 over and soon became one of the leading to 1790, was the Executive Body in the state citizens of York County. In 1775 he was government. During the years that he elected a member of the Committee of Ob- served in this body, he was also a member servation and Safety for York County. In_ of the Council of Censors, whose duty was June of the same year he served as a repre- to look after the interests of the confiscated sentative in the Provincial Conference, estates of Pennsylvania Tories. Colonel 'which met in Carpenter's Hall, Philadel- McAllister early in lif2 took a prominent phia, and in January, 1776, he was a mem- part in the legal afYairs of York County. He ber of the same body. In 1775 he was com- was commissioned justice of the peace and missioned colonel of the Fourth Battalion justice for the court of common pleas in 1 86 HISTORY OF YORK COUXTY, PEXXSYLVAXIA Marcli, 1771. He was a member of the first Boston, ^\hen the port of that city was State Constitutional Convention in the year closed by the British. He joined the Conti- 1776, and on February 17, 1784, became nental army as a captain in Colonel Michael presiding justice of the York County Swope's regiment of York County Volun- Courts. On June 30, 1791, he entertained teers, and was captured by the enemy in the President A\'ashington for a few hours engagement at Fort Washington, north of wliile passing through llie town of Hanover New York City, on the i6th of November, on his way to Philadelphia. He died at 1776. Several months of distressing im- Hanover at four o'clock in the evening, Oc- prisonment followed, during which time he tober 7, 1795. His remains were first buried was unremitting in his efforts to alleviate in the graveyard, belonging to Emanviel's the sufferings of others, and bold and ani- Reformed Church of Hanover, of which he mated in the advocacy of his -country's was a member and one of the leading con- cause. After his release and return home, tributors during its early history. About he was elected a member of the House of 1870 his remains were removed to Mount Representatives of Pennsylvania from York Olivet Cemetery in the suburbs of Hanover, County, and from that time to 1790 was where they now lie, and on every succeed- seven times re-elected to the same position. ing Memorial day commemorative services From 1790 to 1795 he represented his are held at this tomb by the Grand Army county in the State Senate, being the first Post of Hanover. Colonel McAllister had person from A'ork County to fill that posi- eleven children. His eldest son, Abdiel, tion mider the State Constitution of 1790. commanded a company in Colonel Irvine's Here his warm attachment to our political regiment in the first expedition to Canada, institutions enabled him to act with honor in 1775, and during the campaign around to himself and his constituents. After the Philadelphia took part in the battle of war, he turned his attention to agricultural Brandywine, when this regiment was com- pursuits, and kept a tavern a short distance manded by Colonel David Grier, of York. west of York. He died in the year 1810, Archibald McAllister, another son, born and his remains are interred near those of 1756, commanded a company in the battle his father in the graveyard of the First of Germantown, in 1777, and also in the Lutheran Church of York. He left three engagement at Monmouth, New Jersey, in sons and four daughters, viz. : Peter, Eliza- 1778. Matthew, a younger son, born 1758, beth, Sarah, Jacob, Marv, Alichael, Susan. became first United States district attorney ENSIGN JACOB BARNITZ, who was of Georgia, judge of the Superior Court of twice wounded_at the battle of Fort Wash- the state and mayor of Savannah during the ington, was born at York in the year 1758. war of 1812. He was the son of John George Carl Bar- Colonel Julian McAllister, one of his sons, nitz, who came to this country about 1745, commanded a regiment in the Union army first settled in Baltimore and later removed • during the Civil w'ar. to York. Jacob Barnitz grew to manhood COLONEL MICHAEL SMYSER, in in his native town and was a boy seventeen .early days written Schmeiser, who served years old wdien the first troops left York to with distinction as a captain in the Flying join the American army at Boston. The Camp, was born in 1740, a few miles west of same year, he enlisted and trained with the York. His father, Matthias Smyser, came First Battalion of York County Militia from Germany in 1731, at the age of sixteen, under Colonel James Smith, in Captain and when he reached his manhood, became Stake's company. He marched with the one of the earliest settlers of York County battalion to New Jersey, and when Colonel in the vicinity of Spring Grove. Michael Michael Swope organized the first regiment Smyser was thirty-five years old when the of Pennsylvania troops for the Flying Revolution opened. He became one of the Camp, Jacob Barnitz, at the age of eighteen, early citizens west of the Stisqnehanna to was made ensign or flag bearer, a com- organize in opposition to the English gov- missioned officer with the rank of second* ernment. He was one of a committee of lieutenant. He participated in the cam- twelve from York County, who raised paign around New York City, and carried money in 1775 to send to the inhabitants of the flag of his regiment when the British THE RKVOLfl'IOX 187 attacked Fort Washington, Xu\ember i6,- made prisoner at Fort Washington, and 1776. Colonel Swope was commanding- tlie underwent a long captivity. When the lines ontposts, and wlien he was drixen back by of the American forces were attacked by the the approaching Hessians in large numbers, enemy, previous to the capture of the fort, the flag bearer was the target of the enemy's Captain Dritt, with a party of men chiefly balls. While falling back toward the fortifi- from his own company, was ordered in ad- cations, Ensign Barnitz was wounded in vance to oppose the landing of the British, l)oth legs and left on the field. He lay who came in boats across Harlem Creek, where he fell during the night and the next below King's Bridge. He defended his day, as the evening closed, a Hessian position with great bravery, until, having soldier approached and was about to bay- lost a number of his men, and being nearly onet him, when a British ofiicer, who surrounded by the Hessians on one side and chanced to be near, took pity "on him and the British troops on the other, he retreated thus saved his life. He was then thrown on into the fort with difficulty and was there a wagon and taken a prisoner of w^ar to captured with the garrison. After the war Xew York City, then in the hands of the Captain Dritt resided on his plantation in British, where he remained fifteen months, Lower \\'indsor Township, near the site of suft'ering from his wounds. After his ex- East Prospect and was engaged in trans- change, 1778, he was removed on a wagon porting" goods and merchandise in a large from Xew York City to his home in York. ark down the Susquehanna River from its He partially recovered from his wounds, upper waters. He kept up an interest in and in 1785 was appointed register and re- military matters and about 1800 w^as com- corder of York County, serving continu- missioned a brigadier-general in the state ously until 1824, a period of thirty-five militia. He lost his life by an vmfortunate years. Ensign Barnitz, a name which he accident. On December 19, 1817, he always retained, carried a British ball, re- crossed the Susquehanna to the site of Lit- ceived at the attack on Fort Washington, tle Washington and went to the Marietta for thirty ^-ears, but the shattered bone Bank, where he obtained five hundred dol- lengthened, and in 1806 he was compelled lars. W^hen he returned to the east side of to undergo amputation. the ferry, where his son Colonel John Dritt Soon after the war he married !Mary, resided, the latter advised him not to cross daughter of Archibald McLean, the noted the river to his home. He was accompanied surveyor of York. Their eldest son was by a young man named Griffith. They en- Charles A. Barnitz, an eminent lawyer and tered a boat which was capsized in the mid- member of the Twenty-third Congress. dle of the stream when it came in contact Their second son was Lieutenant Jacob with a large cake of ice. Many fruitless Barnitz, a gallant soldier of the war of 1812, efforts were made to recover the dead body who bore a distinguished part as an ofificer of the old soldier. Three months after the of \olunteers at the battle of Xorth Point. drowning, the body of General Dritt was Ensign Barnitz died April 16, 1828, at the found lying along the banks of the Chesa- age of seventy years, and his remains now peake Bay near the mouth of the Susque- rest at a spot north of Zion Lutheran hanna, by some colored slaves. The body Church of York. Shortly after the close of was identified by some silver shoe buckles the war, under act of Congress passed June which he wore. His remains were interred 7, 1785, he became a pensioner and received near the site where they were found. up to the time of his death, the sum of $3,- CAPTAIN NICHOLAS BITTINGER,^ 500, as a reward for his valor and patriotism who commanded a company in McAllister's during the Revolution. regiment, and was captured by the British The British ball which he carried in his at Fort Washington, was born in Alsace, leg from 1776 to 1808 was presented to the Germany. He came to America with his Historical Society of Y''ork County in 1904 parents and became one of the earliest set- by his granddaughter. Miss Catharine tlers in the vicinity of Hanover. In 1743, Barnitz. he was one of the co.ncil for St. Matthew's CAPTAIX JACOB DRLfT commanded Church, at Hanover, the second Lutheran a company in Swope's Regiment. He was congregation west of the Susquehanna. 1 88 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PEXXSYLVAXIA During" a vacancy in the pulpit, Xicholas Philadelphia through Princeton and Tren- Bittinger was elected to conduct religious ton, and on December 8 crossed the Dela- services and read sermons. At the opening ware with his entire army, numbering about of the Revolution, he was chosen a member four thousand men of the eleven thousand of the Committee of Safety for York or more tliat crossed with him to New York County, and in 1776, upon the organization city after the battle of Long Island. of the Flying Camp, took command of a Meantime Schuyler and Gates came down company of sixty-eight men. He fell into from Central New York with seven regi- the hands of the enemy at Fort Washington ments and prepared to join him at head- and was held a prisoner of war for nearly (juarters at N'ew^town, Bucks County, a few fifteen ijionths. AA'hen Captain Bittinger miles southwest of Trenton. General Israel entered the. service, he had reached the age Putnam was put in charge of the defenses at of fifty years. His eldest daughter was the Philadelphia At this time in the war, wife of John Clark, major of McAllister's both General Howe and Lord Cornwallis, regiment. Captain Bittinger accumulated who had followed Washington to Trenton, considerable property, and at the time of his decided to return to N'ew York, leaving a death, in 1804, owned several farms a short small detachment of troops near Trenton, distance north of Hanover. His remains believing that they could resist any attacks were buried in the Lutheran graveyard at of the shattered army under Washington. Abbottstown. Several of his descendants, During this dark period of the war including.the late Rev. Joseph Bittinger and Washington began to show the military Rev. John Ouiney Bittinger, became promi- genius and self command that soon made nent clergymen in the Presbyterian Church. him loom up as the dominating personality Hon. John \\'. Bittenger, president judge of of the Revolution. He planned a bold at- the York County courts, and Dr. Joseph R. tack to capture the advanced posts of the Bittinger, of Hanover, are also descendants British at Trenton. The militia of the ad- of Captain Bittinger. joining states was called out in the dead of winter and in a few weeks he had a con- WASHINGTON'S RETREAT AND siderable army stationed at different posts VICTORY AT TRENTON. from a point eight miles above Trenton on At the disaster of Fort Washington on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware and November 16, 1776, York County suffered down that stream to Germantown, a short its severest loss during the entire Revolu- distance from Philadelphia. He placed Sul- tion. Nearly six hundred officers and men livan at Bristol, a few miles above Philadel- had fallen into the hands of the British and phia, with two thousand troops, formerly were held as prisoners of war in New York connnanded by General Charles Lee, who city and at dififerent posts on Long Island. had been captured at Elizabeth while on the The First Pennsylvania Regiment, in which retreat across New Jersey. Captain Henry Miller's York County troops General James Ewing, of York served, had lost heavily at Long Island in General County, was put in command August of the same year. Captain Philip Ewing's of a brigade of Pennsylvania Albright's company had its ranks depleted Command, and X'^ew Jersey militia with in the same battle. instructions from Washington The defeats of the American army around to guard the Delaware from the ferry at New York city compelled ^^'ashington to Trenton down the river to a point opposite retreat across X^ew Jersey in order to defend Bordentown, New Jersey. His force was the city of Philadelphia. Congress became composed of the remnants of the Flying terrified and removed to Baltimore. The Camp, which met such heavy losses at Long term of enlistment of many of the troops Island and Fort Washington, and recruits from Pennsylvania and New Jersey had ex- from the Pennsylvania and New Jersey pired, and desertions depleted the ranks of militia. Colonel Richard McAllister, com- nearly all the regiments then in the field. manding the second regiment of the Flying General Charles Lee, second in command, Camp, was present with Ewing, but havinfj- became disaftected toward the commander- lost heavily in former engagements, now in-chief. AN'ashington fell back toward had . fewer than three hundred men. THE REVOLUTION 189 Washington took position nine miles above number, surrendered. Of the .\mericans, I'renton at a point \\here the river is not two were frozen to deatli on the march and more than one hundred yards wide. The two were killed in action. British army was stationed in a semi-circle Captain Henry Miller's company with Trenton as the center of the arc. York of the First Pennsylvania Reg- Washington's plan was, by a sudden at- Troops inient performed valiant services tack, to overwhelm the British center at at in this engagement. Most of Trenton, and thus force the army to retreat Trenton, the men in his command at to New York. The Delaware was to be Trenton were the same soldiers crossed in three divisions. The right wing, who had enlisted at York in 1775, and 2,000 men, under Gates, was to attack marched with him to Boston. In referring Count Donop at Burlington ; Ewing, with to the battle, Captain ^ililler wrote: the centre, was to cross a short distance be- "General Stephen's brigade entered Tren- low Trenton; while Washington' himself, ton and routed the Hessians. Washington v.-ith the left wing, was to cross nine miles desired our regiment to lead the advance, above, and march down upon Trenton from which we did. We formed in line of battle the north. On Christmas day all was ready, and advanced within sixty yards of the but the beginning of the enterprise was not Hessians without firing a gun. We moved auspicious. Gates, who preferred to go and with such rapidity and determination that intrigue with Congress, succeeded in beg- we struck them with terror. The enemy ging off, and started for Baltimore. Cad- grounded their arms, and 919 Hessians sur- walader, who took his place, tried hard to rendered as prisoners of war." get his men and artillery across the river, Colonel Miles' Pennsylvania Regiment but was baffled by the huge masses of float- served in Lord Stirling's brigade and took ing ice, and reluctantly gave up the attempt. a leading part at the battle of Trenton in Ewing was so discouraged that he did not the capture of the Hessians. Miles him- even try to cross, and both ofificeri took it self was a prisoner of war in the hands of for granted that Washington must be foiled the British, having been captured at the in like manner. battle of Long Island, nearly five months But Washington was desper- before. In this engagement the regiment Crossing ately in earnest, and although was commanded by Major Williams. Cap- the at sunset, just as he had tain Albright's company of York County Delaware, reached his crossing-place, he troops had lost thirty men, or about half its was informed by a special mes- number in killed, wounded and prisoners at senger of the failure of Ewing and Cad- Long Island. The companj^ entered the walader, he determined to go on and make battle of Trenton with about thirty men, the attack with the 2,500 men whom he had who rendered valiant services in winning with him. The great blocks of ice, borne this famous victory. swiftly along by the powerful current, The news of the victory at Trenton made the passage extremely dangerous, but spread rapidly. To convince the people of Glover, with his skilful fishermen of Marble- what had happened, the Hessian prisoners head, succeeded in ferrying the little army were marched through the streets of Phila- across without the loss of a man or a gun. delphia, and the Hessian flag was sent to More than ten hours were consumed in the Baltimore to hang in the hall of Congress. passage, and then there was a march of nine The spirits of the people rose with a great miles to be made in a blinding storm of rebound, the cloud of depression which snow and sleet. They pushed rapidly on in rested upon the country was lifted, and hope two columns, led b}^ Greene and Sullivan was again felt everywhere. Troops came in respectively, drove in the enemy's pickets from Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and the at the point of the bayonet, and entered the New England men agreed to stay after the town by different roads soon after sunrise. expiration of their term of enlistment. A\ ashington's gtms were at once planted so The blow struck bj^ \\'ashington fell as to sweep the streets, and after Colonel heavily upon the British. Even with their Rahl and seventeen of his men had been powerful army thej' could not afford to lose slain, the whole body of Hessians, 1,000 in a thousand men at a stroke, nor would their 190 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. PEXXSYLVAXIA prestige bear sucli sudden disaster. It was aim was taken ad\antage of' and every part clear even to tlie mind of Howe that tlie of the road was disputed in all possible .\merican Revolution was not over, and that ways. On one occasion so stubborn a stand Washington and his victorious army held was made by the Americans that a check the field. Trenton must be redeemed and was produced on the British advance. They they determined to finish the business at actually fell back and the patriots carefully once. pressed toward them. At last, howe\er, the After the defeat of the British American detachment w^as driven to the Movement at Trenton through the mili- woods running along the south bank of the After tary genius of \\'ashington, Shabbakonk Creek, and here a severe skir- Trenton. Lord Cornwallis, who had mish commenced about one o'clock, and a gone to New York, returned deadly fire was made upon the British in haste to attack the American army. De- forces, throwing them into considerable cember 30, V\'ashington recrossed the Dela- confusion. ware and took post at Trenton, where he For a long time this conflict was joined by Cadwalader and Mifflin, each On to was maintained with great with 1.800 Pennsylvania militia. On the Princeton, vigor, and the battalions of morning of January 2 Cornwallis advanced von Linsingen and Block, a with 8,000 men upon Trenton, but his part of Colonel \'on Donop's original com- march was slow. mand, were drawn up in order of battle, ex- As sooH as General Washington had pro- pecting then and there to enter upon the cured definite information of the strength general engagement which they anticipated. and position of the enemy, he sent out. For fully three hours the gallant little under Brigadier-General de Fermoy, a de- American force, somewdiat protected by the tachment, consisting of his own brigade. dense woods, harassed the red coats and Colonel Edward Hand's Pennsylvania rifle- continually thinned their ranks with men, and Colonel Hausegger's German bat- musketry and artillery. Right well did talion, with Colonel Charles Scott's Vir- they carry out the plan of General Wash- ginia Continental regiment, and two guns- ington to consume the entire day. if pos- of Captain Forrest's battery, to harass the sible, in skirmishing and so retard the enemy in every possible way, and to dispute enemy's advance tow^trci^^Trenton. Wash- their advance as much as they were able, ington was well pleased with the all-day that the impending battle might be post- running fight and begged the little party poned at least twenty-four hours. The not to yield until compelled to. A battery .Vmericans posted themselves a short dis- of British artillery was soon afterward tance south of the village of Maidenhead, brought into position and made every effort with pickets up to the town. The British to dislodge the American advance force. outposts were about a mile north of Maiden- Nearly an hour was consumed before the head. This was the state of af¥airs on the patriot band, unable any longer to sustain old Princeton road at the close of New themselves, began again to yield the ground Year's day. and retreat down the Brunswick road into About this time the commanders of regi- the village, having captured some twenty- ments on the advance lines of the x\merican fi\-e or thirty men during the day. In this army, finding that General de Fermoy had way the last determined stand beyond the returned to Trenton in a very questionable town was taken, and a's the Americans be- manner, determined to resist the advance of gan to retreat, the advance party of the the king's troops without further orders. Britis'h, about 1,500 men, again commenced .About 10 o'clock the first alarm gun was their march in column, the main army being fired by the American \idettes. Colonel still a consideralile distance in the rear. Hand, with his splendid regiment of rifle- The ad\-ance guard of Cornwallis's army men. Captain Henry Miller, of his command pressed on, driving the Americans before being in charge of the skirmish line, con- them, and killing some, until they ai'rived ducted the retreat to Trenton. Every at the narrow stone bridge which spanned, place which would even for a few moments with but one arch, the Assunpink Creek. give shelter from which to take a steady The detachment of skirmishers which all — THE REVOLUTION 191 day long had hovered before and around hood, met the foremost column of Ameri- the enemy, hastily, although with difficulty, cans approaching, under General Mercer. crowded through the passage at the bridge As he caught sight of the Americans, Maw- scarcely sixteen feet wide. Colonel Hitch- hood thought that they must be a party of cock's l)rigade protected these weary men fugitives, and hastened to intercept them; as they filed across the bridge and took their but he was soon undeceived. places with the main army. General Wash- 'I'he -Americans attacked with ington himself was on horseback at one end General \igor, and a sharp fight was of the bridge, overlooking the scene, and Mercer sustained, with varying for- by his personal exposure inspired his men Wounded. tunes, until Mercer was pierced with courage and confidence. It was then Ijy a bayonet, and his men after 5 o'clock and rapidly growing dark. began to fall Ijack in some confusion. Just With the light made by the firing, it could at this critical moment \\'ashington came l)e seen that the advance of the king's galloping upon the field and rallied the troops, entirely unaware of the force now troops, and as the entire forces on both before them, had pressed on until they were sides had now come up, the fight became within range of the American guns. They general. In a few' minutes the British were made three fruitless efforts to reach and routed and their line cut in two; one half cross the bridge, but found further pursuit fleeing toward Trenton, the other half to- checked, and were unable to endure the con- ward Xew Brunswick. There was little centrated fire. The effect of this fire upon slaughter, as the whole fight did not occupy them was extremely uncertain, and doubt- more than twenty minutes. 'The British less will never be correctly ascertained, as lost about 200 in killed and wounded, with no mention of loss is made in any British 300 prisoners, and their cannon; the Ameri- official reports. The loss of the American can loss was less than 100. The brave army was small. General Mercer died of his w^ound. BATTLE OF PRINCETON. Many of the British officers urged a gen-" eral and renewed attack, but the short w-in- ter day was drawing to a close, and Corn- CHAPTER XIV wait until morning. wallis decided to REVOLUTION—Continued. Washington had spent the day with stub- born skirmishing, for he had no intention of Campaign of 1777—Battles of Brandywine, fighting a pitched battle with his poorly Paoli and Germantown—Washington at armed men, inferior in numbers to their Valley Forge—York Troops at Mon- well-equipped opponents, who had received mouth—Major John Clark—General reinforcements in the morning. He had Henry Miller—Hartley's Regiment checked the enemy all day, and he had now Colonel Thomas Hartley. the night in which to act, so he set the men to work on entrenchments, lighted camp The American army had been defeated at fires along the river bank, and having con- Long Island and Fort \\'ashington, but vinced Cornwallis that he would be there through the masterly skill of the com- in the morning, he marched ofif with his mander-in-chief, it had won decisive victo- whole army at midnight, leaving his fires ries at Trenton and Princeton. In a brief burning. By daybreak he was near Prince- campaign of three weeks. Washington had ton, and moved with the main army straight rallied the fragments of a defeated and for the town, while Mercer was detached liroken army, taken nearly two thousand with three hundred men to destroy the prisoners and recovered the state of New bridge which gave the most direct connec- Jersey. By sheer force of military capacity, tion with Cornwallis. he had completely turned the tide of popu- Toward sunrise, as the British detach- lar feeling. His army began to grow by the ment was coming down the road from accession of fresh recruits. Newly organ- Princeton to Trenton, in obedience to Corn- ized regiments of the Pennsylvania line wallis' order, its van, imder Colonel Maw- joined him in the early part of 1777. These 192 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PEXXSYLVAXIA included the regiments commanded by Early in the same year Gen- Colonel Tliomas Hartley and Colonel David Howe eral Burgoyne, with an army Grier, of York. Although the term of en- Approaches of 10,000 British and Hes- listment of the Flying Camp had expired, Philadelphia. sians, was ordered to de- their places were taken by regiments of scend the Hudson to New Pennsylvania militia, including" several com- York and thus separate New England from mands from west of the Susquehanna River. the other states and divide the country in Flushed with his victories at Trenton and twain. Washington at first believed that Princeton, Washington defied the British, Howe would go to the assistance of Bur- and spent the winter in camp at Morris- goyne, but early in July, leaving 7,000 town, near New York City, then held by the troops under Sir Henry Clinton in New British. Even Frederick the ' Great, of York, Howe's army of 18,000 men em- Prussia, the most famous military chieftain barked in 228 vessels and put to sea. Just of the day, in a public declaration, com- before sailing he wrote a letter to Burgoyne, mended Washington for his successful cam- stating that his destination was Boston and paign in New Jersey. artfully contrived that the letter should fall Although at one time threat- into Washington's hands. But the Ameri- Enlarging ened by the invading foe, Phila- can general, believing that he was going the Army, delphia still remained in the southward, placed Putnam in the Highlands hands of the Americans. From with 4,000 men, and with the balance of the December 20, 1776, to February 27, 1777, army, moved toward Philadelphia, which Congress held its sessions in Baltimore. he anticipated that Howe had determined to In consequence of the alarming state of af- capture. July 3, the British army was fairs on December 27, three days after as- sighted off the capes' of Delaware. Fearing sembling in a three-story building on the that the river was carefully guarded, Howe southwest corner of Baltimore and Sharp moved his fleet up the Chesapeake, and Streets, in that city. Congress invested after a sail of 400 miles, arrived at the head Washington for six months with extraor- of Elk River, near Elkton, Maryland, Au- dinary powers. It authorized him to raise 'gust 25. On hearing" this news, Washing- and officer sixteen additional battalions of ton advanced to Wilmington, Delaware. infantry, three thousand light horse, three Immediately after landing", Howe issued a regiments of artillery and a corps of engi- proclamation of amnesty, but few of the neers, to appoint and remove officers under Americans sympathized enough with the the rank of brigadier-general, and take, at British to give them much assistance. a fair compensation, any private property needed for the maintenance of the army. BATTLE OF BRANDYWINE.' The British army under Howe remained Meantime Washington's forces were in- in New York City durmg the winter, while creased by the arrival of 3,000 troops from AX'ashington continued at jMorristown. Pennsylvania and adjoining states. He Early in June, Howe laid his plans for an- now determined to offer battle, although he other campaign across New Jersey with the had only 11,000 men to contend with ultimate purpose of capturing Philadelphia. Howe's 18,000 trained soldiers. Brandy- He left New York City with 18,000 men and wine Creek was in the line of march from plenty of boats to cross the Delaware if he Howe's position to Philadelphia. Wash- reached that stream. Washington, with ington placed his army at Chad's Ford," the 8,000 men, left his winter encampment at leading crossing place of this stream. It Morristown and planted his army at JMid- was here the battle took place September dlebrook, ten miles from New Brunswick. II, 1777, resulting in a loss of 1,000 Ameri- A campaign of eighteen days ensued, con- can soldiers in killed, wounded and cap- sisting of wily marches and counter- tured. The British loss exceeded that num- marches, the result of wdiich showed that ber. Washington's advantage of position could In the battle of Brandywine, Washington not be wrested from him. Howe being too placed the center of his army just behind prudent to attack Washington, abandoned Chad's Ford and across the road. In front his plan and returned to New York. of this center, he planted Proctor's artillery. THE REVOLUTION 193 which was supported by a division of Penn- van's right flank, when a terrible conflict sylvania troo])s under General Anthony ensued. The artillery of both armies \\'ayne. Colonel Hartley, of York, had opened with terrible effect, and the conflict command of the first britjade in this became general and severely contested. Sul- division. Colonel Edward Hand, of Lan- li\an was slowly pushed back, being over- caster, having been promoted to the rank of powered by the large British force, and De- brigadier-general, the First Pennsylvania borre's brigade, stationed below him, broke Line, formerly Hand's regiment, was com- and fled in confusion. The brigades under manded by Colonel James Chambers, of Lord Sterling and General Conway stood Cumberland, later Franklin County. This firm. Meantime, Sullivan and Lafayette, regiment had in line at Brandywine many unable to rally the fugitives, went to the as- of the same York County troops who had sistance of Sterling and Conway. fought under Captain Henry Miller at Long The youthful Lafayette, whom Island, Trenton and Princeton. ]\Iiller Lafayette Congress had just commis- having been promoted to the rank of major. Wounded. sioned a brigadier-general, now James Matson succeeded to the command received his first baptism of of the company. Michael Simpson, of York fire. In order to act more efficiently, he dis- ICounty, was captain of another company of mounted, and while fighting in the line, was this regiment. The Seventh Pennsylvania wounded in the leg. At this juncture. Gen- regiment, commanded Ijy Colonel David eral Washington, with the brigades of Grier, served in Wayne's brigade. It con- Greene, Weedon and Muhlenberg, hastened tained a large number of York County to strengthen General Sullivan, but they did troops. not arrive in time to prevent the retreat. Lewis Bush served as major of Hartley's By a skillful movement, Greene opened his regiment, and some of its captains at ranks and received the fugitives and covered Brandywine were Benjamin Stoddard. Evan their retreat, checking the advance and kept Edwards. George Ross, Archibald McAl- the enemy at bay until dark. lister, Robert Hoopes and James Kenny. Late in the afternoon. General Knyp- Captain McAllister was a son of Richard hausen crossed the Brandywine at Chad's I\Ic.\llister, of Hano\er, Avho had com- Ford and made a violent attack upon manded the First Regiment of the Flying Wayne's division. Wayne held his position Camp. Some of the lieutenants of Hart- gallantly and with his Pennsylvania troops ley's regiment in this battle were Andrew dealt a terrible blow upon the enemy. Hear- A\'alker. Joseph Davis, Isaac Sweeny, Henry ing of the defeat of the right wing, his gal- Carberrv, James Dill. James Lemon, Martin lant Pennsylvanians who had fought so Eichelberger and William Lemon. Of this bravely, were ordered by the commanding list, Dill, Walker and Eichelberger were general to retreat. In order to protect his from York County. At daybreak of Sep- men. Wayne left the artillery in the hands tember II, General Knyphausen, with 7.000 of the enemy and fell back to Greene, who troops, drove in the advance of Wayne's protected him from a rout. The militia division, across the Brandywine a^ Chad's under the command of General Armstrong, Ford. General Armstrong, commanding being posted about two miles below Chad's the Pennsylvania militia, occupied the ex- Ford, had no opportunity of engaging the treme left of \\ ashington's arnn-, and was enem}-. During the succeeding night, the stationed on clitifs, a short distance south defeated forces of General \\ ashington re- of Wayne's position. General Greene, upon treated to Chester and on the following day whose staff Major Clark, of York, was then to Germantown, where they went into serving, commanded the reserves in support camp. of General Wayne's division. The right William Russel. of York County, wing of the American army, stretching two Ensign residing at Abbottstown, lost a miles up the Brandywine, was commanded William leg by a cannon ball in the battle by General Sullivan. Lord Cornwallis. with Russel. of Brandywine. In this engage- the left of the British army, crossed the ment he was the ensign for the Brandywine in the afternoon a short dis- Thir 13 194 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PEXXSYLVAXIA requested tlie State of Pennsylvania to delphia to defend that city from the ad- grant Ensign Russel a certificate due to his vancing British under Howe. On Septem- merit, and a pension because he behaved as ber 16, Wayne's division of Pennsylvania a good and dutiful soldier, and liis woimd troops met a force of the British at the pre\-ented him from receiving promotion. Warren tavern, twenty-three miles south- Ensign Russel had served as a pri\-ate in the west of Philadelphia. The American troops first company that left York for Boston, began the engagement with an impetuosity July. 1775. characteristic of their commander, but a heavy shower coming up prevented a con- THE BATTLE OF PAOLI. tinuance of the engagement. I'he liattle of Paoli, memoraljle in the Washington now sent Wayne, annals of history, was one of the most im- A with 1,500 men and four pieces of portant engagements of the Revolution, in Night cannon, to annoy the rear of the which York County troops participated. It Attack. British forces and attempt to cut ended in the defeat of the Pennsylvania off their baggage train. General troops under General Wayne, owing to the Smallwood, with eleven hundred and fifty superior force of the British. In this bat- Maryland militia, and Colonel Gist, from tle the troops from west of the Susquehanna the same state, with seven hundred men, suttered almost as severely as those from were ordered to unite their forces with the same region who fought so bravely in Wayne and act under his direction. After the battle of Fort Washington, which took a secret march A\'ayne, with his Pennsyl- place in November of the previous year. \'ania troops, occupied a secluded spot about The Seventh Pennsylvania regiment, com- three miles southwest of the enemy's line. manded by Colonel David Grier, of York, Howe, hearing of this movement for the took a very prominent part in this battle. ])urpose of cutting off his wagon train, sent In the Seventh Regiment were the York General Grey with a considerable force to County companies of Captain John Mc- surprise Wayne and drive liim from his Dowell and Captain ^^'illiam Alexander. position. The former had succeeded Captain Moses "At nine P. M., September 20," says McClean after he became a prisoner of war General Wayne, " a farmer living near, in- in the first Canadian campaign, and the lat- formed me before Colonels Hartley, Brod- ter succeeded Captain David Grier, when head and Temple, that the enemy intended he was promoted to the rank of major, in to attack me that night. I sent out \-idettes October, 1776. to patrol all the roads leading to the The First Pennsylvania regiment, which, enemy's camp." under Colonel William Thompson, of Car- One of the videttes returned and notified lisle, had won a brilliant record in front of the general that the enemy was approach- Boston, in 1775, and under Colonel Edward ing. General ^\'ayne now commanded all Hand, of Lancaster, at Long Island, Tren- his troops to form, having pre\iously or- ton and Princeton, was commanded by dered them to lie on their arms, ready for Colonel James Chambers, of Cumberland any emergency. Then selecting the First County, in the battles of Paoli and German- Pennsylvania and the light infantry, he town. In this regiment were the York formed them on the right toward which the County volunteers who had marched to attacking party was approaching. He re- Boston under Captain Michael Doudel in mained with this force, but owing to in- the summer of 1775, and later fought with feriority of numbers, was unal^le to contend gallantry under Captain Henry Miller at with the impetuous charge of the British, Long Island, White Plains, Trenton and who were ordered to use only bayonets and Princeton. The company was now in com- give no quarters. mand of Captain James Matson. Captain At this point in the attack, Miller had been promoted to the rank of A Colonel Humpton, commanding major in the same regiment. Bayonet one of the regiments to the left, After the l^attle of Brandywine on Sep- Charge. failed to promptly obey Wayne's tember II, Washington's army fell back to orders. This delay proved fatal Chester and from thence marched to Phila- and the l)runt of the battle fell upon the THE REVOLUTIOX 195 Seventh Pennsylvania Regiment, under Revolution he became an ardent patriot. In Colonel David Grier. Humpton's regiment the fall of 1775 he recruited a company of now fell back in confusion, the Maryland sixty men from York County, which was militia failed to appear. The British troops assigned to the Sixth Pennsylvania bat- rushed on the Americans with great im- talion. This battalion, under command of petuosity, and obeying the commands of Colonel William Irvine, took a prominent their superior officers, forced the Pennsyl- part in the expedition to Canada. It was vania troops back at the point of the bay- present and suffered a considerable loss in onet. The cry for ciuarters was unheeded. the battle of Three Rivers. For his gal- The British bayonet now did its work with lantry in action and his military capacity. savage ferocity. Wayne had been outnum- Captain Grier was promoted major of the bered and defeated. The morning sun battalion, October, 1776. He returned with looked down from clear skies on a scene of his command to Carlisle. Later he was as- butchery, probably unparalleled in Ameri- signed to command the Seventh Pennsyl- can histor)-. \-ania Regiment, with the rank of lieutenant- The American loss was not less than colonel. \\'hen the British approached three hundred in killed and wounded, many Philadelphia, his regiment was placed iii of whom were from west of the Susque- \\'ayne"s brigade, and with it Colonel Grier hanna. About seventy became prisoners of took a conspicuous part in the battle of war. Colonel Da\id Grier, of York, com- Brandywine. At the battle of Paoli, as manding the Seventh Pennsylvania, wdio stated above, his regiment was engaged in was conspicuous for his gallantry in this the hardest fighting. While leading his battle, was twice pierced by a British regiment, endeavoring to repel the British bayonet. assault, he was twice bayoneted, receiving The news of the disaster, known as the wounds from which he never recovered. "Massacre at Paoli," brought sadness and This disabled him for further military ser- sorrow to many homes in York and Cum- vice in the field. After recovering from his berland Counties. In a letter from Wayne wound he was appointed to take charge of to General W ashington, written the day the post at York, where he rendered efficient after the battle, he says, "I must in justice service in the cjuartermaster's department. to Colonels Hartley, Humpton, Brodhead, After the war, he practiced law at York and Grier, Butler, Hubley and indeed every field became one of the leading citizens west of and other officer, inform your excellency the Susquehanna. He was elected to the that I deri\-ed every assistance possible from General Assembly in 1783, served as a dele- those gentlemen on this occasion." gate to the Con\-ention to ratify the Federal Colonel David Grier, who com- Constitution in 1787. and was chosen by the Colonel nianded the Seventh Pennsyl- Constitutionalists one of the first presi- David \ania Regiment at Brandywine dential electors. Colonel (^rier died at Grier. and Paoli, had a brilliant military York, June 3, 1790. career during the Revolution. He was the son of William Grier, one of the THE BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN. earliest of the Scotch-Irish settlers who After the battle of Brandywine, Wash- took up lands in the Manor of Maske, near ington retreated toward Philadelphia and the site of Gettysburg, and was born there encamped near Germantown. now the in 1742. He received a classical education northern part of the city. Although he and during his early manhood removed to had suft'ered a serious defeat at Brandywine York, where he entered upon the study of on September 11, and the division of Penn- law with James Smith, who became one of sylvania troops under Wayne, had been the signers of the Declaration of Independ- routed at Paoli nine days later, the com- ence. He was admitted to the bar in 1771, mander-in-chief was undismayed. Wash- and began the practice of his profession at ington's reserve power now asserted itself York. During the French and Indian war in a masterly way. Before leaving Phila- he joined a military company which delphia. Continental Congress had again marched against the Indians on the frontier clothed him with extraordinary powers of Pennsylvania. At the opening of the which he used with discretionary effect. In 196 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PEXXSYLVAXIA obedience to his request, measures were powering it and coming in on his rear. The adopted to increase tlie army. Continental York county militia served in this command. troops serving on distant stations were The divisions under Greene and Stephen sunnnoned to his assistance and the militia flanked by the brigade of McDougal, formed from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland the left of the American line for the purpose and adjoining states were called out. of attacking the British right. The New Howe, following in pursuit of the Ameri- Jersey and Maryland militia moved on the can armv. took possession of Philadelphia extreme left of the .Americans, with the pur- immediately after it was evacuated. Antic- pose of turning the right of the British line ipating the approach of the enemy. Con- and coming in on the rear. The other bri- gress had adjourned on the 23rd of Septem- gades under Stirling were held in reserve. ber to meet at Lancaster on the 27th. Still 'Fhe battle opened by Conway's brigade fearing the danger of an approaching of Sullivan's division attacking the enemy's enemy, after holding one day's session at picket line. This movement ha\ing been Lancaster, Congress adjourned to York, already anticipated, was quickly reinforced. where it remained nine months, holding its Sullivan's entire division moved forward "first session September 30th. Meantime and captured the enemy's baggage and Flowe's army had taken possession of Phil- camp equipment. The Continental troops adelphia and part of his forces encamped at under Greene and the Pennsylvania militia Germantown, ten miles north of Independ- under Armstrong failed to appear at the ence Hall. Admiral Howe, commanding time expected. Wayne's division was or- the enemy's fleet which had brought the dered to move toward the British left. British army to the head of the Chesapeake, Washington ordered a concentrated at- before the battle of Brandywine, now de- tack of all his forces in line of battle. scended that bay and moved up the Dela- Although the British regiments ware to capture the force below Philadel- Drove were Iving liehind entrenchments phia. the and stone walls, the forces under Another battle was now imminent near British Wayne and Sullivan, the centre of Philadelphia, and the commanding generals Back, the .\merican line, moved forward for several succeeding days were engaged with impetuosity and drove the in manouvering their armies to obtain an British regulars back to the main force at advantageous position. After holding a Germantown. W'hile retreating, the Brit- conference with his generals, Washington ish took advantage of every dwelling house determined to attack the camp at German- or other building as a defensive fortress to town. The morning of October 4 was de- fire upon the advancing American troops. cided upon as the time for the attack. One of these buildings, used with disastrous The main part of the American efl^ect, was the large stone mansion of Ben- Plan of army was encamped fourteen jamin Chew, then chief justice of Pennsyl- Attack, miles northwest of the enemy. vania. Six companies of the 40th British On the evening of October 3rd, regiment under command of Colonel Mus- Washington took up the line of march to- grave, threw themselves into this building, ward Germantown, moving in person with barricaded the doors and lower windows the divisions under Sullivan and Wayne. and opened a murderous fire on the Ameri- The Continental troops of York county can troops from the roof and upper win- were serving under Wayne. On account of dows. After leaving a regiment to guard the roads being rough, the advance of the this house, General Wayne pressed onward American army did not reach the outposts and with Sullivan continued the pursuit a of the enemy until sunrise, and the alarm mile further through the streets of German- was quickly given to the British camp. Ac- town, while the reserve under Stirling fol- cording to the plan of battle, Conway's lowed. In this onward movement, Wayne brigade of Sullivan's division moved on the used the bayonet in driving back the British, right flank and General Armstrong with in retaliation for the massacre at Paoli. 1000 Pennsylvania militia, moved on the ex- Conway on the flank, and \N'ashington, with treme right of the American line for the Nash's and Maxwell's brigades, bore down purpose of attacking the British left, over- after Sullivan, and would ha\'e made the day THE REVOLUTION 197 fatal to the British, had not Colonel Mus- important information. The weather had grave stationed himself in the Chew man- already become severe. During the latter sion. At this place Washington halted with part of November. Washington moved with his reserve and calle There was no further collision Count}- militia, then stationed at W'ilming- The between the armies until De- ton, Delaware, under General James Potter, Skirmish cember 7, when Morgan's Penn- I major, 4 companies, 4 captains, 4 lieuten- at White s\l\ania and Virginia riilemen ants, 4 ensigns. 4 sergeants, 2 drummers, 2 Marsh. were ordered forward on the fifers, and 121 men fit for duty out of a total right. They were supported by of 127. Webb's Continental regiment and Potter's On Novemljer 24, at Camp White Marsh, brigade of Pennsylvania militia. Colonel near Valley Forge, Colonel Thompson re- James Thompson from- York County, with ported 1 major, 6 companies, 6 captains, 12 a battalion of nearly 300 men formed a lieutenants, 6 ensigns, i adjutant, i quarter- part of Potter's brigade in this engage- master, 24 sergeants, 4 drummers, 3 fifers, ment. Colonel David Jameson, with a or 202, fit for duty out of a total of 215. battalion of about 150 men, was also On the same date. Colonel William present. Morgan originally opposed the Rankin, at White Marsh, reported i major, advance of the enemy commanded by 3 companies, 3 captains. 4 lieutenants, 3 Lord Cornwallis. Four British officers ensigns, i adjutant, i quartermaster, 9 ser- and three men fell before the unerring geants, I drummer, i fifer, or 78 fit for duty aim of the riflemen. \\ elib's regulars out of a total of 81. Colonel David Jame- and the Pennsylvania militia under Cad- son, at the same camp, reported 3 com- wallader, Reed and Potter, took a posi- panies, 3 captains, 4 lieutenants, 3 ensigns, tion in a woods forming the left of the I adjutant, i quartermaster, 9 sergeants, or American line. Here they offered a stub- 70 fit for duty out of a total of 75. born resistance for a short time. When the On Decemljer 22, at the camp near Valley British advanced in solid column, the militia Forge, Colonel Andrews reported i major, opened a severe fire after which the Ameri- 5 captains, 6 lieutenants, 3 ensigns, i adju- can line broke and fell back in disorder. At tant, I quartermaster, 13 sergeants, or 120 this time in the fight. General Joseph Reed, fit for tluty out of a total of 165. who afterward served as president of Penn- These militia battalions from York sylvania, was entreated by the militia to County were a part of the force called out rally them for action. While attempting to before the battle of Brandywine, but did not do this, his horse was shot under him, and take part in that engagement. They were he narrowly escaped capture. ^leanwhile, present at the battle of Germantown and Washington with his headquarters at White the minor engagements at White Marsh and Marsh, was preparing for a general engage- Chestnut Hill, in the militia brigades of ment. The se\-erity of winter had now ar- Armstrong and Potter. ri\'ed and the British retraced their steps to Some of the casualties in Colonel Philadelphia. \Vashington was surprised Hartley's Regiment in the battles of at Howe's prompt retrogade, for the British Brandywine. Paoli and Germantown, officers had boasted that they were going to were : Lieutenant James Dill, Lieu- "drive Mr. Washington over the Blue tenant James Lemon, Sergeant William Mountains." Chambers, Sergeant John Ivousden, Cor- On December 10, a grand foraging party poral Anthony Wall, killed; Private George of 3000 men, lead by Cornwallis, came up Blakely, wounded and prisoner at Paoli, in the Schuylkill and attacked Potter's brigade Captain Robert Hoopes' company: Privates of 2000 Pennsylvania militia. Three regi- \Villiam Cornwall, George Duke, John El- ments of this brigade behaved gallantly in a liott, Joseph Finnemore, James Flin, killed; sharp contest with the enemy, but were Philip Graham, killed at Brandywine; Jacob driven across the river by a superior force. Houts, wounded at Germantown; Chris- In this engagement the casualties were few. topher Morris and John Shannon, killed; After destroying several buildings and ob- William Price, died of wounds. taining booty, the British returned to Phil- FORGE. adelphia, December 16. WASHINGTON AT VALLEY On September 6, 1777. five days before No further offensive or defensi\-e move- the battle of Brandywine, Colonel James ments were made by either army in 1777, Thompson reported in his battalion of York and December 17, Washington with an army : THE REVOLUTION 199 of less than 10,000 men. depleted b\- the re- mained in camp at White Marsh as cent engagements at Brandvwine. Paoli and a guard to watch the enemy's mo\-ements Germantoun. broke camp at White Marsh during the winter. On account of age, de- and took up the march for Valley Forge, bility and long service in the French and near the site of Norristown. Indian war and the Revolution, Armstrong The Pennsylvania Assembly which had asked to be relieved and returned to his moved from Philadelphia to Lancaster home in Carlisle, late in December, 1777. and held its sessions in the Court The term of enlistment of some of the bat- House in Centre Square of that town, talions of Pennsylvania militia had also ex- was unfriendly to Washington. It as- pired and they returned home until another sumed to be a patriotic body, but failed call demanded their services in the field. to adopt measures to provide its own militia General Potter, wdio had served in the in \\ ashington's army, with shoes, stock- Canada expedition and in the campaigns in ings and clothing. As the story goes, al- New Jersey and around Philadelphia, asked though perhaps much exaggerated, the to be relieved from the service to turn at- blood stained marks of the Continental tention to his business interests in Cinnber- troops were observed on the line of move- land county. ment from White Marsh to Valley Forge. January 9, 1778, Colonel John Lacey, of This, however. was an unnecessary condition Bucks county, was promoted to the rank of of affairs, owing either to negligence or dis- brigadier-general and given the command loyalty, for, says a trustworthy authority, of a brigade of militia with headquarters at quantities of shoes, stockings, clothing and the Crooked Billet Tavern in Bucks county. other apparel were lying "at difYerent places The object of Washington in sending Lacey on the road between Lancaster and Valley there was to prevent the Tories from New Forge. It is claimed that neither horses Jersey and eastern Pennsyh-ania from tak- nor wagons could have been procured to ing their produce and grain to Philadelphia convey them to camp. Congress at York, and selling them in that city. In this capac- now recommended to the state legislatures ity. General Lacey performed an important to enact laws giving authority to seize duty. \\'hen Howe discovered the moti\-e woolen cloths, blankets, linen, shoes, stock- in sending the militia into Bucks county, on ings, hats and other necessary articles of May I, he sent a body of troops under Lieu- clothing for the army, wherever they might tenant-Colonel Abercrombie, commanding be found, and sent to the relief of the sol- a regiment of light infantry, a squadron of diers. rangers and a detachment of ca\alry to sur- On Deceml)er 30, Congress renewed the round Lacey and his men, and capture them. authority of Washington, giving him ex- An attempt was made to attack and surprise traordinary powers and further ordered him the militia force, in the same manner that "to inform the brave officers and soldiers of General Wayne and his brigade had been the Continental army now in camp, that as assaulted in September, 1777, at Paoli. The the situation of the enemy has rendered it approach of the British was a surprise, and necessary for the army to take post in a part they nearly surrounded Lacey and his men of the country not provided with houses and before they were ready to meet the enemy. in consequence thereof to reside in huts It was a night attack, and before the Amer- Congress approving of their soldierly pa- icans could offer resistance, they endured a tience, fidelity and zeal in the cause of their formidable assault. In order to protect his country, have directed one month's ex- entire force from capture, Lacey ordered a traordinary pay to be given to each : and retreat, leaving his baggage behind. In are exerting themselves to remedy the in- this affair the American loss was twenty-six conveniences which the army has lately ex- killed, eight or ten wounded, and fifty-eight perienced from the defects of the commis- missing. It is stated on good authority that sary and clothier's department." some of the prisoners were bayoneted and After \\'ashington took up his others burned bv Simcoe's, Hoventlen's and Crooked headcjuarters at Valley Forge James' Rangers, among whom were loyal- Billet some of the Pennsylvania militia. ists who had joined the British cause. The Tavern, under General Armstrong, re- British loss was small. 200 HISTORY OF YORK COUXTY, PEXXSYLVANIA Alxiul Februar}' 7 of this year, one bat- in the battle that General Lee had ordered talion of York county militia, under the his part of the line to fall back. Dismay command of Major Thomas Lilly, left York and consternation followed, and to prevent to join the force under Lacey. They were defeat, Washington himself rode into the delayed by the bad weather and did not thickest of the fight. After reprimanding reach Crooked Billet until the 23rd of the Lee, he ordered Wayne to form his regi- month. ments in line of battle, and check the assault of the enemy. YORK TROOPS AT MONMOUTH. Meantime, Washington went to the rear The British army evacuated Philadelphia and brought up the main army. One of on June 18, and began the march toward Wayne's regiments, ordered to the front, New ^'ork. Howe, who had commanded was the Seventh Pennsylvania Line, for- the enemy's forces at Brandywine and Ger- merly commanded by Colonel Da\'id Grier, mantown and during the evacuation of of York, who had been wounded at Paoli. Philadelphia, was succeeded by Sir Henry It was now led b\- its original commander. Clinton. On June 21, Washington left the Colonel William Irvine, of Carlisle, who encampment at Valley Forge and crossed had been captured in the Canada expedition the Delaware at Trenton, determining to and lately released. The other regiments strike the enemy at the first opportunity. were the Thirteenth Pennsylvania, com- During the winter, the American forces had manded by Colonel Walter Stewart, and the been trained and disciplined under the Third, Colonel Thomas Craig. They were direction of Baron Steuben, a soldier and aided by a Maryland and a Virginia regi- tactician who came to this country from the ment. These gallant troops held the posi- court of Frederick the Great. Although the tion until the reinforcements, wdiich made American army had suffered hardships at up the second line of battle, arrived. Y^alley Forge, the rank and file were in ex- \'\'a}-ne was stationed in an orchard with a cellent trim. \\'ashington followed closely hill on either side. General Greene took in pursuit of the British and directed Gen- position on the right and Lord Stirling on- eral Charles Lee to move forward and the left. General Knox, commanding the attack the enemy's rear at Freehold, in artillery force, planted his guns on thchills Monmouth County. Lee at first declined to the left, near Stirling's troops, and opened this duty, and Lafayette, with a division of on the enemy. The withering fire of troops composed in part of Wayne's brigade \A^ayne's command in the centre made a of the Pennsylvania Line, was ordered to further advance of the enemy impossible. hang on the enemy's rear. The British grenadiers, endeavoring to Lee, meantime, changed his mind and pierce \\'ayne's line, were repulsed. At claimed the authority to lead the detach- length, Lieutenant-Colonel Alonckton, at ment, which he was unfortunately permitted the head of the divisions in which were sons to do. He marched five miles in advance of of many of the noblest English families who the main army to vigorously attack the had given tone to fashionalile dissipation enemy. \\'hen he arrived within striking while Philadelphia was in the hands of the distance, Wayne, with 700 Pennsylvania enemy, and Continental Congress at York, soldiers of the Continental Line, was harangued his men and led them on the despatched to attack the left rear. \\'hen charge. He was repulsed by Wayne and in he approached the enemy, Simcoe's rangers the attack, fell mortally wounded. of mounted men dashed u])on Colonel Sir Henry Clinton, commanding the Richard Butler's Pennsylvania regiment, British forces, now attacked the left under but were driven back. Stirling, but was driven back by the artil- At this juncture, a combined lery. He then attempted to break through Battle of attack was made by the the right, but was overpowered by Greene, Monmouth. British and the battle of Mon- who was supported by a strong battery. mouth was opened. The \\'ayne advanced from the centre and com- enemy now became the assailants. Wayne pelled the British to retreat to their first looked around in vain for a supporting position. column of Americans. It was at this time Evening had now arrived, and the THE REVOLUTION 201 Americans bivouacked for the night near Corporal, William Manley. the enemy, who stole away before morning Drummer, had dawned, and left Washington in com- Patrick Conner. mand of the field. Thus ended one of the Privates, most brilliant \-ictories of the Revolution. Edward .\tchison, John McCalloh, It added laurels to the American arms and George Blackley, Francis McDonncl, William Bradshavv Alexander McDonnel, increased the power and influence of the Henry Cain, Xeal McGunnagle, commander-in-chief. William Campbell, Patrick McKeehan, The First Pennsylvania Regiment at Thomas Chesney, John Milton, John Connelly, John Morrison, in Monmouth was command of Colonel Daniel Conner, Bartholomew Mulloy, James Chambers, who had led it at John Donnel, Dennis .Murphy, Brandywine and Germantown. Henry Mil- Philip Dufficld, James Quinn, John Diigan. Thomas Riley, ler, who had left York in 1775 ^vith the first John Farming. Michael Shawley, troops for Boston, was major of this Henry Garman. Solomon Silas. Diggonv Sparks, regiment. The company of York County Samuel Gilmore, John Hart, Richard Slack, troops which, had fought at Boston, Long Robert Hunter, George Sullivan, Island, Trenton. Princeton, Brandywine, James Johnston, Marly Sullivan, Matthew Kelly, John Walch. still serving Paoli and Germantown, were Andrew Kennedy, Edward Welch, in the First Pennsylvania Regiment, but no Patrick King. James Welch, Michael Lennogan John Welch, muster roll of it for 1778 has been found. Hendrick Winkler. In this battle Captain John McDowell com- manded Moses McClean's company, and The following is the muster-roll of Cap- Captain William Alexander, Grier's com- tain William Alexander's Company in 1778: pany, serving in the Seventh Pennsylvania Captain, Line. These were the two companies that William Alexander. had marched with Irvine's regiment on the First Lieutenant, first expedition to Canada, in the winter of Samuel Kennedy. ^775- Second Lieutenant, Jacob Stake, of \ ork, who was first lieu- .Alexander Russell. tenant of Captain Albright's compan\' in Ensign, Miles' regiment, commanded a coinpany in Robert McWheeling. the Tenth Pennsylvania Regiment at ]\Ion- Sergeants, William Gray. mouth. James Lang, of York County, who John Smith. had served as a lieutenant in Atlee's Joseph Wade. Musketry Battalion, also commanded a Matthew Way. company in the Tenth Regiment. Joshua Corporals, George Brown. Williams, of York County, commanded a James Hamilton. companv in the Fourth Pennsvlvania Regi- Joseph Rawlands, ment under Colonel William Butler. Wal- Joseph Templcton. ter Cruise, of York, who was a corporal in Privates, Miller's company and had been captured at William Anguish James Hutton James Berry Jacob Leed Boston in 1775, commanded a company in John Brannon John McCall the Sixth Regiment. John Bryans Thomas McConn Patrick Butler Patrick McCormick The following is the muster roll of Cap- John Clemonds John McDonnel tain John r^IcDowell's companv in 1778: Adam Conn John McGinnis Cornelius Corrigan Patrick McGonaghy Caf'taiii. William Courtney Isaac Moore John McDowell. David Davis Timothy .Murphy First Lieutenant, James Donovan Patrick Xowland William Miller. John Farrell James Price Second Lieutenant, Henry Freet Patrick Rooney Robert McPherson. William Guthrie John Sommerville Stewart Ensign, James Harkens John Henlev \\'illiam Wilkinson James Milligan. Richard George Worley. Sergeants. Thomas Gainer, The following is the muster-roll of Cap- Roger Cough, ."Xdam Linn. tain James Lang's Company, which served : 202 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA in the Tenth Pennsylvania Regiment at the CAPTAIN MILLER'S COMPANY. battle of Monmoutli The following is a return of Captain Ca/'tain, Henry Miller's Company, on November 4, James Lang. 1776. It was then serving in the First Sergeants, Pennsylvania Regiment and formed part of Daniel McLean, Thomas Filson, the rear column of \\'ashington's army in Barny Shields. the retreat across New Jersey to Trenton, Corporals, after the defeat at Fort Washington. This John Smitli, James Tyre. company, under Captain Miller, took part Drum and Fife, in the battles of Princeton and Trenton, and Leonard Toops, when Henry Miller was promoted to major Andrew Cutler. of the regiment, was commanded at Bran- Privates. dywine and Germantown by Captain James Daniel Powers John Sulavan in Samuel Green William Stage ]Matson. It took part the battle of Mon- John Sniitli John Burnham mouth, and in 1781. still in the First Regi- John Lockhard Hugh Bradley ment, marched under Colonel Richard But- Adam Truby Bartholomew Berrey Daniel Hoy John ^IcCarron ler, with Wayne's Brigade of the Pennsyl- Simon Digby William Douglass vania Line, and was present at the surren- David Stinson John Jones der of Cornwallis at Yorktown. Virginia, in Henry Falls Robert Holston j.-nies Sharplice John Sigafuss October, 1781. Andrew Carvan David Griffin John McBride Edward Butler Captain, Thomas Whelan Samuel Lessley Henry Miller. Andrew McQuigan Lawrence Gorman First Lieutenant, James Duncan Abraham Hornick James Matson. Robert Hanna Thomas Borland Second Lieutenant, Barnev Burnes. John Clark. Privates, The following is the muster-roll of Cap- William Allen John Line tain Jacob Stake's Company which served Robert .Armor Charles Liness George Armstrong John McAllister in the Tenth Pennsylvania Line in at 1778 John Bell John McCray the battle of Monmouth : John Beverly George McCrea Christian Bittinger John McCurt Caftain, Richard Block Joseph McQuiston Jacob Stake. George Brown James Mill John Burke Minshall Sergeants, Joshua , John Wynne, Thomas Campbell Edward Moore Samuel Edger, William Carnahan James Morrison John Ray. John Clark Patrick Murphy Corporals. Robert Conyers John Patton William Cooper Patrick Preston Michael Elly, Thomas Crone Michael Martin Sullivan. Quin George Dougherty John Quint Drummer, John Douther .\ndrew Sharp John Jeffrys. Able Evans John Shaven Fifer. Thomas Fanning Joseph Shibbey Martin Ashburn. John Ferguson Matthew Shields William Privates, Goudy James Smith Patrick Graft Jacob Staley John Pierce Christopher Reily John Griffith Andrew Start James McCray Chappel John Thomas Griffith Alexander Stevens Richard Coogan William Williams Joseph Halbut Patrick Stewlan George Montgomery Edward Helb Robert Harvey Matthew Stoyle William Short Rudolph Crowman John Humphries Tobias Tanner Jacob Stillwell Stephen Falkentine Richard Kennedy John Taylor Nathaniel Webber Daniel Forker Thomas Kennedy William Taylor Timothy McNamara Patrick Coyle John Leiper David Torrence Charles Fulks James McLaughlin Abraham Lewis Timothy Winters John Gcttiss William Grace Edward White. William Leech Benjamin Toy Lawrence Sullivan Thomas Moore Samuel Dickson Malcolm Black MAJOR JOHN CLARK, who rendered James Pratt Patrick Collins valuable services at the battle of Monmouth, John Funk Richard Harding John Stammers George Webb was born in Lancaster County, in 1751. of Bastion Maraquet. English ancestry. He obtained his educa- THE REVOLUTION 203 tion in the schools of his native county and while the other troops went in pursuit of wlien about twenty years of age removed to the enemy. York. At the opening of the Revolution, he The following day, December 27, with was a student of law, but his professional 200 men, he marched in pursuit of a body of studies were interrupted by enlisting in the British, commanded by General Stirling and army. Juh^ i. 1775. he was chosen third Count Donop, to Hidetown and Cranberry, lieutenant of the first military company leaving the British in his rear at Princeton. which marched from York and arrived at This was a bold and brilliant dash in the Cambridge, Massachusetts, where it joined cold weather of midwinter. .\t the villages Washington's army. Lieutenant Clark of Allentown and Cranberry nearby, he cap- took part with his company in the skirmish tured a large amount of British stores and with the British at Charlestown. a few days provisions, and at Hidetown surprised and after their arrival at Boston. For gallantry took prisoners thirty British officers. This in this affair, he was promoted to the rank remarkable raid and its achievement won of second lieutenant of his company, then for him and his soldiers from York County commanded by Captain Henry Miller. He the plaudits of his superior officers, when served as second lieutenant of Miller's com- they returned to headquarters near Trenton. pany in the hard fought battle of Long Is- Major Clark and his men were commended land, in August, 1776. This company then for their bravery by Washington, Greene formed a part of the First Regiment of the and Reed. W'ashington presented Clark Penns\lvania Line. with a British sword that had been cap- Lieutenant Clark was also conspicuous tured in battle. Shortly after the battle of for his gallantry at Flatbush, Long Island. Trenton the term of enlistment of McAl- In September, 1776, he was chosen major lister's regiment of the Flying Camp ex- of the Second Regiment of the Flying pired. The men were honorably dis- Camp, upon the recommendation of General charged and returned home. Major Clark Hugh Mercer. This regiment, composed remained in the service, and was assigned entirely of York County troops, was com- to duty under General Thomas Mifflin, who manded b}' Colonel Richard McAllister, was reorganizing the Pennsylvania militia founder of Hanover. October 15, 1776, then in New Jersey and eastern Pennsyl- r^Iajor Clark participated with his regiment vania. He was the only officer present at in an expedition against the British on Crosswicks, near Trenton, in January, 1777. Staten Island, and in this action commanded when General Mififlin made a strong appeal the advance with 500 riflemen. He suc- to the New England militia to remain one ceeded in capturing 60 W'aldeckers or Hes- month longer in service. On the following sians. day General Greene dispatched Major Clark Soon after this brilliant afifair, Major on the important duty of discovering the Clark moved with his regiment up the w-est force and movement of the enemy under side of the Hudson River and took position Lord Cornwallis, then advancing toward opposite White Plains. Here he com- Princeton, New Jersey. He soon returned manded a detachment of 200 men. With to Greene with the desired information and these men he built fortifications to aid in then aided in forming an advance battle preventing Howe's army from crossing to line to meet the approaching British under the west bank of the Hudson. Cornwallis, at the opening of the battle of After the battle of Fort Washington, Princeton. During the day of the engage- when the American army retired from the ment, Clark, as brigade major under Mifflin, vicinity of Xew York, Major Clark com- did valiant service in directing the artillery manded the rear of the retreating forces, into action. southward over the state of Xew Jersey. When the American army arrived at He was present at the battle of Trenton Morristown, New Jersey, at the request of and after Washington's victory at that Washington he was made chief of staff to place, which ended in the capture of Rahl GeneraF Greene, with the rank of major in and 1.000 Hessian troops. Major Clark re- the Continental Line. His training as a ported that he collected the trophies of despatch bearer, and his success in leading victory and held possession of the town. reconnoitering parlies, made him a useful : 204 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. PEXXSYLVAXIA officer to General Greene, who. next to trust, but owing to the condition of his Washington, was ranked as the ablest health, he declined these proft'ered honors soldier of the Revolution. While making a and again returned to York, to recuperate reconnoissance with a small body of troops his health. In recognition of what Clark to ascertain the position of the advancing had done while in the army, Washington British under General Howe, at Brandy- wrote the following interesting letter to wine. Major Clark received a wound from Henry Laurens, then president of Congress, a rifle ball passing through his right at York shoulder. He then returned to his home in "Headquarters. Valley Forge, Jan. 2. 1778. York, and after recuperating, joined his "Sir : —I take the liberty of introducing Major John command before the battle of Germantown. Clark, the bearer of this, to your notice. He entered In this engagement, while leading a small the service at the commencement of the war and has for some time past acted as aide-de-camp to Major- detachment, he took prisoner Captain General Greene. He is active, sensible and enterprising Speak, of the 37th Light Infantry. Immedi- and has rendered me very great assistance since the army has been in Pennsylvania, by procuring one con- ately after the battle, with a small scouting stant and certain intelligence of the motions and inten- party, he moved within sight of the British tions of the enemy. It is somewhat uncertain whether line in order to ascertain the enemy's loss the state of tlje major's health will admit of his remain- ing in the military line; if it should. I may perhaps have and if possible, discover future plan of the occasion to recommend him in a more particular manner operations. He accomplished his purpose to the favor of Congress at a future time. At present. 1 with great personal clanger, and communi- can assiH'e you that if you should, while he remains in the neighborhood of York, have any occasion for his cated to the commander-in-chief, not only services, you will find him not only willing, but very the losses of the British at Germantown. but capable of executing any of your commands. I have the honor to be. etc.. Howe's plan of movement against the GEORGE W.ASHIXGTOX." American forces, after the battle. These facts enabled Washington to make such a After receiving the letter to Henr\' disposition of his troops as to gain ad- Laurens. President of Continental Con- vantage over Howe at White Marsh, a few gress then in session at York. Major Clark days later. He also recommended the de- was appointed auditor of the accounts tachment of Smallwood's brigade of Mary- of the army under General Washington. land troops to Wilmington. Delaware, He accepted this position February 24. which was re-captured by the Americans. 1778. He served for a period of two years This movement resulted in seizing two of and then returned to his home. \Vhen he the enemy's ships on the Delaware heavily assumed the duties of this office the Treas- ladened with provisions and munitions of ury of the United States had but small war. For his brilliant achievements at this deposits and Major Clark advanced the sum period. Major Clark received the highest of eleven hundred and fifty-two pounds of commendation from his superior oflicers. his own money for one of the best teams in The wound which he had received at America to secure and haul the outfit of the Brandywine now compelled his retirement, auditors, their baggage and documents be- and he again returned to his home at York. longing to the officers, to the headquarters In January. 1778. together with Captain of the army. During the battle of Mon- Lee. of Virginia, known as "Light Horse mouth. Major John Clark, of York, was Harry" of the Revolution, Clark was called again called to his former position as an tq the encampment at Valley Forge to con- aide on the staff of General Greene. Here sult with Washington about a proposed at- he again succeeded in endearing himself to tack on a detachment of Howe's forces then his own commander and also the head of the at Darby, or the main body of the army in army. It was Clark who had carried the and around Philadelphia. Both Lee and orders for General Lee to make the first Clark advised Washington against any win- attack, and his testimony was used when ter attack of the British forces. At a coun- Lee was afterward court-martialed and de- cil of war a majority of the subordinate prived of his command. commanders present were of the same opin- The liattle of Monmouth was the last en- ion. In appreciation of his ability as a sol- gagement in which Major Clark partici- dier. Washington now offered to Clark pated during the Revolution. Having different positions of responsibility and nearly completed his legal studies before he GEN. HENRY MILLER THE REVOLUTION 205 entereil the army lie was admitted to the GENERAL HENRY MILLER, of York, bar at York, April 27, 1779, and spent the who entered the army as a lieutenant, in remainder of his life as a practicing lawyer. 1775, ser\ed continuously until the year During the second war with Great Britain 1779. He was conspicuous for his gallantry in 1812, he ofifered his services for the de- in the siege of Boston, at the battles of fence of his country. When the British, Long Island, White Plains, Trenton, under General Ross, approached Baltimore, Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown and in 1814, Major Clark proceeded to that city. Monmouth. In all he participated in forty- He presented himself before the military seven battles and skirmishes with the authorities of Baltimore with a letter from British during the four years of his military- James Monroe, Secretary-of-War in Madi- service in the army. son's Cabinet, wdio recommended Major He was born February 13, 1751, at the Clark for his ability as a soldier in the Revo- site of Millersville, Lancaster County. lution. He then offered General Smith, Pennsylvania, where his father was a farmer commanding the forces at Baltimore, to owning a large estate. After receiving a lead the advance and attack the British good preparatory education, he went to when they landed at North Point, but the Reading, where he entered the law office of duty had already been assigned to others. Collinson Reed, and studied conveyancing. After the defeat of the British at North In 1769. he removed to York, where he Point, General Smith tendered his thanks to began the occupation of a conveyancer and Major Clark for "the zeal and active ser- continued his legal studies with Samuel vices he voluntarily rendered during his Johnson, one of the pioneer lawyers of York stay at Baltimore and in its defence." County. When the Revolution opened he He continued the practice of law at York espoused the cause of the colonists and be- during the remainder of his life. He re- came second lieutenant of the York Ritle- sided in a large home at the southwest cor- men, a company of 100 trained marksmen ner of Market and Beaver Streets, which in from York County, who, on July i, 1775, 1906 was used by Adams Express Com- began the march to Boston, and joined pany. In personal appearance, he was W'ashington's army at Cambridge, Massa- large of frame, of commanding presence chusetts, on July 25. Here they were as- and military bearing. In 1818 he was a signed to Thompson's Battalion, the first candidate of the Federalist party to repre- troops south of New York to join the sent Lancaster and York Counties in the American army during the Revolution. Congress of the United States, but was de- Their reputation for trained marksmanship feated. After the Revolution, Major Clark with the use of the rifle was already well was in close and intimate relations with known. The troops wdio engaged in the General Washington until the time of the battle of Bunker Hill had used muskets. latter's death in 1799. Two days after the York Riflemen, under Major Clark was married early in life to Captain Doudel, arrived at Washington's a daughter of Captain Nicholas Bittinger. headcjuarters, at the request of Lieutenant of Hanover, who commanded a company in Miller, they were sent out to reconnoiter the same regiment of the Flying Camp in the position of the enemy at Bunker Hill. which Clark served as a major. He had one This was done with Washington's consent son, George Clark, and several daughters, and resulted in the capture of several none of whom left descendants. The only prisoners, from whom the position and portrait of the major in existence, except a number of the enemy were obtained. Soon drawing, was interred with the remains of after this event. Lieutenant Miller was Julia Clark, his daughter, at her recjuest, in made captain of his company, and com- St. John's Episcopal Churchyard. Major manded it on the march toward New York. Clark died December 27, 1819, at the age of He and his riflemen were conspicuous for 68, and his remains were buried in St. their \alor at the battle of Long Island and John's Episcopal Churchyard. He was guarded the retreat of Washington's army, prominent in the Masonic Fraternity and which, through a fog, crossed to New York was a vestryman of St. John's Church. City. Captain Miller, amid a shower of 206 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. PENXSYLVAXIA bullets frDUi the enemy, was the last Ameri- his York County Riflemen on to victory. can soldier to enter the boats. While commanding a detachment under He participated in the battle of White Wayne in the thickest of the fight, his horse Plains, and with a detachment from the was shot by a cannon ball. He quickly First Regiment of the Pennsylvania Line, mounted another and rode forward, when guarded the rear during Washington's re- this horse was killed by a musket ball. treat across New Jersey. At the battle of Mounting a third, he led his men onward Trenton the First Regiment, under Colonel until the British were driven from the field. Edward Hand, formed the advance battle For gallant and meritorious services at the line, and during that eventful Christmas battle of ISIonmouth, Major Miller was pro- night of 1776 was the first to attack the moted to lieutenant-colonel of the Second Hessians at their post. After the surrender Pennsylvania Regiment in tlie Continental of 1,000 Hessians at Trenton, Washington Line, but owing to the condition of his re-crossed into Pennsylvania. He then se- atTairs at home, as the result of four years' lected Hand's riflemen, with Captain Miller service in the army, he held this position for commanding his company, to lead the ad- a short time only and then resigned. He vance and attack the approaching enemy. then turned his attention to his business In the action which ensued Miller com- affairs at York. The pay he had received manded the left wing of the regiment. as a soldier, in depreciated currency, did not At the battle of Princeton, on the suc- furnish him means enough to support his ceeding day, these riflemen were conspic- family. uous for their valor and aided in winning In 1780, he was elected sherift' of York a brilliant victory. For his gallantry in County, and served in that position for action, at the request of Washington, Cap- three years. He represented York County tain Miller was promoted to major of his in the State Legislature in 1783-4-5. He regiment, and held this position at the bat- was appointed protbonotary in 1785, and in tle of Brandywine. In the battle of Ger- the same year commissioned one of the mantown his regiment formed a part of court justices for York County. He was \\'ayne's brigade, and aided in driving the elected a delegate to the convention which enemy toward Philadelphia, during the first framed the State Constitution of 1790. part of the engagement. Six days after the After the war, he became a brigadier- battle, which resulted in a British victory. general of the state militia, and in 1794 was Major Miller wrote to his family at York: quartermaster-general of the United States "We hope to meet them soon again, and army in the \Vhiskey Insurrection in west- with the assistance of Providence to restore ern Pennsylvania. our suffering citizens of Philadelphia to General Miller was appointed supervisor their possessions and homes." of revenue for the State of Pennsylvania by During the winter of 1777-8, Major Mil- President Washington, and served in the ler remained in camp with his regiment at same office under President Adams; but on Valley Forge. The arduous duties of army- account of his staunch adherence to the life required him to spend part of the winter Federalist party, was removed from the at his home, recuperating his health. It office by Thomas Jefferson, when he Ije- was during this winter that Continental canie President. Although he had reached Congress held its sessions in York, and the age of 63, wdien the second war with W^ashington lay in winter quarters at Val- Great Britain began, he tendered his ser- ley Forge. vices to the United States government, and On the march through New Jersey in pur- was placed in charge of the defence of Fort suit of the enemy under Sir Henry Clinton, McHenry. This occurred when the city of in June, 1778, Major Miller's regiment Baltimore was first threatened by the formed a ])art of the Pennsylvania division English, in 1813. Having still retained his commanded by General Anthony AVayne. relations to his native state, when the militia In this, the last battle of the Revolution in was organized he received the appointment which Major Miller participated, he showed of brigadier-general. In 1814. when the the same coolness and bravery that he had British appeared before Baltimore, he displayed on former occasions when he led served in the capacity of quartermaster- THE REVOLUTION 207 general and was present at Baltimore with colonel of this regiment and Thomas Hart- the Pennsylvania troops, which had ley, lieutenant-colonel, at the age of twenty- marched there for the defence of that city. seven. The part taken by the regiment in His experience as an officer in the Revolu- the Canada campaign is told in a previous tion was of great advantage to the com- chapter in this work. After the capture of manding officers at Baltimore, at the time Colonel Irvine, in Canada, Hartley was of the battle of North Point and the bom- placed in command of the regiment and bardment of Fort McHenry. Before retir- brought it back to Carlisle in ^Iarch, 1777. ing from service. General Miller received the Irvine remained a j^risoner of war until commendations of the military authorities April, 1778. His command, which at first of Baltimore and the national government. enlisted for a term of one j'ear for the He retired to private life, residing on a Canada campaign, re-enlisted, and in June, farm in the Juniata Valley, and in 1821 was 1778, under the command of Lieutenant- appointed prothonotary of the new county colonel David Grier, of York, was stationed of Perry. At the expiration of his term of at Middlebrook, New Jersey, and in Sep- ofifice, he removed his family residence to tember at Trappe, in Montgomery County, Carlisle, where he died April 5. 1824, and Pennsylvania. It joined Wayne's brigade was buried there with military honors. and took part in the battles of Brandywine, His family consisted of two sons and four Paoli and Germantown. as told elsewhere in daughters. His son Joseph was a lieutenant this history. in the army, and died in the service, wdiile Thomas Hartley, while in charge of the performing his duties as quartermaster at regiment at Ticonderoga, was commis- Ogdensburg, during the second war with sioned colonel, January 11, 1777. After the England, and his son William was a lieuten- regiment reached Carlisle in March of that ant in the navy, and died on board the year. Hartley spent some time at York. frigate "LTnsurgent," Captain Murray. In December, 1776, Congress authorized His eldest daughter, Capandana, married Washington to raise sixteen battalions of Colonel Campbell; his second daughter. infantry for the military service from the Mary, married Thomas Banning, a Mary- different states then forming the Union. land planter; and his third daughter, Julia This resolution was adopted two days after Anna, married David Watts, of Carlisle. the battle of Trenton, which had been a sig- His fourth daughter, Harriet, died unmar- nal victory for the American cause. Two ried. There are no descendants of these of these battalions were to come from children now surviving, except those of Pennsylvania. For this purpose Thomas David Watts and Julia Anna ^Miller. Hartley and John Patton, of Chester COLONEL THOMAS HARTLEY'S County, were each commissioned colonel to REGIMENT. raise a regiment. In the absence of official reports, it is difficult to give a detailed ac- Thomas Hartley, a member of the York count of these regiments. County Bar, and a young man of rare at- Colonel Thomas Hartleys regiment tainments, entered the military service in joined Washington's ami}', wdien General the fall of 1775. Before hostilities had Howe landed at the head of Elk River, in opened between the colonies and the September, 1777. All the available Ameri- mother country, he had commanded a com- can troops were then concentrated in the pany of militia from York and vicinity. The \icinity of Philadelphia. Hartley's regi- fierce conflict at Bunker Hill in June, 1775, ment formed part of the First Pennsylvania stimulated his military ardor. When an ex- Brigade in General \\'ayne's division. In pedition was planned against Canada in the the battle of Brandywine, Colonel Hartley fall of 1775, he tendered his services to the commanded this Ijrigade, which did valiant cause of American liberty. A regiment service in the engagement, and lost heavily composed of eight companies was organ- in both officers and men. This brigade also ized, at Carlisle, from militia in the region took part in the battle of Paoli, fought near now embraced in York. Cuml)erland. Philadelphia, nine days after the defeat at Franklin. Adams and Perry Counties. Wil- Brandxwine, and still under the command liam Irxine, of Carlisle, was commissioned of Hartley, ]Ku-tici])ated in the battle of Ger- 208 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. PEXXSYLVAXIA mantown, October 4. After Germaiitown, in the northern part of Pennsylvania, heard Hartle\'"s regiment, which originally num- o{ the approach of a large force of Tories bered 600 men from the different counties and Indians under Colonel John Butler. of Pennsylvania, had in rank and file less An appeal for help was made to Congress than half its original enlistment. Major as nearly all the able-bodied men were in Lewis Bush was mortally wounded at the Continental army. These hostile bands Brandywine, and Captain Robert Hoopes approached suddenly, when Colonel Zebu- was killed. Other casualties in this regi- Ion Butler, of the Pennsylvania Line, who ment, in the battles of Brandywine, Paoli was home on a furlough, recruited three and Germantown, were: Lieutenant James hundred men to meet a force three times as Dill. Lieutenant James Lemon. Sergeant large. He met the enemy on July 3 at a fort \\'illiam Chambers. Sergeant John Rousden. near the Susquehanna, a short distance Corporal Anthony \\"all, killed: Private abo\e Wilkesbarre, and here occurred what George Blakely. wounded and prisoner at is known to history as the Wyoming Mas- Paoli. in Captain Robert Hoopes' company: sacre. ' Only fifty of Zebulon Butler's men Privates William Cornwall. George Duke. escaped. Those who did not fall in battle, John Elliott. Joseph Finnemore. James Flin. when captured were put to death by the killed; Philip Graham, killed at Brandy- bullets of the Tories or the tomahawks of wine : Jacob Houts. wounded at German- the Indians. The depredations in the town : Christopher Morris and John Shan- W'yoming Valley continued and became so non, killed : William Price, died of wounds. heartrending that all the settlers fled. After the close of the campaign The Wyoming Massacre was not the Hartley's of the American army around only one in Pennsylvania in the war of the Regiment Philadelphia, in 1777, and when Revolution. Immediately after that of at York. AN'ashington went into winter Wyoming, the wild precipitate flight, quarters at Valley Forge. Colo- known as the "Great Runaway," occurred nel Hartley returned with iiis regiment to in the valley of the West Branch. All sum- York, where it remained in barracks for two mer the scalping knife and tomahawk had or three months as a guard to Continental been doing their deadly work there, and Congress, then in session here. February wdien the news of the massacre on North II, 1778. Congress passed a resolution or- Branch arrived, the West Branch above dering Michael Hillegas, treasurer of the Sunbury and Northumberland was aband- United States, to issue a warrant for two oned by the settlers. Boats, canoes, hog- months' pay to Colonel Hartley's regiment, troughs, rafts, and every sort of floating then in York. On the same day another things, were crowded with women and resolution was adopted directing the board children. The men came down in single of war to aid in recruiting this regiment. file, on each side of the river, and acted as On June 17. according to the diary of Rev. guards. Sunbury became a frontier town John Roth, of the Moravian Church, a part and the site of Harrisburg. Paxtang, and of Hartley's regiment left York for the Middletown, were places of resort for the American camp near Philadelphia, having unfortunate refugees. Bedford and West- in charge a number of English prisoners. moreland counties and the country about On June 25, at the request of General Pittsburg were likewise sorely afflicted at Washington. Colonel Hartley reported with this time. his regiinent at Valley Forge, just before The massacre of W^yoming, the American army had left the camp to Hartley which occurred on July 3, take the field in New Jersey. A few days Marches caused serious apprehension to later Congress adjourned to Philadelphia, to General Washington and Con- which had been evacuated by the British, Sunbury. tinental Congress. At this time. then falling back through New Jersey to Colonel Hartley's regiment was New York. with Washington's army in New Jersey, In June. 1778. just before Con- and the remainder performing guard duty Wyoming gress left York for Philadel- at Philadelphia. In accordance with a reso- Massacre. phia, the settlers near Wilkes- lution of the Pennsylvania Council of barre, in the Wyoming Valley, Safety, Hartley's regiment was ordered, on ; THE REVOLUTIOX 209 Jul}' 14, to go to Sunbury, in Xortliumber- my own regiment, under the command of laud County, fifty miles above Harrisburg. Lieutenant Henry Carbery. Our rendez- At the same time, the Committee of Safety vous was Fort Muncy, near the site of Wil- ordered the militia to be called out from liamsport, on the \\'est Branch, intending the counties of Xorthumberland, Lancaster, to penetrate by the Sheshecunnunk path, Berks, Northampton, Cumberland and to Tioga, at the junction of the Cayuga, York, in all about 1,800 men. These troops with the main Northeast Branch of Susque- were intended to guard the frontier from hanna, from thence to act as circumstances the ravages of the Indians and Tories. might require. Four hundred and fifty troops from Berks "The troops met at Aluncy the i8th of and Northampton were to repair to Easton September, and when we came to count and eight hundred and fifty from Xorthumber- array our force for the expedition, they land, Lancaster and Berks to go to Sunbury, amounted to only about 200 rank and file. three hundred from Cumberland and two We thought the number small, but as we hundred from York County to join Colonel presumed the enemy had no notice of our Broadhead at Standing Stone, the site of designs, we hoped at least to make a good Huntingdon. diversion if no more, whilst the inhabitants As the Indians continued to be very were saving their grain on the frontier. On troublesome on the northern and western the morning of the 21st, at four o'clock, we frontiers of Penns3dvania, it soon became marched from Muncy, with the force I have apparent to the military authorities that mentioned ; we carried two boxes of spare some offensive operations must be under- ammunition and twelve days' provisions. taken, to punish the savage foe, or the in- "In our route we met with habitants of Central Pennsylvania would be Endures great rains and prodigious in imminent danger. Hardships, swamps ; mountains, defiles With this object in view, Colonel and rocks impeded our march. Goes Hartley, in September, 1778, was ^^'e had to open and clear the way as we to sent from Sunbury, by the Board passed. We waded or swam the Lycoming Tioga, of ^^'ar on an expedition to Tioga Creek upwards of twenty times. I will not Point, on the headwaters of the trouble your honorable body with the X'orth Branch, to destroy some of their vil- tedious detail, but I cannot help observing lages and break up their places of rendez- that, I imagine, the difficulties in crossing vous. His expedition was one of the most the Alps or passing up Kennebec River to memorable on record, and proved success- Canada in 1775, could not have been greater ful. In October, 1778, after his return to than those our men experienced for the Sunbury, from this expedition, Colonel time. I have the pleasure to say they sur- Hartley wrote to Congress an extended ac- mounted them with great resolution and count of it, which reads in part as follows: fortitude. In lonely woods and groves we "With a frontier from Wyoming to Alle- found the haunts and lurking places of the gheny, we were sensible the few regular savage murderers, who had desolated our troops we had could not defend the neces- frontier. A\'e saw the huts where they had sary posts. We thought (if it were prac- dressed and dried the scalps of the helpless ticable), it would be best to draw the prin- women and children who fell into their cipal part of our force together, as the in- hands. habitants would be in no great danger dur- "On the morning of the 26th, our ing our absence. I made a stroke at some Drives advance party of 19, met with an of the nearest Indian towns, especially as the equal number of Indians on the we learned a handsome detachment had Enemy path, approaching one another. been sent into the enemy's country by way Back. Our men had the first fire. .\. of the Cherry Valley, New York. \\'e were very important Indian chief was in hopes we should drive the savages to a killed and scalped and the rest fled. A few greater distance. miles further, we discovered where up- "\\'ith volunteers and others, we reck- wards of seventy warriors had lay the night oned on 400 rank and file for the expedition, before, on their march towards our frontier. besides 17 horses, which I mounted from The panic communicated and they fled with 14 2IO HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. PEXXSYLVAXIA their bretlireii. No time was lost; we ad- Tories who cannot get to New York. On vanced towards Sheshecunnunck, in the the morning of the 28th, we crossed the neighborhood of which place we took fif- river and marched towards Wyalusing, teen prisoners from them. We learned that wdiere w'e arri\ed that night at 11 o'clock; a man had deserted from Captain Spald- our men were much worn down and our ing's company at Wyoming, after the troops whiskey and flour were gone. had marched from thence and had given the "On the morning of the 29th, we were enemy notice of onr intended expedition obliged to stay till 11 o'clock to kill and against them. cook beef. This gave the enemy leisure to "We moved with the greatest dispatch approach. Seventy of our vnen from real towards Tioga, advancing our horse and or pretended lameness went into the some foot in front, wdro did their duty very canoes ; others rode on the empty pack well.. A number of the enemy fled before horses. We had not more than 120 rank us with precipitation. It was near dark, and file to fall in the line of march. Lieu- when we came to that towni. Our troops tenant Sweeney, a valuable officer, had the were much fatigued and it was impossible rear guard, consisting of thirty men, besides to proceed further that night. We were five active runners, under Mr. Camplen. told that young Butler, who had led the The advance guard was to consist of an 'J'ories at the Wyoming Massacre, had been officer and fifteen men. There were a few at Tioga a few hours before we came—that flankers, but from the difficulty of the he had 300 men with him, the most of them ground and fatigue, they were seldom of Tories, dressed in green—that they were use. The rest of our little army was formed returned towards Chemung, 12 miles off, into three divisions. Those of my regiment and that they determined to give us battle composed the first. Captain Spalding's the in some of the defiles near it. It was soon second, and Captain Morrow's the third. resolved w^e should proceed no further, but The light horse was equally divided be- if possible make our way to Wyoming. AVe tween front and rear. The pack horses and burned Tioga, Queen Hester's Palace or the cattle we had collected, were to follow town, and all the settlements on this side. the advance guard. In this order we Several canoes were taken and some plun- marched from Wyalusing at 12 o'clock. A der, part of which was destroyed. Lieu- slight attack was made on our front from a tenant Carbery, with the .horse only, was hill. Half an hour afterwards a warmer one close on Butler. He was in possession of was made on the same quarter. After or- the town of Shawnee, three miles up the dering the second and third divisions to Cayuga Branch, but as we did not advance, outflank the enemy, we soon drove them, he returned. but this, as I expected, was only amuse- "The consternation of the enemy was ment, and we lost as little time as possible great. \\'e pushed our good fortune as far with them. as we dare, nay, it is probable the good "At 2 o'clock a very heavy attack countenance \ve put on, saved us from An was made on our rear, which destruction, as we were advanced so far Indian obliged most of the rear guard to into the enemy's country, and no return Attack, give way, while several Indians but what we could make with the sword. appeared on our left flank. By We came to Sheshecunnimck that night. the weight of the firing, we were soon con- Had we had 500 regular troops, and 150 vinced we had to oppose a large body. light troops, with one or two pieces of ar- Captain Stoddard commanded in front and tillery, we probably might have destroyed I was in the centre. I observed some high Chemung, which is now the receptacle for ground which overlooked the enemy. all villainous Indians and Tories from the Orders were immediately given for the first different tribes and states. From this they and third di\isions to take possession of it, make their excursions against the frontiers whilst Captain Spalding was despatched to of New York, Pennsylvania, Jersey, A¥yom- support the rear guard. We gained the ing and commit those horrid murders and heights almost unnoticed by the barbarians. devastations we have heard of. Niagara Captain Stoddart sent a small party towards and Chemung are the asylums of these the enemy's rear. At this critical moment. THE REVOLUTIOX !II Captains Boone and Braily, and Lieutenant The men of my regiment were armed with King, with a few brave fellows, landed from muskets and bayonets. They were no great the canoes, joined Lieutenant Sweeney and marksmen, and were awkward at wood renewed the action there. The war whoop fighting. The bullets and three swan shot was given by our people below and com- in each piece made up, in some measure, for municated round. We advanced on the the w^ant of skill. Though we were happy enemy on all sides. enough to succeed in this action, yet I am ^\'ith great shouting and noise, convinced that a number of lighter troops, The the Indians, after a brave resist- under good officers, are necessary for this Enemy ance of some minutes, con- service. Repulsed. cei\ed themselves nearly sur- "On the third, the savages rounded, and fled with the ut- Reaches and scalped three men who most haste, by the only passes that re- Wyoming, had imprudently left the gar- mained, and left ten dead on the ground. rison at Wyoming to go in Our troops wished to do their duty, but search of potatoes. From our observations, they were much overcome with fatigue, we imagine that the same party wdio had otherwise (as the Indians imagined them- fought us, after taking care of their dead selves surrounded), we should have driven and wounded, had come on towards Wyom- the enemy into the river. From every ac- ing, and are now in that neighborhood. I count, these were a select body of warriors, left half of my detachment there, with five sent after us, consisting of nearly 200 men. of my own officers. Should they attempt to Their confidence and impetuosity, probably invest the place when their number is in- gave the victory to us. After they had creased, I make no doubt but they will be driven our rear some distance, their chief disappointed. was heard to say in the Indian language "Our garrisons have plenty of beef and that which is interpreted thus : 'M}^ brave salt, though flour is scarce at Wyoming. I warriors, we drive them, be bold and strong, arrived here with the remainder of the de- the day is ours.' Upon this they advanced tachment on the 5th. We have performed very quickly without sufficiently regarding a circuit of nearly 300 miles in about two their rear. weeks, ^^'e brought off nearly fifty head "\\'e had no alternatixe, but conquest or of cattle, twenty-eight canoes, besides death. They w^ould have murdered us all man}' other articles. I would respectfully had they succeeded, but the great God of propose that the Congress would be pleased Battles protected us in the day of danger. to send a Connecticut regiment to garrison \\'e had four killed and ten wounded. The Wyoming as soon as possible. It is but 120 enemy must have had at least treble the miles from Fish Kills, New York. I have number killed and wounded. They received done all I can for the good of the whole. I such a beating as pre\ented them giving us have given all the support in my power to any further trouble during our march to the post, but if troops are not immediately \\'yoming (W'ilkesbarre), which is more sent, these settlements will be destro3'ed in than fifty miles from the place of action. detail. In a week or less a regiment could The officers of my regiment behaved well to march from Fish Kills to Wyoming. My a man. All the party will acknowledge the little regiment with two classes of Lancaster greatest merit and bravery of Captain Stod- and Berks County Alilitia, will be scarcely dart. I cannot say enough in his favor. He sufficient to preserve the posts from Nesco- deserves the esteem of his country. Lieu- pake falls to Muncy, and from thence to the tenant Carbery, with liis horse, was very liead of Penn's Valley." active, and rendered important services till The report sent to Congress from Sun- his horses were fatigued. Nearly all the bury by Colonel Hartley was received with other officers acquitted themselves with favor both by Congress and the Legislature reputation. Captain Spalding exerted him- of Pennsvlvania. For his success the execu- self as much as possible. Captain Murrow, tive council of the State extended to him a from his knowledge of Indian, afl'airs and unanimous vote of thanks. Immediately their mode of fighting, was serviceable. after sending this letter to Congress, for the His men were marksmen and were useful. purpose of guarding the frontier, he re- 212 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA quested that "300 round bullets for three Lieutenant William Clenuu, Alay 26, 1777; pounders, 300 cartridges of grape shot for Ensign George Hillery, February i, 1777; the same bore, 1,000 flints, six barrels of Ensign John McBride, February 2, 1777; powder, a quantity of twine and portfire, a Ensign James McCalmon, January 24, 1777 ; ream of cannon cartridge paper," and some Ensign John Manghan, February 25, 1777; other small articles be sent to Sunbury. He Ensign Nachel Dorsey, May i, 1777; En- said that they had eight cannon firing three sign John Stake, Alay 26, 1777. pound balls on the frontier, at Forts Muncy COLONEL THOMAS HARTLEY. and Antes. Colonel Hartley remained in the military Colonel Thomas Hartley was born in service on the frontier with Sunbury as his Colebrookdale, Pennsylvania, September 7, headquarters from October, 1778, until De- 1748. His father, George Hartley, of Eng- cember of that 3'ear, when he was elected to lish birth, was one of the early settlers and represent York County in the Pennsylvania a leading citizen of Berks County. In his Assembly. Upon his retirement from the youth, Thomas Hartley displayed strong in- military service. Continental Congress, tellectual endowments. He obtained his deeming the reasons for his resigning satis- preliminary education at a classical school factory, bore testimony of their "high sense in Reading. In 1766, when eighteen years of Colonel Hartley's merit and services." of age, he removed to York, where he The commissioned officers of Colonel entered upon the study of law with Samuel Hartley's Regiment, in June, 1777, were the Johnson, a relative of his mother, and one following: Colonel Thomas Hartley, ap- of the early members of the York County pointed January 10, 1777; Lieutenant- Bar. He was admitted to the practice of Colonel r^I organ Conner, appointed April 9, law at York in 1769. Although still a young 1777; Major Lewis Bush, January 12, 1777; man, he was one of the earliest citizens Quartermaster John McAllister, April 17, west of the Susquehanna to espouse the 1777; Adjutant Robert Ralston, January 16, cause of the American colonists when their 1777; Paymaster Thomond Ball, January rights were tread upon by the British .15, 1777; Surgeon Jacob Swope, January 15, crown. 1777; Surgeon Tracey, February 5, 1777; As early as 1774, two years before the Captain Bernard Eichelberger, January 12, Declaration of Independence, Thomas Hart- 1777; Captain William Nichols, January 13, ley was chosen first lieutenant of a military 1777; Captain Robert Hoopes, January 13, company at York, for the purpose of 1777; Captain Benjamin C. Stoddart, Janu- making disciplined soldiers. In the summer ary 14, 1777; Captain William Kelley, Janu- of 1775, he was elected lieutenant-colonel ary 16, 1777; Captain Richard Willson, Feb- of the First Battalion of York County As- ruary 15, 1777; Captain George Bush, sociators. He now became an active and March i, 1777; Captain Archibald ^NIcAUis- zealous patriot and was chosen lieutenant- ter, April 18, 1777; First Lieutenant Paul colonel of a battalion of "Minute Men," se- Parker, Januarj^ 16, 1777; First Lieutenant lected from the other five battalions of as- James Forrester, January 23, 1777; First sociators in York County. This battalion Lieutenant Horatio Ross, January 24, 1777; was ready at a moment's notice for any First Lieutenant James Kenny, January 25, emergency that might occur between the 1777; First Lieutenant James Dill, Febru- colonies and the mother country. In the ary 5, 1777; First Lieutenant Count De fall of 1775, he joined the expedition to Momfort, March 23, 1777; First Lieuten- Canada and was chosen lieutenant-colonel ant Charles Croxall, May 25, 1777; First of Irvine's regiment, whose history is given Lieutenant John Hughes, June i, 1777; in the preceding pages. Upon his return Second Lieutenant Andrew Walker, Janu- from the Canada campaign, he became lieu- ary 12, 1777; Second Lieutenant Isaac tenant-colonel of the Seventh Pennsylvania Sweeney, January 23, 1777; Second Lieu- Regiment. The remaining part of his mili- tenant Flenry Carberry, January 24, 1777; tary career is given above. Second Lieutenant Martin Eichelberger, After his retirement from the army, he January 25, 1777; Second Lieutenant Wil- served as a member of the Pennsylvania liam McCurdy, January 26, 1777; Second Legislature in 1779, meantime devoting his COL. THOMAS HARTLEY THE RKVOI.UTION 213 attentions to Iiis law practice at York. He Thomas Prowell, the youngest son and was chosen a member of the Council of father of Major Prowell, was a prominent Censors, in 1783, to adjust the Revolution- farmer and iron manufacturer of Chester ary claims for Pennsylvania. In 1788, he County. In 1752, he was married in Gloria was elected a member of the first Congress. Dei, known as Old Swede's Church, in the The success of his career in the House of southern part of Philadelphia, to Rachel Representatives for a period of twelve Griffith, a Quakeress from Chester County. years, is given in the chapter relating to the This ceremony took place shortly after this Representatives in Congress from York church was transferred from the IvUtherans County. to the Episcopalians. Many of the relatives Although the last twelve \-ears of his life of Rachel Griffith migrated with the early were devoted entirely to his professional Quakers, who settled in Warrington and labors and to his brilliant career as a repre- Newberry Townships. Soon after their sentative in Congress, of which he was one marriage, Thomas and Rachel Prowell of the ablest debaters, he kept up his in- moved to \\'arrington, where he purchased terest in military afifairs, in which he had a tract of land near the Conewago. They won distinction during the Revolution, and remained in York Count\' about three in 1800, the last year of his life, was chosen years, and then returned to Chester County, by Governor McKean, major-general of the where the youngest son, Captain \\'illiam militia within the present area of York and Prowell, was born in 1755- Thomas Adams Counties. Prowell died in 1765, leaving an estate of Colonel Hartley took part in more than 412 pounds, in Chester County, of which twenty skirmishes and battles during the David Thomas and Joseph Coates were Revolution. He was noted for military skill executors; and an estate of 336 pounds in and strategy, and always showed great York County, of which Robert Nelson and courage in battle. On account of his Peter Gardner were executors. His will be- achievements and his amiable personality, fjueathed equal shares to his widow and two General Washington entertained for him sons, and named Rev. Owen Thomas as the highest regard and afifection. The guardian of his son Joseph, and Joseph authorities of Pennsylvania and Continental Coates guardian of his son William. Congress paid high tribute to his worth as Joseph Prowell was educated at the Uni- a soldier and to his sterling patriotism, versity of Pennsylvania, and early in life while serving in the army. He was highly engaged in the iron business with his esteemed by his fellow-ofificers with whom brother William. At the opening' of the he was associated during the war for inde- war for independence, he was a member of pendence. He died at York, December 21, the Philadelphia Light Horse, afterward 1800, at the early age of fifty-two, after known as the City Troop. This famous having nearly completed his sixth term in cavalry company was present at the battles Congress. of Trenton and Princeton in 1776. MAJOR JOSEPH PROWELL, of the On January 11, 1777, Joseph Prowell was New Eleventh Regiment. Pennsvlvania detached from the City Troop and • com- Line, and a gallant soldier of the Revolu- missioned a captain in Colonel John Pat- tion, was born in York Count}' in 1753. ton's additional regiment of the Pennsyl- James Prowell, his grandfather, came to vania Line, composed of men from Chester -America in 1705 with the early \\'elsh inuiii- and Philadelphia Counties. \\'ith this regi- gration, and settled on the \\'elsh tract in ment he took part, during that year, in the the northern part of Chester County. 'l"he battles of Brandywine and Germantown. children of James Prowell were Charles, For his military skill and gallantry in action Mary and Thomas. Charles joined a Captain Prowell was promoted major of Chester County regiment at the advanced his regiment January i, 1778. On January age of sixty years, and was lost, either 13, 1779, Major Prowell was transferred to killed or captured, in the first Jersey cam- the New Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment, paign, during the Revolution. Mary was whose command was assigned to Colonel married to Richard Buck, in the First Thomas Hartley, of York. When it was Presbyterian Church of Philadeliihia. decided to send an expedition, under Gen- 214 HISTORY OF YORK COUXTY, PEXXSYL\\\XIA eral Sullivan, against the Indians in the executors of Alajor Prowell's estate were ^^'yoming Valley, in Pennsylvania, and David Lennox, of Philadelphia: Robert and Ciierry Valley, in Xew York, Major William Pulsford, of London; and John Prowell commanded a detachment of the Douglass, of the Colony of Berbice— in each Xe\A' Eleventh Regiment, in all 200 men, to of wdiich places he had possessions. lead the advance. He marched from Easton and reached Bear Creek, about ten miles southwest of ^^'ilkes-Barre, on the night of April 19. It was now thought they were CHAPTER XV out of danger from the Indians. Major REVOLUTION—Continued. Prowell ordered that officers and men should dress in their best apparel, their The Pennsylvania Line at York—Execu- arms be newly burnished, and everything tion at York—Pulaski's Legion—Ar- be put in order to present a fine appearance mand's Legion—Quartermasters' Posts upon entering the beautiful A\'voming Val- in York County. ley. AMien they reached Laurel Run, four In February, 1781, Congress resolved to miles southwest of A\'ilkesbarre, they were send the Pennsylvania Line to Virginia for attacked by a band of Indians lying in am- the purpose of joining" the southern army bush, when Captain Davis, Lieutenant under General Nathaniel Greene, then re- Jones, Corporal Butler and three privates treating northward through the Carolinas, were killed. Owing to this surprise the closely pursued by Lord Cornwallis. A de- troops were thrown into confusion. They tachment of the British army under Bene- retreated a short distance and formed in dict Arnold and William Philips had landed line of battle and succeeded in dispersing at Richmond and was threatening to invade the Indians, who fled after a few scattering- the State of Virginia. Thomas Jefferson discharges, and the troops entered the val- was the governor of that state and the ley to garrison the fort at Wyoming, where Legislature had removed to Charlottes- the massacre had occurred some time ville. before. After the close of the war Major The Pennsylvania Line, now under the Prowell became a shipping merchant in command of General Arthur St. Clair, was Philadelphia, engaged in trade with many ordered to rendezvous at York. It was foreign ports. On June 4, 1804, he took sick composed of two brigades commanded re- while on board his \essel, wdiich he landed spectively by Anthony Wayne and AA^illiam on the Barbadoes Islands, east of the West Irvine. The mutiny which had occurred in Indies, and the same day made his will. December, 1780, while the Pennsylvania From this sickness he partially recovered, Line was in X^ew Jersey, had been settled, landed at Philadelphia, and a few days later largely through the influence of General added a codicil to his will, in his own hand- Anthony Wayne, but many of the troops \\riting: "at the house of my esteemed had been discharged and had returned to friends. Captain James Josiah and his their homes. Early in January, 1781, six estimable lady, near Philadelphia." There regiments of the Line and Proctor's Artil- he dted on April 3, 1805, aged fifty-three lery, both much reduced in numbers, were years. He was buried with "the honors of stationed at different places in Pennsyl- war" by the City Troop of Philadelphia. vania for the purpose of recruiting. The Major Prowell is remembered tradition- First Regiment, under Colonel Daniel ally as a bold, daring and fearless officer, Broadhead, was sent to York ; the Second, and had a romantic history. ' He partici- Colonel AValter Stewart, to Yellow Springs; pated in the sailors' troubles with the the Third, Colonel Thomas Craig, to Eas- pirates of the Barbary States, and afterward ton; the Fourth, Colonel AVilliam Butler, to owned large possessions in the Colony of Carlisle; the Fifth, Colonel Richard Butler, Dernaii. He owned a plantation called to Reading; the Sixth, Colonel Richard "Washington," in the Colony of Berbice, Humpton, to Lebanon, and the Artillery, and there assisted the British government under Colonel Thomas Proctor, to New- to quell an insurrection in 1803. The town. Other regiments were stationed at : THE REVOLUTIOX 2:5 Fort Pitt, in western Penns\l\ania. Gen- "The parties from the several eral Irvine, of Carlisle, who had served with Ordered regiments which are to compose credit in the Canada and Xew Jersey cam- to York, tlie first detachment, have orders paigns, was assigned to superintend the re- to march from the cantonments crniting throughout the State, and General to York, the moment the auditors have Wayne was ordered to York. At this finished the settlements, respectively. You juncture, Washington wrote to St. Clair will, therefore, repair to York as soon as "Congress has determined conveniently may be, to make the necessary Washington's that the Pennsylvania Line, arrangements and take such measures as Letter. except Moylan's Dragoons, may prevent, as much as possible, any delay and other troops to the at that place. You will please to take the westward, shall compose part of the South- command of it upon yourself, and proceed, ern Army, and has directed me to order it by the enclosed route, to join General to join the army in Virginia by detach- Greene with all the dispatch that the nature ments, as they may be in readiness to of the case will admit of. Should anj' oper- march. You will, therefore, in obedience to ations of the enemy render the passage at the above resolve, put matters in a proper Alexandria precarious, you are not to con- train to carry it into execution with all dis- sider yourself as bound Ijy the route, but patch possible. You will now, in case cir- will make choice of such other place to cross cumstances should permit the detachment the Potomac where it may be done with under the command of Lafayette to proceed safety, making as little detour as possible, down the Chesapeake, not confine yourself As several of the squads must pass through to a single battalion of four hundred men, Lancaster and there be supplied with pro- as mentioned in mine of the 22d, but en- visions to carry them to York, give atten- deavor to send as many as possible by so tion to these matters in your way so as to good and expeditious a conveyance. facilitate their march, and prevent disap- "I think it essential that one of the pointment. I wish you a prosperous jour- brigadiers should proceed to Virginia with ney, and all happiness. the first detachment that moves, and there "Yott will please to favor me with an ac- be ready to receive and form the remainder count of the return of the numbers you as they come on. There may be greater march with, and direct the brigade quarter- necessity of an ofhcer of rank being at hand, master to forward a return of the camp as the Line, from the late disturbances in it, equipage and utensils received by him. Let will have lost somewdiat of its discipline, me know, also, what number of arms were General Irvine, being employed in superin- sent on to York. If there is any surplus, tending the recruiting business, the duty de- they may be stored and left under the care volves upon General Wa\-ne. I ha\e writ- of the commanding officer at that place, as ten to him on the subject." also any surplus of blankets beyond that In March, Lafayette proceeded from which completes the detachment." Philadelphia with 1,000 New England and The Pennsylvania Line at New Jersey troops to Baltimore, whence he Recruiting. York, under Wayne, was com- moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia. In ac- posed of two hundred men cordance with instructions, the different from the First regiment, 120 from the regiments of the Pennsylvania Line at their Second. 80 from the Third, 160 from the places of cantonment in this state, had been Fourth, 240 from the Fifth and 160 from the increased in numbers by recruits. Prepara- Sixth. \\'ayne's force was formed into tions were then made to rendezvous these three battalions, commanded respectively troops at York. General Anthony Wayne, by Colonel Richard Butler, Colonel Walter who had already won distinction as a sol- Stewart and Colonel Richard Humpton. dier in several battles of the Revolution Nine officers and ninety men with six field and had displayed remarkable skill and pieces from Proctor's Fourth Continental strategy in the capture of Stony Point on Artillery were added to the detachment, the Hudson, was ordered to command the This, together with recruits received at first detachment to be sent to Virginia. York, increased his command to nearly a May 2. 1781, St. Clair wrote to Wayne: thousand men. It was a long and tedious : 2l6 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. PEXXSYLVAXIA business to reorganize the men and procure prepared for this event. A court-martial the needed suppHes for the expedition. In was ordered on the spot, the commission of the efforts to prepare them for the campaign the crime, trial and execution were all in- he was embarrassed by difficulties of the cluded in the course of a few hours in front same sort that had been encountered since of the line paraded under arms. The de- the beginning of the war. Recruits for the termined countenances of the officers pro- expedition were scarce, the needed supplies duced a conviction to the soldiery that the were not forthcoming, and the worthless sentence of the court-martial would be car- paper which was given to pzy his men, it ried into execution at every risk and conse- was soon discovered would purchase quence. ^^'hether by design or accident, nothing in the way of the commonest neces- the particular friends and messmates of the saries. No allowance being made for the culprits were their executioners, and while actual depreciation of this miscalled money the tears rolled down their cheeks in below its nominal value, there was much showers, they silently and faithfully obeyed discontent on the part of the men to whom their orders without a moment's hesitation. it was offered. The result of this renewed Thus was this hideous monster crushed in attempt on the part of the state to pay its its birth, however, to myself and officers a soldiers in nominal money, when it had most painful scene." agreed to pay them in what was real, is AA'hile General AVayne was in York he clearly expressed in the following letter of occupied the building at the northwest cor- Wayne, May 20, 1781 ner of Market and Beaver Streets as his "\Mien I arrived at York there was headquarters. His troops were encamped scarcely a horse or a carriage fit to transport on the public common, now Penn Park. any part of our baggage or supplies. This Before he had finished the organization dif^culty I found means to remedy by bar- of his brigade, Washington wrote: tering one species of public property to pro- "The critical condition of our southern cure another. The troops were retarded in affairs, and the reinforcements sent by the advancing to the general rendezvous by the enemy to that quarter, urge the necessity of unaccountable delay of the auditors who moving as large a proportion of the Penn- were appointed to settle and pay the propor- sylvania Line as possible, without a mo- tion of the depreciation due them, which, ment's loss of time. Indeed I hope before when received, was not equal to one-seventh this, by the measures you have taken, all part of its nominal value. This was an the impediments to a movement will have alarming circumstance. The soldier}^ but been obviated. I am persuaded your utmost too sensibly felt the imposition; nor did the and unremitting exertions will not be want- conduct or counsel of the inhabitants tend ing on this and every occasion of serving to moderate but rather to inflame their your country so essentially, that they may minds by refusing to part with anything be e\er crowned with success, that nothing which the soldiers needed in exchange for but propitious events may attend you on the it, saying it was not worth accepting, and march." that they (the soldiers) ought not to march Mav 26, Wayne's corps, much until justice was done them. To minds al- Marches smaller in numljer than he had ready susceptible to this kind of impression to anticipated and by no means well and whose recent revolt was fresh in their Virginia, equipped, began the march memory little more was wanting to stimu- southward from York. late them to try it again. The day ante- Captain Joseph McClellan, who served in cedent to that on which the march was to this expedition, kept an interesting diary commence, a few leading mutineers on the describing the march from York to Virginia. right of each regiment called out to pay According to his record. General Wayne them in real and not ideal money, they were and his troops began to march at 9 A. M. no longer to be trifled with. Upon this they of May 26. On the evening of that day were ordered to their tents, which, being they encamped along the hillside in Heidel- peremptorily refused, the principals were berg Township, near the present site of immediately either knocked down or con- Menges' Mills. At daylight on the 27th, fined by the officers, who were previously General Wavne ordered the drums to beat THE COOKES HOUSE ON KING'S MILL ROAD, WHERE THE GOVERN- MENT RECORDS WERE FIRST DEPOSITED ON SEPTEMBER 30, 1777 HE.\DOL-ARTEKs. OF GENERAL WAVNE, AT THE NORTHWEST COKNEK OF MARKET AND BEAVER STREETS, WHILE HIS BRIGADE WAS EN- CAMPED AT YORK IN 17'-1 : THE REVOLUTION 217 as a signal to take up the march. The}' the interior of Virginia intent on robbery passed througli Hanover and halted at Lit- and the destruction of military stores. tlestown, a distance of fourteen miles. Meanwhile, Greene had re- Continuing the march, Captain McClellan The treated northward through the says : "We passed through Taneytown, and Surrender State of North Carolina, closely halted upon the bank of Pipe Creek, being of followed by Lord Cornwallis. fourteen miles. Cornwallis. Washington moved southward the vicinity of "May 29. Marched at 9 o'clock, and en- from New York camped about 12 on the south bank of the with 6,000 men and the French fleet arrived Monocacy, being fourteen miles. at the mouth of the Chesapeake. Wash- ington united the forces under Greene, "The troops took up the line of march at Lafayette and Wayne with his own army, 3 A. M. and encamped on the S. W. of numbering in all 16,000 men, in front of Monocac}', 14 miles. Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia, wdiile "May 30. Continued on the ground for the French fleet closed in behind and pre- the men to wash and clean their arms. ^•ented the enemy from escaping. The Reviewed at P. M. At P. M. we were 5 7 siege and battle of Yorktown followed, and reviewed by General Wayne. on October 19, Cornwallis surrendered his "May 31. ?klarched at sunrise; passed entire army. This was the last important through Fredericktown about 8, ;here engagement of the Revolution. there were a number of British officers who were prisoners of war. They took a view EXECUTION AT YORK. of us as we passed through the town. Con- Samuel Dewees was serving as a fifer in tinued our march to the Potomac, at No- Colonel Richard Butler's regiment when it land's Ferry, where we halted some time was encamped at York. After the Revolu- for the artillery and baggage to cross. The tion he resided in Maryland until his death, troops crossed in the e\'ening. and halted about 1836. He served as a captain of one mile from the ferry and lay without Maryland troops in the war of 1812 and with tents. It rained most of the night. In his company helped to defend Baltimore crossing there were four men drowned by against the British, in September, 1814. one of the boats sinking. Our march this About thirty years after the Revolution he da}' was 16 miles, besides crossing the ferry. wrote and published a book describing his We crossed the Potomac at Noland's Ferry experiences in the war of the Revolution. in bad scows. One sunk, in which one ser- Captain Dewees was a witness to the shoot- geant and three privates of our regiment ing at York of four soldiers of the Pennsyl- (First) were drowned." vania Line in 1781. He describes the un- June 7, with his force reduced fortunate affair as follows Joins to about 900 men as the result "Whilst we lay at Lebanon a circum- Lafayette, of the long march, Wayne ar- stance transpired worthy of notice, and rived at Fredericksburg, where which I here record as a prelude to the he joined Lafayette, who had a force of tragic event at York. A sergeant, who was 1,200 men. Before Wayne arrived in Vir- known by the appellation of Macaroni ginia, Richmond had been burned by the Jack, a very intelligent, active, neat and English under Philips and Arnold. The clever fellow, had committed some trivial State Legislature had moved to Charlottes- offence. He had his wife with him in camp, ville, the home of Thomas Jefferson, who who always kept him \ery clean and neat in was then the governor of Virginia. Preda- his appearance. She was washerwoman to tory parties were then scouring this state a number of soldiers, myself among the and Jefferson, at his home, narrowly es- number. She was a very well behaved and caped being captured by a band of the good conditioned woman. British under Tarleton. Lafayette and "The officers for the purpose of making W'ayne commanded the only .Vmerican an impression upon him and to better his forces then in Virginia. The object of conduct, ordered him to be brought from Wayne and Lafayette now was to check the the guard house, which done, he was tied up raids of the English detachments sent into and the drummers ordered to give him a 211 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PEXXSYLVANIA certain number of lashes upon his bare back. ordered to beat up the troop again. The The intention of the officers was not to whole line was again formed, and I think chastise him. the orders were, for every soldier to appear "When he was tied up he looked around in line, with his knapsack on his back. I and addressed the soldiers, exclaiming at suppose that at this time there were parts the same time, 'dear brother soldiers, won't of three regiments, in all 800 or 1,000 men you help me.' This, in the eyes of the lying at Y'ork, the whole of which was com- officers, savored of mutiny and they called manded by Colonel Anthony Wayne. The out, 'take him down, take him down.' The whole body, sentinels, invalids, etc., ex- order was instantl}- obeyed, and he was cepted, when formed were marched to the taken back to the guard house again and distance of about half a mile from the camp. hand-cufifed. At this time there were two Twenty men were then ordered out of the deserters confined with him. On the next line and formed into marching order and all or second day after this, we were ordered the musicians placed at their head. After on to Y'ork, Pa., where, upon our arrival, remaining a short time in a marching pos- we encamped upon the common below the ture, the order of forward was given. We town. Our three prisoners were confined in were then marched direct to the jail door. York jail. In a few days after we arrived at The prisoners, six in number, were then Y^ork, a soldier by the name of Jack Smith, brought out and their sentence, which was and another soldier whose name I do not death, was read to them. now remember, were engaged in playing "At this time it was thought that none in long bullets. While thus engaged some of the line save the officers knew for what the the officers were walking along the road, provost guard was detached, but it appeared where they were throwing" the bullets. The afterwards that previous to the firing which bullets passing near the officers, they used was the means of launching four out of the very harsh language to Smith and his com- six into eternity, the matter of rescuing rade, who immediately retorted by using them was whispered among the soldiers, the same kind of indecorous language. A but they did not concert measures in time, file of men was immediately despatched to prevent the awful catastrophe which they with orders to take Smith and his comrade meditated, by an act of insubordination under guard and march them oiT to York upon their part. jail. "After the sentence of death w'as read to "In three or four days after these the condemned soldiers at the jail door, we arrests were made, a sergeant of the then marched them out and down below name of Lilly was offensive. He was town, playing the 'dead march' in front of a very fine fellow and an excellent them. We continued our march full half a scholar, so much so, that much of the mile and halted on a piece of ground (the regimental writing fell to his lot to do, Common) adjoining a field of rye which was and for which he received a remuneration in then in blossom. This was sometime in some way. This sergeant having become the earhr part of May, 1781. After a halt intoxicated, had quarreled with one or more was made, the prisoners were ordered to of his messmates, and upon some of the kneel down with their backs to the rye field officers coming around to inquire what the fence. Their eyes were then bandaged or matter was, found him out of his tent. The co\-ered over with silk handkerchiefs. The officers scolded him and bade him to go into officer in command then divided his force of his quarters. Lilly having been much in twenty men into two platoons. The whole favor and knowing his abilities and the ser- was then ordered to load their pieces. This vices rendered, was (although intoxicated) done, ten were ordered to advance, and at very much wounded and could not bear to the signal given by the officer, which was be thus harshly dealt with and used lan- the wave of his pocket handkerchief, the guage of an unbecoming kind to his superior first platoon of ten fired at one of the six. officers. The officers immediately ordered Macaroni Jack was the first shot and in- him to be taken to York jail. stantly killed. The first platoon was then "On the next day in the morning we beat ordered to retire and reload, and the second up the troop. After roll call, we were platoon of ten ordered to advance. When THE REVOLUTIOX 219 the signal was again given, Sniitli shared to America, and settled "near the Conewago the same fate, but with an awfuhiess that on the west side of the Susquehanna," in would have made even devils to have shrunk the original area of York County. He was back and stood appalled. His head was educated in the classical school taught by literally blown in fragments from ofT his Rev. Mr. Allison in Chester County, and body. The second platoon was then ordered then studied law. In 1764, he served in to retire and reload, whilst the first was Bouquet's expedition against the Indians ordered to advance and at the same signal of western Pennsylvania. At the opening fired at the third man. The second platoon of the Revolution, he was chosen major of then advanced and fired to order, at Ser- the Eighth Pennsylvania Regiment, and geant Lilly, whose brave and noble soul was soon after, lieutenant-colonel of Morgan's instantly on the wing to the presence of the rifles. He was present with the northern Supreme Judge, who has pledged himself army under Gates at the surrender of Bur- that he will do that which is right. The goyne at Saratoga in October, 1777, and at arms of each had been tied above their the battle of Monmouth in 1778. He soon elbows with the cords passing behind their after became colonel of the Ninth Pennsyl- backs. Being thus tied, enabled them to vania Regiment, which he commanded at have the use of their hands. I ventured the battle of Stony Point. He came to York near and noticed that Macaroni Jack had in the spring of 1781, and commanded a his hands clasped together in front of his regiment of the Pennsylvania Line. In May breast and had both of his thumbs shot ofi. of that year, he marched with Wayne's The distance that the platoons stood from brigade to Yorktown, Virginia, joining them at the time the}' tired could not have Lafay"ette's command at Fredericksburg. been more than ten feet. So near did they While with Lafayette's division near Wil- stand that the handkerchiefs covering the liamsburg, Virginia, he attacked Colonel eyes of some of them that were shot were Simcoe's rangers, gaining the advantage. set on fire. The fence and even the heads After the war, he settled in Carlisle, and in of rye for some distance within the field 1788 was member of the State Legislature, were covered with blood and brains. After from Cumberland County. In 1787, he was four were shot, we musicians with a portion agent for the Indian affairs in Ohio, and in of the twenty men were ordered to march the expedition of St. Clair's campaign and were then conducted up to the main line against the Indians, in 1791, commanded of the army. After our arrival there, the the right wing, with the rank of major- whole line was thrown into marching order general. When attacked early in the morn- and led to the scene of bloody death. ing of November 4, he repeatedly charged A\'hen the troops advanced near to the spot the enemy, received several severe wounds they deployed ofif into double file and were and was finally killed. Butler County, in then marched very near to the dead bodies, "western Pennsylvania, was named in his as also to those still on their knees waiting honor. the awful death that they had every reason Colonel William Butler, his brother, was to believe still awaited them. The order lieutenant-colonel of the Fourth Pennsyl- was for every man to look upon the bodies vania Regiment in the Revolutionary army. as he passed, and in order that the soldiers In October, 1778, after the destruction of in line might behold them more distinctly in Wyoming by John Butler and the Indians, passing the}' were ordered to countermarch he conducted an expedition from Schoharie, after they had passed and then marched as which destroyed the Indian settlements of close to them upon their return. Unadilla and Anaguaga. "The two deserters that were still in a Thomas, another brother, was born in kneeling posture were reprieved, the band- Pennsylvania, in 1754. In 1776, while ages taken from their eyes, then untied, and studying law with Judge Wilson, of Phila- restored to their respective companies." delphia, he joined the army, soon obtained COLONEL RICHARD BUTLER, of a company, and was in almost every action Wayne's brigade, was born in York County, in the middle states during the Revolution. April I, 1743. He was the son of Thomas At Brandywine, September 11, 1777, he re- and Eleanor Butler, who came from Ireland ceived the thanks of Washington on the 220 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PEXNSYLVANI.V field for intrepidit}' in rall\-ing a retreating the surrender of Cornwallis. This regiment detachment. At Monmouth lie was thanked then contained about twenty of the one by Wayne for defending a defile in the face hundred men that had marched from York of a heavy fire, while Colonel Richard But- to Boston and joined A\'ashington at Cam- ler's regiment withdrew. After the war he bridge in July, 1775. The muster roll of retired to a farm, but in 1791, was made this company will he found among the suc- major, and commanded a battalion from ceeding pages. Carlisle in Gibson's regiment, under St. PULASKI'S LEGION AT YORK. Clair, at whose defeat, November 4, he was twice wounded. He became major of the Pulaski's Legion, a bod)^ of niounted fourth sub-legion on April 11, 1792, lieu- lancers and infantry, was quartered in York tenant-colonel commanding the Fourth In- in IMarch and April, 1779, coming here after fantry on July I, 1792, and' on the reorgan- leaving the winter encampment in New ization of the army on a peace basis, in June, Jersey. These troops were commanded by 1802, was retained as colonel of the Second Count Cassimer Pulaski, a Polish soldier, Infantry, to which he was appointed on wdio led the insurgents during an insurrec- .\pril I, 1802. In 1797 he was ordered by tion in Poland. He had ten years' experi- President AA'ashington to expel settlers ence as an officer in his native country from Indian lands in Tennessee, and made before he went to Paris, where, in the spring several treaties with the Indians while in of 1777, he met Benjamin Franklin. Soon that country. He died in New Orleans, afterward he sailed for Philadelphia and be- Louisiana, September 7, 1805. came an aide on the staff of General W'ash- CAPTAIN THOMAS CAMPBELL, the ington, with the rank of colonel. The first son of John Campbell, was born about 1750 action in wdiich he took part was at Brandy- in Chanceford Township, York County. wine. \A'hen the Continental troops began His father took up a tract of land at an to yield, he made a reconnoissance with the early day, situated on the "Great Road lead- general's jjod)^ guard and reported tliat the ing from York to Nelson's. Ferry." He was enemy was endeavoring to cut ofT the line of of Scotch-Irish descent, and received the retreat. He was authorized to collect as education accorded that sturdy race. He many of the scattered troops as came in his was a farmer by occupation. AVhen the way and employ them according to his dis- Revolutionary struggle began, he enlisted cretion, which he did in a manner so as a private in Captain Michael Doudel's prompt as to eft'ect important aid in the company, attached to Colonel William retreat of the army. Four days later, on re- Thompson's Battalion of Riflemen, in July, commendation of Washington, he was com- 1 775- Fie served through the New England missioned a brigadier-general and placed in campaign, and was commissioned first lieu- charge of the cavalr}-. He took part in the tenant in tlie Fourth Regiment of the Penn- battle of Germantown and engaged in the sylvania Line, January 3, 1777. He was operations under General Wayne, during severely wounded at Germantown, was pro- the winter of 1777-8. The cavalry officers moted captain January i, 1781, and retired could not be reconciled to the orders of a from the service January i, 1783. He w-as foreigner who could scarcely speak English, one of the original members of the Pennsyl- and whose ideas of discipline and tactics vania Society of the Cincinnati. Captain dift'ered widely from those to which they Campbell was chosen a delegate to the had been accustomed, and these circum- State Convention to ratify the Federal Con- stances induced Pulaski to resign his com- stitution in 1787; served as a member of the mand in March. 1778, and return to Valley Pennsylvania House of Representatives Forge, wdiere he was assigned to special from 1797 to 1800, and of the Senate from duty. .\t his suggestion, wdiich was the York and Adams district from 1805 to adopted by Washington, Congress, March 1808. He died at his residence in Mona- 28, 1778, authorized the formation of a ghan Township, York Countv, January 19, corps, composed of sixty-eight light horse 1815. and two hundred foot soldiers. This Legion The First Regiment of the Pennsylvania was recruited in Pen'nsyhania and Mary- Line marched with Wayne from York to land, and soon after took part in several ; THE RFA'OLUTIOX 221 actions in Xew Jersey. In the engagement During the month of April, with the enemy at Little Egg Harbor, Killed at Pulaski began the march to Pulaski was surprised by the British and in Savannah. South Carolina, arriving at a bayonet encounter, lost in killed and Charleston in May. He was in wounded forty of his Legion. active service in command of his troops In February, 1779, Count Pulaski until October, 1779, when he was mortally Ordered was ordered to South Carolina to wounded during the siege of Savannah. He South. join the arm}- under General Lin- was taken to the brig. Wasp, where he died coln. He rendezvoused his as the vessel was leaving the harbor. His Legion at York, encamping on the Public remains were buried at sea. Among the sol- Common. Count Pulaski, while here, occu- diers from Y^ork County, who served under l)ied quarters on the west side of North Pulaski, were Frederick Boyer, 1778-1783, George Street near Centre Square, and re- resided in York County, 1835, aged eighty- cruited about twenty men from this county. seven years; Martin Miller, resided in Y^ork During part of the time that his Legion was County, 1835, aged seventy-one; Edward encamped at York, the Count was absent. Smith, died June 26, 1832, in York County, His subordinate officers did not enforce aged seventy-six years. rigid discipline, and some of the troops The banner which belonged to Pulaski's scoured the country round about, foraging Legion is now in the possession of the for food and provisions. This brought forth ]\Iaryland Historical Society, Baltimore. It a bitter complaint on the part of the citi- was in that city that he recruited his inde- zens of York and the surrounding countr\'. pendent command to the number of 300 Colonel James Smith, then a delegate in men, and on July 29, 1778, he gave a public Congress from York, wrote a letter to the review of his Legion to the citizens and President of Pennsylvania in which he military authorities of Baltimore. described the misconduct of Pulaski's men. ^^'hile recruiting his Legion, Pulaski He stated that "they forage indiscriminately went to the Moravian settlement at Bethle- and take whatever they want from the poor hem. Upon visiting the Sisters' house he terrified inhabitants, many of whom, saw their beautiful embroidery and ordered strongly impressed by the terrors of mili- them to prepare a small cavalry banner for tary violence in Europe, submit to the spoil- his Legion. It was made of crimson silk. ing of their goods and insult to their person Supposing that it had been presented to the without complaining, while others resent it Legion by the Moravian Sisters, the noted in open clamor and complaint and will soon poet, Henry \\'. Longfellow, made the probably redress themselves." incident the subject of a poem, and at- President Reed drew the attention of the tempted to make it more efTective by the Board of War to the disturbances at Y'ork introduction of cowls, altars and censers. • and that body addressed Count Pulaski a ARMAND'S LEGION AT YORK. letter, which in part reads "We have the honor to enclose you a Armand's Legion was quartered at Y'ork copy of our letter and an extract of another, from December 25, 1782, to November, relative to the conduct of your corps in your 1783. It w^as commanded by a noted absence. \\^e hoped that all such grounds French soldier, who had served ten j-ears of complaint had long since ceased. But as in the Guarde du Corps of Paris. He came those mentioned correspond with former re- to America, volunteered in the cause of the ports we cannot avoid giving some credit Revolution, May 10, 1777, when he was to them. The complaints are of such a commissioned by Congress a colonel under nature as to demand a strict enquiry, at the the name of Charles Armand, concealing his same time they should lead you and your rank of Marquis de la Rouerie. Congress officers to maintain a stricter discipline in authorized him to raise a corps of French the corps. \Ye do not mean, however, to soldiers in number not exceeding two hun- delay the Legion on these accounts. Its dred. About one-half of his command, how- services are wanted at the southward, ever, were Americans. Colonel Armand whither we desire it may be marched with was a spirited officer and did good service all possible dispatch." throughout the war. He participated in the : IirSTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PEXXSYLVAXIA engagement at Red Bank, was with Lafay- to the property and ci\'il rights of the peo- ette in New Jersey, and active in West ple. Be pleased to communicate our senti- Chester County, New York, opposing the ments to ^lajor Shaftner, and all your forces of Emmerick and Barremore, the lat- worthy officers, and assure them we shall ter of whom he captured near Kings Bridge, ever hold them in the greatest esteem. November 8, 1779. In February of the fol- "We pray that you may have an agree- lowing year his command was incorporated able passage across the ocean, and that you with Pulaski's Legion and both participated may receive a just reward for your illus- in the southern campaign under Gates, trious actions, performed in support of lib- whom he severely criticized for his in- erty and the honor of the allied arms." efliciency at the battle of Camden. In 1781 To these encouraging words Colonel Ar- he went to France to procure clothing and mand replied accoutrements for his Legion, returning in "I received your polite address of the time to take part in the battle of Yorktown 1 8th, and from its impression on my feel- and surrender of Cornwallis, in October, ings, and of the officers and soldiers of the 1781. Legion, I am truly happy in giving you our In March, 1783, while he was w'ith his united and most hearty thanks. If the command at York, Congress commissioned Legion has observed that good conduct, him a brigadier-general in obedience to a wdiich merits the applause you give it, I request of Washington. General Armand conceive that in so doing, they have only was urbane and polished in manner, an elo- discharged their duty, and obeyed punctu- quent and persuasive speaker, a gallant ally the orders and intentions of His Excel- leader and a man greatly beloved by his lency, General \A'ashington, whose exem- men and his superior officers. plary virtues, talents and honor, must have After the surrender of Lord Corn- raised ambition to some merit in those, who, Came wallis at Yorktown, Armand's like the corps I had the honor to command, to Legion, composed of about 200 placed all their confidence in him. York. Dragoons, accompanied Washing- "Permit me to say, gentlemen, that sol- ton's arm)^ to the vicinity of New diers cannot be guilty of misconduct, where York. In February, 1782, Armand was the inhabitants are kind to them, also are ordered to report to General Greene in the attached to the cause of their country, and Southern Department, and in December of so respectable as those of York. I think it the same year, he came from Virginia to my duty to thank you for the good behavior York. While here, he met Colonel Thomas of the Legion whilst amongst you, for it Hartley, with whom part of his Legion had was encouraged and supported by your served in the expedition against the hostile conduct towards them. Indians in northern Pennsylvania and "I shall only add, that although the southern New York. Colonel Armand re- greater part of us will shortly return home, mained wath his Legion for a period of the conclusion of the war rendering our eleven months. Before his departure, in longer stay unnecessary, we shall be happy November, 1783, James Smith, Colonel again to join the army of America, if in Thomas Hartley, Archibald McClean and future our services should be deemed of others, presented him with the following ad- importance." dress : There were a number of soldiers in York "Hearing that your Legion is about to be County W'ho had served in Armand's Legion disbanded, and that you will soon return to during the Revolution. Among these were : your native country, we, the inhabitants of John Gottlieb Alorris, surgeon, promoted York, in Pennsylvania, express to you the from surgeon's mate, died in York in 1808; high sense we entertain of the strict discip- Leonard Bamagartel, resided in York line, good conduct, and deportment of the County in 1835; John Glehmer, resided at officers and soldiers of your corps, whilst York in 1828; Conrad Pudding, died in stationed amongst us for ten months past. York County in 1828, aged seventy-four; "We return to you our hearty thanks, as Philip ShafYer, resided in York County in well for the service rendered to America in 1828; Lewis Shelly, died in York County in the field, as for the attention you have paid 1825; Conrad Stengle, died at York before THE REVOLUTIOX 1826; Owen Cooley, York, March 25, 1777; Society. He was married to Eliza, sister of John Enrich, York, March 9, 1777; Adam Dr. Jacob Hay, Sr. He died at Baltimore in Brandliefer, York, February 26, 1777; John 1895, at the advanced age of 92 years. Michael Koch, January 25, 1777, died in George Morris, the third son, was one of the York County in 1849. early coal merchants of York, and died During the time that Armand's Legion unmarried many years earlier than his was in York his men were quartered in log brothers. houses at the northwest corner of Duke and Philadelphia Streets. One row extended QUARTERMASTERS' POSTS IN westward on Philadelphia and another YORK COUNTY. north on Duke Street. These properties were then owned bv Mr. James Beck. During the year 1778-9, when the Indians JOHN GOTTLIEB MORRIS, of Ar- and Tories were giving trouble along the mand's Legion, who settled as a physician northern and western frontiers, posts were in York after the Revolution, was born in established by authority of Congress at Prussia in the \-illage of Redekin, near Carlisle, York, Hanover, and Marsh Creek, Magdeburg, in 1754. He received a liberal near the site of Gettysburg. Colonel John education and also studied medicine and Davis had been appointed deputy quarter- surgery in one of the higher institutions of master-general of the region west of the Germany. During the latter part of 1776, Susquehanna, with headquarters at Carlisle, Dr. Morris came to America, landing at which was the distributing point of army Philadelphia, where, after a careful exam- supplies for the frontier. Colonel David ination, he was granted a certificate to serve Grier, who had been seriously wounded at as a surgeon in the Continental army. This the battle of Paoli, while in command of the certificate was signed by William Shippen, Seventh Pennsylvania Regiment, was made \\illiam Brown and other noted surgeons quartermaster at York; Captain Alexander of that day. He was then a young man of McDowell, at Hanover, and Colonel Robert twenty-two, and is said to have possessed McPherson, at Marsh Creek. There is no rare accomplishments. When Armand's complete statement of the different pur- Legion was organized, in 1777, Dr. Morris chases made at these posts during the y.ears was appointed assistant surgeon to this named. Some of the original papers have command. He accompanied Colonel Ar- been procured, froin which interesting mand in both his northern and southern facts have been taken. campaigiTs. After the battle of Camden, On May 14, 1778, Captain ^^'illiam Nich- South Carolina, Morris w^as made chief ols, assistant quartermaster at York, wrote surgeon of the Legion, which, in October, to Colonel John Davis, that he had sent to 1781, was present and took part in the bat- Carlisle two small teams and would send tle of Yorktown, \'irginia, and witnessed another in two daj^s. Captain Nichols the surrender of Cornwallis and his entire states that he had already received $45,000 army. for the 'department at York. On June 2, At the close of the war, Surgeon Morris 1778, Colonel Grier reported the following settled in York as a physician and druggist. employes at his office at York: John Mc- In June. 1784, he married Barbara Myers, Pherson, clerk, whose salary was $60 per of York. Dr. Morris was one of the early month; Robert Z\IcPherson, jr., clerk, $60; members of the Society of Cincinnati, com- Henry Zinn, measurer of forage, $80; James posed of commissioned ofificers of the Revo- Shaw and Patrick JMay, weighers of hay and lution. Charles A. Morris, his eldest son, attendants at the public stables of the gov- was a druggist at York for more than half express ernment, $80 each ; John Uley, a century. He married Cassandra, the sis- rider, $90 and expenses ; and Francis Jones, ter of Philip and Samuel Small. At his Ijrigade wagonmaster, whose salary is not death, he ga\e most of his estate to charity gi\en. On August 25. 1778, Colonel David and benevolence. Rev. John G. Morris, the Grier received $12,000 from Colonel Davis second son, was a noted Lutheran clergy- for use of the post at York. On September man, lecturer and entomologist, and served 12, 1778, John Pollock, of York, received as president of the ^Maryland Historical 1,000 shingles, a quantity of nails and 820 : 224 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA spikes for use in repairing the gox'ernment communication from the Board of Treasury stables at York. of the United States, asking him to forward Charles Lukens wrote to Colonel Davis all vouchers he received for furnishing from Washingtonburg to send a team to forage and wood for the use of Burgo)ne's York for oil and other articles. Captain army, then numbering about 4,000 men, Alexander McDowell, in charge of the post who were marched through Hanover and at Hanover, wrote, on April 30, 1779, to camped there for the night, on their way to Colonel Davis that pack horses were Charlottesville, Virginia, as prisoners of difficult to procure around Hanover, but war, during the latter part of December, that he had purchased nine. Captain Mc- 177S. Dowell also states in his letter that "the Colonel Grier s report to the government horses that were brought for the army for the month of August, 1779, showed that camps to winter at Hanover were looking he had expended during that month, the well and fit for service. Forage is very sum of 2,634 pounds in Continental money scarce. Oats and spelts can hardly be to Francis Jones, wagonmaster of a brigade, bought at any price, owing to a frost during 1,237 pounds; to George Messencope, the summer. Rye is scarce and sold at the wagonmaster, 209 pounds ; George Moul, rate of five pounds per bushel. Oats or for smith work, 215 pounds; John McAllis- spelts are worth at least $6 per bushel in ter, for supplies, 151 pounds; Thomas Continental money." He also asked Colo- White, wagonmaster, iii pounds; and to nel Davis to send him $10,000 from Carlisle Jacob Probst, for ropes, 75 pounds. The if Davis had "plent}- of money on hand." balance was paid in small amounts to diiTer- On May i, 1779. McDowell wrote that ent persons for various purposes. he could procure only one team to go to The official report for the month of Au- Fort Pitt, as "all the farmers are busy with gust, shows that Captain McDowell ex- their summer crops, as the frost had caused pended at his post at Hanover, the sum of the destruction of the previous crops." On 1,171 pounds, which he estimated an equiva- May 17, Colonel Davis sent six teams to lent of $3,124, showing that Continental Colonel McPherson to carry eighty-five bar- money then was worth about thirty cents rels of beef and pork to Fort Pitt. On May on the dollar in specie. Among the items 28, Colonel Davis ordered Colonel Grier to were the following: Colonel Richard McAl- send from York to the American camp all lister, for seven quires of paper, 15 pounds the horses, also the portmanteaus and pack or $42; John Hinkel, for smith work, 100 saddles. Colonel Grier was also to send pounds; William Kitt (Gitt), for riding wagons to Carlisle to convey military stores express and expenses, 11 pounds; George from that post to Pittsburg. On the same Boyer, for 296 pounds of beef, 75 pounds. day. Colonel Grier received $12,000 for use September 5, 1779, John McPherson, at his post. clerk of the post at York, reported that he On June 4, 1779, Charles Lukens wrote had sent to the quartermasters' department from Washingtonburg to Colonel Davis to at Carlisle, fifty-one pounds of lashing rope, procure a team of four horses and a wagon, for which he paid fifteen shillings a pound, and send it to Spring Forge, in York and 100 halter ropes, which cost seven shil- County,, to purchase "bar iron for the use lings and six pence each. He thought these of the United States." This bar iron was prices were high for the articles named, but to be hauled to Philadelphia. On July 26, stated that more ropes and halters could be he ordered Colonel Davis to send another obtained at York if needed, at these prices. team to Spring Forge to procure bar iron Quartermaster Grier, at York, November for the government. On August 7, Captain I, reported the following stores on hand: 3 McDowell asked the quartermasters' de- wagons, 9 reams of writing paper, 50 blank partment at Carlisle to send him $10,000 books, 250 yards of linen, 50 bags, 159 can- for use at the post at Hanover. Some time teens, 2 saddles, and 4 horses. In a letter before, McDowell had sent to Carlisle for to the quartermaster-general at Carlisle, the army, 216 tar pots for wagons, 104 Colonel Grier wrote that he needed for army canteens, 109 pounds of lashing rope. use at his post in York, a good supply of August 12, Captain McDowell received a money for necessary expenditures. He fur- COL. THOMAS HARTLEY AND WIFE THE MOKAVL\N PARSONAGE — — THE REVOLUTION 225 ther stated that he would be i-equired to militia in marching from the southward to purchase a large amount of forage to keep the main army." They urged that another some cattle during the winter belonging to commissary be appointed instead of McAl- the government. lister, for "it was thought proper when Charles AlcClure, from tlie post at Car- Congress was here during the winter of lisle, ordered two wagons to go to Ken- 1777-78 to have a commissary of purchases, nedy's mill, in York County, now near the another of issues, a quartermaster, town site of Gettysburg, for the purpose of con- major and a physician, wdiich officers have veying flour to Carlisle, and corn to ^lajor since been continued." Smith's mill. In Xo\ember, 1779, Colonel McAllister appeared in his defence before Grier expended at his post in York, the sum the Supreme Executive Council at Phila- of 517 pounds. delphia, when only part of the accusations April 7, 1780, four wagons were sent from were pro\en. He remained in office a short the post at Carlisle to procure, for the de- time and was then removed. partment, thirty-one barrels of flour at Robert Erwin, who. in 1780, had been DeardorfT's mill, in York County, doubtless sent by William Buchanan, commissary- a mill with that name near York Springs. general of purchases, to take charge of the May 24, Colonel Henry ]\Iiller, then serving post at Hanover, succeeded in the purchase as sheriff of York County, wrote to the of a large amount of supplies in that region. quartermaster at Carlisle that the arrival In April, 1780, he had on hand 4,500 pounds of twelve merchant vessels at Baltimore of bacon, 4,500 pounds of pork, 10,000 caused a decline in the prices of all merchan- pounds of flour, and 400 gallons of whiskey dise in this region. In this letter he stated and an amount of forage which he had pur- that much depended upon the results in the chased for the government. south, to which region the British army had then gone, the seat of war having been transferred to South Carolina and Georgia. CHAPTER XVI The troubles with the Indians along the REVOLUTION—Continued. frontier had been brought to an end. In the British and Hessian Prisoners—The Re- summer of 1782, the post at York was dis- turn of the Prisoners Camp Security continued. Besides the quartermaster- — Sergeant Lamb's Story—Baron Riedesel general, Colonel David Grier, and his assist- —A Heroine of the Revolution Dr. ant, John McPherson, the department at John Connolly. York had in its employ two clerks, two men in charge of the stables, and four persons During the Revolution the British and in the forage department. Hessian prisoners were sent to the interior John McAllister, acting commissary of of the country, a long distance from the issues at York, in June, 1779, was charged scene of war. This was done by order of with malpractice and peculation in office Congress so that there might be no danger for having misused provisions belonging to that these prisoners would be set free by the government. He was accused by Jacob raids from the British army. Lancaster, Eichelberger and Major David Jameson, of York, Reading, Lebanon, Carlisle, Penn- York, with having fed hogs with flour and sylvania; Frederick, Maryland; Winchester good biscuit "at a time when soldiers that and Charlottesville, Virginia, were places were on the march to the army were in the where large detachments of British and greatest need of flour for rations." McAl- Hessian prisoners were kept for several lister admitted part of the accusation and months and some of them for two or three acknowledged that he had mixed water with years. Barracks were erected in all of these W'hiskey, a part of the government stores towns. They were used as places of con- in his possession. finement and were carefully guarded by the Owing to the-se accusations, the question local militia. Officers were frequently cjuar- arose as to continuing the commissary de- tered in the county jails and other public partment at York, whereupon Jameson and and private buildings. The York County Eichelberger asserted that York "was a jail, then situated at the northeast corner of great thoroughfare for troops, particularly George and King Streets, contained British 15 226 HISTORY OF YORK COUX'i'Y, PEXXSYLVAXIA prisoners, generally officers, a large part of Canada, .\fter his release he returned the time from 1776 to 1780. Temporary to the British arm\' and was recap- barracks \\ere erected on the public com- tured near Tarrytown during his alliance mon and private soldiers were confined \\ith the traitor, Benedict Arnold. He was therein, during the early part of the war. then executed as a spy. Andre was im- The place of imprisonment best known to prisoned for a considerable time at both history in York County was situated in the Lancaster and Carlisle. In March, 1776, northwest corner of \\'indsor Township, when the officers and men of the Seventh near the \illage of Longstown. At this Regiment were ordered to York, there place a large number of prisoners, part of \\ere a few cases of smallpox here. When Burgoyne's army and other soldiers cap- the}- heard this news, the officers objected tured in the south, were imprisoned for to coming, but some of them were finally nearly two years, during the latter part of brought to York. When it was discovered the Revolution. In 1781, a contagious that smallpox did not prevail to an alarming fever broke out in camp, of which a large extent. Congress ordered that one-half the number of prisoners died. British officers belonging to the Twenty- The first prisoners brought to York ar- Sixth Regiment should be removed to York rived in March and April, 1776. During the and the rest to Carlisle. summer of 1775, General Montgomery, by Because the conduct of these authority of Congress, led an expedition for First officers at Lancaster had been the capture of Canada. It was an ill-fated Prisoners reprehensible, they were re- campaign for this gallant soldier of the in York. quired to cross the Susque- Revolution lost his life in an engagement hanna and they remained in with the enemy in front of Quebec. York as prisoners of war for six or eight In the engagement at St. Johns and months, till they were exchanged. A com- Chambley, in the vicinity of Quebec, about plete list of these officers cannot be given. 400 British soldiers ^\•ere captured. They Among the names revealed are the follow- belonged to the vSeventh Royal Fusileers ing: Captains John Strong, James Living- and the Twenty-Sixth Regulars, both stone, and Andrew Gordon ; Lieutenants famous commands which had taken part in Laurence Dulhanty. Edward Thompson. several engagements in Europe. When Don McDonall and Edward P. Wellington ; Congress heard of these captured officers Ensigns Robert Thomas and James Gor- and men. it ordered that they be sent to don; Captains Daniel Robertson, of the Lancaster. The detachment from the Royal Highland Emigrant Regiment, and Seventh Fusileers reached Lancaster, De- Robert Chase, of the navy. cember 9, 1775, and the prisoners of the In July, 1776, a petition signed by nearh' Twenty-Sixth Regiment some time later. all the above-named officers was sent to Barracks had already been erected in that John Hancock, then President of Congress town and the prisoners placed therein. at Philadelphia. In this petition they com- Some of the- officers were quartered in plained of ill-treatment and dissatisfaction private houses under guard. Strange as it because they had been separated from their may seem, the wixes and children of most men, who were left at Lancaster. They of the officers and some of the men, accom- further stated that they had signed a parole panied the army to Canada and were also which gave them privileges usually ac- captured and brought to Lancaster. There corded to all officers who were prisoners of were 66 women and 125 children with the war. It seems, however, that they were prisoners, during the early part of 1776. confined to their rooms at night and this Early in March, 1776, Congress ordered was the main cause of their complaint. that one-half the prisoners from the Their servants were also taken from them Seventh Regiment be removed to \"ork and by order of Congress. They asserted that the rest to Carlisle. the local Committee of Safety was preju- Among the officers taken to diced against them. They requested that Andre Carlisle was the unfortunate they be treated as gentlemen and given the at Major .\ndre, then a lieutenant. freedom usually accorded to prisoners who Carlisle. \\ho had been captured in had signed a ]:)arole. They were quartered 'I'HH RK\'ULL'TIOX in taverns and private houses and if the re- Boston, the Hessian troops were quartered strictions as to their fnovements be con- on Winter Hill, near Cambridge, in bar- tinued, tliey preferred to be imprisoned in racks, which had been erected by the the county jail. 'IMie real cause, however, American troops during the siege of Bos- that they were not allowed to move about ton. The British troops were given rude the town during the night was that some quarters on Prospect Hill, just outside of British prisoners at Lebanon had escaped Cambridge. The officers, who had signed in the darkness of the night. The connnit- a strict parole, were treated little better tee at York determined to keep a close than the private soldiers. They were per- watch over these officers so that no oppor- mitted to find quarters in the small towns tunities were afforded them to escape, and and villages nearby. The captured army their requirements were enforced until the was supplied with provisions and fuel that officers were exchanged. were paid for by General Heath, the Ameri- can commander at Boston, with Continental BRITISH HESSIAN PRISONERS. AND money, and Congress insisted that Bur- The surrender of Burgoyne to Gates at goyne should make his repayment dollar for Saratoga, October i8, 1777, placed in the dollar in British gold, worth three times as hands of Congress, then in session at York, much. By the terms of the surrender, Bur- the disposition of nearly 6,000 prisoners of go)ne's troops were to receive pay from the war. Sir John Burgoyne, the famous English government and be supplied with British general, with a well-equipped army, provisions paid for by authority of Bur- had passed up Lake Champlain from goyne himself. The Continental money at Canada and down the Hudson, intentling to this time being worth only thirty cents on join Sir Henrj' Clinton at New York City. the dollar, a controversy arose about the After two unsuccessful attacks upon the decision of Congress requiring Burgoyne to American army, under General Gates, he pay this obligation in gold coin. Even Gen- fell back to Saratoga, where he surrendered eral Heath, in a letter to ^^'ashington. his entire army, including his two major- stated. "What an opinion must General generals, \\'illiam Phillips and Baron Rie- Burgoyne have of the authority of these desel. The former had commanded the States to suppose that his money would British troops comprising the right of Bur- be received at any higher rate than our goyne's army, and the latter the German own.'" troops on the left. An official report states Congress, anxious to impose conditions that 5,800 troops surrendered at Saratoga, not likely to be fulfilled, demanded that of whom about 2.400 were Germans and the General Burgoyne should make out a de- balance British. According to the terms of scriptive list of all the officers and soldiers the surrender, known in English history as in his army, in order that if any of them the "Convention of Saratoga,"' the British should thereafter be found serving against and Hessian prisoners were to be marched the United States they might be punished to Boston and from that port sent to Eng- accordingly. As no such provision was con- land. The British forces were placed under tained in the convention, upon the faith of command of Phillips and the Germans which Burgoyne had surrendered, he under Riedesel, while the entire army on naturally regarded the demand as insulting, this march was guarded by two brigades of and at first refused to comply with it. He American troops. If any of these prisoners afterwards yielded the point, in his eager- desired to take the oath of allegiance to the ness to liberate his soldiers: but meanwhile, American government, they were permitted in a letter to Gates at Albany, he had in- to desert. About 100 Germans and nearly cautiously said, "The public faith is the same number of British took advantage broken." and this remark, coming to the of this opportunity before they reached ears of Congress, was immediately laid hold Boston. .\s the prisoners expected soon to of as a pretext for repudiating the conven- l)e released, strict discipline was enforced tion altogether. It was argued that Bur- and the best of decorum displayed while on goyne had charged the United States with this march. bad faith, in order to have an excuse for W'lien these prisoners of war reached repudiating the convention on his own part. : 228 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PEXXSYLVANIA On the Sth of January, Congress accord- .Vbout November i. General ingly resolved, "that the embarkation of Prisoners Heath gave orders that the Lieutenant-General Burgoyne and the Sent British troops at Rutland under troops under his command be suspended South. command of General Phillips until a distinct and explicit ratification of should march in three di\-isions the Convention of Saratoga shall be prop- to the south. The first division started No- erly notified by the court of Great Britain Acmber 10, and the others in two successive to Congress." As the British government days, imder guard of Continental troops could not give the required ratification and Massachusetts militia. Before the without implicitly recognizing" the inde- British had left Rutland, they were paid in pendence of the United States, no further coin received from Sir Henry Clinton at steps were taken in the matter, the "public New York. faith" really was broken and the captured The German troops at Cambridge, under army was never sent home. By the end of an American guard, also began the march the year 1777, about 400 British prisoners in three divisions on November 10, in com- on Prospect Hill had deserted, but ac- mand of Baron Riedesel, it being arranged cording to records only 20 Germans es- that one di\ision was always one day in caped. advance of the other. Before leaving Mas- In March, 1778, General Bur- sachusetts, all the officers had to sign a Burgoyne goyne, on account of ill health. strict parole not to desert on the march. Released, was permitted by Congress to As many of the British and Hessian officers return to England. In order to and some of the private soldiers had their secure his release he was required to make wives and children with them, when they a deposit of $40,000 in gold or silver, and were captured at Saratoga, General Wash- this money was used for buying food and ington ordered that wagons be provided for supplies, to be procured in Rhode Island, transporting the women and children to for the prisoners. After his capture and Virginia. The Baroness Riedesel was ac- release, he changed his sentiments toward companied by three little children, and her the United States. While still a prisoner on diary describing this trip has been pub- parole he entered the British parliament lished in the German and English lan- and became conspicuous among the de- guages. fenders of the American cause. The German troops had not received Meanwhile, a fleet of vessels arrived at money to support them on the march before Newport from England for the purpose of leaving Boston and no pay was sent them transporting the troops to their native from Sir Henry Clinton. In order to country, but the fleet had to return without remedy the difiiculty. Baron Riedesel re- them. Early in April a number of war turned to Boston, where he secured $70,000 vessels appeared ofi^ the coast of Boston, in paper money on his own responsibility, and as General Heath feared an attack from to aid in moving his troops. the enemy, he had the British troops The British troops passed through Mas- removed from Prospect Hill, fiftj^-five miles sachusetts and Connecticut to Fishkill on northwest to the village of Rutland, near the Hudson. In a letter written December the present city of Worcester. On account 10, at Sherwood's Ferry, on the banks of of the difficulty of obtaining provisions for the Delaware, Lieutenant Anbury wrote these prisoners, a long discussion arose in "General \^^ashington was not without Congress, still in session at York, as to apprehension that Sir Henry Clinton, then what disposition should be made of them. at New York, would make eft'orts to retake ^Vhile this discussion was in progress, the us, either by an expedition up the North barracks at York and Lancaster, in Penn- River, or our march through the Jerseys, sylvania, were mentioned as suitable places and therefore took every precaution to to quarter them. It was finally decided that frustrate any plan that might be concerted, the British and Hessians should be removed for upon the arrival of our army at Fishkill, to Charlottesville, Virginia, where the General ^^'ashington moved his army into troops could be more readily supplied with the middle of the Jerseys and detached a provisions than in Alassachusetts. considerable l)ody of troops to escort us, so : : THE RK^'OT.UTI^)X 229 \er\- ai)[)rchcnsive was he of a rescue, that its popidalion \vere a large number of me- to each brigade of otirs they had a brigade chanics. There were three or four churches, of armed men, who marched the men in and the county court house in Centre close columns. As to the officers they paid Square in \vhich the Pennsylvania Legis- little attention, as we had signed a very lature had held its sessions when driven strict parole, previous to our leaving New out of Philadelphia the year before. Con- England. Now we ]ia\-e passed the Dela- gress had convened in this building one day ware, the Pennsylvania militia are to guard in September, 1777, and then adjoiu-ned to us and the brigades that escorted us through York. The largest pipe organ in .\merica, Xew York and the Jerseys return to Wash- which hatl been made at the town of Lititz, ington's army." \\'hen the British prison- was then in use in the First Lutheran ers had reached Sussex in crossing the Church of Lancaster. Some of the officers state of Xew Jersey, Sir Henry Clinton sent who went to see this wonderful piece of out a paymaster who paid off the troops in .uechanism sent descriptions of it to then- British coin. homes. The manufacturer had made every The three divisions of German troops part of the organ with his own hands. One under Baron Riedesel also crossed the Hud- of the diaries states son at Fishkill a few days after the British "The organ had not only everv pipe and had passed over. .\t this place, ^\'ashing"- stop that is in most others, but it has many ton paid them the compliment of his pres- pipes to swell the base which are of an ence. He also gave them a strong guard amazing circumference, and they are played lest Clinton should carry out his threat of upon by the feet, there being a row of releasing them by force. wooden kevs that the performer treads on." Lieutenant Anl^ury made the After bivouacking for the night around Arrive at following entry in his journal the borough of Lancaster, the three Lancaster, after arri\-ing at Lancaster: divisions of the British troops, com- "In our \\a\- hither, we crossed manded by General William Phillips the Schuylkill, o\er the Ijridge built by Gen- and tinder a guard of several regi- eral Washington's army, when they were ments of Pennsylvania militia, and a encamped at Valley Forge. I imagine it detachment of the Continental army, the was the intention of the Americans that this march xvas begun to the Susquehanna ri\-er, bridge should remain as a triumphal me- crossing at the present sites of Columbia mento, for in the centre of every arch is and \\'rightsville. A regiment of the York engraxed in the wood, the names of the County militia joined the guard at Wright's principal generals in their country and in Ferry, and Colonel Josepli Jeffries, wagon the midde arch was General A\'ashington's master for York County, furnished one htin- with the date of the year the Ijridge Avas dred wagons and teams with which he con- erected. This bridge was built to preserve veyed into Virginia the women and children a communication and to favor a retreat in and the baggage belonging to both the Brit- case they were compelled to quit their en- ish and German prisoners. Many of these campment. Our troops slept in the huts at wagons were afterward pressed into service Valley Forge which had been constructed by the state of Virginia. The advance by the Americans." reached York on December 16. Lieutenant Lancaster at this time was the largest .\nbury made the following entry in refer- inland town in -\merica, containing a popu- ence to York lation of nearly 4000. The inhabitants "After we crossed the Suscpie- were composed of German and Scotch- Reach hanna. \\e arrived at York, which Irish. Most of the houses had an elevation York, was sometime the seat of Congress. before the door and they were entered 1)\' This is reckoned the second inland ascending high steps from the street, re- town in America: it is not nearly so large as sembling a small balcony witli benches on Lancaster, but much pleasanter. being sit- both sides where the inhabitants sat and uated on the Codorus creek, a pretty stream took in the fresh air and viewed the peo])Ie which falls into the Sus<|uehanna. This passing. The town had consideral)le trade town contains between two and three thou- with Pliiladelphia and Xew York. Among sand inhabitants, chiefl\' Germans, inter- : : HISTORY OF YORK COUXTY, PEXXSYL\'AXIA mixed \\'ith Scotcli-Irish. Here was for- following da_\-: and the third division, a body merly more trade than in Lancaster, and of 923, on the evening of December 19. notwithstanding the troul)les, it has still There were in all 2577 British soldiers. more the appearance of it. As our division The Germans arrived in York in three came into tlie town at four o'clock in the di\isions. The first came on December 22, afternoon, and marched the next morning, I and numbered 947. With this body were had but little time to make any particular a large number of women and children, observations; but in walking about I saw transported on wagons. The last two the Court House and a few churches, which divisions of German troops passed through are very neat brick buildings, and I re- York, December 23 and 24, and numbered marked the houses were much better built 935. There were in all 4459 British and and with more regularity than at Lancaster. Hessian officers and men on this famous Of the two, though York is considerably march, as prisoners of war, to Virginia. less than the other, I should give it the After leaving York, the pris- preference for a place of residence." Pass oners w-ere marched in brigades Along the entire line of march Through a distance of fifteen to twenty Hessians from Massachusetts to Virginia Hanover, miles a day. There is a well- Desert. the guard of American troops founded tradition that the dif- made no special efforts to pie- ferent brigades bivouacked on successive vent desertions among the prisoners. Lieu- nights along a hillside near Alenges' ]\Iills tenant Anbury says in Heidelberg township, and proceeded the "It was with a view and a hope that the next day through Hanover, halting again men would desert, that Congress marched for the night near Littlestowm, in Adams us at this inclement season : numbers have County. Till they arri\'ed at Frederick, the answered their wishes, especially the Ger- most delightful winter weather had favored mans, who seeing in what a comfortable them on the march, but while encamped manner their countrymen live, left us in around that town a heavy snow fell. This great numbers, as we marched through was followed by extreme cold weather X^ew A'ork, the Jerseys and Pennsylvania. which made it impossible for the brigades Among the number of deserters is my ser- in the rear to cross the Potomac, then cov- vant, who, as we left Lancaster, ran from ered w'ith floating ice. After they had all me WMth my horse, portmanteau and every- crossed that stream, the Virginia roads were thing he could take with him. I did not almost impassable. The top of the deep miss him till night, as I concluded he was snow was a crust but not sufficiently strong with the baggage wagons. The next morn- to bear the weight of a man, so that the ing I obtained permission from the officer movement from the Potomac to V'irginia that escorted us, to return in pursuit of was the most difficult and distressing part him." of the march. Rev. John Roth, pastor of the ^Moravian The last brigade finally church at York, recorded in his diary At arrived at Charlottesville. "Dec. i6. —To-night a party of the Con- Charlottesville. Having started from Mass- vention troops, the Hessians and others cap- achusetts November 10, it tured at Saratoga by Gates, arrived here required two full months to complete this from New England on way to Virginia. march of nearly 700 miles. At Charlottes- "Dec. 22. —The Convention troops which ville a rude village was built on the brow of arrived here on the i6th and 19th inst. left a pleasant ridge of hills, and gardens were for the south (Virginia). laid out and planted. Much kind assistance "Dec. 24.—Numbers of Convention troops was rendered in all this work by Thomas are deserting on account of their being Jefferson, who was then living close by on badly treated by their officers. Some of his estate at Monticello, and did everything them attended our services and were atten- in his power to make things comfortable for tive and earnest." soldiers and officers. The first division of British troops num- General \\'illiam Phillips, who was second bering 781, arrived in York, December 16; in command at Saratoga and who had been the second division, numbering 873, on the in charge of the Con^ention prisoners on THE REVOLUTIOX 231 the march to \'irginia and while in the bar- and a symbol of afTection for their generous " racks at Charlottesville, was allowed to go and magnanimous allies the French.' to New York in the fall of 1779, on parole. The British and Hessian prisoners greatly ^\"hile in that cit)- he was exchanged for diminished in numbers both by death and General Benjamin Lincoln, recently cap- desertion while at Frederick. Congress tured at Charleston, S. C. In 1780 Phillips hnally decided to remove the prisoners to joined Benedict .\rnold in an expedition York and Lancaster, in Pennsylvania. The against Richmond. Predatory parties had officers were separated from the prisoners been sent out in the direction of Charlottes- at Lancaster and sent to East ^^"indsor, \ille and fearing that Arnold and Phillips Connecticut. Brigadier-General Flamilton, might form an expedition for the release of in charge of the British troops, expressed the prisoners, Congress decided in the fall great displeasure on account of this separa- of 1780 to remove them northward. In the tion which, he claimed, was in direct oppo- early part of October, the prisoners were sition to the agreement entered into at the marched toward \\'inchester, in the same surrender at Saratoga, three years before. inanner that they had gone to Charlottes- THE RETURN OF THE PRISONERS. ville, two years before. The prisoners were quartered at \\'inchester for two The Convention prisoners remoxed late weeks and removed to Frederick, Maryland, in 1780 from Charlottesville to Winchester, where they were held until Congress de- Virginia, and to Frederick, Maryland, were cided where they should be taken. .\t this ordered by Congress in 1781 to be brought place they occupied comfortable barracks to Pennsyhania. The British were to be and the men were allowed many privileges. quartered at York and the Hessians at Lan- The officers were quartered in the town and caster. There were at that time about plantations around. On May 31, 1781, 3000 of Burgoyne's officers and men held as these British officers and prisoners wit- prisoners of war. Joseph Reed, then presi- nessed the movement of the Pennsylvania dent of Pennsylvania, protested against so Line through Frederick. On July 31, 1781. many prisoners being brought into this tenant Anbur}^ wrote in his journal: commonwealth. In response to President "We daily expect to remove Reed's protest, the Board of AVar asserted Move from this province on account that Congress had not changed its decision Northward, of the movements of Lord and that Pennsylvania should make prepa- Cornwallis' army, which we ration to guard and sustain the prisoners at understand is forming a junction with the such places in Pennsylvania as would be troops landed in \'irginia, under the com- most convenient. At this juncture, Gov- mand of General Phillips and General Ar- ernor Thomas Lee, of ilaryland, wrote to nold, and this state is not without appre- President Reed that he had been informed hensions of a descent being made by the by Thomas Jefferson, governor of Virginia, King's forces. Therefore to impede this that the Burgoyne prisoners and other Brit- progress. General ^^'ashington has detached ish captured at Cowpens, S. C, were at two strong bodies, one of Continental A\'inchester, March 12, 1781, on their way troops, under the command of the ]\Iarquis to Pennsylvania, and the British prisoners de la Fayette, and the other consisting of at Frederick, 800 in number, were to be sent the Pennsylvania Line, under General to York. On the same day that Governor A\'ayne. They passed through Frederick Lee sent his communication to President last month, and appeared to be mostly Reed, the latter wrote a long letter to the Scotch and Irish with a great number of Board of \\'ar. in which he stated: blacks. They were badly clothed, and so We acknowledge the receipt o£ your extremely mutinous and discontented, that Reed's f^^or of the 13th inst., calling upon us their officers were afraid to trust them with -- . . to prepare U guard of 400 militia and to OppOSltlOn.siipply provisions and all other neces- ammunition. I observed that they w^ore saries for the convention troops, observ- black and white cockades, the ground being ing that though the Hon. Congress had the first color and the relief of the other. directed you to take measures for guarding and supply- troops after they arrive at their proposed On inc|uiring the cause, a very pompous ing these quarters that you have no other means in your power American replied, 'It was a compliment to to comply with this direction than by calling on this HISTORY OF YORK COUXTY. PEXXSYL\'AXIA state for that guard and those supplies. We are sorry. exchanged, was then in command of 900 Gentlemen, to inform you that in the present exhausted men who had either deserted or escaped state of our treasury \vc have little prospect of being able to answer your expectations. We have computed from the camp at Charlottesville. With this the monthly expense of feeding these troops and guards force he had joined the traitor, Benedict at 8,g6o pounds specie per month—the pay of the militia Arnold, in front of Richmond. Corii- and repair of barracks will also be considerable—which Lord added to the necessary advances daily making for the wallis, with a large British army, was now sustenance of the prisoners already here amoimting to on his march through the Carolinas toward 1,000—to the recruiting and support of the Pennsyl- vania Line daily increasing and wholly within the State, A^irginia in pursuit of General Greene. As the supply of the Continental Array, the artificers, inva- the Board of War thought the scene of lids, mechanics, and other dependencies on Congress, hostilities in 1781 might be in Virginia, it will, we arc persuaded, be a burden insupportable. And we must acknowledge freely that we think it very un- decided in May of that year that the prison- equal that when there are thirteen states in union all ers held in Virginia and Maryland should the prisoners should be brought into one. We have be to eastern {Massachusetts, always endeavored to comply with requisitions when in forwarded our power, but we do not see the least probability of Congress then ordered Pennsylvania to answering present expectations in their full extent. furnish 600 militia, which were to assemble Having already observed to our delegates in Congress, the danger of adding to the dissatisfaction of the in- at York, and relieve the Virginia militia and habitants, especially from the influence of the German take charge of the prisoners to be moved officers, we need not touch on that head, though of a eastward under the superintendency of very delicate and alarming nature. But in another view the bringing these troops into the state must affect the Colonel James \\'ood. general interest. Should they cross the Susquehanna The York County wagon- we are fully persuaded much the greatest part of them Prisoners in masters were ordered to will be in Kew York in a few months; they will find so many friends and opportunities to convey them Pennsylvania, have fifty or more wagons thither unless closely confined no precautions will that at York. Major Bailey, of be sufficient to prevent this evil. Our militia in the country are very badly armed, so that if either through York, commanded the militia assembled for scarcit}' of provisions, other discontent or impatience of the purpose of acting as a guard to the captivity these should resolve to serve the enemy troops prisoners on their eastern movement and and prefer force to desertion we apprehend there is danger of their effecting it. The high price of pro- under his direction the Virginia guard visions, of fuel and all other necessaries at Lancaster was relieved and the local militia escorted and York will be an object also well worthy of con- sideration, the rates of wood and other necessary the prisoners to Lancaster, where they articles at Lancaster not differin.g materially from those arrived early in June, 1781. The British of Philadelphia. This will be our last representation on were placed in the Lancaster l)arracks and the subject which we have thought it our duty to make —that should any bad consequences result we may in camps on the public common in that stand fully acquitted, having declared our opinion that town. It was now decided by Congress to we shall not be able to provide for them with that ha\-e them remain in Pennsylvania. On plenty or guard them in that security which the case requires. June 17, Major Bailey escorted from York two divisions, one of 1,200 German and The Board of ^^ar then decided that the Hessian prisoners, to Reading, and another British officers held at ^^'inchester and composed of 600 privates, 300 waiters and Frederick shotild 1)e "put on tlieir parole" about 300 women and children to Lancaster. and sent to Simsbury, Connecticut, the Ger- On June 27, President Reed, of Pennsyl- man troops should be held at A\'inchester vania, wrote, "The Convention and other and their officers put on parole at that place. British prisoners to the number of 4,000 are The British privates and non-commissioned now in the State of Pennsylvania." He officers were to remain at Frederick for the therefore ordered out the militia of York, time being. Colonel James Wood, of the Lancaster, Berks and Xorthampton Coun- Continental army, who had the prisoners in ties to guard them on tlieir movement to charge, was ordered by Congress to carry places where they were to be confined. out the plans already made for their dis- Colonel \\'ood, of the Continental army, in position. Almost I, GOO unconditional charge of the prisoners both in Virginia and prisoners captured af Cowpens and else- after they came to Pennsylvania, wrote. where in the south were ordered to the Lan- June 30, 1781, that he had received instruc- caster barracks and the 3,000 Saratoga tions from the Board of War to quarter the prisoners to be retained for a time in Mary- British near York and the Germans at land and V'irginia. At this time General Reading, but that he had not received Philips, of the British army, who had been definite instructions as to the exact places THE REX'OLUTIOX 233 of confinement. President Reed then wrote government in erecting a stockade and in to William Scott, lieutenant of the York building huts out of wood. This place was County militia, to mark out a suitable spot, known in Revolutionary annals as "Camp well-wooded and watered for the accommo- Security" and is so designated in the gov- dation of the prisoners to be quartered at ernment records. York. A place where the prisoners could .\fter the prisoners had arrived at York, build huts, surrounded by a picket, was Lancaster and Reading, the authorities of designated. The local militia intended to Pennsylvania and Continental Congress, as guard the prisoners, were to receive pay at well, thought it possible that the British the rate of three and a half shillings a day forces under Lord Cornwallis might raid in coin. The Continental money was then into Pennsylvania for the purpose of releas- nearly worthless. On July 28, Lieutenant ing these prisoners. William Scott, of York County, wrote to In March, 1781. General Greene had President Reed: fought the battle of Guilford Court House, near Greensboro, North Carolina, with Agreeable to your Excellency's orders I have Camp found a place for the convention troops to Cornwallis, who then commanded 7,000 Near encamp ; about four miles and a half soutli- men. It was an indecisive battle and re- east of Yorktown, which Colonel Wood had ^ in Wilmington lOrk. approved as a suitable and convenient place. sulted Cornwallis moving to I have also called the fourth class of the on the coast of that state. Greene returned militia, who have furnished upwards of one to South Carolina and after successive en- hundred men to guard them. Colonel Wood is of the opinion it will require near double that number until gagements with the enemy, drove them into the necessary works on the encampment are erected. Charleston and Savannah. Cornwallis I have collected all the arms in York and Hanover. sailed to Hampton Roads and selected a de- which are not half enough for the guards. Therefore have to request of the Honorable Council to send us fensive position on the James River at arms and ammunition for the use of the guards afore- Yorktown, Virginia. In August, 1781, a said. of of The arms which our seven months' men carried to detachment 2,000 the troops from the Philadelphia last year (forty-three in number) were British army under Cornwallis landed on delivered up in a house near the bridge on W'ater the banks of the Chesapeake near An- Street, where clothing and other military stores were then kept, but no receipts passed for them that I can napolis, Maryland. ^Meantime, Washing- find. ton, with an arm\- of 6,000 men, marched Colonel Wood has called on me for ten or twelve from the Hudson River through eastern carpenters and for axes, spades, picks and shovels, for building the huts and pickets. The carpenters and the Pennsylvania and ]Maryland to join Lafay- smiths who make the tools look to me for their pay: ette and ^^'a^•ne, then concentrating near have therefore to beg your E.xcellency's directions in Yorktown, Virginia. this matter, whether it is a county or continental charge and how and when these people are to be paid and by The arrival of the 2.000 troops at whom. Militia Annapolis caused alarm at York, On August 2, 1781, Colonel James Wood Called Lancaster and Reading, and the stated "I have fixed the British troops on Out, authorities of Pennsylvania called good ground, the property of a non-juror, out the militia for defensive oper- between York and Susquehanna, so as to be ations. Lieutenant William Scott, com- verv convenient to throw them across the mander of the York County IMilitia, put into service 200 light horse, a cavalry squadron, and posted them in a chain west of the Sus- CAMP SECURITY. quehanna, extending from York to Chesa- The place selected by Colonel Wood as a peake Bay. In case the British landed at cantonment for the prisoners was situated the head of the Chesapeake these horsemen in the extreme northeastern part of Wind- were intended to convey the news with all sor Township, a short distance east of the possible haste to the cantonments of prison- village of Longstown, and on the north side ers at York and the other towns in Penn- of the road leading from Longstown to East sylvania. .At this period in the Revolution Prospect. At this place the British Con- there was considerable excitement in York vention prisoners to the number of nearly County and the adjoining sections of the two thousand were brought back from Lan- state. Fortunatel}-, the appearance of caster in August, 1781. They were required Washington in \'irginia caused a change in to assist the carpenters employed by the the operations of the enemy, who now con- . 234 HISTORY OP YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA centrated under Cornwallis at Yorktown, had been cleared. The persons employed where, in October, 1781, the entire British by the government in constructing stock- ami}' surrendered. Later in the year, and ades and building huts, had cleared thirty during the spring of 1782, detachments of additional acres of timber, for which he had prisoners from the army of CorhwalHs were received no pay. The guards had also used also brought to York and imprisoned in nearly all the fall rails which enclosed his liuts erected a short distance east of the cleared land. This had deprived his tenant stockade in Windsor Township, where of the Indian corn on the land and the use about 2,000 of Burgoyne's army were then of his pasture. He further stated that he held, as described above. A description of did not want to say anything against Colo- the prison pens near York, as they were at nel Wood, who had charge of the prisoners this period is given in an abstract from the and who regretted the condition of affairs diary of Sergeant Lamb, found further on in which had come about before that officer this narrative. At this place most of the had been placed in charge of the prison British prisoners, brought here in 1781 and pens. The petitioner acknowledged that 1782, remained until the cessation of hostili- the prisoners could not be removed during ties was declared April 19, 1783, the eighth the inclement season, yet he requested that anniversary of the battle of Lexington and all further waste or destruction of the tim- Concord. ber or other property on his plantation be So far as is known, few Hessians prevented. Hessians were ever held as prisoners of at war within the stockade or the SERGEANT LAMB'S STORY. Reading, huts of the prison pen in Wind- Sergeant Roger Lamb, an educated Irish- . sor Township, in 1781-2-3. man, who was captured with Burgoyne at There were a number of Hessians in Saratoga, wrote a work entitled "Journal of Y^ork in 1777. The German and Hes- the American W'ar," which was published in sian troops, about 1,200 in number, Dublin in 1809. He served in a regiment were held as prisoners in Reading, of AA'elsh Fusileers and after his capture until the close, of the war. On February 8, accompanied the British prisoners to Bos- 1783, a letter was sent to General Riedesel. ton, where he remained until they were re- instructing the Hessian and German prison- moved to Virginia. When these prisoners ers to remain in America after they were set were about to cross the Hudson at Fishkill, free, if they so desired. In pursuance of this on their march to the south. Sergeant Lamb letter, a large number of the Hessians who escaped to the city of New York, where he had been captured at Saratoga, Long Island was received with great afifability by Major and Trenton, remained in Pennsylvania, Andre, who was acting as adjutant-general where they became industrious mechanics to Sir Henry Clinton, commanding the or farmers. Quite a number of them settled British forces in that city. In 1781 he in difl'erent parts of York County. served in the Southern army and at the bat- Daniel Brubaker, a citizen of tle of Guilford Court House saved Corn- Brubaker's Lancaster County, owned the wallis from capture. Petition. land four and a half miles east In October of the same year he was cap- of York where the prison pens tured with the British army at Yorktown had been erected. In December, 1781, four and soon after he escaped the American months after the arrival of the first prison- guard and fled to Frederick, Maryland, ers, he sent a petition to General Benjamin where he was again captured and placed in Lincoln, of the Continental army and the the barracks in that town with other British Supreme Executive Council of Pennsyl- officers. After two weeks' imprisonment vania, setting forth certain grievances. He there, he was sent to W^inchester, Virginia, stated that he owned 280 acres near York, where his own regiment, which had served for which he had paid 1,200 pounds specie. at the siege of Yorktown, was then quar- This land had been selected as a place for tered in barracks. confinement for part of the British Conven- "Part of the British troops remained in tion prisoners that had been removed from W'inchester until January, 1782," says Ser- Lancaster. One hundred acres of this land geant Lamb in his Journal, "when Congress THE RKVOLUTIOX ^35 ordered us to 1)C marched to York, in Penn- of the countr\' round while I behaved well sylvania. I received information that as and orderly. I was then conducted to a hut soon as I fell into ranks to march off. I which my poor loving coinpanions had built should be taken and confined in \\'inchester for me in their village before my arrival. jail, as the Americans were apprehensive Here I remained some tinje, visiting my that when I got near to New York I should former companions from hut to hut ; but I again attempt my escape to that place; I was astonished at the spirit of industry was advised by my officers to conceal ni}^- which prevailed among them. Men, women self until the troops had marched. I took and children were employed making lace, the hint and hid myself in the hospital buckles, spoons, and exercising other me- among the sick, where I reinained until the chanical trades which they had learned American guards had been two days on during their captivity. They had very great their march with the British prisoners. I liberty from the Americans, and were then prepared to follow them, but at a allowed to go around the country and sell cautious distance. their goods ; wdiile the soldiers of Corn- "The troops arri\-ed at York, wallis' army w-ere closel}' confined. I per- In Camp and were confined in. a prison ceived that they had lost that animation Security, similar to the one at Rutland, which ought to possess the breast of the Massachusetts, where Bur- soldier. I strove by every argument to goyne's prisoners were held in 1778. rouse them from their lethargy. I offered "A great number of trees were ordered to to head any number of them, and make a be cut down in the woods ; these were noble effort to escape into New York, and sharpened at each end, and driven firmly join our comrades in arms; but all my into the earth verj- close together, enclos- efforts proved ineffectual. As for my own ing a space of about two or three acres. part, I was determined to make the attempt. American sentinels were planted on the I well knew from experience, that a few outside of the fence, at convenient distances, companions would be highly necessary. in order to prevent our getting out. At one Accordingly I sent word of my intention to angle, a gate was erected and on the out- seven men of the Twenty-third Regiment side thereof, stood the guard house; two who were confined in the pen, that I was sentinels were constantly posted at this willing to take thein with me. I believe in gate, and no one could get out unless he had all the British army that these men, three a pass from the officer of the guard ; but sergeants and four privates, could not have this was a privilege in which very few were been excelled for courage and intrepidity. indulged. They rejoiced at the idea; and by the aid of "About two hundred yards from this pen, some of Burgoyne's army, they were en- a small village had been built by prisoners abled under cover of a dark night, to scale of General Burgoyne's army, who were al- their fence and assemble in my hut. I sent lowed very great privileges with respect to word of my intention to my commanding liberty in the country. When some of my officer. Captain Saumarez, of the Twenty- former comrades of the Ninth Regiment third, and likewise the names of the men were informed that I was a prisoner in Lord whom I purposed to take with me. As my Cornwallis' army, and that I was shortly money was almost expended, I begged of expected at York, they immediately applied him to advance me as much as convenient. to the commanding officer of the Americans He immediately sent me a supply. for a pass in mj- name, claiming me as one "It was on the first of ^L-lrch, of their regiment. This w^as immediately Escaped 1782, that I set off with my granted, and some of them kindly and From party." attentively placed themselves on the w-atch Prison. After Sergeant Lamb escaped for my arrival, lest I should be confined with with his seven companions from the rest of Lord Cornwallis' army. When I prison at Y^ork, he went to New York City, reached York I was most agreeably sur- where Sir Guy Carleton was then com- prised at meeting my former companions; mander of the British troops. After the war and more so when a pass was put into m\' he returned to Dublin, where he became a hands, giving me the ])rivilege of ten miles teacher and author, and died in 1830. 236 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. PEXXSYLVAXIA BARON RIEDESEL. desertions among the English than the Ger- mans. Congress sent an American named Baron Friederich Adolph Riedesel, who ]\Iasserow as a commissioner, to Boston to held the rank of a major-general in the consult with the British and German officers English army, commanded 2,400 Brunswick with reference to their exchange. Riedesel and Hessian troops at the time of the sur- alleges that Masserow accepted bribes; that render of Burgoyne at Saratoga. Both his he received from 50 to 100 guineas each, for entire command and himself became prison- recommending to Congress certain officers ers of war on October 17, 1777. General to be exchanged. It is even claimed by the Riedesel was born in Lauterbach, Rhine- Baron in his journal that Burgoyne himself Hesse, June 3, 1738. At the time of the sur- courted the favor of the commissioner and render he was 39 years of age. Riedesel through him obtained authority of Congress studied law, but during the Seven Years' for his own release b)^ the payment of AA'ar for German liberty served as an aide $40,000, which was paid in provisions and on the staff of Prince Ferdinand of Bruns- used for the maintenance of the American wick. He acquitted himself gallantly in the troops and British and Hessian prisoners in execution of an important commission at [Massachusetts. By the order of General the battle of Minden. In 1767 he was pro- Howe, ships were sent from Rhode Island moted to the rank of adjutant-general of the laden with flour and meat. Prussian army. Soon after the beginning General Riedesel, through Commissioner of the American Revolution, England, Masserow, petitioned Congress for permis- having hired of the petty German sover- sion to send to Canada for the baggage and eigns 20,000 troops, of which 4,000 were clothing of his troops, which was granted. from Brunswick, Riedesel was given the During the summer of 1778 the people of rank of major-general and placed in com- Massachusetts, as well as the American mand of the Brunswickers. He arrived soldiers, tried to induce the prisoners to with his troops at Quebec, Canada, June, desert. They succeeded best with the 1776. The following year he joined Bur- British. By the 5th of April, 655 English goyne on his unfortunate expedition, in soldiers, 119 Germans, 41 Hesse-Hanau and command of all the German troops. Rie- 3 Brunswickers had deserted. Up to this desel wrote an extended account of his ex- time not a single German officer had been perience as an officer and a prisoner while in exchanged. America. This journal was afterward In November, 1778, arrangements were translated into English. He passed through made to send the captured troops to Vir- York, December, 1778, in command of his ginia. The American guard for removing own troops as prisoners on their way to Vir- these troops was increased by the addition ginia, and upon his return in 1779 remained of three regiments of the Massachusetts here a week with his wife, three children militia. The light horse and artiller}- were and a retinue of attendants. also increased. In May, American emis- .\fter the surrender at Saratoga, some of saries came into camp and induced many the English officers were exchanged, but Germans to desert. By authority of Con- few of the Germans. Riedesel wrote to gress circulars were distributed through the Howe, at Philadelphia, asking that a cor- camps of the prisoners to encourage both responding number of German officers be the British and Germans to desert. During exchanged, including General Specht and the months of April and May the Bruns- Riedesel's own aides. The Baron remained wickers lost 118 men by desertion. in command of his own soldiers and had In September a number of German them undergo military drill every day while officers were exchanged, among them Chap- in camp at Winter Hill, after their move- lain F. V. Melsheimer, of the Brunswick ment to Boston, even though they had Dragoon Regiment. given up their arms at the surrender. After Congress decided not to accept the After the prisoners learned that Congress conditions of the surrender at Saratoga, Sir at York had decided not to recognize the Henry Clinton, in New York, declared that agreement at Saratoga, numbers of them if the Convention troops were to be treated deserted. 'J'here were, however, more like other prisoners, they must be supported THE REVOLUTION 237 by their captors. General Heath, in com- troops arrived at Fishkill, on the Hudson; mand at Boston, received orders from Con- December 13, they were passing through gress at York that the British and German Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and on the prisoners should be removed to Charlottes- i6th crossed the Schuylkill at Valley Forge. \ille, Virginia, a long distance away from On the 20th they crossed the Conestoga the theatre of war, and to a jilace where Creek to Lancaster, where they rested one provisions could more easily be oljtained. day : on the 22d they crossed the Susque- The prisoners were marched from Rutland hanna at Wright's Ferry and took quarters and Cambridge by the American guard in for the night at York. On the 24th they the following order, starting November 10: arrived at Hanover, where they rested a Each nationality formed three day, passed through Littlestown on Christ- Order di\-isions, and was attended by an mas day and on the 26th halted at Taney- of American escort. The first Eng- tbwn, Marjdand. The other brigades or March. lish division, consisting of the divisions of British and German troops fol- artillery, grenadiers, light infantry lowed in succession, a day behind the ad- and the Ninth Regiment under Lieutenant vance. Colonel Hill, and the First German division, On New Year's eve, 1778, the German consisting of the dragoons, grenadiers, and troops first stepped upon the soil of Vir- the regiment Von Rhetz under Major Von ginia and on the 15th of January arrived at Mengen, were to start on November 10. their place of destination, near Charlottes- The second English division, consisting of ville, where they remained as prisoners of tlie Twentieth and Twenty-first Regiments, war from January, 1779, until the fall of under command of Major Forster, and the 1781. The estimated number of British and second German division, consisting of the German troops wdio were marched from regiments of Von Riedesel and Von Specht Massachusetts through York to Virginia, and led by Brigadier-General Specht, were was 4,459. According to this statement to follow on the nth. On the 12th the third about 1,300 had deserted, for the descriptive English division, composed of the Twenty- list shows that 5,800 had surrendered at fourth, Forty-seventh and Sixty-second Saratoga in October, 1777. Regiments, under the command of Briga- In an account of the movement of the dier Hamilton, were to follow. The third troops from Boston to Virginia, William German division, which was made up of the Stone, the biographer of Riedesel, states: battalion Barner, the regiment Hesse- "On this journey General Riedesel and Hanau, and Hanau artillery, under Briga- his family experienced much that was dis- dier Gall, were also to march on the same agreeable, and suffered many wrongs from day. the inhabitants, \\ho w-ere to a man in favor General Riedesel says in his journal: of the cause of freedom. Some of them "The want of money was one of critical scarcely would grant a shelter to the w'eary importance in our position at that time. All travellers, even when extreme fatigue pre- the officers who had money were obliged to vented them from going a step further, and lend it for the use of the troops, who in this it \vould have been still worse for them, had manner received their pay in hard cash. not ^ladame Riedesel been in the party. Those officers who were in need of money By her eloquence and patience, she knew had as much furnished them as was neces- how to move these obdurate people. sary to procure horses, etc., for their long "The passage across the Hudson in a journey. Nor was this more than fair, as miserable skifif in the midst of stormy several months' pay was due them. This weather, was attended with extreme dan- arrangement was somewhat of a help, it is ger; and competent judges who afterward true, but not nearly enough to satisfy the heard of it. could scarcely understand how demands of all." it was that it had been so successfully ac- When the German troops arrived at complished. The river having been safely Salisbury, Conn., they received $70,000, crossed, the party continued their journe}^ which Riedesel had borrowed on his own as far as the residence of an American credit from merchants in Boston. On No- colonel, by the name of Osborn, to whom veml)er 28, the advance of the German Riedesel had a letter from Gates. Thev : 238 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. PEXXSYLX'AXIA were received Ijy liim in a most friendly from Charlottesville. Here he had hired a manner, notwithstanding he was a great house which he was occupying when enemy to tlie ro}-aIists, as well as a very Madame Riedesel and the children joined l)lunt man. him about the middle of February. The "The fact that General Rie- party had been twelve weeks on their w^ay, Excitement desel did not arrive at Lan- liad crossed six states, and had journeyed in caster on the 19th of Decent- six hundred and seventy-eight miles. The Lancaster, ber, with the troops, was, per- house, hired by Riedesel at Colle, belonged haps, a most fortunate cir- to an Italian, wdio, a few weeks later, moved cumstance; for the inhabitants were so en- out of it, leaving it, together with a nice raged against him, that extreme measures little garden, to Riedesel and his family." might ha\e been provoked by his presence. During the stuumer of 1779, General Among the silly reports that were circulated Riedesel built a house at Colle, wdiich cost and believed in those excitable times by the him 100 guineas, but his family and he never people of Lancaster, was one to the effect had the opportunity of occupying it. In that the town of Lancaster and the sur- September of that year he received word rounding cotmtry had been presented to the that he would soon be exchanged. After German general, by the king of England, and putting the German prisoners in charge of that the general would soon arrive with his General Specht, by authority of Colonel troops to take possession. The excitement James Wood, the commander of the Ameri- was, therefore, great wdien the German can guard, Riedesel left Virginia for Xew troops arrived ; but as soon as the American York, accompanied by Major-General Phil- officers on the escort explained the true lips. Soon after his arrival there he was position of affairs, and the pitiable condition exchanged and by order of Sir Henry Clin- of the troops was seen, many a good citizen ton was placed in command at Long Island of Lancaster wondered how he could have with headquarters on what are now Brook- given credence to such a ridiculous rumor. lyn Heights. At tlie close of the Revolu- "Snow had fallen to such a depth that the tion, in 1783, he returned to Germany, carriages of the general's party could where he w^as given the rank of lieutenant- scarcely move. The coachmen, at times, general in 1787. At the time of his death, were obliged to take the horses from the in 1800, he was commandant of the city of vehicles, and with the officers who escorted Brimswick. the family, ride on in advance, to break a road. The provisions were exhausted, and A HEROINE OF THE REVOLUTION. very often not a particle of food could be had of the inhabitants even for money. The wife of General Riedesel had a ro- Baroness Riedesel and her children actually mantic history during the Revolution. She suffered from sheer want, and this notwith- followed the fortunes of her husband and standing her husband and his officers de- was captured at Saratoga when Burgoyne prived themselves of everything, that the surrendered. The Baroness kept a diary, women and children might be provided for. wdiich was afterward published in the Ger- Captain Edmonson, who, out of love for the man language. This journal was translated children, had accompanied the party, would into English and pulilished in America in often ride to the huts, wdiich were a little 1867. The story of her experience after off the road, and beg provisions of the in- her capture reads like a romance of the habitants; but he generally returned from Middle Ages. During her captivit}', she a l>ootless mission. twice passed through York and on her "Soon after crossing the Hudson, General return from Virginia spent several days in Riedesel, accompanied by a few of his adju- York with her three little daughters and a tants, left his family in order to overtake his retinue of attendants. A condensed story troops. It is not known definitely wdiere he of her experience is herewith given met them, or indeed if he overtook them at The Baroness Riedesel was present at the all. Only this much is known to a certainty, first engagement at Saratoga and was near that the general waited for his family at her husband in the thickest of the fight. She Colle, which is distant about two hours heard the rattle of musketry, and the boom THE RI-:\'OLUTIOX 239 of cannon, and when the fighting ended took was thought would be better able to furnish care of the wounded. After the battle a the needful supplies. large calash was built to convey herself, her The keeping of the German colors were three children, and her two servants, and entrusted to the Baroness at Cambridge. in this vehicle she followed the army in the During the time she remained there she had midst of the soldiers, who were merrily them concealed within a mattress. The singing songs and hurrahing with a desire .\mericans thought they had been destroyed for victory. at Saratoga, but some time later this mat- "\Miile passing through the American tress was forwarded to Halifa.x, and when camp in my calash after the surrender," the Baroness was set free, in 1782, she took says the Baroness, "none of the American the mattress with her to her native land. soldiers cast at us scornful glances, even "In the month of November, 1778," says showing compassion on their countenances the Baroness, "when the prisoners were at seeing a mother with her little children in ordered to Virginia, my husband purchased such a situation. \\'hen I approached the a pretty English wagon so that we were -tents, a noble looking man came toward me, enabled to travel easily with my three took the children out of the wagon, em- daughters, Gustava, Frederika and Caro- braced and kissed them and then with tears line. Gustava entreated Captain Edmons- in his eyes helped me also to alight. His ton, one of my husband's adjutants, not to tenderness toward my children and myself leave us on the way. He gave his promise inspired me with courage. He then led me and faithfull}' kept it. I traveled with the to the tent of General Gates, with whom I army on the way to Virginia. An old found Generals Burgoyne and Philips, con- Yager, who acted as driver, together with ferring about the capitulation. the captain guided our vehicle over the "I then learned that this noble almost impassable roads. My provisions Dined man, who led me to the tent. and baggage were carried in a wagon which With was the American General followed the servants. Upon reaching the Schuyler. Schuyler, who had preceded Hudson River at Fishkill, we lodged at the Gates in the command of the house of a boatman. After crossing the American army. Schuyler invited me to river and going a distance, my husband, dine at his own tent and I then learned that children and both my maidservants re- this noble-hearted man was a husband and mained eight days at the home of Colonel father. I afterwards met his wife and Osborn, a wealthy planter, in order to give daughters in Albany. One of his daughters our troops time to cross the river, which, on married Alexander Hamilton." account of the scarcity of boats, was very The Baron and Baroness Riedesel mo\'ed tedious. Our third stopping place after with the prisoners from Albanj^ to Boston, leaving Colonel Osborn was at the house riding in their calash. They occupied a of a German. At another time we had our comfortable home at Cambridge for a year quarters for the night at the home of Colo- while arrangements were made to remove nel Howe. Before we crossed the Blue the prisoners to Virginia. Mountains, in Virginia, we made a further The cause of this order was the declara- halt of eight days that our troops might tion of Sir Henry Clinton, then in command have time to collect again. of the British at New York City, that since "Meantime such a great quantity the Convention troops (those who sur- Down of snow fell that two of our rendered at Saratoga) were not acknowl- in servants were obliged to go edged as such, but looked upon in the same Virginia, before my wagon on horseback light as ordinary prisoners of war, he was in order to make a path for us. no longer disposed to forward provisions to On our journey through Pennsylvania, them, or pay the "exorbitant bills of the Maryland and Virginia, we passed through Americans," consequently Congress must a picturesque country which, however, by maintain the prisoners itself. .As the coun- reason of its wildness, inspired us with ter- try in the vicinity of Boston was very de- ror. We arri\ed at Colle. near Charlottes- ficient in provisions, the Convention troops ville, in the middle of February, 1779, where were accordingly sent to Virginia, which it my husband, who had gone ahead with our : 240 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA troops, awaited us with impatient longing. before him. After encountering many dan- yiy husband built a large house at Cole, two gers that brave woman, with her children, hours' ride from the prisoners quartered at had reached the place a few days earlier and Charlottesville. The house cost him one had thus had an opportunity of enjoying a hundred guineas. In the summer of 1779, little rest, which she very much needed." we received word that General Philips and "From York," says the Baroness, "we my husband, with their adjutants, had per- pursued our journey through beautifully mission to go to New York in order to be cultivated country regions and arrived exchanged. My husband handed over the safely at Elizabeth, New Jersey. We ex- charge of the German troops to General pected to cross over to New York the same Specht. He then proceeded northward with evening and be restored to our freedom, but General Philips and I set out to meet him while seated at dinner, an officer from at York, Pennsylvania. Before leaving Vir- Washington arrived with a letter ordering ginia, Mrs. Carroll sent me an invitation for us to return to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, me to visit her at her home in Maryland. I as Congress had refused to ratify the ex- determined to accept her courtesies. She change. The eyes of General Philips, who resided near the town of Baltimore, which. was by nature very passionate, fairly scintil- I was told, was very pretty and inhabited lated with rage. In a fit of anger he struck by many amiable families. We remained as the table with his fist. I was like one petri- her guests eight days and were hospitably fied and could not utter a word." entertained. In obedience to the order, they returned "While moving toward York, Pennsyl- to Bethlehem, remaining there until the lat- vania, from Baltimore, we were overtaken ter part of November, when they were in a forest by a violent thunderstorm. A allowed to enter the British lines in New trunk of a tree broke and fell between the York City. General Riedesel and his wife carriage box and the horses. Here we sat remained there several months, and March fast aground, and could not stir from the 7, 1780, she gave birth to her fourth place, as none of our servants were strong daughter. Says the baroness in her diary enough to move the tree from the spot "We had intended, in case it had been a boy, where it had fallen. In the meantime, it to call the child Americus, which we now thundered fearfully; the lightning struck in exchanged for America." General Philips, several places round about us ; and another General Knyphausen and Colonel Wurmb and larger tree threatened to crush us. I acted as sponsors at the baptism of the could only urge the ser\'ants to disengage us child." from the jam, but the coachman, who was DR. JOHN CONNOLLY. completely bewildered, assured me it was impossible. At last, my little Gustava, who Dr. John Connolly, a romantic character was at that time only eight years old, said, in the history of the Revolution, was held a 'Only unhitch the horses, and put them be- prisoner of war at York for a period of two hind the wagon, and you can draw it back- years. He was born in Lancaster County wards.' This suggestion was immediately in 1744, son of John Connolly, a surgeon in acted upon, and every one asked the other the British service in America. His mother why that idea had not occurred to them was first the wife of James Patterson, the likewise. noted Indian trader, at Lancaster, who, "So finally we arrived happily at after his death married as her second hus- The York, in Pennsylvania, where we band, Thomas Ewing, father of General Baroness found my husband, who had James Ewing, of York County, who com- in York, been very much w^orried about manded a brigade in the Flying Camp. us on account of the vivid light- Surgeon Connolly was her third husband. ning. \\'e rode through 'a magnificent coun- Dr. John Connolly, their son, who was edu- try." cated as a physician, was a man of vigor and The "Memoirs" of Baron Riedesel says: force, ^^'hen the Revolution opened he be- "Upon reaching York with General Philips, came a loyalist, and at the suggestion of whom he had met on the w^ay, the Baron Lord Dunmore, Governor of Virginia, went found that his wife had arrived a few davs to Boston, where he obtained a colonel's thl: re\ull"i'1().\ -'41 commission from General Gage. tlie Britisli the county jail at York, where I was closely commander at that port. Owing to his locked up and all the former severity alliance with Dunrnore, who was also a against me renewed. The York jail was so loyalist, Connolly was induced to raise a crowded witii British prisoners, permanent regiment of Tories and Indians to be known and transient, that a contagious fever ap- as the Roj-al Foresters. \\'hile passing peared." through Hagerstown, Maryland, with a Connolly, being a physician, in May, 177S, single companion on his way to the western petitioned Congress, then sitting at York, frontier for the purpose of organizing his to relieve him and his associates from this command, he was arrested. His captors unsanitary condition of affairs, .\mong the found in his saddlebags his commission. He British prisoners who signed this document was taken to Philadelphia and placed in with Connolly were Richard M. Stockton, prison. \\'hile passing through York, Con- Charles Harrison, Asher Dunham, Robert nolly recorded in his journal : "On the sec- Morrison and Francis Frazer. ond day after our capture we arrived at Five days later the Board of \\'ar, under York, where a committee decided that we instructions from Congress, reported that should be confined in a room in the county Thomas Peters, deput}' commissary of jail, in which was a straw bed. little cover- prisoners at York and Carlisle ; Dr. Henry, ing" and no fire. The new-made soldiers of an attending surgeon, and Colonel Picker- York were then so fond of fife and drum ing, a member of the Board of War, had that they entertained us all night with this visited the York jail and found that the music. The next morning, January i, 1776, statements made by Connolly and his asso- we were conducted to the tavern, where our ciates were exaggerated. They further horses had been kept, by a militar}- guard mentioned "that Connolly and six British with a drummer beating the Rogue's officers occupied two rooms in the jail, one March. When the guard which brought us fifteen by twenty feet, and the other nearly here from Frederick started from York, the as large; that they also had the privilege of people of the town and the soldiers ironic- the jail yard, which was sixty yards long ally complimented us with many wishes of and eighteen yards wide. This jail is used a happ}' new year. Great numbers of the as a place of temporary confinement for inhabitants of York rode with us until we passing prisoners and is not now crowded. arrived at Wright's Ferry, the home of my There are only nine privates in the jail, half brother, Colonel James Ewing, who and three of them are the officers' servants. differed from me in political affiliation, for The jail is capable of holding one hundred he espoused the cause of the colonies. At and sixty prisoners. Five of the soldiers Ewing's request, I was allowed to walk on Iiave light fevers, common to places of con- the ice with him in crossing the Susque- finement, but their disorders are not con- hanna. After less than a year's imprison- tagious or dangerous." ment in Philadelphia, through my brother, Dr. William Shippen, surgeon-general of James Ewing, wdio had become a general in the army, while on a visit to York, had ex- the American army, I was released upon a amined Connolly during his imprisonment temporary parole and permitted to go to his and pronounced him a hypochondraic and home in York County, where I was allowed not responsible for his statements. This to go five miles distant for exercise to re- opinion was concurred in by Colonel Pick- cuperate my health. Here I was sent in ering and the rest, but Connolly denied November, 1776, and remained two months, these allegations and claimed he was treated when I was again remanded to prison, but unfairly. General Ewing again came to my rescue .\fter Congress returned to Philadelphia, and by his own bond I was, in the spring of in June, 1778, Connolly was admitted to 1777, again permitted to live at his home parole and sent to that city, but he was on parole. I continued in this happy situa- afterward remanded to prison, where he re- tion from April 11 to October 14, 1777. mained until nearly the end of the war. W'hen Congress moved to York, the Board -After the close of the Revolution he of ^^'ar, believing that I was plotting \isited General Ewing upon his plantation. against the go\ernment. had me placed in On one occasion, in an unguarded moment. 16 — : 242 HISTOID' ()1- YURlv CUUXTV. P1£XXSVL\'AXIA \\lien seated at tlie tal)le, lie boastfully made obtain redress, and recognized the j^eople of the remarkable statement that the British Boston as "sufl:"ering in the common cause army would yet come down from Canada of liberty." It was resolved that every and concjuer the United States. This as- township in Y'ork County send delegates to tounding remark exasperated Ewing, who meet in convention on the 4th of July fol- rose from his chair and seized Connolly by lowing. A committee of thirteen was then the throat. The two men were separated appointed for the town of Y'ork. June 28, by the appeals of Ewing's wife. Although the Philadelphia Committee of Safety holding opposite views during the Revolu- transmitted to the committee of thirteen in tion and thereafter, there always existed a York, resolutions passed by the Provincial bond of fraternal union between Ewing and Conference assembled in State House his half-brother. Even as late as 1798, in Square on June 18. This Provincial Con- an attempt to recover land that he owned at ference had recommended that the com- the Falls of the Ohio River, Connolly at- mittees appointed in the different counties tempted to enlist some army officers in a or such number of them as thought proper, scheme to capture Louisiana and set up a meet in Philadelphia at the time the separate government in the West. The at- Provincial Assembly should convene. On tention of the President of the United States account of the Indian disturbances, John was called to this plot and measures were Penn, governor of Pennsylvania, liad called taken to prevent its execution. Connolly a meeting of the Pro\incial Assembly for died in Canada at an advanced age. He was July 18. The committees of the several an adventurer throughout his whole life. counties thus assembling in Philadelphia at the same time as the Provincial Assembly met, could then frame and prepare such matters for submission to the Assembly as CHAPTER XVn might be thought proper and expedient. In accordance with this request, James REVOLUTION—Continued. Smith, Joseph Donaldson and Thomas Hartley were sent as deputies from Y'ork Committee of Safety Associators—Bio- County to the Provincial Conference, which graphical — Historical Notes — Muster had been announced to assemble at Phila- Rolls—Pensioners. delphia on July 15, three days before the In the year 1774. when the sentiment Pro\incial Assembly met pursuant to the spread throughout America in opposition call of Governor Penn. James Smith was to the British government of the colonies, appointed a member of a committee to pre- committees of correspondence and commit- pare a petition to the Provincial Assembly tees of safety were organized. Li May of to appoint delegates to attend a Continental that year, Charles Thomson, by order of Congress of representatives from all the the Committee of Safety of Philadelphia, colonies in America. This Congress met in sent out circular letters to the different Philadelphia, September 5, 1774, in Car- counties of Pennsylvania, asking for the penter's Hall. Among the members of this sentiments of the inhabitants in relation to illustrious body were George Washington, the attitude of the mother country toward Patrick Henry, John Adams, Samuel the colonies. This letter also asked that Adams, John Jay, and John Rutledge. This delegates should be chosen from York Congress agreed upon a Declaration of County to attend a provincial conference to Rights, and after discussing other meas- be held at Philadelphia, June 15, 1774. ures, adjourned to meet in Philadelphia on Li response to this letter a meet- the loth of May, 1775. First ing was held in York, presided On December 16, 1774, the freeholders Meeting over by Michael Swope, who of Y'ork County met at the Court House for in afterwards commanded _ a regi- the purpose of electing a Committee of York. ment of Y'ork County troops in Safety, which was composed of one or more the Revolution. This meeting representatives from every township in the decided to concur with the sister colonies county. The following is a list of the per- in anv constitutional measures in order to sons chosen THE REVOLUTIOX 243 HcMiry Slagle, Jacob Doudel. protect themselves against the alleged Joseph Donaldson, Frederick Fischcl. tyranny of the George Eichclbergcr. James Dickson. English government, of George Irwin, William McClellan, which they were subjects. The love of John Hay, William Cathcart, liberty seems to have been inborn with our Archibald McClcan. Patrick Scott. David Grier, Michael Doudel, ancestors before the struggle for indepen- David Kennedy. Michael Bard, dence had begmi. Persecutions in Europe Thomas Fisher. Reinecker, Casper had led the Scotch from the north of Ire- John Kean, Henry Liebhard, John Houston. John Maxwell. land, the Germans from the Palatinate, the George Kuntz, George Oge, Pietists from Germany and Switzerland to Simon Coppenhaffer, John O. Blcncs. to this province because its founder Joseph Jefferies, William Dill. come Robert McCorlcy, Henry Banta. Sr., t^ had offered freedom of conscience and a Michael Hahn, William Kilmary, liberal government. Baltzer Spanglcr. William Chesney, Daniel Messerly, Francis Holton, After the close of the Erench and Indian Nicholas Bittinger, Peter Reel. war, peace and prosperity reigned through- Michael Davis, Andrew Finlev. out York, Cumberland, Westmoreland and On Decemljer 17, the Committee met at Bedford, then called the frontier counties, tlie Court House and organized by electing embracing all the region west of the Sus- James Smith, chairman ; Thomas Hartley, quehanna River. W ithin a few years York vice-president; John Hay, treasurer, and and Cumberland had become densely popu- George Lewis Lefler, secretary. At this lated, each containing about twenty-live meeting the committee prepared rules for thousand settlers, who were clearing the the transaction of business, laid plans for primeval forests, cultivating the valuable raising money to be sent to the unfortunate lands and hunting the wild game which was people of Boston, whose rights had been alnmdant everywhere. trampled upon by the English government, As a result of the Indian in- and then adjourned until December 29. On Expert cursions and their experience a^ December 22. 1774, a letter was received Riflemen, hunters, these sturdy pioneers from the Committee of Safety in Philadel- had become expert riflemen. phia requesting that the local committees When they heard the news from Xew Eng- in Pennsylvania send delegates to a land and the other colonies that measures Provincial Convention to be held in Phila- would be taken to resist the tyranny of delphia, January 23, 1775, in order that England, our ancestors in York County these delegates might discuss questions were (|uick to respond. .Militia companies relating to the common defence of the peo- had been in existence before 1750, and three ple in Pennsylvania and the other colonies. companies from York County had partici- James Smith, Thomas Hartley. John Hay, pated as Provincial troops in the French George Eichelberger, Joseph Donaldson, and Indian war. They had been sworn into George Irwin and Michael Smyser were the British service to protect their home^ chosen by the committee to represent York against the hostile invaders and finrdly County in the proposed convention. When drove them back to the Ohio Valley. this Provincial Conference met at Philadel- The military spirit had decreased for phia, on January 22, they resolved that this sexeral years, until the patriots of York Convention heartily approved of the con- County heard of the difficulties at Boston. duct and proceedings of the Continental James Smith, the leading member of the Congress, wiiich had alread\- held a ses- York Bar, in May, 1774, was sent as a dele- sion. gate to the Provincial Conference, which In April, 1775, James Smith, chairman of was held at Carpenter's Hall. Philadelphia. the Committee of Safety, addressed a From the time he had heard of the disturbed patriotic letter to the committee at Boston state of affairs in Massachusetts, James and forwarded the sum of 246 pounds for Smith was one of the foremost in this prov- tiie relief of the suffering people of that ince to advocate armed resistance against city. the mother country. He presented his I'he term Associators \vas ap])lied to arguments with force and eloquence to the patriotic citizens of Pennsylvania who Conference, which, however, adopted con- 1)anded together earlv in the I'^exnlution to ciliatorv measures. 244 IIISTURV OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Immediately after his return to when these patriots heard of the battle of The York, this ardent advocate of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. Immediately First American liberty began the after the news was brought to York Company, organization of the first mili- County, the military company conunanded tary company in Pennsylvania l)y Captain Michael Doudel, with Lieuten- for the purpose of opposing British oppres- ants Miller, Dill and Matson, began the sion. James Smith was chosen captain of march to join the patriot army under Wash- this company; Thomas Hartley, first lieu- ington around Boston. The career of this tenant; David Grier, second lieutenant; company is told elsewhere in this volume. Henry [Miller, ensign. The commanding 'I'he Revolution had now opened and all officer became a signer of the Declaration of of the thirteen colonies were in a condition Independence and his subordinates all won of rebellion. This state of affairs brought distinction in the American army. The about a meeting of the Pennsylvania As- non-commissioned officers and privates sembly, June 30, 1775, which by this time ^vere composed of the leading citizens of had become a patriotic body. INIany of the town and county. They met regularly those in favor of the British crown had re- for drill and discipline, being armed with tired. The Assembly approved the organ- rifles for complete training in the art of war. ization of Associators and passed resolu- Meantime the first Continental Congress tions agreeing in case of invasion to provide had met at Carpenter's Hall, September 5, for necessar}' pay of officers and soldiers 1774, and although this body agreed upon performing military duty while in active a declaration of rights, and sent a petition service. It recommended that the Board of to the king, it did not urge armed resist- Commissioners and Assessors in each ance against the mother country. The mili- county provide a number of muskets or tary spirit, however, was rife throughout rifles with bayonets, cartridge boxes large York Count}^, \\'hicli embraced the area now enough for twenty rounds, and knapsacks. included in .Vdanis, and within a short time Three hundred were asked for the Count}- other companies of Associators were of York. Every county was requested to formed. On February 14, 1775, the local select a number of Minute Men equal to the Committee of Correspondence, at a meet- number of arms, and to be in readiness ing held in the Court House at York, re- upon the shortest notice to march to any corded that there were several companies of quarter in case of emergency. Associators within the limits of the count\' Saturday of each week was set apart for engaged in military drill and discipline military drill. The average number of men similar to the one at York. It further in a company was eighty, rank and file. stated that the conunanding officers were The company could not go outside of Penn- willing to disband these companies if their sylvania without the vote of the majority of existence was not agreeable to the com- the officers and men. mittee. James Smith being chairman, de- Immediately after the first company of clared in open meeting and had it recorded volunteers under Captain Doudel and Lieu- that the committee would not discourage tenant Miller began the march to Boston the martial spirit of these Associators to join the army under Washington, the As- throughout York County, but on the con- sociators began to organize for defensi\-e trary reported: "we are of the opinion that operations in case their services were said Associators if trained with prudence, needed. A meeting of the local Committee moderation and a strict regard to good of Safety and officers of the Associators was order, under the direction of a man of held in the county Court House at York, probity and understanding, would tend July 28th and 29th, 1775. It was presided much to the security of this country over by James Smith. Under the authority against the attempts of our enemies." of this meeting, York County was divided The news from Lexington and Concord into five military districts. where the British had attacked the militia The associated companies then of Massachusetts, stimulated the military Battalions already formed in the town of ardor of the .'\ssociators in York County, Organized. York and tlie Townships of and it reached the higliest point of tension Hellam, Windsor, JManchester, : THE REVOLUTIOX 245 York and Codorus, were organized into the The Associators and Minute Men of York first Ijattalion of York County .\ssociators Coimty who had already subscribed to the under the command of James Smith, as voluntar}- articles of association for de- colonel; Thomas Hartley, lieutenant-colo- fensive purposes, and which were the first nel: Joseph Donaldson and Michael Swopc. prepared in any province or colony in the majors. country, accepted thirty-two articles of as- The second battalion was formed from sociation recommended by the Pennsyl- associated companies in the region of what \ania Conference, August 12, 1775. These is now part of Adams County, including the articles provided for every contingency that Townships of Cumberland, Hamilton Ban, might arise to the troops if called into Straban, Menallen. ^It. Joy and Tyrone, active service. They were read in the with Robert McPherson, colonel: David presence of each company, after which Kennedy, lieutenant-colonel; and Moses officers and privates gave their solemn McClean and Hugh Dunwoodie, majors. attestation. The preamble to these articles The third battalion was formed from as- reads as follows sociated companies in Heidelberg, Berwick, "We, the ofticers and soldiers engaged Paradise. Mt. Pleasant, ^Manheim and Ger- in the present association for the defence many Townships, with Richard AIcAllister, of American liberty, being fully sensible colonel; Henry Slagle, lieutenant-colonel; that the strength and security of any body John Andrews and Joseph Jeffries, majors. of men, acting together, consists in just Tlie fourth battalion ^\•as formed from the regularit}'. due subordination and exact associated companies in Chanceford, obedience to command, without wdiich no Shrewsbury, Fawn and Hopewell Town- indi\'idual can have that confidence in sup- ships, with William Smith, colonel; Francis port of those about him that is so necessary Holton, lieutenant-colonel; and John Gib- to giye firmness and resolution to the whole, son and John Finley, majors. do voluntarily and freely, after consider- The fifth battalion was formed from the ation of the following articles, adopt the associated companies in Dover. Xewberry, same as the rules by which we agree and Monaghan, \\'arrington, Huntingdon and resolve to be governed in all our military Reading Townships, with \\'illiam Rankin, concerns and operations until the same, or colonel; Matthew Dill, lieutenant-colonel; any of them, shall be changed or dissolved Robert Stevenson and Gerhart Graefif, by the Assembly, or Provincial Convention, majors. or in their recess by the Committee of At this same meeting for the or- Safety, or a happy reconciliation shall take Minute ganization of battalions of Asso- place between Great Britain and tlit- Men. ciators, under the authority of the Colonies." Pennsylvania Conference, a bat- On August I. Colonel James Smith, com- talion of Minute Men was organized with mander of the first battalion of Associators Richard ]ilc.\llister, colonel; Thomas Hart- and chairman of the Committee of Cor- lew lieutenant-colonel, and David Grier, respondence and Obserxation for York major. This battalion was composed of five County, addressed a letter to the delegates companies, one from each military district in Continental Congress from Pennsyl- of the county. Each company of Minute vania. This Congress had convened in Men was composed of a captain, two lieu- Philadelphia on May 10. on the day when tenants, four sergeants, four corporals, an Ticonderoga and Crown Point had been ensign, a drummer and sixty-eight or more captured by Ethai* .\llen. As recorded in privates. These Minute Men were volun- the Pennsylvania .\rchives, Colonel Smith teers from the five battalions of Associators. asked an opinion as to how the committee one company from each battalion. The should proceed with those citizens who for week following this historic meeting in the conscience' sake were opposed to bearing provincial Court House at York, the differ- arms. The following day. Michael Swopc. ent companies were formed and banded of York, who was a member of the Penn- themselves together to be ready at a mo- sylvania Committee of Safety, wrote to ment's warning to take the field in defence John Dickinson, at Philadelphia, president of their rights and liberties. of the Committee. In this letter the writer >46 HISTom" ()1 COUNT V, PEXXSYLVAXIA reports the success of a meeting held at was prompt. W illiani Irvine, of Carlisle, York in julv; he asked that the officers was commissioned colonel to oro-anize and chosen to command the companies of Asso- command the Sixth Battalion of Pennsyl- ciators and Minute Men recei\e commis- vania \'olunteers, largely composed of sions, thus giving them proper authority to troops from west of the Susquehanna, perform their military dtities. Captain Closes McClean recruited and corn- By this time in the history of affairs manded one of the companies from York which brought forth the war for indepen- County \\'hich joined Irvine's battalion, and dence there were fifty-three battalions of Captain David Grier the other. The Associators in Pennsjdvania. It must be muster rolls of these two companies and understood that the incidents herein the part taken by these troops in the first described took place one year before the Canada expedition will be found in the Declaration of Independence, when Penn- chapter on that subject in this volume, sylvania was still a province and the As- Thomas Hartley, a member of the York sembly not acting under a constitution. County Bar, was commissioned lieutenant- which was adopted in 1776, when this prov- colonel of this battalion. He was then ince became one of the thirteen original twenty-six years of age. states. The remaining troops all over On September 14, the local committee Committee York County continued to from this county reported to Benjamin of Safety. practice the manual of arms Franklin and the Committee of Safety for with their flintlock muskets. Pennsylvania, that the number of Associ- They were imbued with the military spirit ators in York County was 3,349. Accord- and continued to prepare themselves to ing to this report there were in July pre- take an active part in the war which had ceding nine hundred non-associators in this opened with so much energy and defiance county, who were opposed to bearing arms, to the mother country. ^Meantime a new Meantime some of these had voluntarily Committee of Safety and Observation was joined the military companies and became elected by a popular vote throughout the loyal to the cause of independence. The county. Only men interested in protecting liattalions in York County, according to the the rights of the colonies were chosen, committee's statement, did not contain an There were several members from each of equal number of men, but none of them had the twenty-six townships. The following fewer than five hundred. The first three are the names: battalions were large enougli for regiments. The men appointed to command these com- Michael Swope, George Brinkerhoff, James Smith, John Semple, panies were generalh' efficient. The dis- Thomas Hartley, Robert McPlierson, cipline of the companies was not all the John Hay, Samnel Edie, Charles Lukens, William McClellan, same, so this committee suggested if any David Grier, 1 homas Donglass, weve to be called into service it would be Joseph Donaldson, John Agnew, \\'ell to call otit those who were best trained George Irwin, David Kennedy, John Kean, George Clingen, in the manual of arms and in military William Lease, George Kerr, practice. William Scott. Abraham Banta, — It will thus be seen that the Associators George Eichelberger, John Mickle, Jr., Philip Albright, Samnel McConaughy, west of the Susquehanna were preparing Michael Hahn, David McConaughy, themselves for anj- emergencv. The com- David Candler, John Blackburn, ^pangler, William Walker, panv that had volunteered ear'lv in Julv had-^?=''^'" ' ' , , , I r John Houston, Richard McAllister, already won a record for courage and Thomas Armor Christian Graff, marksmanship in Thompson's battalion in John Schultz, Jacob Will, Christopher Slagle, Henry Slagle, A\'ashington's army, at Boston. Andrew Rutter, John Hamilton, When it was decided by Continental Peter Wolfe, John Montieth, Congress, in the winter of 1775-6. to send Philip Jacob King, Thomas Lilly, Zachariah Shugart, Richard Parsel, an expedition to in\'ade Canada, two com- John Herbach, Charles Gelwix, panies were ordered to be recruited for that William Johnston, John ]\IcClure, service from the associated battalions of John Spangler, William Shakly. James Dickson, Frederick Gelwix, York County. The response to this call Francis Cazart, John H inkle. THE REVOLUTION 247 John Hoover, Lewis Williams, battalion met and drilled at one place under Patrick McSherry," William Rankin, the of James Lceper, James Xailer, command the colonel. The war spirit Joseph Reed, Haltzer Knertzer, was rife throughout the state of Pennsyl- Patrick Scott, Henry Mathias, vania and in every section of York County. James Edgar, George Stough, Benjamin Savage, Daniel Messerly, The climax came when the Brit- Andrew Thompson, . John X^esbit, Called ish threatened to capture the city Peter Baker, William Wakely, Into of York. Sir Jacob Kase!, John Chamberlain, New William Howe John Wilhams, Andrew Thompson, Service, was now in command of the 'Wilham Mitchell, Alexander Sanderson. enemy's troops and had received The British army, after having been many recruits from across the ocean. In driven out of Boston by the Americans order to supply all protective measures pos- under Washington, proceeded to Halifax. sible, on July 5, 1776, the day after the Xova Scotia. When Congress heard that Declaration of Independence had been this army was about to threaten New York, voted upon, a committee of Congress held it asked for 2,000 troops from Pennsylvania. a conference with the Pennsylvania Com- A regiment under Colonel Sainuel ]\Iiles mittee of Safety, and the field officers of the was organized at Philadelphia. One com- five battalions of Associators then organ- • pany was called for from York County. ized in Philadelphia. At this meeting reso- This company was recruited from dififerent lutions were adopted, urgently requesting battalions of Associators and was placed in that the entire force of Associators in Penn- conmiand of Philip Albright as captain: sylvania, in all, fifty-three battalions, "who John Thompson, first lieutenant ; Cornelius can be furnished with arms and accoutre- Sheriff, second lieutenant ; William Mc- ments be forthwith requested to march Pherson, second lieutenant Stair, with the utmost expedition" to Trenton and ; Jacob third lieutenant. This company joined the New Brunswick in the State of New Jersey. regiment in June and the story of its These troops were to remain in the service service is given in the history of Colonel until a Flying Camp composed of 10,000 ^files' regiment, found in this volume. men could be organized in the field, and During the first years of the war, many placed under the command of General of the patriots of the Revolution were only Hugh Mercer, a bosom friend of Washing- seeking for what they termed the rights of ton. On the same day, Congress approved the colonies, but as England was sending what had been done and "recommended to more troops to this country for the purpose the good people of Pennsylvania to carry of conquering the Americans now in the their purposes into execution with the same field, the spirit of independence prevailed laudable readiness which they have ever throughout the colonies from New Hamp- manifested in supporting the injured rights shire to Georgia. On July 4, 1776, by a of their country." This news was soon majority vote in Continental Congress, the brought west of the Susquehanna and cir- Declaration of Independence was adopted. culated throughout York County. Pennsylvania was no longer a province There are no official reports which give under the English government. She was in the historian the privilege of describing in the centre of the thirteen original states, detail how these five battalions of associ- and when the war had ended was the key- ated militia from this county congregated at stone of the arch vmder which the American their appointed places and began the march troops marched when they were mustered toward Philadelphia and Trenton. Every out of service. Philadelphia was to become flintlock musket or rifle available was the first seat of government of the new-born brought into requisition and given to these Republic of the United States. The five patriots who had answered the call of their battalions of Associators in York County country for the common defence of the continued to drill and discipline more fre- nation, which had just declared its indepen- quently than they had done before Congress dence. had declared the states free and indepen- Michael Swope took command of dent. They had company drill at the regu- Going the battalion which had been lar parading ground selected by the captain, to the drilled by James Smith, who had and twice a month all the companies of a Front, been elected to Congress, and be- 248 HISTORY OF YORK COUXTY. PEXXSYLVA'NIA came a signer of the immortal ileclara- up their organizations and continued their tion. Robert McPherson, who then re- military drill and discipline, expecting that sided near the site of Gettysburg, marched they might soon again be called into the toward York with the Second Battalion. service. After the battle of Long Island, Richard McAllister, who was also com- which was succeeded by the disaster to the mander of the Minute Alen, came with the American arms at Fort Washington, the Third Battalion from Hanover and vicinity. British held New York City. Succeeding \\'illiam Smith, with the Fourth Battalion, these events \\'ashington, with his depleted from the lower end of the county, crossed army, retreated across New Jersey and the Susquehanna at McCall's Ferry and pro- when Philadelphia was threatened by the ceeded to Lancaster, where he afterward invading foe, there was another call for met the other battalions on the march. troops. The Pennsylvania Council of William Rankin came from Newberry and Safety requested the Board of War to sta- adjoining townships with the Fifth Bat- tion more troops for the defence of Phila- talion. If they all obtained firelocks and delphia. The object of this move was not the necessary equipment, there were at least only to protect the city against the invading 2.500 professional men, tillers of the soil foe, but to menace the adherents to the and tradesmen, who crossed the Susque- Crown known as Tories, who lived in Phila- hanna and began the march to Philadelphia delphia and the surrounding country. It and Trenton in the midsummer days of was then ordered that two Virginia battal- July, 1776, shortly after the Declaration of ions, the German battalion, four companies Independence had been read in front of the of Marines, and 500 Associators from each Court House at York. of the counties of York, Cumberland, Lan- "On July 7," says the pastor of the caster and Berks be called into the service IMoravian Church in his diary, "strict orders and placed under the command of General came that all Associators of this county Stephen for the defence of Philadelphia. should hold themselves in readiness to Thomas Wharton, president of march to the front." Mifflin Pennsylvania, on December 23, In answer to the call for troops, York at issued an address which appealed County responded with the five battalions, York. to every friend of his country. the advance reaching Philadelphia July 16. Meantime, General Thomas Mif- From thence they proceeded to Perth Am- flin, the "fighting Quaker" of the Revolu- boy, near the city of New York, and during tion, was requested by the State Assembly the succeeding month two regiments were to make a tour of Pennsylvania. He made formed out of these battalions of Associ- speeches in every section of the state, ators. They composed the First and arousing the patriotism of the people by his Second Pennsylvania Regiments of the fascinating eloquence. He came to York Flying Camp, whose history will be found and also visited Carlisle. In both of these in another chapter of this book. towns he stirred up so much enthusiasm The Associators who had not that an early chronicler was constrained to Proof of enlisted in the Flying Camp in say "the quota from the back counties was Patriotism, accordance with the act of easily raised." In fact the loyalty to the Congress, after receiving the union of states in the interior counties was pay of troops in the Continental service, much more pronounced than in the city of were permitted to return home. It seems Philadelphia. that a sufficient numl:)er had enlisted for the This alarming call was the result of the immediate demands of the army. The defeat of A\^ashington around New York object in calling the entire militia force of City and the retreat of his army across the state for one month had a double pur- New Jersey. The term of enlistment of pose. It supplied sufficient men for the some of his soldiers had ended. The Flying Flying Camp, and at that early period Camp, which had enlisted for the term of proved the courage and patriotism of the six months, would end January i, but many Pennsylvania Associators in the cause of of this gallant band of soldiers were per- independence. suaded to remain in the service for a longer The .\ssociators A\'ho returned home kept time. A\'ithin a few da^'s, three thousand : THE RE\'OLUTIOX 249 Associators from the interior of Pennsyl- quired to have at least 640 militia, armed vania arrived in the city of Phihidelphia and and equipped and ready for military duty. were placed in command of Cadwalader Tiie organization of the county and Ewing, then guarding the Delaware Militia militia was in ciiarge of a lieu- River from Trenton to Philadelphia. Al- Organized, tenant and in each district a though not active participants, they were sub-lieutenant was appointed. present at Trenton and Princeton, im- This law went into force in March, 1777. portant victories in the American cause. Richard Mc.Vllister, who had commanded a When it was feared the British would regiment in the Flying Camp, was ap- again attack Philadelphia in the spring of pointed lieutenant of York County. Hance 1777, the Supreme Executive Council, in a Morrison, Robert Stevenson, John Hay, proclamation of the 9th of April, after James McCandless and John Carson were stating the causes of alarm and calling upon appointed sub-lieutenants. It was the duty the people to prepare for defence, used this of the sub-lieutenants to carry out all the language provisions of the act and see that at least "This city lias once been saved by the 640 men in his district between the ages of vigorous, manly efforts of a few brave As- 18 and 50 should receive the proper military sociators, who generously stepped forward drill so as to be trained in the art of war. in defence of their country ; and it has been All persons enrolled who failed to be repeatedly and justly observed, and ought present at muster without cause were fined to be acknowledged as a signal evidence of 7 shillings and 6 pence. There were eight the favor of Divine Providence that the companies in a district. Each company lives of the associated militia in every Ijattle was required to drill at least two days eacli during this just war have been remarkably month. The companies met at regular in- spared. Confiding, therefore, in the con- tervals for battalion drill. The militia tinuance of His blessing, who is indeed the forces of the state were then placed under God of Armies, let every man among us the command of Brigadier-Generals John hold himself ready to march into the field Armstrong, John Cadwalader. James Pot- whenever he shall be called upon to do so." ter and Samuel Meredith. In June, Arm- With the passage and promulga- strong was made the major-general and State tion of the new militia law, the James Irvine was appointed additional Militia. Associated Battalions as such brigadier, in August. ceased to exist. The days of the As early as April 25, 1777, President Associators had passed away and the Penn- AMiarton, by advice of Continental Con- syl\-ania militia came upon the stage of gress and the Board of War, ordered at action. It was naturally anticipated that least 500 militia from the different counties greater thoroughness in discipline would be of the state to rendezvous at Bristol and the result, yet this was never realized. Al- Chester, to be in readiness for the enemy if though the militia served well in the cam- they attempted to attack Philadelphia. paign around Philadelphia, September, On May i, 1777, Colonel Richard McAl- 1777, yet their duties were afterward lister wrote to President Wharton that he chiefly confined either in protecting the had just finished dividing York County into frontiers, standing sentinel while the back- military districts. It was difficult to raise woodsman sowed his grain and reaped his tlie quota of 640 men required for each dis- harvest, or in guarding prisoners of war. trict. He assured Mr. A\"harton that he had The influence of the Associators was never- not lost one hour in organizing the militia, theless felt throughout the contest for in- nor would he until the work was thor- dependence. oughly done. On May 7, President Whar- At the next session of the Pennsylvania ton acknowledged the receipt of McAl- Assembly, a special act was passed relating lister's letter, assuring the latter that he to the militia of the state. The act pro- felt confident that he was performing his vided for the division of York County into duty to his utmost a1)ility. He requested six districts for the purpose of keeping the that a report of tlie election of officers for militia organizations in practice ready for each battalion be forwarded in order that service. Each countv of the state was re- commissions for these of^cers might be sent 2qo HISTORY OF YORK COUXTY, PEXXSYLVAXIA to Colonel McAllister for distribution. As of the state which contained German in- soon as he learned the movements of the habitants. enemy, Wharton stated that he would in- On August 28. 1777. Colonel Richard Mc- form McAllister of the condition of affairs, Allister wrote to President Wharton that so that he might be able to furnish the there were dissensions among the Associ- quota of men required from York County. ators in the German townships near Han- June 14, the Supreme Executive Council over. Two hundred freemen had assembled of the state sent a circular letter requesting at one place for the purpose of opposing the the county lieutenants to forward to the draft of tlie militia for service in the field. seat of war the militia of the first class, and He continued by saying that he had lived to have in readiness those of the second in peace among these people for twenty class for active service. years or more, and knew well their customs July 4, McAllister wrote to and habits, but it was very difficult to in- Trouble President Wharton from Han- duce them to take up arms against the in over, stating that he had great country to which they had sworn allegiance. Raising difBculty in getting the battalions He said that notwithstanding the ditficulties Troops, together for military practice. lie liad encountered in the prosecution of Some of the officers elected were his duties as lieutenant of York County, he unsatisfactory and others would not serve. had marched five companies to the front He stated that there was a lack of arms in fully armed and equipped, in answer to the York County necessary for the troops either recent call, and would soon have three more for drill or active service in the field, and companies ready to take up the march for urged that the state supply the necessary the army. In this letter McAllister stated arms. This worked against his ability to that in two or three companies all of the forward the troops as rapidly as expected. men were substitutes, except five or six. On July 28, Continental Congress, upon He obtained substitutes for the sum of $40, receiving the news of the movement of while in Cumberland County from $100 to Howe's army from New York toward $110 were paid to induce men to enlist as Philadelphia, asked the State of Pennsyl- substitutes. vania to furnish 4,000 troops from the Early in the summer. Colonel McAllister organized militia within the state. Each had received from the State of Pennsyhania county was requested to send one class of the sum of 1,000 pounds for the purpose of the militia. carrying on his work and was charged with It will be seen from these numerous calls the same. On August i, the sum of 3,000 for troops the disturbed condition of affairs pounds, or about $15,000, was sent to him. in Pennsylvania during this crucial period This money was used to equip the soldiers of the Revolution. Most of the militia of and to buy substitutes to take the places of York County at this time belonged to the those who refused to enter the army. agricultural classes. Some of them were Instead of crossing New Jersey and at- Quakers, who, according to their religion, tacking Philadelphia, as anticipated. Gen- were non-combatants. Still another class eral Howe set sail from New York and were Germans who had sworn allegiance to came up the Chesapeake Bay, landing near the government of England when they set- Elkton, Md., with an army of 18,000 men. tled in York County and other sections of At this alarming period of the war. Presi- Pennsylvania. When General Howe landed dent Wharton, of Pennsylvania, issued a in N'ew York after the battle of Long Island proclamation to the people of the state he had offered a general amnesty to all which in part reads as follows: Americans who were willing to adhere to "The time is at length come in the British crown. There were many Ger- Appeal which the fate of ourselves, our mans serving in the British army at this to Arms, wives, children and posterity period, and German emissaries were sent must be speedily determined; out among the people of that nationality General Howe, at the head of a British throughout Pennsylvania, urging them to army, the only hope, the last resource of oppose the militia laws. This caused a our enemy, has invaded this state, dis- great difficultv in York and other counties missing his ships and disencumbering him- rill^ REVOLUTION self of his heav)- ai"tiller_\- and baggage, he under General .\rmslrong, who commanded appears to have risked all upon the event of the extreme left of the American army at a movement which must either deliver up the battle of Brandywine. .-Mthough not to plunder and devastation, this capital of actively engaged in the battle. Armstrong Pennsylvania and of America, or forever and his Pennsylvania militia remained on blast the cruel designs of our implacable the heights below Chad's Ford and were foe. Blessed be God, Providence seems to witnesses to the battle. After the defeat, have left it to ourselves to determine Armstrong retreated to Chester and then whether we shall triumph in victory and moved with Washington to Philadelphia. rest in freedom and peace, or by tamely Li the battle of Germantown, the Pennsyl- submitting, or weakly resisting, deliver our- vania militia took a prominent part. They selves up a prey to an enemy. behaved with gallantry in this engagement "The foe is manifestly aiming, either by as well as in the spirited skirmishes at force to conquer, or by strategem and stolen Chestnut Hill, \\'hite Marsh and Crooked marches to elude the vigilance of our brave Billet Tavern. In the affair at White commander, declining a battle with our Alarsh, Colonel James Thompson, of Hope- countrjnnen, they have attempted to steal well Township, who commanded a battalion upon us by surprise. They have been of York County men, was wounded and car- hitherto defeated, but numbers are abso- ried off the field on a horse by General lutely necessary to watch them on every James Potter, then commanding a brigade quarter at once. of Pennsylvania militia. "The neighboring states are hurrying After the campaign of 1778, which re- forward their militia, and we hope by rising sulted in the victory at Monmouth, Xew as one man, and besetting the foe at a Jersey, the Pennsylvania militia west of the distance from his fleet, we shall speedily Susquehanna was utilized in guarding the enclose him like a lion in the toils. northern and western frontiers from the "The Council therefore most humbly be- ravages of hostile Indians, who had been seech and entreat all persons whatsoexer, to incited by British emissaries to disturb the exert themselves Avithout delay, to seize quietude of white settlers in this region. A this present opportunity of crushing the battalion of York County militia, in 1779, foe, now in the bowels of our countr\% by under command of Colonel Philip Albright, marching forth instantly under their re- was marched to Standing Stone, the site of spective officers, to the assistance of our Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, and quartered great general, that he may be able to en- there for several months. viron and demolish the only British army When the seat of war was transferred to that remains formidable in America. Ani- the South, and Pennsylvania was no longer mated with the hope that Heaven, as before in danger of invasion by the British, the it has done in all times of difficulty and dan- state militia spent most of their time at ger, will again crown our righteous efforts home, awaiting the result of the war. with success, we look forward to the pros- When Burgoyne's army was marched from pect of seeing our insulting foe cut off from Boston to Virginia in December. 1778. a all means of escape and, by the goodness of regiment of York County militia took the .Almighty, the Lord of Hosts and God charge of these 4,500 British and Hessians of Battles, wholly delivered into our and marched them to Charlottesville, where hands." they were held for three years. After the The first and second classes return of these prisoners to Pennsylvania, At of militia had already been two or three companies of local militia, at Brandywine called out during the early stated times, guarded about 1.800 prisoners, and summer of 1777. After the kept in a stockade in Windsor Township, Germantown. proclamation had been cir- four and a half miles southeast of York. In culated, the third class had 1781, when Cornwallis moved northward been ordered to the seat of war. Similar toward \'irginia and threatened to land at calls were made from other counties in the Annapolis, Maryland, and send a division state. They marched to join AX'ashington's to release the prisoners at York, Lancaster ami}' near Philadelphia and were placed and Reading, a part of the militia force was HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PEXXSYLVAXIA called out and stationed along the west considerable business here for twenty years bank of the Susquehanna, under the direc- or more. Late in life. Colonel Thompson tion of William Scott, who was lieutenant removed to the Chester County side of the for York Count3^ Octorara, where he died October 3, 1807, After the close of the war, in 1783. tlie at the age of 62 vears. militia system was in force for more than MAJOR JOSEPH DONALDSON, of half a century. York Comity, was a native of the Province COLONEL JAMES THOMPSON, who of Maryland, born August 16, 1742. He commanded the first battalion of York located in the southern part of York County militia at Germantown and AVhite County, was an active and energetic Whig, ]\Iarsh, was born in Sadsbury Township, and formed one of the Committee of Cor- Lancaster County, in 1745. He grew to respondence of the County, to succor the manhood in his native county and in 1773 Eostonians at the time of the going into was married to Lydia, daughter of Robert effect of the "Port Bill." He was a dele- Bailey. Soon after his marriage he re- gate to the Provincial Deputies, which met mo\-ed to the southern section of York July 15, 1774; justice of the peace from 1774 County, where he engaged in farming. He to 1776; member of the Provincial Confer- became prominently identified with the ence of January 23, 1775: and member of Round Hill Church, in Hopewell Township. the Convention of July 15, 1776. He was a Shortly after the opening of the Revolution major of the First Battalion of the Associ- he appeared before his l)rother, Andrew ators of York County, July, 1775, and was Thompson, one of the court justices for in service during the campaign of 1776. York County, and took the oath of alle- On the 8th of November, 1777, he was ap- giance and fidelity to the government of the pointed one of the commissioners to collect L'nited vStates. He served as a lieutenant clothing for the Continental army. Major in the Pennsylvania Line and was promoted Donaldson died at York about 1790. For for meritorious services. In September, ten years he was a partner with Wil- 1777, when the Pennsylvania militia was liam Harris in the mercantile business at called into acti\-e service to aid in opposing the southeast corner of Market and Water the British army under Howe from its T t r c c t s approach to Philadelphia, James Thompson COLONEL HENRY SCHLEGEL was commissioned colonel of the First Bat- (SLAGLE) was born in Lancaster County, talion of the A^ork County troops. This Pennsylvania, in 1735. His father, Chris- battalion was placed in the brigade of topher Slagle, of Saxony, came to Pennsyl- Pennsyhania militia commanded by Briga- vania in 1713, and the following year took dier-General Potter, and served in the cam- up a large tract of land on the Conestoga paign around Philadelphia during the fall Creek, and built a mill. Subsequently he of 1777. transferred his interests therein, and re- Colonel Thompson was se\-erely wounded moved, in 1737, west of the Susquehanna, in an action at White Horse Tavern, near locating near the present site of Hanover, Philadelphia, and was carried from the now within the limits of Adams County, on field by General Potter, on the latter's Slagle's Run, a branch of the Little Cone- horse, to the brigade surgeon for treatment. wago. Henry was one of four sons, Daniel, After recuperating from his wound. Colonel Jacob and Christopher, and followed the Thompson returned to his home in A'ork occupation of his father, a farmer and County, where he served during the next miller. He was commissioned one of the year as purchasing agent for the govern- pro\incial magistrates in October, 1764, ment. In 1779 he was chosen a member, to and continued in of-fice by the convention of represent York County, in the Supreme 1776. In December, 1774, he served on the Executive Council of Pennsjdvania. Some- committee of inspection for York County: time after the Revolution he removed to commanded a battalion of Associators in Sadsbury Township, where, in association 1779; was a member of the Provincial Con- with his brother-in-law. Colonel John ference of June 18, 1776, and of the subse- Steele, he built a grist mill and a paper mill quent convention of the I5tli of July. He on the (_)ctorara Creek. Thev conducted a was appointed by the Assembly, December ; THE REVOLUTION 253 16, 1777. (o take subscriptions for the Con- part of which subsequently became incor- tinental loan: November 22, 1777, acted as porated into the town and known as "Hay's one of the commissioners which met at Addition." He died in April, 1810. His New Haven, Connecticut, to regulate the son, Jacob, was a corporal in Moylan's cav- price of commodities in the states. He alrv regiment of the Revolution. represented York County in the General COLONEL ROBERT McPHERSOX Assembly from 1777 to 1779; appointed was the only son of Robert and Janet Mc- sub-lieutenant of the county, -March 30, Pherson, who settled in the western portion 1780; one of the auditors of depreciation of York County, in the fall of 1738 on the accounts for York Cotmty, March 3, 1781 "Manor of Maske." He was born presum- member of the Constitutional Convention abl}- in Ireland about 1730. and was a youth of 1789-90; commissioned by Governor of eight years when his parents became a Miliflin. one of the associate judges of York part of the well-known Marsh Creek settle- County, August 17, 1791. and continued as ment. He was educated at Rev. Dr. .Alli- such upon the organization of Adams son's school at New London, Chester County. He represented the latter county County, Pennsylvania, which academy was in the Legislature, sessions of 1801-2. afterward moved to Newark, Delaware, and Colonel Slagle died at his residence, near became the foundation of the present col- Hanover; his remains were interred in the lege at that place. His father died Decem- graveyard adjoining St. Matthew's Luth- ber 25, 1749, and his mother September 2},, eran Church. The various offices held by 1767. In 175 1 he married Agnes, the him show conclusively that he had the con- daughter of Robert Miller, of the Cumber- fidence of the community. He was an land Valley. In 1755 he was appointed ardent patriot, a faithful officer, and an up- treasurer of York County, and in 1756 a right citizen. commissioner of the county. The latter XlEUTENANT-COLONEL JOHN office he resigned on accepting a commis- HAY, of the Revolution, was born in sion as captain of the Third Battalion of the Alsace, then in France, about 1733. His Provincial forces. May 10, 1758, serving father. John Hay, was a native of Scotland, under General Forbes on his expedition who. owing to the religious persecutions, against Fort Duquesne. From 1762 to 1765 emigrated to the Province of Alsace, sub- he was sheriff of the county, and from 1764 sequently coming to America, bringing to the begiiming of the Revolution was a with him four sons, who settled in Phila- justice of the peace under the Proprietaries, delphia. Northampton, and York Counties, serving from 1770 as president justice of the Pennsylvania, and in Virginia. John Hay, York County Court, and was re-commis- of York County, was naturalized April 11, sioned a justice under the first constitution 1760. He w-as one of the Provincial mag- of the state. From 1765 to 1767 he was a istrates; a commissioner of the county from member of the Provincial Assembly and in 1772 to 1775; member of the Committee of 1768 was appointed county treasurer to fill Correspondence to send aid to the people of a vacancy. He was a member of the Pro- Boston in 1774; of the Provincial Conven vincial Conference which met at Carpenter's tion. • First Lieutenant in Tune ' / / .^ Hall. Philadelphia. June 18, 1776; and was Colonel James Smith's Battalion of Asso- one of the representatives of York Count}' ciators, December, 1775; member of the in 1776. which formed the first constitution Provincial Conference which met at Car- of the State of Pennsylvania. .Vt the be- penter's Hall, June 18, 1776; and of the ginning of the \\'ar for Independence he Convention of July 15. called by that body. was commissioned a colonel of the York He was appointed sub-lieutenant of the County Battalion of Associators, and dur- county ^larch 12. 1777: resigning to accept ing that and the following year he was in the office of county treasurer in 1778, filling active service in the Jerseys and in the sub- that position almost uninterruptedly until sequent campaign around Philadelphia. 1801. He represented York County in the .\fter his return from the field he was em- Assembly in 1779, 1782,^ 1783. and 1784. l)loyed as the purchasing commissary of Colonel Hay was the owner of a large tract army supplies for the western end of York of land in the immediate vicinitv of "N'ork, County. In 1779 he was one of the three : -'54 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. PEXXSYLVAXIA auditors of "confiscation and fine accounts." New Vcjrk City and Long Island for sev- From 1781 to 1785 he served as a member eral months. of the Assembly of the State. Colonel Mc- Major Lewis was a man of education and Pherson was one of the charter members in 1790, when Harrisburg was a small vil- of the corporation of Dickinson College, lage, he founded The Monitor and Weekly and continued to act as trustee until his .-\d\ertiser, the first newspaper at the state death, on February 19, 1789. His son, W'il- capital. liam McPherson, served as a lieutenant in -After General St. Clair was routed by the Albright's Company, Aides' Regiment, in Indians in Ohio, he printed and published the Revolution. in his newspaper. "St. Clair's Defeat," a COLONEL MATTHE\V DILL was poem containing literary merit, which was one of the first settlers in the vicinity of the widely copied. In 1798 Major Lewis present ,ito)wn of Dillsburg. He was of founded the town of Lewisberry. Novem- Scotch-Irish ancestry. During the troubles ber 10, 1779, he married Pamela Webster, immediately before the French and Indian at Londongrove Friends meeting house, war, he was one of the five commissioners, Chester County. Major Lewis died at one of wdiom was Benjamin Franklin, ap- Lewisberry, February i, 1807. The re- pointed to make a treaty with the Indians mains of Major Lewis and his wife are at the Croghan fort, which was located near buried in the Friends graveyard at New-- the Susquehanna, in the lower end of Cum- berrytown. The spot has recently been berland County. He afterward took part marked by a marble tablet and surrounded in the French and Indian war. In 1749 he b}' a stone wall. Among their children was one of the eight justices of the peace, were Ellis Lewis, who became chief justice and justice of the Court of Common Pleas of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania of York County. He died before the Revo- Webster Lewis, physician at Lewisberry lution. His remains, together with those James, a member of the bar and president of many of his descendants, lie in the family of the York bank; Eli, president of the graveyard a few hundred yards west of First National bank at York. Dillsburg, this county. His daughter mar- COLONEL WILLIAM RANKIN, of ried Colonel Richard McAllister. York County, of Quaker parentage, was a Colonel Matthew Dill, of the Revolution, natixe of England, his parents coming to was a son of Matthew Dill. In October, this country when he was very young. 1764, he was appointed justice of the peace Prior to the Revolution he was a justice of and the Court of Common Pleas, under the the peace of the Province, and located near colonial go\ernment, and continued in the the Susquehanna, in Fishing Creek \'alley, same office upon the adoption of the consti- York County. Although a member of the tution of 1776. He served in the General A\'arrington Monthly Meeting, he became Assembly in 1777-8-9. During the year at the outset of the Revolution an ardent 1779 he was appointed sub-lieutenant of Whig, and was chosen colonel of one of the York County, to organize the county York County Battalions of Associators. militia, and on March 30, 1780, was ap- He was a member of the Provincial Confer- pointed one of the three commissioners to ence of June 18, 1776, and of the Conven- seize the personal efifects of Tories in York tion of 15th of July following. By the County. For a short time after the Revo- latter body he was continued a justice of lution he was president justice of the Court the peace. The cause of Colonel Rankin's of Common Pleas. defection has never been divulged, but MAJOR ELI LEWIS, son of Ellis during the 3'ear 1780 he was detected in Lewis, wdio settled in Fairview Township holding a traitorous correspondence with ii'' 1735- '^^'^s born in Redland Valley, the enemv, and in March.- 1781, he was Januar}^ 31, 1750. In 1775 he became the arrested and thrown into prison. He commander of a company of Associators in escaped, however, from the York jail, when Newberry and Fairview Townships. In President Reed issued a proclamation 1776 he marched with his company to offering a reward for his apprehension. join the Flying Camp. He was cap- With his brothers, John and James, who tured and held as a prisoner of war in had also turned traitors to the Colonies, he RESIDENCE OF BALTZEK SPANCLER. A PIONEER SETTLER NEAR VORR FIRST STONE HOL'sE IN VoKlv COUNTY, BUILT IN 1737 THE REVOLUTION si> went to England, but whether he died in many of the privates brought their wives exile, w^e have not been able to ascertain and families to this country. His property was partly confiscated, as also January 15, 1776, Jasper that of his brothers, who had large landed Gunsmiths Yeates, of Lancaster, reported estates in York County, although, through at Work, that the blankets engaged by the intervention of influential friends, a Mr. Hough, in York County, portion was saved to their descendants for the public service, had been detained on who remained in this country. These the west side, owing to the floating ice on Tories were all compensated for their losses the river. Soon after the Revolution by the British government. opened, the gunsmiths began to make fire- locks in every section of Pennsylvania, and HISTORICAL NOTES. in April, 1776, the Committees of Safety for York, Cumberland and Northampton Coun- The following items arranged in chrono- ties were each ordered to send fifty-six logical order, relate to interesting facts and flintlock muskets, the same number of incidents of the Revolution: bayonets and powder horns to Philadelphia. In September, 1775, the Committee of In June, Colonel William Rankin, of New- Safety for York County, of which James berry Township, received 200 pounds, or Smith was chairman, sold to the Pennsyl- about $1,000, for rifles which he sold to the vania Council of Safety, forty-nine quarter Pennsylvania Cominittee of Safety. casks of powder, weighing 1,225 pounds, Early in July, ten British prisoners of the and 3,770 pounds of lead, and a supply of company commanded by Captain Campbell arms and accoutrements, receiving 559 were brought to York. These prisoners pounds, 6 shillings, 11 pence. At this early were fed by Elijah Etting, when they first date, York contained a depository for arrived. He received three pounds, fifteen munitions of war, for soon after the Penn- shillings, for feeding them seven days sylvania Council ordered the local com- before the}- were put in permanent (quar- mittee to forward to Colonel Samuel More- ters. July 15, Captain James Sterling re- head, of Westmoreland County. 500 pounds ceived $100 part payment for expenses in of powder, and 1,250 pounds of lead, for the marching British prisoners from Burling- use of militia in that county. These trans- ton, New Jersey, to York. actions took place nearly one year before September 25, Baltzer Spangler and four the Declaration of Independence, when the other persons received in all forty-fi\e dol- affairs of the Province, then in a state of lars for riding" through York County to rel)ellion against tlie mother country, were notify the colonels of the militia battalions controlled b\" the Pennsylvania Council of to march to New Jerse}-. This was the first Safety. general call for the militia of York County Octol^er 12, the local committee sent to serve in the army. They marched to" from the magazine at York, 200 pounds of Perth Amboy, New' Jersey, near Long Is- gunpowder and 600 pounds of lead, to the land, upon which the British army, under Committee of Safety for Northampton Howe, had recently landed. County. About this time, James Smith On September 30, Joseph Donaldson, of notified the people of York County that York, succeeded ]\Iichael Swope as a mem- they should not waste the powder and lead ber of the Pennsylvania Council of Safety. for it would be needed to carry on the war Colonel Donaldson immediately proceeded with England. to Philadelphia and assumed his duties. In December, Robert Morris, of Phila- January 13, 1777, York County furnished delphia, a member of the Continental Con- 4,000 bushels of grain as feed for horses in gress, requested the Pennsylvania Council the continental service. About the same of Safety to supply provisions for the time, Joseph Pennell, assistant commissary- women and children of the British troops, general, reported that owing to the demands captured at St. Johns, Canada, and give for whiskey, by the use of small copper directions for their removal to Reading, stills, many of the farmers in Pennsyhania York and Lancaster. During the early part were engaged in making this product. He of the war, most of the British officers and notified the authorities that if the practice 256 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA was continued the supply of rye and other estates of the disaffected and confiscate the grains would not ec|ual tlie demand. In property. October 21, soon after Congress February. General Jolm Armstrong, then in came to York, \\'illiam White, Robert command of. a body of militia in the army, Stevenson, James Nailor, ^Matthew Dill, stated that rye and much of the wheat \A'illiam Chesney and John Ewing were ap- raised in Cumberland, Lancaster and York pointed a committee for York County. No- Counties, in 1776, had been used in distil- vember 8, Joseph Donaldson. George Ir- ling whiske\\ "This condition of affairs," win, Thomas Stockton, Frederick Gelwix, he said, "is alarming, because in a few Thomas Weems, John Nesbitt, Henry Cot- months, Penns}lvania may be scarce in ton, Jacob Staley, John Andrews and bread for her own inhabitants." Robert Smith were appointed commission- The field officers in command of the ers to collect arms and accoutrements, militia in 1777, were appointed by authority blankets, woollen and linsey-woolsey cloth, of the State Assembly upon the recom- linens, shoes and stockings for the army, mendation of the members from the differ- from the inhabitants who had not taken the ent counties. The members of the As- oath of allegiance and abjuration or who sembly from York County then were had aided the enemy. Archibald McClean, Michael Swope, David On October 15, 1777, Jacob Smearly was Dunwoodie, James Dickson, Michael paid 13 pounds, 15 shillings for making Hahn and John Read. March 11, Thomas irons for the prisoners of war. Nesbitt paid Michael Hahn, of York, nine- November 19, 1777, the Council of Safety teen pounds, seventeen shillings, for scab- ordered the civil authorities of Cumberland bards furnished to the militia. At the same County to provide 126 wagons, and of York time, Michael Eichelberger, of York, re- County 118 wagons for the purpose of re- ceived from Nesbitt, five pounds for lodging moving government stores to places of servants of militia officers at Y'ork. Mich- safety west of the Susquehanna. This oc- ael Hahn, who had been chosen to the curred shortly after the battle of German- Legislature from York, served as paymaster town. The demands for wagons from the to the militia in 1776. He was succeeded, different townships of York County and September 16, 1777, by Lieutenant AVilliam from York were as follows: Monaghan, 2; Scott. AA'arrington, 6; Huntingdon, 6; Reading, April 25, 500 militia from York County 6; Dover, 3; Newberry, 6; Manchester, 6; were ordered to proceed to the camp at Hellam, 4; York Township, 4; York, 2; Chester. These troops were drafted in ac- Hopewell, 2: Chanceford, 2; Fawn, 4; cordance with the militia law. In general Shrewsbury, 4; A\'indsor, 6; Codorus, 6; orders, June 13, 1777, at Philadelphia, the Heidelberg, 6; Germany, 6; Paradise, 6; detachment of the First Maryland Regi- Berwick, 4; Mountjoy, 3; Mount Pleasant, ment was ordered to parade at five o'clock 3; Straban, 3; Tyrone, 4; Menallen, 3; the next morning and escort prisoners to Cumberland, 3: Hamiltonban, 3; Manheim, York. September 5, Richard Peters, secre- tary of the Board of War, suggested that October 20, Captain Joshua AA'illiams the county lieutenants of militia for York, made information before a justice of the Lancaster, Cumberland, Berks and North- peace of York County, charging Stephen ampton Counties, furnish a guard for Foulke with concealing deserters from Wil- prisoners held in or passing through said liams' company. Justice Lees discharged counties, and also for guarding government Foulke for lack of sufficient evidence. property. January 9, 1778, Joseph Jeffries was ap- There were Tories in York pointed wagon-master of York County. Committee County, during the Revolu- February 13, Captain Long, commanding Appointed. tion, as well as in other parts militia whose term had expired, was of the country. The most ordered to convey British prisoners from stringent measures were adopted by the Lancaster to York. State Legislatures to check the growth of General Washington, who had been disloyalty. For this purpose committees given by Congress extraordinary powers, were appointed in each county to seize the on February 17, 1778, ordered Lieutenant TliK RE\ULL"TI(JX -'57 Thomas Campbell, of Monachan Townsliip. James Elliot and a detachment of militia to return home and recruit one hundred and were paid 8 pounds for services and expense fifty men for the army. March 22, the in disarming Tories, September 15, 1778. Executive Council of Pennsylvania granted "Ralph," a negro slave belonging to an order in favor of Colonel Richard ]\IcAl- John Rankin, of York County, petitioned lister, lieutenant of York County, for 3,000 the Assembly for his freedom in September, pounds, or $15,000, to be given to William because his master was charged with being Scott, paymaster of militia of York County. a Tory and was then in the British lines at David Watson received 1,500 pounds from Philadelphia. Ralph claimed his master the same source, April 10, 1778. for the pur- had freed him sometime before he had gone pose of purchasing horses in the County of to Philadelphia. Being unable to prove his York, for the Continental cavalry. Captain assertion, the slave was ordered to be hired Thomas Gourley, of the Ninth ; Captain out. September 16, Paymaster William Xehemiah Stokely, of the Eighth : Lieuten- Scott received $20,000 for the use of the ant James McCulIough, of the Fifth; Lieu- militia of York County. Colonel David tenant Thomas Campbell and Lieutenant Kennedy, of York County, one of the com- Samuel Gray, of the Fourth Pennsylvania missioners to purchase clothing for the Regiments, came to York County, in April, army in the county of York, received to recruit soldiers to fill up the Pennsyl- $12,500 for that purpose, October 10. vania Line. On February 9, 1779, Colonel Robert Stephenson, James Marlar, Wil- Wagons Joseph Jeffries petitioned the liam Chesney, Thomas Stockton, and for Council of Safety for money to Thomas Lilly were appointed commission- Prisoners, pay for wagons used in trans- ers for York County, under the act of at- porting the British and Hes- tainder. James Edgar, a member of the sian troops of Burgoyne's army from the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, received Susquehanna River to Virginia. March 22, 1,000 pounds in May, for the use of David Colonel Richard McAllister received \\'atson in the purchase of horses. May $15,000 for the use of William Scott, of 20, ^^"illiam Scott, paymaster, received York County, paymaster of militia. May 4,000 pounds to pay the militia then in the 14, York County was ordered to furnish service from York County. June 29, two thirty wagons to transport provisions and days after Congress left York, a large military stores to troops ordered to the number of refugees from the western western frontier at Fort Pitt, now Pitts- frontier of Pennsylvania arrived in York burg. on the way to Maryland. Archibald McClean, of York, who had August 10, Colonel Albright received served as a member of the State Assembly, from John Ha}-, sub-lieutenant of York was appointed by the Supreme Executive County, 112 muskets for use of a part of Council, July 14, 1779, to receive subscrip- his battalion on an expedition against the tions in York County to aid in securing a Indians and Tories in the interior of Penn- loan of twenty million dollars for carrying sylvania. These troops were sent to on the war, as authorized by Congress. Standing Stone, now Huntingdon, Penn- October 13, the Supreme Executive Council sylvania. called out three classes of York County On September 4, Elizabeth Shugart was militia to guard the frontier and to join the given a pass into the British lines in the Continental army. The state militia were city of New York, for the purpose of visit- usually called out for sixty days. On this ing her husband, then a prisoner of war on occasion, Washington desired them to Long Island, having been captured at Fort serve one month longer. In answer to this W'ashington while serving in Colonel call, an additional bounty was to be re- Swope's Regiment, of York County. Sep- ceived. The officers and privates were to tember 5, Lieutenant James Milligan was receive eighty dollars in addition to tlie one ordered to recruit for the Continental army hundred dollars provided by a law already in York County, and for this purpose to passed. receive pay from Richard McAllister, lieu- March 30, 1780, ^^'illiam Scott was ap- tenant of York Countv. pointed lieutenant of militia for York 17 2.^8 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PEXXSYLVAXIA County to succeed Colonel Richard McAl- Count}'. Colonel Ephraim Blaine, of Car- lister, who had been chosen a member of lisle, grandfather of Secretary of State the Supreme Executive Council. Captain James G. Blaine, in 1780, as clothier-gen- ^^'illiam Scott was also appointed, .April 3, eral, reported that William Scott had suc- commissioner of purchase for York County, ceeded Colonel Henry Miller as assistant under an act of Assembly recently passed. clothier-general of Pennsylvania. Miller The office of lieutenant of York County had been appointed in 1779. John Brooks was created by the Assembly in 1776. This was then commissary of the government officer was required to organize the militia magazine at York. throughout the county in which he lived, On June 26, Lieutenant Scott wrote to and see that the different companies re- President Reed that he had the promise of ceived careful military drill and discipline. 600 barrels of flour from York County; had He was also required to superintend the purchased 170 sheep, 20 head of beef, but calling out of the difTerent classes of militia was unable to procure much salt beef and for service in the field, and, if necessary, bacon, because they were scarce. These was empowered to order a draft if there provisions were intended for militia to be were not a sufficient number of soldiers to marched to the frontier. He also said he fill the quota as demanded. Captain Scott, could send 100 militia to the front as soon also commissioner of purchase at that time, as arms could be procured from Philadel- was ordered to purchase fifty tons of hay. phia. The plans were changed upon the two thousand bushels of corn or four arrival of the French fleet and the expedi- thousand bushels of oats, and fifteen hun- tion to the frontier abandoned. dred barrels of flour, and in accordance with On July 15, one company of militia from directions from General Washington, was York County was ordered to Bedford, and ordered to deposit forty tons of hay, two another to A^'estmoreland County to aid in thousand bushels of corn, one hundred bar- guarding the western frontier. Upon the rels of flour, two hundred and eighty gal- arrival of the French fleet in American lons of rum at York. waters to aid in the cause of independence, April II, 1780, Thomas McKean, then the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsyl- chief-justice of Pennsylvania, wrote the vania ordered York County to provide 500 Council, that the sheriff of York County barrels of flour per month, for a stated had a prisoner who was charged with guid- time, 500 bushels of forage per month, 25 ing the British from Philadelphia to wagons, 300 horses and 600 militia. These Crooked Billet, in Bucks County, where the supplies were intended for the soldiers and Pennsyhania militia were encamped. At sailors of the French fleet; the horses and this place, in 1778, the British had surprised wagons to transport the goods, and the the militia under General Lacey and routed militia to act as a guard in transporting them. In April, 1780, General Washington them. The wagonmaster of each county recommended that 100 barrels of flour, was to allow two work horses to remain on 1,280 gallons of rum, 40 tons of hay and each farm. In September, 1780, the sum of 4,000 bushels of corn be purchased and $12,750 was advanced by the State of Penn- placed among the militia stores at York. sylvania for calling into service a part of May 27, purchasing agents were the militia of York County sent to the Con- Captain located in Pennsylvania at the tinental army in the field. William following posts: Philadelphia, Colonel William Scott wrote, August i, Scott. Easton, Reading, Lancaster, Sun- 1780, to President Reed, that he "paraded bury, Carlisle and York. On one company of volunteers and ordered June I, Captain William Scott received them to march for Bedford; but they are to from the Supreme Executive Council of the set ofif this evening for Philadelphia under State, $6,500 for the purchase of supplies the command of Captain James Mackey. a for the army. Under a special rule, the gentleman who has served several years in Pennsylvania militia was to be composed of our army and was recommended to me by fifty battalions, of which York County had gentlemen of my acquaintance, as one who eight. In June, Major James Chamberlain l)eha\ed with bravery. The company con- was appointed wagon master of York sists of fiftv men exclusive of olficers," Til kEX'OLUTIOX 259 Xoveniljer 20, James Smith, of York, and Hessian prisoners northward. They dis- Henry W ynkoop, of Bucks County, were cussed the danger that would arise by recommended for appointment as judges of bringing" so large a number, more than the High Court of Appeals for the State of 3,000 foreign troops, into southern Penn- Pennsylvania. Thomas Armor, Sr., was ap- sylvania. pointed, November 25, collector of excise These troops, however, were brought for York County. soon after and placed in prison pens at On Januar}- 30, 1781, Archibald York, Lancaster and Reading, the officers Money AlcClean received $1,500, to aid being sent to Connecticut. for in recruiting men from York May 16, General Wayne, then in York, in Recruits. County for the first regiment, command of the Pennsylvania Line, wrote Pennsylvania Line, which had the President of Pennsylvania asking for been ordered to rendezvous at York. si.xty head of cattle to be sent within a few Three months later, McClean was granted days for the use of the Fifth Regiment, $5,000 to be vised in paying bounties to which would s-oon arrive. June 26, William recruits and gratuity, then given to men in Alexander was appointed paymaster of service in the Pennsylvania Line. York County militia to succeed Captain After 1779 the seat of war had been William Scott. Major James Moore was transferred to the South, where severe bat- appointed recruiting agent for the Pennsyl- tles occurred at Savannah, King's Moun- vania Line at Hanover. tain, Cowpens and other places. The valor November 28, Captain Wil- of the American patriots called forth McPherson's liam Scott wrote to the demonstrations of joy. General Greene Cavalry. state authorities that a com- was then in charge of the Southern army. pany of cavalry had been In February, 1781, Archibald McClean organized in the \\estern part of York wrote from York : "Upon the arrival of the County. Thirty men had enlisted at Marsii news from the South, a number of us met Creek and half that number at Hanover. and subscribed liberally for a 'feu de joy' He further stated that they had elected and also for a prudent treat for the return- William McPherson, captain; Robert Mor- ing soldiers. We also raised a fund to be rison, lieutenant, and James Gettys, cornet. distributed among those whom we could It would seem that this company was engage to re-enlist." He further stated organized for the frontier service, for seven al:)out twenty of the returning soldiers had months later, in June 1782, Captain Scott re-enlisted. wrote from York: "On Sunda}^ last, I re- Alarch 3, Colonel ]\iichael Swope, of ceived the orders from Council of May 23, York, and Colonel Henry Slagle, of Han- and agreeal)le to the directions therein con- over, were appointed, under authority of tained, have ordered one-half of the Light the Supreme Executive Council, to settle Horse and four classes of militia of York with troops of the First and Tenth Regi- County to hold themselves in readiness to ments of the Penns}-lvania Line, tlien in march at the shortest notice. I have also camp at York. Alarch 14, General James taken an account of the public arms at this Potter and Mr. Cunningham were ap- town and find sixty-eight unlit for use, pointed by the Supreme E.xecutive Council which I have ordered to be immediately re- to confer with the members of Assemblv paired. The gunsmiths inform me that from York County, on the subject of the they will be all finished in a few days." reception of the British and Hessian troops The gunsmiths in York then were Philip which were soon to arrive in Pennsylvania Heckert, Ignatius Lightner, Adam Light- from Charlottesville, Virginia, where they ner, Jacob Letter, Jacob \\'elschantz, had been held as prisoners of war since Joseph Welschantz, Sr., Joseph Welsch- January, 1779. March 16, Colonel Michael antz, Jr., and Conrad Welschantz. Smyser, Captain Moses McClean, members December 22, the Supreme Executive of the Assembly from York County, and Council formed plans for recruiting the regi- .\le.xander Lowry, of Lancaster County, ments of the Pennsylvania Line. This was held a conference with President Reed, two months after the surrender of Corn- relating to the moxenienl of the I'ritish and wallis at ^'orktown, in \'irginia, and these _'6o HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENXSYLVAXIA troops had returned to their native state. and more populous sections. The mildew York, Lancaster, Reading, Newtown, and and hail have destroyed many fields of grain CarHsle were the places of rendezvous for this year. Collectors of taxes have alread\' the regiments of these Pennsylvania troops. brought goods to York from a distance of Colonel Richard Humpton, commanding twenty miles in order to sell them in this the Second Regiment, was appointed to town, but met with no encouragement be- superintend this recruiting service. cause no one would bid on the distrained January 2, 1782, General Lincoln, of the goods out of sympathy for the fellow- Continental army, reported that General citizens from whom the goods had been Hazen, commanding the regiment of Con- seized." A few months later a riot oc- tinental troops known as "Congress' Own," curred in York as the result of tax collect- had been appointed to guard prisoners at ors seizing goods and merchandise from York, Lancaster and Reading. The state delinquent taxpayers. militia then guarding the prisoners were July 28, 1784, William Scott reported discharged from the service. February 2^1, that there were still in York, belonging to Lieutenant Richard Johnston, of Hazen's the government, the following: 75 muskets, Regiment, was directed to march with his 20 bayonets, 8 cartridge boxes and 8 can- company, then at York, to Bedford for the teens. defense of the frontier. Captain William Owing to the depreciation of the cur- Alexander, lieutenant of York County, was rency and the heavy taxes imposed for car- ordered to call out forty men from the rying on the war, it was often difficult to militia to guard the British, then in the carry out the provisions of the law and \'icinity of York. certain officers refused to act. In 1778, September 5, 1782, a company George Jacobs, of Paradise, refused to ac- To marched from York to Fort cept a commission as constable of that Guard Pitt, the' site of Pittsburg, to township. A\'illiam Park, of Monaghan the guard the frontier. This com- Township, was charged with non-compli- Frontier. pany was composed of seventy- ance with the law because he would not eight men, rank and file. A serve a summons on one of his neighbors wagon also was sent to carry prisoners. for the collection of taxes. For the same September 9, Captain Alexander was cause Matthias Hollowpeter, of Warring- ordered to call into service one lieutenant, ton Township, was indicted. He pleaded one sergeant, one corporal and fifteen men guilty and "put himself upon the mercy of to guard the prisoners in York. Twenty his country" because he did not want to days later these count}' lieutenants were in- distress his neighbors. structed that the Continental troops on \\'illiam Lukens, the colored their return from the western frontier Brought cook, in Colonel Swope's would take the place of the militia in guard- News to Regiment, -in the Flying ing prisoners of war in Pennsylvania. It Washington. Camp, was captured at Fort was then ordered that these lieutenants had AYashington. He soon af- no further occasion to call out the militia terward escaped from his imprisonment for frontier service since the British had and went to Trenton, where he made shoes "called in" the savages and would give no for himself out of a cartridge box, given to further trouble. him by a Hessian soldier. A\'hen Washing- August 5, 1783, Jacob Smyser, of York, ton crossed New Jersey from New York, wrote to the President of Pennsylvania, Lukens gave the general the information "about 200 cattle perished in York County that Hessians were garrisoned at Trenton. last spring, and the crops for this year As the story goes, this information was of failed. If the threatened attempts to en- great value to the American army to lay force collections of taxes be carried out, it plans for the capture of 1,000 Hessian will be ruinous to the county. Few indi- soldiers under Colonel Rahl. at Trenton, on \iduals will escape going to jail. Money Christmas night, 1776. After the war he has very little circulation among our in- returned to York, where he li\'ed tlie habitants, as it has in other more fortunate remainder of his life. THE RE\'OLUTIOX 26! Owing to the depreciation In the eastern part of the state, many of A Special in tiie value of Continental this class of people were ranked as Tories. Commission, currency and the papet' After 1776, very few of them were elected money issued by the differ- to hold public office. Those who joined the ent states of the Union, during the Revolu- arni}- became the fighting Quakers of the tion, there was a continual fluctuation in the Revolution. prices of goods and commodities bought John Webb, an intelligent citizen of Xew- and sold. In order to prevent monopolies, berry Township, was prosecuted because he to regulate the price of labor, of manu- had opposed the Provincial Conference of factured products and of internal produce, Pennsylvania, a bod\' which succeeded the commissioners were appointed by the Assembly, which was in part loyal to the legislatures of different states to meet at British go\ernment. Webb was charged certain places. On March 26, 1777, the with ha\ing tlireatened Continental Con- states of Xew York. New Jersey, Pennsyl- gress and the officers of York County who vania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia supported that body. He went so far as to appointed commissioners, who, according say that "within two or three days he could to arrangements, met in York at the public lay the town of York in ashes." inn of ^^'illianl White. The delegates who Kilian Devinger and Andrew Miller, of convened here were the following: John Shrewsbury Township, were found guilty Sloss Hobart, Colonel Robert Van Rennse- of treason, in April, 1779, for having pro- laer, of Xew York ; Theophilus Elmer, cured names to a paper to agree not to Joseph Holmes, of Xew Jersey : George muster with the organized militia of the Henry, Bartram Galbreath, John W'hitehill, count}'. The paper, which they drew up. Richard Thomas, David McConaughy, of bound those who signed it to aid in break- Pennsylvania ; Caesar Rodney, Lieutenant- ing open the county jail for the purpose of Colonel Thomas Collins. Colonel James releasing those who were imprisoned by the Lattamore. of Delaware : Xorman Bruce, state authorities for not obeying the militia John Braceo, Henry Griffith. Joseph Sim. of laws. ^Maryland; Lewis Burwell. Thomas Adams, At the October sessions of court, 1779. of \^irginia ; Thomas Armor, clerk. Henry ^\'atts, of York County, was indicted These were representative men from the for misprison and treason for having said. states named and they remained in session "Yes, I am a Tory and I acknowledge it. I eight days. The commissioners could not am an old warrior and one of King George's agree on definite measures. They, how- men. God bless King George ! Hurrah ! ever, discussed inatters in detail and passed Here is health and happiness to King resolutions to be presented to the different George and down with the rebels! I'll see legislatures. In X'ovember of the same King George reign here yet in a short year, commissioners from all of the thirteen time." original states were appointed to assemble Joseph Smith, of the town of York, in at Xew Haven, Connecticut, to regulate the 17S0, was found guilty of misdemeanor for prices of commodities. Colonel Henr}- asserting that Continental money was Slagle. of York County, was one of the worth nothing and the paper money issued representatives of Pennsylvania in that con- by the state no better. He further said to vention. some patriots, "You have only eleven of the At the opening of hostilities, in thirteen states left and how long will you Toryism. I//0- the people of Pennsyl- keep Pennsylvania?" vania, as elsewhere, were divided Christian Pochtel, of Manheim Town- in their sentiments as to the prosecution of ship, who was offered twenty pounds each, the war. People of English birth who or about one hundred dollars in Conti- favored King George were Loyalists. nental money, for three o.xen, refused the Later they became known as Tories. Those offer, stating that he would not sell for who favored the war for independence were paper money because of its depreciation. called Whigs. The Quakers, in carrying He offered to sell them for fifteen pounds in out their religious l)eliefs, were opposed to gold or silver. Frederick Leather, of taking up arms against their fellow-men. Dover Township, likewise refused to sell 262 HISTORY OK YORK COUXTV, PEXXSVLVAXIA lour oxen if he were to recei\'e payment in ter roll of se\-en of the eight companies in Continental nione\'. Frederick Young, of 1776: ]\lt. Pleasant Township, now in Adams Caftaiii, William Bailey. County, also refused to sell his cattle. First Lieutenant, These oxen were wanted as rations for the John Hay. Pennsylvania Line under General \\'ayne, Privates, then encamped at York, before leaving for John Mrown, .\braham Kneisle. the campaign against Cornwallis at York- Christian Beiding, Christian Kauffman, town. Virginia. Jacob Bamhart, Joseph Klepper, George Beck, Daniel Keiser, Samuel Keller, of York County, May lo. Wilial Brown, David Kuff, 1781, was found guilty of misdemeanor for Jacob Baub, Christour Lauman, George Brionn, Frederick Laumaster, saying to other parties that if they could Matthias Crauth, William Lange, "keep off the rebel collector of taxes for Diter Conn, Nathaniel Leightner, Jr. two months, the King of England will con- William Clem. Jacob Lether, Henry Counselman, Nathaniel Leightner, ([uer the cotmtry." John Claydt, Arthur McMann, Jacob Crist, James MacCamend, Abraham Danner, Paul Metzgar, ROLLS OF ASSOCIATORS AND Jacob Doudel, John Mayer, MILITIA. James Dobbins, .\ndrew Nonnemacher, John Dicks, John Neit, Jacob Daiwele. John Probst, At the opening of the Revolution, in Hugh Dobbins, Thomas Rein, 1775. able-bodied citizens of Pennsylvania George Erwin, Andrew Robinson, formed themselves into military companies ^Michael Edwards, ^acob Sprenkle, Jacob Entler, Jacob Sheffer, and were known as Associators. Five bat- Diter Furth, Peter Schlemer, talions were organized in York County. John Fitz, John Schultz. George Peter Streber, Xo complete muster roll of these battalions Frey, Philip Grener, .•\.ndener Schettle, is knoAvn to be in existence. A large pro- Christian Greithler, Henry Schidtz, portion of them were found by Edward \\'. John Grever. George StoU, George Gulhiahr, John Shall, Spangler, Esq.. and first published in the Anthony Gyer, John Struhman, Spangler Annals, in the year 1896. The Jacob Gron, William Stoot, original rolls were placed, by Mr. Spangler, Seth Goodwein, John Schultz, Philip Gross, Christian Strahman, in the Historical Society of York County. Jacob Grever. William Thomson, Printed copies of them will be found in the Adam Grener, Jacob Vallvdein, succeeding pages. After the state constitu- Abraham Graufus, Henry Wa'lter, Thomas Hickson, Jacob Welshans, tion of 1776 was adopted, the state militia Peter Haiier, -Adam Wolf, was organized out of the Associators. Philip Heckert, Joseph Welshans, Jacob Hause, "George Wilt, cluster rolls of some of the companies from George Haide, Philip Waldismaien, York County ser\-ing in the Continental Peter Hoke, David Welshans, Line appear in the preceding chapters. Francis Jones, John Welsh, George Koch, Archibald M. Williams, rolls The muster of the militia companies Henry Kiefer, Frederick Zeigle, which follow were largely furnished by Baltzer Kneible, Gottlieb Zeigle. Luther R. Kelker, of the Pennsylvania Captain. State Library, at Harrisburg. Charles Lnkens. The First Battalion of York County As- First Lieutenant, Christian Stake. sociators was organized in 1775 by Colonel Second Lieutenant, James Smith, and included companies from Ephraim Sherriff. the town of York and the townships of Hel- Privates, 1am, Windsor, Manchester, York and Co- Joseph Adlum. Martin Eichelbergcr, Jr. dorus. This battalion marched, in 1776, to John Adhim, Jr., John Forsythe, John Brown, George Graham, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where part of John Blackburn, James Gorman, its rank and file enlisted in the First Regi- Robert Bailey, .\ndrew Grobb, ment of the Flying Camp, commanded by Charles Barnitz, Jacob Holtzinger, Jacob Barnitz, Peter Haack. Colonel Michael Swope. of Y'ork. In 1775, Peter Boos, Frederick Huber, Thomas Hartley was lieutenant-colonel and Martin Carman, Frederick Houseman, Candler, Thomas Hancock, Joseph Donaldson and Michael Swope, David ^ Isaac Davis, Thomas Irons. majors. The following is a complete mus- .Anthony Dougherty, Godfry Lonberger, THE REVOLUTIOX 263 Henry Jlyers, James Robb, George Spangler, John Wcrlov, William McMunn, William Skinner, Lorentz Small. Jolin Wolff,' William Xitterfeld, John Shultz, Jr., Jacob Sclireiber, Ludwig Weisang, Jacob Obb. John Shall. Jacob Schneider, Michael Weider, Thomas Prior, John Smith, jRudolph Spangler, Michael Welsh, Robert Patton, George Test, Stophel Shellc}', Frederick Youce, Robert Paisley, William Vaines, Nicholas Upp, Henry Zimmerman, David Parker, John Willis. John Welsh, Peter -. Captain, Captain, —1 Rudolph Spanglcr. Simon Kopenhafer. First Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Peter Reel. Michael Schrciber. Second Lieutenant, Second Lieutenant, George Shuch. Andreas Shinerd, Jr. Ensign, Ensign, Christopher Stayer. Jacob Gotvvalt, Sr. Sergeant, Privates, John Fishel. Peter Bentz, Henry Ord. Clerk, Jacob Ersman, Andreas Rittcr, George Lewis Loeffler. John Frey, John Reittingcr, Privates, John Gristy, P. Reittinger, Jacob Graft. John Rentzel. Henry Bentz Christian Ilgenfritz, Jonas Gastman, Christ Rentzcll, (son of Philip), Peter King, John Gastman, Jonas Rudisill, Henry Brobeck, Conrad Leatherman, Jacob Gotwalt, Philip Rudisill, George Beyer, George Nebinger, Jr., Leonard Heindel, Henry Rau, Frederick Bickel, Luke Rose, George Henry Houser, John Schwerd. Valentine Brenneisen, Joseph Rothrock, Jacob Herman, James Schinerd, Daniel Barnitz, Jacob Shuch, George Henry Haupt, John Schreiber, Nicholas Brand, Peter Swartz, Frederick Heid, Peter Schultz, Weirich Bentz, Christian Sinn, Philip Hoffman, --ilichael Sprenkle, Henry Bentz John Shall, Jonas Herman, Haus Saal, (son of John), Jacob Schneerer, Nicholas Herrer, John Schram, John Beltzner, Daniel Spangler, Michael Heyd, Jacob Schindcl, Frederick Bringman, Abraham Sitler, Jacob Huft, Frederick Schindel, John Counselman, John Smith. Andreas Heid, James Worle, George Craft. Simon Snyder, .•\mos Hershey, Jacob Worle. Herman Cookes, George Snyder, Conrad Insminger, Philip Wagner, Martin Crever, Francis Thomas, John Kreibel. William Worle, George Carman, Henry Welsh, Gotfried Konig, Daniel Worle, Frederick Dambach, Joseph Weisang, George Koenich, Jacob W"agner, John Dallman, Jacob Wolf, imon Kopenhafer, Jr., _^hn Wilt, John Detter, Henry Wolf Jacob Kauffman, Sanuiel Wilt. Hartman Deitsh, (son of John), A. Andreas Kraft, Valentine Wilt, Philip Entler, George Wolf, Reinhart Klein, Philip Wintermyer. Philip Gossler, James Wallace, Peter Lang, Peter Winterrecht, .\ndre\v Hertzog, Henry Wolf. Jr., George Miller, George Winterrecht. Conrad Holtzbaum, Matthias Zimmer. Jr., Henry Noss, Philip Weil. John Immel, Captain. Captain. George Eichelberger. Jost Herbach. First Lieutenant, First Lieutenant. Michael Hahn. Peter Shultz. Second Lieutenant, Second Lieutenant, Baltzer Spangler. Baltzer Rudisill. Privates, Ensign, Jlichael Ettingcr. Martin Brenneisen, John Kunckel. Nicholas Bernhard, Michael Kopenhafer, Privates, Joseph Boude, George Moul, Daniel Anthony, William Bear, George Craff, Casper MuUer, Nicholas Anthony, Conrad Becker, James Clerck. Jacob Miller, Henry Beyer, Henry Becker, Jr., Jacob Durang. James McCullough, Christian Bixler, John Bcyerley, Jacob Eichinger, John "Maguire, Joseph Bixler, Peter Elenberger, Jacob Funck, George Myer, John Bixler, Michael Ettinger, John Flender, Samuel Nelson, Christian Bixler, Dewalt Gross, George Fritzler, Jacob Xeuman, Jacob Bixler, Samuel Gross, George Fiarar, John Pick. William Becker, Stophel Grinwalt, John Fisher, Jacob Rudisil Jr., Jacob Bohn, Michael Ginder, George Geesev. Henry Ranch, Nicholas Bohn, Conrad Ginder, Michael Graybill, Anthony Ritz, Jacob Bohn, Jr., Christian Heit, Liidwig Hetrick, Michael Ruger, Stephen Beyer, John Heit, Finken Imfelt, Jacob Schram, Jacob Beyer, George Heckler, James Jones, Jacob Schenk, John Beyer. Casoer Knaub, Jr., 264 HISTORY OF YORK COUXTY, PEXXSYLVAMA Jacob Klingman. Adam Miller. Henry Skiles. John Werner, Frederick Klingman. George Ringer. Christopher Snyder, Jacob Ziegler, Jr., Pliilip Jacob Hoenig, Andrew Roth. Isaac Varnum, Jacob Ziegler, Sr., Valentine Kobler. John Rnth. Jr.. Richard Willart, Michael Ziegler. Joseph Kohler, Henry Roth. Nicholas Weyant, Jacob Knab, Michael Ringer. George Klingman, William Rennel, The Second Battalion of Associators was William Keys, John Reyf, organized in 1775 by Colonel Robert AIc- Valentine Kohlman, Conrad Snyder, Andreas Klein, Philip Schweitzer, Pherson, of Marsh Creek, and included per- Christian Leib, Paul Storm. sons living in the present area of Adams Ezra Lichtenberger, Frederick Selcker, County. Part of this battalion enlisted in George Lichtenberger, Jacob Snyder. Jr., Adam Lichtenberger. Adam Schcnck, the Second Regiment of the Flying Camp, Knlian Lichtenberger. John Seder, at Perth Amboy, New Jersey, in 1776. The Michael Loebenstein, Peter Sheaffer, George Loebenstein, Jacob Schmitt, officers at the time of organization, in 1775, John Miller. George Welsh, were "Robert McPherson, colonel; David Michael Melhorn. Jacob Weber, Kennedy, lieutenant-colonel; Moses Mc- George Miller, Adam Wilt, Samuel Miller, Yost Wahl, Clean and Hugh Dunwoodie, majors. The George Philip Mohr, Jacob Ziegler. muster roll of only one company of this Captain. battalion was preserved. The rank and George Hoover. file of some of the companies enlisted in the Lieutenants. Seventh Pennsylvania Line, commanded by Jacob Hederick, John Sharrer. Colonel David Grier. Ensign. Captain. Frederick Meyer. Hugh Campbell. Sergeants, First Lieutenant. Samuel Glassick, William Lowther. Laurence Rohrbach, .Seeond Lieutenant, Theobald Snyder, Robert ]\IcElhenney. Michael Behler. Corporals, Ensign, John Adarmel, Simon Vanarsdalen. George Kaltreider, Sergeants, Cornelius Cosine, Michael Lorick. Joseph Hunter. Alexander Wilson, John Armstrong Privates, Corporals. Behler, Jacob George Hoover, Alexander Bogle, John McCush. Jacob Bear, Hoover, Jr., John James McElhenney, William Leach. George Bortner, Daniel Jones, Daniel Bear. Theobald Kaltreider, Drummer, William Becker. Thomas King, John Banta. Samuel Brenneman, Abraham Keller, Fifer, John Brodbeck, Peter Krebs, Andrew Little. John Bower, George Krebs, Privates, Benjamin Brenneman, Ulrich Kneyer, Arthur Beaty, Jacob Swiser, William Brenneman, Leonard Kneyer, Hugh McL.'iughlin, John Cumingore, Jacob Bear, Sr., Lorick, Samuel William Duffield, Nathaniel Porter, Peter Castello, Conrad Ludwig, Samuel McManemy, Abraham Brewer, Helfrey Craumer, Henry Menche, Jacob Smock, Lawrence Alonfort, Nicholas Dehoff, Flenrv Newcomer, Francis Monfort, John Sage, George Dehoff, ' John Ott, Benedict Yeary, David Casart, Peter Diskin, Christian Rohrbach, Jr., Henry Little, John Willson, Frederick Abraham Eberhart, Roadarmel, William Carsman, Charles Timmons, Wendel Eberhart, Jacob Roadarmel, John McCance. Andrew McKiney, "Jacob Eppeis, Henry Rohrbach, Robert Stewart, Andrew Shiley, Frederick Frashcr, Nicholas Rvbold. Abran'i Banta, Frederick Shetz, Adam Foltz, Vv'illiam Ruhl. Joseph Weast, Henry Little, Ulrich Followeider, Matthias Rybold, John Hope, Peter' Millar, Followeider, George Jacob Rybold, Benjamin Leach, Andrew Hunter, Frederick Fisher, Rybold, Adam Robert Barber, James Lyon, John Followeider, Henry Roberts, Jaines Hutchison, Nicholas Millar, Peter Gerberick, Ruhl, John Charles Orr, Patrick Hogan, John Gantz, Clementz Ruhl. Robert McGowan, Farrah Doran, Jacob Greist, Martin Snyder, Thotuas Orbison, Stephen Giffen, Leonard Girkenhyscr, George Smith, Hugh McWilliams, James McCreary, Peter Henning, Martin Sheyerer, William McCance, Orbin Wence. LHrich Hoover, Matthias Si'nith. Michael Henning, Jacob Sharrer. Amboy, Septcmlier 17, 1776. Mustered Jacob Houser, Zacharias Shug, George Hamspachcr, Michael Shcverer, then, I captain, 2 lieutenants, i ensign, 3 4 THE REVOLUTION 265 Michael Petcrman, John Simson, sergeants, 3 corporals, i drummer, i fifer, Christian Rothfon, Philip Stees, 34 privates. George Rinehard, Peter Swartz, Sixteen enlisted in the Flying Camp, 4 on Henry Ruby, John Shenberger, Joseph Rch, Peter Treckler, guard, I sick absent, i sick present, i on John Rupert, John Tome, furlough. John Stair, — Paul Tritt, Peter Stcap, Peter Tritt, The Third Battalion of Associators was John Smith, John Weber, Adam Stentler, Peter Wambach, organized in by Colonel Richard Mc- 1775 James Strong, George Woolpack, Allister, of Hanover, who commanded the Conrad Shaeffcr, Ulrich Weber, Second Pennsylvania Regiment of the Jacob Stakcnar, Nicholas Young, Peter Seacat, Michael Zimmerman, in of Flying Camp, which a large number Jacob Stromenger, Michael Ziegler, his men enlisted at Perth Amboy, New Jer- Jacob Strickler, Philip . sey, in 1776. After the organization of the Captain, state militia, in 1777, the Third Battalion Godfrey Fry. was commanded by Colonel David Jameson. First Lieutenant, John Bushong. Part of this battalion served under Jameson Second Lieutenant, at Germantown, White Alarsh and minor George Spangler. engagements in 1777. It was organized in Ensign, 1775 out of the Associators in the town- James Jones. ships of Heidelberg, Berwick. Paradise, Privates, Mt. Pleasant, Manheim and Germany. John Bush, Jacob Lefever, Wier Bentz, Andrew Miller, Caftain, George Boly, Jacob Morks, Jacob Beaver. Christian Betz, _-Daniel Mosser, Jacob Byer, John Minster, First Lieutenant. George Bentz, George Michael Peter, Xicholas Baker. Henry Breninger, Peter Peter, Second Lieittenant, George Brown, Edward Prion, John Bare. Nicholas Deal, John Rode, Ensign, Peter Deal, John Rankin. George Lefeber. Samuel Detweiler, Godfrj' Sumwalt, Privates, George Deal, Matthias Stuart, Fleger, Henry Stouffer, Henry Albright, George Gause, Jacob —William Sprenkle, John Auber. James Hines, Peter Foust, Freed, Christian Shewe, George Auble, Adam Heindel, Jacob George Fliger, Daniel Stouffer, George Autick, Michael Holder, Michael Fishel, John Spangler, Conrad Brubaker, Philip Hune, Greenawalt, Jacob Speck. Nicholas Bentz, .\ndre\v Heins, Henry Jonas Spangler, Michael Broocker, Lorentz Hersinger, John Gusler, Christian Hogman, Christian Sipe. Henry Bear, Laurence Heindel, Jr., Frederick Houshill, Philip Spangler, John Byer, Daniel Harkens, Immel, Martin Speck, Henry Byer, Henry Heltzel, John '^ Henry Jones, Michael Spangler, Jacob Byer, Michael Henry, Jr., William Johnston, rtenry Spangler, William Bradley, John Imenheiser. Keller, George Swartz, George Beaner, Jeremiah Johnson, Jacob Michael Kurtz, John Stuart, Michael Baymiller, Anthony Keller, Jacob Koch, James Shaw, John Croan,. Sr., .•\aron Kephsnyder, Conrad Kissinger, John Trychler, John Croan, Michael Koffeld, Leaman, Henry Wissendaul, Samuel Christ, Martin Kealer, Yogam Peter Wolf, Jacob Dey, v Frederick Lambert, Stephen Landis, Ley, Martin Wcller, Peter Ditty, Christopher Landis, George Peter Leman, Abraham Welshans. John Dellinger, Conrad Lookhoup. Lehman, Henry Deethoff. John Leaphart. Jacob Jacob Dellinger, Frederick Lebeknecht. Captain, John Douchki, Conrad Lora, Peter Forte. , Michael Dush, John Landis, First Lieutenant. Nicholas Dey, — Conrad Lever, Christopher Stoehr. Ulrich Eleberger, Philip Milhove, Second Lieutenant, John Ebay, ->Michael Mosser, Andrew Hertzog. Frederick Eaty, Mude, John Ensign, Frederick Fitz, George Maxfield. Jacob Welshance. Philip Fry. Charles Means, John Gohn, James Murphy, Privates, Philip Gohn. Christopher Noble, Henry Bouch. Peter Dinkle, Andrew Gilbert, Adam Pauls, Henry Booser, Lawrence Etter, Philip German, Laurence Paul, Henry Bonix, Jacob Ereon, Michael Garious, George Poff. Joseph Craft, John Edward, Francis Graff, Nathan Phersize, .Abraham Danner, Michael Edward, 266 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA George Fry, John Probst, Henrv Walter, Michael Welsh, George Fritz, Abraham Pick, John 'Wolf, John Wiles, William Fondorow, George Peck, Ludwig Weisang, George Weller, Jacob Fackler, Anthony Ritz, Jacob Welchance, Henry Welch. John Good, Godfry Ream, John Williamson, John Gohoet, Thomas Ryon, Captain, Henry Hofe, Anthony Rous, Alexander Ligget. Vincent Infelt, Peter Rose, First Lieutenant, Isaac Jones, James Smith, Robert Richey. Francis Jones, Killian Small, Second Lieutenant, James Kopp, George Shook, Robert Stuart. Francis Koontz, —Jacob Sprenkle, Ensign, Henry King, John Shultz, Peter Fry. Daniel Kiser, Martin Shreader, John Kean, Philip Shipe, Privates, Nathaniel Lightner, Peter Schlimer, Aaron Arsdale, Michael Miller, Samuel Leidy, Frederick Tombach, Andrew Brown, Henry McGarrah, Frederick Laumaster, Joseph Updegraff, Rendal Cross, Samuel McCowen, Godfry Loneberger, Jacob Updegraff, Jr., John Cadge, Nathan McCoy, George Mock. Jacob Weaber, James Cross, Jacob Neff, William McMun, Adam Wolf, John Eff, Melker Ortas, Henry Myer, William White, Archibald Eason, Peter Offer, James McCullock, Frederick Wyer, Robert Eakin, Daniel Peterman, Alexander McKitrich, John Wolf, Jr., John Fisher, Christopher Fetters, Andrew Nunemaker, David Welshans, Bernat Fry, John Peterman, George Nebinger, John Welch. Conrad Fry, John Russel, John Peasley, George Waldimyer, Paul Gier, Peter Reisinger, Matthias Pourt, Frederick Youse. David Good, Henry Reineberger, Adam Gohn, Thomas Robertson, Captain, Robert Greenless, James Ross, Christopher Lowman. Conrad Gyer, Jacob Ruby, First Lieutenant, Frederick Hamer, John Smook, Jr., Ephraim Pennington. Christopher Heindel, Jacob Smook, John Handerson, Philip Slifer, Second Lieutenant, Adam Hindly, Jacob Stegner, John Fishel. Alexander Handerson, George Smith, Ensign, Craft Hcrmal, INIartin Slinger, Charles Barnitz. Jacob Imsweller, barkley Sayler, Privates, Jacob Imsweller, Stephen Slifer, Shenberger, John Alifred, George Kidy, Richard Jones, Baltzer Henry Bentz, Michael Keller, Peter Koble, Andrew Slinger, Jacob Bahn, Henry Kyfer, Alexander Lewis, George Tyse, Teckert, Martin Breneisen, IViartin Kearman, John Lynck, Henry Tyson, Thomas Beltzhoover, Abram Knisely, Christian Laundes, Henry Tyson, Leonard Benel, John Leisser, Samuel Laundes, Benjamin George Woolbeck, Leonard Bensel, Jacob Letter, Christian Lootz, White, Andrew Billmeyer, William Lanius, Henry Long, Andrew ilichael Billmeyer, John Myer, William Ligget, Philip Wambach, Frederick Bringman, Conrad Miller, Henry Myer, Michael Wambach, Valentine Breneisen, -^ Michael Mosser, John Myers, George Wambach, Young, John Biers, Conrad Miller, James McCavick, Leonard William Young, Felix Conoway, A Michael Mosser, James McNarey, Young. Alexander M. Conagle, Jacob Miller, Henry Miller, Abraham John Dubman, Edward McDermot, Captain, Alexander Donaldson, Casper Miller, Philip Endler, Thomas Owen, George Long. Samuel Fisher, John Patterson, First Lieutenant, Martin Flinchbaugh, John Pick, Samuel Smith. Martin Flinchbaugh, Thomas Prior, Second Lieutenant, Samuel Fisher, Peter Real, Conrad Keesey. Martin Frey, Peter Real, Ensign, Adam Gardner, Christopher Slagle, Samuel Mosser. Abram Gravious, George Schlosser, George Goodyear, Jacob Snerely, Privates, John Gorgus, George Snyder, Henry Alt, Henry Dome, Philip Greber, Jacob Shook, Michael Albright, Bastian Erig, Philip Heckert, Jacob Snyder, Felix Albright, Adam Fishel, Christian Hecketurn, Matthias Sitler, Peter Byer, Henry Fisher, Andrew Hoffman, Jacob Schram, John Bushong, Frederick Fliger, Frederick Housman, Abram Sitler, Michael Bettinger, Jacob Fliger, John Hickson, Peter Shitz, Jacob Bettinger, Casper Fisher, George Hope, Joseph Tott, Jacob Bh'myer, Adam Flinchbaugh, Thomas Hickson, George Test, Christian Elymyer, Michael Grimm, Jacob Houck, Joseph Updegraff, Henry Dolman, Peter Grimm, Samuel Koontz, Samuel Updegraff, George Ditterheffer, Philip Grimm, : THE REVOLUTIOX 267 Yost Getz, John Reigert, Matthias Frey, George Reber, ,,„--' Jacob Geescy, H^eter Sprenkle. Carl Gciger, Michael Reider, Michael Harnish. Henry Snell, Jacob Geiger, Christian Reiff, George Hardline, Peter Sins, Christian Gerber, Henry Reiff, Michael Hinico, Jacob Sebauld, George Gerber, Christian Reiss, Jacob Inner?. Nicholas Sins, Christian Grieft, Conrad Reiss, Yost Kerchhard, Jacob Shearer, Jr., Henry Hefner, George Reiss, John Kerchhard. Martin Stook, Jacob Hefner, Michael Satler, Bernard Kousler, John Shoemaker, Andrew Helwig, Melchoir Schaum, lohn Long, Alichael Sytz, Abraham Herb, John Scheiter, Felix .Miller, Conrad Shentler, Sebastian Herb, John Schuler, lohn Myer, Christian Shetler, Christian Hoch, Jacob Shacffcr, \Villiani Miller, Jacob Shearer, Adam Hubcr. George Shiver, George Neaf, Abrani Swingwiler, George Huber, John Shiver, Ulrich Xeaf, George Wilhelm, Jacob Hueder, John Shiver (Shier), Andrew Pefferman, Nicholas Waltman, Thomas Hunt, Philip Shiver, Jacob Reman, Liulwick Waltman. Peter Kiefer, Daniel Sowasch, William Rigert, Jacob Langalt, Henry Sowasch, Abraham Lemritz, Valentine Starr, Captain. Nicholas Lemritz, Adam Sweiger, Michael Halm. Jacob Long, Casper Werfel, First Lieutenant, Xicholas Meyer, Philip Wanemacher.— John Minn. Philip Miller, Adam Zidnier, Second Lieutenant, George Oberdorff. Anthony Zidnier, Thomas Iron (Erion). Herman Oberdorff, Andrew Ziegler, Ensign, Jacob Pott, Christian Sinn. Privates, The muster roll of the Fourth Battalion, Frederick Aderhold, James McKea, organized in 1775, cannot be found. This Jacob Bernhard, Paul Metzgar, battalion, composed of Associa'tors from Xicholas Brand, Peter Mundorf, Shrewsbury, Chanceford, Fawn and Hope- Peter Bear, Jacob Xewman, Charles Brooks, Frederick Pickle, well Townships, was originally commanded John Bear, Enoch Pennett. by Colonel William Smith, with Francis George Craft, Jacob Rothrock, -John Collins, Christopher Sheeley, Holton, lieutenant-colonel; John Gibson David Candler, Jacob Schriber, and John Finley, majors. The following is Adam Cookes. Jacob Shaffer, the muster roll of one company from Michael Doudel, Jacob Shank, Jacob Durang, Simon Snyder, Slirewsbury Township Jacob Eichinger, iBaltzer Spangler, Thomas Eaton, George Shall. Captain, Jacob Funk, Andrew Shetley, Gideon Bausley. John Flender, John Shultz. First Lieutenant, .Adam Greber, George Michael Spangler, John Patrick. Martin Greber, George Stull, Second Lieutenant, Gardner, Rudolph Spangler, Jacob Peter Smith. John Greber, John Shall, George Gees, George Stake, Ensign, Christian Herman, John Shuhz (hatter), Conrad Taylor. Ludwig Headick, Xathan Updegraff, Sergeants, Christian Ilginfritz, Abram L'pdegraff, John McDonald, George Irvin, Ambrose Updegraff, David Jones, Samuel Johnston, Jacob LTpp, John Freeland, John Kurtz, William Welsh, John Cleek, Mr. Kenety, John Wall. Corporal, John Kunkle, John Welsh. Anthonv Miller. William Kersey, Michael Widener, Privates, Xathaniel Lightner, Francis Worley, William Long, Henry Wolf, Jacob Alt, John Loran. William Love, Michael Wey, John Ball, James Marshall, James Love, Andrew Welsh, Stophel Baker, John Miller. Osborn, John Love, George Wilt. James Douglas. Alexander Conrad Letherman, Philip Weltzheimer, Thomas Foster, John Orr, James McLaughlin, Matthias Zimmer. Conrad Free, Joshua Pearse, George Maul, James Freeland, Xicholas Rodgers, Michael Howman, Frederick Shinliver, Ca/>tain. Sophel Heively, Postle Sheeling, Daniel Eyster. Adam Hendricks, Thomas Sparks, Privates. Thomas Hunt, George Sword, John Albrecht, Paul Drey. Jacob Hedrick, John Taylor, Jacob Becker, Jr., John Eburr. John Hendricks, Stophel Wisehart, Michael Carl, Herman Emerick. Samuel Jones. George Waltmyer, Jacob Delong, Christopher Foulk, Michael Jordan, Aquilla Willey. George Drey, George Foulk, Xathan Jones, : 268 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PEXXSYLVANIA The Fifth Battalion of Associators was Anthony Heins, Joseph Reh, James Heins, John Rupert, organized in the townships of Dover, New- Samuel Heist, Henry Rupert, berry, Monaghan, Warrington, Hunting- Adam Hales, George Reinhardt. Lawrence Hales, Christian Rathsban, don and Reading. It was originally com- George Hass, Peter Stab, manded by Colonel William Rankin. The Adam Handel, John Simden, following companies served in that bat- Lawrence Handel, Jacob Stagmeier. Henry Haltzel, Jacob Strominger, talion : Philip Herman, John Schmidt, Ca/'tain. John Imsheiser, Adam Stantler, Michael Ege. Michael Kaffeld. James Shandon, First Lieutenant, Anthony Keller, Jacob Strickler, Joseph Spangler. Martin Kuler, John Star, Second Lieutenant, Frederick Lambert, Conrad Scheffer. James Liggit. Christcl Landis, Peter Sekatz, Peter Schwartz, Ensign, John Landis, Nicholas Leber, John Shenberger, Reuben Fedro. Frederick Lieberknecht, James Strang, Second .Sergeant, John Libhart, Jacob Thorn, Joseph Keeppers. Conrad Leber. John Thom, First Corporal, John Muth, Frederick LUz, Adam DantHnger. Jared Mines, John Weber, Second Corporal, Jacob Meyer. George Wollbach, Thomas White. George I\Iaxel, Peter Wambach. Moster, George Wachtel, Privates, Michael James Murphv. Aaron- Westsnyder, .\lsop, Porter, John James Philip Mulhof, Sr., John Weil, Batchler, .'Xmos Povvel, George Philip Mulhof, Jr., Ulrich Weber, Edward Barton, John Rose, Christof Nagel, Nicholas Young, George Conrad. William Smith. Michael Peterman, Michael Ziegler, .\ndrew Stover, William Chapman, George Paff, Michael Zimmerman. -/John Davis. John Steiner, ' George Dashner, Peter Steiner, Captain iMartin Shetter, who resided in Thomas Eisenal, Frederick Scepter, York County, Michael Fissel, Casper Stoner, the vicinity of Lewisberry, Henry Fissel, Michael Uhl, commanded a militia company, which Edward Woods, Tobias Heine, served during part of the Revolution. Frederick Hovias. George White, Henry Krone, Jacob Weston, This company belonged to the present area Jacob Lishy, Stophel Weinmiller, of Newberry and Fairview Townships, in Thomas Pussel, Stophel Zimmerman. County, and in 1782, its muster roll Thomas Parker, York Captain, was as follows Jacob Blester. First Class, First Lieutenant. Frederick Weaver, Nicholas Beck. Andrew Cline, Thomas Winry, George Streine, Ensign. John Weire, Joseph Cobele, George Lafeiber. John Cochcnauer, Joseph Oren. Privates, Philip Beacher. John Aby, Nicholas Day, Second Class, George Attig, Jacob Day, George Miller, Emanuel Beare, Henry Albrecht. Michael Dast, Jacob Bear, John Finch, John Aber, John Dauchge, Ludwig Weire, John Hetrick. George Aber, Jacob Dellinger, John Hencock, Abraham Shell.v. John Ber, John Dellinger, Peter Zeller, Henry Ber. Peter Dritt, Tliird Class. Hales Brit, Peter Diete, Abraham Shelley, Jr., George Mayers, Bentz, Henry Diethoss, Michael Valentine Shultz, Andrew Miller, Michael Baymiller, Conrad Elleberger, George Strine, Jr., Jacob Heidelbouch, Frey, Michael Bennet, John Frederick Zorger, Jacob Forney, Beyer, Philip Frey, Jacob Philip Fettro, Henry Strine. Philip Beyer, I'Vederick Fitz, James Hencock, Philip Gun, John Beyer, Fonrtli Class, Henry Beyer, Andreas Gilbert, William Rise, Jacob Berber, Philip Gun, Andrew Beadman, Roessler, Henry Bush, Peter Breckler, John Gon, Michael Heidelbouch. James Bruck, Frantz Graft, Jacob Heier. John Braton. James Hess. Conrad Biilhans, Michael Garius, Samuel y Thaylor. George Boner, Michael Henry, Sr., John Fifth Class, Michael Bricker, Michael Henry, Jr., William Critly, Lawrence Hirschinger, Thomas Miller, James Love, Conrad Cara, Matthias Hartford. Christian Baumgartner, Matthias Zerger. John Crone, Jr., Michael Holder, Peter Pence, Michael Wagner, John Crone, Sr., Daniel Herkens, Henry Roessler, George Bash. 'J'llE RE\'(')LUTIOX 269 Si.vth Class, Alex. Threw, Hugh Whiteford, Joseph Garrctson, Frederick Sline, Robert Torbcrt, Samuel Willson, Cornelius Garrctson, Abraliara Stiiic, John Taylor, I'enjamin Willson, Daniel Densyl, Lorentz Wolf, ' William Thomson, William Wallace, Emoss Lewis, John Colgen, John Webb, John Williamson. _ John Fettero, John Breneman. I'irst Lieutenant, Seventh Class. Isaac McKissick. llenry John, Herman Sncidcr, Second Lieutenant, George Mansbcrger, Michael Row, John Smith. Peter Densyl, Weier, Jacob Ensign, Michael Coppenhoefer, Joseph Fettero, Thomas Dixon. Henry Bauer, Henry Shultz. Privates, Eighth Class, David Anderson, Michael Morrison, Jacob Kaplor, William Barton, John Anderson, William Melurg, William Winry. John !Mathias, John Bohanan, William Neilson, Tonatlian AlcCrcary, Daniel Brua, John Blosser, John Neilson, John Hurst, Peter Miller. Peter Bryfugle, Joseph Nowland, Adam Snider, Anthony Beaman, Martin Overmiller, William Boyd, James Pegan, 'I'lie Sixth Battalion of York County Henry Cunningham, Elisha Pew, Alilitia, organized in 1776, was composed of Henry Craig, James Purdy, Robert Carswell, Patrick Purdy, eight companies. It was commanded in Stepliens Cornelius, David Proudfoot, 1777-8 by Colonel \\'illiam Ross, with /jasper 'cienients, Robert Proudfoot, David ^Miller as major. The following is a Robert^ Dixon, Andrew Proudfoot, John Duncan, Sanuiel Rosborough, complete list of eight companies from George Egert, Adaui Reed, different sections of York Countv: Nicholas Feeple, John Smith, Andrew Fulton, William Smith, Captain. David Gemmill, Robert Swan, Laird. John Griffith. Robert Straffort, First Lieutenant, Evan Griffith, Jacob Sadler, William Reed. Henry Householder, Samuel Smith, Ensign. Stophel Hively, James Steel, David Steelt. Jacob Householder, Francis Sechrist, James Hamilton, Frederick Satler, Privates, Solomon James, Andrew Thompson, Robert Armstrong, Theophilas Jones, John Mclsaac, James Young, William Bolentine, John Lemon, James McAllister, Benjamin Yont, Benjamin Bifet, James Lard, —^iobert McCay, Jacob Yost. Samuel Bohanan, John Lewiston, James McElroy, Jonathon Burgess, Abram Mickey, James Breckenridge, Edward Morris, CaMain, Tames Buchanan, James Milligan, Joseph Reed. William Clark. Thomas Morris, First Lieutenant, Benjamin Ciumingham, George Mitchell, Robert Smith. Alex. Cooper, McCandless, John Ensign. Nicholas Cooper, Thomas Matson, Samuel Collins. John Commins, Matthias Morrison, Samuel Cuning, Samuel Mclsaac, Privates, William Carkey, James McCroney, Robert Addair, Frederick McPherson, William Coloin, John Major, John Carker, William Mahlin, Hugh Crawford, William Mclleny, Philip Conol, William Martin. Thomas Cooper, Jacob McCulough, John Duncan, Samuel McMichacl, ._ Richard Cord, Michael McMullcn, Aaron Finley. Samuel Nelson, John Cooper, •John Xeal, Samuel Fullerton. Riiliert Nelson. William Cooper, George Nicle, William Fullerton Jr., William Nichol. Patrick Downey, Theodore Patten, Robert Finley, Alexander Orr. John Doherty, Pattrick Quigley, X George Henry, James Paterson, William Davis, William Rowen, Thomas Kirkwood, William Patterson, Isaac Davis, Jacob Reed. Francis Helton, S.imuel Peden, James Edgar, William Russel, ' James Henry. IX-ivid Patterson. Robert Fliwen, James Robinson, ' William Henry, Benjamin Pedan, Hugh Faton, Andrew Rowen, William Johnson, James Robinson, Samuel Fulton, Joseph Ross. Patrick King, John Robinson, Archibald Greeless, Robert Rowland, James Kirk. James Ridgeway, Robert Glenn, Thomas Steel, Joseph Kellit, Hugh Reed, John Glendenon. William Snodgrass, John Lusk, Samuel Reed. William Galougher, James Sample, James Lodge. Row leu Stevens. James Galeagher, Josiah Scott, Samuel ^Lartin, William Tulerton, James Heirs, Patrick Scott. John McMillon, Michael Travis. . Joseph Henry. James Sims, .Mexander .McAllister George Thompson, Thomas Hawkins, John Thomson. Robert Martin, John Wallace. John Halbort, John Tagcrt, Henry McCormick, John Williams, -'70 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PEXXSYLWVXIA Aaron Wallace, John Wallace. Captain, Matthias Wallace, Aloses Wallace. Joseph Reed (Ferryman). William Wallace, Privates, Captain. John Andrew, John ilcCall, Joseph Aloffit. Charles Bradshaw, Michael McAnulty, First Lieutenant, Robert Blain, A. McCulough, Abraham Barber, Andrew Warrick. Thomas Newton, George Burkholder, James Newton, Second Lieutenant, Alex. Cooper, James Perron. Samuel Moor. Samuel Caldwell, William Quigley, Alex. Downing, Joseph Reed, Ensign, John Douglass, John Reed, James Wilson. Thomas Duncan, John Reed, James Downing, Privates, Henry Robinson, John Elder, John Robb, Agnew. James Hugh AlcCutchen, James Elder, Alen Seath, Robert Anderson, Miller, John Robert Forsythe, Hugh Sprout, Anderson, ^larshall, James John James Forsythe, James Stewart, Nthemiah Armstrong, Manifold, Joseph John Gordon. James Spear, John Anderson, William Morrord, Robert Hill, James Shaw, Thomas Balden, McKitrick, John William Hill, John Stewart, William Comon, Benjamin Manifold, James Hill, Daniel Shaw, Patrick Colwell, David Manson, John Hill, Archibald Shaw, Cross, Montgomery, John John James Jolly, William Smiley, Cross, Joseph John McKell, Joseph Jackson, Samuel Sprout, • Conaday, Alex. Ramz}-, John Kelly, James Sprout, William Douglass, John Ranizy, Joseph Kobb, William Wedgeworth, Patrick Douglass, Thomas Ray, William Long, Isaac Williams, ^Matthias Ewen, John Richey, Robert McGhee, Cornelius Ward, Samuel Elliot. Peter Roberts, John McKinley, William Willson, George Egart, William Ramsav, David ;\rcKinley, Thomas Willson, William Edgar, Daniel Robb, William McCalough, Robert Walker. William Edie, Samuel Roe, Samuel McClurge, William Godfrey, William Spitler, David Hart, .\braham Cinord, Captain. Joseph Harrison, John Shinard. Thomas McXerry. James Harper, Andrew Sloan, James Hutchinson, Alexander Thompson, First Lieutenant, John Howel, John Willson, William Adams. Charles Hay, William Willson, F'rederick Kross, Samuel Watson, Privates, William Ligget, James Willson, IMatthew Adams, Michael Koon, John McCulough, Henrv Wert, John Arnold, Andrew Koon, Robert McDonald, William Willson, William Adams, George List, Robert McCleland, James Willson. William Adams, big, James ^IcLaughlin, William Adams, old, Owin McLaughlin, Captain, Henry .•\dams, David ;\IcXarv, Armstrong, John Reppey. John William McCforg, Joseph Allison, John Murphy, First Lieutenant, John Buchanan, John Oolrigh, John Colwell. Jacob Crowl, William Ovvins, Henry Crovvl, Richard Pendry, Privates, George Cooster, Robert Pendrj', Francis Andrew, David McCulough. John Cooster, James Porter, George Aurson, .\lex. McCullough, Philip Elis, Nicholas Quigley, John Buchanan, Matthew McCall, George Elis, Adam Quickel, John Buck, .\ntlrew McClery, John French, William Reed, William Bohanan, William McCullough, Henry Fodd, Casper Saylor, John Conor, Robert McGill, Jacob Gering, Nicholas Strayer, John Cummins, William McCleland, Thomas Grove; Jacob Spotts, John Curr_v, John McClain, j\Latthew Hunter, Jacob Sypher, John Dougherty, Moses McWhorter, Adam Keener, Charles Stewart, Hugh Dougherty, Samuel Pollock, David Johnson, Ceter Stoyler, Alexander FuUerton, James Parks, John Koon, Andrew Stayley, John Fullerton, John Ramsey. George Keener, John Tinu}', James Greer, Walter Robinson, Ludwig Keeth, Jacob Weester, James Hill, Samuel Ramsey, Jacob Koon, Philip Winter. John Houge, Patrick Smith, Thomas Sanniel Johnson, Stewart, The Seventh Battalion of York County James Lord, John Stewart, Samuel Leeper, Gavin Scott, Mih'tia, organized under the state con.stitu- Patrick Masewell, Robert Stewart, tion of 1776, was commanded by David John ]\IcHarsy. Jacob Visage, Ivennedy, colonel, William Morrison, James Woran. with James Agnew. lieu- John Morrison, Robert Zeliss. tenant-colonel, and John \\'eams. major. ., THE REVOLUTION 271 The following is a complete muster roll of Christian Pregiiier, ^lichael Strawsbaugh, Valentine Runk, this battalion for the years and Jacob Wire, 1777 177 Peter Ratt/, Daniel Wertz, John Rose. Captain. William White, Christian Road, John Myers. Jacob Wertz, John Simmon, John Wertz, Second Lieutenant. Philip Senif, Frank Wrinkler, Abraham Bollinger. Frederick Scptre, Christian Young. Ensign, Andrew Smith, Daniel Hamm. Captain, Privates, John Miller. Joseph Allender. Peter XoU, First Lieutenant, Jacob Abley, John Ott. Peter Smith. William Brenneman, Stephen Peter, Jr., Second Lieutenant Jacob Bealor, Jr., Stephen Peter. Sr., Henr\' Baker, Michael Peter. John McDonald. John Beigher, John Rudisill. Ensign, Benjamin Brenneman, Christian Ruble. Acquilla Wyley. Jacob Bealor, John Rever. Privates, Samuel Brenneman, Rohrbaugh, William .Anderson, William Hendricks, Joseph Brillherd, Jacob Rodarmel. Jacob Alt, Michael Howman, Martin Barkh\-mer, Jacob Stambaugh, John Beard, Nathan Jones, Helphrey Cramer, Peter Stambaugh, Jacob Buzzard, David Jones. Jacob Colier. Snell, John Peter Baker, John Klinefelter, Nicholas Dehoff, Henry Snyder. Jacob Brillhart, Daniel Kurfman, William Frankelberger, Harry Strayer. Edward Barton, John Keller, Ulrich Fulwider, Zachary Shoe. Jacob Baker, Lawrence Klinefelter, George Fenceler, Francis Stritehoof. Daniel Bailey, Andrew Krist, Martin Gistwhite, Philip Stambaugh. S Michael Congle, Joseph Lowbridge, Ulrich Hoover, Philip Stambaugh. John Clink, Casper Lutz, John Hoover, Christian So.abaugh, John Dicken, John Low, Michael Hileman, Martin Snyder, George Dommine, Frederick ^liller, Lawrence Hileman, Henry Shiles. -:rJohn Davis, James Marshall, Jacob Hofner, George Swartz. Henry Downs, Solomon Nonemaker, Henn.- Kesler, Daniel Tones. Amos Dicken, -^Alexander Osburn, Jacob Keller. Sr., John Verner. Thomas Dicken, George Peary, George Keller, over age. Frederick Waggmen, George Eisenhart, William Patterson, Andrew Miller, George Warlev. L'rias Freeland, Frederick Rule, John Miller. Harry Warley: Jr.. John Freeland, Sebastian Shilling, George Miller. Henry Warley. over age. Michael Felter, James Swinney, Jacob Miller. Nicholas Wvant. Christian Frey, Ulrich Sipe, Captain. Michael Garveric, John Shyrer. Adam Hendricks, Jacob Seabaugh, Thomas White. John Hunt, John Shelley. First Lieutenant. Michael Hubley, Henry Shaffer. Robert Jefferis. Wendel Horst, Joseph Turner. Second Lieutenant. Isaac Hendricks, George Waltimyer, John Jefferis. Godleib Howman, Ambrose Wilcox, Ensign. Jacob Headick, Edward Wood. Alexander Lees. James Hendrick, Christian . Philip Herring. Privates, X'icholas Bentz. Christian Hershey, Captain, Jacob Byers. Joseph Hershey Peter Zollinger. William Bond. Joseph Hershey, Jr., First Lieutenant, George Conrad. John Helzel, Daniel Amer. William Chapman, Tobias Helzel, Second Lieutenant John Dull. John Hom, Joseph Baltzley. •-Hugh Davis. Henry Horn. Ensign. George Dashner. George Hines. Anthony Snvd. -Adam Dentlinger, Andrew Hershey, John Dicke. Sr., Peter Hershey, Privates. Thomas Evans, Adam Huff, Adam Brener. Jacob Baker. John Everson. .Abram Koontz, Jacob Bowser. John Brigner. Henry Frankelberger, Thomas Hunt, Christian Baker, Gotlieb Brizner, ^Latthias Firestone. Joseph Keepers. Noah Bowser, Nicholas Dillow, Samuel Freil. John Kinkennon, David Baker, Conrad Dull. Henry Fissel. Peter Koontz, Valentine Barkhymcr, Philip Emeck, Michael Fissel, Michael Leckner, Daniel Bowser, Peter Gise. .-\dam First, Jacob Mooler, Henry Baltzley, Nicholas Goip. Francis Huff, Solomon Mooler, Jacob Bower. Wendel Gyer. Philip Fissel. ^^ichael McCann, Abram Bowser, Henry Heiney. Henry Fissel, sadler, Philip Miller. Ulrich Bernhard, Ludwig Heiner, Wendel Fissel, Daniel Oaks. John Bower. John Hidler. Martin First, Thomas Presel, John Brener, Conrad Haverstock, 272 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PEXXSYLVAXIA George Jacobs, Adam Pypher, George Emick, Christian Michael, Henry Jacobs, Adam Player, Jr., Jacob Fulwider, Emanuel Niswonger, Philip Jacobs, Peter Prigner, .'\ndrew Frederick, George Nyman, John Kell, Lawrence Rohrbaugh, Jacob Funhuver, George Piper, John Lane, Daniel Reincll, James Flowers, John Pope, Jacob Long, Jacob Stiflcr. John Grow, -\dam Pope, Henry Long, Jacob Snyder, Philip Hileman, Melchor Pypher, Patrick McHailey, Philip Swisegood, Jacob Henry, jNIichael Peltz, Richard Mumniett, Jolni Titto, Christian Hosier, John Quarterman, William Mummett, Sr., George Tresler, Joseph Hosier, Michael Rose, John Mummett, John Taylor, ^lichael Hofner, George Sliskman, William Mummett, Jr., Christopher Walter, Casper Hildebrand, Henry Swartz, Daniel Noel, Henry Walter, Henry Hildebrand, Bernard Spangler Bloss Noel, Stophel Weymiller, ~^ Jacob Henry, (son of Jonas), John Naugle, Frederick Walter, Jacob Kurfman, Charles Sliuman, William Philebe, Conrad Walk. Godfrey Klintinch, Andrew Shietler, Adam Player, Sr., Felix Klatfelter, Michael Shenk, Michael Klatfelter, Captain, Jacob Shaffer, John Erman. Christian Klintinch, Jacob Shyrer, Henry Klatfelter, John Smith, First Lieutenant. Valentine Lore, , Abram Swartz, Daniel Peterman. Peter Low, Jacob Welshans, Second Lieutenant. Anthony Leaman, Henry Wideman, Michael Busli. Henry Lise, Jacob Winter, Ensign. Peter Lise, George Walter, George Erman. Jones Lordon, Jacob Ziegler, George Low, Bernard Ziegler, Privates, Michael Mitchel, Christopher Zimmerman. Conrad Alt, Jacob Koffelt, Philip Applenian, John Klinefelter, Captain. Matthew Allison, Henry Keller, Jacob Anient. Valentine Armspoker, Christian Keller, First Lieutenant, Earnest Alp, Andrew Low, Andrew Parley. Jacob Bailey, Tobias Miller, Second Lieutenant, John Brillhart, Edward Musgrove, Nicholas Andrews,, Jacob Brillhart, Michael Myer, David Byer, Andrew Myer, Ensign, George Bailey, Christopher Myers, Adam Klinefelter. Michael Bush, John Miller, Priz'ates, Henry Byers, Henry Miller, Philip .-Vltland, Pope, Samuel Brillhart, Ulrich Noyer, Ludwig Samuel Arnold, Michael Paulet, Bernard Blymyer, John Olp, John Appleman, Martin Rafflesperger, Lawrence Cramer, Frederick Phenice, John Byer, George Rudy, Baltzer Colier, Andrew Peary, Casper Bentzley, John Colier, Nicholas Peary, Jacob Road, Baker, Charles Deal, Jacob Peck, John Abram Road, Buse, George Adam Deal, Christian Rush, John Road, Warne Craver, Matthias Gilian Dippinger, Abram Rever, Stump, Matthias Craff, Ivlinman Jacob Earhart, Lawrence Rose, Stoutsberger, Deardorf, Peter Strine, Thomas Earhart, Adam Rose, John Peter Deardorf, Michael Erman, Conrad Swartz, John Stopher, John Fissel, Philip Stoofer, Henry Frey, David Shaffer, Fissel, Henry Spangler John Fry, Michael Shultz, Adam Michael Frederick, (Rudy's Martin Feigle, John Shyrer, son), Peter Flager, Henry Say, Francis Grove. Joseph Sites, Jacob Fulgemore, John Sunday, Casper Glatfelter, John Stites, Adam Fultz, John Sharke, John Grimes, John Stively, Valentine Grove, Michael Sunday, Henry Hess, Christian Stively, David Griffith, Stover, Jacob Hildebrand, George Seigh, Jacob David Griffith, Henry Spangler Nicholas Hope, Philip Shaffer, ; Jacob Howry, Feli.x Hildebrand, Thomas Tise. (Jonas' son), Christopher Charles Hvmes, Philip Taylor, Hyme, Jacob Swartz, Martin Hart, Matthias Trorbaugh. John John, Bernhard Spangler Valentine Kulp, Peter Klinefelter, (Rudy's son), Adam Krist, Philip Shaffer, Captain. Christopher Kemp, Peter Torn, George Geiselman. Rudy Klinpeter, John Tinkey, First Lieutenant, John Kaltrider, John Trimmer, Frederick Heiner. Philip Krist. Andrew Trimmer, Bnsign, Christian Linbaker, Jacob Tortoisenian, Matthias Mummert, Valentine Alt. Adam Walter, John M.ver, Philip Wyland, Privates, Peter Moore, George Wallet, John Byer, John Crowl, John Nelson, Christian Wiest, Christian Brenneman, John Dicken, Amos Powel, John Wiest, Joseph Bigler, George Deal, Peter Puse, Henrv Whaler. : THE REVOLUl'IUX 273 Captain, Abraham Greenawalt, 1 Icnry Ottinger, John Shyrrer. John Graff, Peter Ottinger, First Lieutenant, Philip Heiges, John Oldham, Jacob Headrick. Jacob Hoke, Valentine Obcrdorf, Jacob Hcrritz, Dietrich Ruppert, Second Lieutenant, John Hoke, Gottlieb Rigcr, Frederick Mvers. Andrew Hoke, Jacob Roemer, Ensign, John Hagner, Joseph Rothrock, Jacob Bear. Lenhart Holtzapple, (jcorgc Rothrock, Privates, John Haler, Jacob Rudy, George Amspoker, Henry William Keller, Robert Inners, Adam Rolff, John Brodbeck, George Krapr, John Inners, John Romer, Jacob Bear, Sr., John Livingston, Casper Koren, Philip Stcll, Jacob Bailey, Henry Mankey, Joseph Kreibel, Peter Sprcnkel, George Beck, Valentine Mickle, John Kurtz, George Sprenkcl, Stophel Brigner, James Moore, John Kauffelt, Isaac Sterner, George Baker, James Moore, Valentine Krantz, Peter Sprenkle, William Baker, Leonard Myer, Peter Link, Jacob Schmcisser, Jacob Dates, Henrv Xycommer, Lenhart Lecrone, Henry Shultz, George Dehoff, Philip Null, George Lecrone, Andreas Schneider, Philip Emick, George Portner, Michael Lau, Matthias Schmeisser, Wendel Everhart, Adam Rypold, Jacob Meisenkop, Henry Weltzhofifer, John Everhart, Nicholas Rypold, George Menges, Weitzel, Frederick Fisher, George Rypold, Peter Menges, Peter Wolff, John Fulwider, Henry Rohrbaugh, Andreas !Meyer, Conrad Weigel, Frederick Frazier, William Rule, John \Iiller, Martin Weigel, Samuel Glassick, John Rule, Ludwig Moll, Sebastian Weigel, John Gauntz, Ludvvick Reighgle, Simon Nirdnieyer, Peter Weigel, Peter Garveric, Michael Shearer, John Oberdorf, Philip Ziegler, Frederick Hovice, Martin Shyrer, John Ottinger, Killian Ziegler, Michael Hileman, Philip Snyder, Jacob Odenwalt, Jacob Ziegler, George Huver, Dewalt Snyder, Jacob Ottinger,' Peter Ziegler. Peter Hiney, George Smith, Jacob Hess, Matthias Smith, Captain. John Howser, Leonard Sower, Simon Copenhafer. Peter Krapr, Jacob Stake, First Lieutenant, Jacob Keller Henry WilUams, Michael Schreiber. (son of George), Jacob Warier, Second Lieutenant, Jacob Kessler, Francis Weymiller, Andrew Smith. Abram Keller, Sebastian Widman, Ensi.iiu, Keller, , Michael Ziegler, Sr., Jacob Jacob Gotwalt. Andrew Kersh, Michael Ziegler. John Kline, Privates, .^fustered. in After the organization of the mihtia, Philip Benedict, Reinhart Klein, 1777, the following two companies belonged Peter Bang, John Kroll, to the Second Battalion, which included Peter Bentz, George Miller, Henry Decker, Conrad E. Alenges, men from different sections of York Frederick Ehresman, Henry Ness, Cotint}' John Frey, Jacob Ness, Captain. Jacob Gotwalt, Henry Ort. Emanuel Herman. George Henry Houser, I lenry Rudisill, Frederick Haeck, Jonas Rudisill, First Lieutenant, Andreas Haeck, George Romi.g, William Mower. Jacob Herman, Peter Schultz. Second Lieutenant, John Hearst, Ludwig Shindle, John Brodrough. John Humrichhouser, John Schran, Ensign, Nicholas Hantz, Michael Wcntz, Herman Hoopes. Simon Kopenhafer, George Weitcrecht, Prizvtes, Adam Holtzapple, Peter Weitcrecht, Dietz Amand, >Lartin Ebert, Nicholas Krasz, Valentine Wilt. Jacob Bauer, Christian Eblv, Godfrey King, Robert Bayley, Ebly, Xot Mustered. Jonas Bott, Lenhart Ebly, Jacob Ernst, William Rieth, Jacob Bushong, John Emig, Andrew Ginigam, Andreas Rittcr, George Bott, Conrad Eisenhart, Joshua Horten, John Schmidt, Jacob Bott, Christian Eyster, Jacob Huff. Yost Stork, Matthias Detter, Michael Finfrock, Andrew Hershey, James Schmidt, Gabriel Derr, Gottlieb Fackler, John Herman, Philip Wintermoyer, Michael Emlet, John Fry, John Hoffman. Conrad Weikel, George Eyster, George Ferror, Christian Kneisley, Nathan Worlcy, Elias Eyster, Stephen Finfrock, John Kanffman, Jacob Worlev, George Eyster, Jr. John Gratz, John Kreibel, John Willis,' Michael Ebert, Isaac Gartman, Jacob Kanffman, James Worley, Philip Ebert, Isaac Gartman, Jr., John Nesbinger, Frank Worlev. 18 274 HlS'lUkV UF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Tlie following is a muster roll of Captain Michael Feyser, Frederick Eichholtz, George Croun, Adam Guntel. in Archibald McAllister's Company, 1776, Thomas Metzler, Martin Ilgenfritz, then serving under Colonel Hartley. In the Jacob Zimmerman, Frederick Aliller, Casper Bierbower, Rothrof, fall of that year Hartley's Regiment joined John Jacob Bowler, Jonas Rothrof, \\'ashington's army near Trenton, New Peter Stryn, Daniel Lebach, Jersey. This company, under Captain Mc- Walter Hughes, John Gross, Peter Thomas, Jacob Smith, Allister, took part in the battles of Brandy- William Crage, Emanuel Sipe, wine, Paoli, Germaritown and White Marsh Eliser John, Philip Sipe, in 1777, and in 1778, they marched with John John, Jacob Bender, George Geyer, George Leyser, against the Indians on Hartley's regiment Jacob Hoifman, Tobias Sipe, the northern frontier: Wendel Gross, Philip Quickcl, Jacob Ruthy, .Anthony Bevenour, Caplaiii, Michael Gross, William Reed. Archibald McVUister. Ale.x, Ramsey Cober, Philip Rothrof, First Lieutenant, Nicholas Hoffman, Jonathan Rauhauser, Isaac Sweeney. George Stauch, George Huber, Sergeant, Michael Bennedick, Philip Miller, Philip Hoffman, Henry Gertner, John Lesley. Frederick Beck, LUrich Derr, Drummers, Jacob Huber, Jonas A'onner, Patrick Conner, Alichael Welty, Christian Hamm, John Elliot. Jacob Welty, Matthias Henry, Nt, Privates, Abraham Messerly, Philip Wilty, Thomas Bissel, John McBride, Philip Bierbower, Jacob Gross, Francis Britt, John McDonald, David Ramsey, Jacob Gilbert, George Britt, John McGichen, George Ruthy, Jacob Miller. James Burke, William McGinness, Jacob Leydig. George Shettle, James Burns, Henry McGill, Sanniel Perck, George Shnellbecker, John Carduss, John JMcLean, George Reedman, Matthias Eichholtz, William Chambers, James McManaray, Frederick Heck, .Andrew Sipe, John Clark, Samuel McAIanamy, John Bowerway, Barnhart Feyser. Robert Clark, John Mahon, Jacob Herman, Edward Brady, Adam Clendennen, Benjamin Missum, George Eichholtz. William Ramsey, James Crangle, Thomas Morrow, Folden Erdel, Casper Cundel, Charles Cro.xel, Cornelius Murray, Samuel Clerk, John Qnickel, George Cusick, Thomas Nicholas, Henry Ruth}', Michael William, James Dill, John Page, George Lcvnningcr, Henrv Bowncr. Lewis Denisay, .Andrew Patterson, Christian Heck, Robert Ellison, Thomas Parker, » John Falls, Patrick Roch, The official report of the Third Company, Henry Gardner, Paul Terry, Fifth Battalion, York County militia, 1780: Richard Karper, Robert Thompson, William Hayes, Christian Timbrooke, Captain. John Hendrick, Thomas Timpler, William Heaffer. Thomas Herington, .Andrew Walker, Lieutenant, Thomas Irwin, .Andrew Webb, Conrad Haverstock. Thomas Judge. Robert White, Ensign, Matthias Kellar, Frederick Wolf. Martin Berghimer. Dennis Leray, Sergeants. Muster roll of the Fifth Company, Third John Dressier, Michael Dellow, Battalion. York County militia, for the Henry Berghimer. years 1783-4: Corporals, Captain, Philip Hering, Peter Trine. John Brenner. Lieutenant, Privates, John Kneisen. Andrew Young, Abraham Jacobs, Ensign, Philip Jacobs. Ludwig Heaffer. Peter Messerly. Henry Stonesifer. John Mummert. Sergeant, Henry Ottinger, Jacob Becker, Jacob Stauch. Jacob Fause, Nicholas King, Peter Gise, Christopher Speess, Sergeants, George Fans, Wendel Henry, N .\dam Iletzer, Samuel .Arnold. George Keentzer, John Wilth. Peter Bricgner. Henry Jacobs. Priz'ates, William Mummert, John Hideler, Jacob Weigel, Daniel Rahauser, Daniel .\mcrt, Henry Balsley, Charles Alitman. George Romigh. John Dull. Daniel Bowser. Baltzer Ham, .Andrew' Coder, Peter Heaffer. Jacob Snider. Andrew Gross, Joseph Sipe, W'endel Gvger, Yost Hiner, : I'HE REVOLL'TIOX -/ Richard Minnmcrt. Jacob Steefler, Henry Kuhn. George Huber, John Xaugle, Ludwig Hiner, John Keller. Matthias Ripold, Andrew liaverstock, John Lehn, Benjamin Lawson. Daniel Stouffer, Henry Walter. Gotlecb Breegner, George Bortner, Sr., Frederick Fraser, John Bowser, Xicholas Fickes.Nr Jacob Keller Smith, Philip Dahoff, Conrad Dull. Jacob Brenner, \ Daniel Bear, Henry Albrecht, Patrick Haley. George Ox, Xicholas Dahoff, Peter Ollinger, Philip Haverstock, Abraham Serflf. h'rederick William, Lugwig Rigel, Jacob Dressier, Robert Doughertv. Ludwig Bortner, Jacob Kants, ALartin Shyrer. William Ruhl, The following is a return of the Sixth Xicholas Ripold, Daniel Cramer, -Abraham Keller, Haderik, Company, Fifth Battalion, Jacob York County John Werner. Frederick Wilhelm, militia, from Paradise Township, Septem- Henry Wilhelm, Jacob Keller. ber I, 1781 George Smith. Jacob Ziegler. George Dahoff, John Eberhard, Cii/'fijiji. Zachariah Shoe, John Gantz, Andrew Bolly. (leorge Ripold, Benjamin Walker, Lifutcnaiit, John Rohrbaugh, William Baker, John Stump. George Bortner, David Xeal, Ensign, Peter Henig, Jacob Kerker, Philip Wyland. John Gerberick, -Adam Foltz, Privates, Jacob Xoll, Peter Hah. Jacob Buss, Peter Dierdorf. Philip Christ. henry Sprengler, Return of Captain Thomas White's Com- Adam Klinepeter, Michael IJonser, pany of the Fifth Battalion, York County Jacob Amon. Matthias Mummert, Xicholas Enders, John Stoufer. militia, for the year 1780: Adam Walter, Werner Graver. John Kell, Henry Spengler. Captain, George WoUed, -" Bernhard Spengler. Thomas White. Peter Moore, iBernhard Spengler, Lieutenant, Peter Dewald, Christian Wiest, Lawrence Helman. Valentine Grof, Christian Linebaugh, John Pawl, Jacob Roth, Ensign, George Roth. Philip Altland. Francis Winkler. David Baker. Charles Hyme, Philip Wolst. Henry Klinepeter, Sergeants, John Raker. Joseph Sunday, Edward Woods. Christopher Weyncniiller. Jacob Stover, John Wide. Ulrich Peter Thorn. Andrew Sunday. Barnhard. Philip Shafcr. Henry Fishel. Privates, Rudolph Klinepeter Adam Stover, Christian Hershey, Jacob Marcx. George Bake. Michael Howry. Joseph Hershey, Jr., James Porter, Christopher Kamps, Henry Wahler. Peter Hershey, Hugh Fulton. Buss. Jacob Rcnsell. John Joseph Hershey, Sr., James Cre,gor\-. John Dierdorf, David Griffy. Xicholas Pence. William Blackburn. John Trimmer. John Myer. Andrew Pence. -Andrew Hoff, Andrew Trimmer, George Wide. Michael Fissel, .Adam Hoff, George Rudy, George Krazingher. Henry Fissel, John Kilkanon, John Sherk. George Smith. Henry Fissel, Jr., John Wertz. Wiest, Martin Rafflesbergcr. John George Conrad, X'^alentinc Runk. Abraham Roth. Christian Rafflesbergcr. Jacob Conrad, Joseph Runk. Trimmer. Casper Goaks. Peter George Gentzler, Adam Dentlinger, Jacob Stover. Thomas Louder. :\IichaeI Miller, John Simmons, John Fishel. William Louder, Philip Stover, Leonard Getz, Fishel. Henrv Jacob Loser. Peter Marc.x, Phillip Hoff, Peter Ratts, Peter Wertz. Official report of Captain Shearer's Com- Martin Plank, Henry Heltzel. pany, Fifth Battalion of York County ^'ost Waggoner, John Rose. John Joseph, .\braham Horn, militia, in 1780: Michael Strawsbach, Joseph Wilson, Cal'lain. David Griffith, John Fricky, John Shearer. Philip Meyers, Elias Wood. Daniel Shynaman, John Ortman. Privates, Peter Sander. Jacob Lischy, Jacob Bear, Frederick Fraser, Sr., Jacob Wantz. " Geor,ge Krone. Helfrey Cramer, Samuel Glasik. John Dicks, Sr., John Hershey, Deewald Shnider. George Krops. John L')icks, Jr., .Abraham Bollinger, George Koltriter, Xicholas Ziegler. Martin Focrst, Francis Reamer, Michael Shultz, Adam Ripold. Peter Meinhart, Conrad Mole. ^^ichaeI Rose, George Gross. George .Amspoker. Jacob Ziegler. Return of Captain Leclmer's Company of Michael Ehrman. John Brodbek. John Sower. Jacob Shearer, York County militia, for the 3'ear 1780: 276 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. PEXXSYLV.VXIA C (J />/((/", Jlichaei Lechncr. Lieutenant, Henry Kesler. Bnsign, Henry Karwcr. Clerk, Christian Roarbach, Sergeants, Lorenz Roarbach, Jacob Eppley, Jacob Stambach. Corporals, Daniel Jones, Jacob Hefner, John Boelor. Fifer, Franz Straithof. Drummer, Frend, Fenes. Privates, Jacob Boeler, Andrew IMiller, Henry Skiles, Daniel Ham, Jacob ^Miller, Christian Huble, Samuel Brenneman, William Becker, Martin Sneider, Christian Brillhard, Henry Stambach, George jMiller, -Peter Kreps, Ullrich Huber, George Werly, John Snell, Stephen Peter, Henry Werh', John Rever, Jacob Noll, -Michael Miller, Thomas Harreys, Alexander Lees, John Weaver, Adani Miller, Jacob Boeler, Jr., Abraham Bollinger, , Peter Stombach, John Ham, John Kline, Christian Noll, Lorenz Shultz, Jacob Straithoff, Thonias King, John Myer, Jacob Kesler, Ben Brenneman, John Rudisill. George Fransler, William Brenneman, Philip Stambach, John Huber, Jacob Wearly, John Miller, Adam Hoffman, Christian Hefner, Daniel Wertz, Michael Peter. The following is a muster roll of Captain Reinhart Bott's Company of York County militia, from Manchester Township, 1780: Captain, Reinhart Bott. Lientenant, Philip Ziegler, Jr. Ensign, Philip Ebert. Clerk, Killian Ziegler. Sergeants, John Dettemar, Jacob Rudy, Peter Hoke. Corporals, Andrew Zieglor, . John Ernst, Henry Dettemar. Priiates. John Haller, Michael Bentz. John Emig, Philip Wintermeyer, Adam Wolf, Leonhart Wizel, Frederick Horn, Frederick Leonhart, THE REVOLUTIOX 277 Jacob Gotwald, Jr., I'Vederick Humel, A part of the count}- militia were called Henry John, Battereck McMuUen, Samuel Herd, John Forey, out to ser\e for three months or more at a Matthias Sorker, Casper Shctrone, time to guard British prisoners at York, Ludwick Wliyer, Jacob Forey, during the years 1777-78-79, and at Camp Ijetter -Meyer, i'liomas Miller, John Hunder, Andrew Clyne, Security, the British prison four miles William Xicliolas, James Karmen, southeast of York, in 1781-82. The follow- Andrew Miller, Elven John, ing companies served in tliis capacity: Abraham Shelley, John Mcnspoker, Valentine Shultz, Joseph Careson, Capliiin, George Strine, Cornelius Careson, George Long. Jacob Heitelbaugh, Daniel Densol, George Snyder, Uavid Ensmenger, Licntenants, Frederick Sorker, Christian Bomgerdner, Christopher Elefritz, Philip Fettrow, Hcnrj" Bower, John Fischel. Amos Lewis, Samuel Miller, Sergeants, James Hengoge, Jacob Stattessman, Andrew Baitmen, George .\Ienspokcr, George Moore, Jacob Norberger, Michael Bollinger, Jacob Sprenkle, John Hofmen, Jacob ileyer, John Willard. George Bower. George Meyer, Corporals, Bastian Whyel. John Bower, ^Lartin Kerman, Frederick Heyer, William Remel, Seth Goodwin, William Updegraff, Jacob Copier, Philip Wagner. William Bratain, Robert Miller, Michael Ressler, William Winery, Privates, Guy Cancley. Frederick Stone, Jacob Doederly, Forrest McKutchin, Jacob Ruppert, Thomas Bonine, John Dalsman, Luke McLeese, John Nicholas, Jonathan McTarey, George Fleager, Peter W. Naught Philip Bence, Samuel Whev. Philip Grim, (or McDonough), Michael Fettrow, Peter Grim, Felix ililler, John Graham, Patrick Oloan, The following is a return of Captain Michael Grim, David Patker, ^^'iley's Company, York County militia, for Jacob Houx, Thomas Ryan, the year 1780: Michael Kurtz, Henry Ryschell, Jacob Kook, Jacob Speck, Cal^tiiiii. Edward Lostikcl, Peter Shoemaker, Aquila Wiley. John Long, John Wilhelm, Lieutenant, Jacob Layman, George Wilhelm, Adam Hendri.x. Edward Alusgrove, Philip Wagoner, Ensign, Henry Miller, Casper Williard, Andrew Smith. iLirtin Maver, George Zech. Privates, James Wilgns, Boston Shilling. Ciiptains. John Millar. Michael Heman, Christopher Lauman. Peter Smith, Henry Shaver, Daniel i:)oll. John McDonald, Henry Downs, Privates, Peter Baker, John Clifelter, Daniel Curfman, Jacob Bosard, John Agnew, Hamilton Bagley Christian Keisey, Adam Deal. Jacob Bitner John Eichelberger James Moor., Isaac Hendrix, Andrew Colhoon Henry Erwin \Villiam Wile. Thomas Arms. Martin Fry Jacob Korr>" Michael Clifclter, Solomon Xunemaker, Jacob Graybill Joel Gray Windel Hisa. Jacob Mire, Peter Glossbrenner John Hively James Marshal, Nicholas Rogers. George Giess Stephen Harry John Keller. Michael Kensler. Peter Hess Jacob Heckert Jacob Ott. Jolm Beard, Christian Heckendorn Richard Hickson George Waltimire, Adam Lukus. John Hubley Thomas Koontz Hennary Waggoner, Thomas Sparks. John Kock, Jr. Peter Kurtz George Isahart, Chrisley Lipc. George Lutman Abraham Lighlner Thomas Simyard, George Didenhaver, Henry Lanius Peter Lightner James McTwina, Frederick Rule. Charles Lauman John Laffertv John Freeland, Francis Keilev, Lgnatius Li.ghtner Philip Miller Jacob Hederick, John ^rillar. William Mini William ^Layson Daniel Bailey. Nicholas .Millar, John Ptligcr Dr. Emanuel McDowell John McMahon, Charles Waltimire, John Philby Thomas McKinsey William Patterson, David Waltimire, Barny Smith William Norris Conrod Free. .'\dam Snn'th. Henry Small John Strebich Christian Crouse, Isaac Low. Laurence Shultz Dr. Daniel Shefer Frederic Millar, Paul Hivly. Clement Slillinger George Stall Laurane Clifelter, Gasper Prcathaver, Jacob Waltimire Michael Schreiber Jacob Coler. James F'reeland. John Williams John Shetly Xehemiah L'nderwood. Tlu-imas Hendrix. Jacob Welsh Joseph Uodegraff William .Anderson. John Yous Jacob Wclshans. : : : 78 HISTORY OF YORK COUXTY, PEXXSYIA'AXIA Cooper, Francis Boggs, The following is a muster roll of Captain William John Cooper, Patrick Shannon, Samuel Fulton's Company of Y'ork County Brainerd Stroyner, Peter Reeser, militia, guarding" the prisoners at Camp Se- Thomas Ramage, John Sullivan, Alexander White, John Bowie, curity, in September, 1781 William Sullivan, John Williams, Captain. Allen Torbctt, Benjamin Coble, Samiie! Fulton. Thomas White, John Sickleman, John Hall, James White. Lieutenant, Joseph Dodds. Joseph McClellan's Company, September Sergeants, Alexander Thompson, 10, 1778, Xinth Pennsylvania Line: Alexander Smith, Ezekiel Sinkey. Captain, Corporals, Joseph McClellan. James Cowhick, Sergeants, John Patton, Daniel Vanderslice, James Hawkins. Hugh Flearren, Dempsej'. Fifer. Samson Godfry Sidle. Corporals, Privates, Samuel Woods, Christian Young. Samuel Adams, John Miirfe\', Joseph Alison, William McClellan, Drummer, William Adams, Jacob McCouUah, George Stewart. Thomas Robison, Andrew. Miller, Privates, Barber, Michael Miller, Samuel George Alfred, James Callahan, Beveard, Moser, John John Henry Harper, George Shaffer, Balsley, Henry Miller, Jacob George Pention, John Connely, Christian Branaman, John Owens, Thomas Sumner, Peter ilager, .\ndrew Brown, John Oble, Adam Coch. John Allison, Michael Caricker. Ludwick Ortt, Daniel Saliday, Robert Armstrong, Valentine Colman, Robert Penrey, Daniel Benhart, _;^John Davis, William Donaldson, James Pollock, Frederick Raimeck:, ;\Iichael Henderliter, Delinger, Peter Pence, Joseph Jacob Powles, George Hister, Pew. John Delinger, Elisha Laughlin Morrison Simon Lauk, Darron, Thomas Robison, Adam Thomas Powell, Samuel Lewis, Michael Edwards, Mandevill Reed, Francis Matthews, Joseph Parker, Frederick Eholes, Rodrof, John Patrick Rock, Thomas Rendals, Freland, John Sineard, John Andrew Shaffer, Xathan Roberts, Flint, Michael Simerman, Michael Robert Eagen, Charles Stewart, Michael Fedrow, William Scarlet, James Haines, John Stewart, Jacob Freeze, Joseph Stroup, James Young, Jonathan Thomas. John Good. Peter Strayer, David Griffith, Adam Swope, of the Tohn Gross, Jacob Stigner, Isaac Sweeney's Company Xew Robert Hill, Adam Shinbarger, Eleventh, 1781 Isaac Hendrick, Jacob Taylor, Daniel Hair, Eldrie Terr, Captain, Michael Henry, Joseph Thompson, Isaac Sweeney. Frederick Humble, Stophel Writer, Lieutctiant, ^lathias Kernes, Moses Wallace, Septimus Davis. Philip Knop. Charles Waltimier, Ensig}!, George Lecronc, John Waggoner. William Houston. Cieorge Lininger. Sergeants, William ^litchell's Company. December Thomas Wilson, John Gray, 20, 1776, Fifth Battalion, Colonel Matthew Patrick Clemens. Dill Corporals. Captain. Andrew Miller, William Mitchell. Edward Blake, First Lieutenant, John Smith. Joseph Eliott. Drummer, .Second Lieutenant, Robert Hunter. Henry Shaeffer. Fifer. Ensign. John McElroy. Laurence Oats. votes, Sergeant, George Carman, .\ndrew Kelly, John Lewis. John Edgar. Roger O'Brien, Privates. William Fields. Valentine Stickle, Robert Torbett. William McLaughlin, Hu.gh Forsythe, Hugh Swords, ' Xicholas Shotto, Daniel Williams, James Hines, William Wilson. : THE REVOI.UTIOX 279 John Andrew's Company, April 30, 1779, The following soldiers from York County 'J'enth Battalion: served in different commands during the Revolution : Colonel, John Andrews. PennsyKania Artillery—John Benning- Adjiilaiil, ton, Miciiael Kyall, John Kelley, James William Bailey. Ryburn, Frederick Leader, John Johnson, Quartermaster, Samuel Laughlin, Alexander Martin, Robert Chambers. George Stewart, William ^Bergenhoff, Sergeant. Robert Ditcher, Patrick Dixon, M. David Beaty. James Baker, John Lochert. Privates, German Regiment Jacob Krcmer, Robert Galbreath, Joseph Bogle, — Jacob John Hoult, Benjamin Whitely, McLean, John Richcreek. Christian Freet, William Stragin, Fourth Pennsylvania Line—Andrew George William Reed, Stope. Crotty, Philip Hounsley, John Sarsley, George Seittel, John McMeehan, Nathan Grimes, John Slammers, Christian Pepret, Andrew Shoeman, John Abraham Iloughtailcn, John Hoover, Cavanaugh, William Smith, John Anderson. David Demorest, Robert Wilson, Henry Buchanan, Alexander Bogle, Fifth Pennsylvania Line—John Deveney, \\'illiam Coule, David Cassat, Anthon)- Leaman, .\dam Shuman. Samuel McCush, William McGrer, Sixth Pennsylvania George McCans, Robert Campbell,^ Line — William James Wier, John McCreesy. Brown, Michael Weirich, Joel Gray, Matthias Young, Ludwig Waltman. The following is a list of York County Seventh Pennsylvania Line — John soldiers w-ho served in the First Pennsyl- Brown. vania Regiment of Foot Ninth Pennsylvania Line—John Tate, Michael Long, Daniel Johnston, ensign; Stephen Stephenson, Adam David- Samuel Crawford, Michael Jones, son, captain; Samuel Jamieson. George Robert Campbell, Patrick Kelly, Heffelfinger, Samuel Spicer, Leonard James Brown, Robert Keenan, John Mollin, John Leonard, Weyer. Robert Garret, Thomas Maltzer, Eleventh Pennsylvania Line—Robert Ulrich Faulkner, Morrison, James McMurdie, brigade chaplain. William Kerr, James McLean, Charles Boyles, William Welschance, New Eleventh Pennsylvania—Martin Robert Magee, Peter Eversole, Bloomenstine, Godlove Shaddow, John Thomas Collins, William Klorris, James Berry, Thomas Stewart, Richcreek, Joel Gray, John Snyder, Robert Jesse Lester, Felix McLaughlin, Casebolt. William Brown. George Sinn, Edward Larder, Thirteenth Pennsylvania—Matthew Far- Mathias Crout, John McXair, James Robertson, William Pilmore, ney. John Kimmins, Thomas Winters, State Regiment of Foot—Captain John Jacob Harrington, John Gower, Marshall, successor to Captain Philip .Al- William Williams, John Callahan, James McDonough, James Bradley, bright; Robert Sturgeon, Patrick McGin- James Mclntyre, Edward Blake, nes, ^^'ilIiam Welshance, John Awl, Joseph Thomas ^IcGee, Daniel Campbell, — Jolm ^L'llone, Henry Crone, Mj'ers, Samuel Woods, Edward Carlton, John McKinney, Hugh Henley. Terrence Stockdale. Peter Geehan, Thomas Hamilton, At the Flying Camp, 1776 Captain Samuel Woods, Frederick Snyder, — Martin Hart, Michael Wann, Peter Ickes. Second-Lieutenant William George Corkingdate, Peter Myers, Young. Ensign Elisha Grady, Christian John Allen, Michael Kurtz, Ouiggle. Klingman, Patrick Gibson, John Summerville, Samuel Allen, Jacob Edward Butler, George Albertson, Henrjr Beard, Alexander Frew, George P.-itrick Preston, James Allison, Gelwicks, Charles Wilson. Timothy Winters, Hugh Henderson, Baltzer Barge, Patrick Ryan, The following is a list of commissioned John Campbell, Peter McBride, officers of the York County militia for the Edward Fielding, Thomas Moore, years 1777-8-9: Evan Holt, Thomas Katen, James Dougherty, William Bradshaw, John Vandereramel, James Welsh, Colonel James Thompson's Battalion at George Young, Marty Sullivan, Wilmington, Delaware, Sept. 3, 1777. John Whitemari, .•\ndrew Crothy, John Unkey, John Fouder. 1st Co.. Captains William Dodds, 38 men; 28o HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA _'d Co.. Samuel Ferguson, 41 men; 3d Co., Second Battalion. illegible; men; 4th Co., Thomas Latta, 31 Colonel William Rankin, '77-8; Lt. Col. 3th Co.. Laird, men; 6th Co., Peter John 32 John Ewing, '77-8, Moses McClean. "79; Ford. len; 7th Co., Myers, 18 men. John Major John Morgan, '77-8, John Edie, '79. 1st Co., Capt. William Ashton,'77-8, Sam- First Battalion, October i, 1777. uel Cabane. '79; ist Lt. Malachi Steahlev, 3d Co., Capt. Christian Kauffman, ist Lt. '77, Tvlilkeah Shley, '78, William Hall, "79; John Shaffer, 2d Lt. Henry Smith, Ensign 2d Lt. James Elliot, '77-8; Ensign John 4th Capt. Daniel May, Jacob Strehr; Co., Crull, '77, John Carroll, '78, John Murphey, 1st Lt. Andrew Milhorn, 2d Lt. Henry Jr., '79. Rank and file, 91 men. Yessler, Ensign Frederick Spahr. 2d Co., Capt. John Rankin, '77-8, Thomas First Battalion. Bigham, "79; ist Lt. Joseph Hunter, '77-8, William McCay, '79; 2d Lt. John Ashton, Col. James Thompson, Lt. Col. 1778; '77-8; Ensign Daniel McHenry, '77-8, John Samuel Neilson, 1778; Henry Miller, 1779; Murphey, '79. Rank and file, 88 men. Major Chamberlain, William James 1778; 3d Co., Capt. Simon Copenhafer, '77-8, Bailey, 1779. Robert Bigham, '79; ist Lt. Michael 1st Co., Capt. William Dodds, John 1778, Shriver, '77-8, \\'illiam jMcMun, '79; 2d Lt. Ehrman, '79; ist Lt. Nealy, '78, Fred. Andrew Smith. '77-8; Ensign Jacob Gut- ^^'eare, '79; 2d Lt. Nealy, '78; Ensign Jos. wait, '77-8, John Sheakley, '79. Rank and Dodds, '78, Peter Swartz, '79. Rank and file, 60 men. file, 104 men. 4th Co., Capt. Philip Gartner, '77, Jacob 2d Co., Capt. David Williams, '78, George Hiar, '78, James Miller, '79; ist Lt. John Long, '79; 1st Lt. James McNickle, '78, Higher, '77, Adam Barr, '78, James Mc- Korehart, '79; Ensign James Reed, John Kinley, '79; 2d Lt. Jacob Comfort, '78; '/8, Smith, '79. Rank and file, men. John 78 Ensign George Hiar, '78, Barabus Mc- 3d Co., Capt. John Shaver, '78, Michael Sherry, '79. Rank and file, 66 men. Hahn, '79; ist Lt. Henry Smith, '78, 5th Co., Capt. Emanuel Herman, '78, Christian Zinn, '79; Ensign Jacob Miller, Thomas Orbison, '79; ist Lt. William "78, Peter Hank, '79. Rank and file, men. 95 Moneyer, '77, A\'illiam Momer, '78, Joseph 4th Co.. Capt. Daniel May, '78, Peter Hunter, "79; 2d Lt. John Rothrock, '77, Ford, '79; 1st Lt. Andrew Melhorn, '78, John Bodrough, '78; Ensign Harman Jeffries, '79; 2d Lt. Henry Y''essler, John Hoopes, '78, Robert Wilson, '79. Rank '78; Ensign Frederick Spaar, '78, Charles and file, 81 men. Spangler, '79. Rank and file, men. 89 6th Co., Capt. John Mansberger, '77-8, 5th Co., Capt. Parkinson, '78, Peter James James Johnston, '79; ist Lt. Henry Mat- Imswiller, '79; ist Lt. James Fagen, '78, thias, '77-8, John McBride, '79; 2d Lt. Cross, '79; 2d Lt. Alexander Nesbitt, James George Meyer, '77-8; Ensign Jacob Kepler, '78; Ensign John May, '78, Ulrich Sellor, '77, Jacob Helpler, '78, John McBride, '79- '79. Rank and file, 206 men. Rank and file, 7^1 men. 6th Co., Capt. Benjamin Keable, '78, 7th Co., Capt. Yost Herbach, '77-8, Wil- Michael Kaufelt, '79; ist Lt. Henry Shaver, liam Lindsay, '79; ist Lt. Peter Shultz, '78, Philip Boyre, '79; 2d Lt. Lawrence '77-8, Robert Black, '79; 2d Lt. Baltzer Oats, '78; Ensign Michael Dush, "79. Rudisill, '77-8; Ensign Michael Ettinger, Rank and file, men. 75 '77-8, Samuel Russel, '79. Rank and file, 7th Co., Capt. Francis Boner, '78, Ephraim 50 men. Penington, '79; ist Lt. George Robenet, Sth Co., Capt. A\'illiam Walls, '77-8, 78, Charles Barnet, '79; 2d Lt. John Thomas Clingen, '79; ist Lt. Henry Lee- Schrote. '78; Ensign William Brandon, '78. pert. '77-8. Joseph Brown, '79; 2d Lt. John Gotfry Lenhart, '79. Rank and file. 120 Jordan, '77-8: Ensign James Schultz, '77. men. Jacob Sholtz, '78.. John McLean, 79. Rank 8th Co., Capt. John O'Blainiss. '78; ist and file, 56 men. Lt. John Polk, '78; 2d Lt. William John- ston, '78; Ensign Benjamin Beaty, '78. Third Battalion. Rank and file, 106 men. Colonel l)a\id Jamison. "78; Lt. Col. THE REVOLUTION- 281 Philip Albright, '78, Michael Smyser, 79; Stockton, '79; 1st Lt. Matthew Mitchell, Major William Scott, '78, William Ashton. '78, John Riner, '79; 2d Lt. William Kel- 79- inery, '78; Ensign Nicholas Glascow, '78, 1st Co., Capt. Jacob Beaver, '78, Rinehart Elisha Gready, '79. Rank and file, 67 men. Bott, '79; 1st Lt. Nicholas Baker, '78, 4th Co., Capt. Samuel Morrison, '78, George Philip Zeigler, '79; 2d Lt. John Joseph Pollock, '79; ist Lt, Peregin Mercer, Bare, '78; Ensign George Lefeber, '78, 78, William Hamilton, '79; 2d Lt. John Philip Eberd, '79. Rank and file, 106 men. Armstrong; Ensign Stephen K. Gififin, '78, 2d Co., Capt. Gotfry Fry, '78. Henry Mat- Adam W^eaver, '79. Rank and file, 64 men. thias, '79; 1st Lt. John Bushong, '78, 5th Coy Capt. John Mcllvain, 78, Josiah George Meyer, '79; 2d Lt. George Spangler, Carr, 'jy; ist Lt. John Range, '78, Lewis 78; Ensign James Jones, '78, Charles Vanarsdelin, '79; 2d Lt. Francis Clapsaddle, Hyer. '79. Rank and file, 65 men. '78; Ensign James Geary, '78, John Watson, 3d Co.. Capt. Peter Forte, '78, John Mc- '79. Rank and file, 74 men. Master, '79; ist Lt. Christ Stear, '78, Wil- 6th Co., Capt. John Stockton, 78, James liam Bennet, '79; 2d Lt. Andrew Hartsock, Elliot, '79; 1st Lt. John Anderson, '78, Wil- '78; Ensign Jacob Welshance, '78, John liam Neally, '79: 2d Lt. David Stockton. INIapin. '79. Rank and file, 66 men. "78; Ensign Elisha Grady, '78, Thomas 4th Co., Capt. Christopher Lowman, '78. Prior, '79. Rank and file, 64 men. Philip Jacob King, '79; ist Lt. Ephraim 7th Co., Capt. Samuel Erwin, '78, Andrew Penington, '78, Andrew Cross, '79; 2d Lt. Paterson, '79; ist Lt. William Houghtelin, John Fishel, '78; Ensign Charles Barnitz, '78, Abraham Fletcher, '79; 2d Lt. Henry "78, George ^Volf, '79. Rank and file, 72 Forney, '78; Ensign William Reed, '78, men. William Fleming, '79. Rank and file, 79 5th Co., Capt. Alexander Ligget, '78, men. Thomas Goald, '79; ist Lt. Robert Richey, 8th Co., Capt. Thomas Stockton, '78, '78, George Ensminger, '79; 2d Lt. Robert James Geery, '79: 2d Lt. Daniel Mentieth, Stewart, '78: Ensign Peter Fry, '78, Wil- "78 ; Ensign Andrew Patterson, 78, George liam Nailor, '79. Rank and file, 75 men. Sheakley, '79. Rank and file, 59 men. 6th Co., Capt. George Long, '78, Jacob Fifth Battalion. Comfort, '79; 1st Lt. Samnel Smith, '78, George Meyer, '79: 2d Lt. Conrad Keesey, Colonel Joseph Jeffries, 78: Lt. Col. J '78: Ensign Samnel Mosser, '78, Elias Gise, Alichael Ege, '78, Francis Jacob Remer, '79: "79. Rank and file, 62 men. ]\Iajor Joseph Spangler, 'jS, Joseph Wil- 7th Co.. Capt. :\Iichael Hahn. 78; ist Lt. son, '79. 'j'^. John Mimm, 78; 2d Lt. Thomas , 1st Co., Capt. John Mayer, Thomas 78: Ensign Christian Zinn, "78. Rank and \\-hite, '79; 1st Lt. Abraham Bollinger. 78, file, 75 men. Lawrence Helman, '79; Ensign Daniel Hum, 78, Francis Winkel, '79. Rank and Fourth Battalion. file, 55 men. Colonel John Andrew, '78; Lt. Col. Wil- 2d Co., Capt. Adam Black. 78, Acquilla liam ^\alker, '78, William Gillelan, 79; ^\'iley, '79; 1st Lt. William Lindsay. 78, Major Simon Vanarsdale, '78, John King, Adam Hendrix. '79; 2d Lt, David Jordan, 79- '78: Ensign Robert Buchanan, '78, Andrew 1st Co., Capt. John Calmery, '79; ist Lt. Smith, 79. Rank and file, 60 men. William Hamilton. '78, Samuel Gillelan, 3d Co., Capt. William McClane,'78, Peter '79; 2d Lt, Joseph Pollock, '78; Ensign Zollinger, 79: ist Lt. David Blyth, '78, Adam W'eaver, '78, Nathaniel Glassco, '79. ^\illiam Hefer, Jr., '79; 2d Lt. Benjamin Rank and file, 58 men. Read, 78: Ensign William Hart, '78, ALar- 2d Co., Capt. John King, '78, Robert tin Berkhimer. '79. Rank and file, 64 men. Cample, '79; ist Lt. James Eliot, '78, John 4th Co., Capt. David Wilson, 78, Michael Bodine, '79; 2d Lt. Baltzer Tetrick, '78; Leightner, '79; ist Lt. Robert Rowan, '78. Ensign \\illiam Neely, '78, David Scott, Henry Kessler, '79; 2d Lt. John Thomp- '79. Rank and file. 64 men. son. '78: Ensign John Cotton, 78, John 3d Co., Capt. William Gilliland, '78, David Ham, "79. Rank and file, 64 men. ; 282 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PEXXSYLVAXIA 5tli Co., Capt. Joseph Morrison, '78, Oblanas, '79; ist Lt. Henry Sturgeon, 78, Henry Ferree, '79; ist Lt. James Johnston, John Polack, "79; 2d Lt. Richard Parsell, '78, John Snyder, '79; 2d Lt. John McBride, "78; Ensign James McMaster, '78, Benja- '78; Ensign John Buchanan, "78, Michael min Beaty, '79. Rank and file, 86 men. Snyder, '79. Rank and file, 59 men. 8th Co., Capt. Abraham Sell, 78, Daniel 6th Co., Capt. William ]\Iiller,'78, Andrew May, 79; 1st Lt. Jacob Kitsmiller, '78, An- Paly, '79; 1st Lt. James Porter, '78, John drew Alilhorn, 79; Ensign Charles Grim, Stump, 79; Ensign Barnabas McCherry, 79. Rank and file, 66 men. 78, Philip ^^'ylan(i, 79. Rank and file, 59 men. Seventh Battalion. 7lh Co., Capt. Thomas Orbison, '78, Colonel David Kennedy, '78; Lt. Col. George Geishelman, '79; ist Lt. Robert James Agnew, '78, Adam Winterode, '79; McElhenny, 78, Andrew Lau, '79; 2d Lt. IMajor John Weans, '78, Joseph Lilley, '79. Hunter, '78; Joseph Ensign Robert Wil- 1st Co., Capt. Thomas Latta, '78, Simon son, '78, Valentine Alt, '79. Rank and file, Clare, '79; ist Lt. Robert Fletcher, '78, 60 men. Frederick Eyler, '79; 2d Lt. Samuel Cobain 8th Co., Capt. Paxton, John '78, John Ensign Henry Shultz, '79. Rank and file, Shorrer, '79; ist Lt. James Marshall, '78, 69 men. Barr, Jacob '79; 2d Lt. William McMun, 2d Co., Capt. Thomas White. "78, Michael 78, Helfrich Cramer, '79. Rank and file, Carl, '79; 1st Lt. Robert Geffries, 78. Adam 66 men. Hooper. '79; 2d Lt. John Gefifries, 78; En- Sixth Battalion. sign Alexander Lee. '78, Henry Felty, '79. Colonel William Ross, '78; Lt. Col. Rank and file, 57 men. Samuel Nelson, '79; Major James Cham- 3d Co., Capt. John ]\Iiller, 78. Conrad berlain, '79. Shorets, '79; ist Lt. Peter Smith, '78, ist Co., Capt. Laird, '78, Peter Henry Dewalt, 79; 2d Lt. John McDonald, Speece, '79; ist Lt. William Reed, '78, Johln '78; Ensign Quiller Winny, '78, Anthony Swan, '79; Ensign David Steel, '78, John Hinkel, 79. Rank and file, 60 men. Snyder, '79. Rank and file, 84 men. 4th Co., Capt. Abraham Furree, '79, 2d Co., Capt. Casper Reineke, '78, \\'il- Peter Solinger, '78; ist Lt. Daniel Amer, liam Coulson, '79; ist Lt. Jacob Rudisell, '78, Christian Koenzan, '79; 2d Lt. Joseph 78, Christian Keener, '79; 2d Lt. Simon Baltzler, '78; Ensign Anthony Snider. '78, Clear, '78; Ensign Elias Davis, '78, John Smith, '79. Rank and file, 64 men. ^Latthew Dill, 79. Rank and file, 89 men. 5th Co.. Capt. John Arman, '78, Henry Sd-tCo.. Capt. Alexander Nesbit, '79, Lt. Moore. '79; ist Lt. Daniel Peterman, '78, Charles Brouster, '79; Ensign Henry De- Henry Hohsteter, '79; 2d Lt. Michael Sech, walt, '78, Lazarus Nelson, '79. Rank and '78: Ensign George Arman, '78, Ulrich file, 85 men. Hohsteter, '79. Rank and file, 65 men. 4th Co., Capt. Frederick Kurtz, '78, An- 6th Co., Capt. George Geiselman, '78, drew Willson, '79; 1st Lt. Matthew Baker, Andrew Foreman, '79; ist Lt. Frederick '78, James Quigly, '79; 2d Lt. Henry Hiner, '78, James McMaster, '79; 2d Lt. M- ; Ensign Charles Vantine, '78, Henry Sumrough, '78; Ensign Valentine AA'illiam Buns, '79. Rank and file, 8^ men. Alt, '78, Peter Foreman. '79. Rank and file, 5th Co., Capt. Peter Ekes, '78, Francis 63 men. Boner. '79; ist Lt. Jolin" Mullin, '78, 7th Co., Capt. Jacob Anient, '78, John Thomas Black, 79; 2d Lt. Jonas Wolf; Wampler, '79; ist Lt. Alexander . Ensign George Harmon, '78, Peter Zeigler, '78, Adam Fisher, '79: 2d Lt. Nicholas An- '79. Rank and file, 84 men. drews, '78; Ensign Adam Clinepeter, '78, 6th Co., Capt. Leonard Yenswene, '78, Christian Gehret, '79. Rank and file, 55 William. Dodds, '79; ist Lt. John Wampler, men. 78, Joseph Dodds, Jr., '79; 2d Lt. Jacob < 8th Co., Capt. John Sherer, '78. Peter, Xucomer, '78: Ensign Ludwick Wampler, Ikes. '79; 1st Lt. Jacob Hetrick, 78. Jonas '78, Adam Guchus, "79. Rank and file, 58 Wolf, '79; 2d Lt. Frederick Mayer," '78; men. Ensign Jacob Bear, '78, Alexander Adams, 7th Co., Capt. Andrew Foreman, '78. John '79. Rank and file, 70 iTien. - •A'OLUTIOX 283 Eighth BattaUon. .\ndrew Graham. Bottstown, June 26, 1782; Colonel Henry .Slagle, "78; Lt. Col. John John Walter, born in Windsor Township; Laird. '79; Major Joseph Lilley, '78, David John Flodgskin. York County ; Hugh Mc- Wiley, '79. Ellvaney, Tyrone Township, September 2, 1st Co., Capt. Nicholas Gelwix, '78, James 1782; William Magahy, born in York Maffet, '79; 1st Lt. Adam Hoopard, '78, County, lived in Cumberland County; Wil- James Patterson, '79; 2d Lt. George Gel- liam Scarlett, Newberry Township; Robert wix, '78; Ensign Henry Felty, '78, Alex- Miller, York, October 21, 1782; William ander Allison, '79. Rank and file, 86 men. Johnston, near Michael Ege's iron works; 2d Co., Capt. Thomas Manery, '79; ist Daniel Gordon, Mt. Pleasant Township, Lt. Isaac McKissick. '78, Thomas Gowan, December 12, 1782; James O'Neal, Man- '79; Ensign Thomas Dixon, '78, David heim Township; John Walker, born in Douglass, '79. Rank and file, 62 men. Peach Bottom, last resided near Carlisle, 3d Co.. Capt. Umphry Andrews, '79, February 22, 1782; Thomas Benson, died Joseph Reed, '78; ist Lt. Robert Smith, '78, in York County in 1808; Jacob Cramer, re- Elias Adams, '79; Ensign Samuel Collins, siding in York County in 1829: Matthew '78, Allen Anderson, '79. Rank and file, 53 Dill, died on Jersey prison ship; Martin men. Doll, resided in York in 1829: Thomas Duff, 4th Co., Capt. William Gray, '78, John resided in York, 182^ j Vincent linfelt, re- Calwell, '79; 1st Lt. James Patterson, '78, sided in York County in 1829; William John Sinkler, '79; 2d Lt. Humphries An- Johnson, resided in York County, 1824; drews, '78; Ensign William McCulluch, '78, Moses Keys, resided in York County in James Logne, '79. Rank and file, 69 men. 1810; John McCowan, resided in York ;th Co., Capt. James Moffit, '78, Samuel County, 1819; Daniel Messerly, died in Fulton. '79; 1st Lt. Andrew Warick, '78, York County; Jacob Myer, resided in York Moses Andrews, '79; 2d Lt. Samuel Moor, County in 1816; Jacob McMillan, resided in '78: Ensign Thomas Allison, '78, Thomas A\'ashington Township in 1812; Michael Dickson, '79. Rank and file, 64 men. Nagle, died on Jersey prison ship; Robert 6th Co., Capt. John Rippy, '78. James Peeling, sergeant, resided in York County Edger, '79; 1st Lt. John Caldwell, '78, John in 1820; Ryebaker, wounded in "Xampble, '79; Ensign John Taylor, '79. service, resided in Dover Township in Rank and file, 44 men. 1807: William \\'ilson, died in York County 7th Co., Capt. Joseph Reed, '78. Rank in 1813. and file, 59 men. PENSIONERS Sth Co., Capt. Thomas McXerey, '78; ist OF THE REVOLUTION Lt.- William Adams, '78. Rank and file, 54 The following is a list of soldiers of the men. Revolution from York County who be- The following is a miscellaneous list of longed to different commands and received soldiers from York County who served in pensions under act of 1818: the Revolution : Samuel Way, Newberry John Clark, Major, received an annual Township; William Complin. Marsh Creek allowance of $240, and served in the Penn- settlement: Eli Pugh. Warrington Town- sylvania Line: he died .\pril 27, 1819, aged ship; Hugh Mcr^Ianus, ilonoghan Town- 67; Jacob Cramer, private, served in ship, enlisted February 12. 1782; James Hazen's German regiment, received an an- Brown, Marsh Creek settlement, enlisted nual allowance of $96: died May 19, 1832, February 13, 1782; Matthew Robinson, aged 78. Robert Ditcher, enlisted in the Bermudian settlement, March 3. 1782; spring of 1777. in the New York Continen- .Andrew Guin, near James ^loore's mill, in tal Line, in Captain James Lee's company "S'ork County, March 3. 1782: James of artillery then in Philadelphia, attached to Walker. York County: John McClelland, the regiment commanded by Colonel Lamb. York County, in the Third Pennsylvania He was present and took part in the battle Regiment; John Hanna. near Tom's Creek, of White Plains. Staten Island, Monmouth, April I, 1782: David Johnston, April 5, ^lud Island and Germantown, and was sev- 1782: John Callahan. .April 8. 1782: Thomas eral times wounded: died January 10, 1832, AA'est. Xewberry Township, .April 23. 1782;. aged /S. James Hogg served from January 284 HIS'l'ORY OF YORK COUXTY, PENNSYLVANIA 26, 1779. in the First Regiment of ?\!ary- year and three months. He afterward land Line, commanded at first by Colonel ser\-ed in the regiment commanded by Colo- Smallwood, and afterward by Colonel nel Haren, in Captain Turner's company Stone. His company was at first that of from the early jiart of 1777, until the end Captain Nathaniel Ramsay, and afterward of the war: died August 11, 1827, aged 76. that of Captain Hazen; died January 3, James Silk, private, ser\'ed in the Maryland 1824, aged 79. Frederick Huebner, private, Continental Line; died in 1835, aged 84. served in Armand's Legion, in the company John Taylor, musician, enlisted in February. of Captain Barron, for the term of about 1778, at Mt. Holly, New Jersey, in the com- three years; died August 17, 1828, aged 76. pany of Captain John Cummings. and in Jacob McClean, pri\-ate, served in Colonel the Second Regiment of the New Jersey Housegger's regiment, called the "German l^ine, attached to the brigade commanded Regiment," in the company of Captain b\- General Maxwell: continued in service Benjamin Weiser, from July, 1776, until until October. 1783, when lie was dis- 1779; died February 18, 1824, aged 66. charged near Morristown, N. J. He \\'as Zenos Macomber, private, served in Colonel at the battle of Monmouth, and at the Carter's Regiment from May, 1775, until capture of Cornwallis at Yorktown ; he Januarj-, 1776. -when he enlisted in Colonel ser\'ed as a ^•olunteer at the storming of Bond's regiment of the ALissachusetts Stony Point, by General Wayne, at which Line. Serving in this regiiuent aliout two he was slightly wounded; died in 1835, aged months, he was removed and placed in "jj. r^Iichael \\'eirick, served in the Sixth General Washington's foot guard, where he Regiment of the ^Maryland I- THE REVOLUTION 28: Captain James Taylor from Februar}-, 1776, Line commanded by Colonel Hand. He to the end of one year, when he was dis- was at the battles of Brandywine. Trenton, cliargcd at Chester; died 1828, aged 67. Princeton, Monmouth, Stony Point and Matthias Kraut served in the Tenth Regi- Paoli, at the last of which he received sev- ment of the Pennsylvania Line, commanded eral W'Ounds ; served six years and was dis- l)y Captain Stout, from 1776, to the close of charged at Lancaster; died June 12, 1822, the war. He died in 1818, aged 58. Jacob aged jy.. William Cline, private, served in Kramer, served in the regiment com- Colonel \\'ayne's regiment, in Captain manded by Captain Housegger, and after- Frazer's company, from December, 1775, ward by Colonel Weltman, in the company to March, 1777; died January 21, 1825, aged commanded by Captain Paulsell, and after- 70. ^Matthias Crout, private, served in the ward b\' Captain Bo}er. He ser\ed from Tenth Regiment, in a company commanded July 19, 1776, until Jul\' 19, 1779. He died by Captain Stout, from 1776, to the close of in 1818, aged 62. the war; died July 22, 1827, aged 67. John The following soldiers from York County Deveney,. private, served in the Fourth who served in the Pennsyhania Line, un- Regiment, commanded by Colonel Anthony der an act of 1818, received an annual allow- Wayne, in Captain Robinson's company, ance of $96, and were dropped from the roll from the fall of 1775, until the close of one under act of May i, 1820: year, at which time he entered the Fifth John Brown, private, aged 69; Jacob Fit- Regiment, in Captain Bartholomew's com- zer, private, aged 74; Abraham Greenwalt, pany, in which he served until the close of private, aged 62; Anthony Lehman, private, the war; died February 15, 1827, aged 69. served in the Fifth Regiment, under Colo- John Deis, private, served in Captain David nel INIcGaw, in the company of Captain Grier's company, in the regiment com- Deckert, from February, 1775, to January, manded by Colonel Hartley, from March, ^777' aged 67; David Ramsey, private, 1776, until the end of one year; died April served in the First Rifle Regiment, under 5. 1822, aged 66. Joel Gray, private, served Colonel Edward Hand, the company under in Colonel Hartley's regiment, in the com- Captain Henry Miller, from July i, 1775, pany of Captain Bush, from October, 1778, until June, 1776. Being then discharged, until the first of April. 1781 ; died October he joined Colonel Harnum's regiment, and 9, 1820, aged yj. John Lockert, private, was in service until taken prisoner at the served in Colonel Proctor's regiment of ar- battle of Brandywine. He w-as present and tillery, in the company of Captain Duftie, took part in the battles of Bunker Hill, from June, 1777, until June, 1779; died June Long Island, Flat Bush, at one of wdiich he I, 1830, aged 76 Matthew Liddy, private, was wounded in the head: aged 71. died April 24, 1830, aged 87. Christopher The following soldiers from YorkCounty, Xew (Nerr), private, served in the Second who served in the Pennsylvania Line, under Regiment, commanded by Colonel Stewart, act of 1818, received an annual allowance of under Captain Patterson, from April, 1777, $96. and died at the dates named until January. 1780; died December i, 1826, John Beatty, private, served in the Sixth aged "j}^. John Ohmet. private, served in Pennsylvania Regiment, commanded by the Tenth Regiment, commanded by Colo- Colonel Irwin, in the company of Abraham nel Richard Hunipton. in the company of Smith, from February, 1776, until February, Captain Flicks, from May. 1777, until the 1777, died August 30, 1829, aged 74; John close of the war: died April 16. 1823, aged Jacob Brown (Bauer), private, served in the 65. William Smith, private, served in the First Pennsylvania Regiment, commanded Second Regiment, under Captain Watson, by Colonel Chambers, in Captain James from February. 1776. until the close of one \Vilson's company, from September, 1774, year; enlisted in the Fourth Regiment, until the close of the war, died December 2, commanded b\' Colonel William Butler, in 1827, aged 82: William Brown, private, en- Captain Bird's company; died July 4. 1821. listed at Philadelphia in the autumn of 1777, aged 71. Adam Schuman. pri\ate. served for the term of tliree years, in the company in the Fifth Pennsylvania Regiment, com- commanded by Captain John Doyle, and manded by Colonel Richard Butler, in Cap- the First Reariment of the Pennsvlvania tain Walker's company, commanded by : ; 286 HIS'I'ORV OK YORK COl'XTV. PEXXSYL\'.\XIA Lieutenant Feldman, from tlie spring of Michael, private, aged 91 ; Christian Pepret, 1776, until the close of the war; died May served in Colonel Butler's regiment, in 16, 1823, aged 80. Michael Shultz, private, Captain Bush's company, from the year served in Colonel Hartley's regiment, in 1779 until the close of the war, aged 83. Captain Grier's company, from January, The following Revolutionary soldiers, re- 1776, for the term of one year; died Feb- siding in York County, were placed on pen- i-uary 8, 1834, aged yy. Joseph Wren, mu- sion rolls March 4, 183 1, most of whom re- sician, served in the Seventh Regiment, in ceived an annual allowance varying from the company of Captain Wilson, from Jan- $20 to $40 viary, 1777, until the close of the war; died Jonathan Mifflin, deputy-quartermaster, July 9, 1827, aged 89. Lewis (Ludvvig) served in Pennsylvania militia, received an- Waltman, musician, served in the Sixth nual allowance of $425; aged 80. Adam Regiment, commanded by Colonel Butler, Wolf, lieutenant, served in the Pennsylvania in the company of Captain Bush, from the State troops, received an annual allowance fall of 1777, for the term of three years and of $92, aged 84. John Datamar, ensign, a half; died August 8, 1822, aged 64. served in Pennsylvania State troops, aged Rhinehart Wire, musician, died July 7, 1827, //. Henry Feltz, ensign and private, aged 70. Edward Smith, private, served in served in Pennsylvania militia, aged 76. Pulaski's Legion, died June 26, 1832, aged James Patterson, pri\-ate, served in Penn- 76. Christopher Sype, musician, served in sylvania militia, received an annual allow- the Pennsylvania Line; died October 2, ance of $76, aged 80. Henry Baumgard- 1832. ner, private, served in Pennsylvania militia, The following soldiers from York County, aged 76; John Bullock, private, served in who served in the Pennsylvania Continen- Maryland militia, aged 84; George Bailey, tal Line, were on the pension rolls in the private, served in Pennsylvania militia, aged year 1835, under the act passed in 1818, and /T,; John Baker, private, in Maryland mili- received an annual allowance of $96: tia, aged 76; Heifer Cramer, private, in Thomas Burk. fifer, aged 74, served in Pennsylvania militia, aged 79; Joseph Croft, Tenth Regiment, commanded by Lieuten- private, in Pennsylvania State troops, aged ant Colonel Hazen, from June, 1778, until 79; James Cross, private, in Pennsylvania Coppenhaffer, 1781 ; William Bargenhoff, private, aged 87; militia, aged 75; Michael John Cavenough. corporal, aged 83; Martin private, in Pennsylvania militia: Andrew Doll, private, aged 79; Jonathan Jacobs, Finfrock, private, in Pennsylvania militia, private, aged 70; Peter Myers, private, aged aged jy; Henry Geip, private, in Pennsyl- 74; Martin Miller, private, served in Count vania militia, aged 78; George Goodyear, Pulaski's Legion, in Captain Seleski's com- private, in Pennsylvania militia, aged 82 pany for the term of eighteen months, aged Philip Gohn, private, in Pennsylvania mili- 71; Michael Peter, private, aged 83; Philip tia, aged yy: Henry HofT, private, in Penn- Peter Scherer, private, aged 76; Henry sylvania militia, aged 74; Jacob Innois, Snyder, private, aged 78: Anthony Sloth- private, in Pennsylvania militia, aged 82: our, musician, aged 83; V^alentine Stickel, John Jacobs, private, in Pennsylvania mili- musician, aged 82; ]\Iichael Warner, musi- tia, aged 80; George Krebs, private in cian, served in Captain Jacob Bower's com- Pennsylvania militia, aged 80; Valeiitine pany, from October, 1781, until October, Kohler, private, in Pennsylvania militia, 1783, aged 75; Andrew Young, musician, aged 79; John Kroan. private, in Pennsyl- aged 78; Henry Doll, private, served in the vania militia, aged yy: Peter Grumbine, First Regiment, under Colonel Stewart, and private, in Pennsylvania Continental Line, in the company under Captain Shade, for aged yT,: Christian Klinedinst, private, in about one year, aged 78: Frederick Boyer, Pennsylvania militia, aged 76; John Lipp, private, served in the detachment under private, in Maryland militia, aged 88; Nich- Colonel Almon, from 1777 to 1779, when he olas Leber, private, in Pennsylvania militia, enlisted in a corps of cavalry under Captain aged 78; Frederick Leader, private, served Selinski, and under the command of General in artillery and infantry in Pennsylvania private, in Pulaski ; served in the corps until nearly the Line, aged 74: Philip Miller, whole of it was destroyed, aged 83. John Pennsylvania militia, aged 83; Adam Pope, : : ; THE RICXOUUTIOX 287 private, in Pennsylvania militia, aged 68: son's regiment of the Pennsylvania Line, Daniel Pegg, private, in New Jersey militia, enlisted for one year, in 1778; Philip Miller, received an annual allowance of $53, aged served in Colonel Stewart's regiment of the 78; Dewalt Rabenstine. pri\ate, in Pennsyl- Pennsylvania Line; Nicholas James, in vania militia, aged "/T,; Jacob Rudy, private, 1849, aged 83: John Bryan, served in Ar- in Penns3'lvania militia, aged 83; Alatthias mand's I^egion until the end of the war, dis- Ritz, pri\ate, in Pennsylvania militia, aged charged at York: Captain Andrew Walker. yy; John Stroman, private, in Pennsylvania served in Colonel Hartley's regiment of the State troops, aged y^\ John Schmuck, pri- Pennsylvania Line, from 1776 to the close vate, in Pennsyhania militia, aged 78; of the war; Captain John Doyle; James Adam Schlott, pri\-ate. in Pennsylvania Bennett, sergeant in Proctor's regiment of militia, aged 72; Lewis Shive, private, in artillery in the Pennsylvania Line, died Pennsylvania militia, aged 74; Tobias Sype, May 12, 1824. private, in Pennsylvania militia, aged 73; William Russel. of Franklin Township, John Stabb. private, in Pennsylvania mili- ensign in Third Pennsylvania Regiment; tia, aged 75 ; Ludwig Swartz, private, in vSamuel Spicer. private in Tenth Pennsyl- Pennsylvania militia, aged 75; George vania Regiment; Archibald Steel, officer in Switzen, private, in Pennsylvania mili- First Pennsylvania Regiment; John Brown, tia, aged 71 ; Henry Tome, private, private in Captain Andrew L'win's com- in Pennsylvania militia, aged 80; Alex- pany in the Seventh Pennsylvania Regi- ander Thompson, private, in Pennsyl- ment, under Colonel David Grier ;£Samuel vania militia, aged 75 ; David W'altagmer, IMosser. Washington County, private in private, in Pennsyhania militia, aged y^: -Vrmand's Legioii7?Christian Babst, private, Philip W'ambach. private, in Pennsylvania in Armand's Legron ; Captain John Wamp- militia, ag«d 59 : John Welch, private, in ler. engaged seven months' men in 1780; Pennsylvania militia, aged 92: Caspar Zegar, Barnet Slough, private in Armand's Legion; private, in Pennsylvania militia, aged 81. William ^Marshall, of York. pri\-ate Arm- The following Revolutionarv soldiers and's Legion. were in\alid pensioners residing in York The names of the following Revolution- County ary pensioners were collected from the Thomas Campbell, captain, received an records of John Morris, a notary public of annual allowance of $240. June 7, 1785; the Borough of York, and found in the Andrew Johnson, lieutenant, received an office of Register of Wills of the count)': annual allowance of $60. Februar_\- 15. 1812: Peter Tims or Tome, a private in .Arm- Jacob Barnitz. ensign, annual allowance and's Legion; John Boyle: John ' Trie, $120, June 7, 1785; George Benedict, annual private Captain Bell's Company, Second allowance $40, November 22, 1809; John Xew A'ork Regiment, Colonel Philip Cort- Cavenaugh. private, annual allowance $20. landt; Peter Christian, private Armand's September 4. 1794: Henry Slotterback, Legion: John Michael: George Benedict: private in Butler's regiment, annual allow- Da\"id Kramer, private .\rmand's Legion: ance $60. March 3. 1827. Ephraim Ferguson, shoemaker, private in The following is a miscellaneous list of Captain Gibson's Company, Fifth Pennsyl- Revolutionary pensioners vania Regiment; Andrew McFarlin. dra- Robert Peeling, annual allowance $96, goon in Armand's Legion: George Zinn; died August 2. 1839: Frederick Stine Thomas Johnson, lieutenant in Colonel Jacob C/inder. served in General Armand's Cunningham's Battalion. Legion: Dr. William H. Smith, surgeon Richard Yarding, a corporal in Captain mate in Pennsyhania Line: Captain Graeff's Company, Colonel Swope's Regi- George Jenkins, served in Pennsylvania ment, March 27, 1782, received from the Line: Tliomas Henderson, of Peach Bot- comity by order of the court twenty-five tom Township: Jacob Doudel. served in pounds, or about $125, for services while a Pennsylvania Line, died September 21, prisoner of war on Long Island. He w^as 1831: Philip Graybill, served in the Second also allow^ed the pension of a corporal from Regiment of the Pennsylvania Line, died in the county, beginning from the time of his 1816: Philip Miller, served in Colonel Gib- release on account of his disabilitv. — 288 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PEXXSYLVAXIA John Stead, a private in Colonel Hart- At this time General Washington with a le3'"s Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment, was small army crossed X^ew Jersey to defend severely wounded at Paoli. In October, Philadelphia. A resolution of Congress 1782, the court allowed him twenty-five was passed, calling out the militia of Penn- shillings per month on account of disability. sylvania, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. George Stewart, of Windsor Township, August 26, John Adams, of Massachusetts, must have been one of the youngest sol- then a delegate in Congress and President diers of the Revolution. . He enlisted in of the Board of War, wrote: "Congress Captain Porter's company in the lower end has been informed that Howe's army has of York County, as a substitute, when, ac- landed upon the banks of the Elk River. cording to an official record, he was utterly The militia are turning out with great alac- incapable of carrying a musket. He was rity from Maryland and Pennsylvania. sold as a substitute by his master, George They are distressed for want of arms. Shetter. ^lany have no arms and others only small Robert Coney, a soldier of the Revolu- fowling pieces." tion, was born at York in 1758 and died De- Washington now moved his army farther cember, i860, at his liome in Hamilton south and on September 11 with 11,000 County, Ohio, at the age of one hundred men, met Howe with his 18,000 British and two years. He had entered the army regulars and Hessians at Chad's Ford on under Washington as a drummer at the age the Brandywine, where a desperate battle of thirteen. took place. Washington was obliged to re- John Purnell, the last survivor of the tire from the field, but the defeat was so Revolution from York County, died at his slight that he was able to detain Howe for residence on South Street, York, May 22, two weeks on the march of only twenty-six 1863, at the age of ninety-eight. In 1777, miles to Philadelphia. at the age of eleven years, he became a During these stirring times when the cabin boy on board one of the war vessels sound of the British guns was heard in of Commodore Paul Jones, the founder of Philadelphia from the battle of Brandywine, the American navy, and is supposed to have Congress resolved to remove the public ^ been with that officer when he won the \'ic- records to the interior of Pennsylvania and tory over the British off the coast of France. select another place as a temporary capital Purnell was a pensioner from the year 1S18 of the United States. It was hardly to be to the time of his death in 1863. expected that Washington with his small force could defeat so large a body of the CHAPTER XVIII enemy and on September 14, three days CONTINENTAL CONGRESS AT YORK after the battle, John Adams wrote from Philadelphia to his wife in Massachusetts: Samuel Adams' Great Speech John Han- — "Howe's army is at Chester, about fifteen cock's Laurens Chosen Resignation — miles from this town. General Washing- President First National Thanksgiving — ton is over the Schuylkill awaiting the flank Articles of Confederation Adopted — of Howe's army. How much longer Con- Proceedings in 1778. gress will stay is uncertain. If we should In the summer of 1777 General Howe de- move, it will be to Reading, Lancaster, termined to leave X^ew York for the purpose York, Easton or Bethlehem, some town in of attacking Philadelphia, the seat of the this state. Don't be anxious about me nor United States Government. He embarked about our great and sacred cause. It is the in July with 18,000 men. Finding that the cause of truth and will prevail." entrance to the Delaware River was well On the same day Congress resolved that fortified and that strong defenses had been if obliged to remove from Philadelphia, erected a short distance below Philadelphia, Lancaster should be the place of meeting , he decided to enter Pennsylvania by sailing and that the public papers be put in the V up the Chesapeake. Owing to a stormy care of Abraham Clark, one of the members passage, he did not arrive at the head of the from New Jersey, who was "empowered to bay until August 25, when he landed at procure wagons sufficient for conveying Elkton, ]Maryland. them and apply to General John Dickinson COXTIXHXTAL COXGRESS AT YORK 289 or any other officer commanding troops in there from the battle of Brandywine. Gen- the service of the United States who is eral Lafayette, who was also wounded at hereb}^ directed to furnish a guard to con- Brandywine, was taken to Bethlehem where " duct the said papers safely to Lancaster he received surgical treatment. On Sep- September 17, Congress resolved that tember 23, many of the delegates attended "notwithstanding the brave exertions of the the children's meeting in the Moravian American army, the city of Philadelphia chapel. After the services John Hancock may possibly by the fortune of war, be for a took up the service book used by the Mo- " time possessed by the enemy's army ravian pastor. Rev. John Ettwine, and with It further resohed to grant to General other delegates, examined it. The pastor \\'ashington. commander-in-chief, extraor- explained its use and read that portion for dinary powers for sixty days with the au- the day containing the words "^^'hoever is thority to suspend officers of the army for not for us is against us." misbehavior, fill vacancies below the rank The members of Congress while at Beth- of brigadier general, and take provisions lehem signed an official paper authorizing and other articles, wherever they may be the protection of the property of the Mora- found for the maintenance of the army. He vians. They were John Hancock. Samuel was permitted to pay for these provisions or Adams, Richard Henry Lee, Benjamin Har- give certificates for the payment of them, rison, Henry Laurens, John Adams, James and a pledge of the public credit was given Duane. Nathan Brownson. X'athaniel Fol- for the future settlement of such certificates. som, Richard Law, Eliphalet Dyer, Henry Early on the morning of Sep- ^larchant, \\'illiam Duer, Cornelius Har- Arrive at tember 19, when the members nett, Joseph Jones and William Williams. Bethlehem, of Congress were in bed, they The liberty bell from Independence Hall received word through Alex- in Philadelphia, which rang out independ- ander Hamilton, then a colonel on the stafif ence after the Declaration had been signed, of \\'ashington, that the British army was was brouglit from Philadelphia to Easton in possession of the fords over the Schuyl- and from thence to Bethlehem. Soon after- kill. It was evident that the enemy would ward this bell, now so famous in the history be in possession of Philadelphia in a few of our country, was concealed for several hours. At this time there were about thirty months in a Reformed Church at Allen- delegates present from the different states. town. Having adjourned to meet at Lancaster, In accordance with the rcsolu- this body of patriots to a\oid falling into One Day tion of Congress, when it ad- the hands of the enemy, started northward at journed at Philadelphia to meet to Bristol, twenty miles north of Philadel- Lancaster, at Lancaster, the members at phia. The official papers of the Board of Bethlehem proceeded to that \\'a.v and the Board of Treasury had been borough on horseback, arriving there on sent to Bristol some days before. They the evening of Friday, September 26. At were conveyed to Trenton, to Easton and this time the Pennsylvania Legislature had from thence to Bethlehem. The delegates moved to Lancaster remaining in session from the different states seem to have pro- there until June 20 of the following year. ceeded by the nearest route from Bristol Upon arriving at Lancaster, Congress as- and arrived at Bethlehem, a distance of sembled in the Court House then situated forty miles, September 22. In the evening in Centre Square and began the transaction of the same day John Adams with the dele- of business. Several important letters gates arrived from Easton with the official were read. One was received from General papers guarded by fifty troopers and fifty Gates, then in command of the Northern infantry. army near Saratoga. This letter dated A band of British Highlanders were then September 15, on account of the exciting imprisoned at Bethlehem. They were or- condition of affairs had been a long time dered to Lancaster and from thence taken on the way. It was written four days be- through York, to Virginia. Their place of fore Gates had won his first victory at Sar- imprisonment at Bethlehem was turned into atoga. A letter of great moment, dated a hospital for wounded soldiers, brought September 2^. was received from General 19 : 290 HISTORY UF YORK COUXTY, PKXXSYLVAXIA Washington. This letter -was written at General Washington. Tiie following let- Pottstown whicli was then his headquarters ter, written upon his arri\-al liere, to the and stated the condition of his army after commander-in-chief, tells an interesting the defeat of Brandywine, and the need of story arms and supphes. A resolution was then York, Pa., September 30, 1777. Uear Sir: I have your phaeton here, though I was passed instructing the Board of War "to obliged to send for it after I left Philadelphia, being cooperate with General Washington in de- put to route the night I received your letter. The bolt vising and carrying into execution effectual that fastens the pole part of the long reins was lost, some brass nails also gone and the lining much dirtied measures for supplying the army with fire- and in some places torn. I will have these little matters arms, shoes, blankets, stockings, provisions repaired and the carriage and harness kept clean and in and other necessaries." The condition of as good order as I can, which is the least I can do for the use, though I wovild rather buy it, if you are not atTairs around Pliiladelphia at this period determined against selling it and submit the price to was not encouraging to the Americans. yourself or your friend. Colonel Harrison, who may view it and pay the cash upon demand to your order. Although Washington was receiving rein- The harness I observe is not matched, though the forcements there was still danger that he difference is not very striking. Whether these hap- had not a sut^cient army to defeat the pened at Philadelphia since you left it there or before, you can judge. enemy in a conflict which seemed inevi- table. Lancaster was only sixty-eight miles* When Congress assembled September from Pliiladelphia and scouting parties of 30, 1777, in the Provincial Court House, the enemy frequently approachetl the which stood in Centre Square, York, from borders of the county in which Congress 1755 to 1841, it beheld the chief cities of the was assembled. The Pennsylvania Legis- country in the hands of the enemy and the lature, then about to open its sessions at shattered army around Philadelpliia retreat- Lancaster, had begun to grow discouraged ing Ijefore a conquering foe. York con- and disheartened by reason of the defeat of tained 286 houses and aJDOut 1,800 in- our army at Brandywine and the capture of hal)itants. There were within the town Philadelphia by the British. Some of its a dozen or more puljlic inns or taverns, as members were inimical to the cause of inde- they were then called, at wdiich some of the pendence and others were opposed to members with ditliculty secured lodging W'ashington as the head of the army. and .entertainment. A retinue of attend- At the close of one day's session at Lan- ants, including the troops of cavalry and a caster, held on Saturday, September 27, the company of infantry which had guarded the following resolution was adopted: "Re- transmission of the government papers, solved, That the Treasury Board direct the also fotmd accommodations at public and treasurer, with all his papers, forms, etc., to private houses as liest they could. The repair to the town of York, in Pennsyl- members or delegates to Congress had vania." Immediately after the passage of been elected by their respective states for this resolution, a motion was carried to ad- one year and recei\-ed such compensation journ to meet at Y'ork on the following as the state legislatures provided. The Tuesda_y at 10 o'clock A. M. amounts varied from three to eight dollars These illustrious patriots a day in Continental money, then wortii Cross the whose acts and deeds have about thirty cents on the dollar. The Susquehanna, added lustre to the pages of Board of Treasury, presided over Ijv El- American history, wended bridge Gerry, of Massachusetts, took up its their way toward the Susquehanna in order quarters in the residence of Archibald ^Ic- that the Inroad river might flow between Clean, at the northeast corner of George them and the enemy wdiile they transacted Street and Centre Square. It was in this the affairs of the infant government at building that Michael Hillegas, treasurer, York during the darkest period of the of the United States, distributed during the Revolution. They crossed the river on flat succeeding nine months, in accordance with boats at Wright's Ferry and proceeded to the resolutions of Congress, the deposits of York. They rode on horseback, except the government treasury. The Board of John Hancock, who traveled in a chaise, War. presided o\er by John Adams, of and Joseph Jones, a meml^er from Virginia, Massachusetts, held its meetings in the law who came here in the private carriage of olfice of Tames Smith, adjoining his JOHN HANCOCK President of Continental Congress when it assembled in York, September 30, 1777 COXTIXKXTAL COXCRESS AT YORK ?9i residence on the west side of Soutli Geors^e main entrance, through double doors, led Street, near Centre Square. Different com- from South George Street. The judge's mittees met in the building at the south- desk, at which the President sat, was at the west angle of Centre Square. The mem- western end of the building. Back of this, bers of Congress paid their own expenses on a small pedestal, perched a plain image while here, except John Hancock, of Mas- representing a statue blindfolded holding sachusetts, the president, who occupied the the scales of justice. Tw'o rows of seats house of Colonel Michael Swope, on the for jurors extended along the walls to the south side of West Market Street near left and right of the judge's desk. Several Centre Square, and his current expenses taJjles and desks rested on the floor within were paid b)- autliority of tlie government the bar. immediately l)ehind which stood a out of the national treasury. large ten-plate wood stove with an eight- Daniel Roberdeau, of Philadelphia, who. inch pipe extending upward and then back as a brigadier-general in the army, had to the east wall. The rows of seats to the captured from the British a prize of $22,000 rear of the Ijar inclined upward to the east- in siher and turned it over to the use of ern end of the building. .At the rear of the Congress, rented a house on South George court room was a small gallery reached by Street. Several of the members, including winding stairs. There were six windows John Adams, Elbridge Gerry, Samuel on each of the sides facing north and south Adams, Benjamin Harrison, and Richard George Street, and four windows each at Henry Lee, lodged in his house. Other the east and w^est ends of the building. members stopped at private houses and at Every window contained two sashes and parsonages occupied by different clergy- every sash 18 small panes of glass. The men of the town. second story of the Court House w'as used Congress held a iM^ief session on for public meetings, entertainments and at Opening September 30 and then ad- times for school purposes. In the original Session journed until the following Court House there were only two gable at York, morning at 10 o'clock. The ends, one facing east and the other west controlling power of the nation Market Street. The gables facing north and was vested in one body, and during the south George Street were placed there when whole period of the war, until 1789, trans- the Court House was remodeled in 181 5. acted the business of the government with -V bell had been obtained for St. closed doors. Xone but members and a An John's Episcopal Church, on few government officials were permitted to Historic Xorth Beaver Street, a few attend the sessions. Congress, however, at Bell. years before. There was no bel- this time, could only recommend to the fry on this church and no suitable states what should be done. It had no place to hang the bell, so it was hung on a power to lay a tax upon the different states pole in Centre Square and there rung for or to order that soldiers should be drafted religious services and for town meetings. into the army. At this time the new re- When the news of the Declaration of Inde- public was composed of thirteen indepen- pendence was officially brought to York. dent states. The Declaration of Indepen- James Smith and Archibald McClean dence, passed the year before, had not ordered that this bell be put in the cupola created a perfect union and our fathers had of the Court House. In response to notifi- not yet "brought forth on this continent a cation this historic bell was rung loud and new nation.'" The .\rticles of Confedera- long for lil)erty and independence. After tion, which had lieen discussed for se\'eral the Revolution this bell was removed to the months at Independence Hall, in Philadel- cupola of St. John's Episcopal Church of phia, were now taken up for final passage. York, where it has since been used. A vast It is interesting to state here crowd of ]5eople had assembled in Centre Where that the court house then used Square and the Declaration of Indepen- Congress as the Capitol of the United dence was read amidst great applause. Met. States, had been built of brick On Tuesday evening, Septem- twcntv-two \ears !)efore. It Hancock's ber 30. John Hancock wrote to was 55 feet long and 45 feet wide. The Letter. .General Washington: -92 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. PEXXSYLVAXIA York. Pa., 30 September, 1777. by Thomas Wharton, President of the Sir: — Since my departure from Philadelphia, I have Legislature at Lancaster, to provide thirty to acknowledge the receipt of your favors. Congress met on Saturday last at Lancaster and upon consulta- men from York County to act as a guard tion it was judged most prudent to adjourn to this place, for these prisoners on their march south- where we now are and where we can prosecute business without interruption and where your despatches w'ill ward. meet us. The commissary-general of purchases I have just now received by General Gates' aide-de- was instructed to employ some one to take camp. Major Troup, sundry letters, copies of which I have the honor to enclose to you, by which it appears charge of all the wheat in the several mills that our affairs in the northern department wear a near York for the United States. Washing- favorable aspect and I hope soon to transmit you an ton was ordered to make provisions for account of an issue to the contest in that quarter. I w'ish soon to receive the most pleasing accounts quartering the troops during the coming- from you. We are in daily expectation of agreeable winter. News of the defeat of the British tidings and that General Howe is totally reduced. at Bennington by General Stark was re- I beg leave to refer you to enclosed papers ; and am with the utmost respect and esteem, sir, ceived and that officer was tendered a vote Your most obedient and verv humble servant, of thanks. letter was ordered to be writ- JOHN HANCOCK, A President. ten to General Gates informing him "that Congress highlj' approved of the prowess Including President Hancock, and behavior of the troops under his com- Delegates there were 25 delegates present mand in their late gallant repulse of the to on October 3, when they voted enemy under General Burgoyne at Sara- Congress, on the resolution to refer to toga." Two companies were raised to General \\'ashington the deci- guard the government stores at Carlisle. sion of priority of rank in the army between The commissary-general was given the Baron de Kalb and General Thomas Con- power to seize and press into service way. Their names and the states they wagons, shallops and a store house, within represented are recorded in the journals of seventy miles of Washington's headquar- Congress as follows: Nathaniel Folsom, ters. George Eichelberger, who had been New Hampshire; Samuel Adams, John appointed deputy quartermaster at York, Adams, Elbridge Gerry and James Lovell, was voted $2,500 for the use of his depart- directed to provide mem- ^Massachusetts : Henry Marchant, Rhode ment. He was Island; Eliphalet Dyer. William Williams, bers of Congress with the articles needed Richard Law. Connecticut; James Duane, for themselves, their servants and their A\'illiam Duer, New York; Daniel Rober- horses at cost. The different state legis- deau, Pennsylvania; Charles Carroll, Sam- latures were recommended to pass laws to uel Chase, ISIaryland; Benjamin Harrison, punish by death without the benefit of Joseph Jones, Richard Henry Lee, Francis clergy, any person or persons found guilty Lightfoot Lee. Virginia; John Penn, Cor- of burning or destroying government nelius Harnett, North Carolina; Arthur magazines or stores. Aliddleton, Thomas Heyward, Henry The British entered Phila- Laurens. South Carolina; and Nathan Medal for delphia, September 26, and Brownson, Georgia. Only 11 states voted. Washington, soon after proceeded to the New Jersey and Delaware were not repre- village of Germantown, six •^ented at this time. According to custom, miles north of the city. AVashington the votes were cast by states. New dele- attacked them on October 4 at daybreak, gates arrived at different times during the hoping to push their army against the succeeding nine months. In all there were Schuylkill River and destroy it. The dar- 67 attending the sessions at York. There ing scheme almost succeeded, but victory does not seem to have been more than 35 was turned into defeat by a sudden panic present at one time. among the Americans caused by an acci- October 4, Captain Weaver was voted dent. It was a foggy morning and one S2.000 for the purpose of defraying the ex- American battalion fired into another by penses of taking a band of British prisoners mistake. The news of the defeat at Ger- froin Lancaster through York to Virginia. mantown Avas brought to Congress by a Colonel Richard ^IcAllister. of Hanover, despatch bearer. Although the report of lieutenant for "S'ork Conntv. wiis ordered the defeat was not encouraging, on October COXTIXKXTAL CONT.RES? AT Vol 293 8 it was resolved "That the thanks of in the form of conversations. Efforts at Congress be given to General Washington oratory were rarely attempted. On one or for his wise and well concerted attack upon two occasions, Samuel Adams made patri- the enemy's army near Germantown and otic speeches like those he had delivered in to the officers and soldiers of the army for Faneuil Hail. Boston, before the opening of the brave exertions on that occasion; the war. The flute-like tones of Richard Congress being well satisfied that the best Henry Lee always interested his hearers designs and boldest efforts sometimes fail and commanded the closest attention. Pat- by unforeseen incidents, trusting that on rick Henry was governor of Virginia and future occasions, the valor and virtue of the Thomas Jefiferson, a member of the legis- army will, bv^ the blessing of heaven, be lature in session at Richmond. Benjamin crowned with complete and deserved suc- Franklin, still a member from Pennsyl- cess." Congress then ordered that a medal vania, was United States commissioner in of honor be presented to the commander- Paris, endeavoring to secure the recogni- in-chief. tion of his government 1:)y King Louis XI\ The second day's session of of France. Chaplains Continental Congress at York Of the delegates to Continental Congress White opened \\'ednesday, October i. during the entire period of the Revolution, and Rev. Jacob Duche, who had none were more zealous in legislating for , Duffield. served as chaplain, became a the. prosecution of the war than Samuel loyalist ayd remained in Phila- Adams, of Massachusetts. He was a man delphia. Rev. William White, rector of the of lofty patriotism and unbounded energy. United Parishes of Christ's, St. Peter's and The English government blamed John St. James' Episcopal Churches of Philadel- Hancock and Samuel Adams more than any phia, was elected chaplain. He spent part others for the origin of the war, and a re- of the succeedhig winter in York, occupy- ward of $25,000 was offered for the capture ing rooms at the residence, on North of either of them. Both Hancock and George Street, of Rev. John Nicholas Adams, if ever captured, were to be denied Kurtz, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church. pardon for their alleged treason to the At this time he was 29 3'ears of age. In mother country. With .Vdams as the leader 1786 he became the first bishop of Pennsyl- of Congress while in York, the struggle for vania. Rev. George Duffield, a native of liberty was simply a matter of life and Lancaster County, and pastor of the Third death. Success in establishing freedom Presbyterian Church, of Philadelphia, was would send him down to posterity, honored ^^m elected associate chaplain. He was then 45 by all future generations: failure pointed u^^^^ years old and one of the first clergymen in the prison cell and the ignomiu)' of a rebel America to advocate the cause of inde- doomed to the scaffold. Everything seemed pendence. Before coming here he had dark and gloomy during the early days of served as chaplain in the army and for his October, 1777, and some of the members intense loyalty to the patriotic cause, the of Congress were ready to give up the British government otTered a prize for his struggle in despair and accept the over- capture. While in A^ork he w-as the guest tures of peace offered by the British gov- of Rev. Daniel Wagner, pastor of Zion ernment. .\bout this time John Adams Reformed Church, who resided at the par- made the following entry in his diary: sonage on the north side of East King near "The prospect is chilling on George Street. Early in life Duffield had Adams' every side, gloomy, dark, mel- been pastor of the Presbyterian churclies Soliloquy. ancholy and dispiriting. When at Dillsburg and Carlisle. and where will light come B\- resolution Congress now decided that from? Shall we have good news from the morning session should begin at 10 .\. Europe? Shall we hear of a blow struck yi. and adjourn at i P. AL The afternoon by Gates against Burgoyne? Is there a session began at 4 o'clock and continued possibility tliat Washington may yet defeat usually until 10 o'clock at night. The dis- Howe? Is there a possibility tliat Mc- cussions on the momentous f|uestions con- Dougall and Dickinson shall destroy tlic sidered by this body were often carried on British detachment in New Jersey? If : 294 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. PEXXSYLVAXIA Pliiladelphia is lost, is the cause of inde- with conlidence in us, in themseh'es and in pendence lost?" Then he continues: "Xo, the cause of our country. Let us show a the cause is not lost. Heaven grant us one spirit that will induce us to persevere in this great soul. One leading mind would extri- struggle, until our rights shall be estab- cate the best cause from the ruin that lished and our liberty secured. seems to await it. \\'e have as good a cause "W'e have proclaimed to the worUl our as ever was fought for. One active, mas- determination to die free men, rather than terly capacity would bring order out of this live slaves; we have appealed to hea\-en for confusion and save our country." the justice of our cause and in the God of The affairs of the new born nation for a l)attles have we placed our trust. AYe have time were controlled by a few men, who looked to Providence for help and protec- met regularly in a caucus at the home of tion in the past; we must appeal to the (icneral Roberdeau, of Pennsylvania, who same source in the future, for the Almighty li\ed in a rented house nearly opposite Powers from above will sustain us in this Christ Lutheran Church, on South George struggle for independence. Street. Many of the leaders' in Congress, "There ha^-e been times since the open- including Henry Laurens, Benjamin Harri- ing of this war when we were reduced son, Dr. ^\'itherspoon, Richard Henry Lee, almost to distress, but the great arm of Elbridge Gerry and John and Samuel Omnipotence has raised us up. Let us still Adams, lodged in tliis house. It was here rely for assistance upon Him who is on one October night of 1/77, that Samuel mighty to save. AA'e shall not be abandoned Adams called a caucus. After obtaining by the Powers above so long as we act the views of the different members, some of worthy of aid and protection. The darkest whom were very despondent, Samuel hour is just before the dawn. Good news Adams rose and delivered one of the most may soon reach us from the army and from eloquent speeches in American history, as across the sea." follows The patriotic fervor of the speaker on this 'Gentlemen : Your spirits seem occasion, thrilled the small audience and Samuel oppressed with the weight of gave them renewed energy in the passage Adams' public calamities, and your sad- of legislation to aid in carrying on the war. Speech, ness of countenance reveals your John Hancock, of Massachu- disquietude. A patriot may grieve Hancock's setts, who had served as at the disasters of his country, but he will Resignation, president of Congress from never despair of tlie commonwealth. Our ^lay, 1775, expressed a de- .aiTairs are said to be desperate, but we are sire to retire and visit his home in Boston. not without hope and not without courage. He was now forty years of age. After the The eyes of the people of this country are Boston Massacre. March 5, 1770, he was upon us here, and the tone of their feeling the head of the committee which asked for is regulated by ours. If we as delegates in the removal of the British troops and at the Congress give up in despair, and grow funeral of the slain, he delivered an address desperate, public confidence will be de- so glowing and fearless in its reprobation stroyed and American lijjerty will be no of the conduct of the soldiery and their more. leaders as to greatly offend the governor. "But we are not driven to such straits. Hancock was president of Congress when Though fortune has been unpropitious, our the Declaration of Independence was conditions are not desperate ; our burdens passed, and the first to append his name to though grievous, can still be borne: our that immortal document. In his youth he losses, though great, can be retrieved. had inherited a large fortune from an uncle Through the darkness that shrouds our and at the opening of the Revolution was prosperity, the ark of safety is visible. the most extensive shipping merchant at Despondency, gentlemen, becomes not the Boston. His fortune was estimated at half dignity of our cause, nor the character of a million dollars, he being probably the the nation's representatives in Congress. wealthiest man in the L'nited States. On Let us then be aroused and evince a spirit account of his ardent patriotism he became of patriotism that shall inspire the people a leader in the cause of American inde- COX'I'IXEX'I'A!. COXCRESS AT YORK 295 pencleiice. October 25, 1777, a committee such constant application: I must therefore of Congress reported that his accounts had request your indulgence for leave of absence been audited and there was yet due him for two months. $1,392, which was ordered to be paid. As a "But I cannot take my departure, gentle- presiding officer he was dignified, impartial, men, without expressing my thanks for the quick of apprehension and commanded the civility and politeness I have experienced respect of Congress. lAit was not popular from you. It is impossible to mention this with all his associates. Later in life he em- without a heartfelt pleasure. ployed his large fortune for useful and "If in the course of so long a period as I benevolent purposes and was a liberal have* had the honor to fill this chair, any donor to Harvard College. While presi- expressions may have dropped from me that dent of Congress at York, he incurred the may have given the least oft'ence to any displeasure of some of the leading members, member, as it was not intentional, so I hope including Samuel Adams, who was of an his candor will pass it over. impetuous nature. Going out of the Court "May every happiness, gentlemen, attend House one day, Benjamin Harrison, of Vir- you, both as members of this house and as ginia, suggested to Adams that he should individuals : and I pray heaven that forgive John Hancock for his vanity. unanimity and perseverance may go hand in Adams, in a fit of rage, quickly responded hand in this house ; and that everything "Yes, Harrison, I can forgive him and I which may tend to distract or divide your can forget him." After the war, however, councils be forever banished." they became firm friends and it is an inter- Having retired from his high position as esting fact of history that Samuel Adams President of Congress, John Hancock succeeded in persuading John Hancock to started for his home at Boston. He passed support the ratification of the constitution through Reading and reached .Bethlehem of the United States, to which he was on the evening of November 2, stopping originally opposed. When Hancock re- over night in that borough at the Sun Inn, tired from Congress at York, he delivered a large stone building still in existence. An the following address: entry in a local diary of that date reads: "Gentlemen: Friday last com- "John Hancock passed through on his way The pleted two years and five from York to Boston. He was escorted President's months since you did me the hence b}- a troop of fifteen horsemen, who Speech. honor of electing me to fill this had awaited his arrival. From him we chair. As I could neither learned that our friend. Henry Laurens, flatter myself your choice proceeded from had been chosen President of Congress." any idea of my abilities, but rather from a As New York was in the hands of the partial opinion of my attachment to the British, he crossed the Hudson at Fislikill. lil^erties of America. I felt myself under the At this point he was met by William Ellcry, strongest obligations to discharge the du- who had been elected a delegate to Con- ties of the office, and I accepted the appoint- gress from Rhode Island. The latter, ment with the firmest resolution to go describing this meeting, records in his through the business annexed to it in the diary : "On our way to the Fishkill we met best manner I was able. Every argument President John Hancock in a sulky, es- inspired me to exert myself, and I endeav- corted by one of his secretaries and two or ored, by industry and attention, to make up three other gentlemen, and one light horse- for every other deficiency. man, returning from Congress at Y^'ork- "As to my conduct, both in and out of town. This escort surprised us. as it Congress, in the execution of your business, seemed inadequate to the purpose either of it is improper for me to say anything. You defence or parade. But our surprise was are the best judges. But I think I shall be not of long continuance; for we had not forgiven if I say I have spared no pains, ridden far before we met. six or eight light expense or labor, to gratify your wishes, horsemen on the canter, and just as we and to accomplish the views of Congress. reached the ferry a boat arrived with many "Wy health being much impaired. I find more, all making up the escort of President some relaxation absolutely necessary, after Hancock." Hancock, being re-elected, re- 296 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANL\ turned to Congress as a member in ]\Iav, 1781, to negotiate a loan with France, Mr. 1778. Laurens was informed that his confinement would be the more rigorous because the LAURENS CHOSEN PRESIDENT. 3'oung man had openly declared himself an Henry Laurens, who succeeded Hancock enemy to the king and his country. It was as president of Congress, was born in suggested that if Mr. Laurens would advise Charleston, South Carolina, in 1724. He his son to withdraw from his commission, had acquired a fortune in mercantile pur- such action would be received with favor at suits in his native city, and at the time he the British court; but he replied that his was chosen president, was 53 years of age. son was a man who would never sacrifice He visited London in 1774, and while in honor, even to save his father's life. Laur- that city was one of thirty-eight Americans ens received attention from many friends, who signed a petition to dissuade Parlia- among whom was Edmund Burke. Twice ment from passing the Boston port bill. he refused oft'ers of pardon if he would He returned to Charleston, and was chosen serve the British ministry. While a pris- as member of the first Provincial Confer- oner he learned of his son John's death in a ence of South Carolina. In 1776, he was skirmish in South Carolina, and on Decem- elected a delegate to Continental Congress. ber I, 1781, he addressed a petition to the Being a man of experience in public and House of Commons, in which he said that private affairs, he became a leader of Con- he had striven to prevent a rupture between gress soon after he took a seat in that body. the crown and colonies, and asked for more AMien John Hancock determined to resign, liberty. He was soon afterward exchanged Laurens was unanimously elected his suc- for Lord Cornwallis and commissioned by cessor, November i, and presided over Congress one of the ministers to negotiate Congress during the remainder of its ses- peace. He then went to Paris, where, with sions at York and until December 10, 1778. John Jay and Benjamin Franklin, he signed In 1779, he was appointed minister to Hol- the preliminaries of the treaty, November land to negotiate a treaty that had been un- 30, 17S2, and was instrumental in the inser- officially proposed to William Lee by Van tion of a clause prohibiting, on the British Berckel, pensionary of .Amsterdam. He evacuation, the "carrying away any negroes sailed on the packet "Mercury," which was or other property of the inhabitants." On captured by the British frigate "Vestal," of his return to Charleston he was welcomed twenty-eight guns, off Newfoundland. Mr. with enthusiasm and offered many offices, Laurens threw his papers overboard; but which his impaired health forced him to they were reco\'ered, and gave evidence of decline. He retired to his plantation near his mission. The refusal of Holland to Charleston and devoted his life to agricul- punish Van Berckel, at the dictation of ture. He died December 8, 1792. Lord North's ministry, was instantly fol- Although Washington had been lowed by war between Great Britain and Gates' defeated at Brandywine and that country. Mr. Laurens was taken to Victory. Germantown, he gave Howe so London, examined before the Privy council, much trouble that the latter and imprisoned in the Tower, on October 6, could not send reinforcements to Burgoyne 1780, on "suspicion of high treason," for at Saratoga. A force of 3,000 fresh troops nearly fifteen months, during which his from England had been sent up the Hudson health was greatly impaired. He was ill from New York on the day the battle at when he entered, but no medical attention Germantown was fought. They arrived too was provided, and it was more than a year late to save Burgoyne's army from disaster. before he was granted pen and ink to draw He had crossed the Hudson on September a bill of exchange to provide for himself. 13 and six days later Benedict Arnold at- But he obtained a pencil, and frequent tacked him at Bemis Heights and a des- communications were carried by a trusty perate but indecisive battle was fought person to the outside world, and he there. even corresponded with American news- The news of this engagement was re- papers. ceived by Congress September 30, the day ^^'hen his son John appeared in Paris, in the first session was held at York. It was HENRY LAURENS Who succeeded John Hancock as President of Continental Congress, while in session at York COX'JIXEXTAL COXGRESS AT YORK 297 brought by Colonel Robert Troup, an aide Colonel James Wilkinson, a on the staff of General Gates, commander News young man of twenty years, who of the Northern Army. The letter con- Brought was serving as an aide on the veyed by Colonel Troup from Gates to John to York, staff of General Gates, was as- Hancock, President of Congress, stated the signed the duty of bringing the engagement began with a brisk skirmish news of this brilliant victory and surrender early in the morning. This drew on the to Congress at York. He left Albany Oc- main body of the enemy to support the tober 20 and reached Easton, Pennsylvania, skirmishers. The action was continued on the 24th, where he stopped one day. until the close of the day, when both Here he met Dr. William Shippen, the armies retired, with the advantage in favor director-general of the hospitals. The fol- of the Americans. General Gates said in lowing day he proceeded toward Reading, his report to Congress at York, "The good which he reached on the evening of the behavior of the troops on this important oc- 27th. While at Reading, he dined with casion, cannot be surpassed by the most Lord Stirling, of the American army, who veteran army. To discriminate in praise of had been wounded at Brandywine. One of the officers would be an injustice, as they the guests at the dinner was Alajor James all deserve the honor and applause of Con- Monroe, afterward President of the United gress. The armies now remain encamped States, and who was then recuperating within two miles of each other. Today I from a wound he had received at the battle W"rote to all the neighboring states and of Trenton. At this dinner, while in con- pressingly demanded the immediate march vivial mood, after drinking too much of their militia. When proper reinforce- Madiera wine, W^ilkinson revealed the plot ments arrive, I hope to give your Excel- to remove Washington from the head of the lency more interesting intelligence." army. This plot was known as the "Con- On October 7, Burgoyne way Cabal." W^ilkinson also dined at Read- Burgoyne's risked another battle and was ing with General Mifflin, where he met two Surrender. totally defeated by the Ameri- members of Congress from New England. can army. He retreated to Meantime, heavy rains had fallen and the Saratoga, where he found himself sur- Schuylkill River had overflowed its banks rounded, and on the 17th he surrendered so that the stream, according to Colonel what was left of his army, nearly 6,000 men, Wilkinson's statement, was impassable and to General Gates. The honor of the \ic- he remained at Reading three days. He ar- tor}^ however, is due to Arnold and Mor- ri\-ed at York October 31, but the news of gan. Judged by its results, Saratoga was the victory at Saratoga and the surrender one of the greatest battles of history. It of Burgoyne had reached Congress ten days saved New York State, destroyed the before he came. ^Military courtesy would British plan of the war, induced England to have required that General Gates should offer peace with representation in Parlia- have communicated this information to ment or anything else except independence, AVashington, the head of the army, and and secured for us the aid of France. .\ from that source it should have been trans- delay of ten days had taken place between mitted to Congress, but at this early date, the last battle and the surrender, before a he showed his disrespect for his chief. On convention or agreement for terms of sur- October 21, according to the journals of render had been made between the two Congress, two letters w-ere received by that commanding officers. It was finally decided body giving notification of the surrender of that Burgoyne's army, which became Burgoyne. One of these letters was sent known as the "Convention prisoners," by General Washington from his headquar- should be marched to Boston. They were ters near Philadelphia, and the other b)^ afterward divided into small bands, General Israel Putnam, from Fishkill, X. marched southward and held for a long Y., so that they were informed of the vic- period as prisoners of war in the states of tory before Wilkinson arrived. The infor- Pennsylvania, Marvland and Virginia. mation had been communicated to both Some of them were kept at Lancaster and Washington and Putnam by Governor York. Clinton, of X'ew York. 298 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PEXXSYLVAXIA When Wilkinson arrived at York, Han- observed, that it would have been better for cock had resigned as President of Congress the United States if that army had escaped and returned to his home in Massachusetts. to Canada, where it would have been out of Charles Thomson, of Philadelphia, secre- the way ; whereas the Convention would tary of Congress, acted as President until merely serve to transfer it to Sir \\'illiam November i, when Henry Laurens, of Howe, and bring Burgoyne's whole force South Carolina, assumed the duties of this immediatel}- into operation against us on office, to which he had lately been chosen. the Atlantic Coast. As unreasonable as Finding that a change in. office had taken these exceptions were, they merited con- place, Wilkinson appeared before Secretary sideration, and I determined to exercise the Thomson and presented him the following authority General Gates had given me, and letter: meet them by a message to be prepared for Camp Saratoga, Oct. 18, 1777. Congress in his name. I consulted two of Gates' Sir : —I have the satisfaction to present his friends, Samuel Adams and James RetJOrt ^°"' Excellency with the convention •1^ of Saratoga, by which his Excellency, Lovell, on the subject, to whom I had let- Lieutenant-General Burgoyne, has sur- ters, who commended the plan, and I made rendered himself and his whole army into my hands, a draft which they entirely approved. and they are now upon their march for Boston. This signal and important event is the more glorious, as it "Having prepared and arranged the docu- was effected with so little loss to the army of the ments preliminary to the Convention, with United States. returns armies, ord- This letter will be presented to your Excellency by of the two and of the my adjutant-general. Colonel Wilkinson, to whom I nance and stores captured, I was again in- must to refer beg leave your Excellency for the particu- troduced to Congress the afternoon of lars that brought this great business to so happy and fortunate a conclusion. November 3, by Mr. Thompson, Henry I desire to be permitted to recommend this gallant Laurens having been chosen the president, officer, in the warmest manner, to Congress ; and entreat and delivered to that body a message from that he may be continued in his present office with the brevet of a brigadier-general. General Gates." The honorable Congress will believe me when I assure This message discussed in detail the bat- them, that from the beginning of this contest I have not tle of of met with a more promising military genius than Colonel Saratoga and the surrender the Wilkinson, whose services have been of the greatest British army. It was accompanied by importance to this army. various original papers relating to the Con- I have the honor to be. Your Excellency's most obedient and humble servant vention or agreement between Gates and HORATIO GATES. Burgoyne when they decided upon the His Excellency John Hancock, Esq., terms of surrender. President of Congress. On November 4, the day after AA'ilkinson "By an order of Congress," appeared the second time before Congress, Wilkinson says Colonel Wilkinson in his he wrote an efTusive letter to Gates, ad- Before "Memoirs," "I appeared before dressing him as "My Dear General and Congress. Congress, October 31, where I Loved Friend." In this letter he bewailed was received with kindness the fact that there was opposition to Gates and treated with indulgence. After having among the members to Congress. He la- answered sundry questions respecting the mented that he had not yet been honored relative situation of the two armies before, with any marks of distinction and also at and after the convention, the bearing of stated that he had met Mrs. Gates and her which in some instances tended to depreci- son. Bob, while in York. ate its importance; I observed that I had in A proposal was introduced into Congress charge sundry papers to be submitted to two days later to present W'ilkinson with a Congress, which required time for their ar- sword. At this juncture Dr. John Wither- rangement, and thereupon I was pertnitted spoon, a delegate from New Jersey, in his to withdraw. broad Scotch, dryly remarked "I think ye'd "In the course of this audience, I thought better give the lad a pair of spurs." An- I perceived a disposition on the part of two other delegate quickly responded "And a or three gentlemen . to derogate General whip so that he may bring official news Gates' triumph. I had been questioned as more promptly another time." to the practicability of making Burgoyne's Colonel Wilkinson remained in York army prisoners of war, and had heard it until November g. In the meantime he was : ; COXTIXEXTAL COXCRESS AT YORK 299 made a brigadier-general by brevet. He re- document was written at York by that emi- turned to the Xorthern army, going by way nent Virginian, Richard Henry Lee, who of AX'asiiington's headquarters. Twenty less than two years before had moved in years later Colonel Wilkinson was ap- Congress, at Philadelphia, that "these pointed to the head of the army of the United States are and of right ought to be United States. free and independent states," and himself On November 4, Congress became one of the signers of the Declara- Gates passed the following: Resolved, tion of Lidependence. On November i the Honored. That the thanks of Congress in committee appointed to prepare a recom- their own name, and in behalf mendation to set apart a day of public of the inhabitants of the thirteen United thanksgiving, brought in a report, which States, be presented to Major-General was taken into consideration and agreed to Gates, commander-in-chief in the northern unanimously. The proclamation is re- department, and to Majors-General Lincoln markable in language and thought. Besides and Arnold, and the rest of the officers and breathing forth a spirit of lofty patriotism, troops under his command, for their brave it also contains a deep and fervent religious and successful eftorts in support of the in- sentiment. Following is the proclamation ilependence of their country, whereby an in full "" ami}' of the enemy of 10,000 men has been "Forasmuch as it is the indispensable totally defeated, one large detachment of it, duty of all men to adore the superintending strongly posted and entrenched, having pro\idence of Almighty God, to acknowl- been conquered at Bennington, and another edge with gratitude their obligations for repulsed with loss and disgrace from Fort benefits received, and to implore such fur- Schuyler, and the main army of 6,000 men, ther blessings as they stand in need of; and under Lieutenant-General Burgoyne, after it having pleased Him in His abundant being beaten in different actions and driven mercy, not only to continue to us the in- from a formidable post and strong entrench- numerable bounties of His common Prov- ments, reduced to the necessity of surren- idence, but also to smile upon us in the dering themselves upon terms, honorable prosecution of a just and necessary war for and advantageous to these states, on the the defence and establishment of our in- 17th day of October last, to Major-General alienable rights and liberties; particularly Gates: and that a medal of gold be struck in that He has been pleased in so great a under the direction of the Board of War, measure to prosper the means used for the in commemoration of this great event, and support of our troops and to crown our in the name of these United States, be pre- arms with most signal success. 'Tt is there- sented by the president to ^lajor-General fore recommended to the legislature of Gates. executive powers of these United States to General Washington was then informed set apart Thursday, the i8th of December that it was the desire of Congress that the next, for solemn Thanksgiving and praise forts and passes on the Hudson be regained. that with one heart and one voice, the peo- For this purpose he was instructed to retain ple of this country may express the grateful Gates in the command of the Northern De- feelings of their hearts and consecrate partment. General Israel Putnam, then at themselves to the service of their Divine Fishkill, Xew York, with 2,500 men, was Benefactor: and that together with their ordered to join the main armv under Wash- sincere acknowledgments, they niay join in ington near Philadelphia. a penitent confession of their manifold sins, On October 31, President whereby they had forfeited every favor; and First Laurens appointed Richard their humble and earnest supplication may National Henry Lee. of Virginia; be that it may please God, through the Thanksgiving. Samuel Adams, of Massa- merits of Jesus Christ mercifully to forgive chusetts, and General Rob- and blot them out of remembrance; that it erdeau. of Pennsylvania, a committee of may please Him graciously, to grant His Congress to draft a national proclamation blessings on the government of these of Thanksgi\ing, the first in the history of states respectively and prosper the public the .American Republic. This historic council of the whole United States; to in- : 300 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. PEXXSYLVAXIA spire our commanders, both by land and sea, more firmly was necessary. It was an easy and all under them, with that wisdom and matter to declare the states free and inde- fortitude, which may render them tit instru- pendent, but it was more difficult to form a ments under the Providence of Almighty perfect union. Congress therefore decided God to secure for these United States, the that a committee should be appointed to greatest of all blessings, independence and prepare and properly digest a form of con- several peace; that it may please Him to prosper federation to be entered into by the the trade and manufactures of the people states. The committee when appointed and the labor of the husbandman, that our was composed of one delegate from each land may yield its increase; to take the state with John Dickinson, of Pennsylvania, schools and seminaries of education, so ne- as chairman, and through him this com- cessary for cultivating the principles of true mittee reported a draft of Articles of Con- liberty, virtue and piety, under his nurtur- federation on July 12, eight days after the ing hand and to prosper the means of Declaration had been passed. Almost daily retigion, for promotion and enlargement of discussions on this subject then took place that Kingdom, which consists of righteous- in Congress until August 20. when the ness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. It report was laid aside and was not taken up sev- is further recommended that servile labor until the following April. ^Meanwhile and such recreation as at other times inno- eral of the states had adopted constitutions cent, may be unbecoming the purpose of and Congress was recognized by the differ- this appointment on so solemn occasion." ent states as the supreme head in all mat- for the On November i. President Laurens ters of public finance and plans wrote the following letter to each of the prosecution of the war. During the next Governors of the thirteen states then in the six months the subject was debated two or Union three times a week and several amendments were added. After Congress removed to York in Pennsyh'ania. Nov. i, 1777- vigorous transaction of Sir:—The arms of the United vState.s of America York and began the having been blessed in the present campaign with re- Inisiness, discussions on the Articles were resolved to recommend markable success. Congress has continued almost daily from October 7 that Thursday, December i8. ne.xt be set apart to be observed by all inhabitants throughout the Uinted until they were passed, November 15. States for a general Thanksgiving to Almighty God. During these discussions, animated transmit to you the enclosed extract from and I hereby were delivered and the conflicting the minutes of Congress for that purpose. speeches Your Excellency will be pleased to take the necessary interests of the states were strongly measures for carrying this resolve into effect in the brought into view by the different speakers. in which you reside. You will likewise find en- state the Articles of Con- closed certified copy of the minutes, which will show After a spirited debate, j-our Excellency the authority under which I have the federation were voted upon aflirmatively. addressing \'0U. honor of The vote of Congress, passing these Ar- I am with great esteem and regard, sir, your Excel- the lency's most obedient and humble servant. ticles, directed that they be submitted to legislatures of the several states for ap- ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION proval. According to the statement of ADOPTED. Daniel Roberdeau, a delegate from Penn- as As early as July. 1775, Benjamin Franklin svlvania. the Articles of Confederation submitted to Continental Congress a draft passed at York. November 15. were sent to of Articles of Confederation for the Lancaster to be printed. After they were thirteen Colonies. His plan limited their printed, Congress directed that, copies be state vitalitv to a time when reconciliation with sent to the speakers of the various for ratifi- Great Britain should take place, but if that legislatures and laid before them event did not occur, they should be per- cation. They were accompanied by a com- petual. Congress then had no fixed plans munication requesting the several legis- for the future and Dr. Franklin's proposi- latures in case they approved of them, to tion does not seem to have been taken up instruct their delegates in Congress, to vote for discussion at that time. After the for a ratification of them, which last act Declaration of Independence was passed should be final and conclusive. Tliis com- of an urgent and signed, in 1-776. it was evident that munication was in the form some agreement to bind the states together appeal for immediate and united action. COXTIXEXTAL CONGRESS AT YORK 301 and endeavored to show that the plan pro- tiiese arguments, but the majority of the posed was the best that couUl Ije adapted to states had instructed their delegates to sign the circumstances of all. -\ committee of the Articles by July 9, 1778. At length, Congress, composed of \\'illiam Duer, finding that Maryland was determined not James Lovell and Francis Lightfoot Lee, to adopt the Articles till her demands were was appointed. November 29, to make a complied with, they began to yield. In translation of the Articles of Confederation February, 1780, Xe^\ York ceded her claims into the French language. This translation to Congress, and in January, 1781, Virginia was sent to Benjamin Franklin and the gave up her claim to the country north of other commissioners at Paris, ^vho were en- the Ohio River. Maryland had now car- deavoring to secure a recognition of the Vied her point, and on March 4, 1781, her American Republic b\' Louis XVI, King of delegates signed the Articles of Confedera- France. tion. As all the other states had ratified the The different legislatures felt the neces- Articles, this act on the part of Maryland sity of a firm bond of union between the made them law. and on ]\Iarch 2, 1781, Con- states, yet they were slow to ratify the Ar- gress met for the first time under a form of ticles. Some of them could not agree on government the states were pledged to obey the plan of representation mentioned in the and wdiich was in force until the adoption Articles, because under them each state was of the Constitution of the United States, in entitled to the same voice in Congress 1789. whatever might be the difference in popu- October 17, Congress decided lation. Printing that the Committee of Intelli- The most objectionable feature, however, Press at gence be authorized to take the was the plan to determine the boundary York. most speedy and effectual meas- lines of the states and the disposition of the ures for getting a printing press unsettled western lands still belonging to erected in York for the purpose of "convey- England. On June -22, 1778, five days ing to the public the intelligence that Con- before adjourning at York to meet in Phila- gress may from time to time receive." The delphia, Congress proceeded to consider the chairman of this committee was Richard objections of the states to the Articles of Henry Lee, of Virginia, who, with his asso- Confederation and after a careful consider- ciates, completed arrangements for the re- ation of them, Richard Henry Lee, of Vir- moval to York of the Hall and Sellers ginia. Gouverneur ^Morris, of New^ Y'ork, and Press, which had been conveyed to Lan- Francis Dana, of Massachusetts, were ap- caster when Congress left Philadelphia. l)ointed a committee to prepare a form of This printing press originally belonged to ratification. They reported the draft the Benjamin Franklin, who sold it to Hall and following day and it was agreed to. Sellers, publishers of the "Pennsylvania Ga- Six states, ^lassachusetts, Con- zette." This paper, by authority of Con- Articles necticut, Virginia, Xorth Caro- gress, was printed at York from the time Ratified. lina. South Carolina and Georgia, the press was brought here until June .27, claimed that their "from sea to 1778, when Congress returned to Philadel- sea" charters gave them lands between the phia. The files of this paper for that period mountains and the Mississippi River, and are now in the State Library at Harris- one state, Xew York, had bought the In- burg. dian title to land in the Ohio Valley. The The Hall and Sellers press, when brought other six states did not have "from sea to to York, was placed in the second story of sea charters" and so had no claims to west- the building now standing at the southwest ern lands. As three of them, New Jersey, corner of Market and Beaver Streets, occu- Delaware and Maryland, held that the pied by the Adams Express Company. claims 01 their sister states were invalid, During the Revolution this building was they now refused to adopt the Articles un- the residence of Major John Clark, a noted less the land so claimed was given to Con- soldier who served on the staff of General gress to be used to pay for the cost of the Xathaniel Greene. Besides printing the Revolution. For three years, the land- Pennsvlvania Gazette and a variety of claiming states refused to be convinced by pamphlets and documents for Congress, ^02 TTTS'I'ORV OF YORK COL'-XTV. PRXXSVL\- AXTA •Hall and Sellers were authorized to print came to York in January, 1778, still bearing a vast amount of Continental money. the laurels of his victory at Saratoga. The first Board of \\'ar to direct Although the Board of New the affairs of the army, similar to Appropriations. Treasury at this period Board the War Department of today, was did not have a large fund of appointed in June, 1776. It was to its credit, the amount of monev dis- War. composeil of John Adams, Roger tributed by authority of Congress from its Sherman, Benjamin Harrison, vaults and different loan offices during Oc- James Wilson, and Edward Rutledge, five tober, the first month of its session at York, members of Congress. This board, with exceeded one million dollars. An appropri- John Adams as president, was continued ation of $352,000 was granted to Thomas until 1777. In November of that year, by Mifflin, (luartermaster-general of the army, resolution of Congress, a new Board of in accordance with his request of October A\'ar, composed of three persons, appointed 14. Of this sum, a warrant on the loan to sit in the place where Congress held its oflice of the State of Connecticut for $50,000 sessions. They were not to be members of was to be sent to the deputy quartermaster- Congress and Thomas Mii^in, who had just generalat Fishkill, New York; one on the resigned as quartermaster-general of the loan office of the State of New Hampshire army. Colonel Timothy Pickering, adjutant- for $50,000 was to be sent to the deputy general of the army, and Colonel Robert quartermaster-general at Hartford, Con- Harrison, an aide on Washington's stafi, necticut; one on the loan office of the State w'ere appointed the members of this board. of X'irginia for $50,000 was to be sent to the They were to receive two thousand dollars deput}' c|uartermaster-general at W^illiams- a year. Colonel Harrison, the only personal burg, X'irginia; one on the loan office of the friend of Washington in the board, declined State of New Jersey for $40,000 was to be the appointment. On November 2y, Con- sent to the deputy quartermaster-general at gress decided to increase the number to Easton, and one on, the loan office of the five members, and elected General Horatio State of Pennsylvania for $60,000. The re- Gates, Joseph Trumbull and Richard maining $102,000 was to be paid General Peters. Mifllin out of the treasury or monies in the Henr}- Laurens, President of Congress, hands of the auditor-general. then wrote to General Gates, "I have the The Board of War was voted $300,000 to pleasure of informing j-ou that you have be sent to the paymaster-general for the use been elected a member of the Board of W' ar of the ami}' under A\'ashington, near Phila- and by the unanimous voice of Congress delphia. A warrant for $200,000 was or- appointed its president, -a circumstance dered drawn on the loan office for the State thoroughly e.xpressive of the high sense of Massachusetts in favor of Jonathan which Congress entertains of your abilities Trumbull, Jr., deputy quartermaster-gen- and peculiar fitness to discharge the duties eral, for the use of the army on the Hudson of that important ofilice, iqion the right under General Horatio Gates. Other sums execution of which the safety and interest advanced by Congress were $14,000 to of the United States eminently depend." Colonel George ]\forgan for the public ser- General Gates was allowed to retain the vice at Fort Pitt, now Pittsburg; $10,000 rank and pay of a major-general in the to John Baynton, deputy paymaster-general army and was not to be present at the meet- at Fort Pitt ; $3,000 to Ebenezer Hazard, ings when his ser\-ices were demanded in surveyor-general of the postoffice of the the field. The membership was now almost United States; $10,000 by warrant on the entirely opposed to the interest of A\'ash- loan office of Pennsylvania in fa\or of Wil- ington, who had not }-et Icwsmed up as the liam Henry, of Lancaster, for the purchase dominant personality of the Re\-olution. of shoes and leather and for repairing con- The acting members of the Board of \\'ar tinental arms; $10,000 to William Bu- at this time were Timothy Pickering, of chanan, commissary-general, to close his Massachusetts, and Richard Peters, of accounts for Continental troops in ; $20,000 Pennsylvania, each of wliom received two Georgia, and $4,000 to George Ross and thousand dollars a \ear. General Gates Comiianv. owners of Marv Ann Furnace, in COX'l'IXl'.X'IWl. COXC.RI'.SS AT YORK 303 part payment for cannon balls for the nav)-. December i, it ordered that a warrant be 'I'his last item has special local significance. issued on Thomas Smith, commissioner of George Ross, of Lancaster, one of the sign- the loan office in the State of Pennsylvania, ers of the Declaration of Independence, for $20,000 in favor of John Gibson, auditor- owned ]\Iary Ann Furnace. This furnace, general of Pennsylvania; that a warrant situated four miles south of Hanover, had also be issued on Thomas Smith for $50,000 been erected in 1762 and made cannon balls to be sent to Dr. William Shippen, director- for the American army and navy in consid- general of, the government hospitals in con- erable quantities. nection with the army. The same da)-. In a letter written by Jonathan Congress ordered that a warrant be issued Expenses Elmer, a delegate from the on Michael Hillegas, treasurer of the United of a State of New Jersey and dated States, with his office at the northeast cor- Delegate, at York, N^ovember 20, 1777, he ner of George Street and Centre Square, stated that he would leave York for the amount of $50,000, for the use of in a few days, after which the State of New Dr. William Shippen, in his department; Jersey would have no representation in ordered that $200,000 be sent to William Congress, until new ones were elected by Buchanan, commissary-general of pur- the Legislature. In this letter, he mentions chases, for the American army; that $10,000 the fact that it cost him 20 shillings, or be sent to Benjamin Flower, commissary- about $5.00, a day as expenses while at- general of militar}^ stores; that $450,000 be tending Congress. He said it cost him sent to Thomas Mifflin, quartermaster-, sixty-five pounds to support himself and his general of the army; the sum of $150,000 horse during the seven weeks he was at of this amount from the loan office in the York. He further stated that delegates State of New York; and $100,000 each from from other states received a salary from five the loan offices of Pennsylvania and New to eight dollars a day. Jersey, and $100,000 on the continental On December, i 1777, Congress treasurer. Lafayette passed a resolution requesting On December 2, the question of a Major- that Washington place General John the retirement of John Adams General. Lafayette in command of a Adams from Congress came before that division of Continental troops. Retires, body. He had served continu- Lafayette had recently arrived in this coun- ously as a delegate to Congress try from France for the purpose of aiding since 1775, taking a very active part in all the Americans in the war for independence. its deliberations. Adams seconded the He had inherited a dislike for the English nomination of appointing Washington as crown, for his father had Iseen killed in the the head t)f the armj', in June, 1775, and French army on English soil, before the made a forceful speech on that occasion. son was born. Lafayette had left his young For a time, he was the devoted friend and wife and two children in France, to come to supporter of the commander-in-chief. At America. He landed at Charleston, South this period in the war he was more inclined Carolina. From thence he traveled with a to favor the promotion of Gates. Late in retinue of attendants to Philadelphia, ar- November, he wrote to a friend in Boston riving there shortly before the battle of that the money he received as a delegate to Brandywine. He was only twenty years of Congress was hardly sufficient to pay his age, when Congress, at the request of hired man, whom he had engaged to take Washington, promoted him to the rank of charge of the afTairs of his farm at Quincy, major-general in the .\merican army. On Massachusetts. He had already left York the same day that this request was made. on horseback for Boston before Congress Congress ordered that the Committee of had voted to send him as a special commis- Commerce ship with all dispatch, 4,000 sioner or rather envoy extraordinary to the hogsheads of tobacco to the commissioners Court of France. Benjamin Franklin, who of the L^nited States at the Court of France, was still a member of Congress from Penn- to comply with a contract made with the sylvania, was serving on the commission in authorities of that countrv. France in order to secure the alliance of This was a busv month for Congress. On that government in the cause of inde- 304 HIST{3RY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA pendence. Silas Deane, of Connecticut, had more favorably toward Washington. By pre\'iously been sent to Paris for the same the time he arrived at Paris, Benjamin purpose, and Artliiu' Lee, of Virginia, who Franklin had secured the endorsement of had been the secret agent of the United the American republic by Louis XVI, of Colonies in England, had also been commis- France, who not only agreed to sign a sioned to go to France for the same pur- treaty of amity and commerce, but also to pose. Communications had frequently been send a fleet and army to aid the Americans received from Franklin, with reference to in fighting for their freedom. the hope of conciliating France in favor of The treasury- now had very little money the infant republic. It was now felt neces- in its vaults and Congress, on December 2, sarj' that a member of Congress should appointed Nathaniel Folsom, of New proceed across the ocean and confer with Hampshire; James Duane, of New York, the American commissioner at Paris. and Francis Dana, of Massachusetts, a com- Adams was selected for that position, be- mittee to make arrangements for securing fore he had determined to go to his home a loan. Before Adams had set sail for in Massachusetts. He states in a letter that France, Congress decided that he should after he had mounted his horse at York for unite with Franklin in asking the French his journey home. Elbridge Gerry, of Mas- government to loan the United States sachusetts, told him that he would presently $2,000,000 sterling "on the thirteen United receive a communication from Congress, States, for a term not less than ten 3'ears." asking him to go to France. He knew It was then decided to request the legis- nothing definite about this matter until one latures of all the states to make a law for month later, when a courier arrived at the collection of all colonial moneys and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where bills of credit issued by the authority of Adams, as a lawyer, was engaged in the England before 1775, and that it should be trial of a case in court. This messenger exchanged for continental money. The came to the desk where he was sitting, and sum of $3,100 was ordered to be sent to communicated the news to him. On De- Colonel George Morgan, commanding Fort cember 23, he wrote a letter to Congress Pitt, at the site of Pittsburg, which was accepting the appointment of commissioner then threatened by the Indians. Colonel to the Court of France. Thomas Butler, in charge of tlie armory at The attitude of Adams toward General Lancaster, was voted $1,800. Vashington as commander-in-chief was On December 3, Congress ordered that not understood. In a letter written from $1,000,000 be issued under the direction of York to his wife, in Massachusetts, shortly the Board of Treasury and on the "faith of after Gates' victory at Saratoga, he said, "if .the United States." These bills were to be there was anj- glory to the American army, of the same tenor and date as those issued it could not be attributed to the com- November 7, 1777, to the amount of mander-in-chief." $1,000,000. This money was issued at York Before he had completed his ar- under authority of an act of Congress Goes rangements to go to France, he passed at Philadelphia and does not bear to was called upon by General the impress of York upon it. The number France. Henry Knox, chief of artillery in of 15,384 bills with the denomination of $3, the American arm}-, and after- $4, $5, $6, $7, each, were issued, and the ward secretary of war in Washington's first number of 15,385 bills of $2, $8, and $30 cabinet. In answer to a cjuery concerning each. On this day, Francis Dana, of Mas- his opinion, Adams responded that Wash- sachusetts; Benjamin Rumsey, of Mary- ington was an "amiable gentleman." This land, and Dr. Joseph Jones, of Virginia, reply did not satisfy Knox, who was a were added to the Board of Treasury. bosom friend of Washington, and said, "If Dana had been transferred to this board you go to France as a special commissioner from the Board of War. John Gibson was from Congress, you should be an avowed voted $380 in favor of Lieutenant Allen for supporter of the commander-in-chief of our conveying $300,000 to North Carolina. On army." Before leaving Portsmouth for December 5, Francis Lewis, of New York, England, Adams had expressed himself arrived and took his seat in Congress. The COXTIXEXTAL CONGRESS AT YORK 305 sum of $70,ocx) was voted to James Mease, Cornelius Harnett, of Xorth Carolina, were clothier-general, for the use of the Ameri- added to the Committee on Commerce. can army. The sum of $50,000 was voted General Thomas Conway, an Irish soldier, to Nathaniel Appleton, commissioner of the who had received military training in loan office of Massachusetts, for the use of Europe, was appointed inspector-general 'of the marine department of that state. Joseph the army. At the same time, he was raised Clark was voted $50,000 in favor of the to the rank of major-general. marine committee of Rhode Island. From the time Congress came to On December 8, James Lovell, of Mas- Smith York, on September 30, to Decem- sachusetts, chairman of the committee of Takes ber 16, General • Roberdeau, of foreign atYairs, was ordered by Congress to His Philadelphia, was the only delegate request Silas Deane, one of the commis- Seat. present from Pennsylvania. On sioners at Paris, to return to America and this date, James Smith, of York, report to Congress. December 9, Presi- who had served during the year 1776 and dent Laurens was ordered to communicate had signed the Declaration of Indepen- with the legislatures of Connecticut, Xew dence, took his seat and was sworn into York, Pennsylvania, Jilaryland and South office. Congress decided to meet twice a Carolina, asking that those states have a day. On December 17, Rev. John Wither- full representation in Congress. On Sep- spoon, an eminent clergyman of Xew Jer- tember 17, Congress had voted to General sc}-, and president of Princeton College, Washington, extraordinary powers, for took his seat in Congress. Jonathan B. sixty days, shortly before adjourning at Smith, another delegate from Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. On November 14, these took his seat in Congress. powers were renewed. On December 10, Colonel Rawlins, of the army, and others this body urged that Washington should appeared before Congress and reported that take advantage of all the powers with which the American prisoners in the hands of the he was entrusted, for the purpose of secur- British, in Xew York and elsewhere, were ing provisions and clothing in the region being badly treated. It was also reported where they were now in camp. The Ameri- that Sir \\'illiam Howe, in command of the can army was then in camp at White British army at Philadelphia, demanded Marsh, fourteen miles northwest of Phila- that Congress or the states should furnish delphia. Thomas Smith, commissioner of the means or provisions for feeding the the Pennsylvania loan office, was ordered to American prisoners. General Howe had give the clothier-general $12,000 for the use refused to accept continental money for the of General Wayne's brigade of Pennsyl- purchase of provisions. Congress, there- vania troops, who had recently fought so fore, asked that provisions be sent and not valiantly at Paoli and Germantown. money. On December 11, Abraham December 20. an amount of money ag- Barracks Clark, delegate from Xew Jer- gregating S6oo,ooo was appropriated for the at York, sey, was sworn in as a member use of W illiam Buchanan, commissary- of Congress. On this day. general of purchases, for the southern, Congress voted that barracks be erected in eastern and northern departments of the York for the accommodation of troops, "as army, and $200,000 was voted to the State may be from time to time stationed or de- of Connecticut for purchasing provisions tained, either as guards or for the purpose for the soldiers. of equipment or discipline." December 12, There were no sessions from De- a letter from President Laurens was read Batwell, cember 21 to December 27, to Congress, in which he asked to be re- the when, on the latter date, a letter lieved from the office of President because Loyalist, from Rev. Daniel Batwell, rector of ill health. Xo action was taken on this of the Episcopal churches at letter and Laurens was persuaded to re- York, Carlisle and York Springs, was read main in his office, although he was unable before Congress. Owing to his declared to attend the sessions for several days. loyalty to the English crown, he had been On December 13, Francis Lewis, of Xew arrested, dipped in the Codorus Creek and York, ^^'illiam EUery, of Rhode Island, and sent to the county jail. In the letter to 20 3o6 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. PKXXSYL\'AXT.\ Congress, he claimed that this imprison- Ijeen only one brilliant success to the ment liad impaired his healtli. He wished American arms. This was the capture of to be set free on parole and go to his resi- the British army under Burgoyne at Sara- dence at York Springs. Dr. Henry, sur- toga. It was true, Henry Laurens, presi- geon at the jail and for the prisoners, testi- dent of Congress, had issued a national fied that Rev. Daniel Batwell "labors Thanksgiving proclamation during the pre- under a complication of disorders and that ceding month, but the condition of affairs pure air and exercise are absolutely neces- was still dark and foreboding. The success sary for his recovery." Congress passed a of the British at Brandywine, Germantown resolution releasing the prisoner and per- and Paoli was received with public favor in mitting him to go to his farm, providing he England. would take the oath of allegiance to the It was hoped by the patriots of State of Pennsylvania; or upon his refusal, Seeking the Revolution that the victory at was allowed to go with his family within Aid Saratoga and the capture of 6,000 the British lines at Philadelphia. Some From troops might influence some for- time later, Mr. Batwell went to Philadel- France. eign power to recognize the phia, and in the fall of 1778, was appointed American government. England chaplain of a Tory regiment, serving in the and France had been involved in a war British army. which caused embitterment -between these Benjamin Harrison, Jr., son of Benjamin nations. It was to Benjamin Franklin and Harrison, delegate to Congress, was voted his associates at Paris, that Congress now $50,000 to be used by him, as deputy pay- looked with hope. Could he obtain the master-general for the troops of the State support of the youthful King of France, of Virginia. Letters received from General Louis XVI? This was the subject often Washington, describing the condition of discussed by the small body of American his troops then going into camp at Valley patriots wdio were then holding the ses- Forge, were placed in charge of the Board sions of Congress in the Provincial Court of War on December 29. On the following House at Y'ork. Very few tidings had yet day, \A'ashington was re-invested with dic- been received from Franklin, who had tatorial powers, which had been granted alread}' become a central figure at the Court him when Philadelphia was evacuated. of Iving Louis of France. It required Colonel John Williams, of North Carolina, several months for communications from was voted $5,898, for the purpose of paying him to cross the ocean to Portsmouth, New the ofBcers and recruits of the several bat- I^anipshire, or Boston, ^Massachusetts, and talions from the State of Virginia, quar- from thence conveyed overland across the tered at York, by order of the Board of Hudson at Fishkill, New York, through ^^'ar. These troops were encamped on the Bethlehem and Reading to the seat of gov- Public Common in the barracks recently ernment at York. Such was the condition erected. They were performing guard of affairs when Continental Congress duty, during the winter months, while York began its duties in January, 1778. There was the seat of go\'ernment. were then about thirty-two delegates present. .Vll of the thirteen states were PROCEEDINGS IN 1778. now represented. Sessions of Congress opened on January On New Year's day, the Chevalier de I, 1778, with uncertain conditions for the Villefranche, a somewhat noted engineer of year. The British occupied Philadelphia, France, decided that he would remain in under command of Sir William Howe; Sir this country. He had served with a corps Henry Clinton was in command of the city of engineers in the American army, and of New Y^ork ; Washington was in camp at was now raised to the rank of major and Valley Forge. The state militia, or at least assigned to duty under the command of a large part of it, had returned home, await- Brigadier du Portail. A communication ing a future call to active service. Bur- from Baron de Kalb, a German nobleman, goyne's troops, nearly 6,000 in number, who, upon the endorsement of Washington, were still held as prisoners of war near was created a major-general in the army, Boston. During the year 1777, there had was read; also one from Lewis Casimer, COX'l'IXEX'IWI. CONGRESS AT YORK 307 * l'.aroii (le llolzendorf. It was the custom while the Britisli arnn- was in and around of Congress to pay careful attention to Philadelphia. communications from distinguished for- On January 12, General Gates, eigners and these were referred to the Sent General Thomas Mifflin and Colo- Board of War for appropriate action. to nel Timothy Pickering were ap- Massachusetts usualh- had the largest Valley pointed a committee to visit the delegation in Congress at York, and on Forge. American army at Vallej' Forge. January I. the credentials of John Hancock, The vessels which had arrived Samuel Adams. John Adams. Robert T. from England to transport the British and Paine, Elbridge Gerry, Francis Dana and Hessian troops to England, were ordered by James Lovell were presented to Congress. Congress to quit the ports of Massachusetts. John Hancock, who had served as President Congress decided to annul the agreement the first month of its sessions at York, did made at Saratoga, and hold the soldiers as not return until May. John Adams, al- prisoners of war. It was further resolved though re-elected, at this time was on his that 1,500 American troops be ordered to way as a special ambassador to join the guard these prisoners then in camp near American commissioners at Paris. Benja- Boston until the British vessels had left the min Franklin, one of the delegates from port. Pennsylvania, nex'er attended the sessions On January 13, it was resolved that "Gen- at York. During this whole period he was eral \\'ashington require of General Howe in Paris. passports for American vessels to transport On January 3. the sum of $200,000 was to Boston provisions for the use of the appropriated for the use of Jonathan prisoners of Burgoyne's, army, during the Trumbull, Jr.. as paymaster of the military time this army shall be detained in Massa- department emliracing New York and the chusetts."' Xew England States. He was the son of On January 14. Dr. John Houston, resid- Jonathan Trumbull, of Connecticut, known ing east of York near the Susquehanna, to history as "Brother Jonathan." During obtained a warrant for pay as surgeon of this month long discussions arose in refer- Colonel Donaldson's Battalion of York ence to the agreement between Gates and County militia, serving under General Burgoj'ne when the latter surrendered at I'llercer. The Board of War was voted Saratoga. The sum of $62,000 was appro- $350,000. The sum of $100,000 was to be priated for a (]uantity of sulphur, saltpetre sent to Ebenezer Hancock, deputy pay- and lead purchased from Blair ]\IcClenachan master-general at Boston, and $250,000 to and James Caldwell, and deposited in care his assistant in the state of Rhode Island, of Leonard Jarvis at Dartmouth, Massachu- At the same time $750,000 was voted to the setts. Board of War, to be transmitted, $500,000 January 6, Colonel James Wilkinson, who to William Palfrey, paymaster-general, and had brought to Congress the news of the $200,000 to William Bedlow, his assistant surrender of Burgoyne and his army, was at Peekskill. elected secretary of the Board of War. On January 15, it was resohcd to pur- January 7. letters were received from Gen- chase 30.000 barrels of flour, or wheat eral A\'ashington and General Thomas equivalent to be ground into flour, and sent Conway in reference to a controversy which in different quantities to the towns of Lan- afterwards terminated in what is known as caster, Reading, Bethlehem, Downingtown the "Conway Cabal." On January 8, the and Pottsgrove. On January 16, it w'as re- sum of $1,000,000 of Continental money solved to borrow $10,000,000 on the credit was ordered- to be printed under act of of the United States at an annual interest Congress passed May 20. 1777. On Janu- of six per cent. On January 19, Captain ary 10, a letter was received from General Ephraim Pennington, commanding a de- Washington recommending Major John tachment of York County militia, appointed Clark, of York, to the attention of Congress, as guards to the public stores in the town Major Clark had performed some brilliant of York, was issued a warrant for the pay- feats as chief of scouts in the fall of 1777. ment of rations. : 3o8 HISTORY OF YORK COUXTY, PEXXSYLVAXIA On January 20, a letter was my power, support, maintain and defend the Schuyler's read from General Philip said United States against the said King Letter. Schuyler, asking for a "speedy George the Third, and his heirs and their inquiry into his conduct," while abettors, assistants and adherents, and will he was in command of the northern army serve the said United States in the office of Ijefore he was superseded by Gates. Stu- which I now hold fidelity, according to the dents of history generally accredit Schuyler best of my skill and understanding. So help with having laid the plans for the conquest me God." and capture of Burgoyne at Saratoga. He On February 4, Congress resolved to ap- was removed from his position by a faction point Monsieurs Goy, Pierre, Boichard, in Congress before he had an opportunity Parrison, and Niverd, captains of artillery to show his military skill. in the continental army, and receive ap- On January 22. Congress resolved to emit pointments of that command while in $2,000,000 of continental currency under America. On the following day a commit- act of Congress passed May 20, 1777. On tee of Congress interviewed these officers, the same day Congress took into considera- then in York, in reference to promises made tion an expedition to Canada under a plan by the American commissioners at Paris, proposed by General Gates, president of the concerning their expenses until appointed Board of War. ' This plan was to place to service in the army. On February 6, (General Lafayette in charge of the expedi- Major John Clark and Matthew Clarkson tion, General Thomas Conway second in were appointed auditors for the army under command, and John Stark, the hero of Ben- command of General Washington. nington, brigadier-general. General Horatio Gates, who had On January 23, 'a committee of Congress, Gates arrived at York, January 19, to take composed of James Smith, of York; \^'il- in the position as president of the liam Ellery, of Rhode Island, and Eliphalet York. Board of A\'ar, took up quarters Dyer, of Connecticut, was appointed to take first in a public inn of the town. On into consideration the wants of the army, February 11, he asked for an appropriation as reported by the military committee of $1,333 to pay the current expenses of his which had visited Valley Forge. January aide-de-camp and secretary. Later General 28, the auditor-general reported that pay is Gates rented a private residence on the due Captain Benjamin \VilIiams, paymaster north side of Market near Water Street, of a detachment of several regiments of Vir- which he occupied until he left York, in ginia troops, then in York. On January April, 1778. 31, the military committee that visited Val- On the same day. Colonel Hartley's regi- ley Forge, reported the necessity of ap- ment, then acting as guard to Congress, pointing a quartermaster-general for the received two months' pay. February 16, it army. The aggregate amount of money was resolved to print $2,000,000 of Conti- voted to different departments of the army nental money. On February 26, Congress during the last few days of January, was took up the question of the exchange of about $500,000. prisoners in accordanccwith an agreement On February 3, Congress made between General Washington and Sir Oath of passed an important measure William Howe, commanding the British Allegiance, requiring every officer who army in America. The plan proposed was held or would hold a commis- to exchange "officer for officer, soldier for sion or office from Congress to take the fol- soldier, citizen for citizen so far as number lowing oath and rank will apply." It Avas decided by a "I do acknowledge the United States of resolution that the several states be re- -Vmerica to be free, independent and sover- quired "forthwith to fill up by draft from eign states, and declare that the people their militia, or in an}- other way that shall thereof ow'e no allegiance or obedience to be effectual, their respecti\-e battalions of George the Third, king of Great Britain, continental troops. All persons drafted and I renounce, refuse and abjure any shall serve in the continental battalions for allegiance or obedience to him, and I do their respective states for the term of nine swear or af^rm that I will, to the utmost of months." During the month of Februarv, RESIDENCE OF MAJOR JOHxN CLARK AT THE SOrTH\\ EST CORNER OF MARKET AND BEAVER STREETS SAMPLE OF CONTINENTAL NOTE, PRINTED IN 1778. ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF MAJOR CLARK'S RESIDENCE : COX'ITXEXTAL CONGRESS AT YORK 309 in various amounts, $1,325,000 were appro- of the light infantry was to receive one priated for tlie use of the army. stock, one cap, one pair of breeches, one On Marcli 4, 1778, Congress gave Wash- coat, two pairs of stockings, two pairs of ington power to '"employ in the service of gaiters, three pairs of shoes, one pair of the United States a body of Indians, not buckles, spear and cartridge box. Each exceeding 400." On March 5, the sum of trooper was also to receive a pair of boots. $2,000,000 was ordered to be issued under a saddle, halters, curry-comb and brush, the authority of the United States. On picket cord, and pack saddle. Count ?klarch 6, Thomas Scott, member of the Su- Pulaski came to York in 1778 and partially preme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, recruited his legion here, before going and James McLean and R. White, delegates south. He was killed soon afterward in an from the State Assembly, then in session at engagement at Savannah, Georgia. Lancaster, waited upon Congress in refer- On April 9, the question of Congress re- ence to the establishment of magazines of moving to some other place was discussed. commissary stores for the army, and also The following Saturday was set as the time on the subject of the British prisoners in to take into consideration the necessity of \^irginia. On March 10, Peter Shultz re- going to some more convenient place. The ceived $548 for transporting the baggage British still held Philadelphia, the State of the York County militia, commanded by Assembly was in session at Lancaster, and Colonel Michael Swope, from York to the not \ery friendly toward Congress, so the army in New Jersey, in July, 1776. On the subject of removal was not further con- same day, Martin Brenise, of York, re- sidered. ceived $153 for attendance upon Congress, On A])ril 11, Congress voted from the first of December, 1777, to the first New unanimously to emit $5,000,000 in of ]\larch, 1778, at one-third dollar per day, Issue bills of credit on the faith of the and for ringing the bell, at two-thirds dollar of L^nited States. It was ordered per day. On March 19, owing to the Money, that new cuts be made for striking threatened attack of Indians and Tories, 500 ofT and printing them, and that Pennsylvania militia were ordered to be the form of the bills should be as follows sent to Easton, Bethlehem, and Reading, "This bill entitles the bearer to receive to guard the government magazines. Spanish milled dollars, or the value On March 2t,, John Spangler, George thereof in gold or silver, according to a Pentz and Jacob Lefever received pay for resolution passed by Congress at York. transporting baggage of the Pennsylvania April II, 1778." This issue is known to the militia, while on the way to the army. collectors of Continental money as the Peter Wolf, tavern keeper, of West Man- "Yorktown notes." They are the rarest chester Township. recei\-ed pay for feeding specimens of Continental money because of militia passing through York County. the successful attempt to counterfeit them. March 27. ]\Iajor John Clark, of York, one For this reason Congress ordered a large of the auditors of the army, received $Soo number of these notes to be destroyed. to pay contingent expenses of his ofifice. It was ordered that the thirteen United On April 4, $1,000,000 of conti- States be pledged for the redemption of Pulaski's nental money was ordered to be these bills of credit. The Franklin Press, Legion. printed at York. General Wash- then in ^'ork. by order of Congress, wa'^ ington was empowered to call used in printing Continental money. At out 5.000 militia, from the states of Mary- least $10,000,000. under a preceding act, had land. Pennsyhania and New Jersey, to re- been printed at York before the act of April main in service for such time as he shall II. 1778. had been passed. At this time recommend. On April 6, Congress \oted paper money had greatly depreciated. It that the sum of $50,000 be advanced by the was worth about thirty cents on a dollar. Board of War to Count Pulaski, who had Before the war had ended, in 1783, Congress been made a brigadier-general in the Ameri- had issued over $300,000,000 in Continental can army. Even' man who enlisted in his money. In 1781 one dollar in silver as a command was to receive $130. including the base was worth forty dollars in paper bountv money. Each trooper and member money. In 1783 the paper money was al- : ;io HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. PEXXSYLVAXIA most worthless. The government never re- were prepared for the purpose of deluding deemed it. Congress, by some schemers in Philadel- On April 13, Colonel Thomas phia, which was then in possession of the Hartley's Hartley was given authority to British. The members of the committee, Regiment, raise a new regiment from however, persuaded themselves to believe different parts of Pennsylvania. that they were valid documents and came This regiment was to be organized to by authority of Parliament, which body march against the Indians and Tories who would take into favorable consideration the had been committing depredations in action of Congress upon them. They be- northern Pennsylvania and southern New lie\ed this statement because General York. Howe "has made divers feeble efforts to set April 15, Congress ordered that Major- on foot some kind of treaty, during the last General Gates proceed to Fishkill, New winter;" because the British supposed that York, to take charge of the American the "fallacious idea of a cessation of hostili- troops at that point, and prevent the ties will render these states remiss in their British in New York from going up the preparation for war;" because, believing the Hudson. At this period General Gates was Americans w-earied with war, they suppose still at York as president of the Board of "we will accede to their terms for the sake War, having succeeded John Adams, of of peace;" that the cessation of hostilities ilassachusetts, as the head of that impor- "will prevent foreign powers from giving tant body. aid to these states; that it will lead their On April 17, the sum of $1,500,000 was own subjects to continue a little longer the advanced to Jeremiah Wadsmith, commis- present w^ar; and that it will detach some sary-general of purchases for the army. weak men in America from the cause of On the following day Congress ordered the freedom and virtue; because the king, from Franklin printing press, then in York and his own showing, hath reason to apprehend operated in a building belonging to Major that his fleets and armies, instead of being ^ John Clark, at the southwest corner of employed against the territories of these ^Market and Beaver Streets, to begin print- states, will be necessary for the defence of ing $500,000 of Continental money, in ac- his own dominions. Because the imprac- cordance with an act recently passed. ticability of subjugating this country being On April 18, General A^'ashing•- every day more and more manifest, it is to Overtures ton, at Valley Forge, wrote a their interest to extricate themselves from From letter and also sent important the war upon any terms." The committee England. documents to Congress. The reported in detail what they termed the messenger arrived on April 20. weakness and insincerity of the British One of these documents purported to "be crown, and concluded its report with a the draft of a bill for declaring the inten- masterly presentation of the question, writ- tions of the Parliament of Great Britain as ten in such forcible and elegant English to the exercise of what they are pleased to that it is herewith presented term their right of imposing taxes within "From all which it appears these United States; and also the draft of a Committee's evident to your committee. bill to enable the King of Great Britain to Report. that the said bills are in- appoint commissioners w'ith powers to tended to operate upon the treat, consult and agree upon the means of hopes and fears of the good people of these quieting certain disorders wnthin the said states, so as to create divisions among them states." President Laurens appointed Gov- and a defection from the common cause, erneur Morris, of New York: AA'illiam now, by the blessing of Divine Providence, Henry Drayton, of South Carolina, and drawing near to a favorable issue ; that they Francis Dana, of Massachusetts, a com- are the sequel of that insidious plan which, mittee to examine these documents and from the days of the stamp act down to the report to Congress. Upon its report to present time, hath involved this country in Congress, this committee stated that it contention and bloodshed,- and that as in could not decide whether these papers other cases so in this, although circum- emanated from England or whether thev stances may force them at times, to recede CONTINENTAL CONGRESS AT YORl 3" from their unjustifiable claims, there can be the United States had the right of belliger- no doubt, but they will as heretofore upon ency,^but would also send a fleet and army the first favorable occasion, again display to aid in the cause for American inde- that lust of domination which hath rent in pendence. Some months later the fleet, twain the mighty empire of Britain. under Count d'Estiang, landed on the coast "Upon the whole matter, the committee of Rhode Island. Lord North, the prime beg leave to report it as their opinion, that minister of England, had sent a communi- as the Americans, united in this arduous cation to Franklin at Paris, asking the contest upon principles of common interest. privilege of a conference with him on the for the defense of common rights and American war. Franklin responded to the privileges, which union hath been ce- emissary, "Tell Lord North that America mented by common calamities and by mut- has already gained her independence." ual good offices and affections; do the. At this period New York great cause, for which they contend, and in Washington's and Philadelphia were both which all mankind are interested, must de- Determination, in the hands of the enemy. rive its success from the continuance of Washington had been de- that union ; wherefore any men or body of feated at Brandywine and Germantown and men, who should presume to make any his small armj- was wintering at Valley separate or partial convention or agree- Forge. There were many Americans origi- ment with commissioners under the crown nally in favor of independence who had of Great Britain, or any of them, ought to joined the ranks of the enemy. Especially be considered and treated as open and was this the case in New Jersey, a part of avowed enemies of these United States. New York and eastern Pennsylvania. This "And further, the committee beg leave led the British emissaries who had been to report it as their opinion, that these sent to Philadelphia to believe that Wash- United States cannot, with propriety, hold ington and Congress would accept over- any conference or treaty with any commis- tures of peace. But the general of the army sioners on the part of Great Britain, unless had written to Congress that if peace was they shall, as a preliminary thereto, either then decided upon it would not be lasting. withdraw their fleets and armies or else, in He asserted that he would keep his little positive and expressed terms acknowledge army together and fight the British in the the independence of the said states. mountains of Virginia and Pennsylvania, "And inasmuch as it appears to be the rather than accept overtures from the design of the enemies of these states to lull British crown at this time in the war. Al- them into a fatal security, to the end that though there was factional opposition in they may act with a becoming weight and Congress to Washington and there were importance, it is the opinion of your com- many people in the United States who felt mittee, that the several states be called like accepting some kind of proposition upon, to use the most strenuous exertions, from England to end the war, the great to have their respective quotas of conti- soldier now exerted his reserve power. nental troops in the field as soon as possible General Washington, in camp and that all the militia of the said states Planning at Valley Forge, had begun to may be held in readiness to act as occasion a lay plans for a summer cam- ma}-- require." Campaign, paign against the enemy, still The proposition by Parliament to enter quartered in Philadelphia. into a treaty with the American states at Owing to the failure to make conciliatory this time is suggestive. France was about terms with Congress, there were evidences to declare war against England. Benjamin that the British would soon leave Philadel- Franklin, the American commissioner at phia. The state militia had been called out Paris, early in March, on behalf of__the to join in the campaign of 1778. On April United States, had already entered into a 23, Congress resolved that extraordinary treaty of Amity and Commerce and a treaty powers vested in General Washington by Alliance with Louis XVL the King of the resolutions of September 17, October 8 France. He had received the promise that and December 10. 1777, be renewed and the French would not onlv recognize that extended to August 10, 1778. This gave 31- HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA him control of the army with authority to Burgoyne in reference to the pa\ment of remove officers for inefficiency, and pro- provisions for the British prisoners of Bur- mote officers for valorous deeds in military goyne's army. Congress discussed the achievements. It was at this period that question, respecting an allowance to army the star of fame of General \Vashington officers after tlie war. A motion was offered began to rise, and so continued until it and carried that the officers of the army reached its zenith at the surrender of Corn- should be put on half pay. Later in the wallis at Yorktown, in October, 1781. war, it was decided to give them public Charles Carroll, of Maryland ; William lands. Colonel Hartley, in 1785, was given Duer, of New York, and John Banister, of a large tract of land in the interior part of Virginia, were appointed a committee to the state, and Colonel Matthew Dill, in the notify Washington of the resolutions of western part of the state. Some officers Congress. On April 24, Nathaniel Greene, accepted public lands as bounty and culti- then quartermaster-general of the army, \'ated them, while others never took ad- was voted $50,000 for his department. The vantage of this opportunity. sum of $30,000 was voted to the state of On April 27, Congress showed its Maryland to aid in recruiting continental Silver appreciation of General Washing- troops. From ton by giving him power to call As the summer campaign was expected to France, into his council of war the com- be in New Jersey, it was ordered that the mander of the artillery, General Board of AVar take the most expeditious Knox, before making plans for the summer measures for transporting provisions and campaign. An appropriation of $350,000 stores from the southern states across the was made to Ebenezer Hancock, deputy Chesapeake Bay. The states of Maryland paymaster-general at Boston, for use in his and Virginia were ordered to utilize the department. Congress ordered the Board armed galleys on the Chesapeake Bay in of War to give directions to General Heath, transporting these provisions and stores in command at Boston, how to bring to the and that the galleys should be under the United States Treasury at York, the hard command of an officer of the continental money belonging to the government. This line. The sailors of Pennsylvania were resolution refers to the arrival at Boston of ordered to Baltimore for use in manning $600,000 in silver from France. It was the the galleys. first silver loan of that government to the On April 25, Roger Sherman, of United States. This money was put in Sherman Connecticut, presented his cre- charge of Captain James B. Fry, who had Takes dentials and was sworn in as a been a member of the famous "Boston Tea His meml:)er. He had served with dis- Partv." The wagon in which this money Seat. tinction in the First Continental was brought to York, through Massachu- Congress which asseml^led in setts, crossing the Hudson at Fishkill, and Philadelphia, in 1774. In 1776 he served passing through Bethlehem and Reading, Jefferson and Livingston, wliich had arrivecl at York in charge of two companies drafted the Declaration and presented it to of Massachusetts troops. Congress for adoption. He was one of the On April 28, by a vote of Congress, Gen- signers of that document. He was a valu- eral Conway was permitted to resign his able acquisition to Congress, which, accord- commission in the army. Congress voted ing to a yea and nay vote cast that day, $50,000 to Major Harry Lee to purchase contained twenty-seven members. Roger horses towards recruiting and equipping his Sherman lived to the age of seventy-two cavalry corps. The sum of $100,000 was years, and died while a member of the appropriated for the benefit of the state of United States Senate from Connecticut. Maryland. April 29, Dr. Nathaniel Scud- On this day important communications der, delegate from New Jersey: George were received from General Washington. Plater, from Maryland, and Thomas General Heath, in command of the forces Adams, of Virginia, were elected members guarding the Saratoga prisoners, then in of the marine committee to take the places camp near Boston, reported an agreement of delegates who were absent. Congress which he had entered into with General appropriated $100,000 for the vise of Colonel — — CONTINENTAL CONGRESS AT YORK 313 Baylor, of Virginia, for the purpose of pur- of Robert Aitken. Brigadier-General Hand, chasing horses, arms and accoutrements of Lancaster, who had served with distinc- for Major Lee's cavalry. Benjamin Flower, tion at Long Island and Princeton, and commissary-general of military stores, was was now in command at Fort Pitt, was re- voted $100,000 for the use of his depart- lieved at his own request. ment, and the sum of $350,000 was voted to Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., paymaster, for the use of his department. CHAPTER XIX On May i, a resolution was Lee Returns adopted, excusing from the CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, Continued to Congress, milita persons employed in manufacturing military stores Alliance with France—Death of Philip and other articles for the use of the United Livingston Baron Steuben at York States. On this day, Richard Henry Lee. Two Plans of Government—The Conway who, in 1776, was appointed chairman of the Cabal Gates-Wilkinson Duel—List of committee to draft the Declaration of Inde- — pendence, but on account of the sickness of Delegates—Congress Adjourns to Phila- his wife declined in favor of Thomas Jeffer- delphia. son, arrived in York and again took his seat in Congress. He came with Congress to The Declaration of Independence made Y'ork in September, 1777, and remained it necessary to seek foreign alliance, and about three months and together with first of all with England's great rival, Benjamin Harrison, of Virginia, returned to France. Here Franklin's world-wide fame his home. Harrison was one of the ablest and his long experience in public life in men of the body and served on more com- England and America enabled him to play mittees than any other delegate. While in a part that would have been impossible to York, he suffered from a disease from any other American. He was thoroughly which he never fully recovered, and died at familiar with European politics. He had the age of fifty-one years. Richard Henry learned the French, Italian, and Spanish Lee was one of the most eloquent men who languages, and his fame as a scientist was served in Continental Congress. known throughout all Europe. He was The sum of $150,000 was appropriated thus possessed of talismans for opening for the use of the state of Maryland. An many a treasure house. Negotiations with important resolution was adopted, appoint- the French Court had been already begun ing Richard Henry Lee. of Virginia, Gouv- through the agency of Arthur Lee, of Vir- erneur Morris, of New York, and Roger ginia, and Silas Deane, of Connecticut. In Sherman, of Connecticut, a committee to the fall of 1776 Benjamin Franklin, at the report proper instructions to be transmitted age of seventy, and Thomas Jefferson, at to the commissioners of the United States the age of thirty-four, were appointed by at foreign courts. The marine committee Congress as special commissioners to Paris. was instructed to procure six of the best Jeft'erson asked to be excused, but urged and swiftest sailing packet boats, for con- that Franklin should accept the mission. veying dispatches to and from France and His arrival, on December 21, was the oc- Spain and the West Indies. casion of great excitement in the fashion- The committee of commerce reported able world of Paris. France, at this time, that it had received from the Board of War was an absolute monarchy, ruled by Louis an invoice of articles, including medicines Sixteenth, who had succeeded to the throne to be imported from France, for the cam- three j^ears before, at the age of twenty. paign of 1779. On May 2, Nathan Sellers He had succeeded his grandfather, Louis was given $164 for making a fine mould to Fifteenth, who was king of France for a be used in manufacturing paper for bills of period of fifty years. Louis Fifteenth had exchange and for his expenses in coming to succeeded his great-grandfather, Louis York and returning home. John Dunlap. Fourteenth, who had reigned over France, of Philadelphia, was appointed to continue as an absolute monarch, for a long period printing the Journals of Congress in place of se\entv vears. 314 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA The court of Louis XVI, when by all men of science and literature. His Franklin's Frankhn arrived at Paris, was home at Passy, then in the suburbs, but Popularity, the most brilliant in French now within the city of Paris, was a constant history. Franklin at once resort for the most distinguished men of captivated this court by his great learning, France. About a month later, together his plain habits and his fascinating man- with the other two commissioners, he was ners. Within a few months after his arrival received by the king 'with imposing cere- there, he was the most popular man in all monies. The reception on this occasion Europe. Even Frederick the Great, the was one of the most brilliant scenes ever military genius of the continent; Leibnitz, witnessed in the fashionable circles of the most distinguished scientist of Europe, Paris. Marie Antoinette, the beautiful and and Voltaire, whose remarkable endow- accomplished queen, from this time forth ments had charmed many an intellectual enthusiastically favored the republic of the circle, could not vie with the sage from United States. America in popularity. There were no cables across the Although the French nation was then News Atlantic at this early day. Even heavily in debt, and two-thirds of the land Brought steamships did not plough the was owned by the nobility and clergy, yet to ocean yet for half a century, but through the influence of Beaumarchais, the York. it was desired to send the news financial agent of France, and Vergennes, of these treaties to America with the minister of foreign affairs, Franklin suc- all possible speed. Vergennes, the French ceeded immediately in making a loan from minister, ordered that the swift sailing ves- France for the United States to the amount sel. Mercury, be placed at Franklin's dis- of two million francs, amounting to about posal. Simeon Deane, a young man then four hundred thousand dollars. The fol- in Paris, and brother of one of the Ameri- lowing year the sum of four hundred can commissioners, was entrusted with this thousand francs was sent across the ocean important mission. He received the doc- to aid in the cause of American inde- uments, signed by the King of France, and pendence. Besides these amounts the with a letter addressed to Congress, from French sent over a gift of nine million Benjamin Franklin, and Silas Deane, left francs, or nearly two million dollars, and the port of Havre and steered for Ports- guaranteed the interest upon a loan from mouth, New Hampshire. He arrived there, Holland of two million dollars. In Febru- after a passage of two months. Reaching ary. 1778, the sum of six hundred thousand Boston he called upon John Hancock, and dollars, in silver coin, sent over by the then proceeded on horseback, crossing the French government, arrived at Portsmouth, Hudson River at Fishkill, New York. He New Hampshire. In all, Franklin had ob- reached Valley Forge, on the evening of tained as a loan and by gift a sum of five April 30. After holding a conference one million dollars for the benefit of the infant day with General Washington, he pro- republic of the United States. ceeded on his way westward, crossing the These triumphs at Paris, and the Susquehanna at Wright's Ferry, and arriv- A victory of the Americans at Sara- ing in York at 3 P. M. in the afternoon of Treaty toga, when the entire army under May 2. This was Saturday. Congress had Signed. Burgoyne became prisoners of adjourned for that week. Immediately war, brought forth the alliance after Simeon Deane rode through Center with France. February 6, 1778, a treaty Square and stopped at a public inn, at the was signed by the King of France, which southeast corner of George Street and resulted in American independence. For Center Square, Martin Brenise was ordered the successful management of this negotia- to ring the bell in the cupola of the Court tion, one of the most important in the his- House to call Congress together. tory of modern diplomacy, the credit is due There was great rejoicing atnong all the to the genius of Franklin. delegates, and the people of the town, /or His name now became famous to every the arrival of this news meant even more citizen of France. His society was courted than the decisive victory of the Americans by the nobility of that country, as well as at Saratoga, and the surrender of Bur- : ; COXTIXENTAL CONGRESS AT YORK 3'5 goyne. Rev. George Duffield, tlie chaplain whicli the States guaranty to France all its possessions in America. We do not now add more particulars as of Congress, in who preached Zion Re- you will soon have the whole by a safer conveyance, a formed Church the following day, had a frigate being appointed to carry our dis'patches. We only observe you, and with pleasure, that large audience, and after offering up a fer- to we have found throughout this business the greatest cordiality vent prayer, referred in eloquent words to in this court ; and th.it no advantage has been taken of the cheering news from across the ocean. our present dilTicultics to obtain hard terms from us but such has been the king's magnanimity and goodness, On Monday, May the treaty 4, that he has proposed none which we might not have Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the readily agreed to in a state of full prosperity and estab- Ratified, treaty of Alliance were unani- lished power. The principle laid down as the basis of the treaty being, as declared in the preamble, "the most mously adopted by Congress perfect equality and reciprocity;" the privileges in trade, with great enthusiasm. Richard Henry etc., are mutual, and none are given to France, but what Lee, of Virginia; William Henry Drayton, we are at liberty to grant to any other nation. On the wliole, we have abundant reason to be satis- of South Carolina, and Francis Dana, of fied with the good will of this Court and of the nation Massachusetts, were appointed a committee in general, which we therefore hope will be cultivated by the Congress by every means which may establish the to prepare a form of ratification of the Union and render it permanent. Spain being slow, there treaties. At the same time a resolution is a separate and secret clause, by which she is to be was passed that "This Congress entertain received into the alliance upon requisition, and there is no doubt of the event. When we mention the good will the highest sense of the magnanimity and of this nation to our cause, we may add that of all wisdom of his most Christian jNIajesty, for Europe, which having been offended by the pride and entering into a treaty with these United insolence of Britain, wishes to see its power diminished; and all who have received injuries from her are by one States, at Paris, on the 6th day of February of the articles to be invited into our alliance. The prep- last; and the commissioners, or any of arations for war are carried on with immense activity and it is soon e.xpected. them, representing these states at the Court With our hearty congratulations and our duty to the of France, are directed to present the grate- Congress, we have the honor to be, very respectfully, ful acknowledgments of this Congress to etc., B. FRANKLIN, his most Christian IMajesty, for his truly SILAS DEANE. magnanimous conduct respecting these states in the said generous and disinterested On May 5, Philip Living- treaties, and to assure his Majesty, on the Further ston, a signer of the Declara- part of Congress, it is sincerely wished that Proceedings. tion, and a member from the the friendship, so happily commenced be- state of New Y^ork, arrived tween France and these United States may and took his seat in Congress. The sum of be perpetual." $200,000 was appropriated for use in paying Simeon Deane was voted $3,000 in con- debts contracted by William Buchanan, late sideration of his faithful execution of a commissary-general of purchases in the most important trust reposed in him by the northern district, and the same amount in commissioners of the United States at the southern district. On the same day Paris. Nathaniel Greene, quartermaster-general, The following is a copy of the letter was granted $3,000,000 for his department. which Simeon Deane brought from the This last appropriation was intended to be American commissioners at Paris to Presi- used for the campaign in New Jersey, which dent Laurens and Continental Congress at resulted in the battle and decisive victory at York Monmouth. Baron Steuben, then with the army at Valley Forge, was made inspector- Passy, February 8, 1778. Sir ; —We have now the satisfaction of acquainting general, with the rank of major-general. you and the Congress that the treaties with France are Although this great German soldier agreed at Icnglli completed and signed. The first is a treaty ordered that of Amity and Commerce, much on tlie plan of that pro- to serve without pay. Congress jected in Congress; the other is a treaty of .Mliance, in his paj' was to commence from the time he which it is stipulated that in case England declares war joined the army and entered the service of against France, or occasions a war by attempts to hinder her commerce with us. we should then make common the United States. it and join our forces and councils, etc. cause of The On May 8, Congress voted $56 to Captain great aim of this treaty is declared to be to '"establish Albright, of York, for "sundry con- the liberty, sovereignty, and independency, absolute and Philip unlimited, of the United States, as well in matters of tingencies for the money press in York." government as commerce;" and this is guaranteed to us On^Iav 9, it was ordered that $200 be paid all the countries we possess by France, together with or toward shall possess at the conclu^i'ln of the w;ir; in n-turn for to Charles Gist and James Claypoole ;i6 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA defraying their expenses for their employ- Line, Alajor-General Alifllin by resolution ment by the treasurer in superintending the of Congress was given leave to join the making of- paper for loan ofifice certificates army under the command of General and bills of exchange; that $20,000 be ad- Washington, .\lthough Mifflin had been vanced to the marine committee for the use charged with Ijeing a leader in the Conway of the navy board in the middle district; conspiracy, the magnanimity of Washing- that $24,000 be advanced to the committee ton was shown in this instance by receiving of commerce for use in their department. Mifflin back into his military circle. Captain Landais, of the French By resolution of Congress on May 22, the The navy, appeared in York before the Board of Treasury was ordered to print French marine committee of Congress. $5,000,000. Dr. Jonathan Elmer, of New Sailor. He came to this country with a Jersey, and Daniel Roberdeau, of Pennsyl- recommendation from Silas Deane, vania, appeared before Congress and took which was endorsed by Baron Steuben. their seats in that body. On May 26, Con- He had succeeded in quelling a mutiny on gress adopted new rules for the conduct of board the vessel Flammand and brought the business at its sessions. ship safely into an American port. He was On May 27 important changes voted a sum of money for his services and Marine took place in the marine com- made a captain in the United States navy. Committee. mittee of Congress. The On May 11, Count Pulaski, the Polish new members of this com- nobleman, was voted $15,000 for the pur- mittee were Josiah Bartlett, of New Hamp- pose of purchasing horses and recruiting his shire ; Samuel Adams, of Massachusetts: Legion, then in the field. Colonel Francis Gouverneur Morris, of New York; Henry Johnson was elected commissary of pris- Drayton, of South Carolina. Josiah Bart- oners to succeed Elias Boudinot. \\ho had lett had recently arrived and taken his seat retired from office. as a delegate from the state of New Hamp- On May 14, Ethan Allen, the Connecticut shire. By profession he was a physician patriot, who had captured Ticonderoga on and at the time he arrived in York, he was May 10, 1775, and afterward l)ecame a pris- forty-nine years of age. He is accredited oner of war, was raised to the rankof colo- with hax'ing been the first physician in nel in recognition of his loyalty and patriot- America to introduce into this country the ism. On May 15, a resolution was adopted practical use of Peru\'ian bark as a curative ordering John Penn, grandson of William drug. Being a man of influence in New Penn, and Benjamin Chew, late chief justice Hampshire, he had been chosen a delegate of Penns}'l\-ania for the provincial govern- to Congress in 1776. He voted in favor of ment, to be released from parole and con- the Declaration of Independence, and was veyed without delay into the State of Penn- the second person to sign that immortal sylvania. Both of these distinguished per- document. Dr. Bartlett had been the sur- sons had been charged with disloyaltv to geon in chief of General Stark's army at the the United States government after the battle of Bennington. In 1779, he left Con- declaration of independence. gress to become chief justice of the courts On May 16, Dr. Jonathan Potts, deputy of New Hampshire, and in 1790, under a director-general of hospitals for the middle new constitution, became the first governor district, was voted $100,000 for the use of of the state. In a personal letter to his his department. The committee on foreign family immediately after he arrived in relations was asked to report to Congress York, Dr. Bartlett described his difficulty the changes in or addition to the instruc- in obtaining a good boarding place. He tions and commissions "given to American finally secured apartments in a private commissioners at the courts of Berlin, house on Market Street on the west side of Vienna and Tuscany," On Ma_y 19, Ameri- the Codorus. can officers held as prisoners of war, were Congress decided to reorganize the Amer- voted full pay during the time of their im- ican army in the field and adopted rules and prisonment. On May 20, Rev, Dr. Robert regulations for this reorganization. The Blackwell was appointed chaplain of Gen- committee of Congress who had gone to eral ^^'ayne's brigade of the Pennsylvania \\'ashins:ton"s armv had returned and re- — : COXTIXEXTAL CONGRESS AT YORK 317 ported a favorable condition in tlie affairs Tories of Philadelphia took part in this en- at \'alley Forge. tertainment. Flowe was succeeded in com- June 2, a letter was recei\'ed from General mand of the British forces by Sir Henry Gates, who had gone to Fishkill, New York, Clinton, an English ofificer of high rank, who in April to take charge of the army there. had occupied New York City before coming Gates enclosed with this letter communica- to Philadelphia. tions between himself and General \\'ash- When Congress anticipated the evacua- ington, relative to the recent controversy, tion of Philadelphia, on June 5, Washington known to history as the "Conway Cabal." was instructed that when he reoccupied the A few days before this. Gates had fought a city, he should institute measures for the dtiel with Colonel AMlkinson at St. Clair's preservation of order in the city, and to pre- headquarters on the Hudson River, an ac- vent the removahtransfer or sale of goods or count of which is found in the succeeding merchandise, belonging to the King of Great pages. Britain, in possession of the inhabitants. A resolution was adopted \-oting the sum June 6, letters were received b\' Congress of $420 to Rev. George Dutiield for services from General Washington enclosing com- as chaplain to Congress from October, 1777, munications which he had received from to April 30, 1778. Chaplain Duffield re- Sir Henry Clinton and Lord Howe. On ceived the sum of $60 per month as a salary. the same day, a messenger arrived in York During the time of his stay in York, he re- with a communication from Lord Richard sided in the parsonage house occupied by Howe, in command of the British navy in Rev. Daniel Wagner, pastor of Zion Re- American waters, and from General Clinton formed Church. This liouse stood on the in charge of the forces at Philadelphia. north side of East King Street, east of Accompanying these letters were three acts Court Alley. June 4, a resolution was of the Parliament of Great Britain. These adopted that three commissioners be ap- acts offered overtures of peace wdiich Con- pointed to meet with the Delaw^ares, Shaw- gress was requested to accept. A commit- anese and other Indian tribes at Fort Pitt tee composed of William Henry Drayton, on July 2;^. and enter into a treaty with Richard Henry Lee, Gouverneur ]\Iorris, them. One of these commissioners was to John Witherspoon and Samuel Adams, was be from Pennsylvania and the other two appointed to repair to the next room and from Virginia. prepare an answer to the letters of Lord News had now arrived of the Howe and General Clinton. This commit- Howe probable evacuation of Phila- tee met on the second floor of the pro\incial Returns to delphia by the British army. court house at York, where they drafted England. General A\'illiam Howe, who the following reply, a copy of w'hich was had command of the forces in sent to Howe and Clinton that city from the time of its capture in Yorktown, June 6. 1778. Jly Lord : October, 1777, was recalled in May by Par- I have had the honor to lay your lordship's letter, of liament, and returned to England. Howe May 27th. with the acts of the British Parliament en- first came to America early in 1775, succeed- closed, before Congress, and I am instructed to acquaint ing General Gage as commander of the your lordship, that they have already expressed their sentiments upon bills not essentially different from those British forces in America. He commanded acts, in a publication of the 22d of April last. the British at the battle of Bunker Hill in Your lortlship may be assured, that when the King of Great Britain shall be seriously disposed to put an end at Long Island and AVhite Plains in 1775. to the uniirovoked and cruel war waged against these 1776, and had defeated \\'ashington at United States, Congress will readily attend to such Brandy wine and Germantown in 1777. He terms of peace, as may consist with the honor of inde- pendent nations, the interest of their constituents, and as was charged by Parliament having spent the sacred regard they mean to pay to treaties. the winter of 1777-78 in indolence and I have the honor to be. etc.. pleasure, and for this reason was recalled. HENRY LAURENS, President. He was personally popular with many of his On the same day that subordinate officers. A\ hen they heard of Peace Congress received these his expected departure for England, he was Commissioners, communications from the given a brilliant entertainment, memorable British officers, three in history as the "Mescliianza." Many commissioners arrived in Philadelphia on a !l8 llIS'l'ORY OF YORK COUXTY. PENNSYLVANIA fruitless errand for negotiating terms of them hefore Congress. Nothing but an earnest desire to spare the further effusion of human blood could have of peace. These commissioners were Earl induced them to read a paper containing expressions so Carlisle, \Villiam Eden, afterward Lord disrespectful to his most Christian majesty, the good Auckland, and George Johnston, who be- and great ally of these states, or to consider proposi- tions so derogatory to the honor of an independent fore the Revolution had served as colonial nation. governor of New York. As the instruc- The acts of the British parliament, the commission from your sovereign, and your letter, suppose the peo- tions given to them by the English govern- ple of these states to be subjects of the crown of Great ment had already been conveyed to Con- Britain, and are founded on the idea of dependence, gress and their acceptance refused, the ar- which is utterly inadmissible. I am further directed to inform your excellencies, rival of these commissioners accomplished that Congress are inclined to peace, notwithstandmg the no purpose except to delay for a few da3's unjust claims from which this war originated, and the it They the evacuation of Philadelphia by the Brit- savage manner in which hath been conducted. will, therefore, be ready to enter upon the consideration ish forces imder Sir Henry Clinton. How- of a treaty of peace and commerce not inconsistent with ever, on June ii, a letter was received from treaties already existing, when the king of Great shall demonstrate sincere disposition for that General Washington with a communication Britain a purpose. The only solid proof of this disposition, will from Clinton giving notification of the ar- be, an explicit acknowledginent of the independence of rival of the British commissioners in Phila- these states, or the withdrawing his fleets and armies. I have the honor to be your excellencies most obedient delphia, for a passport for Dr. and asking anil humble servant, Ferguson, secretary to the commissioners, HENRY LAURENS, President. to bring a letter from them to Congress. This was referred to a committee composed On June 18, Air. Holker, then in York, of Richard Henry Lee, Samuel Adams and petitioned Congress for the payment of Henry Marchant, who made a report on 400,000 livres "to persons interested therein, or concerned in the June 13, and the subject was taken up for as owners otherwise debate. While the discussion was in pro- private vessels of war, Hancock and Bos- gress, a message arrived from \\'ashing- ton." This matter was referred to a com- ton's headquarters at Valley Forge, with a mittee composed of Gouverneur Morris, letter from the British commissioners in John Witherspoon and Thomas McKean. Philadelphia. Immediately upon its receipt On June 19, John Hancock, of Massachu- Charles Thomson, secretar}? of Congress, setts, returned to York and took his seat as began to read this letter, which was ad- a delegate in Congress. He had served as dressed to "His Excellency, Henry Laurens, president of Continental Congress from the the president, and others, the members of time of its organization until November, Congress." A deep silence prevailed until 1777. He was the first to append his name he arrived at some sentences reflecting to the Declaration of Independence. Let- upon "his most Christian Majesty, Louis ters from Arthur Lee, of Virginia, then a XVI of France, the new ally of the Ameri- commissioner at the court of France, were can government." \\'hen these oiTensi^'e received and read. These letters had been words were reached, there was confusion in written on the 6th, 15th and 31st of Janu- the hall of Congress and the secretary or- ary. Another letter addressed to the Com- dered to discontinue the reading of the mittee on Foreign Affairs of the United communication from the commissioners. States was received. This letter was writ- At the session held on June 16. after mature ten at Paris on January 16, and signed by Deane, the deliberation, it was decided that the entire Benjamin Franklin and Silas communication should be read before Con- other two commissioners of the L'nited gress. The subject was then referred to a States at France. These letters had been committee composed of Richard Henry written a few days before the king of France Lee, Samuel Adams, William Henry Dray- had signed the treaty of Alliance and the ton, Gouverneur Morris and John Wither- treatv of Amity and Commerce which took spoon. On June 17 the committee brought place February 6, 1778. in a draught of a letter to be sent to the The - alliance with France now having commissioners, which reads as follows: been formed, and a French fleet and army on their way to American waters. Congress Yorktown. 17, 1778. June determined to aid Washington in preparing Sirs : —I have received the letter from your excel- lencies of the pth inst. with the enclosures, and laid vigorous plans for the summer campaign. COXTINEXTAL CONGRESS AT YORK 319 A warrant was issued on the treasurer of greater applause than Samuel Adams and the United States for $1,500,000 to aid in John Hancock, of [Massachusetts; Richard prosecuting the war; ordered that $500,000 Henry Lee, of Virginia; Daniel Roberdeau be paid to General Nathaniel Greene, and James Smith, of Pennsylvania; Roger quarter-master general of the arm)-; that Sherman. of Connecticut ; Francis Lewis and $2,000,000 be appropriated for the use of Gouverneur Morris, of New York; Josiah Jeremiah W'adsworth, commissary general Bartlett, of New Hampshire, and the digni- of purchases for the arm}-; that $100,000 be fied and honored president of Congress, appropriated for the use of Benjamin Henry Laurens, of South Carolina. In fact Flower, commissary general of military toward the close of the sessions at York, all stores. On the same day the sum of 8223 these notable men and several others of livres and $200 was appropriated for the equal fame and distinction had been re- benefit of General Thomas Conway "as a elected to Congress and were now holding gratuity for his time and expenses previous their seats in that body. Although the en- to his entering into the pay of the United tire membership did not e.xceed thirty-five, States and for his return to France." He there were more men of great eminence was also voted $321, the balance of his ac- present on this occasion than at any time count with the United States. during the preceding nine months. On June 20, news of the After the adjournment of Evacuation greatest importance reached Independence Congress, the law ofifice of of York and was communi- a Reality. James Smith, on South Philadelphia. cated to Congress. A mes- George Street, was the senger arrived from General centre of interest and attraction. Associ- W ashington reporting that the British ated with him while Congress sat in York army under Sir Henry Clinton had evacu- were twenty-six persons whose names will ated Philadelphia on the i8th. This news go down through the ages as immortals of was read in Congress amid the greatest en- history, because they appended their names thusiasm. It w-as nine months before, to the Declaration of Independence. When almost to the day, that Continental Con- that immortal document w^as signed, the gress, alarmed by the approach of the government of the United States was only British army to Philadelphia, quickly ad- an experiment. Now the condition of journed from Independence Hall to Lan- afifairs was different. An army fresh from caster, and after spending one day in that l)rilliant victories in Europe had defeated town, removed to York. The information the Americans on Long Island and captured that Clinton and his army had left Phila- the city of New York. The same victorious delphia was so gratifying that after a few army under General Howe, a near relative patriotic speeches made by the leaders in of George III, had sailed from New York. Congress, that body adjourned. passed up the Chesapeake Bay. and, after The town of York was wild defeating the Americans at Brandywine Enthusiasm with enthusiasm. Bonfires and Germantown, had captured and held in York. were built on the public com- the Federal City of the infant republic. mon : the provincial Court The victory at Saratoga, the French al- House, in which Congress had held its ses- liance, and the notorious conduct of Howe sions three-fourths of the year, was bril- in Philadelphia, had turned the tide of liantly illuminated in honor of the event. afifairs in favor of independence. The Militar}- companies paraded the streets, Declaration of Independence was now a preceded b\- music from the drum and the reality. Even Frederick tlie Great, then the fife. This so interested the rural folk military genius of all Europe, was not only round a1)Out that on that eventful Saturdaj- declaring the praises of A\'ashington as a afternoon, the streets were filled with peo- field marshal, but recognized the eminent ple. At the lodging places of the delegates statesmanship of the American Congress. to Congress, and at the twenty public inns The fact that many of the most important in the town, the evacuation of Philadelphia events, during the whole period of the was the sole topic of conversation. None Revolution, occurred while Congress was of the members had received this news with in session at Y'ork, is worthy of special com- 320 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ment and recognition. W hen tliat body gation in his native German tongue with arrived here during tlie last days of Septem- great impressiveness. When the war ber, 1777, in the language of one of the most opened, Pastor Kurtz \Aas troubled about distinguished of its members, "darkness and the oath of allegiance he had taken to gloom surrounded our country on every the King of England when he arrived in side." Now all the bells of the country this country, in 1745, but in 1776, his con- were ringing a paean of praise and thanks- science became clear and he was natural- giving, and the people of the United States ized under the first constitution of Pennsyl- were firm in the hope and expectation that vania adopted that year. So firm was he in ere long the fathers of the republic and the his patriotism, that when Congress came to leaders of the American army in the field, York, September, 1777, he invited Bishop would soon found on this continent, "a new William White, then the chaplain to Con- nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated gress, to lodge at his parsonage on North to the proposition that all men are created George Street. He also entertained repre- free and equal." Whatever might be said sentatives from the French government, of the efTorts put forth by the American and a delegate in Congress from South statesmen in Congress during the eventful Carolina. The large audience room of his years of 1777-1778, there was one fact that stone church, on South George Street, was will always be recorded in the pages of his- filled to overflowing to hear the eloquent tory. They often disagreed on the manner words of their pastor on this occasion. The of conducting a campaign. They had fre- Germans of York and elsewhere in Penn- quently opposed \\'ashington"s plan of sylvania had earl}^ proved their loyalty to operations, and many of them, before he the cause of independence by enlisting in had risen to eminence as a soldier, had the army. Rev. John Ettwein, afterward favored his removal from the chief com- for twenty years the senior bishop of the mand. But during the darkest period Moravian Church in America, was then a which always comes before the dawn, those visitor at York to confer with. Congress illustrious men who legislated for our coun- about some affairs relating to the Mora- try during its earliest years, had banded vians. He records in his diary that the themselves together with one aim and one "daily text (i Cor. x, 13) came to us with purpose, and that was to defeat the British special power, considering the event which troops in America and establish the freedom has happened in Philadelphia, and the de- of the colonies. liverance of this state from the yoke of the On the following Sunday, after the re- British king. Families who fled from ceipt of the news from Washington that the Philadelphia, today began to return.'.' enemy had left the Federal city of Phila- On June 20, Congress ordered that the delphia, the Court House bell in Centre several boards of Congress should put Square rang with glad acclaim, as also did themselves in readiness to remove from the bells of the Reformed and Lutheran York. It was resolved to emit $5,000,000 churches. Rev. George DufBeld, then the in Continental money. Soon after the first chaplain to Congress, preached a sermon in session was held in York, Congress had the Reformed church. A vast number of taken up for consideration the adoption of people assembled to hear him. The dis- the Articles of Confederation, which had tinguished divine was filled with emotion, been passed on November 15, 1777. Con- but his eloquent and prophetic words were gress called upon the delegates present to received with such public favor that the report what action had been taken by their audience could scarce refrain from applause. respective states upon the ratification of During that eventful Sunday afternoon, as these articles. Owing to a controversy the patriots from the thirteen states met which had arisen in the Legislattire of each other on the streets, public inns or at Maryland in reference to its western the places where they lodged, congratula- boundaries, the delegates from that state tions were exchanged. reported that their constituents opposed Rev. Nicholas Kurtz, then the the ratification of the Articles of Confeder- A Pastor's pastor of Christ Lutheran ation until these difficulties were removed. Patriotism. Church, spoke to his congre- This was the beginning of a long discussion CONTINENTAL CONGRESS AT YORK 3^1 which ended in the }-ear 1781. when Mary- and a resolution was adopted that the .\r- land was the last state to ratify them. ficles should be engrossed and signed before June 23, Titus Hosmer, of Con- leaving York. This engrossed copy was Ratifying necticut, arrived and took his prepared and brought before Congress, but the seat in Congress. Josiah Bart- was found to be incorrect. It was then re- Articles, lett, from New Hampshire, re- solved that another copy be made, which ported that his state, by vote of was signed on July 9, at Philadelphia, by the legislature, had ratified the Articles of delegates in Congress from all the original Confederation. The delegates from New thirteen states excepting New Jersey, Dela- York reported that their state had ratified ware, Maryland, North Carolina and the Articles with the pro\iso that the same Georgia. The last two were not at that shall not be binding on the state until all time represented in Congress. the other states in the Union should ratify Martin Brenise, of York, was voted $45 them. The delegates of ^Massachusetts. for attending Congress from the ist to the Connecticut and Rhode Island reported 27th of June, and for ringing the bell. John that the legislatures of their states had Fisher, the original clock-maker of York, found objections to the Articles, and asked who was also an engraver, was ordered to amendments, which propositions were de- be paid for renewing two copper plates for cided in the negative by Congress. loan office certificates, and making two let- On June 24, a resolution was adopted ters in the device of the 30 dollar bills. that Congress should adjourn on Saturday, A communication from Colonel ^lichael June 27, from York to Philadelphia, to meet Swope, of York, was read before Congress. in Independence Hall, on July 2. A com- He had been captured at Fort Washington mittee was appointed to take measures for in November, 1776, and was still a ])risoner a public celebration of the anniversary of of war. independence, at Philadelphia, on the 4th The day after Congress adjourned at of July next, and were authorized and di- York most of the delegates prepared to rected to invite the president and council leave. They crossed the Susquehanna at and speaker of the Assembly of the Com- the site of Wrightsville, and proceeded over monwealth of Pennsylvania, and such other the direct route to Philadelphia. Citizens people of distinction as they should think from Philadelphia and vicinity, who had fled proper. This committee was composed of to Lancaster, York and elsewhere when the William Duer, of New York; John Han- British entered that city, now returned to cock, of Massachusetts, and John Mat- their homes. Congress again convened at thews, of South Carolina. It was resoh'ed Independence Hall. "that Congress will, in a body, attend divine William Ellery, a delegate from Rhode worship on Sunday the fifth day of July Island, wrote an interesting account of his next, to rettirn thanks for the divine mercy trip to Philadelphia after leaving York, in supporting the independence of these June 28, 1778. He was accompanied by states, and that the chaplains be notified to Eldridge Gerry and Francis Dana, of Mas- officiate and preach sermons suited to the sachusetts, and Richard Hutson, of South occasion." Carolina. In giving a report of his trip he Colonel Hartley's Regiment, which had stated that they went to Philadelphia by served as a guard to Congress for several way of Wilmington and Chester because all months, left York for Washington's camp the public inns would be occupied at night in two battalions, the first going on Janu- by other delegates and people who were re- ary 17, and the other on June 24. On June turning to their homes in Philadelphia, 25, a letter from North Carolina reported after that city had been evacuated by the that the state had ratified the Articles of British. They crossed the Susquehanna Confederation. Richard Henry Lee, Gouv- River at McCall's Ferry. With some other erneur Morris and Francis Dana were ap- delegates and citizens they celebrated July pointed a committee to prepare a form of 4, at Citv Tavern, Philadelphia. ratification of the Articles of Confederation. IMICH.A.EL HILLEGAS, treasurer of On the following day, this committee the United States during the time that brought in a draught, which was agreed to. Congress held its first sessions at York, 21 322 HISTORY OF YORK COUXTY, PEXXSYLVAXIA was born in Pliiladelphia in of Ger- County, and died there in 1728, ' 1824, at the age man parentage. He had served with of 95. prominence as a member of the Provincial Assembly, and when hostilities opened DEATH OF PHILIP LIVINGSTON. with the mother country, in 1775, he was a The death of Philip Livingston, the member of the Committee of Safety of his distinguished patriot and signer of the native city. He was chosen as treasurer of Declaration of Independence, was the sad- the United States soon after the adoption dest event recorded during the sessions of of the Declaration of Independence, and Congress at York. This occurred early on held that office until 1789, a period of the morning of June 12, 1778. He had been thirteen years. This trust was one of great re-elected a delegate to Congress from the responsibility, and his faithful services to State of New York. At this time Livings- his country through those long years of ton's health was in a precarious condition, Revolutionary struggle command the ad- but Governor Clinton urged that he repair miration of every true American. Pos- at once to Congress in order to take the sessed of ample means, his devotion to his place of a retiring member. It seemed ne- country stamps him as a pure patriot. In cessary that Livingston should make the 1780, Michael Hillegas was one of the long journey in his enfeebled condition. original subscribers to the Bank of Penn- He bade farewell to his family and sylvania, organized chiefly for the relief of Arrives friends, and started on horseback the government, his subscription being at with a single companion and ar- 4,000 pounds. He was one of the original York. rived at York, May 4, 1778. On members of the American Philosophical the following day. Congress re- Society, and died on September 29, 1804. ceived the encouraging news that the King CHARLES THOMPSON, secretary to of France had formed a treaty of Amity Continental Congress at York, was born in and Commerce and a treaty of Alliance Ireland, in 1729, and came to America in with the United States. The people 1740. He obtained a liberal education and' of the inland town of York and the conducted a classical school at New Castle, distinguished patriots then in session here, Delaware. In 1774. he was married to a were in ecstasy over the news which had sister of Benjamin Harrison, a signer of the been sent to Congress by Benjamin Frank- Declaration of Independence, from Vir- lin, the American commissioner at Paris. ginia, and settled in Philadelphia. The Livingston joined in this rejoicing and on same year he was elected secretary to the the same day took his seat in Congress. first Continental Congress and held that Init the effect of the journey caused a re- position continuously until the adoption of lapse two days later. In his humble lodg- the National Constitution in 1789. When ings at a village inn he was tenderly cared Congress adjourned from Philadelphia to for by his fellow delegates. There were York, he accompanied that body and was four members in Congress at that time who influential in all the legislation passed while were physicians, and with eager interest in session here. When John Hancock re- they watched his condition and rendered signed the presidency, Thompson presided all medical aid that was possible. These over Congress until Laurens was inducted men were Josiali Bartlett, of New Hamp- into office. During his long career in the shire; Oliver Wolcott, of Connecticut: secretaryship, he kept voluminous notes of Jonathan Elmer, of New Jersey, and Joseph the proceedings of Congress. These he in- Jones, of Virginia. tended to publish in permanent form, but Henry Livingston, one of his sons, was changed his mind and destroyed all his then serving as an aide on the staff of Gen- manuscripts, fearing that the reflections he eral Washington, at Valley Forge. A might cast upon some of the eminent courier was sent in haste to this encamp- might affect the future history of the coun- ment to notify the son of his father's illness. try. He was the author of several books Colonel Livingston immediately came to and pamphlets, mostly of a religious char- York. The ravages of disease had borne acter. Late in life, he resided at his country hard on the system of his father, and after home in Lower Merion, Montgomery a lingering sickness of a little more than PHILIP LIVINGSTON Signer of the Declaration of Independence, who died and is buried at York : COXTIXEXTAL CONGRESS AT YORK one niontli, Philip IJ\ing'ston died in the the confidence of his country, and the love and veneration of his sixty-third year of his age. Gouverneur friends and children. Morris, another Xew York delegate then in This monument erected by Congress, three days after Livingston's His Grandson, Stephen Van Renssalaer. death, dispatched Governor Clinton, of Xew York, a letter in which said in part he Livingston was born at Albany, January "I am sorr\' to inform your Excellency 15, 1716, and was the youngest of four sons. and the State of of the death of Xew York His great-grandfather was a celebrated my worthy colleague, Philip Livingston. divine in the church of Scotland and his Almost immediately after his arrival here grandfather, after emigrating to America, at York, he was confined to his room with. came into possession of a large manor on a dangerous malady from which time there the Hudson. At his death, this manor was seemed to be no chances of recovery. He inherited by Philip Livingston, father of grew steadily worse and on Friday last, at the signer. Philip Livingston, the son, was o'clock in the morning, paid the last debt 4 gifted with extraordinary mental endow- to nature." ments, and after his graduation from Yale Philip Livingston died of dropsy. College, in 1737, became a prosperous His His body was taken in charge by merchant in the city of Xew York. He Burial. Francis Lewis, Gouverneur Morris served nine years as an alderman and was a and William Duer, the other dele- member of the Colonial Assemblv durinsi gates from York, and buried at 6 Xew the French and Lidian war. At the open- o'clock on the evening of the day of his ing of the Revolution, Livingston became death. The Rev. Dr. George Duffield, then an ardent patriot and was one of the chaplain of Congress, officiated at this sad earliest in Xew York to oppose British op- funeral. By invitation of Congress, the pression and favor the freedom of the three village pastors were present, Xicholas colonies. L: 1774, he was chosen a member Kurtz, representing the Lutheran congre- of the first Continental Congress which met gation Ettwein, the INIoravian, and ; John at Carpenter's Hall, Philadelphia, and was Daniel \\'agner. the German Reformed. re-elected to the second Congress which The entire delegation in Congress attended convened at the same place the following the funeral, each with crepe around the year. In 1776, he was one of the fifty-six arm, which, by resolution, they were re- persons who signed the Declaration of In- quired to wear for a period of thirty days. dependence. The remains of the distinguished dead were On June 14, 1778, the following touching buried in the graveyard to the rear of the letter was written at York to Dr. Thomas Reformed Church, on West i\Iar- German Jones, by Henry Philip Livingston, a son of ket Street. York, just as the sun was sink- the statesman, who was the second of the ing behind the western horizon. signers to die since they had penned their remains of Philip Livingston lay en- The names to the Declaration of Independence tombed in the Reformed Churchyard at at Philadelphia, July 8, 1776: York, for a period of seventy-eight years. January, 1856, they were removed to I sincerely lament that Providence has made it neces- sary to address my friends on so mournful an occasion Prospect Hill cemetery, a short distance as the present. Oh, for words to soften their distress north of York, where they now lie. the spot and lessen the bitter pangs of grief. I feel myself un- being marked by a marble shaft, on the face equal to the duty and utterly at a loss what to say. ]\Iy dear friend, have you received my letter of the of which is the following inscription: nth? It was written with intent to prepare the minds of the family for the melancholy subject of this, and to Sacred prevent in some measure the eflfccts of a too sudden To the niemorv of the Honornble impression. L"nhappily, my apprehensions were not ill PHILIP LIVINGSTON', founded, for the disorder was too malignant and ob- Who died June 12, 1778, stinate to struggle with. Aged 63 years. Must I tell you ! My dear father expired early on While attending the Congress of the the morning of the 12th, and was buried the same United States, at York Town, evening. The funeral was conducted in a manner suit- Penna., as a Delegate from able to his worth and station, being attended by all the the State of Xew York. military in town, the Congress, the strangers of distinc- Eminently distinguished for his talents tion, and the most respectable citizens. and rectitude, he deservedly enjoyed My dear mother and sister, grieve not immoderately : : HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PEXXSYLVAXIA even at the loss of an excellent husband and parent. of your liberty. Your gracious acceptance will be suffi- Consider that worth and excellence cannot exempt one cient for me, and I ask no other favor than to be re- from the lot of human nature, for no sooner do we enter ceived among your officers. I venture to hope that you the world than we begin to leave it. It is not only will grant this my request, and that you will be so good natural but commendable to regret the loss of so tender as to send me your orders to Boston, where I shall a connection, but what can an excess of sorrow avail. await them, and take suitable measures in accordance. I hope to set off for Hurly in two or three days, and 1 hope, dear sir, by your influence and consolation to On January 14, immediately after receiv- find the family as composed as this distressing will event ing the letter from allow. Steuben, Congress unanimously passed the following resolu- BARON STEUBEN AT YORK. tion : "Whereas, Baron Steuben, a lieutenant- Baron Steuben, the distinguished Ger- general in foreign service, has in a most dis- officer, man came to York in February, interested and heroic manner, offered his enthusiastically received 1778. He was by services to these states in the quality of a Congress and the officers of the army then volunteer, here. Steuben, who was 48 years of age. "Resolved, That the president present had won fame as a soldier in the Seven the thanks of Congress, in behalf of these Years' War, for liberty, also German and United States, to Baron Steuben, for the had served as an aide staff on the of Fred- zeal he has shown, for the cause of America, erick the Great of Prussia. He was one of and the disinterested tender he has been the best trained soldiers of the Europe, and pleased to make of his military talents; and object in bringing him here was to train inform him, that Congress cheerfully ac- the American soldiers in the tactics used by cepts of his service as a volunteer in the the triumphant armies of Frederick the army of these states, and wish him to repair Great. induced Steuben wa« by St. Ger- to General ^Vashington's headquarters as main, the French minister of war, to join soon as convenient." the American cause, while on a visit to On the same day that Steu- Paris in the fall of held 1777. Although he Letter to ben wrote to Congress, he high rank in the Prussian army, he entered Washington, addressed the following let- into an arrangement the with French min- ter to Washington ister to sail for the United States. Embark- Sir : The enclosed copy of a letter, the original of ing in a French gunboat, under the name of — which I shall have the honor to present to your Excel- Frank, he set sail from Marseilles, Decem- lency, will inform you of the motives that brought me ber II, 1777, and after a stormy passage of over to this land. I shall only add to it, that the object of my greatest ambition is to render your country all fifty-five days, arrived at Portsmouth, New the service in my power, and to deserve the title of a Hampshire, from which town he proceeded citizen of America, by fighting for the cause of your to Boston. On Decemljer 6, five days after liberty. If the distinguished ranks in which I liave served in Europe should be an obstacle, I had rather his arrival at Portsmouth, Steuben ad- serve under your Excellency as a volunteer, than to be ilressed the following letter to Congress at an object of discontent to such deserving officers as have already distinguished themselves among you. Such York v being the sentiments I have always professed, I dare Honorable Gentlemen : —The honor of hope that the respectable Congress of the United States Writes serving a nation, engaged in the noble of America will accept my services. I could say, more- enterprise of defending its rights and over, were it not for the fear of offending your modesty, to liberties, was the motive that brought that your Excellency is the only person under whom, ™^ 'o '^'^'^ continent. I ask neither after having served the King of Prussia, I could wish ConoresS.'^ riches nor titles. I am come here from to follow a profession, to the study of which I have the remotest end of Germany, at my wholly devoted myself. I intend to go to Boston in a own expense, and have given up an honorable and lucra- few days, where I shall present my letters to Mr. Han- tive rank. I have made no conditions with your depu- cock, member of Congress, and there I shall await your ties in Paris, nor shall I make any with you. My only Excellency's orders. ambition is to serve you as a volunteer, to deserve the confidence of your general-in-chief, and to follow him Steuben left Portsmouth on the in all his operations, as I have done during seven cam- Meets 1 2th of December, and set paigns with the King of Prussia. Two and twenty 1777, years spent in such a school seem to give me a right of Hancock, out for Boston, where he ar- thinking myself among the number of experienced rived on the 14th, and was re- officers; and if I am possessed of the acquirements in the arts of war, they will be much more prized by me ceived as cordially as at the former place. if I can employ them in the service of a republic such He met there John Hancock, who had just as I hope soon to see in America. I would willingly retired from the presidency of Congress, purchase, at the expense of my blood, the honor of having my name enrolled among those of the defenders and received Washington's reply to his let- : : CONTIXEXTAL CONGRESS AT YORK 32.5 ter, by which he was informed that he must They stopped on their way, on repair without delay to York, Pennsyl- Reaches Sunday, the i8th of January, at vania, where Congress was then sitting, York. Springfield, on the 20th at Hart- since it belonged exclusively to that body ford, on the 28th at Fishkill, on to enter into negotiations with him. At the Thursday, the 30th, at Bethlehem, on the same time, Hancock communicated to 2d of Februar}' at Reading, on the 4th at Steuben an order of Congress, that every INIanheim, and arrived on Thursday, the preparation should be made to make him 5th, at York, and remained here until the and his attendants comfortable on their 19th of February. In his narrative, Du- journey to York, and ^Ir. Hancock himself, ponceau relates several incidents of their with great care, made all the necessary ar- trip to York. Among these is the amusing rangements. Carriages, sleighs and saddle story of their experience at Manheim, in horses were provided, five negroes were as- Lancaster County, where they lodged for signed to them as grooms and drivers, and the night before coming to York. an agent to prepare quarters and procure "A great number of inns, in towns and provisions. countries, bore the sign of the King of Duponceau, the learned Prussia, who was still very popular, par- Duponceau's Frenchman. who accom- ticularly among the Germans. I remember Story. panied Steuben to America that at Manheim the baron, with a signifi- as his secretary and inter- cant look, pointed out to me, at the tavern preter, after the Revolution remained in this where we dined, a paltry engraving hung country, locating in Philadelphia. In 1836 up on the wall, on which was represented he published the following description of a Prussian knocking down a Frenchman in their trip from Boston to York great style. Underneath was the following "Our party consisted of Baron Steulien motto and his servant, Carl Vogel, a young lad " 'Ein Franzmann zum Preuzen -wie eine wliom he had brought from Germany, ^Ir. Meucke.' De Francy, an agent of Beaumarchais, and " 'A Frenchman to a Prussian is no more myself. \\'e traveled on horseback. Not- than a mosquito.' withstanding the recent capture of General "The good baron appeared to enjoy that Burg03'ne, the situation of the United picture exceedingly, and so, no doubt, did States at that time was extremely critical. the German landlord to whom it l:>elonged.'" The enemy was in possession of Rhode In a letter written to Baron de Island, New York and Philadelphia, with Steuben's Frank, dated July 4. 1779. well-organized and disciplined troops, far Own Baron Steuben, from his head- superior to our own. Our army (if army it Story, quarters on the Hudson, thu~ might be called) was encamped at Valley describes his visit to York: Forge, in the depth of a severe winter, "The arrangements of my equipage de- without proxisions. without clothes, with- tained me more than five weeks in Boston, out regular discipline, destitute, in short, of so that I could not set out for York before everything but courage and patriotism ; and the 14th of January. I was received there what was worse than all, disaffection was with the most distinguished attentions. A spreading through the land. In this dismal house was reserved for my use, and a guard state of things the baron was advised to of honor placed before tlie door. A day keep as far from the coast as possible, lest after my arrival. Congress inquired, he should be surprised by parties of the through a committee of three members, the enemy or b}' the Tories, who made fre- terms on which I proposed to enter the quent incursions into the country between service. My answer was, that I had no wish New York and Philadelphia. We, there- to make anv arrangements or terms; that T fore, shaped our course westward, and wished to make tlie campaign as a volun- crossing the states of Massachusetts, Con- teer, desiring neither rank nor pay for my- necticut, New York and Penns\-lvania, we self, and only commissions for the ofificers employed about three weeks in a journey of of my suite. This was agreed to by Con- 410 miles in all. which at present would gress, as I had expected. A resolution of hardh- reciuire as manv davs." tlianks. in the most obliging terms, was re- : ,26 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANLV turned, \\ith an offer of defraying all my John Hancock the day after his arrival at expenses. My officers received their com- York, Steuben says missions, and even my secretary was "Please to accept ni}- grateful thanks for gratified with the rank and the pay of a all the kindness you have shown me during captain. my stay in Boston. In this very moment I "I will here observe, that in the military enjoy the good eff'ects of it, having taken organization of the states, the highest rank the liberty of quartering myself in an apart- is that of major-general, Washington is ment of your house in this town. My the oldest major-general, being at the same journey has been extremely painful; but the time invested, in his quality of commander- kind reception I have met with from Con- in-chief, with all the privileges of a general gress and General Gates on my arrival here, field marshal in Europe. His authority is have made me soon forget those past incon- as unlimited as that of a Stadtholder in Hol- veniences. Now, sir, I am an American, land can be. The other major-generals, and an American for life; your nation has whose number does not at present surpass become as dear to me as your cause already nine, are the commanders of corps, armies, was. You know that my pretensions are wings and divisions. General Gates is com- very moderate ; I have submitted them to a mander of the Northern army. General committee sent to me by Congress. They Lincoln of the Southern army, and General seem to be satisfied, and so am I, and shall Sullivan of the forces against the Indians. be the more so, when I find the opportunity All are under the orders of the com- to render all the services in my power to the mander-in-chief. The second rank is that United States of America. Three mem- of a general of brigade. They are the com- bers of Congress have been appointed for manders of brigades, like the major-gen- concluding an arrangement with me tomor- erals in European armies. row ; that w^ill not take long, my only claims "Upon my arrival in the camp, I was being the confidence of your general-in- again the object of more honors than I was chief." entitled to. General Washington came Freiderich Kapp, the biog- several miles to meet me on the road, and Interviewed rapher of Steuben, in re- accompanied me to my quarters, where I by ferring to the Committee of found an officer with twenty-five men as a Committee. Congress appointed to wait guard of honor. AVhen I declined this, say- upon the Baron, says: ing that I wished to be considered merely "The committee of Congress mentioned as a volunteer, the general answered me in b}' Steuljen, which was composed of Doctor the politest words, that 'The whole army AVitherspoon, the chairman, and only per- would be gratified to stand sentinel for such son who spoke French, Messrs. Henry, of volunteers.' He introduced me to Major- Maryland, and Thomas McKean, waited General Stirling and several other generals. upon Steuben the day after his arrival, and Lieutenant-Colonel Ternant and Major demanded of him the conditions on which \\'alker were both appointed by Congress he Avas inclined to serve the United States, as my adjutant-generals. On the same day and if he had made any stipulations with my name was given as a watchword. The their commissioners in France? He replied following day the army was mustered, and that he liad made no agreement with theni, General Washington accompanied me to nor was it his intention to accept of any review it." rank or pay; that he wished to join the General Lafayette had left York a few army as a volunteer, and to render such days before Steuben's arrival. General services as the commander-in-chief should Gates, who had been appointed president of think him capable of, adding, that he had the Board of War, came here on January 19. no other fortune than a revenue of about The fame of Steuben had preceded him to six hundred guineas per annum, arising York. He was welcomed and courted by from posts of honor in Germany, which he all, and General Gates, in particular, paid had relinquished to come to this country; him the most assiduous court, and e\-en in- that in consideration of this, he expected \ited him to make his house his home, the L'nited States would defray his neces- which he declined. In a letter \\'ritten to sary expenses while in their service; that COXTINEXTAL CONGRESS AT YORK Z^7 if, unhappily, this country sliould not suc- Baron Steuben, his two aides and two ceed in establishing their independence, or servants, for thirteen da3's. if he should not succeed in his endeavors in Baron Steuben returned to York in June, their service, in either of these cases he 1778, for the purpose of having the duties should consider the United States as free and powers of his department minutely de- from any obligations towards him ; but if, fined and settled by Congress, lie did not on the other hand, the United States should tarry here long, however, but on hearing be fortunate enough to establish their of the evacuation of Philadelphia by the freedom, and that if his efforts should be British, hastened to join Washington, who successful, in that case he should expect a was laying his plans for a summer cam- full indemnification for the sacrifice he had paign, which resulted in the victory at Mon- made in coming over, and such marks of mouth and the transfer of the seat of war liberality as the justice of the United to the south. States should dictate; that he only PLANS required commissions for the of^cers TWO OF GOVERNMENT. attached to his person, namely that The party conflicts of our Revolutionary of major and aide-de-camp for Mr. De leaders were caused by the antagonism be- Romanai, that of captain of engineers for tween two schools of political thought—the ]Mr. De I'Enfant, that of captain of cavalry liberative and the constructive. The sole for Mr. De Depontiere, and the rank of cap- object of the former was to get rid of the tain for his secretary, Mr. Duponceau; that British authority in America, wdiich was if these terms were agreeable to Congress interpreted to be tyranny. The latter he waited for their orders to join the army sought to set up in the colonies a constitu- without delay." tional system of co-ordinate legislative, ex- The committee appointed to in- ecutive and judicial departments in the Services terview Baron Steuben, re- place of authority of the British govern- Accepted, ported to Congress on the fol- ment. The liberative school sought to en- lowing day. The propositions force government through congressional submitted by the Baron were unanimously committees ; the constructive through heads accepted and soon afterward he proceeded of departments, giving large powers to to Valley Forge, where he began strict Washington as commander-in-chief, and to training and discipline for the campaign of Franklin at the head of the American le- 1778. When he first arrived at the encamp- gation at Paris. The contest between the ment at Valley Forge, he experienced some leaders of the conflicting schools of thought difficulty because of his lack of familiarity among the Fathers of our Republic was with the English language, but his future dominant while Congress sat in York and career was successful, and the cause of in- continued until the Federal constitution dependence owed a debt to him for his was framed in 1787. achievements in the American army. Samuel Adams, of Massachusetts, When he arrived at York in February he through his dislike of executive authority was assigned to quarters in the house in any shape, became the leader of the previously occupied by John Hancock, liberati\'e school in Congress. Through his when he was president of Congress. The opposition to the adoption of scientific house stood on the south side of West Mar- principles either in war, in diplomacy or in ket Street, three doors west of Centre finance, he came more than once near Square, and was owned by Colonel ^Michael wrecking the cause which he would gladly Swope, who had commanded a regiment of have given his life to sustain. Even after York County troops at the battle of Fort the war, both Samuel Adams and John Washington, where he and almost his en- Hancock opposed the ratification of a na- tire command were captured, in Novem- tional constitution, but when they finally ber, 1776, and were still prisoners of war in accepted it as a wise compromise, they were New York City and Long Island. On June of the greatest public service to the new 23, Continental Congress approved a bill of government. John Adams, during the S104 presented by Airs. Eva Swope, wife of Revolution, advocated the same policy and Colonel Swope, for lodging and boarding principles as his cousin, Samuel Adams. HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA \\'hen peace came, he was one of tlie most Next to A\'ashington in this line of ardent supporters of constitutional and ex- thought was Franklin, whose mind was ecutive authority. Closely allied with these eminently constructive, and who for 3'ears, three New England statesmen of this as postmaster-general and as colonial agent period were Richard Henry Lee and Fran- in London, had acquired the largest expe- cis Lightfoot Lee, of Virginia, men of rience in American administration of any power and influence in Congress. man then living. Of the same school of In the political history of our country, thought as Washington and Franklin were these statesmen were not constructive in Robert Morris, John Lay, Gouverneur Mor- their tendencies. They were civilians and ris, Henry Laurens, Alexander Hamilton, it is remarkable that no military man of Benjamin Harrison and Robert R. Living- eminence accepted the principles of gov- ston. Their opponents argued that Rome ernment which these men had advocated enslaved the world by discipline; the Gauls during the War for Independence. liberated it from Rome's oppression by im- General A\'ashington by na- petuous zeal. It was the militia of New Washington ture and training, both as a England, they claimed, who drove back the a Leader. soldier and a statesman, be- British regulars at Lexington and hurled came the great leader among back the enemy's onset at Bunker Hill. But those advocating a constructive policy. He in reply to this, Washington and his friends declared that war was an instrument of con- said that Rome succumbed to her own ener- struction of which destruction of English vation, and that if the untrained farmers power was merely the preliminary incident. who drove back the invaders at Lexington The object he had in view as early as 1776 and the half-armed militia who defended was essentially different from that of the Bunker Hill had been fully armed and well- leaders of the liberative school of Revolu- disciplined as soldiers, the British army at tionary statesmen. Washington had not Boston would have been forced to capitu- yet loomed up as the dominating person- late and the war would have been brought ality of the Revolution when the Articles of to an early close. But Washington still Confederation were passed by Congress at maintained that a war such as the United York, in November, 1777. Between him- States then was engaged in could not be self and the supporters of the liberative sustained by an army made up of militia or school there was antagonism, until after volunteers enlisted for a short term of the former had driven the British army out service. of New Jersey, in 1778, and achieved dis- These momentous questions had been tinction on the field of battle at Trenton, frequently taken up in Congress during the Princeton and Monmouth. These victories early part of 1777. They were discussed with attracted the attention of all Europe and vigor and energy soon after Congress arrived called forth favorable comment from Fred- at York. This was the turning point in the erick the Great. of Prussia. AVashington political thought of that eventuful period. held that war was essential but should be The defeat of the American conducted by trained regulars. Adams and Antagonism army under W'ashington at his colleagues thought that America could to Brandywine and German- fight the battles for independence with Washington, town, and the success of militia, because they had shown so much Gates at Saratoga shortly patriotic valor at Bunker Hill and the siege after Congress arrived in York, intensified of Boston. Washington was one of the the feeling of the liberative school of states- earliest who favored an alliance with men in and out of Congress and culminated France, the enemy of England. He courted in serious antagonism to Washington. The the friendship of the youthful Lafayette and attempts to undermine Washington owed at once gave him high rank in the army. their origin to the attitude of certain mem- The diplomacy of the war was largely con- bers of Congress toward him as com- ducted by Washington as the head of the mander-in-chief. Had it not been for the army. In this work he displayed wisdom vigorous opposition of his political ene- and forethought to which the French never mies, no army rival would have ventured ceased to paj? tribute. to push forward. CONTINENTAL CONGRESS AT YORK 329 Early in 1777, John Adams declared that the army, became unsparing in his criticism he was "sick of the Fabian system," adopted of his commander. He had served in this by the head of the army. After President position for several months, but owing to Laurens had issued his proclamation for some reflections made by Washington upon the national thanksgiving in honor of the the management of his department, grew victory at Saratoga, Adams wrote from impetuous and resigned his position in the York to his wife in Massachusetts: "One army and was outspoken in his strictures on cause of it ought to be that the glory of the management of the campaign which turning the tide of arms is not immediately had resulted in the defeats at Brandywine due to the commander-in-chief. ... If and Germantown. it had, idolatry and adulation would have Dr. Benjamin Rush, of Philadelphia, who been unbounded." James Lovell, the filled the position of surgeon and physician- schoolmaster from Boston, then a delegate general of the middle district, took occa- in Congress, asserted that "our affairs are sion to speak of Washington in the most Fabiused into a very disagreeable posture," scathing terms. He often dealt in vituper- and wrote that "depend upon it for every ation in making remarks about others. He ten soldiers placed under the command of quarreled with Dr. William Shippen, our Fabius, five recruits will be wanted an- surgeon-general of the army, and even nually during the war." William Williams, went so far as to ask for the removal of the a member from Connecticut, agreed with latter. This incident brought forth from Jonathan Trumbull that the time had come Washington that the criticism made by when "a much exalted character should Rush against Shippen originated in bad make way for a general." He suggested if motives. Rush retorted by picturing the this was not done "voluntaril}^" those to army in a woeful condition. He claimed whom the public looked should "see to it." that Washington was controlled by General Abraham Clark, a member from New Jer- Greene, a "sycophant," General Knox, the sey, said, "we may talk of the enemy's commander of artillery, and Alexander cruelty as we will, but we have no greater Hamilton, one of his aides, a young man of cruelty to complain of than the manage- twenty-one. He further predicted that the ment of our own army." Jonathan D. Sar- war would never end with him as com- gent, noted as a jurist and later attorney- mander-in-chief. Two months later. Rush general of Pennsylvania, asserted: "We came to York and resigned his commission want a general—thousands of lives and mil- in the army. Soon afterward he wrote an lions of property are yearly sacrificed to the anonymous letter to Patrick Henry, then inefficiency of our commander-in-chief. governor of Virginia, containing bitter sar- Two battles he has lost for us by two such casm and scathing reflections on Washing- blunders as might have disgraced a soldier ton's character and ability as a soldier. of three months' standing, and yet we are The letter was forwarded to Washington, so attached to this man that I fear we shall who recognized the handwriting of his an- rather sink with him than throw him off tagonist. After reading it, Washington re- our shoulders." Richard Henry Lee, of marked: "We have caught the sly fox at Virginia, agreed with Mifflin that Gates last." was needed to "procure the indispensable Early in October, soon after changes in our army." Other delegates to Laurens Congress assembled in York, Congress who were inimical to \\'ashing- a Henry Laurens, a distinguished ton, either by openly expressed opinion or Friend. member from South Carolina. by vote, were Elbridge Gerry, Samuel wrote : "General Washington Adams, \\'illiam Ellery, Eliphalet Dyer, complains of the want of many essential Samuel Chase and F. L. Lee. articles for the army. He is the most to be There were other men conspicuous in the pitied of any man I know. The essentials aft'airs of the government and in the army should have been supplied. If they had who displayed strong opposition to W^ash- been provided some time ago, hundreds, ington. Thomas Mififlin, of Pennsylvania, perhaps thousands, of desertions would who, at the request of A\'ashington, had have been prevented and there would be no been appointed quartermaster-general of British army in Philadelphia." : ?30 HISTORY OF YORK COUXTY, PENNSYLVANIA On October i6, Henry Laurens wrote to Again he said : "It is easy to bear the de- his son, then serving on the staff of General vices of private enemies whose ill will only ^Vashington : "I am writing this letter with arises from their common hatred to the difficulty in the hall of Congress. There is cause we are engaged in ; but I confess, I a constant buzzing and confusion about me cannot help feeling the most painful sensa- amongst the delegates. Some of them are tions, whene\'er I have reason to believe I asking why General A\'ashington has not am the object of persecution to men, who demanded supplies of which he claims there are embarked in the same general interest, is a scarcit}', from the people and the and whose friendship my heart does not Tories? why has he not prevented deser- reproach me with ever having done any- tions and kept the British emissaries from thing to forfeit. A\"ith many, it is a suffi- entering his camp? The general opinion cient cause to hate and wish the ruin of a is that the difficulty arises from the want of man, because he has been happy enough to discipline in the American army." be the object of his country's favor." The Supreme Executive It is related in Dunlap's History of New The State Council and General As- York, upon the authority of Morgan Lewis, Legislature. sembly of Pennsylvania, then an aide on the staff of General Gates, that in in session at Lancaster, when January, 1778, a day had been appointed they heard, in December, that Washington by the opponents of AA'ashington in Con- was about to go into winter quarters at Val- gress for one of their members to move for ley Forge, sent a remonstrance to Congress. the appointment of a committee to proceed Instead of being loyal to the commander- to the camp at Valley Forge and report in-chief by furnishing the needed supplies adversely to the intents of the commander- for his army in the field and camp, these in-chief, and that the motion would have bodies clamored against the decimated been adopted had not the opponents of army taking up quarters for the winter. AA'ashington unexpectedly lost their ma- They claimed that the withdrawal of the jority. American army from the vicinity of Phila- At that time there were five delegates delphia would give the enemy opportunity chosen to represent the state of New York of foraging the region of eastern Pennsyl- in Congress. These men were James vania and even endangering the safety of Duane, Philip Livingstone, Francis Lewis, the legislature at Lancaster and Congress William Duer and Gouverneur Morris. at York. This would incur a loss of repu- Only two of them were present, Duer and tation to the cause of independence, prevent Lewis. The former was confined to his bed the enlistment of the militia for the safety by sickness and it was thought he would be of the commonwealth, afi'ect the raising of unable to attend the session of Congress taxes, and bring forth a multitude of other when the vote for the appointment of the evils, civil and military, including submis- committee was to be taken. By a resolu- sion to the enemy. It was a wild, erratic tion of the legislature of New York the and impetuous remonstrance unworthy of presence of two delegates was necessary to men claiming to be American patriots. entitle the state to a vote in Congress. They insisted on a winter campaign and Lewis was an active member of the naval further stated that the inland towns such board and a correspondent of Franklin, as Lancaster and York were filled with whose war polic}' coincided with that of refugees to such an extent that it was im- AA'ashington. He kept himself thoroughly possible to accommodate soldiers quartered posted in what was being done by the op- in these places. ponents of the commander-in-chief. In the In reply to this opposition of the Penn- event of Duer being unable to attend this sylvania Legislature, Washington said: "I important session he dispatched a letter to can assure these gentlemen that it is much Gouverneur Morris, who was then on his easier to draw up remonstrances by their way to York, so that two delegates from warm firesides than to endure the rigors of the state would be on hand. Says Julia winter encampment without sufficient food Delafield, the granddaughter and biog- and clothing on the bleak hills of Valley rapher of Francis Lewis Forge." "Morris was his intimate friend. He z o o i^ z o ^ _ I To 0- oS w is e E 00 :::. H COXTIXHXTAL CONGRESS AT YORK 331 wrote to Morris informing him of the Washington congratulated Gates upon his emergenc}', and begging iiim to come to victory, but reproved him for not comply- York at once. Duer sent for his physician, ing with the rules of the army by sending a Dr. Joseph Jones, one of the delegates from direct communication to him as com- X'irginia, and requested him to have a cot mander-in-chief. After the surrender, Gates ready to take him to the Court House. Dr. had declined to quickl}' send a part of the Jones replied. 'If you go you will endanger army to the assistance of \\'ashington, near your life.' 'W ill 1 die before I reach the Philadelphia. Washington sent Alexander house?' 'Xo, but you may die in conse- Hamilton, one of his aides, and by that quence of the exertion.' 'Then I will go. means secured the return to the main army If you will not assist me, somebody else of ^Morgan's Riflemen, who had distin- must; but I prefer j-our aid.' guished themselves at the battle of Sara- "The day appointed by the conspirators toga. Had he been re-inforced earlier by to bring forward their motion, Gates, his these valiant soldiers, it is claimed that staff, and Gouverneur Morris arrived at AA'ashington might have saved the forts on York. They had all been detained on the the Delaware and prevented the British Lancaster side of the river by the ice that from occupying Philadelphia during the obstructed the channel of the Susquehanna. winter. Gates took advantage of the situa- Morgan Lewis and Morris repaired at once tion and entered into correspondence with to the quarters of the New York delegates. General Thomas Conway, General j\Iifflin There they found Francis Lewis w'ith his and other officers of the army, who were friend Duer, the latter wrapped in blankets, disaft'ected toward Washington. his cot and his bearers ready to convey him Thomas Conway was Washing- to the Hall of Congress. The arrival of Conway's ton's traducer to Gates. He Morris made it unnecessary for him to risk Intrigues, was an Irish-French soldier of his life. The opponents of A\'ashington, rank, who unfortunately had finding that they were outnumbered, did been made a brigadier-general in the Con- not bring forward their motion." tinental army. Having made friends of the New England delegates in Congress, it was CABAL. THE CON'WAY then proposed by them to advance him to This was the condition of affairs in Con- the rank of major-general, which Washing- gress at York, and throughout the thirteen ton had opposed on the grounds that "his original states at war with Great Britain at merit and importance exist more in his the opening of the year 177S. Washington imagination than in reality." For the had gone into winter quarters at Valley moment this was sufficient to prevent Con- Forge and had there commenced the erec- waj^'s promotion, and even if he had not tion of log huts for his soldiers in the camp. before been opposed to his commander, he Fortunately, for the commander-in-chief now became his bitter enemy. and the future destiny of the country, there Colonel James Wilkinson, an aide on the were strong men in and out of Congress staff" of Gates, had been assigned to the who remained loyal to their chief. duty of carrying the news of the victory at But the contending factions of Saratoga to York, and stopped on the way Gates' Congress had brought forth at Reading, Pennsylvania, where he re- Ambition, the aspirations of General mained three days. Lord Stirling, an officer Gates, the hero of Saratoga, to in the American army, who had been supplant W^ashington as the head of the wounded at Brandywine, had been taken to army. Congress had invited him to York that town until his recovery. While in a to l)ecome president of the Board of War. convivial mood, after having drank too Prominent men believed him superior in freely, Wilkinson revealed the secrets of the military genius to Washington. So much cabal to Major Williams, an aide on the applause caused his head to be turned. His staff of Lord Stirling. This information vanity was only e.xcelled by his arrogance, w-as communicated to Washington, who for he had neglected to inform Washington, sent to Conway the following brief note: as was his duty, of the victory at Saratoga Sir: A letter which I received last— night before sending his message to Congress. contained the following paragraph : "In a 33^ HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. PEXXSYLVANIA letter from General Conway to General In this letter. Washington further related Gates, he says, 'Heaven has determined to how Wilkinson had babbled over his cups save your country or a weak general and at Reading and revealed the secret, which "' bad counsellors would have ruined it.' I had spread consternation among the am, sir, vour humble servant, friends of the commander-in-chief. He had GEORGE WASHINGTON. communicated this discovery to Conway to This brought the attention of Washing- let that officer know that his intriguing dis- ton and his friends to what seemed to be a position was observed and watched. He conspiracy to elevate Gates to the chief had mentioned this to no one else but command of the army. Conway did not Lafayette. Washington did not know that know what answer to make to this startling Conway was in correspondence with Gates, note. Meantime, General Mifflin wrote to and had even supposed that Wilkinson's Gates that an extract from one of Conway's information was given with the sanction of letters had fallen into the hands of Wash- Gates and with friendly intent to forearm ington, and cautioned him to be more care- him against a secret enemy. "But in this," ful of his correspondence in the future. The lie wrote, in concluding this remarkable let- plotters now became seriously alarmed. ter, "as in other matters of late, I have ^\'ashington's curt letter left them in the found myself mistaken." dark. Had it not been for the treach- Gates replied to Mifflin: "There is Wilkinson erous letter of Gates, Wash- scarcely a man living who takes greater Blamed, ington never would have sus- care of his papers than I do. I never fail to pected him. Amid this dis- lock them up and keep the key in my comfiture. Gates had a single ray of hope. pocket." He then arrived at the conclusion It appeared that Washington thus far had that Alexander Hamilton, who had visited no definite information except the sentence him at Albany, had stealthily ransacked his dropped in AA'ilkinson's conversation. effects and read his private correspondence. Gates now attempted to make Wilkinson Gates wrote to Washington stating that he the scapegoat for all. and wrote again to understood that some of Conway's confi- Washington. den3'ing his intimacy with dential letters to himself had fallen into Conway, and declared that he had received AA'ashington's hands. He then sent a copy Ijut one letter from him. He protested that of the letter to Congress in order that that this letter contained no such paragraph as body might assist in the discovery of the that of which Washington had been in- person who committed this alleged misde- formed. The information that Wilkinson meanor. The purpose of this artifice was had revealed, he declared to be a ^•illainous to create, in Congress, an impression un- slander. In a previous letter to Washing- favorable to Washington, by making it ap- ton, Gates had admitted the existence of pear that he had encouraged his aides-de- several letters which he had received from camp in prying into the portfolios of other Conway. A stinging reply from Washing,- generals. Washington discerned the ton put Gates in a very uncomfortable treacherous purpose of the letter and position, from which there was no retreat. wrote to Gates : "Your letter came to my AA'hen Colonel AA'ilkinson heard of this hands a few days ago, and to my great sur- matter, his youthful blood boiled with rage. prise, informed me that a copy of it had Having been selected as president been sent to Congress, for what reason, I Gates of the Board of AA'ar, General find myself unable to account ; but as some at Gates resigned from his command end was doubtless intended to be answered York, of the northern army, then at Al- by it, I am laid under the disagreeable ne- bany, and came to York, arriving cessity of returning my answer through the liere January 19. By many of the delegates same channel, lest any member of that in Congress he was received with great en- honorable body should harbor an unfavor- thusiasm. The victory which he had won able suspicion of my having practiced some at Saratoga had gained for him temporarily indirect means to come at the contents of a brilliant reputation as a soldier. He had the confidential letters between you and won the first decisive battle of the Revo- General Conwav." lution. The surrender of Burgoyne, which CONTIXEXTAL CONGRESS AT YORK 353 followed, was largely instrumental in se- northern army at Fishkill, Xew York, in curing the alliance with France. The abil- April. ity of Washington had not yet been dis- General Lafayette, the youthful covered by some of the leading" statesmen Lafayette patriot of France, came to York of the country. Men who never had seen at York. from Washington's headquar- Gates were shouting his praise and he re- ters at Valley Forge, on Janu- ceived a cordial welcome when he reached ary 30, 177S, eleven days after the arrival the inland town of York, then the capital of of Gates. Colonel Pickering arrived the the infant republic of the United States. same day. During the interim, the subject His wife and son had preceded him some of supplanting Washington by Gates for time before and had been given the best the head of the army was an important accommodations that could be afiforded topic for discussion, among members of them. Gates was called upon, fawned and Congress in private council and other ad- flattered by his supporters in Congress and herents of Gates, then in York. Lafayette by the army officers who were then had arrived in America from France, June present in York. 14, 1777, landing at Georgetown, South Soon after his arrival, lie as- Carolina. He had proceeded to Philadel- Head of sumed his duties as president phia, part of the way in a carriage, which the Board of the Board of \\'ar. Associ- broke down, and the remainder of the of War. ated with him on this board distance on horseback. It required him were four men, all supposed to more than a month to reach Philadelphia. be inimical to W'ashington as the head of He had come to this country for the pur- the army. These men were Colonel Tim- pose of joining the American forces, and othy Pickering, of Virginia; Richard Pe- aid them in fighting for independence. He ters, of Pennsylvania; General Thomas had inherited a dislike for the British gov- Mifflin, and Colonel Joseph Trumbull, of ernment, for his father had been killed in Connecticut. Encouraged by the flattery battle on English soil, before Lafayette was he had received, and buoyant with the hope born. When he came to this country, he that his name would soon be glittering as was only nineteen years of age, and at first the commander-in-chief of the American received a cold reception from Congress. army. Gates began the duties to which After he had declared his wish to serve as Congress had assigned him. The Board of a volunteer and at his own expense. Con- War w'as then the directing power of the gress appointed him a brigadier-general, army, and he aimed to use this influential July 31, 1777. The next day he was intro- position which he now held to elevate him- duced to Washington, and the lifelong self to the highest military position in this friendship between the two men was at country. once begun. Wasliington received him When General Gates arrived at York he with great cordiality and for a time he took up his quarters at a public inn, where served as an aide on the stafT of the com- he remained two or three weeks. On Feb- mander-in-chief. ruary II, a bill amounting to $1,333 '^^'^^ At the battle of Brandywine Lafayette ordered to be paid by Congress as expenses received his first baptism of fire and was for himself, his family and his aides from wounded while gallantly leading a recon- the time of his arrival. Among the aides noitering party to find out the position of who accompanied him were Colonel Mor- a division of the enemy. His wound was gan Lewis, son of Francis Lewis, then a first dressed by Dr. \\'illiam ]Magaw, of member of Congress from Xew York ; Cap- Cumberland County, a surgeon in Wayne's tain John Armstrong, son of General John brigade. He was conveyed in the private Armstrong, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania; and carriage of Henry Laurens, to Bethlehem, Colonel Robert Troup, who had brought Pennsylvania, where he remained two the news of the first battle of Saratoga to months until he had recovered from his Congress during the previous October. wound. On November 25, in a recon- Later Gates rented a house on the north naissance of General Greene against Corn- side of West ^Larket Street near Water, wallis's position at Gloucester Point. Lafay- which he occupied until he returned to the ette, with 300 men, defeated a superior 334 HISTORY OF YORK COUXTY. PEXXSYLVAXIA force of Hessians. In recognition of this ley Forge, but in obedience to duty, he had service, he was appointed, December 4, to come to York to discuss the plan of invad- command a division of Washington's army ing Canada. The rank to be accorded him lately under General Stephen, who had been by Congress and the Board of War was a removed for alleged misconduct at the bat- promotion, and if this expedition would fur- tle of Germantown. Lafayette spent part ther the cause of independence, he had of the winter at Valley Forge. decided to take conmiand of the army. Soon after Gates became Lafayette now found himself in company Canadian president of the Board of War, opposed to the interests of his friend. The Expedition that body conceived a plan for air of the banquet was distasteful to him. Planned. the invasion of Canada. They After a number of toasts had been offered. invited Lafayette to York for General Gates, as president of the Board of the purpose of receiving instructions to War, handed to Lafayette the commission take charge of the Canadian expedition, which Congress had voted him on January with General Thomas Conway second in 23. Deeply impressed with the scenes and command. Washington had disapproved incidents that had transpired, the youthful of this expedition, but Congress and the Lafayette accepted his commission of Board of War claimed that with the aid of major-general, then with calm dignity he Stark and his Green Mountain boys, and a rose from his chair, while breathless small force of regulars stationed at Albany, silence pervaded the room. All eyes were they could make up an invading army of riveted upon him and the suspense that 3,000 men. On January 24, while still at awaited his action produced a profound im- Valley Forge, Lafayette received a letter pression upon every one present. All that from Gates, containing information of his is definitely known of this incident is what appointment as commander of the Cana- Lafayette recorded in his own "Memoirs," dian expedition. He refused to accept the published in the French language, some appointment until he had consulted W'ash- years later. He says : ington, and made it a condition that Baron "I arose from my chair and de Kalb, who ranked Conway, should ac- Toast to referred to the numerous company the expedition. He then came to Washington, toasts that had already been York for instructions, where he was re- offered in the interests of ceived with great enthusiasm by Gates and the American government and the prosecu- his friends. They laid plans to win his in- tion of the war. Then I reminded all fluence and support. present that there was one toast that had A banquet had been prepared in not yet been drunk. I then proposed the An honor of the French patriot. health of the commander-in-chief at Valley Historic Lafayette was flattered and Forge. After I had done this, I looked Banquet, toasted and a brilliant campaign around the table and saw the faces of the was predicted. Gates assured bancjueters redden with shame. him that a large army would be at Albany, "The deep silence then grew deeper. New York, ready to march. Lafayette X^one dared refuse the toast, but some listened with placid composure and equa- merely raised their glasses to their lips, nimity of mind. The fawning flattery while others cautiously put them down un- which he had received from the intriguers tasted." against W^ashington did not turn his head. It was evident to all the opponents Although of an impulsive nature, like most Plans of Washington that their plans Frenchmen, vanity was not one of his Foiled, had been foiled, for the young characteristics. He had already avowed his soldier had displayed the loyalty loyalty to the commander-in-chief, for to his chief that afterward marked him as whom he showed the most profound vener- one of the most eminent patriots of the ation. The ties of affection which linked Revolution. W'ith a shrug of the shoulders, Washington and Lafayette together in after he stepped away from the table and left the years had already been formed. He de- room. He retired to his quarters that termined not to oppose the views of his night, feeling that he had won a victory commander, whom he had just left at Val- and saved- the armv from the loss of Wash- CONTINENTAL CONGRESS A'J' YORK 335 ington, whose ability finally succeeded in cultivated manners. He possessed an in- winning triumph to the American arms in teresting personality and a good education. the War for Independence. Though having many faults, the chief of Having accepted the commission and re- which was an overwhelming confidence in ceived his instructions. Lafayette soon his own ability, combined with arrogance afterward proceeded to Albany to assume and untruthfulness, he had also some noble his duties as commander of the northern traits. Before he removed to New York he army. When he reached there, he found emancipated his slaves and provided for the neither troops, supplies nor equipments in support of those who could not take care readiness. Instead of 3,000 regulars, which of themselves. Gates had promised, he found barely 1,200, Mrs. Gates, wdio spent several and these were not equipped or clothed for Mrs. Gates months at York, was a a march into Canada. The plan of invasion at York. woman of rare accomplish- ended in a complete fiasco. The scheme ments. \\'hile here she shared itself was condemned by public opinion. an enviable hospitality, entertaining the The opposition which Washington had friends of her husband, who had achieved shown to it increased his power and in- distinction by his victory at Saratoga. She fluence in Congress. Lafayette and de was the daughter of James Valence, of Kalb were glad to return to their chief at Liverpool, England. At her father's death, \'alley Forge. before the Revolution, she came to this The antagonism to Washing- country, bringing with her $450,000, a The Cabal ton among many delegates to wealth which exceeded that of any other Collapsed. Congress now declined. Gates woman in America. Their son and only continued his work as president ciiild, Robert, died shortly before the bat- of the Board of War, but his influence was tle of Camden. During the Revolution, on the wane. He remained in York for a jMrs. Gates spent a large portion of her considerable time. On April 15, he was ap- fortune in a lavish hospitality upon her pointed by Congress to proceed to Fishkill, Iiusband's companions in arms, especially New York, and take charge of the army at those in indigent circumstances. ]\Iany that point. Very little is definitely known Revolutionary heroes were participants of of his career in this position. During the her bounty, including Thaddeus Kosci- summer of 1778, he retired from the army uszko. the Polish nobleman, who, when and repaired to his estate in Berkeley wounded, laj^ six months at her home, County, Virginia. There were still mem- nursed by herself and her husband. bers in Congress who recognized his mili- GATES-WILKINSON DUEL. tar\' achie\-ements at Saratoga and believed that he possessed ability to command an At the opening of the war, Gates was an army. On June 13, 1780, he was recalled ardent patriot, and was present at York on from his retirement by Congress and placed his way to the army, July i, 1775, when the in command of the army in North Carolina, first troops Were about to march from here designed to check the progress of Corn- to join ^^'ash^ngton at Boston. In the wallis northward through that state. In spring of 1778, General Gates was forty- the battle near Camden, South Carolina, eight years of age. Wilkinson was twenty. August 16. he was defeated and his army This trained soldier and his youthful aide nearly annihilated. He was soon afterward had been intimate friends from the open- succeeded by General Nathaniel Greene, ing of the war until the Conway Cabal was and suspended from duty. Thus ended his discovered by the friends of Washington. military career in the Revolution. In the fall of 1777, when Congress ap- At the close of the war. he retired to his pointed Gates president of the Board of estate in Virginia, where he lived until A\'ar, he requested that Colonel Wilkinson 1790, when he removed to New York City, should be its secretary. where, after a long illness, he died, April Wilkinson remained with the Northern 10, 1806, at the age of 78 years. General army on the Hudson for a time after Gates Gates was a man of pleasant address and had come to York. The fact that Wilkin- : : 536 HISTORY OP YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA son, while in a convivial mood, had revealed "Sir:— "I have discharged my duty to you and ni\' conscience. friend at Reading, the Cabal to an army Meet me tomorrow morning behind the Episcopal while on his way to York, in October, with Church and I will then stipulate the satisfaction which you have promised to grant, the official papers describing the surrender "I am your most humble servant, of Burgoyne, caused an estrangement be- "JAMES WILKINSON." tween himself and his superior officer. \\'hen Gates discovered that his secret cor- This was an open challenge to fight a respondence with Conway had reached duel with his old commander. He had de- ^Vashington, he tried to shift the responsi- termined to defend his integrity and his bility upon Wilkinson. honor. Gates had charged him with false Early in February, 1778, Wilkin- representations at Reading to Major Wil- Trouble son. who had been raised to the liams, an aide to Lord Stirling. These Brewing, rank of brigadier-general, re- charges he could not endure and he now ceived a letter from President discovered that he was to be made the Laurens to come at once to York and as- scapegoat of the Conway conspirators. So sume the duties of secretary to the Board Colonel Ball, in obedience to his request, of War. He left the military post at Al- carried the challenge to the residence of bany, traveled in a sleigh to Reading, and General Gates, on the north side of Market from thence to Lancaster on horseback. Street, near Water. He was met at the Upon his arrival at Reading, for the first doorway by the general, who read the chal- time, he heard that Gates had denounced lenge with evident surprise. This w^as the him as the betrayer of Conway's letter. age of duelling; if a man would not accept This news was confirmed when he reached a challenge he was considered a coward. Lancaster, where he remained one day. With calm dignity, he responded Meantime he sent a messenger with a let- "All right, sir. We will meet tomorrow ter to Gates, in York, charging the latter morning at 8 o'clock." with impugning his honor. In this letter, "He made no reference to the he said, "What motive, sir, could induce me The kind of weapons to be used nor to injure you or General Conway? You, Meeting the distance. The place desig- my boasted patron, friend and benefactor, Place. nated as the duelling ground was he a stranger for whom I entertained favor- on the lawn to the rear of the able sentiments." Episcopal Church, near the Codorus Creek. The response made by Gates to this let- At 8 o'clock on the following morning, ter was offensive in language and widened Colonel Wilkinson walked dow-n Beaver the breach between the two men. In sub- Street, accompanied by his second, Colonel stance it said Wilkinson could have any Ball. They saw General Gates standing on satisfaction he desired. the street in front of the Episcopal Church, "Immediately after receiving in company with Captain Stoddert. Gates The this letter," says AVilkinson, in was unarmed, for during the night he had Challenge, his Memoirs, "I repaired to decided to meet his former friend on terms York, arriving in that town by of peace. Wilkinson halted a distance away twilight on the evening of February 23, to and Stoddert approached him, saying; avoid observation. During the night I met "General Gates wishes to speak to you." my early companion and friend, Captain "I will meet him on the duelling ground Stoddert. I recounted my wrongs to him in answer to the challenge which he ac- and requested him to bear a message from cepted," said W'ilkinson. me to General Gates. He remonstrated Then Captain Stoddert pleaded with the against my intention to challenge Gates to young soldier and begged him to walk fight a duel, and warned me that I was down to the church and greet his former going headlong to destruction. For the chief, who did not wish to fight a duel with first time we parted in displeasure. Soon a person for whom he entertained the high- afterward I met with Lieutenant-Colonel est regard and affection. Ball, of the Virginia Line, whose spirit was "There is no occasion to fight a duel. as independent as his fortune. He deliv- Go with me and meet the general standing ered to Gates the following note yonder in front of the church." COXTIXENTAL CONGRESS AT YORK 83r A minute later the young colonel, who on the Hudson. He now held the rank of had brought the news of the victory at l)rigadier-general in the army, but as yet Saratoga to Congress, was greeted with a had been assigned to no important duty. warm clasp of the hand from the former .\fter Gates returned to the Xorthern army, commander of the Xorthern army, wiio had near Kingston, on the Hudson, the two men received the sword of Sir John Burgoyne again met. and accepted the terms of surrender of The controversy about the Conway (i,000 British and Hessian soldiers at Sara- The Cabal had not been settled. Wilk- toga, a few months before. It was a strik- Duel. inson decided to meet his opponent ing scene, and doubtless, was witnessed by again on the field of honor and chal- very few persons, for little mention is made lenged Gates to a duel, which took place of this incident in the pri\ate correspond- near St. Clair's headquarters on the Hud- ence of the members of Congress then in son, September 4, 1778. Captain John Car- York, or in the family traditions of the citi- ter, of Virginia, acted as second to Wilkin- zens. son, and Thaddeus Kosciuszko, the Polish " Come, my dear boy," said General nobleman who was serving as a colonel in Gates, with tender emotion, " we must be the American army, w'as second to Gates. friends again. There is no cause for ill will In the duel flint-lock pistols were used. At between us. Conway has acknowledged the first shot, Wilkinson fired in the air, that he wrote a letter criticizing Washing- while Gates' pistol flashed the powder in ton and has since made harsh statements the pan and did not discharge the ball. about him." The}- charged their pistols a second time .\fter this friendly greeting, and when the order was given, Wilkinson Wilkinson General Gates and Colonel hred, but Gates refused. When the word Retires. Wilkinson left Colonel Ball was given the third time. General Wilkin- and Captain Stoddert behind son fired but missed his aim and the flint- and walked away together. They engaged lock which Gates held again flashed in the in a long conversation about the episode at pan. The seconds now interposed and the Reading and their relation to General Stir- antagonists shook hands. .After the duel ling and Thomas Conway. Before they General Gates signed a certificate to the separated, it was agreed that Wilkinson effect that Wilkinson behaved like a gentle- would assume his duties the next day, as man in the encounter at York. Upon re- secretary of the Board of War. In his cjuest, Wilkinson refused to sign and deliver private correspondence he recorded that up a similar certificate concerning the con- when he went to the war office he found duct of Gates at York. Wilkinson then General Gates barely civil and that he challenged Gates to another duel, but Gates found Richard Peters and Timothy Picker- refused, and the two men never became ing, other members of the board, agreeable firm friends. companions. The coolness of the president Captain Ball, who was selected as second of the board made his position uncomfort- to Wilkinson for the proposed duel at able, and a few days later he resigned his \'ork, commanded a Virginia company, position and went to Valley Forge, where then encamped at York. Captain Benjamin he personally met Lord Stirling and Gen- Stoddert, second to General Gates, com- eral Washington and recounted to them manded a company of Colonel Hartley's his difficulties with General Gates. Regiment, then acting as a guard to Con- The estrangement between General gress. Gates and Colonel Wilkinson, which began General Thomas Conway, the at York, in February, 177S, continued for Thomas reputed leader of the conspiracy several months. Different statements had Conway, against Washington, was a na- been made concerning the conduct of tive of Ireland, born in the year Gates when he failed to meet the challenge 1733. He had served for a time in the made by his opponent at York. After re- French army and came to this country at maining a short time at Valley Forge, the request of Silas Deane, the American ^\'ilkinson returned to the Xorthern armv commissioner at Paris. In May. 1777, he 338 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA was made a brigadier-general and in the fall against the mother country and issued a of the same year, took part in the battles of Declaration of Rights in 1774. This Con- Brandywine and Germantown. Embittered gress petitioned the King and Parliament, by Washington's opposition to his promo- in 1775, and finally passed the Declaration tion to the rank of major-general, he began of Independence, in 177(). to write anonymous letters to prominent When Congress convened at York, Sep- men, criticizing the ability of Washington temljer 30, 1777, in the minds of some of its as commander-in-chief. Conway came to members and many people of the United York late in January, 177S. About the States, there was little hope that the army same time, Lafayette arrived here to meet under Washington would eventually de- the Board of War, and receive instructions feat the British forces in America. At that regarding the projected Canada campaign. time, everything was dark and foreboding Conway was present at the famous banquet and the success of the War for Indepen- given by Gates in honor of Lafayette. dence seemed doubtful. Tlie patriots who After the plan to invade Canada had ended came here, however, continued to legislate in a fiasco, Conway lost favor with Con- for the army and the establishment of the gress, and in a fit of passion he resigned his freedom of the United States. While Con- commission, and left the army. Because of gress held its sessions in York, it passed the his repeated attacks on Washington, he Articles of Confederation, which, when was challenged by General Cadwallader to adopted, made the Declaration of Inde- fight a duel. The antagonists met July 22, pendence a reality. It received the news of 1778, near Philadelphia, and Conway was the surrender of Burgoyne's army at Sara- shot in the mouth, the ball passing through toga; made Baron Steuben a major-general his neck. A few days later he wrote a letter and sent him to the headquarters of the of apology to Washington, disclaiming that army to drill the American soldiers in the he ever conceived a plan for the latter's re- military tactics used by Frederick the Great moval as commander-in-chief of the army. of Prussia. It received the news from the He then returned to Paris and entered the American commissioners at Paris that the French army. During the French Revolu- French nation had entered into a treaty of tion he was obliged to flee the country. Alliance with the United States, and would Nothing further is known of him. He is send money, a fleet and an army to aid in supposed to have died about 1800 in ob- tlie struggle for American independence. scurity in the city of London. It was during the month of June, 1778, that Congress at York, and Washington at LIST YORK. OF DELEGATES AT Valley Forge planned the campaign result- Continental Congress was first brought ing in the victory over the enemy at Mon- together in September, 1774, at Carpenter's mouth, which transferred the seat of the Hall, Philadelphia. From the time of its war to the south. organization until the Constitution of the Continental Congress sat for a brief United States went into efi^ect. in 1789, it period at Princeton, one day at Lancaster, was composed of one body, which elected about two months at Baltimore, and a short its presiding officer. John Hancock was time at Annapolis, but transacted no busi- president of Congress from May, 1775, ness at these places of importance to the until October 31, 1777, when lie resigned. nation. While in session at York, some of He was succeeded by Henry Laurens, of the greatest event in the whole history of South Carolina, who presided o\er Con- the Revolution occurred. This historic im- gress eight of the nine months it sat in portance of York as the temporary seat of York. The delegates were chosen annually the national government has never been by the state legislatures. fully set forth by historians. In the preced- Few of the American patriots who ing pages an eft'ort has been made to give organized this legislative body in 1774, be- in detail the transactions of Congress and lieved that its deliberations would result in the current events during the darkest period creating a new nation on the western conti- of the Revolution, which ended in the dawn nent. It first met to adjust the grievances of independence. When Congress assem- A copy from a drawing formerly in the Emmett collection in New York and now in the possession of the Historical Society of York County. It is supposed to be the only authentic portrait of James Smith in existence. : CONTINENTAL CONGRESS AT YORK 339 bled at York, it was composed of no more JAMES SMITH, signer of the Declara- than thirty members. At stated limes, tion of Independence, was born in the north newly-elected delegates arrived, taking the of Ireland. His father, John Smith, was a places of those who had returned to their well-to-do farmer, but, induced by his homes. There were never more than forty brothers, who had previously emigrated to members present at one time. In all there this country and settled in Chester County, were sixty-four delegates from the thirteen he came to Pennsylvania in 1720, and soon original states who occuijied seats in Con- afterward settled on the west side of the gress from the time it came to York until it Susquehanna in what is now York County. returned to Philadelphia. Twenty-six of John Smith died in the neighborhood of these had. the pre\ious year, signed the York in 1761. His eldest son, George, Declaration of Independence. studied law at Lancaster, but shortly after The following is the list of delegates at his admission to the bar (1740) was York drowned in the Susquehanna while bath- New Hampshire— Nathaniel Folsom, ing. The third son, Arthur, was a farmer, George Frost, John W'entworth, Dr. Josiah and removed to western Pennsylvania prior Bartlett. to the Revolution. James, the second son, Massachusetts—Samuel .\dams. El- received a liberal education, having been bridge Gerr}-, James Lovell, John Adams, placed under the charge of the Rev. Dr. Francis Dana, John Hancock, Dr. Samuel Alison, provost of the College of Philadel- Holten. phia. After completing his studies in Connecticut—William Williams, Elipha- Philadelphia, he began to read law at Lan- let Dyer, Richard Law, Titus Hosmer. caster, where he was admitted to the bar Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntingdon, Dr. in 1745. He subsequently went to the Oliver Wolcott. Cumberland Valley, where he practiced Rhode Island—Henry Marchant, Wil- both law and surveying, remaining four or liam Ellery, John Collins. five years, and then settled at York. When New York—James Duane, William Duer, the Revolution began, Smith became one Francis Lewis, Gou\erneur Morris, Philip of the first advocates of independence. He Livingston. was chosen a member of the Provincial New Jersey—John Witherspoon, Dr. Deputies, July 15, 1774, and was the author Jonathan Elmer, Abraham Clark, Dr. Na- of the " draught of instructions " to the Pro- thaniel Scudder. vincial Assembly. He was a member of Pennsylvania—Robert Morris, Daniel the Provincial Convention of January 23, Roberdeau, James Smith, Jonathan Bayard 1775; of the Provincial Conference of June Smith, William Clingan, Joseph Reed. 18, 1776: and of the Convention of the loth Delaware—Thomas McKean. of July following. In 1775 he was commis- Maryland—Charles Carroll, Samuel sioned colonel of the First Battalion of As- Chase, Benjamin Rumsey, George Plater. sociators of York County, and throughout William Smith, James Forbes, John Henrv. the Revolutionary struggle was largely in- J'-- strumental in organizing troops for the Virginia— Francis Lightfoot Lee, Rich- patriot army. In 1776 he was elected a ard Henry Lee, John Harvie, Benjamin delegate to the Continental Congress, and Harrison, Dr. Joseph Junes, Thomas Ad- his name is affixed to the Declaration of ams, John Bannister. Independence. He was re-elected the fol- North Carolina—John Penn, Cornelius lowing year and took his seat while Con- Harnett, Dr. Thomas Burke. gress was in session in York. He was South Carolina—Henry Laurens, Thomas elected a member of the Assembly in 1779, Heyward, Jr., Arthur Middleton, John and November 20, 1780, commissioned Matthews, Richard Hutson, William Henrv judge of the High Court of .Appeals. Drayton. The Supreme Executive Council ap- Georgia—Edward Langvvorthy, George pointed Colonel Smith a brigadier-general Walton, Dr. Nathan Brownson, Joseph of the Pennsylvania militia, Alay 23, 1782, Wood. vice General Potter promoted. He was ap- 340 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA pointed one of the counsellors on the part a meeting place of the Board of War, when of Pennsylvania in the controversy be- it was presided over by John Adams, of tween that State and Connecticut, Febru- Massachusetts. In 1805, his law office con- ary 10, 1784. In the following year the As- taining his library, many valuable docu- sembly elected him to Congress, in the ments and letters which he received from place of Matthew Clarkson, resigned, but distinguished men, was destroyed by fire. his advanced age obliged him to decline a James and Eleanor Smith had five chil- re-election. Smith relinquished the practice dren : Margaret, the eldest, was born Sep- of law in 1801, and from that period until tember 14, 1753, married James Johnson, his death lived in quiet retirement. He whose grandson. Dr. William Johnson, for died at York on the 11th day of July, 1806. many years was a practicing physician at With an uncommonly retentive memory, York. Mrs. Johnson died at York, January with a vein of good humor and a fund of 18, 1838. Mary, the second daughter, mar- anecdotes, his excellent conversational ried James Kelly, a memljer of the York powers drew around him many who en- County Bar, and died at York, September 4, joyed his sharp wit and lively manners, and 1793. George, one of the sons, was born made his old age bright and cheerful. April 24, 1769, died unmarried at the age James Smith married, in 1752, Eleanor, of 32, when his estate was inherited by his daughter of John Armor, of New Castle, l)rother. Arthur died before he grew to Delaware. She and two children survived manhood. James, the other son, owned him several years. considerable property and died without During the revolution, James Smith descendants, leaving his property to his owned and occupied a dwelling house on cousins. The remains of James Smith, to- the west side of South George Street near gether with his wife, who died July 13, 1818, King. When Congress was in session at and some of his children, were buried in the York, his home was a place of meeting of Presbyterian churchyard, on East Market the distinguished statesmen who were then Street, York. serving as delegates and on important com- The public documents which lie prepared mittees. His law office, a two-story build- and the speeches he delivered during and ing which stood on the corner of South after the Revolution show that he was a George Street and Mason Alley, a short man of strong intellect, literary training, distance north of his residence, was used as and an able lawyer. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS IF limn IIP III' 111 III ill I iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii 014 314 653 4 ^