o5°* ; A'''^. -.^^.° &^°*. -."

0" .••^s^I-. °o .1* »•- "^AO^ .4Q

. o°^J^s^.*°o /.•i.;^.\ c°*.i^^^% .

o

l"^ ..Vi-

- A^-V * ^Sl^ 'C's

^^^•>^^" %-^??^V ^'^^V'

.-^^

." j"-->. ';:w... • .0^ * >^ ..-.. "<^ c • o > ^°-'^. !• .(.^^

%^^ .5^"- -.- ^--^

^^0^

°-*' ^^ 'o^ ^TVT' A " <5» „.. "-^

c^^.^^^'/^^o i.:^X' " .^^ .-. V . .,**'.. /-i^s^'-""-

190 V CALEB HASKELL'S I)L\RY.

May 5, 1775-May 30, 1776.

iEVOl.UTIOXARY SoLDIER's ReCORD BEFORE BoSTON AND WITH Arnold's Quebec Expedition.

i-Diri-i). wrni notes, by lothrop withington.

<^;^^^'^^^

WASHl>»^

NEVVBURYPORT: PU1{1.18HKI> BV WILLIAM H. HUSK & COMPANY. 1881.

V*J '^»a^/V\j , CTiK Tiu<; MicN who make history rarely keep diaries. When such men do leave hehind j.ittings of personal experiences, these are generally hut meagre records of the achieve-

ments of the actors in the scenes referred to but not described. It is left to the men of

study to perpetuate the deeds of the men of action. When, however, we do get at first

hand historic notes, we should read them not as the carefully considered and finely

embellished product of the professional historian, but as the skeleton plot of a noble

drama which our imagination must people with ifs life and bustle. Who can read a

play with warmth and enthusiasm unless he sees the characters before him with all

their imjxissioned action and utterance, the villain with his polished •Kneer, the lover

with his suidcen eye, and the heroine with her dangerous glance more perilous than

twenty swords? The soldier who struggled through the forests of the upper Kennebec, who lived upon the scanty remnants of a canine carcass, who lay at death's door within a pest house, who stood in the besieging trenches amid the snows of a Canadian win- ter, and did the bidding of such a driving master as Benedict Arnold, hurrying from

place to place, had little time for graphic story- telling on the line of march and field of combat. If his scanty notes, put down at hurried interval?, for his own use and not to

instruct the world, read in their bare outline like entries in an almanac, it is because

they are not filled in with the reader's light of history and tradition. The following is

;i plain man's mention of events which he partook in and where the partakers have

been raised to the rank of heroes. IThe Diary is reprinted from tlie Newburyport Herald. The copy used was one made several years since by Mr. (iKORGE Innis and in the possession of Mr. Isaac AVakken Li'itle. to botli of whom the editor is frreatly indebted. The original appears to be a sort ot vanishing jack-o'- lantern. VA^hen Joshua Coffin wanted it for his history of Newbury it was not to be found, and no one .seems to know of its whereabouts at the present time AVhen the copy which has

been here used was made the original Was in possession of the late M08E8 Pettinoeli,, e8(iuir«, .

son-in-law of the soldier who wrote it.l CALEB HASKELL'S DL4RY.

AY 5th, 1775. — At Newburyport, ing ; the whole army was paraded in the

' enlisted in the American army under afternoon on the common ; in the evening the command of Capt. Ezra Lunt. about nine o'clock we espied a large fire in May 8th, Monday. -This raorninK Boston. our company was called together. We chose May 18th, Thursday.—Warm weather; no our serijeants and corporal*. lu the afternoon remark today. Mr. Parsons gave us a discourse suitable to the May 19th, Friday.—We removed from occasion from Judges 7th and 20th. Bolin's to WiHgleswortb's. May 9th, Tuesday.— are getting in read- We May 20th, Saturday. — I went to Watertown iness to march to Cambridge. to see some cannon and mortars that were

May 10th, Wednesday.— This morning we brought in ; this afternoon there was a man were paraded at town house. After attending whipped and drummed out of the army for prayers at .Mr. Gary's met ting-house and stealing. taking leave of our friends, we set out on May 2l8t, Sunday.—Attended public wor- our march. W^ took refreshments at Row- ship, heard Dr. Langdon, in the forenoon ley, at at Ipswich. niirht we put up from Isaiah 26: 11; in the afternoon from

May mil, Thursday.— Public Fast ! We Chronicles 15: 14. set out at five o'clock in the morning, took May 22nd, Monday.—Today a party of the breakfast at Beverly, attended public wor- enemy came out and landed on Grape Island, ship in the forenoon. Mr. Hitchcock gave near Weymouth, in order to taki^ some cattle us a suitable discourse from Psalms o6th and off the island. Our people at Roxbury dis- 8d. set out at in ; noon ; took refreshments covered them. A tiumber went over on the Danvers; put up at nitjht in Lynn. island and beat them off without the loss of May 12th, Friday. —Set out in the morning; a single man. took our breakfast in Myslick. We arrived Set fire to a bnrn and destroyed it with the at Cambridge at lialf after 11 o'clock; took hay, and brought the cattle off at night. I our qu;irters a'. Bolin's (a tory) house. w

In readiness to meet the ; had an enemy .May 24th, W'ednesday.— All still in the alarm ; the larger part of our army inarched camp. No remarks. down to Charlestown ; the alarm proved 25th, Thursday.— false. May Attended prayers night and mornirig. Uur army in hisih spirits. May I4th, Sunday. —In the morning were May 26th, Friday.— Fine weather. This relieved from guard. In the afternoon at- evening about 300 of our people went down tended public worship in the meeting-house; to Chelsea to prevent the enemy from takii heard Air. Noble from Exodus 32 chap. 7 to g the cattle Island. 12th ver-es. off from Noddle's May 27th, Saturday.—Today, a parly of the May 15'h, Monday. — In the forenoon I Massachusetts and New Hampshire forces, went to Charlestown; were called together on about 600, went over to Noddle's Island to the common in the afternoon ; after attend- bring off some cattle. The ing public prayers were dismissed. enemy landed on the island, and pursued our men till they jrot May IGth, Tuesday.—This morning, be- back to Ilog island, at which time an armed tween one and two o'clock, we were alarmed, schooner belonging to the enemy came to proceeded to our alarm post immediately ; their assistance, and to prevent our people the alarm proved false. from leaving Hog island — which she could May 17th, Wednesday.-A pleasant morn- not effect. Our people put a heavy fire of CALEB HASKELL'S DlAllY.

small arms upon the barges. Capt. Foster the camp, in the afternoon was doused in the came with two field pieces and began to play river, and drummed out of town. upon the schooner, which soon oblisred them Jum; 9tli, Friday. —This morning our regi- cauijht VVinnisiinot to quit her. She then on ment was paraded. We had an alarm; ht-ard ferryways. Our people set fire to her and that 1400 of the enemy were landed at Nod- burned her to the water. We saved all that dle's island. was not burned. We took four pieces of June 10th, Saturday. cannon, a number of swivels and some cloth- —Today our people at Chelsea went over to Noddle's island, set ing, and brouijht all the cattle off from both fire to a building improved by islands. In the engagement we had not one the enemy for a store, and laid it in ashes. that lay killed, and but three wounded, and those not Those near by fired on mortally. them several times, but did no damage. There is now no building left May 28th, Sunday.—This morning, held there. ourselves in readiness to assist our men fight- June llth, Sunday. This ing at Chelsea, which detained us fr^ra pub- — morning was on guard. In the afternoon went to Water- lic worship. In the afternoon heard Dr. town. Heard a sermon from Luke 12, 20. Langdon, from John 3: 16-17. June 12th, Monday.— Nothing remarkable May 29th, Monday. — This day, a quantity today. of the sp(jil taken at Chelsea was brought to Cambridge. In the evening saw a large fire, June 13th, Tuesday. — Dry, warm weather. supposed to be in Boston. Harl a report that In the evening had a refreshing shower. 1000 men would come out; held ourselves in June 14th, Wednesday.—Today a number readiness to meet them. of trumpets arrived from Boston, with a re- May 30th, Tuesday. —This day, the remain- inforcement of hor.se and foot; were ordered der of the cattle taken from off the island in readiness for a battle. were brought to Cambridge. June 1.5th, Thursda\\— Making all prepa- May 31st, Wednesday. —This day the new rations for a battle. Provincial Congress met at Watertown, before whom the Rev. Dr. Langdon preached June 16ih, Friday. —This morning I went a sermon well adapted to the occasion from on guard. In the eveninii a party were or- Isaiah 1: 26. Joseph Warren, esq., was dered to Bunker's Hill in Charlestown to en- chosen president, and Mr. Samuel Freeman, trenching. secretary. June 17th, Saturday.—This day begins with June 1st, Thursday. — Nothing remarkable the noise of cannon from the. ships firintr on today. our men entrenching on Bunker's Hill. Ihe firing continues all the fore part of the day; June 2nd, Friday. This morning a man — but one man killed. Wi- were alarmed at belonging to Haverhill hung himself in a Cambridge; heard that the enemy were land- barn. A number of men with artillery went ing in Chailestown. The army set out. We about their business— private. founii the tov/n in flames, and the Regulars June 3rd, Saturday. — This morning our ascendins: the hill ; the halls flying almost as men at Chelsea took a barge with two men thick as hailstones from the stiips and floating near Deer Island; took two men and 400 batteries, and Corps' Hill and Beacon Hill in sheep, and a number of cattle from off the Boston, and the ground covered with the inland. In the afternoon the army were all wounded and dead, (^ur people stood the drawn up on tlie common, when two men fire some time, until the euemv had almost were whipped, and one drummed out for surrounded us and cut off our r'treat. We stealing. In the evening the barge that was were obliged to quit the ground and retreat taken was brought to Cam'jridge on wheels as fast as possible. In this engagement we lost the ground and the heroic General War- June 4th, Sunday. —This morning attended ren ; we had 1.38 killed and 292 wounded. public worship at Cambridge; heard Mr. The loss on the enemy's side were 92 com- Cieaveland of Cape Ann, from Isaiah 1st., 21, missioners, 102 .-ergeants, 100 corporals, and 22 and 23. In the afternoon went to Water- total, 994. town; heard Mr. Woodward of Weston, from 700 privates ; Psalm 126, 5. June 18th, Sunday. — Early this morning June 5th, Monday. —Nothing remarkable were employed making cartridges and getting today. in readiness for another battle. A large re- inforcement cume in from th? country. At June 6th, Tuesday.—Today General Put- noon we were alarmed again. Marched to nam went down to Charlestown, ami ex- Prospect Hill which we were fortifying; were changed six prisoners with General Gage, ordered to halt and wait for orders from the and brought our men to Cambridge. General. Marched back again ; had orders June 7th, Wednesday. —This morning I to hold ourselves in readiness to march at the to Roxbury; went to rode down down the first notice. The enemy kept a continua! fir- lower sentinel, attended prayers on the com- ing upon us at Prospect Hill, which we are mon in the evening. forlifving. At 9 o'clock in the evening re- June 8th, Thursday. A very dry season. ceived orders to go down to the hill, march t.) I'his morning a bad woman was taken up in headquarters. Received new orders to og CALEB HASKELL'S DIAKY. back to our quarters and bold ourselves in July 4th, Tuesday.—This morning our peo- readiness. ple took four horses from the Britir^h. In the ordered June 19lh, Mondny.—The dayliijht comes afternoon a party were to Lechmere's Point to entrenching. on with tlie noise of cannon from BunlGeorge Washington, esq., commander-in- July 16th, Sunday.—This morning heard a chief of the united forces in America, arrived sermon from Ephesians 5 :16 ; in the after- at Cambridtie. This afternoon had rain. noon from Judges 5: 23. July 3d, Monday. — Nothing remarkable to- July 17th, ^londay. — Nothing remarkable day. today. CALEB HASKELL'S DIARY.

July 18th, Tuesday. —This tnortilnf^ at six July 29th, Saturday.—The whole regiment o'clock the tcrand manifest from the Conti- on main guard. nental congress was read to the forces, on July 30, Sunday.— Last night about one and about Prospect bill, which were assem- o'clock, a party of the riflem'-n crept within bled on said hill, by the Reverend Mr. Leon- the enemy's, sentries, but being discovered ard chaplain to General Putnam's forces. On were tired upon, which occasioned a skirmish the hill our standard was presented, with between them and the enemy's guards. Our this motto: "Appeal to Heaven with the party killed seven and took two prisoners, American Arms." After it was read Mr. we lost a corporal of the riflemen taken by Leonard made a short prayer; then were dis- them. Between twelve and one o'clock we missed with three cheers, the ftrine; of a can- were alarmed and all paraded. There was a non, and a war-whoop l)y the Indians. cry for volutiteers to follow such officers as would head them, when a'l our company to a July I'Jth, Wednesday. — Last evenine some man marched out, and some part of all the of our troops went down to entrenching in companies in the regiment. Then we sight of Bunker's bill. At one o'clock this marched up to the Fort and grounded our morninsj; we were called out and manueil our arms to wait for orders. The alarm was on lines, as we expected the enemy out upon account of the enemy beginning to entrench our party as soon as they were discovered; on Charlestown common, and the meaning of but they made no stir. the volunteers was to go and beat them off. July 20th, Thursday.—Tbis day is a Fast, But they t)eing under cover of their own appointed by the Continental congress. To- cannon, "it was thought prudent by the gen- day the light house at Boston was set on fire eral not to proceed, and by these orders we by our people. Heard a sermon in the morn- marched back. Attended public worship in ing from Psalms 50:15; iu the afternoon the afternoon. from Ecclesiasles 7 : 14. July 31st. Monday. — Last night at ten JulySlst, Fridaj'.—No remarks today. o'clock we were alarmed, marched to our back July 33nd, Saturday.—This day we discov- alarm post, were soon ordered again. brisk tiring at eovered the enemy landing off cannon on The alarm was uecasioncd by a Charlestown common, and a large number of the lower sentry. The enemy came out of fort drove back our sentry. All the eneinv drawn up on the hill. At nine their and quiet, and were ordered back o'clock in the evening we were ordered to be was soon we upon our arms. again and turned in. Soon after we were alarmed again with the cry, "Turn out, for July 'i;3rd, Sunday. — We were turned out " God's sake turn out ! We paraded again, at o'clock this morning; manned our two manned our lines, and there remained until lines; heard nothing of the enemy. At sun- after sunrise. I'he larger part of the tdght rise r*;turned to our tents. Attendeil public the air whs tilled with the roaring of the can- today; heard a sermon in the morn- worship non and tlie cracking of small arms on both from Isaiah 46: 8: in the afternoon from ing sides. The riflemen had engaged them on Luke 7 : 31, 32, and 33. After service had Charlestown common. From two o'clock till some rain. after sunrise, killed a number of them and July 24th, Monday.—Today all the troops recovered five small arms, and lost not one under command of Brigadier-General Put- man. At the same time they were engaged nam, except Colonel Little's regiment, were at Roxburv with small arms. Our party set ordered to march from Prospect Hill, to be flni to the "new light house; killed and took stationed elsewhere, their vacancies to be all that were on the island to guard it, which supplied with troops from Cambridge, Win- were 43 in number— 15 killed and 28 taken. ter Hill, etc., under the command of Brig- Two of our party were killed by a cannon adier General Green. ball from Bunker's Hill, which kt^pt up a sunset July 25th, Tuesday.—This day two regi- continual tiring all day. Between and that ments of the Rhode Island forces came from dark we killed fourteen of those came Roxbury, and Ditched their tents on Prospect out to pick uu their dead. * Hill, near the fort. August 1st, Tuesday.—Our troops kept out parties, firing at them whenever Julv 26, Wednesday. —This moridng our in scouting had a very hot firing regiment was oidered out of the great Fort to they could see them ; not one of our side hurt; to- man the French lines— where we are for the this afternoon ; were seen to be future to vepair in an alarm. A grenalier, day a number of the enemy at night two of our Indians belonging to the enemy's side when on sen- carried off dead ; our men; the flag-staff try, quitted his post, came over to us and were wounded by own delivered himself a prisoner to our guards. was raised on Prospect hill. duty. The whole regiment off Autfust 2nd, Wednesday.—This morning all firing in the afternoon on Juiv 27, Thursday.— I'his morning two of was still; had some the enemy's came over to our guards and both sides. were immediately conveyed to headquarters. August 3d, Thursday.— A hot firing on of the No duty done in the regiment. both sides bv spells all day ; one night died July 2S(h, Friday.—This day one hundred Indians wounded on Tuesday men on fatigue out of our regiment. lo-dav. '

CALEB Haskell's diary.

August 4th, Friday. —Nothing remarkable August 19th, Saturday.-This morning one to-day. of the enemy swam out of Boston over to Auiiust5th, Saturday. —Our whole regimeut Lechmore'8 Point and delivered himself to • on guard. All still. our guard. All still in this part of the camp. August 6th, Sunday.—This morning was August 20th, Sunday.—This day attended relieved from guard. In the afternoon at- public worship. Some firing at the lower sentries. About sunset were suddenly tendeil public worship ; about sunset a num- ber of the enemy lan

were turned out very early ; all the regiment keep a strict lookout; we doubled our sen- off duty. tries; all remained still. August 8th, Tuesday.—This morning three August 23d, Wednesday.—This morning at companies of riflemen armed ariived here; 10 o'clock was relieved from guard. Nothing one of them went down to the enemy's sen- remarkable. tries and icilled one of them and came off August 24th, Thursday. We expect the en- without harm. emy out every dav, and have for a week past; Auirust9th, Wednesday. —This day a man all still. In our regiment rode the wooden horse, for Autrust 25th, Friday. —This morning three leaving his post when on sentry. ships arrived at Boston and were received August 10th, Thursday. —The riflemen are with a proper salute. In the afternoon four continually picking off the enemy's sentries. of the enemy belonging to a floating battery swam away from her and came over to us at Autrust llth, Friday. — All still; nothing re- Prospect Hill. They were fired upon from markable to-day. Bunker's Hill, but received no damage. August I'ith, Saturday— It is a very wet August 26th, Saturday. —This dav we are season; all the remarks I have. getting in readiness to go down ti> Ploughed August 13th Sunday.—This morning I went Hill to entrenching at night. About 2U00 on guaid; in forenoon 3 shallops arnifd with went down, a part to work, and a part for a swivels jind small arras, lying in Mystic river, covering party; no stir tonight. Dear Penny ferry took on board a number August 27th, Sunday.—At sunrise the cov- of soldiers and went over to Clielsea, we ering party marched off; the fatigue men were supuose, in order to land ; some of our relieved. Continue entrenching, and not in troops, as soon as they were in small arm the least disturbed till 3 o'clock, when the shot of the shore Bred briskly upon them, and enemy began to cannonade us from Bunker they returned the fire with swivels; there Hill and floatinsr batteries, wliich continued was a hot tire for some time, at hngth we all day. The sentry engaged with small beat them olf ; we sustained no loss on our arms most of the day. We had three men 8ide ; we killed fifteen of the enemy and killed and one wounded by cannon balls on wounded a number more. Ploughed Hill today. We sunk a floating August 14th, .Monday.—This morning at battery belonging to the enemy and disabled ten o'clock was relieve'l from guard; nothing anottier with our cannon at Temple's wharf. remarkable to-day. Our sentries — riflemen and Indians, killed and wouniled a number of the enemy today. August 15th, Tuesday. —This morning all still; In tiie afternoon had a hot firing at Rox- August28th, Monday. —No firing this morn- bury on both sides; the upper ship fired upon ing on either side. Our men keep at work on our rangers at l.ech.nore's Point; we have not Ploughed Hill. In the forenoon we were heard of any damage. alarmed; marched up to the fort; grounded our arms; soon after were ordered to go back August 10th, Wednesday.—To-day the and refresh ourselves, and then parade on the eentiies fired at each other all day; an express hill again— which we did, and lay by our came from Cape Ann for men; a number of arms until sunset, then marched back; nine- riflemen n)arclie

August 30th, VVednesday.—This morning; the party arrived at N. Our company is thick weather and rainy. The storm con- quartered in the Town Flouse. tinued all day. None of the men hurt at September 16th, Saturday. —At Newbury- Plousrhed Hill today. port, getting in readiness to embark for Ken- August 31st, Thursday.—Continues thick nebeck river. and rainy today, which is uncomfortable September 17th, Sunday,— Atteu'led public weather for us in our tents. The enemy all worship; heard the Rev. Mr. Spring, our still. chaplain. September 1st, Friday, —This morning is September 18th, Monday. —This afternoon stormy; clears off at 11 o'clock. I went on we embarked on board the transports. We guard. had 1100 men, commanded by Col. Arnold September 2d, Saturday.—This morning is and Lieut. Cols. Green and Enos. Eleven pleasant. We had a number of shells ami transports. some shot thrown among us, but did no Se[)tember 19, Tuesday. —This day about 9 no damage. At night was relieved. Among o'clock weighed our anchors, and came to sail all the shells thrown among us not one man with a southwardly wind. After we got over has been hurt by tliem. the bar, we lay to, waiting for orders from September 3d, Sunday. —This morning there the Commodore. At 10 o'clock received was a storm of rain. In the afternoon had orders. several shells thrown at us from Bunker's First signal. —Signal for speaking with the Hill. Our guard killed and took 15 of the whole fleet: Ensign at main-topmast head. enemy. Second signal.—Signal for chasing a sail: En- sign at fore-topmast head. September 4tb, Monday.—This morning is Third signal—Signal for heaving to in the thick and stormj'. Clears off pleasant in the night: Lautcru at masthead, and two lights if afternoon. head on shore, and three guns if head oil shore September 5th, Tuesday. —A pleasant morn- Fourth signal —For making sail in the night: ing after a long storm. All still here. At Lantern at mast-head and four guns; and jacket night I went on guard at P. Hill. fore-topmast head in the day. Fifth signal. — For dispersing, and every vessel weather! •SeptemberCth, Wednesday.—Good making the nearest harbor: Ensign at main-peak. No tiring on either side. At night was re- Sixth signal.— For boarding any vessel: Jack at lieved from guard. main-topmast head and the fleet to draw up in line as near as possible. Seotember 7tli, Thursday.—Last night the N. B. No small arms to be ilred at three from the riflemen took thre*' horses enemy. o'clock. Some firinsi in the afternoon in Boston. Gen- The jack was hoisted on board the Commo- eral orders that no man go out of the camp. dore. VVe made sail with a fine breeze; in 8th, Brigade all September Friday.—Our the eveniuK the wind blew quick at S. E. in order to pass muster. off duty About 1 o'clock we hove to and lay until September 9th, Saturday.—Are off duty to- morning. day. We were drawn up to pass muster, and September 20th, Wednesday. —This morn- Orders aiven to raise were disappointed. ing is thick and foggy weather. At nine men to no to Canada. At night I went on o'clock the fog broke away. We made the guard at Ploughed Hill. land at the mouth of the river Kennebeck, September lOth, Sunday. —This morning I at 12 o'clock. We got in and came to anchor went on fatigue, in the afternoon 1 enlisted in the afternoon. Came to sail, went a few under the command of Capt, Ward for the miles up the river, came to and lay until expedition to Quebec. morning. September llrh, Monday. —This morning September 21st, Thursday. This morning marched to Cambridge. Joined Capt. Ward's is pleasant, but no wind. VVe hove up early, company. Drew our clothing and got in it being flood tide. We took our boat ahead, readiness to march. Five prisoners were towed 15 miles up river and came to an an- brought to Cambridge taken at Dorchester. chor at Georgetown. Lay until near night; In the evening I set out with a truard, with then we hove up, made said, but ran provision; went as far as Lvnn, end put up aground. In the evening we got off again at Newell's to .vait there till the detachment and came to anchor. came up. September 22nd, Friday. —We made sail September 13th and 13th, Tuesday and early this morning, and crossing Merry Meet- Wednesday.—At Lyim, waiting for the parly ing Bay we ran aground at ebb-tide. At 11 to come up. o'clock the Swallow came up with us. We September 14th, Thursday.—This morning were ordered on board of her, then we went the detachment came up. We set out with up as far as Col)bescontee, then came to. them for Newburyport; marched as far as September 23d, Saturday.—Came to sail Beverly and put up. 1 got liberty to go on this morning; went up as far as Hallowell, to Newbury ; set out ; arrived there 1 o'clock where we were landed with all our baggage at night. 3 miles below Fort Weston. September 15th, Kriday.—This afternooa September 24th, Sunday.—This morning 1 CALEB HASKELL'S DIARY. 11

took my pack, travelled to Fort Weston, four miles, and one mile the water was ex- where we encatnpeil cm the groutui. Several ceedingly rapid. Came to Norridgewalt of the companies have uo tents here. VVe carrying place. Hauled up our boats and are very uncoinfoitahle, it beina: rainy and encamped. cold and nothiPii to cover us. Last niirht a October 5th, Thursday. —At Norridgewalk man was shot by another that beluntrs to the carrying place repacking our provisions and detachment. Tliis afternoon the wounded repairing our boats. man died and the suspected man was taken up. October 6lh, Friday. —This morning em- September 25th, Monday. —This morning I ployed in carrying our boats over the carry- was on quarter yuard. A Court Martial sat int; place, which is a mile and a quarter. Our on the trial of the murderer, brought him in bagKaee we carried by cattle. Here are the guilty and sentenced him to oe hung. last inhabitants on this river. In the after- noon we set out, went about one mile and September 20th, Tuesday. This morning — encamped. a gallows was erected, the murderer brought out and sat upon it about half an hour, then October 7th, Saturday.— I set out by land was taken down to be sent back to Cam- this inornintr. We went about seven miles bridge to have another trial. One man and encamped. whipped and out for stealing. drummed The October 8th, Sunday. —A rainy day. Went the batteaux. Rillemeu set oil in about eight miles in rough shoal water. En- September 2Uth, Wednesday. —This after- camped. landed batteaux (tut, noon we our and set October 9th, Monday.—A cold morning. part in the boat and part by land. Weiit Set out this morning in the boat ; went three aoout 2 miles, were obliged to wade part of miles; came to a carrying place; carried the way, encamped by the river. over half a mile ; set out again ; went four

September 28th, Thursday.—This morning miles ; encamped. I set out in a balleau. We beiiiu to Fee that October 10th, Tuesday.—Set out this morn- we have a scene of trouble to go through in ing by land ; travelled 'fourteen miles. En- this river, watei swift the is and the shoal camped at the great carrying place. full of locks, ripples and fulls, which oblige October llth, Wednesday.—Unloaded our us to wade a t;reat part of the way. Went boats and hauled them up. twelve miles and encamped at Winslow. October 12th, Thursday.—Took our boats September 29th, Friday. —This morning 1 and loadintr on our backs. set out by land, travelled four miles to Fort Carried them about four miles; ; Halifax. Crossed over the river to Halifax rough walking no path. In the afternoon built block to falls, landed our boats at the foot of the we a house leave our sick. falls, carried them over the carrying places one hundred and twenty rods, a new soit of October 13th, Friday.—A raw, cold morn-

work to us. To-night we encamped above ing ; had some snow. A number at work the falls. cutting a road across the first part of the carrying piacn pond. September 30th, Saturday.—This morning to a In the afternoon removed our tent and bairgage and encamped 1 set out in a l)atteaux. We had a tedious by the pond. time to-day on passing the five mile falls [carried them over the carrying places one October 14th, Saturday.—This mornina: we bundled and twenty rods a new sort of work brought the remainder of our loading over to to us*J when we were obliged to wade al- the po:(l. In the afternoon we cios.sed the most ine whole way. Now we are learning pond about one-half a mile, unloaded our to be Soldiers. We are in the rear of our boats and hauled them up. Encamped. Company. At night we encamped at Wins- October 15tli, Sunday. —This morning car- low. ried our boats to the second pond, one mile, October 1st, Sunday.— I went about two and launched them. Crossed the pond one miles in the batteaux and four by laue. We mile, unloaded the boats, carrieil them one encamped in the woods at Goshen. mile in the woods and encamped. October 2nd, Tuesday.— We went about October 16th, Monday.- -Carried our boats nine miles to-day, four of which were ex- and loaiiiiiiT to the tiiird pond, one mile from ceediiiL'ly bad. We had to wade and tow where we encamped. Loaded our boafs and our lioais. At night we hauled up the boats crossed tiie pond, which was about two at Mfcoiiick landing place- in Canaan. miles. Unloaded our boats and caiiied them one-half a mile In the woods and October 3id, Tuesday. —This morning we encamped. caiii'd our boats over the c:irryiiig places October 17th, Tuesday. —This morninir we about one hundred rods and set out with carried our boats and ioadinir across to Dead them, wi-nt al)out five miles. Encamped at river, two miles from where we encamped. Xorritlgerwalt. Went one mile to the river and encamped. October 4th, Wednesday.-Set out early October 18th, Wednesday.— Pleasant day this morning. Had smooth water about and smooth water. Went twenty-one miles on the liver. Carried over one carryinsr place *Erased. about five rods and encamped by the river. 12 CALEB HASKELL'S DIARY.

October 19th. Thursday.—A rainy day; October 28th, Saturday.—Set out th's morn- This afternoon we set out ; went about five inii with all our packs; went seven miles and miles and encamped. Rainy, uncomfortable encamped in Shedoer streams. weather. October, 29th, Sunday. —Set out early in October 20th, Friday. —Thick weather and the morning. Six miles down the stream very rainy; travelled by land about fourteen miles, bad travelling, tlirough a swamp, to our rouKh walking; ; carried our boats over one knees in water. 1 got in a bpteaux and went carryine; place about ten rods. across the lake, which was 14 miles and then October 21st, Saturday.—Continues wet encamped away from the company. and stormy; 1 travelled by land; exceedingly October 20th, Monday.— At the river t)ad travelline carried over car- wet and ; two Chandiere set out on the boat down the ryintr places, one about twenty and the other river; went 1.5 miles with great dillieulty, the thirty rods; went about eight miles; encamped river being so rapid and rocky. At length we place. at a carrying were obliged to put in shore, for there is no October 23nd, Sunday.—Last night we lost passing by water. Three boats were sunk by the freshet one barrel of powder and one and stove" to pieces belonging to different barrel of pork, which were carried otf the companies, and all lost one or two men with bank; to-day we went about four miles ; car- them. The rest narrowly escaped. We ried over two carrying places; one about fifty built a fire on shore to dry ourselves and rods, the other about seventy ; at night the wait until our company came up, which they footmen could not find the boats ; we en- did about sunset, then we encamped. camped in the woods; had nothing to eat. October 31st, Tuesday. — At Chandiere river October 23d, Monday. —Set out this morn- a great number of our men being much beat ing, found the boats got refreshments and ; out with hunger and fatitrue, twere not able set out again; we took a wrong branch of the to keep up with the main body. It was thought river four miles out of the way, ; wimt and best to leave them behind to the mercy of five had to go back again; got but miles for- the woods, and to tret along as fast as they ward; carried over one carrying place abont could. At sunrise we set out, leaving 5 of fifteen rods; our provision grows short. our company behind; we had rough walking; and through almost October 24tli, Tuesday.—Last night a coun- over rough mount.dns impregnable swamps; travelled 15 miles, and cil was held ; it was agreed upon that all who is scarcely were not able to carry packs and provision then we encamped. There any one should be sent back; four were sent out of who has any more than one days' provision, our company; an advance party were sent and that small, and a trreat number none at forward, commanded by Capt. Hanchitt, to all. Some have had none at all for two days. Captain Goodiich's have nothing go to the iuhabitanrs of Canada in order to company but a large

went on guard at head quarters. The post went to St. Foir and took our quarters there, arrived this evening from Montreal, by whom two miles from Quebec. we were informed that General MoutKomery December 6th, Wednesday.—The most of is on his march to Quebec. the army has arrived. We are getting in November 24th, Friday. —This morning re- readiness to lay seige to Quebec. The small lieved from guard. Had some snov, to-day. pox is all around us, and there is great dan- November 25th, Saturday. This morning ger of its spreading in the army. There are three frigates came up the river and anchored Spies sent out of Queoec every day, and every off of Point aux Tremble, where we are some taken almost day, both men and quartered. Heard from Boston by some women. We have a strong guard set around gentlemen from Quebec. A frigate arrived the city, and last night tve took a small here which had a bhort passage from Boston. schooner that was bound for Quebec loaded with provision. November 26th, Sundaj'.—This morning the frigate got under way, ani went up the December 7th, Thursday.—To day we took 15 prisoners. VVe river. had several cannon shot fired upou our guards. A bad snow storm, November 27th, Monday. —This morning a post arrived at head quarters, who informed December 8th, Friday. —This morning we us that a number of cannon and some am- carried two Held pieces down to St. Roehe's munition was landed at St. Anne's, thirty suburbs, against the city gates to prevent the miles above Point aux Tremble, which was to enemy coming out. be brought down by land. In the afternoon December 9th, Saturday. —Employed in a guard of 60 men were sent off to meet it. I getting cannon and mortars ready to carry to was drawn out to go, —travelled tifteen miles, St. Roche's, in order to cannonade the city. put up at De Shamble. In the evening the guard was doubled. November 2Sth, Tuesday.—Turned out at Thirty-two men out of our company on fa- four o'clock this morning; travelled ten tiiiue. At one o'clock at night opened miles; met the ammunition and guns on car- our battery threw about thirty shells into the riages; marched back to De Shamble; put city. We had a number of shells and some up. shot thrown at us. We had one man wound- November 29th, Wednesday.— A bad snow ed. We are throwing up breastworks in dif- storm which detained us frum travelling. ferent places. I am on guard at the Nunnery, November 30th, Thursday. —The snow December 10th, Sunday. —This morning at deep. Set out this morning. Bad travelling. daylight we moved our cannon and mortars We arrived at headquarters at Point aux from the suburbs. All still at sunrise. In Tremble at dark. the forenoon the enemy began to play upon us who are on guard and fatigue with can- December 1st, Friday. —General Montgom- small-arms. ery arrived at Point aux Tremble. Came non and About noon the enemy down by water on an armed schooner, accom- came out of the city and set fire to St. .Johns suburbs which burned the rest of the day panied liy three men laden with provisions and stores taken up the river. In the after- and part of the night. Our guards took two of those out. At T)it,ht went noon were all ordered down to the chappel who came we to St. Roche's with five mortars and where the General is to land, to welcotne liim down on shore. We paid our respects to the Gen- threw forty shells into the city. The enemy a continual fire with eral. Received orders to be ready to march kept up upon us cannon, at eight o'clock the next morning. and threw a number of shells out to us but did no damage. December 2nd. Saturday. —The General gave orders ihat each man in Colonel Ar- December 11th, Monday.—We have kept nold's party have a suit of clothes and one the enemy busy playing upon us from one dollar ill money as a present given to him. part of the city, whilst we have been fortify- Getting in readiness to march for Quebec. A ing in another part. VVe have got our works party of the General's men aniveii. I was almost completed. Today we had a man drawn out to go down the river in a batteaux wounded, and a woman killed by a shot from to c irrv some cannon down. Slept on board the city. We have got our breastworks the Schooner. fipished on the plains. We threw thirty five shells into the city in the night. December 3d, Sunday. — Bad weather. .lo- eiah Carr, one of our Company, died with December I2th, Tuesday. — Exceedingly ^ickness this morning. Loaded our boat cold. Our guards weie moved'down towards with cannon and carriages. The wind blows the city; but little (iring on either side today. fresh at dark. and squally. Set out Went At niirht I was on sruard. We moved our down within six miles of Quebec and lauded. cannon down to our batteries; getting in read- December 4lh, Monday. —To day we land- iness to storm the city. ed our cannon and unloaded our boat. We December 13th, Wednesday. —Today the made an attempt to cross the river to get enemy kept a continual firing with cannon some scaling ladders we left before our re- and small arms. At night we were employed treat. Could not by reason of ice. mounting our caiuion on our breastworks. December 5th, Tuesday.—This morning we We had a number of shells thrown at us in j

CALEB Haskell's diary. 15

hoo o'clock this morning we perceived a breastworks. At midnight we were beat our engagement at the city by the blaze of the off by the snow. cannon and small arms, but could hear no The enemy it December 14th, Thursday. - report bv reason of the wind and storm, us m our keep up a continual ririne; upon being a Violent snow storm. We supposed men killed and the breastwork*. We had three that General Montgomery had stormed fort. Employed to- still. We seven wounded in our city. Just after daylight all was to play upon the transac- nitiht in nettinsr in readiness are fearful and anxious to hear the took city iu the morning. tions of last night. This mondng I my morn- back, being very December loth, Friday.-F.arly this clothes and pack on my on both sides, feeble after the small-pox. Ke- ing a hot cannonading began weak and sent a flag Found all ray officers which lasted several hours. We turned to the camp. Tne hrini: be- messmates and almost all to the city but were refused. and three of my had one taken or killed, and the rest in ga, again a. d lasted till dark. We the company and one man Could get no particular of our carriu-es cut down, great confusion. siege till the afternoon, when killed on our breastworks. account of the Saturday.-Had but little we received the following: December 16th, four o'ciock, the time one man Killed witb This morning about firintr todav. We had army divided and have been for appointed to storm the city, our grape shot.' 1 am unwell, General Mont- into different parts to attack. three days unfit fo'- duty. and gomery wss to storm the upper town Sunday. -I was ordered to was to December 17th, scale the walls, while Colonel Arnold storm; could not go. walls to the hosuital. A bad cut the pickets leading from the and four town as December 18th, Monday.-Myself Charles river and enter the lower to the Ihey pro- more of our company were carried soon as the signal was given. both sides. discovery was Nunnery hospital. All still on ceeded- it being dark no when a Tuesday.-Today three of made. They got near the walls, December 19th, arms began with me broke heavy fire of cannon and small those who came to the hospital and have the same from the enemy, they being prepared out with the small-pox; I of expecting us this night. Here a number symptoms. wounded. Ihe rest morning our men were killed and 20th. We'inesday.-This on came to December not being disheartened rushed ; with myself, were broke out and my bedfellow, walls, cannon roaring like thunder we were carried three miles the had with small-pox; musket balls flying like hail. Our men country out of the camp; 1 am and his out in the nothing for cover. Our General Aide-camp and Captain Cheeseman were 21st, Thursday.-The small-pox from the '^December killed t.ya charge of grape-shot in our army. great con- spreads fast walls, which put this parly in attendance; to take December 22nd, Friday.—Poor fusion. There appeared no officer ' to take; and no bed to lie on; no medicine command. Colonel Camrael came up Arnold troubled much with a sore throat. ordered them to retreat. Colonel and a number December 23d, Saturday.—My distemper was wounded and brouiiht off wounded. Ihe rest very bad. Does not fill out. of his men killed or works so that with bet- advanced and cut the pickets, December 24lh, Sunday.-I feel much and difficulty they entered the town sit up much of the great today ; am able to secured ter took possession of the battery and Hearing a Christmas a themselves to wait till daylight. '^December 25th, Monday.— ; and not the great shout and the firing cease pleasant day. We have nothing from the knowing the occasion, concluded that the city nad sur- Ihere were two General had got iu and "December 26th, Tuesday.- their great small-pox. rendered. After it was light, to brought here today with the otherwise. men disappointment, they found it, ' December 27th, Wednesday.- A man in surrounded and no , They found themselves died today with the small-pox. X must fall into the , our room retreat, and that th«y day. de- am g.-ltiug better every hands of their enemies. Ihuswewere houses General and up- December 2Sth, Thursday.-All the feated, with the loss of our of our soldiers officers and men killed In the neMiborhood are full wards of 400 of our with onel Arnold with the small-pox. It goes favorably or taken. Every Captain in Co and but four of the most of them. party was killed or taken, invalids. Friday.—We have nothing his men escaped and they December 29th, Mayor camp. January 2nd, Tuesday-Today from the came out of distemper Mei<^s one of our officers taken, December SOth. Saturday.- My tiU parole, and ha-< liberty to stay 1 went to the door today. the ci.y on leaves me fast. clothes belonging to from the Fridav\nd%arry the December 31st, Sunday.— Heard He informs us that our intended to our men in to them. camp that General Montsiomery well. bad snow storm people are used very storm the city soon. A twelve of small-pox about January 3rd, Wednesday.-About One of our company died by a report o'clock list night were a'^'med twelve o'clock tonight. out upon us. four that the enemy had come January 1st, 1776, Monday.-About 16 CALEB HASKELL'S DIARY.

Marcher! to headquarters and found the We had several shot thrown at our guard alarm false. house; in the afternoon we took three prison- January 4th, Thursday.—The Canadians ers — merchants belonging to the city; carried are daily joining: us. The most of our men them to headquarters. In the evening I was relieved from guard. fit for dutv are on guard. We hear that pro- Tlsions and wood are scarce in the city. January 24th, Wednesday. - Moderate weather. January 5th, Friday.— We are in expecta- One hundred and forty men ar- rived Montreal. night some of tion every night that the enemy will come from At our guards set fire in St. Roche's out upon us. We took two spies who came some houses on suburbs. out last niirht. Today Major Meigs went back, according to his parole. January 2.5th, Thursday.—This day, about noon, 500 of Palace January Gth, Saturday.—At night we began the enemy came out at Gate. About 200 advanced almost to our to build a breastwork with snow to secure us guard house. As soon as we were mustered from musket balls if the enemy should come they retreated in again. out against us. January 26fh, This we had or- January 7th, Sunday. —Today had orders Friday.— day ders for all of Col. Arnold's detachment to to carry the packs and clothinT; belonging to go stationed our messmate prisoners to headquarters to down to Bon Poor passage to keep a guard, to prevent the Tories from carrying be sent to them. wood and provisions into the city that way. January 8th, Monday.—This morning we January 27th, Saturday. cold carried tue prisoners' packs to headquarters. —Exceeding weather. January 9th, Tuesday.—Heard that Gen- January 28th, Mr. Spring, our eral Worcester was on his way from Mon- Sunday.— chaplain, paeached at Camp Dryoisc. treal. A bad snow storm today. January 29th, .Vlonday.—Continues cold, January 10th, VVednesday.—Severely cold and uncomfortable. but something more moderate in the evening. Tuesday. This January 11th, Thursday.— Continues cold. January 30th, — day we had to go the Bon pqir ferrv and join Capt. In the afternoon we went to .the hospital to down Smith, agreeal)le to our com- bury one of our company who died of a which was not pany, looking upon ourselves a'- freemen, wound. At night a bad snow storm. we and, have been so since the first of January, Cold, uncomfort- January 12th, Friday.— refused to go. Our company consisting uf able weather. The snow deep and bad fourteen men fit for duty enlisted for two of our company died with stormine. One months under Capt. Newliall in Col. Living- the small pox today. ston's regiment. In the afternoon were put January 13th, Saturdaj'.-Cold and squally. under guard at head quarters for disobe- Little stirring. Nothing new. dience of orders. January 14th, Sunday—Continues cold and January 31st, Wednesday. —To day we uncomfortable. No remarks. were tried by a Court Martial, and fiueii one to join Capt. Smith January 1.5t,b, Monday.—A bad snowstorm, months pay, and ordered and so cold that a man can scarce get out immediately, or be again confined and receive allowed without freezing. thirty-iiitie stripes, two niinutKS to answer in. We finding that arbitrary rule January loth, Tuesday.—We had letters prevailed, concluded to tio with Capt. Smith. our friends, the prisoners in the city. from Then we were released and went to our quar- January 17th, Wednesday.—A cold snow- ters. storm; the snow deep. February 1st, Thursday.-This morning we January 18th, Thursda}'.-Clears off pleas- marched down to Bon poir ferry and joined ant in the afternoon. 1 went on guard down Capt. Smith's guard, much asrainst our will. to St. Roche's. Last night some of our guards at St. Roche's January 19th, Friday.—At night was re- set some of the buildings on fire. Tlie ene- lieved from guard. This evening some of our my firiiiit upon them with cannon and small guards at St. Roche's set fire to some build- arms, killed one and wounded two men. We ings there that the enemy were going to were alarmed, went to our rendesvous. make use of for lirewood. When all was still again went back to our quarters. January 20th, Saturday.—Moderate, but some snow. The enemy were firing some February 2d, Friday.—Exceeding cold. A part of the day from the city. number of the enemy out in St. Roche's gathering up the ruins of burned buildings January 21st, Sunday. —A pleasant day. lor tire wood. This mornitig three of our prisoners made their escape from the city. February 3d, Saturday.—The weather al- most unendurable by reason of the cold. January 22Qd, Monday.—Last night some of our guards at St. Roche's set a number of February 4th, Sunday.—Reinforcements ves.sels on fire that lay against the viilaire. In are daily coming in. Twenty-five men ar- the evening I was on guard at St. Roche's. rived from New England. January 23d, Tuesday.—A pleasant da}'. February 5th, Monday.—The weather con- CALEB HASKELL'S DIAET. 17

tinues extremely cold, it bas been so for house every day from the enemy, but have three days past. At niRht tbree of our pris- received no damage yet. oners made their escape from the city. They February ISth, Sunday. —We had a severe in the brought news of our friends, prisoners cold night and it continues cold today. city, that provision is scarce, that thf enemy February 19th, Monday. Clear, cold intends to come out upon us soon, and take — weather; all still. our stores. February '^Oth, Tuesday. A moderately February Cth, Tuesday.—It continues as pleasant day. We had a number of shot cold as ever. There is little stirring by reas- tired at us today. Not a shot bas struck our on of the cold. In the evening we copied a house yet. bright light in the city, and another on Bon- poir village. Supposed it to be a siernal made February 21st, Wednesdav. —Cf^ntinues by some Tory in order to carry some provis- pleasant. This morning a hot cannonading ions in across the river. A party was sent began on both sides, which lasted some from our guard to Bonpoir to find out the oc- hours; we received no damage. casion of the iitiht. Before we had gone far February 22nd, Thursday.— A cold day. the light was gone. We marched down to a Our guard' divided into two companies. Set Tories house where we supposed the light another guard below us, one mile's distance. set a guard this night. In the was made and February 23rd, Friday.—Cold, uncomfort- returned to our quarters. morning we back able weather. February 7th, Wednesday. Continues as — February 24th, Saturday. —A number of the cold as ever. enemy are'out in St. John's suburbs, taking February 8th, Thursday.—A pleasant day. down the buildings for fire wood. large of the enemy are out in St. A number February 25th, Sunday. —About nine Roches picking the ruins of burnt build- up o'clock last evening had orders to lay on our ings for fuel. We had several shells thrown arms and double our guards, as there is a at our guard house, but they did no damage. movemri-.t among the enemy. We kept a February 9lh, Friday.- A severe snow good lookout, but all still. storm came on this afternoon, increasing this February 26th, Monday. —There is a brisk evening. firing in the city with small arms. February 10th, Saturday.—The storm con- February 27th, Tuesday. —A warm, pleas- tinues. Such a storm, I believe, never was ant diiy; the snow beginning to thaw; at night known in New England. Two of our men we had some rain. provisions. nearly perished going after February 28th, ^Yednesday. — Continues February 11th, Sunday. — It clears off pleas- rainy; the going is exceeding bad. sent a flag to the city ant. Our commander February 29th, Thursday.—This morning did not fire upon him, today. The enemy our company had orders to go to Bonpour ill treatment and refused to re- but gave him village to Join a guard with Captain Bailly letters from him. ceive any and relieve a French guard. We went down February 12th, Monday.—Pleasant sun, l>ut and took our quarters in a house by the river cold, which is nothing strange in this coun- side. try. March 1st, Friday.—Extremely cold. In the February 13th, Tuesday.—This morning afternoon we had a number of shot fired at one of our prisoners made his escape from our guard house, but did no damager the city. Two British soldiers deserted and March 2nd, Saturday.—Thick weather, and came with him. some snow; clears off pleasant in the after- February 14th, Wednesday. —A pleasant noon. day, and the sun is so warm that snow eives March 3d, Sunday. Severe cold. In the a little on the roofs of the liouses, which is evening we took three prisoners who came something remarkable. We had a number out of the city. did of shots fired at our guardhouse, but no Marcli 4th, Monday,—Uncomfortable weath- damage. troops arrived from Some New er; in the evening we had a heavy rain. England. March 5th, Tuesday. —Continues rainy. loth, cold February Thursday.— Raw, This morning we hoisted a red flag before the weather. Today we had a number of shots city. At night a bad storm of snow, with a received no fired at our guardhouse, but hard gale of wind at northeast. damage. This evening six of our prisoners 6th, Wednesday.— had some made their escape from the city, and brought March We morning, but cold. received one desert<'r with them. In the evening we rain this We of Captain Smith for one month. had some shells thrown at our guardhouse, our pay but received no damage. March 7th, Thursday.—Pleasant weather. February IGth, Friday. — V\'e had a number March Sch, Friday.—Some troops arrived more shot fired at our eruardhouse today, but from Philadelphia. none have done us any damage yet. March 9th, Saturdaj'.—The enemy are busy February ITth. Saturday.— A cold, sharp cuttinsr a channel in the ice to make a pas- air. We have shot flying around our guard- sage into the lower town. 18 CALEB Haskell's diary.

March 10th, Sunda\'.—Cold, uncomfortable cannon were discharged within a few min- weather. utes in the city and some shells thrown at our troops at Point Levi. March 11th, Monday —A pleasant raorning;. This afternoon our house took fire on the March 27th, Wednesday. —This morning roof; with much difficulty we put it out. about 11 o'clock our house took fire on the roof the wind blowing fresh at North West, March 12th, Tuesday.—A cold snowstorm the fire spread fast, we saw no possibility of and hard gale of wind; it clears off this morn- saving the house, and went to clearing it as ing. fast as possible. It was soon after burned a March 13th, Wednesday.—This afternoon down. We moved up to Bonpoir village. party of the enemy came out of the city on a This afternoon some prisoners taken down party of our men at Wolfe's cave, on fatigue. the river wt're brought to headquarters. After a small skirmish the enemy went in again. March 28th, Thursday.—Uncomfortable weather. Raw cold wind for several days. March 14th, Thursday.—This afternoon our General sent a flag to the city. The enemy March 29th, Friday. —Some firing at our would take no letters from him, and ordered troops at Point Levi from the city. or they would fire on him him back again, March 30th, Saturday.—One of the sruard mmediately. at the lower guard house was killed by a March 15th, Friday.— A pleasant day. cannon ball from the city. A number of the March 16th, Saturday.—We are making enemy came out on St. John's. We went preparations for another attack on the city; down to them, after a short skirmish with collecting fascines and other materials to them they went in again. We received no build batteries as soon as the weather will damage. permit. March 31st, Sunday. —Kev. Mr. Briggs came March 17th, Sunday.—It being St. Patrick's to our quarters and gave us a discourse from day we had the curiosity to go to Mass in 36th Psalms and 7th verse. Bonpoir. April 1st, Monday.—General Worcester ar- at lost killed at March 18th, Monday. —A brisk firing with rived camp ; we one man, cannon and small arms in the city. Point Levi with a cannon ball from the city. March 19th, Tuesday.—To day we had April 2nd, Tuesday.—We are at work build- one peice of cannon and two howitzers come ing batteries at different places. into camp. April 3rd, Wednesday.—This morning we Marcth 20th, Wednesday. —Troops are daily opened our battery at Point Levi; there was a coming in to our assistance fmm various hot cannonading on both sides all day; we parts. One large company came in today. received no damage; we had some rain in the evening; the snow is now five feet deep March 21st, Thursday.- Cold uncomfort- on a level. able weather. Our battery at Point Levi is almost completed. April 4th, Thursday.— We had cannonading on both sides to-day. March 22d, Friday.—A hot firing began this morning in the city upon our men at April 5th, Friday.—We began to work on Point Levi, at work on the battery and con- the battery at Bonpoir ferry. The enemy tinued all the forenoon. Three companies discovered us and fired on us but did no dam- more are ordered on to Point Levi. age. March 2od, Saturday.—We had informa- April 6th, Saturday.—This night all our tion this morning that a party of the enemy company was on fatigue at the passage bat- had gone down the river by water after pro- tery ; two twelve-pound cannons were vision. About one hundred and fifty men brought to the battery. were sent down to obstruct them and three April 7th, Sunday.—A bad storm of hail companies ot Canadians were sent to Orleans and rain; no stirring to-day. to strengthen our guards there. April 8th, Monday. —We fired several shot March 21th, Sunday.—A cold stormy day. from our battery at Point Levi. Captain One of our prisoners belonging to April 9th, Tuesday.-At work on the pas- Lane's artillery made his escape from the sage battery hauling fascines and plank for city. platforms. March 25th, Monday.— We had a number April 10th, Wednesday.—A pleasant warm of shot fired from the city at our battery at day ! Point Levi. One company arrived In camp April 11th, Thursday.—Bad stirring ! The from the Jeiseys. snow goes away fast; the ground overflowed March 26th, Tuesday.—We heard from the with water. party down the river. They have had a skir- Friday. have an easterly mish with the enemy and have taken a party April, 12th, —We wind that carries off the snow and ice fast. of thirty men without any loss on our side, only three men wounded. About two hun- April 13th, Saturday.— It is bad travelling, dred more were sent to reinforce our party by reason of the water beine: in many places down the river. Upwards of one hundred in the road three feet deep ; the ground CALEB Haskell's diary. 19

begins to apoear on the top of some of the April 27th, Saturday. —This morning we hills. mounted a brass twenty-four-pound cannon In the ferry battery—discharged her once April 14th, Sunday. — But little done on our battery on account of the badness of the and broke the axletree, which was all we road. fired to-day. April 28th, Fine April 1.5th, Monday.—The time of our last Sunday.— pleasant weath- er; a number of troops arrived in camp from ens;atrement has expired ; we intend to set out for New England soon. New England; we have a steady cannonading on both sides today. April 10th, Tuesday.—We had an Invitation today from the officers of Col. Livingston's April 29th, Monday.—A number of the the New York troops are discharged and are retriment to ijo to Bonpoir ; they treated us handsomely; after g'ling through the manual to set off for home up the river by v.'ater to exercise we returnt- d to our quarters. morrow morning. This morning we mount- ed our Brass peice again and got in readi- April l~th, VVednesdiiy.—The general de- ness for a warm fire in the morning. sires that we would stay a few days more in camp. April 30th, Tuesday. —Thick rainy weather. April 18th, Thursday.—Our company went No firing today on either side. Gen. Thomas to headquarters to eet a pass to go home. Is expected in camp with a large reinforce- By the general's desire we concluded to stay ment; when he arrives we that are left of Col. a few days longer; we have two tine ships at Arnold's detachment are to be discharged. Orleans with which at a convenient lime we May 1st, Wednesday —We had snow last intend to burn shipping in the lower town; a night. A raw cold day. But little tiring on woman belonging to the Pennsylvania troops either side for some days past. killed to-day care- was by accident— a soldier May 2d, Thursday. —Gen. Thomas ari'ived lessly snapping his musket which proved to in camp with five hundred men. We had a be loaded. report that there is a British fleet in the river. April 10th, Friday. —Cold, uncomfortable May 3d, Friday. — Our Captain went to weather ! The enemy flr'^d several shots at headquarters to get a pass for us to go home, our guard house at Bonpoir ferry and he got a promise of one. In the evening we struck the house two or thr»»e times. brought up some of our flreships against the April 20th. Saturday.— 1 received four city, and set them on fire, but being to late pounds of Capt. Smith; the enetny began a in the tide did no execution. brisk fire upon our guard house at the ferry May 4th, Saturday. —The Canadians troops at different parts city damagec-l of the ; the are all called Into hea'lqiaarters. it Is sup- house much; drove us out of it into the bat- posed that there will be another attack on tery but hurt no man. the city soon. Our captain got our discharge April 21st, Sunday.—The enemy have al- and a pass for us to march home. most beat our guard house down at the May 5th, Sundaj'. —We marched to Head ferry, although it is very strong, nearly three Quarters to get in readiness to march home. feel thick through with stone; we heard the Monday. This morning three Americans had taken Boston. May 6th, — frigates came up the river, anchored before April 22nd, Monday. —This morning we the city. W^e drew four days provisions. At opeii'-d our battery at Bonpoir ferry, fired a three o'clock marched for home. The frig- number of shot into the city and received ates firing a parting salute. We march-d some from it; being stormy in the afternoon up as far as Point aux Tremble. An express firing sides 1.50 the ceased on both ; men ar- overtook us and told us tliat the whole army rived from Montreal on batteaux. was on the retreat. That the enemy came April 23d, Tuesday. —A hot cannonading out and drove all our array off the ground, began on both sides this morning; we opened took our cannon and a number of our sick." a bomb battery in the evening and threw a We marched on five miles farther and put up number of shells into the city. being much fatigued. April 24th, Wednesday. — This morning we May 7th, Tuesday. —We set out before day- began to tire hot shot from the ferry battery; break. All our army is on a retreat, fol- as one of our men was ramming home a lowed by three ships. Some of our men were cartridge in one of the guns—we had fired hot taken at Point aux Tremble, and a schooner shot out of it— the piece not being well and a brig which whe have had in possession sponged —the cartridge took fire and mortally all winter. The frigates are beating up the wounded the man. river. We were stopped at Shambo till after- April 25tU, Thursday. —We have kept a noon, then we set out again and marched steady cannonading from the batteries for the greater part of the night. three days past. May 8th, Wednesday. —Our army stopped at Point Shambo in order to make a stand April 26th, Friday.— A storm of rain ; but against the enemy. We marched and got little firing on either side today ; we sp'lt a twelve-pounder In our battery at the ferry within three miles of Three Rivers when we which wounded a number, but none mor- put up. tally. May 9th, Thursday.—We came to Three 20 CALEB Haskell's diary.

Rivers this mornine. I am much beat out and May 21st, Tuesday.—We set out In the so lame I can scarcely walk one step. I fell wooil's again, travelled until noou, came to a in with one Mr. Hoisted, a eentleman from house where we tarried until sunset, then Quebec who has got his farail}' with him, and we crossed over a bay to Crown Point. is tfoinjj; to move to New York. 1 got into May 22nd, Wednesday. This morning five his boat with his family. About noon set — of us in company crossed the lake from C. out frotn Three Rivers and went twentj'-seven P,, took a path iu the woods leading to No. miles up the river. 4. We travelled to Otter Creek and put up. May 10th, Friday.— We set out early in the moruinti; crosseil a lake in the river when we May 23rd, Thursday. —We had some rain met with some difficulty, it being squally this mornine, which detained us a few hours. and we a good distance from land. We We set out, travelled to Derum, put up at a arrived at night within two miles of the river public house. Sorrel. May 24th, Friday. —Set out this morning; May llth, Saturday. —We arrived at Sr>rrel travelled twenty-seven miles to Cavendish, river this morning, tarried all day waiting put up at a public house. for a batteaux to proceed up the river. Here May 25th, Saturday. —Set out this morning; is a Prussian general and a number of troops came to No. 4 ferry. In the afternoon fortifying the mouth of the river. crossed over, made a stop at No. 4; then we May 12th, Sunday. —We set out about nine travelled about two miles to Major Bellows', o'clock, went about twenty miles up the river and put up at a public house. to a village called St. Dennis, where we tarried May 26th, Sunday.— We set out early in night. all the morning; travelled through Walpole, and May 13th, Monday.— We had a head wind, and here we had a rainy day. Came to got but a little way up the river. We put up at Swansy and put up. a village called St. Charles, about three May 27th, Monday.— Set out early in the leagues from Fort Shambole. morning. Bad travelling. Travelled through May 14th. Tuesday.— We arrived at Fort Fitz VVilliam. At night came to Ashburnham Shambole this afternoon, unloaded our boats and put up. and tarried in the Fort tonight. May 2yth, Tuesday. —Set out this morning. May IStli, Wednesday. —This afternoon we Travelled through Westminister and Lunen- set out by land, arrived at St. John's Fort, burj^; came to Littletown and put up. about nine o'clock and put up. May 29th, Wednesday. —Set out in the May 16th, Thursday. Our company has — mornine; travelled to Concord, when I over- gone over the lake, they set out last night. I took some of mv messmates, whom 1 have am detained for a passage, there is no provis- not seen since I was at Three Rivers. Set out sion to be had here. seized; My musket was again; travelled through Billerica; came to valui'd at ten dollars. Andover and put up. May 17th, P'riday. Mr. Hoisted his — and May 30th, Thursday.—Set out this morn- family have arrived here. I to expect go over ing; travelled through Boxford and Brad- the lake with them, hut can get no boat at ford. About twelve o'clock arrived at New- present. buryport. Found all friends well. May 18th, Saturday. There is an Indian canoe going over the lake. I have got liberty Distances: to go in her. We set out about nine from St. Johns; went about 30 miles up the lake to 58 miles from mouth Kennebec river to Fort Wes- the white house and stopped all night. We ton. met with si.me provi-iou at the Isie of 18 miles from Fort Weston to Fort Halifax. Norce. aO miles from Fort Halifax to Meconick carrying place. May 19th, Sunday. We set out at day- 9 milf 8 carrying place t© Norridg- light, from Meconick went about 15 miles. The wind blew walk hard against us, we put ashore on an island 19 miles from Norridgewalk to Corretunkers car- to wait until it is more moderate. A li\tle rying place. before night we set out again; went a few 18 miles from Corretunkers carrying place to the miles to another island, and there we tarried Great carrying place. all night. 14 miles across the Great carrying place to Dead river. May 20th, Monday.— Pleasant morniui;;; 86 miles up Dead river to the first pond. we set out early —got within at)out 12 miles of 8 miles across the ponds and carrying places to Crown Point; the wind blew so hard aeainst Chaudieu streams. us that we had liked to have perished before 74 miles from Chandieu streams to the first inhab- itants. we coulil get to the land. We left our boat ,54 miles from Sattigan to Quebec. and set out in the woods to travel to Crown 150 miles from Newburyport to Kennebeck. Point. Travelled about 10 miles, found a 538 miles from Newburyport to the City of Que house where we tarried all night. bee. N O T E S.

Captain Ezra Luut's Company. Caleb Haskell, Fifer May 2. Aug. L Private William Coker, " This company was composed exclusively of William Shackford, " Xewburyport soldiers, exceptini; one or two cred- " Daniel Ela, " ited to Newbury. The men really belonged in Thomas Gould " part to Newbury, but appear to have almost all Enoch Pierce " " " enlisted on the quota of Newburyuort. Newbury Parker Chase " " " at that time included seveu-eigbths of the present Michael Caswell " " " territory of Newhurynort and where more than a Enoch Richardson " '' third of the inhabitants dwell. The company was Moses Cross ' " one of the linest bands of men ever enlisted in a John Brown " '" noble cause. The commander was a stage driver Nath'l Stevens Babson " '• and for some time the publisher of the "Essex John Stickney " " " Journal," the newspaper started in Newburyport John Sleeper " " '• by Isaiah Thomas. The ttrst lieutenant of the Moses George " " " " company was a brother of the captain, and he Moses Moores " "' kei)t an interesting diary of the service rendered Nathaniel Smith " " " by the company during the year 1715, which is John Perry " " " now in possession of his grandson, Daniel Lunt, Robert Marsliall " of print- Oldtown, (Newbury, 1 and which has been John Smith " ed by Dr. s. A. Green of Boston. The story goes Thomas Botter '" " that the company was started in the Old South Samuel Stickney " church after a stirring discourse from Rev Jona- " " Joseph Wood " than Parsons, the pastor, Captain Lunt being the Moses Rogers " first to volunteer. Captain Lunt afterwards did Josiah Carr " *' most excellent service for his country in various John Goodhue " " positions of trust in the army during the whole of Abraham Knowlton '• the W'lr. His company, as will be seen in the Jacob True " " " text, formed one of the eight of Colonel Moses Timothy Condren " " " Little's (17th) 'eglment. The roll of the members Greenleaf "' " " Mayo " is found at the State House in at least two collec- David Pearson " "' tions, one dated in April, 177ti, but giving the ser- John C. Roberts " vice for May 2, 1775, to August 1, 1775, and the David Rogers " othi'r amoiiir what are called the "coat rolls," Nathaniel Warner " " " which was made out on the first of October, n?.'?, Samuel Lankester " " " ami which is a little changed. This last gives the Enoch Foot " names of twenty men, including our diarist, who Jesse Emery " bad joined the Quebec expedition. The names Thomas Hammond " " are familiar ones, to the ears of Newburyport, Barth. L. Spoouer " more than three quarters of them having descend- John Matchell " •' " ants here and nine-tenths of the names having Richard Shay " July 17 representatives in the place. The rolls are worthy Benjimin Davis " " " of preservation. Ir will be seen that our friend Scipper Lunt " " .Mr. Haskell furnished music for the band of '' " •' Moses Merrill , patriots, thouirh afterwards he became a private. John Shackford " " " first roll is as follows: " " The James Pinder ...... ' NAME. RANK. ENLISTED. TO. Richard Goodwin " John Chase " May 2 Kz:a Lunt. Capta'n May -2. Ausi. 1. John Holaday '• I'.iul Lunt. 1st Lieut Joseph narl)urt " " " NaiiKiniel Montgomery. 2d Lieut.. Zachariah Sawtel " " " Ko'uTl F:>\vUt. Sergeant " " Samuel Phipps " " " Nathiiiiiei .Milchell. Sergeant John MrLurtv. StTLTi-ant [N. B. The last four men are credited to New- K.lmuiul Morse. Se. -jr,...,,, .. bury. All the others to Newburyport, although Timoiltv l":iliiiiT. Corporal Newbury is credited with furnishing arms to quite Wllliaiii llala,l;iy. torp..i-ul •' a large number of them \ Mose? Kim'>,iil. Corporal Kliptialot I'iUsbury, Corpor.il The second roll is more interesting as giv- Henjamin I'earsou. Drummer ing the ages and correct inir some of the mis- Benjamin NeivmMn. Drummer Bishop Norton, Fifer takes in the name*. It was a roll of the men 99 CALEB HASKELL'S DIARY. who had eullsted for eie;ht months and were Bolin's and Wlgglesworth's. entitled to coats from the province. All These two houses at Cambridge where the dia- these rolls at the State House have a column rist mentions as being quartered with his com- headed "Quebec." In this column are placed pany are also mentioned by Paul Lunt. All the additional informatioa he gives is that the former all men who had joined the expedition the was Mr. John Bolin. Wigglesworth's was un- before, thej' evidentlj' being consid- month doubtedly the residence of Edward Wisrglesworth, service still ered as on detached and mem- Hollis pi'ofes-or at Harvard, and first cousin of bers of their respective companies : Col. Edward Wigglesworth. one of the leaders in Newburyjjort revolutionary affairs. A return of Captain Ezra Lunfs Comp''y in the The latter 17th Begiment of Foot in ye service of ye United shed additional lustre on an already illustrious of best Collinies of North America, commanded by Col. family. Although one the known officers of the prominent, Moses Little, in the army and one most men NAME. RANK. AGE. ENLISTED in the affairs of the commonwealth, he so devoted cause as impoverish Ezra Lunt Captain 32 May 2. his means to his country's to PaulLuntw 1st Lieut. 28 himself. His wife was obliged to receive the the Nath'l Alontgomery.. .2d Lieut. 24 regular soldier's aid from town, and the Kob'tFowle Sergt. major 32 colonel died a poor pensioner himself. Mitchell Serg'i 23 Nath'l " Draft Quebec. John McLarty " 2t> The for Edmund Morse " 2.5 The men who accompanied Colonel Arnold Timothy Palmer " 23 through the Maine forest were taken from vari- Holliday Coiporal 21 regiments around Boston, according William " ous as they Moses Kimball " 2i voluteered. They appear to have been consid- Eliphalet Pilsbury.... 24 ered as on a detached service. The other New- Will'm Coker " 24 buryport and Newbury men, beside those already

Drums'and I 23 Norton (. indie ited iu the roll of Captain Lunfs company, Bishop " fifes. Benj'n Pearson ) (32 who left local companies to join the expedition, Daniel Ela Private 25 appear on the state house rolls as follows: Pierce " 20 •' Enoch " From Capt. Timothy Barnard's company of Col. " 31 Parker Chase Moses Little's regiment: Michael Caswell " 22 NAME. PLACE. AGE. " 20 Moses Moores Sergeant Nicholas Titcomb, Newbury, 25, May 9. " 22 Nath. Smith Private Patrick Herrington, NPort, 25, "* " li> " JohnPcrry William Pav, 22, " 20 " Rob't Marshall Patrick Tracy, 25, John Smith " 20 Samuel Stickney "' 22 From Capt. Jacob Gerrish's company of Col. Moses Rogers " 19 Moses Little's regiment: Chase " 18 NAME. PLACE AGE John " Abram Knowlion " 18 Drummer Benjamin Newman, NPort, 20, Sept. 5, Timothy Condry " IH Pearson " !' " From Capt. Benjamin Perkins's company of Col. David " David Rogers " 18 Moses Little's regiment: " PLACE. AGE. Nath'l Warner " 19 NAME. Hanuel took Jo- Private Benjamin Hall Tappan, NPort, 22, June 8. Eich'd " seph Wood's place. . " 30 Perhaps there may have been others from scat- " 32 Samuel Lancaster " tering commands, who belonsed to the towns at Thomas Hammond " 25 the mouth of the Merrimac, but probably but few. " 20 John Marshall The chaplain, as is well known, was from Ncw- Rich'd Shay '• 29 July 17 burvport. Rev. Samuel Spring, pastor for many Benj'n Davis " 18 years of the North Congregational society. Skipper Lunt '" H " James Pinder " ^'5 '* " Eating a Dojr. Richard Goodwin 34 *CaIeb Haskell " 21 May 2 The simple narrative of our writer does not Shackford " 22 adorn the sufferings endured by the band with the *Wm. " *Thomas Gould " 24 romance of heroism, but his mention of one com- " flesh of a dog was Richardson.. . " 21 pany having to subsist on the *Enoch " *Moses Cross " 28 onlv one item in a series of terrible privations *Nath. Babson " 25 undergone. The grand attempt of Arnold's band " *Jona. Stickney " 20 could not be more fitly commemorated than by John Sleeper " 21 '• the following beautiful lines pnblished by an *Mose8 George ' 35 anonymous writer in the New York Journal of *Thomas Bolter " 18 Commerce just before the breaking out of the *Josiah Carr " 22 rebellion. No fitter time could have been se- *John Goodhue '' 20 lected for this composition, than then, when the Jacob True " 21 recital of such valorous deeds of their ancestors *Mayo Greenleaf " 22 might well influence the military spirit of New " 20 England to undertake the terrible ordeal of the *John Carr Roberts... " *Enoch Foot " 27 strife against slavery: * Jesse Emery " 24 *Barth'w Spooner.... " 20 '" They maiched with Arnold at their head, *Moses Merrill " 19 July 17 Our soldiers true and brave. *John Shackford " 19 To far-off heights of Canada, By wood and rock and wave. *The names prefixed with a star (*) have "Que- They left the scenes behind perchance bec" written opposite their names, indicating They might not see again; that, at the date of the roll, they were no The homesteads fair, the fields which smiled Arnold-s expedition. With autumn's ripened grain; CALEB Haskell's diary. 23

And forlh they marched to meet the foe, To die of hunger's gnawing pain, The invader's course to check. A fate that some must share. When the autnmo leaves were brightening Who closed with tears his soft blue eyes. Along the Kennebec. And heard his dying prayer. They took a bright curl from his brow,- On throuch the deep and darkening wood. The 'kerchief from his neck. Through hush and brake and brier. And laia him 'neath the autumn leaves. The «i)lf howl round thcr path by day, Beside the Kecnebec. H.v nlL'lit hcvoiul their fire,- Thcir camp tire where, all travel-worn. Within When fording lake and stream a fair New England home Are kept those relics Chilled with the wave, with hunger faint. yet; The story of They laid them dmvn to dream our stormy Past True hearts will Of those dear homes they left behiml; not forget. A dim and lesseiiing speck. A sister's love kept bright this theme. It passed When they marched away to from sire to 6on;— Canada, now, Beside the Kennebec. And when winter evenings come, And talk and song are done. The grandsire And one, a brave and noble boy, tells the story o'er, With a tear Wiih kindling cheek and eye, he will not check. Of the boy who died so Whose sni.le and voice brought light to long ago. all. Beside the Lay down at last to die- Kennebec. g8 f pte r CALEB HASKELL'S DL4in

May 5, 1775-May 30, 1776.

A Kevoj.utioxaky Soldier's Recoud before Bos- ton AND WITH xVrNOLD'S QuEBEC EXPEDITION.

irrni), with notes, by lothrop withington

NEWBUKYPORT: PUBLISH EO BY WILLIAM H. HUSK A COMPANY. mp 18S1. ^£9^^ .3^^

^ /.

"* 5- ^^

^AQi '(?\w^ '^0^

> /"-- ^ ^^-^K

^i°*

r. -^^ 1^ /j^ 7° ^vP^^ o.^ii^- ^^AV^^ ./\

" ^Q ' % 9

^^"^ ^^.

*c.. 0' .1^1'. '^^ .. -^ •• --^^^ ,^*^^•— -

3.'^'

:^^>- -^ /' .^

"o. *'Tr,-' .0^ ^^. '' » "'^vn^^' »

^^\.-^;,% ^^^ c°- .^ 'bv '^0^ ^^-n^^ ^'5 ^<^. .V

K^' ^

^ •«>» >^" ... v^'

.^ /. y Vi •^-^^ -; o^ 'V.

'^ "-^^0^

' .^^' 0^ ,•••' v ^^^^' >'^

' v^i 40. *^°-

.0 »JJ^'* ^ v" '• %.^" .** %.^" .•^^'t \/ /life'- '

'^0^ 'oV ^°-^^. '''"' o-\/*^\ **?f^ff'\o^' ^"^ '^^ J "^ ••«•" ^^ P .^llfL^^ > 0' .1 ^^. cV^ ** ^^ '^^'^ * ^'^^.^ *>Va'^ c-^"^ \ "'^n^^^ o^rn^-. "^--^^ ;

^^°-