S

Judge Ogden to Governor Tryon.

[New-York, CLXXI. (No. 2 In No. 89.)]

Permit me to give you my sentiments on the present critical appearances, General Washington with an army of about 6,000 continental troops, within one day's march of New York, besides many of the militia of New Jersey at his command, when called for, an army at and near the Fish Kills, a great number of the militia in the northern parts of the Colony of New York, and in Connecticut ready to march on an expedition, promissing success, Passauk, Hachingsack, Hudson's & Harlem Rivers froze so as to be passable with an army, to New York Island; from these circumstances it is very probable, that the rebels will make a grand attack upon the City of New York (as their case at present seems desperate) the rebels from New Jersey, can at any place within five miles of the city cross Hudson's river on the ice, and the rebels from the northward cross Harlem river, below the fortifications and lines at King's bridge, at places where there is not sufficient force to oppose them, these armies being united may be too numerous & powerful for the King's Troops in this City, New York may also be in danger of being taken in the night, by surprize by rebels coming from New Jersey and crossing the River near the City. I submit, if it will not be a prudential and necessary measure to order to New York Island, immediately all the King's Troops from the West end of Long Island as far as Jamaica and embody the citizens of New York without delay, putting them under proper officers, for the defence of the City.

The shameful want of firewood may be an objection to the removing of the King's Troops, to New York Island at this time, this I conceive may be soon remedied, if the providing of wood was taken out of the hands of the present managers, and given to those who would exert themselves, in that Department, pay the wood cutters and cartmen every week for their labour and did not seek their own emolument more than the publick good, besides which possitive orders might issue, for each farmer on Long Island, living within 6 miles of Brooklyn to bring without delay 6 or 8 loads of good wood to the ferry from whence it might almost every day be brought to the City.

I beg your Excellency, will excuse me, in laying before you the above sentiments, which may perhaps serve as hints, coming from one firmly attached to His Majesty's Government, the success of His Arms, and with the greatest Regards, Your Excellencies

New York Jany 19. 1780.
General Tryon

Most obedient and

very humble servant

DAVID OGDEN1

'Judge DAVID OGDEN, son of Josiah Ogden of Essex county, New Jersey, was born in Newark about the year 1707, and was graduated at Yale College in 1728. He studied law in New-York, and practiced his profession in his native Colony, where he soon arrived at the head of his profession and was looked up to as an oracle of the law. In 1772 he was appointed Judge of the Supreme Court, and on the breaking out of hostilities retired to the city of New-York, where he was a member of the Board of Refugees, established in 1779, over which Governor Franklin presided. He drew up the outlines of a Plan for the government of the Colonies, after their submission to Great Britain. Mr. Ogden retired to England in 1783, his property in New Jersey having been confiscated. He returned, however, to the United States in 1700, end took up his residence in Queens county, Long Island, where he died in the year 1800, at the advanced age of 93. Mr. Ogden has left behind him the reputation of having been "one of the giants of the law in New Jersey." He was, perhaps, the first of a race of men, afterwards numerous in that State, namely, thorough bred lawyers; men who love their profession, devote themselves to it, who are satisfied with its honors and look not beyond it for distinction. Field'* Provincial Court* of New Jtrsey, 182, tt stg. — ED.

It is submitted, to the Generals of the Army in New York for their Consideration, if it would not tend to the safety of the City, to cut an opening in the ice of about ten or twelve feet broad, before and near the City in Hudson's River, within the reach of small arms from the east shore, this may be done with Cross cut and hand saws and the ice cut may with long spikes and hooks, be put under the body of the ice, proper places may be left, to pass to and from Paulus Hook, or a bridge of Boats, may be made use of, an opening thus made will not soon freeze; if it should, it may be easily kept open.

Information furnished by Loyalists.

[New-York, CLXXI. (No. 6 * 9 In No. 89. ) ]

Intelligence by Ensign John Pell of the Queen's Rangers, given 5. Feb* 1780.

Having been imprisoned as a Loyalist and released from Northampton Jail in the Massachusets 5th Nov. last he got in at King's Bridge the 17th Dec last.

He was born at Sheffield on the east side of the Manor of Livingston and is well acquainted with the Country between the Rivers Hudson and Connecticut from the Sea Coast to the Northward up to the Towns of Northampton, Hadley & Hatfield.

It abounds with Loyalists and among them he knows many of the first class for understanding and Property, whose names from his knowledge of their Intentions it may not be proper to be too free in disclosing.

He is well satisfied that the Majority on the West side of the Connecticut are desirous of the Restoration of the King's Authority, and that in many Towns and Districts both in New York, Connecticut and the Massachusets Bay they are nearly all so.

That they are in anxious Expectation of the advance of the King's Army up the Hudson next Spring, and have agreed on that event to rise and flock to the River to join it and to drive their cattle and the cattle of the rebels before them and to prevent the escape of the rebels into the New England colonies. That with the same view, they endeavor to prevent the Usurpers from collecting and carrying off their grain, some of which is unthressed and other parts of it ground and buried or otherwise concealed. That they have collected arms for the purpose, which they conceal, that besides the arms retained and hidden by Individuals as they think proper, there are two large Magazines in secret places.

That the number of the King's Friends has been on the Increase ever since the Proposals of the Commissioners and that the party grows daily in proportion to the Calamities of the Country which are very great and fill the general body with apprehension.

That no wheat is to be bought for the Continente money—nor for hard money under twelve shillings a Bushel, which is more than double the old price prior to the public troubles.-That many dread a Famine the last Harvest being short on account of a blast which was general thro' the North Country, and a fly which before the snow falls of this Winter devoured the green blades so that a part of almost every field, and some intire fields were perfectly eaten up and destroyed & the fields in some instances resown or reserved to be ploughed up in the winter if the frost would permit or in the spring.

That there is a park of 72 pieces of brass cannon, the largest, long, old fashioned nine pounders, at Springfield on Connecticut river, and some Military stores; and a small park of General Burgoyne's Ordnance at Farmingtown, ten miles S. W. from Hartford.

That he could not discover, tho' he made diligent enquiry, of any Magazines of Provisions, in all the north and east countries, either of salt meat or bread, and he is confident, from the scarcity of salt and flour, that there are none, and that it is impossible to form any. That salt is only to be procured (& that of bad quality) for hard money, or in a way of barter for wheat. At Kinderhook a bushel of salt fetched a half Jac in November last.

That he knows the Farmers in general, have agreed to raise nothing more than they want for their own consumption, & necessities; conceiving that the improvement of their farms & stocks would only tend to feed and prolong the rebellion.

That the usurpers took from the Farmers for Washington's Army last fall one eighth of their wheat and when he was at Dover in Dutchess in his way down they were collecting a fourth of the residue. That this gave rise to great discontent and to declarations that they would arm and oppose any further drafts.

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That he conversed with some of the discharged soldiers of the rebel army who were going home, and with some of their officers. He learnt from both, that there was no possibility of perswading any to reinlist, but such as were inebriated first tho' offers were made of 500 Dollars bounty per man. That on observing to the men, that they would be sent back as drafts from the Militia, they spoke with great fire at the ill usage they had received and the insignificancy of their pay, and swore they never would be drafted. And from the general temper of the Militia, he apprehends the drafting for the next Campaign, will produce with other causes an open Resistance in various parts of the eastern country.

Intelligence by John Jones, of Merionetshire in Wales. Taken 15th Febry 1780.
Tuesday.

He left the rebel park of artillery Sunday Evening, and came to Staten Island last night. He was Corporal of Proctor's or the first Pensilvania Reg' of Artillery.-Three others came with him to near Springfield by about 4 in the morning. St. Clair commands 500 men there. They retreated on an Alarm that the British Light Horse were coming, & then the three others were apprehended. The informer hid himself, and the next night got in.

He listed 17th Aug 1776 for 3 years, and was intitled to his discharge last Aug' but because he had no certificate to show, was obliged to take the 100 Dollars, & serve for the war. The Colonels have 8 Dollars, for every Soldier they return as sworn during the War, & they return every man as listed for the War, that can't shew a certificate. The New England Colonels don't serve their men so, and many of them are accordingly discharged: this makes great dissentions. The Southern Troops and the New Englanders hate each other, as much as enemies can. The Southern Troops are not suffered to come near the British Lines, for they wish to be with the King's Army. By Southern Troops he means the Troops of New Jersey, & all the other Provinces to the South.-About a month ago Maxwel's' Brigade lay at Springfield, & it is said 235 deserted from it in one night. The week before last a party of 200 were sent to the Lines, & last Sunday is returned but 90 strong. He counted them. . . . . 1 See supra, p. 730, note.

ED.

said in Camp that the Army has lost about 2000 by desertions since they came into Winter Quarters. He can't tell what the present strength of the Army is at Morris Town, for he came but lately from the Magazine Guard, which is a[t] Suckysunny, about 12 or 14 Miles to the Westward of Morris Town, at a Meeting House. The Guard there a Subaltern & 15 privates, 2 Sergeants, 3 corporals, a drum and a fife. Washington is statedly at a big white house, about half a mile this side of Morris Town, and about 5 miles to the Northward of the Camp-Alarm Post, which is about 2 miles from Mr Kemble's, & in a course abourt North West or near it. From the Alarm Post you can see the whole Camp.

There has been lately talk of an Expedition. Last Saturday it was in orders to draw Six days provisions, 2 to be cooked, & to be ready at a Minutes warning. Last Friday some heavy Cannon came to the Park from Easton, 2-24—4-18—2 long 12 & 2-13 inch Mortars.— The general talk that 6000 standing Forces were to move with the Jersey Militia. The Talk among the Soldiers, that Staten Island is the object.—The York and Connecticut Troops were ordered for the March, which of the rest he did not hear. Orders out to press 800 slays.

The Army has been badly off for Provisions. Those on the Lines have flour, Those in camp rice. The allowance of a pound & 1 lb of fresh beef.—a Quart of salt to 100 weight.— No Rum or other spirit except to the Artillery he is of, to which Pensilvania allows lb of Tea, 1lb Chocolate, 1lb Coffee, 1 d° Tobacco 2 d° Sugar, lb Soap & a Gall Rum every month. There are three other artillery corps Crane's Harrison's and Lamb's.

There has been a considerable quantity of flour brought late from the Westward. It is now scarce again. The very Field Officers draw half in Indian meal. The detachm' made to the Southward took 10 pieces of ordnance with them all six pounders.

More than half of the Army are old country people and disgusted with the service, & would be glad to get away.—They thought they were fighting for liberty, but find they were getting daily more and more into bondage.—About 6 weeks ago, the whole artillery went about the Camp, huzzaing for 13 King's and no Bread, crying one King with Bread is enough. The officers pass'd it off with a laugh. None restrained or punished for it.

A great Quantity of cattle came lately from Connecticut. They are in and about Morris Town — Forage scarce.-Only a few Express Riders there. The Horse sent to distant quarters. Washington has a few about him and a small foot guard.

The snow road from Morris Town to Elizabeth Town well beaten. some places drifted to the height of 4 feet.

very deep out of it,

The Informer was on Sullivan's Expedition. Had with them 2500 horses.—Went from Easton with 2 sixes, four threes & 2 5 inch Hoyets;—join'd by Clinton's Brigade at Tioga 102 miles above Wioming.-proceeded as far as Chinesse. Half a pound of flour &pound of beef the allowance for 30 days, which was the interval from leaving Tioga, to their return to New Town. Only one skirmish in the whole Expedition, and that at Middle Town 3 miles above Chemong. Took one Tory & one Negroe in the March, & in the return 2 old Squaws— No more prisoners than these. It was reported that 50 scalps were brought in at Middle Town, but the informer never saw more of the killed than 7.-He believes there were 2 others killed, because Maxwell's Brigade Major (forgets his name) gave 2 soldiers each a gall of whisky, to skin 2 Indians from the Hip downwards, and they did so, & the Indians the Informer saw, had their skins intire. The Informer saw the skins, and boots were made of them at Easton after the return. The Indians retired all the way before them as they advanced from Tioga, 12 to Chemong, 3 to Middle Town, 9 to New Town, 18 to Catharine Town, 18 to Vol. VIII.

99

Apple Town, 12 to Canidisego, 14 to another town, 8 miles to another, 9 more to another, then 12 to Chinesse. They destroyed the Hutts & Cabbins & Grain. At Canidesego there were 4 or 5 small framed houses a good many at Chinesse at the other villages, none but wigwams & log houses—The Corn at Chinesse was burnt in the houses. It took all day to collect it. Sullivan's army called (Battoe men and all) about seven thousand. The Guide was a Presbyterian Minister, who had lived at Canidesego, as a Missionary. They lost 2 killed & 17 wounded at Middle Town,- Boyd's party 17 killed & scalped — Boyd & a serjeant prisoners, & butcher'd at Chinesse. 27 more killed & wounded at Chemong in the night.— very few horses got back—As they gave out they were shot—forty or 50 of a day.—The Cannon were carried by water to Tioga, & thence the pioners cut roads for the carriages all the way. The Indians did not hang upon the army as it retired to Easton.

Heard nothing of the taking of Charles Town—No bad news ever suffered to come to camp. Many British deserters in the Rebel Army, who are very desirous of an Act of grace, that they may come in.

[New-York, CLXXI. (No. 11 in No. 8»).]

Intellgence by Cornelius Stagge. Given 18 Feb" 1780. Friday.

He is a native of New York, where he has a Mother and a Brother.

He has served 3 years in the Rebel artillery, in Wool's Company of Lamb's Regiment. Had his discharge on the 9th of January last, from the Park at Morris Town.

He attempted an escape from the rebel service shortly before the reduction of Fort Montgomery, but was apprehended & brought back. He left the Park yesterday 8 days, sculked about Hackinsack, and crossed to Greenwich yesterday.

He has been to Albany since his discharge. Was at West point in his way up on the 17 Janu". He learnt there, that there had been a fire a few days before, at a redoubt on the East side of the River above Mr Robinson's, which commands the Fort at West Point except Putnam's Fort.—This is a small redoubt (he thinks) but of four Guns. The Fire damaged the redoubt, and had well nigh blown up the small magazine in it. It was thought to have been owing to treachery, because a barrel of powder was found buried on the outward side, but a council of war reported it to be accidental.

On his return from Albany, which he left the 23d of January, he halted at West Point for several days, There was a great fire there, on the night of Wednesday the 2d of February Instant. He lodged at Major Beaumont's, and was alarmed with the cry that Fort Arnold was on fire. He saw the South barracks in it in a blaze. They were intirely consumed. The wind being favorable, the Northern barracks and Magazine escaped. The Southern were the principal lodgements, and comprehended the stores. He continued there two or three days after the fire, and saw the ruins. The loss was lamented by the Officers as very great, but the soldiery rejoiced and wished for more fires. The stores were called state stores, and he thinks belonged to the Massachusets. The articles consumed, consisted of clothing, tent equipage, sugars, molasses, pepper, chocolate, coffee, officers baggage & money.

The Troops then in the Highland Forts mostly New England men.—They have 2 or 3 companies of Crane's artillery, and one of Lamb's there. Lamb's are in the main Yorkers, and wish to get away, and so do those in the Companies at Morris Town, and indeed the bulk of the Army.