1

to make a landing and attack our lines somewhere near the city
Our army for some days had been moving up towards this way
and encamping on the Height south west of Col. Morris's, where à
we intended to form lines and make our grand stand. On Sunday
morning the enemy landed a very considerable body of troops,
principally consisting of their Light Infantry and Grenadiers, near
Turtle Bay, under cover of a very heavy cannonade from their
shipping. Our lines were but thinly manned, as they were in-
tended only to secure a retreat to the rear of our army; and un-
fortunately by such troops as were so little disposed to stand in
the way of grape shot, that the main body of them almost in-
stantly retreated, nay fled, without a possibility of rallying them;
though Gen. Washington himself, who rode to the spot on hearing
the cannonade, with some other officers, exerted themselves to
effect it. The enemy on landing immediately formed a line across
the island. Most of our people luckily were north of it, and
joined the army; those few that were in the city crossed the
river chiefly to Powles Hook, so that our loss in men, artillery
and stores is very inconsiderable; I don't believe it exceeds 100
men; and I fancy most of them from their conduct staid out of
choice. Before evening the enemy landed the main body of their
army, took possession of the city, and marched up the island and
encamped on the Heights, extending from Mr. Gown's and the
Black House to the North River. On Monday morning, about
10 o'clock, a party of the enemy, consisting of Highlanders, Hes-
sians, Light Infantry, Grenadiers and English troops (number
uncertain) attacked our advanced party, commanded by Col.
Knowlton, at Mortie Davit's fly. They were opposed with spirit,
and soon made to retreat to a clover field south-west of that about
200 paces, where they lodged themselves behind a fence covered
with bushes. Our people attacked them in turn and caused them
to retreat a second time, leaving five dead on the spot. We pur.
sued them to a buckwheat field on the top of a high hill, distant
about 400 paces, where they received a considerable reinforcement,
with several field pieces, and there made a stand. A very brisk
action ensued at this place, which continued about 2 hours. Our
people at length worsted them a third time, caused them to fall
back into an orchard, from thence across a hollow and up another
hill not far distant from their own lines-a large column of the
enemy's army being at this time discovered to be in motion, and
the ground we then occupied being rather disadvantageous for a
retreat, likewise without bringing on a general action, which we
did not think prudent to risk, being rather insecure: our party
was therefore ordered in, and the enemy was well contented

2

We lost on this occaprivates killed; Major

hold the last ground we drove them to.
sion Col. Knowlton, a brave officer, and 16
Reed, from Virginia, and about 8 or 10 subaltern officers and pri-
vates wounded. The loss of the enemy is uncertain: they having
carried their dead and wounded off soon after the action; but
we have good evidences of their having upwards of 60 killed, and
violent presumption of 100. The action in the whole lasted about
4 hours. I consider our success in this small affair at this time
almost equal to a victory. It has animated our troops, given them
new spirits, and erased every bad impression the retreat from
Long Island, &c. had set on their minds: they find they are able,
with inferior numbers, to drive their enemies, and think of noth-
ing now but conquest. Since the above affair nothing material
has happened. The enemy keep close to their lines our advance
parties continue at their former station: we are daily throwing
up works to prevent the enemy advancing. Great attention is
paid to Fort Washington, the post opposite to it on the Jersey
shore, and the obstructions in the river, which I have reason to
think is already effectual, so as to prevent their shipping passing;
however, it is intended still to add to them, as it is of the utmost
consequence to keep the enemy below us. We are getting a new
supply of Connecticut Militia here.
JAS. CLINTON."

[There is a break in the MS. from Oct. 9th to Oct. 25th.

Friday, Oct. 25th, 1776.-Pursued our march from the place of lodging, and marched down to the ferry crossing over into Schenectady, about 11 o'clock, A. M., where most of the regiment had got and were paraded. Took lodging in a tavern with Mr. Gif. ford, &c.

Three o'clock, P. M., our regiment was paraded and reviewed by Col. Dayton and the Commissioners from the State of New Jersey, viz: Cols. Dey and Symmes, with Capt. Kinney from Morristown, who much applauded the regularity and alertness of the men after such a fatiguing march. After we had gone through, the square was formed and the Colonel addressed the soldiers in a very kind manner; sympathized with them in their want of clothes and other necessaries, but painted before them the glory and honor they would acquire by eng forward amidst all their difficulties in defence of their

The officers were all assembled in the evening with the Commissioners, who informed us of their business-which was to see who amongst us were willing to continue in service under the new establishment of a standing army during the war-when the question being put, all agreed except Capts. Porter, Reading and Sharp, and Lieuts. Flanningham and Quimby; and myself, who offered as surgeon or mate.

Saturday, October 26th, 1776.-Got up and began, after buying a few necessaries, to prepare for our march, which we set out about 10 o'clock and marched down to the ferry, where we crossed the Mohawk River, about 4 miles below Schenectady. After getting dinner, Col. White, Dr. Dunham, Capt. Bloomfield and Lt. Gifford, who marched with us, set out and pursued their march, leaving me to bring up the rear of our wagons which were not over the river; whilst Col. Dayton, Major Barber, Capts. Potter's and Sharp's Companies came over, and about sunset, I hav ing got all the wagons over, marched on about 4 miles; and it being dark put up in a little house, where I laid on the naked floor.

Sunday, October 27th, 1776.-Got up very early and pursued on after the company, which I overtook 4 miles forward at widow People's, where the Albany and Schenectady roads meet, 4 miles from Half Moon, where we got breakfast; and I having no or. ders from Col. Dayton, stopped the company until we should hear from him,-who came after us about 11 o'clock, and we pursued on to Stillwater, 8 miles forward. Here we took dinner with the Colonels, &c.

A Lieutenant of one of the Pennsylvania Regiments being coming down the road, cut his throat at this place last night, but I could not get any information of the cause thereof. Here the Colonel received a letter from Gen. Schuyler, which seemed to hint that we should be ordered back, and that we should halt till it be determined; upon which the Colonel rode up to the Genral's farm at Saratoga, where he is now, 12 miles off, to know; ordering us to get the best quarters we could on the road, upon which we marched about 2 miles and put up. Expenses on the road Ss. Men in barns, &c.

Report came here this evening that the Regulars have all left Crown Point, and gone back, it is supposed, to St. Johns and Montreal.

We have been exceedingly favored with good weather this March, which still continues. God be thanked for the same, as the blessing is much more valuable on account of our want of shoes and other clothing.

Monday, October 28th, 1776.-Lay waiting for some time to get orders, when the Major came with orders for us to pursue our march, which we accordingly did until we arrived at the General's farm at Saratoga, where he was, and we marched by in the most pompous order, and proceeded on to where the barracks are building, about a half mile past. The farm lies on the North River by the side of the stream which puts out of Saratoga Lake. We drew one day's provision, which detained me along with a few men who staid with me until the evening, and then we went on and overtook the company at the ferry, 2 miles up, and there we staid all night-the Captain and Col. White were gone over the river. Lts. Flanningham, Gordon, Anderson and myself held a small Indian cantico.

Tuesday, October 29th, 1776.-The report of the evacuation of Crown Point proved to be altogether false.

After cooking our provision and paying 6 shillings reckoning, we crossed and marched up the river past Fort Miller and the fine saw mills standing on the river, passing by three regiments of militia, who are leaving Fort Edward in order to go to Johns.town and German Flats. We proceeded on to Fort Edward, where we drew some provisions, and in the evening set out and marched about 4 miles to one Jones's, on the road to Fort Ann, which leads by Skeenesborough and so round Lake George to Ticonderoga, which we were ordered to go to on account of the communication being cut off the other way at Sabbath-day Point; but, on account of the badness of the roads this way, which are almost impassable, it is supposed we shall not go it.*

Lodged here all night, which was cold and frosty.

Wednesday, October 30th, 1776.-This morning, the whole regiment coming up about 10 o'clock, A. M., we proceeded on our march to Fort Ann, about 10 miles through the worst and most disagreeable swampy road that ever was, the horses and wagons almost covering themselves in mud and mire; however, we worked our way through and surmounted every difficulty with spirit and resolution, arriving at Fort Ann just before sunset. They are building a

HEAD QUARTERS, SARATOGA, Oct. 29th, 1776.

*The following promotions and appointments to take place in Col. Dayton's Regment: 2d Lt. Richard Cox to be 1st Lieut. in the room of Lt. McMichael, deserted to the enemy. Ensign Ed. Patterson to be 2d Lieut. in the room of Lieut. McDonald, cashiered. Ensign Wm. Clark to be 2d Lieut. in the room of Lieut. Cox, promoted. Volunteer Wm. Barber to be Ensign in the room of Ensign Clark, promoted. Serg. Abraham Stout to be Ensign in the room of Ensign Clark, promoted. By order of the General.

JAMES VAN RENSSELAER, Aid-de-Camp.

new Picket Fort around the new barracks and store house-Col. Yates, from Schenectady, Commandant. The Fort lies upon Half-way Branch, just before it empties into Wood Creek. Here we lodged all night in one room, without any other accommodation than a naked floor and a mouthful of victuals among the men, who had mostly to lie without any covering but the canopy of heaven; and what added to our disaster, the night proved wet and stormy: I however comforted myself as well as possible, knowing that my country's cause called for me, and that we must undergo tribulation and fatigue in the profession.

Thursday, October 31st, 1776.-The morning was wet and disagreeable, yet we began to prepare and load our things in the batteauxs. I provided one which lay here, and which Capt. Sharp and Bloomfield took possession of together; so we began to load them, and put our whole baggage in, and all the lame; and the men with Mr. Gifford crossed over to march by land with the men about 14 miles. Capts. Bloomfield and Sharp and 30 men set off down Wood Creek to Skeenesborough about 11 o'clock, and worked down with all speed; but the batteaux leaked, and the Creek full of logs, caused me much trouble, as I had all the care upon me; however, we dragged down about 28 miles by water to Skeenesborough just at dusk, and went up to the Major's house with our baggage, where the Colonel, Major and most of us lodged in great confusion.

Mr. Gifford arrived long before night, and swore it was the damnest road ever a man travelled.

[There is a break here in the MS. until November 20th, 1776. The following orders refer to the intervening period :}

TICONDEROGA, Nov. 5th, 1776.

"Col. Winds is ordered to prepare to embark to-morrow morn. ing for Skeenesborough with such officers, non commissioned offi cers and soldiers of the said New Jersey Regiment, whose terms of enlistment are out, who are desirous of being immediately discharged. They will embark at 5 o'clock, 5 in a boat. They are to return all the ammunition that has been delivered out to them this afternoon to the Quarter Master of the Regiment, who will deliver in the whole when collected, to the Commissary of the Artillery."

"Such officers, non-commission officers and soldiers of the 1st Jersey Battalion as have an attachment to their General, and an honest zeal for the service of their country, and willing to remain in camp until the 13th instant, shall then be permitted to depart with honor, and shall be allowed pay for their return home."