hearing the pensioners of the army of the revolu-day convened, awakens sensations in your withering tion make oath to their respective estates The bosoms more ardent, more solemn, and more imnumber of applicants amounted to about one hun-portant than the hope of pecuniary benefit could dred and fifty, most of them indicating, in their ap- possibly inspire. You recollect, with a deep inpearance, the strongest evidence, that necessity terest, the noble achievements which have been alone urged them to make claim for that bounty narrated to us by the fireside:-That period which to which they have the fullest title. The court, threatened the citizens of these states with a fate after having patien ly gone through with the busi more cruel than death, now rushes upon your reness, declined accepting any compensation, and membrance, and almost restores that youthful several gentlemen of the bar, who assisted, followed vigour which time had gradually stolen away-their generous example. On Wednesday, after that period, when the welfare of our country, the the pensioners had all made oath, it happened that liberties of your persons, the enjoyment of your among them a drummer and fifer were found, who unalienable rights, and the destiny of your progeny were immediately furnished with instruments, at rolled with weight upon your then distressed the sound of which the war-worn veterans paraded hearts, now rises to heighten the felicity you then in front of the court house. At their head was by your valor procured;-that love of liberty which placed major Curtis, who acted a distinguished first led our persecuted ancestors to prefer a howling part at the battle of Monmouth, and by his side wilderness to their native soil, and prompted them marched captain Miller, equally distinguished in to resist oppression, when they could not escape leading up the "forlorn hope" at Stoney Point.-by fight. They knew that the God who had made Colonel Manross acted as marshal of the day.-hem, and had endowed them with the love of By urgent solicitation these gentlemen permitted peace, intended that they should have a place on swords to be buckled to their sides. The venera-the face of the globe, and when they had peaceably ble band then, almost without exception leaning withdrawn to these ends of the earth, they planted upon their staves, moved off at the sound of the their standard in this territory, and resolutely caldrum. The scene now présented was affecting led it theirs, determined, if the gift of Providence Beyond description. To see so many of the heroes could not ensure a title against the claims of ty of the revolution, bending beneath the weight of ranny, to purchase it with their blood. In this laudage, endeavoring to step to the sound of music, able determination you took a part; in the conflict which, for a moment, seemed to strengthen their which ensued, you hazarded your lives, and while feeble joints, and kindle up in their countenances you stand trembling over the graves you have purthe remembrance of the deeds of other days, was chased in a peaceful soil, your children shall veneenough to excite in the coldest bosom the strong rate your grey hairs, and express their gratitude 'est emotions of admiration and gratitude. The for the privileges transmitted from you. May that scenes of the revolution, associated with this feeble spirit which first inspired your bosoms with paremnant of those who bore a part in them-crowded triotic valour, descend to your posterity through upon the mind, at one moment elevated with the succeeding generations, and perpetuate the prinproudest recollections-then saddened by the melan. ciples and enjoyments of national independence. choly reflection that the same arm which, com- But while we reverence you, our fathers, as the paratively but a few years since, was nerved in bat. benefactors of our country, we trace our signal tle for our defence, now tremblingly reached to victory to a higher power, and recognize in our the time-worn staff for support. first triumph, and in every subsequent enjoyment, the Almighty arm of God.-To him be the praise -to him be our gratitude directed, and to him let us look through a glorious Redeemer for the continuance of civil and religious liberty. Having marched up and down almost the whole extent of Main-street, they were led back to the north market, where a frugal and substantial dinner was provided for them by the citizens. The rev. Mr. Cushman was invited to officiate at the table, and when the old soldiers had assembled with cheerful countenances around the convivial board, he prefaced a most pathetic and impressive prayer with the following patriotic observations. VENERABLE FATHERS: One hundred and twelve of these pensioners then sat down to the table, together with the judges of the court-Major Curtis presiding. After the cloth was removed, the following sentiments were drank, accompanied by cannon, and the whole scene was closed by the patriotic and revolutionary song The interesting occasion on which you are this of 'God save America' in full chorus. TOASTS. I. The American revolution;—the Jordan of death between the Egypt of oppression and the Canaan of liberty.-2 guns. II. The departed heroes of the revolution; fallen beneath the harvest sickle-but the sun shines not upon a wider field of liberty than has sprung from their deeds.-2 guns. III. GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON--our leader in battle here; may we all be mustered with bim in Heaven.[ Drank standing]—2 guns. WV. The surviving patriots of the revolution— may they not survive the liberty they won.gune V. General Joseph Warren;— "Hope for a moment bade the world farewell, -2 2 guns. VI. General Israel Putnam-while alive, neither Danger nor Treason dared look him in the face; even his memory has proved an over match for titled Defamation.-6 cheers and 2 guns. VII. The battle of Lexington;--"How great a matter a little fire kindleth!"—2 guns. VIII Bunker-Hill--let its thunders never cease to ring in the ears of our enemies.—6 cheers and 2 guns. IX. Captain Nathan Hale;-the blood of such martyrs is the sure seed of future patriots and heroes.-2 guns. By major Curtis.-The citizens of Hartford;"We were hungry, and they gave us meat." By major Natch-May our sons never relinquish the liberties purchased by their fathers at the price of their blood. Anecdotes and incidents of the day. An old officer to whom was assigned the duty of forming the company, after the line was formed, said with as much strength as age and infirmity would permit "fellow soldiers! dress by the right;" finding that he was not heard upon the two extremes of his company, he exclaimed with new energy— soldiers, look to the right; the soldier's friendo are always found on the right." After the company was formed, they found themselves much annoyed by the spectators, whose eager curiosity led them to encroach too close upon these old veterans, upon which one of the serjeants stepped briskly forward--"Gentlemen," said he, stand back; these men shall not want for room to-day-they shall have the whole city if they want it: you may look at us if you will, but you must not press upon our ranks--the British never dared to do that. In the morning after the troops were mustered, it was proposed to major Curtis, an aged and venerable patriot, that he should march at their head, and a sword was accordingly procured for his use. When it was presented to him he strongly declined wearing it, saying that it was now an unfit instrument for his feeble, palsied hand. Upon this an old comrade stepped up--"Major," said he, "you did not behave thus at Monmouth-you raised the standard high at Monmouth battle.” "Monmouth! Monmouth!" said the major, "let me feel of it," then raising the sword aloft, his hand trembling like the aspen, he added—"I once could wield it, but the day has gone by--still if you wish it, I will try to carry it.” After a short march the troops were halted a few moments in order to give the more aged and infirm an opportunity to rest. The old major mentioned above, after seating himself upon a stone, observed to the by-standers "that it was pleasant to them to measure their steps once more to the martial drum and fife," but added he with feeling-"Hark! from the tombs-is now our appropriate music." The second volunteer toast, which was given by captain Miller of this town, may be read with additional interest, when it is known that he was the hero who commanded the forlorn hope at the By captain Miller.-The batteries of our ene-storming of Stoney-Point. The story, as we heard mies-may America never want brave sons to storm it related by a pensioner who was at his side at the them. Itime, is worth preserving. Miller, upon reaching the enemy's works, from his small size, was unable¡la worth's fair path his feet had ventured far, to reach the tops of the piquets; after making one The pride of peace, the rising grace of war, or two unsuccessful leaps, and fearing that he In duty firm, in danger calm as ev'n, should be preceded by his companions, exclaimed To friends unchanging, and sincere to Heaven. -"throw me into the fort with your bayonets," and How short his course, the prize how early won, he was literally tossed over with the muzzles of While weeping friendship mourns her fav'rite gone. their muskets. The age, infirmities and extreme poverty of these pensioners, was calculated to render the scene peculiarly affecting. Most of them, as appeared by their declarations, possessed little or nothing. A great part of the inventories fell short of fif y❘ dollars, and many of them amounted to a much smaller sum: one, in particular, contained but one item, and that an empty tobacco box! FROM THE CONNECTICUT MIRROR. A view of the march of the veterans on Wednesday, occasioned the following: They once march'd in glory-their banners were streaming, Then little they 'dream'd that the country they sav’d- Yes! Saviours and Sires, though the pittance be small, And when life with its toils and afflictions shall cease, Captain Nathan Hale, whose virtues and misfor. tunes suggested the sentiment contained in the They now march in glory-still memory sheds, eighth toast, was a brave and valuable officer beThe brightest of haloes around their hoar heads; longing to col. Knowlton's regiment of Connecti-Though faltering the footstep-though rayless the eye, Remembrance still dwells on the days long gone by. cut light-infantry. He was a native of Coventry, in this state, and graduated at Yale-College in 1773. After the unfortunate battle on Long-Island Which your country awards-and that pittance your all, Though the cold hand of Poverty press on your frames, and the retreat of the American troops to New-Yet your children shall bless you, and boast of your names. York, general Washington became very solicitous to obtain accurate information of the resources and movements of the British army. To spy out an enemy's camp is one of the most difficult and bazardous undertakings which a soldier is ever called upon to execute. But the salvation of America was at stake, and Washington had no Sketch of revolutionary history.-At the late anni. difficulty in finding enough who were ready to yield up their lives in her defence. Hale promptly versary meeting of the Medical society of Orange volunteered his services and immediately set forth county, an address was delivered by Dr. Arnell, in which he introduced a biography of Dr. TUSTEN, upon the undertaking. He visited the British ar. my in disguise, and collected all the necessary in. a native of Southold, L. I. who was a distinguished formation, but, just as he was on the eve of re-practitioner in the early settlement of that counturning, he was so unfortunate as to be detected. ty. In relation to the death of Dr. Tusten, his Circumstances being strongly against him and his biographer gives the following interesting sketch inflexible integrity not permitting him to dissemble, of our revolutionary history: he frankly confessed the object of his visit. He Thus did fond virtue wish in vain to save, FROM THE NEW YORK COLUMBIAN. A. T. In June, 1779, col. Brandt, who commanded the six nations of Indians, left Niagara, with about 300 warriors and a number of tories, who had joined that murderous crew, with an intention of destroy. ing the settlements upon the Delaware river, which was then considered as the frontier of our unsettled country. On the 20th of July, he appeared on the west of Minisink-he sent down a party which destroyed the settlement, burnt several houses, and plundered the inhabitants, returning with their ill-gotten booty to the main body, which lay then at Grassy Swamp Brook. An express was immediately dispatched to colonel Tusten, his superior officer. Gen. Allison being then confined in New York, having been taken prisoner at the battle of discovered them-he ordered a few of his ludians Fort Montgomery-the colonel received the news to keep in sight and decoy them to the very spot that evening-he instantly issued orders to the where they intended to surprise him: but before officers of the regiment to rendezvous at Minisink, they reached the place captain Tyler was shot, where he would meet them Having taken an affecwhich damped the spirits of our men. During tionate, and it proved a final, leave of his family, he this confusion a party of Indians hove in sightcollected what few he could, and was at the ap colonel H. ordered that no man should fire until pointed place by morning. In the after part of they had prepared for a general battle; a large that day, about 120 men were collected, when a Indian however rode past on a borse which had Council was held, to determine whether it would been stolen from Minisink, and which one of our be best to pursue the Indians into the woods; a men knew; the temptation was too great, and our majority of the officers were in favor of that mea-hero fired his rifle and brought the Indian to the sure; colonel Tusten, who viewed things in a calm ground. The advanced Indians then fired and manner and judicious light, was opposed to that rushed towards our men, in order to divide them, plan: he gave, as his reasons for his opposition, and about thirty were separated from the main that the men were not sufficiently supplied with body, who could not afterwards be brought into ammunition for a battle-that there were probably action. In a few minutes Brandt appeared with a much greater number of Indians than had been his whole force, when the firing became general. seen-that they were piloted by tories and Indians A very confused and irregular fire was kept up well acquainted with the woods, and commanded from behind trees and rocks both by the Indians by Brandt, a well known warrior, who would never and our men. From the situation in which they risk a battle unless he had superior advantages. were placed every one fought in his own way and To this was answered, that there was no danger it was impossible for any one to command: colonel of their numbers-that the Indians dare not fight Tusten retired to a spot surrounded by rocks, -that they had several cattle and horses which were he directed the wounded to be conveyed to they had plundered from the inhabitants which him, and he now became the surgeon and friend they must guard or leave upon the appearance of an of the wounded. Early in the battle he had reenemy that they might be pursued with delibera ceived a slight wound in the hand, though not tion until they came to the fording place of the sufficient to prevent his dressing the wounds of Delaware river, which was near the enterance of the soldiers. The battle lasted the whole day; Lacawac river into the Delaware, and finally, ma the Indians constantly endeavoring to divide and jor Meeker mounted his horse and flourished his break the main body which had possession of the sword, requesting all those who were men of ground until sunset, when their ammunition was courage to follow him, and let the cowards stay behind. This last appeal was too much for Ameri oan valor, and the men immediately turned out, determined to pursue and destroy the Indians or could-some crossed the river, while others were perish in the attempt. They marched that even ing about 17 miles, when they encamped for the night. expended, and a general retreat was ordered-No regularity could be preserved, and every one was left to effect his escape in the best manner he shot in it; some retreated through the woods, while others were destroyed in the attempt; but now a scene presented itself which of all others was the most trying. Dr. Tusten had seventeen with him, In the morning they were overtaken by colonel whose wounds he had dressed, and whose lives Hathorn, of the Warwick regiment, who, being the might have been saved-the cries they kept up oldest colonel and highest officer in rank, took for mercy and protection when they heard the rethe command. He called a council and himself treat ordered, beggared all description; they were opposed the pursuit, but here it was urged that necessarily left to be sacrificed by savage barbarity; they had a pilot, captain Tyler, who was as well and whether Dr. Tusten stayed and perished with acquainted with the woods as any among their is wounded countrymen, or attempted to make enemies, and who could bring them to a spot most his retreat, is not known. This is the last time eligible for an attack with perfect safety, and the he was ever seen by any white man, though it is same scene of bullying was acted by major Meeker, generally believed that he suffered by the same who is well calculated by the poet, "a fool devoid of tomahawk which destroyed those that were with rule," and the fatal line of march was again com-him. On this fatal day forty-four of our country. menced. They had not proceeded far before Brandt men fell, some of whom might emphatically be called the pride and flower of Goshen. Among purchase any of the above enumerated articles, them was a Jones, a Little, a Duncan, a Wisner, a imported from abroad, after the said 31st of March, Vail, a Townsend, and a Knapp; and there perished and that they will be careful to promote the saving our friend and brother in profession, Dr. Tusten, of linen rags, and other materials, proper for maka sacrifice for the independence and liberty of our ing paper in this colony. country. "At a town meeting holden in New Haven, by “Carriages of all sorts, house furniture, men's and women's hats, men's and women's apparel, ready made household furniture, men's and wo men's shoes, sole leather, gold, silver, and thread lace, gold and silver buttons, wrought plate, diamond, stone, and paste ware, clocks, silversmith's and jeweller's ware, broad cloths that cost above ten shillings sterling per yard, muffs, furs, and tippets, starch, women's and children's toys. silk and cotton velvets, gauze, linseed oil, malt liquors, and cheese. "And that a subscription be recommended to the several inhabitants and house holders of the town, whereby they may mutually agree and engage, that they will encourage the use and consumption of articles manufactured in the British American colo nies, and more especially in this colony, and that they will not, after the 31st day of March next, "The foregoing report being considered by the town, was by a full vote approved of and accepted. A true copy of record, SAMUEL BISHOP, jr. toron clerk." Test, COURT MARTIAL.-From the Providence (R. I.) Patriot.-A Riend has handed us the following extract from the orderly book of general Sullivan, in command here during the revolution, as being connected with a case somewhat analogous to one which occurred in the Seminole war. We have omitted names, for obvious reasons. "Head quarters, Providence, July 24, 1778. "The sentence of the court martial, whereof colonel E- was president, against M. A. and D. C. the general totally disapproves, as illegal and absurd. The clearest evidence having appeared to the court, that the said A. was employed by the enemy, repeatedly, to come on the main as a spy, and that he enticed men to go on to Rhode. Island, to enlist in the enemy's service, and his` confessions from day to day being so different as to prove him not only a spy, but to be a person in whom the least confidence cannot be placed; the court having found him guilty of ali this, nothing could be more absurd than to sentence him to be whipped one hundred lashes, and afterwards to be taken into a service which he has been long endeavoring in the most malicious and secret manner to injure! The man who is found guilty of acting as a spy, can have but one judgment by all the laws of war, which is to suffer death; and the sentence of a man to be whipped when found guilty of this crime, is as absurd as for the common law courts to order a man to he set in the stocks for wilful murder. The same absurdity appearing in the judgment against D). C. for the same reasons, [the gen.] disapproves them both, dissolves the court, and orders another court to sit for the trial of those persons, to-morrow morning, at 9 o'clock: The adjutant general to lodge a crime against A. for acting as a spy, and for enticing men to enlist into the enemy's service, and against C. for acting as a spy." At the subsequent court, A. was found guilty as before, and sentenced to be hung, which sentence the general approved and executed. |
