_Surgeon's Mate in the American Revolutionary Army_,
While a Prisoner to the British in the Provost Jail, New York, 1777 and
1778.
AUGT. 22, 1777.--This morning I marched down to East Chester with the main
body of our troops in that division Viz. Gen Varnum's Brigade of
Continental troops & Gen Ward's of Conneticut Malitia where we went and
surprized one of the Enemies Piquets and took two officers and some
privates with some Tories & Negroes. After that I went with our two guides
and Dr Tunison of the General Hospital, and seized some stores that was
within the Enemies Lines and kept for their use. After that (which was
about two o'clock P. M.) the Gen thought proper to send out Piquet Guards.
Capt Y Alden of Col Samuel B. Webbs Regiment, was detached, with about
fifty men to command the advanced Piquet on the left, near West Chester.
Capt David Dexter of Israel Angell's Regiment was detached with the same
number of men to command the advanced Guards on the right at Miles Square.
I, wishing to be where most was to be done, rode down with Capt Dexter. He
stopped at Miles Square; but seeing a body of men at a distance on the
right towards North River, not knowing who they were I sat out with a
determination to find out. I had gone but half way when I met Col Dammond.
After some conversation we concluded to ride to the Enemies advanced Post,
and see what discoveries we could make. After riding in sight of Fort
Independence, we returned unmolested to Col Dammond's Regiment. While we
were riding we heard cannonading and firing of small arms, which we
supposed to be the enemy attacking our advanced Guards on the left; here I
left Col Dammond and returned to Capt Dexter's Piquet and there tarried
some minutes, after which set out for Head Quarters, where I had left the
Gen and main bodys of the troops at East Chester. It had become late in
the afternoon, but I thought myself safe, as I had been six miles nearer
the enemy than I was at that time. I had now four miles to ride before I
came to Capt Dexter's Piquet. Before I come to East Chester it took up
some time; I however arrived there in an hour and a half. To my great
surprise I found that our troops had left the place and retired back and
the Enemies scouting parties were in the town. (At this time Capt Alden on
the left was killed and his Piquets chiefly killed or taken.) On riding
into town, while passing a corner, four of the Enemy started from behind a
shed, one of whom seized my horse, another seized me by my coat & legs
asked me where I belonged, to which I answered to the Army of the United
States of America and to Gen Varnum's Brigade of Continental troops, and
then I asked where Gen Varnum was: one of them (John Anderson a noted
Tory) said "I am he," I answered, it is false. By this time they had me to
the ground during which time, one of them seized one of my pistols, the
other I took and presented at the breast of the leader and bid him
surrender, he immediately took the one he had taken from me, and
presenting it asked me if I would surrender, to which I answered, No, he
immediately ordered the others to make ready their peices and advance,
then turning to me, he said if I "did not at once surrender he would order
his men to blow a Brace of Pistols through me" I immediately surrendered.
They at once began robbing me of everything I had. Viz Horse & Harness,
Pair of Pistols, Great Coat, pair of Shoe Buckles, pocket book with notes
&c to the amount of 25 or 30L; besides some money, and sundry other
articles. I was then put under guard and proceeded to West Chester; we had
gone but half a mile when we met one of the Seargents of Capt Alden's
party, making his escape from the enemy to our guards. Here the leader of
the guard that had taken me seised him and drove him with me to a place 3
miles below West Chester to a Mr Hunt's an old tavern keeper. This man
abused me more than any other, while I was a prisoner here I with my
companion was kept till the next morning. The officers that our party had
taken of the enemy, (the same morning I was taken) were allowed to walk
the streets and were not put under guard, and had their Parole
immediately. Where, as I and my companion were put in close confinement,
with 13 sentinals, who would not allow us to speak.
AUGUST 23rd--This morning as I and my companion were conveyed to Kings
Bridge we met Mr Delaney a Tory Col, who inquired of our leader "where he
got those scoundrels?" to which he replied that they where some of
Washington's army. We had gone but little farther, when we met a man who
told us that he saw Capt Alden dead, the day before and that he helped to
bury him. When we arrived at Kings Bridge I was put under the Provost
Guard where to, my sorrow, I found a man by the name of Prichard, who was
one of Capt Alden's Piquet and belonged to the State Guards of
Connecticut. He had his Commission with him which was taken and never
returned. Besides myself and the man just mentioned, there were several
others who were under guard with us; one Sargent of the State Guards, a
Corporal of Col Webbs Regiment, one of the Light-Horse, and 8 Privates, in
all 13. We were kept, in this place sometime under the Hesian Guards. I
applied for the things of which I was robbed, my pocket-book & buckles
were returned. I then made application for things, which belonged to other
prisoners, (on their behalf.) Some of them had part of their things
returned, others nothing. At eleven O'clock a Surgeon of the British Army
came to me, and inquired for news papers. I told him I had none, he then
gave me a New York paper, and said that I should have my parole as soon as
I reached New York. The only provision we had as yet received since we
arrived here was some mouldy bread, a pint of rum put into a bucket of
water, once in a while the Hesian that Guarded us would bring some sour
apples in his hat and throw them down among us as he would among so many
pigs. The guards being relieved we were marched for New York. Just before
we reached there we were taken to the Quarters of a Hesian General for a
show. Here the Hesians flocked around us, mocking us, sometimes drawing
their swords across our throats, and saying we were to be hung here. A
mate of the Hesian Surgeon seeing me much fatigued gave me a glass of wine
which refreshed me much. Here our present guards were relieved by other
Hesians; we were marched for Harlem here we were brought before Gen.
Piquet, a Brigideer General in the British Service; we staid here a few
minutes, we were then put under an English Guard, who treated us better
than we had been before; under this guard we went to New York. It being
very warm weather, and the Guards changing often, we were marched so fast,
that some of us were ready to faint. But we were not allowed to stop even
to get a drink of water till we came to within four miles of New York,
when a poor woman seeing our condition, came out and entreated our guards
to stop that she might give us some water; the guard consented and the
good woman (as I may call her, for I beleive she was the means of saving
the life of one of our men who was just sinking with the heat) ran into
the house and brought us several pails of beer and three or four loaves of
bread and two or three pounds of Cheese, and to some of us she gave some
money; the name of this woman was Clemons, a native of Boston, and she
was about 30 years of age. She kept a small shop at the righthand side of
the road near Kings bridge. We marched till we come to the Bowery, within
3/4 of a mile of New York; being very thirsty I prevailed upon the guard
to stop, that we might again refresh ourselves. We asked some negroes if
they would give us some water, to which they replied "No Domd you, you
rebels, that we cant give you none, we are some of Donmons Men," we were
forced to go on without our desired refreshments.
As we come into the town the Hesians, Negroes, and children insulted,
stoned and abused us in every way they could think of. At that time two of
our men had become so fatigued that we were obliged to carry them. In this
way we were led through half the streets, as a show. At last we were
brought before Gen Jones who ordered us to the Sugar House which formerly
went by the name of Livingston's Sugar House which was the Prison the
private Soldiers were kept in. Here one Walley a Seargent of the 20th
Regt. of Irish troops in the British Service, had the charge of the
prisoners. This man was the most barbarous, cruel man that ever I saw he
drove us into the Sugar house yard like so many hogs, from there he
ordered us into the Sugar House which was the dirtiest and most
disagreeable place that I ever saw and the water in the pump was not
better than that in the Dock. The top of the House was open to the
weather, so that when it rained the water ran along and through every
floor and on that account it was impossible for us to keep dry. Mr Walley
gave us (13 of us) 4 pounds of poor Irish Pork and 4 pounds of mouldy
bread for 4 days. After passing one night I asked Mr Walley if I was not
to have my parole to which he answered No. I then asked for a pen and ink
that I might write a petition to the Gen for it, he answered no, and was
very cross and abused me very much. I again asked him the reason why I was
not to have my parole, he told me I was not to have it. I then asked him
if he would let me have a pen and ink to write a few lines to my father
which he might see before I sent them. He then struck me across the face
with a staff which I have seen him beat the prisoners; he told me he would
find a place for me. The next morning he came and took me out of prison
under guard with one Capt Bissel (whom he had taken from the main Guard)
and conveyed us to the Provost Guard. Capt Bissel was put in the upper
part of the prison. I was then taken down to a Dungeon; when the door was
opened "here" says Sergeant Keith (the Provost marshal) "here's a Doctor
for you, you Damb rebbel." When I went in I found Capt Chatham formaly
Capt of a Privateer, and belonged to Pensylvania, and was taken prisoner
and put in this dungeon, because after he was taken captive, he was
ordered to pilot their ship up the Deleware, which he refused. There was
also in this place a Capt Travis, of Virginia, & Capt of a Sloop of War, &
John McCalsenden a Quarter Master in the Continental Army, and belonged to
the first Battallion of New Jersey, and was accused of being a deserter
Six or Seven years before the present war begun. He was condemned to be
hung, but did not know which; he had been there between five and six
months; There were also in this dismal place besides these mentioned, nine
thieves murderers &c. While in this place Capt Chatham was taken sick with
nervous fever, I solicited Seargent Keith to permit him to go up stairs,
But he answered in the negative. I then requested him to suffer me to send
for some Medicine or I believe he must die, to which he replied he might
die; and if he did he would bury him. All the provision each man had for a
week was but, two pounds of Meat and two pounds of bread, always one and
sometimes both was not fit to eat, and those who had money were not able
to send to purchase any of the necessaries of life. At this time I had not
one farthing of money just being robbed of all, and also of my clothing
except what I had on. I had no change of linen from the 25th of August
till the 12th of September. At this time I solicited Sargent Keith to
permit me to send to my father on Long Island and see if he would send me
some money and clothing which I was much in need of. (My father was one of
their beloved friends and lived among them) But he as before positively
answered in the negative, and said that no paper or written message should
be sent out of the dungeon. About this time I was feeling resigned to
suffer all the punishment that they were desirous of inflicting upon me.
Remembering that many of my dear country men had previously suffered
greater punishment than mine; and that many of them died and bled in their
countrys cause, and defence. Previously contemplating and Meditating that
the cause we were contending for, was a just cause, and a cause that all
mankind ought to be interested in. Having meditated on all these things, I
thought myself in duty bound, to suffer with patience & fortitude, with my
fellow prisoners in my country's cause. In this hidious place I was kept
till the twentieth of September following; when Seargent Keith (the
Provost Martial) came to the dungeon and took Capt Chatham, and Travis,
and myself, and led us to the upper part of the prison, where I found my
friends that were also prisoners, Viz, Ethan Allen, Major Williams, Paine
& Wells and others. Allen was made prisoner near Montreal, in the
beginning of the war. He was put on board a man of war, and kept chained
flat on his back in the hole six months. He also told me he had twice been
carried on shore in England to be hung, but was reprieved. He was likewise
taken on shore in Ireland and at Halifax for the same purpose. After this
he was brought to New York, where for a short time he had his parole, it
was taken from him, and he put in the provost jail, as there was an
antipathy against him. I left him in this goal on Jan 7, 1778. Major
Williams, belonged at Maryland and was taken prisoner at Fort Washington.
Major Paine belonged at Connecticut. While I was in this place, we were
not allowed to speak to any friend, not even out of the window, I have
frequently seen women beaten with canes and ramrods who have come to the
Prison windows to speak to their Husbands, Sons or Brothers, and officers
taken and put in the dungeon just for asking for cold water. Our provision
was the same as in the dungeon with the exception of dried Peas, we
however had no fire to cook them. Soon Fort Montgomery was taken by Gen
Clinton (British) and all the officers were brought and put in two small
rooms on the lower floor of the prison. Several of them were badly wounded
but no Surgeon was allowed to dress them. I asked Sargent Keith for the
privilege, he first told me I should, but on asking him the second time, I
was refused, and assured if I said any more about it he would put me with
them and there keep me. All of us in the upper prison were sometimes
allowed to go on top of the house, I took this opportunity of throwing
some ointment and Lint down the chimney to the wounded in the lower rooms,
with directions how to use it, I knew only one of them Lt. Col Livingston.
About this time there was a report about town that Burgoyne and his army
were made prisoners, by the army under command of the Hon Major Gen Gates;
it was however soon contradicted in their newspapers, it was set forth in
the following manner "Last Thursday the rebels came to Elizabeth-town
Point, to enlist recruits for the rebel service, and in order to deceive
raised a false report, fired cannon, made fires, and gave away rum without
measure, and said that Gen Burgoyne and his whole army were taken
prisoners. But notwithstanding all their efforts they could not get a
single man. And the account of Gen Burgoyne being taken prisoner is to
rediculous to be beleived." This passed in some of the papers and there
was nothing said for ten or fourteen days, but the women that passed by
made motions assuring us that we might depend upon it that he was surely
taken prisoner. About this time Col Livingston had a letter sent into him
from his father By a British Officer who was coming into New York on
Parole, and was brought to the Commander of the city, who being in haste
ordered his Secretary to write his permission to the letter and direct it
to Mr Livingston a Rebel Col, in the Provost jail, therefore it was
brought to him. Soon we heard hollooing, and other expressions of joy by
him and others in the same room, but could not tell what was the matter.
After he had read the letter over and over again he put it up to us
through the crack in the floor, and we at once knew the cause of their
joy, and the whole prison was filled with joy inexpressible! The truth of
what we heard was at this time confirmed. The next thing we saw was (in
the papers) Gen Burgoyne's capitulation with Gen Gates. From this time
till I left the prison we were better treated, although the provision was
bad. But drew rather larger quantities of it. Some Butter, and about a
gill of rice a week, and some cole which we never drew before. About this
time my father came from Long Island to the prison to see me. I was called
down to the grates. My heart at first was troubled within me, I burst into
tears and did not speak for some minutes. I put my hand through the grates
and took my fathers, and held it fast. The poor old gentleman shed many
tears and seemed quite troubled to see me in so woeful a place. He asked
me how I did I told him poorly but as well as could be expected in such a
hidious place, I then asked after the health of Mother Brother & Sisters,
he told me they were well. I was filled with joy at hearing this as it was
the first time I had heard from them since I entered the service. He asked
me "what I thought of myself now and why I could not have been ruled by
him, he said he had forewarned me of the cost, and that I had been led
away by a bad man (Dr Latham) and that Washington's whole crew would soon
be in the same situation" and says he, "did not you never see his
excellency's proclamation, whare in was set forth a free grace and pardon
to all who would come in voluntarely" (Meaning Sir Wm Hows Proclamation) I
told him I had seen it, says he "why then did you not come in then,
voluntarely, and quit the rebels. I thought you would come in voluntarely
without being brought in by force of arms" Says I, Father what made you
think so, did not I tell you my mind before I left your house, and did not
you know my disposition? Have not I been faithful in all the duties of a
child, to a parent? But, Father you, and every other man must know that it
was a very trying thing to me, to leave all my dear friends and turn
myself out into the world naked, Does this seem to you, to show a
rebellious disposition of temper and mind? When at that time I had not a
relative or acquaintance in the Army, not a relative in the world but what
were enemies to this once happy country. Believe me dear Father, I was not
led away by any man as you supposed. But on the contrary I weighed the
matter seriously before I came into the service, the more I meditated the
more I was led to believe that the cause in which my countrymen were
engaged was a just one, and loudly called for the assistance of every well
wisher of his bleeding country. Such were the feelings when I left my
tender father's family. Soon the provost Martial came and said he could
not allow my father to stay longer, I therefore bade him farewell. Towards
the latter part of December we had Continental bread and beef sent us and
as much wood as we wished to burn, (a friend gave me some money which was
very useful.)
JANUARY 9th 1778.--This day Mr Walley come and took from the prison myself
and six others under guard and took us to the Sugar House where I was
first imprisoned. At this time my health was bad, being troubled with the
Scurvey, and my prospects for the winter were dark. This prison was much
worse than when I left it before, from the fact that there were nearly
thirty soldiers, who went around to the other prisoners and stole from
them, the few comforts they had, and take the sick from their beds and
take their bed clothing, and beat and kick them almost to death. The
articles which they took from us they would carry to Mr Walley and sell
them for rum.
JANUARY 13th.--This morning I being unwell went to the hospital, which was
the brick Meeting House, here I staid until the 16th here I was not much
better than I was in the Sugar House no medicine was given me, though I
had a cough and fever, the Surgeon wished me as soon as I became better to
take the care of the sick, provided he could get my parole.
JANUARY 16th.--On coming the next morning he said he could get it. I was
now determined to make my escape, although hardly able to undertake it.
Just at the dusk of the evening, before the lamps were lighted (having
made the Sentinal intoxicated) I with others went out into the back yard
to endeavor to make our escape over the fence, the others being backward
about going first, I climed upon a tomb stone and gave a spring and went
over safely, and then gave orders for the others to do likewise. A little
Irish lad undertook to leap over, and caught his clothes in the spikes in
the wall, and made something of a noise. The sentinal being aroused
called out (Rouse) which is the same as to command the Guards to turn out.
They were soon out and surrounded the prison, in the meantime I had made
my way to St. Paul's Church, which was the wrong way to get out of town.
The guards expecting, I had gone towards North River, went in that
direction. On arriving at the Church I turned into the street to go by the
College and thus go out of town by the side of the river. Soon after I was
out of town I heard the 8 o'clock gun; which was found on board the
Commodors ship, and was a signal for the Sentinals to hail every man that
came by. I wished much to cross the river but could not find any boat
suitable. While going up the side of the river at 9 O'clock (P M) I was
challenged by a Sentinal with the usual word (Burdon) upon which I
answered nothing, on being challenged the second time I answered Friend.
He bade me advance and give the counter sign, upon which I fancied I was
drunk and advancing in a staggering manner, and after falling to the
ground, he asked me where I was going, home I told him, but had got lost,
and having been to New York, had taken rather too much liquor, and become
somewhat intoxicated. He then asked my name which I told him was Marther
Hopper (Mr Hopper lived not far distant) And solicited him to put me in
the right road, but told me that I must not go till the Sargent of the
Guards dismissed me from him, unless I could give him the counter sign. I
still entreated him to let me go knowing the situation I was in. Soon,
however, he consented and directed my course which I thanked him for. Soon
the moon arose and made it very light, and there being snow on the ground,
crusted over, and no wind, therefore a person walking, could be heard a
great distance. At this time the tumor in my lungs broke, and being afraid
to cough for fear of being heard, prevented me from releiving myself of
the puss that was lodged there. I had now to cross lots that were cleared
and covered with snow, the houses being thick on the road, which I was to
cross, and for fear of being heard, I lay myself flat on my stomach and
crept along on the frozen snow. When I come to the fence, I climed over,
and walked down the road, near a house where there were music and dancing.
At this time one of the guards came out. I immediately fell down upon my
face. Soon the man went into the house, I rose again and crossed the fence
into the field and proceeded toward the river, there being no trees or
rocks in the field to hinder my being seen, and not being able to walk
without being heard as the snow crust was hard enough to permit my
walking on it, and the dogs beginning to bark, I lay myself flat again and
crept across the field, which took me half an hour. I at length reached
the river and walked by the side of it some distance and saw a small creek
which ran up into the island and by the side of it a small house, and two
Sentinals one each side of it, not knowing what to do I crept into a hole
in the bank which led in between two rocks, here I heard them talk. I
concluded to endeavor to go around the head of the creek which was about
half a mile, but on getting out of the hole I took hold of a limb of a
tree which gave way, and made a great noise, the sentinal on hearing it
said "did you not hear a person on the cr," I waited some minutes and then
went around the head of the creek and came down to the river on the other
side of the house to see if I could not find a boat, to cross to Long
Island. But on finding sentinals near by I returned back a short distance,
and went up the river. I had not gone more than 30 rods, when I saw
another sentinal posted on the bank of the river where I must pass or go
round a half a mile and then come down to the river again. I stood some
minutes thinking what course to pursue, but on looking at the man found he
did not move and was leaning on his gun, I advanced toward him and
succeeding in passing by without waking him up. After this I found a
Sentinal every 15 or 20 rods till I came within 2 miles of Hell Gate. Here
I stayed till my feet began to freese, and having nothing to eat, I went a
mile farther up the river. It now being late I crept up into the bushes
and lay down to think what to do next. I concluded as I could not get a
boat to cross the river to Long Island to remain where I was during the
night and early in the morning to go down to New York and endeavor to find
some house to conceal myself in. In the morning as soon as the Revelry
Beating commenced I went on my way to New York which was 8 miles from this
place, after proceeding awhile I heard the morning guns fired at New York
though 4 miles from it. I passed the sentinals unmolested, down the middle
road, and arrived there before many were up. I met many of the British and
Hessian Soldiers whom I knew very well, but they did not know me. I went
to a house and found them friends of America, and was kindly received of
them, and promised to keep me a few days. I had not been here, but 3/4 of
an hour when I was obliged to call for a bed. After being in bed two or
three hours, I was taken with a stoppage in my breast, and made my
resperation difficult, and still being afraid to cough loud for fear of
being heard. The good lady of the house gave me some medicine of my own
prescribing, which soon gave me relief. Soon a rumor spread about town
among the friends of America, of my confinement and expectation soon to be
retaken, they took measures to have me conveyed to Long Island, which was
accordingly done.
FEB. 18, 1778.--The same day I was landed I walked nine miles, and put up
at a friends house during my walk I passed my Grandfather's house, and
dare not go in to see him for fear he would deliver me up to the British.
The next morning I started on my journey again and reached the place I
intended at 12 O'clock (noon) and put up with two friends. The next
morning I and my companions (two of them) started from our friends with
four days provisions and Shovels and axes to build us a hut in the woods.
We each of us had a musket powder and balls. After going two miles in the
woods, we dug away the snow and made us a fire. After warming ourselves we
set to work to build us a hut and got one side of it done the first day,
and the next day we finished it. It was tolerably comfortable, we kept
large fires and cooked our meat on the coals. In eight or ten days we had
some provisions brought us by our friends. At this time we heard that Capt
Rodgers was cast away on Long Island, and concealed by some of his
friends. We went to see him, and found him, we attempted to stay in the
house in a back room. At about 10 O'clock A. M. there came in a tory, he
knowing some of us seemed much troubled. We made him promise that he would
not make known our escape. The next day my two comrades went back to their
old quarters and Capt Rodgers and myself, and a friend went into the woods
and built us a hut, about ten miles from my former companions, with whom
we kept up a constant corespondence. Soon a man was brought to us by our
friends whom we found to be John Rolston, a man that was confined with us
in the Provost Jail. And was carried to the Hospital about 3 weeks after I
was, and made his escape the same way, and by friends was brought to Long
Island.
MARCH 19th 1778.--About five O'clock a friend came to us and said we had
an opportunity to go over to New England in a boat that had just landed,
with 4 torys that had stolen the boat at Fairfield Connecticut. We
immediately sent word to our two friends with whom I first helped to build
a hut, that we could now go across the sound, but they could not be found.
At sunset those that came over in the boat went off, and some of our
friends guided us through the woods to the boat, taken two oars with us
which we had made for fear we should not find any in the boat. On arriving
at the place our kind friends helped us off. We rowed very fast till we
were a great distance from land. The moon rose soon, and the wind being
fair, we arrived, we knew not where, about half an hour before day. We
went on shore and soon found it was Norwalk Ct. We had bade farewell to
Long Island for the present upon which I composed the following lines,
O fair you well once happy land,
Where peace and plenty dwelt
But now op'pressed by tyrants hands,
Where naught but fury's felt.
Behold I leave you for awhile
To mourn for all your Sons;
Who daily bleed that you may smile,
When we've your freedom won.
After being rested just as the day began to dawn we walked a short
distance to a place called the "Old Mill" where we found a guard who
hailed us at a distance, and on coming up to him kindly received us, and
invited us to his house to warm us (for he lived in Norwark) here we went
to bed at sunrise and stayed till 10 O'clock. After dinner we took our
leave of Capt Rodgers, and started for head quarters in Pennsylvania,
where the grand Army was at that time. In seven days we arrived at Valley
Forge.
NOTE.--The above narrative is a true copy of the "Journal" written by
my grandfather (Dr. Elias Cornelius), giving an account of his
sufferings and treatment while in the hands of the British in New
York, in 1777 and 1778.