Anthony Wayne, of whose military career America has much to boast,
the son of a respectable farmer in Chester county, Pennsylvania, was
born on the 1st of January, 1745. His propensities and pursuits being
repugnant to the labors of the field, his father resolved to give him
an opportunity of pursuing such studies as his acquirements might
suggest, and accordingly placed him under the tuition of a relative of
erudition and acquirements, who was teacher of a country school. Our
young hero was by no means an attentive student; his mind seemed, like
the young Napoleon, bent on a military life, for instead of preparing
his lessons for recitation during his leisure hours, he employed
himself in ranging his playmates into regiments, besieging castles,
throwing up redoubts, &c. &c.
He was removed from the county school into an academy of repute
in Philadelphia, where he soon became an expert mathematician,
sufficiently so, that on his leaving school he became a land surveyor,
with a very respectable and lucrative business. At the persuasion of
Dr. Franklin, he removed to Nova Scotia, as agent for a company of
settlers about to repair to that province on a scheme of emigration.
As an able negotiator he acquitted himself honorably, and returned to
Pennsylvania, where he married the daughter of Benjamin Penrose, an
eminent merchant of Philadelphia, and settled once more on a farm in
his native county. The aspect of affairs between the mother country
and the provinces at this time convinced our young hero that desperate
means must soon be resorted to to prevent invasion from abroad and
insurrection at home. Satisfied that the controversies between the two
countries would only be adjusted by the sword, he determined to apply
himself to military discipline and tactics, that whenever his country
required it, he might devote his energies in raising and preparing
for the field a regiment of volunteers. The moment arrived, and young
Wayne was only six weeks in completing a regiment, of which he was
unanimously chosen colonel. At the sound of taxation the undaunted
spirit of liberty burst forth, and thousands of young and fearless
patriots thronged around the sacred banner to enrol themselves in a
cause which must eventually end in freedom. News of the opening of the
revolution at Bunker’s Hill and Lexington arrived, and Washington, who
had accepted the command of the army, repaired to the seat of war.
Congress, now sitting at Philadelphia, called upon the colonies for
regiments to reinforce the northern army, and the one raised by the
exertions of Anthony Wayne was the first called into service, and upon
him was conferred the command. His orders to join General Lee at New
York were quickly obeyed, whence he proceeded with his regiment to
Canada, to be stationed at the entrance of Sorel river.
Shortly after his arrival there, news arrived that a detachment of
six hundred British light infantry were advancing toward a post called
Trois Rivières (Three Rivers). Anxious to check their advance, or
strike before they could concentrate their forces, three regiments,
commanded by Wayne, St. Clair and Irvine, commenced their march for
that purpose. Unfortunately, however, untoward circumstances compelled
them to retreat with considerable loss of men, and Colonels Wayne and
St. Clair severely wounded. The movements now devolved upon Wayne,
who collected the scattered troops and returned to his former post at
Sorel river, where he remained but a short period, being followed by
a heavy British column, giving him only sufficient time to leave the
fort before the enemy entered it. The retreat was made good by the able
conduct of Wayne, who, with his stores and baggage, safely arrived at
Ticonderoga.
At a consultation among the generals it was determined that at
this post they should take their stand. After reconnoitering the
fortifications, and finding them so well prepared to resist an attack,
the British general re-embarked his forces and retired to Canada.
Immediately on the withdrawal of the British troops, General Gates
repaired to Washington’s army, leaving Colonel Wayne in entire charge
of Ticonderoga. This high compliment paid to Colonel Wayne, agreeable
to the troops and approved of by Congress, caused the gallant soldier
to be promoted to the rank of Brigadier-general. He remained at this
post six months, when, Washington having marched his main army into
Jersey, General Wayne solicited permission to join him, which he did
at Bound Brook, a few miles from Brunswick, in New Jersey. Soon after
the arrival of Wayne, General Howe, having received reinforcements
from England, at New York, took up his line of march across Jersey,
in order to intercept the American army before reaching Philadelphia.
Washington conceived the plan of General Howe to be to surprise the
city of Philadelphia and disperse the congressional assembly, who were
then sitting there; he accordingly dispatched Wayne and his troops to
meet and strike them, in order to resist their passage at Chad’s Ford.
This was done, and a sharp conflict ensued, which was gallantly kept up
until late in the evening, when it was thought prudent to retreat; the
loss sustained by the Americans was stated to be three hundred killed
and four hundred taken prisoners. The statement given by the British
general himself, was one hundred killed and four hundred wounded, but
which was afterwards ascertained to be nearly double that number. In
this battle the young patriot Lafayette first drew his sword in the
cause of America’s freedom, and although severely wounded in his leg at
the very onset of the battle, he continued to cheer and encourage his
soldiers, (with the blood flowing from his wound, having bound his sash
around it,) till the end of the conflict.
The British, taking a circuitous route, now marched with all haste
towards Philadelphia, and Washington wishing to give them the meeting
before reaching the city, retired to Chester, where both armies met at
some distance from the Warren tavern, on the Lancaster road. General
Wayne commenced the action with great spirit, but a violent storm came
on which rendered it impossible for the battle to continue, and each
army withdrew from the field.
Washington, in order to save Philadelphia, with the main army fell
back and crossed the Schuylkill at Parker’s ferry, leaving General
Wayne with about fifteen hundred men to watch the enemy, who had
retreated back about three miles. After remaining at that post for four
days, he was apprised of the near approach of the British army, and
after giving three distinct orders to one of his colonels to lead off
by another road and attack the enemy in the rear, which order was not
understood, and consequently not obeyed, gave the British time to come
upon them before they could make good their retreat. The enemy fell
upon them with the cry of “No quarters,” and one hundred and fifty of
his brave men were killed and wounded in this barbarous massacre. The
next battle at which this valiant soldier distinguished himself, was
at Germantown. The British having taken a position in the immediate
vicinity of that village, General Wayne, moving with much secrecy,
attacked them in their camp at the dawn of day, but after many hours of
hard fighting and a succession of untoward circumstances, was obliged
to retreat. The loss of the Americans in this action, was one hundred
and fifty-two killed, five hundred and twenty-one wounded, and four
hundred taken prisoners; the loss of the British was eight hundred
killed and wounded.
The British army remained in nearly the same position till the 26th
of October, when General Howe, with a detachment of his troops,
took peaceable possession of Philadelphia. _Watson, in his Annals
of Philadelphia, says_,--“As they entered the city, Lord Cornwallis
at their head led the van. They marched down Second street without
any huzzaing or insolence whatever, and the citizens thronged the
sidewalks with serious countenances, looking at them. The artillery
were quartered in Chestnut street, between Third and Sixth streets. The
State House yard was made use of as a parade ground.”
Congress had previously been removed to Lancaster, in the interior
of the state, sixty miles from Philadelphia. Washington and his army
were posted at White Marsh, about fourteen miles from Philadelphia,
and in order to draw the commander-in-chief from his strong position,
the British general, Howe, marched his soldiers to the neighborhood of
the American lines, and after many demonstrations of attack, finding
that Washington was not disposed to bring on another action, retreated
again to the city. This gave Washington an opportunity of proceeding to
Valley Forge, where, in the month of December, with his almost famished
and naked soldiers, they cheerfully commenced building huts with their
own hands in the woods. Early in January, General Wayne repaired to
Lancaster, where the government was then located, to use his exertions
in raising supplies, both of provisions and clothing, for the army.
In part did he succeed, but the scarcity of provisions becoming so
great, that Washington was at length compelled to detach a body of
troops, under General Greene, with orders to obtain “an immediate
supply of provisions by any means within his power.” This was done by
seizing every animal fit for slaughter; and by this means the immediate
wants of the starving troops were supplied.
In order to prevent a similar deplorable state of want, our gallant
hero, who knew no danger, in the month of February, a most inclement
season, left the army with a body of troops on an expedition to New
Jersey, to secure cattle on the banks of the Delaware.
This, of all others, was a dangerous enterprise, for the British were
wintering in detachments in many places near the Delaware. However,
in our hero bravery knew no fear, and for the relief of his suffering
soldiers he was determined to attack and wrest from the British,
(whenever he came in contact,) provisions for his men and sustenance
for his horses. After several skirmishes, which might really be termed
battles, he succeeded, by his soldier-like and judicious management, in
capturing from them and sending to the American camp several hundred
fine cattle, some excellent horses, and a large amount of forage.
About the middle of March he returned to Valley Forge, to receive the
thanks of his commander-in-chief and the blessings of the army. The
British remained in quiet possession of Philadelphia till the 18th of
June following, when they commenced their march through Jersey. On
the same day Washington left Valley Forge in order to follow them,
and on the 24th encamped about five miles from Princeton, while the
British had encamped at Allentown. During the winter General Howe had
requested to be recalled, and the command now devolved upon Sir Henry
Clinton. Wayne, with four thousand men, was ordered, accompanied by
Lafayette, with one thousand men, to take a position near Monmouth
Courthouse, about five miles in the rear of the British camp, in order
to prevent their reaching the Highlands of New York. Washington, who
had determined to attack the British the moment they moved from their
ground, received intelligence on the morning of the 28th of June that
they were on their way. The troops were immediately under arms, and
General Lee ordered to march on and attack the rear, as the enemy
advanced towards the troops of Wayne and Lafayette. This was done,
and the Americans, though much fatigued by their previous march,
fought with such determined bravery that the British gave way. Taking
advantage of the night, which saved them from a total rout, they
withdrew to the heights of Middletown, leaving behind them two hundred
and forty-five killed of their soldiers, and many of their officers;
others they had before interred. The following is an extract of a
letter of Wayne to a friend:--
“_Paramus, 12th July, 1778._
“We have been in perpetual motion ever since we crossed the
Delaware until yesterday, when we arrived here, where we shall
be stationary for a few days, in order to recruit a little
after the fatigue which we have experienced in marching through
deserts, burning sands, &c. &c.
“The enemy, sore from the action of the 28th ult., seemed
inclined to rest also. They are now in three divisions; one on
Long Island, another on Staten Island, and a third in New York.
“The victory on that day turns out to be much more considerable
than at first supposed. An officer who remained on the ground
two or three days after the action, says that nearly three
hundred British had been buried by us on the field, and numbers
discovered in the woods, exclusive of those buried by the
enemy, not much short of one hundred. So that by the most
moderate calculation, their killed and wounded must amount to
eleven hundred, the flower of their army, and many of them of
the richest blood of England.
“Tell those Philadelphia ladies who attended Howe’s assemblies
and levees, that the heavenly, sweet red-coats, the
accomplished gentlemen of the guards and grenadiers, have been
humbled on the plains of Monmouth. These knights have resigned
their laurels to rebel officers, who will lay them at the feet
of those virtuous daughters of America, who cheerfully gave up
ease and affluence in a city, for liberty and peace of mind in
a cottage.
“Adieu, and believe me
“Yours most sincerely,
“ANTHONY WAYNE.”
The British commander, having in the night escaped from his adversary,
took a strong position on the high grounds about Middletown, where
remaining, however, but a few days, he proceeded to Sandy Hook, and
passed over to New York.
Washington, at this time, proceeded by slow and easy marches to the
Highlands of the Hudson.
It was his intention to fortify West Point, and the Highlands of the
North River; accordingly the works at Stony and Verplanck’s Points were
commenced for that purpose, yet only on Verplanck’s a small but strong
work had been completed and garrisoned by seventy men, under Captain
Armstrong, while the works on Stony Point, of much greater extent and
of incomparably more importance, were unfinished. To secure these
valuable positions was a matter of great magnitude both to the British
as well as American commander-in-chief; hence was the determination of
fortifying the Highlands, so as to comprehend within it these important
positions. To arrest the progress of these fortifications, Sir Henry
Clinton sailed with a fleet up the Hudson, and landed his troops in
two divisions; the one under General Vaughan, destined against the
works at Verplanck’s on the east side of the river--the other, which he
commanded in person, against those of Stony Point, on the west side.
The fortifications on Stony Point being unfinished, were abandoned
without resistance, on the approach of the enemy, who instantly
commenced dragging some heavy cannon and mortars to the summit of the
hill, and on the next morning about sunrise opened a battery on Fort
Fayette, erected on Verplanck’s, the distance across being about one
thousand yards.
The cannonade during the day, from the very commanding position
of Stony Point, as also from vessels and gun-boats in the river,
occasioned much injury to the fort; which, being invested both by water
and land, and no means of saving the garrison now remaining, Captain
Armstrong, (who had command,) after a gallant resistance, was compelled
to surrender himself and troops prisoners of war. Sir Henry proceeded
immediately to place both forts in what he supposed a perfect state
of defence, especially that of Stony Point, which he garrisoned with
six hundred men, under the command of an officer distinguished for his
bravery and circumspection. In consequence of Washington being now at
West Point, Sir Henry declined a further movement up the Hudson, but
remained with his army at Phillipsburg, about midway between New York
and Stony Point. Immediately on the arrival of Wayne at head quarters,
Washington commenced laying plans for the recapture of Stony Point, and
in a conference between the commander-in-chief and Wayne, the latter,
emphatically to express his willingness to undertake the perilous
enterprise, is said to have remarked:--“General, if _you_ will only
plan it, I will storm _Hell_!”
As no industry had been wanting in completing or repairing the works
at Stony Point, which the length of possession by the British would
admit of, that post was now in a very strong state of defence; its
garrison consisted of the seventeenth regiment of foot, the grenadier
companies of the seventy-first and some artillery; the whole under the
command of Lieutenant Colonel Johnson. The garrison at Verplanck’s
was under the conduct of Lieutenant Colonel Webster, and was at least
equal in force to that of Stony Point. General Wayne was appointed to
the difficult and arduous task of surprising and storming Stony Point,
for which Washington provided him with a strong detachment of the most
active infantry in the American service. These troops had a distance
of about fourteen miles to travel over high mountains, through deep
morasses, difficult defiles and roads exceedingly bad and narrow, so
that they could only move in single files during the greatest part
of their journey. About eight o’clock in the evening of the 15th of
July, the van arrived within a mile and a half of their object, where
they halted, and the troops were formed into two columns as fast as
they came up. While they were in this position, Wayne, with most of
his principal officers, went to reconnoitre the works, and to observe
the situation of the garrison. It was near midnight before the two
columns approached the place; that on the right, consisting of Febiger
and Meigs’ regiments, was led by General Wayne. The van, consisting
of one hundred and fifty picked men, led by the most adventurous
officers, and commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Fleury, advanced to the
attack, with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets. They were preceded
by an avant-guard, consisting of an officer of the most distinguished
courage, accompanied by twenty of the most desperate private men, who,
with other officers, were intended to remove the _abatis_, and whatever
obstructions lay in the way of the succeeding troops. The column on
the left, was led by a similar chosen van, with unloaded muskets and
fixed bayonets, under the command of Major Stewart; and that was also
preceded by a similar avant-guard. The general issued the most positive
orders to both columns, (which they strictly adhered to,) not to fire a
shot on any account, but to place their whole reliance on the bayonet.
The two attacks seem to have been directed to opposite points of the
works; whilst a detachment under Major Murfree engaged the attention of
the garrison, by a feint in their front. They found the approaches more
difficult than even their knowledge of the place had induced them to
expect; the works being covered by a deep morass, which, at this time,
happened to be overflowed by the tide.
The general, in his official papers, says, “that neither the deep
morass, the formidable and double rows of _abatis_, or the strong works
in front and flank could damp the ardor of his brave troops; who, in
the face of a most incessant and tremendous fire of musketry, and of
cannon loaded with grape-shot, forced their way at the point of the
bayonet through every obstacle, until the van of each column met in
the centre of the works, where they arrived at nearly the same time.”
General Wayne was wounded in the head by a musket-ball, as he passed
the last _abatis_; but was gallantly supported and assisted through the
works by his two brave aids-de-camp, Fishbourn and Archer, to whom he
acknowledges the utmost gratitude in his public letter. Colonel Fleury,
a French officer, had the honor of striking the British standard with
his own hand, and placing in its room the American stars and stripes.
Major Stewart and several other officers received great praise;
particularly the two Lieutenants Gibbons and Knox, one of whom led the
avant-guard on the right, and the other on the left. Both, however, had
the good fortune to escape unhurt, although Lieutenant Gibbons lost
seventeen men out of twenty in the attack.
There is nothing in the annals of war which affords more room for
surprise, and seems less to be accounted for, than the prodigious
disparity between the numbers slain in those different actions, which
seem otherwise similar or greatly to correspond in their principal
circumstances, nature and magnitude. Nothing could well be supposed,
from its nature and circumstances, more bloody, in proportion to the
numbers engaged, than this action; and yet the loss on both sides was
exceedingly moderate.
Nothing could exceed the triumph of America and Americans generally,
upon the success of this enterprize, and the vigor and spirit with
which it was conducted.
It must, indeed, be acknowledged, that considered in all its parts
and difficulties, it would have done honor to the most veteran
soldiers. General Washington, the Congress, the General Assembly, and
the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, were emulous in their
acknowledgments, and in the praises which they bestowed upon General
Wayne, his officers and troops. In these they particularly applaud
the humanity and clemency shown to the vanquished, when, by the laws
of war, and stimulated by resentment from the remembrance of former
cruelty received from the British, they would have been justified in
putting the whole garrison to the sword.
As soon as Stony Point was taken, the artillery was directly turned
against Verplanck’s, and a furious cannonade ensued which necessarily
obliged the shipping at the latter place to cut their cables and fall
down the river. The news of this disaster, and of Webster’s situation,
who also expected an immediate attack on the land side, no sooner
reached Sir Harry Clinton, than he took the most speedy measures for
the relief of Verplanck’s. The whole British land and naval force
was in motion. But, however great the importance or value of Stony
Point and Verplanck’s, Washington was by no means disposed to hazard
a general engagement on their account; more especially in a situation
where the command of the river would afford such decisive advantages
to his enemy in the disposition and sudden movement of their troops,
whether with respect to the immediate point of action, or to the
seizing of the passes, and cutting off the retreat of his army, as
might probably be attended with the most fatal consequences.
In his letter to Congress, he says, that it had been previously
determined in council not to attempt keeping that post, and that
nothing more was originally intended than the destruction of the works
and seizing the artillery and stores. This adventurous and daring feat
kept the advanced posts of the British in a state of serious alarm.
By the journals of Congress for July 26, 1779, it appears that the
attack on the fort at Stony Point was ordered by General Washington
on the 10th of July. General Wayne issued his orders on the 15th, on
the night of which day the attack was made. The prisoners taken were
five hundred and forty-three; not a musket was fired by the Americans;
and although the laws of war and the principle of retaliation for past
cruelty, would have justified the sacrifice of the garrison, yet not a
man was killed who asked for quarters. Soon after this gallant action,
General Wayne repaired to his family in Chester county, and thence
to the seat of Government, to use his exertions in stimulating the
councils of the nation in behalf of the suffering army, one-half of
which was at this time nearly barefooted, and otherwise destitute of
comforts. As the winter was now approaching, Washington was preparing
to take up his quarters at Morristown, New Jersey, in order to restrain
the British, who were then stationed at New York, from incursions into
the adjacent country.
In May, 1780, Wayne was ordered to repair to the camp at Morristown,
and resume his command in the Pennsylvania line. Little more than
useless marches, and casual skirmishes with the enemy was accomplished
during this year.
In November of the same year Wayne appears before his government
supplicating supplies for his soldiers. This he accomplished, and
returned in December to his winter quarters at Morristown, where he
remained till the end of February, 1781. Receiving orders to join the
southern army under General Greene, now in Virginia, Wayne accordingly
commenced collecting his troops; but, from so many and unaccountable
delays, it was May before he could concentrate them at York,
Pennsylvania. Early in June the Pennsylvania troops, eleven hundred in
number, formed a junction with Lafayette, whom they met in Virginia,
and determined at once to march against Cornwallis, who was now
retreating. Lafayette held a position about twenty miles in the rear
of the British, whilst the advanced corps of Wayne kept within eight
or nine miles, with the intention of commencing an attack on the rear
guard, after the main body should have passed the river. Lafayette,
having received intelligence that the enemy were preparing to cross the
James river, he immediately took a position at Chickahominy church,
eight miles above Jamestown. Early the following morning, Wayne
believing that the main army of the British had effected its passage,
was determined to march forward and attack the rear guard; but upon
arriving within sight he found he was mistaken, and that he had now to
confront the whole British force with only five hundred men; the only
safe mode which he could now calculate upon, was that of attacking
vigorously and retreating precipitately. “For,” said he, “moments
decide the fate of battles,” and accordingly the firing was commenced
with great firmness at three o’clock, and continued till five in the
afternoon.
In this severe but gallant action one hundred and eight of the
Continental troops were killed, wounded and taken; most of the officers
were severely wounded, and many of the field officers had their horses
killed under them. Lafayette, in his official notice of this action,
says--“From every account the enemy’s loss has been very great, and
much pains taken to conceal it.”
In a letter from General Washington to Wayne, he adds:--“The Marquis
Lafayette speaks in the handsomest manner of your own behavior, and
that of the troops, in the action at Green Spring. I think the account
which Lord Cornwallis will be obliged to render of the state of
southern affairs, will not be very pleasing to ministerial eyes and
ears, especially after what appears to have been their expectations by
their intercepted letters of March last. I am in hopes that Virginia
will be soon, if not before this time, so far relieved as to permit
you to march to the succor of General Greene, who, with a handful of
men, has done more than could possibly have been expected; should he
be enabled to maintain his advantage in the Carolinas and Georgia, it
cannot fail of having the most important political consequences in
Europe.” The movements of Cornwallis indicated a permanent post at
Yorktown, a short distance up the York river, where he had removed
the principal part of his forces, and commenced his fortifications.
Washington hearing of this movement, commanded Lafayette to take early
measures to intercept the retreat of Cornwallis, should he discover the
intended blow, and attempt a retreat by North Carolina.
At the interposition of the Marquis Lafayette with his government,
a French fleet, consisting of three thousand troops, were equipped
and dispatched to the assistance of struggling America; and on the
2d September landed at Burwell’s Ferry, near this place. Lafayette,
who was encamped about ten miles from General Wayne, on hearing of
the arrival of the French fleet, requested an interview with him. In
a letter to a friend, Wayne describes an accident that occurred to
him on his way thither:--“After the landing of the French fleet, and
pointing out to them the most proper position for their encampment, I
received an express from the Marquis Lafayette, to meet him on business
of importance that evening. I proceeded accordingly, attended by two
gentlemen and a servant. When we arrived in the vicinity of the camp,
about ten o’clock at night, we were challenged by a sentry, and we made
the usual answer, but the poor fellow being panic-struck, mistook us
for the enemy, and shot me in the centre of the left thigh; then fled
and alarmed the camp. Fortunately, the ball only grazed the bone, and
lodged on the opposite side to which it entered.” The main works of
Cornwallis were at his strongly fortified garrison at Yorktown, on the
York river. He also occupied Gloucester, on the opposite side, where he
erected works to keep up the communication with the country. General
Washington reached the neighborhood of this interesting scene of
operation on the 14th of September, and immediately proceeded on board
the Ville de Paris, (flag-ship of the French admiral,) where the plan
of the siege was concerted.
Subjoined is an extract of General Wayne’s diary of the siege of
Yorktown and capture of Lord Cornwallis:
“On the 28th of September, 1781, General Washington put the combined
army in motion, at five o’clock in the morning, in two columns, (the
Americans on the right and the French on the left,) and arrived in view
of the enemy’s lines at York about four o’clock in the afternoon.
“29th. Completed the investiture. The enemy abandoned their advanced
chain of works this evening, leaving two redoubts perfect within
cannon-shot of their principal fortifications.
“30th. The allied troops took possession of the ground vacated by the
British, and added new works.
“1st October. The enemy discovering our works commenced a cannonade,
continuing through the day and night with very little effect.
“2d. Two men killed by the enemy’s fire.
“3d. A drop-shot from the British killed four men from the covering
party.
“4th. The redoubts were perfected; the enemy’s fire languid.
“5th. Two men killed by rocket-shot.
“6th. Six regiments, viz., one from the right of each brigade marched
at six o’clock, P. M., under the command of Major General Lincoln and
Brigadier Generals Clinton and Wayne, and opened the first parallel
within five hundred and fifty yards of the enemy’s works and their
extreme left, which was continued by the French to the extreme right.
“7th. The parallel nearly complete, without any opposition, except a
little scattered fire of musketry, and a feeble fire of artillery, by
which a few of the French troops were wounded and one officer lost his
leg.
“8th. Completed the first parallel; two of the Pennsylvanians were
killed by rocket-shot.
“9th. At three o’clock P. M., the French opened a twelve gun battery
on the extreme right of the enemy; and at five o’clock the same day,
a battery of ten pieces was opened on their extreme left, by the
Americans, with apparent effect.
“10th. At daybreak three more batteries were opened, (one of five heavy
pieces by the Americans, and two containing twenty-two by the French,)
opposite the centre of the British works; at five P. M., another
American battery of two ten inch howitzers was also opened, which
produced so severe a fire, that it in a great degree silenced that of
the enemy; at seven o’clock P. M., the Caron, of forty-four guns, was
set on fire by our balls and totally consumed.
“11th. Second parallel opened this night by the Pennsylvanians and
Marylanders, covered by two battalions under General Wayne, on the part
of the Americans.
“12th. Nothing material.
“13th. That part of the second parallel which was opened, nearly
completed.
“14th. A little after dark, two detached redoubts belonging to the
enemy were stormed; that on the extreme left by the light infantry,
under the Marquis Lafayette, in which were taken a major, captain, and
one subaltern, seventeen privates, and eight rank and file killed.
“Our army lost, in killed and wounded, forty-one. The other was
carried by the French, under the Baron de Viominial, who lost, in
killed and wounded, about one hundred men. Of the enemy eighteen
were killed, and three officers and thirty-nine privates were made
prisoners. The above attacks were supported by two battalions of the
Pennsylvanians, under General Wayne; whilst the second parallel was
completed by the Pennsylvanians and Marylanders, under Colonel W.
Stewart.
“15th. Two small batteries were opened this evening.
“16th. The enemy made a sortie, and spiked seven pieces of artillery,
but were immediately repulsed, the spikes drawn, and the batteries
again opened.
“17th. The enemy beat the chamade at ten o’clock A. M., Cornwallis now
sent out a flag, proposing a cessation of hostilities for twenty-four
hours, and that commissioners might be appointed to meet to settle the
terms upon which the garrisons of York and Gloucester should surrender.
General Washington would only grant a cessation for _two hours_;
previously to the expiration of which, his lordship, by another flag,
sent the following terms, viz:--The troops to be prisoners of war; the
British to be sent to Great Britain, and not to act against America,
France, or her allies, until exchanged; the Hessians to Germany, on the
same conditions; and that all operations cease until the commissioners
should determine the details. To this his excellency returned for
answer:--That hostilities should cease, and no alterations in the
works, or any new movement of the troops, take place, until he sent
terms in writing; which he did on the 18th, at nine o’clock, A. M.,
allowing the enemy two hours to determine. They again requested more
time; and the general granted them until one o’clock, when they acceded
to the heads of the imposed terms, and nominated Colonel Dundas and
Major Ross, on their part, to meet with Colonel Laurens and Viscount
de Noailles on ours, to reduce them to form, which was completed by
nine o’clock at night; and on the 19th, at one o’clock P. M., the
capitulation was ratified and signed by the commander of each army,
when the enemy received a guard of Pennsylvania and Maryland troops in
one of their principal works, and one of the French troops in another.
At four o’clock, the same afternoon, the British army marched out of
Yorktown with _colors cased_, between the American and French troops,
drawn up for the purpose, and then grounded their arms agreeably to
capitulation.”
After this successful struggle, General Wayne was commanded to repair
without delay to the aid of General Greene, who was encamped near
Savannah, Georgia, in which state the enemy had been long rioting
without the fear of opposition from either regulars or militia. Not,
however, before the 19th of January, 1782, did he reach the Savannah
river, and having crossed it with a detachment of the first and fourth
regiments of dragoons, with this force, aided by a small state corps
and a few spirited militia, he soon routed the enemy from some of
their strongest posts. Wayne receiving intelligence of a body of Creek
Indians being on their march to Savannah, detached a strong party of
horse under Colonel McCoy, dressed in British uniform, in order to
deceive and decoy them. This deception succeeded, and the Indians were
all surrounded and taken without the least resistance.
General Wayne, in a letter to a friend, dated the 24th of February,
writes, “It is now upwards of five weeks since we entered this state,
during which period not an officer or soldier with me has once
undressed for the purpose of changing his linen; nor do the enemy
lie on beds of down--they have once or twice attempted to strike our
advance parties. The day before yesterday they made a forward move
in considerable force, which induced me to advance to meet them; but
the lads declined the interview, by embarking in boats and retreating
by water to Savannah, the only post they now hold in Georgia.” This
post remained in possession of the British till the month of May,
when the British administration, having resolved upon abandoning all
offensive operations in America, it was ordered to be evacuated.
Accordingly, on the 11th of July, 1782, Savannah was delivered into
the possession of General Wayne, whose time was now fully occupied in
replying to the numerous applications of the merchants and citizens of
that place. About the end of November, General Wayne, with the light
infantry of the army, and the legionary corps, reached the vicinity of
Charleston, S. C., where Greene was posted near the Ashley river, a
convenient position to attack the rear of the enemy when the hour of
evacuation should arrive; but a proposition from the British General,
to be permitted to embark without molestation if he left the town
untouched, was acceded to, and on the morning of the 14th of December,
General Wayne had also the honor and satisfaction of taking peaceable
possession of Charleston, thus closing his last active scene in the war
of the American revolution.
General Wayne continued busily engaged at the south till the following
July, when he took passage for Philadelphia in very delicate health,
having contracted a fever while in Georgia.
In 1784, Wayne was elected by his native county to the General
Assembly, where he took deep interest in every act which agitated the
Legislature. His family estates, which had so long been inoperative,
now claimed his attention; which, for the space of two years, was most
assiduously devoted to them. President Washington nominated Wayne to
the Senate as Commander-in-chief of the United States army--which was
confirmed and accepted the 13th of April, 1792. The object of this high
and honorable post being bestowed on Wayne, was to bring to a close
the war with the confederated tribes of Indians, which was raging on
the northwestern frontier. During the four years of Indian warfare,
General Wayne suffered severely from his previous disease, living,
however, to witness the termination of those troubles which had so long
existed, but not to share in the happy results which his bravery and
exalted wisdom had consummated. He died at Presque Isle, on the 15th
of December, 1796. An able writer thus portrays the character of this
exalted man:--
“The patriotism, spirit and military character of General Anthony Wayne
are written on every leaf of his country’s history, from the dawn of
the revolution to the close of his eventful life. If you ask who obeyed
the first call of America for freedom? It was Wayne! he was first on
the battleground and last to retire. If you ask who gallantly led his
division to victory on the right wing at the battle of Germantown? Who
bore the fiercest charge at the battle of Monmouth? Who, in the hour
of gloom, roused the desponding spirits of the army and nation by the
glorious storming and capturing of Stony Point? It was GENERAL ANTHONY
WAYNE.
“In Congress, July 26th, 1779, it was resolved unanimously, that the
thanks of Congress be presented to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne,
for his brave, prudent and soldierly conduct, in the spirited and
well-conducted attack of Stony Point.”
A gold medal was voted to him at the same time, of which the following
is a description taken from the original in the possession of his
family. (_See_ Plate II.)
OCCASION.--Taking of Stony Point, on the North River, by storm.
DEVICE.--An Indian Queen crowned, a quiver on her back, and wearing
a short apron of feathers: a mantle hangs from her waist behind: the
upper end of the mantle appears as if passed through the girdle of her
apron, and hangs gracefully by her left side. She is presenting, with
her right hand, a wreath to General Wayne, who receives it. In her left
hand, the Queen is holding up a mural crown towards the General. On her
left and at her feet an alligator is stretched out. She stands on a
bow: a shield, with the American stripes, rests against the alligator.
LEGEND.--Antonio Wayne Duci Exercitas comitia Americana.
REVERSE.--A fort, with two turrets, on the top of a hill: the British
flag flying: troops in single or Indian file, advancing in the front
and rear up the hill: numbers lying at the bottom. Troops advancing in
front, at a distance, on the edge of the river: another party to the
right of the fort. A piece of artillery posted on the plain, so as to
bear upon the fort; ammunition on the ground: six vessels in the river.
LEGEND.--Stony Point expugnatum.
EXERGUE.--15th July, 1779.
[Illustration: Plate 2.
3
4
5
_W. L. Ormsby, sc._]