Part 2
In person, Colonel Hardenbergh was tall, of swarthy complexion, robust frame, and is said to have been a most commanding figure on horseback, in his regimentals, on military occasions. He took an active part in the politics of the day, and was decided and open in the expression of his opinions. He was a warm friend and ardent supporter of Governor George Clinton, under whom he had served in the first year of the war, and whose confidence he largely shared in the distribution of military promotions and civil appointments. A sturdy patriot, a brave soldier, a civilian, honored and trusted in public station and in private life, he has fairly won the gratitude with which communities are wont to remember their founders.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] The original NINE MEN were selected by the Director-General from eighteen delegates chosen by the people, and composed of merchants, burghers and farmers. Six of the nine retired annually and their places were filled by appointment from twelve of the "most notable citizens." Their powers were advisory and limited, as they were only to give advice on such propositions as the Director or his council might submit to them. The object of establishing such a Board, and as rehearsed in the colonial charter, was: "That the colony, and principally New Amsterdam, our capital, might continue to increase in good order, justice, police, population, prosperity and mutual harmony; and be provided with strong fortifications, a church, a school, trading places, harbor, and similar highly necessary public edifices and improvements; that the honor of God and the welfare of our dear Fatherland to the best advantage of the Company and the prosperity of our good citizens be promoted; and that the pure reformed religion as it is here in the churches of the Netherlands may be inculcated and preserved." For further account of the NINE MEN and the part taken by Arnoldus van Hardenbergh in the affairs of the colony, see Col. Hist. N.Y.I, 258, 261, 270, 305, 310, 318, 324.
[2] Col. Ritzema was a Hollander by birth, and educated as a soldier in the Prussian army. Being refused the advancement to which he deemed himself entitled, he left the American service, but not before he was suspected of disaffection, if not of treachery. During the battle of White Plains, where his regiment was engaged, he was some four or five miles away, and was shortly after displaced from his command. He subsequently joined the British army.
[3] Col. Van Courtlandt gives the following account of the manner of his appointment: "This commission was sent by General Washington, by express, and was of his own direction, having been furnished with blanks from Congress signed by John Hancock, President, for him to fill up as he thought proper, appointing me Colonel of the Second New York Regiment, dated November 30, 1776." _Autobiography, &c. The Magazine of American History for May, 1878._
[4] Autobiography of General Van Courtlandt.
[5] Mss. in possession of Mr. John H. Osborne, of Auburn, N.Y.
[6] Some accounts make the number even less.
[7] This house was pillaged about the same time, and large quantities of clothing and vegetables taken by the Indians. One Indian, a chief, emerged from the scene of plunder, mounted on a horse taken from the stable, profusely arrayed in stolen apparel, with silver bands about his arms and a bunch of some forty silver broaches hanging about his person. He was discovered by some soldiers who were on the alert to get a shot at the invaders as they were leaving the place, when one levelled his rifle at him and fired. He was seen to lay over on his horse, but turning into the woods, disappeared. Some time after, his body was found near the place where he was shot with his plunder still about him. _Narrative of Massacres and Depredations in Wawarsing, &c., &c., Rondout, 1846._
[8] _Stone's Life of Brant. Narrative of Massacres and Depredations in Wawarsing, &c., &c._, _Rondout_, 1846.
INTRODUCTION TO JOURNALS.
The following is printed from the original manuscript, in possession of the family, in the hand-writing of Lieutenant Hardenbergh, undoubtedly an original journal made by him during the campaign of General Sullivan against the Indians.
The route covered by the Journal, begins at Wawarsing, in Ulster County, New York, passing south-westerly along the Mine road and Delaware river to Stroudsburg, Penn.; thence westerly over the mountains, by the Sullivan road to Wilkesbarre; thence up the Susquehanna river to Tioga Point near present Athens, where General Clinton's brigade on August 22d, joined the main army; thence up the Chemung river to present Elmira, and northerly to Havana; thence along the east shore of Seneca lake to present Geneva, and by way of Canandaigua, Honeoye, and Conesus to the Genesee river near present Cuylerville, in Livingston county, where was found the great Seneca town of Chenandoanes, or Genesee Castle, the most westerly point reached by the expedition.
The return was over nearly the same route to Easton, and thence up the Delaware to Morristown, N.J., where the regiment went into winter quarters.
In addition to Lieutenant Hardenbergh's journal, will be found that part of the journal of Major Erkuries Beatty, which relates to the march of General Clinton's brigade from the valley of the Mohawk, down the Susquehanna river to join General Sullivan at Tioga Point.
On the return march, Sept. 20th, when the army reached Kanadasega, an Indian town near present Geneva, Lieutenant Colonel William Butler commanding the Fourth Pennsylvania regiment, was detached with six hundred men, with orders to proceed around the north end of Cayuga lake, and devastate the Indian settlements on the east side. Thomas Grant accompanied this detachment; that portion of his journal which relates to the operations of this force, is also presented.
On the next day, September 21st, Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Dearborn commanding the third New Hampshire regiment, with two hundred and fifty men, was detached to proceed along the west shore of Cayuga lake to complete the destruction in that quarter. That part of Colonel Dearborn's journal describing his operations on this march, also appears. The journals of Lieutenant Hardenbergh, Major Beatty and Colonel Dearborn, have not hitherto appeared in print.
Notes have been added mostly from cotemporary writers illustrating the text, and giving descriptions of events and places mentioned, also introducing, at the proper place, descriptions of important matters referred to and described in other journals, but not appearing in any of the preceding.
Especial attention has been given to the descriptions of Indian towns, and it is confidently believed, that here for the first time, can be found, at least, an approximation to a complete list, and the exact location of the entire number destroyed. The descriptions in nearly all cases are from personal knowledge obtained by actual survey; the evidences of aboriginal occupation being plainly apparent.
The maps and descriptions of the battle field of Newtown, and of the Groveland ambuscade, it is believed will be an important addition to the literature of the campaign, and a valuable aid to those engaged in its study; and will present a more correct description of these important matters than has hitherto appeared in print. The conclusions reached, are the result of a most patient examination of all authorities accessible, and will be likely to stand the test of the most intelligent and critical scrutiny. The list of journals and narratives relating to this campaign, though not as perfect as might be desired, will be found useful to those who wish to obtain authentic sources of information, and undoubtedly, many will be surprised to learn that so much original material is in existence and accessible.
The text of the several journals, has been followed literally, from the original manuscript when possible. Proper names, especially those of Indian towns, even in the same manuscript, are often found with material variations in spelling, and in many instances, different authors give entirely different names for the same place; in other cases wrong names are applied, and frequently are transposed. The great Seneca town, on the Genesee river, is honored with several distinct names, one of which has seventy variations in spelling; and Appletown has three distinct locations, several miles distant from each other. Care has been taken, to avoid confusion as much as possible, by explanations in the notes, and in the use of names most in accord with those in modern use.
JOURNAL OF THE CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR 1779, COMMENCING MAY 1ST.
Saturday, May ye first.--Drew out of our Winter Quarters at Wawasink[9] and encamped in a field near Jacobus Brown's at that place.
Sunday, May 2nd.--Laid still in camp.
Monday 3d.--Drew provisions and prepared for a march.
Tuesday, 4th.--Struck our tents. Loaded our baggage in order to proceed on our march for Weyoming, but being alarmed by an express that the savages were murdering the inhabitants at Fantine Kille,[10] about five miles in our front, Coll. Cortlandt marched to their assistance, but before we arrived at the place they were gone. At 4 in the afternoon returned to Wawasink and remained in houses.[11]
Wednesday, 5th.--Remained in the Quarters of yesterday.
Thursday, 6th.[12]--At 7 in the morning loaded baggage, marched to Lurenkill[13] and halted at Broadhead's[14] for refreshment about two hours, and marched for Mamacotting,[15] where we arrived at 7 o'clock at night.
Friday, 7th.--At 4 struck tents, marched at 5, halted at Bashesland[16] for refreshment for about two hours, proceeded on our march. Crossed Denanasink[17] Creek at Dewitt's[18] and arrived at Major Decker's, crossed the creek with wagons and encamped in the field near Decker's house.
Saturday, May 8th.--Drew provisions; marched at about 11 o'clock and encamped at Haurnanack.[19]
Sunday, 9th.--Discharged four wagons which we had taken from Wawasink; loaded our provisions on board the canoes, sent them down the Delaware. At 8 o'clock in the morning began our march; marched to Esquire Vancamp's;[20] the weather very hot, we rested ourselves and marched for Decker's Ferry[21] on Delaware, where we arrived at sundown and encamped.
Monday, 10th.--Laid still for refreshment and washing.
Tuesday, 11th.--Struck tents and marched at 7 in the morning; got over the ferry, proceeded on our march; rested for refreshments, at Smithfield at or near Depew's,[22] at 5 P.M.; marched for Fort Penn where we arrived at dusk of the evening.
May 12th and 13th.--Laid still at Fort Penn[23] on account of rainy weather.
Friday, May 14th, 1779.--The weather clear, we received orders to march at 1 o'clock in the afternoon. Struck tents, marched for Learn's;[24] marched about five miles and encamped in the wood.
Saturday, 15th.--About 7 in the morning struck tents and marched to Learn's; pitched camp, and proceeded with a party to mend the road to Weyoming.[25]
Sunday, 16th.--Our camp remained, and were joined by Coll. Spencer's[26] regiment; we continued making the road. At night seven men deserted from our regiment.[27]
Monday, 17th.--Decamped from Learn's about 7 in the morning, and encamped at about 7 o'clock in the afternoon, just on the west side of a small creek called White Oak Run.[28]
Tuesday, 18th.--Our camp remained; we continued working on the road; I was ordered to remain in camp with the guard.
Wednesday, 19th.--Last night about 11 o'clock, an alarm happened by the firing of one of the sentinels, but soon found it to be false alarm.[29] The weather being wet, we remained in camp all day.
Thursday, 20th.--Rainy weather with some thunder; we remained in camp.
Friday, 21st.--Foggy, rainy weather with thunder and lightning; remained in camp. This day Ensign Swartwout[30] arrived in camp from the State of New York, brought news that the Indians were lurking about Rochester and Wawasink; and the inhabitants chiefly moved off their families.
Saturday, 22nd.--The weather continued rainy. Remained in camp. At sunset the weather cleared off.
Sunday, 23d.--The morning fair and clear. Received orders to march. At 8 o'clock the General beat; struck tents, proceeded on our march till over a creek in the Great Swamp[31] called Tackhanack, the road very bad, the baggage could not come up; went back and mended the road and encamped where the baggage was. In the evening, Sergeant Jonas Brown[32] with five men, was sent off to Weyoming with letters from General Sullivan to General Hand.[33]
Monday, 24th.--About 9 o'clock in the morning struck camp, marched across the Tackhanack[34] and encamped on a hight, about half a mile from the creek, but continued making the road which was very bad about that place.
Tuesday, 25th.--Left our camp standing, and continued making the road; built a bridge and causeway at Tobehanna[35] of one hundred and fifteen paces in length. The creek is considerable large and abounds with trout.[36] Some good land along the creek; the road very difficult to make.
Wednesday, 26th.--Laid still in camp on purpose to refresh the men, and washing. Sergeant Brown returned from Weyoming.
Thursday, 27th.--Went out to work.
Friday, 28th.--Finished the bridge across the Tobehanna and returned to camp.
Saturday, 29th.--John Curry and Michael Sellers were tried at the drum-head, for stealing rum from the commissary,[37] found guilty, and sentenced to receive, Curry seventy-five lashes, and Sellers fifty, which was directly put in execution. Our camp remained; we continued work on the road. After we returned from fatigue, Gen. Sullivan and Col. Hoopes[38] arrived in our camp.
Sunday, 30th.--In the morning Gen. Sullivan and Col. Hoopes returned to Easton. At 7 o'clock in the morning struck tents, the regiment marched to Locust Hill and encamped there;[39] myself was ordered to remain with the Commissary stores which could not move with the baggage for want of teams.
Monday, 31st.--The Coll. sent the wagons back to fetch the stores. We loaded them on the wagons and proceeded to Camp and arrived there at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. The troops worked on the road.
Tuesday, June 1st.--Worked on the road. The Camp remained on Locust Hill.
Wednesday, June 2d.--Lt. Weissenfels[40] of our regiment was sent to Weyoming as an escort to guard a number of pack horses. The troops continued working the road. I was ordered on court martial, of which Captain Graham was President.
Thursday, June 3d.--The troops did not work for want of provision.
Friday, June 4th.--The camp remained on Locust Hill. Captain Graham, myself, and two other officers were ordered to inspect pork which was chiefly Condemned on account of its being Spoiled.[41] On the 3d of June, John Ten Eyck, soldier in Captain French's company of light infantry was drowned in the Lehi by accident.
Saturday, 5th.--The regiment was ordered on fatigue with three days provisions, that night lay out in the woods.
Sunday 6th.--I was relieved by Lt. Fairlie[42] and went to Camp, this day we worked through the great Swamp.
Monday, 7th June.--At about 8 in the morning decamped from Locust Hill, crossed the Lehi and encamped on the side of a Swamp called the Shades of Death,[43] about six miles from Locust Hill.
Tuesday, 8th June.--About 2 o'clock in the afternoon, struck our tents, marched through the Shades of Death, and encamped at night about one mile from the Shades.
Wednesday, 9th.--The Camp remained.
Thursday 10th.--The Camp remained. The troops worked on the road.
Friday, 11th.--The regiment decamped and marched within seven miles from Weyoming. Capt. Wright and I remained behind to guard the Commissary Stores.
Saturday, 12th.--The guard and Commissary Stores came up to Camp.
Sunday, 13th.--Laid still.
Monday, 14th.--At six o'clock the General beat, struck tents and marched to Weyoming[44] and arrived there at about 12, and pitched Camp.
June 15th and 16th.--Laid still.
Thursday, 17th.--Moved the camp about four miles up the River, to a placed called Jacob's Plains.[45]
18th and 19th.--Laid still.
Sunday, June 20th.--I was ordered to go down the River Sisquehannah with a party in boats[46] under the command of Captain Graham. Left Weyoming about 7 o'clock in the morning and arrived with the boats at Fort Jenkins[47] at sunset and stayed that night.
Monday, 21st.--Left Fort Jenkins in the morning, proceeded down the River and arrived at Northumberland town,[48] dined there, and proceeded to Sunbury and arrived there at 7 o'clock at night.
Tuesday, 22nd.--Laid still at Sunbury and loaded the boats with flour and beef.
Wednesday, 23d.--At 9 o'clock in the morning left Sunbury, proceeded up the River about eight miles.
Thursday, 24th.--Proceeded up the River till night and lodged on board the boat. In the night lost my hat.
Friday, 25th.--Proceeded up the River as far as Fort Jenkins and lodged there.[49]
Saturday, 26th.--Left Fort Jenkins and arrived at the falls.[50] Got half the boats up the falls, which were drawn up by ropes.
Sunday, 27th.--Got up the rest of the boats, and proceeded up the River and halted along shore over night. Coll. Ogden's regiment from Jersey was sent down as a guard to us from Weyoming.
Monday, 28th.--At Revelle beat proceeded up the River to the upper falls. Got all the boats up, (one of which overset in going up) and arrived at Shawny flats about 4 miles from Weyoming.
Tuesday, 29th.--Left Shawny flats in the morning and arrived at Weyoming[51] about 7 o'clock in the morning, unloaded the boats and went up to camp in the afternoon to Jacob's Plains.
Wednesday, 30th June.--The regiment was mustered in camp at Jacob's Plains. While I was out on my voyage down the river, Gen. Sullivan arrived at Weyoming with troops to be employed on the expedition.[52]
Thursday, July 1.--Laid still.
Friday, July 2d; Saturday, July 3d.--Remained at Jacob's Plains.
Sunday, July ye 4th.--Decamped from Jacob's Plains, crossed the river Sisquehannah and encamped on the west side the River, near forty fort[53] on a fine plain called Abraham's Plains.
Monday, 5th July.--Went out on a scouting party in order to hunt. Went up the River as far as Laghawanny Creek and returned at sunset. Met with no success.
During our stay at Weyoming we had nothing to do but to keep guard, and disciplining our troops; only a few that were employed in boating to carry provisions[54] up the River from Sunbury to Weyoming.
(From July 5th to July 31st no entry was made in the Journal).
Saturday, the 31st of July.--About 3 o'clock in the afternoon we left Weyoming on our expedition. Our baggage being carried on pack horses, the provisions and artillery in boats, we marched as far as Lackawannick,[55] ten miles from Weyoming, and encamped.[56]
Sunday, Aug. first.--At 1 o'clock in the afternoon struck our tents and marched 7 miles to a place called Quialutimack.[57] The road was very difficult, the baggage did not arrive till towards day.
Monday, August ye 2d.--Laid still at Quialutimack.
Tuesday, Aug. 3d.--At 7 o'clock in the morning struck our camp, loaded our baggage, proceeded on our march and encamped at night in the wood.
Wednesday, Aug. 4th.--At 7 o'clock in the morning the General beat, struck our tents, proceeded on our march and encamped at night at Venderlips[58] Plantation. This day's march was very fatiguing. Our regiment was on the Rear Guard, the road very mountainous and difficult. We had the care of all the pack horses and cattle, which was very troublesome.
Thursday, Aug. 5th.--About 10 o'clock decamped, proceeded on our march and arrived at Wyalusing[59] and encamped there.
Friday, Aug. 6th.--Laid still at Wyalusing for refreshment.
Saturday, Aug. 7th.--Laid still on account of rainy weather.
Sunday, August 8th.[60]--At six o'clock in the morning struck camp, moved from Wyalusing and encamped at evening at a place called Standing Stone.[61]
Monday, Aug. 9th.--At six o'clock in the morning struck our tents, proceeded on our march and arrived at Sheshehung flats[62] and encamped there.
Tuesday, Aug. 10th.--Laid still at the Flats.
Wednesday, Aug. 11th.--At 6 o'clock in the morning struck tent, marched at 7 o'clock for Tyuga.[63] Our regiment and the 2d New Jersey regiment was ordered to cross the River at our encampment and proceed up the River on the opposite side, to take possession of the ground at Tyuga to cover the fording place for the army and horses to cross the River, arrived at Tyuga about 11 o'clock in the morning.[64] At night Gen. Sullivan sent off a small scout[65] to discover Shemung[66] (of one Captain and seven men,) which lay about twelve miles up the Tiyuga branch.
Aug. 12.--The scout returned with news that the enemy seemed to be in great confusion and seemed to be moving off. The Gen'l left a guard at Tiyuga sufficient to guard the camp and marched with the rest of the army under cover of the night for Shemung, marched all night, the weather very dark, and nothing but an Indian path through the wood made it difficult.[67]
Friday, Aug. 13th.--About six o'clock in the morning we arrived at Shemung and found the enemy had left the town. On our approach we burnt the town, destroyed the corn, &c., and returned to Tiyuga. A small party of the Indians who had concealed themselves in the wood, fired on a small party of Gen'll Hand's Brigade, killed six men and wounded two without loss on their side.[68] A party of Gen'l Poor's Brigade was destroying corn, were fired upon by the enemy, killed one and wounded one.
Saturday, Aug. 14th.--Laid at Tiyuga waiting for the arrival of Gen'l Clinton's Brigade, who came down the Susquehanna from the Mohawk River. A large detachment from the army was ordered up to join him.[69] The remainder of the army were employed in building a garrison at Tiyuga.[70] On the 22nd day of Aug't we were joined by Gen'l Clinton's Brigade.
Monday, Aug't 23d.--Laid still. Capt. Kimble of Col. Cilley's Regiment, Gen'l Poor's Brigade, was killed in his tent by accident with a gun being snapped by a soldier.
Tuesday, 24th Aug't.--The disposition was made and everything got in readiness for marching. The army encamped that evening agreeable to the order of march,[71] myself being drafted on the right flank, which was commanded by Col. Dubois.
Wednesday, 25th.--Laid still not being able to get ready to march on account of our pack horses.
Thursday, 26th.--Struck tents at 1 o'clock and marched about 3 miles up the Tiyuga Branch and encamped.
Friday, Aug't 27.--At 8 o'clock in the morning the Gen'l beat, struck tents at 9 o'clock marched off and encamped that night about 3 miles below Shemung by a large cornfield.[72]
Saturday, Aug't 28th.--At 3 o'clock in the afternoon marched as far as Shemung and encamped.[73]
Sunday, 29th Aug't.--At 8 o'clock in the morning the signal for march was given. We marched about 4 miles when our Light corps fell in with the enemy on the opposite side of a defile with some slight works thrown up in their front. The light troops exchanged some shots with them and amused them whilst Gen's Clinton's and Poor's Brigades with the right flank were ordered to file off by the right and gain the enemy's rear, which to effect, we had to ascend a very steep hill which the enemy had possessed themselves of. Whilst we were gaining the rear, Col. Proctor with the artillery kept up a brisk fire on their works. On our ascending the hill they began to attack us. Our men undauntedly pushed on and gained the hill. The enemy went off in confusion, left their dead on the ground.[74]--About sunset we encamped on the enemy's ground.[75] We had one major, one Capt. and one Lt. wounded. The Capt. and Lieut. died of their wounds, also a few men wounded.[76]
Aug't 30.--Remained on the ground of yesterday. The greatest part of the army were employed in destroying corn which was in great abundance.