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MEMOIRS,

LETTERS AND JOURNALS,

MAJOR GENERAL RIEDESET,

uuniNo HIS

RESIDENCE IN AMERICA.

TRANSLATED

FROM THE OUKilNAl. uElOIAN OF MAX VON EELKING.

WILLIAM L. STONE,

AUTHOR OP THE LIFE AND TIMES OP SIR WILLIAM JOIINSOV, BART.
LIFE AND WRITINQS OF COL. WILLIAM L. STONE, ETC., ETC.

VOL. II,

A I. B A N Y :

J. MUNSELL, 83 STATE STREET.

1868.

Entered accorcli„,.o Act Of Co„g,.e.i„„„,,„,.,,,3_

Br J. MlNSELL,

for the Northern Di.fict of New Y,

ork.

SKETCH OF MAJ. GEN. RIEDESEL.

1778.

The poorest prospects wore now in store for the Oernian
troops; for who would take their part under tlieir present
circumstances, so far away from their own land i* It was evi-
dent that congress had broken tlie treaty. The Knjilish govern-
ment could not consistently enter into direct negotiations with
congress, as it was unwilling to acknowledge its auth<irity ; and,
conse([uently, no way could be seiii out of the difficulties under
which the prisoners suffered. It might rea.sonably be expected
that if any favors were slntwn by congress to the troops, it
would be to the English who had hitherto been treated better
than the (Jermans, a fact of wliich the latter were well aware.
Their difficulties were furthermore increased by the repeated
disputes between tlie prisoners and the Americans by whom
they were guarded. Each party vied in irritating the other,
the former being instigated by hatred towards those who en-
deavored to assume the appearance of soldiers, a course whicli
only made them ridiculous as they were anything but soldiers,
and the latter by arrogance and a desire of being revenged upon
those whom they knew to be their superiors in military matters.
These quarrels, moreover, occurred almost daily, notwithstand-
ing the strictest orders of the commanders that their men not
only should hold no intercourse with the Americans, but ^liould
not even speak to them. These orders were issued so that
there might not bo the slightest pretext for a quarrel. In con-
sequence of General IJurgoyne's re((uest, some ol' the English
officers had been already exchanged, but none of the Germans.
1*

4 MAJOR OEXEIiAL ItlEDEHEL

(iciU'val lUiulcscl. acoordiii^ly. tliovifilit it Itcst at tlii.s tiiiip to
apiieal t(t (.Jeuoral Howe. He, tlieroibrc, wrote to him as fol-
lows :

" CamhkiikJK, .1 nimin/ 7. 177S.

'• Vour exeelloiK-y will jieniiit me to solicit your proteetion
ami assistance on behalf of the German officers who were cap-
tured durin<4' tlie last campaij;n. In con8e<(uence of a rc<|Ue8t
on the part of (Jeneral IJurj^oyne, Ucneral dates has exchanged
a number of British officers at Albany; but, on being asked to
exchange, also, a corresponding number of (Jerman officers, he
answered that he could not agree to an exchange of German
troops without special orders I'rom congress. This answer gives
to a rumor, now current in this province, the appearance of
tr>ith. that congress has resolved to exchange none of the (Jer-
man officers who were captured. Such a ros<ilution, if true,
will make our situation a sad and liumiliating one, especially
since we are thus deprived of the sanu; advantages which have
been accorded the other troops, and which are customary in
war among th(»se serving the same cause, the same master and
with the same diligence, which latter fact has been publicly de-
clared by General IJurgoyne.

" I'erfcctly convinced of your justice and fairness. T take the
liberty of addressing you and of praying you, that, as the com-
mander in chief of the army in America, you will exert your
influence in our behalf to bring about an exchange of captured
German officers with General Washington, equal in amount to
the number of English officers wlio were exchanged by (general
Gates. 1 have the honor of inclosing a list of the German
officers captured during the last campaign, and would recom-
mend to your especial protection Lieutenant Colonel Specht,
Captain Fricke, Captain (Jeisau, Lieutenant Gebhardt, Lieu-
tenant Breva and Captain O'Connell, my adjutant.
" T remain, etc.,

" RiEDESKL, Major General."

/.V /7/A' AMUItllAS UF.Vi>Lirii)S.

(Icncral Hiedusel took Hpei'ial pains to presorve his right of
jiirisdictiiiii over his tniops. and thus avoid giving any oausc to
till; Americans I'or talking it JVoni him. I-'or tliis jmrposc tlu;
preservation oi' discipline was partienlariy necessary; hut this
was hy no moans an easy mutter under existing cireuinstances.
Owing to want of employment, tln^soldiin-s were mort; than tiver
inclined to insuhordination. For the purjiose of correcting
tliis state of things, the first thing the (iornian general did was
to detach from each regiment, a guard, consisting of one non-
commissioned officer and sixteen privates, under tlie command
of a lieutenant, it was their express duty to see that ((uiet
and order were tihserved. .V start" officer, as officer of the day,
had these guards under his supervision. Everything had to be
reported to him. lie was empowcM-ed to settle difficulties
between the soldiers and provincials on the spot, (leneral
lliedesel, himself drtsw up the necessary instructions, and a
severe penalty was inflicted upon those who endeavored to
thwart them

These prudent measures soon produced good results. Fn the
first place difficulties were thus nipped in the hud, and had,
therefore, no chance to grow larger; and, secondly, the provin-
cials saw that nothing which the prisoners did deserving punish-
ment, was overh)oked. The benefit, also, arising from the guard
system was soon seen in the men being easier kept together,
and desertions hecoming less frequent. The better, also, to
give his men employment and thus keep up discipline, lliedesel
obliged them to drill every day in divisions, when the weather
allowed it. Not having any arms, they could only go through
tlie evolutions of marching ; b>it this, besides giving employment
to the men, kept them jjroficient in this kind of drill.

All officers, and those who bore tlie rank of ofKcers, were
permitted to retain tlicir side arms, rreueral TIeath even
directed, in an order issued Jiinuary 7th, that these arms should
be constantly carried whenever the officers went l)eyond the
outposts. This was done to obviate the necessity of their sliow-

M.Ualt lih'X /•://. I/, ItlUDKSKh

iiiji' tliciir passes tn the iiroviiicials wlin (itlicrwiso wore rcquinHl
til insist ii|iiiii st.M.'iri<i' ail pMHscs.

On Winter liill it was nut as quiet as mi I'l'dSpect liili. At
the former place exeesHeH grow inme anil more trequeiit. Tho
Anierieans did nut send tlmsi! et' the Knjilisli wlumi they ar-
rested, baek t(i tlieir ((uarters, as was tlieir custdni with tiio
(iernians. but dra^^ued tlieni either to tiio guard himso or tlio
guard slii[)s. The I'olidwing instance will serve to sliow tho
extent to whieii mutual ill feeling liad grown :

On the Sth of January, the American Colonel Hawley, with
luH men, was on guard behind the barracks mi Prospect hill.
In front of one of the barracks stood i^ight Knglish soldiers
belonging to tho !>th Uegiment. They wore engaged in conver-
sation, when su(blenly the? above mentioned colonel ran in
among them with a drawn dagger like a maniac, and in an
instant UKU'tally wounded two of the group. The cause, if any,
that led him to commit this outrageous act has ever remained a
se.'ret. The indignation and bitter feeling of the Kngli.sh
toward their jailors were increased by this event to the highest
pitch; and (Jeneral JJurgoyne, in an energetic letter, demanded
of General Heath the arrest of ('olonel Ilawloy and a strict
investigation.

Oolonel Hawley was publicly tried on the 2()th of .January,
in the meetinghouse at ("andjridgo. Brigadier (ieneral (Jlover
presided. All the Kngli.sh and (iorman generals, also many
officers of both sides, aiul a great number of civilians, wore
present, (ieneral Hurgoyne. persiuially appearing as plaintiff,
made the complaint in a strong and masterly speech which
gained him the admiration of all present. With the close of
this speech, the proceedings terminated fin* the day. On the
1st of February, (^iloncl Hawley was again arraigned before
the same tribunal. The room was tilled, and many witnesses
were present, forty of wlioni were examined. The investigation
lasted for twenty sessions, and occupied an entire month. The
Americans themselves, considered Oolonel Hawley h)st; but

i.\ Till-: AMKiiia.w iiKViii.rritix. 7

their iii(li;;iiatinii wiih ^rcitly iinTcascd apiinst (ioihtmI niir-
^■(lyiif (iir carryiiij: tlic inaftcr. as tlicy tlidiiulit. t<»i I'i'i' *. mid
his siildiors ciuistMiiiciitly siiticrcd I'rdiii it. 'I'iii' pri'SM jpidilisiicd
iiii|iudoiit, hiiii|)(MiiiH and scdiiit'iil jpuctry aj;aiiist X\w Kiiiiiisli
j^eueral. tliiTol)y cndi'avdriiijr to i*ri>at(! syirniatliy liir tlio Aiiiiiri-
eaii colonel. I"'inally. on tln^ ^.'ith of l-'ebniary. lie wa.s hroiijiht
before a eoiirt martial ; and it will scareely be eredited that thin
court martial, consisting,' only of otHeers, ri,KAUKl> iiiM. Xor
was this all ; for in ordi'r to crown American want(»ruies.s and
otVciid (li'iieral Uuruoyne and all the Knfi'lish. yet mine, (admi-
ral ileatli a|i|)oiiiled this nahli colonel commander of Cambridu'c'.
and con.sei(iieiitly of the two hills also I Cohmel iice, who had
liitherto tilled this position, beini; absent.

These occurrences had the cflect of puttinji (Jenernl Hiedesel
still more on his guard and preventiii';' his troops from com-
mitting;' excesses, if he and they would preserve their indi^ieiid-
encc as nuieh as possible. Accordingly, lie issued the following
circular to his troops :

" Kxperience daily shows tliat the provincials on Prospect
liill,' are depriving the regiments of their just rights, and are
nut permitting them to preserve their own jurisdiction as they
agreed. They ent(^r into their liarracks, and, by force, either
arrest soldiers and carry tliem to the guard ships, ki-eping them
there from eight to fourteen days, without giving to their
respective commanders the lea.st notice, or ev(Mi the reasons wliy
the soldiers have been arrested. The cause of this unjust
treatment must either originate in the fact that, at the begin-
ning, when the soldiers bad difficulties with the jirovincial.s,
there was on the English side no prompt or sufficient satisfaction
given, or that hard words and actions have embittered the
provincials to such an extent, that they now do not keep the
promises to which the treaty had bound them ; and. consecjuently,

1 It must be kept in mind tliat tlic EmkIIhIi were qimi'leretl on I'l-OBpect anil tlic
tiriniaiiH on Wintiv IiiU.

MA.Iult (IKSKU.M. U/i:ii/:-s/:K

tlu-y iiro t'lKli'uvnriii^i l>_v llicsi' li;irf<li |pru('i'('(linj;s tu Imiulilo
tlii'iii.

" It Ih iiltfij^ntlu'i-ditVcri'iit with tlu' (Jfiiiiiiii honjis mi \\ inter
hill. Tho priiviiicialH list iiiir lu'njdc and tlicir iHiirackH ali)iu) ;
ami in raso the latter liave ditlieiilties with tlie iuriner, and are
arreHted. they aredelivereil up to our |Mist ; tlinse in ehari:i'iit'tlieiii
bt'iiifi guiierally sati^lied with a nli^rht ]nniiHlinient. N'uw what
is tho C11U80 of thin hnnurahle diHerenet; in the way i" whi(di
onr men are treated? Nntiiinj; Imf "imkI diseijiline on our si(h',
and iiraine-worthy vijiilaiiee of the statV oHieers to ;;ive prompt
Hatixfaetion to the offended party. Thin I thankfully aeknow-
ledf^e. Wo muHt endeavor to presorvo thin authority and
juriwdietioii. We eannot do it by forco, fcir wo are under
oonstant surveillanei". I'olitonoss. modesty and promjit satis-
faetion are the oidy nu'aiis by whieh wo ean maintain our
prorof^ativo. T/h n n/ Jln^t fi'mr that wo have tho misfortune
to eansotheni to be dissatisfit^d with us and with our Jurisdiction ;
and the very first tinir that tliey send a prisonc-r to the j;uard
ship, or refuse to surrender him to uh, /Inn our exemption is
forever lost, and henceforth, tlujy will treat us in the same
manner as they now treat the l']nf:;lish.

" In order, however, to avoid even the possibility of this
continjioney, all comniunieation betwoon our troops and tho
provincials must bo avoided. The men must bo modest, thoujxh
not cringing, toward the provincials. In case a soldier insults a
provincial, or is arrested by one of them in consequence of a
misdemeanor, the fact is to bo reported to the staff officer of the
day. and it shall be his duty to do all in his power to have tho
offender returned to us, promising prompt satisfaction. If tho
offense is of such a nature that it can be punished without a
hearing, then the j)unishment shall be inflicted in presence of
the offended party ; and tlu; penalty shall be such as will satisfy
the aggrieved. In short, it is the design to have all such cases
settled iif oner, and during the first excitement.

" As T refrain from having any Jurisdiction oyer the regiment

/.V T//h' .l.\/K/i/LA\ ItKVitl.riKt.S.

, of lloHsc iiniiuu, it will entirely il(>|ii'ii(l it]Miti the ciiiiiniiiiiiler
of that re^^iiiieiit to inllict the puiiishiiieiit ii."!!!!! witii (iuit
re<;iiiK!iit, and as shall bo ordered by Hrij;adier (ieiieral N'nn
(iail. This niininterferenee, hnwever. is based uii the sn^pusi-
tion that the inisdeniennur is of sueh a nature that the nU'ended
party is satistied. and we are not put to the ineonvenienee id'
beinjj; rofused iit a sul)sei|uent time when wo ask for the sur-
render ut' a prisont-r. The niannttr (d' punishinent niu.-t be
repiirted to the (dlieer of the day, thai he may be enabled to
report the case and its results {u \\w.

'• Hut if af;ainHt all our expei^tations, theft i , marauding; tako
phico, then tht; returnini; of, or payinj^' for su<di property shall
ctuistitute the first proeeedinj,', and the •• estipiiion and [lunish-
meiit the soeond. In sueh a ease 'Xtra pains dmuiil be taken
to hav) the prisoner returned to us, beeaiiso, itcordinjj; to the
laws of ihis land, as well as id' those of Hnp,land, a thief must be
tried before a civil authority and punished bv it. What a
disfiraee it would bi; if. contrary to our ri^ht^ and prerogative,
a (Jerinan soldier should be brought before a civil magistrate
and tried by him.

'' In order to rectify mistakes and jircserve our jurisdiction
to the end, I hereby publish this lengthy order, firndy believing

that
spect.

each commander will continue to enl()rce it in every re-

Cambridgo, February Ifi, 177S.

KlKiiK.SKl,, Major (ieneral.

Congress, by this time, had thrown off all disgui.s<! in regard
to the treaty. The same tone was also held by the official news-
papers of North America, publislved toward the latter end of
March, viz: that congress had res(dved to have nothing to do
with the treaty of Saratoga. Those prisiuiers. who had not
hitherto given up all hope of a speedy release, were now the
first to give up. Accordingly, desertions became more and more
frequent. This was, bowevcr, more the case with the English

MAJOR OENEliAL HIEDESEL

than the Germans ; yet even tlie latter had lost by it, during the
last month, five men.

As early as January, General Kiedesel had appealed to Gene-
ral Washington in regard to the exchange of officers. At the
end of March, the latter answered him as follows :

"Head Quarters, Valley Forge, March 31, 1778.

" Sir : It is sometime since I was honored by your letter, dated
January 11th. I would have replied sooner, had I not been
obliged to wait for an answer from General Gates in regard to
the matter contained in your favor, lie says you never applied
directly to him for the exchange of youi'self or any German
officers, nor for that of your family or corps ; but that it was
currently reported at Albany that you and Major General
Phillips had addressed yourselves to Sir AVilliam Howe to be
exchanged for General Lee, and had been answered, that as
General Prescott had first been taken, he must be first ex-
changed. ]Jy your letter, I should judge that General Gates
has misunderstood you, as he says, that he has no objection to
an exchange of foreign as well as liritish officers.

" My commissioners are at present negotiating with the com-
missioners of General Howe for a general exchange of prisoners.
If these shall agree in regard to the conditions, I shall not at all
object to an exchange of a part of the foreign as well as British
officers. But you will please take notice that this is a case
which solely depends upon Sir William Howe's pleasure, as he
has a right to demand such officers as he thinks proper for
an equal number of equal rank ; but I anticipate that justice
toward his allies will constitute the foundation of an impartial
exchange.

. " I have the honor to be

" Your most obedient servant,

" Washington."

A few of the English officers still retained a few guns and

IX THE AMEIilUAN RF.VOLUriOX.

pistols. By the time that this rumor reached General Heath,
it had gained so rapidly that it was said that five hundred guns
and a large quantity of other arms were hidden in Oeneral Bur-
goyne's house and the barracks. That American general, being
not a little scared at it, at 9nce ordered a strict search in the two
camps in which Colonel Ilawley commanded. But after the
house of G neral Burgoyne and each of the barracks had been
thoroughly searched, and only a few guns and pistols were
found, the rumor was discovered to be false, and the arms were,
accordingly, restored to Burgoyne, with the advice to keep them
in his owi; house. It was generally thought that Colonel Hawley
would act overbearingly on this occasion ; but to every one's sur-
prise he acted, on the contrary, in a very friendly and obliging
manner. His course, however, was not dictated by real good
will, but from the simple reason that he feared his person would
be attacked by the incensed Englishmen.

A commissioner, by the name of Masserow, had been sent by
congress to Cambridge, for the purpose of witnessing the pro-
ceedings and reporting them. It was in the power of this man
to exercise a very decided influence, either for weal or woe, upon
the troops. Much, therefore, depended upon his favor or dis-
favor. The prudent General Iliedesel soon read the character
and learned the circumstances of this man. He was poor and
avaricious; and was, therefore, desirous of making as much as
possible out of his position in order to fill his empty purse. lu
addition to this, Riedesel learned that he had accepted presents
from the English. He, therefore, did not hesitate to practice
the same thing, although he detested the employment of puch
means to accomplish a purpose. But in this instance, the wel-
fare of his men was at stake ; and he did not wish to leave any-
thing untried in bringing that about. He,~ accordingly, sent
the commissioner thirty guineas, which were gladly accepted by
the latter. This sum was placed to the account of the troops,
and afterward deducted from their pay according to their grade.
It was entered in the following manner :

•>*

MAJOR GENERAL lilEVESEL

'' Dt/iiniir to t/tf ravnniifKiourr of the provlnridJn, nrdvrrd In/
(/riiintl J^iri/isr/." Geiioral Kiedescl did not wish the iiauio of
the coininissioner to bo mentioned, that the man might not be
compromised.

The good result was soon evident. The English officers also
endeavored to avail themselves of the corruptibility of this man.
They felt their situation to be worse than that of the Germans,
inasmuch as they were more accustomed to various comforts and
recreations. Consequently, they attended to their exchange,
each on his own hook, and waited upon the commissioner un-
known to IJurgoyne. For every one that he reconnnended to
congress, the commissioner charged from fifty to one hundred
guineas; and, as a matter of course, did a good business. It
seems, moreover, very likely that Burgoyne used this man's
influence in his own behalf; for, notwithstanding, he was greatly
out of health, and, notwithstanding, also, he had the permission
of congress to return to England, the fulfillment of this promise
was constantly delayed. Finally, however, on the 18th of March,
congress granted liiui permission to depart, but only on the con-
dition tliat the sum of 40,000 thalers should be paid, which sum
was charged for the maintenance of the army up to that time.
As there was no money,, it was paid in provisions; General
Ilowe sending ships from Ehode island laden with flour and
meat. By the Americans, this was more desired than money;
for they needed money less than provisions, as they could easily
get along with their paper currency.

Cieneral Uiedesel, through Commissioner JIasserow, petitioned
congress for permission to send to Canada for the baggage and
clothing of his troops. This was granted; and the condition
of the men henceforward was consequently much improved.

The American newspapers, at this time, announced, with much
parade, the alliance with France, and the recognition of the
United States by Spain. IJut the immense armaments of Eng-
land, by sea and land, put forth in a great effort to recover her
revolted colonies, again poured wormwood into their cup of joy.

/.v Tiif: AMf:itivAy UKVOLvnax.

Tender Admirals Kcpju'l and Hynin, two floots were equiped ;
aud according; tn rumor, oiyhtecn hundred men were to be sent
out to America as reenforcenients. Arnin}j;enients were now
made to send the captured troops to the southern provinces,
and to distribute them into the interior of the country, as it
was considered danf>;erous, under the present aspect of affairs, to
keep them together near the coast. The militia and the (.'onti-
nental troops were, therefore, increased. The province of Mas-
sacluLsetts bay. furnished for this purpose, three regiments,
Colonels iiee, Jackson and Ilawley receiving command of them.
The light horse and artillery were, also, increased. The main
recruiting stations were in the villages near the prisoners, viz :
at Boston, (^imbridge, Medford, Mystic, .Alanutomie and Water-
town. These places were not selected without a cause. They
were chosen with the object of more easily inducing the pri-
soners to desert. This plan was well laid as will soon be seen.
Certain individuals carried on a regular trade with the Knglisli
and (iermau soldiers, very easily inducing the latter to leave
their camp under the ostensible plea of liiring them to do their
spring work for which they were to be well paid and boarded.
Hut no sooner were they in tlie power of the Americans, than
the latter told them that they were their prisoners, and sold
them to the recruiting officers for from two to three hundred
thalers. Many a one thus misled, led a miserable existence,
from which they were only relieved by death. The American
(uitposts for tlie purpose of aiding the desertions, suffered the
men to go beyond the chain whenever they desired to do so.
Indeed, they even went so far as to hold out by false repre-
sentations, every inducement to the soldiers to desert.' whenever
the latter, contrary to orders, spoke with them. The Bruns-
wick commanders, however, could not complain of desertion
during this month; for only three soldiers proved untrue to

' XTp to Ai)ril nth, six Imiidrod and lll'ty-rtve of the En<;Ii»h had deaerted, ol the
Oermans, one hiiiidrcd and ninclocn men, and of the llc<<si! Ilanuu. forty-one men.
Total eight hundred aud tilleen men.— xVote to original.

MAJOJi GENERAL lilEDESEL

their oaths, while the English, since the 17tli of October, lost
six hundred and fifty men.

On the 5th of April, General Burgoyne loft Rhode island to
return to England. The day previous to his departure he took
an affectionate farewell of the army, thanking them warmly for
their good conduct and bravery. IJefore his embarkation he
handed General Riedoscl a letter addressed to the duke of
Brunswick, in which he bestowed special praise upon the troops
of the latter, and stated that he considered himself most fortu-
nate in having had them under his command. This deserved
tribute came too late ; but it seems that misfortune had made
the general more just in his views than in time past. General
lliedcsel, in consequence of this, issued to his troops the follow-
ing circular :

"General Uurgoyne has commissioned General lliedcsel to
return his thanks to all the Brunswick troops for the bravery,
good will, discipline and subordination which they have shown
during the last campaign, and during the time that they have
been under his command. He has also directed General llied-
csel to tell them that he regrets to leave these brave troops, and
that he will not fail to bear the same testimony before his king
as soon as he arrives in England, as the greatest share of credit
is due to the commanders of the regiments and the officers, he
tenders them, in an especial manner, his greatest thanks, and
will be happy, if an occasion presents itself, to show them his
friendship and esteem.

'• General Burgoyne has also written to his most serene high-
ness, the duke, our most kind lord, a letter, in which he speaks
in the highest terms of praise of the troops, and states that he
considers himself happy in having had such brave troops under
his command.

" I was desirous of publishing this compliment of the general
to all the troops ; and 1 here express the great joy which I
experience in having the honor of conniianding such troops
who thus cause and merit such universal satisfaction.

/.V THE A ME m CAN REVOLUTION.

" Lotters reeeiveil from Enj^land cannot describu tho lionor,
glory and satisfaction which is expressod toward tho army of
General Burgoyne, notwithstanding tho sad situation in which
it was placed by the superior numbers of the enemy. Kach
soldier may, theref(ire, rest assured that he can return to his
country with the greatest honor. And what joy will it be when
I can surrender these brave men to my gracious sovereign, and
be able to report to him the good behavior of this excellent
corps. Neither misery, nor want, nor frost, nor heat can bo
hard or severe enough to prevent us from being constant in
view of the luniorable and glorious prospect wo have before us.

" ]{ut with what pain must I not see that every little while
men leave their regiments and their officers, with the idea of
having an easier and better life than their comrades, and that
only for a few months, committing, tlierefore, perjury against
their God, their sovereign, myself and their officers ; and losing,
moreover, the glory and honor and gratitude which otherwise
would await them in their homes. "Which is better, to bo false
now and desert, and, after the war, be a slave, or to live hero with
the officers and soldiers for a short time in misery, and return
afterward as an honored and brave soldier to his own people,
and be able in peace and (juiet to recall one's good actions ?

" I therefore, exhort all the brave soldiers, considering them
my comrades, and loving them as my children, to reflect and
act as becomes a good soldier, and give up all thoughts of de-
sertion ; and should there be evil disposed men in the corps, I
hereby admonish all tho good ones to keep a vigilant eye on
these, in order that the already achieved glory of the whole
corps may not be dimmed by such shameful desertions.

" I hereby declare that I am resolved to live and die with
those bravo troops, to share with them manfully, prosperity and
adversity, misery and sorrow ; and. furthermore, that I lihall
never accept an opportunity of being exchanged, even if it
should be offered to me, unless it bo in obedience to the com-
mand of my sovereign ; but, on tho contrary, to remain here

MA.Ion UENEllAL HIKDESEL

until T liiivo the j^ood fortune to tnkt! these brave Hohliers with
nie, and share with them at home the honor whicli we have
gained here in the uiidst of misfortune.

" lliKDESKi-, Major General.
" Cambridge, April 4, 1778."

This order was read to each battalion at the evening parade.

lliedesel gave to the adjutant general of l?urgoyne, Major
Kingston, several di.spatehes and letters to his sovereign and
others in Europe.'

Fp to this time not a single (jcrman officer had been ex-
changed. However, two Knglish lieutenant colonels, Amstru-
ther and Southerland were permitted to go on parole to Hhodo
island, that they might the better arrange with Oeneral Howe
for their exchange, (ioncral Philliiis, together with the staff
officers of Burgoyne, had already been exchanged. IMiillips,
who, after the departure of Hurgoyne, had the ai)parent com-
mand over the captured troops, although an honorable man and '
friendly to lliedesel, had not a particle of influence as far as
regarded the exchange of prisoners ; the commander in chief,
Howe, having this under his special charge, lliedesel bitterly
complained to the latter of the course which things had lately
taken; whereupon he promised to observe the strictest im-
partiality in the exchange of the troops of both nations. This
last remark, it must here be understood, refers only up to the
present date of the captivity. Henceforth General Phillips
issued proper orders to his troops to do nothing toward effecting
their exchange, without obtaining his consent.

The inactivity of camp life among the Germans, besides
increasing desertion, augmented another evil, viz : the passion
for gambling. The following order of General lliedesel, upon
this subject, explains itself:

• Gonornl Uiodosi'l i;iivo nil tlu' lotlors to llio luljutiiiil j,'<'ii*'iiil, iiiiHoalod. liolioviiig
tluit nil i)ai)ors would bo iiispootod at Hi(stoii. lie, thcrufuiv, unli'ivd Major Kings-
ton to i^cal tlieni ill liliodo island.— Xoh' to oriijiital.

AV TIIK AMKIIK'AX UKVOLVTIOX.

"Ohdkr of Ai'HiL 11, 1778.

"T am i)(!vt'cc'tly willinji,' to alldw all iniidcoiit aiiiuseiiiciits
that tilt! troops may choose to provide for themselvos, for tho
purpose >f passing away the time in the present inactive situa-
tion, (^nc of these enjoyments is the <.'ame of ten pins, which
benefits th(! body by the exercise of the muscles in a particular
manner. IJut T am <>rieved to learn that the common soldiers
play for piasters and even for guineas ; for the result of this is,
that men. who have saved a little, lose it at once ; others auain,
run in debt, and after losing their money and fearing to get
into difficulty with their creditors, desert, tlius entering into
perpetual slavery, (ieneral Kiede.sel is so well informed in
regard to this state of things, that he is well acquainted with
the fact that one soldier, last week, lost nine guineas in one,
day. and then deserted.

" General Riedesel does not prohibit playing at ten pins, but
he does not wish his men to play for money ; indeed, this, in
the common soldier, is already f(n'bidden in the ' regulations.'
The commanders of battalions will, thercft)re, issue strict orders
prohibiting playing at ten pins for money, and the officers are
hereby enjoined to watch those of the company who shall
disobey this order. Tt shall, also, be announced to the different
companies, that those who have lost piasters and guineas, are
at once to report it, when the commanders are to see that the
money lost is returned. Those, who in future shall be caught
playing for money, will be .severely punished.

• IviKDKSKi,. ]SIajor (ieneral.

" Cambridge, April 11, 1778."

On the 11th of April, General Phillips received intelligence
from the governor at l^oston, that congress had resolved to
send the English tnjops into a section of country lying within
the province of IMassachusetts bay. Accordingly, on the 15th,
the English artillery and light infantry, together with a detach-

MAJOn OENKIiA L lilEDESEL

nient of the 33(1 Reginioiit as bclonginj; to the artillery and the
army of (Jeiicral Tlowe, marched to llutlaiid, where some bar-
racks had been erected in great haste.

After tlic departure of the English troops, the recruiting offi-
cers at Boston carried on their business almost exclusively among
the Germans. The generality of these recruiting officers were
good for nothing (iermans. who, by all kinds of representations,
induced their countrymen to become renegades to their duty.
This state of things, moreover, was increased by the fact that
a French adventurer, named Armand, who was tolerably fami-
liar with the (ierman language, intended to raise a light corps.
This man. aided by the garrulity and frivolity peculiar to his
nation, did his best to convince the good naturcd and credulous
German of the happiness of a volunteer who should serve under
him. The provincials, also, whose duty it was to watch the
German soldiers, furthered desertion in every possible way;
and, as a consequence, the recruiting officers grew more bold
and impudent every day. They would not allow either officers
or noncommissioned officers to pursue runaways across the chain.
Yea, some of these who endeavored to perfiu-m their duty in this
particular, were grossly insulted. General lliedescl used all the
means in his power to stop this evil. For instance, he had several
provincials, who had crept into the barracks of the soldiers, and
endeavored by the use of liquor, to induce the men to desert,
kicked out and forbidden, henceforth, from entering the camp ;
certainly a queer fact, for prisoners to treat their overseers in
such a manner I Ricdesel, also, oifered a full pardon to such as
would voluntarily return ; and the result was that several of the
deserters, finding themselves terribly deceived, came back, bring-
ing with them a frightful description of the misery they had
endured in following their wanton inclination. Riedesel did
not omit, at the roll-call, to have such step in front and exhibit
them to the soldiers as striking examples of the result of deser-
tion. Yet, it must be admitted on the other side, that the
wages given by the inhabitants offered a strong inducement to

/.V TIfK .UfK/ilVAJV REVOLUriOy.

desertion. Accordingly, to counteract this list powerful stimulus,
Kiedusel iif^reed with (reneriil lleuth to give the farmers of the
neighboriuf:; villages men who, while working for them, should
be provided with passes, and report once a week, on Thursday,
at roll-call. In this way, the troops could earn something, and
have a pleasant change without being unfaithful to their country.
This arrangement was henceforth kept up and proved very good.
During the month of April, f(jrty-five men deserted from the
Brunswick regiments.

Desertion, which, among the German troops, might be called
moderate considering the circumstances, suddenly, toward the
end of May, increased to such an extent, that sometimes six
men ran away in one day. The cause of such an extraordinary
state of things was soon ascertained. It seems that emissaries
had circulated a printed handbill in (Jerman and English
among the soldiers, in which the rewards to be obtained by
desertion were set out in the most enticing light. This pecu-
liar proclamation, so unique of its kind, and a real offspring of
revolution, which is always very liberal in promises to the
credulous, is here given as illustrating the manner in which
good soldiers were entrapped :

" Done in Congress, April 9, 1778.
" To those officers and soldiers in the service of the kiiHj of Great
Britain who are not the subjects of the above named king:
'' The sons of freedom of the United States are carrying on a
just and necessary war, in whicli they are not the only interested
persons. They are fighting for the rights of mankind, and deserve,
therefore, the protection and the aid of all men. Their success
will procure for those, who desire to satisfy their consciences and
enjoy the fruits of their labor, an asylum against persecution and
tyranny.

'•There is no doubt that a kind providence which often
works good out of apparent evil (having, for instance, permitted
us to be engaged in this cruel war, and having forced you to
3*

^r^

MAJOn OEXKnAL niEDKSEL

assist our oncinics in the vuin attempt to ciihIiivc us) dcHif^us
osttiMLsliiii^ ])orfoct liberty on thiw continent for all those that
arc bowed down by the heavy yoke of tyranny. In conHidera-
tiou of your beinf^ forced a<;ainHt your will to become the tools
of avarice and andjition, we will not only forgive you for those
acts against ns into which you have been forced, but will, also,
offer you a part in the i)rero}j;atives of free and independent
states. Great and fertile countries, which will richly rei)ay
your industry, invite you. Tracts of from twenty to thirty
thousand acres of land will be apportioned and given to sucli
as shall come over to our side in the following; manner :

" Each captain, who will bring to us on the 1st of September,
1778, forty men from the service of the enemy shall receive
eight hundred acres of good woodland, four oxen, one bullock,^
throo cows and four pigs. Kach noncommissioned officer, who
brings parties of men, shall receive an additional present of
twenty acres of land for each new man; and every soldier who
comes without a commissioned or noncommissioned officer shall
receive fifty acres of land. If he brings his own equipment he
shall be entitled to an additional present of twenty thalers.
These officers and soldiers will be allowed at once to attend to
their land without being obliged to serve; and they will re-
ceive, in proportion to the amount of their land, provisions for
six weeks. Such commissioned and noncommissioned officers
as shall serve, wil' be promoted in those corps that are composed
of native Germans, or iirthose corps hereafter to be raised by
(Jermans living here. These corps shall do no other service,
unless they desire it, than act as guards at a distance from the
enemy, or as garrisons on the western frontier.

" Those among you who are skilled artisans will, besides their
land and other articles, find abundance of riches in the pursuit
of their business, the necessaries of life being very cheap in
comparison with the prices paid for manufactures, and there
being such a demand for men that each mechanic can find
plenty of work.

l!|-

r\ 77/ A' AMERICAN ItEVOLVTlnS.

" Soino (if you hiivo had an oppnrtuiiity i>f' tosfin^ tho truth
of tho,><(s rispre.seritutidii.s, and will, withnut doubt, iutitnn your
c'ountryujoii and acfjuaiutauees uf tiioir corroctnoHH. llithertd,
wc have met you on the battle field with an inimical heart,
caused by the principles of defense ; but wheiu^ver the fortune
of war has bro\iji;ht any of your countrymen into our hands,
our hostility was immediately at an end, and wo have treated
them more like free subjects than as prisoners. Wo can here
refer to their own testimony ; and we now call upon you as part
of the great family of mankind whose liberty and happiness we
are endeavoring with great honesty to secure. Manifest your
detestation (if remaining longer the tools of mud ambition and
lawless f(jrce 1 Appreciate the dignity and grandeur of your
nature I E.xalt yourselves to the rank of free people of free
states ! Desist from your vain endeavors t(j devastate and
depopulate a country which you cannot conquer, and accept
that of our magnanimity which you can never ohtain from our
fear ! Wc are willing to receive you with open arms to the
bosom of our country. Come, therefore, and partake of the
good which we offer you in all candor. ' In the name of these
free and independent states, we promise and assure you a free
and uninterrupted exercise of your religion, perfect protection
of your persona against injury, undisturbed possession of the
fruits of your honest labor, and absolute possession of your
lands which shall go down to your children unless you other-
wise will it.

" Henry Laukens.
" Attested by

" Charles Thomson, Secretary."

The object which congress intended to accomplisli by this
proclamation can readily be seen. From it no small results
were expected. After repeated reports, an English fleet arrived

1 Or more literally, " which we oft'er you willi a caiulld heart."

MAJOli (IKSKKA I. HlKUmKL

with twenty thoUMiUKl troojm, who wore to rconforco tho Mritinh
nrniy in Aniorii'ii ; tin event which \l\\.\m no littlo iippreht'iiwion
to tho AniericanH in view of a HiicfOHsriil termination of tiieir
enuHo. They intendtMl not <inly to ri<l theniHolveH of the prinon-
orH, by indm-ini; dcMcrtioii, and thuH wave tiie expenwe of
jn'oviHioniiig and guarding thcni, bnt alHo to induce desertion
among thoHc troopH that were in Canada and under Howe, and
thereby weaken tlie royal army an niiieh a« poHwibU'. How
little congreHH knew Kuropean soldiers is evident fr im the fact
of its holding out as an inducement the promise that they
should be stationed as far from the entsniy as possible. Or, did
congress have in view the fate which awaited deserters should
they again fall into the hands of their old commanders '/ Jiut
congress made other promises which it was powerless to fulfill,
and which, moreover, could only have been believed by those
who were unac(|uainted with the peculiar circumstances incident
to this foreign land. If, for instance, it is difficult even at this
late day for the American government to protect the lives aiul
property of emigrants in distant and uncultivated districts, it
was certainly much more difficult in those days when every-
thing was in its infancy, to say nothing of its being in a time
of war. Supposing, however, that a soldier had accepted the
proposition and taken possession of his land in those vast
deserts, what could he havo done with it ? He had no tools,
seeds, nor cattle; and if anything had happened to him, who
was there to assist him '{ Thus many, who availed themselves
of this offer, were plunged into terrible misery.

This presumption of the Americans soon degenerated into
impudence. They not only busily circulated the proclamation,
dressing it in the uiost tempting language, but they posted it
on houses by the roadside, and even in the camp upon the bar-
racks and the houses of the .sentinels.'

' Tlio above named French adventurer, Arniand, carried this iinipnncc ho far, as to
have some deserters, who had vohintuered under liiin, chid In a fantastic garb and
driven across Winter hiii, in order to show their old comrades whata good fate they

/.V TltK AMtCRUAN liKVOLVTIOS,

fion»>ral HicilcHcl Hdii^'lit. in ovory ])(msihlo way, ♦"• |»iit n ^*"P
to tliiw iiuiHuiK't!. Ho tirxt applicil to i\w AiiK'ricun i'olont!l,
Hardy, who, liaviiig succcodcd ( 'oloiiel fioo. ii(»w coiimiandod at
Wiiitor liill. Spoakinj; of thiw nffict-r. (l('iK'ral HifdcHcl says
liiiiiHt'lf, tliat 111! vm tilt! HrHt Aiiioricaii (iffu-er \w had met,
wlioiii h(! could Dstwiii for his uiiHolfishiieHH and honoraliK)
cliaractcr. Tlii.s ooloiiul at oiico r)rdorcd that tlio above inoii-
tionod proclaiuatioii nhouhl bo torn ihiwn. and wan, btssidi'S,
very indifjiiaiit at tliu whoK; affair.

Iiidt-ed, UiedcHcl, both in writinj^ and Hpoakinj:, addnwHt'd
);!■* soldicrH in a jKiwerful and touching manner. Both lio and
leneral Phillips, who, by tho way, waH a groat I'avorito with tho
Oernian HoldierH, visitod tho barracks almost daily ; indeed rv,.ry
possible means for the prevention of desertion was employed.
Uetween tho barracks and tho chain of American outposts on
tho road beyond, noncommissioned officers were stationed. It
was necessary to take tho latter for this purpose, as none of
tho privates could be trusted. This service, however, proving
too severe for the old officers, new ones had to be employed.
Every soldier caught outside tho barracks without a pass signed
by the commandant of his regiment, was at once arrested and
tried.

Colonel Hardy, believing that the seductive proclamation of
congress was designed more for the Kngli.sh army, still in the
field, than for the prisoners, was so kind as to offer to arrest all
German deserters who wore found beyond the prescribed limits.
Thereupon, General Riodesel, who know of six deserters being
hidden at Mystic, ro(|uestod Hardy to arrest them at once ; and
being exceedingly anxious to have them returned for the sake
of the example, he wrote at tho same time to General Heath

hadmvt with. But those, who thiiH rode about, did not state that the carriages had
boon hired, and that not all the soldiers, belonging to tho corps, wore dressed In
such uniforms. Tlieso facts show the demoralization already existing among a
portion of tho troops, the deserter feeling no shame in showing himself again to
his old comrades and oHicers.— Note to the orir/inal.

F"iP

MA.lOlt OKXEIiA A JIIKDKSEL

roiiuoMtiiifz; liiiii tn jj;niiit tlioir rotuiii. Ili^iitli aii»woro(l tlmt
tlio (UiScrterH would bo returned in two days. JJut tliis was not
meant in earnoHt ; for the sanio day they were taken under
guard to I'rospect hill and allowed to escape. RiedoHel, natu-
rally very indignant, complained of this breach of faith in the
strongest language, but to no purpose.

Lieutenant ('olonel Speclit, who had hitherto been a prisoner
at Hartford, received — chiefly through the interposition of
lliedesel with the commissioner — permission to proceed to
New Vork on parole on account of his health. Hiedesol re-
quested Iiiiii while on the journey, to imjuire into the circum-
stances of the other prisoners, and report the facts to him. In
pursuance of this order, in a letter written front Chatham under
date of April 28, he draws a sad picture of their condition. He
found most of the prisoners covered with vermin, their clothing
worn out, and themselves otherwise in a lamentable condition.

On the ISth of May, the 19th English regiment was ordered
to march to Uutland.

On the 2!)th of May, sonic Brunswick oflficers succeeded in
capturing a deserter on the way from Cambridge to Watertown.
This deserter belonged to lliedescl's own regiment. The poor
fellow, as being the first caught, had to suft'er as an example
for all future deserters. The punishment, a hard one for those
days, was administered in the presence of all the troops. The
man was tied to a post ; thirty lashes were given him ; his hair
was then cut oif ; after wliich he was turned loose as dishonored.
The Americans (juietly witnes.sed the scene until it was finished ;
when the JJrunswickers plainly saw the American recruiting offi-
cers meet the deserter on the other side of the chain, and carry
him oft" in triumph as a murti/r to libcrfi/.

This punishment, however, had the eft'ect of preventing de-
sertion for a while ; but the Urunswickers nevertheless, lost
seventy-three men during this month.

Toward the end of the month, little circulars, printed in (Jfr-
man. were distributed. Their purport was as follows:

I If rilE AM Kilt CAN IlEVOLUTIOff.

"lletiolvcd ill CongrcHS, Mm/ 22, 1778.
" Thai it bo recoinnicndod to the governments of tlio several
states the pas.Siigc of laws, by which, ail those wlio have deserted,
or shall desert during the present war from the Knglish army or
navy, shall be free fn)ni militia service. That it be fnrther
recommended to the governments of the several states to declare
all prisoners and deserters incompetent to servo as substitntcs
in the militia during the present war, and further, to declare
void all agreements in this respect, and to empower those pri-
soners and deserters, who have agreed to go as substitutes, to
keep the money they have received for this purpose, for their

own uso.

"CiiARiiES Thomson, Secretary." '

By this it was intcMided to encf)urage deserters to become
citizens of the Tnited States, as they were thus exempted from
performing the militia duty to which every native was subject.
Captain 1 lardy was kind enough to show the above circular to
Captain Poelnitz on the same day on which the six deserters
were arrested.

On the lltli, three English commissioners arrived in America,
for the purpose of seeing if a peaceable solution of these diffi-
culties could not be arrived at. These were Carlisle, Eden and
John:-ton. Congress, however, did everything U^ ])revent tlieir
having a hearing.

The Dth English regiment, which was ordered to Rutland,
started on the 1st of June, but as .11 the officers could not be
furnished with lodgings, it was commanded only by a captain,
only one lieutenant remaining with each company.

On the 1st of June, the following general order of General
Phillips was read to the (Jerman prisoners at their camp :

" The constant and continually increasing desertion induces
General Phillips to believe that our enemies have found oppor-

' Extriict from the document printed at Lancaster by Fred. Bailey.

rrr

StAJOn QENEIiAL RIEDESEL

tuiiiticH to distribute in our barracks specious promises regarding
the pay which will be given our soldiers, in case they desert.
lie believes that in this way some soldiers are blinded and led
off into perpetual slavery.

" What can a Gorman win in a country where nothing circu-
lates but paper money ? What frightful taxes will the inhabit-
ants of this country have to pay after peace is declared in
order to liquidate the public debt ? What labor, for a foreigner
to clear and cultivate a few acres of land covered with wood '■'
Why, after many years he will scarcely be able to procure from
them his daily bread, which he will then have to eat under the
contempt of his neighbors, and a gnawing conscience constantly
accusing him of having forever left his parents, his countrymen,
his fatherland and his sovereign !

" Is it not more delightful and more glorious to suffer for a
time, and afterward return with honor and glory to ? "s father-
land, where, with his comrades in arms, he can recall all the
pleasant and honorable memories of the;5e campaigns ?

" No, soldiers ! Be not deceived by these vain promises. Your
own experience, the treaty which has been publicly broken, not
to speak of other examples, ought to show you the kind of faith
that is to be attached to these promises. They ought, also, to
prove to you that you had fiir better be thinking of those
obligations to which you are bound by your oath. Ilemain
faithful to your God and your sovereign, and wait patiently for
the time when you can rest once more in your fatherland, hav-
ing the witness of all that you have fought honorably and
bravely.

" Phillips, Lieutenant General.

" Cambridge, May 20, 1778."

General Riedesel also sought, by addressing himself to their
sense of honor, to accomplish more toward putting a stop to
deserti(m than by threatening punishment. Thus, for instance,
he published to the troops in the beginning of June, an article

m THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.

from the London iVews in which the behavior of the Brunswick
and llessc Hanau troops were highly praised.

For the purpose of loosening the bands of discipline still
more, General Heath, without the knowledge of Generals
Phillips and lliedesel, issued passes to the English and (Jernian
officers, permitting them to go to Boston. Upon learning this
fact, Phillips issued a strict order to the officers forbidding them
to visit that city in future. He also issued another order to
the commanders of regiments and battalions that they should
gather up and deliver all such passes to him.

Notwithstanding the destitute and miserable condition of the
prisoners at this time, they resolved to celebrate, on the 4th of
June, the birthday of his majesty, the king of Great Britain.
Accordingly the troops marched in their variegated rags and
torn shoes to the parade ground and formed in line, as they
had formerly done when splendidly accoutred. The generals
walked down in front of them closely scrutinizing the expres-
sion of each soldier's countenance ; and although there were
some in whom they had lost all confidence, yet many a faithful
eye gazed calmly into theirs. After the parade had thus been
finished, the men were addressed by the generals in a short
speech, in which the latter described in strong language the
crime of desertion and admonished the soldiers to keep faith
with their sovereign in the future. The Americans, who were
present and saw and heard everything, looked on with astonish-
ment, but otherwise kept quiet. At the close of the exercises,
one shilling was given to each noncommissioned officer, and
six-pence to each prival ;, for the purpose of celebrating the
day.

The members of the Massachusetts assembly having deter-
mined to hold their next .session at Watertown, General Heath
issued an order to the prisoners in which he informed them that
the hitherto extended lines were to be contracted to llichards's
tavern, about half way to the former town. This was done that

those gentlemen might not be disturbed ij^ their meetings. For
4*

HI '

ll|l|!!

MAJOR GENERAL RIEDE8EL

the protection of the assembly, a strong detachment was at the
same time sent by the governor from Boston to Watortown.

On the 6th of June, an order of Heath to the captive officers
was pnblished. This prohibited riding either oi* horseback or
in carriages in Cambridge or Mystic on Sundays.

II.

The commission, appointed for the exchange of prisoners,
finally agreed on the 10th of June, that all prisoners of war,
without distinction of nationality, should be exchanged accord-
ing to the time of their capture. Thus, those prisoners who
had been captured near Bennington, had the first chance of
being released.

('aptaiu O'Connell,' asked permission of Riedesel to return
to Europe and arrange some pressing family affairs. As the
presence of this brave officer could now be of little use, Ried-
esel di<l all in his power to further his wishes. In the middle
of June, he received permission from congress to return to
Europe on parole. Riedesel took this opportunity to send by
him his dispatches to his court, also the flags which he had
saved. These flags the captain left in Rhode island. They
were afterward carried to Canada by Lieutenant Colonel Specht.

On the 14th, a new difficulty arose between the provincials
and a Brunswick soldier of the regiment Rhetz, which cost the
latter his life. He was on the point of going beyond the chain
with his young and beautiful wife who had followed him from
Europe, wlnm six brutal militia men began joking with the
woman in a coarse manner. The husband in protecting the
honor of his wife finally found himself forced to defend her and
himself with a cane against their assailants. The sentinel near
by, witnessed the unequal combat with all composure, but when
the German drove back the Americans, he ran up and thrust
his bayonet through him. The poor man soon expired. Ried-

> BiedeeerB adjutant.

IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.

esel again complained bitterly to Heath, whereupon the latter
sent the murderer to Boston for trial ; but it could never be
ascertained what was done to him.

New troubles had by this time also broken out on the side of
iC P^ngllsh. Two British officers, who had been arrested, had,
.11 the opinion of the Americans, abused the freedom allowed
them. General Heath was on the point of having them tried,
in which case they would certainly have been sentenced whether
guilty or not, when Phillips interfered, and Vjy great exertions
saved them from this disgrace.

A still sadder case, however, occurred on the 17th of June.
On that day the English lieutenant, Browne, with two Boston
ladies, rode down Prospect hill in a one-horse carriage. The
road was very steep, and the horse, conscfiueutly, was going at
full speed. At the foot of the hill a double guard of Ameri-
cans was stationed whose duty it was to watch that portion of
the road lying outside the chain, and also the storehouse at this
place. The guard, although they must have known Browne by
his uniform, nevertheless called on him to stop. This it was
impossible for him to do at once, as the horse was running at
great speed. He therefore turned round to .show his sabre,
thereby indicating that he was an officer. Notwithstanding
this, however, the Americans ran up with fixed bayonets, and
one of them, regardless of the ladies in the carriage, fired
a bullet through the head of the officer. He died a few
hours afterward. General Phillips, upon hearing of this cir-
cumstance, was fairly beside himself with anger, and, during
his first excitement, wrote the following note to General
Heath.

" Finally it has come to murder and slaughter. An officer
riding from the barracks down Prospect hill has been shot by
an American sentinel. I ascribe this terrible event to the
thirst for blood which has become inseparable to this rebellion,
and in this opinion the whole of Europe concurs. I demand
no justice, for I believe that all principles of justice have left

MAJOR QENERAL HIEDESEL

these provinces. I demand the liberty of sending a report of
this murder to General Sir Henry Clinton, by the way of
General Washington's head quarters.

" William riiiLLiPs.
" Oanibridj-c, June 17, 1778."

This was bold language for a prisoner exposed to the moods
of an unjust enemy ; and General Heath was not a little excited
when he received this abrupt note. The result was, that a
guard of one noncommissioned officer and nine men were
stationed in General Phillips's house, while he, himself, was
ordered not to leave his house and the adjoining garden, until
further orders. In other words he was placed under arrest.
At the same time Heath sent his adjutant, Lieutenant Colonel
Pollard to General lliedesel and Brigadier Hamilton, offering
the former the command of all the captured troops. With
dignified composure, General lliedesel listened to this offer ;
and when the adjutant had finished, he told him curtly and
without caring for the selectness of his language, that no
general had the power to take from an English general a com-
mand that had been given him by his king, and he would,
therefore, at all times acknowledge General Phillips as the
commander of those troops. This occurrence caused a general ex-
citement in both camps, especially in that of the English. Some
officers who had hastened to the scene carried their mortally
wounded comrade into the camp, and caused the sentinel who
had committed the murder to be arrested. The latter was sent
to Boston, but nothing was heard of his being punished.
According to rumor, the fellow was sent to the army of General
Washington, where, perhaps, other opportunities were given
him of showing his bravery in a similar manner to an unarmed
foe.

As soon as General Phillips had somewhat calmed down, he
issued, on the 18th of June, an order to his troops, in which,
among other things, occurs this passage :

IX rilfJ AMEItlCAN REVOLUTION.

" Should it become evident that this proceeding has originated
in couHequence of express orders, or of an intention of exciting
the captured troops, we will for the present bear it patiently
and calmly, leaving it to providence to punish such wicked
deeds. The treaty, by all appearances, seems likely soon to be
ratified. We will, therefore, do nothing which might cause
any delay." At the same time the general thanked the officers
of the 21st llegiment, the one to which the deceased belonged,
for their calm and becoming demeanor.

On the 19th, the deceased was buried with all military honors,
and entombed in the church at Cambridge, Heath having given
his consent to it. All the English officers and soldiers, together
with nearly all the German officers, took part in the funeral.
In the cortcijc, were several American officers of high rank,
who were present, either for the purpose of showing sympathy,
or of keeping, by their presence, the provincials and the unruly
populace from disturbing the pi'ocession.

Meanwhile, Phillips received, on the 17th (jf June, a letter
from General Howe, who was in Philadelphia, in whiih the
latter informed him that in consequence of his own request be
had been relieved by his majesty of the command of the army,
and that it had been given to General Henry Clinton. The
fact was that Howe was dissatisfied with the home government
in several particulars. He complained to Lord Gcrmaine of
the inattention shown to his recommendations, and, also, of a
want of confidence in him, and poor support. This general,
like many other commanders, knew how to gain a victory, but
did not know how to take advantage of it. When he believed
he had done his part, he relapsed from the greatest activity
into the most uncomprehensible neglect. We have already
seen this demonstrated in the events of the latter part of the
year 177G, when the brave Hessians near Trenton were sacrificed
to his negligence.

In consequence of constant out door life and poor rations the
number of sick in the prisoners' camp was considerably increased.

MAJOR OENERAL lilEDESEL

(Jenerul IIowo had sent into Boston harbor several sliip loads
of provisions to the prisoners, but the Americans — devoid of
conscience — kept the good provisions to themselves, sending
codfish and other still poorer articles to the captives. The
captured generals had repeatedly and urgently requested Ilcath
at least to send the sick a few fresh provisions, but without
avail. The poor invalids continued to lie in the old, miserable
barracks in want of medicine ; for at that time the drugstores
ill Boston were most miserably kept, and what medicines were
to be had, were enormously dear. Fresh provisions, also, were
very high ; but as these were absolutely necessary for the sick,
lliedesel, on the 19th, ordered the necessary money for this
purpose to be drawn from the regimental funds. Considering
cleanliness, moreover, as the chief preventive of disease, ho
issued on Thursday, the 17th of July, the following order :

" General Riedesel, in the course (to-day) of his weekly in-
spection of companies on parade, observed that some of the
men were neither washed nor shaved, nor, indeed, was their
hair even properly attended to. lie noticed, also, that there
was a want of neck and pig-tail tics, and that the men wore
pocket handkerchiefs around their necks.

" The closer and the more uncomfortable the men lie in the
barracks, the more necessary it is to attend to personal clean-
liness ; otherwise diseases will break out. Vermin is the first
consequence of this state of things, after which come epidemic
diseases, especially when the combing of the hair is neglected.
General Riedesel has firm confidence in his battalion com-
manders, that they will as far as possible act upon these hints
in their battalions, and that he will see the results of them next

Thursday.

" RiKDKSEL, Major General."

Riedesel, also, used his utmost exertions to enforce cleanliness
in the barracks. The privies and the sewers had to be~cleaned
frequently. No refuse, such as vegetables, meat, fish, etc.,

AV TttK AMKIilCAN REVOLUTION.

were allowed' to be thrown in front of tlie burrackH. Two
brooms wore obliged to be kept in each of the latter, which
were used for sweeping them twice a day.

Commissary General Masserow, on the 25th, issued an order
to the inliabitants of Massachusetts bay, to the effect that the
prisoners of the 71st English regiment were to be sent to llut-
land, and thence to Newport, in Khode island, for exchange.
There was yet nothing said in regard to the exchange of the
Germans. T^pon making in(|uiry concerning it, Uiedesel re-
ceived from the commissioner the doubtful consolation that the
general exchange of the two nations would shortly take place, and
the turn of those prisoners who were captured near IJennington,
would, therefore, soon come.

The number of Ikunswick deserters was much smaller this
month tlian the previous one. Only seven names were on the
list.

In the middle of July, Riedesel issued the following circular
to the commanders of regiments and battalions :

" The strict orders which have been issued at Boston induces
General Riedesel to believe that General Heath intends to find
out whether or not the captured officers have obeyed the orders
which were issued by him, that he may have an excuse for pun-
ishing the transgressors more severely. The larger the number
of those who have disobeyed, and the higher the rank of the
offender, the better he will like it. We must, therefore, be on
our guard, from the liighest to the lowest, tliat nothing may be
found in our conduct which can give tlie Americans the slightest
excuse to call us to account. All officers should, therefore, act
accordingly, and be very careful in the supervision exercised
by them over the soldiers under their respective commands, as
it seems that nothing is spoken or undertaken ))y the officers
without its being known at ]}ostou. Notwith.standing General
Heath, in an order of the 15th of July, expressly prohibited
any of the prisoners working for the inhabitants, either within
or outside the limits, the same general, yesterday and to-day.

MAJOR OENEliAL lilEDESEL

iHSucd a liir^fo lunnbcr of iitisscs to tlio InhiibitantH, pnrinittinf;
tUoiii to eiijj^a^o (Jorinim Holdiors to work for tluiiii, in caso
(iiiiioral lliocU'wl hIioxiIcI allow it.

"The lattor would choorf'ully allow hi.s uieii, by these lueaiiH,
to inerouHc their pay, j)rovidiiig that their number bo not too
large ; that the eoiiiinander.s of battalioiiH know those men whom
they permit to work to be reliable; that the place where they
work be not without the limits; and that the soldiers come
every Thursday to the parade on Winter hill, liut no man is
to -be allowed to go, without the citizen showing a jmss from
General Heath. For the Brunswick troops, the passes must bo
signed by Adjutant General Von Poelnitz. Brigadier General
Von Gall will have the passes for the Hesse Hanaii troops signed
by the brigade major. They aro to be sent to Adjutant General
Von J'oelnitz every week, together with the report of the num-
ber of the Hesse Hanau S(ddiers who work for the inhabitants.
Thus General Riedesel will bo able at any time to answer the
questions of General Phillips, in regard to the number of Ger-
man soldiers furnished with passes allowing them to work for

the inhabitants.

'' Riedesel, Major General.
" July 17, 1778."

■m

III.

The confidence of tho Americans in their cause rapidly
increased, especially after France — as a proof that she was in
earnest in regard to her acknowledgment of the independence
of the United States^ sent a fleet of twelve ships of the line,
four frigates and twelve thousand men to their succor. This
fleet, under the command of Count D'Estaing, was already
cruising off" the coast of Virginia. This movement of D'Estaing
caused General Clinton to evacuate Philadelphia and retreat
further and further north, as he expected that an attack would
soon be made on Rhode island.

The Americans talked now of the capture of Clinton's army

IN THE A SI Kill VAX UKVOLUTION.

:{5

ii« it' it was already a f'ult <nri>iii/t/i. and di'Hignod iWr it a t'ato
Hiniilar to that of (Jencral Hiirf^oyno. Tlioy, accordinj,'Iy, ondeii-
vorod to ;iatlu'.' a force quickly to^(!tlu'r, and advance with it on
I'mvidciicc. U. I. Kor thin jmriiusc, several re^inieiitH were
taken from IJoKton, and also, with the exception of a Hniall
detaehnit^nt, those troojis who had hitherto <;iiarded the pri-
soners. As it was now impossible to kee[) a chain of outposts
around tin; captured troojw, the latter, as a natural consequence,
went lieyond the prescribed limits, a circumstance of wliich
General Heath complained. The two generals,' tlierefore, in
order not to give any further cause for dissatisfaction, and also
to avoid all future trouble, formed a line of their own men
aroniul the two hills, no one being allowed to go beyond it
witliout a pass. For tliis purpose, each hill furnislied daily one
captain, two noncommissioned officers and sixty men.

(Jcneral Heath had reported to congress tlie case of the shoot-
ing of Lieutenant Browne aiul the arrest of (general IMiillijis,
inclosing at the same time the severe letter of Phillips. On
the 7th of July, an answer was received to the eflFect that
Heath's conduct was indorsed. The arrest of i'hillips was
therefore considered proper ; but in tlie face of his iirrest, the
latter continued to attend to the duties of couunander of the
prisoners.

3Ioanwhile, General Clinton accomplished liis masterly reti'cat
to New York. The Americans were not a little astonished when
they found that the army, which they tliought would be cut off,
was now in safety. At first, congress did not know which of the
generals was to blame for this failure. All that was plain was,
that the proposed plan for capturing the army, which was in
itself very defective, had been rendered yet more so by the
irresolution of the commanders in carrying it out. Finally the
entire blame fell upon Major General Lee, who was the scape-

1 PhillipB and Riedesel.

5t.

nct

MAJnii OKXKltA I. ItlKhKsKt.

ppjit liir fill' rest.' (ifiit'i'iil WiisIiiii^itoM. wlm iicciiscd liim nf
ii('uli;:('iicc, ciiu.xi'il liiiii t(i lie arrcsti'd and fried hcrorc n cinirt
iiiiii'tiiil. Ill' was si'iiti'iii'cd In III' dcprivi'd iil' liis ('iiiiiiiiiiiid I'm'
one yi'iir. On tlic liTlli. tlif "Jdlli KhLilisli ii',L;inii'nl sImi'IciI un
ils niiircli In Itutliind. In an urdi'i' of tin' 'ls\\\. Ili'alli |ii'n-
liil)it('d tinssiildicrs trading in |iriivisions. ( )n this day lii' dirccU'd
tlial till' |p|'ii\ isinns sIiiMiid lii' lakcn away t'rnni all llniMi' wlm were
nii't willi iin fiu' way IVuin ('andirid;;i' In tin' hill. Anmn^- this
niindii'i' wi'i'i' many servants ol' the niliccrs. and soldiers whu hail
hniu^ht with them the meessaries ol' lil'e I'ni' others. This jm'o-
hiltition, moreover, was the harder tor the prisom^rs. sineo tin;
Anu'riean commissioners did nut furnish enough of those jirti-
visions which were actually necess.-iry to sn|p|iort life. Piirinj:;
this month, desertions auain increased; twcnty-fnir nu'n having
esca])ed in that timo from the UrunHwick corjis.

On the 1st of ,\uiiiist, the itirthday of the duke of Hrunswick
was celebrated as j^ayly as jiossihle. IMvine services were held
in the morninji', after which the parade took place, the haut-
lioyists hoinji' present with their instrunu'nts, ii portion of which
they had manaticd to keep. Three iheiu's were jiiven for the
sovereiji'ii, the soldiers wavin;: their hats every time. After
this the. troops detiled. At the conclusion of the parade, Hied-
esel received the conirratulations of his officers, after which he
gave a dinner, to which all the hi'iuadiei's and staff officers were
invited. I'lu; noncommissioned otlicers received this day the
same (/iiiiiriir. that had been ,i;iven them on the birthday of the
king of Kngland. with which to drink the lu'alth of their
sovereign.

During the 11th, 12rli i ml KUh of August, a terrilde storm
raged, which tore up the strongest trees and demolished a few
of the barracks, liulred. throughout the entire summer, there
were heavy thunder storms in this section of the country.
There were, also, heavy dews at night.

' Vide the Treason of Major General Lee, by George H. Moore. New York, 1880.

/.v ////■; .\.\//-:/t/('.\.v itt:\'in,rrin.\.

Tllf cllU'l' (hcilfl-f iit'iicliiili was linW ill lllc vii'illily nl' lilimli^

isliiii<l, wliifli w iH attiu'ki'il liy land and water l»_v 'ln' Aiiiciiraiis.
Init waw bravely (Itdt'iidt'd by Cliiitnii. The Kiij;!!?*!! fleet, iiiidei'
Adiniiiil llowe. was a iiiatidi lor the l''reii('li fleet, aitlioii^h severe
naval eiit;aj:('iiieiits i)eeiirre(l every iinw and tlieii. The wniiiided
in tlie.se cDinliats, wlm iiad heeii linni^ht tn ('aiiiliri(l;;e, said that.
the Ani(!rieaii8 eniild luit take llhude island, (leiieral l'iiiHii)M,
tlierefiirt!. anncninced t(i Iiis men tliat the .\iiieriean rej:inients
wiinid sdiiii return tn Huston, at lln^ same time t'nrliiildini; all
eipiiversafinii u{i(in this tupie. that all iliflieiilty lietweeii them
and tlie e.xeited .\iiierieans iiiij;lit he avnich'd. <ieiieral lleatii
was e.xtreiiielv indi"iiant wlieii he heard id' this (ir(h'r. whiidi

struck liin

IS lu'emature,

On the 2!»tli of Auuust. tlu^ Kreiieh \WX enforced the harltor
()(' Mostmi and east anelior, for tlio purpose of n^pairinji' the
sliips which had hceii sevendy (hiina^ftul both by the late stiinn
and the naval eiiiiaiienients. Tlu^ atbiiiral's shij), fjiiiii/iiri/iM-,
liad lost her nia^ts and bowsprit, so that it was towecl into the
harbor.

The .Vmeriean land troops that had been si'ut on tiic expedi-
tion to IJhode island were KmI by (Jciicrul Sullivan. Very
little w.is known in tiie prisoners' eainp reuardinLr tin; result of

1 that little was very

uureliahle,

his

this luidertakinj^', am
iiroso from the fact tliut the Americans were very seeretivo, n )t
allowing oven the privnteH to talk about it; and the Htatenients
of those (d' their newspa])ers that sjiid aiiythiiii!; about it wero
evidently so miesided as to be utterly unreliable. During
this month (August), the Hrunswiekers lost live men ))y deser-
tion. Seven, however, who had |>reviously de.sorted, returned
voluntarily.

On the 1st of September, the IJostoiiians were thrown into no
little terror, by the fleet of Admiral Howe, numbering twenty-
two sail, making its apjiiarance. The French iulmiral feared
lest the Mnglish admiral, taking advantage of the dilaj)idated
condition of his own fleet, minht make a demonstration auainsi

:]s

M.x.Kiii (; h:\HitM. itii i)h:sh:i.

tho city. Ill", tlicn't'ort', iiniiuHliiitcly imistctl his aliiriii tliigs,
which wjis t'olldwol liy ii similiir actinii nftho JJimtoii authorities
(til tlu'iv Imildinus ami s]iir(.'s. hlvcry <nic who could carry <>r
obtain arms hastened to the city- 'I'he |)ci'|»li> of the iieijihl>or-
in_n- to\viishij)s came ridiiij;- into the city on horsi^hack. tio-
veriiiu" Hancock, wlio had just arrived from llhodc island, at
once had the most important parts in and around the city
occupied. .Nleanwhile, it t^rew dark ; and the alarm fir.es shone
from the heights. .Ml this hap]iened in full view of the pri-
soners. How dill their hearts heat in expectation of a ])ossilile
lihorafion I Kvery moment niiuht hrint; on a decisive action 1
Who eimld tell upon whose banners victory iniiiht perch '(

The .\nu>ricans. owinii: to the proximity (d' the jirisoners,
were undt-r considerable alarm. I?ul to what place could they
send them without :iii escort, since no troops could now be
spared for this purpose' They, however, endeavored to rid
themstdves of a portion, at least, of these olmoxious quests by
onlerinii' the lilst and 17th Knuiish reyinuMits to march to
Hutland. The necessary teams for this ])urpose were accord-
inu'ly pr<ieured in ;ill haste ; and the r''i:iments onh'red to start
on their march the next day (Septendier lid), at mum. .\n
(M'der was also issued that no otfiei>r cm- private of the captured
troo]is should leave his (|uarters .-li'ter sunset. l?iit when on
the followiui; morniuii' it was found that the Kujilish fleet hail
dejiarted. the .\merieans breatlied easier.

Th(> prep.irations of the people of IJoston for ri'ceiviuu' .\d-
miral U'hlstaini:'. had Ikhmi interrupted by the smlden appearam-e
of the l"]ni;lish fleet ; but it was now tletermlned to weleonm
him with extraordinary jionip. on the Itli of Septend)er. The
l.-irii'c c(Uirt house at Hoston was expri'ssly fitted up for his
judilic ri'ception. The first nu-ii of IJoston. together with all
of the higher i;rade of oflicers. assendded here on this occasion.
Speakiuii' of tliis event Hiedestd's journal says : '• |)inner was
served at the jialaee of (lenertd llaneock at the expense id'
congress. Nevi'r bid'ore had Moston witnessed such s[ilemlor ;

/.V /■///■: AM/:7!/(.{.\ ItKVoUTlOS.

nnd it is said lliat all tin- i''n'iicli (ilViccrs. wlin witc prt'sciit and
will" were gallants by iiatiins t'lijoyi'd lli-.'insflvcs amazingly
diiriiiji till' f'fstivitifs nf this (icfasioii. Al'tcrwan! the l-'rcncli
ofiiciTs bciraii to make tlie M('<|ii!)intaiiC(' id' thf |triscincrs mi
l*nis|ii'ct and WintiT hills." Thus alisolntisni and di'mni-racy
f'rati'rni/.i'd un Amt-rican soil in (irdcr tn tij;ht a cinnnKin enemy.
Not a siditary f'aet in histury.

|{iit.. niitwitlistandinii' these enthusiastic nianil'estations of
tViendshij). a eii(dness sunn arose upon several tjuestioiis. Cotint
D'i'lslaini;- had exjH'cted that his vesstds would lie titled uiit
with all neeessary |ivovisions l«y his new allies, and was eonse
(juently not a little astonished when the latter utterly refused
to do it. The shrewd .\nierieans wished to have !iis aiil as
eheaply as iiossilile. and viident discussions ar<ise hetween the
two jiarties. |)'Kstainu then math- a second demand, to tlie
efl'ect that coiii;ress should erect hospitals ai.d take care of the
wtumded and sick. .M'tcr eonsideralde. talk it was tinally
agreed that the Americans should furuisli the medicines, hut
not the provisions ; and tl:e co\int was forced to jiay dear for
every artiide he took on hoard, even to a houshead of water.
.Nor was it loui; hefore the Krcnidimen and tie IJostoniaus
htokeil askance at each other. Indeed, their had fcclinLTS in-
creased to such an extent that hloody |it:hts took place hetween
them almost ihiily. The jieoph' of IJoston thought that the
])olite Krenchmcn were loo hd'ty and aristocratic ; while the
latter on their side. tlion<iht the Hostonian.s too vuluar. At
last, matters reached si., n a ])ass that |)'Kstaini;' was ohliued to
forbid his ou.c. ;>■ , '.''i --s and sailors from visitiujj; the city.
'Jli.i s'ate ct tilings v.as so unpleasant to the iiovernor, that he
endeaV' .; '. w smooth over matters by re]n'eseiitin<; ii> the public
prinlsih.it * len was no truth in these reports. Indeed, he went
so far as (O orhi.) anyone uiviiii:' them currency i ersatioii.

Puriiii: ti is season the so called foul fever,' ra;;ed so sev»'rely

' WiiR h ilu' vi'll '«■ IVvi'rr

ppi

4(»

MAJOli GKiVEliAL ItlEDESUL

in tliis part of'tlu' foiiiiti'v. that many of'tlio jjinsniicrs sickened
and (lied, (ieiienils IJicdesel and IMiiliipis instituted energetic
measures to put a stop to the contagion. Those wht were sick
of this distemper were separated from the other jiatients,
placed in separate barracks and rin-eived separate nurses.

Tiu; peace commissioners, Carlisle, .lohnstim and William
Eden, who were treating with Washington, had all along kept
in view the Fulfillnieiit of the treaty by the Americans, and
continued to make representations to congress. The latter
returned evasive answers as long as it was able, until it was
f(U'ccd. on the 4th of September, to return a plain answer, as
follows :

'■ Congress, having resolved, nn the Stli <if .January 177s.
that the embarkation of (Jeneral tJurgoyne, and the troops under
his command, should be post]ioned >iutil a plain and clear
ratification of the convention at Saratoga could be sent to the
court of (ireat Hritai^i, hereby again resolves that no ratification
of the treaty at Saratog.a can be acknowledged by congress,
even if it should be oft'ered by sueli powers as are interested in
it by connection, participatitm or otherwise."

This news caused great e.vcitement among the prisoners,
although they had hing since given up all hope of having the
tri'aty fulfilled by the Anmricans ; ;ind as congress hesitated
not to express itself in this manner, might not even worse
things be e.\i)eeted ''.

Lieutenant Colonel Specht. who had gone by a pass to New
York, in April, had meanwhile been exchanged, and received
orders iVom the gov(!rnor of Canada, to gather together the
exchanged soldiers and bring them to Canada. In a letter
from New Wolfenbiittel. under date of September 4th, ]77S^
he describes the miserable condition ol' the prisimers in the
northern portion of tin? I'nited States. Among other things,
he says: " 'I'he men go naked. wiHiout a coat to tlu'ir backs ;
and some who have been in the hos])ital an; wearing pieces of
blankets, so that T am forced to have uniforms made."

J .i",;g

/.V THE AMKRICAX JiKVOLUTWX.

As oarly as September lOtli. tlio runiuv was rifo in tlio
prismiors' cainp, that it was tlic iiitoiitioii of cuii-ircss to sepa-
rate liotli nationalities, anil send tin; Mnj;lisli troops to Rutland,
and the (Jernians lartlier in the interior of t.lu^ eov.ntry.

On the 21st (»f Septeniljer. two more peace eoniniissioners,
Poetor IJerkenhut and Mr. Teni])le. arrived from Hn^land.
Tlu; latter is described by Oeneral iviedesel as very indolent
and careless, but the former as an exceedingly active and care-
i"ul mun who sought to do his duty with all diligence. Dr.
JJerkenhut, who acted entirely in unison with his brother
commissioner, the newly sent (lovcirnor .Johnson, lirst en-
deavored to make the ac((uaintanee of influential Americans,
es[)eeially with tlu^ members of the lowijr courts, those having
the most influence with the different classes of the ]ieoplc.
This was done by him with tlie object of influeneing them
against congress, and tinis creating a division. This person
was accused of attempting to eai'ry out his designs even in
Philadelphia ; a circumstance which so enraged congress that it
sent the Knglish peace commissioner to the {lenitentiary.

On the 24th of Sej)tomber, IJiedesel received intelligence
from Major Maiborn, who was a jirisoner at ^\'estminster. that
Conimissioner Masserow had stated that a portion of the otHcors
captured imar IJennington were to l)e exchanged. Soon after,
news to the same effect was receiviHl from the commissioner
himself. ri)on tiie reception of this news. iJiedesel ordered
lots to be cast to decide which of the officers, ])i'longing to the
regiment of dragoons and the liattalions of grenadiers and yiigcrs,
should remain with the captured troojts after the others had
be.'U exchangeil. lie cxce])ted. however, from tiiis order, tlu^
cavalry cajit.iin, l'"ricke and Lieuleniint (lebhard. These, hav-
ing hitherto served as regimental (|uarter masters, he (n'dered
to remain and attend to this business for the troo])s. The fol-
lowing were the officers, who, a few days subsequent, were
exchanged and went to Whode island. .^Iajor A'on .Nlaiborn.
Cavalry-Captain \'on Schlagenteuffel, Lieutenants Ihoda and

MAJOR GEXERAL lilEDKfiEL

Von Reckrodt. Cornet Stutzer, Doctor Yorbrodt, Auditor
Thomas and Cluiplain ]\[flzlicinicr of the dragoon regiments;
Lieutenants \<)\\ Hurghoff and 3Ieyer of the grenadier bat-
talion; Kiisigns Donielve and Andre of the regiment Kiede.sel;
Captains Von (ieisau and Domnies and Ensign Oniiet Eanzau
of the battery of Barner; and Lieutenant Bach of the Hesse
Ilanau troops.

During this month (iSeptember), there were only four deser-
tions among the IJrunswiek troops.

By the beginning of Oeiober, the difficulties between l^hillips
ar... ill i.'h had reached such a pass th :,c the latter I'cfused to
recui ;'iy letters from the fcnnner. No more business was
therefore transacted between the two. Henceforth, Heath
addressed himself only to Biedesel, who received from the
governor of Boston, a command to attend in tlie future to all
business connected with the English troops. Although Ried-
esel. who highly respected and loved Phillips, disliked this
arrangement, he could not very well refuse compliance with it
unless at the risk of having an inferior officer placed over him.

Unfortunately, in the beginning of this month, desertion again
increased so rapidly, that lliedesel was forced to isssue another
address to his troops.

On the oth. the 24th Knglish regiment .started for Rutland.

In consi'((ueiice of the presence of the French fleet in the
harbor of JJoshin. provisions were extremely dear, a circum-
stance that was severely felt among the prisoners. General
Phillips was conse((uently obliged to send the English pay-
master (ieddes to Rhode island to obtain moiu\y and provisions.
Commissary (ieneral Clarke was also sent to New York on a
similar mi.ssion. charged, however, with the reporting to Clinton
the present condition of aft'airs annnig the pri.soners and their
commanders.

On the 11th October, there was another great excitement
among the inhabitants and garrison at Boston, (ieneral Sul-
livan having informed the governor that a strong English fleet

IX THE AMERICAN liEVOLUTION.

of thirty men of war and one liundred transports had hcen seen
off the coast making directly for Capo Cod, IFeath advised the
inhabitants to pack up tlieir effects and remove the women and
children. The alarm, however, was again groundless.

On the loth, in obedience to an order from the governor, the
62d English regiment — the lastof the English troops on Prospect
hill — started for Rutland. The greater part of their officers,
however, remained in their old quarters in and around Cam-
bridge, there being, as j'ct, no room for them in Rutland. Only
one captain with each regiment and one lieutenant with each
company had accompanied the troops to that place.

Meanw^hile, the ships from Canada, with the long expected
baggage, arrived in New York. The PiUglish lieutenant, ("oi-
lier, who had been .sent by l^hillips, with the consent of dates,
from Saratoga into Canada, came with the ships, and reached
Cambridge on the lOth of October. lie brought some letters
from Ijieutenant Dove — who belonged to the German troops in
Canada — to General Riedesel. Through these letters ii, was
first learned that General Carleton had left for Kngland, and
that his command had been given to General Ilaldimand, who
had been appointed governor of Canada. It was also learned
that a second transport, having on board four hundred and fifty
men, had safely arrived from Rrunswick. General Clinton also
sent Phillips, through the same channel, the welcome news that
four thousand blankets, and cloth fin* long pantaloons and caps
were on their way. all of which was the sole gift of the king of
England. The uniforms for the companies were paid for out of
a special disbursement in the charge of the captain ; but the
.smaller articles of clothing the soldiers were obliged to pay for
themselves, a small deduction for this purpose being taken from
their monthly pay. A fire which happened in New York at this
time, burned up one hundred thousand yards of cloth and fifty
thousand woolen blankets — a great loss for the English troops,
upon the verge of winter.

Notwithstanding congress, in the letter of the 4th of September
0*

MAJOR OEXEBAL lilEDESfH

before alluded to, had plainly declared the invalidity of the
treaty at Saratoga, General Clinton took the trouble once more
to express his opinions in a letter to Washington as follows :
The letter is dated the l!)th September.

'■ Sir : Nothing but the express orders of his maj(!sty — a copy
of whi(;h I herewith inclose — could have induced me again to
trouble you or the American congress in regard to the captured
troops now in New lOngland, kept there contrary to the treaty
at Saratoga. The uniform disregard paid to all recjuests in this
particular, is unheard of and without a parallel among contend-
ing parties. I therefore repeat the rccjuest, that the treaty,
which was negotiated at Saratoga, shall be carried out, and

iw offer, with the special and only lately repeated command
of his majesty the king, and in his name, to renew all those
conditions which were agreed upon by Lieutenant General IJur-

oyii ..1 iclatiou to those troops under his command. I con-
sider mys'.'lf hereby discharged from all obligations, not only
toward his majesty the king, whose order I obey, but toward
the unhappy people whose fate I bring before your conscience
in the hope that your sense of justice will prevent the evil con-
se({uencos which your newly introduced system of warfare will
necessarily bring about.

" I have the honor of being, etc.,

"Clinton."

General Washington sent this letter to congress, and the latter,

with laconic brevity answered, through its secretary, as follows :

" Your letter of the 19th September has been laid before

congress. I am ordered to inform you that the congress of the

T'niti'd States of North America never answers offensive letters.

" 1 am. etc.,

'• CiiAHLKS Thomson, Secretary."

Thus vanished the last hope of negotiations with congress in

relation to the exchange.

iiV Tim AMERICAN REVOLVriOX.

On the 24tli (if October, a lieutenant arrived with the artiek>s
sent by Clinton. They, however, eoulil not be used at present,
for on the next day Heath informed Riedesel that the latter
was to march on the 5th of November with his Germans to Vir-
ginia. Tlie ships, that had arrived from Canada with the bag-
gage, and which had already left New York, received orders to
sail toward the Virginia coast, it being impossible to transport
the baggage over land on a road six hundred and fifty miles
long and in poor condition.

This news was very unexpected to the German troops, for
who could have supposed that they were to be forced to under-
take sucii a tedious march just before the approach of winter":'
AVluvf could have induced congress to take such a measure, was
asked by all '/ The question was soon solved. When Clinton
perceived that all negotiations with congress were broken off,
he declared that if the convention troops were to be treated
lik(! other prisoners, they must be supported by their captors.
Hitherto the royal magazines had furnished them the neces-
saries of life, and the extravagant and unreasonable bills of the
Americans for ((uarters, fuel and othisr things had been paid.
This was now to cease. Congress, therefore, not wishing to
support the prisoners on the resources of a portion of the
country already considerably exhausted by the French fleet and
the American army, nothing else remained but to send the
prisoners into that section of the country, which, by being
farther removed from the theatre of war, had suffered less.
Charlottesville, on the James river in A'irginia, was accordingly-
selected for the Germans. This region was called by the Ame-
ricans a paradise; where, they said, was to be found an abun-
dance of everything.

The cloth, which had in the meantime arrived, was distri-
buted among the companies on the 2Gth. in order that warm
pantaloons. ca}»s and mittens might be at once made up for those
soldiers who stood most in need of such articles of clothing. The
blankets were also distributed. What was now mcjst anxiously

MAJOn UESEUAL ItlEDKSEL

desired was iiionoy ; for it would eertiiinly have been a very
foolish thiiif!; to start out ou so long a march and into a country
cut off from all communication, without the requisite amount of
money. Paymaster (lodecke, who was expected from Canada
with the bagjiage and a full purse, was obliged — in order to
fill the latter — to go by way of New York. Upon his arriving
at New York, however, and applying to Clinton for the necessary
funds, he was refused. The latter rea»jued as follows : " The
Americans have hitherto acted contrary to all faith ; and they
will not hesitate to take away money from the paymaster on the
route to reimburse themselves for the provisions supplied to the
captured troops. The latter have to be taken care of any way ;
and if they have nothing, they can pay nothing." But while
Clinton could thus force congress to support the prisoners, the
latter suiFered. The two generals, Phillips and lliedesel, both
of wh( in, always solicitous for the welfare of their men, were
anxious to lessen their sufferings, were no little embarrassed
by this an.swer. Finally, after considerable trouble, they suc-
ceeded in obtaining from Heath permission to send Lieutenant
Campbell to llhojie island in order to borrow as much money
as possible for the present emergency.

During this month, ten Brunswickers deserted.'

IV.

On the 2d of November, Phillips issued directions for the
march in conformity to Heath's order to the commanders.
According to this, the prisoners were to leave Rutland and
Winter hill in six divisions. Each nationality formed three
divisions, and was attended by an American escort. The first
English division, consisting of the artillery, grenadiers, light
infantry and the f)th llegiment under Lieutenant Colonel Hill,
and the first German division, consisting of the dragoons, grena-
diers, and the regiment Von Rhetz under Major V(m Mengen,
were to start on the 5th of November. The second Enulish
divisions, consisting of the 20th and 21st Regiments under com-

/.V TIIK AMKIUCAN 11EV0LVT10.\.

inand of Major Forster, and the twodermaii divisions, consistinf!;
of the refiinients Yon Hiedosol and Von Spci-ht and lod by
Urigadier (rcneral Spccht wore to follow on the Oth. IJriga-
dier 8poeht was to command the entire Oerman divisions. On
the 7tli, the third English division, composed of the 2-lth, 47th
and (J2d regiments, under the command of Tlrigadier Hamilton,
was to follow. The latter also had charge of the other two Kng-
lish divisions. The third (Jerman division, which was made up
of the battalion liarner, the regiment Ilcsse llanau, and the
Ilunau artillery under Brigadier Gall, were also to march on the
same day. The strictest order and discipline, and the avoid-
ance of all trouble with the escort of provincials, were especially
enjoined; and to prevent any quarrels and disorder, an officer
was given to the commander of each division, who was to act aa
commissary on the march, and make all necessary arrangements
with the American leaders in regard to (juarters. All the
captured officers and soldiers were to bring their complaints
or wishes to this commissary; all direct transactions or even
conversation with the Americans, being strictly ])rohibitcd.
Each of these commissaries received daily five shillings, with
which to defray, if need be, the most necessary expenses.
In case, however, this sum should not be sufficient, they were
authorized to draw upon tho commanders of regiments, who
were ordered in such cases to advance money out of the regi-
mental fund.

Immediately upon the order for the march being issued, Hied-
esel obtained permission from the commissary to send for two
officers. Captain Von Baertling and captain of cavalry Fricke,
that they might receive from him. personally, directions in rela-
tion to the German prisoners still at Rutland and Westminster.
These officers were enjoined to use their utmost exertions to
gather together the deserters. They received, also, cloth and
blankets' for the troops, together with the permission to take
the re(|uisite amount of money for present necessities from the
Hessian funds in New York and Rhode island. General Ried-

M.Uon (/KXK/iAf. IllKDRSKl.

I'HoI wroto ill rojiiird tn this to tho lloswiau coiiiiiiandfrs, Von
Kiiypliaust'ii and Jiosborj;.

General Heath made niiinerous objcetionH to tlic muiiber of
teams necessary for the inareli. At hist, I'hillips h)st all patience
and declared thiit he iiii<;ht send the wounded and sick prisoners
for excliaii<j;e to l{hode island by water, or to (jliarlottesville, as
it was utterly impossible to take thorn upon such a long and
tedious march even with an ample supply of toains. Upon this,
Heath answered that he had no jiower to do anything further ; ho
would, however, consent that those who were unable t<i march,
should remain in the hospital at Cambridge. This necessarily
gave rise to various explanations and orders, and the march was
accordingly postponed to the !)th.

This pos:poiienient was a source of great gratification to the
two generals, as neither the English jiaymaster, nor Godecke, nor
(,'aptain (^impbell had yet returned from their quest for money
in llhode island, and it was of the last importance that funds
should be obtained before starting on the march. Regarding
this, Hiedesel's jfuirnal says:

"The want of money was one of critical importance in our
position at that time. All tho officers, who had money, were
obliged to lend it for the use of the troops, who in this manner
received their pay in hard cash. Those officers that were in
need of money had as much furnished them as was necessary to
procure horses, etc., for their long journey. Nor was this any
more than fair, as several months' pay was already duo them.
This arrangement was somewhat of a help, it is true, but not
nenrly eiuuigh to satisfy the demands of all. This being the
state of affairs, Riedesel, who alone corresponded with Heath,
requested the eommandor at Boston, in the name of General
Phillips, to postpone the march of the troops for a few days
until the return of those officers that had been sent to New
York and Newport."

This extract will show how carefully the German general
looked after the welfare of his troops, and how the wants of tho

IN rilK A M Kit I (A. \ HKVOhVTlOS.

privati's \soxv taken fiiic of hy tlic ofliccr.s. IiuU-cd, not ii few
t)t' the latter iit'terwiird I'onml tlieniselveM exposed to coiisitleralilo
snft'ering hy their nol)lo welt-denial. 1'iiese tew lines from the
jonrnul. moreover, will serve to refute whole books written by
individuals who, in their blind /.oal, were anxious to represent
the treatment of the (iermans in the worst jiossible lij^dit.

The long dreaded Jtth of N»>vend)er at lenjjth j)assed, and
still the lonj^od for supplies came not. Phillips and Hiedesel,
therefore, determined to borrow, on their own eredit, as much
money as possilile in and around lioston. This was connected
with jrreat difficulties, but money must be procured at every
sacrifice. Accordingly, when the troojjs marched on the Mtli,
the two generals remained behind in Cambridge to negotiate
for a loan.

On the nth, the first two divisions began the march. Pre-
vious, however, to taking their departure, all the officers were
obliged to give their word of honor in writing, that they w<puld
faithfully carry out in their place of destination the promises
made by them here. The wounded, the sick and the disabled
were sent to the hospital at Cambridge, the Knglish ensign,
Fielding, being left with them. Hut all who wcrt; able went
with the troops. Captain Schlagenteufiel of the reginu-nt
Specht, and Jjieutenant llheims of the light battalion of the
Brunswick troops were taken so ill, that their recovery was
considered doubtful, and they W(;re, therefore, left behind in
their old quarters at ( 'andjridge.

(ieneral Kiedesel accomjianied tlu; first division as far as
Watertown. It arrived in the evening at Sudbury after a
march of .seventeen miles. His wife, 3Iadame Riedesel, de-
scribes her stay at Cambridge as a hapj)y one under tli • 'liiaim-
stances, and says that she would gladly have rem.iincd there
with him during the whole of his captivity. She dreaded the
journey chiefly on account of the increasing ill health of her
husband, who was more than ever subject to nervous excitement,
oppression and headache. Vexation and sorrow gnawed con-

MAJOll OKXKHA I. HltUn-.SKL

staiilly at liis licart, iiijiniii^ tlu< hudy wliicli was aln-ady
woakitiitMl i)y ]i)U'(lHlii|)H. >liiHt |irovi(iiiH tii the ntail, lio Ixiii^;)
a iii'W Kii^lisli carriap' fur liiniscit' ami t'aiiiily, and |iri)vid<
tliciii ^vitli all tliiii^H nct'df'ii! for a jniinicy wliiili would lake
tlu'iii i'r('<|iu>iilly tlirou<j;li inlioHpitahic n'^imis.

On the loth of Ntivonibcr, tlio Hccond division fojlowfd,
stopping over ni^lit in tlio same placo that had Ikhmi oi-citpiiMl
the nij^ht previous liy the first division, the latter having' <'<>n-
tinued its march to Marlhoroufjh and thence to Shrewshury.
The third division followed on the 11th. It was so arraMfj;ed
that one division was always one day in advance of the other.
'IMiese last two divisions Hiedesel also accomiianied as I'

ar as

Watertown. The j;enerals, Kiedesel and I'hillips, I'mjyloyed the
last (lavs of their stav in Candirid^e in siiccessfullv I'mleavoriufj;

to induce lli-ath to ;;rant several farms to the tn

.pi

Anion

other thiiij^s, that general ixranteil permission for those troops
who were olilij^ed to remain Itehind at pres'-nt on account i

sickness, to ma

ke tl

le |ou

rney to \'ir":inia hy water.

Stron<j hopes of being rescued from cajitivity, were imluiged

in by the prisoners just before beninning their march. (

oni-

missioiicrs were aj)poi

iited on both sides to arranu'c a "eneral

oxi'li.itige ; and it was confidently thoufiht that news of final
delivca-anci' would be rocoived by the troops during their
march. Alas ! these oxpoctatious were also not destint'd to be
realized.

On the 12tli of Novend)er. the first (ierman division reached
Worcester. On this day. Phillips received a rei)ort fr

L'po

rum

Brigadier (leiu'ral Hamilton, announcing that desertiou, espe-
cially among the (iermans, was greatly on the increase. Phillips
immediately ac((uainted Hiedesel with this fact, upon which
the latter at once scut oft' an officer to investigate the matter.

On the 13th, the first (ierman division marched to Spencer
by the way of Leicester ; im the 14tb to Brookfield ; and on the
15th to Palmer. On this last mentioned day, the officer dis-
patched by Hiedesel returned and reported that the English

/.V 77/A' .1 l/A7,7r.l \- lti:\iil,V riiix.

r.i

liiid Inst III) the iiiiircli td Ki'iMiktit'M lliir(y->«'\i'ri iih'M. mimI tlit'
(JiTiiiiiiis Uvciify; f*ix, liuwcviT. Iiad icInniiMl.

Mc'iiiwliilr. It i'ltiitiL''(' in till' p'dvci iiiiii-iit :if Itiihtmi litid lakrii
]ilii('c, I iciirral <iiil('S liMviii^' ,MU('('i'('<li'(| (ifru'ral llciitli. 'I'liis
cliaiip! tit iiiK^c! put nil t'liil til tlii^ ari'i'Mt nt' (iciuiiil l'liilli|i.x.

On tli(> Ititli, tlic first (liviHioii arrived at Williraliain, iiiar
(lir liiKi liclwi'i'ii .MiissacliiiS('(l> liay and ('iphim ('(iciit, ( )n the
ITlii. it ri'iit'lidd Mnliidd, un tins ('unnccticul river. Here
( Mineral I'n^VMst was iiept a |irisiiiiir. Tiie trdops were ulilij^ed
til ei'iiHS tlii^ river at this |iiiint ; and the inareli was. in emise-
(jlU!lici\ jireatly delayed. N'evertlieless. liiey arrived in tlie
oveiiiii;;' at tlutir destiiuMl i|iiart(!i's in Siitlieid. On the I'.llh,
tluifirMt diviHiiiii rotu'lieil Siiiisliiiiy ; on the 2<ttii, .New llerliird ;
and on tiie 21st. Nnrl'nlk.

Ilitiiertu th(^ triiii|is had heeii <|iiarter(;d only in harns.
Nevertiicless, they wore always widi pleas.'d with their ijiiarters
if iiiily line ennqiaiiy wen; ]inl in a liarii. liiil it snmetiines
liapiieiied Yliiit (iiic or two rei;iiiieiits Were jihieed ill out! Imild-
inji;. In siicli eases iin rest cdHld he nhtained hy rcasuii nC so
many heiiij; liuddled tiij;ether. Notwiilistandin^', also, that
eertaiii viiluj^eH woro always designated in advanei; as quarters
for the soldiers, the latter seldoiii t'oiind siiHicient aeeniiiiiii)-
datioiis ; and they wert; ohliued. therel'ore, to avail tlunnselves
of the farnihmise.s alon;:; the roadside. 'I'liiis eiiin]iaiiies and
regiiiKMits were at times miles asunder. Kverythinji-. iiowevor,
up to this time had gone on quietly and in good order; and
the men had withstood cdieerfiilly and with eoiiram;. their many
liardsliips and privations. Nor had then; a.s yet l)(>eii any
difficulty between the prisoners and their escort.

At Norfolk the march began to be extremely difficult. It
was now to be continued over mountains and through the pri-
meval forest. The roads were covered with ice ; a cold wind
drove the snow and sleet into the iaees of the men. 1'lie inarch
was slow ; and it was impossible to reach the place that had
been designated as their nuarters for the night. The weary
7*

MAJOR GENERAL RIEDESEL

troops, therefore, bivouiickcd in the woods, in the midst of a
pelting rain, witliout straw, wet to the skin. The country was
very wild. Naked anil steep rocks rose up on either side, and
foainin}^ waters rushed over precipices and pieces of rock.
Only the valleys were covered with woods.

On the 23d, after crossing the Ilousatonic, the troops marched
to Salisbury. Here 17,000 paper thalers arrived, having been
sent on from Cambridge by (leneral Riedesel.

Major Hopkins, who had been appointed commissary by the
Americans, gave universal satisfaction. He had accompanied
the troops as far as Connecticut, when he returned to Cam-
bridge. IJrigadier Generuls Hamilton, Spccht and Gall, sent
back by him their reports to Phillips and Kiedesel. The latter
saw by these reports that the English had lost fifty men by
desertion, the Bruuswickers thirty and the regiment Ilesse
Ilanau twonty-thrce. Eight of the IJrunswickers, however,
voluntarily returned to their respective companies.

On the 25th, Captain Campbell returned from his mission
which had proved an entire failure. General Prescott, to whom
the captain had applied, returned the curt answer, that '• he
could give no money from his funds to the captured troops, as
he believed his orders prohibited such a course." Neither
could any person in New York be found willing to lend money
for that purpose.

This intelligence came upon the two generals like a thunder-
bolt ; for they had been expecting hourly Campbell's return
with a well filled purse. General Riedesel's predicament, how-
ever, was worse than Phillips's, since he had borrowed the above
mentioned 70,000 thalers from merchants in IJoston, by promis-
ing to refund the amount in a few days when he should receive
funds from Khode island. There was no little excitement
among these merchants when they heard of the failure of
Captain Campbell's mission, and, with great heat, they demanded
of General Hiedesel their money. He confessed to them frankly
that no money could be expected from Rhode island, and that

IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.

his only hope was now in General Clinton. Fie further s:iid,
that all he at present Cduld do, would be to give them drafts
on Germany or England. At the same time he offered to give
them his person as security until the money was paid.

But of what use could the general's person be to the Boston
merchants 'i* They, accordingly, accepted the offer of the drafts.
There was, however, one exception, viz : a merchant from
Mystic, who had lent one thousand guineas. This one would
hear nothing of a draft. He came with a justice of the peace
and a constable to Riedesel's quarters, and demanded in a
terrible state of excitement his money, threatening, in case of a
refusal, to arrest the general and bring him to trial before
a civil magistrate. The general ({uietly responded that he was
unable to offer anything but good drafts, and if the gentleman
insisted on his arrest, he would have to put up with it. At
length the merchant, perceiving by the quiet demeanor of
Riedesel, that nothing could be accompli-shed by threats, and
knowing that he would have to bear the expenses of the arrest
and trial, came to terms and accepted the drafts.

On the 5th, after a hard march, the troops arrived at Sharon.
Here again, they were forced to cross steep and high mountains
along narrow paths where only two men could walk abreast ; a
circumstance whjch greatly protracted the march.

General Washington, who had made Vishkill his bead quarters
iit this time, was careful to send to the left of the prisoners a
few brigades in addition to the regular Anu^rican escort. This
he did, partly through fear that Clinton, in whom hi; had no
confidence, would undertake something in their favor, and
partly also through fear of the inhabitants, a largo number of
whom he knew to be still loyal to tlie king. Nor was his fear
regarding Clinton without foundation ; for the latter had
already sent a few frigates, manned with land troops, up the
river. The plan was to force the passage of the narrows, in the
highlands, and then attack the post at Peekskill, by which it
was thought that the prisoners might be rescued, or at least an

.VAJOR GENERAL RIEPESEL

opportunity aftordod sonic of tliciii to escape. Hut the niiiny
t'ortificatiouH anioiif!; the hif^hlaiuls rendered tlie passage of the
narrows impossible, and the expedition failed. Nevertheless, a
few hundred English soldiers succeeded in making their escape
and reaching the ships.

I'pon their arrival at Sharon the troops were close to the
Connecticut boundary line. They bivouacked '' ^he woods
close to the Xine Partners.

The writer ' of the journal, so often ((uoted in this work, gives
a short description of the spirit of the province at this period.
It may, perhaps, be of interest to quote here from his pen as
those states mentioned by him have since progressed more rapidly
in culture and population than any of the others. The journal siiys :

"In traveling through the diiferent provinces of North Ame-
rica, one canudt help noticing the dift'erence which exists between
them. One sees in a moment the genius of the inhabitants in
their mode of living and culture. Thus, in the province of
Massachusetts bay, the inclination of the people is for commerce,
navigation and the military art. The numerous Kuropeans, who
daily visit the harbor of IJoston for the purpose of trading, have
introduced, besides the new fashions and extravagance in dress,
a sort of luxurious and idle life. Consequently, agriculture, as
a general thing, is poorly attended to. The greater portion,
also, of the inhabitants in the rural districts, either carry on a
small store or keep taverns, whereby they make a livelihood
without much trouble. It is only at the new country seats,
built 'by a few wealthy Englishmen about thirty years ago, that
agriculture and horticulture is properly attended to. The native, -
gets along with Indian corn, cabbage, potatoes and fruit, all of
which the rich .soil produces without much trouble on his part.
It would, therefore, not be difficult for the inhabitants to raise
much cattle ; but as it is, they get along with salt pork, the

' Uiodcscl.

'■" I. c, a iiiitivc born AmcriLnii.

AV THE AMERICAN liEVOLUTIOX.

aniiimls fmui which this is made, <rrowinp; up at hirgc in the
woods. 3Iany horses are raised, the breed of which could be
greatly improved. The men and women are generally well
formed and of good growth, but the beauty of the latt(!r is of
short duration. They grow old very early and become homely.
The population is large, but nf»t many old people are to be seen.
Most of the males have a strong passion for strong drinks,
especially rum and other alcoholic beverages. The females of
all cla.sses are well educated, and can all write. All are fond of
dress, and are dressed up every day, even the women of the lower
classes. They ride very well on horseback ; love music and
dancing; but hardly ever work. The man has to do the house-
work, and wait upon his lady. The women love to domineer,
and the spirit of rebellion is more deeply rooted in their hearts,
than in those of the men. Besides the taste for commerce,
the New Englander has considerable talent for the military art.
Industry, they have little to do with, although a few good me-
chanics are found among them, especially hatters, tanners,
saddlers, etc. The great fault with them is, that he who has
saved a little by his trade, starts either a small store, or seeks a
position of military honor, lu their own houses they are cleanly.
" The inhabitants of the jij-ovinee of Connecticut are much more
industrious and diligent. The women dress more modestly, and
are good housekeepers. Agriculture flourishes, and the breed-
ing of cattle is a source to them of great wealth. The manu-
facture of linen and woolen goods is as yet in its infancy. The
weaving loimi is the pastime of the women, even among those
who consider themselves of rank; and tlie man of the house
considers it an honor to wear cloth that has been made on his
farm. Connecticut furnishes cattle and corn to the American
army. The spirit of the inhabitants is less military than that
of Massachusetts bay ; but the theatre of war being near their
lines they are carrried away, notwithstanding they love peace
and labor rather than war. Many are loyal, and are therefore
exposed to the persecutions of the others.

MAJOR GENERAL RIEDESEL

"In the district of New York, through which we passed, are
many families of Hollanders ; also many Germans. The most
of the inhabitants arc tories. Many avow this openly, and
many are therefore fugitives. The American army being in the
heart of the province, their hands are tied ; otherwise, it is believed
that the royalists wimld be in the majority. During the march
of our troops through this province, many offered to lead
parties of forty or fifty of our men safely through the woods to
the army of General Clinton ; but the honor and the parole of our
officers would not permit this. The country, once so beautiful
and flourishing, was entirely drained of its resources, and the
inhabitants could speak of nothing but the abundance and the
happiness they had enjoyed previous to this desolating war.
Numbers of tories have joined the disaffected, who reside in
Canada, and have made so much uproar in the colonics. 3Iost
of the Englisli inhabitants are great rebels, but their number is
not in the majority in the district through which we have
passed."

The first division took up their quarters on the 27th of No-
vember at Heekman's, having passed that day a village in the
middle of a forest.

On the 28th of November, General Riedesel and family started
from Cambridge in two carriages. Himself and family rode in
one, and his servants in the other, which served also for a bag-
gage wagon. General Phillips remained a few days longer.
General Gates, who had succeeded Heath in the command at
Boston, by his customary friendly demeanor, made the few
remaining days of Kicdcsel's stay very pleasant. It seemed as
if he wished to neutralize the unpleasant conduct of his pre-
decessor. In fact, there is no question that if this brave man
had made his appearance sooner in lioston, much trouble would
have been spared to the general, as well as much suffering to
the troop.s.

Gates did all in his jxiwer to make the journey for Riedesel
and his family as comfortable as possible. He sent with them,

IX THE AMEIilCAN li EVOLUTION.

as an escort, Colonel Troup, with orders to aeconipany the
travelers as fur as the province of Jersey, and procure for them
the best of provisions, horses, quarters, etc. ; in short everything
that was necessary for their comfort. He even went so far as to
give lliedesel letters to influential persons who resided jn those
sections of the country where it would be diflicult to obtain good
lodgings. Thus, the American and German generals parted in
the most cordial manner.

On the 28tli, the troops arrived at Fishkill, the head quarters,
at this time, of General AVashington. Speaking of the latter,
the journal says: "General Washington saw all our divisions
and treated our officers with great politeness. All that can
possibly be said against this num is, pity is it, that a man of his
character and talents should be a rebel against his king."

On the 29th, the English troops were ferried across the
Hudson in the midst of a severe storm ; nor was it until the
third day that the passage was entirely accomplished. After
the English troops had crossed, they waited for the Germans
to follow them over the river. At Fishkill. the officers received
sufficient forage money for one hundred and sixty-five days, and
the soldiers stockings and shoes. This caused universal joy.
These articles had been sent by (Jlinton directly by way of
"Washington's head quarters, as he felt sure from that general's
character that the troops would receive them.

The Brunswickers lost during this month fifty men by de-
sertion.

On the 1st of December, the fir.^t and second German divisions
were conveyed across the river to Xcwburgh. The same day
the third German division also arrived at Fishkill. General
Washington was now more than usually vigilant, hearing; as
mentioned above, that Clinton would make a diversion in favor
of the prisoners.

As soon as all the troops had crossed, the American general
in chief changed his head quarters to the Raritan river in the
province of New Jersey ; and the Marquise de Lafayette, who

MAJOR OBNEUAL RIEDESEL

up til tliis tiino had hecii with WaHliiujiton. went to JJo.ston. On
his jdiiriicy lie met Uiedesel's military and personal family at
Hartford, where the travelers had halted a day for rest. Kicd-
cscl, who had arrived in advance of the others, and was
ot'('ii])yinu the only <;(iod tavern in the place, invited the
mar(|uiso and his escort to dinner, knowing that the French-
man loved a good table. lie accepted the invitation and during
the meal appeared very amiable and friendly. The conversation
being carried on only in French, the American officers of liufay-
ette's staff who were present, not understanding that language,
expressed by their looks great dissatisfaction — thinking perhaps,
that Uiedosel was endeavoring to make a proselyte of the French
general.' The latter spoke in high terms of England, especially
of the kindness of the king as manifested toward him during his
stay in that country. I'pon this Mrs. lliedesel crtuld not let slip
the opportunity (if making a few sly remarks upon the fact that
while, according to liis own confession, he was the recipient of
kind attentions from the king, he was about offering his
services to his majesty's enemies. This attack of his fair
hostess embarr<i.ssed the otherwise versatile Frenchman not a
little. Indeed, before his depai'ture from England for America,
he was accused of being a spy. The Juitvmil states that Lafay-
ette fell in with lliedesel purposely on this journey. Speaking
of the former, it says : " Besides his manly, physical beauty, he
possesses the politeness of a Frenchman of high birth. In
modesty he outdoes his nation, thereby proving still more his
noble lineage."

On the 2d of December, the first German division marched
to Otter hill and Groshen-town ; and on the 3d, by the way of
Florida to Warwick, the last town in the province of New York.
On the J:th, they crossed the line and halted for the night at
Hardy's town in Jersey. Ou the 5th, they reached Sussex

> As both Rtedesul and Lafayette could speak English, this troatmeut of the Ame-
rican officers was far ft-om courteous. . ,

y.V TIIH AMKIilCAN UKVOLUTION.

court house; and on the fith, Endeavor, wliere they were
obliged to remain until the !»th, while waiting for teams. On
this day, they again started and marched as far as llaket's
town. On the 10th they were at Changewater; on the 11th,
at Pittstown; and on the 12th, at Evcrit, on the Delaware.
That river forms at this point, the boundary line between the
provinces of Jersey and J'cnnsylvania.

llithertb the roads had been bad beyond all description, often,
indeed, almost impassable. In the best of weather they were
miserable, but now they had been rendered n hundred times
worse by the continual rain and snow. The shoes of the sol-
diers frequently stuck fast in the mud, rendering inarching
extremely difficult. General lliedcsel did his best to c( nie up
with the troops, but was unsuccessful. The greatest trouble
was experienced in raising a sufficient quantity of hors^js. >rrs.
lliedesel, with her children, was in constant danger; and the
English adjutant, Ednionston, often dismounted to assist her
servants in preventing the carriage from being upset.

On the 18th of December, the travelers arrived at Fishkill ;
and notwithstanding the exertions of the American commander,
Major Douglass, to collect the needed number of horses, they
were forced to remain here until the 18th. The same experi-
ence also attended General Phillips, who had started from Cam-
bridge on the 1st of December with the intention of catchin<>-
up with lliedesel. Colonel Troup being obliged to return in
a few days to Boston, lliedesel reciuested Washington to send
him another officer in place of the colonel.

On the same day (the 18th), the first of the German troops
crossed the Tokiken river, and halted at IJIamstedt in Bank's
county, Penn. On the l-4th, they reached 3Iontgoniery in
Philadelphia county, and on the 15th, New Providence. On
the IGth, they crossed the Schuykill, near Downing town, to
Valley Forge. Here a few days of rest were given them.

On the 17th, the march was continued to Salisbury ; thence, on
the 19th, across the IJrandywine to Leekok township; theucc
8*

MA./ on OENEUAL lUEDESKL

across the CanoHtoga river to Lancaster, where, on the 20th,
they had another day of rest. On the 21 st, the march was
continued to Hampton, and on the 22d, the Susquehanna was
crossed near Wifjht's ferry, and (juarters taken for tlie night
at Yorktown. On the 23d, McAllister town (Hanover) was
reached, where the 24th was spent as a day of rest. The 25th
found them at I'ater-Little, the last town in Jersey. On the
2Gth, the boundary was passed and the troops quartered at
Tawney town.

The Journal thus speaks of these two states : " The province
of Jersey is, as a whole, populous and as well cultivated as that
portion of New York through which we passed. A great many
Irishmen have settled here, whose ufitural abilities .are pretty fair,
though they do not equal the Germans in economy and in the
cultivation of the soil. Nor do they by any means come up to the
Hcrrenhiitors, who, forty years since, settled a few places, among
which is Bethlehem, on the line of Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Occasionally one sees beautiful settlements belonging to the
quakers. So far as we have had an opportunity of judging the
sentiments of the people, we should say that, perhaps, not one-
fifth of them are loyal to the cause t>f the king. The inhabit-
ants of this province are very likely in fear of the stronger
party, the army being quartered among them. Many have left
their property and enlisted in the royal army.

" The state of Pennsylvania may be said to be as well culti-
vated and populated as the best German province. Besides
her chief city Philadelphia, it has many large and beautiful
cities, and is the corn magazine for the middle provinces of
North America. Inasmuch also as it has been made rich by
industry, its prosperity is an honor to the German nation.
The raising of cattle is extensively carried on. Accordingly,
Pennsylvania furnishes most of the teams for the army. It
has very good linen and woolen factories.' In the manufacture
of linen and leather, the inhabitants are independent of Europe.
There is, however, as yet. a want of dye-houses. The inhabit-

/.V TIW AMEIilCAX nSVOlVTWX.

ants aro poaccaMo and tcinpcrato, smd have a ^'veat likiiij; for
af,'riculturo and niecliaiiieal trades. Tliis lattor fact may, per-
haps, bo owing to tho principles of tlio diftorent religious sects.
The Quaker, for in.stance, is not allowed to go to war, unless ho
renounces his doctrine. The same is true of the Deiikers or
Anabaptists. The province is full of these two sects. Tho
Reformed Dutch and the Lutherans aro the only ones who can
be had for militia. Tho others, however, are obliged to pay a
fine. The inhabitants of both sexes aro not as sjood lookiu".
nor of as preiiy a form as those of New England. Tho royal
party is strong, but their opposition to the whigs is of not much
account, as their religion forbids their acting in a hostile man-
ner. Our troops were received in some of their houses far too
well, as we knew to our sorrow." '

On the 27th, the first division crossed tho large and small
Bempaip creek, and were quartered at Bempaip llunnert. On
tlie 2J)th they crossed the Manakessi river and reached Frede-
rick's town. On the 30th, they arrived at Charlestown, near
the Potomac. This river forms at this place the boundary line
between Maryland and Virginia. Speaking of the former, tho
JourtutJ says :

" Maryland, as far as regards cultivation, is very similar in
appearance to Pennsylvania, although it is far behind the latter.
The country on the Potomac is beautiful and fertile. The
Germans and English are hero about in tho same proportion.
There are, perhaps, a few tories in the province, but they aro
not allowed to manifest their feelings openly. Fredei-ick's
town is a pleasant inland city."

On New Year's eve. 1778, the Gorman troops first stopped
on to the soil of Virginia, a country which had boon described
by the people around Boston as a real Kl Dorado. The soldiers
crossed the Potomac near Knowland's ferry and bivouacked
during tho night in tho woods in London county. Here they

«>i

' Because some of tho GcrmanH, in consequence, deserted.— Note to oHginal.

MA./Oll OfiXKllAl IZ/K/JhSKL

romuiimd dvor Now Vcmr's day, for the purjxisc of rocuvoring
from tlioir futij^iu!. Hero (icriiiiiiiy'8 hdiih laid in tho woodH,
wot and cold, in .xmiw a fiMit dt'up, with a j,'liH>niy futnro in
Htiiro fur thoni. I'cihaiis, t^acii of thtun thou<;lit of hiH Imnic in
tlu! distant fathorlaiid, of dear roiationH and friondH, of tho
days of liiH boyhood, and of tho joys of former Now Year's
nights, passed, never to return. Tho fires wliicdi were itopt
going with green wood emitted seareely any warmtli. All was
cohl and elioeiless. In tliat dreary primeval forest, naught
was liea:d save the dismal moaning of tho wind among the old
tree tops ; and while some laid on the snow eovered ground to
rest their tired and aehing lind)S, others meditated sadly he-
sides the eamp fires. In this nuinncr tho Ciormans spent tho
New Year's night in tho wilds of North America.

On the 2d of January, 1770, the first division reached tho
little hamlet of Leesburgh. where the troops were miserably
(juartered in barns and in the cabins of the negro slaves, bo-
longing to a planter. On tho !kl, the division cro.ssed Crooso
creek and bivouacked in Leicester. On tho 4th, it was
quartered near a tavern, called Road's house, in King Wil-
liam's county. On the r)th, it reached Fouquier court house,
in tho same county.

On tho 7th, the same division cros,sed the Happahanock in
Culpepper county ; and. on the 8th, (Uilpojtper court house.
On tho 9th, the arm of the above named river was likewise
crossed, the troops remaining that night in tho same county.
Tho Robertson river was reached on the 10th, and crossed on
tho 11th, the men arriving the same evening at Orange court
house. During the night there was a heavy frost, an occur-
rence which soldoni happens in those southern parts. The
12th, was passed in this county, and by tho 13th, Albormarle
county was entered. On the 14th, the division crossed the
James to Charlnttosville; and, on the 15th of January, reached
their place of destination. Tho barracks were not yet com-
pleted. The foundation, it is true, was laid, but tho snow had

/.V rilH AMhUllVAS UEVOLITIOS.

wattonid tho workinoii ; nnd tlu- troops, oh tlit-ir arrival, holidil
iiotliiiif^ hut a liilly Hurfaco cuvored with hiiow. This was tho
first picture that gfcetod their viHion in this j^roatly prai.sed
country !

We ktf't (lenoral Riedesel and his family at Fishkill. Dnrinjj;
this journey he experienced niucli that was disa)j;real)le, and
suffered many wronj^H from the inhahitants who were to a man,
in favor of " the cause of freedom." Souio of tlioni scarcely
would grant a shelter to the weary travelers, even when extreme
fatigue prevented tlietn going a step further, and it would have
been still worse for them, had not Madame lliedesel been in
tho party. Uy her cloquonco and patience, she knew how to
move these obdurate people.

The passage across the Hudson in a miserable skiff in tho
midst of stormy weather, was attended with extreme danger ;
and competent judges, who afterward heard of it, could scarcely
understand how it was that it had been so successfully accom-
plished.' The river having been safely crossed, the party
continued their journey as far as the residence of an American
colonel, by the name of Ilorborn,'- to whom Riedesel had a
letter from (Jates. They were received by him in a most
friendly manner, notwithstanding he was a great enemy to tho
royalists, as well as a very blunt man.

The fact that General Riedesel did not arrive at lianeaster
on the 19th of December, with tho troops, was, perhaps, a most
fortunate circumstance ; for the inhabitajits wore so enraged
against him, that extreme measures might have been provoked
by his presence. Among the many silly reports which were
circulated and believed in these excitable times by the people
of lianeaster, was one to tho effect that the city of lianeaster,
and the surrounding country had been presented to the fJerman

' Foi' a minute account ofthirt i)asxa!,'c from .Mr*:. lllodcKcl's own pen, tliu reader
1b Uf;aiii referred to her Letters and Journals, piiblinhcd by J. Mtinsell.
'•' Probably Osborii. Mrs. Blcdcisel, nlBo, spcllH it Ilorborn.

MAJOIt UKXJiltAh lllKimsKL

goiicriil, by tho kiii^ of Kii^liiiul, mid tliiit tho gtMiunil wnulil
H"on iirrivu with bin troops to takti poHscssioii. Tho oxciteiiieiit
wiiH. thcreCort'. f^rciit whi'ii the (n'nnaii troops arrived ; but as
Hooii «H tho AnuMicaii officcrH on tlic escort, cxiilairitid i\w truo
position of affairs, and tliu pitial)ltt condition of tho troops was
Hcon, many a good citizori of fjuncastor wondorod how ho could
bavo };ivcn erodonco to such a ridiculous rumor.'

Snow had already fallen to such a tb^pth that the carria^^os
of tho <;i'iH'rars party could scarcely move. The coai'hmon, at
timoH, wore oblij^od to take the horses from tho vehicles, iind,
with tlio officers who escorted tho family, rido on in advance,
to break a road. The provisions wt-ro exhausted ; and very
often not a particle of i'ood could bo had of tho evilly disposed
inhabitants even for money. Mrs. lliod(^sol and her children
actually sufl'ered from n\\wv want, and this, notwithstanding
b(!r liusband and his officers deprived themselves of everything,
that the women and children might be provided for. Captain
KduKUiston, who out of love for tho children, had accomj)aniod
tho party, would often rido to tho huts, which wore a little oflF
tho road, and beg provisions of tho inhabitants ; but ho gene-
rally returned from a bootless mission. The people either
answered very curtly, that they had nothing themselves, or olso
said plainly, that they had no provisions for a royalist. Ono
woman, who was a thorough republican, said on ono occasion
in the presoiico of the Madame Riedesol and her children who
were weeping and trembling fnmi cold and hunger, that it
would bo tho greatest pleasure for her to see thom perish before
her eyes. And yet all these insults wore borne by this noblo
woman with admirable resignation ; and her elofjuencc finallv
succeeded in softening the heart of this virago so far (' 'f. :>' or
a few hours, she offered to her everything that si her

house and cellar.

' LaiiciiHter, at thin period, wiw ono of the mont iinportaiit cities of America. II
immljcreil alxmt nine Imndred Iiouki-h.— \ote to ori;/iiinl.

/.V Tllh: AMUItlCAS itKvui.urios.

SiKiii iirtcr crnHHiii}; tlir IIiuIhoii, (icnciiil Kicdt'st'l. with a
fVw (if liin iKljiitants, li-l't liis rmiiily, in (inltT to ovcitakt* liin
troops. It is lint known (Ictinitt'ly wlicrit In^ iiiitt thtnii, or,
iiuliicd, if ho ovortook thoiii at all. Only this niiich is known
to a t'ortainty. viz : that tho f:;fnt'ral waited for his lainily at
Collo, which is distant alioiit two hours from Chariottcsvillo.
Here he had hired a hon.se, which he was ot'cupying when Mrs.
Kiedesel and the children joined him ahout the middle of
Fehruary. The party had l)eeii twelve weeks on their way,
had crossed six states, and had journeyed six hundred and
seventy-ei^:ht miles. The house, hired hy Uiedcsel at CoUu
belonj;ed to an Italian, who, a few weeks later, moved out of it,
leaviii;^; it, toj,'ether with a nice little {garden, to Uiedesel and liiH
family.

The troops, as already mentioned, found the barracks un-
finished, but received the material, already partly prepared,
toj^ether with the necessary tools. There was, therefore, no-
thin<:j left for them but to ^o to work, whicb they did witli a
will. They worked so diligently that in a short time a little
board city, with regular streets, was built. It had been confi-
dently expected by the troops, that amjile provision would bo
made for supplies upon their arrival. On the contrary, how-
ever, they suffered from actual want, as it was found that the
meat, which had been stored in anticipation of their arrival,
was all spoiled. This meat, according to the custom of the
country, was kept in holes dug in the ground, IJut the pits
not being sufliciently deep, the meat conijiosiug the upper
layers was rotten, and of course entirely unfit for use. J)iro
want, however, compelled the men to preserve those portions
that were partially decomjiosed, liy washing and smoking them.

MAJOR UKSKltAL JUKDKSKL

1779.

In the prcccdinji; cluiptor it has been seen that tliis year, also
eoiniiieiiced inauspiciously Inr tlio (captured troops. The hist,
hopo of dclivcraiii'o, which had buoyod thom up durin<f their
weary niareli, had now vanished. The expectation of », jtiirtial
amelioration in their condition, especially in rej^ard to shelter
and food, had come to nouj^ht. In their present <|uarters every-
thing was even worse than it had been at Winter hill. They
had now come, indeed, into a foreign land. They had to become
acquainted with the customs and ways of the inhabitants. They
had, also, to become acclimated. The country, with the excep-
tion of those portions near the swamps, and some sections in the
vi 'inity of the coast, was generally healthy. Hut the heat during
summer was very great. The temperature changes (juiekly;
and violent thunder storms characterize the southern climate.
The troops found fewer populous cities, less cultivated land and
a smaller number of artificial roads. The rich planters had
divided among themselves the fertile soil, which they generally
allowed to lie untilled. They spent their lives in eft'eminate
leisure, while their negro slaves were forced to raise tobacco
ami maize under the lash of a hard hearted overseer Outside
of the few cities there were only masters and slaves ; for even
to this day \'irginia belongs to the slave states, and has main-
tained her prerogatives in regard to man selling. Thus, Vir-
ginia, of all the states in North America, has kept her old insti-
tutions the most intact.' The customs of the grandparents were
inherited by the grandsons without alteri'tiou. The plantations
of the rich planters were the same then as now, notwithstanding
the present views of freedom. The villages consisted of miserable
huts inhabited by negroes. The barns and wag(Ui houses which
took up considerable space, and the rich lamls and woods, reach-

'ThlH book wiiH written in 18.50.

IN THE AAlKniCAN nEVOWTlON.

ing as fur m the eye could reach, belonged to only nnc lord, whoso
sole care was to aniaws more ricfhes by the .sweat of his negroes,
in order to extend his boundaries yet farther — the influence
of the planter being inea;;ured by the extent of his possessions.

The manner in which the troojjs lived, also, was now alto-
gether different I'roni that to which they had been hitherto
accustomed. Animal food and maize were chiefly used ; vege-
tables were scarcely known. For drink, they had sour cider,
whisky, and a kind of sweet beer, prepared from the fruit of
the diospyrus. The negro, like the cattle, was fed on maize.
Whatever else the lord and his family needed, was bought in
other parts of the country with his good ' money.-

It can, therefore, be easily imagined that under such circum-
stances very little could be hud for the troops, and that little only
at enormous prices. The sad condition of the men was a source
of great sorrow to (Jencruls JMiillips ami Rieduwel ; and yet
nothing whatever could be done, but to comfort the poor sol-
diers with the prospect of a better future. This was certainly
no easy matter, after their many previous disappointnuMits.
Still, the generals did all in their power to encourage them.
Thus, 'General Phillips, before reaching the troops, issued the
two following orders :

" Order ok Gknkrai, 1'iiii,mi'.s. No. T.

"(Jeouoktovvn, Fclirudiij 12, 1779.
"(leneral Phillips informs the troops that he intends .soon to
join them, and that he will make every ett'ort to render their

' The BoiiKO In which the udjtctlvd " fjood '" In hrro iiJcd. Ib iidI qiiilc clear. Per-
hnjiH, It Is luwiiil (() (lii'tlli;?iili'h ;,'i)l(l ami HilvcrfrDm /«(/«/• oiciiiiliiu'iital iiuiiicy.

'•'Tliu ijrcat piinKloii for extravHj,'aiico aiuoiif,' the Virniiiiiui ladles' at that day, in
mentioned by eonteinporary wrllerH as Ijinng niosl exlraorillnary. ScholVsayM that
when he traveled In Virginia, in 1~K(), he slopped <ine day at a planter's honse wiiieli
was u most wretehed ntlulr. It was a kind of lojj house wilhont {,'lass windows, and
with everytlUng else to corres|)ond. But the lady of the lidiise, who received Idni,
was dressed In silk iind velvet, and wore a biinncl Irininied with feathers; (,'loves,
plenty of ji^welry, etc.— Note to oriijiital.
()*

MAJOR GENERAL RIEDESEL

sad stay as coinfoitablc as possible. The ships with the uni-
forms are on their way ; and all other articles conducive to the
comfort of the troops shall be procured very soon. Money will
arrive at the same time with the bafjgage.

" CJeneral IMiillips desires nothing so much as to be able to
give the troops good news in regard to their speedy exchange ;
but all the trouble that the commissioners have taken to bring
this about, has, up to this time, proved fruitless. His excellency,
General Clinton, has made several propositions to congress, but
they have all been rejected. General Phillips, also, has sub-
mitted propositions to General Washington, having reference
to the same object, but they likewise have been rejected. It
seems as if the Americans intended to separate the officers from
the troops, but we cannot allow this without forfeiting our honor.
We must, therefore, patiently bear our misfortunes a little longer.
On the arrival of General Phillips, the proceedings i)f the com-
missioi»ers in relation to the exchanged will be published to
the troops.

" PllTiiLiPS, Major General."

Eight days later, >'he following order was issuod :

"OuDEii OF General Piiii,r,n>s. No. IT.

" FnEDEnicKsnuRo, Fihniori/ 20, 177!>."
" General Phillips perceives with sadness, in the reports of
General Riedosel aiul Colonel Hill, the sorrowful situation of
the troops, and promises to relieve their miserable situation as
speedily as possible. His duty aloiu! obliges him already to take
l)art with the troojjs under all eircunistances ; but this duty is
doubled by the extraordinary good behavior of the troops
during the severe march of the past winter, and makes it the
more binding upon him to do everything possible for their
comfort.

" Tile army of brave Knglish and Gernnin veterans, who, with
so much emlurance, have withstood the difficulties of so long a

7.V TJIE AldElUCAS liEYOLVTION.

march, and the still f,'reatcr iniHfortuncH of their present situa-
tion, may bo assured that this example of honor and faithfulness
to the kinj,' will always be remembered with praise and high
consideration. General Phillips will not fail to report this con-
duct of the troops to General (^linton, who will announce their
meritorious behavior to the king himself

" PliiiiLii'8, Major General."

The increasing scarcity of money was the cause of paper
money being finally issued to the troops. The paymasters of
the different reginicnts accordingly met on the 1st of March at
Charlottesville, and conferred with the Jlnglish paymaster,
General Geddes.

Warm weather came on very early. The trees were in blos-
som by the middle of February. General lliedesel determined
that now, at least, his family should have plenty to eat. Ac-
cordingly, having hired the house of the Italian, and the garden
belonging to it, he planted the latter — and other ground also —
with vegetables. The seeds he procured from various places. He
encouraged his men, also, to practice horticulture, giving them
seeds for this purpose. Soon there was to be seen a little garden
surrounding each barrack ; and here and there a fenced inclosurc
in which were kept chickens and other fowl. This afforded
amusement to the soldiers, and broke up, somewhat, the mo-
notony of their inactivity. By this means, also, they obtained,
at a comparatively cheap rate, vegetables of which they had
hitherto been deprived.

The dwelling house proving too small for Kiodesol's family
and friends, he built a log house, in the centre of which was a
kind of hall with two rooms on either side. The furniture was
adapted to the house ; fin- the chairs consisted of blocks of wood
and the tables of boards laid across the chairs. A stable for
the horses and a carriage house were also built in the same
manner. Adjoining the house was a fenced garden in which
the general loved to employ himself llesidcs this, he bought

MAJOR QENhHiAL lilEDESEL

COWS, pifTs, chickens and other domestic animals, so that the
general appearance was more like a farm than the habitation of
a general. Having many at his table, he had an ox and two
pigs killed every fortnight. Hesides his own family, he had
daily at his table Captains Von J'ollnitz, Uerlach, Willoc and
Geisniar, Lieutenants Cleve and Freeman,' and Chaplain My-
lius. Tn addition to these, he frequently invited other officers to
dinner, both (ierman and Engli.sh. (Jeneral Phillips was a daily
guest. The negroes occasionally brought in fowls, fruit, or a few
vegetables, and small farmers also came with butter, eggs, etc.
In this manner the most necessary provisi<ins were obtained.

In .June of this year, Riedesel came very near losing his life.
One day he went out of doors in the heat of the sun, having
neglected to cover his head. A few moments after, he iell to
the ground apparently lifeless. Tpon being bnuight to, he
stated thii* he was just on the point of returning into the
house, when he fell senseless. He had been sun.struck. This,
in most cases, proves fatal; and in the jtresent instance, it would
have proved fatal, had not sj)eedy assistance been at hand. The
fact, moreover, that it was at hand was du(! to the merest chance.

This accident, togtither with the continued heat, greatly
increa.sed Uiedesel's ill health. His nervousness, tightness of
the chest, and sleeplessness increased more aiul njore. He
was now always sad and irritable ; and it was fortunate I'or
him that he had his carei'ul wife as nurse. The physicians
advised hiin to go to Frederick's spring in Virginia. lie re-
ceived permission from congress to do so ; and, in company
with his family, his adjutant,'-' Captain (Jeismar. Lieutenants

■Thu Bftmc who drew the maps of ihu uctioiix iil Kreeman'x Tarm uiul Bcmis'M
hcightx, coplcH of wliioh llliii'triiti.' this work.

"The Eiifillnh ndjutuiit, Eilmoiii'loiip, who hail been so fiiUhfiil to Hledcscl, had
loft a short time previously for Ni'W York to ho cxclmiijiod. Itlcdesol gave him a
letter of rt'comnu'iidation to the adjutant of Wai'liiiij;toii, Colonel Henry, with whom
he was well ae<|iminted, and whom he requested, In the letter, to assist the Kngllsh
olllcer on his journey as soon as possible. Hefore the outbreak of the North Ame-
rican war. Kihnonstono had been a mem))er of the Collegium Carolinum at Bruns-
wick. — Xnte to or/r/inal.

/A 77/ a; AMKIIIOAN liKVOlUTIoy.

Freeman and Clove and a few servants he started for that plar-o,
taking with liini as his medical attendant, the regimental d(iet«)r,
Uause.

At this both Riedescl and his wife formed some pleasant
acciuaintances, and among others, that of Washington's family.
It is a pity that Mrs. Itiedesel, in her interesting book, does
not say anything concerning the latter. She mentions some
of their cousins whose acquaintance she also made ; and it
may therefore, naturally be presumed that this acquaintance
did not extend beyond the limits of the common forms of
p(diteness.

It was fortunate that Madame Riedesel did not lose courage
under all the.sc difficulties. She was thus enabled to alleviate
the sufferings of her husband, besides, gaining many friends.
Captain (Jeismar would occasiomilly accompany her with the
violin. At such times she would sing a merry song, to the
great delight of her hu.sband who was very fond of music.

While at Frederick's spring, Hiedesel received the joyful
intelligence that both he and IMiillips had received permission
to go to New York with their adjutants. Some time previously
the two g. nerals had asked for this permission, believing that
their prospects for an exchange would be much better in New
York than in Virginia. IJiedesel, accordingly, returned to ('olle
on the 5th of September, to arrange matters with his troops
and at his house, before his departure. He wished, also, to
sell liis furniture. The house which he had put up, but which
had not, as yet been occupied, cost him one hundred guineas.
Mrs. Riedesel remained for a short time longer at Frederick's
spring, it having been agreed between herself and husband to
meet each other at Vorktown, in Pennsylvania.'

' Duke BomhnnI, of Wciiimr, wUd Iriivi'lid lliroii!,'li the North Aiiu'ricuii ftuler*,
visifed the xpot whcrt' thlK block house of Kii-deHt'l hud formerly ctood. It wbh an
UMCiiltivnted hill upon whicli ntood noiiie piiien which Itiedesel hnd plnnted. The
dnke took i» ti-w lwi;jK to the son of the general, as ii ineiiieiito of his fiither's eiip-
tivity.

MAJOn OENEIlAl RlBOKSEh

IJeforc jj;oin}^ to Frederick's Hpriiig, Uiedescl had made speciiil
cffortH to arrange some matters in which ho was very much
interested. (Vtnjiress was continually endeavoring to separate
the officers as much as possihlc from their troops, and the
former had accordingly been (juartered at ilichmond. Congress,
by this conduct, could have had no other motive, but to deprive
the captured soldiers of the supervision, and thus facilitiite and
encourage desertion. Riedesel was, therefore, anxious to have
these orders of congress partially, if not entirely revoked. His
remonstrances, however, were of no avail. Congress not only
paid no heed to his supplications, but sent the IJrunswick
officers from Riclunond, still further into the country, lliedesel
then appealed to (leneral Ilarvy, at that time commanding at
Kichmond, and by whose orders the officers were to leave the
city. General Harvy returned a very civil reply to the effect
that as there was ctinsiderable ammunition in Richmond, any
one evilly disposed, especially a servant, might do a great deal
of damage, liut the main reason which he gave for his course,
was, that the populace of Richmond were very much prejudiced
against the officers, and that evil consecjuenccs might be the
result if they remained in the city.

Meanwhile, the baggage fntni Canada arrived at Richmond.
It was intended to have sent this at once over to the officers'
camp. The hitter's sudden departure, however, prevented its
immediate delivery. On the 7th of June, Riedesel wrote to
IMiillips re(jue.sting permissson to send a few officers to Rich-
mond, to take care of the baggage. In this letter, the necessity
for such a course, in view of the soldiers having no clothing
and the officers not being in a much better coiulition, was
strongly presented. In reply, General I'hillips granted per-
mission for one officer from each regiment, and a sufficient
number of noncommissioned officers, to proceed to Richmond
for that purpose. The officers ordered upon this service were
Captain Gerlach, five quarter masters and one dragoon from
the Rrunswickers, and one officer and one noncommissioned

IN THE AMEliWAN JiEVOLUTlOX.

officer of tlio artillery from the Hesse TIaiiau diviHion. Upon
tlunr arrival at Ui(!huioiid the bafrf^a^e waH f^iveii iiji, but they
theniHelves were awfully clieated by the inhabitants, several of
the iioncoiiiniissioMed officers haviu;^ to pay two thalers for a
miserable bed and poor board. In his report, Riedesel com-
plained of this treatment to Phillips, and recjuestcd him to ask
the United States government to ulhtw u certain amount for
the board of these officers, who had been detached for this
service, as liad been customary while they were in New England.
IJut besides all these vexations, the long expected baggage was
itself in a bad condition ; a large portion of it being either
missing or spoiled. The infantry and artillery regiments (»f
Ilessc Ilanau were in a bad predicament. The new clothing
for the troops had been sent from llanau almost two years
before, and had not yet arrived. The men were, therefore, all
in rags. And t(» put the finishing blow to their hopes, when
the baggage finally arrived from Canada, it was found that
but a small portion of the clothing had come, that which had
arrived being so damaged as not to be tit t<t use. There were
in this country very few hotels and taverns ; and, tho.se travelers
who were so unfortunate as t4) be caught over night in the
country, were obliged to throw themselves upon the hospitality
of a planter or a white settler, either of whom generally charged
exorbitantly.

Upou Kiedesel's departure from Frederick's spring, from
which, by the way, he received no benefit (the warm baths only
exciting his nervous system to the great detriment of hi.s health
by depriving him of sleep), he gave his command during his
absence to brigadier General Specht. At the same time he
dispatched his adjutant, (Jlcve, to Phillips, to arrange .several
matters relating tt) the exchange. This latter mission was
performed as secretly an possible, as no reliance could be placed
on the American commissioner, Willichen, who was with the
troops, and who, being of a malignant and deceitful character,
might postpone the whole aftiiir. After arranging his affiiirs

MA JO II (lESEHAL niF DEUEL

in (V)Ilo, luid doing ovorytliin}; in his power for tho comfort (»f
his men at Chiirlottesville, Kiedesel started on iiis journey
with the intention of meeting his wife at Yorktown. On his
reacliing there a few days afterwards with (iencral Phillips,
whom he had met on the way, lie found that his wife had
arrived a few days before him. After eneountcring many
dangers, that brave woman with her chiklren had reached the
jdaee a few days earlier and liad thus had an opportunity of
enjoying a little rest which she at that time very much needed,
for she was sick and weary, and expected shortly again to
become a mother.

From Vorktown, the travelers pursued tlieir journey through
beautifully cultivated regions, and arrived safely at Elizabeth-
town opposite Staten island. They were joyful and in high
spirits at the near prospect of a termination of their journey.
Little did any one expect that in a few moments their long
cherished hoj)es were to be daslu^l to the ground I The party
were just eating supper, after which they intended to end)ark
for New York, when tlie door opened, and without ceremony a
commissioner from Washington made his appearance, and, in a
very pompous manner, handed a large document to (icneral
I'hillips. The latter could scarcely believe his eyes when lie
read in it a revocation of congress, of the permission to proceed
to New York and be exchanged. Phillips, who was naturally
very excitable, jumped up from his chair in a towering passion,
and, striking the table with liis fist, exclaimed in English,
" Very good I This might have been expected of men who are
all rascals ! " These words having been uttered in the presence
of the connuissioner, Mrs. Uiedesel was not a little alarmed at
this inconsiderate act. Which, being noticed by Phillips he
was self-possessed in a moment; and, taking hold of the hand
of the alarmed lady, said, " Well, my friend, be not discouraged ;
follow my example; look, I am collected." "Each one,"
replied Mrs. Uiedesel, " shows his grief in his own manner. I
keep mine in my bosom, and you give vent to yours in passion ;

IN TIIK AMERICAS REVOLUTION.

but 1 think you wnultl do better not to hIiow these people your
niif^er, for they only scoff at it, and it eiin oidy cauHe you more
trouble." In return, the general admitted that the prudent,
German woman wax right. He thanked her, and assured her
that henceforth he would bear his grief patitiutly. This con-
versation had been carried on in Kreneh, Fortunately, the
American took no notice of it, merely smiling scornfully at the
demonstration of the excited general, and going i|uietly back
whence lu) had come.

The travelers were accordingly obliged to return to Heth-
lehem through which they had already pa.ssed twice. Here
they put up at a good hotel, with the intention of remaining
until permission for them to continue their journey should
arrive.

IJcthlehem, situated on the beautiful Leiheigh, in a delightful
region, presented a very friendly and neat appearance. (Cleanli-
ness was apparent both within the houses and on the streets.
The village, and also the adjoining one, called Nazareth, had
been begun about f(»rty years previously. It numbered at this
period nearly sixty houses, and had some six hundred inhabit-
ants. There was here, as there was in every other village of
the Mernhuters, a largo convent of brothers and sisters. Mrs.
Riedesel went every Sunday to the beautiful church. In her
book she makes special mention of the fine singing of the con-
gregation.

The two generals, Riedesel's family, adjutants and servants,
formed a caravan altogetlicr of twenty persons, and twenty
horses. They all put up at the same h(jtel, the host of
which was also a Ilernhiiter. This man had been so
friendly and obliging on the two previous occasions of
Riedesel's family stopping with him, and his bill had been so
reasonable, that no bargain was made as to his price for the
present party.

It was at this place, that Riedesel, who had hitherto been u
lU*

MAJOR OKX/'.'llAL RIKVESKL

1 ' \

ii||

great smoker, cxcliaiif^od the pipe for the snuff-box. He had
always had a great antipathy against this latter habit, but ho
suftered so constantly from severe headaehes, that his wife
indueedhini to take Huufl'as a remedy. As this always relieved
him, he snoii became aeeustomed to it.

The obliging (ieneral Hland ordered (^aptain Handolph to
accompany the two generals. He was an obliging and amiable
man ; and did everything to make the captives' Journey as
pleasant as possible. When he bade adieu to the generals at
Bethlehem, they warmly thanked him for his attentiims. Hicd-
csel gave him a letter, dated October 12th, to General Wash-
ington, to whose head ((uarters Handnlpb first went. In this
letter tiie writer prais(>s his conduct, and thanks Washington
again for his kindness. The two generals, also, took this oppor-
tunity to aj)j)eal onc(! more to Washington, in relation to the
interruption of their journey. The latter answered these
letters very soon and with great courtesy ; but as usual he
declined using his influence and advised the writers to appeal
directly to congress.

Hut the two generals had, nevertheless, to thank Washington
for obtaining permission to go to New York, with their adju-
tants, the latter part of November. And, although the general
exchange had again been postponed, they considered it a great
blessing to go thither, as Madame Kiedesel wished to be there
during her confinement, and her husband expected to derive
some benefit from the physicians and the favorable climate of
that city.

The travelers, however, on their departure, were no little
astonished at seeing the bill of their conscientiims and kind
appearing host. Tt amounted to more than four hundred
guineas. The pious man could not hiV/r his »uii/. Behind the
mask of piety, he concealed an avaricious spirit. The party,
moreover, would have had considerable difficulty in meeting
the bill had not a firm royalist chanced to arrive at the tavern,
desiring to exchange good money for paper. Perhaps, the

/.V rilK AMKIilVAS HKVOLVrtOS.

pioiiH hoHt woul(] havo tiikuii thu sliiiiiii;; ^uinuim iit par tor liix
bill! I

Fnini Hotlilehoiii, llioilcHel, with JMiillipH, triivolod in tulvunco
ot'hi.s fimiily to Now York, in order to enj^aj^o wuitaldo ((iiarterH
for tlioni. lit* wont to Klizahotlitown, and tlionoo by bout to
Now York. Ili.s wife took tlio samo nmto, and arrived in Now
Y(»rk late in the evening. At tlio f^ate, sbe wan met l»y a
(lornian Holdior wlio had boon Hent by her hnnband to moot and
aoeompany her to her future (|uarterH. Tiie Holdior lod lior to
a beautiful mansion, wIkto hIio was .shown to a room in which
everythinjx was prepared for her reception, oven to a .supper for
herHolf and children. Her husband had been unable to moot
her on account of having; been invited that cvenin<,' to the
house of (lenoral Cornwallis, whence he returned very late.
The house to which Mrs. Uiodesel had been conducted, was the
residence of General Tryon. He had placed everything at her
command ; and in order not to embarrass his guest, ho had gone
to Long island whore he had a connnand.

Shortly after his arrival in the city, Kiodosol received the
f(dlowing delightful letter from the hereditary prince of Iiruns<
wick :

" Right Honorable Sir : T had tlic pleasure of receiving, on
the 10th instant, your welcome letter of the lid of April, for
which I heartily thank you. Be assured that I deeply sympa-
thize with you in all that has happened to you during this un-
successful American expedition ; also, that \ grievously hunont
the fate of our brave (Jermans, who havo merited so glorious
u testimony from tiioir worthy chief. Hut rest assured that [
do perfect jastice to your conduct, your j)rudoiico and the
exemplary diligence you have shown in caring for the comfort
of the corps entrusted to your care, and believe me when 1 say
that I fully appreciate the credit you havo merited by your

> Owing to the vnul amount of piipcr money at that time afloat, a liandHonio pre-
mium wau paid for coin.— Note to orUjlnal.

M.Uun OKSKIIM ItlKDKsKL

activo iiikI uiim-lfiHli fxiTtiniiH lor tlio |)ri'HorvHtiiiii (if tlui citjih
in itH proHont 8ud Hitiiatidii. I sinill \w iilt'iiHctl to imo every
opportunity in which to nianitt'st thin Huntiniont in your hohiilf,
ami sliail be e.speciully ^Tatilii'd if I can Ijo of any msrvioi! to tho
corpH under your coniniand.

" I wi.-ih you all HucecsH, at tho wiuie timo lutHuriug yuu of uiy
ontiro cHtoeni, and am ■
" Vour t!X('elleney's

■• MoHt obedient servant,
"dllAKI.KS W. v.,

" I'riiicc of HrunHwiek and Liinehor^.
" Shiincwaldo, Juno 11, 177H.

" I*. S. Wo aro hero on tiie Hohomian lino with tho object
of Hottling a diffieuity between tho king and tho eniporor. Wo
havo Huxuns tiud linssians for auxiliaries, while Franco givoM
aid to Austria. This is tho most imiiortant news from these
parts.

" Adiou : do not forget us.

" Cn. W. Fu." '

Now York, which now numluas half a million of inhabitantH,
had thou scarcely twenty tliou.sand, and of course presented
quite u dift'oront appearance from what it does at tho present
time. The place was of the greatest importance to the lOnglish,
ami both parties lought severely for its ]>o.sse.><sion. Hero a largo
number of royalists had taken refuge from those parts where
the contest raged severest, and where their party were in tho
nnnority. This, however, while it made the stay of Hiedosel and
his family more jileasant, made tho necessaries of life much
dearer. Thus, for example, a turkey cost, in (lorman money,
four thalers; a chicken, twenty groschon; six unions, one

' Tills letter, which, an will be seen, wflu dated .Iniie the 11th, ITTS, dirt not reach
liiudc^cl until N()veml>cr-Mth, 1T71I ; uIiuuhI a year and a liairal'lvr it wan written. —
iVWe to original.

/.v Tin: AMh:iiH'.\s itKVni.rriDS.

thiilur; (tno <|uiirt ot' milk, nix gnwlicn ; mul ttvorytliinj,' olwu
in |)rii|)iirtiiiii.

Till! Miiiiill-p(»x wiiM at (liin tiiiic vi-ry jircvnlont in thn city,
and (joncraiClintiin, tiitit MrH. lliodi'Hoi au«l licr rhildrcn nii^rht
huvo an opportunity cd' liavinj; tlu-nisclvoH vacfinatt^tl, oH'iTt'd
tiioni his villa, an otter vvliioli was very tlianklully acwptcd.
This villa was distant an hour's walk Irnni the city, and was
furnished very conilortahly. Ihiriii^; this month Mrs. Uiedcsel
hud thu ploasuru of making the aei|uaintaneu of the amialile
(leneral 'I'ryon. who ]iad shown her so much consideration in
Hurrenihn'in^ up his house, and who had now rt^turned IVoni
Jiong island. She describes him as a very friendly and modest
mun, and gifted with the best of manners.

Upon the return of Hiedesel and his family from Clinton's villa
to New York, they found the bouse that was intended for them
ready for occupation. It was furnished witli everything that
Knglish elegance and comfort could devise. The furniture was
of mahogany, and the floors and stairs were covered with car-
pets.' Upon Mrs. Iliedesel's expressing surprise at all this
outlay, she was informed that it had been done by the orders
of the governor. The wealthy and respe "table Knglish families
vied with each other in making the stay of the Kiedesels as
agreeable as possible. Particularly obliging was a certain Major
Urown, who was in the eominis.sary department, and wh(» always
considered it a privilege to attend per-sonally to the necessities
of the family. During this winter, which was terribly severe,
there wua a great want of fire-wood in the city ; .so much so,
indeed, that at times no fuel could be had even for tlii^ highest
price. Hut .Major Urown had trees cut down outsiiK^ of the city,
and sent the wood to the Uiede.sels. Wy this timely kindness,

' Till! niiMitiou of this fuel will luit bo coiiKUlertul Hini^iiliir by those who ure ac-
qiiniiitud with Koclnl llfo In (Icrmaiiy. As n gciirriil riilcii carpc^t Is rarely hwh,
cv«n 111 tho niaiisiiiiis of tho wwilthy. Very roceiilly, howovor, liiiiovatloiiK In IhU
r 'Hpect have bu;{im to creep In, very much to the iIlH;;ii«t of tho conservative tier-
iiiau.

MA J on OENlUiAL lUEDKSKL

tlio wiiitof, iiotwitlistiiiulin}^ other disagrcjiiblc cireuuistancos,
was i)aHsctl in comparative eonifort.

Tliere is still in existence a list ol" the lirunswiek troops aw
they stood at the close of the pres.int year. It is indorsed,
" Memoranda for (icneral ]'liillips. given to him, in a confi-
dential coinnuiuication by (Jeneral llicdcsel, on the 11th of
December, 177'I"

" According to tiie 'ast reports from Canada, the Brunswick
troops, wliich were left there, besides those who have hitely
arrived, consist of:

(Icncriirs start',

Hc^r'nii,.nt of Pragoons

Battalion ot'OrciuidicrH

Hi'^iincnt I'rii.cc rrcdcrick.

HcjjiiiK'nt Von Ulictz

Rcghuent Von Hicdcscl,. . .

Hcjjimt'nt Von Spcdit

Battalion Barncr

Total,

1
3
!J
20
((

4
18
«2
14
10
14
19

3
13
3
2
2
1

54 144 25 1300

r>3
103
3(K)
108
151
154
170

04
130
042
198
174
181
209

70 1005

[t should here bo mentioned, that liicutenant Dove,' on his
journey to Canada, met, while on the St. Lawrence, two ships,
having on board 580 Hrunswick Iroops destined for Canada.

The number, therefore, iiu'lnding those mentioned above,
would, perhaps, be as follows : 54 officer-s, 1-14 noncommis-
sioned officers, 25 drummers, 1,880 privates, 70 servants and
2.185 men.

' Tliix lii'iili'iimil, art \um boon alruady muiitluiied, wus Bout to Cauada to obtain

the biiKKaj,'^.

7.V THE AMEBIC AN REVOLI'TIOS.

Iji»l of lirunnirlck froopH in Cinniihi, nj'tir thr cj'rhaniji'., In-
rluiihiif thoHf oj/irirs iiiii/ (ifliirx J'lirnn r/t/ itlintiilutj to t/ir
captnrrd troops, hi/ ir/iir/t fhv nytmnitx in t/iiif jirnrinrr iniw
rcviifiimil.

(Jcncriirrt stiift",
Itr^riiiii'iit of I)ru>riM)nH,
BtittarKMi of WrcniulicrH, .
HfjriiiK'Ht of I'rinro Frederick,
Hcfriiiii ;;t Von Uliet/,
Hejfiineiit V'on liiedeHel,
He^inieiit Von Speelit,
Bultalioii IJanier,

Mm.
81
282
321
643
302
21)2
800
304

Total,

2.514

Accordiiif^ to tlie agreement inudo in rejiard to the exelianj^o,
there were exehanj^ed of tht^ Hrunswiek troops, ()7 nlHeers.
14U servants and 113 ii()nconiniis.si(ined otHeerM ; in all ii2!l
uicn.'

Two nonconiniissiotied offiecrs only, remained with eaeh
comjiany. Consequently, the immhcr of trooj)s that reniiiined
at Charlottesville, consLited of 1 lieutenant eolonel, 1 eaiitaiiiH,
17 offieers, 1 chaplain, 1 physician, 4 assistant physicians, 1
auditor, 14 noncommissioned officers. 2() drummens, 78S j)rivates
am' 'I'.) t^ rvants ; total. !IOt> nu^n. Ac<'ordin;:ly the iiundier of
IJrJiisw'ck troops at thi^ close of the year 177!' was as follows :
*?,.' '4 r.ien in Canada; 'i\'l\) destined for e.\ehanj:e ; !M1(I men
(prisoners) to riimain in the harraeks ; !5,74'J men in all.

' It Kceins Htmnj;« tlmt llicrj wen', luroriliii); to llir iuiiiiIht of oftlccrH m) miiii)
ForvniitH oxclmin.'i'{I, TIiIh was prolmtilv iloiir with a vii'W of l>icllltaliiitf llioox-
(•liaii!;<M)f the (diiiiiuih colilii'rs, ilicrr hciiic an aLrri'i'inoiil iIihI llic xrrvniili* uf
ollUiTH i-lioiild lie i'xcliaiii,'<(l witli llirir ii»ih|c|!'. Tlirii' worr Iwi'lvc ^rrvaiilH to h.
pc'imnil, live to a lirlnaiHiT, tlirn' to a ('M|itaiti ami two to every our of llie other
oHU-erx. Only twetily thri'c' remained with tlie tweiilyllve ollleeis who were not
oxrluuijjeil ; and yet tlieir nervices were mirely iif more nee to llie hitler tiiaii the
formur.— Note to oriijiutil.

MA.lnH OKSKUM. lilKIUCSKL

(JciuTJil Hicdt'si'l w.is fsjK'iMiiIly aiixinus tlisil the luii'i' in
raiiad;! ,'<liiuil(l In- incrciisod, anil liis own corjis rct'urniiMl lln-n'

as soon as |iiissi

il.K

Hut ifixiil nonciiniinissidncd (illiccrs wci'f

]iaiii('nlailv waiilcd, and he was, tlifn-lori", cxt'i'odin^lv dt'sinms
dl' otrcotini; tlicir cxcliangc.

'riii> llossc llanau troops in Canada consistt'd of llic lollow-
iiiji' : Ht'uinii'iit of iiil'antn', • ofliccrs, II nonniiiiniissiuni'd

oinctTs,

(ii'iininicrs.

\'1\ luivatos; total. 1H. IJc^inunl ol'
ailillcry.'i nonconnnission(<d otVicors, (I ]irivat<'s, I servant ; total.
1*. In all. I ortii'crs, |(i noncoinniissioiuMl olliccrs. 2 ilruniniors,
1.10 |>rivati's, 1 servant ; total. I 'ill men.

1(! ortieers and 1(1 servants (5(! men), wi're to lie exelian;;ed.
In the lianaeks tli-re were to remain I cajitain. (! oiJieers, 1
!i.'<sistanl doetor. II nonenniniissioned ollieers. I.'l drummers aini
•j:il privates; tot.il. 'J'.M; men.

'I'lie lollowiiii: is tlie eomipli'le list : \W,\ men who remained

in Canad.'i ; Titi destined ti

■haniii'

•(! still prisoners of

it inelmle the reerni(s who

ha.l

in the

war ; total. ."tO.") men.

This, however, doe
meantime lu>en sent into famnl.-i.

(Ireat as was the desire of (ieneral |{ied«'sel to lie exehaiiired
that he miuht assunn^ tht> command of the (ierman troops In
Caniida. he was sadly disappointed at the end of the year.

Neither I

le nor

iilliiis were so

fortunate as to he included in

the partial exehaiiire whiiHi took place. Thus tin' year vanished,
and with it his liuiy cherished hope. A j^loomy future was
boforo hitn.

/.V Till': .\MKIII(!AS lih.V<H.\'rii)S.

1 7H().

AltlllMl^ll (il'IM'I'.'ll Kil'lll'Hcl lillllll'I'd llllllt'l' SCVITI' IIM'lllllI 1111(1

jili^sical (l('|iiCHHiiin, nniHcd in pint hy liin j^rc^iit (liwi|)|Miiiitriiciit.
rt'spoctiii},' Ills cxclian;:*', lit- wmild not .illiiw liiiiiHcU' tn Im

(llhC(ilir!l"('(

il. Oiill

i(^ <'(iiitriirv. lit' Will

rkr.l

aHSKlilniis

ly t'l )•

.'iliiiii( M MHii't' I'MMMaldr turn in liis own atrairH and tliat of liis
men. Ill' liad alrrady niad<- tlic |M'r,siinal ai'ipiaiiitancc id'
'vcral intlncntial mm nl' flic nppiiHitr party, willi wlmni lu-

'pi lip a ciin'i'siiiindi'iM'i'

Til

Uiifrii-an ciiniiMiMsiiinrr in

<'lii(>r. Clint

nil,

lniniiraliii

iiiiil iiiiru

:lil,

man. cstrriiici

I hin

vi-ry liiiiliiy ; and tliii.H li.' cuiild .sal'cly (•(uiiil iipmi a liiial I'avor-
ald»! result id' lii.s variiiiis ('.xcrliiinM. Hcsidrs al! this, lie was
sustained l>y the riinsciuusncss <d' lahoriiiif in ii just faiiso.
.\i(twitli.slandiiiu liis lirry ti'iiipcr. aii^niicntt'd liy his ill licallli.
lir was can'riil ni'\ rr tu nvrrstcp tlic liuunds id' priidrncr. and
ncvrr all'pwcd liiinsi'li' In lir carrird away liy t'Xi'itcniriil. lie
p(iHH('SS(ul, alsii. tiHi iniii'li .-iH'i-niitripl ai,d Iud nnndi jiid^^nicnl,
nut III pcrcfivi; that l>y ^iviii;; way In passimi. nmrr wmild Imi
lust than <;aiii('fl. His friend. (leiuMal IMi'lliiis. in this resjicjct,
was a f^iiiid <'\aniple I'nr him; ' indeed the eniisiderate hehavior
ai'.i! line lael of the I iermaii i^elieral was id' vast lieiietil tJi th(!
fiirincr. liesides this, he was tun prmid to I'nr^et himself in
the preseiici' tif the nverlieariiiL: \ meri.'ans ; fur aUliiin;^h he
respected a I'cw nf tin- latter he rnnsiilcrcd their cnndint as a
wicked rcludliiin agaiii.'<t their rightful kiii^ and Inrd. and hated
the iiilri;.'-iics and (h-spii-alilc actinii nf ciinj;;ress and the miliUiry

ail

thiirit

ies ai^aiiisl the rnya

1 truiips ami tnries. lie was fully
aware that the cup nf suHerin;; was mil yet empty, hut that
enura;.>e. which strongtlions aiul elcvatoH in iiUHfortum;, iiuil iKit
forsiikeii him.

' I. 0., nx II wiiniliii.'.

11^

MAJOR OENEUAL llllCDKSEL

At the beginning of' the year Hiodt'scl sent one of liis lulju-
tants, Lieutenant Cleve. to Urunswiek to arrange isoine niatterH
of groat importance. This oflieer enjoyed his entire eontideiiee,
and. being jKirfeetly satisfied of bis faitlifubiess and eapaeity, be
used liiui in the nio.Ht dilHeult aflains. Cleve knew bow to use
the pen as well as the sword.' In addition to all this, be pos-
sessed it elear bead, while bis taet carried hint through the
most intricate combinations.' I'pon his departure, Hiedesel
gave him a letter of recommendation to Duke Ludwig. then at
the Hague, in which be thus speaks of him :

"The talents, the military knowledge, the diligence, and the
good character of Jiieutenant Cleve your excellency is already
ac(juaintcd with. It is, therefore, not necessary for me to
repeat them here. Still. 1 cannot pass by in silence the
humble duty 1 owe to your exctdlCncy in obtaining, by your
recommendation, this worthy officer for my adjutant, who, in
every conceivable ca.se, has assisted me so faithfully. It is, per-
haps, too bold for u person, of so little influence as myself, to
recommend officers to your excellency; but the gratitude 1 owe

nd the usual limits

to Ijieutcnant (Meve

prompts me to go beyo

of j)rojirioty. I cannot deny that I should most sincerely and
humbly thank your excelleiu-y, if hieutenant Cleve, by your
patroiuige, received promotion in the army ; and 1 am convinced
that lie will show himself worthy, in the future, of this high
favor."-

' C'li'vc was in the -crviii' of llio Xc'liriliuuls. It is not known willi ci'iliiinly in
wlial prci'isc MumniT lie Ij^'canic allailu'd to Ulcilcsi'lV stall'. Hiilii' Lndwl^; <p|'
Krniiswiik. it is <ai(l, olilaincd liiin as an adjutant tor liii'doscl. 'j'lu' latter, in a
li'ltcr dnlod March '.'r)li, ITStl. rctini'sts tlu' ^ovi'mor o(' llio Nctlu'rlands. Ilic princo
of Oranla. to proNnii; tin- lurloii^'li of his adjutant, as he was In liomn- tioniid to
ri'tiirn to .Vnu'rii'a : t'lcviMinl inivlnt; brcn as yot i'XcliaM;.'i'd, lint only allowed to
}.'o to Knropc on iiaroli'.

■' l.ii'uti'nant I'li'vr. altlioinili a snhordinatc, occnpli'd no nnlniporlanl position.
I)urin<; llii' .Vincricin »var. lie olilained a trreat knowled^'e of the iiiternul allairs of
that eonntry. Ilo oeeupi'.'d more the position of private seeretar.N to (Jeiieral Itied-
osel than adjutant, .\lter the war. he entered the Itninswuk serviee. and died at
an advaneed a;:e in that ecumlry hi'jhly honored as a stall ollleet. .Wile In onyiiidl.

I.ienlenani iieve. who prohahly ill lesponse to KiedeuelV iviuiiiuieiidalioii, re-

/.V TIIK AMKIilCAN HEVOUTIoS.

While (loiu'r.il Hii'doHol waH busy (lisjHitcliiii}; letters to Ku-
rope, his fiiiiiily affairs did imt appear very eoiisuliiifr. His wife
Wiu* delivered of a daughter on the Hth of March, lie was thus
oiiee more disappointed, for so surely hail he counted on a son,
that he had already seleeltMl for him the nann; itf Aini'rieuH.
Now, liowever. there heinjr, instead of tlie expected heir, an
unexpected heiress, tlu! male name was ehanj^ed into a female
oiu!. the little one receivinu: in liaptism tlit; name of America,
(ieiier^ds I'hiilips and llaldimand, together with tint lle.'^.si.'in
jieiu'ral, Kiiyphausen ami the Ih'ssian colonel, Von Wurnd),
acted as ptdfathers to the little one, whom Hiedesel. notwith-
standing: his disappointment, .soon learntid to love most fondly.
A few days suhsi'ijuent to tlit^ haptism. his eldest daughter was
taken dangerously sick, and shortly after, the thinl one, Caroline,
also, fell seriou.sly ill, (Jeneral Kiedcsel, who loved his family
dearly, J)ecanie, in conse<|uence, very mueli alarmed, and heiu}^
already f.'reatly depressed, he fell into a state of melancholy
hypochondria. It can, therefore, readily he seen that his wife
had her hands fidl, not only in taking care of her sick children —
both id' whom shared her bed — but in eheerinfrand eomforlinf;;
her husbaiul. I^'ortunately her naturally joyous tem])(>rament
enabled her to bear these misfortunes (easily.

Toward the dose of the winter, Tryon retur»«'d to Kngland,
taking the same shij: as hieutenatit ( 'leve. Ifefore his de]>«rturo,
he presented Mrs. Hiedesel with a most beautiful set of furniture,
curtains, silk tapestry, etc., 'vith ;i ri'i|uest thatshe would usethem

for hei mfort. This ireneral wa> an intimate friend of Uied-

csel's family, having been during the whole winter a cherished
friend in the family circle. Friendship in a strange land during

tltnii'rt from OiTtimny n ra/itdin. l)roin;lii lo Hicilrnel llio iichh Unit IliirfjD.vm' liiiil
pmli'iiviiriMl to iiii'jiidiff llic imlillc «),'«''"*• ''i'"i ''Y ""' "liilfmciU tlmt Iw wni* the

niii-i' of till' (Irfnii iirar H('niiiiiL'tiPi), iiiul in cDiifoiiiU'ii I' Snial<ii,'a. In rt'fiilii-

tiiin lit lliiw Ktory. Illcdi'ncl wroi,' a loni; Icllrilo lil!< Hovcrci^rn iiiinn Ilic ^iihjcrt.
This IfiliT I \\t\* fi) forlunali- a> In iininir. 'Inrini.' ":> visit In Uniiiswlclx in 1s."i7,
and I afcitrdlii;,'!)- ^Im' it in tin' appciicli.x to tliis work uftiT tlic apiH'ndl.x lo tlio
orltfUinl. W I, S

MAJOli (lENKUAL UlKDKt^Kl.

iiiiBf'ortuno, and at a frrcat (li.stanco from lioiiio. is doubly jomzihI ;
and a fwlinj; of unusnal sadnei^s fauns on (houi when tlicy saw
liiui take lii» dcpartnic. l'rovidcuc(s. liowcvor. Hcnt a now
friend to replaco tlio lost one. (ii'iicral Clinton, wlio was at
this time iu New Y'ork. was so drawn toward this (tornian

family that he also was

a welcome iruest at their fireside

At first, as is the ease with every educated KufiJishman, it

was very dittieult ti

'PI

)roa(

h h

nil.

He was polite, hut vcn

dijrnified and formal. His first visit eoiisi.sted of a series of
ceremonies which were very hiirdeiisoiiu; to hoth parties. Not-
withstanding, however, hoth Uiedesel and his wife were very
miieli jih'ased with liini — the former esteeming him highly for
his talents and honesty. Finnily. Phillips, who was well
aei|uaiiite(l with Clintou, succeeded in making him act out his
natural disposition, and thus, his ex'terior having hecn thawed
out. he lieeame a most amialile and valualile friend. I'pon tlic
appntach of spring, he again offered his villa to the (ierman

family.

Ill otter wnich was gladly aceep'

iiy

.ted.

This villa now looked very different from what it had in the
winter when the trees were leafless and tlie fields covered with
snow. The liouse, closi! by which the beautiful Hud.soii fiowed,
was surrounded liy most ciiarming gardens, clusters of trees and
shady walks. (h'casioiially ('linttui went there to make the
family a visit, liiit always in the garb of a hunter attended by a
single ailjiitant. I pon his last visit to them, he was accompa-
nied by the amial.le .Major .\ndre. who soon afterward met with
such a terrible flitt-.

Meanwhile, both ISiedesel and Phillips luisied themselves
with till' exchange ol' the jirisoners — the former having already
matured a jilan for (lie reorganization of his men immediately
U[)on their liberation. Phillijis wished to consider the infantry
regiment Uiedesel. wliich formed a jiart of the second div
as beloiiginii to the first, that it iiii":lit sooner be excli

ISIoll,

iiiirea

He, accordingly, suggested this to {{iede.xel knowing that he
was especially interested ill this regiment. Hut tlie hitler was

/.V rilH AMKniCAN nEVOLUTlOX.

Uw just to agreo to it, kiiowinj^ that it would \w im act of
iiijiiMtici^ to tluMitlit'i' rouiiiKMitH. lie. however, thaiikcrt Phillips
in a letter tor his friendly offer, but said that the dnijjjoon
rejtinient. the rejiimeiit Von Jlhetz. the f.'renadier battalion,
and the lij^ht battalion had the next elaiin to an exehanj^e.

The ])leasant visit at Clinton's villa was clouded by the ina-
lif^nant fevers whieh, in that country, are frecjuent in this
season of th(i year, but whit'h were even worse durin;:; the
present year than usual. At one tinusall the family ol' Hiedesel,
ineludinj; the servants, were siek with the exception of his wife,
the pastor. .Mylius. aiul the faithful yiif^er. Rockel. Tin; jreneral,
his little daujrhter Augusta, and six of his domestics wr-re at
one tinu^ at death's door. Indeed, at one period, during his
illness, the former cared little whether he lived or died ; for in
addition to the fever he was attacked with a disease resembling;
cholera, wliieh broujjht him very low. His powerf\il constitr.
tion, '.iowever, aided by the <'are of a skillful physician from
New York, enabled him to conquer this severe attack. Mrs.
Hiede;*«'l had the entire charge of this hospital, besides nursing
a littl(! infant ; yt't she managed to attend to (he comfort of all
the invalids. Day ami night she ministerc-d to tins wants of
her husband and servants, and neglected not her child. During
the whole of this tinu^ she never undressed, but threw herself
upon tlu! bed ready to respond at a monuMit's notice to the call
of the sick. In a word, she wasthvsanu! arigcl that miiii.stcred
to the woundcfl during the days of terror al Saratoga. A kind
providence repaiil her for her self saeri lice; and. she had the
happiness of seeing her husband, her child and her servants
fully restored to health.

In tlu; beginning of .May. the llessi.in c; jitain, \'on (ieismar,
one of lliedesel's adjutants, n^tunnil to l]uro]ie. having been
recently exchanged. ' Hiedesel availed hiuiself nt tiiis opportu-
nity to send Itjtters and dispatches.

This Ciiplain (IriMniiir had l)i'Cii dutuUoil mi Uiodcsfl'n stulV l,i iilli'iid lonll

SIAJOH UtlNKltAL IlIKDKSKh

Towjird the latter part of Juno,- RiodoHcl rccoivcMl nfficiiil
news cii" tlu! dentil (if liin Hoveroi^ii. Diikc ('linrles. in a letter
from tlie latter's siiecessor, Duke CliarleH William Ferdinand,
under date of April 1st, 178((. lie was greatly afl'eeted at this
sad intellipMiee. for he had devDtedly loved his sovereign, and
had respected him for his many good (pialities of heart and
mind. Dukt! Charles was a jirinee who enjoyed the love of his
sulij(M!lH to a greater ("xtt^nt, ju'rhaps, than any otlu^r of his
race. Uiedesel, therefore, lost no time i?i availing himself of
another vessel, that sailed the last of June, to congratulate his
new sovereign on the threshold of his reign, and t« express,
also, his grief at the death of the duke.

After th<! successful campaign of Clinton against Charleston,
Riedesel expected that an exchange would surely take place ;
but he was again disai)ii(iinted. Congress ccmld not nmke up
its mind to deliver up tiie captives, of whose possession it was
not a little proud. Accordingly negotiations were begun anew,
and another sumnu^r passed \sithoHt anything having been
accomplished toward this result.

According to a repiu't of Colonel Specht. made the Kith of
Augiist, 178((, the number of troops at t'harlottesville. was as
follows : 77 oflicers, 142 noncommissioned officers, 25 drummers,
H()!t jtrivates and !H servant.s ; total, 1,147 men. It apjieared,
also, that since the departure of Riedesel, three men had died,
and no desert i<in;4 had taken place.

I'pon the approach of autumn, Riedesel left the beautiful
villa of Clinton, and moved back to New York. Finally, in
October, he rciceived the intelligence that himsell' and (leneral
Phillips, with their respective adjutants, had been exchanged.

t)iiHiiic«K rclnling to llic IIckco Ilnnnii Inioj)!'. KKmIckcI wnx much plvntod with
him. IliidiiiK him ii man of lionor inid ii'liiitiility. AfliT hiM rxclmii;,'i' lie wiih on ilii;
lioiiil of ri'tiiriiiliir into Cniiiiila, Imt haviiij; received an nr^ent letter IVom liiH
fal'.ier, HJio was eiurlily vearK old, ai-liin;; to cee liim once more lielore hin deatli in
order to arriin;;e Tamily inatlerH, Kieciehel olilnined lor him ii I'urlongli IVum (ienoral
rhillipH.- Sole to miijimil.

JN THE AMKltlVAN liKVOLVTION.

IJut liis joy was diminiHliod by tho fact that c(mj,'ross liad ro-
fuacd tti (ixeliarigo tlio vvnt (it'tliu wipturod tmopH.

Iiiiiiiediatuly upon his oxchaiij^e, ( 'liiitoii, that his iiii;rht reward
his sorvicoH and also coiiipliineiit tho new duko of UniiiHwiek,
nominated Kiodosol for lifuffiuiuf ifnit r>il. and that he might
have a field lor liis activity, gave him, at tlio same time, a com
mand on liong island opposite New York. Mrs. |{iedesoI
remained for the present in tiie city. It will soon be seen in
what condition Itiedesel found his new command.

Kncouraged by th(! victory of Clinton over (leneral liincolu
at Charleston, (iencral Cornwallis , i October started for North
Carolina ; but learning tliat a corps, which he had sent in u
more northerly direction, had been attacked and annihilated,
he returned into South Carolina. Some other advantages,
achieved by the Americans in the fall of tliis year, gave them
so much encouragement that they still confidently believed in
the success of their cause.

1781.

It was no small proof of the confidence which was reposed in
General Kiedesel that he should have been given the comnuind
on Long island. This was one of the largest islands lielongiiig
to the northern states, and was considered the bulwark of New
York, at that time the most important place in tlie po.ssession of
tlie Knglish. New York was the great depot for the stores of
the army; and Long island was the main barb tr for the fleet.
The latter was occupied by the flower of the Knglish troops.
Scarcely any (iermans were there; and the work of fortifying
the place was constantly going on.

A small house was given to Kiedesel for a dwelling. It was
at Urooklyn, and looked out upon the bay. A strict watch
was obliged to be kept, for the island being .so near the main
land an assault by the enemy could easily be made, liiedesel,

MAJOR OKXKItAl. RIKDKSKL

ncconliii^Iy. soii^'lit tn tiiiiiiliiiriy.(> liiiiiHcIt' with tlio iHlaiul. ITu
vinilcMl all tlu; t'ltitiKi'd jilacoH ami ()ut])imtH. making licrc nnd
tlicH' tliiist! aitcratioiiH which struck him as necessary. 'I'lio
Knglish, p'lici'aily. (hi not like to li(> cummamlcd hy a tiirci;;ncr ;
l)ut Huch was tho hive in which they hehl Uieiiesci. that they
(ilieyeil him clieerrully. The iiHieeis, csiieeially, vied with each
iithcr in manifesting their gddd will.

.Meanwhile, Cnlonel Sjieeht, in eonsetjueneo ol' his gmwing
ill health and his advanced agu, asked permission to return to
Murojie. As Kiedcsel chtierfully consented, tin* eommandtu' in
chief made no oppusition. Spt'cht. therefore, lel't New York
in •January. Kiedesel availed himself <if this opportunity to
send off his letters and dispatches. Ainon}; these was the fol-
hiwing answer to the hereditary prince of llessia:

'• To hU /lii/liiiixs. till lliriililiifif J'n'iiiT.

" f Jracious Prince ami Ii<ird : The kind letter of your highnesH,
of tlu' r)th of September of Inst year, has awakened in me I'eelingH
of the ]irofoundcst gratitude and devotion ; and the kind t^.xpres-
sions of my future .sovereign reward me a hundrt-d fold iiir tho
little care which I have hcstowed upon the troops of your highiu'SH,
and which, indeed, have been amply merited by the conduct of
the troops themselves. Your higliness may rest assured that I
shall never Im weary in licstowing upon those brave troops, who
have shared all the fortunes ami misfortunes of our own men, the
same care, attention and devotion which 1 give to the .soldiers of
his highness, my own duke. It is possible that your highness
will be astonished at the result of the new measures which have
been emj)lo\cd in behalf of the jirisoners. After all po.ssiblo
ellortsto bring about a gt^neral exchange, and the rebels having
introduced — moved by an incomprehensible jirejudice — the
system of refusing all propositions in regard to tlio.se troops,
choosing rather that iheir prisoners at Charleston should die
than be exchangid, the Knglish si'cretary of war has found it
advisable to exchange all their Huperllu<ius oflicers and employ

/.V Tllh: .\Mh:uirA.\ llHVnl.l ri(>\.

tlii'iii ill iiHuT iiliiiH'M. It i>* liiiiM'il ill lliis way I" iiciitnilizo
801110 III' till' evil tiiat Iiiih licoii ciiiisnl by tliis Htiililmiii ilcti'iition.

" III piirxiiaiici' (tf an nrdor tVoin tlic iiiiiiish-r, flic ruHowiiij;
nioasiirt'H liavc liocii adtiptcd. viz: Ist. Tlit! caiitiircd tninpis aro
no ioii^rcr to lu! considered as re^imonts, but as detacliiiii'iils.
2(1. Th(! siijierfliioiiH Hiijrlisli oflicersan! to ^^o to Kiiirlaiid. and,
by rtuTiiitin;,' in tliiit country, fill up tlic n-jiinicnts as iiiiicli as
possible. ;{d. Tlie superfluous (lerinan oflieers arc to go to
Canada to the detaclinieiits which were left tliero, and tiu'in the
rocriiits that arrive there IVoni fiini! to time, into coni|>aiiies.
According to this arrangenient. 1st, one oHicer remains with
the (iermaii troii|is who is to command the whole detachment.
This officer is iiieuteiiant Colonel Wm .Mcn;;en. 2d, one cap-
tain iVoiii each regiment, and !td, oiu' noiieoinmissioncd nfficer
t'roiii ouch company. In thiw situation the unfortunafe troopH
mii.st await their future late.

• Hrigadicu' (ieneral (iall h.is, T presume, reported to your
highness the names ol" the officers whom he hiis himselt' ap-
pointed to remain in \'irgiiiia. I'art of the officers, who are to
be exchanged, have already arrived hero.

"(Jcner.il Washington, although he declined the secmid appli-
cation, has altere(| bis mind and agreed to an exchange. I am,
tlierel'ore, in hopes that tin; order lor an exehang*' will so(»ii
roach us bore. In this case. I shall, alter rocoiving orders t'roiii
the coinmaiiding officer. Sir Henry Clinton, gi) to Canada, lor
the purpose of'sctting the troops iit' my gracious master to work
by regimciits in uecurdanco with the instruetioii.s ol'liis majesty
the king.

'•Nothing would give mc more joy than to succeed in carry-
ing out the ordeiv of your highness, hot mo i-eceiveyoiir (U'ders
in detail upon this point.

" I roiiiain, with the devotion becoming a subject,

'• Voiir highne.ss's most obedient servant,

'' KiKDKSKI,. Major (ieneral.

'■Hrooklyn, February 2l». I7SI."
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23 WEST MAIN STREFT

WEBSTER, NY. MS80

(716) 872-4503

f/j

MAJOli OEXKltAL IHEDKfiKL

The next step of Riodesel was to issue a general pardon for
deserters, lioping, by this means, to collect his scattered forces.
It reads as follows :

" Gkneral Pardon.

" From Major General Ricdesel, baron of Eisenbach, com-
mander of the troops of his highness, the duke of Brunswick,
which troops are now in the service of Great Britain.

" As there are now several noncommissioned officers and pri-
vates of the Brunswick troops, who have deserted and are now
in the enemy's ranks, or are concealed in the country of the
rebels, therefore, I hereby declare a full pardon to all those who
shall return to the army of the king, and who shall, for this
purpose, report themselves to a Brunswick officer, before the
15th of August, within the lines of the royal British army. I,
also, declare that they shall be returned to their respective regi-
ments without receiving any punishment. Given under my hand,

"BiKDKSKli, Major General.
" lirooklyn. Long Island, February 22, 1781.

" By order of Major General Von lliedesel.

" Captain Cleve, Aid de camp."

Although the number of deserters, who reported in conse-
quence of this pardon, was not as large as was expected, some
availed themselves of the opportunity to return to their flag.
Those who did thus return were doubtless influenced, not only
by the pardon, but by the immediate prospect of active military
life. Many, of cinirse, who earnestly desired it, could not leave
the American army, nor the farms upon which they had hired
themselves out to work. They were watched too closely j besides
which, those Germans, who liad gone over to the Americans, were,
as a matter of course, never permitted to go into battle nor per-
form duty on the outposts. They were obliged to do other ser-
vice in the interior of the country where there was no chance
for escape.

JN TllK AMKltlCAN RKVOLITIOS.

During his stay in Brooklyn, Riedescl found many tilings
that did not suit him. He was stationed lun-e on an imiiortant
post with strange troops under his command, while his own
men were in Canada under another officer. Those latter,
reenl'orced by recruits from Germany, must be organi7x>d and
drilled before they could be used against the enemy. Should
he leave this work to another? Hut in addition to all this, the
climate around New York was unfavorable to his health ; he
having had frequent attacks of fever during his residence there.
He had more hope of recovering in Canada where the air was
purer and more strengthening, and the climate of which had
formerly agreed with him. He was, also, pretty well convinced
that his stay in Long island would be but temporary. It was,
however, his earnest wish, before leaving this part of the country
and before bidding adieu to General Phillips, who had been to
him such a staunch friend, to arrange all the details relating to
the exchange of the captured troops in Virginia. He accord-
ingly wrote to Phillips the following letter :

" My Lord : I beg pardon for troubling you so often with
the same request. But I am very anxious that matters in
Virginia should be brought to a close by means of your inter-
cession. To me it is of the greatest importance that Captain
Gerlacli should arrive in Virginia to settle the accounts of the
troops, before the (juarter masters of the regiments who are
included in the list of exchanged officers. It is, also, necessary
that Captain Gerlach should return and report in regard to the
result of his mission before I leave Now \'ork. 1'iiis is ren-
dered the more iuqierative, because, before leaving New Vork
I desire to send a full report to my sovereign of all agreements
that have been entered into respecting the prisoners while I
was in command. I am about entering upon a new sphere in
Canada, and design placing myself at the head of the troops of
my sovereign, who are now in that province. Taking, therefore,
these motives which I have mentioned into consideration, you
will, I think, find my request justifiable, and will excuse the

MAJOli OENKRAL ItlEDKSEL

liberty which I take in tlms constantly troubling you with tlio
same thing.

"One thing which increases my impatience is, that you may
have to leave for Virginia before all the orders and dispatches
have been properly arranged. Tills would crush all my hopes.
It would place me in an unpleasant position as regards my
government of the troDps; and consequently all my labors
for six years would be repaid by the disapprobation of my
sovereign.

'" Having thus poured out my heart, nothing remains but to
trust you. This I do, at the same time remaining
" With all considerate respect,
" As ever, etc.,

'• lliEUESEL, Major General.

"Brooklyn, February 25, 1781."

General I'hillips was ordered to assume command in the
south. A detachment, under General Jioslie, had already been
sent thither by (Jlinton ; afterwards another under Arnold,
who. as senior officer, took the command of both. In March,
I'hillips was sent to Virginia with two thousand English troops
as reonfiirci'ments. The latter immediately a.ssumed the entire
command, (jicucral lliedesel was to go north. The separation
was very sad. IJoth, having, for so long, shared each others
pleasures and pains, had become very dear friends. They,
therefore, now embraced each other for the last time ; for
Phillips died on the 9th of May at Petersburg of a fever. In
him the English army lost one of its best and most careful
generals.

As soon as spring appeared Madam Kiedesel, with her
children, and servants, uioved over to Brooklyn to be with her
husband. The house in which he lived being small, she was
obliged to get along with very little room. From the house,
however, she hacl a magnificent view of the city and its harbor.
The outposts were now more than ever exposed to attack ; and

J.\ Tllh: AMEinVAN IlEVOLVTlUX.

Major Miiiboni, who had just rcturiuxl IVoin captivity, was
surprised one night in his bed and carried off.'

The Americans were exceedingly anxious to capture lliedesel.
Being well aware of this fact, however, he was very vigilant.
Indeed, such was his terror of another captivity, that he only
slept when sure that his wife was awake ; and, as it was, he
would jump out of bed at the slightest noise. Hven a strong
guard, which remained iu the house night and day, he did not
consider sufficient.

Those of the German troops who were on Long island were
organized into a battalion and garrisoned at Flatbush. It was
entirely officered by (Tcrmans, and was commanded by Major
Lucke. Those Brunswick dragoons, also, that had been cap-
tured near Bennington and exchanged, were stationed here.
Schlagenteuffel, captain of cavalry, commanded them. In a
general order, dated the 29th of April, (icneral Riedesel. among
other things, says ; " Captain of cavalry, Schlagenteuffel, senior,
will make such arrangements at the quarters of the officers as
shall guard against a surprise. At a quarter of nine each
morning, the men, who were to do guard duty, gathered on the
parade ground and formed into four companies. The pickets
for the night turned out at the same time, but returned to the
barracks after the parade. 3Iajor Lucke had cliarge of the
parade. The men marched oft' to the sound of music. Iloll
call was at half-past six in the evening. 3Iajor Lucke wa.-< the
officer in charge on these occasions also. He drilled the men
with muskets, at the same time making them practice all kinds
of evolutions in marching, lliedesel was generally present both
at parade and roll call. ^Vt night a patrol, composed of three
officers and two noncommisioned officers composed the beat. It
was their duty to visit all the sentinels and posts at Brooklyn
and the fort. These patrols were obliged, also, to pay special

' Major Maiboni, from dccpair and eiimil lUiriii!,' his captivity, I)ecamo addicted
to dninkcniicsg, a vico from wlildi lie uovcr recovered.— Xote to orirjinal.

M.UOlt UENEUAL JilBUKSEL

attention to the sailors, who were in the habit ot' f?oinjj; about
drinkinj^ at tlie different saloons, fij^hting and raising a dis-
turbance. At Yellow hook there were stationed one officer,
three noncommissioned officers and twenty privates. On the
(ith of -May, Hiodesol issued special instructions to have all the
single posts well guarded. 'J'his had been hitherto neglected by
the English. These instructions were headed " RK(lur,ATloN.s

Foil TlfK DlKKKIiK.NT (ll'.VIU>S iN ANI» AKOIINI* Hr(»(»KI,YN."

As has already been remarked, Hiedesel had re(juested Gene-
ral Phillips to exchange several (lerman officers; but when the
next exchange took place no (Jernians were included in it.
Very nuich offended, he appealed directly to General Washing-
ton. The following cm'respondence in regard to it will explain
itself:

Gk.NKRAL lllKI)E.SKI- TO GENKRAIi WaSIIINUTON.

"Brooklyn, April "l?,, 1781.

"Sir: Several of the German officers captured at Saratoga,
having appealed to nic to procure their exchange on account of
family affairs, I requested Major General Phillips to propose
to your excellency such an exchange as would be an answer to
my request. General I'hillips sent me your letter in which
you consent to it; in consequence of which I handed General
I'hillips a list oi' those officers whose exchange \ requested.
This list, he assures me, has been sent to you.

" But as all the English officers, whose exchange Major
General Phillips re((ue.sted, have arrived unaccompanied by a
single German officer, I presume that said list has never
reached your excellency ; for T believe that you, sir, are governed
by the same impartiality toward my nation as toward any other.
I, therefore, take the liberty to reiterate the request of General
Phillips, that you, sir, will have the goodness to respect the
claim of those German officers who arc mentioned in the list (a
copy of which T here inclose), and will order those gentlemen
to be sent to New York.

/.V TIIF; AMKIlldAS ItKyohVTIoy.

" ^Fiijor Maiborii of my roj^iment of dragoons, and Ensign
Maiborn of luy infantry regiment belonging to lii.s higiiness the
duko of Brunswick, having been captured a few days since on
Long island, I would consider it a proof of your excellency's
kindness, if you would allow these two officers to come to New
York on parole. The poor health of Major 3Iaiborn reciuires
special attention ; and T shall do all in my power to induce his
excellency Sir Henry Clinton to exchange them, provided your
excellency is so kind as to give your consent.
" I have the honor to be,

" Your excellency's humble servant,

" JliKi)K.SKr.. 3Iajor General."

General Washington to General Riedesel.

"Head Quahteks, New Windsor, 3Im/ 11, 17S1.

"Sir: T have received your favor of April without a date.'
Either you must be wrongly informed in regard to the letter
addressed to me by (ieneral Phillips, dated December 2:Jd. and
iny answer to Sir Henry Clinton of January 25th, or you have
misunderstood them. I, therefore, inclose copies of them. I
only consented to an exchange of those Jiri'dsh officers who are
expressly mentioned in (Jeneral Phillips's letter, and rejected
his proposition that an indefinite number of British and German
officers should be sent to New York under the superintendence
of Brigadier General Hamilton.

" Some time after this, other propositions, under date of
iNfareh 3d, were made to me, having reference to other ex-
changes, among which were those German officers whom you
have mentioned. These propositions were submitted to me
tlirough my commissioner general of priM(»ncrs, but which I did
not consider it advisable to accept, as I was convinced that the

' In the originnl draft, the date, April 28tli, U given. Tliis was probably omitted
in tlic copy liy Riedesel's secretary, by mistake.— Note to oHginul.

IT-

MAJOll OKNKIiAL IIJEDKSKL

cxclianyc of Lieutenant General Burgoyne would be unreason-
ably long postponed. My answer and instructions in regard
to this clause have been given at length through iMessrs.
Skinner and Loring.

" Even it' I were inclined to be partial to the British officers,
it would be impossible to do so, since the selection of those
exchanged is not left to me.

" As regards your special request, T have given orders that
iNFajor and Ensign Maiborn shoidd be sent to New York on
parole.

" I have the honor, etc.,

" Wahhinuton."

GENEUAri RiEDESEr, TO THE IIereuitauy Prince of

IIessia.

" 7'o /(/,s II!<jhncss the HcrcxJ iturij Prince of Jfcssid.

" Gracious Prince and Lord : Since my letter to your high-
ness, under date of April 28th, I have been pained to learn
from the report of Lieutenant Colonel Von Mengen, who, after
the departure of the colonel and brigadier general, has taken
the command of the captured Brunswick troops, that congress
lias finally taken the treacherous step of entirely annulling the
treaty by separating the officers from the noncommissioned
officers and privates, and prohibiting all communication between
them. It has, also, cut down the usual rations for each man to
one-fourth, and has taken them entirely from the officers and
servants.

" This unfortunate change, which must i-esult in obliging
the privates thus left to themselves to obtain sustenance by
working around the country, occurred during the month of
April. All of the German officers are at present at Winchester
in Virginia within a circumference of ten English miles. The
privates are four English miles from the latter place, living in
the woods in huts which they were generally obliged to build
for themselves.

ill

IN THE AitEllICAN ItEVOLUTION.

" 111 .s|)ito, iiI.Ho, of all till) ropn'St'iitiitiuiiH which havi) bciiii
made, congrcsH Iimh forliiddcn any (iHicor to viwit tlio men ; and
the qufstion wliuthor or not a rcginiontal snrgoon nhall ln> pcr-
iiiittod to attend on the sick, will not probably be deeided before
the middle of next month.

"I see by the report of Lieutenant ('oloiiel Von ^feiif^en,
tliat he knew as early as the 22d of April of ('aptaiii Geriach's
arrival in Virginia. This officer brings miiiey, clothing, uni-
forms and other articles to the troops, a circumstance which
will be of no small consolation to this unfortunate corps in its
present lamentable situation.

" As the officers have been rendered powerl&ss, by this breach
of faith of congress, to continue their praiseworthy efforts for
the care of the troops, I have asked of his highness, my
sovereign, permission to leave one officer with each regiment,
whose duty it shall bo to sec that the men receive what articles
the general in chief, Sir Henry Clinton, may allow to be
forwarded from time to time to this corps. I liave also asked
him whether it would not be best to have all the other officers
exchanged and made use of in places where they can be made
available to the service. As I cannot expect his answer while
in New York, I have requested him to send his reply direct to
Lieutenant (Jolonel Mengeii, and at the same time to inform
the commanding general at this post in regard to his wishes.

" As long as it lies in my power to extend to this corps, and the
other troops of your liighness a helping hand, be it ever so little,
I shall always consider it one of my most sacred duties to do so.
This much I should feel obliged to do from the deep reverence
and great attachment I feel toward a prince whose troops have
been faithful companions in our alas I general misfortune.

'■ With the heartfelt assurance of my deepest devotion,
" I remain your highness's

" Most obedient servant,

" KiEDESKli, Major General.

"Brooklyn on Long island, May 9, 1781."

la*

, f

'n
m

100

MAJOR OKSEliAL ItlEDKSKL

'A' f

It hns boon m >n by a lettor mentioned a little way buck iVoni
Kiodesel to I'liillipH, that the former hud retjuewted the Ame-
rican j^iivernnient for a flaj,' of truce under which Captain <ier-
lach ini};lit visit Virginia. Tiie reabons, also, which induced
Uicdesel to hasten this matter, have also been adverted to.
(JeiMjrul I'liillips not only attended to tliis request of the CJcr-
ninn jieneral. but procured from Washiiif^ton a pass for (lerlaeh
to \'irginia. The latter took with him money, clothing and
other necessary articles for the troops wlio were literally desti-
tute of everything,'; and his visit, therefore, could not be post-
poned.

The pass from (General Washington read "as far as the coast
of ^'irginia." At this jioint. Captain Gerlach was directed to
apply to the governor of the province. General Jefferson, who,
he was told, would arrange matters in regard to the transporta-
tion of the supplies by land as far us Winchester. Gerlach,
accordingly, applied to the governor; but the latter raised so
many objections that he was forced to write to llicdesel for
further instructions. The German general, who was no little
embarrassed by these repeated delays, at once wrote on the 3d
of June, to General ( 'ornwallis reijuesting him as tlie nearest
general to Governor Jefter.son, t« attend to the matters of Ger-
lach. Cornwallis immediately entered into the aff'air with the
greatest zeal, and with so much success that Gerlach finally
reached Winchester with his supplies. He found the troops in
a very miserable plight, living in huts, and in want of every-
thing. The English troops were at Yorktown.

On the Gth of June, Riedesel wrote from Urooklyn to Briga-
dier General Specht in Canada, as follows : " I cannot blame
you, my brother, ' if you should believe that I had been buried
long since or had forgotten my Canadian friends. But never in
my life, have I seen so little intercourse between two provinces
so near together as Canada and New York. I verily believe
that I could easier send a letter to Batavia than to Canada."

' I. I'.. Iii'otlior in arms.

7.V r/lK-AME/ilCA.V nEVOLUTlON.

101

HiedoHcl hail iKtw Ihhmi a loiij;- tiiiio in romliiicss to stiirt for
Ciiniula with forty officers and four hundred nmn, hut the ne-
cessary escort was wantin;;. This was to have consisted of ti
fri^'ate ; but the Hritisl: admiral appeared lotii to furnish one.
Tiio Hessian colonel, \m (iall, had already left New Vork for
fiorniany, when lliedesel rerieived from the hereditary jjrince,
the letter dated April 18th. Colonel fiall was very unkindly
received by the prince in conseijuenee of havinj; left America
without permission. This action of the prince, however, also
arose from his having heard that (Jall had been partial in his
conduct of his men, and had embezzled money. This is seen
by the following letter from the prince to Kiedesel :

"Hanau, April \^, 1781.
My very dear Major General : The especial kindness which
you constantly manifest toward me and my soldiers, and for
which my warmest thanks are continually due you, leads me
to hope that you will not conceal from me in any particular, the
conduct of riolonel Von Gall, who has been so long under your
command, and who has returned without my permissioji. lie is
accused of retaining money and appropriating it to his own use,
and also of partiality. It is even said that he was tried by a
commission in Canada. Since it is incumbent upon me to go
to the bottom of this matter, and since this officer by all appear-
ances seems guilty, I conjure you to send me a speedy answer
regarding this whole matter. Keep nothing from me ; but give
me a special proof of your interest in my men, who have been
so unfortunate and so abused. I ask you to do me this favor
as an old Hessian, and for the good of the service.
" In real friendship and high esteem,

" I remain your sincere and true friend,

" William, Hereditary Prince of Hessia.

" P. S. I send a copy of this letter to New York, not know-
ing whether or not you have left there for Canada.
"To General Von Riedesel, Canada."

101:

MAJOli aES'EHAL llfh'OKSKL

(Jciicrnl Ilit'doHi'l. wIki had not susiicctcd aiiylliinn id' this
kind, was very iniicli astoiiiHlifd at the cimlcntH (d' tlii.s letter.
After exaiiiiiiinj;' the case, lie retiirnefl the lidlMwiiij,' answer to
the prince :

" Til /lis iiinst SI ri iir //ii/hniss. f/ir I/in i/itiiri/ I'n'iin'.

"(iraeiiins Prinee and Lord; 'I'iie kind letter id' your nmst
serene liijihnes.s of Ajiril IStii, I had the honor of receiving hy
tlu! packet the latter jiart of hist month, I am extremely Horry
that your liijilineHH was so inn(di disjdeased at the return of
('olonel Von (lall. I hope that my letter id' June (ith will
excuse my havinji heen the '^eeminj; instrument of his return
by havinj; ohtained I'or him the rctjuired permission lor that
step.

'■ Vour highiu'ss requests me. in a very gracious manner, to
send you a report of the conduct of Colonel (lall, and also an
account ol' those transactions in Canada, hy which the risgiment
is said to have snfi'erod. In response to this recjuest, T can
only say that all orders have heen invariably obeyed by the
troops under Colonel V. (Jail in the most faithful manner; and
if troubles have occasionally occurred, they have arisen rather
from want of knowledge of our situation, or by fear, perhaps,
of sacrificing sonu! of the national prerogatives td' the troops
of your highness than from other reasons. Such cases have
always been speedily arranged whenever Colonel Von (iall has
consulted me. ^'^ery likely, also, (iall has not always considered
it to be for the interest of your highness to follow the advice of
the commander of another nation.

" But it is my duty to bear witness to the good intentions of
Colonel Von Gall in his efforts to arrange pecuniary matters;
and although differences between him and the late General
]'hillips occasionally arose, yet by my and the latter's explana-
tions they were always settled. I am not prepared to say that
Colonel Gall was always wrong on such occasions, but his de-
mands were at times not in accordance with the situation of

/.\ TIIH AMKllIVAN JlKVOl.ri'litS.

iiHiiir.M. Kvcrvtliinj,', Imwrvcr. Iims iiiviiriiilily lu'cn sotflcd in
an luniciililo niiinncr ; niid (lull parted from l'liilli]iM iiiid niyst'lf
(in tin! licMt of terniH. Not. however, to !..■ too Ien;:tliy in my
imHwer. I mu.st resiu'ctfully ask your liifrliness to in((nire further
of ('a]itiiin V. (Jeisiner. wlio in iM-rfeetly familiar with these
transaetiouH, and who, I feol confident, will confirm tlmt which

I have here written.

"Ah re«;ardH tho mnttcr of the provisions in Canada, the
invcHtifration of which was committed to me hy (leneral Sir
(juy Carleton at IJcrthier in that province, I can only 'j-ive you

II correct report by sondiuK you tho documents. Hut as Mk v
are with my bajijjajre in Canada, \ cannot send you ,1 eompli ic
report in rejjard to tlu' matter until my arrival in said pnivince.
I will then do .so. For the jiresent, I will only r rk that
this .affair !"ipcars to be very di.sadvanta;,'eous to C(donel Cail ;
and, furtaoi, I may say, that had ary one other than iii^Sv If
invcHtif,'ated this matter, it would have turned out v Ty I'udly
for the colonel ; for it was evident tliat the provisions had bc' >■,
distributed among the troops at a smaller weight than had been
ordered by General Carleton, and that the inhabitants com-
plained at being obliged to provide for tlie soldier.- at this rate.
]iut when 1 consider, on the other liand, that one and a lirdf
ponnds of meat and one and a half pounds of bread was uku-o
than a soldier could eat, and that Gall intended to accumulate
a regimental fund for unforeseen cases — such as fre{(uently
occurred among the Brunswick troops — 1 consider liim only
to blame for not foreseeing the danger which was connected
with this act, no matter how good was liis intention.

'> Upon my arriving at IJerthier in order to begin tho inves-
tigation, it looked at first as if the colonel intended to deny the
matter. Seeing, however, that I commenced the investigation
in an earnest, but impartial spirit, he confes.sed the truth, and
stated the cause which led him to act in this manner. From
that moment I changed the whole course of the investigation,
and advised the inhabitants to compromise the matter. Cap-

'i!|

104

MAJOB GENERAL HIEDESEL

tain Geismar assisted Colonel Gall in fully satisfying the inha-
bitants. The latter appeared before the authorities and took
back their complaints, saying, that they were satisfied; and
some even went so far as to ask the forgiveness of Colonel Gall
for having lodged complaints against him with the commanding
generals. Thus, the affair was settled. My report was sent to
the commanding general without the minutes of the investiga-
tion, and he expressed himself perfectly satisfied with the result
of the commission. T have never cared to ascertain the amount
paid to the inhabitants. Colonel Von Gall will doubtless be
able to furnish your highness with the most satisfactory expla-
nations regarding his conduct, of which nothing can be learned
from the documents themselves.

" I here state to your highness that Admiral Graves has at
last concluded to convey us to Canada. Tlie troops will be
emb<fi"ked day after to-morrow, and I hope we shall sail before
the end of this month. As soon as I arrive in Canada, I shall
again report regarding this matter to your highness.

" The commanding general. Sir Henry Clinton, has commu-
nicated to me an order from your highness, addressed to all
captured officers, commanding them to embark for Canada at
the first possible moment, and cautioning them against return-
ing to Germany without permission. Being unable to do any-
thing more toward the execution of this order, on account of
my departure, I shall rccjuest Lieutenant General Von Knyp-
hausen to inform the troops of your highness arriving here of
your wishes.

" Hoping to enjoy a continuance of your favor,
" I remain, your highness's devoted and
" obedient servant,

" RiEDKSEL, Major General.

" Brooklyn, July 19, 1781."

We may state in explanation of the above letter, that this
investigation took place while the troops were yet in Canada.

IX THE AMEltlVAN It EVOLUTION.

105

The soldiers were those mostly quartered on the inhabitants, to
whom they sold their rations, and by whom they were boarded
in exchange. The soldiers were also furnished with rice, flour
and other articles; and the inhabitants, having, in ('olonel Gall's
opinion, the advantage, he desired to turn the scale in favor of
his men by cutting down those rations which the inhabitants
received from the soldiers, hoping to turn the surplus into
money out of which a fund could be created for tlie benefit of
the men in unforeseen emergencies. Colonel Gall had taken this
idea from the Brunswicke»"s. who had a reserve fund of this
nature made up by the monthly contributions of the men, a
small amount being deducted from their regular monthly pay.
Economy was at that time an especial characteristic of the
Brunswick troops ; and in their order and excellent self-control
the soldiers of that period set an example to the ones of the
present day. Riedcsel paid particular attention to the adnunis-
tration of the finances, always keeping a strict watch over the
welfare of his men.

This afiiiir of Colonel Gall attracted great attention, not only
in Ilessia, but throughout Germany. It was even discussed in
the public journals. The philanthropical howlers who were
grumbling so continually about " soul selling," sought to make
capital of this case for their side by expatiating upon the dread-
ful way in which the poor soldiers were treated, by being cut
down in everything. The compiler of this work has, therefore,
considered it his duty to quote the documents referring to this
case, in order to remove all stain from the name of so merito-
rious and honorable an ofliccr, and also again to show how well
the German troops were cared for.

At length, the English admiral furnished the necessary num-
ber of ships for the voyage to Canada. On the 22d of July,
General Riedesel, with his family and suit went on board of the
transport Little Deal, in which they were to make the journey.
Although they were very desirous to start for (>anada, the
parting from so many of their friends, who had shown them

rrr

106

MAJOR UENEliAL ItlEDESEL

such great kindness, and to whom they were warmly attached,
was very sad. Tlie English government, also, had acted nobly
toward them up to the last moment ; for the general was solicited
to take with him all of the costly furniture it had given him,
for his house in Canada. Nor would the authorities take back
the wood which was left of what they had furnished him. This
amounted to about thirty cords, and was of grout value at this
time. Kilt the German general was not the man to put himself
under obligations to others if he could avoid it. He, therefore,
sent the furniture to the magazine, and distributed the wood
among some needy families, whose blessings followed him on his
departure.

General Clinton, who particularly regretted the departure of
this German family, and, therefore, desired to make their
voyage as pleasant and comfortable as possible, himself arranged
the details of their journey. He sent for the agent of the ship,
and especially enjoined him to select for their use, the best
sailing vessel, and accompany the travelers himself. The latter
was rich in promises, but the result soon showed that Clinton
had not been very fortunate in the selection of his man. The
vessel was a very poor one, and the captain an exceedingly
ignorant and uncouth fellow, who grew more discourteous the
further he got from New York. In consequence of a contrary
wind, the ship was forced to remain at anchor eight days near
the city ; and when the flotilla finally got under way it was
discovered that the vessel, containing Kiedesel and family, was
the poorest one of all. It was a poor sailer, and actually had
to be towed by one of her consorts. Neither were there men
enough on this vessel to man her properly, and she was conse-
quently often in danger of being capsized by gales of wind. In
addition to all this, the ship sprang a leak thus compelling the
pumps to be constantly worked. A hostile attack was, moreover,
continually to be feared ; and had such an event occurred and the
flotilla been compelled to flee, the ship, on which was the gene-
ral, would undoubtedly have been the first one to fall into the

IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.

107

hands of the enemy. And as a climax to tlie whole the agent,
who by the orders of Clinton accompanied the travelers, and
whose expenses were paid by them, was a very nnploasant and
uneducated man. Indeed he was more of a burden than a
help, and rendered himself exceedingly disagreeable during the
entire passage.

The flotilla encountered difficulties of all kinds. Madam
Riedesel was taken ill ; and the general ill health of her husband
was greatly increased by the voyage. The fleet put in for a
little while at Halifax. General lliedesel and family went on
shore and paid a visit to the governor, who received them in a
most friendly manner, and invited them to dinner. This atten-
tion they accepted; and the next day, they were taken by
their host all over the city and island and shown everything
that wiis worth seeing.

From Halifax the voyage was stormy, but the mouth of the
St. Lawrence was reached without accident. Before reachins
Quebec, the general issued the following order to the German
troops in Canada, and sent it in advance by his adjutant :

" On Board the Little Deal, before
Quebec, Sq)tember 10, 1781.

" Major General Von Riedesel announces to the Brunswick
troops in Canada, his arrival in the province after an absence
of four years — a period spent in misery, chagrin and all pos-
sible discomfort. He has left the rest of the captured troops
in this sad condition, and without the least hope of a speedy
liberation. The general feels intense joy at the near prospect
of once more seeing those troops whom at all times he has con-
sidered his friends ; and he is confident of finding among them
the same willingness, punctuality and zeal in the service which
they have shown of old. He will consider it a real pleasure if
he can do anything for the welfare or pleasure of the troops,
either as a body or as individuals.

" For the present and until further orders, all reports, lists,
14*

«ilil

108

M A.J oil a EN K HAL IIIKDKSEL

applications, etc., are to be sent to Brigadier General Von Speclit,
until the <icneral is more acquainted with the circumstances, and
until the duration of his stay and his future destination is known
to him.

" lliEUESKii, Major General."

Upon his arrival in Quebec, lliedesel called first upon the
governor. General Ifaldimand, to report himself. He was
received in an extremely cordial and friendly manner.

General Ilaldimand had been described to Riedescl as a
sour looking' and morose man, and of a very unsocial disposition.
The latter, however, was too much of an adept in human nature
to allow such reports to prejudice his estimate of any man. At
the first interview, therefore, he met Haldimand openly ; and
the latter, who was in truth, somewhat morose, soon grew more
friendly and talkative until the two generals finally parted, each
well pleased with the other.

General Ilaldimand had little intercourse with the inhabit-
ants of Quebec. He lived more for himself and the company
of his oflicers. During his stay of four years he had refitted the
old government building and refurnished it, so that lliedesel
found it a palace in comparison with what it had been formerly.
The most beautiful gardens now surrounded it, filled with choice
fruit trees. The building itself was also most splendidly situated
upon an eminence from which there was a charming view.

lliedesel tarried only long enough in Quebec to rest himself
from the fatigues of the voyage. He then accompanied Ilaldi-
mand to Sorel (he was to assume command) leaving, meanwhile,
Mrs. lliedesel and the children for the present at Quebec. The
governor expressed his sorrow at being unable to give him a
suitable house in Sorel where at the best he would suffer from
the want of many comforts; 'but," continued he, "it is a very
important post, and I wished it intrusted to you." Haldimand,
however, did the best he could for the German general's com-
fort. He bought a house there that happened to be in course

l.\ THE AMEJIICAN REVOLUTION.

109

of construction, with the understanding that it should be finished
by Christmas.

Sorel, next to Montreal, was, undoubtedly, the most import-
ant place in Canada. Here emptied the upper St. Lawrence
and the Chambly river (Richelieu) and the Lake St. Pierre.
Sorel was the key to the latter river and Lake Champlain.
Further to the east the Yamaska emptied into the latter lake so
that Sorel in fact held the estuaries of three rivers. The hold-
ing of the fort at this place was thus of the greatest importance
to the royal troops. Riedcsel visited the quarters of the Ger-
man soldiers ; and having ascertained their position and strength,
entered at once upon the Avork of organization.

The first thing he did was to form his troops in the follow-
ing manner : The grenadiers — there not being a suflBcient num-
ber of these to form a battalion — were divided into companies
and distributed among the infantry regiments. Of these, the
regiment of Rhetz was the weakest, and therefore received, in
addition to the company of grenadiers, one company from the
regiment of Prince Frederick. The companies were now not
more than half as strong as formerly, and there being also a
lack of officers, each company received only one sergeant who
commanded it, one quarter master, one vnptain iVarmcs., and
three corporals. But even with this arrangement, there was
still a great deficiency in officers, which had to be made up by
exempts at times performing the duties of vice-corporals, for
which service they received additional pay. The grenadier
regiment was still weaker, for it had even fewer noncommis-
sioned officers to each company, viz : one sergeant, one noncom-
missioned officer who performed the duties of quarter master
and took the place of a cdptahi d'lirmvs, and two corporals.
The subaltern officers were also equally distributed among the
companies. The commanders of regiments were apportioned as
follows : 1st, The regiment of dragoons. Captain of Cavalry Von
Schlagenteuffel, Sen.: 2d. Regiment of Prince Frederick, Lieu-
tenant Colonel Praetorius : 3d. Regiment Von Rhetz, Lieutenant

m
k

IS*

I* ,

110

MAJOR OENKRAL ItlKDEHEL

Colonel Von Ehronkrook : 4tli. Kcfiiiiicnt Von RiodcHcl, Licu-
toniint (\iloiiol Von Hills: Sth. Ileginiont A^)n Spcclit, Major
Von liucko : (ith. Jiij^lit infantry battalion, liieiitonunt Colonel
Von IJarner.'

The troops in Canada were diatribnteil in their various winter
(juarter.s, by a jieneral order of Haldiniand, dated October 8th,
17S1, in the followinj^- manner:

Lst. The troops, under Major General Clark, were stationed
at Quebec, on the Island Orleans, between St. Paul's bay and
Maehiche, on the north side, and from Caniaraska as far as
Ijake St. I'aul on the south side of the St. Lawrence.

2d. The troops, under Major General Von lliedesel, occupied
the space from Bacancourt to Point au Fer on the north side of
Lake Chanipluin, and from La Prairie to Sorel.

3d. The troops, under lirigadier General Von Speth, with
the exception of those at the south side of the St. Lawrence,
were at Montreal and 3lachiche, and on the north side of Cote
au de Ijac as far as lia Prairie.

4th. The Canadian Indians were under the command of
Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, and the Mohawks under Colonel
Claus.'-

5th. The command of the fleet oii Lake Champlain was given
to Captain Chambers.

After all these apporti<tnnientshadbeen accomplished. General
lliedesel went on a tour of inspection among the diflerent bodies
of his troops.

Tn November he again traveled over his district ; and on his
return, the 1st of December, he wrote General Haldiniand from
Sorel, the following letter :

(Private).

" Sir : By the accompanying report, your excellency will see
that T have returned from visiting my district. By it you will

1 The general order in regard to this, is dated at (inebcc, October SO, 1781.
» Colonel Daniel ClauB ; son-in-law and nephew of Sir William Johnson,

/.V 77/A' AMEJilCAN liEVOLVTloy.

Ill

also bo inforinocl of the workinj^'s of the different onlei-H I have
i.s8ued from time to time. I selected a poor time for my journey
(the HOtli of November and the 1st of December). I liad terri-
ble weather; and I was five hours on tlio road between La
Prairie and the traverse of Lon{;;ucil, a distance of two and a
half leagues. I did not meet (Jolonel St. Leger. He had gone
on private business from St. John to Montreal ; but (japtain
Forbes, bein>,' a very intelligent officer, T have arranged every-
thing with him as well as if I had seen the colonel. I was
ready both on Wednesday and the day following to go to
Quebec, but the letter of your excellency of the 29th, makes it
necessary for me to remain here, until I have received from you
further orders.

"Your excellency will remember that Sir Henry,' on my
departure from New York, expected Count de Grasse with
fifteen or twenty thousand men, who was to unite with General
Washington and Count Rochambeau in an attack on that city.
At that time Sir Henry had not more than eleven thousand
men. Nevertheless, he requested me to tell your excellency
that he had no fears for New York, but, on the contrary, was
ready to meet the enemy. . At present he has a fleet of twenty-
two ships of the lino, twenty-five hundred more German troops,
and three additional Knglish regiments. The enemy have only
twenty-four ships ; and the number of land troops, brought by
De Grasse, do not amount in all probability to more than four
thousand, a largo part of whom have returned to the island.
Thus the situation of Sir Henry is much better now than it was
at the time of my departure. These, your excellency, are the
grounds upon which I base my hope that the enemy are in no
position to undertake anything successfully against New York,
and that a great many of them will be punished for their auda-
city. Your excellency is acquainted with the situation of New
York. If the enemy intend attacking it, it will be neces.sary

' Clinton.

1%'

112

MAJOli OENSRAL JilKUESEh

for thciu cither to take KiiigsbridjiC — at present an extremely
well fortified place both by nature and by art — or divide their
troops into Hcvoral corps and attack Long island, Staten island
and Paul's hook. Tn the first case a fiircc of 18,000 men will
be necessary to undertake the attack on King's bridge, besides
a second force for the position of ^MacCowen's pass which is still
better fortified. In the second case, if the forces are divided it
will give Sir Henry a favorable opportunity to meet them
singly, an easy matter, since we have the necessary number of
small vessels to convey our men to a place which it would take
the enemy two or three days to reach by land. If the rumor
is true that the enemy intend to attack New York, I believe
that your excellency will have in a short time, intelligence
which will, in some degree, counterbalance the misfortunes in
Virginia.

" Madam Riedescl feels very much flattered at your remem-
brance of her. and sends her best respects. The inclement
season of the year retards operations on our house, but I hope
we will be able to move into it at the end of two weeks. It
will give Madam lliedesel much joy to furnish a room for you
iu our house, and nothing will give us more pleasure than to
have you as our guest.

" Next Monday I shall go to Yamaska and St Francois, to
arrange the new quarters of the men. Should those two places
be too full, I shall report, on my return, to your excellency.

" I have the honor, etc.,

" RiEDESKL, Major General.

" Sorel, December 3, 1781."

And in his report to which he alludes in this letter under
the same date, Riedescl says : " Day before yesterday, the first
of the month, I returned from visiting my district. The 44th
Regiment had just gone into winter quarters, one company
having been sent to the parish of Point Olivier where I spent
the night. I have instructed the commanding officer to pay

IN THE AM Hit It' AN ItKVOLUTION.

118

special attention to the inhabitants, and to see to it tluit no
stranger comes within the parish without his knowledge ; and,
further, that none of the inhabitants stay away iVoni here with-
out his being informed of it. The officer has promised me to
attend not only to this, but to the guarding of his district.

" The fleet of Conmiodorc Chambers, I have found in a good
position. The Koyal George, the Tnflexible, and the l^ady 3Iary
protect one another by the direction of their guns, at the same
time that they cover the sides of the fort. Each of the three
large .ships is surrounded by palisades erected on a wall of
snow J while a line of the same material covers all the other
vessels which, according to their size, are so posted that it will
be ill-possible to attack them without a large number of guns,
ani still more impossible to approach sufficiently near to set fire
io them.'

" The fortifications of St." John are still in the same condition
in which your excellency found them last fall, with this excep-
tion, that the great traverse, which runs behind the fort, is
now ten feet higher ; but the heavy frosts hinder the completion
of the work. The garrison appear very watchful, especially at
night. In the Savanne I have posted one noncommissioned
officer with ten men from the regiment of Hesse Ilauau for the
purpose of keeping a strict watch on the inhabitants. Thence
I went to the prairie, where I met the Hesse Hanau chasseurs,
who have gone into winter quarters and hold the parish of
Chateau Gay.- I have given orders to Captain Castcn Byk, in
respect to the conduct of the inhabitants — desiring him to
prevent hostile emissaries coming into the parish, as T believe
that the rebels have in this way kept up their correspondence
with the disloyal in ^fontreal. Captain Casten I)yk appears
to me, to be an intelligent officer, and I hope he will not disap-

• Lnko Clinniplnin ntid the river were frozen, tlnis ronderinir nn attack oanier.
Tlic Hhipw had been, tliorelore, drawn out on to tlic land and fortified in tlie al)ove
named manner.

••i Hence tlie name Cliatauque, wliieli if not of Indian original is generally siip-
posod.

wmrr

I. ^

114

MAJOn GKSKllAL UIKDKHEL

point my expectations. On my return I visited the quarterH
of the royalJHts, both at Bcrffere and Canton-cocur.' Major
Nern was just uiakiii}^ preparations to organize these troops
anew.

'■ Kverything is now settled in the district with which your
excellency has entrusted me ; and I hope it has been done
nccordin}^ to your wishes. The regiment Khetz is the only
one that has not yet gone into its quarters. I received the
command of your excellency to give this regiment orders to
march on the 22d of November; but the rivers Vamaska and
St. Francois having in the meantime partially frozen over, and
being, therefore, impassable, I ordered it to march on the north
bank, and cross the great river near Point au Lac. The regi-
ment, accordingly, marched on the 25th, and arrived on the
28th, at Machise and Point au Lac; but the river being no
longer passable, the regiment remained, on the 29th, this side
of it. (^ilonel Carleton, who has gone to Trois Rivieres, has
promised me to assist this regiment over the river if it is a
possible thing, but if it is not, then to have it quartered, with
the permission of the inhabitants, where it now is, until the ice
is sufficiently firm to allow of its crossing. This, however, is of
no consequence, as all its rations are drawn from Trois Rivieres.
After considering these circumstances, your excellency, will, I
am sure, give me credit for endeavoring to carry out your
orders, having only been prevented from so doing by the sudden
appearance of the frost and cold.

"The detachment of Captain Rippenhaus crossed the Yam-
aska and Francois on the 21st and 22d. I doubt not, that by
this time, it has arrived at the quarters of its regiment.

" I shall visit the two companies of Barner, at Yamaska and
Francois, and if I find that there are too many troops in the
former parish, or that it is discommoded by the company which

' The royalUts were a corps of volunteers, under Major Neriie, and conplsted
clik'tly of EnKliflimen and Canadians.

/.V Tin: AMKIllVAS UKVOIMTIOS.

\\h

is ill garrison iit thnt place, I will endeavor to arrange every-
thing according to the wislicH of your excellency.
" I have the honor, etc.,

"ItlKDK.sKl-, Major (Jeneral."

>reanwhile, (ieneral Kiedesel had anxiously watched the
niovenients of Lord CornwalllH in the southern provinces, fitr
upon the result of these depended the weal or woe of the cap-
tured troops in Virginia. If that general's operations were
successful, the (Icrnians would he iinniediatoly liberated ; if not,
no one could tell how long they would renniin in misery. Hied-
esel was, at this time, therefore, in constant communicatiim
with Cornwallis, and followed his every stop with intense in-
terest. In a letter to the hitter, he congratulates him upon his
victories, especially those near Camden (August 25th, 1780),
near Guildford over Green (March 15th, 17H1), and the one
near Jamestown over Jjafayette (July iJth, 1781). In conse-
quence of these successful engagements, he expected without
doubt, the complete subjugation of Virginia. But events sud-
denly took an unexpected turn. Washington, with a view of
preventing Cornwallis from being supported, succeeded, by
spreading rumors, in making Clinton fearful of an attack on
New York — than which, however, nothing was at that time
further from the intentions of the Americans. The American
commander also, was successful shortly after in cutting off the
communications of Cornwallis with Clinton, and forcing the
former to surrender at Yorktown, on the IKtli of October, with
6,000 prisoners. When Kiedesel received the first intelligenco
of this disaster, he could not credit it. lie considered it im-
possible for such a misfortune to happen to so brave a ciu'ps
under so talented a leader. But when the rumor was contirnied,
he gave up all hope ; for now nothing could be expected from
such an arrogant foe, but more severe and brutal treatment of
the captured troops.

IJut besides the loss of so many brave troops, the British
15*

MA./O/l (IKS HUM. IIIKUKSKI.

wort! now reiitlcrcd iitUirly piiwcrlcMH to coiicoiitrnto tlu^r ro-
iiminiiiji, forces. ( Hl'tiiisivo inoiiHiiri's were (ifcoiirHo almiidiiiioj.
Tlioy woro tloiii}; woll to prcservo tliu few iiiun that wuri! left to
tlioiii. Tlic Auiorinins, on the eontrary, iiicrea.secl rapidly in
confidenco and nuniberH. A eriHis had eviihuitly been reaclied
on tlie eventful day of October the llttli. The fortnneH of the
contondinj;' parties were tluMi and there decided.

According to a report, carefully prepared by Cajttain Clove,
the strength of the Hrunswick troops in America, on the l8t of

December, 1781, was as follows :

Men.

In Canada, 2,520

Iniprisont'd in Virginia, l,or(;{

Other ))risoiU'rH !{2r)

Total !i,8))8

Up to this time 405 men had been lost, in killed and d(^ser-
tions. The troops in Canada were greatly in need of commis-
sioned and noncommissioned officers, there being only 74 of the
former with the regiments.

From the letters of lliedcsol already quoced, it has been seen
that he paid as much attention to the enemy within his district
as without. And he had certainly good reasons for his conduct.
It was evident that the Americans spared no effort to revolu-
tiynize those northern provinces, that had hitherto remained
faithful to the English. There were, however, a few in those
provinces who at heart sympathized with the American cause,
while apparently they were good royalists. Moreover, since
the turn affairs had taken in the south, there was a still greater
necessity for caution. Immediately after the capitulation of
Cornwallis, printed placards were distributed among the inha-
bitants of Canada, which stated plainly that the dominion of
the English was now at an end. Hence, at any moment the
spark hidden in the ashes might break out into a flame. IJoth
llaldimand and Riedesel exerted every efiort to destroy and
suppress these incendiary placards, and prevent the standard of

/.V TIIK AMKlilVAN HKVOLVTIOX.

117

ruliollioii bciii;,' niiMod. Ot'tluH liitttT cvt'iit, liowovcr, tlicrc wan
not iiMicli t'l'iir, iiH ('iiiiatlii, in eniiipariMDii witli tlic soiitlicni
jiroviticcM, was thinly iiopiilattul, and its cities, with the excc])-

tiiin of Quchisc, sjiarscly pcnplcd, Hnt tiio Anu'ricai ni-

inandurs woro now froo t(i "iiiTatc apiinst tlu! Udrthcrn ciiuntrics.
A hirgur diHtrict was thiiroloro y(\\v\\ to Hiedcsol. His cuni-
inand included the garrisons of the most important forts between
tile St. Lawrence and the Hiehelien, and from .Montreal to I'oint
HU Ker as far up as Sorel on liake St. I'ierrc. Notwithstanding;
the severity of the winter and his ill health. Iliedesel was always
" on the f^o." This continual activity was necessary to keep
the troops ■ uiMtantly on the alert, and tu I'lrward as rapidly as
possible th< ork;) around the forts. He also built several strong;
lo^ block houses in different places. In all this ho was ubly
Boeomled by (General llaldimund.

As before stated, the j^enoruls were nblij,'ed to maintain a
strict watch over the inhabitants. They were therefore forced
to employ measures to which they would have objected in less
critical times.

A regular system of espionage was now introduced, that the
innocent might not suffer with the guilty. Flaldimand accord-
ingly i.ssued orders to the higher grades of officers, that lists
of all the inhiibitants slujuld be secretly made out, givif beside
the name, the political leanings of individuals. Those who were
in any way suspected, were particularly watched. This work was
intrusted to noncommissioned officers and privates. IJe.sides this,
there were spies who sneaked about villages minding every one's
business but their own. As a result of this system of spying,
the prisons in the fortified towns were filled in a short time.
Among other things, Ilaldimand writes to Riede.sel the follow-
ing : " I fear that there are too many of these kind of people in
this province ; and as there is a great lack of room to keep the
prisoners, I desire that no more persons be arrested, unless there
is a well founded su.spicioii against them."

The loyal inhabitants of those provinces held by the enemy,

1i ,

118

MAJOIi OENEIiAL RIEVESBL

considered Canada or New York city as tbc only safe place of
refuge. Many left all their valuables behind them to escape
the abuse of the rough militia, and if they had been too out-
spoken they fled for their lives. Such fugitives were received
by the government in the most friendly manner. They were
assisted and often had money advanced to them in case of need.
The connnanders of the difl'crent districts were obliged to keep
lists of all such refugees as well as of those who were suspected.
This was necessary, so great was the fear that every stranger
might be an emissary of the enemy or a secret spy.

1782.

General Riedesel with his family moved into the new house a
few days before Christmas. It had been carefully prepared for
his reception by his thrifty wife. Some English officers, who
had been invited in, helped the German family to celebrate the
holidays which were thus observed partly in the English and
partly in the German manner. Under the illuminated Christ-
mas tree, was placed the Christmas pie, an article inseparable
among Englishmen from this festivity. The house, it is true,
was very new ; tlie trees of which it had been built having stood
in the woods but six months previously. There was, however,
in this, nothing unusual, as the Americans, even at that time,
built with a celerity of which we in staid old Germany have no
conception. As a matter of course, the walls were very thin ;
and it often happened that houses constructed in such a hasty
manner were blown down by a storm. The house, occupied by
liiedesel at Sorel, contained a dining, a sitting and a bed room
for the general; a room and bed room for his wife; and a
general reception, or drawing room. On the upper floor were
four rooms, two of which were occupied by the servants. Two
covered walks led from the house to the kitchen and wash house,
the guard room being over the latter. The house was not in the
village of Sorel proper, but about fifteen minutes walk in the

I, -f

JN THE A31E1UVAN REVOLUTION.

119

suburbs, and so close to the outposts that six men of the guard
were stationed every night in the hall to act as sentinels.

The winter was severe : the show was deep ; and the rivers
and lakes were frozen so hard that thoy could be crossed in all
directions. This circumstance rendered caution additionally
necessary ; and lliedesel accordingly visited the posts and forts
even more frequently than usual. He generally made these
visits in a sleigh accompanied by one adjutant and a servant.
The Canadian driver always drove very fast ; so that the general
got over much ground every day.

Riedesel and family would have been nearly cut oft" from all
intercourse with the outside world, had it not been for the
friendly offices of General Haldimand, who kept them informed
by letters and newspapers of all the, important events which
occurred both in Europe and in America. With the exception
of New Holland, this war was carried- on in all parts of the
world ; for where did not the two most powerful nations on the
water have possessions an i comuiercial interests ? Accordingly,
we find General Riedesel carrying on an extensive correspond-
ence with the most influential men of the time upon those topics
which filled every mind. Space, however, will not permit us to
quote but two of these letters.

General Rikdesel to General Haldimand.
Letter No. I.

" I thank your excellency most warmly for the papers which
I herewith hive the honor of returning to you. Like your
excellency, I, also, take great interest in the unhappy events
which have taken place during the last year, and indeed, are
still hanging over our lusads. I am as much interested in them
as if they had occurred in my own fatherland. Only powerful
alliances or a miracle can make good our losses. I fairly believe
that Washington and Rochambeau intend marching on Canada,
unless, indeed, the French minister has his eyes on another pro-

120

MAJOH GENEIiAL lilEDESEL

vincc — a untttcr, which will be decided in a few months. If
the army of your excellency falls a victim to our misfortunes,
your arrangements will prevent its selling itself too cheaply.

" No one has conversed with me in relation to the sad fate of
Jidrd (!ornwallis. I notice that everybody is careful not to
allude to it in my presence.

" KiEUESEL, Major General.

" St. John, February 25th, 1782."

» Sir

Letter No. II.
I have the honor of thanking your excellency for the

news which you were so kind as to send mc, and which is even
more interesting than the last. It seems to me that there is no
doubt that Washington and Rochambeau entertain the idea of
beginning the next campaign in Canada. I am convinced of
this from the following reasons : 1st, that the Frenchman may
no longer be dependent on the orders of Washington. 2d, that
he may separate his troops from those of the rebels. 3d, that
he may, if successful, achieve a separate conquest. I presume
however, that this expedition will not be undertaken without
the consent of his government. Nevertheless, the prepa-
I'ations now making, indicate a very earnest attack. One
thing, however, appears to me very singular, viz : that one
report states that the French troops are fortifying themselves
at Yorktown in Virginia, and another says that they are doing
the same thing at Claverac near Albany. I very much doubt
if Rochambeau would thus separate his men. You will, also, I
trust, pardon me if I suggest that two good emissaries be at once
sentdown the Connecticut river as far as Hartford and Springfield,
for the purpose of ascertaining what arrangements have been
made by the enemy on the shores of that river, and whether
there are any French troops at those places. Indeed, I should
not be surprised at learning that the head quarters of Rocham-
beau were at Hartford. Washington's head quarters being on
the Hudson and his army in that vicinity, I take it for granted

JN TIW AMEIUCAN liEVOLlITlON.

121

that the French form the second line on the Hudson as far as
the Connecticut, and that the enemy are awaiting in that posi-
tion further orders from France.

" I rejoice with all my heart that your excellency is intend-
ing to visit this place shortly ; and I await your arrival with
the greatest impatience. You will then be on hand, should
the enemy undertake anything ; while at the same time, your
presence will encourage the loyal, and put an end to all quarrels
and bickering.

"General Clark leaves me to-morrow. I shall accompany
him as far as Kesancourt, and on my return, inspect the regi-
ment Khotz. General Clark has seen all that he came to see ;
and if he has a military memory, may have acquired a general
knowledge of the country.

" I have the honor, etc.,

" IliEDESEL, Major General.
" Sorel, March 4, 1782."

" Keport.

" Sorel, March 4, 1782.
" I have the honor of reporting to your excellency that I
returned with General Clark from St. Johns last Friday, the
1st of this month. I went as far as the royal log block house,
where I met Captain Sherwood, who has taken every measure
in his power to guard against a surprise. The situation of the
block house is very good, but the house itself far from it ; and
I greatly fear that in case of an attack, it would not hold out
long. I refer you here to the report of Captain Twiss, which
he has sent in, in regard to this matter. It is very difficult to
send aid to this place. I believe Captain Sherwood, with his
capacity, would bo apprised of an intended attack sufficiently
early ; and I think it would be better if your excellency should
allow him to retreat to Point au Fer with his men — if he
th(mght it best — in case of an attack by superior forces. The

122

MAJOR OENKltAL RIEDESEL

men in that case would be saved, while he could at any moment
reoccupy his post after the departure of the enemy.

" The post at Point au Fer, I have found so well defended
that 1 am convinced the enemy cannot take it without artillery.

" While 1 was sleeping at the fort, during the night of the
26th, the small north block house burned down. The fire
was caused by a stove that was out of repair. The fire made
such rapid progress that the whole building, together with
the wooden fortification this side of it was soon in a blaze ;
and had it not been for the extraordinary exertions of the
garrison it would have been impossible to save the large house.
Within the space of three hours, the latter caught fire in as many
dift'crent places ; but when I left the fort at six A. M., the flames
had been so subdued that there was no further danger. I im-
mediately sent Lieutenant Dovenet from the Isle aux Noix to
estimate the damage and provide means to repair the defenses.
Your excellency will see by the accompanying report that the
damage is not great, and that in a few days the place will be in
as good a condition as ever.

" I have the honor of inclosing a little plan, showing the
condition of the fort before the fire, the extent of the damage,
and the appearance of the place at present.

" To-morrow 1 will see the regiment Rhetz, and afterwards
the regiment Speth. I shall then be able to inform your
excellency of the distribution of the troops in the manner di-
rected by you. At present, I can only say, that, omitting the
grenadier companies which contain a large number of old
people, one-fourth of our men are over forty years of age. T
have visited the 34th and 44th regiments, and have inquired
of each man his age. The 44th has about eighty men who are
over forty, and I think the former has nearly seventy of the
same kind ; so that, in my opinion the proportion is the .same.

" I received your orders by the ofiicer who returned to the
post of Captain Sherwood, and have rlispatchcd in all haste the
necessary instructions to Colonel St. Ijcdger to send a detach-

AV TIIK AMERICAN liEVOhVTlON.

123

uieiit nt oncv tn Crown Point and destroy the gun eavriiigcs iit
that phice. I did this because the corps of Ruggers is already-
very niudi weakened by the sending off of detaclunents, and
the garrison at St. John Deeds its men for cutting wood. I
trust also th fou will approve of my ordering Major Ycssop
to send an otticer with thirty men to St. John, who are to re-
main there until the detachnieiit returns from Crown Point.

" According to a report of Sherwood, the province of Vermont
intends to erect three block houses at Castlet(jwn, Pitts and
llutland, which are to )>e armed with the si.\ pounders now at
Williamstown and Lensberg.

"Day after to-morrow I shall see Captain Schmid and consult
with liini in regard to keeping a detachment on the ITorscn
road as long as possible, and also respecting the patrols fr)ni
the Yamaska block house. I shall give orders for the patrols
to act with the greatest caution. i

" I have the honor, etc.,

" HlKDESKL, Major General."

The forces in Canada were evidently too weak to protect such
a large extent of country against a powerful attack. This was
what lliedesel always feared. lie believed at this time, that
the IJritish would be driven across the St. Lawrence, and per-
haps out of Canada, (ileneral Clinton was unable t(j send
reenforcements. as he needed all his troops for the defense of
New York and vicinity. The generals in Canada, were, there-
fore, obliged to depend on their own exertions for preservation.
It was fortunate that they harmonized so well together, as in
this manrier the conquest of Canada was rendered the more
difficult. General lliedesel was, accordingly, very active the
entire winter, keeping up the work on the forts. Nothing,
indeed, was now thought of, but to act on the defensive. There

' Mrs. RIcdesel, also, upoaks of the drc at Point an Fur, hut makes it take place
in the full of 1T82. This is certainly a mistake, for the report of Ueneral Kictlesol
1b plainly dated March 4th.— Note in oiiginal.

16*

124

MAJOR GENERAL RIEDESEL

were in tlie district under llicdcHcl, besides the rcginieiits
already named, the 29th, iUth and 44th. The regiment An-
halt Zerbst, was also under him indirectly.

In historical works on North America, wc find very little
regarding the course of events in (!anada after the year 1777.
Everything naturally remained pretty quiet, for the war was
carried on chiefly in the southern provinces. We arc sorry
also, that what did occur, cannot be given in regular order.
We are able to quote only a few documents which throw light
upon events at this time. These papers, however, are authentic,
and will be of undoubted interest to the historical student.

(Jeneral Ilaldimand seldom received direct and official news
from the theatre of war. The greater part of his information
came incidentally and through his spies. General Riedesel,
also, rarely heard from the prisoners in Virginia, or of that
which was going on in that province. lie was only able to get
news occasionally by way of New York and Quebec, but this
was a long and round about way.

^leanwhile the battles in parliament, at London, were fully as
obstinate as on the continent of America. There were victories
and defeats on the floor of that body, according to the respective
strength of the representatives of the people, and the ministry.

The opposition were for peace; the ministry for the prosecu-
tion of the war. This state of things of course retarded
operations, the bad consequences of which were continually
apparent, lint the opposition remained in the majority, and
the ministry were, therefore, forced to resign. General Ilaldi-
mand received the news of these events in May, and wrote
concerning it to lliedesel, as follows :

(Private).

" Montreal, Mai/ 20, 1782.
'• Sir : You have undoubtedly learned that on the 16th of this
month, a ship from Liverpool arrived at the Bickos, bringing

JN THE AMEltlC'AN REVOLUTION.

125

news f)f a total elian}j;c in the iniiiiHtry. I have no official
communications, but have received a private letter from Lon-
don, under date of March 18th, in which I am informed that
Mr. Kllis has been replaced by Lord Germain, liord Sandwich
by Admiral Keppel and Lord North by Cavendish. The ship
was dcitained, on the 17th, at Camouraska by contrary winds.
This is all t could learn ; but if the wind has not changed, I
hope some of the pas.sengers will land, and that Monday's paper
may bring us further news about the ministers. May Heaven
grant that they may act in our favor. The paper, which I
intrust you with, will show you that we have cause for feeling
very anxious.

"Feru. Haldimand."

By the foregoing letter, we see how poorly even the governor
of a province was kept informed of the event that had just
taken place in the mother country.

Tn the beginning of August, a volunteer of Rogers's corps,
by the name of Jonathan Miller, who had been captured by
the Americans, arrived in Canada. He, with two others, had
escaped from the Albany jail. He stated that Washington had
his head quarters at New Windsor, for the protection of which
he had with him a regiment of his guard. General Patterson
commanded at West Point, which was garrisoned by six thou-
sand men. Six hundred men were on the Mohawk river, and
seven hundred were then marching to reenforce the enemy.
General Riedesel questioned this man personally. It seemed
that he, also, had been held a prisoner at West Point, whence he
had attempted to escape, but failed. General Riedesel did not
fail to communicate the statements of this man to Haldimaud,
in a report of the 5th of August.

The soldiers at Sorel led a miserable life in the barracks,
which in winter were terribly cold, and in summer fearfully
hot. They were, also, full of insects. Referring to this in his
report of August 5th, Riedesel says :

120

MAJOR OENEIIAL lUKUKSEL

" All the barrncks in Sorol .iro at present, full of bed bugs
and other insects, so that the soldiers, in order to obtain any
sleep at all, are obliged to sit in front of them the entire night.
In consequence of this disagreeable fact, T am compelled to ask
permission to have the troops encamp on those places, which I
have already mentioned to your excellency. This will also
aft'ord the master of the barracks an opportunity to have them
repaired by the engineer in chief of the department."

General Ifaldiniand at once consented to this arrangement,
and the barracks were immediately cleaned and put in thorough
order.

On the 5th of August, lliedesel received the following letter
from ITuldimand :

(Private).

" QuEHKO, Au(iu»t 5, 1782.

" Sir : T will lose no time in communicating to you an im-
portant piece of news which I have received in cipher from
Cicneral Carleton. He writes me, under date of the 3d instant,
that the packet arrived in New York on the 31st of July. By
this, he learns that the preliminary conferences looking toward
a universal peace have already begun at Paris, and that Mr.
(Irenville has been sent there as minister. lie also states that
as the independency of the North American states was made
the basis of the treaty, his majesty authorized his minister to
declare the independence of those thirteen states, before a single
article of peace was proposed. We shall soon learn what have
been the consequences of a concession of that which has been
the only cause of the war. As far as 1 am concerned, I en-
deavor to persuade myself that we are far from peace at present,
and, perhaps, while I write it is all over with.

" I send you, herewith, the last papers, in which you will
find the most interesting news, also a letter from General
Washiniiton's commissioner.

• i

I 'I

' •I

LY THE AMEIilCAN REVOLVriOS.

127

" There has been a very strong wind for tlie hist tlirec days ;
and if there are any ships on the river, their arrival in port
will not be delayed. 1 very nuich hope that they will bring us
good news.

" T have the honor, etc.,

" FtUlD. ILVI-UIMAND."

(jeneral Carlcton, who is here mentioned, had lately arrived
in New York to succeed Olinton in the command of the Knglish
and German troops in North America — the latter officer having
been recalled to Kngland. After the unfortunate capitulation
of Cornwallis, all eonfidencc in (llinton was lost. Indeed, it was
not as yet known in England, which of the two generals was
responsible. Carlcton. although sent out by the old ministry,
was confirmed as commander in chief.

In regard to this, Ilaldimand writes again t(j Riedesel as
follows : *

(Private).

" Quebec, Auifmi 18, 1782.
" Sir : At last I have received a letter from (chevalier Carle-
ton ; I will now communicate to you the news he has brought
and forwarded to me. It seems that the rebels were in no
Irirry to accept the propositions made to them, although the
cuntrary had been anticipated in England. I'erhaps the min-
istry will now discover that they did wrong in kei^ping back
the reeuforcements that were to have accompanied Chevalier
Carlcton to New York. The latter has not yet received my
letters, and he tells me nothing so far of the result of his
negotiations. He confines himself to telling me that he is still
inactive; that he has received no letters from England since his
arrival ; and that he begins to fear that the packet has been
intercepted. He adds in cipher : ' / tnuit Inform you that at
present, there are indications of hostilities both in New York
and in yonr province. But I am inclined to believe that the

128

MAJOR OKSEIiAL IttKDb'SKL

rrnl iiitfufionx <\f thv vnvrnji nrr (if/diiisf this n'h/.^ Yen wiH,
f/ifrrfarc, hr (t)i j/iiiir i/iiiirif III tin: ii'i'iil of II Fri'lic/i Jli'it (irrlv-
iiijf hire to riKipinitr irifh ilir riirmj/.'

" I comiiiunicatc to you, my dear {general, tlio iiows aH I
have rocoivod it. It sccnm to iiio tliat the Hcason of the year is
too far advanced for the enemy to undertake aiiythiii}^ against
us; and 1 hope that tlie wliippinj:; he has received on the
islands will prevent his sendinjjj a fleet against New York. As
tlie Chevalier Carh^ton is constantly on his guard and closely
watches his movements — thus forcing him to confine himself
to his own region — I trust we shall be informed in ••ci -ion.

" You will also receive by the courier a letter from the adju-
tant general, in relation to the increase of the workmen on the
Isle aux Noix. ^Meanwhile, you are authorized to select those
officers whom you consider most fitted for the difl'ercnt detach-
ments ; and you will oblige mc by going from time to time
to the designated places, as I am convinced that your zeal and
presence will do much toward the progress of the work. Twiss
will leave here next Saturday.

" I have the honor, etc.,

'' FkU1>. llAriOlMAND."

General Riedesel was greatly embarrassed in regard to this
order respecting the officers, roncerning this matter he writes to
Ilaldimand in a report, under date of September 7th. " Being
so deficient in officers T know not how to command the compa-
nies. I am ashamed to say that there is not one among them
that I could use in this mission."

As an explanation to this remark, it should be mentioned
that Ilaldimand had informed Riedesel that an English officer
would soon go to the prisoners in Virginia, and that he also
would be allowed to send an officer to attend to certain matters,
and carry to them clothing. Finally Riedesel selected one
from the dragoon regiment, who was to go to Virginia by water.

' I.e., New York.

/.v. 77/A' AMKU/C'AiV JlKVOLVTIoy.

129

LkTTKKS OF GeNKRAL IIaLDIMANK to Uk.NKUAI, HlKliKSKI,.

(i'riviito).

"Qi'KHEC, Si])hnif>,r K;, 17K2.

"Sir: Had T suHpeeted that the frigate Hussar would not
sailboliire Wodnosday of next week, and had I known that your
rct'ruits, your uniforms, and your bajifiajfo are at Halil'ax, I
sliould not liave insisted upon the speedy return of Mr. (Iriife.
But [ will endeavor to make it nj) hy sendinji Captain Hassel
to Halifax ; and I will also write to IJrij^adier (ieneriil Oanip-
bell, and request him to send your letters and other thinjis this
fall, if it ean be done with safety. I will also eharj^e Cornet
Sehonewald to send you theueeall the intelligence he ean obtain.

"I am very miieh astonished at not having heard from Gene-
ral Carleton, and am very impatient to procure some news
eoneerning him from another souree. Four days since T dis-
patched an express by land, with letters to Penol)seot, to the
oflSeer in command there, reciuesting him to inform me of every-
thing that occurred there of the least interest. I expect him
back in a month ; and I hope that you, also, will receive letters
from some of your friends in that place. It is a pity that I did
not learn their destination earlier.

" Mr. Griife, who arrived here during Saturday night, brought
me your honored letter of the 13th. The one of the 12th I
received by mail. The one, you have inclosed for New York,
I will attend to, and will do my best to have Cornet Sehiinewald
return this fall, as far, at least, as Penobscot or Halifax, whence
it will be possible to obtain answers to your letters.

" I also sincerely hope, my dear sir, that we are near peace,
as your gracious sovereign has caused you to hope ; but I very
much fear that the divisions which have .-.gain taken place
among the ministers, and the ambition of Washington and his
admirers, together with the ambitious plans of the French, will
place great obstacles in its way. If the chevalier has received

VM)

MA./Of! ^/A'.VAVMA /{fh'UKSKl,

iirtlorH (m m Htatod) to cviH'iiato New V(irk, ho will find it diffi-
cult to ciirry tliin out. iiotwitlistandiiij,' lio has a floft tliorti aw
Mtroiig an tliu mw at Hoistoii. Hut it is to be hoped that tho
want ol" iimtcrialH on flu; islands for lopaiiinj^ thoir fleet, will
forco tho French to send it to tho continont. In Hiudi a cano,
part of our fleet now at Boston may very likely pursue; aiul
yet Carleton needs tho stron>ith of tho entire fleet. It is sinj^u-
lar that when ho has such a safu opportunity of writing uie he
expresses noithor hope nor fear, and that ho loaves iiic, Hinco his
arrival, in so much uncertainty concerning everything. 1 am
very sensitive about this, \oone, my dear sir. could have taken
more pains than y((ur.self in perfecting our works on Isle aux
Noix ; and 1 rejoice exceedingly to learn that our redoubts
will ]»e fini.shed before winter. I am determined to make you
a visit before the end of tho month if it i.s a possible thing.

" Lieutenant (!olonel Carleton will also avail himself of the
opportunity att'orded by the Hussar to visit bis brother in Now
York. I shall select Colonel Ilopo to take his place as (|uiirtor
master general.

'• J'raying you to give my respects to ]Madam lliede.sel,

'• I have the honor, etc.,

" Fkrd. Haloimand."

(Private).

"QUKHKO, Srptembn- 30, 17H2.

" Sir : I presume you have heard that [ have twice vainly
attempted to do myself the honor of seeing y^u, and also paying
my respects to Madam lliedesel. Last wtel-. [ was already on

my way, when liaron , whom I his'! 1< I't behind, brought

me letters from the minister, which bad l>';en sent to him by an
express-ship.

" The duplicates of the letters T received by another ship,
which was also dispatched for this purpose. This was the
reason for my immediate return. The ships have brought no
other letters but these for me ; and you will, therefore, readily

/,V TIIK AMKIIIC.W IlKVOLVriOS.

i:u

Iit'lit'Vo tliiit tliiH has j^i ■ i rise to niiiiiy •'"nji'fhiiiM. Hut I
tell i/iiii. ill (■(iiilidciicc. tli.il I liavf- rccfivcd unlcrs to hcihI at
oiico to XfW York tliroi! traiisiHut.M ami ntlicr vosh»'1h I'or ciii-
liarkinji' \\w froop.s. Tlicy will have to |it> Hii]i)iru'(l willi |nii-

viwioiiH and bo in cniidition to roccivc the ti ps iiiiiiifdiatclv,

as they arc to sail without delay tor the islands. Wo may,
thereloro, take it i'or f^'raiitod that the evaeiialion o|' New York
is deeided iijioii.

"Teximet every nioiiieiit tin; arrival oi' some transports that
are now in the rivor, and on which some of your officers and
soldiers are oxpeetod. If the weather proves favoralile I shall
not allow them to cast anchor here, hut will order them at oiico
to SoiH'l. I will send yon an i-xpress as soon as [ am informed
eoncerning this matter. In this way. you will have time to
make the necessary arran^emonts to have each man ^o at once
to his regiment. Perhaps it may bo nece.ssary for you to attend
to this yourself Hut as your presence on the Isle aiix Noix is
so necessary, you will remain there until you hoar from mo.

*' Please excuse my bad writing, but T have only tiino to
u«8uro you, etc.

" FkRI). TTAr-IllMAND."
"(jENKRAIi KlKDESKL T(l (JK.NERAri IIaMH.MA.M).

"Sir: I have the honor of informing your excellency that
I received your letter of the Sth instant, also the (JazHli;
which I herewith thankfully return. I have no doubt that
jicace has boon concluded, and that wo shall both return to our
respective countries next spring. Your oxeolloncy is aware of
the reasons which induce mo to rejoice in this event ; but,
generally speaking, I am too good a patriot and (although no
Englishman), hive this nation too much not to liiment over a
disgraceful peace — concluded after such an expensive and
bloody war that has lasted seven years. If this step gives peace
and rest to millions, I shall be satisfied, for the enormous debt
caused by this war, the heavy taxes the interest of which oven
17*

132

MAJOB OENEIiAL BIEDESEL

- I

\
AT

it will naturally take a long while to pay, and the diminution of
trade, by the loss of various channels that have vanished, must,
as a matter of course, put a nation out of humor, cause dissatis-
faction and new opposition, and thus create fresh sorrow for his
majesty the king. These are signs, which, I am sorry to say, I
see in the future. May God grant that I am wrong, and that
I have allowed my imagination to run away with nie.

" If, as I fear, Canada and Nova Scotia are to be the only
provinces in America retained by the English, then special
attention should be paid by the latter to render the approach to
them as difficult as possible. Then the enemy, in ease of a
new rupture, which sooner or later may take place, will be
unable to become master of them before succor arrives from
England. Tf this idea of mine is correct, Tsle aux Noix is
particularly the most appropriate place for defending Canada
toward the south. I think that the plan of your excellency —
to ft. rtify this island — has never been more desirable than at
j)resent, just previous to peace being declared and published.
The construction uf fortifications in time of peace is always a
cause for fresh dissatisfaction, and protestations from the Ameri-
cans. I believe, therefore, that I can justly congratulate you
upon the public applause which you will earn from your nation
for this wise precaution.

" Wo are getting along well with the work at this place; and
Captain Twiss seems to be very well satisfied with the zeal and
activity displayed by the German soldiers in their work. It
is a pleasure to see the English labor ; and I rejoice that the
Germans are trying to imitate their example. If the masonry
and the woodwork are done with the same celerity as the hand-
work. 1 am convinced that we shall soon have finished the
three redoubts, with the exception of the casemates and the
barracks, which will easily be finished by May or June of next
year ; provided, of course, that the weather does not hinder.

" My cashier, Mr. Godecke, has been taken dangerously ill
just as he was arranging his accounts. He desires to see me.

J.\ Tim AMEniCAN IIEVOLVTIOX.

133

As I have everytliing in good working order here, I sha]l,
therefore, with your consent, go to Sorel for four or live days,
and be back again by the middle of next week.

"Captain Twiss has gone to Coteau de Lac. He will bo
back at eight o'clock this evening. I am in hopes, from what
Captain Willoe told me, of seeing your excellency very soon ;
and it will afford me much gratification should my labors give
you satisfaction." '

We see by the above letter that the German general had a
correct appreciation of the times, and spoke of and predicted
events with amazing precision.

As yet, Ilaldimand, as we have seen in one of his previous
letters to Riedesel,»knew nothing of the intentions of General
Carleton. Very likely the British commander did not know
them himself — for what with the actual condition of affa.rs,
and the armistice between the two armies, communicated to him
by the ministry, he hardly knew what course to pursue.

General Riede.sel'.s Answer to General irAfiDiMAND's
Letter of the 30tii of Septemker.

" Isle aux Noix, (Mohcr 4, 1782.

" Yesterday evening I received two letters from your excel-
lency. The first was an answer to my report of the 25th of last
Monday, and the second was a private; letter. I cannot deny
that the arrival of the two last shiiis. ..ringing only dispatches
to your excellency, has raisei,' t!ie .; 'omU' of the public to the
highest pitch ; while fhefitMng ouv of tlie ivansports has stirred
up a great commotion u\ ■.. fho. English regiments — the latter
expecting every momeiit 1 1 reciive orders to embark. I allow
them to talk, knowing well thai it does not diminish their zeai
for work, although, it nras be confessed, <,hat the inclement

1 This letter is only a rough draft, and has no signature. It was Wiitten, without
doubt, at the beginning of October from the Isle a\ix Noix.— Note in nqiiuu.

184

MAJOR OENEItAL lUEDESEL

Heason of the year greatly discourages the troops. In tact, wc
have not had altogether ten good working days this fall.

'• The hope of being soon united to my poor officers of the
convention affords nie the greatest joy. I must ascribe the
event to the mediation of your excellency, for which I cannot
too sincerely thank you. If you would send all those, who
belong to the Brunswick troops, to Sorel, they might be disem-
barked here, and I would assign them quarters in the parishes
of 8t. Ours, Sorel and St. Denis, until your excellency desig-
nates their winter cjuarters. In this manner, when the regi-
ments arrive, each man can go to his own, and everything can
be y "'ranged for the men (who probably have no field baggage),
without confusion, expense or inconvenienec. I will arrange
everything, with your consent, during my stay at Sorel. There
is the best oi)port unity here for the llesse Ilanau officers to
reach their own commands.

■■ Should Sir Guy Carleton evacuate New York, the Ameri-
cans will meet with no resistance but in Canada. This might
cause them to nu'ditate the subduing of the latter next year if
France should assist them by a fleet. Their vanity, also, may
lead them to cross the boundary into Canada without first tak-
ing Quebec.

'• Captain Twiss, I presume, by this time, has assured your
excellency that everything is still in order, and that my absence
has not caused the least ccs.satiou in the work. I hope you will
not be dissatisfied iit my excursion to Sorel, inasmuch as I was
obliged to complete in that place my dispatches to my govern-
ment.

" I have the honor, etc.,

" RlKDKSEL."

" P. S. Should your excellency allow provisions for sixty
men to be left in the loyal block house, and provisions for one
hundred at Point an Per, they would amount, for six months,
to 29,280 rations, it is true that the garrisons of those two

7.V THE AMERICAN REVOLVTWy.

135

posts are not sufficient to tonsuine this amount, but I l.ave
allowed more both for the secret sorvicc and for unforeseen con-

tingencies.

The ship Mercury, which was one of the expected transports,
cast anchor three leagues from Quebec on the 3d of October.
The cnptain of tho vessel inimediately forwarded llaldimand's
and Kiedesel's letters to them in advance. The latter, also,
received at the same time one frim Lieutenant Colonel Mcngen
who was on board the ship. General Ilaldimand requested
General lliedesel — if his health would in any wise permit —
to come at once to Quebec and attend to the newly arrived men.
But before his departure, the latter received the joyous news
that the Isle aux" Noix and St. John would be provided with
provisions for 4,500 men for six months. General lliedesel
named the two larj^est ships, the Royal Gkokcje and the In-
flexible, as the ones in which to transport the troops from
River la Colle.

General Haldimand to General RiEUEsKii.
(Private).

" Quebec, (Hnhcr 4, 17H2.
• h.- The messenger, will nil I sent last to New York, the
latter i ■>ft of July, has returned again by the same route, after
ha\ iig endured countless dangers and fatigues. I send you,
i:;tr f nar sir, the answer to the letter which you sent by hiui to
your f.-ien I. My letters from Chevalier (^arlcton are dated
Septomber the 9th. and contain, besides general matters, no-
thing of interest. I have not received any letters either from
Governor Robertson or Colonel Marsh ; but I perceive by the
date of the letter, which is in cipher, and a copy (jf which I send
you, that he could tell us nothing new at that time. I received
it the 25th of September. AVe must have patience for a little
while longer. The season of the year has not advanced so far

136

AfAJOli OENERAL lilEDESEL

but that we may still expect ships both from Europe and
Halifax.

" Mr. Marsh, whom you have seen at Isle aux Noix, has not
communicated to ;ne anything of interest since his return from
the colonies. The inhabitants of Vermont would like to renew
their intercourse with this province, and settle again ou the
shores of Lake Champlain, but I cannot allow it.

" I hope, my dear sir. that this letter will reach you after

your happy return to Si' I. T cannot express to jou the many

obligations I am under ' .' r the trouble you have taken

in obtaining winter quarter?- ' i the troops. I hope you will

not meet with any difficulty. Vic may yet expect some fine

weather ; and I trust that the 34th lleginient can yet go to

Niagara.

" I have the honor, etc.,

"FeKE. HAIiDIMAND."

" P. S. In five or six days I shall have an opportunity of
writing to New York. I)o you think that it will be too haz-
ardous to send a letter? We must certainly be particularly
cautious."

Notwithstanding his poor health, Riedesel undertook the
journey to Quebec; the joy of once more seeing his officers and
a port! ju of his men making him forget all personal considera-
tions.

On his arrival in Quebec, he was, as usual, received by Hal-
diniand in the most friendly and cordial manner. He remained
there, however, only as long as was necessary to welcome his
officers and men. There were very few of the latter.

Immediately upon his return to Sorel, the general wrote his
dispatches and several personal letters to Europe, and sent them
by an opportunity that occurred shortly afterwards.

He also sent a letter to Jjord 8helbourne bearing testimony
to the gratefulness which he had toward those who rendered
him faithful services.

IN THE AMEBWAN JiEVOLUTION.

137

lu this letter, he writes respecting his two English udjutants
as follows :

" I have in my suite two English officers — one in the capa-
city of an assistant, by the name of Willoe, captain of the 8th
Regiment, and anotlier, Lieutenant Freeman, my adjutant,
of the 24th Regiment, who was formerly brigadier major to
Brigadier General Frazer who fell, October 7th, 1777, in the
engagement near the school house. Roth of these officers were
detailed to nic by Lord George Germaine by the orders of his
majesty, the king of Great Britain. While the otlier generals
have found means for doing something for their adjutants, I
have been unable to do anything to show my gratitude to my
two officers, who, consequently, hold to this day the same rank
as when I first had the pleasure of having them assigned to me.
Both are officers of talent, and both are full of zeal for the
service, and can be employed with profit, should an opportunity
offer.

" I am convinced that it would be of the greatest advantage
to them if they should be remembered by your excellency when
a chance of promotion occurs ; and such a favor, on your part,
would lay me under the greatest obligation, wliich I should
endeavor to reciprocate whenever an opportunity offered."

Lord Shelbourn soon met the wishes of Riedesel, being eon-
strained to it not only from the hitter's devotion to the cause of
England, but from motives of personal friendship. He had
been Riedesel's companion in arms during the seven years'
war, in which, as Marquis of Landsdown, he was schooled under
the excellent Duke Ferdinand.

The troops were distributed in their winter quarters in the
following manner :

The dragoons at St. Antoine, the western portion of St.
Charles and the western part of Beloeil.

The grenadier battalion at Berthier, La Norre and La Bal-
trin. This battalion furnished an officer's post, together with
twenty-five men, to Point au Lac.

® -"iri

138

MAJOR GENERAL lilEDENEL

. I ■:
I ! •

I III'

The rcginiont llhetz (with the exception of the hody guards
.and tlie company of Captain Olers, that went to Sorel), at 8t.
Denis, the eastern side of St. Charles, the eastern side of Belu;il,
and Point Oliver.

The regiment Riedesel at Sorcl.

The regiment Speeht at Yaniaska, St. Francois, La Baye a.id
llicolet. This regiment furnished one officer and twenty-five
men (under the command of General Clarke), for the barracks
at Three Rivers.

Rarncr's light battalion at St. Snlpice, Argentigny and
Ij'Assumtion.

The grenadiers and the light battalion, npon crossing the St.
Lawrence, were at once placed under the command of Rrigadicr
(jleucral Speeht.

These difterent bjdies > if troops left the Isle aux Noix, in the
following order :

1st. The grenadiers and the light battalion.

2d. The regiment Von Speeht.

I5d. The regiment Von Riedesel.

4th. Tlie regiment of dragoons.

5th. The regiment Von Rhetz.

The ships which conveyed the troops from the island to their
quarters, were given up at Sorel by the deputy quarter master
general. Captain Rarnes.

The regiments drew their rations at the following places :
Those at Olivier and Relocil, from Chambly. The rest of the
three companies of the regiment Rhetz and the regiment of
dragoons from St. Denis. The garrison at Sorel from Screl.
The men at l^a Raye and Richolet, from Three Rivers. Those
at Yamaska and St. Francois, from Sorel.

Those recruits that arrived in the fall, were distributed by
Riedesel among the different regiments. They then were again
redistributed among the companies, which was done by casting
lots. Reforo the arrival of the captured troops the want of
officers was felt so greatly, that Riedesel furnished many regi-

IN THE AMERICAN liEVOLUTION.

139

luents from the one of Prince Frederick. Even then, some of
the companies wore entirely lUKjfficered. Upon the arrival of
the men from Virginia, those officers who had been taken from
the regiment of Prince Frederick, returned again to it upon the
island of St. John, i

Riedesel now ordered all the commanders of companies to
send him complete lists of tlieir men on tlie basis of which he
had Captain Cleve make out a report. At tlie same time he
had all the accounts properly adjusted. As there was, also,
still a great want of subaltern officers, he directed Von Witz-
laben and Von Fleischer — two young noblemen — to perform
the functions of officers; and tlieir names wore accordingly
entered on the official list. In view of the English allotment,
this order was not unimportant. The order in reference to
winter quarters is dated October 26th, 1782,

General IIaldimand to (Ieneral RiEUESEii.
(Private).

" Quebec, Orfohcr 27, 1782.

" Sir : Reposing in you the same confidence, that has never
been shaken since I had the honor of your acquaintance, I send
you a copy of the letter I have received in cipher from (ioncral
Carleton. It seems as if congress and the southern provinces
had resolved to expel the Indians utterly from the country and
to occupy their land. They will likewise endeavor to induce
the Iiluropean powers to allow them to retain Canada and the
eastern portion of Florida. Thoy will also, if this does not
meet with favor, prolong the war without soliciting aid from
Europe. They are led to this stop having confidence in their
own resources and materials of all kinds which thoy know well
how to make use of.

" Perhaps you will think it strange that they send mo the news
of the intention of the Americans to attack the upper countries

' It is not known with certainty, wlictlicr tlic regiment of Prince Fredericit ut
tliis time was statioiiod at St. J()lni, or IhIc aux lio\s..— Note in original.

18*

140

MAJOR OENEIiAL RIEDESEL

about the beginning of October (I did not hear of this until the
end of this mouth), and that I should be told that I could receive
succor by way of Halifax. This is certainly very short notice.
However, I suppose that orders will have to be at once sent to
Halifax to forward troops here immediately. I think they will
be able to get here before navigation closes, I dare not ignore
the order without risk. I have sent orders to the 34th ^?cgi-
luent to march at once to Niagara. Its place at Montreal will
be occupied by the battalion of Barner which, I hope, is suffi-
ciently strong to attend to the duties usually performed by the
34th.

" You have, T presume, received the letters from Quarter-
master Gerlach, by which you will have seen the changes that
have been made. You may, at your own pleasure, make such
arrangements in your own district iis seems to you most desirable.

" I must now close, assuring you of my entire esteem.
" T have the honor, etc.,

" Ferd. Haldimand."

■l-T

copy of the above mentioned letter op general
Carleton.

" Neav York, Svptcmhn- 25, 1782.

" Congress and the assembly of Pennsylvania have determined
upon two expeditions into the Indian territory. The principal
one, under Major General Potter, is to consist of four hundred
Continental troops and six hundred militia and volunteers. They
are to rendezvous at Fort Munsey, on the western arm of the
Susquehanna, on the 8th of October, and thence are to march
into the open country around the head of Pines creek, and into
the country of the Seuecas. The other one, under the command
of General Irvine, is to consist of one thousand men, of which
only a few are Continentals. They are to rally at Fort Pitt early
in October and march to Lake Erie. The objective point is said
to be the Seneca country ; and the news, which some of the

hV THE AMEJIICAN REVOLUTION.

141

escaped prisoners from there have brought, has done much
toward getting up this expedition.

" As there is a strong force in Xova Scotia, T have ordered
Major General Patterson to give you all the support you may
desire.

"The French and the Continentals, under General Wash-
ington, are at Visplanks point.'

" The L'Aigle of five guns. Captain La Fouchc and the
Wclanda of twenty guns, and loaded with freight from France,
have lately been taken on the Delaware.

" Guy Carleton."

The 8th Regiment which was stationed at Niagara was defi-
cient in captains. Accordingly, the day after his last letter to
Riedesel, Ilaldimand again wrote the latter in reference to this,
and asked if he could spare Captain Willoe to proceed to that
post, promising to allow of his return as soon as circumstances
would permit. In the same letter, a!?o, Haldimand approved of
all the measures that had been taken in respect to the provi-
sions sent to St. John. In a postscript he adds : " The two
men who have brought me the letters from General Carleton,
state that it did not in the least seem as if New York was to be
evacuated. They also state that orders hod been received not
to evacuate Charlestown. I do not know what to think of it."

Hiedesel's Answer to these two Letters.

" I had the honor of receiving two private letters from your
excellency dated October 27th. The one in regard to Captain
Willoe I received yesterday morning ; and the other one, with
General Carleton's inclosure, also the same day. The confidence
which you place in me binds me stronger to you every day. You
may rest assured that whatever you intrust to me is most sacred ;
and your kindness may command me always. Your wishes are

'Probably VerplanlCg iwint.

14':

UAJOli OENBliAL niEl>ESEL

ii i; ^

with inc law, and F shall ilo all I can to further them in this
case, althdujih the Hepiiratii>n from a man, who has heen with
me for seven years, is most painful. Since Captain Willoe has
found out my thouf;hts and my tastes, ho has greatly assisted mo
in my correspondence. His discretion has the ring of the true
metal. I flatter myself that what T have just said will cause
your excellency to allow him to return to me next spring, or, as
soon as the danger in the north has passed. 1 fear, however,
that he will not be able to render much assistance to his regi-
ment, as ho has been very unwell for the last two months; but
his ambition to serve, when your excellency needs him, forces
him to start at once for Montreal. I hope he may reach his
regiment safely.

'• The movement of the tw(» corps toward the borders of the
lake seems to be a forerunner of the execution of the plan which
Franklin has proposed, lie was three or four years with the
French minister; and 1 have no dimbt that they intend, after
having destroyed the Indian settlements on the lower Niagara,
to carry it out. Hut T hope that the reenforcements, which
yo." have sent to Niagara, have arrived in time to frustrate their
desigrs ; and, who knows but that the Indians, taking courage
by thesL reeiiforcetnents, may play them a trick, and thus entirely
destroy their plans.

" It is to be regretted that Sir Guy did not immediately send
orders to Halifax to have troops forwarded to your excellency.
Had he done so, they might have been hero now, and you would
have been able to increase the detachments considerably. But
this is policy again, which does more harm than the enemy !

" It is certainly an advantage for you to be able to write
flcneral Patterson by land, stating the number of troops you
will need in the spring after the ice has gone. And if these
succors will only arrive in the month of May you will be able
to materially increase your force. I fear, however, that the
reenforcements from Halifax will only be productive of evil,
since Sir Guy acts in the same manner as the king of Prussia

jy Tllh: AMKlilCAN REVOLUTIO.W

143

noted ill tlio last wiir toward his brotliur, I'rincc Iluiiry in
Saxony.

•' Should the rchcls (which T will not believe) fi;aiii a foothold
on the other Hide of Lake Ontario, then the Hccond nartof your
plan niij^ht be to go over next spring to Sorel by the way of
llengen's road, and form a junction with the troops above
Montreal. I hope that Tsle aux Noix will prove an ob.'<taele to
their plan.s. Finally, we must have a firm confidence in provi-
dence, and hope for the best.

"The battalion Barncr will arrive in Montreal to-morrow;
the 34th llegiment might, therefore, be relieved the same day."'

Hki'out ov Gknerai, lliKDKSKi, TO Oknehai, IIaloimanm).

" After receiving the orders of your excellency to send the
troops (hitherto encamped on the island) into their winter quarters,
I took the necessary measures in all haste, and gathered the re((ui-
site number of vessels and teams for the transportation between
St. John and (Jhanibly. In consequence of this, I have been
obliged to postpone the departure of the troops for a few days.
They are to move in different divisions, in order that one may
be always a day's march behind the other.

'' 1 am in despair at having to report to your excellency that
notwithstanding the praiseworthy exertions of the troops, the
three redoubts are not entirely finished in the way in which I
promised you they should be by the end of this month. The
continuous rainy weather, making mud of the whole soil, has
not only increased the tiresome labors of the men, but retarded
the masons and carpenters — as, indeed, T expected before my
departure. The redoubt (called the JjOWER IIedouht) is, as
yet, nothing to what I promised it should bo. The wall is two
feet above the entry ; but two rows of masonry on the caaematea
and the rest of the stone work, are finished. On the Ui'l'ER

• This draft id without date. It waw probably written the last of October.— *Vo<«
in mifjiiial.

144

MAJOR UESKtiAL niKDKSKL

li"i:'

Hkdoiiht thoro is wtill a pDrtimi of the wiill W!llltillJ,^ Oiio mw.
Iiiiwovcr, of till' ('iiHoinatt's is fiiiislii'il ; imtl tlic nsst of tlic iiiason
Work oil tlin Wkst IIkixhiit is about two-tliinlH coiiipK'tt'd.
Two iii'W roiloul)t,s havo liouii l)(>^;iiii for tlio purposo of jraiiiinfj;
iij^aiii what liaB been lost by the bail weatlier. I leave all the
iiiasoiiH ami earpcntors here. The former will work until ice
eoincH, anil the lattt-r will remain here all winter, and ^ireparc
till* wood and other thin<;s for next .summer. This latter kind
of work may bo continued all winter ; so that I hope that Homo
of the work, that Inm been retarded by the badne.ss of the 8ea-
Mon. may yet be aeeomplished before the einso of the present
year; and should you allow me to reeomnienee work as soon
as the weather will allow, the whole may be finished by the
month of August.

"The provisions are all taken eare of on the island; and
whatever may be needed at St. John will be sent there next
week. One captain, two subalterns and til'ty men will relieve
the light company at Point au Fer. The latter will setoff with
me next Sunday to go into winter quarters. One officer and
fifty men of the Iles.so Hanau yilgers will be stationed on the
river \,\\ Colle for the protection of the wood cutters in ca.sc
of need. The detachments in the two block houses at Yamaskii
are to bo relieved by tlic corps of Major Yessop before they go
into winter quarters in the district of Montreal. The two
Frasers will take the command. The scouts are posted in the
same manner as last winter. I have left plain instructions to
Major Naern respecting his command at Point au For, the loyal
block house. Riviere la Tolle, and Isle aux Noix. I have also
given orders to Major Campbell in regard to St. John and
(Mianibly; and have advised both of these officers not to trouble
themselves with the secret service. Thus, I flatter myself that
I have arranged everything according to the wishes of your
excellency. I shall return to Sorel next Sunday.

" I have the honor, etc.,

" KlEDESKL.

" Isle aux Noix, October 30, 1782."

/iV TlIK AMKIllCW llEYOUriO.W.

\\:^

Wo have alrtiiidy hwii by tlic uliiivc Imw t'lirri'ctly (Joiioriil
lliedi'Mol (livimui thu intentions of the enuniy ; and how wiwi'ly
lie iitid made his ananp-inents fn meet them. In his opinion,
Cainida was to Ik- kept in every event for the crown; Init for
this j)urj)oHe a well arranged system of (h-fei^se was necessary.
Nor did ho heliove, in view of tiic- weaknes.M of tin' military
font), that this could he done except by fortifications. For the
present the chief attention was given to the country between
the outlet of liako Champlain and the mouth of the ilichelieu

rivor into iiakeSt. Pierre, and fi Fortl'oint an For to Sorel.

There wore already several forts along the shore of this river.
These mu.st now be made stronger, and redoubts and bli'ck
hou.ses built.

St. John was now the main fort on the line of the river.
This was situated nearly half way between I'tdnt au For and St.
Charles. A little more to the south was tho small Isle aux
Noix, which, if properly fortified, would become a good bulwark
to the fort in case of an attack from the oust. Ricdesel, there-
fore, devoted himself mainly to tho work of fortifying this
island. He explained tho necessity of this most fully to tho
English ciminiandor in chief,' and especially to Governor llal-
dimaud. The latter, having the most perfect confidence in
him, entered fully into his plans. Thus he obtained permission
to arrange and carry out everything in regard to this matter,
entirely as he thought fit.

We have also seen by the above correspondence that there
was, during this year, no uni(»n of action among the several
English commanders. It was seldom that one received reliable
intelligence from the other. Each did as he thought best. In
addition to this there were dissension and irresolution in the
counsels of the English ministry. In view of these circum-
stances, the credit of preserving (^mada to the English is espe-
cially due to General Iliedcsol ; for only hinuself and llaldimand

I Carloton.

146

MAJOIi OENESAL lilEDESKL

coniinaiided in that province. General Carleton did not trouble
liiniself about it. To the pressing iiujuiries of the governor,
ho answered only as far as his knowledge went, and then only
as much as he was forced to. He had enough to do in ac-
quainting himself with the general confusion of things which,
after the capitulation of Cornwallis, liad taken hold of the
English ministry.

We have likewise seen in the letters, tb it have been quoted,
how particular Kiedesel was to acquaint the governor of Canada
with this and that occurrence, and to oblige him to give in-
structions in respect to things of which, perhaps, the latter
would not always have thought. But his modesty and prudence
would not allow him to count this as anything meritorious.
We Snd, by his letters, that he did everything only in pursu-
ance of orders and accordance with the will of his superior
officer — even those things, the plan of which he had himself
su^gosted. lie evidently knew how to deal with Haldimand.
who had the name of being a man with whom no one could get
along. It must, also, be remembered that the latter being, at
that time, sickly and peevish, could not travel often over his
province. He was tired of his position, and greatly longed for
peace.

Hitherto Kiedesel had made every effort to fortify Isle aux
Noix, before the close of the season ; the reason of his having
been only partially successful has already been seen. He was
not a man who easily gave up what he undertook, but in this
case he could not conquer the elements. For weeks a cold rain
poured in torrents, softening the soil and filling ditches and
holes with water. And yet in spite of this the soldiers, espe-
cially the Germans, nobly toiled on — the latter not wishing to
give the English an opportunity of saying, that they were
behind them in endurance and perseverance. They would
stand up to their knees in the water, wet to the skin, but at
the same time, lustily handling the spade and singing a German
song, while, in a good laugh at some joke by a jolly fellow,

■ M
I

iiV THE AilEIilCAN REVOLUTION.

147

they would for a little while forget their misery. The English
generally kept quiet and silent, swallowing their anger at the
shocking weather, but working in their way just as well ; for
they loved the German general, and did everything to please
him. When the latter was present, the work advanced better
and more rapidly ; for being himself jolly and in good spirits,
he had always an encouraging word for his men. Then again,
many of the young soldiers, seeing the sick men exposing them-
selves to the inclement weather, felt ashamed at having com-
plained of comparative trifles.

In the beginning of November, Riedcsel was still on the
Isle aux Noix, when he received intelligence of the birth of a
daughter. In a letter dated December 2d, Haldimand informed
him that he had received a letter in cipher from Carleton, but
which, as yet he had been unable to decipher. He promises,
however, soon to let him know its contents. This he did, on
the 5th of December, in the following letter :

(Private).

" QuEHKC, Dfcnnher 5, 1782.

" Sir ; I hope you received the letter from New York, which
I had the honor of sending you by the last courier. At that
time I was in hopes to have sent you through him sometliing
of interest, but I have been disappointed in my expectation.
They considered it sufiicient to tell me, under date of October
25th, that the expedition against the upper country had been
given up, and that the French and Americans, who had been
camping together for a while, have separated. In another letter
of November 1st, I am informed that the French are marching
from the east; that it is, therefore, believed they will go into
quarters on the Connecticut river, though it is impossible t«
guess further than that of their intention. In a third letter of
November 12th, I am told that the transports which I dis-
19*

148

MAJon oenehal jiiedesel

patched on the 11th of the same month,' had arrived in
New York. In conclusion, I am written to as follows : ' I have
just now learned that the French troops are about embarking
for the West Indies.' Robertson and Colonel March send me
two friendly letters, but do not consider the opportunity suffi-
ciently safe to add more. I hope they will profit by the one of
Cornet Schonewald, and that we shall see him in the course of
January. I return you his letter. He seems by it to be very
well satisfied with his commission. 2

" I am very sorry to hear of the sickness of Madam Riedesel ;
but I still hope that her good constitution will conquer the
disease without the necessity of a surgical operation.' Please,
my dear sir, to assure her of my solicitude, and give my respects
to your family. I have the honor, etc.,

" Ferd. Haldimand.

General Riedesel soon after received letters from General
Carleton and Captain Willoe. The former contained nothing
of special interest; the latter informed him of the writer's
safe arrival at Niagara where his regiment was stationed.

Riedesel had had of late some difficulty with an English
colonel, by the name of McLean, who had intrigued against
him. We cannot give here the particulars of the trouble.
Governor Haldimand, to whom the matter was referred, de-
cided it in a manner that placed the honor of the German
general in the brightest light. The particulars of the affiiir
are seen in the following letter :

(Private).

" QuEBKC, Drecmhcr 19, 1782.
" Sir : Having been obliged to attend a council, which lasted
some time, and upon which I had not counted, I could not

' Probably n mli»i>rint for last month.

'' Cornet ScUOiicwnlil liftd been sent to Now York on business.

" Vide Journals of Mrs. Ueucral Kiedcsel.

AV THE AMERICAN llEVOLUTION.

149

before express to you the sympathy I felt upon reading your
letter of the 16th of last month. The honorable sentiments
which you there express, and the proofs of personal friendship
which you give me have made an impression upon me that will
only cease with my life. The prudent and firm conduct which
you ha/c observed toward Lieutciant Colonel 5lcLcan, is the
best reason why you should feel no uneasiness in regard to the
matter. Do not trouble yourself as to the effectfi of his bad
conduct. He cannot injure you here, and much less in Eng-
land, where I doubt not your zeal, your interest and your
untiring devotion to the service of the king, will be duly appre-
ciated. I believe, also, that his majesty has too good an opinion
of my honor, than to pay no attention to the reports 1 have
sent him; and I hope, therefore, that Mr. 3IcLean's true
character will then be found out.

" I aui exceedingly sorry that I have no other means of dis-
posing of him, than to send him to Sorel, where the artillery
staff is stationed. But I am convinced that you are well
acquainted with his overbearing disposition toward his subordi-
nates. Should you, however, against my expectations, take a
different view of the matter, or have a different plan which
suits you better, let me know it.

" I have, etc.,

" Feru. Haldimand."

The Canadians use, during the winter, snow shoes, similar
to those worn in Sweden and Norway. Riedesel found them
so practical that he introduced them among his S(jldiers. On
the twenty-ninth of December, he issued a lengthy order, in
which, among other things, he says : " The frequent snows
in this province render it necessary that those who go on
expeditions, perform advance duty, etc., should wear snow
shoes. This cannot be dono unless each man is supplied with
moccasins; the wearing of which in the winter, iu place of
shoes, on or off duty shall be allowed, except in case that a

160

MAJOR OENEliAL RIEDESEL

^1':;-

rcgiiiient in Quebec or in garrison is forbidden to parade in
thoni."

Pursuant to this order, the subalterns and privates received
each a pair of moccasins — an article of clothing which was
very cheap, warm and comfortable. They were a kind of shoe
made of the skins of animals, and reached a good ways above
the foot — a kind of fur boot that lasted during an entire
winter. A pair of them cost at that time 4s. and Gd.

After his return from Isle aux Noix and the troops had
gone into winter quarters, liiedesel devoted his attention to
forming his men into equal regiments. Tlie chief reason of
doing this was the return of the captured troops into Canada.
This task was entirely completed by the 1st of December.
A report, signed by him on this day, has this indorsement :

" SoRKL, Dvvemhcr 1, 1782.

"General report of the corps of his most serene highness the
duke of Brunswick, whicli is founded on the general statement
made up from the lists of December 1st, 1782, after the arrival
of liieutenaut Colonel Yon Mengen, with the exchanged officers
and a portion of the men formerly of the convention, and after,
also, the arrival in Canada of the recruits of the fifth transport,
who are consecjuently added to the report of the corps."
According to this report, the troops consisted of.
In Canada, 139 officers, 25 ensigns, 198 subalterns, 6G drum-
mers, 2,170 privates, 190 servants j prisoners of war, 5 ensigns,
102 subalterns, 27 drummers, 977 privates, 20 servants; de-
tached and on furlough, 15 officers, 2 ensigns, 2 subalterns, 8
privates, 16 servants; total, 154 officers, 32 ensigns, 302 subal-
terns, 93 drunmiers, 3.155 privates, 232 servants; missing, 23
officers, 1 ensign, 54 subalterns, 9 drummers, 217 privates, 29
servants. Total niunber in Canada, 2,788 men ; prisoners of
Wiir, 1,137 men ; detached and on furlough, 43 men ; total,
3,968 men. There were, therefore, wanting 333 men altogether.
The regiments in Canada were of course very weak, for;

ny THE AilEBIVAN REVOLVTIOK,

151

The regiment ofdrn>i:(Mins numborcd only,

Tht* roginicnt of Prince Frederick,

The regiment Von Rlietz,

Tlie regiment Von Riedesel,

The repinu^nt Von Speclit,

The l)attalion of grenadiers,

Tlie light battalion, ....

The general's staff, ....

Total number in Canada,

Men.
277
018
, 401
899
306
253
425
10

2,788

Of the officers either out of the province, on furlough, or
sick, were ;

Lieutenant Colonel Specht, Captain Von Btirtliiig, First
Lieutenant Von Milcan, First Lieuteuant Von llessler, in
IJrunswick, Geruuiny j Auditor Schmidt, Lieuteuant Petersen,
sick iu New York.

Of the detached officers, were ;

Captain Cleve in Penob.scot on the sixth transport of troops.

First Lieutenant Gebhardt, Ensign Specht, First Lieutenant
Rcineking, Second Lieutenant Von Cramer, Second Lieutenant
Conrady, with the prisoners at Rutland ; Ensign Gi'impe, Cor-
net Schbnewald, in New York.

The prisoners of the convention who had been in Virginia,
were generally separated from their officers ; but the latter
having been all exchanged, and congress declaring the conven-
tion null and void, the designation, '• Troops of the Convention,"
was henceforth changed to " The Frlsonkk-s of War." They
were sent to Rutland in New England, where they remained until
peace was declared. Only one officer. First Lieutenant Geb-
hardt and Ensign Specht were with them ; these latter being
detached merely for the purpose of keeping an eye upou disci-
pline, etc.

As not a single document, referring to the condition of the
prisoners this year, has been found among Riedescl's papers,
nothing further can be said of them during this period.

152

MAJOR OESERAL RIEDEHEL

IV ■

1788.

At the begiiiuiiig of this year notliing was known in America
in regard to the provisional treaty of peace made in Europe on
the IHth of November, 1782. Financially, England was in a
state bordering upon bankruptcy ; Spain and France were
nearly in the same condition ; and the Americans were deficient
in almost everything necessary for a vigorous prosecution of
the war. Especially was there a lack of provisions and a well
regulated legislation. They were short of men and ammunition ;
and, at the same time, a worthless paper money was the only
means of paying the troops. Mutinies frequently occurred
among the troops who wore generally without discipline ; and
some deserted, refusing to endure longer the hardships of the
war. It is true that the late success of their arms had some-
what increased the courage of the troops, but how long might
it continue in case of a reverse?

The generals in Canada, who were furthest from the theatre
of events, as yet knew not how matters stood. True, they had
heard flying and contradictory rumors of a projected peace, but
otherwise they were as much in the dark as any inhabitant of
Canada, having, as yet, received no official intelligence. They
could, therefore, do nothing but what every careful soldier is
bound to do, viz : to take such measures as would prevent
themselves being surprised.

Meanwhile, Ricdesel was waiting for the favorable season of
the year, in order to continue the work on the fortifications of
Chambly. The obliging General Haldimand, also, sent him,
during this winter, all the important news that he heard of;
and as a sincere and well meaning friend, took ^reat interest
in the family aff'airs of the German general, which had grown
worse since the operation that had been performed upon the
breasts of Mrs. Ricdesel.

, %

IN THE AMERICAN liEVOLUTION.

153

On the 9th of January, lliedesol, who was then at St. John,
received from Ilaldiniand a letter in which three documents
were inclosed, containing more definite news, than had hitherto
been received, of the events which had occurred the previous
year in front of Gibraltar.

Haldimand, it seems, had also sent a little while previous,
some spies into Vermont. They returned safely; but, brought
thence no cheering news.

Ilaldimaiid again writes to Riedesel as follows :

(Private).

" QUEHKC, Jannnry 13, 1783.

" My Dear Sir : During the night of day before yesterday, a
messenger was sent to me from Halifax, by whom I expected
important news. I opened the package in great haste, but how
great was my astonishment at finding nothing but a private
communication in cipher, dated at New York, October 2(;th,
the duplicate of which I had received through the woods six
weeks since, and the contents of which I communicated to you
at the time. I send you herewith a copy of a letter from Gene-
ral Patterson, which is just as original and laconic as the one
of Sir Guy. Yet it seems that an alteration has been made
respecting the destination of the troops now in Nova Scotia. I
fear, therefore, that I shall not have the promised succors.
Consequently, I cannot depend on anything from that direction.

" I await impatiently the arrival of Ensign Schiinewald with
the dispatches which I suppose have been intrusted to him ; for I
hope that the ministry will make them ' pay the same attention
to us in our corner as though we were engaged in enterprises
of greater moment. This want of attention, on the part of
our neighbors, confirms me more and more in my resolution,
made as early as last summer.

" I rejoice very much at your safe arrival in Sorel, and should

I T. c, Carleton, and the military government at Now York.

154

MA J on OENERAL lilEDESEL

If!-'

rejoice still more did I hear that Maduni Riedesel had entirely
reiMivercd. I rcijuest you to assure her of my esteem.

" IMcIiean, inflated with arrogance, will omit nothing to gain
adherents; and, if the least opportunity is given him, will soon
consider himself a man of importance. I should stir him up
myself if he would stay here ; but I will communicate to you
some information showing you his character in a yet different
light.

" In case of any news of interest occurring, I have directed
Sherwood to inform you of it ; and I request you to forward it
to me by the same courier, after you have read it, taking such
precaution as you shall deem necessary.

" T have the honor, etc.,

" Ferd. Haldimand."

General Haldimand was at this time unwell, but did not
allow his sickness to prevent his attending to his ofiicial duties.
The confidence, which ho placed in the German general, is
evident from a letter which he wrote to him on the 9th of
January. Among other things he says in it : " If I was very
sick and needed assistance in the service of the king, you may,
dear sir, rest assured that you would be the first officer on
whom I would call." He, himself, did not believe, at that
time, in peace, for in a letter of February 5th, he says : " I
am very much inclined to believe that the war will be continued
more vigorously than ever. I hope that, as good allies, we
shall be able to keep working, and be more succsssful than we
have been hitherto."

lie writes again :

(Private).

<' Quebec, Fchmary 10, 1783.
" My D(\ar Sir : The messenger, whom you were so kind as to
send me, arrived this morning, .and has handed me the package
which you gave him. It contains some matters of interest from

TTl

IN THE AMtmiVAN liEVOLUTIOS.

155

my corrcsporidonts in the colonics, hut iioth'mj^ from New York.
Most of them were written some time since, hut hy one written
more recently, I see that all the French troops have gone to the
islands, and that only a single compiiny remains on tlie conti-
nent of America. I perceive, uLso, that (ieneral Washington
has taken his head quarters on the highlands at Windsor; yet
nothing looks like hostilities either on one side or the other.
He docs not believe yet, that peace has b(!en made, as congress
is said to have resolved to do nothing without the con.scnt of
France, who is not inclined to any peace but a I'avorable one ;
and as England will not acknowledge the independence of her
rebellious colonies, he furth.er says that each province, notwith-
standing the high taxation which is neccjssarily imposed, is
willing to support congress. lie believes that we may expect
unimportant news from the islands to which our and the French
fleet were obliged to return. It seems that the allies arc di-
recting their attention to Jamaica.

" My correspondent further assures me that l^ord Howe has
come to the assistance of Gibraltar and that he had gained
there some advantages over the French and Spanish fleets.
The particulars, however, are not as yet learned. IJut it is
certain, that the allies have lost four or five ships of the line,
which were either taken or destroyed, and that the siege had
been raised in great haste, and with severe loss. It also appears
that the Spanish fleet had suffered much damage by a storm
before Cadiz. At the close of his letter, he says, that (Jeneral
Carleton would return to Europe, but it was not known as yet
who would be his successor.

" This, my dear sir, is all that I learned. But spring is at
hand, when all mysteries will be solved in spite of all the reti-

cence that is observed.

I have, etc.,

Fkru. IIaluimand."

Meanwhile, the Americans becoming more active in the
southern provinces and in the vicinity of Albany, lliedcsel
20*

IV -

166

MAJOR OENEIiAL ItlEnKSEL

fcurud thoy were meditiitiii<^ u ninveiiiont ngainst Canada. IIo
reported what he had learned by hi-s omiwHaries, in all huste to
r ildiiiiaiid thr(ui}j;h Imh adjutant, Captain Freeman. The go-
rerriDr, tliereliire, anwwered as lollowH :

, 1

" QuKBEC, February 13, 1783.

" My Dear Sir : I trust that Captain Freeman will return
safely to Sorel with the letters I have written to you. As he
was eompletely exhausted when he arrived, I wished him to
rest a little while, but the great anxiety pervading all circles
here to learu the least thing, would not allow him to do so.
This induces me to ask if you will not have the kindness, when-
ever you send mc^engers to me, to direct them to remain at
IMajor Holland's (of which arrangement I have already notified
him) who will immediately start (or his son in his absence)
and bring the dispatches to me. I can then, if necessary, go
there myself and speak with the messenger and let him depart
without any sensation. I confess to you, my dear sir, that I
am ashamed at having to employ such means. I write by this
messenger to Chevalier Johnson,' directing him immediately to
send five or six of his most active and expert Mohawks to watch
the road leading from Albany to West point, and report at once
to the commanding ofiicer at Point au Fer and himself whatever
they may learn. As for Sherwood, I hope he will be on his
guard that he may retreat in season ; and if it should prove
true that the enemy meditate an expedition against I'oint au
Fer, and if we can obtain news of his movements in time for
Chevalier Johnson, with the savages and his light battalion, to
fall back a few miles, even, above Point au Fer, I believe that
we shall have made a good bargain.

" I await intelligence from you with impatience and have the
honor, etc.,

" Febd. IIaldimanu."

> Sir John Johnson.

1\ TIIK AMKIllVAX JiKVOlVl'lOX.

167

Ui)th the geiioruls woro obli}i;cd to nbsorvo secrecy re8|)e('fiiif;
tlioir {)r(!piiruti(>n8 aguiiiHt a hostile nttiick, that theyuiifilit be
coiicealeil an much a.s possible from the ("aiiadiaiis. They feared,
anil not without cause, that if the disloyal ones heard of it, a
rebellion might take place, for the suppression of which llaldi-
maiid felt himself too weak. On the other hand, should the
liberal party become atMjuainted with the intentions of the
Americans — a fact which seemed likely — he desired to main-
tain secrecy respecting his own arrangements that the enemy
might not be informed, by the sudden confidence of the loyal
Canadians, of the preparations made to resist an attack. I'oint
au Fer was an important place, it being (lie key to the northern
outlet of Lake Champlain. It belonged to Kiedesel's district,
in which it was the most extreme point. The latter, accord-
ingly, having had it well manned and fortified, had not the least
fear of its being surprised.

Indeed. Riedesel with his accustomed carefulnes.s and activity,
had made every preparation to receive the enemy. Ualdimand
was entirely satisfied with his plans. It seems, however, that
he was somewhat in doubt regarding the discretion of the
loyalists who occupied the loyal block house.

For further safety, Riedesel formed a detachment, under
3Iajor Campbell, and sent it still nearer the threatened points
for observation. His ideas, respecting this reconriois.sance, he
communicated to Ualdimand in a letter, which the latter ans-
wered under date of February 20, 178ii. It is as follows :

(Private).

" QuEHEC, Frhmary 20, \1^i. ?

" My Dear Sir : I see by the letter with which you have
honored me, through Mr. Murray, that you have made up,
with all possible precaution, a detachment to be located to the
best advantage. I trust that this little excursion will be of
material benefit to the troops in acquiring experience. It is
not as difficult to march in winter from the log cabins into the

ir>«

MAJOli UEXKltAL HIKDKSKL

Woods t(H Ih }>;uiiui'ully iiim^iiiod. Meiiiiwliilu, I ^ive my conHciit
to till th* jiciunil iiiid priviito ordorw you liavo issiiod lor this
j)\ir|)osi'. mill. I lio]H'. tli;it diiriiij;' your tour, you will luivo the
Biitislactiou of hiiviiij; <!Vcrytliinj< intelligently larrifd out, itnd a
return of your health by tlio oxerei«e coMHe<|Uont on thiH exeur-
hIoii. I only fear that the thaw has sjioiled the roads, and that
the ice lietween St .John and irtle aux N'oix will break, thereby
making your tour very •liHagrt^eablc. Should thi.n be the ea.se,
I would request ytui to postjiono the trip for tlie sake of your
own health in whieh I am ho much interested.

" r know not as yet when I shall be able to pay u visit U*
Madam Itiedesel ; but I fore.see that it will be impossible during
the present month. Meanwhile, remember me to her, and be-
lieve me in the truest devotion, etc.,

•• KKltl). IlALlllMANlt."

Again he writes a week later :

"QrKHKc, Fibnuin/ 27, 178M.

" My Dear Sir: Convinoed tliat exercise and a change of air
will do more for the recovery of your health than all the skill
of physicians. I greatly rejoice to see by your letter (d' the 25th
that you tlumght (d' starting the next day for St. .John. The
frost, which we have, had for the last two days, leads me to
think that the weuther will be I'avorable for you, and that you
will return to St. J(din in perfect health. Captain Twiss left
this morning, and, perhaps, he will have the honor of seeiug
you before you receive this letter.

" Although I feel perfectly easy in regard to the safety of
our advanced posts, I am very anxious to learn the real cause
for the late movement of the rebels. If they arc aiming at Ver-
mont, and if they should be successful in conquering it, I anti-
cipate for us very disagreeable consequences. IJesides, my
hands are tied in everything; and 1 hear nothing of what is
occvirring iu Kurope or on the Atlantic coast. I am very much
surprised that we have no news as yet from Cornet Schonewald.

/.V TIIK AMKUHAS llUVOLI'I'In.S

li)!)

Ill' must liiivo arrived mmn' tinn' ii^"'. "r liiivc Mciit liin (li.»|i;it('lit's
l)y an tiXjirfxri. I j»ruHiiiiie, liitwi-vcr, that lio lia.s lu'cii ilftaiin'il
at Now York. I have, etc.,

" KkHI). II.VI.IilMAMi."

Wo iiiiiHt 1)0 HatiHKud iliiriii^' tliis iimiitli witl> wliat llaldiiiiaiiil
writoH til IliotloMol. Only niio letter Im extant IrDni the latter, hy
which wu arc onablod to learn Miiniethin;; rej^nrding his aetivity.
Feelinjr unwell at this time, ht; pmltahly wrote no nmre than wa.s
ahwilutely ?ieeesHary. Thi! drafts of his letters, wliieh are of
importanee. arc ^'im-rally met with, hut nothing of thu kiml
can bo found written during' this month.

The atti'iitive reader will have notieed a earelcssness, on the
part of llaldimand. in regard to the hostile movements against
Canada. While tin; siek (Jerman general starts on a tedious,
and perhaps, dangerous winter tour of the outposts, the governor
remains <|uietly at Quebec scarcely on his guard ; while in respect
to the intelligence which he receives, the Knglish gem^ral takes
his measures according only to what he himself believes tit be
true. Thus wo find, even in an active and honorable man, that
remissness by which generals and officers did so m\ich damage
to the cause of their king. The increasing ill health and dejtte-
tion of llaldimand, however, is some excuse for his conduct.
lie was often troubled with the stone, from which at times ho
Buffered intensely.

Riodesel, notwithstanding his ill health, sot out on his tour
of the northern forts. Ho rode over the Chambly river in a
.sleigh, and traveled very fast. Upon his safe arrival at St. John
he wrote, among other things, to llaldimand, that up to that
time the trip had been of groat benefit to him. The governor
answered tho letter on the lUl of .March. In speaking, in this
letter, of the mftvoments of tho Americans, ho says: •• I foresee
that wo must neglect no moans by whidi to find out what were
the real intentions of tho rebels. It is said that the thaw has
frustrated tho execution of their plans, and there is, therefore,

160

MAJOn OKSEIiAL lilEUEHEL

iiothiiij^ to be feared for our posts. Tlie det^i •hnient of Major
Campbell may now return to its ((uarters. (^iptaiii Twiss will
nevertheless attend to the completion of the works. T rc(juest,
therefore, that you will grant him all thtj necessary men that ho
asks for."

lie writes later :

'•QHKUKC, Miinh (i, 17S:{.

" 3ly Dear Sir : At the moment that I am about taking 1113' pen
to answer your letter of the 2d inst., Major Kolland enters with
the package which your messenger, who left St. John on the
4th. has handed him. I am very much obliged to you my dear
sir, for the trouble you have taken, and I now request you only
to send a special messenger when circumstances warrant it. I
have been prevented by the one now here from sending you the
answer by post. T presume your sergeant has time to stay over
till to-morrow.

'• If the enemy really started on the 11th of last month (which
is, however, very unlikely) either from the direction of Ver-
mont or our outposts, he must, by this time, either have returned
to his (|uarters or has intentions against Oswego or Carleton
island. In the latter case, [ trust that the recent thaw has
made the roads, which ho would h.ave had to take, impassable.
At any rate, I have every reason to believe that he has failed in
his undertaking. Thos(> two posts are commanded by two active
and careful officers, and are supplied with everything necessary
for their defense. There were in the month of January 550 meu
at Oswego and (UiO at Carleton island. I cannot, tlierefore,
believe, that they have allowed themselves to be surprised. I
am, T repeat, perfectly at ease in regard to those two posts.
1 am, however, very much obliged to you for writing to Cheva-
lier Johnson.

'• Colonel Iloope left for St. John this morning, and will have
the honor of seeing you next Sunday. I very much wi.sh that
ho may be able to visit our (uitpostw — the block houses and

/iV run) AMERICAN ItEVOLUTlON.

IGl

everything uuder the immediate superintendence of Captain
Twiss. I diHCDver in CVilonel Ifoopo a warmtli and a zeal for
the service of the king, which makes me anticipate from him
great assistance. T have instructed him to communicate to you
a discovery which he luis made in regard to tlie magazines in
his district. 1 hope you will suggest to him measures to be
taken against those persons imj)licated in the matter.

" I am under renewed obligation to you for the trouble you
have taken in the matter of Captain Pritchard. ' lie is certainly
a miserable creature; and I am really at a kss to know what
shall be done with him.

'• I have had no time as yet to read the newspapers which
you had the kindness to send me; but from their date, I do not
think tiicy contain anything of interest.

" I rejoice to hear that your health is daily improving. No
one wishes your recovery more than I.

" I have, etc.,
•' Fk,i{i». Mam)1ma.m»."

It is not a little strange that TIaldimand should now send i
Cohmel Iloope to vis't the posts, after being .seemingly con- i
vinced that all dange:- had passed. The infeniuce is thaf the
general intended by this mi,ssion to pave the way for the
colonel's promotion.

The particulars relating to the intended expedition of the
Americans, Haldiniand learned from Major Ross, the beginning
of March.

Ross reported on the 27th of T'ebruary, from Niagara, that
he had learned on tlie 14th of that niontii, from an .Vmerican
deserter, that Villet (a Fn-iicli colonei). had intended to sur-
prise this post during that night, but, led astray by his guides,

^:J?:

,^A'

^A'

>Captillii I'ritclmrd — a t'liiiadiaii ami n wily man of doubtful ri'iiiilalion — waw
I'inployed by Ihn two j^eneraln an an iiiformor. It was tun xpccial duly to IikiiiIic
into the HuntiinuntH of tliu ('aiiadiuiiH. It waH aRorward found timt lii; wax docriv-
\ug both partluH.

102

MAJOIi QENEKAL ItlEDEtiEL

tho plan had boon frustrated, and tliat he would endeavor to carry
out his purpose the night following. He had also learned that
the enemy did not number over OOO men ; and that they had
arrived in sleighs, wliieh they had left behind in their retreat.
He (Ross) had sent out a dotaehment t(» destroy these sleighs,
and, at tho same time, had dispatched a snnill corps of 200 men
after the retreating enemy. The latter, however, had reached
their sleighs in time and escaped. " Major Ross," writes
General llaldimand, "justly describes this expedition as tho
most stupid ever undertaken, and praises it only so far as tho
celerity and secrecy shown in carrying it out. The di.stanco
from Saratoga to Niagara was made in eight days, and no one,
the entire length of the 31ohawk, knew anything about it.
The enemy left belund nine ladders, and disappeared without
having had a glance at the fort, or carrying with him a single
prisoner; ,><o that he retiirned as he had come unfamiliar with
cverytliing but liis own flight. The enemy lost five men in
])ris(incvs and deserters; and Major Ross was very sorry the
enemy desisted from his design, as the good condition of his
own men, and their anxiety for a fight, would have given the
enemy a terrible defeat."

Uiedesel was only sorry that Major Ross was not sooner in-
formed of this expedition, as it would have been an easy matter
to capture the sleighs and thus cut ofl^ ♦he retreat.

Uiedesel was also instructed to make in((uiries regarding the
susi)ected Captain I'ritchard, and to investigate tlie defalcations
in the administrations of the Knglisli magazines. As soon as
Colonel lloojie gave him the necessary information in tiiis
niat'er. ho, with his accustomed prudence, sagacity and .strict
impartiality undo: took tiic investigation. »>xaniined witnesses,
and kept minutes concerning the whole affair. Cai)tain I'ritch-
ard was found to be a party to tiio transaction, and, he, together
with several oflicials of tlie Knglisli hospitals, was ftmnd guilty.
Tile other culprits came iinder the jurisdiction of (Jeneral
llaldimand.

IN TUE AMERICAN RKVOllJTWN.

168

Gr.NEnAi, TTAT,i>iMANn to (Jknerai, RiKOKSKri.

"QiJEHKc, Murvh 17. 17S3.

" My Dear Sir : T ain very much oblij^'od to you For aoiidin^
mc by ail express inesscnger the speech of the kinjj;. I was
exceedingly anxious to liave it, and I liave read it witli great
pleasure, although it is somewhat humble. I believe that he
is for war, and that this concession was necessary, under the
circumstances, in order to insure for himself the good will of
his subjects in case that peace should demand too severe con-
ditions. In such a ca.se T do not believe that the nation will
make the final offers. I believe, therefore, either that peace
will now be made, or that the war will be proseeu'ted with more
zeal than ever. Our navy has lost nothing of her lustre, and
although our expeditions on land have not been successful,
everything might again be made right, and even the supremacy
on this continent be once more obtained. Xotwithstanding.
however, peace seems to me to be desirable ; and although we
surrender the colonies, the peace will Ite more honorable to the
nation after having maintained the war so long against such
tremendous odds, and in spite, too, of the cabals and internal
divisions which were alone sufficient to have ruined htir. What
happens to us to-day will sooner or later overtake the |{ourl)on
family. Envy against power will spring up ; alliances will be
formed against it for the purpose of gnawing off it« claws ; and
the Americans, whom it now ])rotects, may be the first who will
enrich themselves from its legacy. It docs imt seem to me
that the^ can long remain friends.

'■ I expect news from New York and Halifax every moment,
from which we may, perhaps, learn what is to be our fate ; and I
sincerely trust that it may give us tlie prospect of seeing each
other next fall in liondon. and tiie winter in Hrunswick. Amen.

• I have, etc.,

" KkiM). IlAIiKIMAND."

21*

164

MAJOR aUNEIiAL lilEnKSKL

Answer of Gknkkal Kiepeskl.

^ "SoRET,, March v.), 1783.

" My Dear Sir : I had the lionor of receiviii}? by to-day's
mail and by a returned express yesterday, two official and ono
private letter from yourself. The private letter of your e.xeel-
leney has again raised my spirits. Although not born in
England, I hope that everything I have suffered for the king
may be for the best, and that providence may, in time, grant
the means for repairing all losses. I shall not at all be sur-
prised if America herself should be engaged in war within two
years, and the northern colonies separate from the southern
ones. 1 thank Heaven that the time is near at hand when I
shall be able to return to my fatherland where I will be enabled
to give my children a better education, and regain my health.
liut wherever I may be, I shall never forget my good fortune
in having served under your excellency ; for, withcmt flattery,
the time I have spent under you has been the most pleasant of
all during this war. With esteem and gratefulness 1 shall ever
remember the kindness which I have received from yourself. I
confess, also, that I would gladly pay my respects to that monarch
for whom, and for whose empire I have now gone through fifteen
campaigns ; but, 1 greatly fear, in view of the enormous ex-
pense of the war and the dislike which the present secretary
has toward the foreign troops, that the reception may not come
up to my expectations, unless I am introduced by a general
under whom I had the honor of serving, and to whom the king
and the nation must be grateful for the nuinner in which he

governed this province.

" I have, etc.,

" RlEIIESEfi."

IJV TllK AMEIilVAX REVOLVTWX.

1G5

General IlAr,i)iMANj) to (Jeneral Uiedesel.
( Privuto).

"Quebec, Munk 24, nSiJ.
" My Dour Sir : Doctor Maboii, who arrived lierc Friday
iiiorniiiir greatly fatigued but entirely satisfied with liis journey,
has handed mo the letter with which you honor nie.' I feel
liighly flattered that you are so well satisfied with your second
stay in ('anada. I [ad it been possible, and had I followed my
inclinations I would gladly have done more for you and your
family. IJut in our situation one must act acctu'ding to circum-
stances ; and you, my dear sir, have done everything with a
zeal, an attention and a reliability which gives you a perfect
right to claim my esteem. I shall always consider it my duty
to do you all the justice which is due you. The state of your
liealth, and your family matters, which lead you to wish to
return to P]urope, are both natural and praiseworthy, and I
trust that your expectations may bo fulfilled. Still, during
the last summer I, myself, have written tliree letters in which
I also asked permission Ui return there next autumn. I
believe that my request will not be denied me in case peace is
made.

•• T expect news every moment, and cannot understand why
it takes so long to come. If 1 do not receive any within a few
days, I shall believe that something has turned up to pn^vont
the conclusion of peace. IJut I hope we will receive letters
from Penobscot in a few days. The son of Jiauniore, who left
here the 17th of February, with a couple of savages to carry
your letters there, ought to have been back in five or six weeks-
We may, therefore, expect him at any hour.

" The pain in my kidneys, which still continues, does not

' Tlu> English Hurgoou of slnti; Miiboii. hud just tliiish('<l ii lour of the foils for
tlic pinposo of uxaminiiiK iiilo llie hciiltli of the IroopH. lie wnc a groat friciid of
both gciiorali*. Ka'dcsel geiiL-rally stayed at tho doctor's house when in Quebec
with his fauiilv.

: \

166

MAJOR OENERAL UlEl>KHEL

allow 1110 to make the journey to Sorel on the lee ; but 1 intend
to make up for it in the njirinj^. li('((Ui',stinj;- you to assure the

Aludam of my esteem,

'■ I am, etc.,

" Feuk. IIamumand."

IFaldimand, as late as the latter part of Mareh, had no re-
liable intellij^eiiee either in regard to the treaty of peaee, or his
own movements in ease of a continuanee of the war. He writes
concerning this to lliedesel, in a letter of the 31st of 3Iarch, as
follows : " If the war is to continue, it is now high time for
me to be told what I am to do. As 1 expect this,' I greatly
desire that the works on Isle aux Noix should be strengthened.
I have written Captain Twiss in regard to this matter, and have
commissi(jncd him on his passage through Sorel to consult with
you regarding the means, the number of men, and the kind of
laborers which you can furnish for the work. I expect him back
by the 8th of next month, in order that we may lose no time."

General Uiedesel being desirous of obtaining definite inform-
ation concerning certain matters before making arrangements
for the coming year — and Ilaldimand knowing as little about
the future as he did liimself — wrote directly to the commander
in chief, (\irleton. liut neither did he succeed any better
with him j for the latter was, also, heartily sick of his position,
and longed for nothing more than to be recalled from a theatre
of war in which he was not only forced to remain inactive, but
risked the loss of laurels gained in other campaigns with so
much trouble. He wrote to lliedesel the beginning of April as
follows :

" New Youk, April 9, 1783.

" My Dear Sir : The trancjuil state (jf affairs in (^anada,
which, I believe, I must take for granted, should not be an

' I. e., a coiitiiiimtioii of tlie war.

IN r/lK AMh'niCAN KEVOLUTION.

107

excuse lor nc<;le(tiiifj; tlii.s opportunity to assure you of my
porfet;t estoeii), and express to you my especial wislics for your
welliire and liealtli, in which I also include Madam Uiedesel.

" Vou will have learned that the preliminaries for a {general
peace have beiMi sij^ned and ratifii-d at Paris. This, of necessity,
will cause several alterations in the situation of the soldiers. I,
for my part, without waiting for the results, some time since
urgently asked for a furlough, and expect the arrival of a suc-
cessor daily, to whom I will gladly surrender the command.
JJut whether I am in England or elsewhere, 1 shall always be
happy to give you proof of my esteem, with which

" I remain, etc.,

" Guy Cakleton."

.v**'

«^

General Carleton thus ignored the main question, preferring
to leave its solution to his successor, lliedescl, therefore, knew
now just as much as he did before, and had to leave the rest to
time and chance. The only thing he could do was, to keep his
troops in readiness for all contingencies, and to continue the ^

work on the fortifications. ^h* *S

The latter part of March, his youngest daughter, little Canada, |i* . ^^
died. The two older daughters h)ved their little sister so much, H ^•^ *

that her death made them both sick. The father, although he ,
hud summoned a good physician from Three Rivers, and did
everything in his power for his loved ones, felt very solicitous;
nor was it until the physician assured him most decidedly that
their illness was not alarming, that his fear subsided.

Some of the German officers at Sorel had a cross with an
inscription placed on the grave of the little Canada, who was
there buried in consecrated ground. The populace of the
place were strict Roman (!atholics; and the officers who placed
the cross over the grave, belonged to the same religion. They,
with a kind forethought, placed the cross over the little one to
prevent wicked hands of fanatical people violating the heretical
grave.

><,

*•."•

w"
•

•I

■I

ipii

IGS

^M./0/; GKNERAL Jit Et) EH EL

Tn the lH'j,'iiiiiinj< of April, Hii'dosel went t<» Tslc iiiix Noix,
for till! purixmo »»t' piiHliiiij^ furward tlie work on the lortilicii-
tioll^i. Mo iilso thotiylit, liy t'liaiijfc ol' (si-oiir, to recover in a
inoiiHiire from hi.s recent liereavenuuit.

Towiird the middle of Ajiril, llaldiniand received Home indi-
rect newH respecting; the treaty of peace by a ship which arrived
from the east. Tlicy had already a copy of the treaty in IMiila-
di'lphia. and yet the ji;ovcrnor of Canada liad not received any
official news of it either I'rom his <?ovornnient or the commander
in chief in New York ! General I laldiniand. therefore, hesitated
about sayinji; anythinj^ publicly in rej:;ard to it, although ho
wrote respecting' it to (ieneral Riedesel on the 17th, as follows :

'• Since the treaty has not yet been published, and the future
of (\inada seems to nic still in danger [ shall nut publiuh any-
thin*^ of what 1 have just learned, until it has been communi-
cated to me officially. This state of thinj;s. however, cannot
last lonf^, as I have been assunul that a package arrived in
New York on tlie 2Gth of March. The arrival (tf Carlcton's
courier must be refcirded only by the bad roads, since hostilities
in America were to have ceased by the 2(lth t>f March."

lie also iniMitions in this letter the new boundaries of the
rNITKI* StATKS l»K NollTll AmKKICA.

in a letter of the "iOth of April, Ifaldimand writes that he
had received letter.s from Carlettm, but none from the minister.
lie stated, however, that he expected one by a frigate wliich was
to arrive from England in a few days. All hostilities having on
the 2l)th of March ceased on land and water — in conseciucnce of
the treaty of peace and in pursuance of the orders of his IJritish
majesty — llaldimand. in a manifesto announced the particulars
to the troops and the inhabitants of Canada. Regarding his
other preparations, he says in the above mentioned letter : " I
will not stop the winks which have been begun on the Isle aux
Noix. for the reason that this is very likely the only fort wo
shall retain since the district of Niagara. Oswego, and, perhaps,
Carletoii island, also, are to be surrendered to the rebels. The

• fc

/.V TIIK A.MKKK'AS lth:V"I.ITIiiS.

\{V.)

loyiilistH nrc dowiionHt, aiul tho IiKliaiis liavo Iiwii entirely f'i>r-
gottcti ill tiie preliiiiiiiiiries. My mtiil is euinpletely Ixiwed ilowii
witli f^rief at stM^inj; that W(! (with no alisnliite necessity). hav(!
hiiiiibled ourselves so iimeh as to aeee|it such hiiiiiiliatiii^
boundaries. \ am heartily asliained. and wish I was in the
interior of Turtary."

(leneral llaldiniand, notwith.standinj; tlie draf'tc^d peaoe. would
not trust the Ainerieans. Jle still I'enred that they niij:ht yet
undertake soinethinj^ aj;ainst the southern boundaries oi' Canada,
before the peaee was fully published. In this opinion, moreover,
he was eonliriiKMl by a letter from tho conimandinj; staff officer
at Oswcffo, to the effect that t\w enemy were coiiteiiiiilatinu; a
movement in that direction", llaldiniand writes concerninji this
to Kiedesel as follows :

"You understand as well as 1. that I dare not for a moment
slacken our vif:;ilanee, which is necessary as loii^ as we have
tho misfortune of having; anytbiiiji' to do with tin; rebels, and
until the publication of peace; in <lue form. 1, my.self. doubt
whether even then, we can enjoy rest for any length of time in
their neighborhood."

The work on the fortifications, esjtecially those on Isle au.x
Noix, was thoi'efore pushed forward more vigorously than ever.
Still, not ftH niiiny men were employed on them this year as the
last, as tho generals, in view (d" the uncertainty of affairs, were
unwilling to take the nien away I'roin their winter ((uarttirs
unnecessarily.

On tho 18th of May, Uiedesel received several letters from
(lermany, and, among them, one from his brother sealed with
black wax. His father had died on the r)tli of September, t7S2,
at his manor in liauterbacli. At the time of his death, he bore
the title of privy counselor of (Jreat Jiritain, and was seventy-
seven years of age. Riedesel. already sad. grew more low
spirited upon hearing this news, and longed more than ever i'or
home, whore his presence was now urgeii''y needed for the
settlement of important family matters. lie was, tlierefore,

•I

170

MAJOR OKNUIIM. JIIBDKSEL

V .r

tiioHt hiippily HiirpriHt'd iit recoiviiif;, tho iniddlo itf June, tho
liilliiwiiij; letter from (ieneral ('iirletim :

"Nkw YdUK, Jniir (Itli, 17k:{.

".My Hear Sir: lliivin>? this iiKiiiieiit received orders IVoiii
Ills iiiajeHty tlio kiiij^ to neiid, without delay, nil the (leniiiiu
troopft. wlio si'rved in tho army, to Kurope, I am already
entra^ed in makinj; the neecsHary |ire]iaraticin8 for carrying;
them out aw speedily as possible. 1 intend to endiark those
helon^inj^ to the Duke of IJrunswiek first. I have also jjiven
the Hanio ord(!rs in re}i;ard to those troop.s now in the district of
Nova Seotia. They will niareh to Duneii, where the rendezvous
will take plaee, and where you will reeeive further orders.

'• Some of the Hriuiswiek troops will have to remain for a little

while lonjier in New Kn<j;larul, but meaaures for their liberation

have been taken.

" I have, etc.,

'•(iuv Cahlkton."

(lenoral llaldiniaiul forwarded the arranj^ements for hasteninj^
the departure of the troops as much as po.ssil)le. lie allowed the
IJrunswiek troops to remain in their quarters uf» to the tinu; of
their sailiu}?, a circumstance which afforded them jjreat satisfac-
tion, (ieiuiral Hiedescl, also, had everything so arranged that tho
men wen; reiidy for departure at any moment.

In the beginning of July, an opportunity otfering to .send dis-
patches to I'lurope, Uiedesel availed himself of it to send a letter
to tho hereditary prince :

" 1^0 Ill's iiiosf siriiir Hi'i/hiiiss, t/ic lli ralitiifi/ /'n'lirr.

" Most Gracious Prince and Lord : The three kind letters of
your highness dated respectively the 2()th of August, 17HI, tho
2(5th of i\Iarch and the 27th of October, 1782, wore handed mo
eight days ago. It is to me one of the greatest sources of satis-
faction U) sec that your highness is pleased with my conduct

/,V 77/ a; AMKIIICAS IIKVOI.VTIOS.

171

towiinl your tniops, mihI tliiit tlic ilix-miirnts in rcliitinii to tliu
iiivcsti^iitiiiii at MtMlliit^r Imvd tinally rfaclicil you. It inliall lio
my constant, onilcavnr to carry out tlio comniaiuls of your liiL'li-
nt!HH, and to bo of use to your troops in uvcry i-nicrjicncy ; ami
in cas(! of acts occurrinjr cither auainst tlic interests ofyoiirsclt'
or tilt! service of the kin;:. I should certainly take the liherty of
reporting it to you. Mut tin; two cm-ps lurt! are comnumdcd hy
two such W(U'thy men, that such a ease could not hy any po.ssi-
bility occur; and I can (rontidently report to you tliat the com-
niundiiiir officer, (Jeneral Loos, who has char;,'e of the first
battalion of your hi;,'hness, is certainly able to |u;ivc Colonel
Von Leut/ and his re^^iment the Hauie ^ood testimonial. It is
also my duty to add the .sanu! in regard to my friend. Colonel
Von Kreutzber^'. an<l the brave corps of chasseurs under my
immediate command.' Not a sin;;le complaint nor a report of
any disorder has been made during' all of the ei^^hteeii months
that this eorp.s luus been under my command; and Colonel
KrcMitzber^ has served with such distinction, that \\v has
gained for himself the approbation ami love of the entire army
and the public. I, for my part, am under doidde obligations to
him for the friendly readiiu-ss with which he assisted me in the
command of my district. It bein^' my mo,-it pleasing' business
to carry out the orders of y(uir highness, I send you herewith a
copy of the state of the Hrunswick troops. I have also attested
a statement of the nund)er of the first battalion of your high-
ness for Colonel Von Leutz. Hut not having' receivtnl permis-
sion to i)ublish our system of economy, 1 must rei|uest you to
keep it entirely for your own peru.sal. 1 have also asked tho
same of Cidoncl Von Leutz.

'* In conclusion, as there la no news of importance since peace

' C'olonul Voii LiMitz took tho comiiiiiiKl of llio llcn^o iruimii rc^'iiiH'iil iUUtIIu-
(l('|iiirluro of (,'(ili)M«l Hull. I'oIdiu'I Von KruiilzbLTf,' coiumiuidod tliu clmssoiirH.—
Note lo oHfjlital.

22*

172

MAJOR (lEXKIlAL RIEDKSKL

has ln>oii declared, I n'ltort to you tliat all the (iorinan triiii|)H in
tliiM pnivincc luivo received ordcrH U» uiuhark as wion uh tho
traiiKports, wliicli arc daily ('X|i"cti'd. sliall arrive lien', 'riicsn
triiM|(,H will very likely be disemlmrked at one and the Haiiie
jilaee in (iermany, whence 1 will send a rt'imrt to your hij;h-
nt'HH. It is a pity that wo aro separated I'roni tho prisoners of
war, and that the reernits also should he scattered ovj-r so many
places. The latter, like myself, have heeii informed hy (ieneral
Carhtton that they will he sent from the places where they now
are directly to (iernniny ; a circumstance which will cause j;reat
confusion in settlin<; up the business accounts.

'•I recommend my.self tothe future favor of your hif^'hncss.

" HlKliKSKf-.

"Sorol, Juno^l, 17H;{."

As mentioned in the above letter, Uiedesel liad already learned
that the convention prisoners would not be sent to him, but
would ^'o dir(!ctly from the place of their captivity to Kuropc.
This was very unpleasant to him, for ho would have much pro-
I'crred to have had all his men together. Ihit this could not
bo ; and he, therefore, consoled himself by doin^ for them all
that lay in his power. Toward the latter part of June, ho
wrote tho following \n General Carleton :

" His excellency, (Ieneral Ualdimand, has given me permis-
sion to send an officer by land to New York. I avail myself of
this opportunity to acknowledge tho receipt of three letters
from you during the winter and spring, t^tgothor with an in-
closed note, all of which I have answered by way of Halifax
and I'enobseot. The la.st letter of your excellency, wliich
Cornet Sehiinewald handed me on the 2d of June, deprives mo
of tho hope that our prisoners of war will bo united with mo
before I leave tho provinco. As wo have no orders as yot,
respecting our departure, 1 take tho liberty of .sending this offi.
cor to you in order to request your oxeolloncy to give ymir
protection to liieutenaut lloinokiug, tho officer who will accom-

l.\ rilh: AMKUICAS liKVUUTlDS.

\1\\

puny mir itrisoiicrH (wlicii tlicy an- i'xeliaii);i'(l ) to (Icnnaiiy.
n« iH H |H'rit!ctly ri>lial)lo man ; uiul uh hu will ni>u(l a cuiisiili'i--
ahli' sum of moiuty whoii tho pri«oiier8 arc i'Xfliaiij.'tMl. 1 woiiltl
rocomiiii'riil tiiiii to your cxct'lliMicy, ami woulil r(!i|U('st yo<i to
kindly {irocuiu i'or iiim tiu! amount he will iicod to natisiy tlu;
juHt dt'iiiamls ot'tlio convciitiori troo|is.

"Our priMonors of war buirij^ at prosoiit in two ditt'ortmt pro-
vinces, viz: thos(( of tho Saratopi convention in IVnnsylvania,
ami those of Henninjjton, until the 7tli of October, in Massa-
chusetts hay, a union of these two divisions, preparatory to
Hondinj: thoni to Kurope. would ho n j;rcnt relief to the .service ;
for in this way the nundier of officers would be increased, and ii
bettor oversij,'ht maintained.'

" Your excellency has always <riven your supjiort to llie troops
of my sovereij,ni, and I therofore now leave them entirely under
your protection.

" Madam Von Hiedesel and myself arc under many oblij^a-
tions to you for your kind remembrances. Yoti may 1)0 assured
that yourself and your entire family will always be respected
and beloved by us.

" I have received a lettt^r from liord North in which I am
informed that F am to return to Urunswick with my troops.
He also pays nu^ a compliment on the part of his majesty tlie
kin^, in re;rard to the way in which I have led them durinj,' the
war. The transports are daily expected. When they arrive,
we shall at once embark and return to Kurope. 1 flatttM' myself
that we shall have tin; pleasure of paying our respects to Lady
Mary.

" I have the honor of recommendinj; tho bearer of this letter,
Lieutenant D'Annicrs. and I shall rejoice very much to .see him
here again before we start, in order to hear from him something

' Wi! have nlrciuly xccii that with tho llruiis« Ick Irnops of tho convention, who
niimbcreil iibont IMK) men, there were only I wo o(llcern ; while with the prlsonerH at
Hcunlngtou there wore cotnpartttlvely a large number of olUeer».—iVo<e tnoriijinai.

174

MAJOn a EN K HAL HWDESKL

rospcotinf^ the coiulitin?) of our tronps. I tlicrc^forc rcqiiost yimr
cxcclUsMcy ttt .mmkI liiiii back as Hodii as pitssihln.

'• I havo. I'ti-.,

"lllKDKSEI.."'

(icncral Carlfhin rcpliod to tliis Icftcr in a very friendly
spirit. Ilo said in liis letter tliat tlie Urunswiek tn-ops ol" tlie
convention bad sailed lor Kurope, in cbarfie of liieiitenant
]{einokin<;'. as early as the (Jtb of June. Of the priHoncrs, who
hud been left at l{ntland under two oflicers, one hundred were
to b(( sent to New Vor!-: - and eoiiseijuently the lle.ssian major,
Haurnieister. bad }:;one to IMiiiadelpbia to settle the matter with
contrress. The troops would be sent t(» Europe immediately
upon tlj ',ir arrival in New "S ork.

This letter wa.s brouj,'ht by Tiieutenant P'Annicrs. lie had
arrived in New York too late to jro south and imiuire into the
condition of the prisoners. 'J'bey were iilready s'li'.in^ on the
broad ocean without Hiede.sel knowing; in what condition they
were in. The only thinj; which consoled him was his know-
ledire of the skill and honor of hieiilenaiit Peinekinir. wliom he
knew to have <lone bis best to procure all the nec(!ssaries for
the troops.

The JMiiilisb ;;c>vernnient, as a matter of eomse, was anxious
to tret rid of tlu^ aii.xiliary troops as soon as possilile af'er the
declaration of jteaei'. They cost a i;reat amount of money ilaily,
and with \wx exelic(|uer exhausted. Muj^iand was oblijrcd to be
very economical. In addition to this, tbcy were desirous to
avail themselves of tht^ favorable season of the year to transport
to their homes the soldiers whom they did not wish to leav.i
lonjicr in their lamentable position.

The above mentioned letter of hord N'oilb to Uiedesel reads
as foHows :

' Till' (IrnH of llilx letter \* without imiiir of pinro or diUe. It w.is very iirohntily
wrilti'ii 111 8uri-l, till- lalliT iinrt iif.liiiK'.

/.v /•///■,■ .\)ii':itiVAS UKvoi.irioy.

175

" WllITKII Al.l,. Ainll {\. 17S:}.

" My Dear Sir : Proliniiniiry iiojiotiatidiis ii.r iioucc botwocn
hiw iimjoHty ami tlio rnitcd States (.f America liavi.-i-f bouiiii,
and it boinj^ tho iiitciition to ri'lVain fnnii all oporatioiiis against
( aiiaila. I have reeeivcnl urdern I'niin the kinu; to inform you
that iuHtnictions have been given to (lover/ior llaldiniand to
make the neeessary preparations for the r. "im of yourself and
the troops of his hi<ihness, the duke of J{r;ijmwick.

"The kinjr has further instrueted nie to inform you that lu!
has received, during your stay in Canada, the m..st honorable

t«'i<t' "'ii'f* in reuard to tlui merits and services of yourself,

and the brave conduct of your officers and men.

" I pray t<j be permitted to add that it gives me special satis-
faction to communicate to you (he assurance of the good will of
his majesty, which, it is his royal wish, to have expressed to
you in the best maniu'r possible. •• I iiui etc..

"NaiiTii."

At last, Uicdesel. having arranged matters so that his men
coulil start at any moment for <heir designated place ol' em-
liarkation. left Sortd with lii.s family for (.^)uebee the early part of
July, lie had long before this received invitations from llal-
diniand to visit him. It was his inlt iitii.n l<. awaii there the
arrival of the transtJorJs. The goveruo- received his friends as
usual in the i;i. ,^1 ci. -dial manner; and. although In was not yet
recovered frcei hi^ MIness, he did everything to make their last
days in Cnii aa.-. plea.sunt as possible. In bis care fiu" their
coming joiirnev be was indefatigalde. lie aJMi. did iverythinL:
in his power tor the (Jerman troops. Il«' iiad a very pretty
villa near Quebec, which he called .Montmorency, where iu;
often went with bis friends to sr,end a ph'a.sant hour, lie still
cherished the hope that he should return to Kurope wiili iheni ;
and both the IJiede.sels and himself made all kinds <if plans for
a delightful and comfortable joiirmy together,

7<t

if.l.foli' (iKXmiAt, ItlEDKSKL

III the hcjriniiiiiL' III" Aiijrust. tlic" tr.iiisjinrts arrived. Tliis
(ilili^icd (iciuM'.'il Uiodcsol tn r»!tiirii (iiico iimro tii Snrid to iiftciid
t(i .sovcral matters ; and as tlic vtissid upon whicli lio was ti>
make tins f ri|t was (|iiitc roumy and ('iMnlortabh'. and tin; weather
delij^ditfiil, lie timk his laiiiily with him. Vpun his retiini to
C^uehee he iiiund eV'-rytliing ready lor departure, llaliliinaiid.
with his usiia! rnrethoiiuiit. had had a heaiitil'iil transport,
whicli was a fast sailei'. lilted up and provided with evt'rythin;:;
necessary Cor the voyaj^e. ThuH, sevi'ral eahins were I'urnished
ill I'le most eoinli; table manner, and on the rear deek ho had a
miiii.iture i:,irden laid out in wliieli (earth havinir heen taken on
hoard) lettueo was planted Tor use during the voyaj;e. .\ ni!W
milch cow WHS also sent on hoard hy the special direction of
lialdimand. liir Uiedesel's children to whom he was very much
all.'icheil.

In the meantime I hildimand received dispatches tVum liondon
in which he was ordered lo remain at his post in ('anad.i.
With weepinfreyes he eominunii'ated this intcUiucnce to .Madam
jliedc.-*el, addiiiu in a leelinfr manner, • I had hoped that we
should return toucther; hul the kiiiL' has ordered it iliffereiilly,
and I must ohey."

Hel'ore his dejiart lire, Itii'desel |ire.-i'nled lialdimand with his
lavorite horse — a heautil'ul mare with loal. The latter, also,
on his part j::ave .Mrs. Hiedes»d a muH" and tippet of .sihle -as
ii remembrance of tlie country in wliiidi sln^ had remained so
loii^;." lie likewise jravi^ to her eldest daiijrhter. .Kuuusta,
whom he playfully called the • lillle lady," a little doi; to whitdi
she had taken a ureal fancy.

The olVicers. also, manil'csted their devotion to the family of
Hiede.sel, by ^ivinji a tliealrical piece writleii expressly for the
oecii«iiiii, and referrin<r to the approaching voyajfe. .\t the
close of the perform;iiice. the actors san^ a son>^ in praise of tlu;
(ierinan troops, after which one ol" them adilrcssed the ;j;eneral
in a formal speech which s|toke in hijih terms of his friendly
treatment of the llritish troops. The laist evening of his stay,

IX TIIF fU/CnrCAiV BKVOIA JDiS.

177

Ricdcsel, with liis family and a few fiiciids. din.'d at (ioiioral
Ilaldiinand's. At the clcwe of the entertainmeiit tlie pivenior,
witli many of tlie .)fficcrH ami inhahitaiifs .A' Quehcc, accom-
paiiied the travelers to the .ship, where they bid them a heart-
felt farewell.

Karly the next moriiinj,'. the anehor.« were hoJHted. On the
same ship with Uiede.sel, were hin adjutant, his staff oflieers,
Chaplain .Mylius. a band of mu,«ie. and Doetor Kennedy and
family.! '|'i„, \\^.^^^ under an i"]ni.'li.-<li commander, arrived
safely at Isle de Pie .it the month of tim St. Lawrenee. Wkyv
the shi|)H w(!re ol)lij:e<l to ea.^t anchor, am] wait for a favorable
wind. This delay lasted fourteen days, causin^i- every one to
feel very impatient and exceedingly lonesome. Tho.se who had
taken with tluun fresh meat and ve;:etahles for the voya^'e, used
them \\\\ licrc. The joyfulness. which until now, had been on
board the ship, j^ave place to <iloomy silence. And. in addi-
tion to this, there was danger of encounterinji; e(|uinoclial
storms .should the voyaj^e be in any decree prolonged. TIk;
idea .if having to remain another year in this ])art of the wculd,
was to every one a sad. yea. a terrible thought. Kvery one
longed for home. Hut om- Suiulay morning while divine .service
was holding on board ol' the generals ship, and whiii' all were
listening to the fervent prayer of Pastor .Mylius llu- a favoring
wind, a .slight movemcrif of the ship was noticed — a sure sign
that the wind had sprung up; and scarcely had the pastor
finished iiis .-^ernion when the '•oinmand was given to hoist
anchor, Instantly v'very one was on the ijiii rin.

The general, to whom flu; voyage was very troublesona^ on
account of his health, was exceediiigly desirous to reach the
English coast as soon as possible. lie ecuildbcof m. use lo his
troops during the voyage ; and, besides, he liail dispatches to
the king, which he wished to hand him as .soon as praetieable.

I.
|-
#

r
4

' DiH'tiir Ki'tiiii'ily, till' iihyr-iciiui of ItiedL-wrx I'aiiiily Ht Hiirol. Iiiiil (i.<k('il nnil
nlitnliiud pormiiisliiii nf tli(< intlci' to i;o to Kn).'Inii(l on tlic Kniiic Fliiii.

178

MA.IOll OKSKRAL UlhWESKL

The captain of the ship, tlic Quebec, on which the general was,
hail a jiivat notion of sailing ahead of the fleet; but this could
not be allowed without the consent ol' the coinniodore ; nor was
it certain that this could bi^ tibtaiiied. An accident, however,
helped in this emergency. Two days after getting under way,
one of the ships signaled that its captain wished to speak with
the coniniodore. 'J'he whole fleet wre. therefore. ol)ligcd to
stop. The eoniinodore, out of politenoss. called to the ship of
General Riedesel through a speaking trumpet, " Keep on, gene-
ral." he, of cour.se, expecting that the ship would unite again
with the rest of the fleet. Hut the captain, making this an
excuse for sailing ahead, hoisted all his .sail, and soon the entire
fleet was left behind.

Till' following day a storm arose, which henceforth lasted
more or less during the entire voyage. Still as the ship was
now in adva?ice of the fleet, and the wind was at her back, she
was driven forward with great rapidity. Hut ont; night, one
of tile sails was blown away, and the ship was thrown on lier
side, causing every one to I'ear the worst. The ship was also in
danger of Are. A burning smell was notice<l. Mvcry places
was examined; and.iit length, .Mrs. Uii'dcsel found in the cabin
of .Mrs. Doctor Kennedy a string, on which the lantern had
hung, on fire. This string was tied around a beam, impregnated
with tar, and had it not beiMi fm* this opportune discovery, it
would somi have been in flames. Shortly after this ailventure,
the ship encountered still another storm in which, tiiis time, she
lost one of her masts, .\ndyet, notwithstanding all these troubles
(by which the pas.sengers were often in danger of their lives),
the ca]itain called it a fnrtirnlili nim/. It did not agree with
the general, iiowi'ver ; and. !ieing unable to sleep at night on
liis bed, he remained generally upon deck. He was so tired of
the voyage, that hi- oni\ day remarked to his wile that he had
rather sta} in a pig pen than on board the sb.ip.

Toward the end of the voyage a dense log arose, causing the
captain, who eouhl not exactly discover where he was, to feur

/.V THE AMKJilCAy KEVOLUTIOS.

179

the Scilly i«lmi(ls. He therefore took in his sails, and waited.
On the afternoon of tlie 18th, the fo<; (liwappeared, and revealed
to them, near at hand, the Lshi of Wij;ht. and in the distance
the white, ehalky eoa.st of Hnj-iand. Wliat a joyous .'Sensation
the passenjrers experienced at heinjr finally so near their jour-
ney's end ! The ship had sailed with amazing rapidity, has ing
made the distance from the mouth of the St. hawronce to the
coast of England in eighteen days.' After sailing under a
violent wind, and not without danger around the l.nle of
AVight. she entered at eight o'clock in the evening the bay of
St. Helens. The next morning the ship again sailed, and
would soon have reacluid I'ortsmouth had she not had the mis-
fortune to run on to a sunken man of war ' in that harbor. In
this dangerous position she remained all that day and the fol-
lowing night. rpon once more getting ufioat, and entering
Portsmouth harbor, cliance so ordered it that she ran in between
two other ships with which .Madam lliedesel was well aci|uaintcd.
One of them had carried her from England to l.'anada, and the
other from New York to Quebec.

As the vessel, on account of the ebb tide, was unable to reach
land, Riedesel chartered a lugger to convi-y him ashore. This
trip cost him considerable ; for he was badly cheated, and forced
to pay fifteen guineas (over one huiidre<l tinders) for a distnnoe

of only half an hour. The next day. Uiechssel. ace panieil I.v

an adjutant, started from I'orlsninuth for l.undciu in order to
hand the king the dispatches he had brought. The hitter re-
ceived him in the most kind and gracious manner. Madam
lliedesel arrived in liondon a few ilays later.

In London, tlu' family met ag;iin many old friends, and among
them (/ouural Tryon and others who bud retunicd from Ame- /

' Tlii;' wiiM Ihc lli-l ^liip lliiil had iiiiulc llml ili^liiiii-c ill •»ii !.tn>ri ii liinr. Shu
rnii hIic'kI iir n Kroiiih frigate wliii li miiilc ilii> r-iiiiu' ilintiiiirc in iiliii'ii'cn dnyn.—

Xule ill Olil/lllll/.

'' Mrs, Uicik'sil, in licr joiiiiml, i"liU(- lliiii llii" i<iinkcn wliip wuh tln' wrccli dIIIio
Hoyal (i"(ir){<'.

2;»*

180

MA.) on OENEIIAL ItlEDESEL

rit'ii. All did their best tci iiiiikc their stay as pleasant as pos-
sible. The jreiieral and his wife were one evening invited to
take tea at the cnurt when no one but the royal family was
present. .Madam Riedesel was seated between the queen and
the oldest princess. She was oblifred to relate a great deal of
her adventures to the ladies, and she was fully c((ual to the
task, for she had experienced much, and knew how to relate it
in an interesting manner. She excelled, indeed, in carrying on
n conversation. The king stood near the fire place conversing
with the gtMieral upon more serious affairs. The former, also,
was so obiiuing as to carry on the conversation in the German
language. Riedesel and his wife remained until nearly ten
o'clock with the royal family, whom Mrs. Kiedesel describes as
exceedingly amiable. She writes : "The royal family have, in
fact, the gift of taking all constraint from one, so that we felt
as if we were with a happy family of our own rank."

During (heir stay in liondon, Riedesel and family were the
recipients of many proofs of esteem. l'ers(Uis of high rank,
whom he had not hitherto known, paid t\\v\v respects to him in
person, .\niong these were the secretaries. North and ]'\ix.
Such distinctions were at this time, not generally paid in Lon-
don to foreigneis — an evidence that the German general had a
good name in that city.

The general wished very much to remain longer in liOn<lon,
and see scnne of his conqtanions in the seven years' war and
the sights of the great nietropnlif*. l)ufc the German troops
were hurried oil. giving him no option in the matter. The
latter were again emliarked at Deal, a little city on the canal,
'i'he e(|ninoctial had just begun ; and the weather was so stormy
as to render the embarkation dangerous. Fortunately, how-
ever, everything was accomplished witlnuit accident. Three days
were spent in the stormy voyage to Stade. The ent(!ring of the
Kibe was esi)eeially difheuit ; and tiie general, who was anxious
to get to Stade as soon as possible, was conveyed to the shore
in a boat, and thenei^ in a eaniaire to the citv. His wife arrived

h\ THE AMERWA^f REVOLUTION.

181

tlicro at eleven o'clnck in the cveninfj; under the escort ol' (lu;
eaptaiii of the sliip wlio had carried her from Quebec to En<^-
land.

Tlie {,'oneral. wi.shing t<i wait for tlu; arrival of bis troops,
remained here a day longer than his wife, who preceded him to
Wolfiiiibiittel. The latter was met in that town l)y her lady
friends, who had already heard of her arrival. Her house liad
been prepare<l tor her reception ; and she found everything as
she had left it seven years ago.

From Stade, Kiedesel wrote the following letter to Duke Fer-
diii, -'d :

" Stade, Siptnnhn- 2(5, 178;{.

" Gracious Sovereign : Trusting that your highness has re-
ceived my last letter, sent you by my adjutant, Captain Cleve,
I have the honor of announcing to you higliness the safe
arrival of myself and the rest of tiie Hrunswick troops on tlie
coast of (fcrmany. My health, strange as it may seem, lias
been, during the whole time, pretty good, but for the past few
days I have been suffering from a slight fever, which has weak-
ened me consideraldy. I hope, however, that air and exercise
will aid nic again to throw it oft".

" Fight days since I was in London, and had the good fortune
of being presented to the king. His majesty reijuestod mt- to
give your highness his most friendly eoniplinients. but 1 siiall
reserve to myst^lf the pleasure ( '" comniunicating orally all the
expressions of regard and esteem for yi'Ur per.suu which tlie
king expressed to nu! on this occasion.

" I had also the pleasure of meeting several oifieers who
enjoyed the protection of your highness during the last war,'
especially (i(!neral Conway, (ieneral Howard. Clievalier Clinton,
ami Lord Southamj)ton — all of whom desired to be remembered
to you. They are all very much attached to yourtw-lf, and openly
glory in their affcu'tion and regard for their excellent general.

' Tho Bovon years' war.— Mote in orir/iiial.

182

MAJon GKXK/IAL ItlKDRSKL

" T sliall remain here a tew days in order to draw the money
for tht! sul»si(*(enci' ol" the troops. I shall then hasten and jiiaeo
myself !ij;ain at the iiead of the lirst division, and remain in
wliatever garrison to which I am a|i|iointed. As soon as I am
throu<rh with my oitieial dnties, ! shall hasten to Mrnnswiek to
report myself in person to yonr hijihness. and solicit the former
favor which I have enjoyed, an<l also to assnrc? your hi;.fhiicss of
the deep devotion and unaltcrahie attachment with which 1 shall
rej^ard you all tlie days of my life.

'• .My wife re(|nest« mo to remember herself ami family to
your hiirhness. Slit; waits impatiently for the time when .she
can jKiy her respects to you in person. Iler.self and family are
very well. She will remain here ii lew days, and then go to
IJrunswick by the shortest route.

'• Hoping to be able to wait soon on your highne8.'(,

•• I have the honor, ete.,

'' IUkdk.ski,."

The march to Wolfeid)iittel occupied eight days. On the
way he pidilished a eircnbr addressed to the commanders of
regiments, thanking them for their devotion and good behavior
It reads as follows :

during the war

iKl/r/.KN, ()rfi,t„,-4, 17H:5.
"Ah the time is now close at hand when I must lay down
the command of those lirunswiek troops, known as the Knglish
subsidies, and as I am yet in ignorance of my future destination,
I cannot let the opportunity pass ol" expressing to your honors
my thanks for the great /eal and fidelity yon have manifested
in the service, and also for the personal politeness and friendship
I have enjoyed from you during the time I have had the honor
to command this cor])S in .\merica; and, although I have
thanked all the oHicers in a general order, yet I rcMjuest your
honors to repeat it again, and to present, in the liveliest e<dor8,
my gratitude to the dillerent regiment**.

/A' TlIK AMKltlVAX KE'VOWTlOX.

183

"It would 1)0 wrong for the UruiiHwifk corps to beliovc. thnt
as his most serene highness is siitisfied with the conduct of tlm
troops, niul possesses coniplt^te knowledge of the <|Utilities and
merits of each officer, he will not treat every one according to
his real deserts. In whatever cases his most serene hiyrhness
consults me, I shall always faithfully make my report; and I
hope that the officers will not ascrihc it to me. nor annoy nn- if
some pisrsons are not as pleased as they e.xitcetcd. Wiiencvcr
I can personally serve your honors, it will always give nn; (he
greatest pleasure to do so. In conclusion, be assured that I
renniin always with the greatest regard,

" RlKDRSKr..

To liicutemmt Colonel Ilillc,
liieutenant Oohmcl Mengen,
Lieutenant CVdonel Harner,
Major Maihorn,
Major Lueke,
Major Khrenkrook,
Lieutenant Colmiel I'raetorius."

" To the Comininii/rri)/ t/ir Dnii/onn liiijlmriit :

" I shall never forget the special love ami attachment which
this brave regiment has manifested toward nie. nor the readiness
with which it has ever met my wishes. It is a real satisfaction
to WW that his .serene highness has such a good opinion of this
regiment, that in future, it will he ])laced on a better footing
than it now is. and that the reduction, soon to take place, will,
perhaps, have no influence whatever upon this regiiniMit. I
pray your honor, to inform not only the oflicers, but the whoh?
regiment, of this fact, that tin; latter may be convinced that I
have not forgotten its merits. I am. also, in hopes that this
assurance will do away with a certain ill humor and dissati.sfac-
tion which I have noticed, »ad enable it to go into garrison
with the same homu- with which it marched out.

" RiEDESKL."

184

MAJon OK.VKIIAL ItlKDKSKL.

" T» Llruhnnnt dnlmul Vm Wlh :

" Ah ('oldiii'l Vdii Si»oclit IcikIh tilt! H(M'()ii(l (livisidii as coiii-
inim(l(!r ol' the curps, yniir lioiiKr will li'iid my rt'jj:iiiu!iit into
j,'iirris(tii ; mid, I flatter nipi'lf, tliat imlt-Hs fato j^rwitly diHap-
poiiifH nil!, ymir riitiiit' doHtiiiy will be siii-li as to anijily i'lilfill
your l>rij;lit('st aiiticijtaliiniH.

■• It lias always \n-v\i my custtini tn nM(uiro as much aspossiblo
of my iiil'aiitiy rcj^'imoiit ; and I miiHt hore givt- testimony to
tile nolile manner in which it ha.s surpaHScd my uxiieetationH.
I have hut one more last demand to make of you and the eorp8
of ofliei'rs, viz : that you will ^o into liarrison in the same neat
and pniptu" dress in whieh I have seen the rejiiment at Montreal
and Sorel. The details, where it is possible, I leave to you,
but you will allow mo to work for the general p>od of tho
officers as I shall deem proper, and accordinji: to my best ability.
I feel, also, assured that most of them, if they take a just view
of thinjj;H, will be satisfied with their future lot.

" 1 remain, etc.,

'' HlKDKSEr.."

On tho Hth of October, tho general, at the head of the first
division, and surrounded by an immonsc and joyous eoncourso
of people, entered IJrunswiek. The duko rode out on horse-
back a part of the way in advance to meet him, and had tho
soldiers march to the parade j;rouiid. 'I'he troops, destined for
Wolfenbiittel and to whom tho general belonged, thereupon
marched to that eity.

The brave troops brought back with them to their homes,
their old loyalty to their b(!loved ruler. Their fame and glory,
notwithstanding so many iinhai)py circumstances, not only had
been kept uiustaiiuid. but had been brightened by deeds of
bravery, and still more by v;.\eiii|)lary discipline under mis-
fortune.

OFKKMAL DOCrMKNTS

IIRI.ATINII TO

OKNKHAL lUEDEHKL'H CAMl'AKJN IN A.MEUK'.V.

(JKNKIIAr. ItlEKKSKL To Till'; KKKIMNO DCKK, CIIAHLKS OK IIIUNS
\VI( K, l.i'NKIIKIKi.

Camiiuiimik, N /)/(////«/• Vi, ITTM.

Since my report of llxt iiilddle i)f June, no allenilion liiis been
niiule in llie corps ol' iiis serene liijilincsc. Desertion iiureiised jiirnin
iluriiij; the liiller part of June, mid liislcd iilionl liiurteen diiys, wiieii
il censed a,i;ain, of its own accord. Since llien no case lias occurred.
On llie contrary, some of liie deserters returned. Tliey were ainuni;
tiiose wild deserted last winter iind lured tiiemselvcH out to worii on
tiie flulH liopinjr in lids way to eH<'n|)e Ihe unpleasant life on Winter
hill. They have now returned in couse(|uenci' of the jiardon held
out liy me to deserters ^rcnerally. The chief reason, jierhaps, for the
decrease of desertion is the description f;iven Ity those deserters, who
have relurned, of Ihe treatment they received durin.i; their altsence.

lint this evil no soon<'r vanished than il was replaced l>y another
e(|ually as had, viif. ; the irrcat increase of deaths. The extreme heat
experieitccil here durinjf the day (which caimot lie compared to that
of (Jermany), and the cool niirhis have produced dysentery and scor-
butic allect ions, u'eiu'rally terminal ini; in disea.ses of the lunus. Fevi'i's,
also, have rolihed us within llie last four weeks of from forty to lilly
men. .My iidimlry re,i;iineiil and the jrreinidier liattalion, which i;ol
alonj; the best in this respect diuini? Ihe last two campaiiiiis, have
lately had the nuist deaths. All possible precautions are taken
against these danjf<'rous diseases. I have eslalili>lu'il reirimciilal
hospitals, in which all those who have contai;ious diseases are kept
separate from the rest. Whenever suit meat is furnisheil to the men,
T buy fresh nu'at and wholesome vciretables for the sick ; but all this
does not brinji; about the ilesircil result.

In my last report I meiUioned Dial an oflicer had been sent to
Canada in April, by way of llalifa.v, to obtain our ba,ir,ija!,'e and

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186

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS IlELATINO

clothing; but, .'ilthough a long time has elapsed since he went, he
has ncitlicr returned, nor have we since heard from him. Should
tiiesc tilings not arrive mj-self and the regiments would he placed in
a had fix ; for I do not know how tiie soldiers of the second division
would be iirotectcd from the cold weather. They have been wearing
tlieir uniforms now going on five years. Their coats are so worn out
that it is not possible to keep them any longer in nspair. Piece after
piece of cloth actually falls from them. General Phillips lias ordered
blankets from New York, and has had coats made for the English
regiments in ease the clothing should not arrive from Canada before
winter. This, however, has been done at the expense of the com-
manders of regiments, who, by English custom, cloth their own men,
and who owe them now two suits of clotliing.

As much as I dislike doing anything without instructions from
your liighness, and as much as I dislike putting you to expen.se, yet
under the circumstances I shall have to adopt similar means. To
this course philanthropy and duty alike urge me if I would preserve
the men whom you have committed to my care. But I will wait
until the last moment, and I am convinced that your highness will
not be displeased wiih me for doing that to which I am forced by
necessity.

Our condition is always the same; nor are we informed whether
measures have been taken on the part of England for the ratification
of the treaty. We have, therefore, no prospect of delivery. How
happy would I be if I could receive but a single letter from your
highness Avhicb might serve as a guide for my future actions.

You no loubt know of all the events which have occurred in the
American theatre of war, better than I can tell you, everything being
done to prevent good and reliable news from reaching us. The
march of Clinton by land from Philadelphia to New York through
Jersey — which is considered a masterpiece — was carried out with the
greatest skill.

You have no doubt, also heard of the affair of the rear guard at
Monmouth, where the rebels were beaten, hut claimed the victory
for them.Helves on the ground that the English rear guard, who
whipped the American general, Lee, retreated in the evening. The
enemy sustained in this action a great loss in dead and wounded,
Avhile Clinton lost but few. It is said, howuver, that he suffered
greatly by the desertion, both of English and Germans — a fact that
is attributed to the ac(iuaintances whicJi the troops picked up among
the Americans during their stay last winter in the province of Penn-
sylvania.

Scarcely was Clinton nicely located in New York, Staten and

TO I.E.V. lilEDESEL'S CAMPAION.

187

Long islands, when the French fleet, consisting of twelve sliip.s of
the line, and four frigates under Count D'Estaing, entered the harbor
of New York. Lord Howe, wlio was too weak (liis largest sliip
carried only sixty-four guns), to risk a general engagement, contented
himself with defending tlie entrance to tlie harbor. In this he was
successful, and D'Estaing, seeing the impossil)ility of success in tliis
quarter sailed for Rhode island, entered the harbor of Newport, and
blockaded that town from the water side. At tlie same time a hostile
army, under Sullivan (who had collected it at Providence), landed
on Rhode island and attacked repeatedly but vainly the English
corps under Pigot, who was in a fortitied camp near Newport. The
situation of the latter, however, was extremely critical, and there was
good cause for alarm unless he was siieedily reenforced.

In the hope of creating a diversion in favor of Pigot, Lord ITowe
with his fleet made his appearance before the harbor of Newport.
D'Estaing, misled by this strategy, sailed out of the harbor with the
intention of giving battle to the English admiral. The latter, upon
this, retreated to a certain distance, and when he thought that he
had enticed the French admiral sufllciently far, turned suddenly
around, and, in spite of his weakness, attacked the French fleet, used
it almost up, and would have gained a complete victory had not a
terrible storm come uj) (the like of which has never been known by
the oldest inhabitant), and separated and dispersed both the fleets. Ad-
miral D'Estaing returned to Newport after eight days. Two of his ships
with seventy-four cannon were still missing, and his fleet was in a sad
condition. In addition to having on board many sick and wounded,
the hulls (jf many vessels were pierced by cannon balls, their masts
and rudders lost, and their sails and tackling destroyed. He imme-
diately wrote to Sullivan that his fleet, in consequence of the engage-
ment and the storm, was so damaged that he could not cooperate
with the land expedition against Rhode island, nor oppo.sc an English
fleet that was expected. On the contrary he would be obliged to go
into Boston harbor to reflt. Tlien without waiting for an answer from
Sullivan, he sailed into the harbor of Boston in a miserable condition.

Meanwhile, Sullivan, who had continued the attack on Pigot dur-
ing the absence of the French fleet, but, notwithstanding tlie flereeness
of his attacks and the vigor of his cannonade, had accomplished
nothing, raised the siege. While departing, he was attacked by
Pigot (who had received reenforcements from t'linton) and lost more
than 1,000 men, darkness alone perniilting him to cross to the main-
land, when he made good his retreat to Providence.

This unsuccessful expedition has caused among the inhabitants
great discouragement, and an intense dislike to the French.
24*

188

OFFICIAL DOCimFNTH liBLATJJ^Q

The French fleet is here in tlielmrbor, Imt tliere being no materials
for its rejiair, espeeially for the larger masts, it is said that the fleet
will not h( able to put to sea mitler three months. D'Estahig tlesired
to liave his troops garrisoned in Boston, but was refused. 25,000
pounds of flour and 13,000 i)ounds of meat have to be furnished daily
to the French fleet, ^m^/s. A bloody fight occurred in Boston, day
before yesterday, between the French and Americans, in which the
French ofticers were stabbed. Mistrust, jealousy and embittered
hat red on the part of the populace, have caused such a disagreement
between the allies that an extremely tart correspondence has been
entered into, and a recurrence of unpleasant .scenes may be expected.

Admiral Breymann is said to have arrived finally (atler being so
long expected), witli twelve ships of the line, and to have united with
Lord Howe,- If this is so, the latter's fleet now consists of twenty-
nine sliijis of the line and twenty-two frigates. It is also rumored
that Clinton has sent oft' a great part of his army on transports. The
future will explain this movement.

In my last report, I stated that the endeavors of the English com-
missioners have been fruitless, and tliat all proposals for peace had
been rejected by congress.

I remain, etc.,

RiEDESEL.

* * » Virginia, Mnrcli 22, 1779.
As there is an opportunity of sending otf a letter by the return of
the ships, that have brought to us our effects from Canada, I report,
that the troops have made the march of 075 English miles from
Cambridge to this place, in tlie roughest season of the year, with the
most glorious endurance! Desertion, as the inclosed report will
show, though considerable, has notlieen as great as I expected, from
tlie fact of our having had to march through a district of over 150
miles long, the inhabitants of which are (Tcrmans in good circum-
stances, and who have preserved the old customs of the fatherland.
They spent money and used all possible inducements to persuade
our soldiers to desert and remain with them. The troops have
manifested the best discipline on the march, a fact wliich is spoken
of in America in praise of the men. The copy of the two orders
issued by Plullii)s in regard to this, as also his report to Sir Henrj'
Clinton, and the one from him to the king, will prove to you tiiat
the troops, as well as the ofllicers, merit your approbation and favor.

niojribti!.

• :n

TO a US'. lilEDESEVS CAMPAIGN.

189

In consequence of the nunor that the province of Viri^inia was
infinitely to be preferred to tliat of Massaclmsetts bay, wo promised
ourselves that our soldi(!rs would be placed in a much better position
than in Canil)ridge, and would thus be repaid for the fatigues during
tlieir long march. But greatly to our surprise we find it the reverse
in every particular. We were sent to one of the most out of the way
plantations inhabited by poor people, where there is no communica-
tion with the sea, and where not even tlje most necessary articles for
the support of the soldiers, or tlie smallest articles of clothing could
be procured for money. On the place which was appointed to the
men for dwellings, formerly stood miserable huts called barracks,
but wliich were now in ruins. Here the soldiers had to spend over
fourteen days in the snow, which was from two to three feet deep,
until tliey had built theni.selves huts with their own liitnds, to pro-
tect them somewliat from the snow and rain.

It is my duty to report to your higliness the care and discipline
with which the march has been conducted by Brigadier General and
Colonel Specht during my al)sence.

Our sick were transported by water from Cambridge, and will
arrive here with the remainder of the ships that contain the rest ot
our baggage. I remain, etc.,

RlEDESKIi.

New YoiiK, February 34, 1780.

It is impossible for me to describe to your highness my disappoint-
ment at the possible loss of all my reports, by wliich I shall be deprived
of an answer to all my several inejuiries which I have repeated in every
successive report since my last one of 1778, from Cambrivige. These
inciuiries were of a personal nature to myself. Tliey were, whether
your highness considered my presence of more importance to the
troops of tlie convention, who have melted down to 800 men, or to
the active troops who liave increased in Canada to 2,000 men ; and
further, whether I shall, in the latter case, request Sir Henry Clinton
for a particular exchange, or in the former, return to the convention
troops in Virginia. And although it will be hard for a man of my
age to spend his best years — which might be used for the good of the
service — in mournful captivity with a handful of unarmed men, and
in a climate which is so detrimental to my health that I shall die if I
return thither, yet I will be intluenced neither by inclination nor
personal interest, but will implicitly follow the wish of your highness.

There is once more a new prospect for a general exchange. The
captured Ameiican officers here, have at last, after repeated recpiests,

190

OFFICIAL DOVUUENTS liELATINO

• .1

succeeded in iiulucini? congress to propose negotiations for a general
cartel. Sir Henry Clinton, on his part, lias consented to it; and
General Phillips is ourtirst connnissioner assisted bj' Colonels Gordon
and Nathern, of the English guard. This new commissioner will
commence business on the 1st of March, at Amboy. If they had to
deal with men of faith and truth, I, myself, could believe, yes and
even assure j^our highness that this matter of exchange would be
accomplished, and that your troops, who have bet;n in captivity for
the last two and a half years since the broken conveulion, would
soon be exchanged.

But alas I I know tlie principles of congress too well. It would
seem as if that body makes this offer only with a A'iew of hushing
the many voices of the complaining oflicers ; and knowing well that
such a cartel will only result to their disadvantage and our advantage,
they will place so nuuiy impediments in its way, and ask for measures
that it will be impossible for us to grant without violating, tiie honor
and interests of tlie king, that the cartel will be defeated. I could
wish that I am wrong in mj' opinion.

Since my last report of December 3d, in which I announced the
departure of Sir Henry Clinton with 1,200 men, notiung has occurred
worth mentioning. No news concerning him has yet reached us.

A cold spell, tlie like of whicli is not remembered bj' the oldest
inliabitant, has frozen over the North and East rivers so that they
can be crossed with wagons and artillery. This circumstance greatly
endangered our long extended chain of outposts from Paul's hook.
Staten island, Long island, King's bridge and the garrison at New
York. Each of these posts was exposed to an attack of the enemy
with superior numbers, and we could not lose one of tliesc posts and
hold New York.

At lirst, it seemed as if General Washington intended to profit by
this favorable ojiportunity. He ordered Lord Stirling to cross on the
ice from Eiizabethtown to Staten island, but want of order, missing
of roads, and other impediments frustrated the fii"st plan of the
Americans,' which was to surprise our troops on Staten island at
night ; for on the next morning tlicy found us prepared to receive
them in our fortitications. The Americans marched up against it,
but did not feel disposed to storm it, and retired again, the following
night to Eiizabethtown, after robbing the poor inhabitants on the
island. Brigadier Sterling took several prisoners from our rear
guard, and many froze to death.

' It will be observed that Rledesel does not speak so frequently of the Americana
as rebels, as he did iu the beginning of the war.— Translator.

TO GEN. RIEDEHEVS VAMPAIO.S.

191

This unsuccessful undertaking, on tlie part of Washington, was of
great benefit to us, for it reminded us of tlie danger in wliicli we
were ; and our defenses were consequently increased two fold. Tlie
posts of Paul's hook and Staten island, and also tlie garrison at New
York, were reenforced. The citizens of this (!ity otlVred to take arms
and defend it themselves. Five thousand of them were accordingly
armed. New York being thus safe, we began to act on the otfensire
with detachments.

A detachment from Staten island went twice to Elizabethtown,
driving away the post there each time. A detachment from Paul's
hook did the same with one at Newark. General ^latliew at King's
bridge, detached Colonel Gordon, with 400 men, to White Plains,
who either killed or captured a post of tlie enemy consisting of a
colonel and 250 men. These small expeditions brought us in 1
colonel, 3 staff otlicers, between 20 and aO other (jflicers, and upward
of 300 prisoners. General Washington, also, according to all the
intelligence we received, threatened us with a general attack, lost his
offensive spirit entirely, and since then, notwithstanding the best
opportunities, has undertaken nothing.

Washington has also refused me permission to send Lieutenant
Cleve to Germany.

I again ask for orders as to my future conduct,

and remain, etc.,

RlEDESEL.

TUB HEREDITAKY riUNCB TO GENERAL RlEDESEL.

SchSnkwald, June 11, 1778.

llight Honorable Sir, and Highly Respected Major General:

I had the pleasure of receiving your honor's letter, dated April the
2d, on the 10th of this month at tliis place. I thank you very much
for it. Be assured that I heartily sympathize with you in everything
which has occurred to you in this unhappy American expedition,
and exceedingly lament the sad fate of our brave men who have
merited such glorious encomiums from their worthy chief But do
not in the least doubt that I do full justice to your conduct, your
judgment, and the noble zeal which you have shown, under the
most crhical circumstances, for the welfare of the corps. Be assured,
also, that I appreciate tiie pains you have taken in the preservation
of this corps in their present lamentable situation, and your energetic
and unselfish exertions in their behalf I shall, most gladly, use

192

OFFICIAL noCUitENTS liELATINO

every opportunity to mnnitiiHt to you by my actions this sentiment ;
iind, it slmll always be my dcliglit to be of any service to tlie corps
under your command.

WiHliiug you all possible success, and assuring you of my perfect
esteem,

I remain, etc.,

Chakles,
Crown Prince of Brunswick and LUneburg.

CHARLES WILLIAM FERDINAND TO GENERAL RIEDESEL.

BuuNswiCK, May 29, 1780.'
My Dear Major General :

It lias given me great pleasure to hear, through Captain Cleve,
from yourself and the (!apturcd troops; and I beg you to feel assured
that you have my liearty sympathy in all your dilHculties. I consider
it, moreover, my special duty to inform you that the people of
Brunswick, and, in fact, the entire judgment of Germany, do you
perfect justice. I cannot omit here remarking that I am entirely
satisfied with Captain Cleve and his whole conduct while lierj. He
has given me, in every respect, the most perfect satisfaction. Wtth
the best wishes for the welfare of yourself and the troops, and with
the assurance of my high esteem.

I remain, always,

Your most faithful friend and servant,
CiiAULES W1LLIA.M Ferdinand.
To Major General Von Riedesel.

GENERAL RIEDESEL TO CHARLES WILLIAM FERDINAND.

BUOOKLYN ON LoNG ISLAND, Jwm 6, 1781.

I closed my last report of military operations in this quarter, with
the victory of Lord Cornwallis, near Guilford Court House, all the
forces of General Green — the latter of whom was completly shat-
tered. The destination of the corps, under Major General Phillips,
was then unknown ; but I am now able to report that he has gone,
with the largest part of his corps, through a complicated manoeuvre,

' Answered September 10, 1780.

TO (ih:\. lllKI)KSh:VH CAMI'AUm.

193

having inarched first hito the vlchiity of Williamshurg and York in
Virginia, anil thence to Petershiirg, wlu^rc lie dispersed a body of
1,500 rehcls, witii llic loss of a few innidrcd men. Tlicncc lie marched
against Iliclimond, when he partly destroyed llic enemy's warehonses
of toliacco, ammnnilion, provisions, etc. He also burned a few of
the public buildings, ships and bateaux. The loss, sutl'ered by the
rcbel.s in this excursion, is immense. All the magazines for Green's
army were destroyed, and all the important articles destined for the
French fell into our hands. They are tliur almost entirely deprived
of the means with which to continue tlie war against iis in the south.

While on his march to Portsmouth (our established post in Vir-
ginia), General Phillips received a letter from Lord Cornwallis
informing him that the writer, intended marching from VVilminglon
to Petersburg, and inviting his cooperation in this movement.
General Phillips, therefore, turned back to'vard Petersburg, where he
came very nearly inten^epting General Lafayette, who, on learning
of Pl'lilip's advance, retreated to Uichmond in the greatest haste, A
large number of adjutants, aid de camps, (luartermasters and
engineers were found and captured at Petersburg. Here, General
Phillips, in expectation of the arrival of Cornwallis, established him-
self, but on the 10th of May, he was taken dangerously ill of intlam-
matory fever, and died on the loth of the same month, to the greatest
sorrow of all who knew him cither personally or by reputation.

The commanding general, Sir Henry Clinton, who, as I believe,
had, some time ago, a strong notion of going him.self to Virginii',
sent four additional battalions from New York, viz ; two from An-
spach, and the ITtii and 34th regiments as rcenforcements for the
corps in Virginia. These arrived on the 34th of May, at Petersburg.

Cornwallis's Theatre dela Cfiierir is bloodier, and, to the eyesof tlie
people, seenis greater and more heroic than that of otiier generals
elsewhere ; but the extremely largi territory on the one hand, and
the enthusiasm of a few of the dilferent partisans on the other, have,
since the battle of Camden, split up the army in such a manner, tliat,
occasionally, we have suffered here and there unpleasant affronts.
In the hope of finding North Carolina ready to take up arms for us
in large numbers, Cornwallis was induced to leave all his communi-
cations and march into the centre of tliat province. General Green
and all the rest of the rebels retreated before him. Our army sur-
mounted all possible difticulties and fatigues; but the number of sick
soon weakened it more than it was strengthened by additions.
Indian corn, merely ground between two stones, was the subsistence
of the soldiers, and the month of March, the army of Cornwallis
scarcely numbered l,r)00 men.

I (

T.K

OFFlilM, IXK'VMEXrs KEIATISII

McMiiwliilo, Ocncntl Orccn rallied all the troops that ronld lie
(•<)ll('cl(il ill Virginiii and all tliosi' lliat (it'iicral Wat«liiii;;toii could
send liiiii from his army, and, liclicving that Cornwallis wan sutll-
ciciilly wcakciKMl and in iiccd of snlisistcncc, crossed the 1{oanok(^
and adviincecl airainsl the latter. Cornwallis then perceived that he
had advanced too liir, and that North Carolina would not take iip
arms airainst the rehelstothe extent \\y\ and every one had heeii led
to e.\|H'et. He believed it too ha/ardoiis, if, indeed, it was not im-
possilile to retreat to Canideu — a distance of ov<'r TiOO miles — with
a handful of men and hefore a refreshed army, and he, therefore,
bravely determined to attack General Green. lie did ho, bent iiiiii,
captured his artillery, and made several i)risoners. Hut, although
(iri'di's army was dispersed, and tht^ country laid open to us, the
position of Cornwallis was no better than before, llf- had now
about ftOO men wounded, with no wa{;;ons to carry them. This
circumstanee, tofiether with a weary army and a scarcity of jirovi-
sions, caused Cornwallis to nnireh to AVilmington near Cap(! Fair
where some sliips laden with supplies for the army had arrived from
Charleston. He arrived at that i)lace safely, and refreshed his army.
Allhoujrh CJornwallis knew that Green had retreated beyond the
mountains into South Carolina, thus endaniterin^- the posts be iiad
left behind in South Carolina at (Camden, Ninety-si.\, Augusta, beyond
the t'on,u;aree, and at Georgetown, he, nevertheless, resolved to march
eastward, and unite with the troops of Phillips at Petersburg. This
he accomplished on the IDth of ^May. Time must show what reascms
Cornwallis had (or pursuing this course, and what he will now do.

Tlie present situation in South Carolina is as follows; Lord
Hawdon, with a single regiment of infantry and a few combined
detachments, is fortified at Camden. A detachment of a few hundred
men, for the communication with Charlestown, is beyond the C!on-
garee river. Another detachment, consisting of provincials, is at
Ninety-si.\; while Augusta to the let1, and Georgetown to the right,
are occupied by ourtroojis. (Jeneral Green, whose army was entirely
dispersed at the battle of Guildford Court House, has rallied another
army of ;(,00() to 4,000 men beyond the mountains, and marched against
Camden, where he besieged Rawdon for a few days. This brave
young man came out with his garriscm, attacked Green, and forced
him to retreat. The remainder of our above named posts are all in
great danger, and the communication between Lord Rawdon and
Charlestown very much threatened. Should Green persist in his
desire to conciiier South Carolina (Charlestown excepted), it is not
impossil)le he may do so while Cornwallis is at so great a distance
from liim. In truth Rawdon's situation is very precarious,

TO OK.V. ItlKnmKVS (JAMPAIOff.

106

It 1h easy to Judjto of tlic Hitimlion of New York uiid the tmups
under 8ir Iltiiiry Clinton, by y\w (Iclmlitnciils sent over tlicn: from
here from time to time. It in more iippropriati* to cull it ii pirrison
of New York and environs tliiin itn uriny ; and, until the arrival of
the expected rcenforcementM from Hnjiland, neilher a llannilml nor a
Turenne conld orij;lnate or execute olfensive operations in this part
of North Americ^a. A portion of th(^ French troops from Uhode
island have formed a junction witli W'ashinjiton on the Croton river
toward the east side of the North river, and act as though they
designed assuming the otlensive. I believe it is still uncertain (per-
haps it is not yet decided), what Sir Henry Clinton intends doing
after the arrival of the reenforceinents from England — how the two
generals will agree upon different points — and where the ^"'//*(<'(r/«<
will be.

Admiral Arbuthnot cruises between Rhode island and tlie C!hosa-
peako bay with everything that can be called a war vessel. He has
three objects in view. To prevent a hostile Heet entering tlie Chesa-
peake bay ; to watch the manceuvres of tlie French fleet near Rhode
island, and to intercept a French fleet, said to consist of thirty trans-
ports, with troops, magazines, provisions, etc., and to be escorted by a
man-of-war of sixty-four guns, nnd three frigates. R is hoped for llie
good of the cause, that Admiral Arbuthnot will so(m go to England ;
nor will the expeditions on land and on sea ever be harmonious until
this change takes place;.

Admiral Rhodes seems to have fallen in love with the treasures of St.
Eustace, and, with General Brougham, has his quarters there still. He
sent Admiral Hood with eleven ships of (he line westward to destroy a
fleet which was expected from France, and which was said to consist
of many merchant vessels, under tlie escort of a few men-of-war
and frigates. But instead of capturing a cpiantity of liooty, he was
received by twenty-two ships of the line and a host of transports
filled with men, and had hard work to escape. A naval engagement
took place, in which a large number were killed on both sides, and
three of Hood's ships were badly damaged. He was so fortunate,
however, as not to lose a single sliii). For wliat purpose these large
reenforcements arc sent to the West Indies by France, and what the
result it will be, time alone will show. I fear they are aiming at
the south side of this continent, and our establishments in that
quarter. It is a problem to me, how the secretary and Lord Sand-
wich can permit a French fleet to go to sea without at once sending
adequate reenforcements to those places threatened by it. We
always lose the time for a campaign ; and the blood of many men
has to pay for this neglect.
26*

190

OFFICIAL UOVUMKNTS KFLATINU

'IMi

Tills iiewH, in rcpird to our situation, which hiis been jjuthcrcd In
every wiiy, iiiul which is entirely relliiltie, I send to your serene hi>,'h-
ness for your priviile use. It' it is not so understood it niivy prove
detrimentid to nie.

1 remain, etc.,

HlKHKHKI,.

P. 8. The dispatches not luivinji; ns yet gone, I have still an oppor-
tunity of addin;?, tluit yesterday, the 10th instant, Hrlgadier Arnold,
with his own and the Robertson regiment of the i)rovincials, arrived
here from Virginia, and brouglit the intelligence that Cornwallls
letl Petersburg to attack tlie Martiuise de Lafayette at Uichmond.
The latter, however, at his approach, fell l)aek, crossed the James
river, nuule u halt between the Uavana and Flouvana rivers, twenty-
eight miles from Hiehmond. It is said tlial C'ornwallis intends pur-
suing Idm still further and thus become nuister of Virginia.

M-ri'TKHS Ol-' (IKNEUAL KIEDEHEL TO THE DUKE t'EUDINANI) OF
DUrNSWICKLlJNEBrKO.

Camhiudok, March 7, 1778.

I lind the pleasure of receiving, by the way of Rhode island, your
letter of the ad of last month, which you were so kind as to send me.

I wish I could add to this letter a continuation of the journal,
filled with heroic deeds and conquests ; but, unfortunately, fate has
cut asunder the thread of glory, and notliing is left us but to prove
publicly, at the proper time, that this misfortune was not brought
upon UB by any cause of mine or of the troops Avho are under my
command — tho:*e troops, who have fought four times so gloriously,
and were praised in the published order of the day,

The trooi)s are sutfering great tortures in their present position ;
but they bear it with great firmness, and without murmuring. They
are (julet, and commit no excesses. Congress refuses us permission
to return to England ; and unless it changes its resolution, we shall
have to remain in this lamentable situation until peace is made.

Nothing can console us but the sympathy of the i)ublic and our
countrymen. As for me, it will be my only comfort if I can flatter
myself that I retain the favor of our serene highness in the future.
To merit this Is my sole endeavor.

I remain, etc.,

RlEUESEL.

To Uh:S. lilUDKHEUH VAMI'MUN.

197

CvMiiHiUdi:, M'irch 2(1. 177H.

Ah C'oloiu'l Ainslnitlii'r rctiiriiH to Eiijflaiul f)ii piirolc, I cmhiiuu!
tlie opporlimity U) HL'iid your liij^lincHs iiiiotlicr Icltcr. I trust Hint
tlic letter, with the (lociimenlH l)eloiiu;lii;i: to it, •.vhich I sent by Ciiplaiu
Green iil thi; beginniiij,' of this month, Iuih niilely arrived. The otllcer
whom General Hiirgoyne sent to amgrefs to protest iigiiinnt its
resolution not to nllow the convention troops to depart — has returned
with tlie curt answer, " Tliat congress will not alter in any way its
resolution until the king himself lias i'atilie<l the convention." Thus,
our unhai)py fate is now settled, and there is no otiier hope of
escaping tills slavery but that of an e.xdiange, which may l)i.' put otf
a long while.

Not knowing what may bo reported in P^ngland in regan' i > our
sad situation, I have \vritten the following article for the uiko of
Justifying the conduct of myself and the troops in the "i'.'lit of your
highness; and to prove tliat it contains nolhing else • ■ i the truth,
I have had all of the staff olHcers sign it atler a ccisultation. T keep
tlie i\ ■' ul for the sake of warding otf all the attacks vthi(.li u. ly bo
made on our troojis, or in case the general should seek lo luy tlie
blame on them, which, however, I do not believe lu will ilo. If
none of these surmises be correct, and nothing of tlic kind takes p':ice,
I will burn the document without making any further use of it, and
sliall take the liberty of asking the same of your.serene highness.'

I have thought it my duty to answer this, and Colonel Amstruthcr
will, as soon as he arrives in England, insert, in aiy name, in the
Loiuloii Ncw» the following answer :

CAMunimiK, March 30, 1778.
To our great surprise we have read in the Loiuhn Newn an infamous
lie in reference to the conduct of the German troops, under the com-
mand of General Burgoyne, to the etfect, that many Germans deserted,
and many did not fight with bravery. It is not necessary to answer
such a slander, since the praises wliicii have twice been given publicly
by General Burgoyne to the German troops in regard to their bravery
and their good conduct, proves the revei-se ; while the lists of the
losses of the army during the last campaign will sliow that at least
three Englishmen have deserted to one German.

' This document Ih tlio same tliat is piiblislicd In full In ttic body of tliis vvorlt,
under the name of Riedcscl's inll'tary Memoir. A portion of it is aiso fjivcn in
The tetters and Journals of Mr«. General Jiiedesel.— Translator.

^i ;

198

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING

The journal and the reports of the corps, I will send at the first
opportunity.

I remain, etc.,

RiKDESEL.

Cambkidge, May 9, 1778.

Although I fear that I shall seem presumptuous in trouhling your
highness with meaningless letters, the consequence of the barren and
dr(!ary situation in which we unfortunately arc at present, yet my
devotion to your highness, and the remembrance of favors received,
urge me to go beyond the limits of duty.

Our sad situation — without the least prospect of a change —
desertion, which arises among the troops from misery, inactivity,
and the persuasions of many recruiters and the humiliating treat-
ment to which we are every moment subjected by the inhabitants of
this country, oppress my spirits and enervate my body to such an
extent that I doubt whether I shall ever again see my fatherland.
Surely I sliall not, unless some happy accident extricates us from this
labyrinth. How fortunate I would be, had I never seen this conti-
nent.

We amuse ourselves in our inactivity, with all kinds of news, the
most interesting of which is, a declaration of war between France
and England, the expected arrival of commissioners from England
to make peace with the Americans, and the recall of Lord Howe,
with the rumor that Lord Amherst will assume the command in
America. Time will show whether these news items are true or not.

Major Latterlohe, who was the duke's agent in England, shines
here as deputy quarter master generfil to Washington. He had the
audacity to send his compliments to me ; but I returned him the
answer that I had no acquaintance with a man of his character.

I held it my duty to communicate to Lord Germain my remarks
concerning the document of General Burgoyne, referring to the last
campaign. My brother will hand this to you, and you will be con-
vinced that it is the naked truth. It is sad that English pride does
not allow the least satisfaction to foreign troops, even, when accord-
ing to all principles of right and justice they deserve it; as, for
instance, was the case of our soldiers in the last campaign.

I remain, etc.,

RiEOESEL.

dMh

ro QEN. SIEDESEVS CAMPAION.

199

Cambridge, June 9, 1778.

Your gracious letter of September has given me tlie greatest joy,
HoAv clianged is our situation, since, happy in the tliouglit of being
conquerors, we expected to meet General Howe in Albany, and hoped
we would finish the war with that campaign ! In place, however,
of such splendid prospects we were surrounded and surrendered, and
the fortune of war placed us in our present sad situation. The only
consolation in our misfortune is, that he who sacrificed us, and who
was the cause of our calamities, has been recalled. But in my pre-
sent unhappy condition, I cannot trust myself to speak. I have no
other news to mention to your highness, e.Kcept the movements of
General Clinton, who is a talented and enterprising man, which will
decide our fate. It is sa'd that he has already opened the campaign
with success, but this is all rumor, for the correctness of which I dare
not vouch.

I wish and hope that our liberation may soon enable me to write
longer and more interesting letters. For the present I must close,
assuring you, etc.

RiEDESEL.

Albany, October 21, 1778.'
I suppose that your highness has seen the letter from my master,
the duke, containing the most sad intelligence in regard to our army,
and that portion of the Brunswick troops that is with it. My con-
science is clear. I was only a subordinate general on that occasion.
No one asked my opinion, and I could do nothing else than carry out
the orders given me. The damage it does to my name and that of
my troops, is all that grieves me. My soul is yet so sad, that I am
unable either to give a detailed report, or send a journal. As soon,
however, as we arrive at Boston, I shall have the honor to send you
a faithful account of the whole affair. I may possibly be blamed,
and since those who are absent are, of course, always in the wrong,
much will be said against me. But I am convinced that your
highness will stand by me until the whole matter is investigated,
and until it is evident that the entire cause of this misfortune is due
solely to poor combinations, and the gracious purpose of General
Burgoyne." I remain, etc.,

RiEDESEL.

'ThlB Is the date as given in tlie German edition, but of course it is an error —
the true date being 1777, the year previous.— Translator.

'^ The meanintv of the latter clause in this last sentence is not clear, unless it is
intended for irony.- Translat<rr.

.nil.

200

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS liELATINO

Camuhidge, Ncrtember 10, 1778.

Eight diiys ago I received your gracious letter, for which I thank
you. I have talien tlic liberty of sendiug you several letters since the
unlucliy day wliicli witnessed tlic beginning of our captivity. Even
if only a few of these letters have readied you, you will know what
has occurred since our unlucky campaign, also the reason of this
campaign and the unfortimate state of affairs resulting from it.'
I shall rejoice very much, if I receive but one letter from your high-
ness this year alter the news of our misfortune has reached you."

Congress having emphatically declared, that it would not liberate
the convention troops unless the convention, concluded between
General Burgoyne and General Gates, was ratified by his British
majesty, and the authority, even, conferred by the king upon the
commissioners having been rtjected, all hope of liberation has
vanished, nothing save a, decisive victory by Clinton can bring us
hope. That might bring about an exchange.

Our troops, with the e.xceptitm of some vagabonds.who havedescrted,
have borne all their misery and wretchedness with the most noble firm-
ness. But since congress has determined, under a frivolous pretext, to
send our troops from here to Virginia, a journey of 700 English miles,
in the middle of wniter, it is uncertain whether they will bear their
fatigues with the same endurance. It is equally uncertain, how
many I shall succeed in bringing with me to our new place of
destination.

Wc have the best of verbal promises from General Clinton, that ho
will use his utmost endeavors, to have us exchanged as soon as
possible. Time will show how soon he will be able to carry out his
promises ; and should I in a little while have the pleasure of writing
you from New York, then its contents will be more interesting, and
its style less melancholy.

Our situation being so miserable, and that which occurs among us
being of so little interest, I have ceased keeping a journal, but I will
begin it again as soon as we are liberated, and I will not fail to once
more forward it to you with the same punctuality as of old. I have
sent to my master, the duke, several plans of positions, battles, etc.,
relating to the campaign of 1777, which I am confident he has shown
to your highness. The fear that the package might be too large to be

' Dnkc Kcrdiimnd wrote on the margin of this letter : " They have all reached
me, and I liavo also answerwl them."

» The duke wrote again on the margin : " It is strange that no letter of this year
(1778), lias yet reached him."

i'.'*.

TO 0K\. R1EI)ESEL\S CAMPAIGN.

201

smuggled to New York by an officer, prevented nic from sending you
a duplicate of them.

My wife and children, v/ho, thank God, are well, desire to be
remembered to your highness. I am anxious to see how they will
endure the long journey hence to Virginia ; but I have confidence that
the same providence, who has so wonderfully protected them hitherto,
will also care for them in the future.

I remain, etc.,

KlEDESEIi.

New YoiiK, December 8, 177$).

On my arrival here, the 29th of November, I was so fortuiftitc as to
receive two letters from your highness ; one, dated November 23d,
1778, and the other, February 11th, 1779. These are the first letters I
have received since your highness learned of the unfortunate capitula-
tion at Saratoga. I thank you for the sympathy you manifest, and for
the assurance of your favor, whicli is dearer to me than all else.

You tell me, that one must have firmness under misfortune. I
have endeavored to keep up good heart in the presence of the public
and the troops, as though I had forgotten our misfortune ; but grief
has taken deep root in my heart, and it is altogether impossible for
me to forget this calamity. My constitution has entirely changed,
and I have scarcely seen a well day since the event.

I do not understand why the plans have not been transmitted to
your highness as I requested. If Gerlach can gatlier anything from liis
Bruillmis, the same plans shall be finished again during this winter.
I will send them myself to you, when completed.

You will wonder at receiving this letter from New York, dated in
the month of September.' While I was in the back settlements at a
watering place. General Phillips wrote me by an express messenger,
that it was the desire of Sir Henry Clinton, that he and I should goto
New York upon parole. We hastily entered upon our journey and
are now here, without knowing definitely what is to be done with
me, or whether my gracious master will consent to my absence from
the troops. Time and circumstances will enlighten me in regard to
everything, which is now a mystery.

The opening of the campaign in this quarter was nothing less than
brilliant." Sir Henry Clinton made an offensive movement across the

' Probably a misprint for December, the month in which this letter is dated.-
TranMator.
"Ironical (?).— Tramlator.

■

202

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATINO

North river. •The two surprises at Stony-point and Pauli-liools,
altliougli of little importance, have caused the fame of the army to be
considerably diminished, and has inspired the Americans with fresh
zeal. The capture of St. Vincents in Grenada, and the defeat of
Byron's fleet in the West Indies, have so elated Count D'Estaing, that
he undertook an attack upon Savanna in Georgia. Nor does he
confine himself to this alone, but already speculates upon an attack
on New York, after his first plan shall have been successful. Hav-
ing united with General Washington, he began his preparations.
Savanna Avas in great danger. Sir Henry Clinton made a retrograde
movement for the purpose of concentrating his forces in the vicinity
of New York ; and every measure for defense is now being taken
against this combined attack.

General Prescott has repulsed three attacks of Count D'Estaing
and the American general, Lincoln. The former was twice wounded.
He reembarked, and left the coast. Lincoln also fell back with the
loss of Charlestown in South Carolina. Sir Hyde Parker, in the
West Indies, has captured eighteen French ships, and from thirty to
fifty vaisseaux, laden with provisions, ammunition, and other neces-
saries for the fleet of Count D'Estaing.

Ten thousand men are now being embarked here for some import-
ant destination, where, no one knows. It seems, however, as though
fortune was again inclining toward us, and the cloud now hanging
over our horizon would soon Uft. God grant it !

In case I receive permission from Washington (our parole extends
only to America), I will send my adjutant. Lieutenant Cleve, to
Brunswick, to bring me the wishes of my gracious master, in regard
to myself and troops, and that he may report orally, since it is
impossible to intrust more to paper in my present situation. He will
deliver to you the journal from the time I was no longer able to
send it. He will also be able to answer all questions, which you may
ask him in regard to it. He has orders to tell you everything that
he and I know anything about.

My wife desires to be remembered to your highness. Sir Henry
Clinton, to whom I mentioned the fact of my writing to you, desires
me to give you his humblest respects.

I remain, etc.

RiEDESEL.

New Yoke, March 25, 1780.
I hope these lines will meet with better luck than all the letters,
which I wrote your highness in the year 1779, and which, apparently.

TO GEN. RIEUESEVS VAUPAION.

203

have never reached their destination, since Privy Councillor Fcrroncc
tells me, in liis letter of the 30th of October, that no other letters had
been received from me at that time, but those written before my
departure from Cambridge. Yet I have written five letters to you
between the time of my arrival in Virginia and the middle of the
month of June. All of these arrived in New York, and were thence
dispatched to Europe.

Lieutenant Cleve, my adjuUint, is the fortunate bearer of this letter
to you. He is ordered to tell your highness everything that has
occurred not only where we are, but in the whole of America. He
is instructed in regard to all matters, and, indeed, knows every-
thing that I know myself. I have instructed him to tell you every-
thing without reserve, and to entirely pour out his heart to you, and
ask your advice upon several matters while he remains in Brunswick.
I also take the liberty to recommend him to the consideration of
your highness. He is a very good officer, bears an excellent cha-
racter, and has rendered important services during my sojourn
in this part of tlie world, especially since my health has been so poor
as to unfit me to attend to my usual business. I will not enter upon
the news here in detail, since Cleve can report it verbally and more
explicitly. He will deliver over to you the journal, and will be able
to answer any questions you may ask him.

Captain Gerlach, whom I intrusted with the making of the plans
for you (which plans, by a misunderstanding were not transmitted
to you by Mr. Ferronce), has requested me now to send them to
you by this favorable opportunity. They are not all flnislied, but he
will send those that are not yet done by the next opportunity. I
think it will not be longer than fourteen days.

I have the pleasure of informing your highness that my wife, who
sends her humble respects, was delivered of a daughter on the 8th
of this month. Mother and child are both enjoying good health.

I remain, etc.,

RlEDESEL.

New Yoiik, May 14, 1780.'
I avail myself of the departure of Capiain Geismar of the Hesse
Hanau regiment, who has been exchanged, to pay my respects to
your highness in another letter. I hope Lieutenant Cleve has
brought you my last letter of March. I am still in the same uncer-
tainly as regards my own movements ; being here, in consequence

• Received Jane 98, 1780 ; answered July 1, 1780.
26*

204

OFFICIAL nOCVMENTS liFLATlNO

• 15

of orders from the conininndcr in chief, witlioiit Icnowing the reason.
Neither am I as yet acquaiuted witli tlie wislies of tlio'dulie, and
know not, therefore, wliat to asli of the commander in chief, or wliat
to refnse. I liope tliat everytliing will be made clear to me after the
return of Sir Henry Clinton, and upon receiving the orders of my
gracious master by Cleve.

On the 24th of April we received news from Charlestown, which
leads me to believe that the city and the rebel army will be in our
power in a few days. It is nevertheless true, however, that since
then we have not heard a word from them, which causes us to feel
somewhat uneasy. We hear from England that a French fleet
intends to pay either New York, Charleston or Canada a visit; and
since Marquise Lafayette has arrived with important matters for
congress, it is not to be doubted that France is about firing a large
bomb-shell, but it is yet uncertain where it Avill burst. All necessary
measures are being taken for the defense of this island ; reenforcements
amounting to 1,000 men, have been sent to Canada; and I trust that
Sir Henry will soon succeed in capturing Charlestown.

Tlie populace of Philadelphia are so enraged against the IVIarquise
de Luceran, the French minister, that he was obliged to flee in the
night to Washington's head quarters ; and matters are at present so
mi.xed, that it may reasonably be expected that the revolution will
terminate, unless France achieves some success, and thus cheer up
those who are downcast. The English flag still maintains the supre-
macy on the West India islands, notwithstanding the arrival of
French reenforcements.

I think I shall be able to communicate to you more interesting
news in the course of four or six w^eeks, which I both believe and
flatter myself will be good. For tlie present, I can only solicit your
favor for myself and family, and remain, etc.,

RiEDESEL.

New York, June 28, 1780.
I have good reason to fear that your highness has not received my
several letters which I sent you, viz : three from Virginia in May,
June and July. My adjutant was the bearer of the first one. Since
my arrival here, I have written you in December; a second time in
February ; a third time in 3Iarcli by my adjutant ; a fourth time by
the Brigantine Le Flay ; a fifth time by Captain Geismar of the Hesse
Hanau troops, and a sixth time in May. Captain Gerlach had the
good fortune to receive two letters from your highness since then,
which confirms me in my doubts that you have never received mine.

TO QEN. RIEDESEVS CAill'AION.

205

I have licaril with sorrow of your grief upon the death of your
most ilUistrious brotlier, my gracious duke and niastor. Allow me
to present my condolence on tliis sad event. This loss adds to my
melancholy feelings ; for in losing my most gracious duke, who has
always acted toward me and my family, like a father, I lose a pro-
tector. My gratitude and atfcction he will have through all eternity.
It is fortunate for me that he still lives, who is the founder of that
hai)pincss, which I enjoy in his service by giving me his support
during the first reverses in military life.

By tlie surrender of Charlestown we are filled with fresh hope of
liberation. Seven generals, about three hundred offlcers, and almost
four thousand prisoners of war are in the hands of Sir Henry. Tlicre
is now ample inducement for the exchange of the convention troops,
and our prisoners of war, and we will even then have a considerable
balance in our favor. General Lincoln, who has asked permission
of Clinton to visit congress for two months to work for the exchange
of his garrison, has arrived in Philadelphia. Our destiny depends
on his negotiation. Should he succeed in inducing congress to take the
initiatory step in asking for an exchange. Sir Henry will not hesitate
in holding out his hand to such a desirable project ; and I shall then
have the pleasure of again bringing together all the troops of my
gracious sovereign.

General Clinton is at present encamped at Phillpsburg, on the
White Plains, for the purpose of guarding against a French fleet
which is expected. If Admiral Graves comes up in time this attempt
will bn in vain. If not, even then, it may yet be confidently
expected the genius of the general, and the bravery of his army will
make this the complement of Savannah. It is said that Sir Henry
is in despair because this watching hinders him from following up
his advantage by another expedition into Virginia.

I hope my adjutant. Lieutenant Cleve, has delivered to you my
dispatches, and proved himself worthy of your favor. It was truly
fortunate that providence should have caused me to send him just at
the change in the administration. lie will assuredly bring me the
commands of my new master; and I will then not be in danger of
erring from ignorance of the will of my sovereign.

I remain, etc.,

RiEDESEL.'

' The duke wrote on this letter : " I wag perfectly convinced that I had answered
all the letters I have received. It may be that he had not received my letters."

206

OFFICIAL DOCOMENTS nELATlNO

^ -^

m >

New Yohk, Sept. 8, 1780.

Will your higlincsB penult me to return you my sincerest thanks
for the kindness you liiive shown to my adjutant, Captain Clcve,'
who returned here on tlic 2d of September ; also for the kind letter
which you had the goodness to write me.

No news whatever has occurred since my last letter. The two
French armies remain perfectly inactive, notwithstanding reenforcc-
ments.

I have been very ill and my recovery was doubted. I now begin
to gain a little, but am still very weak, and my physician forbids riiy
writing. I am thus forced to shorten my letter against my will •
but I hope to gain sufficient strength soon to write you, and give
more news and details in regard to our present situation.

Meanwhde, etc.,

RiEDKBEL,

New Youk, September 38, 1780.

Believing that your highness is interested in every fortunate that
happens to me, I have the honor of communicating to you, that an
exchange has been linally signed after a captivity of three years and
nine months. The negotiations are not yet finished, but I flatter
myself that this exchange will be extended to all prisoners of war,
and a portion of the convention officers. Washington, however, will
will not be in favor of an exchange of all the troops. I am at present
entirely at tlie disposal of Sir Henry ; and my departure for Canada
and entire fate depends on him. As yet he has not infonned me what
his intentions in regard to me are.

Lieutenant Herstal has sent to me the two kind letters of your
highness. Upon Captain Cleve communicating to me the opinions
of your highness, I sent ihe proper orders to Virginia for the return
of young Schuler and Brigadier Specht. As soon as he arrives here, I
will do my l)cst to send him to Europe, according to your wishes.

Since my last letter of last month, nothing has occurred here worthy
of mention. Sir Henry had a beautiful project for taking West-point
by treason, by which he would have become master of the North river
as far as Albany. There was an understanding with General Arnold,
who Avas in command of this fortified place, and who now serves as
brigadier general in our army.

Unfortunately, Major Andre, adjutant of Sir Henry, who had been

' He had gone over to Germany as a lieutenant.

TO OEN. niEDESEVS C'AitJ'AIoy.

207

(Uspatchcd in disguise to arrange tlie plan witli Arnold and inspect
the place, was captured. Tlie project was thus discovered, and poor
Andre fell a sacrifice to the intrigue. Every one feels sorry for the
poor man ; and Sir Henry was more in despair at losing him tlmn at
the failure of tlie undertaking.'

A corps of 6,000 men, under General Leslie, started on an expedi-
tion fourteen days ago. Its destination is believed to be south, but
no one linows anytliing about it. It is hoped that we shall hear good
news from it soon. The rebels arc much alanned at it. We captured,
a few days since, a courier on his way from Washington's army to
Boston. I send to you a few of the letters whicli were taken from
him, and which were printed by order of Sir Henry. The reading of
these letters will prove to you what cannibals the rebels are, and what
dissatisfaction and uneasiness exists among their army tliroughout the
wliole continent. They also do not show that they have any too
much confidence in their new allies.

There is talk of a second embarkation, and that Sir Henry intends
to strike a grand blow ; also that Sir George Rodney designs attack-
ing tlie Frencli fleet in New York harbor with the cooperation of Sir
Henry from the land. The future will show how much truth there is
in tliese reports.

Medical advice obliges me to close this letter against my will.

Believe me, etc.,

RlEDESEL,

New Yohk, November 10, 1780.'
Hoping that your highness has received the letter wliicli I sent
fourteen days since by tlie packet Roebuck, Captain Bournabe, I
embrace the opportunity, caused by the departure of my adjutant.
Captain Willoe, for England, to report as follows : Sir Henry, in
pursuance of your request, has arranged for the exchange of Ensign
Bode of the regiment Rhetz. Colonel Specht, Captain Cleve, and
Lieutenant Burgsdorf are exchanged, and I expect them here every
moment. 1 hope Colonel Specht will bring with him young Schuler.
I have requested him to do so in three successive letters.

Notliing new has occurred since my last, except that we hear that
General Leslie disembarked on the James river in Virginia, and

' In several historical works it is stated that Andrfl went in auiform to Arnold,
but put on a disguise before returning by the advice of the latter. This statement
seems to be erroneous.

"Received January 17, 1781.

1 t'^' '

• {

-
1

;!<•

'i-

20«

OFFICIAL IWCVilKNTS IIELATINO

' '•

cftptured u coiisltlfrahlc inai^ii/.ino at I'clcrsburii;!!, wliii!li Hk' rcbuls
hiiil erected there for tlieiirmy ot'Ciencriil (luleH in Norlli (Jiirolina.

It seeiim that this expedition of Li slie is part of tlie plan wideli
Cornwallis intends to earry out against llie army of (Jenerid Oales,
and tints extend ids iines in tlie scniliiern part of tiie conlinent. Time
will siiow wlietlier llie projeet results well. Your letter to tornwaliis
has l)een sent l)y Major Ueneral Von Hose of tlie Hessians, by tiic
way of Charlestown.

Adndral Rodney will sail witli his fleet from Lundy, and go first
to the West Indies, Adndral Arbutlinot is still near the French
fleet in the harbor of the Uliode Island. Our fleet from Cork, with
provisions, etc., wldeii is so much htolted for, has not yet arrived.
The army of Sir Henry Clinton has gone into winter (juarters, and
Waslnngton keeps very ([uiet.

General Phillips, afU'r his exeliange, was placed in command of
the grenadiers, the liglit infantry and the 42d British regiment.
This is the elite corps of the anuy. He is full of joy, and requests me
to remember him to jour highness.

I remain, etc.,

, HiKDKSKh, Major General.'

Biu)OKi,YN, Jan. 2«, 1780."
I hope the bearer of this letter will have the honor of waiting upon
you in person. I confess I envy him Ids good fortune, for I would
consider myself (he luckiest of mortals, could I have this pleasure
once more in my life.

Lieutenant Von Meyer of tlie grenadier.s, Ensigns Bode and Fleischer
of the regiment Blielz, have, according to the wishes of your higli-
ness, been exchanged ; and you may be assured that the carrying
out of your orders is my most pleasant duty.

Nothing wortliy of note has occurred since my last, which left on
the packet, except a mutiny in the camp of the rebels New Year's
night. Tlie (Continental troops destroyed tlie park of artillery and
deserted Washington. Tliereupon, Sir Henry, tliinking they would
join him, njade a movement witli a portion of the army, liut these
gentlemen were neither inclined toward one side or the other. They

' It may seem strnngc to tlio reader that Rieclescl signs himself major general,
having received the title of lieutenant general from General Clinton. This rank,
however, was only given by Clinton, out of courtesy to the Oerman general, while
having an English command. It amounted to nothing iu Brunswick, and Ricdcscl,
therefore, signed himself as usual, major general.

» Received April 83, 1781.

TO r/A'.V. IllKDKSKL'S fAMI'MUN.

2()!)

merely nuked lor some provlMioiis ami the privilege of paHsinj? by
liiin. It is siiid ilmt, con^'resH lias HiiccciMlcd in (|iii'irm>,' this mutiny
l)y making' promises whieli it, is not alilr to lullill. Hut even if it
could rnllill llieni, the rest of the army would demand the same thinj;.

At the veiy moment I am writiiif,' this line, news arriv<'s of u
seeond mutiny in VVashinnton's army ; the troops having heard
that the Continental troops from Jersey, who have revolted, have
offered their services to Sir Henry. Take it altogether, the rebels
never Imvohecm in such a miserable situation as at present ; anduidess
France sends soon eonsid(;rable HUi)p()rt, I lirndy believe that tluH
wnr will soon termimite.

The c(»mmand here on Long island, aflbrds me jilenty of exercise;
but although the physician tells me that exercise is Ww only means
by which I can recover my health, I feel no esi>ecial l)enetit result-
ing from it. My headache still continues ; my nnnd is feeble and
unable to work ; and a genuine hy])ochondria causes me to sj)end
my days in sadness.

A part of our convention ollieers and a portion of our prisoners
from Rutland have arrived here ; and I am making preparations to go
to Canada with these .small reenforcements to assume the command
there just as soon as the season of the year and Sir Henry allow me
to do so.

I remain,

ItiKDKHKi,, Major General.

BuooKi.VN, Fchrumij 11), 1781.

I hope your highness has received the letters I wrote you last year,
and that Colonel 8pecht has handed you my last, written in the
beginning of this year. I also trust that young Sehuler has had tlie
pleasure of expressing to you his thanks for the kindness you have
shown him. I have the honor of forwarding you a letter from Lord
Cornwallis which he sent me with the reciuest to send it to you. Sir
Henry, also, has especially instructed me to present your highness
l)is best respects.

I wish that the state of my health was such as to allow me to write
longer letters to you, especially since the state of affairs here furnish
me with plenty of matter. The season of the year, which hiis i)ut a
stop to all military operations, prevents my sending you news which
would gladden your heart. Sir Henry hopes for ample reenforce-
ments from England ; and the rebels expect the aid of 1G,000 French
troops. The result of this next campaign, therefore, will be in favor
of that side whose expectations are realized.

210

OFFICIAL nOCUMESTS ItKLATINO

CotiKrcHg ima found nicntm to HiipprcHH the two nmtliiit's in Kh
nrniy; luit ii third rcvoH miiy Im- cxpcclfd (in coiisccincnfc! of its
Iniiltlilly to itecp iln pronilHCH), widcli will Ik' of ii more w(Tl()im nature
thun tlu! pnsvlouK oncH. Arnold, who him nuirchcd iilniost 800 ndlca
into th(s interior of Virf^inlii hiis met with more huccchh tlum wiis
expected, luiving K'dned ii footliold near I'ortHnioutli at tlin nioutlt of
the Janies river.

Tlie noted Oarleton ' lias l)een beaten in tlie south. I hope it will
not result badly for tlie cause as a whole, nor end>arraH8 Lord
Cornwallis.

An army corps here, consisting of the (lower of tlie auny, has
received orders to end)arl<. Its destination is not Itnown. I should
not be surprised if Sir Henry conunands them in person.

I am malting preparations for my journey to Canada, and I believe
that Sir Henry will tlx the time for my departure, as soon as the
weather will penult. I hope the climate there will be more favorable
to my health than the climate lu-re, and that I shall then regain the
health of whicli I have been deprived for over two years. Ollierwise,
I shall not be able to attend to the work wlii(;h my duty demands
of me.

Sir Henry has had the kindness to allow me to take young
Beckwith as supernumerary adjutant. I hope that in this I have done
a favor to his fatluir whom I respect and very much love, and also
that tlie chief magistrate of Westplialia will rejoice at it. He is a
good looking young man, of good talents and cliaracter. If ho is like
his brother, tlie adjutant of General Kiiiphausen, he will be to me a
valuable acquisition, I remain,

RiEDESEL, Major General.

BnooKLTN, Sum 13, 1781.

I was delighted to receive your two letters, one dated November
14tli, at Gottorf, and the other, December, at Brunswick, upon your
return from Copenhagen.

A few days since I was again visited by an attack of fever Avhich
hinders me from making this a long letter. I liave had the operations
of this campaign drawn up by Cleve, and now inclose it.

The time for my departure for Canada has not yet been designated.
The admiral refuses to furnish a convoy, but Sir Henry has written
General Hamilton to send him two frigates, and I hope therefore that
wo shall leave as soon as the ships arrive.

I Probably Tarlcton.— Translator.

TO (/US. HIHnKSKI.'H VAMI'AKl.S.

211

ConiwiiUlH liiM iij^iiin advancod on tlie roiul to vlftory; iind iCLn-
fayctU! ill liny way ket'ps Htt'p with liiin, It In very likely im may win
iinother battle.

You will, I know, graelouHly pardon tlie HliortneMH of tliiu letter,
but my head ism) weak, I cannot write longer.

] remain,

UiKDRHKi., Major General.

RouKr,!,, .////// 8, 1782.'
Your two letters of May 7tli, 17H1, und Feliniary lltli, I7K3, were
received a weiik slnee by tlie Eiiffllsli lleet, and have given ine >?reiit
pleasure. The aHHiiranee of your favor was a good medieiiie for my
poor health.

I recognize in It my old benc^factor # » #

Nothing of note has occurred In this province since my arrival. The
misfortui; vlilcli has befallen Lord (lornwallis iilarined iisextreinely
last whiti . and all tlie news we have since received coiitirms us in
the belief that we will be attacked both from the sea sidt; and Ww
colonies. The change in the ministry has caused ii ditferent system
to be pursued ; and, unless one is a pro|)het, no one can at present
foretell what events may take place. Wc arc comforted with tlio
rumors of peace. I wish it were so with all my heart, for my health
fails mc more and more every day; and it only with great ditticulty
that I can attend to the duties of my oflice. What joy it would be
if the time had come when I could pay my respects to you in
person. Until that time arrives, I must be content to do it by letter.

I remain,

UiKUKHKK, Major General.

(JuKHKC, OcUihe)' 20, 1783.

I have had the pleasure to receive two letters from your highness,
one in the French and the other in the German language.

Although the climate in Cinada is more congenial to me than that
of the south, and although 1 feel better able to attend to my duties
since my arrival here, yet I sutfer from constant headache, and do
not enjoy good health for a week at a time.

Hitherto the situation in Canada has been very peaceable. I am
busy in reforming the Brunswick regiments, and am in command
near the border of the colonies. During the summer I encamped with

• Received October 1», 1782.

27*

. K

-J 1 >J

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING

eiglit rogimcnts on the Isle aiix Noir, where a fortification hns been
laid out, wliieh is to be strongly built of stone by our engineer,
Captain Twiss, and command the district in which it is erected. ,

It seems to me useless to send you a Journal of this year's ope-
rations, since everytliing we hear is so old that you must have heard
it long ago by way of England. I fear we are <m the point of eva-
cuating New York, and that we shall be unable to keep anything but
Canada and Nova Scotia. Under the last supposition the scene of
action will be shifted from the southwest here, in which case we
might easily be attacked next spring. I hope we shall give a good
account of ourselves.

Captain Urban Clcve has not yet arrived here, having been sent
to Halifax, and thence to Penobscot; and although I have moved
heaven and earth to have him come to me at once, I doubt if I shall
sec him before spring.

Your obedient servant, etc.,

ItlEDKSGL.

SouEi,, ,/)(/// 2, 178:$.'

I have had the honor of receiving your highness's two favors of
dates respectively, October 27, and January 17. * * *

\Vc have received orders to be ready to embark. This gives me
a sure hope of being able soon to pay my respects to your highness
personallj', and I long for the moment to come.

^Ij' health is of the same vacillating character; now bad and now
tolerable. My sole liope rests, at i)resent, on the climate. My return
to the fatherland may again restore my strength, for there I shall
be expo.sed neither to extreme heat or severe cold. It is these
changes that so weaken my nervous system.

I will not spnak to you of the peace which has been made, since
it costs me considerable to confess the disadvantages connected with
it. We must hope that that part of the nation, through whose intlu-
ence peace was made, will also find means to counterbalance
its evils. The Americans are at present apparently haughty and
drunk with joy ; but they arc candid, they talk sensibly and know
the real resources of their enemies. At such times they speak ditfer-
ently and foresee the clouds which are hanging over them.

Sixteen piasters for each man, and four shillings on every pound
sterling for beer, are the taxes which have been made, and which do
not at all harmonize with the prosperity which the inhabitants have

1 ItKCcivod Octolier 4, 178.3.

TO (iKy. UtKDJiSEL'S VAMPAIUN.

21B

ill other respects enjoyed iiiuler the Brltiwh government. The province
of Canada, also, is too inucli endangered by tliis peace ; and I tear this
has been brouglit about by a false knowledge of her position. The
English ministry have agreed to give the Americans more territory
than tiiey really asked for. General llaldimand is consequently
placed in a bad predicament, for he does not know liow to satisfy
the dcimands of the Invlians, nor how to protect the commerce of tlu;
Highlands. But without being aware of it, I have gone into matters
which I can state more satisfactorily to your highness when I have
the honor of waiting on you in person.

I have had the misfortune to lose in the month of March, my
youngest daughter, who was born on the Ist of November of last
year. But, thank God, my wife is very well, and both herself and
the children desire to be remembered.

Captain Wolzegen, who arrived here last fall, has gained the
respect of all. lie served with great distinction in New York, and
gave great satisfaction to Sir Henry Clinton. Even on a march, ho
has the reputation of being a good economist.

I remain, etc.,

RiKUKSKI..

MAJOR GENEBAI, KIEDESEL TO MAJOR GENERAL GREENE, QUARTER
MASTER GENERAL.

Sir:

Nkw York, Marcli 8, 1780.

I liad the honor of receiving at Elizabcthtown, your letter of the
15th of November, 1779, with the inclosures from Ccjlonel Uoss, deputy
(piarter master g(;neral at Lancaster, relative to a sum of seven hun-
dred and twenty pounds overpaid for transporting my baggage from
Lancaster to Bethlehem, which letter I have not had it in my power
to answiT till now, ibr want of a proper opportunity to send one to
you.

Colonel Ross seems to put the faidt on Captain Gerlach, my
dejjuty quarter master general, as if he had made a particular con-
tract with the drivers without the quarter master general's department
of your arr .y having taken any part in it. To clear up the real
fact, I desuvd a report of the whole transaction of tliis atfair to be
made to ine by Deputy Quarter Master General Captain Gerlach,
and which I luive the honor of communicating to you.

It is quite clear that Colonel Boss i)romised to me that the wagons
for the transportation of my baggage should be given over immedi-
ately on its arrival at the rate of twelve pounds, each, per day ; and

^;r imm

214

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS liELATINO

that Cni»tain Geilach had to wait five clays without being dispatched ;
tliat at last Colonel Ross gave three wagons at thirty pounds each
per day ; and that Captain Gcrlach accepted thein at price, see-
ing there was no other means of pursuing his route ; that ho paid
the sun» of money into tlie hands of Colonel Koss's clerk, as appears
hy his receipt ; that the wagons did not perform more than half the
journey, or were more than half the number of days out, nor could
it be my fault that myself, consequently my baggage, by order of
congress was stopped half way ; tlierefore, sir, having given you in
detail the circumstances, I leave the whole to your just and equitable
decision, and sliall not reply another word if you believe, according
to the circumstances, that I should lose the suni I took the liberty
to demand of quarter master general's doiiartment in my former
letter to you, sir.

I have the honor to be, etc.,

RiEDEBKii, Major General.

DEPUTY QUAKTEU MASTEK OI5NERAL GEKLACII TO MAJOR GENERAL

DE RIEDE8EL.

Sir:

New York, March 7, 1780.

I have read the letters from 3Iajor General Greene, and Deputy
Quarter Master General Ross, and have the honor of reporting to you
the whole of the transaction for the wagons, which I received
through means of Colonel Ross.

The 4th of October, 1779, I arrived at Lancaster: the first thing I
did there was to wait on Colonel Ross, requesting him to procure me
three wagons to ti-ansjiort the baggage to Elizabeth Town. Four
days atler I again went to Colonel Ross, who liad not yet been able
to procure the wagons. At last 1 proposed to pay something more
than what Colonel Ross had promised to get them for General Ried-
esel, which was at £12 each per day. At length, on the 8th of
October, Colonel Ross let me know lie had sent an express for three
was^ons, and that they were just arrived; on which I went to
Colonel Ross's office to settle lor the said wagons, and his clerk,
Mr. Brandon, informed me, that they came tothlrty pounds, each, per
diem ; I therefore found myself necessitated to pay that sum, which
I did into the hands of his clerk, according to receipt in my posses-
sion ; but I never made any particular agreement with Andrew More-
land or David Hayes.

I have the honor to be, etc.,

J. D. Geulach, Deputy Quarter Master General.

TO OBN. RIEDE3BV8 CAMPAIGN.

215.

CORUE8PONDENCE OF GENERAL RIEBESEL WITH THE HEREDITARY
I'RINCE WILLIAM OF HESSE CA8SEL, REIGNING COUNT OP HESSE
HANAU, AFTERWARDS ELECTOR WILLIAM I. KH ORDER OF THE
PRINCE ; AND A LIST OF THE HESSIAN COMMANDERS OF REGI-
MENTS AND STAl'F OFFICERS.

Most Illustrious, Most Gracious Prince unci Muster, llereditury

Prince :

Due devotion to the person of your highness, and my adverse futc,
arc the barriers which have prevented my informing your highness of
my good fortune in having under me your regiment. It is worthy of all
praise, and, without gainsay, is tlie finest body of troops in America.
The same thing may be said of the company of artillery, which has
been attached to it since the army has been divided. I sincerely
wish that I had had something to do in carrying out the plan of
operations that I might have made the fate of these line and brave
troops more pleasant than that which they have had to share with
the northern soldiers since the convention of Saratoga.

Real attachment to the troops, and a desire to have justice done
them, are the reasons for my troubling you with these lines. I am
anxious, also, to give my testimony to the courage and good feeling
which the officers and men have shown on all occasions. I com-
mend them to the favor of your highness.

I have made it a point not only always to see to it, that these troops
received their just dues, the same as those of my own sovereign,
under my special command ; but when individual soldiers have been
separated from their regiments, I have given them food and charged
it to the credit of the Brunswick military fund. Thus, those Hessians,
who have escaped from their captivity, have been furnished by me
with pay and clothes, and sent by my order to Canada. Inasmuch as
I have acted thus from devotion to yourself, as well as a sense of
duty. It would be pleasing to know that it meets with your approval.

I consider it also a duty for me to recommend to your gracious
favor the bearer of this. Captain Von Qeismar, who has the consent
of Brigadier Gall to go to Hanau. He has not only attended to his
own duties with the greatest diligence, but, with the permission of
his chief. Brigadier General Gall (under >vhom he served as brigade
major), he has sought all possible opportunities to distinguish him-
self, and manifest his zeal for the service. On one occasion, for in-

' This draft Is without date or placo.
May 14, dnrinjr the year 1780.

Very likely it was written from New York,

f ■

216

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS liELATING

stance, a horse was shot under him on the 19th of September, 1777,
duriiijf the engagement near Freeman's farm, at which time he served
witli me as a volunteer.

Soliciting the kind favor, etc.,

RlEDEBKL.

Auxiccr to the nbote.

Hanau, Sept. 5, 1780.
Sir — Especially dear Lieutenant General:

Captain ('eismar handed me, on his arrival licrc tlie 18tli of last
July, your kind letter of the 14th of May. I rejoice at its contents,
and am pleased at having an opportunity to render you (as I have
long been desirous of doing), my gratitude for the manifold care and
attention which you have shown my infantry regiment, and the
artillery company attached to it, as long as they were under your
command. Colonel Von Gall has repeatedly mentioned to me the
many kind actions which were shown to him and his men by you ;
and Captain Spangenberg confirmed this when he was here last
year. I reud(;r you, therefore, with sincere pleasure, my true thanks.
I should feel very thankful to a Hessian for doing this ; how much
more so then, to a man whose name reminds me of the many services
his ancestors have rendered to my house. I shall appreciate them
at all times, and will endeavor to show you the esteem and true
friendship whic^h I shall always cherish for you.

I remain, lieutenant genei'al, your humble servant,

William, Hereditary Prince of Hessia.
To Lieutenant (Jeneral Baron Von Uiedesel, of the Princely House of

Brunswick and WolfenbOltel.

Hanau, Dec. 31, 1780.
My Noble and very dear Lieutenant General :

I received by yesterday's mini your kind letter dated at New York,
the 1st of November last, and observe with great pleasure that you
were exchanged the 2()tb of last October, and have received orders
to go to Canada. But as much as I rejoice at this, it was very un-
pleasant to learn that my colonel. Gall, has left the regiment without
my permission and knowledge. I send under this date the order for
him to go with you to Canada, as soon as the season of the year
will allow it, and take there the command of my regiment. Ho
must not dare come to Europe.

I commend him, nevertheless, to your care, and request you at the

TO UEX. niKI)EHEL-S CAMPAIGN.

217

same time to take the necessary steps with tlie autliorities. Also, do
me tl>e favor to asli General Phillips, in my name, not to allow any
of my officers (who have hcen captured) to hm^e the regiment unless
a written permission signed by me is shown him. I would again
earnestly thank you for the kindness sliown to my men, and com-
mend them all (including those in Canada), to your kindness in the
future.

I trust you have received my letter of the 5tli of last September,
and remo'- vith esteem and sincere friendship,

WiMJAM, Hereditary Prince of Hcssia,
To Lieutenant General Von Kiedesel of Brunswick.

IlANAiT, Avgud 20, 1781.
Especially dear Major General :

Your letters of the 30th of February, 38th of April, and !)th of May,
were all handed me nearly at the same time.

I thank you very much for tlie news they contain, hut especially
for the care shown my troops, and your devotion for that nation
from which your whole race has .-iprung. From this view I estimate
more highly your exertions, being conv'nced that personal devotion
to me, and an earnest Hessian licart, are at the bottom of it.

Judging by your last letters that you will go to Canada in the
course of this fall, I send this letter thither.

I hope I will soon receive the information for which I asked you
in my last letter (one copy of which I sent to New York, and one to
Canada), in regard to Colonel Gall who has been dismissed. I depend
on your integrity not to hide anything from me ; for I have resolved
to go to the bottom of this cutting down of the officers' rations in
Canada, and, for this reason, have instituted the strictest investigation.

I was not a little surprised at the intelligence you gave me of the
unexpected arrival of Lieutenant Thomas with the transport of
recruits. They lefl here in the spring of 1780, and I had hoped that
they were long since in Canada. I hope the troops have departed
with you for that province and will safely arrive there, and that
Lieutenant Thomas has again started from New York for Europe.

It has been very unpleasant for me to learn of the measures
adopted by the rebels in regard to the convention troops, in separating
and exchanging the officers. I pity the poor prisoners with all my
heart; and fear, with you, that this separation will have many sad
results. Yet I flatter myself that, before your departure from New
York, you did everything in your power for them all, and especially

I' ^

218

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS IlELATINO

for those that belong to me. I commend my troops in America to
your care in tlic future.

I remain, witli sentiments, etc.,

WiLMAM, Ilereditarj- Prince of Hcssia.
To Major General Von Riedescl.

P.S. — Just as I was closing this letter, I received yours of the 6th
of last July, by which I sec that you had not yet left for Canada, and
that the time for your departure was not yet fixed.

In regard to the dismissal of Colonel Van Gall, I know that lie
himself requested his exchange, and it was, therefore, his duty (the
same as other officers of my regiment), to have remained in New
York until he could have accompanied you to Canada. I cannot
therefore, my dear general, blame you in the least ; but, on the contrary,
must thank you for your readiness in obliging Colonel Gall, as you
of course, could not but suppose that his journey hither was under-
taken with my consent. In respect to the future exchange of several
officers of my regiment, and in regard, also, to the measures that were
taken for the convention troops, let me say that I shall have to be
satisfied with them, since they were ordered by the king. Neither
will I be the cause of further alterations.'

Hanau, March 20, 1782.
Sir — Very dear Major General:

Lieutenant Thomas handed me, on his return, your letter, dated
on Long island, July 21st, 1781. I thank you for the good advice
given by you to this officer, to return to Europe; for his journey to
Canada would have been altogether unnecessary under the allored
condition of affiurs. Afterwards, in fact, only a few weeks since, I
received your other letter, dated at Quebec, October 20th, 1781. By
this, I perceive that you have safely arrived in Canada with the men
whom you took with you to New York, and that, after your arrival,
the command of fill the German troops was given you by General
Haldimand. This makes the knowledge of your safe arrival in
Canada the pleasanter to me, since I know that my troops there are
again under your command. I commend them to your best care and
strict supei-vision ; and I beg you not to overlook the least irregularity :
but, on the contrary, to hold my staff" and other officers to a strict

> The hereditary prince, according to this postscript, did not receive this letter,
containinjj; liic justlBcatlon of Gall, until the letter was flulshed. He had been
dismissed for returning to Europe without the conseut of tlio hereditary prince.

TO GEN. niEDEHEUS VAMPAION.

219

performance of their duty. You will, therefore, oblige me very much,
if you will see not only that the service of the king does not suffer,
but that everything that is due my troops be given them, both of
money and of rations. But if, notwithstanding your precautions, an
officer is guilty in this respect, I expect of you as a native Hessian,
and a good countryman, to inform me at once that Hessian honor may
be preserved. I shall be especially grateful to you for pursuing this
course.

As I have introduced the Brunswick method of paying the first
battalion of my regiment which is in Canada, but have not been able
to obtain a correct idea of the modus ojKmndi, I refjucst you to send
me a detailed account by the first opportunity.

I am under infinite obligations for the news contained in your
favors. I inclose a copy of my letter sent you on the 30th of August,
1781, in case you may not have received it.

Please inform my staff officers of the time of tiie sailing of the
packets that they may write me.

Lieutenant Le Blanc, who is destined for my corps of yiigers, and
who comes with sixty-two recruits for said corps, will hand you this
letter. I hope it will find you w'ell, and I remain, etc.,

William, Hereditary Prince at Hessia.

WiLiiELMSBAD, October 27, 1783,
Sir — Very dear Lieutenant General :

Your letter of July 8th, with the inclosed documents, I received
on the 21st of October, this month.

You have given me great pleasure in sending these papers, and
the interesting news concerning my troops. I ask that you will, as a
special mark of friendship, keep a strict watch over my officers that no
excesses be committed. If any such however, do occur against my
express wishes, kindly inform me at once that they may be stopped and
order once more restored. I shall consider this an act of particular
friendship, and a great attention to the Hessian service.

You will have the goodness to forward the inclosed letters to their
proper destination.

I will endeavor to repay these kindnesses whenever an opportunity
occurs, and remain

Your earnest and well disposed friend,

William, Hereditary Prince at Hessia.

28*

Ti .1-

»"?

i'iO

OFF/VIAL DOiWMENTS RELATINO

KHDKR TO TIIK EXCHANGED STAFF AND OTIIEK OFFICERS OP THE
FIRST BATTALION OF THE IIES3IA IIANAU REOIMENT, ERBPRINCE,
AND ARTILLERY OF THE ARMY OP THE CONVENTION.

The stair and other ofllcers of the 1st battalion ol'thellesHiallanau
rejfiment, Erbprhicc, aiul artillery, are hereby ordereil to go by the
first opportunity after their exchange, Avith tlie knowledjic and consent
of the commanding army of Great Britain, to the detachment of the
Ilesae Hanau regiment, Erbprince, and artillery, now in Canada.
They are to carry out this order fully, unless informed by the
generals, that the subaltern officers and privates, still in captivity,
will also soon be exchanged. In this latter case, tluy arc to remain
in New York without our special order ; but under no consideration
are they to return to Europe.

William, Hereditary Prince at llanau.

IIanau, January 28, 1781.

A FEW LETTERS OP THE HESSIAN MAJOR GENERAL VON LOOS '
TO MAJOR GENERAL RIEDESEL.

QuEHEC, January 7, 1782.
Dear General :

1 was pleased at receiving your " last letter. I have had an oppor-
tunity of speaking with the premier" in regard to your coming here,
lie said that the roads would be good toward March, when it Avould
be pleasant to travel, and he hoped to see you here, etc , etc. But
keep this dark. Your wife, whom every one loves, will be a thousand
times welcome here. I Avould strew her road with flowers, if there
were any. I intend setting out on my pilgrimage on the 25th or2Gth
instant. As for the rest, everything is quiet. Next Wednesday, we
are to have a ball ; and the day following, a concert. The whole price
of admission is twelve and a half piasters.

' The Hesgian major gcpernl. Von Loos, distinguished himself scvorai timca
during the American war. The reader must excuse us for giving passages (whicli
are occasionally somewhat coarse), as they are in the original. Had we omitted
these passages, the letters wonld have lost much of their originality. Tlirough all
this coarseness, however, shines the earnest, honest, and open soul of a blufl', old
soldier. Rledcsel, for these qualities, numbered him among his most intimate
friends. It seems that while in Canada, the old bachelor, notwithstanding liia old
age and sickness, was captured by the beauty of a young lady, and had in his head
an idea of marriage.

^ The word licre used iu the original is the second person singular. Thy (dHne),
an expression of faniiliaritv and intimate friendship.— Translator.

•' Tiie Canadian governor.

4
*

TO uaN. lUEDEnaVli VA.WJ'AJON.

221

Next Satiu'diiy is a coMeraathn. Wc pltiy, ami at ten o'clock a
side-table is set out with cold, fried meat, ham and ca]<c, and each
one eats on Ids own liooiv.' Resides the regular niemhers, there arc
invited guests. Eight days since it was held at Coelirane's, and day
before yesterday at Murray's, who, with Calwell, has the gout. Tin;
next one will be at Launandiere.

There Is no news here; most everything jogs along at the old
gait. 1 wish you health and good weather for your journey. I feel
this miserable weather in my stomach and nerves. My Hitter" is
sick, and I fear he will have the consumption.

By the way, it is said that there will be a ball at the premier's.
The people here kill themselves with eating. Clarke intends visiting
the country in February, and you will Hu'n have a new guest.
Whether he will travel as one who knows the country, and return
a learned man, time must show.

My regards to Lady Fritz and the dear cliildren.

Loos.

QuEUKC, Feb. 14, 1782.
Dear General :

Although my stomach is again all right, my mind is still dark. I
can, therefore, only report briefly that Mnrdy Ora» has been cele-
brated as usual, but sam souper!

General Clarke left here last Monday with Tkkil.

The concerts still continue, but on the 37th will take place — N. B. —
a heretic ball; and week after next, one for the ladies at the
premier's. ********

Be sure and not forget to inform me at once when Clarke starts
from Sorel to Camaraska, in order that I may go on the frozen rivers
in my sleigh; otherwise, I may be prevented by tlic season of the
year.

Now ivsk Lady Fritz wiiat they say of me 'i

Everything that is good.

Do they miss our company V

Yes, very much.

Do they love our children V

Who would not love them.

Do they miss Cordelia ? '

' Literally " out of his own flst," an idloraatic oxprasalon answering to the one la
thu text.— Translator.
» A HesBlan brigadier major, and adjutant to General Loos.
» A young and amiable Canadian lady who frequently visited the Riedesels.

i»:5

"^'f't.

OFFICIAL DOVUUEN'rH UHLATINO

Ali.yi'rt! All, yes!

And one HliijfH the air,

Cordelia! Cordelia 1

I woidd llmt you were licre.

I know iiolliinj? more to write to day, except my respK.lM. More

in the future.

Your servant,

Loos.

P. 8. By the way, has the handkerchief of Dame Jeanette been of
any Hcrviee to you V Hhe wants you to send her in |)lace of it, a cast
otfeape of your wife.

St. Aonack, h)h. 17, 1783.
Dear General :

T received your letter on my return from Camaraska. It is easy
for you to laugh at the trouble I have in regard to this /iri(/(t(lwr
triii'tdintnt, for if it does not continue, then tin? war will begin afresh,
as the pay rolls arc to he handed in anew. Then, in case the pre-
mier strikes off the pay, I can claim no more than the pay of a major
general and refuse the i)ay of a brigadier; and.inasnuieh as I desire
to be on good terms with the old fellow, this dd capo of a misunder-
standing (aside from the loss) would be very unpleasant.

I have much trouble with the drunken capers of Peuscli. I shall
go there the beginning of March. We have no bridges this year,
and on a canoe I am a poltroon even when there is no danger.

The Zcrbstans I found in very good order, and in fact am i)articii-
larly pleased with them. Fountain river is a little Eden. It has a
s])lendid location and very pretty houses. Thank you heartily for
the news, oidy let the news of jjcace continue, ilow is Monsieur
McLean V Give the old Foie-spitter my respects. How ia Barner,
who is with St. Leger, Madame Johnson and Cammel .' and, linally,
la belle Vonntunfe n perdu Hon iiiormm de puecllnfje.

And now you are omv, more in po.ssession of our dear Cordelia.
Kiss her tifteen times in my name. I heartily rejoice to hear that
j'our dearest Lady Fritz is getting better. No one can be more
intercsteil in lier welfare than I am, although every one honors her,
and she deserves it.

I cannot brag over my health. I have little sleep, and no appetite,
although I ride in a sleigh from three to four hours every day.
With this object, I have bought mc the third light b.ay horse. By
the bye, do, 1 beg, take pity on my poor beard and my blood-letting,
for 1 have not a single anny singeon wlio understands it. Have you,
among your recruits or privates, one who is on expert at this business ?

TO tIk'N. nit:i)KSKVS IMMPAtUfr.

228

If you Imvc, I will iniiki! liim an army surgeon and give you a for-
eigner in cxcliango. KcHsler, whom I itromottHl to corporal in con-
Bcqufucc of your n'comnu'udationH, Htiyn tlicre are Honie among your
troops.

Allien, ilcar friend. One tiiousand eomplimcnits to your whole
house from the roof to the cellar.

liOOH.

La PiiAiiiiE, Mitirh 1(1, 17H2.
Dear General :

I arrived hero yesterday in (ifly minutes, aiul went at once w itli
Kreusburg to tlie Indian village of Chachenuagua. Dined well at
nocm; listened to a duet of Hoclicrini in theatlernoon; played whist;
souped d III lileluimii; went to ))ed at ten o'clock ; got up at seven ;
drank tea; and at nine shall start for St. .lohns. Tlience to-morrow
for Sorel, and so on, when I shall be rid of all uninifestations of
kindness and friendship.

I suppose tluit Lady Fritz is now in Montreal. Pray give her my
respects, as also. Id heUe Conklid and the childrtin. Kreusburg
desires to bo remembered, and I am, dear general.

Votre obeissnnt,

Loos.

My regards to friend Specht. '

QiJEHEC, Afurch 38, 1782.
Dear General :

You luive my humblest thaidis for all the military honors shown
me. I pray you to lumd to Chamberlain Von Poelhiilz this golden
souvenir set with brilliants, also my portrait surrounded witli rubies.
All .joking apart, Poellnitz is a " tip lop" man ; aiul if 1 were as
rich us my sovereign I would — well —

1 arrived here last Sunday, the 24th, aliout si.\ o'clock. The roads
were very bad, especially the passage over St. Anna, where I came
very near drowning.

I was overrun at St. Johns with marks of politeness ; and, so far as
the weather allowed, every attention was shown me, so that I can
mention exactly every tavern ; for I visited them all with General
Clarke, in his covered carriole, at Montreal, St. John, etc.

How is Lady Fritz V Deposit my thanks and respects on her

' Mr.-. General Rtedegel.

-24

OFFICIAL ItOWMFSTS HKLATINO

corns. Till belle Cordeliii, en conleur tic rone, ni'occniM' Jour el niiit.
Le (liiilile einporh! ce ")!» ; hMI ,1'etolt 30. AUons, un enlevenicnl ponr-
vit turiver. iMllle conipliin. i\ In lielle, conime iiuhhI i\ voire chore
(lUiidrllle et H-iite.

Tile eonverHiiilonH will soon In,' iinuln nil the riij,'e. On the 0th of
April, there will he a t/rinu/ nmtiiiihl/c at my house; antl on IheOlli
all the liachelors will jfive a hall at Fil/fieruld'.M. Cossane Inw
entered a monastery, and will he a Franeisean monk in six months.

Praetorlus mu.st drill dill^fently. I constantly hold up to him yottr
two regiments. How is our i>remiery when will he eomeV How
are you all? An answer to all this is expected hy

Your failhliil

LOUH.

tii!K»KO, April 3, 1782.
Dear (Jenernl :

I have just received your dear letter, and attended to the ono
inclosed. I am very sorry that Poellnitz lost his het. How could
the crazy devil ever u;et it into his head to reckon on my generosity,
when I linve not a drop of that ((uality in my veins? H'Lady Fritz
had her dozen tea-cups again, instead of the broken ones, she might
thank Ood.

Every body here wants either a peace or an armistice ; but your
letter foreshadows important summer events. If you anticipate any-
thing certain in regard to a siege, tell \w, xiih roxK ; fori have !),000
Ihalers in cash witli me, which 1 shoidd like lo place in a sale place.

The peo|)lc here give their bread with more grace and good will
lliMii tliose of Montreal. 1 like tiuebec a thousand times belter.
Wlial say you and Lady Fritz V

Cochrane (inuix ciitre iioiik), not to have much money in the fund
tiiough he has some with the > .erchants. In case of a siege, however,
the latter will not " shell out." He tries lo borrow money, but nniy the
devil trust him. He tells me that if the city is besieged, I am an
undone man. This, however, is entirely between us.

Holland Avent to Montreal this morrun,;" He is reported lo have
betrayed some stale secrets. He i'^ 'ory Kicly afraid of the whip,
and will try to make it all right with the premier by deny'.ng it.
He is — well, you know him.

Here is a bill of fare for Lady Fritz's scrutiny. I recommend both
it and myself to her.

J'aurois souhaile de tout mon coeur (pie sa presence auroitembellec
ou illustrue ma fete, el ipie la belle Couleur dc Hose auroit misc tout

itt

To fit:\. nih:i>KsKi;s vami'Mun.

286

|p cociir I'll roiiiilliiiliDiis coiume dlo ii ii Montrcul et Sorcl Corddlo
toiiH k'Hclntiiiaficiilin.

My n-HpwlH to llic di-iir cliildien and milt, cHpeclnlly to my di'iir
CliunilHTlin. Willoc slinll n't urn tlic lict if ever 1 lii'conic llciitwiiuit
gciicnd. Borrowing,' is in it, i.^iviiiK-
I lun, im iklwuyH,

Voire tidt'lc scrvilfur,

LnoH.
I have over thirty ladicH. Oli dear!

Tlie (Irst Iciif WHS toiii oil' and
# » # »

QifKiiKc, .1;)//' 11, I7H2.
Dear (lencrul :

I limnii you for your last It'tti
thrown into llic tiro out of Joy.

Entcrtaininir, as 1 do at prcscnl, thirty liidii'sand cijiiity ^jcntlciiucn,
you will excuse me for finding lliein a WiWv horn In Kiiimin. What a
pleasure there is in ijcintr al)le hauj^htily to say to an uiijjrateful and
unfeeliiif? ruler and to my overhearini,' miniHier, " I will not serve you
any longer."

Now let ns speak of /« fhere Voiiliuv dc lltm-. Ac rorur niiiiiiii'wr d
hattrc. Had 1 hut seen her twenty years a;^o ! Hut it is now too
late, and I will therefore hid adieu to all ideas of marriage. Jeanette '
" don't see it," and declines with thanks ; and, knowing me, exclaims,
" Well, hrigadier, what would you do with the young and lovely giriy
The prudent, good and (Usar (Seneial Uiedesel is smarter than you ! "
A glass of Madeira heing on the tahle jnst then, I drank your health.

But as the messenger has arrived and intends returning at onec^, I

must close. My respects to Lady Fritz, ct d ma trcx rhim el belle

Cordelia.

Loos.

Qi'KiiKf, .\f,i!j 3, 1783.
Dear General :

I hope my last letter has safely reached you. There is no news
except we arc expecting the ships hourly.

I sec that you arc of^en engaged in llshing. Here there arc no tish
whatever. Catch me two or three gold tish and pack them up for me.
If they cost anything, I will pay it ; if not, so much the hetter. In any
case they shall be eaten to your health.

The premier is daily expected. He is said to he extremely
attentive to the French in Montreal, which greatly pleases the English.

L(K)H.

' Loos's housulcueper.

♦

22fi

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS ItELATlNO

il-
ls:

QuKUEC, Mitji 20, 1783.
Diiir (Iciipral:

A sliip IVdin liivorpool tinivcil nl Pic on llio IHtli iiist., bciuiiif; a
(lisimtch to OciuTiil Ilaldiiusuul. A nitrclianl, by tlic nniiK' of Hlinw
icaclu'd here ycstcrdiiy. You will sec tlmt a new ininistry liiis bt'cn
tbrnicd. The coniinons ami the people liavc done It! When tlic
news of the loss of St. Kill's arrivetl there, every body was excited and
exclaimed, " Another ministry or no kinu;!" This helped. Sir (Uiy
Carleton has been appointed commander in chi(;f, and takes Clinton's
place. Major Williams is in eonunand of the artillery in New York.
Thus, ^Ir. Hean remains here. v

At the time of Shaw's departure it was rumored that s<mic difH-
culty had arisen between Sir (Juy and the ministry, and that the
former had refused to accept the command. >'t fiihnln rem cxt.
Jlinorca is lost ! Oli dear! New York, it is said, will be the place
d\irme» ; and everything is on the defensive. The English are about
to leave the islands. Many transports are comint; from Enj^land to
New York aiul this jilace. What say yon to all this? Viiltieoun
in>lr<' jitnUii !

Durinij,' the last four days I have been very sick with fever. I had
forty iiassM^es in sixteen hoiu's ! but Dr. Berens has made me better.
How is Lady Fritz '< God preserve you both and your dear family.

*********

Have you heard anything of the German or Hanoverian troops
coining over here '! AV'rite me about it. Now don't mismulerstand
me. I mean to say, that Hnldimand is so in love with his Quebec
garden and Montmorency, that I am surprised at his long stay in
iMoutreal.

It is said that several English ships arc at Gueph. I mistrust
I shall have to go to New York with my three companies. Victory I
There are three hundred pipes of Madeira at Guiph. It'll be cheap
now ! Give Murray the commission : he understands it.

I kiss the hand of Lady Fritz, and the underlip of Iklla Rosa. A
thousand compliments to your children and Major Dorc (Cleve).

Loos.

Quebec, May 27, 1783.

Dear General
» *

* The ship Bellona, on which were letters and

silver for me from London, ra-.i on a rock near St. Roc, twenty
leagues from here, and sunk in tivc minutes. Six sailors were

TO any. /{IKOmK/.'S CAMI'AKIN.

(Irowncil ; tlio rest saved themselves llie best tliey could. It is hoped
the letters mid several other things will he siived. Fiv(! more ships
from Kiirope will arrive here this divy. The I'dndoni, which nccom-
panies a traiisporl with (iermaii troops, soon al\er leavin;r Maliltix,
met a ship of twenty-two guns, atta('ked and ea|)tnred i(. She
returns with the transport for repairs, and will jtroliahly, therefore,
not be here bi fon^ June. An (^.xjjress messenger from Halifax
brought this news to us to-day. Now tell me, arc these German
troop,s from Brunswick? Perhaps they are my two conii)anies,
which arc expected. If this is the ease, they must, in pursuance of
orders from the premier, ^o to Sorel without stopping here. I iiavc
protested against it. The regiment ought not to be (livid(;il in lliis
way.
I hope, with you, that we shall be at home in a year.

Your faithful

IjOOH.

P. S. — Who gives the dinner on the tburth of Junc^ ' at (iuel)ec V

Dear ( tcneral :
» #

tii!KHKC, June 115, 1783.

* The premier went to Montmorenci this

afternoon. The city was illuminated in the evening,'^ cm whidi
occasion the sailors threw stones in the windows of the Frencit
whose hou.se8 were not lighted up.

I am anxiously awailing your arrival on the l!)th instant; and I
otfer you my (piarter.; during your soldier's tour. I shall consider it
the greatest honor if my friend will accept of them. My respeois to
Lady Fritz, and the rest of your dear ones, Cordelia, of course,
inchidccl.

Loos.

In Camp moak Poi.nt Lkvi, ,/«/// i;{, 1783.
Cher ami :

Your dear letter of the Hii. re ,■ Ueri nie. (mly Thursday morning.
I inclose a copy of my letijr (<> . • ;'r"mier, and expect from you
cither approbation or ceuriiic. /I i> alrcdy nuiiled, but as j et I have
received no answer.

I am contented i', my can. p. I have in a farm house, besides;!
good view, a nice room, bedroom, kitchen and stable. Hut no one

' Thu king's birtl'.day.

'•I Probal)ly iu liniiur oi tlic iitory of Uoduey and lioclover Admiral Grasae.

228

OFFICIAL DOCVMENTS RELATINO

gets anytliing to cat. Bankruptcy is declared. Tlic dear God keep
every one from becoming a nnijor general in Canada ! Unless tlic
l)remi(>r comes tirst, 1 siian't call on him, even if I sliould stay hens
six hundred thousand years. A bad (luarri'l, liowever, for a courtier.
Your auditor has a droll \va^ of getting a wife ! Adieu.

[iOOB.

P. S. — Kreuzburg will tell you tlie news regarding the ten thalers
per deserter ; both auditors of the dilfercnt nationalities will have
trouble. We, however, have nothing to do with it. Those two and
our sovereigns must settle it between them.

PotNT Lkvi, Sept. 20, 1782.
Cher ami :

I thank you very much for the news, but 1 still believe we shall
have peace.

The tiring of the pelotons ought most certainly to liavc been
stopped at once ; but the terniiu was too small, and I was obliged
to give Rauschenblatt time to retreat, and it was therefore necessary
that I lie tiring on that spot should not be interrupted. The main
thing in executing such mana'uvres, arc quick evolutions, rapid
movements, good positions, turnings, strategy, (tUigiiementu, and
marching. Firing makes only noise, and amuses the unmilitary
sjiectators. I have another manreuvre which I intend showing to
the premier, who, bj' the way, to the astonishment of every body,
is polite, when he conies here. I will send it to you when tinished.
Tlie growler, however, will not allow us to have huts, but the com-
manders will send in a remonstrance which I will hand him with my
remarks. Only think, of having tents which have already served
three staiimers, no straw, a little wood, and no blankets ! Camaraska,
will, in all probability, be my winter quarters.

AVhat is your opinion in regard to your light and fuel in winter?

Can I not demand a proper house suitable to my rank? I perfectly

agree with you on the matter of subordination, and I rejoice we think

so much alike.

Loos.

19 Odohci:
C'licrnmi:

iMy oxen, sheep, cattle, iiigs, capons, and ducks were killed for
breakfast, on Tluirsday. It was good weatlier. Tlie guests — but
read the text in the Bi!)le. I cannot nudvc any mana'uvres at present,

TO QEN. nWDESEVS VAUVAIGM.

229

as tho territory is all iiiuler water. I must Iiavc a liouse correspond-
ing' with ni3' rank; otherwise, I shall forcibly take one and get
myself again into trouble.

Loos.

P. 8.— Answer me. It is damnable that the old fellow' should
make a secret of the winter quartere. This causes me a loss of sixty
piasters, which I have to pay to Madame Lanandierc, according to
contract, for house hire per quarter. Duke Ferdinand had secrets,
too, but he furnished free quarters. It is easy for you to laugh ; you
live in your manor house at 8orel, free and easy like a * * *

Cai'k St. Ionack, Nuvembcr 4, 1783.
Glisr (imi :

I will brierty inform you tiiat 1 am in quarters here; also, that to
my sorrow, all my most valuable elfects were covered with sand and
mud during the last storm between the first and second. The sliip
stranded ; and I have now no dry bed, clothing or shirts. All my
winter supplies are destroyed, and I have, therefore, nothing to cat.
^ly sugar, tea and colFee are also entirely destroyed. Ritter and
Jcannctte sit naked near the stove.

This is all on account of the premier, who, without ruimii dc
gmre, sends the troops into winter (piarters. Not a single year has
passed that the soldiers have not lost their baggage. If there were
any necessity for it, or if tho war, or other circiunstances, demanded it,
d Id boime heure; but to imitate the German Frederick in Canada, is
not only ridiculous but cruel. Who pays the poor subaltern for his
losses? The farmers howl, too, because, owing to the terrible! roads,
their horses, harnesses, carts and everything else go to the devil. It
cannot be on account of economy, for the government has to |)ay for
t'e stranded vessels. For tlie regiment of Lossberg, alone, it must
pa, i,)r two, to say nothing of the regiments Zerl)st and Ilanau, nor
oF'i.c expenses for wood consumed at the camp at this late season of
M>e year.

I am laeiancholy, and gaze with sad (!yes at my once beautiful
t.iuiigs I have nothing to eat either, at least not much. My respects
to Ludy Fritz. I hope her confinement will terminate happiij' with a
son. To the children one hundred thousand compliments.

LoosriTS, Misantropos.

• Tlic premier, HuMimntid, also called l)y onv friend Loot?, '• tlio growler."-
lYamlator.

•I

230

OFFICIAL DOVVMUNTS ItELATING

St. Iunace, November 10, 1782.
3Iy dearest Frientl :

I have only to-day received your dear letter of the 4th inst. I
congratuhitc you, with all my lieart, on the liappy confinement of
dear Lady Fritz. I sliould have given a great deal for tlie lionor of
being able to name a male heir, and to have had him renounce tlie
devil end liis crew tliroiigh me. * * * *. now much
would I not enjoy the lionor of paying you a visit ; but the dreadfully
bad roads and a hundred other circumstances will not permit me this
pleasure. I take the liberty, therefore, to request my chamberlain.
Captain Von Pf>^llnitz, to represent me on the occasion. My name
is Johann Augu You have an Augusta How would the name
of Jeannette or Lo, '^ * ■•■iver r Choose one of the two.

Want of time w... [i. .I'nt my writing to Poellnitz myself. This
letter must suffice. i.\\ ■•iress has no time to lose, as the nuiil goes
to-morrow. I close, hoping iluit mother and daughter are doing well,
and are favorably inchned toward their servant. I will attend to my
godchild, and will not forget the litile ring. I trust slie will be as
pure and virtuous as her father.

God be with you.

Loos.

St. Ionace, Kov. 24, 1782.
Dearest Friend :

I have received your dear godfather letter. I thank you very
much for this honor; and since you are the executor of my will,3'ou
may know that I have willed to my godchild, one hundred Louis
d'or for a ring or earrings. I say expressly a ring as a lasting keep-
sake, for it dtx's not break easily, and, in case of necessity, can be
pawned to Jew or Christian. I hope you and Lady Fritz will not
thiidi badlj' of me for not making the sinn more. But since every
one is bound to cut me down, 1 must cut down too.

Pastor Mylius,' also, is too good an apostle to take more than his
sainted colleague, John. He took for ^ach baptism wild honey and
locusts, and I will send him (Mjiius), the same next spring. Ad in-
terim, give him a jiieco of fried veal, for I owe it to him. Dear
Miss Augusta as godmother, shall have from Caldwell's garden the
little flower, forget-me-not, for which she is to give me a powder bag
of (?r(/7) (?'((/Yy<'«(* embroidered with gold. Midwives, and all servant
girls in certain delicate situations, sliall receive salt provisions for

(iciiornl Uii'deKcrs family dmplaln.— TVa/wfa^or.

TO GKX. RIEDESEVS CA.VPAIOX.

281

five days, tlirough my scale master, for which they sliall pay the
customary price ; aud tlius, every body is attended tc, and my gene-
rosity is establislicd.
Wliat is the news from the enemy ? Answer soon.

Tout d muH,

Loos.

St. Ionace, Dec. 2, 1783.
Dear General :

I am dry. My sourkrout, cabbage, sugar, coffee, etc., are all gone
to the devil. I presume you hav^e received my last letter.

Here is a list of tlie officers at the time of their being in camp
near Wincliestor, and while in quarters at Andover. It lias occupied
me six liours ; and I am certain it is correct, unless I have made a
mistalie about your troops ; the little Schimmel and Mi.ss Dans con-
fused me. Do not fail to inform me liow tlie dispute terminates.

From the bottom of my soul I wish Lady Fritz a speedy recovery.
I send her and Miss godmotlier my best respects. But what have
I done to my beautiful Fritz that she does not speak of me V

Adieu,

Loos.

If any of you doubt the correctness of tlie list I will bet him wliat
he likes ; but Kospath and Mandorf will explain it.

The Cape, March 37, 178!J.
Dear (.Jenerul :

I received your letter of tlie 9tli instant, on my return from my
tour to tlie Ilanau regiment. I would have undertaken a journey
from Laubisniere over Platoii to Quebec, or any other place desig-
nated by you, but think of tlie awful bother ' of a week ago Wednes-
day, the lOtli ; it not only destroyed tlie bridge, but overtook me
between St. Croix aud Laubinier, so tliat I arrived at SchOlle lialf
dead. Tunderfeld reported to me on my return, the news in regard to
peace. This >>• very desirable news; but of wliat use is it, if tlic king
of England wishes for it, and tlie otlier party [side] does not?''

' The meaning of this word iR not clear. Probably it refers to the breaking up
of the ice, or some similar catastrophe.

^ From this remarlc, as well as many others of a similar import in Riedescl's cor-
respondence, it cannot bnl he observed that the Americans do not appear to havo
been exhausted by tlieir seven years' war for independence. On the contrary, the
opinion of their enemies seems to havo been that they were still fresli and perfectly
williuK to continue the war unless brought to a close on their own terms.

282

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS IlELATINO

I am not well, but feel badly all over. Send mc your plan of opera-
tions, and do not forget to answer tlie points in my last letter. I am
very sorry for your own ill liealtb, and hope you may soon recover,
and with Lady Fritz, and your servant, may long enjoy ourselves in
Europe.

I bear of nothing new in my desert; if you hear of anything let
me know. But once more, send me your plan of operations without

fail.

Loos.
Jeannette and Hitter send their respects.

Cape St. Icinace, April 1, 1783.
Dearest Friend :

The inclosed is a request by the granting of which you may earn
an armchair, or, ^>ast, a bencli in Heaven, and by which, also, you
will very miic-.ii oliiige Monseigneur and the whole theological faculty
in Canada. Giant the petition if possible. There are a great many
Thomases li'i'", who doubt that peace is at hand, and call the speech
of the king bi):>i. W.ku vm you think of it?

Loos.

CLINTONS MEMORABLE UETUEAT FROM I'lIIl ADELPIHA TO
NEW YORK, "IN THE YEAR 1778.

[From the Journal.]

The American papers finally furnish us witli a narrative of the
splendid retreat of Sir Henry Clinton from Philadelphia to New
York. General Washington and all Americans already believed
that tliey had " IJurgoynized" tins army (as they are in the habit of
expressing tliemselves in their public journals), and they tilled their
glasses witli bumpers on account of the anticipated surrender of
Clinton's army. Tiiey l)oasted of their laurels, and congress in its
resolution of the 7th of Julj', cannot sufticiently praise the bravery
and activity of General Washington at tlie important victory over the
Englisli near Monmouth Court House. But the retreat of General
Clinton was really great, and resulted happily with little loss ; while
the Americans, on the otiier hand, do not themselves knoAv which
of their commanders did his duty. The court martial, however,
which atlerwards sat upon the American major general, Lee, soon
placed tlie matter in a brighter light ; and confusion, equivocal con-

TO QKN. KIKDEHEVS VAMPAION.

2H8

duct, irresolution niul a nianu'uveringwitliout purpose were sliowu to
liave cluiracterizetl tlic ooiuluct of most of tlie American commanders,
for all of which Major General Lee had to pay with iiis honor hy
being suspended from his command for a whole year.

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER OF MAJOR (iEXERAL PHILLIPS TO LOUD
GEORGE GERMAIN, DATED CHARLOTTESVILLE, IN THE COLNTY OF
ALBERMARLE, VIRGINIA, MARCH 20, 177!).

I take the liherty of going beyond the limits, allowed me by your
lordship, to i)uhlicly acknowledge in my report, the good conduct of
the Gennan troops (under the command of Major General Von Hied-
esel), in the service of his majesty. The conduct of the otlicers and
soldiers was exemplary, and they are to be respected as faithful com-
panions, in misfortune, of their comrades, tlie English soldiers, during
the manifold changes in their unfortunate situation. I have found in
General Kiedesel the greatest possible attention to the duties of his
position. He was always the same in his care for his German troops,
in maintaining order, and in keeping up harmony and good fellow-
ship between tlie English and German troops. In short, he was
thoroughly indnied witli tlie duties of his majesty's service.

LETTER FROM THE HESSIAN GENERAL VON L08SBERG TO GENERAL

VON RIEDESEL.

Mounis House, Dec. 8, 1780.

Your honor's letter reached me safely ycisterday ; and I herewith
tender you my sincere thanks for the intelligence which you have so
kindly communicated to me. According to the news here, General
Washington has left his head quarters at Totowa, and the rel)el army
its camp between the Passaic and the Ilackinsack rivers, and have
marched seven miles over AVest Point into winter (piarters, where
the army is to build huts in the mountains between Newburgh and
Wilmanton. The head quarters are at Windsor.

I have not as yet been able to obtain any reliable information of
the corps of General Stark, whether it has gone back to West Point,
or whether part of it is .still at Pishkill. But tiiis much is certain,
that no portion of this corps is now in our vicinity. According to
intelligence received here day before yesterday from Horse-neck,
there are not more than one hundred and fitly militia at tliat place,

mflBR

234

OFFICIAL IJOVVMENTS UELATINa

who lire couimnndert by a certain Colonel Wels, a sliocninker.
Colonel Shelton, however, has no definite place for his liead qnarterH.
At times he is with a detaelnnent, and ajiain all of liis men are at
Points Bridge, Nortli Castle, Helford, Kiiigstreet, and Ilorse-neek,
which forms, as it were, the junction of the North and East rivers.
Occasionally, also, his patrols comt; as far as East Chester. I shall
consider it a pleasure to communicate to your honor every item of
news wliieh readies me, that I may at the same time, manifest the
higli esteem, etc.

L008HKIUI.

BXTUACT FKOM A LETTER WUITTEN BY CJENEUAL RIEDESEI, TO
GENERAL PJIILLII'S UPON THE MANNER IN WHICH ENGLAND
SHOULD CARRY ON TUK WAR AGAINST UEK COLONIES.

BnooKLYN, Mnreh 20, 1781.

'^ * * I believe, also, tliat four battalions could be

obtained from Mechlenberg-Sehwerin and one; from Strelitz with
wincli to reenforce tlie troops in America; and the war might tlien
be continued liere in tlie way which I proposed to you in my memoir
rom Cambridge. Tliat is, to estal)li8h three or four posts in sucli a
manner tliat the Americans — who from lacli of knowledge and the
necessary material cannot undertake a regular siege — will be power-
less to capture them. They must, moreover, be (constantly annoyed
by successive expeditions, and not be permitted to establish fastnesses
in (lie interior of the country. Such a warfare would force the rebels
to have armies all over ; their expenses would be increased ; their
resources w(nild come to an end ; discontent would increase in pro-
portion to want ; and, seeing that they were the dupes of the Euro-
pean pow(!rs, their eyes would open, and tliey would rather rest
satisfied with an unfavorable result than be the foot-ball of ambitious
powers who are only looking after their own interests.

But to make this plan successful, new arrangements would have
to be instituted in Canada. The different posts on the lakes, Niagara,
etc., would have to be reenforced by at least two tliousand men, and
detachments of from five to six hundred men, under thoroughly
competent leaders, would have to be stationed on the Ohio. Indians
also, would have to be added to these detachments, to whom sliould
be given a carte blanche, witliout restrictions, to do whatever they
pleased in the rear of the colonies, tlirougliout Virginia and Pemisyl-
vania. This plan, altliough it may seem cruel, will nevertheless

TO OEN. ItlKnmKVS <'A.WI'A10N.

286

liave to be carried out in tlie present situation. Panic would tlius i)e
increased among tlie rebels; tliey woidd l(!ave tliose regions, and
tlicir beautiful settlements would be destroyed. Tlieir army would
soon be in want of subsistence, and with their front harrassed by our
troops from the sea side, and their rear exposed to the incursions of
the savages, no oilier course would be left to tliem than to submit to
the victors. I sincerely trust the Indians will not be obliged to fight,
for whenever the rebels shall oppose them with any force they will
all run away, and fall buck on the regulars behind them. These
wild men love this kind of warfare, for so long as their natural coarse
tastes are satisfied they care little for anything else. They will
soon enrich themselves with booty, and rcigai'i the respect which
they enjoyed during the rule of the French. I well know that a
warfare of this kind seems cruel, but it is to be e.vcused by the fact
that order and the public weal will thereby be establislied. It will
also be necessary to rally all the Indians from the interior of Canada,
and undertake a grand expedition in the direction of Ticoiideroga
during harvesting. A portion of the expedition must be pushed
down as far as the German Flats to destroy the crops, grain, provi-
sions, cattle and the mills; for it is notorious that Washington's army
draws a large part of its subsistence from this section. These detach-
ments must always be recalled into Canada in the winter.

Let the militia take care of Great Britain; let your fleets act
prudently ; maintain a defensive and judicious warfare in America
for a few successive years, and by j'II means avoid a defeat, and you
shall see that the rebels will soon give up such a burdensome war,
and come to an advantageous peace. You, it is true, shall gain
nothing but lasting glory, dearly bought by the backwardness, inde-
cision and want of harmony of your ministers, and by the bad man-
agement of the troops which were intrusted to generals who were
not fitted for such an exalted position, either by their merits or
experience, but obtained it solely by ir.rtuence at home.

Should America see that firmness on the part of England — for
which she was formerly characterized — she, of all the powers now
engaged in war, would soonest make peace ; or, in case her stubborn-
ness has taken too deep root, she would herself fall, after all the others
had settled their quarrels.

You will have perceived by my sentiments that I disapprove of all
the lengthy and extensive movements of Lord ('ornwallis. Our army
is too weak to hold so large a tract of land ; and we are thus forced
to scatter ourselves too widely whenever we go into the interior of
t!ie country. The conseciuence is, tliat we hazard and receive defeats,
without obtaining a recompense for our losses. The moment the
30*

236

OFFICIAL DOVVMENTS RELA TINO

enemy attempts nnything in one direction, we slioiild full buck and
strike another coup in another quarter.

The post at Portsmouth is well selected, and is necessary; hut it
sliould be placed in a condition strong enough to withstand an attack
without needing support from the water, while, at the same time, our
fleet should also be of sufticient strength to frustrate all attemi)ts
upon our posts from the sea. I should like to propose the placing
of another post at Falmouth, which has a splendid harbor, and lies
between Boston and Penobscot. From this place you could tit out
expeditions against the provinces of Hampshire and Massachu-
setts ; and we could then, also, endeavor to retake Uhode island
as soon as reenforcements arrived from Europe. Nor will this be
impossible when the French fleet shall have sailed thence, and our own
fleet becomes stronger.

You may laugli at my views, but you yourself desired that I should
communicate them to you ; and I have now fultillcd the wishes of
a friend, who, I am convinced, will not make an improper use of
them.

I am, etc,

RlEDESKI,.

CORRKSPONDENCE OF GENERAL RIEDESEL WITH WASHINGTON AND

GATES.

General Riedesel to Oenerul Washimjton.

Sir:

Cambuidge, Jan. 11, 1778.

Major General Gates, having, at the request of his e.tcellency.
Lieutenant General Burgoyne, exchanged a certain number of pri-
soners of war for an equal number of the Continental army, and
being farther required to exchange a proportionable number of Ger-
man otflcers, who were made prisoners of war, said, "he could not
enter upon any exchange of the German troops, without an express
order from congress."

I have too high an opinion of your excellency's justice, to believe
you would make any distinction between the troops of dittcrent
nations engaged in the same cause, and I am persuaded you will
grant the same indulgence to the prisoners of war of one party,
which you do to the other, in every respect ; but, particularly, in tliat
of a fair and equal exchange. I therefore request that you will allow
a number of the German officers of General Burgoyne's army, pri-

TO a EX. RIEDESEVS VAMPAtO/f.

287

Boner>of Wftr, to be exchanged in proportion to tlie number of Hritish
offlcf.rs exchnngetl by General Gates; and as the olllcers of General
Burgoyne's family, and those of General Phillips have been exchanged,
though included in the convention, I request that the same indulgence
may be granted to my suite. A return of their names, and of the
offlcers made prisoners of war during the campaign is inclosed
herewitli.

I have the honor, etc.,

lltKUE8EL, Major General.

Oeneml Wnshinfjtoti to Oemrtd likdenel.

Hkad Quakteks, Vallky Foudu, .)fa>rJi 31, 1778.
Sir:

It is sometime since I was honored with yours of the 11th of Janu-
ary, to which I should have replied sooner, had I not been obliged to
wait for an answer from General Gates upon the subject of your
letter. He says you never applied directly to him for the exchange
ofyourself or any German offlcers, either of your family or the corps;
but that he was told in Albany, that you and Major General Phillips
had separately applied to Sir William Howe to be exchanged for
General Lee, and had been answered, that as General Prescott had
been first taken, he must be first exchanged. I imagine, from the
foregoing, that General Gates must have misunderstood you, as he
says he should have had no objection to excliange the foreign as well
as the British officers.

Commissioners from me are now negotiating a general exchange

of prisoners with commissioners from Sir William Howe. If they

agree upon terms, I shall not have the least objection to exchiinge a

proportion of foreign as well as British officers. But you will please

to observe that this is a matter which depends solely upon Sir William

Howe's pleasure ; as he has a right to demand such olHcers as he

thinks proper, for an equal luunber of equal rank. I should suppose,

however, that justice to his allies would point out the equity of an

impartial exchange.

I am, etc.,

Geo. WAsniNGTON.

238

OFFICIAL DOCVUESTS JIKIA TINO

Qeverul JtialiMcl to Mnjor (itninil GuifM.

Hir;

C'AMiiijiudK, Noi\ 21, 1778.

llavin^; Haltered myself from duy to day tlmt I should lmv(( the
pleiisuie of seeiiip; you at Candiridjie, I liave ileferred writlnjf you
to felicitate you on your safe arrival at Moston ; and I sliould not
luive failed of seizing; llie first opportunity of walliny upon you, had
I not heen prevented l)y an order, wiiieh has l)een in force ever sinco
we have l)ecn liere, tliat no otHccr of the convention Hhouldhu allowed
tu go into lioHton.

Ah tlic alfairs in relation to money, widcli have detained mc here,
are now settled, and as I intend to set out in a few days, I rc(iuc8t
tlie favor of heing allowed with Madame Hiedesel, to go to Boston
to take leave of you and Mrs. tlales, and to return you numy tluinks
for tli(! civilities you liave .slu)wn mc ever since I had tlic pleasure of
nn\king your «c(|uainlance.

I must once more have recourse to your goodness, by rctiucsting
your assistance in making the long journey we are to undertake as
easy to ^fadame Hiedesel, myself and family, as possihle. '

I take tlie lilierty of reiiuesting an otlleer to conduct Madame
Hiedesel upon tin; road, and a guard to escort mv' baggage, and tliat
of the persons belonging to tlie general staff of those Ihunswick
troops wlio are still here, and are to accompany /ne. I beg of you
to give a written reciuisition to tlie olllcer, in order tliat we may be
supi)lied w iih good (piarters on the road, and may receive provisions
at (lie places wliere they were issued to the troops upon tlioir march.

Vou will know bow far this olliccr and escort can accompany us;
and I beg of yon lo write to the ne.\t governor or commander, where
this olliccr will be relieved, reiiuesling liim to grant mc another, as
well as carts ; and that 1 may meet w itli the same accommodations, as
those which you arc so good as to allow mc.

Yon will judge whetlier I shall longer require a passport, signed
witli your name.

Wlien I left Albanj', you were so obliging as to give us a Colonel
Sprout, who accompanied Madame Hiedesel a little waj', and showed
her everj^ possililc attention ; and I should consider myself under
double obligations to you, sir, if you would send an olllcer with
Madame Riedcsel, whose behavior and sentiments shall correspond
with those of Colonel Sprout.

>[ajor Hopkins, deputy (piarter master general, acquainted me
before his departure, tliat Scpiirc Watson of Cambridge, had orders
to furnish me with carts, and that the number was fl.xed by Major

TO OKU. lilKDHSh'L'S VAJUJ'AIGN.

289

(Ifiu'ral Ilciitli bt't'ori' your iirriviil. I will, ilaTcroiv, not troiihU) you
on tlilA point.

Ah all niy InmincHs is Hcltlcd, I intend, if you Imvi' no olijiicliou,
to Hft out hence on Friday next, the 2(Jth innt., and arrive the huiuo
day at VVorecHter. I purpose; Hendin^? away my haKK^KL" <>" Wednes-
day, which can easily reach VVorcester in three ilays. Friun Wor-
cester I shall continue my journey, retaining tht- l)ag)!;"K<' eonstantly
by m((. I should be particularly obliged, if you would allow the
officer wiio conducts Madame Kiedesel, and the guard lor tlio
baggage, to be here by Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning.

Madame Uiedesel desires to join with me In compliments to Mrs.
Gates and yourseH

I have the honor, etc.,

UiKUESKL, Mi\]or General.

Geiiinil Uiedesel to Af<{jirr Oeneral Oaten.

Essex Couwt IIouhe, January 2, 1771).
Sir:

After innumerable difficulties and fatigues, I urrivd here yesterday
witli Madame Kiedesel and our little family in goml health. Colonel
Troup leaves me here, and proceeds to ]\Iorristown. General Lord
Stirling, who commands at Middle-Broolt, in the absence of his excel-
lency, General Washington, has been so obliging as to semi me a
Captain Browne, who is to accompany me to Virginia.

Allow me, sir, to return you once more my most sincere thanks
for your kindness, in sending Colonel Troup with me. I cannot
sufficiently speak of the politeness and attention he has shown
Madame Uiedesel and myself on the journey, and the trouble he gave
himself to alleviate the difHculties, which naturallj' and unavoii'ably
occur upon such a long journey.

Madame Riedesei begs leave to join me in offering her best eon\-
pliments to Mrs. Gates, and in wisliing her and you all possible health
and happiness.

I have etc.,

KuiDESEL, Major General,

Sir:

Oeneral Riedcnel to Oeneral Washington.

CoLLK, near Charlottesville, February 10, 1779.

The great obligations which I am under to Captain Browne, who
will have the honor of delivering this letter to your excellency, is the

240

OFPWIAL DOCUMENTS ItKLA TINO

(KTiision oC my taking tlic libcrly to rwoimiiciul him U> your nxccl-
Iciioy. Tills ofllcor was appointed l)y Lord Htirlinjj; to accompany
myself and family to the place of our destination in Virginia. Tlic
great, care lie took in i>rocnring us the best acconmiodatious and
conveniences upon tlu^ road, and his attention and endcuivors to
render the long journey as litll(' Iryinr, as p()ssil)le to Madame Uiod-
esel and to m(', (;all for my highest acknowledgments; and although
the recommendation of an o(lie<'r, l)y one who is engaged on the
opposite side of the great cause in dispute, ought to havi; no weight,
yet the well known scntimeniK of generosity and hunumity, which
your excellency has testilled on so many occasions, enco\irage mo to
recommend ('a))tain Hrowne to your . xcellency's notice and pro-
tection.

Captain Browne can actpiaint your excellency with the variouH
dillhuhies \\{\ encountered, the scarcity of everything upon the road,
the ciiormous price of every article, and the ungenerous and inlunnan
seutinuMils of people at ditfercnt places.

Captain Browne can likewise inform your excellency of the present
mc^laneholy situation of the convention troops; which, howev(^r, was
much worse ui>on their first arrival at this phKie. When tlu^y first
Hiached here, they foMud a few hiiildiugs, barracks in u<ime,h\\\., in fact,
nothing hut some logs laid one \\\Hm another, without any covering,
and the snow three feet dec]) on thegromul. The troops have nobly
borne their distress, jind are now cmiiloycd in Iiuildiug their own
barracks, which wouli' have been linished long since had there not
been such a scarcity of tools. I must confess that, according to the
description which we had given us before our departure from Cam-
bridge, I expecle<l to have found aniore plentiful countrj-, and one
better able to maintain such a number of troops. Hut I am far from
wishing to trouble yom' excellency with complaints, as I am fully
sensible that wc are not in this situation by vour ex(U'llency's orders.

Your cxcelkMuy w ill allow me to assure you (.f the respectful sen-
timents with which I have the honor of being your excellency's
most obedient and most humble servant.

RiKi)E8EL, Major General.

Sir:

General Riedesfl to General Waxhinyton.

BKTni.KiiKM, FN Pennsyia'ANIA, Oct. 13, 1770.

Your excellency, I hope, will have the goodness to excuse my
troubling you witli this letter. I do it from njotivesof justice to Mr.
Randolph., the gentleman who will liavc the honor of delivering it to

TO (lES. Hlb:i)KHKi:n VAMI'AHIS.

241

you. 1 beg lo rcconinn'iiil liini to the knowknlgc! of your oxri'llency,
n.s llu' pi'iBoii to whom (-'oloiicl lJliiii(l,(li<'coniniiiii(liiiil, iiK'ImrlottoH-
villc, j^iivc Ui(!commiHMion ol" ('ondiicl'mfr tlic odici^rs luid l)ii>j:f;iige of
my family to Kli/,ivl)L'tlilo\vn, I liivving, !ih yon, wir, iiiuHt liiivc been
iippiiscd, tukon the route lu-fore, iu coinimny with Major GciutmI
PliiliipH.

Tlie great civrewhidi Mr. Itaiulolphhiwtiiken to render tlie Jonrney
as pleiisant as poHsil)le to Die ollioerH of my suite, the politenesH he liaH
Bliown to tliem, and the exactneHS with whieh Iu; haH exeented liiH
orders, eall for my henl acknowledjinuMitH, and liavo indueed me to
mention lliis genllennin to your excelleney.

I will not enter upon the siibjeet of my detention, aH Major General
PhillipHlias written to yomexeelleney, and niimt have fully explained,
with his own, my sentiments ;;j>or. that ad'iiir ; but tlu^ ijleiisinj:; pro-
spect I had of going to New York was heightened, from it becoming in
a manner ne(;essary to my health (which has lately been declining
imder a slow fever), which change of clinuite alone; will cure. My
disappointment is in jiroporticm to the flattering prospect 1 liad of
visiting my friends. Your excelleney may therefore judge how severely
I must feel upon returning, iu my presciut stale of health, to Vir;jinia,
where I am certain my health must sutler from the climate.

1 have the honor to be, with the greatest personal respect, etc.,

KiKDKHKL, Major General.

Bir:

General Wanhinr/tonto General Riedesd

IIicAT) QuAUTKHs, We8T Point, Oct. 23, t77{>.

I liave had the honor to receive your letter of the 12th by Mr. Ran-
dolph.

It gives me pleasure to learn that this young gentleman's attentions,
dtiring your journey, has been such as to deserve your approbati(m.

I beg leave to refer you to my letter to Major General Phillips for
my answer to his request in your favor. I symi>athi/.e with your
poor state of health, and very sincerely wish an alteration for the
better, which I hope will result from your change of situation.

I am, etc.,

Gico. Wasiiinoton.

I -m

242

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS JtELATlNO

Gemral liiedesel to Oeiwrol WashiiixiUm.

Sir:

Bkthlkiikm, Oct. 20, 1779.

Yesterday evening I was honored witli your excellency's letter of
the 33d of October, in answer to niine sent by Mr. Randolph ; and
Major General Phillips lias communicated to me that part of
your letter to liim whicii concerns mc. I return your excellency my
warmest thanks for the interest you take in my indisposition, and
am persuaded that whenever my disagreeable situation can be
changed, everything will be done by you to forward it.

Your excellency mentions, in Major General Phillips's letter, that
I might represent the ill state of my healtli to the American congress ;
but when 1 consider that the solo motive which determined mc to
midertake the very long journey from Charlottesville to Ellza-
bethlown, was a letter from your excellency to Colonel Bland —
the contents of which he conmiunicated to me — I place my whole
confidence and dependence entirely upon your excellency, under
whose immediate directions I conceive mjself to be. These reasons,
also, were my inducements to take the liberty of giving you a faithful
description of the total change in my health ; and I am convinced
that whenever your excellency may think proper to make a repre-
sentation of these facts to the American congress, setting forth the
circumstances which I have mentioned, it would have much greater
weight, and, indeed, could not fail of success, than any address from an
individual to the American congress, a body to whom I am unknown.

It is through your excellency's kind intentions that I am in this
place, and as the very impaired state of my health is now known to
to you, I cannot, sir, doubt your generous sentiments in procuring
me permission to go into New York, at least for so long a time as
may be necessary to reestablish my health ; for which I shall always
consider myself under great obligations to your excellency.

I have, etc.,

RiEDESEii, Major General.

Qeneral Siedescl to General Wdshington. •

Brooklyn, April, 1781.
Sir:

Several German officers of the Saratoga convention, having applied

to me to be exchanged on account of their particular private affairs,

I made a requisition, accordingly, upon Major General Phillips to

propose such a thing to your excellency. In answer to my rcciuest ,

TO OEN. IlIEDESb'Va VAil/'AIOIf.

24:$

"!,v

Qcucral Phillips comnuinicatcd to me your letlef of the 2r)th of
January, to liis excellency, Sir Henry Clinton, in which the proposed
change made by Major General Phillips to you, "sir, on the 2;Jd of
Dec(^niber last, is agreed to, and, consequently, involves in it those
German oiHcers who were included in proposition, though not nomi-
nated at that time.

In consequence of your excellency's acquiescence in this measure,
I delivered to Major General Phillii)s a list of those oiBcers for whom
I begged the exchange, which, he assures me, has been forwarded
in his last proposals made between the British and American com-
missary generals of i)risoner8 on the ad of March.

As all the British officers, for whom Major General Phillips a?ked
an exchange, have already arrived without one German ofHcer being
included in their numl)er, I presume the before mentioned list has
not reached your excellency; for I am convinced that you, sir,
would be guided by the same impartiality toward one nation as
another. I therefore take the liberty of repeating Major General
Phillips's request, that you would have the goodness to exchange the
German olllcers nientioned in said list (a copy of which I herewith
inclose), and to give your orders for those gcuitlemen to be sent to
New York.

Major Meiborn, of my dragoon regiment, and Ensign Meiborn, of
my infantry regiment, belonging to the troops of his serene highness,
the duke of Brunswick, having been made prisoners of war a few
days since on Long island, I shall attribute it all to your excellency's
kindness, if these two officers are permitted to come to New York
on parole. The infirm state of Major Meiborn's health claims parti-
cular attention, and I sliall make use of every interest in my power,
with his excellency general, Sir Henry Clinton, to procure the i)er-
mission for their exchange, if your excellency will please give your
approbation.

I am, etc.,

ItiKDKSKi., Major General.

Sir:

General Washington to Gcnrral Ilk<Ji'Ml.

Head Quarters, New Windsor, May 11, 1781.

I have been honored with your favor of April, with no particular
date. Either you must have been misinformed as to the letters,
which passed from General Phillips to me, of the 2<id December, and
from me to Sir Henry Clinton, on the 25th of January, in answer, or
you must have misunderstood them. You will observe that I acceded
31*

244

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS RELATING

only to the exchange of the Britisli officers, particularly named in
General Phillips's letter. I refused his proposal of permitting an inde-
tenninate number' of British or German ofHccrs to be sent to New
York at the discretion of Brigadier General Hamilton.

Some time after, proposals for a further exchange, bearing date the
3d of March, and in which are included the German officers, whose
names you mention, were communicated to me by commissary
general of prisoners, to which 1 did not think proper to accede, as I
conceived (he exchange of Lieutenant General Burgoyne was unrea-
sonably delayed. My answer and instructions upon this head have
been communicated in full to Mr. Loring by Mr. Skinner.

Were I inclined to partiality in fivvor of the British officers, I have
no power to exercise it, as the choice of the objects of exchange does
not lie with me.

At your particular request, I have given orders to have Major and
Ensign Meiborn sent into New York upon parole.

I um, etc.,

Geo. Washington.

General Biedescl to Oenernl Washington.

Sir:

SoREL, June 21, 1783.

I beg leave, herewith, to Introduce Lieutenant Danier, of the
Brunswick troops, and to request your excellency will permit him to
have passports to go to New York by land and return by the same
route, on business which concerns only the interior and particular
economy of the troops I have the honor to command. The pacific
situation of affairs emboldens me to prefer this request, and I suspend
farther apology that I may seize the occasion, before leaving this con-
tinent, of congratulating your excellency on the blessed return of
peace, and of wishing perfect union and prosperity to the two coun-
tries, and to you, sir, every personal happiness and domestic happiness
it can produce.

I have, etc.,

RiEDESEL, Major General.

Sir:

General Washington to General liiedesel.

Head Quauteus, Jiilg 14, 1788.

I had the satisfaction of receiving your polite letter of the 31st June
by Lieutenant Danier, and the particular pleasure of complying with

TO GEN. lUEDESEVS CAMPAIGN.

245

your request, by granting the passports you mentioned for that
gentleman to proceed to New York and return again to Canada.

Had this request needed any apology, which I beg you to believe
it did not, your very agreeable congratulations on the happy return of
peace, with the benevolent wishes which you are pleased to express
for the future friendly union and intercourse of the two countries, and
for my own personal happiness and domestic enjoyment, would have
formed a most pleasing one. I pray you, sir, to believe that my best
and most devout wishes for your safe return to your own country,
attend you, as well as for your future happiness, prosperity and glory.

The Baron Steuben will do me the favor to place this in your hand.
This gentleman is instructed by me to form some arrangements with
General Haldimand, respecting the execution of the seventh article of
the provisional treaty, and receiving possession of the posts, now
under his direction, and in the occupation of the British troops, which
are ceded by treaty to the United States.

As an officer of distinction and reputation, as a foreigner, and as a
gentleman of agreeable and polished manners, I beg leave to recom-
mend the baron to your particular attention and civilities, believing
that your goodness will extend to him every aid in the prosecution
of his tour, and the execution of his commission, that shall lie within
your power.

I am, etc.,

Gko. Wasiiinoton.

SOMETHING IN RELATION TO WASHINGTON'S ATTACK ON THE
HESSIAN VAGEUS, UNDER LIEUTENANT COLONEL VON WURMB, AT
FORT INDEPENDENCE, JULY 3, 1781.

A Letter of Oeneral Itiedesel to tlw Ilesmm Major EwakV

Brooklyn, J^ily 4, 1781.

Your honor's letter of June 8th besides the news it gives me re-
specting the operations of the army, causes me to rejoice greatly, since
it tells me of your improved health and the healing of your wound.

The French troops, in connection with Washington, show symptoms
of attacking New York. Lieutenant Colonel Von Wurmb went day
before yesterday on a reconnoitering expedition. In the course of it,
he was attacked, and the brave Captain Von Ilau dangerously

' Major Ewftld was one of the host Hessian officers. He subgcqnently entered the
Danli^h Hcrvice, and became comniandor In chief of the Danish army. He is also
known as a military anthor.

6»|

p'f

246

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS liELATlNO

wounded in the breast. Yesterday the lieutenant colonel was again
attacked, but he firmly resisted the onset of the enemy. I do not, as
yet, know the extent of his losses.

If it be possible for your honor to ascertain where our German
troops of the Saratoga convention are at present, you will greatly

oblige me by informing of it.

With constant esteem, etc.,

RlEDEBEL.

ui£XM •'»

Letter of tlte Ileaimn General Von Tjoseberg to Oeneral Von liiedcsel.

I had the honor yesterday to receive your honor's letter, for which,
as also the congratulations you therein express on my promotion, I
sincerely thank you.

A corps of General Washington, of about 4,000 men, and, according
to some reports, still stronger, yesterday approached the lines of
Lieutenant Colonel Von Wurmb, with the corps of yagers, and
attacked the pickets between Cortlandt's louse and Fort Inde-
pendence. The rebeis, although reen forced, retreated into the woods,
and the j'iigers occupied an advantageous position that had been
intrusted to the former. They lost three in killed. One officer and
twenty-five of their privates were also wounded.

According to intelligence just received. General Washington
marched this morning with his army (which is stjited to number at
present between seven and eight thousand men), to White Plains.
Several of the farmers say that the principal portion of tliis corps was
composed of Prenclmien. It seems most likely to be the legion alone.

I have, etc.,

LOOSUEKO.

Mijoi' Eimld to General Biedesel. The engagement at Jamestown.

Suffolk, July 20, 1781.
Dear JFajor General :

I yesterday received your kiiul letters of June 2<Jd and July 5lh,
and thank you for yoin* remembrance.

Notwithstanding every one (?xpectcd that my Lord Cornwallis
would wait in Williamsburg until the great heat had passed, the
army left its camp on 'he 4th of July, crossed the James river near
Jamestown, and marched on Suffolk where the army now is. Mon-
sieur Le Marquise received on the Cth the false news, that my Lord
Cornwallis had crossed the James river, with the largest portion
of his anny, with the intention of catching up with rear guard.

TO OEN. BIEDESEL'S CAMI'AlGy.

247

Monsieur, thereupon, took five thousand men and six field pieces,
and, in tlie afternoon, attaclicd the advanced posts of the army at
Jamestown. Lord Cornwallis allowed the enemy to approach close
to his lines, when he marched out with the light infantry and the
80th, 76tli and 43d regiments, beat him, captured three cannon, and
recrossed the river on the 7th.

The enemy's sick and wounded must amount to several hundred,
while our loss is not above eighty.

The enemy have not yet crossed the James. It is expected that it
will unite with the army of General Green who has been so often
whipped. On our side, it is thought that so many men will be taken
from Cornwallis (probably for the defense of New York) that we can
no longer act on the offensive. The army of Marquise de Lafayette
numbers nine thousand men; and if a junction should be formed
between the French and Washington, and the fact become known to
the Americans, a great increase of the rebel army would be the
result. May Heaven protect us against an additional force of the
French.

I am sincerely sorry for the severe wound of Captain liau, and for
the other brave men who fell in the two engagements. I contributed
largely on my part, for I have now only seventy-six men left.

It is thought that this army will leave its camp and march to
Portsmouth, a very unpleasant place. I should greatly dread an
attack there on account of its miserable location. Should a French
fleet meditate an attack upon the place, it would certainly disembark
troops at Lynhaven bay, occupy the county of Princess Anna, and
cannonade Portsmouth from the rear, where it is greatly exposed.
And just as sure as New York would be lost by the capture of
Brooklyn, consequent upon the French becoming masters of the
sound, just so certainly would Portsmouth be lost by a landing at
Princess Anna. Should anything else worthy of mention occur
here I will not fail to acquaint you with it.

GENERAL RIEDE8EL TO GENERAL KNIPHAUSEN, COMMANDER OF TUE
HESSIAN TROOPS.

Quebec, Sept. 39, 1781.

I have the honor to announce to you my safe arrival here on the
12th of September. We had a long and unpleasant voyage ; and the
last of our ships have but just reached here.

General Haldimand readily acquiesces in sending part of your regi-
ment to New York, though he regrets to part with a portion of the

;tv -

248

OFFICIAL DOCUMKNTS liKLATINO

llcssiuim ami their conunaiulcr Colonel Von Hork, with both of whom
lie is 80 well snlisfled.

It is said that during the entire slay of the Hessians here, not a single
instance of diseord has been known between them and the different
nationalities, and the inhabitants. General Loos, who commands in
the lower Canada under Ilaldimand, has gained the entire confidence
of both the latter and the Englishmen. The Hessians love him equally
well.

General Haldlmand has divided all the troops here into two divisions.
The right, or the English wing, has been given to General Clarke, and
tlui left, or the German, to me. Hrigadier Loos eonnnands, under mc,
tlie German troops at (Quebec, and Hrigadier Specht those of the Ger-
mans that are in the vicinity of JMontreal.

Lieutenant Uitter of your excellency's regiment, who acts as
brigadier major to Brigadier Loos, is almost indispensable both on
account of his ver.salility in the English language, and his own good
compdcUmcnt in commanding the regiments of the different nation-
alities. Haldimand is desirous of having Loos help him. lam con-
vinced your excellency will not take offense at the detention of this
ofHcer.

Hoping that the army will have the good fortune to serve your
excellency another year in America, I again recommend to your
protection the convention troops, and trust that you will, through
your influence with Sir Henry Clinton, bring about a partial if not a
complete change in their condition. Without the aid of your ex-
cellency, these poor men are entirely forsaken.

My wife, wliowill never lose her high regard for your excellency,
desires, with my entire family and godchild, to be njmembered.

I am, etc.,

UlEDESEL.

DEPARTURE OP LORD COKNWAIXIS AND THE HESSIAN GENERAL
KNU'IIAUSEN TO EUROPE, IN THE YEAR 1781.

KHract from <t Letter oft/ie llesnum Colonel Voti liomrodfrom
New York to Genenil Jikdesel.

Lord Cornwallis arrived here on the 19th of November, and shortly
after continued his journey to England. Since the unfortunate
surrender of his post a large portion of the hostile army have been
detached to tlie south. Geneml Leslie and the skillful engineer
artillery major, ]Moncrief, were ordered to proceed to Charleston and

TO a EN. n//<,/)/':.'iEv,s vamvaign.

249

place tliat post in ii belter defensive condition. Rut uj) to tliis lime
notliinju: of any account lias l)een attenipled against it.

Contrary to all expectations, Lieutenant General Sir (}uy Carlelon
arrived here on the 5th of May, to relieve Sir Henry Clinton of the
conunand. Lieutenant General Von Kniphaiisen, also, aller repeat-
edly asking to be relieved, flinilly obtained permission to resign. A
great dinner was thereupon given to these two generals by all the
English staff officers, of which over two hundred persons partook.
General Clinton having turned over his command to Carlcton, and
Kniphausen having resigned his to Lieutemmt General Lossberg, the
two generals embarked, on the 18th of May, on board the ailmiral's
ship and the frigate Pearl amid the thunder of nineteen cannon.
The embarkation took place at Fort George. The Fortieth regiment,
at that time in garrison at New York, and three hundred Jlessian
grenadiers, under conunand of Lieutenant General Von Linsing,
formed on this occasion two lines from the quarters of General Knip-
hausen to the English head (|uarters where both generals entered the
boat.

On the 20th the garrison of this island were reviewed by the new
commander in chief. The garrison on Long island, also, underwent
a review, on the 2l8t, between Brooklyn and Jamaica. Carleton
expressed his satisfaction with both reviews. New York is now
being fortified by batteries and works running from the East to the
North river; and the work is so diligently pressed, that, including the
militia, eight hundred men are daily employed.

'If!

General Kiedenel to Colonel Romrod.

(ii'EiiEC, OrUihi'r 10, 1783.

I received tiic two letters of my best friend, dated respectively JNFay
29th and August 19th, a few days since by the lleet, containing our
convention officers. The joy I had on receiving them, is indescribable.

The prospects of peace arc believed here almost as strongly as they
are with you ; but within the last fourteen days we have heard the
contrary by an express frigate with dispatches totleneral lialdimand,
and I should not be in the least surprised at still seeing my dear
friend Romrod in Canada. Time will show whether or not I am
mistaken. We have spent this year very ipiietly here ; and, although
I command the chain of outposts, I have seen no enemy save a few
prisoners of war who were l)rought in from time to time by my
scouts. I am at prefjul in camp with eight regiments on the Isle
aux Noix, were 1" am fortifying a very favorable position. General
Loos, with three reginients, is on the other side of the St. Lawrence

' w*

■

250

0FFJC7AL DOVUMhNTS UELATINO

opposite Quebec. The other regiments of our army ure distribuleil
here and tliere in sinRle posts and garrisons. Tlie troops, I presume,
will go into'winter (luurters tlie l)eginning of next niontli, wlien I
sliull very prol)al)ly talce up my old quarters in Sorel, and conunund
tlie same districts as last year.

At Sorel, where my head quarters are, I have a good, comfortable
house, whicli General Ilaldimand had prepared for nie. I have
laid out tliere myself a very large garden. This, with the adjoining
land, t\irni8hes mo with sufficient pastime, as well as sujiport for my
family and cattle. In fact, I am as much of a farmer as my duties
will allow me to be.

My wife has been very well of late. She is in good spirits, and is
near lier confinement. May fortune grant that it may be a son !
Gusta is my milkmaid, and lier sister does nothing l)Ut collect
the news of which she keeps a diary. All the children, thanks to
God, are well.

I have come here for a few days to make some arrangements in
regard to the officers and recruits who arrived from New York.
My wife not knowing anything of my receiving a letter from you,
has not asked me to send her compliments ; but I can safely do it in
her name, as slie, together with all my family, always remember your
honor with a never ending friendship.

I remain, etc.,

RiEDESEL.

PLAN OF SIK HENRY CLINTON FOK A DIVERSION (WITH THE CO-
OPERATION OF CANADA) THROUGH THE CHESAPEAKE HIOHLANDS
AND UP THE POTOMAC, SUSQUEHANNAH, ETC., COMMUNICATED IN
CONFIDENCE TO MAJOR GENERAL RIEDESEL WITH ORDERS TO
COMMUNICATE IT TO GENERAL HALDIMAND.

As there can be no doubt — judging by the news from Europe,
and by intercepted letters from French officers, under Rochambeau,
to the French consul in Philadelphia — that there is an intention, at
the present time, to attack Canada, General Clinton hopes that Gene-
ral Haldimand will be able to spare two thousand men for an expedi-
tion from Niagara, Lake Erie and Presqu'isle, against Fort Pitt, the
Ohio river, and the settlements in the rear of Virginia and Pennsyl-
vania. Sucli an undertaking would greatly facilitate an expedition
from the Chesapeake highlands, which, it is hoped, will be the more
successful, from the supposed willingness of the settlers along the
Ohio to submit to the government of Great Britain on the condition

TO UKS. ItlKDKHKVS (AMI'AIOM.

251

tlmt tliey shnll be entirely separiitcil from Virginiii iiiul Pcmwylvftiiia
iiiiil form a distinct province.

All necessary magazines lor iirovisions, arlill"ry, l)ajr;j;ai;e, etc.,
liaving been ercctiHl at Niagara, it Is thought that the corps from
Canada will be able to cross I^ake Va'w in vessels and occupy a
strong position on I'resiiu'isle. Here, it could cstal)lish itself in such
a manner, by fortitications, etc., that there woidd be no danger
either of its being driven out by superior numbers or its retreat being
cut off by water.

And even if we should not succeed in capturing Prcsqu'isle by
surprising Fort Pitt, we would soon ascertain the sentiments of the
people along the Ohio. If they are found to be favorable to the king,
and willing to dc^fend the defiles in the Alleghany mountains and
Blue Uidge, a foothold might be gained arter a while at Fort Pitt,
and two posts established at Shenango and Venango. Thus, com-
munications would be kept up between Fort Pitt and Presciu'isle,
a circumstance which woidd greatly facilitate the incursions of the
savages in carrying destruction on tlie rear of Virginia and Pennsyl-
vania.

If Fort Pitt could not be taken either by ennning or surprise, and
we should find ourselves entirely deceived in regard to the sentiments
of the people along the Ohio, we would have to be content with the
capture of Prcscju'lsle. This post should then be made as strong as
possible, while, at the same lime, we could push forward and establish
two posts at Shenango and Venango, protected by two redoubts, and
thus preserve the water communication. Tlie Indians would have
to be sent to those posts in advance, with orders to devastate the
conntry as much as was consistent with prudence and caution.

The officer, in command of tlie Canadian corps, must await in this
position the result of the expedition undertaken from Cliesai)eake
bay; and, through messengers, iie must be in constant communica-
tion with the general in command. He must, also, do all in his power
to afford him support, by a prudent cooperation.

Sir Henry Clinton, in order to conceal tlie real intention of this ex-
pedition, will pretend to start with a small corjjs from the Mohawk
river to Oswego, as if for the pui'iiose of capturing Fort Stanwix.
This corps shall devastate the country as far as lies in tlieir power,
and shall return to Oswego afler a certain time.

If the fleet on Lake Cliamplain could, at the same time, with a few

Canadian volunteers and rangers, make a few excursions to Ticonde-

rogaand Fort George and even beyond, this third expedition would,

as a matter of course, confuse the enemy still more, especially when

SI*

f • ^

25'2

OFFICIAL DOCVMESTS KKlAriNO

he found lilmsclC, in luldition to nil tlilH, altiickcd HinuiltnnconHly In
('iirolinu, Vir^'iniii, anil Miiryliind.

Gcncrnl Sir Ilcniy Clinton expects to be aide to nnderlnkc Ids ex-
|)cdition ininu'diatcly upon the plan o( Washington and Uoehaiidienii
iM'ln;,' known. This will proliaidy take (dace in the ndddle of winter
or at the he;;inninK of spring; hnt the diversion from Canada must
come off as near the same lime as his as possihlo, since the nearer to-
g<'tlier they are, llic better results he expects from it. For he deems
the surest nielliod of putting; an end to the revolution, to be in sc|)a-
ratiuK the inhabitants alon^ the Ohio and Kentucky from the other
revolted i)rovinces.

l'r.AN OK AN KXPKDITION FHOM CANADA AGAINST TIIK OHIO KIVKK
AND ALLKdIIANY MOINTAINS AND IIU'K UIDOK. IN COOI'KUATION
WITH AN KXI'KDITION OK TIIK AUMY OF NKW VOUK AdAINHT
MOl'NT CHKSAI'EAKE. DHAWN IP «Y GENEUAL UIEDEHEL IN 1781,
FOR OENEKAI. CLINTON,

The army of Canada consists of the 8th, 21)th, Hist, ;i4th, 44th, and
the r)!(d rej,'inu'nts, one hundred and (illy men of the 47th, a battalioa
of the 84tli, Sir J(dui Johnson's reifimcnt, Yessop's battalion of pro-
vincials, six Brunswick liattalions (which, on account of the smallness
of their nundter, arc formed into tliree), one battalion of Hanaii yiigers,
one half a battalion ot Hanau infantry, one Hessian battalion, one
battalion Anhalt Zerbst, and the dragoon regiment. The whole, with
the exception of the 8th infantry, already destined for the defense of
llie upper lakes, if we count each battalion at four hundred men,
amounts to six thousand troops. Suppose then, that we could spare
two thousand live hundred regular troops during tlie season of the
year, when a French invasion from the seaboard need not be feared, I
would propose, since the fleets on the lakes ' arc amply sulllcient to
protect the frontiers of Canada in the direction of Albany, that four
battalions of infantry, three companies of yiigers, and three com-
panies of Canadians, with a jiroportionate amount of artillery, be sent
to Niagara in vessels. Meanwhile, the ofllcers of the 8th regiment,
before setting out, should collect as many Indians as pos.sible, and the
war vessels should be rendezvoused at tlie mouth of Lake Erie, op-
posite Niagara.

It would be necessary also, to supply this corps not only w'"'' "*
guns necessary for battalions, but with cannon with which to

' Clmniplaiii and fli!orjji'.

TO <lK\. lilKhHSKL's C.iM/'.l/f/.V

25a

the Ibrtw tlmt will liivvo to bts (f8tiil)llHii(!(l lor tho coinnuiiiidUion willi
tilt! liikt's irlicii tills corpH sliiiU lmv(^ iidviincctl towiinl llii' Ohio.

Corrcsiiondiiij^ prcimriitions should liki'wiso lie iiiude lor pi'oviHloiiH,
lioHpltiil HiippHcH, liiiggiigo, aiiHiuiiilMoii mid tlui (tn^ineor (UvIhIoii ;
and 11 tiik'iitcd mid uctlvi; iiimi* sent uJiiMid to Niii,u;iini to iniikc the
luux'HHury iirrmijjcineiitH us soon iis tho c'xpe<litioii shall \\\i\v Itccii
imdcrtaktiii. All this could ho done uiidci' tii(! jiri'tcxt, that an at-
tempt against Niagara was feared, and it was, IJuirefore, nee(^ssal■y to
he placed in a thoroughly defensive eondllloii.

The troops uiion arriving at Niagiira, siioiild locate a post near tiio
iiioulh of Lake Erie, and vessels, artillery, l)aggag<' and lents trans-
ported to the carrying i»lace. After this is all uccoinplislied, the
troops must march to Lake Erie, emhark, and land on tli(! east side
of the lake at a given point, perhaiis Presipi'lsle. The moment they
arrive there, two detachments, composed oi' yiigers, Canadians, and
provincials, should be sent forward to gei, a footing at Shenango,
ami afterwards at Venango. The Canadians are to operate in front
of tlufse detaclimeuls, while the major partof thee.xptidition remains
at Presqu'isle, to put it In a suitable condition for being the great
rendezvous. An effort should also be made, if possible, to have tlio
Indians, supported by the advance guard, capture Fort Pitt either
by cunning or a surprise. This fort is said to be situated at a distance
of ninety miles by land from the old French I'o.id. In this case the
expedition should he undertaken as soon as there is a clianci! to
march in tlie direction of Venango, which can be done on vessels
down the Alleghany river. A post, however, in a redoubt, must be
left at Shenango. When we are masters of Fort Pitt, wt; shall soon
see what are the sentiments of the inhabitants of that region. If they
are willing to submit to the government of the king and defend
themselves, I believ(! we risk nothing in occupying Fort Pitt with the
yiigers and oiu; regiment of regulars, as it can be reenforced eitbt^r
by land or water as is thought liest. It will also be well, perhaps, to
build a few gunboats to |)rolect the navigation from one post to
another. As soon as we have a foothold at Fort Pitt, the Indians
can be sent into the Alleghany mountains, and thence still farther to
the source of the Pottmiac, as far as the Cumberland and the Juniatu
river, wliicli empties near Frankstown, into the Susquehannah river.
If the settlers on the Ohio are willing to take up arms, or to place
outposts in the front of Fort Pitt, between the Monongahela and the
Honykigany rivers to their left, then a post in the passes near Fort
Ligonier and Conemak Oldtown can be es'tablislied. As soon as the
other or complementary expedition from the Chesapeake is on the
way, the manceuvrcs of both armies will b(!Come more in harmony

•w

254

OFFICIAL DOVVMBNTti liELA TINO

witli each other; nwA bodies of regiiliir troops can, every Httlc wliile,
be sent out in lulvnnce from right to left, without miicli risk, until
there is not a liostile post leil tliis side of Fort Pitt. I believe tliat
Fort Pitt is too far off to risk an engagement witli tlic enemy — taking
into view tlm distance for retreat in case of defeat — but I also believe
that we may attack, and act on the defensiv:" near Shenango and
Venango (if the enemy ventures so far), as it would then be almost
impossibh) for us to be cut off from the reiulezvous at Presqu'isle,
where we could take to our boats. If, however, the inhabitants
should act witli us, we could act mon; powerfully, and the rangers
of the left wing might be sent on a raid into Virginia and Pennsyl-
vania. It would also be of great and important l)cnefit, if Win-
chester — a city of considerable injportance on the main road from
Philadelphia to Virginia — could be destroyed, and if incursions
could be made upon what is called the great wagon road. Thus all
communication between the northern and southern provinces would
be destroyed. Jiut sui)posing that the enemy, which is not very likely,
should rally a urge force while the expedition was getting under
way from the Ciiesapeake — and supposing again that it would be
dangerous to support this expedition even as far as Venango — we.
could easily fall back on our rendezvous at Presqu'isle ; and as the
enemy could not reuuiiu in Ibis 'i-gion, we could follow him eveiy
time h(! retreated.

The rest of tiiis e.vpedition depends on local circumstances regarding
which I can makt; no conjectures, ntjt being acquainted with the
country any further than what I have learned from the map.

A corps constructed on similar principles to the above, might
operate in the same manner ii\ this section, luitil the French prepare
for an invasion of Canada in earnest, in which case Ithiukour troops
could be back at Montreal in two months.

For the purpose of deceiving the enemy in regard to the real object
of this expedition, another corps, consisting of Moiiawk Indians,
one yiigcr company, the reginu'ul of Sir Jolni Joiuison, and supplied
with vesseis,artillery,et<'., might proceed to Oswego, repair the fort
in that jdace, and extend its ojierations as far as Fort Stanwix and
the German Flats. This would greatly puzzle the rebels ; but in case
of such an expedition being undertaken, we must noi pretend U) ^o it:
the NV'orks of FortStanwix must aetiialli/ be destroyed, and in ca.se we
are forced by a superior force of the enemy to fall back on Oswego,
this post uuist be kep' at all hazards until Ueiu'ral Haldinuind thinks
it advisable to gather together all his fcures into the interior.

The entire fleet, also, must be sent from St. John to Crown point,
as soon as tlu! season of the year permits it. Major Carleton, with

TO OES. UIEDESELH VAMVxVWN.

255

the mngers, saviiges from the interior of Canivda, and Canadian
volunteers, will be of this party. They will then make raids upon
Ticonderoga, Lake George and Albany ; but this must be done with
great caution, so as not to be surprised, or injure the Ilamshirc grants
called the province of Vermont. Crown point will always remain the
rendezvous for the raiders, and the fleet will always cover this post
as long as the season of the year allows. I believe there is nothing
to hinder tliis plan, except that it will be impossible to cross the upper
St. Lawrence after the month of October ; that the transportation of
provisions and baggage from 3Iontreal to Niagara, so late in the
season, will be connected with dilllculties ; and that the Indians can
only be rallied at a certain season of the year. I, however, also be-
lieve that these impediments can easily be overcome. A certain
Captain Twiss, who was employed by General Phillips in the cam-
paigns of 1776 and 1777, has solved questions which seemed impossible.
He is now in Canada.

I beg you will excuse it if the names of places and rivers are given
incorrectly in tliis plan. I have had only a general map to assist me,
which renders it impossible to give them with accuracy.'

A PLAN BY WHICH IT MAY BE POSSIBLE SO TO WEAUY THE AMERI-
CAN PROVINCES THAT IT SHALL NOT BE POSSIBLE FOR TllE.M TO
PAY THE EXPENSES OF THE WAR. WRITTEN BY GENERAL RIED-
ESEL, NO DATE ^IVEN.

1st. A eor[)s of lie main army under the immediate command
of the general in chief of North America, consisting of twenty-four
battalions, two regiments of dragoons, with sullicient anillcry at
New York city, New York island. Long island, and Stiiten island;
a large, and carefully arranged fort on Long island, and on Stateii
island for the defense of the narrow jiassage of Sandy hook ; a well
planned fort for the defense of the narrow channel between .Jersey
and Slaten island ; another one on Long island for the defense of the
narrows at Ilellgale, and to save troops as far as possible; a naval
force, under the chief admiral, consisting of four ships of the line ana

' Although the plan, Hivcn l)y Clinton to RicUi'scl tor Ilulillniiuul, in t;ivcn first in
the origlnnl, yut it Hecnix altoKCtliur protmljlo that ttiirt plan of Oencral RiudcHcl
wa» originated by him anil given to Clinton, who, thereupon, Incorpomted Its
e.\aet features, or rather reproduced it for Haldiinand. Thin Kuppo^ition, moreover,
in rendered additionally probable by the fact that Rledesel nketched (see a few
pages Imekl a very sindlar plan of operations in a letter to Phillips some time
provioiiHly.— Tra)islaU>i .

mv.^i:

OFFICIAL DOC'UMBiVTS liULATINO

V-,

six frigates to protect tlie const from nil hostile attacks from the sea-
board.

2cl. A corps of eight battalions with the proper artillery, and about
eighty mounted ytigers or volunteers on Rhode island. This island
would have to be better fortified than at present ; and tlic city of
Newport, or another better situated post also fortified that it could
not be taken without a regular siege of two months. This latter
post to be likewise protected by a ficet of one; ship of the line and
three frigates, under the conunand of a commodore.

Ud. To obtain possession of a post ))etween Newport and Halifax,
either in the vicinity of Portsmouth, not far from New Castle island,
or in ti»e Kasko or Kenncbeck bay. The main thing in the selection
of such a post is, a good safe harbor, and suitable ground on which
to construct a fort suflieiently strong, not only to defend the harbor,
but to resist for a time any assault by land. Four regiments, with
l)roper artillery, and fifty volunteers or n\ounted dragoons, should be
stationed in the fortifications. Three frigates, under a commodore,
should also protect the harbor.

4lh. Halifax, the dock yard of North America, should be protected
by four regiments, and a ileet of four frigates and two ships of the
line.

5tii. The two capes, south of New York, viz : Charles and Henry,
should be fortified, or, still better, two strong forts further up the
Chesapeake, in tiie vicinity of tJloucester or Hampton, should be
built and fortified to withstand a siege. For this purpose ten regi-
ments and one hundred horses, with proper artillerj', will be required
to cover these fortifications and keep the Chesapeake clear. Two
ships of the line and six frigates will also be ne(!essary.

Oth. To defend the coast completely, and before adopting this plan,
Charleston, in South t'iirolina, must be taken by a well sujiportcd
expedition. It should be well fortified, so that it can be held by a
garrison of four regiments, fitly horse and proper artilUMy, until it
can he sui)ported from another direction. A ship of liie line and
three frigates will ct>ver the harbor and fortifications.

7th. Savannah, or another post in Georgia, to be fortified and
manned by thirty regiments, fifty horse and the proper artillery, and
to be protected by one ship of the line and three frigates.

Hth. St. Augustina, in Florida, to be defended by two regiments
with the proper artillery and two frigates.

Jttli. A tleel of observation of four ships of the line and six frigates
under an admiral, six regiments, one hundred horse and the proper
artillery to be in constant readiness to undertake expeditions into

TO GEN. UIEDKHEL-S CAMPAIGN.

267

the soiitliern portions of America, and reenforce tliose posts in case
of an hostile attaci;.

lOtli. A similar fleet to operate against the northern provinces.

The entire effective force in America, after manning the above
named placets and fortifying them, \v(mld be as follows :

iNFANTKY.

Cavalbv.

AnTiL-

I-EBY.

SlIII-S OF

TUB Line.

FUIQATEa.

New York,

Between I{lindcl><-
liuid and Ilaltfax, .

Newport,

Hnlilnx,

Chewipeakc Bay, . .
Charleston,

liattaliom.
21

4
8
4
10
4
3
2

Men.
600

100
50

100
100

Companies.
4

1
2
2
2
1
1
1

1
2
2

1
1

4
4

3
3
4
U
3
3

St. AngMslina,

Soutliorn C'orpn of

oljiiervallon,

Norlhcrn corps of

observation

TOTAI-,

1130

Three bodies of savages, supported by rangers and volunteers, must
constantly ravage and harrass the frontiers of the colonies from
Niagara and Oswego, so that not only will the inhabitants of that
fertile country be compelled to leave their plantations, but the enemy
will be forced to maintain an army iii every province in addition to
the large one operating against New York. The maintenance of these
different coqis will soon cause, in every province, such a want of am-
munition, provisions and money, that it will be impossible for them
either to send supplies to the main army or support their connnou
expenses by taxes.

Expeditions, also, must at once be sent into those porfions of the
country where it is foiuid that the enemy are asleep or his militia
scattered; and stores, i)rovisious, catlle,and men lit for the .service
must Ite carried off. These expeditions must be pressed until the
enen\y is compelled to send troops from his main army while we arc
operating.

The general, who commands this expedition, must possess sound
Judgment. He must never risk an ('<7/(r / neither should h(^ retreat
until the object of the expedition is accoiniilished. .Vs soon, moreover,
as the commanding general learns that the troops, having iu;com-
plished their object, an; about to return, he must send out a new ex-
pedition in an opposite direclion, whieli must be carried out with the
same energy. I believe that four successive expeditions can l)c under-

■ 1 •

258

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS liELATINO

taken during a j'car, two in a nortlierly and two in a soutlierly direction.
As soon as tlic troops return from one expedition, tliey are to replace
tliosc garrisons tliat have been weakened by furnisliing men for ex-
peditions already out. The captured provisions, cattle, etc., arc to
furnisli the garrisons with fresh supplies.

In addition to tluisc large expeditions planned by the commanding
general, tlie officer in command of a post is to carry on a constant
skirmishing warfare in his vicinity, send now small detachments
and now large ones, surprise the enemy here and there, by day and
night. He should, especially, profit by the rough season of the year
and the winter, at whicli times the enemy generally becomes careless.
He should, also, make the most of the summer in harvesting time
when the militia are forced to disperse to gather in their crops.

By such a miniature warfare not only is the enemy compelled to
keep a considerable corps of observation, but the garrisons have, at
the same time, the advantage of being supplied with all kinds of fresh
supplies. The inhabitants are likewise, by such a course, kept in con-
stant fear and terror. Such little expeditions, also, would be greatly
facilitated by having a certain number of cavalry added to each garri-
son.

Those inhabitants wV^, eithev by land or water, bring provisions
to the garrisons, shouiu bo promptly and liberally paid in cash. Love
of gain will therefore induce them to bring more supplies as well as
news from the enemy, and the number of tories will also be increased.
Such people, however, must never be allowed to enter the city, or go
anywhere where they might discover the condition of the fort or
garrison.

But should all this fail to rouse Washington from his lethargj',
and should it be his plan to have each province protect itself with its
own militia, then we must prolong our expeditions and advance into
the interior as far as the rivers will permit. We must then go into
entrenched camp.s from which we can fit out new expeditions to devas-
tate the level land as much as possible. This course not only will
ruin the provinces, but the inhabitants will be very angry because
Washingf on and congress refused to assist them ; yea, it will finally
cause a si parat ion of the confed(!rate provinces.

Should Washington, either of his own incliniition, or by the com-
mand of congress, at the reciuesl of the sulfering provinces, make a
general moveuu'ul with his army and send out such strong detach-
ments as to weaken him, then our main army migiit make itself
master of the highlands, and thus bring about the long desired sepa-
ration between the northern and southern i rovinces But such a
itiDVement shoidd not be unilertaken imtil NVu Ellington has shown

TO OEN. JHEDESEL'S CAMPAIGN.

269

Ilia liand, ami his troops are too far away to support the post that is
to 1)0 captured.

Hut should it be Washington's plan to allow our troops to proceed
unmolested on their expedition, widle, at th(! same time, he attacked
one of our posts, the latter (as we have before shown), would l)e too
well fortified to be taken by surprise, and could easily hold out until
we came to its relief Having tlius placed the besieging army
between two fires, we should either gain a comi)letc victory, or cap-
ture the largest part of his heavy artillery and si(!ge train.

I believe, also, that it would be a good idea to keep an eye upon
those Americans who enter into our service as tories. They should
never be allowed to be in one corps by themselves, but should be in-
corporated into the English regiments. These men would thus com-
uumd more respect by being in the company of national troops, and
would love their king and regiment better; but in case of deserticjns,
an entire corps would not be ruined. Regimental ollices should also
be given to Americans of distinction, for the sake of creating emula-
tion. Such a course might induce many from the provinces to join
our army. Indeed, I feel confident that each infantry regiment, now
serving in America, would thereby be increased to two battalions in a
short time. Thus, most of our recruits could be obtained in America,
and our own army strengthened in proportion as that of the Americans
were weakened. In pursuing this policy, however, care should be
taken to have our northern regiments filled with Americans from the
south, and our southern ones with recruits from the north.

It must be added, as a necessary part of the above programme, that
the ministry of Great Britain must watch the steps which Franco
takes in regard to America, and must endeavor to prevent her sending
rcnforcements either for tlie army or navy. Should this, however,
be impossible, then a force in proportion to that sent by France must
be sent over at once to preserve the equilibrium of power.

Judging by the knowleilge of America I acquired in traveling
through it, 1 believe that a war carried tm in the way I have described,
for two years, would so weaken the country, increase the war expenses,
and make the farmer as well as the merchant so tired of it, that the
Americans would surely accept the conditionsplfered by the crown.
In case they acknowledged their dependence on England, everything
they asked for could be granted, with the exception that England
should keep the forts on tlie coast and in the interior garrisoned and
placed in a better condition of defense. A considerable English licet
woulil, also, have to be scattered near the different i)orts on the sea-
board.

33*

2G0

OFFICIAL novUMENTS It ELATING

The above is and can be the only means of keeping this wonderfully
growing nation dependent on the king; otherwise, it will outgrow
the Englisli nation during the next century.

IN8TKUCTIONS FOR LIEUTENANT COLONEL BAUME, ON A SECRET
EXPEDITION TO THE CONNECTICUT UIVEU.'

\The erasures %oere made by Oene-
ml Burgoyne!']

The object of youi' expedition is
to try the affections of the coun-
try, to disconcert the councils of
the enemy, to mount the Reidesel's
dragoons, to complete Peters's
corps, and to obtain large supplies
of cattle, liorses and carriages.

The several corps, of which the
inclosed is a list, are to be under
your command.

The troops must take no tents,
and what little baggage is carried
by ofllcei-s must be on their own
bat horses.

You are to proceed by the route
from Batten kill to Arlington,
and take post there, so as to secure
t/ie jmssfrom Manchester. You are
to remain at Arlington till the de-
tachment of the provincials, under
the command of Captain Sher-
wood, shall join you from the
southward.

You are then to proceed to Man-
chester, where you take post so as
to secure the pass of the moun-
tains on the road from Mancliester
to Hockingham ; lience you will
detnch the Indians and light troops
to the northward, toward Otter

Amendments made by General
Burgoyne,

> This extract should be read in counoction with note 3 on page SGI of vol. i.
' The eniBurus uru printed iu italics, and the umeudmonts iu the opposite column.

3
<■ ■ ■■ t-

TO OEN. lilEDESEVH VAMl'AlaX.

261

creek. On their return, anil also
receiving intelligence that no ene-
my is in force in the neighborhood
of liockiiif/ham, (1) you will pro-
ceed by the road over tlie moun-
tains to Rockingham, where you
will take post. This will be the
most distant part on the expedi-
tion. (2)

You are to remain there as long
as meesmry to fulfill tlie intention of
the eximlition from t/ienec, (IJ) and
you are afterwards to descend by
the Connecticut river to Brattle-
bury, rind from that place, by the
quickest march, you are to return
by the great road to Albany.

During your whole progress,
your detachments arc to have or-
ders to bring in to you all horses
fit to mount the dragoons under
your command, or to serve as bat
horses to tlie troops, tfiey are like-
wise to bring in (4) saddles and
bridles as can be found. (.'5)

Your parties are likewise to
bring in wagons and other con-
venient carriages, witli as many
draft oxen as will be necessary to
draw them, and all cattle fit for
slaugiitcr (milch cows excepted),
which are to be left for the use of
the inhabitants. Regular receipts,
in the form hereto subjoined, are
to be given, in all places where
any of the abovementioned articles
are taken, to such persons as have
remained in their habitations, and
otherwise complied with the terms
of General Burgoyne's manifesto ;
but no receipts to be given to such
as are known to be acting in the
service of the rebels. (0)

(1) U})on tlw Connecticut river.

(2) Ami must be proceeded upon
witli caution, as you will have tlie
defile of the mountains behind you,
which miijht make a retreat difficult;
you must therefore endeavour to be
well informed of the force of t/ui ene-
my's militiii in tlw neighboring
country.

Should you find it may ivith pru-
dence l>e effected.

(3) ichile t/ie Indiiins and light
troops are detaclied up tlw river.

(4) together with as nutny.

(5) Tlw number of Iwrses re-
quisite, besides tliose necessary for
mounting (he regiment of dragoons,
ought to be I'iiOO. If you can bring
more for the use of the army, it will
be so much tlw better.

(0) As you will have with you

262

OFFICIAL DOVUMENTa ItELATINO

]xriioiin pcrffdly acqtiainkd irith
the ahiliticn of the eouiitry, it may
jH'rhnpH be ddnmhle to tax the neve-
rid -HdrictH with the jwrtioM of the
tuTtiral iirtidcH, <iml limit the houm
for their delivery; and, should you,
find it inremiry to move Ixfore siiefi
delivery en a be mmle, hontnyvH of the
nwHt rvHjKCtable people should l>c
taken, to secure their folloiviny you
the ensuiHf/ day. All jiossihle means
aret/jlH! used to prevent plumleriny.
As it isjtrobable that Captain /Sher-
wood, who is already detached to the
southward and will join you at Ar-
lington, tvill drive in a considerable
quantity of cattle and horses to you,
you will therefore send in this cattle
to the army, with a projyer detach-
ment from Peters's corps to cover
them, in order to disencumber your-
self; but you must always keep the
regiments of dragoons compact.

The dragoons themselves must
ride, and Utke care of the horses of
th4i regiment. Those horses which
are destined for the use of the army
must be tied together by strings of
ten each, in ortkr that one man may
lead ten horses. You will give the
unarmed vien of Peters's corps to
conduct t/um, and inhaUtants whom
you can trust. You must always
take your camps in good pm'tion;
but at the same time where there is
jHisture ; and you must have a chain
of sentinels round your cattle and
horses when grazing.

Colonel Skeene will be with you
as much as pmible, in order to
assist you with his advice, to help
you to distinguish the good subjects
from the b(ul, to procure you the best

TO (Jk.\. ItlKDESlCLii CAMl'MUS:

268

inteUiijeiuv of tlu: inemy, and to
c/mm (how ]>eopl); irfio hit. to hiing
me t/ie aecouiitH ofyoarproyirim and
mccenn.

Whta you find it neiiemtiiry to hidt
for (I day or tiro, you muxt idiniyH
cntri'iifh the camp of the reijiiiunl of
driiyooHii, in order neatr to rink iin
attack or affront from, the. eiu'iny.

As you irill return with the nyi-
ment of drayooiiH mounted, you
muHt alirayii hare a Machiiienlif
Captain Frimer'tt or Peti'i-Hs eorpn in
front of the column, and the Maine in
the rear, in order to prevent your
falliny into an amliuxcade ithenyoii
march through t/ie wood*.

You will use nil possible means
to make the country belie\e that
the troops under your coniinand
are the advanced corps of the
army, and that it is intended to
pass the Connecticut on the road
to Boston. You will likewise
hmi it in»inuated, (7) that the main
army from Albany is to be joined
at Sprinytteld by a corps of troops
from Uhode island.

You will send off occammally
cattle or carriar/es, to prevent /winy
too much incumbered; and will give
me as frequent intdliyence of your
situation as possible.

It is highly probable tiiat the
corps under Mr. Warni.'r, now
supposed to be at Manchester,
will retreat before you ; but, should
they, contrary to expectation, be
able to collect in great force, and
post themselves advantageously,
it is left to your discretion to
attack them or not; always
bearing in mind, that your corps

(7) iimnualu,

<■ 4 ! ' '«

r ♦>!

264

OFFICIAL DOVVSIKS'l'S IIKLATISO

1» too vnluiU)l(! to let imy consider-
able los:4 be bu/iinled on thU
oeciiHion.

Should liny eorps be moved from
Mr. Arnold's nniln army, in order
to Intercept your retreiit, you iiro
to take as stronu: a post as the
country will atlbrd, and send the
((uickest intelligence to me ; and
you may depend on my making
Huch a movemttnt as shall put the
enemy between two tires, or other-
wise ellectually sustain you.

It is imagined the progress ol
the whole of this expedition may
be effected in about a fortnight;
but every movement of it must
depend upon your success in ob-
taining such supply of provisions
as will enable you to subsist till
your return to the army, in case
you can get no n\ore. (8)

All persons acting in connnit-
tccs, or any officers acting under
the directions of congn-ss, either
civil or military, are to be made
jirisoners.

(8) And, hIwuIiI not the army be
(Me to reiich Alluiiii/lnfore your w-
jmtififni xhould Ik' ronipMat, I will
Jind iiu'iins to mud yon notice of it,
and f/iir your route another direc-
tion.

Batten Kim^, Augud 13, 1777.
Hir:

1 had the honor of acquainting your excellency, l)y a man sent
yesterday evening by Colonel Skeenc to head ipiarlers, of the several
corps under my command being encamped at Saratoga, as well a.s of
my intention to proceed the next morning at live o'clock ; the corps
moved at that time, and marched a mile, when I received a letter from
Brigadier General Fraser, signifying your excellency's ordbr to post
the corps advantageously on Batten kill, till I should receive fresh in-
structions from your exceUency : the corps is now encamped at that
l)lace, and wait your excellency's orders. 1 will not trouble you, sir,
with the various reports which spread, as they seem rather to be

Hi!

TO (ins. ItlKnKSEUS CA.v/'.irn.v.

266

foiindi'd on the (lill'erriit Intcrcstfl niul feelings of the people who
occnHioii them.

I Imve the honor to he, niosl reHpeclfully,

Vdiir excellency's most olx'tlient

and hunihle scrvitnt,

F. Haumk.
The recnforcemenl of Hfty chii.sseiirM,
which your excellency was pleased
to order, Joined me last ni^'ht ut
eleven o'ehxik.

General liiirginjiit.

LIST OF THOSE OKKICEItS (WITH TIIKIR KAXK AND DATE OK DEATH)
WHO SERVED AS I'AItT Ol-' THE IIUINSWICK AI'XILIAUIES IN
AMERICA FROM n70-nas.

The Field Officcn of the Corps.

1. Major General (commander) Uicdesd, Frederick Adolplnis, died
Jan. 0, 1800, as lieutenant general and commander of Hrunswick.

2. Captain (General (iuiirter Master) Gerlaeh, Ileinricli Jan., died
Sept. 20, 1798, as lieutenant cohmel and commander of the artillery
in Brunswick.

3. Captain O'Connel, Laurentlus, died In 1810, as u pensioned
lieutenant colonel in Ireland.

4. Lieutenant Clcve, Frederick Christian, died Jan. 0, 1820, as a
pensioned major general at Brunswick.

5. Keeper of the military chest, Godeck, Joliann Conrad, died Uee.
25th, 1782, in America.

Dnif/'Htn I{ef/iiiwnt,

1. Lieutenant Colonel Hanm, Frederick, wounded in the hattle
near Bennington, the Kith of August, 1777, ami died two days after-
ward.

2. Major Von Maihom, Just. Christoph, died Feb. 17th, 1804, as a
pensioned major nt WolfeuhUttcl.

8. Captain of horse, Schlagcnteutfel III, Carl, dismissed from the
service in 1788.

4. Captain of horse, Fricke, Ileinrich Christian, died July !), 1808,
as a pensioned major.

5. Captain of horse, Ueiuking, Carl Frederick, killed on the ICth of
August, 1777, in the battle near Bennington.

I'OO

OFFIVIAL noCVMKNTS liKl.ATIffO

0. Ciiptaln of liorsc, ScliliijfcntcutlV'l IV (Atlopli), tliHmiHsod by ro-
(|iU'Ht from Ihf iiriny in ITHJt, iih nmjoi'.

7. I.iciitcnmit llrcvii, \\\^m\ Wllliclm, died tlic lOtli AiigtiHt, 1700,
IIS nipliiiii of tlic invalid coiiipiiny iit liliinliciiliiii'K.

H. Kicnii'iiant von SoininciiiilU', Olio Arnold, licciinu' liliiid in 17K1,
and placed on the prnsion list.

». LiiMiltniinl Hccknult.Cail Fiicdi-rick, dcHcrtcd from VVolfcnbUltcl
the l:tlli Anjfnwt, 17H4.

10. Lieutenant von liotlimer, Frioderich Wilhclm Dietrich, din-
missed, at his own reiiuest, in 17H;J, with the rank of master of horse.

It. liieutenant Hornemann, August Friedrieh irelnrich, dismissed
in 178H; entered the service of Holland, and died in India.

12. Cornet (Jriife, August Ludwig Lucas, renniiiuHl in America in
178!), liy pc-rmissiou ; returned in the following year to Germany, and
died as governor of Mecklenburg-Slrelitz.

lU. Cornet Stut/.er, Johann Balthasar, died the 20lli November,
1821, as n pensioned lieutenant colonel in Brunswick.

14. Cornet Schbnewald, Johann Friedrieh, died the Sth July, 1820,
with the same rank.

l.j. Chaplain Melsheimcr, Carl, deserted from his regiment the Uth
May, 1770.

10. Auditor Thomas remained, in 1783, by permission In America.

17. Hegimental Chaplain Vorl)rodt, pensioned in 178!1.

Oreiitidicr lidltdlioi).

1. Lieutenant Colonel IJreymann, Ileinrich Chriatoph, killed the
7lh Oct., 1777, in the battle of Freenum's farm.

2. Captain IJiirtling I, Ernst August, died Jan. 1, 170i{, as lieu-
tenant colonel and commander of a battalion in Maestricht.

a. Captain Lblineysen, Albrecht Daniel, died May 2, 1820, upon his
estate at Nendingen.

4. Captain Schick, Gottlob Dietrich, killed August 10, 1777, In the
battle near Bennington.

5. Captain Ilambach, August Wilhclm, dismissed In 1783.

6. Lieutenant Uhlig, Ileinrich Wilhelm, advanced to a captaincy
and transferred to a land regiment in 1783.

7. Lieutenant Gebhard, Theodore Friederich, died June 3, 1810, In
Brunswick as a pensioned lieutenant colonel.

8. Lieutenant Ilelmeckc, August Wilhelm, dismissed in 1783.

0. Lieutenant Trott, Christian Wilhelm; likewise dismissed In
1783.

10. Lieutenant Iludolphi, Otto Ileinrich, died June3, 1810, in Bruns-
wick )us a pensioned lieutenant culunel.

TO iih:\. It/KhKsK/.'S lAMfMllS.

267

It. liicutcnimt Wttllniodcn, Ocliliiird Tliidel, Krii-dricli, died 2d
8»'|>t., 1H07, us iimjor, but mil ol tin- Hcrvlci-.

12. Liciitcimnt Mii/.cll, Liidwix C'uHiiuIr, dii>d July 2H, 1H14, im u pen-
8lc)iK-d colonvl of tlici nivitlry of Ido Hcrune liiKlnicHH, Prince Ocorgt!
nf Hruimwlck, iit OliUkslnirK.

1!). Liciilcnaiit Mcyi-r, Joliitiin AndiTiiH, unknown.

14. LiiMitcniint iMfynrn, Jolmnn .Iiicol), dk'ti July it, lH()2,i)Hcnptidn
nnd cidi'f of the invnlid eoinimny iit niiink('id)urji;.

15. Lieutenant D'Anniei-H II, Curl Frunz, died in 1777, while a
prisoner ut Iknninjj;lon.

10. Lieutenunt Winterschinidt, Ootll'ried Jul, deserted from his
Imltftllon In 177».
17. LifUlc'ntmt Hulke, Johunn Ciwper, died in Anierleu in 1777.
IH. Ueginientul (!liupluin Ilenkcl, died in Anierieu in 1778.

Prince fYiediii'h' H lUyiment.

1. liicutcnnnt Colonel Priilorius, Cliristiun .lidius, died Ajjril 10,
1794, us u jiensioncd lieutenunt colonel ut IIol/.Tniiidcn.

2. Mujor llille, Freidricli W'illielm, died Ajiril 21), 1H05, us u niiOor
generul, and nunied eonunundunt of WolfenhUttel near Mrunswick.

». Captain Dietrieli. Adolpli Lorenz, died March 10, 1704, m
lieutenunt colonel ut WolfenhUttel.

4. Cuptuin Tiuulerfeld, Carl August lleinricli, died Juno 4, 1802,
nB chamberlain of Brunswick.

5. Captain Sander, Jacob Christian, died March 14, 1700, us lieuten-
ant colonel ut Wolfenbuttel.

0. Cuptain Rosenberg, Friedrich Albrccht, dismissed ut his own
request, in 1788, as mi^or.

7. Captain Zielbcrg, George Ernst, died out of service at Ilorter,
Feb. 23, 1797, as captain.

8. Lieutenant Schrttdcr, Ernst Chri-stian, pensioned in 178!J, and
died the same year.

9. Lieutenant Kneseheck, Friedrich, dismissed in 1788.

10. Lieutenant Volkmar, Friedrich Wilhehn, dismissed in 1783.

11. Lieutenant Hurz, Johunn Friedrich, succeeded in 1787, to the
post of secretary of the monastic archives.

12. Lieutenant Wolgurt I, Joliann Friedrich, died Oct. 2, 1825, as
a pensioned lieutenant colonel at Brunswick.

13. Lieutenant Ueitzcnstein, Gottlieb Christian, remained by per-
mission, in 1783, in America.

14. Lieutenant Burghoff, .lohann Friedrich Ileinrich, disnussed in
1780, in America, and diiul the same year.

■.^T"'

268

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS HELATING

15. Liciiteimnt dii Roi, August Willielni, after serving the house of
Bnmswic!.' ("aithfully for over fifty years, he drowned hhuself in ii fit
of uu'laneholy, Mareli 98, 1S14. At tlic time of his deatl) he was
eouiuiissary general, and liiutenant colonel on the general staff.

10. l'eu»ennut Wiesencr, Christian Friedrich, discharged in 1783.

17. Lieutenant von K«nig, Edmund Victor, remained, in 1783, by
permission in America.

18. Ensign Langorjahn, Siegfried Heinrich, remained, in 1788, by
l)ermis8i()n in America.

10. Ensign Adelsheim, Carl Friedrich Christian, deserted from his
regiment in 1780.

20. Ensign Sternberg, Jolmnn Cliristian, died Nov. 10, 1791), as
secretary of supplies, at WolfenbUttel.

21. Ensign Reinerding, Carl Wilhehn, died March 14, 1815, as
head chamberlain in tlie service at Ulankcnburg.

22. Ensign Kobe, Frict.'rich, remained by permission, in America
in 1783.

2o. Chaplain FUgerer, Friedrich August, dismissed in Oct., 1770.

24. Chaplain Schrader, Friedrich Wilhehn Conrad, .sent in April,
1770, to America with the transport recruits; died Dec. 19, 1792, as
pastor at Heierstedt.

25. Auditor Wolpers, Paul Gottfried Franz, 'Jied May 11, 1802, ns
chancery clerk at WolfenbUttel.

20. K"gimental Chaplain Bernt, Johimn August, died Feb. 27,
1807, as city surgeon at Hol/.minden.

licyimenl Wuh.

1. Lieutenant Colonel Ehrenkrock, Johanu Guslavus, died March
22, 1783, at Three Rivers in Canada.'

2. Major Lucke, IJallhasar IJogislaus, died as a pensioned major.

3 Captain Scbtagenteulfel L Ludewig, placed on tlic pension list
in 1783, and ilied the same year at Calvflrde.

4. Captain Alcrs, Conrad Anton, died Oct. 17, 1810 as major (out
of the service), at Brunswick.

' Lieutenant Papet II, reroriing to the deatli of Khreiikrm-k, writes In IiIh diary, as
follows : " Meiitoiiaiit Von Klirctikroek dicil at Three Hiverc on the S9 of Marcli . 178.1,
at eiKlit in the niornin;;, ami wan Itinied at one o"eloek at noon of the '471 h of tlio
month, In the UHiial hnrial plaee of llie ^'arrlnon, with military poniii, ('lia|>laln
Kohle dellveriufj an exeellent funeral oiatlon. The corpsi' wan exposed on a bed
ofHtale on llie ■J.'itli and '.Hitli ; and bo well did it look that the Canadiaim llrndy
believed that it was painted,"

TO (1K\. !ilt:i)ESB:L\S UAMt'AION.

269

5. Ca,,itain Arciul, George Philipp, died Dec. 10, 180;i,iis lieutenant
colonel (though out of the service), anil liigh baililFat Kl. ISiewendc.

6. Captain Cleve, Ilelnricli Urban, died Jan. 2, 18()8, as lieutenant
colonel (out of tiie service), at 8al/.gittcr.

7. Ci.; '.aiu Fredersdorff, VVillielni Ludwig, wounded Oct. 7,1777, ia
the Ijattle of Freeman's farm, and died the year following in the city
of Albany.

8. Lieutenant Bodemeyer, George, ilied in 1793, at Macslricht, as
captain.

1). Lieutenant Papet II, Friedrich Jidii'- died April 5, ITiW, aa
captain, at Maestricht.

10. Lieutenant Ilessler, Curl, discharged In 178:$, with liic rank of
captain.

11. Lieutenant Meyer, B^riedrich Leopold Engelhard, died Dec. 0,

1803, as inspector of excise at Secfen.

13. Lieutenant Bielstein, Thedel Wilhelin, remained i>y permission
in America in 1783.

i;j. Lieutenant Conradi, Carl Friedrich, took his discharge in 1783,
and went back to America.

14. Lieutenant Dobencck, Hans Philipp Ileinricli, died in 179(1, as
captain of a land regiment ut Ilol/.minden.

15. Lieutenant Petersen, Carl Ludwig, died May 7, 1814, as a civil
magistrate.

10. Lieutenant Modrach, Christian Ileinricli, died Aug. 18, 1803, as
captain of a land regiment at Uevern.

17. Lieutenant Unger I, Johann Ludwig, died May 3, 180.j,ascouri-
sellor of mines at Sal/.liebeidiallc.

18. Lieutenant Feichel, Friedrich W'illnlni, died May 39, 17!M, at
Brimsrtick, as captain.

19. Ensign liandel, Friedrich, deserted from his rcginu'iil in 1779.

30. Ensign Erich, Hcrnhard, received his discharge in 1783.

31. Ensign li. Ic, .,'ohaini Friedrich, died Sept. 19, ITH3, at- Stade,
while on his retui ' from .\nierica.

33. F'/iisii^n (.JiVleckc, .lohaiin Ileinricli, triiiisferrcd to a regiment
of th' 'ill' in 1788.

33. Cna,)l:iiii Tiigel, Christian Timotheus, died Oct. 1, 1797, as
j)asior at Greiit TwUlpsledl.

24. Auditor Schmiilt, transferred in 1783 to the regiment Iliedesel.

35. Hegimental Chaplain HchriKler, Joliunn Friedrich, died Dee. 10,

1804, at Hrunswick.

270

OFFICIAL UOVUUFNTS UKLATINO

Ihijittwnt Itmkucl.

1. Lk'Utenunt Colonel Si)clli, P>nsl Liuluwig Willielin, tlioil Oct.
27, 1800, as nmjor gciural and coniniaiulant at WollenbtUtfl.

2. Major Mt'iigcn, Otto Carl Anton, ilud May IK, 17'.t7, as lieutL'n-
nnt coloiu'l (out of servlcf), at Llinfhuru;.

'A. Captain PttUnit/., Julius LuiUvig August, died Miircli 3!), 1805, us
major general anil cninniandant at WoU'enltiitlel.

4. Captain Morgenstern, Carl Friedricli, received his diHcliurge iw
major in 17 — .

.1. Captain Hartling II, Carl Friedricli, died in 17H;J, at Miinster
while on his return journey to IJrunswick.

«. Captain liarbord, Golllieh IJenjamin, died as a pensioned cap-
tain in .

7. Captain (iii-sewald, Ernst Ileinrieli Willielni, died .Ian. Hi, 1818,
in time of pi ace as a major general at Hrunswiek.

8. Lieutenant Hover, Willielm, died in 1TS2, in America.

)>. Lieutenant Morgenstern, .Johann Carl, died Dec. 8, 1787, at
Brunswick as captain.

10. liieutenanl Ueinking, Fri<'drich Car'., died as captain of a
regiment of the line.

11. Lieutenant HurgdorlV, Ludwig Traugoll, dismissed in 1780.

12. I/ieutenant Wolgart li, August Theodore Gottfried, died
Mar('h 4, 1821, as a pensioned major at Hrunswiek.

111. Lieutenant Freyenliagen, Ileinrieli .lulius, died in 1777, in
America.

14. Lieutenant Pincier, Christian Theodore, received his discharge
in 1784, and reliirned to America.

l.TI. Lieutenant Cramm, Heiurich Willielm (iottfried, died Feb. 8,
1704, at Mastricht.

10. Lieutenant Meyern, Ludwig <!ottliel>, died 1781, in America.

17. Ensign Hrandir, Knist Christian Ileinrieli, dismissed in 1780.

IN. Ensign I'liver/agt, Ludwig, died in 1770, in America.

1!(. Ensign Maibom, (!arl Cliristoiili, died .\pril 20, 171(4, ii|)on
his return journey from Miistricht to llol/miudcn.

20. Ensign Iliiberlin, Haimnnd Gottlieb, died Oct. 0, 17»fl, atllelm-
sledt as caiitain.

21. En.Hign Andree, Carl Conrad, died as a lieutenant of a regi-
ment of the line in .

32. Knsigii Denecke, Friedricli Ludwig, unknown.'

2;t. Eii.sign Forslner, ileinrieli Friedricli, dismissed in 1704.

' Dr. (»'('iillii;;hnii, in /luri/oi/ne'K firiterlij Uooli:,MaU:iit\ti\l lliic nlllrci wax. In 1T78,
rexliling III WcKliiilnHler. I'luiuUiilor.

yW OES. lltlSlHtHtlVii t'AMPAIHS.

•271

21. Cliapliiin MiliuK-, Jolmnii Aiij,'iinl, ilii-d Jan. 17, 1810, us pnslor
lit Siililcr.

25. Gciicnil Field Auditor Zinkcn, Curl Fricdricli Williclni, died in
lliL' ni;;iit of Aii;;iisl :j, IWOO, us iiuli>' ('oiiiiscllDr and mayor ol Sccl'cii.

20. Hfgiiiiuiilal Cliapluiii I'rallc, died as land surgeon at .Icrrlieiin.

Metjiment S/nrfif.

1. Colonel Specht, Joiiann Friedrieli, died Juno 34, 1787, ill IJruns-
wick 118 a jjensioned colonel.

2. Major Elirenkrock, Curl Fricdrieli, died July 17, 17U7, as u pji:-
sioiied major in Hrunswick.

:t. Ciii)iain Plessen, Leopold Franz Fricdrieli Hallliasar, died Fc").
0, 18()S, as captain (out of the service), at (tandersiieim.

4. Ca|)lain Lut/.uw, August Conrad, died Nov. 20, 171)U, at Driins-
wick as colonel.

5. Captain I)alil.-*rnna, IJernliard Uieli., wounded on the 7tli Oct.,
1777, lit tlH! Iialtle of Freeman'- farm, and died tlie following; year in
the city of All)any.

0. Captain v(m SclilagenteuU'el I', George, died August l.*), 1818, a«
higli hailitfat Scliftppenstedt.

7. Captain Yaner, Heinricli, died in 1782, in America.

8. LieiitcMant Meyer, Joliann Heinricli, died Oct. 23, 1800, as post
miiMler of Helmsledt.

it. LieulenanI Ilerlel, Daniel Arnold, died Au:?ust 1, 17lMi, as a
pensioned lieutenant at Ki'inijj.slutle.

10. i.ieutenani I'apet I, August Wilhelm. dieil July 2.'», 1H08, at
IJrnnswick as colonel.

II Lieutenant l)ov( , Heinricli Anton David, died in 1780, in
America.

12. Lieiitenaiil Milkati, Ciirislian i'riedricli.ili.Hcliar^ed in 178;i.

i:t. liii'utenaiil Oldekopf, Friedrii'li Kriisi, created .-iccretary in llic
post ol!'.. e III 17H4, and died while holdinu: that position.

14. Lieuteniinl Anniers !, Heinricli Daniel, discharged in 178:1.

{!}. Lieutenant iveilner, Joliann Fricdrieli Julius, died Novemlier
30, 180H, as commissioner of a inonaslery at llnins'A ick.

Kt. Lieutenant Itoi II, Antoi .Adolph Henirich, died August ID,
1823, at Brunswick, as a |)ensioned colonel.

17. Liculinaiil Unger II, Fricdrieli 11(h1o, died Nov. 11, 1810, as a
iiiagislrale of Siil/.gilter.

18. Knsigii lleiiicwil/., .lohaiiii Heinricli Carl, died Dec. 13, I82L iw
liciiti'iianl p'lieral and commandant of Itriinswick.

10. Kn.Hign Ucdckcn, Fricdrieli, died in 1777, in Atuerlca.

272

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS UELATWO

20. EiiHigii Froniine, Johimn Edmund, died Mny 8, 1822, at Wolf-
cnbiittd, as a pensioned major.

21. Ensign Ulmenslein, Samuel Jacob Anton, died July 9, 1793, a
pensioned lieutenant.

32. Ensign Giimpe, died as collector of the public gates of Bruns-
wick.
28. Clmplain Kohle, unknown.

24. Chaplain Mtinchhofi", unknown.

25. Auditor Bfihr, unknown.

20. Regimental Chaplain Manse, Joliann Carl, died Dec. 15, 1814, at
Brunswick, as general field surgeon, out of service.

Y&ger BatUdion, knoicn also us the BatUdion Burner.

1. Major Earner, Fc.dinand Albrccht, died Oct. 2, 1797, as a pen-
sioned colonel.

2. Captai'i Tiiomii, George Ludewig, died Jan. 10, 1800, at Wolfeu-
bOttel, as captain, out of service.

3. Captain Gcyso, Carl, discharged in 1783, as major.

4. Captain Donnnes, August Friedrich, died in the night of Jan. 5,
1802, as chief commissary at Blankenbnrg.

5. Captain Schottelius, Maximilian Christoph Ludwig, died Dec. 3,
1807, as post master at Holzminden.

0. Captain Gleissenberg, Gottlief Joachim, died Feb. 20, 1801, as
colonel and commandant at WolfenbUttel.

7. Lieutenant Ilamiemanu, Johann Caspar, died as an oflicer of
the forest.'

8. Lieutenant Cruse, Philipp Sigcsmund, died as captain in the
line.

9. Lieutenant Kottc, Johann Gottfried, died in 1770, at Quebec.

10. Lieutenant Kabe, Albrccht Christian, died Oct. 18, 1800, as a
lieutenant at KonigsluMer, out of service.

11. Lieutenant Uladen, Johann Gottlieb, died Dec. 14, 1827, at Wolf-
enbUttel as a i)ensi()ned major.

12. Lieutenant Miililenfeldt, Carl Anton Ludwig, killed Aug. 10,
1777, in the engagement near Bennington.

13. Lieutenant Ptliiger, Johann Friedrich, died in 1777, in America.

14. Lieutenant Meyer, Ardreas, died Dee. 7, 1795, at tiie ducal
castle at 8al/.dahlum.

l.l Lieutenant Frieke, George Friedrich Gebhard, died Nov. 19,
1807, aa postmaster at Goslar. ,

' I. 0., n ranger.— JYun-dator.

TO OEN. lilKDESEVS VA if PAWN.

1(1. Lieutenant Bode, Johann Andreas, killed the 7tli Oct., 1777, in
the hattle of Freeman's farm.

17. Lieutenant Rohr, Caspar Friedrich, discharged in 1783.

18. Ensign Uhenhis, Wilhelm Lucas, died Sent. 30, 178;i,atDrans-
stedt, on his return home from America.

19. Ensign Specht, Johann Julius Anton, remained by pernuasion
in America, in 1783.

20. Ensign Begert, Joliann, drowned in 1777, in Anierica.

81. Ensign Hagemann, George Leopold, killed August 10, 1777, in
the engagement near Bennington.

"2. Ensign Count von Kant/au, Ernst August, drowned in the
Schoolkil, while in captivtiy.

23. Regimental Chaplain Kunze, died as a pcnsirncr.

FINIfe.

I\.

INDEX.

AlMmnkis, 50.

Ackland, Lady Harriot, 168.

Ackland, Maj., 108, 205.

AdclHlnMin, Carl F. C, ii, 208.

i1*]noimH, 102.

An)any, 83 ; ii, lf)5, 100.

Ah^rH, Connid A., ii, 208.

Aiiiclin^Hhauw'n, lil.

AinhcrHt, dlcn., 84, ii, 108.

AinicrH, Lt., IIW.

AinHtrutlior Col., 120, l!J8.

Andrcts Carl ('., ii, 270.

Andni. Maj., ii, 8«, 200.

Aline, Fort, 110, 122, 246 ; dcwrip-

tion of, 2(.'5
Anni((r», Carl P. D., ii, 207.
Anniers, Ilcinricli I)., ii, 271.
Arbnthnot, Adiiurnl, ii, 208.
Arend, (Jj-o. P., ii, 200.
Ariiiand, a Fnuich adventurer, ii,

18.
Arnold. Gen., 48, 71, 80, 125, lao,

105, 238, 251 ; ii, 210.

Bnortling, Capt. Von, ii, 47.

Bahr. Auditor, ii, 272.

Baker's falln, 238.

Baike, Johaun C, ii, 207.

BalcarruH, Lord, 103, 206.

Baltimore, 85.

Bancroft, (leoryt-, 85.

Bandel, Friedridi, ii. 200.

Barlow, Lt. Col., 220,

Barner, Lt. Col, 28, 131 ; ii, 110,

114, 183; ii,272.
Barner, rejjrinient of, 122, 230,
Barnes, Cairt,, ii, 138,
Bartlinjr, KruHt A., ii, 200.
Biirtiin^f, Curl F., ii, 270.
Bateaux, concealtnl, 2H5
Battenkil, 128, 132, l(i2, 170.

35*

Baum, Lt. Col., 28. 126, 120, 248;

ii, 265.
Bauni, rejtinient of, ii, 81.
B»iune, Joliann C., ii, 272.
Be^^ert, Johann, ii, 273.
B«!ll, Ca|)t..40.
B.lleville, 47, 57.
IM.M^il, 81 ; ii, 137.
Beniin's liei^htH. 165, 300.
Beni|)ai]) creek, ii, 01.
Benipaip Ilunnert, ii, 01.
B<'nnin(^on, battle near, 127, 250,

258, 200.
Berkenhut, Dr., ii. 41.
Bt-rnewitz, Johann 11. C.,ii. 271.
Btrrnt, Jolmnn A., ii, 208.
Berthier, ii, 103.
Bethltdieni, Pa., ii,60; descri))ti(>n

of, ii, 75, 240.
BielHteiu, Tin-did W., ii, 200.
Biesenrotli, Maj., 207.
BiHclihausen, <"<d. Von, 207,
Bland, < Jen,, ii, 76, 242.
Bl(M-k, Lt. Col., 206, 207.
Blonde, frigate, 30, 41.
Blooniiield, Major, 147,
B<Kle, .lolmnn A, ii,273,
B<Kle, Jolmnn F., ii, 201).
B<Kleniever, (leorjje, ii, 200.
Boerd. Lt,. 135.
Borbeck. Lt. Col. Von, 207.
Borke, Col, Von, 207 ; ii, 248.
Borke. Maj., 207.

Borneiuann, Auifust F, II,, ii. 266.
Howe, Cul, Von, 207.
Borte, .Mnj. (i.Mi., ii, 208,
Boston, 210, 221 : ii, 13.
Botlinier, Kriedericli VV. 1>. Von,

ii, 200,
B<)u<|uet river, 108,
Brand, r, Krnst C, H., ii, 270.

f<;

IXDKX.

Briuulywiiic rivtT, ii. .*)».
Hriiiit,'.l(>Hci)li, 1)1.
Hrctlmucr, l.t. CoL/i!!?.
Brfvii, lit. A. \V.. ii, 41.2««.
Hrcviiiunii, lit. Col. Ilcinricli ('.,2(1,

'74. urn, 111. ii:i, i:ti ;<h-atu
of. 1(15. 2:m ; ii, 2<Mt.

nriclHtndt, III..

Hr.M)kfi.'l(l, ii, 50.

Hr(K.klyii, S5 ; ii, 8ft.

Hrnwn! Lt., ii, 211, ;t5.

Hrowiic, Ciipl.. ii. 2;Ht.

Hrowiic, Mnj., ii. 7ft.

iinulfiici, ('liii|ilaiii, Klft.

Hniiwwick, city of, 2H.

Hninwwifk, Diikc of, ii, !«t.

Hucim Vi'iituni, 40,

Hunan, Col. Von, 207.

Burjrilorrt", hudwi^ '!'., ii, 270.

Huixliotr, .lolmnii F. II.. ii, 207.

Hiir>fovni', (l.iicml, :«», 44, 57, (W,
«((, KHI, 122, 124, liJS, 14:1,154,
175; mirrcmliT ol, IHH, 202,
22ft, 2;H), 2;{7, 245, 280,201 : ii,
4; (IcpaitH for Kn>{iau(l, 14,
«8. 107, "VMS.

("alaiK,;«t.

('aniarar<ka, ii, 110, 125.
('ainl)ri(l>r<'. MuxH, 21(1; ii, 11, 48,

5(1, 2:{8.
Camliridjirc, N. Y., 240.
Cainilcn. ii, 104.
('aniplM-il. ("apt., ii, 48, 152.
('aMi))l>i-II,()cii.. ii, 120.
Canipbi'll, Lt.Col., ii, 110.
(■anipi)cll, Maj.. 144.
Carillon, Fort ('I'icondiTojra).

111. 2!18 ; dcM-nption ol

1777. 20:t.
Carli'ton, Cajit., (15.
Caritton. Col., ii. 114, i:iO.
Carlitoii, Oi'u., 41. 47, 54,

7.'», 80. H2. 88, 2;iO, 242,

ii, 4:i, I0:i, 120. i:ift, 141

107, 220.
Carli-ton island, ii, 100.
Carlt'ton, Lt. Col., 110.
CarlrtoM. Maj.. 40.
Carlitiif. ConiiniK-^ioin'r. ii, 25, 40
Castlcton rivi'r, 1 18.
Castli'ton. town of. I l:i.
Crri's. ship, IN

02,

280 ;
140.

ClniiiilM^rH, ('apt., ii, 110.
('lianilxTs. CoiiiniiHlor<>. ii. llll.
Chuinblv, Fort, 45, 40, 54. 57, 102,

2:15;
CImiiililv rivrr (Uichclifu), 75 ; ii,

10ft", lltft.
Cluiniplain. I,ak<', 4:1, 45, 4ft, 5ft,

78, ft7, 125; ii, 110, 157,251.
ClinrlfH, Dukf of lirunHwick, 2(1,

20, :m.

Charli'H FnmciH Fi-rdinund, Duke
of KmuMwick and LUncliiir)f,
ii, 78, 88, 185, 102.

Chnrli'H William Ferdinand, Ilcrt!-
ditarv Duke of HrunHwick,

2:i;i ■

CliarlcHton, S. ('., ii, 88.

CliarlottcHvillc, Va.. ii, 45.

Chateau (lay (('hataui|ue), ii, ll:i.

Chininev |)oint (on I<ake Cluim-
plnin) 10ft.

ChriHtie. I.t. Col., 4ft.

Clark, Adj. Frank, 74.

Clark, CoinmisHarv Oeneral, ii, 42.

Clark, Maj. (len., "ii, 110, 121.

ClauH, Col. Daniel (nephew and
son-in-law of Sir. VVni. John-
son), ii, 110.

Clavi>-a<', ii, 120.

Ch've, raptain and adjutant to
(Ji-n. Hiedesel, ;14, 4(1, 102 ; ii,
70.84,03, 151,20'2, '205.

Cli've, ('apt. Ileinrieli I'rhan, ii.
212, '200.

Clinton. Sir Henrv. 44. 87. I'.'O,
154, 102, 107;'ji, ;n, :I4, 4:J,
5;{, (to, 8((, ftl.Oft: takes leave
of Hii'(h-sel, KKl, 111, 181, 180,
2!12, 24:1.

( '<mI, Cape, '227.

Cohoes falls, 1:I7.

Colle, Va., ii,7t,84.

Colle, Hiviere la, (HI ; ii, 144.

Coneniac. Old Town, ii, 25:i.

Connecticut river. 120.

Connecticut, state of, description
1)V Oeneral Hiedesel, ii, .55.

Conradi, Carl F., ii, '200.

Conwav, (Ji'ii., ii, 181.

Coriiwallis, (ien., 87; ii, 80, l(M»,
115, 10:i, 2(Kt, 2:i5, 248.

Coleau de hue. ii. i;t:t.

Couderes, 54.

jyfigx

•477

OuiiiiT. lit. Col., ii, 151.
i'nuiiiii, llriiiricli \V. ()., ii, 370.
< 'niton river, ii, iur>.
Crown iHiiiil, 57, 73, UM, 108; ii,

13:l.
CruHc, IMiiiippS., ii, 373.
CunilM-rlivhil IicikI, UK).
Cuinniin^Hkil, 143.

UlUTCH, Cujit., 7-1.

Diililslirnii, Hfmhunl H., ii, 371.

Diilryniplf, CoiiiiinMlori', 337.

Diiirynipli', Cupt.,;)!).

Daiiicr, hi., ii, 344.

D'Annicrn, l.t., 17i(.

Dcchlow, Maj. Von. 3i»7.

D'Kfttuinjr, Count, ii. ;{4, ;17, 187.

Di'lawarc river, 8(1, 137.

Deiieelie, Frie(iri<!li Ii., ii, 370.

I>enkirH, or Anna Hapfittt, !i, (d.

Diamond inland (lake<leor)je), i;J4.

Dietrieli, Ad<dpli h., ii, 307.

|)(.liene(k, IlanH P. H.. ii,3(ll».

DonmieH, AuyuHt V., ii, 373.

Donop, Col., 8(t.

Ooiiart'H houMe, 13lt, 1:18.

l>ou>rlasH, Admiral, ;i8.

DoiijrIiiHH. Maj., ii, 50.

Dov.', lleinri.'h A. I)., ii,37l.

Dove, lit., ii, 80.

Dovenet, ht., ii, 133.

Dover. 1(5.

DovoyatV lioilHe. 111.

Dra^r,«,n rejfinient, 133, 3iJ0;ii,81,
|:J8.

Dunmore, Lord. 341.

Dwljflit, TliiMMJore, letter of, to
traiiHlator in relation to tlie
lialtle of HenniiiKlon, 3!M).

Dyk. ('apt. Casteii, ii, 1 1;(.

Kast Spring, 315.

Kden. ComniiHrtioner. ii, 35, 40. i
I'iilmonHton, ('apt., :I0, IKi. '

Kdwar<l, Fort, 133, i;J8, 301. I

Ehrenkr.K)k, Col.,38, 83, 100, 310;

ii. 110. 18;t, 3((8.
Klirenkrook, Maj., ii,37l.
Kli/alietlitown, ii, 77.
Klstorf, Col., :(3.
I'^rieh, Heridiard. ii, 3('»!l.
Krie, Lake, ii, l|0, 350,

Faueil. Col., William. 3:), M.

Fav, lit., 7;i.

Feiehel, Friedricli VV., ii, 3(H».

Ferdinand, Duke. ;iO, 4:1, 45, (11.
8:(. 03.

Ferr e, <J. H. de, I'rivv Coiineil

li»r, ;15 ; ii, 30:(.

FiHiikill (outlet of Saratoga lake),
i;(1t. 170, 180,300.

FiHlikill(onthellu(Uin), ii,5:i, 3:i:i.

Florida, N. V., ii, 58.

ForlM'H, Ca]>t., ii. 111.

ForHlner, Ileinricli F., ii, 370.

Foiapiier Court lloune, ii, (13.

FoHter, Major, 1(14.

Foy, Capt.,;{4.

Francix, Hri;^. (leii., 1 1(1.

Frankfort. .lO.

Fvanklin. Menjamin, ii, 143.

Franer, Capt.,'(t8, 70, 83, 111, 1««.

Frawr, (i.-n., 4(i,' 5(t, (d, («(, 108;
oceupieH Carillon, ll;{, 13;t,
137; deatli of, 104 ; hnrial of,
Ht8; character of, an drawn
liy Mr. Bancroft, 1(18, 344, 340.

Frederick Second, 37.

Frederick Hprinjr, ii, 70.

Frederndorf, ('apt., 14(1, ii, 3(H».

Freeman, ('apt., ii, 150.

Freeman farm, tirwt hat tie of, 140.

Freeiium farm, secon<l battle of
(generally known as the Mat

tie of Memin's liei"r||lH). I(i3.

Freenuui farm, camp of (General

Huruoyne at 107.
Freeman, Lt., ii, 70.
Freyenlmjren, Ileinricli J., ii, 370.
Friliiirjr, ;14.
Fricke. Capt.of Horse, :14 ; ii, 4,41,

3(15.
Fricke, (ieor«e F. ()., ii, 373.
Fronime, .lohann F., ii, 373.
FiidiK. .Maj. Von. 3!l(i.
Fujferer, Friedricli A., ii, 308.

(lajfc. Chateau, 75.

(hijre. Fort, dewription in 1777,

3!)(;.
(Jajfc. den., 17, ;{5, 4;J. 331.
Oall. Hriy. (Jell. Von. ii. 0, 53,01.

315.
(Jail, Col. Von, :(!(. 175, 310; ii,

101, 3IS.

27H

IMtKX.

(liinlciiHliciin, iCt.

<liiM|if, ('u|»«', 40.

UutiH,<a<'n. Iloratiii, 7», i:t5. 15((,

17;{; nHM'ivcH tln' Hwonl <>f

Oiii. Hiirifoyno, IHl), 11)7. 211),

221) : ii. 4, 10,51,511, iM.fM.
(i<l>liunl. lit., l:t5; ii, 4. 41, 200.
Ot-ddtM, l'uyiimHttr<*<'n..ii, 43, 00.
Oforjri', Fort 1!J5, 174 ; cU-M-rlptioit

<>»,ln 1777.205; ii, 251.
<JiH)rK<', \Mkt>, 124, 201.
(ji-iHiiii, ('n|it., ii, 4.
(l.i»iimr,('u|)t. Von, ii. 70. 87,20!l,

215.
(Jfrln4-li,('u|)t.,nn(l(|iiartcr iiiuxtiT.

84, NJi, 1H2 : ii, m, 100, Hit,

204, 21«. 205.
Ucniuiiii, Ii<ir<l (JcorKc, 21!); ii,

!U,125, 108.
(Ji'.VHo, Curl, ii, 272.
(Jiliraltar, ii, 155.*

<rirtiii>rnt'. ao.

OirHt.wald. KriiHt H. W., ii. 270.

(ilathii, Jolmnn (i., ii, 272.

UlciHHfiilMTK, (lottli-itM., ii, 272.

Ulov.T,»l<-n., 137, 101.210.

U10ol(Htmlt,:iO.

UiNlccki', Joliann II., ii, 40.

UoiltTlK', I'ayniiiHtitr <il«'ii.. 228, ii,

40, i:J2, 2(»5.
Uonloii. Hri^. Ocii.. 50. 58, 244.
Oonloii liouHe, 12)). 124.
down, Col. Von. 207.
(loH)it'n town, ii, 58.
(Jowi'li, 47.

Onioi, ('(Mint Von. liJ5; ii, 120.
Omfc. AuffimtL. L.. ii. 200.
(Irnnil iHland, 45,
<JniHH<-, Count (Ir, ii. 111.
(JmvcH, Admiral, ii, 104, 205.
«lruy, Cii|)t., 103,202.
(Ircat liurrin^ton, 214.
(lr<'('ni',(Jfn. Natlianid, ii, 115,104.
(Irt'cni^ island. 41.
UMff. Maj., 207.
(In^nadicr rfjrinu'nt, ii,81.
(In-y'H liouw, 215.
drimiH', KnwiKn, ii, 151. 272.
Ouilt'ord. ii, 115.

lliilH'rIin. itainiinid ()., ii, 270.
Ihu kcnlMT)?. Col. Von, 200.
Iltu'kcnHuc'k riviT. ii, 233.

IlarkcltV town, ii, 50.
Ila^i-nnann, Kntti^n, 1:15; ii, 273.
Ilaldinmnd. <i<>n.. ii, 43, 85, 108,

110. 117, 124. 125, 13U, 130,

143, 153, UKl 213, 247.
Half MiKtn (the prcwnt town of

Cn-wcnf. N. Y.), 125. 230.
Halifax. 43; ii. 107, 142.
HallcrHtailt, 43.
HanilMK-h, AutfiiHt VV., ii, 2(W).
Hamilton, HriK- <<•'".. 144, 175,

108, 230 ; ii, JK), 5(», 07, 210,

244.
Ilamiltim. Col., 50.
Hancork, UoviTnor John, 220 ; ii,

:w.

Hanni-maim, Johann C. ii, 273.
liarUinl, (iotli.'l) U., ii,270.
Harburff, 31.
Hartly, Col., ii, 23.
Harnach, Maj„ 211.
HartfonI, 24, 120.
Hartford, New, ii, 51.
Hans. Joliann F. ii. 207.
HaukcnliUttol, 30, 31.
HauHtcin, Maj. V(m, 200, 207.
Hawlcv, Col.," ii, 0, 11, 13.
Hcath,'(<rn.,210,310; ii. 5. 11. 10,

24. 27. 33. 42. 45. 48, 50.
Hf<'rin>j«'n, Col. Von, 207.
H<imH, Lt. Col. 207.
Hi-I(r<>land,37.

H.-lniwkc. Auffust W., ii. 200.
Himkid. Chaplain, ii, 207.
Ht'njft'n'H n)ad. ii, 143.
HcrrenhUttcrH (MoravianH), 00.
Hi-rntal, Lt.. ii, 200.
Hi'rtd, DaniH A., ii,271.
Hl'hm- Hanau Artill<-ry lif^ini^nt,

00; ii, 73. 113.
ilcHi**- Hanau Infantry Ki^^inient,

231 ; ii, 73.
HciwianH, 80.

H<-Ht*ia, ljiin<l)fravi! of, 235.
llcwdfr, C\irt, ii, 200.
llcuwh, ('apt., 34, 30.
Hild)-I>randt, Maj.. '207.
Hill. Col., 118.
Hill, l.t. Col., ii. 40, 08, 110.
Hill.-, l-l.Col.. ii. 1H3. rid?.
Hill<T. Maj. Von, i'^
Hinthc, Maj., 207.
Holland, Maj.. ii, 100.

ISDKX.

Horn, Col. Voii, 'J))?.

IIinmI, AdiiilrnI, ii. 11)5.

n<>o|N>, Col., ii, 1(H).

II.Mmic river. I'JH.

llo|)kiiiH. Maj.. ii, 2:iS.

Ilorliorn*-, Col. (proluiblyOHlHtriic).

u:i.

Hotel Dieii, 57.

llowartl. den., ii, IHl.

lloiittntonic river, ii, 52.

Howe. A.lininil, 311) ; ii, 10, 37.

155, 2;J7.
Howe, (Jen., 4!J, 57, 8(1, 1)4, 125,

15l,2:)4: ii,4. 1(1, tIM).
Hover, Wilh'lm, ii, 270.
Hiibtmnltown, battli; of, llii.
HiiroiiH, 50.
HiiMuir, t'ri)fat<*. i>. 120.
Huyiie, Col. Von, 207.

Ind«;iH!ndence, Fort, (lit jnnction of

IiukeHOeorffe and Cliuniplain,

112,204.
Tniiexible, ship, 01 : ii, llii.
Irvine, (Jen. William, ii, 140.
Isle Aux Noix (iHland of NuIh), 5,

80, 00, 00. 245; ii, UU, 144,

150.
iHle La Va'eur, 70.
Inle Orleans, 840 ; ii, 110.
IxleofJeHim, 2.')0.
l8l.! M<itte, 07.
Isle I'ie. 00; ii, 177.
Isle of Wijrht, ii, 170.

Ja4:kMon, Col., ii, 18.
Janiet) river, ii, 45.
JanicHtown, ii, 115.-
Jott'erson, (Jov. TlioniaH, ii, UK).
Jer«ev, state of, ii, 57 ; deHcriotion

()f, by lien. Ueid<'B*!l, «0.
John, Fort St., 45, 57, 05, 235.
John, Kiver St., 45.
John's farm (Ucudesul encamps at),

Johnson. Eiifflishconimissiouer, ii,

25, 40.
Johnson, Sir John, 81.
Johnson, Sir John, reiriment of, ii.

I i.-

Johnson. Sir William, l;)5 ; ii,

150.
Jones, Cupt., 10(>.

11,0

Jnnii, frigate, :)U.

Katfnohantfue, 50.

Keith, Adj. (Jen., 225.

Kellner, Johann V. J., ii. 271.

KenneU'c river, 01.

Kennedy, Dr. (Itieilesel's fandly

l>hvsi(-ian), ii, 177.
KepiH>r Admiral, Ii, lii. 125.
Kinderh(N>k, 214.
Kintrsltridtfe, 05 ; ii, 112, 100.
Knes.'lHrk, Fri.Hlriidi, ii, 2«7.
Kniphansen, Fort, 12(1.
Kniphaiisen, (len. Von. 05, 207;

ii. 48, 85, 104, 210, 240.
Knowlnnd's ferry, ii, 01.
K(N-henhau8<-n. \A. Col., 20U.
Kohle, Chaplain, 11, 272.
Kohh-r, \A. Col.. 20«. 207.
Kolte, Friedrleh, ii. 2«8.
Kolte, Johann ^J, ii, 272.
KonlK. I'l<lmund V. Von, ii, 208.
Kos|K)th,Col. Von, 20(1.
Knn/.e, CImplain, 11,273.
Kurtz, Lt. Col.. 207.

\m. Baltrin, ii, 137.

La Haye, 11, 138,

U Chine, 81.

LaColle, 75.

La Fonche, ('apt., ii, 141.

La Madelain(>, 70.

lia Nome, 11, 137.

La Prairie, 45. fl0;ii, 110.

Fiiidy Mary, ship, 78.

Ijufayette, MuniulH de, Ii, 57, 115,

103.
Laneaster, 11, 03.
Lancelot, 121,

liUndsdowne, Manpiis du, ii, 137.
Lan^e, Lt. Col., 207.
Lan^erjahn, Siejyfried H., 11, 208.
Lanieres, M., 01.
Iian<Kliere, Capt., 07.
Ijitterlohe, Maj , ii, 108.
Ijaurens, Henry, ii, 21.
Laiiterbaeh, ii, 100.
L'Aijfh", ship, ii, 141.
Lee, Col., 225; ii, 13, 23.
Lee, Major (Jen., 44, 87; ii. %">.

232.'
Leecock township, ii, 50.
Leesburjf hiunlol, ii, 02.

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0 !t«- li^

I.I

m
m

»40

M
M
M
1.8

1-25 1.4 1.6

•• 6"

►

Photographic

Sdences
Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

^<fe

^^.

4fs

>" C^

.•y

280

iNimx.

L(!g.!r, Col. St., 77, i)8, 128, 130,

l.W; ii. 111.
lidcester, ii, 50.
Lcnjrorkf, Lt. Col. Von, 390.
Lcnsburjf, Ii, 12i5.
LcMlic, Ui-n., ii, )»4, 2()7.
Lfut/„Col., 210, ii,171.
Lcxinjrton, Imttli! of, 17.
Liifoiiit'-ff Imv, 108.
Lincoln, Men"., liSO, 157 ; ii,8!), 205.
Linsinjr, Lt. Col., 200.
Little Di'iil, triinsport, ii, 105.
Lohnej-Hi'ii, Albirclit 1)., ii, 200.
Lonjr i'slaml, 45 ; ii, 8!), 112.
L(M)M, Maj. Ocn., correspoiidciico

of, ii,'220.
Urn-, Col. Von, 297.
LoHborpr, «en., ii, 48, 240.
Lossbcrjr, (^)l. Von, 200.
Loudon, Lord, ii, 125.
Ijouis, Sunt St., 50.
Lovehu-e (the toi y). wkull of, 170.
Lowensti'in, Maj. Von, 290.
Luc(!ran, Marquis de, ii, 204.
Liicko, Major Von, 210 ; ii,95, 110,

188, 208.
Ludridgo, Col., 98.
Ludwijj, Duke, ii, 84.
Lttnebur«, 01, 240.
Lutzow, Aujjust C., ii, 271.

Machiius, Major, 297.
McLean, Col.", 75, 2:$7 ; ii, 148, 154.
McKav, Cai)t., 92, Hit, 154, 100.
McKeii/ie. Col., 10;{.
McCowen'H |)aHH, ii, 1 12.
Maestre, Maj., 4().
Maiboni.Carl C., ii, 270.
Maiboni, Major, ii, 41,95, 18:{, 243,

205.
Manakessi creek, ii, 01.
Manatomic, ii, 13.
ManchcBter, 120, 128.
Marsh, Col., ii, 135, 148.
Massachusetts, province of, ii, 17 ;

description of, by General

Riedesel,54.
Masserow, Conunissary General,

ii, 11,33.
Mathew, <J<'n., ii, 191.
Mathias, Maj., 297.
Mechlenberjr-Hcliwerin, ii, 234.
Medford, 221 ; ii, 13.

Melzheinier, Chajdain, 135 ; ii, 200.
Menjren, Maj. Von, 210; ii, 40, 99,

150, 183, 208, 270.
Mereury, ship, ii, 135.
Meyer, Andn^as. ii, 272.
Meyer, Friedrich L. E., ii, 209.
Meyer, Joliann A., ii, 207.
Me^yer, Johann II., ii,271.
Meyern, ,)ohann .1., ii, 207.
Meyern, Ludwijj (J., ii, 270.
Miliiis, J<d>ann A., ii, 271.
Milkau, Christian F., ii, 271.
Miller, Fort, 120, 127.
Miller, Jonathan, 125.
Mininjrerode, Lt. Col.V(,n, 290, 297.
M(Klrach, Christian II., ii, 209.
Mohawks, ii, 110.
Monjje, Maj., 20.
Montjjoniery, Gen., 43.
Montjioniery, Pa., ii, 59.
Monongaliela river, ii, 253.
Montmorency falls, ii, 175.
Montreal, 38, 42, 235 ; ii, 111.
Morgenstern, Carl F., ii, 270.
Morjrenstern, Johann C, ii, 270.
Morin, Cupt., 83, 100.
Mdhlenfeldt, Carl A. L., ii, 273.
Muchhmfield, Ensipn, 135.
Muerbach, Maj. Von, 297.
Milnchausen, Maj. Von, 297.
Munchhoft; Chaplain, ii, 373.
Muncy, Fort, ii, 140.
Murray, Mr., ii, 157.
Muzeli, Liid\vi<r ('., ii, 207.
Mylius, Chaplain, ii, 70, 177.
Mystic (near Boston), 221 ; ii, 13,

23.

Nepissinjts, .50.

Nern, Maj., ii, 114.

Newburjrh, the Convention tr(M)p8

cross the Hudson river at, ii,

57.
Newfoundland, 40.
New Holland, ii, 119.
Newi)ort,85, ii, 48.
New Providence, ii, 59.
New York (nty, 83 ; fire at, ii, 43,

48, 100, 120.
Nt^w York stat<^ dvscri|>tion of, by

General Hiedesel, ii, 50.
New Windsor, ii, 125.
NiajTiira. 95 ; ii, 140, 108,250.

INDEX.

281

Niger, frifiato, 41.
Nin(! Partners, ii, 54.
Norfolk, ii, 51.
Nortlminpton, 340.
Nortli, Lord, ii, 174.
Nova Scotia, ii, 182.

O'Connol, C'apt. and Adj., 00,

ii, 428, 205.
Oldeko])!', Friedrieh E. ii, 271.
Olers, Capt., ii, 138.
Orange Court Hbusi?, ii, 02.
Oswego, ii, 108, 351.
Ottawa river, 59.
Outanais, 50, 54.

Pallas, ship, 34.

Palmer, ii, 50.

PajKit, August, ii, 371 ; Friwlrich
J. ii, 301).

Pater-Litth!, ii, 00.

Patterson, (ion., ii, 135, 141, 153.

PaiU's (Paulus) hook, ii, I'JO.

Pausch, Clapt., 148.

Payne, Dr. Charles II., 139.

Pennsylvania, state of, descrip-
tion by Gen., Kiedesul, ii, 00.

Penobscot, ii, 129.

Percy, Lord (Duke of Northum-
berland), 237.

Peterson, Col., 137, 201, 209.

Petite Marie, 112.

Pfluger, Johann F., ii, 372.

Philadelphia, 85.

Phillips, Col, 240.

Phillips, Gen., 39, 08, 109, 121,
140, 195, 330 ; ii, 10, 10, 28,
42,48, 50 ; order f)f, 07 ; flashes
with Heath, 83, 93 ; d<-ath of,
at Peter8l)urg, Va., 94,190, 201 ,
237, 342.

Pierre, Lac St., 89; ii, 117, 145.

Pincier, ChriHtinn T., ii, 270.

Pitchard, Capt., ii, 101.

Pitt, Fort, ii, 140, 250.

Pittstown, ii, 59.

Plessen, Leopold F. F. B., ii, 271.

Plymouth, 39.

Poelnitz, Adj. (Jen., ii, 34.

Poelnitz, Cajrt., 228 ; ii, 25.

Point Au Lac, ii, 137.

Point Aux Fer, 45, 05, 90; ii. 131,
134, 144.

Point Oliver, parish of, ii, 113.
Pollanl, Lt. Col., ii, 30.
Pollnitz, Julius L. A„ ii, 270.
Portsmouth, 35 ; ii, 179.
Potomac, ii, 01.
Potter, Maj. Gen., ii, 140.
Powell, Hrig. (Jen., 57, 130.
Praetorius,Lt. Col., 20,77 ; ii, 109,

207.
Pralle, Chaplain, ii, 271.
Prescott, Gen., ii, 10.
Prevost, (Jen., ii, 51, 183.
Presqu' Isle, ii, 250.
Prince Frederick's regiment, 122,

230; ii, 81, 109,139.
Princeton, 80.
ProsjK'ct hill (Boston), ii, 0.
Providence, ii, 35, 187.
Putnam, (Jen., 95.
Puy, Maj., 297.

(Quaker Si)ring8, village of, 104.
(iuelM'C, 38, 39, 41, 80; ii, 108,

130.
Quelx-c, ship, ii, 178.

Ral)e, Albrecht C., ii, 273.
Kail, Col., 80, 297.
Randolph, Capt., ii, 70.
Randolph, Mr., ii, 241.
Rantzau, Ernst A. Von, ii, 273.
Kappahanmx'k river, ii, 02.
Raritan river, 90 ; ii, 57.
Rau, Capt. Von, ii, 245.
Rawdon, ii, 194.
Read's house, ii, (i3.
Reckrodt, Carl F., ii, 300,
Redeken, Friedrieh, ii, 371.
Red house (Fort Edward), Gen.

Riedesel occui)ies it as his

head (juarters, 133.
Reid, Col., 193.210
Reiuerding, Carl \V., ii, 2()8.
Reinking, Cairt., 135; ii, 205.
Reinking, Friedrieh C, 370.
Reitzenstern, (Jottlieb C, ii, 207.
Reynolds, Madame, 21 1.
Rheims, Lt., ii, 49.
Rhenius, Wilhelm L., ii, 373.
Rhetz, regiuu'nt of, 70, 133, 330 ;

ii, 40, 81, 87, 109, 122, 138.
Richmond, ii, 71.
Ri.hoh-t, ii, 138.

282

INDEX.

KiodoHol, den. writes to (}en.
How*! for nssiBtance on behalf
of the (Jcnnan troops, ii, 4 ;
endeavors to i)romote disci-
pline anion}; the tr<MJi)8, 5 ; aj)-
|)calB to Washington for an
exchanjye, 10 ; i)etition8 con-
gress, 12 ; returns Burgoyne's
thanks to the Brunswick
tr(X)p8, 14 ; endeavors to re-
strain gambling, 10 ; and pr(v
mote cleanliness, 32 ; accom-
panies the first division as far
asWatertown on their journey
to Virginia, but returns for the
present to C'ambrldge, 49 ; sets
out with his family for Vir-
ginia, 56 ; arrives at Fishkill,
59 ; arrives in Virginia and
hires a house in (jolle, 65 ;
plants a garden himself and
his soldiers follow his exam-
ple, 69 ; comes near losing his
life by a sun stroke, 70 ; forms
the accjuaintance of Washing-
ton's family, 71 ; visits Fre-
derick's spring, 72 ; sets out for
New York but is obliged to
return to Bethlehem, 74 ; ob-
tains permission to go to New
York, 70 ; arrives there, 77 ; suf-
fers under severe mental and
physical depression, 83 ; busies
himself with the exchange of
prisoners, 86 ; receives official
news of the death of his sove-
reign, Duke Charles, 88 ; is
given the c(mimaud of Long
island, 89 ; issues a general
pardon to deserters, 93 ; corr j-
six)nds with Washington, 96 ;
departs with his family for
Canada, 106 ; arrives in Que-
lle, 108 ; assumes by direction
of Ilaldimand the command
of the trotjps in Canada, and
takes up his quarters at Sorel,
108 ; reimrts from time to time
to Ilaldimand, 110; sui^rin-
tends tlu' fortifications of St.
John, 113; general measures
adopted by him for the safety
of Canada, 1 17 ;

UiiHlesel (Jen., corrtispondenco
with Ilaldimand, 119-160;
correspondence with Carleton,
167 ; receives intelligence of
the death of his father,
169 ; receives a letter fr<mi
Lord Nortli, 173 ; visits
Haldimand at Montmorency,
175 ; sails for England, 177 ;
arrives in London, 179 ; his
wife and himself take tea
with the royal family, 180;
writes from London to Duke
Ferdinand announcing his
near return, 181 ; reaches
Wolfenbtlttel, and issues a
c(mgratulatory circular t« his
officers, 182 ; arrives in Bruns-
wick surrounded by an im-
mense and joyous concourse of
lx3ople, the duke rides out to
meet him and welcomes him
back, 184.

Riedesel, Mrs. Gen., 133, 138, 211,
217; ii, 49; holds interview
with Lafayette, 58 ; visits
Frederick's spring, 71 ; starts
for New York city, 76 ; visits
at Clinton villa, 79 ; moves
to Brooklyn, 94, 148 ; buries
her little daughter Canada, at
Sorel, 167 ; takes tea with the
royal family in London, 180 ;
arrives at Brunswick, 184.

Riedesel, regiment of, 122, 230 ; ii,
81, 110, 138, 265.

Rippenhaus, ii, 114.

Risboth, 46.

Rittzbilttel, 37.

Robertson, Gov., ii, 135, 148.

Rochambeau, Count, ii, HI, 120.

Roche Fendtt, 72.

Rwlney, Sir Charles, ii, 207.

Rohr, CasiKjr F., ii, 273.

Roi, Anton A. H. ii, 271.

Roi, August W. Du, ii. 208.

Romanzow, Field Marsha', 236.

Romrod, Lt. Col. Von, 296 ; ii, 249.

Rosentorg, Friedrich A,, 267.

Ross, Maj., ii, 161, 213.

Rouge, CaiHi, 80.

Royal George, ship, ii, 113.

Royal Sauvage, ship, 72.

INDEX.

283

U\i(liili)lii<-, Otto II. ii, 3(>(i.

Ruth, Lt., 10!3.

Rutland, 121 ; ii, 30, 43, 47, 123.

Sacrt'inent Lac St. (Lake (leorRe),

97.
St. Agnace, Cape, ii, 229.
St. Antoine, 81 ; ii, 137.
St. Charles, 57, 81.
St. Croix, ii,231.
St. Dennis, 57, 81 ; ii. 134, 138.
St. Francois, ii, 112, 114, 138.
St. Jacob, 56.
St. John, ii. 111 ; fortifications ot,

113, 121, 141, 143, 159.
St. Lawrence bay, 41.
St. Lawrence river, 59, 89 ; ii, 107,

177.
St. Luke, 121.
St. Ours, 57 ; ii, 134.
St. Paul's bay, ii, 110.
St. Sulpice (Seminary of), 50, 95.
St. Therese, 57, 99.
St. Vincent's, ii, 202.
Sander, Jacob C, ii, 207.
Sandwich, Lord, ii, 125.
Saratoga heights, 171.
Saratoga, treaty of, ii, 9, 40, 44,

242.
Saules, 54.
Scaticokc, 192..
Schaeffer, Lt. Col., 297.
Schaoffer Maj., 297.
Schattelius, Max. C. L., ii, 272.
Schenck, Capt., 91, 154.
Schick, Gottlob D., ii, 266.
Schieck, Lt. Col. Von, 297.

Schlagenteuffel, Adolph, ii, 266.

Schlagenteuffel, Capt., ii, 41, 49,
109.

Schlagenteuffel, Carl, ii, 265.

Schlagenteuffel, George, ii, 271.

Schlagenteuft'el, Ludewig, ii, 268.

Schlemmer, Lt. Col., 297.

Schlieffen. Col. Von, 23.

Schmid, Capt., ii, 123.

Schmidt, Auditor, ii, 369.

Schmidt, Maj. Gen., 296.

Scluinewald, Cornet, ii, 148, 153,
158, 266.

Schrador, Friedrich W. C, ii, 268.

Schrader, Johann F., ii, 26Jt.

Schreiljer, Col., 296.

36*

Schrcvvogel, Lt. Col-Sft?.
Schroder, Ernst C, ii, 207.
SclnUer, Lt. Col. Von, 297.
Schuyler, Gen., 119,212.
Schuyler's island, 125.
Schuyler's mansion burned, by

Burgoym*. 1"0, 192.
Schuyler's mills, 171.
Schuylkill, ii, 59.
Seits, Col. Von, 297.
ShellK)rne, I^ml, ii, 137.
Skeeno, Col. and Gov., 120, 131,

258.
Skoensborough (White Hall), 113,

117, 123, 240.
Skficnsborough, Fort, descriirtion

of, in 1777, 295.
Sonimerlatte, Otto A. Von, ii, 2()«,
Sorol, 46, 77, 81, 101 ; ii, 108, 125,

131,138.
Southerland, Lt. Col., 16»i, 208.
SiHicht, Brig. Gen., ii, 47, 52,

73, 100.
SiKicht, Col. V(m, 26, 60 ; ii, 4, 24,

28,40,88,184,271,273.
Specht, regiment of, 122, 230; u,
81,110,138,270.

SiMJth, Brig. Gen., 100, 148, 164,
210 ; ii, 270.

SiKjth, Ensign, ii, 151.

StHith, regiment of, 122 ;ii, 122,2.0.

Spithead, 38.

Springfield, 127.

Spn)ut, Col., ii, 238.

Stade, 32 ; ii, 180.

Stanwix, Fort, 128 ; ii, 254.

Stark, Gen., 137 ; ii, 233.

Staten island, 95 ; ii, 74, 112, 190.

Stein, Maj. Gen., 296.

Sternberg, Johann C, ii, 268.

Stillwater, 128, 164, 214, 251.

Stirling, Lord, ii, 190, 240.

Stockbridge Indians, 159, 192.

Strover, Mr. Georg(!, 139, 176.

Stutzer, Cornet, 135 ; ii. 26((.

Sudbury, ii, 49.

Sullivan, 85 ; ii, 37, 42, 187.

Sussex t^ourt House, ii, 58.

Tamelslohn, 31.

Tartar, frigate, 51.

Taylor's house, 145.

Temple, Peace C<)mmisHioner,ii, 41.

284

1SI>EX.

ThDinaH, ('apt., lOa, 272.
Tlioinas, ("liark-H, secretary to

Henry Laurens, ii, 21, 25, 44.
Thomas, Lt. ii, 217, 206.
Tliree Mill! Post, 111.
Thre(! Rivers, 08, 90, !)3, i)9, 121 ;

ii, 114.
Ticonderojra (Carillon), 45, 97,

121 ; ii, 251.
Tiiinumtli, 121.
'\\^ffi'\. Christian T., ii, 209.
Tokeken river, ii, 59.
Triuiton, 86.

Trinack, Maj. (len. Von, 297
Trott, Christian W., ii, 200.
TrouiMs Col., ii, 57, 59, 289.
Tryon, Gen., ii, 77, 85, 179.
Tunderfeld. Carl A. H., ii, 207.
Twiss. Capt., 94, 113 ; ii, 121, 132,

158, 255.

Ueltzen, ii, 182.
Ulilijf, Heinrich W., ii, 200.
Ulmenstoin, Samuel J. A., ii, 272.
Unjyer, Friedridi B.. ii, 271.
Unper, Johann L., ii. 209.
Unver/,agt, Ludwig, ii, 270.

Valency. Capt., 193, 227.

Valley Forge, ii, 59.

Venango, ii, 253.

Verplank's point, ii, 141.

Villet, Col., ii, 161,

Virginia, state of, description of,

by Gen. Riedesel, ii, 60.
Volkmar, Friedrich W., ii, 267.
Vorstade, 31.

Vorbrodt, Chaplain, ii, 266.
Waldock, 61.

Wallmoden, Geblmrd T. F., ii, 267.
Warner, Col., 120, 121.
Warwick, N. Y., ii, 58.
Washington, Gen., 43, 53, 85, 125,

127,191,197; ii, 4, 30,44,53,

57, 08, 91, 100, 125, 129, 190,

202, 232, 237, 258.
Washington, ship, 78. 90.
Watcrtown (Muss), ii, 13, 4!(,

W(!landa, Capt.,ii, 141.

Welferd, Capt., 227.

Wells, 121.

Welsh, Alonzo, 139.

Westminster, ii, 47.

West Point, ii, 125.

West Springfield, 215.

Whipple, Gen. 137.

White Plains, bt>.

Wiesener, Christian F., ii, 268.

Wilbur's basin, 146, 107.

Wilkinson, Gen., 150.

William Henry, Fort, 92.

William, Hereditary Prince of lles-
sia, ii, 98, 101, 215.

Williams, Maj., 195.

Williamstown, ii, 123.

Willoe, Capt., 121, 147 ; ii, 137,
141, 148.

Willford, Lt., 191.

Winchester, ii, 100.

Winter hill (Boston), the Conven- .
tion troops encamp on, 210.

Winterschimdt, Gottfried J., ii,
207.

Wolfe, Gen.. 240.

Wolfenbilttel, 32, 35.

Wolfenbttttel, New, ii, 40.

Wolgart, August T. G., ii, 270.

Wolgart, JoLann F., ii, 267.

Wol|)er8, Paul G. F., ii, 268.

Wo<k1 creek (inlet of Lake Cham-
plain), 118, 124.

Worcester, 216 ; ii, 50.

Wumib, Col. Von, 296 ; ii,85, 245.

Wurmb, Maj. Von, 296.

Yager, Heinrich, ii, 271.

Yamaska, ii, 112, 114, 138.

Yessop (probably Jessop), after
whom Jessop's falls, N. Y.,
are named, Capt., 137, 154,
353 ; ii, 144.

Yorktown, ii, 71, 115.

Zeilberg, George E., ii, 267.
Zinken, Carl F. W., ii, 271.

4 't

NOTE BY THE TllANSLATOU, MAY 33, 1808.

os-

sn-.
ii.

in-

15.

i4,

The reader will recall the circumstance of Burfj^oyne directing
lliedesel (while the latter was at Fort Edward on his way to join the
commander in chief) to bury three large bateaux. A day or two
since I found the sequel of this order in a very interesting narrative
written by the late Jonathan Eastman of Concord, N. H., in regard to
Burgoyne's campaign. This narrative is given at length in the
Memoir of Genentl Stark, published by Luther Itobyal, at Concord,
N. H., in 1831. Eastman says :

" Just below Fort Edward, on the margin of a small brook falling
into the Hudson, the Americans discovered three graves neatly turfed,
having at the head, boaAs inscribed with the names of throe British
officers. In walking over them they sounded hollow, and ujion digging,
the soldiers discovered three fine bateaux, each capable of containing
fifty men. They were well covered with boards, and were intended
by some of Burg9yne'8 party to aid a retreat."

It will be seen, however, by referring to the letter of Burgoyne to
Riedesel (in the appendix to vol. i), that Mr. Eastman is mistaken in
supposing that the bateaux were designed to facilitate Burgoyne's
retreat should that become necessary. The object of burying the
boats (read Burgoyne's letter), was to aid St. Leger in crossing the
Hudson in case of the failure of his expetlition against Fort Stanwix.

William L. !:5tone.