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ORDERLY BOOKS OF THE REVOLUTION,
NO. 1.
ORDERS OF MAJOR-GENERAL HEATH,
MAY-OCTOBER, 1777.
GENERAL ORDERS
ISSUED BY
MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM HEATH
WHEN IN COMMAND OF THE EASTERN DEPARTMENT,
23 MAY, 1777—3 OCTOBER, 1777-
WITH SOME FRAGMENTARY ORDERS
MAJOR-GENERAL PUTNAM AND LT. COL, WM, S, SMITH.
COMPILED AND EDITED BY
WORTHINGTON CHAUNCEY FORD.
BROOKLYN, N. Y.
HISTORICAL PRINTING CLUB.
189O.
250 Copies Printed.
No -
INTRODUCTORY NOTE.
It must be confessed that an Orderly Book does not
make very interesting reading, even when it represents
an army in action. It is still less interesting when it
depicts a garrison life, the monotony being broken
only by the records of courts martial, or by a possible
call from the outside for troops. At the same time, it
is from such books that valuable facts may be found to
complete other and more important records. The
evolution of an army from the aggregation of raw re-
cruits yielding to the iron discipline of military law,
the development and application of this discipline, the
daily life in camp, the movement of corps and brigades,
the details of army organization, and often the words
of praise and blame addressed by a commander to his
men, that throw light upon the character of the leader,
and often his plans, — these are some of the matters
that can be best learned from a study of the general
orders, and on the determination of which may rest
more important historical problems. Written as they
often were by ignorant men, who could hardly write
and certainly could not spell, containing the only
record we have of courts martial and their decisions,
they take us into the ranks, and show better than any
thing else could show, of what materials the Contin-
(v) ental
VI
ental army was composed, and the enormous detail
and perplexity that confronted the leaders in their task
of making it a compact and homogeneous mass, ready
and able to move as a war machine, subject to the will
of the mind at its head.
I have, in a measure, altered the usual procedure of
dealing with such records. Each brigade, each di-
vision and each corps were supposed to keep an Or-
derly Book, in which were copied the general orders
issued by the Commander-in-chief, and the detachment
or regimental orders. In the grand army, therefore,
the books would contain much the same matter, dif-
ferences being due to carelessness in copying, to de-
tachments of brigades, and to a subject of local im-
portance brought to the notice of the adjutant. It was
thought unnecessary to confine this publication to a
single record, for the movements of a detachment were
not of sufficient importance to warrant it. I have
therefore taken three such records of Heath's orders,
and combined them into one, making the orders as
complete as the series could afford the material; with-
out undertaking to discriminate what parts, often only
a phrase or sentence, were taken from each individual
book. This liberty was taken because the writers of
the books could not be identified, the corps or regi-
ment to which they belonged was a matter of conjec-
ture, and the repetition of such a record in three
volumes, differing but little from one another, would
have been needless. A full record was wanted, and
that
Vll
that is what I have sought to give; taking from each
one what was needed to attain this fullness, and noting
any differences that might be of assistance to the
reader.
Major-General William Heath, the writer of these
orders, was by taste and experience well fitted to take
a high command in the Continental army. At the
outbreak of the Revolution he was thirty-eight years
of age, and young enough to have his reputation be-
fore him, and not like so many of the commanders who
came forward then, depending upon their service in
the French and Indian War of 1756-1763, whose age
rendered their services of such doubtful utility as to
lead to their being superseded by more active men.
He was appointed a brigadier general by the provincial
assembly of Massachusetts, and, rendering valuable
services in organizing and training the raw militia that
came before Boston, was made a major general by the
same body. When the Continental Congress assumed
the control of the army then before Boston — chiefly
composed of New England troops — Heath was given
a commission of brigadier-general, and in August,
1776, was promoted to the rank of major-general. As
such he was placed in command of the posts in the
Highlands, which Washington regarded as the most
important, indeed of vital importance, to the American
cause, and in 1777 was given the command of the
eastern department, with headquarters at Boston. It
was here that the following orders were issued, and
though
Vlll
though only a partial record, covering less than one-
half the time of his command, they are sufficient to
show the ordinary life in a garrison town, and will be
supplemented by other records of the same nature.
One of the Orderly Books from which I have com-
piled these orders appears to have belonged to Colonel
William Raymond Lee, commanding a Massachusetts
regiment, which, with Henley's and Jackson's regi-
ments, are frequently mentioned in Revolutionary let-
ters, as they do not appear to have been organized as
regular Continental troops, but upon an independent
basis. It was not until 1779 or 1780 that what re-
mained of them was incorporated with the Continental
army, when their identity was merged into that of the
main army. I have, in this volume, included certain
orders issued while Lee's regiment was on the march,
at Peekskill, when under the command of Major-Gen-
eral Putnam, and when on detachment at Lancaster;
but I have omitted the orders issued by Washington
when this regiment was with the main army at White
Marsh, and those of Sullivan when in command at
Rhode Island, as it is my intention to print them in
separate volumes.
WORTHINGTON CHAUNCEY FORD.
Washington, D. C, 30 June, 18 go.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
Major General Heath's Orders . . ' i
Orders while On the March 91
Major General Putnam's Orders , 93
Lt. Col. Wm. S. Smith's Orders 103
Index 118
(ix)
MAJOR-GENERAL HEATH'S ORDERS.
ORDERLY BOOK.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 23 May, 1777.
Parole, Woodbridge. C. Sign, .
Major Andrew Brown is appointed Deputy Muster
Master for the Eastern Department of the army of the
United States of America. He is to be respected and
obeyed accordingly.
Several Officers being under arrest and a number of
Soldiers under Guard, the General Court Martial is to
sit without further delay. The President* will fill up
the Court with such officers as may be found in Town.
Capt. Craftsf is to act as Judge Advocate. Major An-
drew Symmes, officer of the Day.
Head- Quarters, Boston, 24 May, 1777.
Some of the Inhabitants of the Town having re-
quested that there may be no Drumming on the Lord's
Day, as the Garrison is not very considerable, and the
* Col? John Greaton.
\ Probably Captain Edward Crafts, formerly of Colonel Gridley's regi-
ment of artillery. In September, 1775, he had been severely repri-
manded for using abusive expressions to Major Gridley.
( 1 ) Guards
Guards but few, the beatings on the Lord's Day, ex-
cept on some special occasion, is to be omitted until
further orders.
If there are any Invalids or Soldiers not well enough
to endure the Fatigues of a long march in any of the
Regiments, their names are to be returned immediately,
and they will be posted as Guards at the Provision
Stores, etc.
Major Symm's Detachment will hold themselves
ready to Parade on the Shortest Notice with Arms and
Accoutrements complete.
The Adjutants of the Regiments quarter'd at Cam-
bridge, are to be very attentive to the Guards, and also
in furnishing such Fatigue Men as may be daily called
for to assist at the different stores.
Notice to be given to the Head Quarters the Day
before any Detachment marches off, as particular or-
ders will be given to the Commanding officer.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 25 May, 1777.
A subaltern, 2 Serjeants, 2 Corporals, and 30 Men
from Col° Alden's * Regiment, are to be detached as a
guard to the Powder which is to be sent to Springfield.
They are to be ready to march to-morrow. The officer
will receive written Instructions for his Conduct.
* Ichabod Alden, formerly Lieutenant-Colonel in the regiment of Col.
Theophilus Cotton.
A Corporal
A Corporal and six men from Col0 Greaton's*
Reg' are to Guard Major Gen1 Lincoln's Baggage to
Peekskill. The waggon will be at Roxbury Meeting
House precisely at 12 o'Clock, on Wednesday next.
The Guard is to be punctual to the time. The officer
will receive written Instructions.
The General is very sorry to Find it necessary again
to Forbid the Soldiery committing abuse to the Bar-
racks, which is daily practised in a most scandalous
manner, and he does in the most positive manner call
upon the officers of all ranks to exert themselves to
prevent such injury being done to the Publick, and
which the General thinks, if officers would exercise a
proper authority, might be prevented.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 26 May, 1777.
Three men are to be added to the Labratory Guard,
and 1 Sentry mounted by that Guard at the General
Hospital in Winter street. The sentry will take direc-
tions from Doctor Warren. f
Col. Crane % will order an officer with a detachment
of his Regiment to be ready to parade upon the ap-
proach of Genl. Hancock to the Town.§ He will re-
* Col. John Greaton, of the 3d. Mass. Regiment.
\ Dr. John Warren.
\ John Crane, of the Massachusetts Regiment of Artillery.
\ Hancock had just resigned the Presidency of the Continental Con-
gress.
move
move the Brass four pounder from Fort Hill to the
state Labratory and put it under the charge of the
sentry there.
Upon notice being given of the approach of General
Hancock, the Field and Commission officers belonging
to the several Regiments in the service of the United
States of America, who may be in this Town or its
Vicinity, are to Parade on the Common near the
Pound, in full uniforms with their swords.
The funeral of Major Williams * is to be to-morrow
afternoon at Roxbury.
Head- Quarters, Boston, 27 May, 1777.
Capt. Benja Brown, of Col? Michael Jackson's Reg1,
tryed at the Genl Court Martial whereof Col? Greaton
is President, charged with refusing to assist the Magis-
trates in the Execution of their office in apprehending,
taking up and bringing to justice a number of men
belonging to his Company, agreeable to the 1st Article
of the 10th Section of the Rules and Regulations of
the Army, etc.
The Court are unan. of opinion that the Charge
brought against Cap1. Brown has not been supported,
and consequently he has not been guilty of a Breach
of any of the Articles for the Government of the
* Major Edward B. Williams died May 25, 1777. He was a Major
in Col. John Greaton's regiment.
American
American Army; therefore that he be acquitted with
Honor.
The General approves the opinion of the Court and
orders Cap1: Brown to be released from his arrest im-
mediately.
Cap1. John Bailey, tryed at the same General Court
Martial for enlisting a number of men that were before
enlisted by Capt. Allen * in Col? Alden's Regiment,
and for infamous and ungentlemanlike conduct, etc.
The Court are unanimously of opinion that Capt.
Bailey has been guilty of a Breach of the third Arti-
cle of the 6"? Section, and the 2i!' Article of the 14th
Section of the Regulations of the Army, and that he
shall be cashiered and return all the Bounty Money
which he has received to the men he enlisted.
The General approves the opinion of the Court and
orders Capt. Bailey to pay the Bounty Monies agree-
able to the orders of the Court, and that he leave the
Army immediately.
William Barton, soldier in Captain Allen's Company,
Col. Alden's Regiment, tryed at the same General
Court Martial for Desertion, no evidence appearing
against the Prisoner, the Court acquit him and order
him to join Col? Alden's Regiment.
John Burk, Soldier in Capt. Sumner's f Company,
Col? Greaton's Regiment, tryed at the same Gen1. Court
Martial for enlisting twice; the Court find him guilty,
* Robert Allen. f Capt. Job Sumner.
and
and sentence him to receive 50 Stripes on his bare back
and return to Capt. Hunt* all that he has received of
him, and joyn Capt. Sumner's company where he first
enlisted; but some favorable circumstances appearing
to the Court they recommend him to the General's
favor.
The General approves the two last sentences, and
orders Barton released from Confinement, and to joyn
his Regiment, and Burk to refund to Capt. Hunt what-
ever he may have received from him. Remits the
stripes and orders him to joyn his Regiment.
Complaint having been made of the bad conduct ot
the Magazine Guard at Charlestown, the General calls
upon that Guard to be carefull, vigilant and alert; a
contrary conduct will not escape unnoticed.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 29 May, 1777.
The Honbl.e House of Representatives having repre-
sented that the frequent Drumming around and near
the Court House greatly interrupts the Debates of the
Assembly, and desire that a stop may be put thereto,
the General therefore forbids any Beating of Drums
during the sitting of the Council or House of Repre-
sentatives (except on some special occasions) either for
practising or on Duty, above the Coffee House in Con-
* Probably Capt. Abraham Hunt, of the first Mass. Regt. (Vose's),
who resigned in April, 1780.
gress
gress Street, or between the Old Brick Meeting House,
and the Town Pump in the Main Street. Fife Major
Hywill will fix a parade for the Musick of Col° Crane's
Battalion, somewhere without the before mentioned
Limits.
Such of the Drafts as have not had the small pox
are not to be innoculated here, but are to joyn their
respective Regiments, where they will be innoculated.
Head-Quarters, 30 May, 1777.
Col? Vose is appointed President of the General
Court Martial in the room of Col? Greaton, who is ex-
cused. The Court is to sit to-morrow morning, and
as soon as possible try all such Prisoners belonging to
the Army as are confined either in Goal or at the Main
Guard; the Members of the Court are carefully to at-
tend, as are also all Evidences and Persons concerned.
Such of the Drafts for completing the Regiments as
have not had the small pox, are not to be inoculated
here, but to march as soon as they are equip'd to the
places of their destination, where they will undergo the
operation of that disorder.
The several Colonels are to exert themselves in
equiping and marching off their men. They will pay
the strictest attention to the obtaining as much cloath-
ing as possible for them, without which they will suffer
great Inconveniences. A Return of such Men as are
not
not able to endure the Fatigues of a long March is to
be immediately given in, agreeable to a former order.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 31 May, 1777.
If there are any Recruits belonging to either of the
Regiments destin'd to Peekskill who have not had the
Small Pox (except they are new Drafts) they are to be
this Day or to-morrow sent to the Inoculating Hospi-
tal at Prospect Hill, as after to-morrow no person is
to be inoculated at that place, but every endeavor
used to cleanse the Barracks from the infection of the
small pox as soon as possible.
Strict attention is to be paid to the order of the 29th
ins1, respecting the beating of Drums near the Court
House, and the officers who may at any time be on
charge when recruiting parties or others may through
inattention act contrary to such order, are desired to
correct such mistakes.
Head- Quarters, Boston, i June, 1777.
Elijah Burnham, a soldier in Col? Marshall's* Regi-
ment, tryed at the General Court Martial, whereof
Col0. Vose is president, accused with stealing a shirt
and pair of stockings ; no evidence being produced
against him, the court adjudge that he be discharged
from the Guard.
*Thomas Marshall.
The
The General approves the judgment, and orders
him to be released and to join his Regiment immedi-
ately.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 2 June, 1777.
Benjamin Vary, a soldier in Col? Crane's Battalion of
Artillery, tryed at the General Court Martial, of which
Col° Vose is President, for desertion: the Court find
him guilty, and adjudge him to receive one hundred
lashes on his naked back for said offence.
The General approves the judgment, and orders it
to be put in execution to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock,
on the Commons, by the Drummers of the Regiment.
Whenever any of the Troops are quartered in any
of the Barracks, the Barrack Master, or Deputy Bar-
rack Master is to take a view of the condition the Bar-
racks are then in, and on the Day that such Troops
are to leave the Barracks, they are again to be viewed
as aforesaid, and if it shall appear that they have been
injured, report is to be made thereof immediately, that
the Damage may be charged to those who commit it.
The General is sorry to find after so many orders on
this head, one more should be necessary, and hopes it
will be duly noticed.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 3 June, 1777.
Peter Hussey, a soldier in Col? Crane's Battalion,
tryed
IO
tryed at the General Court Martial whereof Col° Vose
is president, for desertion, and receiving the Bounty-
three times, the Court find that the Prisoner is guilty
of inlisting twice, but from many alleviating circum-
stances in the case, and the second Bounty having been
returned, and the Prisoner long confined, adjudge that
he be kept in the Guard House till the Company to
which he belongs shall be ready to march, and that he
then joyn the Company. The General approves the
judgment, and directs that it be accordingly put in
Execution.
The punishment of Benj. Vary, which was to have
been inflicted this morning, is suspended, on account
of some particular representations of his case until
further orders.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 4 June, 1777.
The General Court Martial will be very careful to-
morrow to see that all Prisoners under Confinement
are brought to tryal, and in particular, one Morrison,
who has been long confined in Goal. The Prisoners
should at all times be brought to tryal as soon as pos-
sible, as long Confinement injures both the Prisoners
and also the Public Service.
The men off Duty belonging to the Detachment
under the Command of Major Symmes, are to parade
with arms three times a week in future, at six o'clock
P. M., viz^, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, when
they
II
they are carefully to be instructed in the Priming and
Loading motions, and the different Firings, and some
of the most useful Manovers, which are the Essentials
of the Exercise.
The Guard at the Powder Magazine at Charlestown,
is to consist of one Serjeant, one Corporal and twelve
Men, until further orders. Strict attention is to be paid
to the furnishing of them from the Regiments at Cam-
bridge.
The General is surprised to hear the daily firing off
Guns, which is not only very unsoldierlike, but also
endangers the Inhabitants. It is, therefore, once more
strictly forbidden, and such as offend, are to be imme-
diately confined and reported.
Head- Quarters, Boston, 5 June, 1777.
The assistant Q. M. G. is to furnish the necessary
Teams for such Troops as are ready to march without
a moment's delay.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 6 June, 1777.
Edward Williams, a soldier in Capt. Cushing's Com-
pany, Col. Vose's Regiment, tryed at the General
Court Martial whereof Col. Vose is President, for in-
listing twice and receiving two Bounties : the Court
find the Prisoner guilty, and sentence him to receive
one hundred Lashes on his naked back, and that one
half
12
half of his pay shall be stopped each and every month,
and paid to Capt. Page of Col. Francis's * Regiment,
till such Time as the full sum of Fifteen pounds ten
shillings be refunded. The General approves the sen-
tence and orders it to be put in Execution to-morrow-
morning on the Common, by the Drummers of Col°
Crane's battalion, and that he joyn his Regiment, and
that the stoppage of his wages be maid and paid as
aforesaid.
Cornelius Teigh, a soldier in Col° Marshall's regi-
ment, tryed at the same general Court Martial for De-
sertion, the Court are of opinion that he be confined in
the Guard House until he is called for to march.
Samuel Morrison, a soldier in Col? Nixon's f Regi-
ment, tryed at the same General Court Martial for in-
listing twice and receiving two Bounties, it appearing
to the Court that the Prisoner first inlisted in the Jer-
sies, with an officer of Col? Stark's % Reg1, and was
ordered to Cambridge, where he went and tarried some
time, but could find no officer belonging to said Regi-
ment, and being out of money, and having received no
Bounty, he inlisted with Col0 Nixon's Reg1, where he
received his Bounty.
There being no Evidence against the. Prisoner, and
he having been confined near two Months, the Court
are of opinion that he be permitted immediately to joyn
Col0 Nixon's Regiment.
* Ebenezer (?) Francis. \ John Nixon. % John Stark.
The
13
The General approves the opinion of the Court in
the two last Instances, and orders Teigh to be kept
confined, and Morrison to join Col? Nixon's Reg1, im-
mediately.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 7 June, 1777.
If any British officer or Soldier who are prisoners of
War, should be seen walking the Streets of this Town
(unless under Guard), or shall presume to come near
any Park of Artillery, Magazine, or Publick Store, they
are to be taken up immediately, and reported to Head-
Quarters. The following order, which was issued by
his Excellency General Washington on the 8th ultimo,
is to be carefully read once a week at the Head of each
Regiment, on this Department of the Army, and strict
obedience paid thereto; viz1.
Head-Quarters, 8 May, 1777.
As few Vices are attended with more pernicious Consequences in
Civil Life ; so there are none more fatal in a military one, than that of
Gaming; which often brings disgrace and ruin upon officers, and in-
jury and punishment upon the Soldiery. — And reports prevailing which,
it is to be feared, are too well founded, that this destructive vice has
spread its baneful influence in the Army, and in a peculiar manner to
the prejudice of the Recruiting Service, the Commander in Chief, in the
most pointed and explicit terms, forbids ALL officers and Soldiers play-
ing at Cards, Dice, or at any games, except those of EXERCISE for
diversion ; it being impossible, if the practice be allowed at all, to dis-
criminate between innocent play, for amusement, and criminal gaming,
for pecuniary or sordid Purposes.
Officers attentive to their Duty will find abundant Employment in
training and disciplining their Men; providing for them, and seeing
that
14
that they appear neat, clean and soldierlike, nor will anything redound
more to their Honour, afford them more solid amusement, or better an-
swer the end of their appointment, than to devote the vacant moments
they may have to the study of Military Authors.
The Commanding officer of every Corps is strictly enjoined to have
this order frequently read, and strongly impressed upon the minds of
those under his command. Any officer, or soldier, or other Person, be-
longing to, or following the Army either in Camp, in Quarters, or on
the Recruiting service, or elsewhere, presuming under any pretence to
disobey this order, shall be tried by a General Court Martial.
The General officers in each division of the Army are to pay the
strictest attention to the due Execution thereof.
The Adjutant General is to transmit Copies of this order to the differ-
ent departments of the Army ; also to cause the same to be immediately
published in the Gazettes of each State, for the information of officers
dispersed on the recruiting service.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 9 June, 1777.
Complaint is repeatedly m-ade that due attention is
not paid to the relieving the Guards at Cambridge, and
as sometimes it is pretended that there are not men in
Quarters sufficient for the purpose, when the weekly
and provision returns prove the contrary; the General
directs that all soldiers in Quarters do Duty, whether
their own officers be present or not, and all adjutants,
and such as do adjutant's Duty, are carefully to attend
to this matter. Major Andrew Brown is desired to
regulate the Guards at Cambridge, and see that none
be overfatigued, on the one Hand, or entirely escape
Duty, on the other, and that the Guards be properly
mounted and relieved in future.
The
15
The members of the General Court Martial are
Punctually to attend to-morrow morning at the time
of adjournment, and are to proceed to the tryal of
Elijah Woodward.
Col? Vose's adjutant having marched, Col? Crane's
adjutant will see that the sentence of Edward Williams
(which was to have been put in Execution on Saturday
last), be put in execution to-morrow morning, agree-
able to the orders of ye 6th inst1. The men belonging
to Col° Sherburne's Regiment, who are quartered at
Cambridge, are to do duty there.
Head-Quarters, Boston, io June, 1777.
The officers are to pay the greatest attention to the
obtaining of clothing for all such Troops as have not
marched to the Places of their destination, and if pos-
sible, have them completely clothed before they march ;
the call for the speedy marching of the Troops, and the
absolute necessity also that they be well clothed, are
objects that require uncommon exertions.
The Colonels of the respective Regt* will take par-
ticular care before any of the officers, who have re-
ceived money for the recruiting service, march to join
the army, to inquire if the monies which they have re-
spectively received, have been paid out in bounties,
and if it appears the whole has not, the surplusage
should be returned into the hands of the commanding
officer at the rendezvous of the respective Reg'.s(whom
the
the Col? will appoint for that purpose), who will furn-
ish the several recruiting officers who are left behind,
to recruit the Regts. as occasion may require ; without
this, the recruiting officers will be greatly embarrassed,
and the publick service injured, as no more monies
will be issued than is requisite to complete their respec-
tive regiments.
Head-Quarters, Boston, ii June, 1777.
The Pleasure of the hon'ble Congress with respect
to the Execution of Peter Pickman Frye not having as
yet been obtain'd, his execution is further suspended
to Thursday, 19th inst.*
* " Desertion of the soldiery from one Regiment, and inlisting into
others, is too prevalent here. A general Court Martial last week sen-
tenced one Peter Pickman Frye, late of Salem, a soldier in Col? Mar-
shall's regiment, to be shott for desertion. I have approved the sentence,
and ordered it to be put in execution on the 22d. Instant. He openly
declared that he meant to desert to the enemy. Several others have
been tryed for inlisting twice and three times, and deserting as often,
and changing their names; for each of which, as capital crimes, they
have been sentenced to receive one hundred lashes." Heath to Wash-
ington, 11 May, 1777. "The Friends of Peter Pickman Frye (who is
under sentence to be shott for desertion) have earnestly requested a
suspension of execution, until they can prefer a petition to the HonWe
Congress, and receive their determination thereon. As this request is
backed by some gentlemen of distinction, I conceived it to be my Duty
to indulge them with Time to present their Petition, and have sus-
pended his Execution to the 1 2th of June next. His Friends beg a
pardon, the public call for his Execution. The former say he is insane,
the latter that he is more Knave than Fool. For my own part I neither
The
17
The Quantity of Powder at Charlestown being
much lessened, the Magazine Guard there is to consist
of one Corporal and six Privates only, until further
Orders.
Elijah Woodward, a Soldier in Capt. Knapp's *
Company in Col. Shepherd's f Regiment tried at the
General Court Martial, whereof Col. VoseJ is Presi-
dent for Desertion and inlisting twice, and receiving
ask for a pardon, or execution, but shall strictly execute the pleasure of
Congress." Heath to Washington, 19 May, 1777.
" Application having been made to this Committee, in behalf of
Peter Pickman Frye, a soldier in the Continental army, now under
sentence of Death for Desertion ; by the Friends and Relations of the
said Frye, requesting that the Committee would set forth his character
to your Honors, from which they hope, his punishment may be remit-
ted : The Committee would therefore beg leave to inform the Con-
gress that he is a person, whom they think, from their knowledge of
him, is not possessed of a common share of understanding : and that he
is really incapable of committing a crime, maliciously and with design,
deserving so severe a punishment, as that to which he is now sen-
tenced. This Committee, therefore, would beg leave to intercede in
behalf of this unhappy Person, and for the sake of his Friends and Con.
nections, who are many of them of the most respectable Characters,
Pray that his sentence may not be put in execution, but that the Con-
gress would be pleased to grant him a Pardon, or at least to lessen his
Punishment, as they in their wisdom shall think proper." Committee
of Correspondence, Inspection and Safety, {Mass.) to the Continental
Congress, Salem, 25 May, 1777. See order for II September, 1777,
in this volume.
* Moses Knapp.
\ William Shepherd.
\ Joseph Vose.
2 the
18
the Bounty twice, The Court are of opinion that the
Prisoner is guilty of Breach of the first and third Ar-
ticles of the sixth Section of the Rules and Articles
for the Government of the Army of the United States
of America,* and adjudge that he receive one hundred
Lashes on his naked Back for each Offence, and that
Capt. Knapp, whose Company the Prisoner is to join,
be directed to make stoppage in the Prisoner's Pay
and Bounty till Capt. Bryant, of Col. Crane's Battal-
ion,f is fully satisfied for the Cloaths and Money not
recovered from the Prisoner.
The General approves the Judgment and orders it
to be put in Execution to morrow Monday on the
Common by the Drummers of Col. Crane's Battalion,
and that the Prisoner be delivered to Capt. Knapp,
who is carefully to make the stoppages, and pay same
Capt. Bryant, as directed by the Court.
* " Art I. All officers and soldiers, who having received pay, or hav-
ing been duly inlisted in the service of the United States, shall be con-
victed of having deserted the same, shall suffer death, or such other
punishment as by a court-martial shall be inflicted.
" Art. 3. No non-commissioned officer or soldier shall inlist himself
in any other regiment, troop or company, without a regular discharge
from the regiment, troop or company, in which he last served, on the
penalty of being reputed a deserter, and suffering accordingly : And in
case any officer shall, knowingly, receive and entertain such non-com-
missioned officer or soldier, or shall not, after his being discovered to
be a deserter, immediately confine him, and give notice thereof to the
corps in which he last served, he, the said officer so offending, shall by
court-martial be cashiered." Articles of War, 1776.
f John Crane, of the Massachusetts Regiment of Artillery,
The
19
The Adjutant of Col. Crane's Battalion to see that
the Punishment is inflicted to-morrow.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 12 June, 1777.
As the Time for which the Detachment of militia
under the Command of Capt. Bumstead of the Boston
Regiment were drafted to do duty expired this day,
the General thanks them for their regular and soldier-
like Behaviour, and the great Chearfulness which they
have discovered in performing their duty.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 13 June, 1777.
The following Resolve has passed the Hon'ble Con-
tinental Congress, viz:
In Congress, 27 May, 1777.
Resolved, That for the future there be only one Chaplain allowed to
each Brigade in the Army, and that such Chaplain be appointed by
Congress.
That each Brigade Chaplain be allowed the same Fay, Rations and
Forage, that is allowed to a Colonel in the same Corps.
That each Brigadier General be required to nominate and recom-
mend to Congress a proper Person for Chaplain to his Brigade, and that
they recommend none but such as are Clergymen of experience and
establish'd public Character for Piety, Virtue and Learning.
B% order of Congress.
John Hancock, President*
* For a letter of Washington on this subject see Writings of Wash-
ington (Ford's Edition), V., 418.
20
Head-Quarters, Boston, 14 June, 1777.
As disputes often arise with respect to the Trans-
portation of the public stores, whether the Loads are
to be estimated at neat or gross weight, it is always to
be understood in future that 1 12 lbs. neat is to be con-
sidered as an hundred weight, and twenty like hun-
dreds a Ton, and that all public Stores which are
transported by weight are to be loaded and the Cart-
ing paid accordingly.
As Cleanliness contributes to Health wherever the
Troops are quartered in Barracks, the officers are to
be particularly careful that the men are kept as clean
and neat as possible, the Rooms daily swept and aired,
and in fair weather the men's Blankets should be ex-
posed to the sun and air, the Quarters should be fre-
quently visited by the officers, the men's cooking and
messes inspected. However trifling this may appear
to some, it is absolutely necessary. In an army we
must expect some Indolent men. Bad Habits should
be eradicated as soon as possible, or their baneful
effects soon spread in a Corps, and that which might
at first have been easily reformed, by neglect may re-
quire much labor and pains. The Health, Cleanliness,
and soldier-like appearance of a Corps all redound to
the Honor of its officers, and are the best evidences of
their abilities and attention to their Duty.
Complaint having been made that some of the Bar-
racks at Cambridge, notwithstanding the express and
repeated
21
repeated Orders to the contrary, have been injured in
a most scandalous manner, the General, being deter-
mined that such abuses shall not pass with Impunity,
desires that Col. Greaton, Col. Michael Jackson,* Col.
Alden, Lieut. Col. Fuller, and the Barracks master,
would as soon as possible, repair to Cambridge and
enquire into the matter, and, with the assistance of
such Carpenters as they may think necessary, estimate
the Damage and make report thereof.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 17 June, 1777.
Cornelius Teigh, a Soldier in Cap*. King's| Com-
pany, Col. Marshall's! Regiment, tryed at the General
Court Martial whereof Col. Vose is president, for De-
sertion and inlisting a second time, the Court find the
prisoner guilty of a Breach of the first and third Arti-
cles of the sixth Section of the Rules and Articles for
the Government of the Army of the United States of
America, and adjudge that he shall receive One hun-
dred Lashes on his naked Back for each Offence, and
that Capt. King be directed to stop one half the Pris-
oner's Pay each and every Month, till the full sum the
Prisoner received from Capt. Webb|| of Col. Shep-
herd's Regiment be repaid.§
* Of the 8th Mass. Regiment.
f Samuel King. | Thomas Marshall. || George Webb.
§ Teigh was with the Regiment at White Plains in September, 1778.
Richard
22
Richard Mitchell, a Soldier in Capt Jenkins' * Com-
pany, Col. Brewer's f Regiment, tryed at the same
General Court Martial for Desertion and inlisting
twice and receiving two Bounties, the Court find the
Prisoner guilty of a Breach of the first and third Arti-
cles of the sixth Section of the Rules and Articles for
the Government of the Army of the United States of
America, and adjudge that he receive One hundred
Lashes on his naked Back for each Offence, and that
Capt. Jenkins be directed to stop one half the Pris-
oner's Pay, each and every Month, till the full sum the
Prisoner received of Lieut. Parker, J of Capt. Bal-
lard's || Company be repaid.
The General approves the two beforegoing Judg-
ments, and orders that they be put in execution to-
morrow Morning at the Common, by the Drummers
of Col. Crane's Battalion. The Adjutant of Col.
Henry Jackson's Regiment is to see that the Punish-
ments are inflicted, and that Teigh be delivered to
Capt. King, and Mitchell to Capt. Jenkins, each of
whom are directed to make the stoppages of the Pay
of the Prisoners and the payment of it to the officers
who have been injured, agreeable to the Order of the
Court.
The Officers of Col. Lee's§ and Col. Henry Jack-
son's Regiments are to make the necessary Prepara-
* Josiah Jenkins. f Samuel Brewer. J Isaac (?) Parker.
| William H. Ballard. § William Raymond Lee.
tions
23
tions for the Muster of their respective Regiments by
the first of July next. Major Brown, the Muster
Master, will furnish them with a form of a Muster
Roll agreeable to the Resolve of Congress.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 18 June, 1777.
The Execution of Peter Pickman Frye, which was
to have been to-morrow, is further suspended till
Thursday, the 26t.h Instant.
The publick Service requiring that all Recruits be-
longing to the Continental Battalions should immedi-
ately join their respective Corps, all such as are equipt
are to march without a moment's Delay.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 19 June, 1777.
The Time to which the Detachment of Militia
under the Command of Major Symmes of the Boston
Regiment were engaged to do Duty, having expired
this morning, the General thanks the Officers and
Soldiers who composed it, for their regular and
Soldier-like Behavior during the Time of their En-
gagement, no Complaints of Abuses, Irregularities, or
Neglects of Duty having been made, and their gen-
eral Deportment such as cannot fail to ensure them
Honor.
24
Head-Quarters, Boston, 20 June, 1777.
A Special General Court Martial to sit on Mon-
day next, at nine o'clock in the morning, to con-
sider the Report of a Court who were appointed
by the orders of the fourteenth inst, to enquire
into and estimate the Damage done to the Barracks
at Cambridge, the Court will make such further
Enquiry as they may think proper, and send for
such officers or soldiers as they may think necessary
to ascertain the Facts, and they are also to de-
termine what Regiments or Persons ought to pay
the Damage, and adjudge the respective sums ac-
cordingly.
Col. Greaton, President.
Col. Alden, Col. Mich'l Jackson, Col. Vose, Lt. Col.
Brooks *, Lt. Col. Fuller, and seven Commission
Officers, Members.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 21 June, 1777.
The Barrack Master and his Deputys are frequently
to inspect the Barracks, and carefully observe if any
new Injury be done to them, and prevent its being
repeated. Such Troops as are quartered in the Bar-
racks, are to have so much Room allotted to them as
is necessary and no more. The Doors of the other
Barracks are to be kept shut to prevent their being in-
jured by stragglers or others.
* John Brooks, of the 17th Mass. Regiment.
25
Head-Quarters, Boston, 23 June, 1777-
Colonel Alden is to send a Captain to relieve Capt.
Watson of Col. Greaton's Regiment, who has for some
time had the Command of the Guard at the Innocu-
lating Hospital on Prospect Hill. The old Guard is
to remain on duty until further orders.
Head- Quarters, Boston, 24 June, 1777-
No Patient is to be ordered from the General Hos-
pital by any officer of the Regiment to which he be-
longs, or presume to leave it himself, untill he obtains
a regular Discharge from the Senior Surgeon or Di-
rector of the Hospital.
In Case of an Alarm, Major Symmes's Detachment
is immediately to parade completely ready for action,
one half of them in the Fort on Fort Hill, and the
other half on their Parade near the Grainery where
they will receive further orders. To prevent delay or
Confusion, each man belonging to the Detachment is
to be immediately acquainted to which place he is to
repair, and all those not on guard are strictly to con-
form themselves accordingly. The Guards have al-
ready received Orders for their Conduct on such an
Emergency.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 25 June, 1777.
The Special General Court appointed to consider,
r the
26
the Report of the Court who were appointed by the
Orders of the fourteenth Ins'. , to inquire into and
estimate the Damage done to the Barracks at Cam-
bridge, and to determine what Regiments or Persons
ought to pay the Damage and adjudge the respective
sums accordingly, having reported that after consider-
ing the said report, and heard the evidence of Col.
Davis, Major Brown,* and Adjutant Allen, are of
opinion that the Barracks in Cambridge have been
much abused and damaged, but think it a matter of
the greatest doubt and uncertainty by whom, and can-
not in justice report what Individual is guilty, or who
ought to pay any part of said Damage, and that the
Barrack Master has been very negligent in his Duty.
The General approves the endeavors of the Court to
determine the Damages and fix the Payment of them
on those who were the perpetrators, but is truly sorry
that such flagrant abuses of the Property of the publick
should pass unpunished. The General flattered him-
self that after the Orders of the 25l.h ult? , a stop would
have been put to such scandalous practices, as he then
requested the exertion of Officers of all Ranks to sup-
press them, and as the Court of Enquiry have reported
that Col. Alden's and Col. M. Jackson's Regiments
were equally guilty in the Destruction of the Bar-
racks, and Col. Putnam's f for the Time they were
♦Andrew Brown.
•J- Rufus Putnam, of the 5th Mass. Regiment.
quartered
27
quartered in the Barracks, the General does therefore
most expressly call upon the Colonels of those Regi-
ments to send to him immediately the names of the
officers ordered by them respectively to attend at the
Rendezvous of the before mentioned Regiments.
The Special General Court Martial, whereof Col.
Greaton was appointed President, is dissolved.
The Execution of Peter Pickman Frye is further
suspended to Thursday the tenth day of July next.
Col. Adin* may send a Lieut, to Prospect Hill, instead
of a Captain; as was directed in the orders of the
twenty third Instant.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 26 June, 177 7-
Parole, Meant. C. Sign, Boston.
Col. H. Jackson's Regiment is to march early on
Saturday morning next to Dorchester Heights, and
relieve the Detachment of Militia under the Command
of Col. Crafts, who are now doing Duty there. Col.
Jackson will dispose of his Regiment in such a manner
as most conveniently to mount the necessary Guards
in each of the Forts at that Post.f
As General Hospitals are established at this place
* This should be Alden.
+ « I have posted C0I9 Jackson's Regiment at Dorchester Neck. Lee's
is rendezvousing at Cambridge, being as yet too weak to do much duty
except guarding the magazine, and stores at that place." Heath to
Washington, 7 July, 1777.
under
28
under the Direction of Doct* John Warren, for the
Reception of the sick and wounded of the Continental
army, the surgeons of the several Regiments now-
rendezvousing in and near the Town of Boston are
ordered to make Report to him of all such soldiers as
cannot be properly attended in their respective Regi-
ments, and immediately offer them for admisson into
the General Hospital, and all Persons concerned are
hereby informed, that no charges for the private sup-
port or medical attendance of such will be defrayed by
the Continent unless from due returns, reasonably
made, it shall appear that the sick could not receive
the Benefit of a General Hospital.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 27 June, 1777.
Parole, Concord. C. Sign, Detroit.
Messrs. John Hopkins, John Butterfield, and Robert
Champney, are appointed Waggon Masters until fur-
ther orders, and Messrs. Jonathan Parker, James
Brewer, William Billings, Simeon Ashley, and William
Fellows, Conductors until further orders.
In consequence of directions lately received by the
Deputy Muster Master from the Commissary General
of Musters, the Continental troops posted in the sev-
eral New England States, are to be mustered the first
of July next. Col. Lee's, Jackson's and Henley's*
Regiments are to make the necessary Preparations.
* David Henley.
Col.
29
Col. Lee is to send a Sergeant, Corporal, and nine
men as a Guard for the Provision Stores at Little
Cambridge. The stores are at Messrs. Moses Robins's
and Jonathan Winship's. At the former is a guard
which is to be relieved and are to join their Regi-
ments. A centinel is to be posted at each store. Col.
Lee will also order two non-commissioned officers or
capable Soldiers daily to assist Major Andrew Brown
in inspecting and preserving the Barracks, &c. Four
steady soldiers are to be ordered from the Regiments
at Cambridge to cleanse the Barracks on Prospect
Hill. The Deputy Barrack Master at Cambridge will
assign quarters for Col. Henley's Regiment in the
Barracks commonly known by the name of Patter-
son's.
The weekly Returns are to be punctually made; no
excuses will be admitted.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 28 June, 1777.
The Deputy Barrack Master at Cambridge will take
particular care that no Troops are quartered in the
Barracks in which the military stores are deposited or
any Fire kindled in them on any pretence whatever.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 29 June, 1777.
Parole, Green. Countersign, Hollis.
3Q
Head-Quarters, Boston, 30 June, 1777.
Parole, Jenkins. C. Sign, Kingston.
Head-Quarters, Boston, i July, 1777.
Parole, Lovemoor. C. Sign, Manchester.
Isaac Tuckerman, jun'r, having been appointed a
Deputy Barrack Master with orders to superintend
and take care of the Barracks at Cambridge, the two
Non-commissioned officers or capable Privates, ordered
to be furnished by Col. Lee, will be unnecessary.
The General in the most express and positive Terms
again forbids the granting of furloughs to the men;
when the Campaign is nearly half spent to allow men
to be absent on furloughs must appear disgraceful, and
he is surprized to hear it has been practised by some.
Thomas Rice, a soldier in Col. Marshall's Regiment,
tried at the General Court Martial, whereof Col. Vose
is President, for deserting and inlisting a second time,
the Court find the Prisoner guilty, and sentence him
to receive fifty lashes on his naked back for each of-
fence, and half his pay every month to be detained
until the Recruiting officer of Col. Crane's Battalion,
who inlisted him the second time, is repaid the Bounty
paid by him. The General approves the sentence, but
inasmuch as the Court have recommended the Pris-
oner to his mercy to remit the stripes, the infliction of
the Punishment is suspended until further orders. The
Heinousness
3i
Heinousness of the Crime of deserting and inlisting a
second time, so much perpetrated of late, and being in
its nature so baneful to the service, the General does
not remit the stripes. The stoppage of half the Pris-
oner's pay is carefully to be made and paid agreeable
to the order of the Court.
John Flygh, a soldier in Capt. Barnard's Company,
Col. Wyllys' Regiment, brought before the same Gen-
eral Court Martial for Desertion, the Court are of
Opinion that the prisoner be sent to the Regiment to
which he belongs in Irons. The General approves the
sentence of the Court, and orders that the Detachment
of Col. Alden's Regiment, which is to march this Day
or to-morrow for Peeks Kill, take him under Guard to
the Regiment before mentioned as ordered by the
Court.*
Head-Quarters, Boston, 2 July, 1777.
Parole, Normandy. Countersign, Olive.
Col. Henry Jackson is to make a disposition of his
*Late in June, while Washington was at Middlebrook, watching a
movement of Howe into New Jersey, he learned from the north of an
intended approach of the British under Burgoyne towards St. John.
He ordered Putnam to hold four Massachusetts regiments in readiness
at Peekskill to go up the river at a moment's warning. Soon after
Howe suddenly returned to New York, and Washington fearing a
movement against the posts on the Hudson, moved his army to Morris-
town, and detached the brigades of Generals Parsons and Varnum to
Peekskill, and ordered the four Massachusetts regiments to proceed to
the northward, when the two brigades should be within marching dis-
tance of Peekskill. These four regiments formed Nixon's brigade.
Regiment
32
Regiment in three equal divisions, one of which is to
be assigned to each of the Redoubts at Dorchester
Heights, in which in case of alarm they are immedi-
ately to parade as their alarm Post. The officers and
men are to be well informed to which Division and
Redoubt they are assigned, that there may be no con-
fusion or Loss of Time should any Emergency require
Dispatch. As the Recruits join the Regiment, the
Divisions are to be kept as near of equal strength as
possible. Col. Jackson will draw twenty Rounds of
Cartridge and Ball pr man for his Regiment. This
ammunition is not to be delivered to the men at pres-
ent, but to be deposited in some safe and convenient
place, ready to be delivered if occasion should require
it. The Boatmen, who are employed in transporting
the public Stores to Watertown, are to be very careful
in raising and laying down Cambridge Bridge, to do it
in such a manner as not to injure the Bridge, or endan-
ger the passengers or carriages that pass over it, as
complaint has been made of neglect in this respect.
Strict attention is to be paid to this order.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 3 July, 1777.
Parole, Rippon. Countersign, Stafford.
To-morrow being the anniversary of American In-
dependence, at twelve o'clock noon thirteen cannon
are to be discharg'd from from the Fort on Fort Hill,
and
33
and the like number from the Forts on Dorchester
Heights.
The firing is to begin on Fort Hill. Col. Jackson's
Regiment is to be under arms and fire three Rounds
of Powder. Major Symmes's Detachment is to join
Col. Hatch's Regiment of Militia (except such as are
on Guard). This Detachment is to fire three rounds
with Col. Hatch's Regiment.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 5 July, 1777-*
Parole, Victim. C. Sign, Wasp.
Col. Vose, who was President of the General Court
Martial, having march'd to join his Regiment, Col.
Mich'l Jackson is appointed President, and the Court
which was to have set this Day, is to sit on Tuesday
at 9 o'clock a. m., of which the members will take due
notice.
Col. M. Jackson is to send a Subaltern to command
the Guard at the Innoculating Hospital on Prospect
Hill.
The Assistant Quartermaster General is to fence a
* There is some uncertainty in the orders of the three days July 3d,
4th and 5th. In one Orderly Book, no orders are given on the 4th,
but those on the 5th begin with the second paragraph : » Col. M. Jack-
son is to send," etc. In another Book, the parole for the 3d is Peru-
lope, and the c. sign, Quintius ; while the parole for the 4th is Rippon,
and the c. sign, Stafford; and the order printed above under the 3d
is given under the 4th— clearly an error. But this does not aid us in
straightening the paroles.
proper
34
proper yard at Cambridge for the security of the shot
and shells, for the Fire Wood, etc.
The Captains of the respective Regiments who are
left at the Rendezvous of their Regiments to direct the
Recruiting officers, receive, arm, equip and order the
march of the Recruits, are by no means to be absent
from their Rendezvous without express Leave from
the General. Many Soldiers are strolling about the
Streets, and often complaining that they know not
where to find the proper officer to direct them to their
Duty, and some have again returned Home to the
great Injury of the Service.
After Orders.
The General remits the Punishment of Thomas
Rice, and orders that he be immediately releas'd from
the Main Guard, and that he join Col. Marshall's Reg-
iment and the stoppage of his pay be carefully made
and paid agreeable to the order of the General Court
Martial.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 6 July, 1777.
Parole, Amos. C. Sign, Barnabas.
The Assistant Quarter Master General will be very
careful to see that the Waggon Masters and Conduc-
tors are very alert, and that the stores are not left on
the Roads or transported to other Places than those to
which they are ordered. Complaints of abuses of this
kind have been frequently made of late.
35
Head-Quarters, Boston, 7 July, 1777.
Parole, Glassenbury. C. Sign, Haverstraw.
In Consequence of Intelligence just received from
the Westward and Northward, the General again calls
upon the officers to hasten the March of all such
Troops as are ready, without one Moment's Delay.*
Col. M. Jackson's Regt. must march immediately. It
the Men are not supplied with ammunition, it must be
be drawn without Loss of Time. The utmost atten-
ds to be paid to the drilling the Recruits and instruct-
ing them in every part of their Duty as much as pos-
sible while they are in Quarters.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 8 July, 1777.
Parole, Jersey. Countersign, Knowlton.
The officers are desired to take particular care
wherever any troops are quartered, or guards posted,
that no injury be done to the inhabitants, by destroy-
ing fences, or needlessly crossing fields of grass or
gmin. Some complaints of this nature have been
Tately made; the General hopes to hear no more.
The General is much pleased with the late alertness of
the officers in marching their men, and desires that
those of them who are to remain at the respective ren-
* Heath had not yet heard of the evacuation of Ticonderoga by St.
Clair, which had been accomplished on the 6th. The intelligence
reached Boston on the nth.
dezvous
36
dezvous of their regiments would be very vigilant in
collecting the recruits, arming, clothing, and equipping
them, and as the present emergency of affairs calls for
the marching of every Continental soldier, those of
several regiments must be joined in detachments, and
march on without waiting to collect a detachment of
their own regiment.
Colonel H. Jackson will frequently report to the
General the state of the works, &c, at Dorchester
Heights, that orders may be given for the necessary
repairs.
The General Court Martial which was to have sit
this Day, is to sit to-morrow morning at nine o'clock,
of which the members will take notice.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 9 July, 1777.
Parole, Lenox. Countersign, Marblehead.
The general is surprized to hear that the march of
any of the Troops should be delay'd on the account of
Trains : he desires that the Waggon Masters and Con-
ductors would exert themselves and that the Deputy
Q* Master General would take every step in his Power
to furnish such Trains as may from time to time be
necessary for the transporting the Stores and Baggage
of the Army without the Loss of time.
The Execution of Peter Pickman Frye is further
suspended to Thursday the twenty fourth Instant.
37
Head-Quarters, Boston, ii July, 1777.
Parole, Preston. C. Sign, Romney.
Great Attention should be paid to the State of the
Arms. They should always be kept as neat and clean
as possible. They should ever be the Pride of a Sol-
dier, but the officers must see to it, or it will be too
much neglected. Whenever any of the Arms are out
of order, they should be sent to the Armourers and
be repaired immediately. Publick Armourers are ap-
pointed for that purpose.
The Dep'ty Barrack Master at Cambridge will im-
mediately apply to the Regiments there for four Men
who have had the Small Pox, which he is to send to
Prospect Hill, where they are to be employ 'd in cleans-
ing the Barracks which have been infected with the
Small Pox. Col. Greaton's, Putnam's, Alden's, and
Nixon's Regiments having been ordered from Peeks
Kill to Albany, the officers and men belonging to
them when they march, are to take that Rout in order
to join them at the last mentioned Place.*
* " General Schuyler is at Fort Edward, with about twelve hundred
regular troops and some militia. I have ordered the men belonging
to Putnam's, Greaton's, Alden's, and Nixon's regiments, who, you say,
are on their march, to join him as quick as possible, as the remainder
of their regiments are there. This reinforcement is all that could pos-
sibly be spared, under our present circumstances. As there never was
so pressing an occasion for troops, I entreat you will hurry on those re-
maining in your State with all possible despatch. Let those intended
for the northern army steer towards Albany, near which place they
will find General Schuyler endeavoring to form an army. Those whose
regiments are at Peekskill are still to go to that place." Washington
to Major-General Heath, 13 July, 1777.
38
Head-Quarters, Boston, 12 July, 1777
Parole, Salisbury. C. Sign, Trenton.
The Dep'ty Commissary General is to issue the
Men's Rations from this Day until further Orders as
follows, vizt,
1 lb. Flour or Bread -\
1% lb. Beef, or 18 oz. Pork I f man "§ Day.
I Quart of Beer J
5 pints of Pease "]
1 pint of Meal | f Man $ week.
6 oz. Butter J
6 lb. Candles ^ 100 men "$ week for Guards.
8 lb. Soap *$ 100 men f week.
1 Jill of Rum ^ Man each Day on Fatigue.
Vinegar occasionally. For such Articles as cannot
be procured the Commissary is to pay Money in Lieu
thereof, agreable to the established Rules in the
Army.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 14 July, 1777.
Parole, Uxbridge. Countersign, Welcome.
As it is essentially necessary that every Regiment
should dailey have the General Orders, strict attention
is to be paid thereto. An Adjutant or Serjeant Major
from each [regiment] is statedly to attend for that pur-
pose at Orderly time. The Regiments at Cambridge
may do it in Rotation. Adj1. Edwards of Col. Lee's
Regiment
39
Regiment will keep a Roll of this Duty and see that
it is perform'd. The Orders are to be carried to his
Quarters, where the Adjutants or Sergeant Majors are
to apply and take them. They are also dailey to re-
ceive the Details of Guards for their respective Regi-
ments at the same place, and are to furnish their men
accordingly. John Gooch and John Hopkins, Esq",
are appointed Assistant Dep'ty Qr. Master Generals.
They are to be respected and obeyed as such.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 15 July, 1777.
Parole, Xenophon. C. Sign, ■ .
Col. H. Jackson will order so many Men from his
Regiment to assist the well-diggers as may be neces-
sary; and as the strength of his Regiment will admit
of it, he will order a Number of Men properly to form
and dress the steps of the Banquet, where it is neces-
sary, and such other small Repairs as they may be
able to execute.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 16 July, 1777.
It is with astonishment that the General hears of
numbers of soldiers deserting the Northern Army on
their late Retreat from Ticonderoga, and that they are
now strolling through the Country to their respective
Homes. A conduct so dastardly in itself and fraught
with the greatest mischief to the Public Cause, by dis-
heartening
40
heartening the brave who are left in the Field to face
the Enemy deserted by their Comrades, calls for im-
mediate and exemplary Punishment. The General
therefore in the most earnest manner calls upon the
officers of every Rank to exert their utmost endeavors
to apprehend all such Soldiers as have left the North-
ern Army without a written Pass or Furlough, signed
by some General officer in that army, and that they be
careful to avoid Impositions; and that they be con-
fined at the Main Guard in order for Tryal for such an
atrocious Crime.
If Col. H. Jackson has in his Regiment six or eight
men who are acquainted with the making of Cartridges,
they are immediately to be employed in making a num-
ber of a proper size for the French Arms.
A Special General Court Martial to set to-morrow
Morning at nine o'clock, for a Trial of a number of
Soldiers who have deserted from the Northern Army.
Col. M. Jackson, President.
Col. Lee, Capt. King, Capt. Drew,
Lt. Col. Colman, Capt. Eddy, Capt. Dolliver,
Major Swasey, Capt. Allen, Capt. Carr,
Capt. Orne, Capt. Holden Lt. Frye,
Members.
Capt. Cartwright, Judge Advocate, Adj't Carew to
attend the Court. The Adjutants immediately to no-
tify such members as belong to their respective Regi-
ments, and if it should happen that any of the before
mentioned
4i
mentioned members cannot be found, others are to be
put on in their stead — Care to be taken that they be
commissioned.
Cambridge, 16 July, 1777.
Regimental Orders*
The Commanding officer orders that every non-
commissioned officer and soldier shall statedly attend
at Roll calling at five o'clock in the morning and five
in the afternoon, and at such other Times as shall be
ordered, and the Sergeant Major make a return of all
who shall absent themselves therefrom, who shall be
immediately sent under Guard and held 'till they be
tried by a Regimental Court Martial.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 17 July, 1777.
If any Deserters should be sent to the Guard or
Goal in Cambridge, they are as soon as possible to be
sent to the main Guard in this Place. The Adjutant or
Serg1. Major of the Day at Cambridge is daily when
he comes for the Orders to bring with him a Return of
the number of militia men that are in Quarters at that
Place, who are rendezvousing there in order to form a
Guard for the Stores. This Return is to be obtained
* Unless otherwise stated, the Regimental orders apply to Col. W. R.
Lee's Regiment.
from
42
from the Dep'ty Barrack Master, and is not to be
omitted. As soon as a sufficient number to form a
Guard are at the Rendezvous they are to be sent to
their Post.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 18 July, 1777.
Parole, Levant. C. Sign, Moylan.
James Welsh, Joshua Lane, George Richey, Stephen
Kenroy,* Thos. Gookin, John Conway, and Edward
Hagen, soldiers in Col. Marshall's Regiment, tried at
the General Court Martial whereof Col. Alden is Pres-
ident, accused with deserting from their Regiment on
the late Retreat from Ticonderoga. No Evidence ap-
pearing against the Prisoners, the Court, after Exami-
nation recommended that they be sent to their Regi-
ment in Irons. The General approves the opinion of
the Court, and orders that the Prisoners be sent to
their Regiment immediately under a strong Guard.f
The General in the most express and positive Terms
* Or Kenney.
f " I hope the number of desertions from the Northern army at and
since the retreat from Ticonderoga, will not be so great as was at first
feared that they would be. About ten or a dozen only have as yet
been apprehended and sent back under Guard, eight of them in irons,
which was the sentence of a General Court Martial. The utmost en-
deavors are used to apprehend any others who may have been guilty
of the same scandalous conduct ; but I hope the immediate and spirited
measures that have been taken in this respect will prevent any thing of
the kind in future." Heath to Washington, 23 July, 1777.
directs
43
directs a punctual Compliance with the Orders of the
fourteenth Instant respecting the daily Attendance of
the Adjutants or Serg1. Major for the Orders. He is
sorry that there is any occasion for again mentioning
this matter. He hopes that no further occasion will
make such Steps his incumbent Duty as will be disa-
greeble both to himself and others.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 19 July, 1777.
Parole, Normandy. C. Sign, Overing.
The men belonging to Col. Alden's Regiment hav-
ing this morning been ordered from the Guard at the
Innoculating Hospital on Prospect Hill, the Remain-
der of that Guard belonging to Col. Bigelow's Regi-
ment, with four Invalids that will be sent from Col. Al-
den's Regiment, together with the Convalescents will
supply the necessary Centinels until further Orders.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 20 July, 1777.
Parole, Plimpton. C. Sign, Ridley.
Col. H. Jackson will order a Serjeant, Corporal
and twelve men from his Regiment to relieve the
Main Guard to Morrow Morning at nine o'clock. The
officer of the New Guard will be very careful to
receive the orders for the Guard and Centinels from
the officer of the old Guard, Colonel Jackson will re-
Number
44
lieve this Guard on Tuesday Morning with the same
Number of Men. Lieut. Holmes of Capt. Burton's
Company will march the men belonging to that Com-
pany to Boston this Evening or to Morrow Morning
where they are to take Quarters until further Orders.
Sergt. Adams, of Col. Marshall's Regiment, is Imme-
diately to repair to Cambridge and take the Command
of nine of the militia men who have been draughted to
guard the Stores, if that number is already at the Ren-
dezvous. If there are not so many as Nine, he will
march so many as there are and relieve the Guard be-
longing to Col. Lee's Regiment, who are guarding the
Provision Store at Little Cambridge. Sergt. Adams
is to remain with his Detachment as a Guard for the
before mentioned Stores untill further Orders.
Head-Quarters, Boston, July 21, 1777.
Parole, Saratoga. C. Sign, Taunton.
As the time for which the Detachment under the
Command of Major Symmes was engaged to do duty
expired this Morning, the General thanks the Officers
and Soldiers for their regular and soldier like Behav-
iour during the time of their doing duty. Lieut.
Holmes will mount the Guard at the Magazine from
the Men belonging to Capt. Burton's Company until
further Orders.
45
Head- Quarters, Boston, 22 July, 1777.
Parole, Venice. C. Sign, Washington.
A Court of Enquiry to set on Thursday Morning
next at nine o'clock at Capt. Marston's Tavern, to en-
quire into the conduct of Capt. Robert Allen, of Col.
Alden's Regiment, charged with selling cloathing be-
longing to the Continental Army. Col. H. Jackson,
President, Lt. Col. Tudor, Lt. Col. Smith, Majr. Bra-
dish, Major Tyler, Members. Those concerned to
attend the Court.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 23 July, 1777.
Parole, Alderton. Countersign, Barnstable.
The Execution of Peter Pickman Frye which was
to have been to-morrow is further suspended untill
Thursday the seventh of August next.
Col. H. Jackson will immediately order a sentry to
be posted at the Provision Store at Dorchester, and
regularly relieved until further Orders. As the Provi-
sions are sent over this Day, particular attention must
be paid thereto.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 24 July, 1777.
Parole, Edinburgh. C. Sign, Fingal.
The Commanding Officer of every detachment that
may hereafter march to join their respective Regiments,
in the Southern or Northern Army, are to apply for
and
46
and draw twenty four Rounds of Cartridges fJ man
for the Detachment. The Ammunition is not to be
delivered to the men, but carefully put up and carried
with the Baggage which will prevent a waste or loss
of it, and if occasion should make it necessary it is to
be immediately delivered to the men.* Every man in-
listed into the Continental Army belonging to either
of the Battalions designed to the Southern or North-
ern Army, are immediately to be arm'd, equipt and
sent out to join their respective Regiments. The
Urgency of the Service makes a Repitition of this
Order necessary.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 25 July, 1777.
Parole, Golphin. C. Sign, Hancock.
The Court whereof Col. H. Jackson was President
appointed to inquire into the Conduct of Capt. Robert
Allen, of Col. Alden's Regiment, charged with selling
Clothing belonging to the Continental Army, having
reported that after a thorough Investigation the Court
are of Opinion that the charge against Capt. Allen is
supported, the General desires that Col. Alden imme-
diately order Capt. Allen under Arrest.
* - Let every party that you send off be fully supplied with ammuni-
tion, which should be delivered to the officers, and carried with their
baggage. If it is put into the cartouch-boxes, it will probably be dam-
aged by weather before they arrive at the place of destination."
Washington to Major-General Heath, 13 July, 1777.
A General
47
A General Court Martial to set to-morrow morning
at nine o'clock for the Trial of Capt. Allen charged
with selling cloathing belonging to the Continental
Army.
Col. M. Jackson, President.
Col. Lee, Capt. Carr,|| Capt. Pilsbury,tt
Major Swasey,* Capt. Dolliver,§ Capt. Ellis,
Capt. King.f Capt. Wadsworth,! Capt. Langdon,t|
Capt. Drew,t Capt. One,** Lieut. Perkins.||||
Members.
The Adjutant of the Respective Regiments to notify
the members immediately. All Evidences and Per-
sons concerned to attend the Court, and two Orderly
Sergeants from Col. Henry Jackson's Regiment.
♦Joseph Swasey. \ Samuel King. J Seth Drew.
| Samuel Cam § Peter Dolliver. 1 Joseph Wadsworth.
** Joshua Orne, who resigned his commission October I, 1778, from
" the suspicion I have of there not being occasion for the continuance
of so large a proportion of officers as have been employ'd, and from an
increase of the necessity from my more than hitherto experienc'd pecu-
liar situation." He was then a captain in the regiment commanded by
Lt. Col. Wm. S. Smith,
ff Daniel (?) Pilsbury, afterward paymaster in the 13th Regiment.
f J John Langdon, a captain in Col. Henry Jackson's regiment. He
resigned his commission September, 1778, because of the insufficiency
of pay.
II James Perkins, a lieutenant in Col. Timothy Bigelow's regiment.
48
Cambridge, 25 July, 1777.
Regimental Orders.
A Regimental Court Martial to sit this morning at
ten o'clock for the Trial of such Prisoners as shall be
brought before them. Capt. Orne, President, Lieut.
Woolsey, Lt. Brown,* Ensign Lovellf and Ensign
Hill,J Members.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 26 July, 1777.
Parole, Jenkins. C. Sign, Kent.
The Deputy Commissary General will take particu-
lar Care that the Guards posted at the several public
Stores for the Protection thereof, be supplied with
Provisions, and the Dep'ty Quartermaster General
that they are furnished with Quarters, Fuel and Camp
Utensils. There is to be an Addition of two Guards
to the List which has been given out already, vizt.
one at Springfield and the other at Brookfield. The
Dep'ty Quarter Master General will cause an exact
account to be kept and a particular valuation made of
all materials whether old or new that may be ready
whenever it may be called for.
Cambridge, 26 July, 1777.
Regimental Orders.
Henry Greenleaf, a Soldier tried at the Regimental
* John Brown. f James Lovell. \ Philemon Hill.
Court
49
Court Martial whereof Capt. Orne is President, for
Disobedience of Regimental Orders, the Prisoner
pleading Ignorance of the Orders, the Court are of
opinion that he be released from his Confinement, re-
turn to his Duty and that the Order be forthwith read
to him to prevent any farther excuse.
William Wilton, a Soldier tried at the same Court
Martial for Disobedience of Regimental Orders and
Neglect of Duty, the Prisoner pleading Guilty, the
Court are of opinion that he be severely reprimanded
at the Head of the Regiment and humbly ask Pardon
of the Commanding Officer and forthwith return to his
Duty.
The Commanding Officer approves the before going
Judgments of the Court Martial and orders that they
be put in Execution at Roll calling this Day.
The Regimental Court Martial whereof Capt. Orne
is President is dissolved.
.Head- Quarters, Boston, 27 July, 1777.
Parole, Kingston* C. Sign, Lancaster.
The General Court Martial which was to have sit
yesterday for the Trial of Capt. Allen is to sit on
Tuesday next at nine o'clock A. M., of which the
Members named in the Order of the 25th Inst., are
desired to take due Notice and give punctual attend-
ance.
* In another book this is given Kensington.
An
5Q
An Escort for a Quantity of Powder and Arms is
to be ready to march on Tuesday Morning. It is to
be furnished from Col. Alden's and Wigglesworth's *
Regiments. The Officers of these Regiments will
please to have the Men in Readiness.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 28 July, 1777.
Parole, Martin. C. Sign, Norton.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 29 July, 1777.
Parole, Olive. C. Sign, Palmer.
The Regiments at Cambridge are to march, a
Guard consisting of one Corporal and three Men at
the Barracks lately improved as Innoculating Hospi-
tals on Prospect Hill untill the Utensils are removed
and the Barracks properly secured.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 30 July, 1777.
Parole, Query. C. Sign, Razvson.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 31 July, 1777.
Parole, Salmon. C. Sign, Trumbull.
Capt. Robert Allen, of Col. Alden's Regiment, tried
at the General Court Martial, whereof Col. M. Jack-
* Edward Wigglesworth.
son
5i
son is President, for having sold Cloathing belonging
to the Continental Army. Capt. Allen being heard
acknowledges he had drawn cloathing from the Conti-
nental Stores for three Soldiers who were well cloathed
for the service, to whom he paid six pounds each which
they prefered to receiving the Cloathing, whereupon ig-
norantly and innocently supposing the Cloathing then
became his own Property, he exposed them to sale at
Public Auction.
The Court are of opinion that Capt. Allen is guilty
of having ignorantly sold Continental Cloathing with-
out an order for the purpose in Violation and Breach
of part of Article ist in Section 1 2th of the Rules and
Regulations for the Government of the Continental
Army, and after mature Consideration and Enquiry
into the former Conduct and Behaviour of Capt. Allen,
finding his character has heretofore been irreproach-
able, the Court unanimously recommend him to the
Lenity of the General.
The General approves the opinion of the Court and
orders that Capt. Allen immediately make full satis-
faction to the Continental Agents of cloathing for the
Cloaths which he sold, and admonishes Capt. Allen to
a circumspect Behaviour and strict attention to the
Regulations of the Army in future, and being satisfied
with his general good character as an officer, and that
his Error in this Instance was Ignorance in that par-
ticular in which he transgress'd, remits any further
Punishment pointed out by the Regulations for such
offences and orders Capt. Allen released from arrest.
The
52
The Court report Capt. Drew, Capt. Wadsworth,
Capt. Ellis, Capt. Langdon, and Lieut. Perkins, ordered
as members on the General Court Martial, for not at-
tending and thereby detaining the Court. As nothing
more characterizes a good officer than a strict and
punctual attention to orders, without which it is im-
possible that Duty be seasonably or properly per-
form'd, the General cannot omit, and he does expli-
citly call upon the before mentioned officers immedi-
ately to render the Reasons of such their neglect, and
hopes from the opinion he has of them that they will
be able to do it in such a manner as to satisfy both
him and the Court, and the General recommends to
all a strict attention to Duty as they regard their own
Honor and the Public Weal.
Head-Quarters, Boston, i August, 1777.
The abstracts for the Pay of the Troops posted in
this State are to be presented monthly for Payment,
those for the Month of July, or for whatever Pay may
be due before that time are to be given in as soon as
possible that the Troops may have the advantage and
encouragement of the seasonable and regular Payment
of their Wages.
The necessary Preparations are to be immediately
made for the muster of the Troops for the month of
August. Each Battalion must be mustered by com-
panies. Capt. Langdon has given satisfactory Reasons
for
53
for not being able to attend General Court Martial for
the Trial of Capt. Allen.
The Arms and Accoutrements of the men are to be
immediately inspected, and at least twenty four Rounds
of Cartridges ready to be delivered to them. The men
are to keep near their Quarters, that they may be
ready to march if called for. The Magazine Guard at
Charlestown is to be doubled at Night. In Case oi
alarm Col. Lee's Regiment is to have their alarm post
at the Magazine and Ordnance Store divided equally
to each, Capt. Burton's Company in the Fort on Fort
Hill. Col. Jackson will double the Guards at Dor-
chester Heights at Night, reducing them in the morn-
ing.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 2 August, 1777.
Parole, Albany. C. Sign, Bailey.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 3 August, 1777.
Parole, Cambridge. C. Sign, Dorchester.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 4 August, 1777.
Parole, Exeter. C. Sign, France.
The Barrack Master instead of drawing Provisions
twice a week for the Provisions at the Main Guard is
untill further Orders to draw daily.
54
Head-Quarters, Boston, 5 August, 1777.
Parole, Gridley. C. Sign, Hancock.
Col. H. Jackson is to send a Sergeant, Corporal and
twelve men to morrow morning at nine o'clock to
mount the Guard at the Fort on Fort Hill (Boston).
They are to be daily relieved by the like number from
the same Regiment. Untill further Orders the doub-
ling the Guards at Dorchester and at the Magazine at
Charlestown nightly as directed by the Order of the
first Instant may be omitted. All Guards and Centi-
nels to be vigilant and valiant.
The General Court Martial which was to have set
this Day is to sit on Thursday next at nine of the
clock, at Capt. Marston's Tavern. All Persons con-
cerned to pay due attention.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 7 August, 1777.
Parole, Lenox. C. Sign, Mandrake.
The General thanks the officers and soldiers of the
several Companies in the Boston Regiment who have
lately in Rotation voluntarily turn'd out to mount
necessary Guards. The Appearance and Behaviour of
all the Companies has done them Honour. Captain
Davis and the Light Company have justly merited
particular applause.
The Execution of Peter Pickman Frye which was
to have been this Day, is suspended untill Thursday
the twenty first Instant.
Lieut.
55
Lieut. Holmes is to mount the Magazine Guard
untill further Orders.
Col. H. Jackson is to sit on the General Court
Martial to morrow in the room of Col. Lee, who is ex-
cused on special Business, and Majr Curtis in the room
of Major Swasey. The members are desired to give
punctual and seasonable attendance.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 8 August, 1777.
Parole, Moses. Countersign, Nimrod.
A Fatigue Party consisting of one Subaltern, one
Sergeant and eighteen Men, for the Purpose of cutting
Fire Wood are to be immediately detach'd from Col.
Lee's and Col. H. Jackson's Regiments, six from the
former and twelve from the latter. They are to be
Men acquainted with the Business, they will be allowed
eight pence ^ cord for cutting, over and above their
ordinary Pay. Col. Lee and Jackson will agree upon
a proper Subaltern and Sergeant as will best promote
the service and accommodate their respective Regi-
ments. This Detachment will remain on this Duty
untill further Orders. The Adjutants will Report as
soon as the Detachment is completed. Fifteen Days'
Provision is to be drawn for the Party. The Dep'ty
Qr. Master General will furnish them with four Tents
which are to be used with great Care.
56
Head-Quarters, Boston, 9 August, 1777.
Parole, Oxford. C. Sign, Parsons.
John Steward, a soldier in Col. H. Jackson's Regi-
ment, tried at the General Court Martial, whereof Col.
Alden is President, for Desertion, and Sam1. Orr, of
the same Regiment, tried at the same General Court
Martial for disobeying orders, refusing to do his duty
and threatening to stab a Serjeant of the Regiment.
The Court finding John Steward guilty of Desertion
sentence him to receive one hundred lashes well laid
on his naked Back, to be returned to his Regiment and
half his pay to be detained monthly until the necessary
expences for apprehending and securing him are paid.
The Court sentence Sam1. Orr, guilty of disobeying
orders, to receive thirty-nine lashes on his naked Back.
The General approves the two foregoing sentences
and orders them to be put in Execution at the Head
of the Regiment and that the Prisoners join the Regi-
ment and do their duty and that a stoppage of half
Steward's pay be made untill the necessary expences
for apprehending of him &c. be paid.
Capt. King, Lt. Hawkes * and Lt. Lincoln,f reported
by the Court for not attending their Duty, were since
the adjournment ordered on other service and conse-
quently excusable, but ought to have certified the Court
thereof. It remains for Capt. Randall and Lt. Sturte-
vant| to give the Reasons of their neglect. Col. M.
* William Hawkes. \ John Lincoln. \ Isaac Sturtevant.
Jackson
57
Jackson is excused from attending the Court until fur-
ther orders on account of his Health.
All the Recruits in Quarters belonging to those
Regiments that have already march'd are to be Equipt
and got ready to march by Tuesday morning next.
They are to form one Detachment, and are to guard
the Deserters to Albany. Care is to be taken by the
officers of the Regiments to which the Prisoners re-
spectively belong that they be prepared to march also.
Head-Quarters, Boston, io August, 1777.
Parole, Randall. C. Sign, Stevens.
Head-Quarters, Boston, ii August, 1777.
Parole, Uxbridge. C. Sign, Walpole.
Cambridge, ii August, 1777.
Regimental Orders.
A Regimental Court Martial to sit to Morrow Morn-
ing at nine o'clock for the trial of Henry Greenleaf
and Sam1. Horton now under guard.
Capt. Hastings, President.
Lieut. Hawkes, 1 Members f Lt Brown,
Lt. Woolsey, J I Ensign Lovell.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 12 August, 1777.
Parole, Xerxes. C. Sign, Yorick.
58
Cambridge, 12 August, 1777.
Henry Greenleaf a soldier in Capt. Drown's Com-
pany and Saml. Horton, a soldier in Capt. Orne's
Company, tried at the Regimental Court Martial
whereof Capt. Hastings is President, for imposing an
order on the Commissary for Rum which they had no
Right to— the Court are of Opinion that the Prisoners
are Accomplices in the Crime and adjudges that they
receive thirty Lashes each well laid on on the naked
Back except they discover the Person who forged the
Order. The Commanding Officer approves the Sen-
tence and orders it to take place this afternoon at six
o'clock at No. 2.
After Orders.
The Prisoners being brought at the Head of the
Regiment, upon Sentence being read, Henry Green-
leaf appealed to the Judgment of a General Court
Martial — and Horton professing sorrow for his offence
and having before been guilty of no other offence, the
Commanding officer remits his punishment and orders
him to join his Regiment and duly attend his Duty.
He grants Greenleaf liberty of appeal and remands
him under Guard.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 13 August, 1777.
Parole, Alden. C. Sign, Biddle.
As the General Court Martial stands adjourned to
to Morrow Morning nine o'clock, the Members are de-
sired
59
sired to give a seasonable and punctual attendance.
Capt. Randall has given satisfactory Reasons for his
not sitting on the General Court Martial on Friday
last.
Cambridge, 13 August, 1777.
Regimental Orders.
Henry Greenleaf who was tried at a Regimental
Court Martial and sentenced to receive thirty Lashes
and appeal'd to a General Court Martial as mentioned
in the Orders of yesterday, having since desired liberty
to withdraw his appeal, the Commanding officer grants
him the Liberty and upon the Prisoner's promising
better Behaviour for the future and asking Pardon of
the Commissary, the officers of the Regiment in gen-
eral and Capt. Orne in particular, he remits the Pun-
ishment and orders Greenleaf to join the Regiment
and duly attend his Duty — The Commanding officer
wishing always to avoid inflicting Corporal Punish-
ment hopes this will be a warning to all not to trans-
gress for the future.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 14 August, 1777.
Parole, Cambray. C. Sign, Dexter.
Lieut. Holmes is to mount a Guard of a Corporal
and three men from Capt. Burton's Company as a
Guard for the Fire wood at Hall's wharf untill further
orders.
The
6o
The Soldiers are to quarter in the Barracks, they
are not to be allowed to scatter in private Houses, no
fuel is to be delivered to any Soldiers who are not
quartered in the Barracks. There has of late been a
Remissness in taking the orders for the Troops at
Cambridge. Punctuality is insisted on. Delinquents
are to be reported.
Complaint has been made of some abuse being of-
fered to some inhabitants. All abuse must be care-
fully prevented, Order and Regularity must be the
Characteristick of those engaged in the noble Ameri-
can Cause, the wonder of the age.
The General Court Martial which was to have set
this Day is adjourn'd to Tuesday next at 9 o'clock
a. m., of which all concerned will take due notice.
Lieut. Sturtevant has given satisfactory Reasons for
his not sitting on the Court on Friday last.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 15 August, 1777.
Parole, Effingham. Countersign, Gates.
The General directs that the Dep'ty Commissary
General in issuing the Flour to the Troops, deliver to
them one-half old and the other new untill further or-
ders, as he is determined that the Troops shall be well
supplied and that strict attention shall be paid to their
Health.
6i
Head- Quarters, Boston, 16 August, 1777.
Parole, Hadley. C. Sign, Jones.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 17 August, 1777.
Capt. Cartwright,* Capt. Jarvisf and Capt. Jones,! of
Col. H. Jackson's Regiment, are appointed a Commit-
tee of Survey whose Duty it is upon any complaint
being made to them of Provisions being offered to be
issued to the Troops by the Dep'ty Commissary Gen-
eral, that are bad or unfit for use, to repair to the
Store and survey such Provisions so offered or de-
sign'd to be delivered, and if upon survey thereof, ex-
ercising their best discretion for the Interest of the
United States and Justice to the Troops it shall appear
that any of the Provisions are bad and unfit for use, to
condemn them as such, marking the Cask so con-
demn'd, reporting the number, the species, and the
marks.
The Committee at 8 o'clock to-morrow morning are
to repair to the Commissary's Store in Boston and
survey such flour as may be shown to them, after
which they are to repair to Watertown and survey a
quantity at that Place, and as soon as the Service is
perform'd, make Report.
* Thomas Cartwright. \ Nathaniel Jarvis. % James Jones.
62
Head-Quarters, Boston, i 8 August, 1777.
Parole, Moliere. C. Sign, Nichols.
Head- Quarters, Boston, 19 August, 1777.
Parole, Washington. C. Sign, Lee.
As the officers have now a peculiar opportunity for
forming their Regiments, disciplining and instructing
the men in the whole minutia of their Duty, the Gen-
eral desires a strict attention thereto. Such a Con-
duct will not fail to ensure Honor to the officers, and
at the same time render their Country the most essen-
tial service. The Diet and Cleanliness of the men, as
they greatly conduce to Health, are objects that claim
the attention of the officers. It is while the Troops
remain in Quarters that the Principles of Order and
Discipline are to be inculcated and made habitual. In
the Field the hurry, fatigue and oftentimes the de-
tached and scattered state of a Regiment afford few or
no opportunities for disciplining the men.
Cambridge, 19 August, 1777.
Regimental Orders.
The Commanding Officer is sorry to have occasion
to call upon the officers who are in Camp in Orders to
give their attendance with the Regiment at Roll call-
ing and other times, when he thought verbally desiring
them so to do would have been sufficient.
63
Head-Quarters, Boston, 20 August, 1777.
Parole, Oliver Cromwell. C. Sign, Powell.
The General Court Martial whereof Lt. Col. Tudor
was President, which stands adjourned to Tuesday
next, is dissolved.
A special General Court Martial to sit on Friday
morning next at nine o'clock for the trial of such Pris-
oners as may be brought before them.
Col. M. Jackson, President
Col. Lee, Capt. Drew, Capt. Marshall,
Col. H. Jackson, Capt. Carr, Capt. Holden,
Major Swasey, Capt. Allen, Capt. Wadsworth,
Major Trescott,* Capt. Dolliver, Ensign White.
The Adjutants are to take particular care that such
members as belong to their respective Regiments are
seasonably notified.
The General congratulates the Army on the signal
success lately obtained over the Enemy near Benning-
ton by the militia under the command of Brigadier
Stark. Four Brass Field Pieces and four or five hun-
dred Prisoners have been taken from the Enemy.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 21 August, 1777.
Parole, Simmonds. C. Sign, Stark.
Adj1. Dunckerlyf to Attend the General Court Mar-
tial to morrow. Complaint has been made of Gardens
* Lemuel Trescott. f Joseph Dunckerly.
being
64
being pillaged by the soldiery in Cambridge. As ma-
rauding and pillaging are a disgrace to an army and
commonly bring on the soldiery the imprecations of
the injured Inhabitants, the General desires the utmost
Exertions of the officers of all Ranks to put a stop to
those Practices, which are both injurious and disgrace-
ful. The Quarter-Masters of the several Regiments
before they present their provision returns to the Com-
missary in order to their drawing Provisions are to
have the Return certified by the Barrack Master. As
some of the members appointed to sit on the General
Court Martial to morrow by yesterday's orders are ab-
sent, Capt. Pilsbury and Capt. Varnum* are appointed
members. They are to attend accordingly.
The execution of Peter Pickman Frye, which was to
have been this day, is suspended until Thursday, the
fifth day of September next.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 22 August, 1777.
Parole, Victory. C. Sign, Bennington.
The General again congratulates the Army on the
signal success obtained by the Troops under the Com-
mand of General Starke on the 16th Ins', near Ben-
nington, in which about two hundred of the Enemy
were kill'd and seven hundred taken Prisoners with
very little Loss on our Side. Our Troops behaved
with the greatest Spirit and Bravery.
* James Varnum.
65
Head-Quarters, Boston, 23 August, 1777.
Parole, Concord. C. Sign, Danvers.
All Recruits now in Quarters at the Rendezvous of
either of the fifteen Battalions which have march'd
from the State of Massachusetts Bay, are to be prop-
erly arm'd, equipt and ready to march on Tuesday
Morning next. They are to be formed into one De-
tachment. The Commanding Officer is to apply to
Head-Quarters for Orders. If any Recruits are absent
they are to be ordered in immediately.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 25 August, 1777.
Parole, Gates. C. Sign, Hakerman.
Elijah Woodward, alias Josiah Williams, a Soldier
belonging to Col. Knapp's Company in Col. Shep-
herd's Regiment, tried at the General Court Martial
whereof Col. Mich1. Jackson is President, for Deser-
tion and inlisting into Col. H. Jackson's Regiment.
The Court after duly attending and maturely delib-
erating on the Evidence, do find the Prisoner guilty of
a Violation and Breach of the first and third Articles
of the sixth Section of the Rules and Regulations for
the Continental Forces. The Court having examined
the Records of the Court Martial and finding the Pris-
oner has repeatedly and by various Names inlisted in
different Regiments and has been often an Offender in
the like Instance as the present, and that he has been
5 lately
66
lately punished by Decree of a Court in Boston ; the
Court also discovering by a very cautious and strict
Enquiry that the Prisoner's former Character and
Conduct has been that of an incorrigible Villain, do
sentence the said Elijah Woodward, alias Josiah Wil-
liams to suffer Death by being shot.
The General approves the Sentence and orders it to
be put into Execution on Thursday, the eleventh Day
of September next between the Hours of eight and
eleven o'clock in the morning, on the Bottom of the
Common in Boston by a Detachment from Col. Lee's,
Henley's, and Henry Jackson's Regiments. Adj1.
Dunckerly to see the Sentence put in Execution. All
the Troops off Duty at Boston, Dorchester, Roxbury
and Cambridge to attend the Execution.
Col. Davis will immediately apply to the Dep'ty
Commissary General of Provisions and draw fifteen
day's Allowance of Provisions and Fatigue Rum for
the Detachment cutting Fire Wood at Plymouth,
which is to be forwarded to that Place as soon as may
be.
Head- Quarters, Boston, 26 August, 1777.
Parole, Kingston. Countersign, Lancaster.
The Dep'ty Quarter Master General will immedi-
ately order the erecting a proper Stockade round the
Magazine of Provisions at Sudbury. If the Guard
House already built there is not sufficient to barrack
fifty
67
fifty men, it is to be enlarged and made capable of
containing that Number. As soon as this Service is
performed at Sudbury, the same is to be done at the
Magazine at Sherburne.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 27 August, 1777.
Parole, Maiden. C. Sign, Nantasket.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 28 August, 1777.
Parole, Oxford. C. Sign, Parsons.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 29 August, 1777.
Parole, Roxbury. C. Sign, Salisbury.
James Ludd, a soldier belonging to Col. Shepherd's
Regiment, tried some time since at the General Court
Martial whereof Col. Alden was President for Deser-
tion.
The Court finding the Prisoner guilty of the Crime
alleged against him, sentence him to receive fifty
Lashes well laid on his naked Back and to forfeit for
the use of the Continent one half his share of all Prizes
taken by the Privateer or Privateers in which he was
engaged or concerned during his absence from his
Regiment.
The General approves the sentence and orders that
the whipping be inflicted to morrow Morning at 9
o'clock
68
o'clock on the Common by the Drummers of Col.
Lee's and H.Jackson's Regiments, Adj't Carew to see
the sentence put in Execution. The General doubting
the Propriety of stopping the Prize money, does not
direct a stoppage thereof. In such Cases of absence
the mulct should be on the Wages after the Sentence
is performed. Ludd is to join Col. Shepherd's Regi-
ment.
As it will be more regular as well as convenient for
for the several Regiments to be mustered on some
Particular Day in each month, the General directs
that Col. H. Jackson's Regiment be mustered on the
first Monday, Col. Lee's on the first Wednesday, and
Co. Henley's on the first Friday at ten o'clock in the
morning in every Month until further Orders.
Cambridge, 29 August, 1777.
Regimental Orders.
A Regiment Court Martial to sit to morrow at the
house of Mr. Bradish at ten o'clock in the Morning for
the Trial of such Prisoners as may be brought before
them.
Capt. North,* President.
Lt. Hawkes, | Members \ Ensign Smith,
Lt. Brown, J J Ensign Hill.
Head- Quarters, Boston, 30 August, 1777.
Parole, Taunton. C. Sign, Venice.
* William North.
69
Head-Quarters, Boston, 31 August, 1777.
Parole, Wadsworth. C. Sign, Yorick.
Cambridge, 31 August, 1777.
Regimental Orders.
Henry Greenleaf, a Soldier in Capt. Drown's Com-
pany, tried at the Regimental Court Martial whereof
Capt. North is President for stealing money, — the
Court having maturely considered of the Matter are
unanimously of opinion that the Evidence is not of
sufficient force to condemn him.
Moses Stanford, a soldier in Capt. Hasting's Com-
pany tried at the same Court Martial for breaking his
furlough — the Court finding him guilty order him to
be mulcted one month's wages, that he be immediately
sworn, and join the Regiment.
The Commanding officer approves the Judgment of
the Court, and orders the officer who inlisted Stanford
to see that he is sworn and mustered without Delay,
and that the Prisoners be released from their confine-
ment.
Head-Quarters, Boston, i September, 1777.
Parole, Andover. C. Sign, Barclay.
The members of the General Court Martial who
have not been excused since the day of the Court's
sitting, are to give their punctual attendance to-mor-
row, to which time it stands adjourned.
Major
70
Major Curtis and Capt. Varnum are appointed mem-
bers in the Room of two members who are excused.
All recruits now in Quarters belonging to either of
the Regiments doing Duty in the Northern Depart-
ment, are to be prepared for marching by Thursday
next. They are to be formed into one Detachment,
the Commanding officer will apply to Head-Quarters
for orders.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 2 September, 1777.
Parole, Chatham. C. Sign, Dunstan.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 3 September, 1777.
Parole, Dunstable. C. Sign, Exeter.
Head- Quarters, Boston, 4 September, 1777.
Parole, Staten Island. C. Sign, Sullivan.
Thomas Lake, a Soldier belonging to Col. Mar-
shall's Regiment, tried at the General Court Martial
whereof Col. Mich1, Jackson is President for Desertion
and inlisting several times, after a full Discussion the
Court find the Prisoner guilty of repeated Inlistments
and Desertions in Breach of the first and third articles
in the sixth section of the Rules and Regulations for
the Continental Army. Positive evidence abundantly
supports the charge, which is still further strengthened
by the concurring Testimony of Persons of unques-
tionable
7i
tionable Veracity, whose Information convinces the
Court that the Prisoner in addition to the Evidence
positive, heretofore has with impunity committed simi-
lar offences founded in Perjury and Robbery against
his God and his Country; the Court therefore sentence
the Prisoner Thomas Lake to be hanged by his neck
until he is dead.
The General approves the sentence, and orders it to
be put in Execution on Thursday the eighteenth of
September instant, between the Hours of eleven in the
Forenoon and one in the Afternoon at such Place as
shall be hereafter directed, all the Troops off Duty to
attend the Execution. Adjutant Edwards* to seethe
sentence put into Execution.
The Execution of Peter Pickman Frye is suspended
untill Thursday the eleventh Instant at eleven o'clock
in the Forenoon.
A Guard consisting of a Corporal and three Men to
be sent immediately to Medford as a Guard to the
Continental Naval Store at that Place. They will
receive Directions from Benj* Hall, Esq1: This Guard
is to be relieved alternately by Col. Lee's and Henley's
Regiments, and may be relieved daily, twice a week,
or once a week, as the Adjutants may agree.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 5 September, 1777.
Joseph Campbell, alias David Mitchell, a Soldier in
* Thomas Edwards.
Col.
72
Col. Vose's Regiment, tried at the General Court
Martial whereof Col. Mich1. Jackson is President for
Desertion, inlisting a second time and changing his
name.
The Court find the Prisoner Campbell alias Mitchell
guilty of the Charge in Breach of the first and third
Articles of the sixth Section of Rules and Regulations
for the Continental Army, also guilty of perfidiously
changing his name, and robbing the Continent of a
Gun and Accoutrements, for which they sentence him
to receive one hundred lashes for each offence, to be
well laid on his naked Back, amounting in the whole
to three hundred lashes, and recommend that he be
turned over to some Continental Ship without the
Privilege of coming on Shore.
The General approves the sentence and orders it to
be put in Execution on Tuesday Morning next at
nine o'clock on the Common by the Drummers of
Col. Lee's and H. Jackson's Regiment. Adj1. Carew
to see the sentence put in execution and that the Pris-
oner be sent to Capt. McNeil's ship, there to do Duty
until the Expiration of the Term for which he engaged
to serve in the Continental Army. The General is
just inform'd to his great Surprize that the Prisoner
the last Evening made his Escape from the Main
Guard. A strict Enquiry is to be made and if the
Sentry or any of the Guard are found culpable he or
they are immediately to be confined. It is very unac-
countable that so many Prisoners have escaped within
a few
73
a few months past. Every Endeavour is to be exerted
to apprehend the before-mentioned Prisoner and a re-
ward of ten Dollars and all necessary expenses will be
paid to any Person who shall apprehend and send him
to the Main Guard.
John Carill, a soldier in Col. Marshall's Regiment,
tried at the same Court Martial for Absence from his
Regiment without Permission, the Court find the Pris-
oner guilty of Desertion and sentence him to receive
thirty nine Lashes on his naked Back. Several cir-
cumstances appearing much in favor of the Prisoner,
the Court unanimously recommend him to the Lenity
of the General.
The General approves the sentence, remits the Pun-
ishment and orders the Prisoner to take Capt. Mar-
shall's direction and join Capt. Marshall's Regiment.
Head- Quarters, Boston, 6 September, 1777.
Parole, Hadley. C. Sign, Jersey.
Jedediah Green, of Col. Crane's Regiment, tried at
the General Court Martial whereof Col. Mich1. Jackson
is President for Desertion, the Prisoner plead Guilty
and beg'd the Mercy of the Court.
The Court sentence Jedediah Green to receive fifty
stripes well laid on his naked Back, to join his Regi-
ment and half his pay each month to be stopped until
the necessary Charges of Recovering him for the Regi-
ment are paid. The Court are of opinion that as vile
characters
74
characters tend to aggravate offences, so a well sup-
ported Reputation for good Behaviour should operate
to an alleviation of Punishment. Therefore the Court
unanimously in Consequence of Lieut. Bunnell's de-
claration and the Prisoner's appearance do recommend
him to the Mercy of the General for the Remission of
the stripes, and orders Green to join his Regiment and
stoppage of his Pay to be made and paid as directed
by the Court.
Benjamin Brazier, a soldier in Col. Alden's Regi-
ment, tried at the same General Court Martial for Be-
sertion and inlisting into Col. Lee's Regiment — the
Court find the Prisoner guilty and sentence him to re-
ceive one hundred stripes for each offence, two hun-
dred in the whole, well laid on his naked Back, and
join Col. Alden's Regiment, half his Pay to be detained
each month till his last Bounty and the charges of ap-
prehending and securing him are fully paid.
The General approves the sentence and orders
Adj1 Carew to see it put in Execution on Wednesday
morning next at nine o'clock on the Common, by the
Brummers of Col. Lee's and Henry Jackson's Regi-
ment, and that the Prisoner join his Regiment ; the
stoppage of his Pay to be made and paid as directed
by the Court. Particular care is to be taken that the
guard sent to Medford constantly take their Provisions
with them. The Barrack Master at Cambridge is to
send them a load of wood, which the Corporal will use
with Prudence for the Purpose of cooking their Pro-
visions.
One
75
One Serjeant and four Privates to be immediately
drafted from Col. Henry Jackson's Regiment, one
Corporal and three Privates from Col. Lee's, one Pri-
vate from Capt. Burton's Company, to execute the sen-
tence of Elijah Woodward, alias Williams, and Peter
Pickman Frye on Thursday morning next under the
oirection of Adjutant Dunckerly. This Detachment
is to parade on the Common near the Grainery on
Wednesday morning next at ten o'clock, when the
Adjutant will receive them and give them further Di-
rections. Those quartered out of Town are to bring
one Day's Provision with them.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 7 September, 1777.
Parole, Kingston. C. Sign, Labrador.
Henry Greenleaf, a soldier belonging to Col. Lee's
Regiment having been charged with taking Flour from
the Public Stores and selling of a quantity, upon ex-
amination has accused some other Persons of being
privy thereto, in order that Justice may be done to
the Persons and to the Public — a Court of Enquiry is
to sit on Wednesday next at nine o'clock in the morn-
ing at such Place as the President shall appoint in
Cambridge ; they will carefully examine the said Green-
leaf and Mr. Austin, Assistant Dep'ty Commissary
and George Douglass the Cooper, and make Report.
Major Curtis, President.
Major Swasey, \ \ Capt. Scott, and
Capt. Varnum, / Members ) Capt. North.
One
76
One Orderly Serjeant from Col. Lee's Regiment to
attend the Court. Particular Care is to be taken that
no Prisoners of War are inlisted into the Continental
Army. The Officers who inlist such will be answer-
able for all the Expence they may be at to the Conti-
nent. If any of the Members warned on the Court of
Enquiry shall be absent, their President will appoint
others in their Stead.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 8 September, 1777.
Parole, Milton. C. Sign, Nantz.
All Officers, non commissioned Officers and Sol-
diers belonging to either of the Regiments rais'd by
the State of Massachusetts doing Duty in the North-
ern Army, are to join their respective Regiments im-
mediately.
Capt. Lyman is to sit on the Court of Enquiry at
Cambridge on Wednesday next in the Room of Major
Swasey, who is excused.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 9 September, 1777.
Parole, Olney. C. Sign, Pompton.
Capt. Wright* having been appointed to act as Judge
Advocate and the frequent sitting of the General Court
Martial of late requiring much of his Time and Atten-
* Cart wright
tion,
77
tion, Col. Jackson will please to excuse him from at-
tending with the Regiment at Dorchester (extraordi-
nary Occasions excepted).
Field Officer for the Day for Thursday next, Col.
Henley. Adjutant of the Day, Carew. All Troops
off Duty are to attend the Execution on Thursday
next. They are to parade on the Common near the
Grainery, at eight o'clock in the Morning where they
will receive their Orders from the Field Officer of the
Day.
The sentence of Benjamin Brazier is to be put in
Execution to Morrow Morning at six o'clock, instead
of nine, as directed by the General Orders of the sixth
Instant.
The General Court Martial, which was to have set
this Morning, is adjourn'd to Tuesday next, of which
the Members will take Notice.
Cambridge, 9 September, 1777.
Regimental Orders.
The Commanding Officer orders the Guards to be
relieved to Morrow Evening by the Invalids and Camp
Colourmen ; That all the Troops that are in Camp pre-
pare themselves to march to Boston by six o'Clock on
Thursday Morning ; that they took their Breakfast the
Night before and appear on the Parade clean and their
Hair powdered. The Corporal and three who are for
the guard to march to Morrow Morning unless counter
ordered.
78
ordered. Cloathing will be delivered to them this
Afternoon to wear that Day.
Head-Quarters, Boston, io September, 1777.
Parole, Rawlins. C. Sign, Stockbridge.
One Private from Col. Lee's Regiment, one from
Col. Sherburne's and two from Col. H. Jackson's are
to attend with the Detachment who are to perform the
Execution to morrow they are to carry the Coffin be-
fore the Prisoner, from the Prison to the place of
Execution. The alertness of the Troops so often dis-
covered, renders it unnecessary for the General to
caution them to be in Season on the Parade to morrow.
Head-Quarters, Boston, ii September, 1777.
Parole, Henley. C. S\gn, Jackson.
Elijah Woodward having this Day received his Sen-
tence, being shot to Death in the Presence of the
Troops, the General hopes that the Army will learn
from this Example that the aggravated Crime of De-
sertion, in which is involved Perjury and Fraud, will
not escape a Punishment adequate to the Infamy and
Villainy of the offence.
The Case of Peter Pickman Frye, a Soldier belong-
ing to Col. Marshall's Regiment, some time since sen-
tenced by the General Court Martial, whereof Col.
John Greaton was President, to be shot to Death for
Desertion,
79
Desertion, which sentence was approved of, having
been laid before the hon'ble the Continental Congress,
that august Body have been pleased to express their
Pleasure that if upon Enquiry it should appear that
the Culprit is of unsound Mind, or incapable from nat-
ural defect of understanding to judge what is right or
wrong, that a free Pardon be granted to him, for this
Reason only, and by no means on account of Friends
or connections, who should never be considered when
publick Justice demands vicious men to suffer. En-
quiry having been made of those best acquainted with
the character of the culprit, and in particular of the
Selectmen of the Town of Salem in which he was born
and brought up, the Selectmen certify that with respect
to his mental abilities, he must be ranked with the
lowest of Mankind, as he is not only incapable of
maliciously committing a Crime, but really incapable
of feeling any uneasiness at being sentenced to so
severe a Punishment as that to which he is condemned,
and through Life has, in their Opinion, constantly bore
about with him evident marks of Insanity, and there-
fore is an unsuitable Object for Punishment — the Cer-
tificate being signed by all the Selectmen and also by
the Chairman of the Committee of Safety. The Gen-
eral has in Consequence thereof, by virtue of the Au-
thority given him for that purpose, granted him, the
said Peter Pickman Frye, a free Pardon and Remis-
sion of the Punishment to which he was sentenced.
8o
Head-Quarters, Boston, 12 September, 17.77.
Parole, Utrecht. C. Sign, Wales.
A Corporal and four Privates are to be sent daily
(Sundays excepted) over to Boston with the Guard
from Col. H. Jackson's Regiment, without arms, to
cord up the Continental Wood on Hatch's Wharf.
The Corporal will see that the men are kept steadily
at work. This working Party is to be continued by
Relief until further Orders.
Head- Quarters, Boston, 13 September, 1777.
Parole, Rustic. C. Sign, Yeoman.
The Court of Inquiry, whereof Major Curtis was
President, appointed to inquire into a charge of suspi-
cion of Fraud, made by one Greenleaf, a soldier,
against Mr. Austin, Assistant Commissary of Pris-
oners, and Mr. Douglass, a cooper, the Court after a
strict inquiry, are unanimously of opinion that Mr.
Austin and Mr. Douglass are intirely free from the
above suspicion, and that Greenleaf is guilty of the
charge lodged against him, and desire that he may be
brought before a Court Martial.
The General approves the opinion of the Court and
orders Greenleaf to be immediately sent to the Main
Guard in order to his being brought to tryal.
Cambridge, 13 September, 1777.
Regimental Orders.
It is with surprize the Colonel observes the constant
attendance the non-commissioned officers and soldiers
give to Taverns and other licensed Houses in this
Town, as it is productive of every bad consequence
imaginable, not only loss of time, but spending their
money for what they have not any real occasion for,
when" at the same time their Families are suffering for
want. Therefore, he positively orders that every sol-
dier after Retreat is beat, retires to his Barrack, and
not to be out without Leave of their Serjeant, and
neither non-commission'd officer or soldier to be seen
out of their Quarters after the Tattoo is beat upon any
Pretence whatever, and that to be at eight o'clock.
This to be a standing order.
Head- Quarters, Boston, 14 September, 1777.
Parole, Addison. C. Sign, Bailey.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 15 September, 1777.
Troop beating for mounting the guard is to be at
9 in the morning, retreat at sunset, and tattoo at eight
in the evening, until further orders.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 16 September, 1777.
Parole, Eaton. C. Sign, Fairfield.
6
82
Head-Quarters, Boston, 17 September, 1777.
Parole, Grayson. C. Sign, Hayley.
The Execution of Thomas Lake, which was to have
been to morrow, is suspended until Thursday the sec-
ond day of October next. Col. Lee's Regiment is to
march into Boston to morrow, where they are to take
Quarters until further Orders. Col. Lee is to have
one Serjeant, one Corporal and fourteen Privates to do
Duty at Cambridge until further Orders. This De-
tachment is to join Col. Henley's Regiment, and at-
tend Roll call with them. Col. Henley's Regiment
with the before mentioned Detachment are to mount
the Magazine Guard at Charleston and the Guard at
Cambridge. Three men are to be added to the Main
Guard to morrow from Col. Henry Jackson's Regi-
ment. The Guard at Medford to be mounted as usual.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 18 September, 1777.
Parole, Newton. C. Sign, Plato.
The General Court Martial whereof Col. Michael
Jackson was President is dissolved. The weather
being very stormy, Col. Lee's Regiment will not march
into Town until to morrow.
Cambridge, 18 September, 1777.
Regimental Orders.
The Commanding Officer orders that Lieutenant
Brown tarry in Cambridge to take Charge of the De-
tachment
83
tachment to be left to assist Col. Henley's Regiment
in mounting the Guards. He is to see that they turn
out with Col. Henley's men for Exercise at which time
he'll give his attendance. No non-commissioned offi-
cer or soldier is to lodge out of his Barrack in Boston
on any Pretence whatever, nor be absent from the
Place of Parade at the Hours affixt for Exercise with-
out leave from the Commanding Officer. If any
should be so hardened as to break this order, he must
expect to be punished by a Court Martial.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 20 September, 1777.
Parole, Arnold. C. Sign, Gates.
A Corporal and nine men are to be sent from Col.
Lee's Regiment, a Corporal and six from Col. Sher-
burne's this afternoon to reinforce the Main Guard.
The Main Guard for the future is to consist of one
Subaltern, one Serjeant, two Corporals, one Drum, one
Fife, and thirty Privates — the Subaltern to be given
alternately by Col. Lee's and Col. H. Jackson's Reg'.s
A Captain is to be Officer of the Day, and is to be
given by the Regiments alternately as the Officer of
the Guard, beginning with the eldest. The Officer of
the Day will visit the Guard in the Day time and give
them such Directions as may be necessary for their
Conduct, both by Day and Night. He will dine at
Head-Quarters, make his Grand Round in the Night,
and having received the Report of the Guard from the
officer
84
officer who commanded it, he will report it to the
General, adding thereto any Extraordinarys that have
been noticed by him during his Tour.
The Adjutant of the Regiment which gives the Offi-
cer of the Day, is to be Adjutant of the Day. He
will attend on the Grand Parade and see the Guard or
Guards compleated, the officers posted and the Guards
marched off in Presence of the Officer of the Day.
Cambridge, 20 September, 1777.
Regimental Orders.
A Regimental Court Martial to sit this Day at ten o'clock
at the House of Mr. Bradish to try Zebulon Basset, a soldier
in Capt. North's Company accused of stealing.
Capt. Hastings, President.
Lt. Brown and Ensign Lovell, Members.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 21 September, 1777.
Parole, Leonard. C. Sign, Mansfield.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 22 September, 1777.
Parole, Niks, C. Sign, Overton.
The Sergeant ordered for the Main Guard is to be
furnished alternately from Col. Lee's and Col. H.
Jackson's Regiment.
The Alarm Post of Col. Lee's Regim1. is in the Fort
on Fort Hill; Col. Henley's, on Cambridge Common.
Officer of the day to-morrow, Capt. North.
35
Head-Quarters, Boston, 23 September, 1777.
Parole, Pembroke. C. Sign, Roivley.
Boston, 23 September, 1777.
Regimental Orders.
Zebulon Basset, a soldier in Capt. North's Company, tried
at the Regimental Court Martial whereof Capt. Hastings
was President for stealing.
The Prisoner pleading guilty, the Court are of opinion
that the Crime comes under the sixteenth Article of the
thirteenth Section of the Rules and Regulations of the Con-
tinental Army, and sentence the Prisoner to receive thirty
stripes on his naked Back, but in Consideration of his for-
mer good Conduct do recommend him to the Commanding
Officer for a Remission of the Stripes.
The Commanding Officer approves the Judgment of the
Court, remits the Stripes and orders Basset to joyn his Reg-
iment and attend his Duty.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 24 September, 1777.
Parole, Salisbury. C. Sign, Talbot.
Col. Lee's, Col. Henley's, and Col. H. Jackson's
Regiments are to prepare themselves to march and
joyn the Grand Army without the least loss of time.
Immediate and strict Attention to be paid to the Men's
Arms, Accouterments and Cloathing. All absent offi-
cers and soldiers to joyn their respective Corps imme-
diately.
86
diately. The Detachment of Wood Cutters at Ply-
mouth are also to be ordered in as soon as possible;
particular Care is to be taken of the Provisions lately
sent to that Detachment that they may not be wasted
or lost. The Guards to be mounted and Duty per-
formed as at Present until further orders.
Head- Quarters, Boston, 25 September, 1777.
Parole, Vox. C. Sign, Wecden.
If there are any men at the Rendezvous at Cam-
bridge drafted to serve in the Continental Army for
the Term of eight months, they are immediately to re-
pair to Head Quarters Boston, whence they will be
sent on immediately to the army. The same mode of
conduct is to be followed by the other Drafts when-
ever they repair to the Rendezvous.
After Orders.
Col. Lee's men are to be immediately taken off
Duty, and the Regiment marched to Cambridge, and
every Preparation made for their marching to joyn the
Grand Army without loss of time. The Sentrys of
the Main Guard are to be reduced accordingly.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 26 September, 1777.
Parole, Green. C. Sign, Morgan.
Cols. Lee, Henley and Jackson will immediately
make
87
make Return of the Christian and Sirnames of the
Field, Staff and commissioned officers of their respect-
ive Regiments, specifying their Rank and the exact
Times of their appointments in order to the obtaining
of their Commission.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 27 September, 1777.
Parole, America. C. Sign, Boston.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 29 September, 1777.
The Main Guard for the future until it is relieved by
the Militia, is to consist of one Corporal and six pri-
vates only, which are to be mounted from Col. H.
Jackson's Reg1.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 30 September, 1777.
The Sentence of Thomas Lake is to be put in Exe-
cution on Thursday next (being the Time to which his
Execution was suspended) between the Hours of eight
and twelve in the Forenoon on the Common in Bos-
ton. Adj1- Edwards to see the Sentence put in Exe-
cution agreeable to former Orders. All the Troops
off Duty to attend. The Dep'ty Quarter Master Gen-
eral is to order a Gallows to be erected &c. Lt. Col.
Smith, to be Field officer of the Day on Thursday
next; Adj'- of the same Day, Dunckerly; the utmost
Vigilance
88
Vigilance to be exerted in preparing the Regiments
under Orders for marching which must not be delayed
a Moment after they are ready.
Head-Quarters, Boston, i October, 1777.
Major Procter's Detachment of Militia are to be
disposed of as follows, Major, Adjutant, two Captains,
4 Subalterns, eight Serjeants, twelve Corporals, two
Drums & two Fifes, and one hundred & twenty pri-
vates in Boston.
One Captain, two Subalterns, four Serjeants, six Cor-
porals, one Drum, and forty five Privates at Dorches-
ter Heights.
Two Subalterns, three Serjeants, six Corporals, 1
Drum, & forty-five Privates at Cambridge. The Ser-
jeant & Privates drafted from the Town of Medford
to be included in the Cambridge Guard. Major Proc-
ter will make the foregoing Disposition as soon as
possible.
The Dep'ty Qr. Master General will deliver Tents
to the several Regiments now under Marching Orders
in the Proportion of one to every six Men. Camp
Kettles in the same proportion.
The Indisposition of Body of Thos. Lake being
such as renders his Execution to-Morrow impractica-
ble, his Execution is suspended until Monday next.
89
Head-Quarters, Boston, 2 October, 1777.
Col. Henley's and Col. H. Jackson's Regt* are to
be immediately taken off Duty and the necessary
Guards at Dorchester are to be mounted by Major
Proctor's Detachment of Mililia.
Capt. Stearns who is to do the Duty at Dorchester
Heights will receive the ordnance stores, Provisions,
etc., from the officers of Col. Jackson's Regiment who
now has the Charge of them and receipt therefor.
Head-Quarters, 2 October, 1777.
The sentence of Thos. Lake is to be put in execution
on Monday next on the Common in Boston, between
the Hours of eight and twelve o'clock before noon.
Adjutant Carew to see the sentence put in execution.
All the Troops off duty to attend.
Field officer of the Day on Monday next, Lieut.
Col? , Cobb; Adj1. of the Day, Dunckerly.
The troops to be seasonably on the Guard parade.
Head-Quarters, Boston, 3 October, 1777.
The Main Guard as soon as the strength of the De-
tachment quartered in Town will admit it, is to consist
of 1 subaltern, two Serjeants, two Corporals, one Drum,
and Thirty privates. The two Captains, and the eldest
Subaltern quartered in Boston are to act as officer of
the Day in Rotation; the officer of the Guard is to
report
90 •
report to the officer of the Day, who will report to the
General, adding any remarkable occurrences that may
happen during his Tour. Those officers belonging to
the Continental Regiments, who do not march with
the first Division of their respective Regiments, are
assiduously to apply themselves to the Recruiting Ser-
vice.
Whenever any Corps receive orders to march and
joyn the army, the Quartermaster of the Reg' , before
the Regiment marches off, is to collect all the Utensils
which he has receiv'd for the use of the Regiment, and
carefully return them to the Dy. Q. M. G., except such
as may be necessary to forward with the Regiment.
ORDERS WHILE ON THE MARCH.
Head-Quarters, 19 ( Y '777-
Parole, Stanwix. C. Sign, Saratoga.
Head-Quarters, Red Hook, 20 October, 1777-
Parole, Red. (^ Sign, #<«*&
The same Picquet to be kept to night as was kept
last night consisting of the same number.
All the Troops are Ordered to parade to morrow
morning at seven o clock precisely at their respective
Brigade Parades.
The General orders half a j 111 of Rum to be dealt
out to each of the Troops upon the Return of their
officers.
Head-Quarters, Red Hook, 21 October, 1777.
Parole, Clinton. C. Sign, Dubois.
MAJOR GENERAL PUTNAM'S ORDERS,
Head- Quarters, Fish Kill, 25 October, 1777.
Parole, Pitt. C. Sign, Barre.
Col. Webb ^
B. M. Chittenden > Officers of the Day to morrow.
Adj1. Hart J
The Commanding Officers of the Continental Reg-
iments are again ordered forthwith to make Returns
of the Cloathing received & what is still wanted by
their respective Regiments.
The General strictly forbids all plundering of private
Property, robbing of Gardens, burning of Rails, Fences,
&c, under the severest Penalties, and the officers are
to take especial Care to see that the Troops strictly
observe this Order, and to take up any that shall
transgress it
Head-Quarters, Fish Kill, 26 October, 1777.
Parole, Paris. C. Sign, Hague.
Col. Wyllys \
B. M. Humphrey V Officers of the Day to morrow.
Adj'- Harpin J
The General is sorry that the situation of the Enemy
is such as puts it out of his Power immediately to dis-
charge the Militia, or what makes him more so is to
(95) hear
96
hear that some of the Militia, not duly attending to
their own Reputation and the safety of the publick,
have tarnished their good beginning by a shameful
Desertion, whose ill example he trusts none here
present will follow. He has received Information that
between four and five thousand of the Enemy are
collected at or near Fort Montgomery, and should the
Militia leave him at this Juncture, Notice of it would
immediately be carried to the Enemy by the rascally
Tories and all the Barracks and Stores in this part of
the Country become easy to be destroyed by them.
The General paying proper attention to the pressing
Circumstances of the Militia, the publick safety in
which our own is involved, and willing to make mat-
ters as easy as possible, requests the Militia as they
regard themselves, their Families and Posterity and
the Safety and Liberty of the Country, will not leave
him until regularly discharg'd which he assures them
shall be done on Wednesday next and as much sooner
as the Reinforcement from the Northward arrives,
which he daily expects, excepting those who are
drafted for a certain Term of Time.
Col. Wyllys' Regiment of Continental Troops are to
be mustered to morrow morning, ten o'clock, at their
Regimental Parade.
97
Head-Quarters, Fish Kill, 27 October, 1777.
Parole, Boston. C. Sign, Roxbury.
Lt. Co. Smith \ __ . , _
Adj'. Edwards / Officers of the Day to morrow.
The militia (except those drafted for a certain Time)
are ordered to return their Tents and Camp Utensils,
arms and ammunition, drawn from the publick stores,
into the stores from whence they were taken except
the ammunition that has been necessarily expended in
the Service.
The General has the Happiness to acquaint the
Troops that the Enemy after their infamous and dis-
appointing Expedition up the North River marked
with a thousand Instances of little Spite and low Re-
venge against a Country evidently beyond their Power
to conquer, have quitted Peekskill and the adjacent
Posts, Fort Montgomery, Clinton, &c, &c; have passed
down the River with their whole Fleet ; that General
Poor is within two Day's march of this with a good
Body of Troops, whereby he has it in his Power to
release the Militia considerably sooner than he ex-
pected, and altho' they did not arrive soon enough to
prevent the Loss of Fort Montgomery, Peekskill, &c.
yet they may be assured they have been greatly ser-
viceable in preventing the Enemies making Incursions
into the Country, extending their Ravages and spread-
ing desolation and Ruin by Fire and Sword among
our Towns and Stores. The General therefore returns
7 them
98
them his thanks in behalf of their Country for the
good Services they have done and the noble Spirit of
Liberty with which they turned out when called, a
Spirit that ever has and will be the Scourge of Tyrants,
the Glory and Security of a brave and free People,
and takes particular Pleasure in embracing the earliest
Moment, consistent with the publick Safety, to gratify
their Inclination by dismissing them to return to their
Homes and Families, and thereupon directs and or-
ders the several Regiments and Independent Com-
panies of Militia, except those drafted for a certain
Time, to be discharg'd, and they are hereby released
and discharged from any further Service in the Army
under his Command, and have Liberty to return to
their respective Homes, hoping they will find their
Friends and Families in Health and Safety, long live,
and be free, and ever conduct worthy of so exalted a
Privilege and Character.
A good silver Watch was found on the seventeenth
Oct? Ins! between Fish Kill and Poughkeepsie, &
now in Possession of Gen1 Silliman. Any Person
applying & making evident his Property shall receive
the same.
Head- Quarters, Fish Kill, 28 October, 1777.
Parole, Nixon. C. Sign, Poor.
Ad^Hart03^110" } °fficerS °f the Day t0 m°rr0W-
99
Head-Quarters, Fish Kill, 29 October, 1777.
Parole, Cambridge. C. Sign, Providence.
Lt. Col. Butler \ p.- r . „
Adj< Edwards ) 0fficers of the Da7 to morrow.
Col. Wyllys & Lt. Col. Smith's Regiments have
Liberty to discharge their Pieces this morning under
the Direction of their officers.
Head-Quarters, Fish Kill, 30 October, 1777.
Parole, Warrior. C. Sign, Cobb.
Adi1 Hart I Officers of the Day to morrow.
Head-Quarters, Fish Kill, 31 October, 1777.
Parole, Clinton. C. Sign, Wind.
Lt. Col. Smith 1 ^^ . ., ~
Adj' Edwards } Officers of the Day to morrow.
The Commissary is directed to issue one Quart of
Salt to every 50 lb. of Fresh Beef issued to the
Troops.
Commanding officers of Companies of Artillery,
light Dragoons & of Foot, will immediately prepare
their several muster Rolls to the first Day of Novem-
ber agreeable to the usual Form. The several Com-
panies of Artillery to be mustered to morrow morning
at
IOO
at 1 1 o'clock & Col. Wyllys' Regiment at three
o'clock in the afternoon.
A Court of Enquiry is appointed upon complaint of
Mrs. Catharine Lewson against Capt. Swarthout for
plundering her provisions & effects on or about the
17th inst. Lt. Col. Butler, President; three captains
from Col0 Wyllys* Regiment, two Ditto from Col°
Smith's, to sit to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock, at Mr.
Cooper's, Tavern keeper.
Head-Quarters, Fish Kill, i November, 1777.
Parole, Kingston. C. Sign, Esopus.
Lt Col. Cobb I officers of the D to morrow>
Adjf Carew J J
Head-Quarters, Fish Kill, 2 November, 1777.
Parole, Warner. C. Sign, Hamilton.
The Detachment of Col. Lee's Regiment under
Command of Lt. Col. Smith & the Detachment of
Col. Jackson's Reg1 under the Command of Lt. Col.
Cobb are for the present annexed to Gen! Parson's
Brigade, & are to do duty therein until Further Orders.
After Orders. 2 o'clock.
In Consequence of Intelligence just received from
his Excellency Gen! Washington, the Detachment
from Col. Lee's and Jackson's Regts are ordered to
cross
IOI
cross Hudson's River to Morrow Morning and march
with all Dispatch to join Gen! Washington in the most
direct Rout instead of marching down to join Gen!
Parsons as was ordered.*
*****
*The next order is dated at White Marsh, 20 November, 1777,
showing a junction with the " Grand Army " and, of consequence, that
the orders were those of General Washington. As it is intended to
print these in regular order, they are not given in this place. The
regiment remained with the main army until 2 December, after which
date there are no orders entered until 29 December, 1777, when Lan-
caster appears as the station. The Regiment was then under the
orders of Lt. Col. Wm. S. Smith.
LT. COL. WILLIAM S. SMITH'S ORDERS.
Lancaster, 29 December, 1777.
Garrison Orders.
The Duty of the officer of the Day for the future to
be confined solely to the Line of Captains. A Subal-
tern to be immediately sent to take the Command of
the Guard stationed at Connestoga Creek at Webb's
Ferry, who is to attend strictly to the apprehending of
all Deserters and particularly to the Examination of
all Persons in a Soldier's Dress and others that appear
to be suspicious Characters. If the Account they give
of themselves is not satisfactory they are to be detained
as Prisoners and march'd to my Quarters upon the
Guard being relieved. This Guard is to be furnished
from the Continental Soldiers at present here daily,
and as it is not properly a Commissioned officer's
Command, it is to be march'd off from the Parade by
the Serjeant or Corporal to its Station, the Officer
commanding it repairing to his Post at the Hour for
the Relief to be made. He must also make a strict
Examination into all Waggons coming from Camp;
if containing any Continental Property, it must be re-
tained and a Report made every Morning of the Quan-
tity and what kind; if any Woman or other Person
passing shall have with them Soldiers' Blankets or
Cloathing that shall appear to belong to the Continent,
they are to be taken.
(io5) The
io6
The Officer of the Day with a small guard from the
Militia to patrole the Streets twice between the Hours
of eight and twelve at Night, visit the Taverns and Ale
Houses and take up all Persons indiscriminately, who
are disturbing the Peace of the Good People of this
Town, the Soldiers are therefore to be attentive and
be in their Barracks and Quarters immediately after
Tattoo beating. A Breach of these orders in the least
Tittle shall meet with severe Punishment. The Sol-
diers who are return'd fit for duty must attend Roll
Call Morning and Evening, the officer of the Day to
be particular that the Men are punctual in their at-
tendance.
No Soldier is to be permitted to pass out of the Bar-
rack Gate on any Pretence whatever, unless an officer
going with him to the Guard permits.
The Officer of the Day to dine at the Commanding
officer's Quarters at 2 o'Clock.
The Adjutants to be particular as to the Warning of
the Officers for Duty the Evening before either ver-
bally or by leaving a Note at their Quarters. A
Weekly Return to be made of the State of the Detach-
ments.
There are some persons who seem to pay no at-
tention to their own or the Character of the Detach-
ments, the Commanding officer requests them, without
mentioning Names, to alter their Conduct, or public
Examples shall be made.
107
After Orders.
The Tatoo to be beaten precisely at 8 o'Clock.
Upon the Return of the Drums to the Barrack the
Gates to be immediately locked.
Lancaster, 30 December, 1777.
Garrison Orders.
For the future, no officer shall be absent from his
Quarters after Tatoo beating, nor go one Mile from
the Town without leave previously obtained from one
of the Field officers.
Lancaster, i January, 1778.
A Court Martial to sit to morrow morning at eleven
o'clock at Adjutant Erwine's Room in the Barracks
for the Tryal of such Prisoners as shall be brought
before them.
Capt. Dolliver, Presid1
In orders issued the 30th of Dec^ 1777, it was re-
quired that no officer should be absent from his Quar-
ters after Tattoo beating, the Commanding Officer
finding that the Innocent suffer with the Guilty Indis-
criminately, thinks proper to disannul the Order, & it
is accordingly from henceforth repealed.
io8
Lancaster, 3 January, 1778.
The Officers commanding particular Companies
must make Returns of the Number of Musquets that
want repairing & deliver the Returns to the Adjutant
to Morrow Morning that they may be put in proper
Order. The Officer of the Day in going the Rounds
thro' the Barracks is desired to be particular in the
Examination of the Arms that they are kept in good
Order, neat & clean, & placed in such a part of the
Room that they will be most out of the way of being
injured. The Soldier that is found negligent in this
Part of his Duty, the Officer of the Day must not let
pass unpunished. The officers are also desired to
make out their Pay Rolls for the Month of November
without delay and deliver them to the Commanding
Officer.
A Return to be immediately made of all the Taylors
& Shoemakers in the Detachments, their Names, Reg-
iment & Company to be certified & left at the com-
manding Officer's Quarters.
Hugh Glinn, a Soldier in the Eighth Pennsylvania
Regiment, tried at the Court Martial whereof Capt.
Dolliver was President, for absenting himself from his
Quarters for three weeks without Leave — the Court
considering the very bad Consequences that attends
desertion or Soldiers leaving their Corps without leave,
& finding him guilty of a Breach of the second Arti-
cle in the sixth Section of the Rules of the Conti-
nental Army, do adjudge that the Prisoner Hugh Glinn
do
109
do receive one hundred Stripes on his bare Back &
return to his Duty.
The Commanding Officer approves the Sentence &
orders it to be put in Exection this Evening at Retreat
Beating.
Lancaster, 5 January, 1778.
General Orders.
All the Officers & Soldiers in this Town & its vicinity
are to parade to Morrow Morning at 10 o'Clock at the
Court House. It is expected that every officer will
exert himself in finding out & parading the Soldiers
belonging to the American Army without distinction
of either State or Regiment No Excuse can be ad-
mitted for the non-attendance of the Officers.
Anthony Wayne, B. G.
The Men must also attend to, which is never to pass
an officer with his Hat on (there are but few who are
guilty of this breach of Politeness) a Circumstance
which may at first View appear trivial, but upon Con-
sideration must appear of Importance, for Nothing
shews a greater Want of good Breeding and Military
Discipline, than to see a Soldier passing his officer with
his Hat on, and opens a Door for the spectator to
make ill natur'd observations upon the Regiment in
General for this Breach of Politeness in Individuals.
As an Example in this Matter, the Commanding Offi-
cer would recommend to the Soldiers to observe the
Behaviour
no
Behaviour of their officers, when they will find they
never accost each other but with the greatest Polite-
ness.
It is with Pleasure the Commanding officer observes
Drum Ma.]1. Scott so attentive to his Duty in having
the Drums and Fifes under his Command kept neat and
clean, and assures him and the soldiers in general that
these Circumstances and Attention to discipline shall
meet with the Regard it merits.
Lancaster, io January, 1778.
A Court Martial to sit to-Morrow Morning at ten
o'clock at Adj'. Carew's Quarters for the Trial of Lt.
Hunt charged with disobedience of the orders issued
on the thirtieth of December, 1777.
Major Tyler, Presid1.
Capt. Trescott Capt. Orne
Brown North
Jarvis Lieut. Reed
Lieut1 Walker Castang
Lieut. Leverett Ens1? Smith
Ens'? Otis Barber.
Cap1. Cartwright, J. Adv'.e
Lancaster, ii January, 1778.
Lieut. Hunt tried at the Court Martial whereof
Major Tyler was President for disobedience of the
Orders
Ill
Orders issued the 30* December, 1777 — the Court
having maturely considered the Charge and carefully
perused the orders for the Government of the Garri-
son, and conceiving the orders of the 30th Decr, 1777,
to have been annull'd and repealed by Order under the
i!1 Jany Inst., do declare the Charge against Lieut.
Hunt not Supported and that Lieut. Hunt is honorably
acquitted.
The Commanding officer disapproves the Sentence
and dissolves the Court. The Prisoner still to con-
tinue under his Arrest.
Lancaster, 12 January, 1778.
A Corporal and six Men to be draughted to Mor-
row Morning to relieve the Guard stationed at Canos-
toga Creek, and to be relieved every Morning from
the Parade. The Guard for the future to be stationed
on this side. The officer of the Guard must quarter
his Men Equally at the Houses near; there being
three, two must be placed in each till a Guard House
can be built. They are to permit no spirituous Liquors
to pass unless they have a permit from Persons author-
ized to give one.
A Serjeant, Corporal and twelve Men from the
Granadiers, to hold themselves in readiness to attend
Ma]T. Gen1 Gates on his arrival in Town. They are to
be chosen out immediately and inform'd of the occa-
sion for which they are draughted, that they may have
time
112
time to get their Cloaths and Accoutrements clean.
The Commanding officer by giving this timely Notice
expects to see them full dress'd and powder'd with
their Caps on. On the Arrival of Majr Gen1. Gates,
the Adjutant of the Day to see the Men paraded &
March'd off to the General's Quarters as expeditiously
as possible.
The Room in the rear of the Meeting House to be
reserv'd for the Soldiers that have the Itch to anoint
themselves in.
Lancaster, 13 January, 1778.
A Court Martial to sit to Morrow Morning at eleven
o'Clock for the Trial of Daniel McBride, confined in
the Quarter Guard for absenting himself from his
Quarters without Leave.
Capt. Browne, Presid1.
EfiS"} «**- {EIS£
The Officers to attend Roll call Morning & Evening,
& be particular as to the Attendance of their Men.
Lancaster, 15 January, 1778.
Daniel McBride, a Soldier in Capt. North's Comp*,
Col. Lee's Reg1, tried at the Court Martial whereof
Capt. Brown was President for absenting himself from
his Quarters without Leave.
The
"3
The Court after due Consideration are of Opinion
that the Prisoner is guilty of a Breach of the second
Article of the sixth Section & do adjudge that he re-
ceive fifty Lashes well laid on his naked Back & that
the Prisoner return to his Duty.
The Commanding Officer taking into Consideration
the Behaviour of the Prisoner & that he was guilty of
the Crime of Desertion whilst the Regiment lay at
Cambridge & was not punished for it, owing intirely
to a disposition in his Officers not to punish a Soldier
unless absolutely necessary, thinks proper to approve
the Sentence of the Court & orders it to be put in Ex-
ecution this Evening at Retreat Beating.
The Court Martial whereof Capt. Brown is President
is dissolved.
A Court Martial to sit for the Trial of Ensign Jen-
kins, arrested by Capt. Trescott for disobedience of
orders, the Court to sit at the Barracks at twelve
o'Clock this Day.
Major Tyler, Presd1.
Capt.Dolliver ^
Capt. Browne
Lt. Hawkes
Lt. Lamb
Lt. Jackson
Ens? Smith
* Members ■{
Capt. Orne
Capt. Van Home
Lt. Reed
Lt. Hobby
Lt. Castang
Ens? Thacher
Capt. Cartwright, J. Advl<:
The Place of Parade for the future to be in front of
the Market.
8
ii4
Lancaster, 16 January, 1778.
Ensign Jenkins, tried at the Court Martial whereof
Major Tyler is President for disobedience of Orders.
The Court are of Opinion that Ensign Jenkins used
his utmost Endeavours to execute the orders he re-
ceived from Capt. Trescott, that he applied for the List
of Men to Mr. Phelan, his superior officer, & therefore
declare the charge not supported & the Prisoner hon-
orably acquitted.
The Commanding Officer approves the Sentence &
orders Ensign Jenkins to be released from his Arrest
& return to his Duty.
Lancaster, 19 January, 1778.
The Court Martial whereof Msl]t. Tyler is President,
is dissolved.
Lancaster, 20 January, 1778.
A Court Martial to sit this Morning at 12 o'Clock
for the Tryal of such Prisoners as shall be brought
before them.
Capt. Jarvis, Presid'.
Lt. Phelan \ Mpmhers \ Lt. Walker
Lt. Turner } Members' } Ensign Barber
The Guard that was ordered to attend the Hon'ble
M. G. Gates are to hold themselves in Readiness, as
he is expected in Town this Afternoon. The Com-
manding
H5
manding Officer taking into Consideration the disa-
greeable Situation of Lt. Hunt, being under an arrest
for Disobedience of Orders & receiving Assurances
from that Gentleman that his Behaviour proceeded
from Misunderstanding of Orders, & that he did not
mean to fly in the face of Authority, which from his
former Behaviour as an Officer no Person has a right
to imagine, the Commanding Officer thinks proper to
release him from his Arrest & desires that he will re-
turn to his Duty.
Lancaster, 6 March, 1778.
As the Detachments from Col?s Lee's, Henley's &
Jackson's Reg'.5 will probably march soon for Camp,
the Director of the Hospital thinks it necessary that
those Men who have had the Small Pox in this Place
should take one dose of Physick to disperse any
Humour that may remain & prevent Relapses. For
this purpose he has furnished Adj1. Edwards of Col.
Lee's Reg1, with a dose per Man, which he will deliver
out this Day. The non-commissioned officers of Col.
Lee's Reg1, must wait on the Adj1. for the Physick with
their particular Companies. The Serg1. Major of Col.
Jackson's Reg1, to draw for the Reg1. & deliver it out
to his Serjeants who are requested to be very particu-
lar that every Man has his Proportion, & the Com-
manding Officer requests the Soldiers as they value
their own Health & Constitution not to waste the
Medicine,
n6
Medicine, but to use it properly, as a failure in this
particular may be attended with Consequences that
may prove fatal to the Delinquents. It must be taken
in the Morning early & work'd off with Water Gruel.
To Morrow is the Day appointed for this Purpose, in
Consequence of which the Regiment will be excused
from Roll-call. For the future they are to parade with
their Arms & Accoutrements in good Order. As the
Time of the Regiment's marching is totally uncertain,
it is recommended to the officers to put their affairs
in such a Situation that they may be ready to march
at the shortest Notice.
Wm S. Smith, U Col. Commd.
Lancaster, 15 March, 1778.
His Excellency the Commander in Chief having
been pleased to order Henry Mansin and Wendell
Myer to be executed on the Morrow, being Monday
March the sixteenth, between the Hours of ioo'Clock
in the Morning and one in the Afternoon in the most
publick Manner — the Troops therefore will assemble
at ten o'clock on the Parade, when the disposition of
the whole will be made agreable to Plan delivered to
Ll. Col. Smith, who is to be Field officer of the Day.
It is expected that the Gentlemen officers who are in
Town (not actually on Duty) will be present at the
Execution.
ii7
Execution. The Procession to begin at half past 1 1
o'clock from the Goal.
G. Gibson, Col. Com.*
* The next entry is at Valley Forge, I April, 1778, showing a union
with the grand army, and until June the orders are those of the Com
mander in Chief. A break then occurs to December, 1778, when the
regiment was under the command of Major General Sullivan in Rhode
Island.
END.
INDEX.
Abstracts, pay, 52.
Abuse of inhabitants, 60, 63, 64.
Adams, Sergeant, 44.
Alarm post, 25.
Alden, Colonel Ichabod, 2, 21, 24, 25, 27, 42, 43, 56, 67.
Alden's regiment, 2, 5, 26, 31, 37, 45, 46, 50, 74.
Allen, Captain Robert, trial of, 5, 40, 45, 46, 49, 50, 63.
Adjutant, 26.
Ammunition, 32, 45, 53.
Anniversary of Independence, 32.
Arms, condition of, 37.
Army, northern, deserters from, 39, 40, 42.
recruits for,
Ashley, Simeon, 28.
Austin, , 75, 80.
Baggage of General Lincoln, 3.
Bailey, Captain John, trial of, 5.
Ballard, Captain William H., 22.
Barber, Ensign, 107, 1 10, 1 14.
Barnard, Captain, 31.
Barracks, abuse of, 3, 20, 24, 25, 29.
inspection of, 9, 20, 29.
master's provision, 53.
to be cleansed, 37.
Barton, William, trial of, 5, 6.
Basset, Zebulon, trial of, 84, 85.
Bennington, success at, 63, 64.
Bigelow, Colonel, 43.
Billings, William, 28.
(119)
120
Boston regiment, 19, 23, 54.
Bradish, Major, 45.
Brazier, Benjamin, 74, 77.
Brewer, James, 28.
Colonel Samuel, 22.
Brewer's regiment, 22.
British movement up the Hudson, 97.
Brookfield, guard, 48.
Brooks, Lieut. Colonel John, 23.
Brown, Major Andrew, 1, 14, 23, 26, 29.
Captain Benjamin, Court Martial of, 4.
Lieutenant John, 48, 57, 68, 82, 84.
Browne, Captain, no, 112, 113.
Bryant, Captain, 18.
Bumstead, Captain, 19.
Burk, John, Court Martial of, 5, 6.
Burnham, Elijah, Court Martial of, 8.
Burton, Captain, 44, 53, £9, 7c.
Butler, Lieut. Colonel, 99, 100.
Butterfield, John, 28.
Cambridge Bridge, 32.
guards at, 14.
Campbell, Joseph, trial, 71.
Carew, Adjutant, 46, 72, 74, 77, 89, 100.
Carill, John, trial, 73.
Carr, Captain Samuel, 40, 47, 63.
Cartridges, 40.
Cartwright, Captain Thomas, 40, 61, 76, no, 113.
Castang, Lieutenant, 1 10, 113.
Champney, Robert, 28.
Chaplains, resolution of Congress, 19.
Chittenden, , 9c,
Cleanliness, 20.
Clothing, 15.
sale of, 51.
121
Cobb, Lieut. Colonel, 89, 1 00.
Coleman, Lieut. Col., 40.
Congress, Continental, on chaplains, 19.
Frye's case, 16 note.
Cooper's tavern, 100.
Court Martial, general, I, 7, 15, 36, 47, 63, 69, 77, 82.
regimental, 47, 57, 68, 107, no, 112, 113, 114.
Crafts, Edward, I, 27.
Crane, Colonel John, 3.
Crane's battalion, 9, 22, 30, 73.
Curtis, Major, 55, 70, 75.
Cushing, Captain, II.
Davis, Captain, 54.
Colonel, 26, 66.
Deserters from militia, 96.
northern army, 39, 40, 42, 57.
imprisonment of, 41.
Destruction of property, 35.
Dolliver, Captain Peter, 40, 47, 63, 107, 108, 113.
Dorchester Heights, 27, 31, 36, 88.
provision store, 45.
Douglass, George, 75, 80.
Drew, Captain Seth, 40, 47, 52, 63.
Drown, Captain, 58, 69.
Drumming on the Lord's day, I.
near Court House, 6, 8.
Dunckerley, Adjutant Joseph, 63, 66, 75, 87, 89.
Dunnell, Lieut., 74.
Eddy, Captain, 40.
Edwards, Adjutant Thomas, 38, 71, 87, 97, 99, 115.
Ellis, Captain, 47, 50.
Enlistment of prisoners of war, 76.
Erwines, Adjutant, 107.
122
Fellows, William, 28.
Flour, issues of, 60.
Flygh, John, 31.
Fort Hill, 54, 84.
Montgomery, 97; j(t4*ft* ^7
Francis, Colonel Ebenezer, 12.
Frye, Lieutenant, 40.
Peter Pickman, 16, 23, 27, 36, 45, 54, 64, 71, 78.
Fuller, Lieut. Colonel, 21, 24.
Furloughs not to be granted, 30.
Gaming, order against, 13.
Gates, Major General, III, 114.
Gibson, G., 117.
Glinn, Hugh, trial of, 108.
Gooch, John, 39.
Greaton, Colonel John, 1, 3, 4, 7, 21, 24, 27, 78.
Greaton's regiment, 3, 5, 25, 37.
Green, Jedediah, trial of, 73.
Greenleaf, Henry, 48.
trial of, 58, 59, 69, 75.
Grosvenor, Major, 98.
Guards, 2, 3, 6, 14, 41, 43, 44, 45, 48, 53, 54, 59, 77, 86.
at Connestoga Creek, 105, III.
Lancaster, 105.
Guns, firing of, II.
Hall, Benjamin, 71.
Hall's Wharf, 59.
Hancock, John, return to Boston, 3, 4.
Harpin, , 95.
Hart, Adjutant, 95, 98, 99.
Hastings, Captain, 57, 58, 69, 84, 85.
Hatch, Colonel, 33.
Hawkes, Lieutenant, William, 56, 57, 68, 113.
Heath, Major-General William, vii, 16 note, 27 note.
123
Henley, Colonel David, 28, 77.
Henley's regiment, 29, 66, 71, 82, 83, 85, 89.
Hill, Ensign Philemon, 48, 68.
Hobby, Lieutenant, 112, 113.
Holden, Captain, 40, 63.
Holmes, Lieut., 44, 55, 59.
Hopkins, John, 28, 39.
Horton, Samuel, trial of, 58.
Hospital, 3, 25, 27, 33, 43, 50.
Hubley, Lieutenant, 107.
Humphrey, , 95.
Hunt, Captain Abraham, 6.
Lieutenant, trial, 1 10, 114, II 5.
Hussey, Peter, trial of, 9.
Hywill, Fife Major, 7.
Independence, anniversary of, 32.
Inoculation, 7, 8, 33, 43, 50.
Invalids, 2, 7
Itch, treatment of men for, 112.
Jackson, Col. H., 22, 27, 28, 31, 32, 33, 36, 38, 40, 43, 45, 46, 54, 55,
56, 61, 63, 65, 66, 69, 72, 75, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86, 87.
Colonel Michael, 21, 24, 33, 40, 47, 50, 56, 63, 65, 70, 72, 73.
Lieutenant, 112, 113.
Jackson's regiment, 4, 26, 35.
Jarvis, Captain Nathaniel, 61, 1 10, 114.
Jenkins, Captain Josiah, 22.
Ensign, trial of, 113.
Jones, Captain James, 61.
King, Captain Samuel, 21, 22, 40, 47, 56.
Knapp, Captain Moses, 17, 65.
Labaratory guard, 3.
Lake, Thomas, 70, 82, 87, 88, 89.
124
Lamb, Lieutenant, 1 1 2, 113.
Langdon, Captain John, 47, 52.
Lee, William Raymond, viii, 22, 29, 40, 47, 55, 63.
regiment of, 22, 28, 30, 38, 53, 66, 68, 71, 72, 74, 75, 76, 78, 82,
83, 85, 86.
Leverett, Lieutenant, 107, no.
Lewson, Mrs. Catharine, 100.
Lincoln, Major-General Benjamin, 3.
Lieutenant John, 56.
Lovell, James, Ensign, 48, 57, 84.
Ludd, James, trial of, 67.
Lyman, Captain, 76.
Magazine guard, complaint of, 6.
Main guard, 43, 83, 87, 89.
Mansin, Henry, execution of, 1 16.
Marching of troops, 35, 36.
Marshall, Colonel Thomas, 8, 12, 21, 30, 34, 42, 44, 63, 70, 73, 78.
McBride, Daniel, trial of, 1 12.
McNeil, Captain, 72.
Medford, naval store, 71, 74.
Militia, 19, 95, 96, 97*^
Mitchell, David, trial of, 71.
Richard, trial of, 22.
Money for recruiting, 15.
Morrison, Samuel, 10, 12.
Muskets, return of, 108.
Muster of regiments, 28, 52, 68, 99.
Myer, Wendell, execution of, 116.
Night patrol at Lancaster, 106.
Nixon, Colonel John, 37, 112.
North, Captain William, 68, 69, 75, 84, IIO.
Officers, absence of at roll call, 62.
from quarters, 83, 107, 1 10.
125
Officers, duty of, 62, 105.
recruiting, 34.
Orders for marching, 85, 87.
on the march, 91.
taking of, 38, 43.
Orne, Captain Joshua, 40, 47, 48, 49, 1 10, 113.
Orr, Samuel, trial of, 56.
Otis, Ensign, 1 10.
Page, Captain, 12.
Parade ordered by Wayne, 109.
Parker, Lieutenant Isaac, 22.
Jonathan, 28.
Patients discharged from hospital, 25.
Patterson's Barracks, 29.
Pay abstracts, 52.
Peekskill, 97.
Perkins, Lieutenant James, 47, 52.
Phelan, Lieutenant, 114.
Physics for small pox, 115.
Pilsbury, Captain Daniel, 47, 64.
Plunder of private property, 95.
Plymouth wood cutters, 66, 86.
Politeness of men to officers, 109.
Poor, General, 97.
Powder magazine guard, II, 17.
to Springfield, 2.
Prisoners, British, 13.
of war, enlistment of, 76.
Procter's militia, 88, 89.
Prospect Hill hospital, 8, 25, 27, 33.
Provisions, report on, 61.
store at Little Cambridge, 29.
Putnam, Major General Israel, 95.
Colonel Rufus, 26, 37.
126
Quartering of Soldiers, 60.
Randall, Captain, 56, 59.
Rations, daily, 38.
Recruiting money, 15.
Recruits, 8, 23, 57, 65, 70, 76, 86, 90.
Reed, Lieutenant, no, 113.
Return of Christian and surnames, 87.
muskets, 108.
tailors and shoemakers, 108.
weekly, 29.
Rice, Thomas, trial of, 30, 34.
Robins, Moses, 29.
Roll Call, attendance enjoined, 41.
Schuyler, Major General Philip, 37 note.
Scott, Captain, 75.
Drum Major, commended, no.
Selden, Lieutenant, 112.
Shepherd, Colonel William, 17, 21, 65, 67.
Sherburne, Colonel, 15, 78, 83.
provision magazine at, 67.
Shoemakers, return of, 108.
Silliman, General, 98.
Small pox, 7, 8, 115.
Smith, Ensign, 68, no, 113.
Lieutenant Colonel William S., 97, 99, 101, 105.
Lieutenant Colonel, 45, 87.
Springfield, guard, 48.
powder to, 2.
Stanford, Moses, trial of, 69.
Stark, General John, 12.
success at Bennington, 63, 64.
Stearns, Captain, 89.
Steward, John, trial of, 56.
Stores, guard for, 41, 44, 48.
127
Stores, transportation of, 34.
Sturtevant, Lieutenant Isaac, 56, 60.
Sudbury, provision magazine, 66.
Sullivan, Major General John, 117.
Sumner, Captain Job, 5.
Swasey, Major Joseph, 40, 47, 55, 63, 75, 76.
Swarthout, Captain, 100.
Symmes, Major Andrew, I, 2, 10, 23, 25, 33, 44.
Tailors, return of, 108.
Tattoo, 81.
Taverns, frequenting of, 81.
Teams for marching troops, II.
Teigh, Cornelius, trial of, 12, 21, 22.
Tents, distribution of, 88.
Thacher, Ensign, 113.
Ticonderoga, 35 note, 39.
Transportation weights, 22.
Trescott, Major Lemuel, 63, 1 10, 113.
Tuckerman, Isaac, Jr., 30.
Tudor, Lieut. Colonel, 45, 63.
Turner, Lieutenant, 114.
Tyler, Major, 45, no, 113.
Van Home, Captain, 113.
Varnum, Captain John, 64, 70, 75.
Vary, Benjamin, trial of, 9, 10.
Vose, Colonel Joseph, 7, 8, 9, 10, 17, 21, 24, 30, 33.
Vose's regiment, 1 1, 72.
Wadsworth, Captain Joseph, 47, 50, 63.
Walker, Lieutenant, no, 114.
Warren. Doctor John, 3, 28.
"Washington, General George, 13, IOI.
Watson, Captain, 25.
Wayne, General Anthony, 109.
128
Webb, Captain George, 21.
Colonel, 95.
Well diggers, 39.
Write, Ensign, 63.
WhitseO, Lieut, 107.
j.esworth, Colonel Edward, 50.
Williams, Edward, trial of, II, 15.
Major Edward B., burial of, 4.
Josiah, trial, 65, 75, 78.
Wilton, William, 49.
Winship, Jonathan, 29.
Wood cutters, 55, 66, 86.
Woodward, Elijah, trial, 15, 17, 65, 75, 78.
Woolsey, Lieutenant, 48, 57.
WyDys, Colonel, 31, 95 > 96. 99. «».
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