A Brief Documentary Chronology of British Camps and Baggage in the 1776-1777 New York and New Jersey Campaigns

7/29/2019 A Brief Documentary Chronology of British Camps and Baggage in the 1776-1777 New York and New Jersey Cam

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A Brief Documentary Chronology of British Camps and Baggage in the1776-1777 New York and New Jersey Campaigns.

In July and August 1776 the British Army re-entered theColonies, landing as they arrived, on Staten Island.

The campaign to possess New York was carried out in four stages: FromStaten Island, the British embarked the troops and their equipment tocross over to Long Island, then again embarked the troops and equipmentto New York (Manhattan) Island, taking possession of New York City onSeptember 15. Operations then turned to clearing the American forcesfrom their positions north of the city. On the possession of New York,part of the army took up quarters there. Other elements continued inthe field on operations to possess New Jersey.

The initial landing of the troops was followed by landing theirbaggage on the following days. Each successive order to embark requiredsending the baggage aboard ship a day in advance of embarking thetroops. There then followed delays of several days before the baggage

was landed and forwarded to the troops.

The various regiments, brigades and battalions of the army wereoften under different orders and circumstances. The available resourcesmake it possible to describe several key dates.

The notes below include as much as possible about campconditions relating to Officers and Soldiers, with emphasis on accountsdescribing the camp equipage and baggage of the Officers. Itunfortunately proved a problem to incorporate many notes of the Orderof March to identify specific units, or to detail all orders regardingthe distribution of baggage. Notes on the latter will perhaps be thetopic of a separate essay. It has proven difficult to provide bettercontext without greatly diluting the subject matter or digressing toomuch on tangents. Currently, the resources at my disposal fall rathershort of a daily chonology, but are getting closer. I quickly learnedthat mere references to the term encamp has little bearing on whethertents were used and removed most of them as being irrelevant. Likewise,references to striking camp have little bearing on the presence oftents, but I have retained many of them because they refer to majormovements of troops. This also however, is not the place to catalogueall movements of troops. As the collection becomes filled in, therewill no doubt be opportunity for some further grooming. Notes on theweather conditions have been included in case it develops that it hadbearing on whether or not tents were used.

Prior to embarking for New York, Howe gave the following orders

relative to Officers baggage:Head Quarters, Halifax, 30th. April, 1776

It is earnestly recommended to the Officers by the Commander inChief to lighten their Baggage as much as possible, As no heavy Baggageof any sort can be allowed to be taken on board Ship when the Army isput in Motion. Kemble, p. 344.

Staten Island.British and German troops began to arrive at Staten Island near

New York from Halifax, Nova Scotia; England and later, South Carolina,


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in early July. With exceptions as noted below, the regulated allowanceof wagons for the baggage for an Infantry regiment was five smallwagons drawn by two horses each per regiment consisting of the eightInfantry Companies. Wagons were allowed to the larger and smaller corpsin proportion to their strength.

July 2:

Ensign (acting Lieutenant) Henry Stirke, Light Infantry Company, 10thRegiment of Foot, 1st Battalion of Light Infantry:

[1776, July] 2d Made our Landing on Staten Island, at 8OClock at night, without a Shot being fired; as the Rebels abandonedit, on the appearance of the Troops. This night we lay upon our Arms.Stirke, p. 156.

July 3.

Captain Willaim Bamford, 40th Regiment of Foot:3 [July, 1776.] W. this mg the first line of our Army landed on

Staten Island. We workd higher up the River & about 11 at night most

of our Army was landed. Bamford, p. 301.

Corporal Thomas Sullivan, 49th Regiment of Foot:-July- 3dAfter our landing, we were informed that the -Enemy- were

landing on the back or S.W. part of the -Island.- Our Regiment i.e.49th, was ordered to march from the -Landing- place through the-Island,- to the -New-blazing Star,- at the -Ferry- of which place; the-Rebels- was reported to be landing. But they desisted, upon hearingthat our Army were marching towards the -Ferry.- There were 3 Companiesof -Light-Infantry- before us there; and the whole remained there thatnight. Sullivan, p. 45.

July 4.

Bamford: 4 Th. [July, 1776.] the Troops marchd to theirseveral cantonments round the Island. 40 Quartered on the road betweenRichmond & Amboy... much firing this morning of great Guns, very hotday Bamford, p. 301.

Sullivan:-July- 4th. Our Regiment was relieved at the -Ferry- by the 5th.Regiment; and we were put into Cantoonments, a mile backward from the-New-blazing Star.

The whole Army landed upon that Island, and were distributedabout it; and there were strong -Parties- sent to the -Old-blazingStar, and Deckers Ferries. Sullivan, p. 45.

General Orders:Head Quarters Mr. Bankers.

Staten Island 4th. July 1776Officers to have as little baggage on Shore as possible, as theBrigades are liable to change their ground on the shortest notice.Howe Orderly Book.

[General Orders are generally read in the evening for executionthe following day. SR.]


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July 5.

Captain William Bamford of the 40th Regiment of Foot landed on StatenIsland from on board the Spy on July 3 1776:5 [July, 1776.] F. dull mg X cleard hot day Bamford, p. 301.

July 7.

Bamford: 7. [July, 1776.] Su. very hot daygot a small portmantua from on board. Piquet Gd Bamford, p.

302.

July 8.

Bamford: 8. [July, 1776.] M. hot mg brisk wd N. W. Bamford, p.302.

July 14.

Ambrose Serle:

Sunday, 14th July.An excessive hard Rain, prevented going on Shore this Day Serle, p.31.

July 19.

Ambrose Serle:Friday, 19th. JulyWalked on Shore in the Evening; but the Heat and Dust made theexcursion rather unpleasant. Serle, p. 38.

July 22.

Ambrose Serle:Monday, 22nd. JulyA very hot and sultry Day, which rendered the Ship our best Retreat. Onthe Shore, which is near a Mile distant, I heard that the Weather wasextremely close and uncomfortable. Serle, p. 40.

July 25-28.

Ambrose Serle:Thursday, 25th. JulyThe Day was very warm, the Thermomr. being at 80. Serle, p. 45.

Sunday, 28th. [July, 1776.]No divine Service this morning, the heat being excessive. No Air, and

The Thermometer at 94 Degrees. Serle, p. 49.

August 2.

Ambrose Serle:Friday, 2d. AugustThe Heat was very great to-day. The Therm. gave 94 in the Sun, and 83in the shade. Serle, p. 53.

August 5.


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Bamford: 5. [August, 1776.] M. hot Mg S. E. Bamford, p. 307.

Captain Francis, Lord Rawdon to Francis, tenth Earl of Huntingdon, atSt. Jamess Place, London:1776. Aug. 5. Staten Island, near New York. - We are just arrivedhere, my dearest Lord, after a very pleasant passage. Your letter ofApril 4th met me as soon as I set foot on shore. The company my letterfrom Virginia found you in, is certainly the pleasantest in the world.Though I have neither a yellow damask drawing-room nor Constantia Cape[Perhaps Constantia wine?], I cultivate the acquaintance in a tent withMadeira, and -after all- there is but little difference. HMC, Rawdon-Hastings, III, p. 179.

Lieutenant John Peebles, Grenadier Company, 42nd (RoyalHighland) Regiment of Foot:

Monday morning 5th. Augt. [Near the watering place, StatenIsland.] prepared to land. first boat about 11, being a good dist fromthe shore & a strong wind & tide, it was late in the afternoon beforewe all got ashore, marchd in the eveng to Quarters in the country

Peoples houses about 2 or 3 mile. few of the army Encampd almost thewhole lodged in the farmers houses & barns Landed the whole coy ingood health after being above sixteen weeks on board of ship...Peebles, p. 54.

[The informative John Peebles unfortunately did not keep hisdiary during the summer and authumn of 1776 while serving as Adjutantto the 4th Grenadier Battalion, but opened it again after thedisbandment of this corps. Entries from his Orderly Book kept duringthis period are however noted below. SR.]

August 6.

Bamford: 6. [August, 1776.] Tu. hot Mg brisk wd S. W. Bamford,p. 307.

August 7.

Bamford: 7 [August, 1776.] W. very hor foggy Mg XII clear &very hot S. W. X Exceeding hot, little wd S. XII pleasnt breeze E. Someheavy rain this Evg Bamford, p. 307.

Ambrose Serle, Secretary to Admiral Richard Howe:Wednesday, 7th August. [Staten Island.]Went on Shore in the Evening, and walked up to the new Incampments.

Tis a hard unpleasant Life this of a Soldiers, which is passed in alittle paltry Tent which will neither keep out Wind, Rain, or Vermin,and which seems to have little other Solace on this dusty Island than

the association of multitudes in the same Condition. The Ship is aHouse or a Palace compared with the Accommodations of the military.Serle, p. 56.

[Serle was a civilian, unused to his surroundings. He wasconscious of many things that military men seldom noted, including theswarms of mosquitoes, the din of insects and frogs, and after thebattle of Long Island, the odor of unburied corpses in the woods. SR.]

August 8.


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Bamford: 8. [August, 1776.] Th. dull close Mg very sultry &calm Bamford, p. 307.

August 9.

Bamford: 9 [August, 1776.] F. close hot day wd variableBamford, p. 307.

Ambrose Serle:Friday, 9th. of August.Nothing material occurred this Day, wch was extremely warm. Serle, p.60.

General Orders:Head Quarters Staten Island

9th. August 1776The Regiments lately joined the Army under the Command of

Lieut. Genl. Clinton, will as soon as possible remove their heavybaggage and Women to the Transports allotted to them for that purpose,of which they will make a report to the Adjutant General. Howe Orderly

Book.

August 10.

Bamford: 10. Sa. hot day p. m. II pleasant wd E. Bamford, p.307.

August 11.

Bamford: 11. Su. close dull some showers, S. much LightningThunder & Rain this Evg Bamford, p. 308.

August 12.Bamford: 12 M. cloudy Mg cool W. Bamford, p. 308.

42nd (Royal Highland) Regiment of Foot, Regimental Orders:The 7 Companys to Embark on board the Brilliant Thames Glasgow &Houston. The Officers are to carry nothing with them but their Tentsbedding & a Portmanteau. Peebles Orderly Book.

August 13 - 16.

Bamford:13. [August, 1776.] Tu. very bright Mg little wd W.

14. hot Mg little wd E15. Th. raind all last nt very wet Mg E.

X ceased to rain, cloudy. several drissling showers this day.

The Hessians landing to Encamp.16. F. close cloudy Mg heavy showers Bamford, p. 308.

Ambrose Serle:Friday, 13th AugustThis has been the most sultry Day I have ever felt. Serle, p. 63.

August 15.

Ambrose Serle:


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Thursday, 15th. August.The Chaplain [OBeirne] and myself took a Ride almost to the fullLength of Staten Island opposite to Amboy in New Jersey, which wasabout half a mile distant. It was a charming cool Day, having rained inthe morning, and the Sun being defended by Clouds, which rendered theScenes, beautiful as they were in themselves, doubly delightfulSerle, p. 65.

August 17.

Bamford: 17. [August, 1776.] Sa. a good deal of rain last ntshowers this mg N. W. IX soaking rain p. 309.

4th Battalion Grenadiers (42nd & 71st) Battalion Orders:The Officers to send their heavy Baggage on board of ship tomorrowmorng by the Provisn Waggons Peebles Orderly Book.

August 18.

Bamford: 18 [August, 1776.] Su. heavy rain all last Nt very wet

Mg N. E Bamford, p. 310.

August 19.

Bamford: 19 [August, 1776.] M[onday]. wet last nt wet mg X [10oclock] ceasd raining aftn pleasant. A comy of ye Hessian Troopsencampd close by our Quarters, we removd Bamford, p. 309.

Ensign Thomas Glyn, Brigade of Guards:Brigade Orders August 19th [1776.]When the Brigade disembarks two Gils of Rum to be delivered for

each mans Canteen which must be filled with Water, Each Man todisembark with a Blanket & Haversack in which he is to carry one Shirtone pair of Socks and Three Days Provisions a careful Man to be left onboard each Ship to take care of the Knapsacks. The Articles of War tobe read to the Men by an Officer of each Ship. Glyn, p. 7.

August 20.

Bamford:Memdms 20th [August, 1776.] The Troops marchd from their severalcantonments & Encampmts & embarkd on board their ships.

Remarks 20 [August, 1776.] Tu[esday]. This mg at IV The 8 Comps ofthe 40th Regt marchd from their cantonemts to the Landing place &embarkd on board ye Wm & Mary. Bamford, p. 309-10.

[The format of Bamfords diary is that he makes a daily

memorandum and at the end of each week adds any remarks. SR.]

Glyn:Dacres Ferry Staten Island August 20th...The Army will land in four Divisions...the 2d Division to

consist of the 1st. 2d. and third Brigades of British, under theCommand of Majr General Robertson, Major General Pigot & Major GeneralJones...

...when the Troops land they are to carry nothing with them buttheir Arms Ammunition Blankets and 3 days Provisions. Glyn, p. 7.


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Sullivan:-Aug.- 20th. Our -Brigade- was relieved at their Cantoonments

about the -New-blazing Star, by a detachment of the -Hessians,- underthe command of Colonel -Dalrymple- of said -Corps.- The troops at Amboyand -old blazing Star Ferries,- were also relieved by other Detachmentsof the same Troops.

We marched from our Cantoonments aforesaid to the landing placeat -Princes-Bay,- where the whole Army -Embarked.- Each Regiment(except the Highlanders and Guards)[*] had but one Transport; on boardof which was all their Camp -Equipage- and other -Necessaries.-Sullivan, p. 47.

[*Due to being large Corps. SR.]

August 21.

Bamford:Memdms 21 [August, 1776.] W[ednesday]. Rain last nt pleasant mglittle wind

Remarks 21. [August, 1776.] The embarkation was finishd & the orderof Landing given out. Bamford, p. 309-10.

Long Island.The British under Howe crossed from Staten Island to Long Island onAugust 22.

August 22.

Bamford: Remarks 22. [August, 1776.] The Army landed on LongIsland about IX [9 oclock] this Mg without opposition the Lt Infantrypushd into the Country & got as far as flat Bush about 6 miles fromthe landing Place Bamford, p. 310.

Sullivan:-Aug. 22d. After our being on board ship a day & two nights,

waiting for the weather, which was wet, to clear up; the whole Army gotready for landing on -Long-Island- And the whole Army landed then in abody, without opposition, on the -South-East- end of -Long-Island, at aplace called -Gravesend,- near the -Narras.- Sullivan, p. 48.

Glyn:August 22dThe Army landed on Long Island without Opposition from the

Rebels. we marched to New Utrecht Glyn, p. 8.

Baurmeister: General Howe took quarters at Gravesend, one English mile

from the place of debarkation, and there the entire English infantryencamped without tents. All the grenadiers, the jgers, the ScottishHighlanders, and the light dragoons, however, moved further inland,through New Utrecht to Flatbush. Baurmeister, p. 36.

General Orders:Head Quarters New Utrecht

Long Island 22nd. August 1776Each Regiment is to send early to morrow for their Tents, Camp

kettles & Knapsacks. The Qr. Mastr. General will endeavour to furnish


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Waggons to convey them from the Waterside, & it is hoped that Officerswill bring as little Baggage on Shore as possible, & for some time makeuse of Soldiers tents, or fly Tents. Howe Orderly Book.

Captain William Haslewood, 63rd Regiment of Foot:The Troops without opposition landed landed on -Long Island.- 21st.[sic - 22nd] August. marched a few Miles up the Country and encamped inSoldiers Tents. Haslewood, p. 55.

Lieutenant Martin Hunter, Light Infantry Company, 52nd Regiment ofFoot, summarized the period dince the first landing on Staten Island:...The fleet sailed for New York with the army on board, arrived atStaten Island, and disembarked without any opposition; encamped, andcontinued in barns for about six weeks, waiting the arrival of someregiments from England. The army embarked in flat-bottomed boats, andlanded in Long Island, near to Flat Bush, and encamped. The enemy werein great force, and strongly entrenched at Brooklyn, on the pointopposite to New York. We remained encamped at Flat Bush and Newtown forfour days Hunter, p. 16.

August 23.

Bamford: Memdms 23 [August, 1776.] F. pleasant Mg LandingArtillery, Stores, &ca Bamford, p. 310.

August 24.

Bamford: Memdms 24 [August, 1776.] Sa. Warm Mg some rain lastNt Bamford, p. 310.

General Orders:Head Quarters New Utrecht, on

Long Island 24th Augst. 1776Those Corps that have landed more Tents than they have present

occasion for are to Embark them again immediately. The Light Infantryare not to have Tents as they may expect to be in constant motion.Howe Orderly Book.

August 25.

Bamford: Memdms 25. [August, 1776.] Su. very heavy rain lastnt dull Mg W Bamford, p. 310.

August 26.

Bamford:Memdms 26. [August, 1776.] M. Much Lightning & Thunder last nt.

gloomy day.Marchd from ye Ferry Cantonmts about IX this Eveg Bamford, p.

310.

General Orders:Head Quarters Long Island

26th August 1776After Orders 5 OClock

The Army will strike their Tents and land their Baggage, at 8OClock this night, to form at the head of their respective


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Encampments, and there wait for further orders. The Men to carry theirCanteens, Camp Kettles, Provisions & necessarys with them. No more thantwo Waggons can be allowed to each Regt. for their Tents & Baggage.Howe Orderly Book.

Hunter:We marched on the night of the 26th August 1776; made a circuitousroute to get in the rear of enemy, that were encamped in our frontabout a mile, on very stony ground. We left our tents standing todeceive the enemy... Hunter, p. 16.

August 27.Battle of Long Island.

Bamford: Memdms. 27. [August, 1776.] Tu. fine mg Bamford, p. 310.

Captain the Honourable William Leslie, 17th Regiment of Foot, to hisparents:Bedford Long Island Sept. 2nd 1776On 22nd August the whole army except 3,000 Hessians who were left to

defend Staten Island made a descent upon Long Island in Flat Boats &landed on the South Side without opposition, encamped at Denises,Gravesend, Utrecht, &c.

On the 26th our Brigade (viz the 4th) commanded by Major Gen. Grant &the Brigade on our Right (the 6th) commanded by B. Gen. Agnew receivedOrders to be in readiness to march at night in one Division, we marchedat ten oclock from Denises

The Day after their Retreat we had orders to march to the ground weare now encamped upon, near the Village of Bedford: It is now afortnight we have lain upon the ground wrapt in our Blankets, and thankGod who supports us when we stand most in need, I have never enjoyedbetter health in my Life. My whole stock consists of two shirts 2 pr ofshoes, 2 Handkerchiefs half of which I use, the other half I carry inmy Blanket, like a Pedlars Pack. Cohen, p. 60-63.

[Leslie suggests that the camp and the kit he describes hadprevailed for a fortnight, or since about September 20, two daysbefore the landing on Long Island. SR.]

August 28.

Bamford: Memdms 28. [August, 1776.] W. very pleasant Mg aftnrain Bamford, p. 310.

August 29.

Bamford: 29. [August, 1776.] Th. gloomy Mg Bamford, p. 311.

August 30.

Glyn:August 30thWe marched from Bedford, took possession of the Forts evacuated

by the Enemy, returned to Bedford, struck Tents, laid on our Arms onNew Town Heights all Night. Glyn, p. 8.


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August 31.

A letter from an unknown Officer with the initials R. G. in thepapers of the Earl of Huntingdon:

1776. Aug. 31. Long Island. -I am writing in my tent almost full of water owing to a very heavythunderstorm. I have not my large tent with me, and therefore have notbeen able to pull off my clothes this week or ten days, but I was neverbetter in my life. It is not very trifling what the whole armyundergoes from want of carriages and fresh provisions. They arelikewise very much worked by marches, and, what is worse, there is adreadful want of water in this part of the island. I never saw an armybetter inclined to make all things easy to the general and more zealousto the cause. HMC, Rawdon-Hastings, III, p. 180-81.

September 1.

Bamford: 1 [September, 1776.] Su. hot mg Bamford, p. 312.

September 2.

Bamford: 2 [September, 1776.] M. hot day Bamford, p. 312.

Major of Brigade Edmund Stevens (Brigade of Guards, ColdstreamRegiment) to [Marquess of Granby].

1776, September 2. Camp near Hellgate, on Long Island.I am only in a fly tent, and have neither bed, chair, or table;

therefore excuse this scrawl, for I have scribbled it upon my knee."HMC, Rutland, p. 6.

September 3.

Bamford: 3. [September, 1776.] Tu. hot day, several cannonfird this Mg Bamford, p. 312.

Major the Hon. Charles Stuart, 4th Battalion HighlandGrenadiers (42nd & 71st), to his father, Lord Bute:Newtown Camp, Sept 3, 1776

I am sure, my dearest Father, you will excuse the hurried mannerin which this letter is wrote. I live in a soldiers tent; the groundis my table. Stuart-Wortley, p. 85.

September 4.

Bamford: 4. [September, 1776.] W. hot day, wd cannonading onboth sides. Bamford, p. 312.

September 5.

Bamford: 5. [September, 1776.] Th. pleasant cool Mg Bamford,p. 312.

September 6.

Bamford: 6. [September, 1776.] F. cool Mg very little firingthis day Bamford, p. 312.


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September 7.

Bamford: 7 [September, 1776.] Sa. some rain last nt small thickrain this mg aftn fair & cool. Bamford, p. 312.

A letter from a Hessian Chaplain:Brookland, near New York, Sept 7, 1776...I have put up some posts in the ground and laid a board on it

for a desk, upon which I will write... Schlzer, p. 185.

September 14.

General Orders:Head Quarters Newtown

14th September 1776After Orders 5 OClockThe Brigades encamped in the Environs of Newtown, will strike

their Tents at two in the morning. The Tents & baggage to be put up inthe regimental Waggons, & left upon their Ground with a small Guard

from each Regt. The Corps will form at the Head of their respectiveEncampments, having their Blankets & two days Provisions as formerlydirected & there wait for further Orders. Howe Orderly Book.

New York Island.

The British Army landed at Kipps Bay on September 15.

Bamford:Memdms 15. [September, 1776.] Su. very hot day. landed on N. YorkIsld without opposition. lay on our Arms this night Bamford, p. 9.

Glyn:Sepber 15th

We struck Tents at one this Morning, marched to BrunswickInlet Glyn, p. 9.

Sullivan:-Sept. 15th

Our Brigade -i.e.- the 2d, took post on the heights near -Kipps Bay,-where we remained under the walls all night. Sullivan, p. 55.

Mackenzie,15th. Septr. [1776.] Orders were given last night for the fourbrigades encamped in the Environs of Newtown, to strike their tents at2 oclock this morning, load their baggage, form at the head of theirEncampments, with their blankets and two days provisions, and wait for

orders. Some other preparatory movements were also ordered andexecuted. Mackenzie, p. 46.

Stuart:Blomindel Heights Camp, Sept. 26, 1776

The enemy made a show of giving us battle several times as theyretreated; we lay on our arms that night. Stuart, p. 86.

Captain George Harris of the Grenadier Company, 5th Regiment of Footwrote in undated letters, probably in early autumn, of the landing on


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New York Island:

To his cousin, he wrote:At last, my dear Bess, the wish of my heart is fully

accomplished. You have so often heard me regret having been so long inthe military line without seeing the army is a state of active service.I am happy to say that I was never better in my life--marching all dayunder a scorching sun, and laying my length at night on my motherearth, with only a blanket to cover me,-- instead of spoiling, improvesmy appearance. Every one compliments me on my looks. As for Tom, helooked very well when I saw him about a week ago, since when our corpshas been moving so quick, that I have not been able to hear of him.

We have had what some call a battle, [Long Island.] but if itdeserves that name, it was the pleasantest I ever heard of, as we hadnot received more than a dozen shot from the enemy, when they ran awaywith the utmost precipitation. You may imagine the eagerness of ourbrave fellows. We have cleared Long Island, and I think, in a day ortwo, shall be on the continent. The contents of this letter are to becommunicated to Marlborough Street, as I cannot find time to write morethan once in our present state of hurry. The paper I write on was once

the property of an American, at least so I suppose, as it was broughtto me by my corporal.

My mother, I fear, will give me a thousand scolds for not beingmore particular as to the state of my head; but I have not words ortime to say how well it has been ever since I landed--not the leastsigns of headach, or annoyance of any kind, notwithstanding the manyduckings we have had, often without a rag to change--at best, nevermore than one.

Colonel Medows is my commanding officer, and this I consider oneof the pleasantest things that ever happened to me. We sleep togetherin a soldiers tent, which, when well littered down with straw, weconsider quite a luxury. He led us on to action in the most gallantmanner; and I am convinced that if General Howe had made a sign for usto follow the Americans into their works, we should have done it.Thanks to the Generals prudence, we have effected this object withoutthe loss of the many brave fellows who must have fallen in the attempt.My present situation must excuse my not writing to my sisters. Theywill be glad to hear I am in excellent health and spirits. Adieu,

Ever yours, affectionately,George Harris. Lushington, p. 73-75.

To his uncle, Harris wrote:After landing on York Island, we drove the Americans into their

works beyond the eighth mile-stone from New York, and thus gotpossession of the best half of the island. We took post opposite tothem, placed our picquets, borrowed a sheep, ate some of it, and thenwent to sleep on a gate, which we took the liberty of throwing off its

hinges, covering our feet with an American tent, for which we shouldhave cut poles and pitched, had it not been so dark. Wilkin, p. 185-86.

Of encamping without tents in this season, Harris wrote:Give me such living as we enjoy at present, such a hut and suchcompany, and I would not care three farthings if we stayed all thewinter, for though the mornings and evenings are cold, yet the sun isso hot as to oblige me to put up a blanket as a screen. Wilkin, p.185-86.


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Frederick Mackenzie, Aid de Camp to Brigadier General Smith:15 Septr [1776, New York Island.]... The 5th Brigade, uponintelligence received that the Rebels had abandoned New York, was sentto take possession of it. Brigadier General Smith who Commanded the 5thbrigade and with whom I am, as Major of Brigade, began to move from the3 mile stone about 6 in the Evening, and began from thence to place thetroops in and near the houses along the Main road from thence to NewYork, and they were actually distributed in that manner, until part ofthe 22nd Regiment reached that part called the Bowery, which was notcompleted until 7 in the Evening he proceeded to put the Regimentsinto the houses and Barns on each side of the road from the 3 milestone, to within a short distance of a redoubt the enemy had made atthe North end of the Town called (as we afterwards found,) BunckersHill. He then went very quietly and took up his quarters at Mr.Elliots house, about 2 miles from New York. The consequence of thisdisposition was, that many of the Rebels who had not time to make theirescape by daylight, and concealed themselves in the town, finding theNorth River road unguarded, made their escape that way... Mackenzie,p. 49-50.[Mackenzie also notes his discontent with Brigadier General Smith, who

did not take his advice for the disposition of the troops. SR.]

September 16.Battle of Harlem Heights.

Captain William Bamford:Memdm 16. M. last nt very cold. cool Mg no tents a sharp skirmishbetween some of our Advancd Troops & the Rebels in ye Woods, we hadmany wounded very few killd. encamped near on ye Common. Bamford, p.9.

Captain George Harris:Before we started in the morning, our dinner, consisting of a

goose and piece of mutton, had been put on the fire. The moment wemarched, our domestic deposited the above-named delicacies on a chaiseand followed us with it to our ground. When the fight was over, heagain hung the goose to the fire, but the poor bird had been scarcelyhalf done, when we were ordered to return to our station. There weagain commenced cooking, and, though without dish, plate, or knife, didample justice to our fare, which we washed down with bad rum and water,and then composed ourselves to rest on our friendly gate. Our baggagejoined us next day. Wilkin, p. 187.

General Orders:Head Quarters New York Island 16th September 1776

The Camp Equipage of the Army is to be got over as soon aspossible. Howe Orderly Book.

September 17.

Much of the army remained without baggage or tents. On this daywe find the revival of the word wigwam to describe an improvisedbrush shelter.

Captain William Bamford, 40th Regiment of Foot:Memdms 17 Tu. [September, 1776.] Very wet mg. p. m. Cleared No tents,built wigwams Bamford, p. 9.


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Frederick Mackenzie:17th. Sept. [1776.] The Camp Equipage and Baggage of the Army has notyet been brought over from Long Island, owing to the difficulty oftransporting so many Waggons and horses. Most of the troops thereforeremains without tents, but they have made wigwams or other shelter forthemselves. Some Corps lie in Barns which are near their posts.Mackenzie, p. 52.

[The term wigwam was used by the British during the French andIndian War to describe improvised huts of brush. This term, along withtomahawk for hatchet and a few other similar cases, re-appear duringthe American Revolution. SR.]

Captain Harris was reunited with his baggage. That of Captain Lister ofthe Brigade of Guards however, was lost in the shuffle, as wasannounced in a memorandum inserted in orders of September 17:

Lost a Vallice containing a Round Tent & Markee & Bag containg twocamp chairs a bag containg a Camp Table all of them markd Capt

Cavendish Lister of the Guards whoever has them to give Notice at GenlMathews Qrs Peebles Orderly Book.

[This notice does not appear in General Orders to the army;the Grenadiers and the Guards may have been in adjacent positions atthis time. SR.]

September 18.

Bamford:Memdms 18. W. hot sun. got our Tents.

Moved our Encampmt about _ mile to the Front very rough Ground.much Labour to clear it. Bamford, p. 9.

September 23.Howe issued a regulation for Carriages (Wagons) and Horses for

the army.

September 26.

Bamford. 26. Th. [September, 1776.] got my small Portmantuafrom on board ye Wm & Mary. Bamford, p. 11.

[The previous time Captain Bamford had mentioned the William &Mary was on August 20. SR.]

October 1.

Bamford: 1 Tu. Yesterday appointed Town Major of New York

Several Regts 4th Brigade changd their encampment. came todwell in New York Bamford, p. 12.

[Bamford took up residence in New York; therefore, he gives nofurther useful information about field operations or the weather. SR.]

October 3.

General Orders:Head Quarters New York Island3rd. October 1776


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The Commanding Officers of Regts. are to apply to the BarrackMastr. Genl. for Store houses in New York, that they may be able toland their Cloathing & Regimental Baggage from their respectiveTransports. Howe Orderly Book.

October 7.Part of the army began to establish encampments.

Sullivan:-October 7th.- [1776.] The 2d. and 6th. -Brigades- British and

three Battallions of -Hessians,- under the Command of Lieut. General-De Hester,- struck their Camp at the aforesaid Common, marched to theCity of -New-York,- where we crossed the Ferry in Flat Bottomed boats,and landed at -Brooklyn- in -Long Island.- At 5 oclock in the eveningwe pitched our tents at -Bedford;- and next morning at day break, the-General- was beat, which was the first time I heard it beat in-America; we marched forward to the Town of -Jamaica,- where weencamped close to the town. Sullivan, p. 59.

October 11.

Stirke:[1776, October] 11th The Light Infantry, Grenadiers and part of

the Army, embarkd in flat Boats, at turtle bay about 11 OClock atnight; and remaind in they boats, till morning. Stirke, p. 160.

General Orders:Head Quarters, New York Island, 11th. Oct., 1776The Troops that are under Orders for march, will strike their Tents atSix this Evening, and put their Baggage on board, and be ready to moveimmediately. Kemble, p. 387.

October 14.

An advertisement for lost baggage in the New York Gazette & WeeklyMercury. Monday, 14 October, 1776:LOST Last Monday the 7th Instant when the troops went to Long Island,an unpainted VALEECE, containing an Officers Tent and Marquee, of theLXIV Regiment; the Marquee is painted black and red. Whoever has foundit, and will give notice to the Regiment where it may be had, shall behandsomely rewarded. New York Gazette & Weekly Mercury. Monday, 14October, 1776. NWTA Courier. Submitted by Steve Gilbert.

General Orders:Head Quarters, Frogs Neck 14th. Oct., 1776.

The Commanding Officers of Corps will apply to the Quarter MasterGeneral for Sloops to Embark their Baggage on board of, to be ready at

the shortest Notice

After Orders, half past 5 oClock...Any heavy Baggage remaining with the Regiment is to be sent to

morrow by break of day to Stevens's Point, Frogs Neck, and put onboard the Vessels allotted them. Should there be occasion for Boats,they will be Provided there. Thirty Fascines to be made by eachRegiment immediately.All the Waggons to be sent to Head Quarters, as soon as they have takenthe baggage of their respective Regiments to the Shore. Kemble, p.


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387-88.

October 16.

John Peebles:Octr. 16th., 1776 N.B. Marchd in the Night on order to Embark

but it raind hard & the Troops returnd to their Ground. Kemble, p.58.

General Orders:Head Quarters, Frogs Neck, 16th. Oct., 1776

After Orders, 5 oClock.The Army being immediately to march against the Enemy. The

Light Infantry, Chasseurs, Brigade of British Grenadiers, and Brigadeof Hessian Grenadiers are to strike their Tents and Load their Waggonsat twelve to-night, and march at One. Capt. Bruen, Deputy Quarter-Master General, will conduct them p. 390-91.

The 33rd. and 43rd. Regiments, Rogerss Corps, Grants New YorkCompanies, Brigade of Guards, 1st. Brigade of British, 71st. Regiment,

and Hessian Brigade are to strike their tents at 3 oClock, load theirWaggons, and be in readiness to march immediately. A Deputy QuarterMaster General will conduct themOne Waggon will be allowed to each Regiment, to carry the Mens Tents;they are to assemble, when loaded, on the Common in the rear of theWelsh Fusileers. p. 391.

October 17.

Stirke:[1776 October] 17th The Lt Infantry, Grenadiers, and one Brigade,with a body of Hessians; marchd at 1 OClock but the morning settingin with very heavy rain, and high wind; obligd us to return to ourQuarters, at 1 / 2 after 3 OClock. Stirke, p. 160.

General Orders:Head Quarters, Frogs Neck, 17th. Oct., 1776.

The Troops under Order to march this Morning at One; will striketheir Tents to-morrow at One oClock, and be in readiness to Marchimmediately. Those ordered to strike at 3 this Morning will striketheir Tents at 3 to-morrow morning, and be in Readiness to marchimmediately. Kemble, p. 392.

October 18.

Peebles:Octr. 18th. the army marchd early in the morng Peebles, p. 58.

Glyn:Oct 18th

The Army landed at Pells Point on the Continent of North America Weencamped at Pelhams Manor near the Connecticut Road. Glyn, p. 12.

Sullivan:-Oct. 18th.- At 1 oclock in the morning the -Light infantry-

and -Grenadiers- struck their camp, and ye 1st. Brigade and RoyalHighlanders at 3 oclock and at six reimbarked in the boats, and


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passing around -Frog Neck,- land on -Pells Point,- at the mouth of-Hutchinsons River,- which joins the main-Land. The -Brigade ofGuards- and the -Hessians- landed at the same place at 8 oclock, afterwhich, they advanced immediately, and laid that night upon their arms,with the left upon the Creek opposite to -Eastchester,- and the rightnear to -Rochelle.- Sullivan, p. 62.

Gideon Delaplace Scull, editor of the letters of Captain WilliamGlanville Evelyn of the 4th Regiment of Foot, who was mortally woundedin the skirmish at Throgs Neck near New York on October 18 1776, noteda letter by American Colonel John Glover wherein:

...a soldier of Colonel Shepherds leaped over the wall and took a hatand a canteen off a Captain that lay dead on the ground they retreatedfrom. Evelyn, p. 11, citing Letter of Colonel Glover, Oct. 22, 1776.

Apparently some British Officers carried their own canteens.Among a selection of items suitable for Officers shipped aboard thecaptured ship Peggy are entries for camp kettles, spoons,candlesticks and canteens:

Invoice of Sundrys Shipt on board the Ship Peggy James Kennedy MasterNewyork or Head quarters of the Royal Army in America by Patrick[Read?] on [illegible, possibly account] of James Wilson[?]

Hallifax Nova Scotia 28 June 17765 doz. Cantenes 6/ - 1[L.] 10[s.]

-Library of Congress, George Washington Papers Series 6. James WilsonJr. & Company June 28, 1776, Shipping Invoice for British Army Stores.

[We should also note that there was also a form of trunk forOfficers known as a Canteen but in this case due to these items beingonly sixpence each, it is likely that they are tin water bottles. SR.]

October 21.

General Orders:Head Quarters, Pelham Manor, 21st. Oct., 1776.6 in the Morning.The Tents to be struck at 7 oClock this Morning, and the Troops

to be in Readiness to march by the Right, in the following OrderKemble, p. 393.

[Orders issued in the morning as Morning Orders were generallyfor execution during the current day. SR.]

October 24.

General Orders:

Head Quarters, New Rochelle, 24th. Oct., 1776After Orders, 9 oClock at Night.

Tents to be struck to-morrow morning at 6 oClock; the Baggage to beLoaded, and the Army to be ready to march at Seven, in two Columns bythe rightThe Baggage to follow the Columns, respectively, according to the Lineof March. The General Officers Baggage at the Head, and to follow theArtillery Ammunition Waggons. Kemble, p. 396.

October 25.


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Glyn:Head Quarters New Rochelle Oct 26thThe Army to strike their Tents at six this Morning & march

immediately, we encamped opposite to a Corps of the enemy having theBrunx River between us near Miles Square. Glyn, p. 12.

October 27.

General Orders:Head Quarters, Wards House, near the Brunx, 27th. Oct., 1776

The Army to strike their Tents to-morrow morning at five, Load theirwaggons, and be in readiness to march at Six in two Columns by theRightThe Baggage, in one Column, will follow, in Line of march, the LeftColumn, in the Order the Troops are at present encamped. The Cavalrywill march in the Front and Rear of each Column in Equal Divisions.Kemble, p. 397-98.

October 28.

Battle of White Plains.

Glyn:Oct 28thThe Army struck Tents this Morning & marched in two Columns (Lt

General Clinton commanding the right and Lt General Heister the Left)Glyn, p. 13.

Major Carl von Baurmeister, concluding his description of theBattle of White Plains:the whole army remained in the fields without tents throughout thenight. Baurmeister, p. 65.

Also known as the Kingsbridge action. The father of LieutenantWilliam Hale relates the action:They dined together very heartily during the fire, but lay on theirarms all night Wilkin, p. 215-16.

Sullivan:...The Right and Center of our Army did not remove from their ground.In this position we lay on our Arms all night, and with very littlealteration Encamped next day Sullivan, p. 71.

October 29.

Baurmeister:The baggage and tents finally arrived on the 29th. On this day each

corps transported its wounded to Rochelle Baurmeister, p. 65.

October 30.

Sullivan:-October 30th.- Those Battalions [4th Brigade and two of the

6th.] having joined in the afternoon, of this Day, a disposition wasmade for the attack next day; but the Night and next morning provingvery wet it was postponed. Sullivan, p. 74.


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General Orders:Head Quarters, White Plain Camp, 30th. Oct., 1776After Orders, 10 oClock at Night.

The Army to be under Arms at 5 oClock in the morning withoutstriking their Tents, and wait for further Orders. Kemble, p. 399.

October 31st.

Stirke:[1776, October] 31st This morning the Army was in motion at 5

OClock, in order to Attack the Rebels, and drive them from they Hillsthe[y] are in possession of, opposite our encampment; but the morningproving very Wet, we returnd to our Ground, about 7 OClock. p. 162.

General Orders:Head Quarters, White Plain Camp, 31st. Oct., 1776.

The Army to be in readiness to move upon the shortest notice.p. 399.

November 1.

Glyn:Novembr 1stThe Army were suddenly ordered under Arms at one this Morning

and marched. We were to have attacked the Enemy in three Columns butthey retreated in the Night towards Croton Bridge and North Castledistrict. The Morning was so rainy & the Ground so slippery We hadgreat difficulty in moving our Battalion Guns, returned to ourEncampment and remained under Arms till Sun Set. Glyn, p. 13.

American General William Heath:November 1st. [1776.] The British made no other attempt on theAmericans, while they remained at White Plains. The two armies laylooking at each other, and within long cannon shot. In the night time,the British lighted up a vast number of fires, the weather growingpretty cold. These fires, some on the level ground, some at the foot ofthe hills, and at all distances to their brows, some of which werelofty, seemed to the eye to mix with the stars, and to be of differentmagnitudes. The American side, doubtless, exhibited to them a similarappearance. Heath, p. 73.

November 4.

Baurmeister:On the 4th [November, 1776.] General Grants brigade and most of theheavy artillery left the army and proceeded to Valentines Hill. Thisbrigade had left Long Island on the 30th of October, embarked at Turtle

Bay, and going by way of Rochelle, joined the army at nine oclock onthe 31st. Baurmeister, p. 67.

General Orders:Head Quarters, White Plain Camp, 4th. Nov., 1776.The Army to strike their Tents, load their Waggons, and be inreadiness to march to-morrow morning at daybreak, Kemble, p. 402.

November 5.


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Baurmeister:On the 5th the entire army marched toward the North River to encamp atDobbs Ferry, where it did not arrive until ten oclock in the morningof the 6th, for the baggage, which had preceded the columns, could makebut little headway. The mountains were endless - all the worse for thetwo-horse wagons, which were the only kind we had. Not a single rebeldared approach our rear guard. Baurmeister, p. 67.

John Peebles:Novr. 5th. 1776 The army was put in motion early in the morng. fromthe left, & marched to the Southward, but owing to the great quantityof heavy loaded waggons & a rough Country they made but slow progress;in the afternoon the Rear of the army made several movemts. on the Hillwhere the action of the 28th Octr. was & that to the left of it, theEnemy opposite watching our motions. we lay on our arms on these hillsall night owing I suppose to the impediment of the Baggage & front ofthe army met with on the road, the night very cold & no covering.Peebles, p. 60.

Glyn:

Novber 5thThe Army marched at twelve at Noon to the Tarry Town Road; lay

on our Arms all night marched the next morning at Day break to DobbsFerrey on the North River. Glyn, p. 14.

November 6.

Sullivan:-Nov. 6th.- Encamped at -Dobbs-Ferry,- 25 miles from -New

York.-The 2d. -Brigade -marched higher up, and the 28th. and 49th.

Battallions, with some Companies of -Light Infantry- and a Field Piece,occupied the Steep Hills, in order to watch the -Enemys- motions, andcover the Right Flank of the Army: We lay upon our Arms that night in afield of Indian Corn, and next day joined the Army at -Dobbs-Ferry.-Sullivan, p. 75.

John Peebles:Novr. 6th. we that remaind on the ground last night marchd

pretty early in the morng down the east side of the Brunse for 4 or 5miles then turnd short to the right & marched across a hilly roughCountry for 5 or 6 miles to the north River at Dobbs ferry where theArmy Encamped, on deversifyed ground along the East side of the River,the prettiest Encampment we had yet the Encampment beautiful at nightwith the number of fires. p. 60-61. Peebles, p. 60-61.

General Orders:

Head Quarters, North River, Dobbs Ferry, 6th. Nov., 1776.The Commander in Chief is extremely disappointed to find, that

notwithstanding the repeated orders upon the subject of Baggage, theWaggons are still so overloaded as to make [it] almost impossible tomove them through this strong Country.

He once more Recommends to the Commanding Officers of Corps theAbsolute Necessity of their examining the Baggage that is put upon theWaggons, otherwise the several movements of the Army must be totallyimpeded, or great part of the Baggage fall into the Enemies hands.Kemble, p. 403.


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November 7.

General Orders:Head Quarters, North River, Dobbs Ferry, Nov. 7th., 1776A Regimental Quarter Master to be appointed in each Brigade tosuperintend the march of the Baggage, who will report to the OfficerCommanding his Brigade whatever he may judge may retard the march ofthe Baggage. Kemble, p. 404.

November 9.The father of Lieutenant William Hale of the Grenadier Company, 45thRegiment of Foot, noted in a letter to a friend, that his son was well,and encamped:

This morning I received yours, and the same post brought us aletter from William, with two dates, one the 30th of Oct., the other9th of Nov., giving an account of the action of Kings Bridge he says hewrites it under his marquee, is in good health and spirits... Wilkin,p. 215; citing Exeter, 22nd of Dec., 1776.

November 11.

General Orders:Head Quarters, North River, Dobbs Ferry, Nov. 11th., 1776.

The Tents to be struck, the Waggons loaded, and the Army to bein readiness to move by break of Day to-morrow. Kemble, p. 405.

After orders, 7 at Night.Should the morning prove Rainy, the Tents are not to be struck,

nor the Waggons loaded, till further Orders. Kemble, p. 406.[After Orders were generally an addition to the General Orders

for execution the next day. SR.]

November 12.

Glyn:November 12thThe Army and Baggage Marched this Morning and encamped near

Courtland Mannor. Glyn, p. 15.

John Peebles:Nov. 12th. The army put in motion early in the morng. which was clear& cold, but the arrangement of the Baggage & accidents happening to yeWaggons retarded us much in the forepart of the day. We left the Columnmarchd the road we came from White plains as far as the Saw MillBridge which is about 1 1/2 miles, then turnd short to the right &

marched along the East bank of sd. River (in a fine Valley with highground on each side) for 6 or 7 miles when we halted at a very goodhouse, took our Tents &ca. out of the waggons & carried them 3 or 4miles, thro bad road & a narrow pass which had been stopd with a worklately made, Encampd on good ground within a few miles of Kings Bridgebut dont know what name they gave it, almost dark when we got to ourground & the waggons did not arrive for 3 hours after. Peebles, p. 61.

General Orders:Head Quarters, North River, Dobbs Ferry, Nov. 12th., 1776.


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The Army and Baggage to march in the same Order as directed for thisday, by break of day tomorrow. Kemble, p. 407.

November 13.

Glyn:Head Quarters Courtland Mannor Novber 13thThe Army struck Tents at Day break, marched, and encamped near

Kingsbridge. Glyn, p. 15.

General Orders:Head Quarters, Mr. Courtlands, Nov. 13th., 1776

The Men to carry their Tent Poles, and not to put them on theWaggons. Kemble, p. 407-08.

November 15.

Glyn:Head Quarters DeLanceys Mills Novber 15th

The Light Infantry and Brigade of Guards to be under Arms at

four oclock to morrow Morning with their Blankets and one DaysProvision leaving their Camp standing; Guides will atend to conductthem... Glyn, p. 15.

November 16.Attack on Fort Washington.

Glyn:November 16thThe Light Infantry & Brigade of Guards under Brigadier Genl

Mathew marched at five embarked in the flat Bottom Boats at KingsbridgeCreek, as soon as the tide served this Corps fell down to the place oflanding Glyn, p. 16.

John Peebles:Novr. 16th. 1776.] Attack of Fort Washington

Most of the Troops returned to their former ground that night a gooddeal fatigued. Peebles, p. 62-64.

November 17.

[Check General Orders of the 17th.]

John Peebles:Novr. 17th. [1776.] fine wr. & a day of rest the 18th. we the 3d.Battn of Grenadrs. marchd to New York & Encampd on the Plains at theNorth end of the Town, some other Troops came there likewise - Things

getting ready for a Secret expedition. We remaind in this Camp about aweek & then Embarkd for the Lord knows where - Peebles, p. 64.

[Peebles refers to the occupation of Newport in December. SR.]

Captain Alexander Graydon of Cadwaladers (formerly Shees)Pennsylvania Battalion was taken prisoner during the battle of FortWashington. In the following days Graydon was passed through thecustody of several British Officers and escorts during his march to NewYork. In his memoir of that time, he writes:


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...we, in front, were escorted by a Captain Warren, a youngirishman of the Inniskillen regiment. He was not uncourteous ordisobliging; and was extremely prompt in attending to the want ofdrink, which sometimes occurred upon the road, on these occasions,offering the contents of his canteen to mix with the water that wasbrought us. Graydon, p. 221.

[The canteen was -possibly- of the pack type, but more likelya Soldiers canteen. Graydon does mention several British Officers whowere mounted, but makes no reference to Captain Warren or any of theseries of Officers on prisoner escort duty being on horseback.Therefore it seems less likely that the canteen was bulky or heavy.SR.]

November 19.

General Orders:Head Quarters, De Lanceys Mill, Nov. 19th., 1776.

The following Corps are to strike their tents, load theirWaggons and be in Readiness to march, with their Blankets and

Provisions, this Night at 9 oClock Kemble, p. 411.

Glyn:Head Quarters Delanseys Mills Novber 19thThe following Corps are to strike their Tents, load their

Waggons and be in readiness to march with their Blankets and Provisionsthis Night at nine oclock. Two Companies of Chasseurs 1st and 2ndBattalions of Light Infantry, 1st & 2nd Battns Grenadiers 33rd & 42ndRegiments, the Brigade of Guards, 100 Men of Rogers Corps without Arms,two Engineers with 12 Carpenters and three Guides they will receivetheir Orders from Lt Genl Earl Cornwallis.

These Corps were to attack Fort Lee in New Jersey which wasseparated from Fort Washington by the Hudson River. The first Divisionconsisting of the Light Infantry and Chasseurs embarked in the Boats atSpiting Devil, while the 2d Division marched & lay on their Arms nearPhilipses Farm by Tetards Hill. Glyn, p. 17.

New Jersey.Operations under Lord Cornwallis.

November 20.Taking of Forts Lee and Constitution.

Lieutenant Stirke:[1776, Nov.] 20th We landed in the Jerseys, after passing a verydisagreeable night in the Flat Boats, under a thick heavy Rain.Stirke, p. 164.

Stirke had been promoted to Lieutenant on November 18.

Glyn:November 20thwe found great Magazines, several pieces of Cannon, & very

convenient Block Houses for the protection of our troops, lay on ourArms all Night. Glyn, p. 17.

Sullivan:-Nov. 20th.-


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Lord -Cornwallis- with his Troops immediately began his march,and had not the enemy at -Fort Lee,- been apprised of his movingtowards them, by a Countryman, after he had proceeded a good distance,he would have surrounded two thousand men at the -Fort,- who escapedin the utmost confusion, leaving all their Artillery, and largeQuantities of Stores and provisions; their Tents standing, and Kettleswith Victuals boiling upon the FiresHis Lordship encamped that night near the -Fort,- making use of the-Enemys- Tents, huts and other Articles. Sullivan, p. 84.

[Glyn gives the impression that the troops laid out, whileSullivan suggests that they used available shelter; possibly the troopsused shelter or not according to where they were deployed. SR.]

November 21st.

General Orders:Head Quarters English Neighborhood New JerseyNovember 21stAll the Troops to encamp except the Grenadiers and Light

infantry as soon as their Camp Equipage shall arrive. Glyn, p. 18.

November 24.

Glyn:Head Quarters English Neighborhood New Jersey Novber 24thThe Brigade of guards to strike Tents to morrow Morning & be in

readiness to march. Glyn, p. 18.

November 25.

Glyn:November 25thWe marched at nine laid on our Arms all Night on the heights

beyond Hackinsack, having passed the Bergen Meadows. Glyn, p. 18.

Head Quarters Newbridge Novber 25thAfter OrdersThe Reserve to strike their Tents & be in readiness to march

precisely at four oclock to morrow Morning by the right.The Guards Hessian Grenadiers & chasseurs to be in readiness to

march at five oclock to morrow morning also the 1st & 2nd Battalions ofLight Infantry. Glyn, p. 18.

Baurmeister:On the 25th of November, the 4th Brigade went into camp at New Bridge,while the 2nd occupied the camp at English Neighborhood, which Colonel

von Donop had just evacuated to march to Hackensack. On the 26thGeneral Cornwallis forded the Passaic with his entire corps andremained during the night without tents near the village ofAckquackanonk, where the 4th Brigade under General Grant came up on the27th, which was a day of rest. Baurmeister, p. 72-73.

November 27.

Glyn:After Orders Novber 27th


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Tents to be struck and the Troops to be in readiness to march atnine oclock to morrow Morning. Glyn, p. 19.

November 28.

Baurmeister:On the 28th the corps set out to march again. The right column

under Colonel von Donop encamped in the Newark Mountains, while theleft column was marched to the Newark region by Lord Cornwallishimself. Not until the 28th did General von Mirbachs brigade, underthe command of Colonel Rall cross the North River under fort Knyphausenin boats and encamp at English Neighborhood in Jersey - without tents.Baurmeister, p. 73.

Glyn:Novber 28th [1776.]

We marched to Newark & were there cantoned, the Enemy hadevacuated it only in the Morning & had left their Quarters in greathaste; We found the Rooms in the Houses very unclean from the filth anddirt of the Rebel Troops. Glyn, p. 19.

November 29.

Baurmeister:On the 29th this [Mirbachs] brigade went into camp in

Hackensack. a town which extends four English miles along the highway.General Cornwallis also set out with his corps on this day and wentinto cantonment around Elizabethtown. One battalion of light infantryand the 1st Hessian Jger Company held outposts at Rahway, where on the30th the corps went into cantonment, extending to Woodbridge. One lightinfantry battalion was at Amboy, and another, together with the 2ndHessian Jger Company, was quartered at Connecticut Farms Meeting.Baurmeister, p. 73.

November 30.

Glyn:Newark Novber 30thBrigade OrdersThe Tents of the Brigade to be sent immediately to Elizabeth

Town under the escort of a Sejeant and 20 Private, who will return withthe Waggons this Night.A Quarter Master with the Camp Colour Men to go with this Baggage totake charge of it till delivered to the proper officer, who willtransport it to Staten Island. Glyn, p. 19.

Glyn:

Head Quarters Newark Novber 30thWe marched through Elizabeth Town to Raway and and at six in theEvening, we received orders to continue our March to Woodbridge, wherewe lay on our Arms all Night. Glyn, p. 19.

December 1.Taking up winter quarters in New Jersey:

Baurmeister:Colonel Rall was ordered to deposit all dispensable baggage on


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Staten Island and follow General Cornwalliss corps as far as Newark.Here Colonel Rall doubled his pickets when he learned that aconsiderable body of rebels under General Williamson was approaching.His patrols also brought in a prisoner, who had been attempting todrive away cattle.

On this same day General Howe went to Jersey and ordered theWaldeck Battalion to embark at the Kings Wharf in this city and sailto Amboy. General Stirns brigade was also garrisoned here, partly inbarracks and partly in uninhabited houses. The houses are provided withships mattresses, fireplaces, several benches, a common table in eachroom, kettles, and a few iron pots - certainly making rather poorquarters. While there is no shortage of wood, coal, light, andprovisions, there is a decided lack of the comfort which the soldierexpects, desires, and needs in winter quarters. Baurmeister, p. 74.

December 6.

Baurmeister:On the 6th Colonel Ralls brigade went into cantonment in

Elizabethtown and relieved two hundred English infantryman who joinedthe corps in Brunswick. Baurmeister, p. 74.

December 7.

Baurmeister:On the 7th Colonel Rall continued his march as far as

Maidenhead, leaving Lossbergs Regiment in Elizabethtown until theWaldeck Battalion should come to relieve it. At first Colonel Rall hadinstructions to march to Brunswick, but after he had started out hereceived orders to proceed to Maidenhead - a very fatiguing march oftwenty-six English miles. The regiments were compelled to spend twonights without quarters or tents though they finally sought shelter inscattered houses. Baurmeister, p. 74.

December 12.Glyn notes that Lord Cornwallis prepared for leave in England,

turning over command of the Crown forces in New Jersey to General Grant.

Winter Quarters, New Jersey, 1776-1777.Following the successful conclusion of the 1776 campaign, Howes

army settled town in New York, which the British would occupy for theremainder of the war. Operations continued in New Jersey however, andpart of the army, including much of the elite Grenadiers and LightInfantry, operated there until it was deemed safe to go into winterquarters.

Of this period, Captain Harris wrote:

We marched via Newbridge, Newark, and Elizabeth Town, to newBrunswick. So soon as winter quarters are settled, I depart for NewYork, where all my effects are in store, but where I most heartily wishthey had never gone, as they will, in all probability, be greatlydamaged. Wilkin, p. 190.

December 19.


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Lieutenant William Hale, Grenadier Company, 45th Regiment of Foot, tohis Father;Brunswick, New Jersey, Dec. 19th, 1776

General Grant, who at present commands in the Jerseys, will notpermit any of us to go to York, in consequence of which I have neitherbed nor baggage; my clothes are all on my back and I am obliged to wrapmy cloak and blanket around me while I get my rags mended; we have nobutter, wine or vegetables, though a Market is promised. A room isallotted me in this Town, with only three doors in it, papered and wellfurnished, eight Mahogany chairs, the bottoms compose my bed, a bookcase and tables are the principal ornaments... Wilkin, p. 219.

[Hale was deprived of his personal baggage, though he was reallyonly a stones throw from New York. He was forced to improvise a bed;perhaps by arranging the chairs front-to-front and tying them together- not very commodious, but better perhaps, than lying upon the floor.Several accounts by British Officers of this phase of the campaign notethe cramped quarters and the difficulty of obtaining supplies.]

[The notion of sleeping upon chairs was not unknown in civilian

circles. James Boswell, a guest on the Scottish Isle of Coll in 1773,wrote:

Monday 4 OctoberI have a mortal aversion at sleeping in the same bed with a man; and ayoung Highlander was always somewhat suspicious as to scorbuticsymptoms. I once thought of sleeping on chairs; but this would havebeen uncivil and disobliging to a young gentleman who had been verycivil and obliging to us. Upon inspection, as much as could be withoutobserving it, he seemed to be quite clean, and the bed was very broad.So I lay down peaceably, kept myself separated from him, and reposedtolerably. Boswell 1773, p. 254.

Boswell uses the term scorbutic as though it relates tocontagious scabies or the itch, while the term scorbutic is usuallyused to describe symptoms of scurvy, an unrelated nutritionaldeficiency. It was also not uncommon for guests to share a bed withanother, especially when traveling. SR.]

December 20.Sir William Howe to Lord George Germain.New York, Dec. 20, 1776...I cannot too much commend Lord Cornwalliss good services during

this campaign, and particularly the ability and conduct he displayed inthe pursuit of the enemy from Fort Lee to Trenton, a distance exceedingeighty miles, in which he was well supported by the ardour of hiscorps, who cheerfully quitted their tents and heavy baggage asimpediments to their march. Ross, I, p. 25.

1777.Ca. January 3.Lieutenant John Macdonald, 42nd (Royal Highland) Regiment of

Foot:Here it happened my turn to go with the baggage of the army to

Brunswick. The weather was very bad, with snow, frost, and sleetalternately. The road was still worse in returning with ammunition andprisoners, and the baggage horses being very ill-shod, and as ill-fed,it was the fourth day before we got back to Princetown, though


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constantly on duty. Here, finding the 42d with the bulk of the army hadmarched towards Trenton, I followed, and late at night found them nearthat place, and I had a little rest on a wisp of rotten hay. Nextmorning the army followed the rebels to Princetown; but proved too lateto save the 17th from a severe handling from a large body of them ontheir way to the Blue Mountains. But Lord Cornwallis, dreading thedanger of Brunswick; where so much valuable stores lay, marched withall expedition to save that place, from whence the 42d was detached toPiscataqua, and arrived there on the evening of the 3d January 1777;and I give the reader all this trouble to tell him that then I finishedmy eighty-two miles march with only one bad nights rest. p. 221.

Jan. 13.Lt. Col. William Harcourt, 16th Light Dragoons, to Earl

Harcourt.Brunswick, the 13th. Jan., 1777...With respect to your very kind offer, I have only to say that,

so far from wishing you to have the trouble of sending any thing fromEngland, I have not as yet been able to make use of any of the manycomforts which your generosity enabled me to furnish myself with. The

truth is, that the scrambling life we have hitherto led, theprobability of sometimes losing ones baggage, the continual /alerte/in which we have been for these last three weeks, and lastly, the wantof a good Cook, have hitherto made it impossible for me to keep atable, tho I shall soon hope to accomplish it. Scull, p. 229.

January 16.Lieutenant and Captain Thomas Dowdeswell to the Marquis of Rockingham,Rariton Landing, New Jersey, January 16, 1777:

The Army in the Jerseys, under Lord Cornwallis, is now inmiserable cantonments with their right to Amboy, & their left toBrunswick Six or seven officers with their Servants are obliged to layupon the Floor in the same Room for want of Quarters, nor have we hadour Cloathes off since the 31st of last Month.

The first thing our English Soldiers look for is Shoes. We aremuch in want of them, many of our men not being able to march with us,on that account. Dowdeswell, p. 133-36.

Febuary 12.In a retrospect of the 1776 campaigns, Captain William Dansey of

the Light Infantry Company, 33rd Regiment of Foot wrote:On board the Chambre, Amboy, February 17, 1777

You know I was determined when I left home to want for Nothing,and I have many very good things by me; but I can make no use of forhere. Two Shirts and other Necessaries just as a Soldier are enough for

any Officer under the rank of General. Dansey, July, 1951, p. 106.

Captain Sir James Murray of the Light Infantry Company, 57thRegiment of Foot wrote of winter quarters in the Jersies:

Amboy, N. JersiesFebry. 25th, 1777...

I have suffered an interruption of several days in myproceedings by a little excursion which I was under a necessity ofmaking to New Brunswick... I found our friends there living very


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comfortably 12 and 14 to a room... Murray, J, p. 42.

Ensign George Inman of the 17th Regiment of Foot wrote in hismemoir of field service during this time:

...The Season of the Year being severe, snow on the ground andfor Nights having no other Bed than hard frozen earth or Ice and noother covering than a cloak oftentimes induced me to Reflect on pasttimes when I used to sleep on soft downy Beds... Inman, p. 240.

Hunter:On our arrival at Brunswick we expected to have gone into

barracks with the Grenadiers, but we were very much disappointed. Themen were quartered in barns, and the officers of three Companies in oneroom, without anything to eat but salt pork, and half the battalionordered on piquet on a bleak hill without any cover but some paling andstraw made into a shed, a large fire at our feet - one side roasted andthe other frozen. I shall never forget it.

...indeed, the whole army for the greatest part of the winteralways turned out an hour before daybreak, and drew up in line in

expectation of being attacked. This was a most harassing winter for thetroops at Brunswick. They were on piquet every third night, andgenerally marched out five or six miles twice every week to coverforaging parties. The Light Infantry were in barns the whole winter,and twelve officers in a small room, lying upon straw, and a verygenteel Royalist family in an inner room, the only way out of which wasthrough ours. In this situation we remained for the winter. St. George,[Hunters fellow Lieutenant and close friend] -being a man of fortune,-built a room, with a fireplace, in the garret, where he and I intendedbeing very snug and comfortable, but never were two gentlemen moredisappointed, or more laughed at. We had got fresh straw for our beds,and made a fire in our little room; but when it began to burn the stinkwas so intolerable that we could not stay in it, and owing to the coldit was quite impossible to sleep in this room without fire, so we wereobliged to return to our former quarters, to the great entertainment ofeverybody. We could not imagine what had caused such a stink, but onexamining the mortar very closely we found out the cause; whether somefilth had put in as a joke or by accident we could not discover.Hunter, p. 25-26.

In February 1777, Lieutenant John Peebles of the Grenadier Company ofthe 42nd Royal Highland Regiment of Foot had recently returned to NewYork from service at Newport, Rhode Island. A dedicated and chattydiarist as well as a seasoned veteran, Peebles outlined hispreparations for field service:

Wednesday 12th. Febry. [1777, Eagle Transport, Fly Market,

near New York.] fine clear weather & frosty, went aboard and got ourheavy baggage ashore & lodged in the store, & meant to have got ourcloathing aboard but Mr. Serjt. Stewart gets drunk & neglects hisbusiness. Bot a Portmanteau & a pair of boots 7. filled myportmanteau with Campaign articles & left all the rest of my baggage(except the Canteen Box & my Bedding) vizt. 2 Trunks, box with Bedsted,little case, & tent &ca. in the Regtal. Store... Peebles, p. 89.

[Peebles retained his bedding; such as a mattress and blankets, butsent his folding bed, little case, two trunks and tent into storage.


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It would be interesting to know what the little case was for. WhatPeebles considered most necessary, he transferred from the trunks tohis new Portmanteau; a soft, cylindrical leather case easily slungupon the back. Much to their chagrin Peebles and the British Grenadiersas well as much of the elite of the British Army found themselves farfrom the relative comfort of New York. They were kept on constant alerton the New Jersey side, quartered in small villages or as in the caseof Peebless troops, in the dank confines of a moored transport shipdue to lack of sufficient houses and barns to put the troops in. SR.]

Hunter summarized this period:The Light Infantry were always in front of the army, and not

allowed tents. We generally quartered our men in farmhouses and barns,or made huts when houses were not conveniently situated, and we werealways so near the to enemy that the men never pulled off theiraccoutrements, and were always ready to turn out at a minutes warning.Hunter, p. 26-27.

Captain Charles Cochrane 4th Regiment of Foot, 1st. Battalion ofLight Infantry, to Archibald, ninth Earl of Dundonald.

New Jersey, Brunswick, 8th March, 1777...We have had rather a disagreeable winter of it. The light

infantry, with which corps I am, have been much harassed during thewinter, and are miserably ill lodged; my whole company, which consistsof 53 men, are obliged to live in one small room, and I am in a pigeon-hole, with 11 officers, where we eat, drink, and sleep. I dont believea man of this army, ever since the affair of Tronton [sic], where thefatal security of the Hessians brought us into that sad scrape, havehad their clothes off; for my part, except one fortnight, I have notbeen uncased these ten months. I have a Galloway plaid, which Jack sentme; this, a blanket, and a skin of a bear, is my principle baggage andbed. It is the healthiest and most agreeable life in the world, couldone divest themselves of reflection, and have no eye towards futurity,or the main chance...

Ch. Cochrane. Paterson, p. 28.

In March of 1777, Lieutenant Ward of the 33rd Regiment of Foothad been missing his baggage since December:

Lost in December last, a deal box containing a bed-stead andcurtains, with sundry men and womens apparel, supposed by mistake inshipping them on board a sloop carrying baggage from New-York to Amboy,for the 33rd regiment. The baggage of the 26th regiment was loading atAmboy the same time; it is thought probable that the said box might bemixed with that baggage. Whoever will bring or give intelligence of thesaid box to Lieut. Ward of the 33rd regiment, or H. Gaine, so that thesaid box may be had again, shall receive ten dollars reward, and allexpences paid. - New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury. March 17,

1777. Stryker, p. 317.

---------

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Boswell, James; Boswells Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides withSamuel Johnson, 1773. Pottle, Frederick A., and Bennett, Charles H.,eds. Mc Graw-Hill, NY, 1936.

Baurmeister, Carl Leopold; Revolution in America. Confidential lettersand Journals 1776-1784 of Adjutant General Major Baumeister of theHessian Forces. Translated and annotated by Bernard A. Uhlendorf.Rutgers University Press, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 1957. Reprint,Greenwood Press, Westport, Connecticut, 1973.

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Evelyn; William Glanville; Memoir and Letters of Captain W. GlanvilleEvelyn, of the 4th Regiment, (Kings Own,) from North America, 1774-

1776. Scull, G. D., ed; Parker & Co., Oxford, 1879. Reprint, ArnoPress, 1971.

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Graydon, Alexander; Memoirs of His own Time. John S. Littel, ed.Philadelphia, 1846. Reprint, Arno Press, NY, 1972.

Haslewood, William; Journal of a British Officer during the AmericanRevolution. Kellogg, Louise Phelps, ed. In Mississippi ValleyHistorical Review, Vol. VII, No. 1, June, 1920.

Heath, William; Memoirs of Major-General Heath. Containing Anecdotes,Details of Skirmishes, Battles, and other Military Events, During theAmerican War. Boston, 1798. Reprint, William Abbatt, 1901, reprint,New York Times and Arno Press, 1968.

HMC, III; Historical Manuscripts Commission. Report on the Manuscriptsof the Late Reginald Rawdon Hastings, Esq., of the Manor House, Ashbyde la Zouch. Vol. III. Bickley, Francis, ed. His Majestys StationeryOffice, London, 1934.

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Schlzer, August Ludwig; Letters of Brunswick & Hessian OfficersDuring the American Revolution. [Translated from Schlzers LetterExchange, Gottingen, 1776-1782.] Stone, William L., ed; Albany, NY,1891. reprint, Da Capo Press, NY 1970.


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