Sidor som bilder
PDF
ePub

THE

REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.

DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE.

VOL. IV.-NO. 5.

EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD.

PHILADELPHIA, AUGUST 1, 1829.

BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF

MAJOR GENERAL ANTHONY WAYNE. [From the Casket.]

(Continued from page 55.)

NO. 83.

From Thomas Burke, Esq. Member of Congress. Philadelphia, July 19th, 1779. Dear Sir,-I congratulate you on the signal and brilliant success of your enterprize against Stony Point. Philadelphia, 28th July, 1779. This gallant and important affair has filled us all with My Dear General,—I arrived here Sunday morning, very high satisfaction; and mine, I assure you, is peculiat half past 10 o'clock. From various impediments, arly improved, because an officer, of whom I had concould not get from head quarters till near four, Thurs-ceived a very high opinion, and for whom I have very day afternoon. I rode that evening to Mr. Wickham's, great esteem and regard, has conducted it, and obtained 21 miles. Made 46 miles the next day, and slept at such singular glory. Hacketstown. Got up in the morning at 2 o'clock, The happy effect of your good conduct has saved and made the Billet by 9 o'clock in the evening, being your humanity the pain it would have felt, had your en63 miles that day, and within 16 miles of Philadelphia, terprize cost you the lives of many of your brave soldat which place I breakfasted at the President's of Con-iers and gallant officers, and even had you been under gress. I was obliged to press a horse, for one of the dragoons, on the road, which I suppose Nero will complain of at head quarters.

I came into the city with colors flying, trumpets sounding, and heart elated-drew crowds to the doors and windows, and made not a little parade, I assure you. These were Baron Steuben's instructions, and I pursued them literally, although I could not help thinking it had a little the appearance of a poppet show.

I made a point of waiting on the French Ambassador and President Reed in your name, who as well as others, speak of your achievement, with wonder and praise. I have sent you the newspapers of the day-adieu, Sir, may you long enjoy your present laurels, and quickly have an opportunity of acquiring new ones. I have the honor to be, with great esteem, Your very humble servant,

HENRY W. ARCHER.

A very distinguished public writer of that day, says, when speaking of the capture of Stony Point, "great is the triumph of the Americans upon the success of this enterprize,and justly, for it would have done honor to the most veteran troops, and notwithstanding the provocations given by the plunderings and burnings at NewHaven, East Haven, Fairfield, and Green-farms, of which they had heard, such was the humanity of the continental soldiers, that they scorned to take the lives of the foe, calling for mercy-so that there were but few of the enemy killed on the occasion."

Subjoined are a few of the congratulatory letters which General Wayne received on this occasion, with a few of his replies:

From General St. Clair:

New Windsor, July 17th, 1779. Dear General.-It was with true pleasure that I received the news of your success at Stony Point, on which I beg leave to present you my cordial congratulations.

It is an event that makes a very great alteration in the situation of affairs, and must have important consequences, and the more glorious, from its having been effected with so little loss. It is, in short, the completest surprise I have ever heard of.

Please to present my compliments to the gentlemen of your family, and all our friends, and believe me with much esteem,

General WAYNE,

Dear General,
Your very humble servant,
ARTHUR ST. CLAIR.

the necessity of slaughtering many of the enemy. To the humane, and such are all the brave and good, this is a very pleasing circumstance attending your success. Magnanimous generosity has triumphed over the enemy, as much as your courage and conduct.

I was much concerned when I heard you was wounded; but learning, on inquiry, that it was but slight, I considered it as not worth attention in so great an affair; and I find by your letter to General Washington, you did not think it of consequence enough to mention it.Having mentioned your letter, I must declare I think it a just model of martial eloquence, equalled by none but Cæsar's Veni, vidi vici.

I wish your example may be followed in this, as well
as in the other parts of your military character. I wish
you long life; I need not add glory for you will have it.
And am, dear Sir, very truly,
Your friend and servant,
THOMAS BURKE.

General WAYNE.
Fishkill Landing, August 1st, 1779.
Dear Sir,-Your kind remembrance of me I most
thankfully acknowledge.

If I have fought with some success, the pleasure I experience in the approbation of my country and friends is to me a rich reward.

You are pleased to compliment me very politely on my laconic note to his Excellency, General Washing ton, relative to the reduction of the enemy's post at Stony Point; but the blood which at the time was issuing from my wound compelled me to be concise. I, therefore, am not entitled to the merit which you give me, as you will see by an official letter to the General, written two days after on that occasion.

The American soldier is not quite so base and divested of tender feeling, and all humanity, as to strike a prostrate and unresisting foe; that is a business suited only to a cruel and degenerated Briton, who has refined upon every species of villany and cruelty.

Be pleased to present my best and kindest wishes to our mutual friends, and believe me, Yours,

Most respectfully,

ANTHONY WAYNE.

Hon. Thomas Burke,
Member of Congress.
From Joseph Reed, Esq. President of Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia, July 20th, 1779.
Dear General,-Until you receive more substantial
marks of honor and public regard, accept the kind and

[blocks in formation]

sincere congratulations of one of your best friends, on

In Congress, July 26th, 1779. your late success.

Resolved, unanimously- That the thanks of ConIt is not the surprise of a post, or the capture of 600 gress be given to his Fxcellency, Gen. Washington, for men, that pleascs me so much as the manner and ad- the vigilance, wisdom, and magnanimity, with which he dress with which it has been executed. You have play- | has conducted the military operations of these States, ed their own game upon them, and eclipsed the glory and which are, among many other signal instances, manof the British bayonet, of which we have beard so much. ifested in his orders for the late glorious enterprise and

God grant you health and long life to enjoy your successful attack on the enemy's fortress on the banks laurels. Yours,

of Hudson's river. Most sincerely,

Resolved, unanimously—That the thanks of Congress General WAYNE.

JOSEPH REED. be presented to Brigadier General Wayne, for his

New Windsor, July 26th, 1779. brave, prudent, and soldiery like conduct, in the spiriDear Sir,- Your very polite favour of the 20th, 1 bad ted and well conducted attack of Stony Point. the pleasure of receiving last evening, and am much Resolved, unanimously—That Congress entertain a honoured by the manner

in which you are pleased to ex. proper sense of the good conduct of the officers and solpress your approbation of the enterprize against Stony diers under the command of Brigadier General Wayne, Point; the particulars of which you have undoubtedly in the assault of the enemy's works at Stony Point, and seen before this time.

highly commend the coolness, discipline, and firm inI think it my duty to inform your Excellency of the tegrity exhibited on the occasion. good conduct of the two young ntlemen, who led the Resolved, unanimously-That Lieutenant Colonel van of each column,and who are entitled to some marks Fleury und Major Steward, who, by their situation in of distinction for an intrepidity which would have done leading the lwo attacks, had a more immediate oppor. honour to the oldest soldier. Mr. Gibbon, of the 6th, tunity of distinguishing themselves, have, by their perand Mr. Knox, of the 9th Pennsylvania Regiments. I sonal achievements, exhibited a bright example to their have not put pen to paper on the occasion, except to brother soldiers, and merit, in a particular manner, the his Excellency, General Washington. Indeed, my head approbation and acknowledgment of the U. States. has been two much disordered to attempt it, and this Resolved, unanimously– That Congress warmly apcircumstance you will please to accept as an apology for prove and applaud the cool, determined spirit with the shortness of this.

which Lieutenant Gibbon and Lieutenant Knox led on Your Excellency's most obedient,

the forlorn hope, braving danger and death in the cause And very humble servant,

of their country. His Excellency,

ANTHONY WAYNE. Resolved, unanimously—That a medal, emblematical Governor REED.

of the action, be struck: That one of gold be presented Philadelphia, 27th July, 1779. to Brigadier General Wayne, and a silver one to LieuSir,—Your late glorious achievements have merited tenant Colonel Fleury and Major Steward, respectively. and now receive the approbation and thanks of your Resolved, unanimously—That brevets of Captain be country. They are contained in the enclosed. act of given to Lieutenant Gibbon and Lieutenant Knox. Congress, which I have the honor to transmit.

Resolved, unanimously—That the brevet of Captain This brilliant action adds fresh lustre to our arms, and be given to Mr. Archer, the bearer of the General's letwill teach the enemy to respect our power, if not imit- ter, and volunteer aid to Brigadier General Wayne. ate our humanity. You have nobly reaped laurels in Resolved, unanimously—That Congress approve the the cause of your country, and in fields of danger and promises of reward made by Brigadier General Wayne, death. May these prove the earnest of more, and may with the concurrence of the commander-in-chief, to the victory ever bear your standard, and Providence be troops under bis command.

Resolved, unanimously—That the value of the militaI have the honer to be, Sir, with great respect and ry stores taken at Stony Point, be ascertained, and diviesteem, your most obedient and humble servant. ded among the gallant troops by whom it was reduced,

JOHN JAY,

in such manner and proportion as the Commander-inBrigadier

President of Congress. chief shall prescribe. (Extract from the minutes.] General WAYNE.

CHAS. THOMSON, Sec'ry.
Letter from General Wayne to Mr. Jay:-

From Major General Schuyler:-
West Point, 10th August, 1779.

SARATOGA, July 31st, 1779. Sir,—Your very polite favour of the 28th ult. with

Dear Sir-Yesterday I was lionoured with a line from the extract of an act of Congress, I have just now re- our amiable General, advising me of the reduction of ceived. The honorable manner in which that respec- Stony Point, and dwelling on the propriety with which table body have been pleased to express their approba- it was executed. It was not the least part of my satistion of my conduct, in the enterprize on Stony Point, faction to learn that you conducted it; and I most sinmust be very Aattering to a young soldier; but while 1 cerely congratulate you on the increase of honor which experience every sensation arising from a consciousness you have acquired. Such of the enemy as have hitherof having used my best endeavors to carry the orders of to held erroneous ideas of the bravery and military my General into execution, I feel much hurt that I did prowess of our troops, must now be perfectly convinnot, in my letter to him of the 17th of July, mention, ced of their mistake. Pray make, not my compliments among other brave and worthy officers, the names of only, but my love to Gen. St. Clair, and especially to Lieutenant Colonel Sherman, Majors Hull, Murfree, and that great and good man, General Washington, to whom Posey, whose good conduct and intrepidity justly en- we are all so much indebted. title them to that attention. Permit me, therefore, I am, dear sir, most sincerely, your obdt. humble servt. through your Excellency, to do them that justice now, Gen. WAYNE.

P. SCHUYLER. which the state of my wound diverted me from in the From Dr. Benjamin Rush:first instance. And whilst I pay this tribute to real mer

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 6th, 1779. it, I must not omit Major Noirmont de Luneville, a My Dear Sir- There was but one thing wanting, in French gentleman, who (in the character of a volunteer) your late successful attack upon Stony Point, to com. stept among the first for glory. I will only beg leave plete your happiness, and that is, the wound you receito add, that every officer and soldier belonging to the ved should have affected your hearing; for I fear you light corps, discovered a zeal and intrepidity that did, will be stunned, through those organs, with your own and ever will, secure success. I am, with every senti- praises. Our streets, for many days, rung with nothing ment of esteem, &c.

ANTHONY WAYNE. but the name of General Wayne. You are remember. His Excellency, Joun Jav, President of Congress, ed constantly next to our great and good Washington,

your shield.

a

[blocks in formation]

over our claret and madeira. You have established the national character of our country-you have taught our enemies that bravery, humanity, and magnanimity, are the national virtues of the Americans.

Accept, my dear sir, of my share of gratitude for the honour and services you have done our cause and country. Mrs. Rush joins in the offering, and when our little ones are able to repeat your name, we shall not fail to tell them, in recounting the exploits of our American heroes, how much they are indebted to you, for their freedom and happiness.

Adieu, my dear friend, and be assured of the sincere affection of yours, most sincerely. Gen. WAYNE.

BENJAMIN RUSH. Light Infantry Camp, near Fort Montgomery, 20th Sept. 1779. Š Dear Rush,-Among the many congratulatory and friendly letters which I have lately received, none has given me greater pleasure than yours, of the 6th ult.

My highest ambition is to merit the good opinion of my country and the esteem of my friends-but I know so much of mankind, and I have so often experienced the vicissitude of fortune in the field, that I hold the plaudit of the giddy multitude, whose voice, like the vane or weathercock, veers with every wind which blows, at little value,-as it but too often justifies the old adage,

"On eagles' wings immortal scandals fly,

Whilst virtuous actions are but born and die."

67

of these distinguished honors belong to you? I answer, enough; and more than your feeble shoulders, or the mind of any soldier on earth, is able to bear, without the same aid that first led you up to the charge, but aid opcrating in a different manner; nor is there less heroism and true magnanimity requisite in supporting under and properly improving such signal honours, attended with her infectious train, than that which possessed the breasts of your brave little army, when contrasted to evry implement of death. "Greater is he who ruleth his own spirit, under every temptation, than he who taketh a city." I have on purpose delayed this short congrat ulatory letter; old-fashioned 1 designed it to be, in order that time might be given for the evaporation of sucli ærial particles as generally mix with those of modern complexion; and whilst I rest assured of your candid construction, I beg you to believe the high sense I am happy to possess of the obligations of the public to your merit, and that of your gallant assistants; and that I am, with every sentiment of gratitude and esteem, dear General, your affectionate friend, and humble servant.

Gen. WAYNE.

JOHN ARMSTRONG.

From Marquis de Lafayette:

HAVRE DE GRACE, France, October 7th, 1779.5 Dear Sir-With the greatest pleasure I take this opportunity of congratulating you on your admirable expedition at Stony Point.

good friend, Gen. Wayne.

Besides the general and hearty satisfaction I feel from Thus you see, my friend, that I am not blinded by the any advantage which may bless the arms of my fellow sunshine of an hour and the fairness of the present gale; American soldiers, I was particularly delighted in hearbut prepared to meet every adverse tempest with a being that this glorious affair had been conducted by my coming fortitude, regardless of the momentary opinion of the world. I trust that the rectitude of my heart will, I beg, my dear Sir, you would present my compliat one day, do justice to my character. ments to my friends and acquaintances in the army, and Present my best and kindest wishes to Mrs. Rush-believe me, most affectionately, yours, tell her that I expect the honor of leading down a dance with her this winter, and I sincerely hope that the pleasure accompanying it may be unalloyed with any idea of danger, but in the full enjoyment of peace, liberty and safety.

Till when, and ever, believe me yours, most sincerely,

Doctor RusH.

ANTHONY WAYNE.

The following is a letter from the venerable and venerated General John Armstrong, who, previously to the revolutionary war, had greatly distinguished himself in expeditions against the Indians, and who had been most honorably noticed by Pennsylvania, the state of his adoption, for his victory at the Indian villages on the Kittanning-the site of which is now contained within the limits of a county which bears the name of Armstrong,in commemoration of the civil and military services of that good, pious, and valuable man, who headed the Pennsylvania militia in every important battle which was fought in that state, during the revolutionary war.

It is presumed that no letter which Gen. Wayne received on this occasion, was more gratifying to him than that from his aged and worthy friend, Gen. Armstrong. No answer to it appears among the General's letters, very many of which have fallen victims to time or accident.

PHILADELPHIA, 15th Sept. 1779. Dear General-I consider you now, as your friends and fellow-citizens generally do, a favourite in the dispensation of great and brilliant events, which the Supreme Agent so sparingly bestows, even on soldiers of the first natural firmness. Once in an age, or in the course of some great revolution, Heaven marks out some particular leader for an acquisition like yours at Stony Point. Not for the aggrandizement of the individual, or making a feeble insect mad, (for you know the frailties of our nature,) but rather for the illustration of his own will, and approbation of the cause he has vouchsafed to espouse, is this lustre thrown on the infant arms of America. You will then ask, what share

LAFAYETTE.

The Hon. Brigadier General WAYNE.

PHILADELPHIA, 25th Oct. 1779. Sir-I have the pleasure of transmitting you the thanks of the General Assembly and the Executive Council of the State, for your meritorious and important services during the campaign; and request you to communicate, in some suitable manner, to the companions of your glory and danger, the sense of the State on their conduct, as expressed in the enclosed.

I am, sir, with great esteem, your most obedient servant, JOSH. REED, President. Brigadier General WAYNE. In Council:

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 20th, 1779. The Honorable House of Assembly, having taken into consideration the meritorious services of Gen. Wayne, and the troops of the Pennsylvania line, under his com mand, particularly in the attack on Stony Point, on the sixteenth day of July last, and come to the following resolve, to wit:

In General Assembly of Pennsylvania, }

The Assembly of Pennsylvania, taking into their consideration the services performed by General Wayne, and the officers and soldiers of the Pennsylvania line, in the attack on Stony Point, and the recommendation of the Supreme Executive Council,

Resolved, unanimously-That the thanks of this House be given to Gen. Wayne, and the officers and soldiers of the Pennsylvania line, for the courage and conduct displayed by them in the attack on Stony Point, the honor they have reflected on the state to which they belong, the clemency they showed to those in their power, in a situation when, by the laws of war, and stimulated by resentment, occasioned by the remembrance of a former massacre, they would have been justified in putting to death every one of the garrison, will transmit their names with honor to the latest posterity, and will show that true bravery and humanity are inseparable.,

Resolved, That this resolution be transmitted to the supreme Executive Council, and that they be requested to transmit the same to Gen. Wayne, to be by him conveyed to the officers and soldiers of the Pennsylvania line, under his command in the attack above mentioned. Signed, by order of the House,

JOHN BAYARD, Speaker. Which has been duly communicated to this Board, and thereupon,

means, either for the exculpation of General McDougal, or the inculpation of Gen. Wayne in this instance. Had General Wayne been accessary to an omission of a point of duty, which appears in the case above animadverted on, to be indirectly imputed to him, neither General Washington's attachment to him, his gallant enterprise, his wounded head, nor the confusion of the moment would have secured him against his General's censure; yet not a word, not even an insinuation of the kind is discoverable in any public or private communication from the commander-in-chief, on the subject of this enterprise, but altogether the reverse; the highest possible encomiums which a General could bestow On an officer, has Washington, from the beginning to the reflec-ending of the enterprize against Stony Point, bestowed on General Wayne. Encomiums which excited an envy that has survived the hero on whose military character they shed such a brilliant lustre. On this, as well as on many other occasions, his beloved commander erected a moument for him-"ere perennius

Resolved, unanimously-That the supreme Executive Council do cheerfully concur therein, and give their thanks to General Wayne, and the troops of the Pennsylvania line, for the Bravery, humanity, and good conduct displayed on the above occasion, in which they not only acquired most deserved applause, but have ted honour upon the state to which they belong. [Extract from the minutes.]

T. MATLACK, Sec❜y. Marshall, in his life of Washington, says "Although the design upon Fort Fayette had yielded to the desire of securing the success of the attack on Stony Point, it had not been abandoned.

Regalique situ pyramidum altius;" General Howe was ordered, within forty-eight hours Two brigades, under the command of Gen. M'Dou-after the capture of Stony Point, to proceed with M gal, had been ordered to approach the enemy on the east side of the river, so as to be in readiness to attempt the works on Verplank's, where Col. Webster commanded, the instant General Wayne should obtain possession of Stony Point. That his detachment might not permit the favorable moment to pass unimproved, Gen. Wayne had been requested to direct the messenger who should bring the intelligence of his success to the Commander-in-chief, to pass through M'Dougal's encampment, and give him the earliest advice of that event. Unfortunately, through some misconception,never accounted for, the messenger despatched by Wayne did not call on General M'Dougal, but proceeded directly to head quarters, then at New Windsor.

دو

Dougal's detachment,to reduce the works on Verplank's, which the Commander-in-chief, on the 16th, having carefully reconnoitered, from Stony Point, considered entirely practicable. But in this attempt he failed, says Mr. Marshall, "through some unaccountable negligence in the persons charged with the execution of the orders, the heavy artillery was not accompanied by suitable ammunition, and the necessary entrenching tools were not brought. These omissions were supplied the next day, but then it was too late to proceed against Verplank's. On receiving intelligence of the loss of Stony Point, and of the danger to which the garrison of Fort Fayette was exposed, Sir Henry relinquished his views on Connecticut, and made a forced march to Dobb's Ferry. Some troops were immediately enbarked to pass up the river, and a light corps was push

That inestimable man, the writer of Washington's life, must have been misinformed as to the fact of either a request or order from the commander-in-chief, respec-ed forward to the banks of the Croton, for the purpose ting the messenger which he mentions.

The only possible mode by which Gen. McDougal, then with his command on the east side of the Hudson, could have obtained timely intelligence of Gen. Wayne being in possession of Stony Point on the west, must have proceeded from night signals, displayed either from the fort or its immediate vicinity. In fact, it would appear, that the only information, if any, ever contemplated to be sent to McDougal, that the Americans were in possession of the works, was transmitted in the voice of thunder from the mouths of British cannon, the moment of their capture, and which the gallant stormers instantly turned "against the enemy's works at Verplank's Point and their shipping, which slipped their cables and immediately dropped down the river;" which latter circumstance alone, was proof conclusive, that "the fort and garrison, with Colonel Johnson, are ours," a knowledge which General McDougal, if really executing his duty at the time, could not have failed acquiring from his own videttes or messengers.

of overawing the detachment about to attack Colonel Webster. This movement, by rendering it necessary for Gen. Howe to retire into the Highlands, relieved Fort Fayette.'

[ocr errors]

Further, "McDougal being on the east side of the Hudson, with two brigades, was ordered to be in readiness to attempt the works on Verplank, the instant General Wayne should obtain possession of Stony Point."

Truly, this fort must have been under the special protection of Providence. However, it would appear that the omissions of General Howe, or those immediately under his command, in not providing suitable ammuni tion for the heavy cannon, and the necessary entrenching tools, were somewhat greater than the omission imputed to General Wayne's messenger, in not travelling a circuitous route, by water and land, for the purpose of telling M'Dougal that "the fort and garrison, with Col Johnston, are ours."

The American army not being in sufficient strength to furnish a competent garrison for the protection of Stony Point, and other purposes, it was evacuated, the cannon, stores. &c. removed, and the works almost extirely destroyed, on the night of the 18th of July, being the third night subsequently to their capture. Immediately after this, Sir Henry repossessed himself of the post, repaired the fortifications, and stationed, for their defence, a much stronger garrison than that which had previously occupied the fort, the command of which was assigned to Brigadier General Sterling.

Was it possible that a messenger, in the dead of night, It was remarked by such of the cotemporaries of and in the face of an enemy lining the opposite shore General Wayne as were intimately acquainted with with his sentinels and guards, throwing all other casu- him, that his presence of mind never forsook him in alties out of consideration, could have proceeded by a the most critical situations. The truth of which is vercircuitous route over land and water, and give Generalified, at least, in the instance which the following letter McDougal seasonable notice that Gen. Wayne was in "possession of Stony Point."

records.

This letter was discovered among the papers of the It is presumed that these reasons alone will justify late General Wayne, carefully enveloped and sealed the assertion that Mr. Marshall must have been misin-up, directed to a much esteemed friend, aud favored by formed on this subject, because he is a man of too much a distinguished officer of the army, General William Ihonor and candour to have attempted a resort to such vine, who certainly would have delivered it, had the e

[blocks in formation]

vent occurred which the General contemplated. It also affords an evidence of his affectionate and honourable anxiety respecting his family, when its protector should be consigned to the mansion of the dead.

Spring Steels, 15th July, 1779,7 Half after nine o'clock, P. M. J Near the hour and scene of Carnage. Dear Delany,-This will not reach your eye until the writer is no more. The enclosed papers I commit, in their rough state, to your charge, that in case any ungenerous reflections may hereafter drop from illiberal minds, my friend may be enabled to defend the character and support the honour of the man who loved him, and who fell in defence of his country and the rights of mankind.

You have often heard me default the supineness and unworthy torpidity into which Congress were lulled, and that it was my decided opinion this would be a sanguinary campaign, in which many of the choicest spirits, and much of the best blood in America would be lost, owing to the parsimony and neglect of Congress.If ev er any prediction was true, it is this; and if ever a great and a good man was surrounded with a choice of difficulties, it is General Washington. I fear the consequence; I see clearly that he will be compelled to make other attempts and efforts, in order to save his country; that his numbers will not be adequate, and that he may also fall a sacrifice to the folly and parsimony of our worthy rulers.

I know that friendship will induce you to attend to the education of my little son and daughter. I fear that their tender mother will not survive this stroke; do go and comfort her-tell her that her children claim her kindest offices and protection.

My best and sincere wishes to Mrs. D*****, and to all friends. I am called to supper, but where to breakfast?-either within the enemy's lines in triumph, or in another world; then farewell, my best and dearest friend, and believe me, to the last moment, yours, most sincerely,

SHARP DELANY, Esq.

ANTHONY WAYNE.

The papers which the General mentions, as having been enclosed in this letter,principally consisted of documents on which he rested the propriety of declining a command in the Pennsylvania line, subordinate to that which he had enjoyed for nearly two years, without his having originally solicited it. Those papers were therefore intended to be left in the hands of a friend, to shield his memory from any false injurious representation of his motives in the instance mentioned. The wound which General Wayne received at the storming of Stony Point, was inflicted by a musket ball, just after his having passed the last abbatis, near the fort. It struck his forehead, and grazed the skull nearly two inches in length, under the hair. He instantly fell, and as quickly rose on one knee, and immediately exclaimed, "forward, my brave fellows, forward!"--then, in a suppressed voice, addressed his aids, "assist me, if mortally wounded, I will die in the fort." The General and his aids triumphantly entered the fort, amongst the foremost of the gallant troops:

"Who, while they felt the whistling ball, Tore the proud standard from the vanquished wall." The infantry cap which the General wore on that night, and which was perforated by the ball that struck him, was beaver, having a crest neatly ornamented with white horse hair. The cap was long and piously preserved by his family; but ultimately it fell a victim to fire, which, by some means, was unfortunately, communicated to the closet in which it, together with other military apparatus, had been carefully deposited.

Although General Wayne, during the revolutionary war, received several wounds, yet in no instance would he permit his name to be returned as among the wounded. The one which he received at Stony Point in a few days suppurated, which was followed by a partial exfolation; this speedily ceased, the wound healed,

69

and he was again ready for active service. The cicatrice occasioned by this occurrence was not visible, unless when the hair was separated for the purpose of rendering it so.

It is hoped that the detail and number of letters presented on this occasion, will neither fatigue the reader, nor disappoint the pleasure which he may have anticipated from their perusal.

CANAL DOCUMENTS.

Extracts from the Report of the superintendant on the DELAWARE DIVISION, of the Pennsylvania Canal, 20th November, 1828.

The statement of Mr. Sargent, the engineer on this division annexed to this report, shows the probable amount of work remaining to be done, with an estimate of what the same will cost at contract prices. I have also added a general recapitulation of the whole, towhich is annexed a comparison between the original estimate of the engineer and the amount at contract prices, with a view to conform as near as possible with the requisition of the fourth section of the act of 16th of April, 1827.

By a reference to the statements, it will be seen that since the 13th October, 1827, 106 sections of about half a mile each, making nearly 53 miles of canal, together with the basin at Bristol, and all the mechanical work of every description, with the exception, of houses for the accommodation of lock-keepers, have been contracted for; 37 of those sections have been completed in a handsome and satisfactory manner, and the remainder as far as section 87, are progressing with steadiness and energy; those let on the 18th of the present month, will be commenced immediately.

With the exception of six waste wiers, which are completed, and some work on culverts and bridge abutments, nothing has yet been paid on account of any part of the mechanical work, that has been let at different times thro'the summer,and the necessity of procuring suit able timber for every part thereof, from the country up,the Delaware, rendered it indispensable that the contractors should have it in their power to avail themselves of the spring freshet in the river for that purpose; it was therefore, distinctly stipulated at the time of making the contracts, that all the materials should be procured this fall and winter, so that the work might be commenced on the line as early next spring as the season would admit of.

About six miles, with the mechanical work on it, only remains to extend the line from Bristol to Easton, that will be advertised for contract whenever the board see proper to direct it to be done.

In closing this report it gives me no small pleasure to state, that with the exception of the prevalence of sick. ness to a very unusual degree in the neighborhood, throughout the latter part of the summer, and in which the engineer corps have suffered severely, so far, the steady and uniform progress of the work has been im peded by but few of those difficulties generally attendant upon works of its magnitude. No losses or extra expenses have in any case occurred to the state, and but rarely to individuals; for although the prices at which the work has been contracted for and executed, are justly esteemed low, yet by presevering industry and rigid economy, the contractors have, with one or two trifling exceptions been able to complete their jobs in a workmanlike and satisfactory manner. Indeed, it is due to them and to the hands employed on the line, to state distinctly, that their uniform good conduct has happily dissipated those unpleasant apprehensions which not a few entertained, previously to the commencement of the work, and been the means of allaying many of the prejudices against it.

Respectfully submitted,

Canal Office, Delaware Division, -November 20, 1828.

TH. G. KENNEDY. Superintendent,

« FöregåendeFortsätt »