Some Notes on Plundering during the American Revolution.

Below are accounts and claims against both the British and American troops. Neither side was blameless. It's also evident that even a "friendly" army might leave a considerable swath of destruction to civilian property in its wake - just as a matter of logistical necessity. MASSACHUSETTS. Chelsea, Massachusetts. American, 1775-1776. Chelsea in the Revolutionary War. /Losses from Military Occupation/. Soon after April 19, 1775, Chelsea was occupied by undisciplined soldiers from remote parts, who sometimes from necessity and often from mere wantonness committed serious injuries to the estates and personal property of its citizens. This led to the following order, July 29, 1775: Whereas, there have been great Complaint made by the Inhabitants here, that some Soldiers Quartered in this place have wantonly taken & Distroyd their Property, both within doors, & without, have pulled Potatoes [in a] premature state; Pluckd fruit, in like manner; and are under Apprehensions that their Corn will not be safe, when fit to Eate. It is therefore, ordered, that no officer nor soldier Enter any field of Corn or potatoes, orchard or Gardens, to take from them, or to distroy any of the Produce of the Earth, without leave from the owner. As I have the strongest assurance in my own mind, that I shall have the assistance of the Officers, & [the] Greatest part of [the] Soldiers, to prevent such unmanly conduct for the futer, I shall therefore Expect to hear no more Complaints of that nature. This order is ment to Extend to the two Companies at Malding & Medford. [1] A notable case is that of Jonathan Green, who owned the present Naval Hospital estate, occupied, as early as May 31, 1775, by soldiers from Berkshire. Captain Green was an -----[1] This order is unsigned, but was issued probably by Col. Gerrish, as on its back is a report addressed to him, dated July 23. Baldwins Regt., lviii. file 22, 153. [2] These soldiers may have been those referred to June 4, 1775: /Resolved/, that Col. Lemuel Robinson be directed to pay the three companies of Col. [Fellows] regiment, which came from the County of Berkshire, out of the first money he may receive from the receiver-general. Jour. Prov. Cong., 296. It was later occupied by Colonel Baldwin: This certifies that our main Gard that was kept at Winnesimet made use of the two dwelling houses Belonging to Capt. Jonathan Green at Sd. Winnesimmet from September to January last past. March the 28th 1776. Loammi Baldwin Colo. [p. 473.] [p. 474.]

intelligent citizen of Chelsea; who filled many important offices and trusts with scrupulous integrity. He drew up accounts of his losses, containing many interesting particulars, which I will give in a note. A general statement of losses by the people of Chelsea in the use of their lands near the ferry by the Continental troops, is in the petition of the selectmen to the General Court in 1780, for a reduction of the towns valuation, for taxation. They say: that in the time the British forces were in Boston, the inhabitants of the Southerly, or lower part of the town of Chelsea, were ordered by General Washington, to Remove their Stock of Cattle, horses, and sheep, Back to some more distant place from the British army. Agreeable to said orders, said Cretures were Removed back to the upper part of Chelsea, and into other towns, where said Cretures were so short of feed, that they Broke into and Spoiled a Considerable part of the mowing Land. And, by the Stocks being kept away from the Lower part of the town, through the Summer Season, the feed thereof was lost, and several of the Cattle, that were Drove Back, were Starved and Lost, and the Inhabitants of the Lower part of the Town were obliged to Carry back the Little hay they Cut, and the other produce of their farms, into other towns, Six, Seven, & some Eight miles, where they could Get places to keep themselves, their Stocks and hay, at Great Expence; Also, a Considerable number of housen and Barns were so torn to pieces by the Soldiers that General Washington sent to Chelsea, that it has since cost the Inhabitants of the Lower part of the town, Very Considerable Sums of money to Repair them, barely fit for use, and Several Good houses were so spoiled by said Soldiers that they are not Repaired this day, not Indeed are worth Repairing, but must be Rebuilt; and lone large Barn, 30 feet wide, and above 60 Long, the Soldiers burnt all up for fire-wood; besides, a Great Many hundred Rales and posts, that fenced in Considerable of the Inclosures of the town, said Soldiers Burnt, and thereby Laid [p. 473.] [p. 474.] a Considerable part of the town Common, for some years; and, also, said Soldiers Destroyed, and eat, a Considerable part of the Corn, fruit, and Sauce of the town, that year... [4] January 2, 1776. Voted to choose a Committee, to estimate the damages that any person, or persons, has [or hath] sustained by reason of the seat of war being brought so near this town. That Capt. Jonathan Green, Capt. Samuel Sprague, and Samuel Watts, wit upon the General Court, with a petition setting forth the Towns sufferings the past year, on account of the war, and asking an abatement of the Province tax. [5] March 25. Voted to choose a Committee to estimate the damages the town, or any particular person or persons, hath sustained by the Kings troops, or part of the Continental army, being stationed in this town. Committee, Capt. John Walton, Col. David Green, and Captain Samuel Sprague, of Stoneham; the town to pay the committees charges. [6.] March 23, 1776. The Committee appointed to consider petitions for losses at Bunker Hill reported, Thomas Pratt, 1-18-6. -----[4] See Subject of Taxation under date of 1780, Chap. L. of this work. [5] Town Rec., i. 190. The facts on which this vote was based may be seen in the

Appendix to this chapter. [6] Town Rec., ii. 7. [7] House Jour., 1776, 34. [p. 474.] [p. 475.] Appendix An Estemate of the Damages that Jonathan Green, of Chelsea, has Sustained, by Reason of the Seat of war Being so near his housen, at winnesimet; and his housen used a number of months, by the main Gard, that was kept at said winneimet; and, by Reason of the Centries being placed at Several places on his land, and as his farm was so near to the Kings Ships, and the Regular army at Bunkers hill, he was ordered, and Directed, by the Committees of Malden and Chelsea, and the officers of the Continental army, to Remove all his Stock of Creatures from Said Chelsea, Back to some more Distant place; and as he could not Get them kept nearer, he was obliged to Remove them to Stoneham, Eight miles Distance; and Likewise, hay to keep them on: through the winter Season, as well as Grain, that he Raised on Said farm, for his familys use, through said winter Season; and, Likewise, his household Goods, for his family to use, where he tended his Cattle. April ye 19th: 1775, and a number of days after, to removeing his household Goods, Grain & Salt, Meat, &c: 12 Cart Lodes. April ye 20th: 1775. To removeing 23 head of Cattle & horses, from Chelsea to Stoneham, and keeping them there, 21 Days, by sd order. ---4 of sd. Cattle allowed to Return, and stay at Chelsea, ---7 days of sd. time. May ye 9th. To Removeing 3 Cows, & 3 Calves, Back to Stoneham, after they had been at Chelsea, but one Day, and they Remained at Stoneham, 5 months. May ye 27th; to Removeing 20 head of Cattle, from Chelsea to Stoneham, 14 days. May ye 31st: to ye Loss he sustained, by the Soldiers that Came from the County of Berkshire, by their Brakeing open his house, and takeing away 5 Case knives & forks, 6 glass Bottles, 3 pounds of Sugar, 2 quarts of Rum, 6 Spoons, with some Bread, Meat, & Meal, & Sundry other things. June ye 18th. To Damage he Sustained, by the Soldiers, belonging to the army, by Brakeing open his house, and takeing [p. 475.] [p. 476.] away Several knives, Spoons, mugs, 2 pound of Sugar, one Bushel of Dry Beans, and a peck of Salt pertatoes. June ye 17th: to Removeing 20 head of Creatures, from Chelsea to Stoneham, by order, and keeping them there, 15 days. July ye 13th: to Removeing 19 head of Creatures, from Chelsea to Stoneham, by sd. order, and keeping them there, 8 days.

From the first day of June, to the 10th of July, to about 30 Bushels of Green Peas, in the pod, that were taken out of his field, by the Solderie that were Stationed at Chelsea. To Summer turnips, taken away by sd. Soldierie, within said term, about 5 bushels. To Charies, taken off of above 100 Chary trees. Supposed to have 30 Bushels of Charies, 3 coppers per quart. To above 500 Cabbages, taken away by said Soldierie, Between the first of July, & ye Last of October. To the Loss he sustained between the first of June & the Last of October, by the sd. Soldierie, by their Braking Chests, Tubs, Barrels, and by their takeing & useing one barrel of tabaco, that had above 30 II [sic] of tabaco, in it. To the Damage he sustained, by said Soldierie Treading Down his English Grass, Leaveing Down his fence, and so Letting his Cattle, & other peoples Cattle, into his field, and mowing Land, and Sd. Soldiers turning their horses sundry times, for Several Days, & some of them for some weeks, together, into his mowing land and orchards, Between ye 10th of June, & the Last of October; 3 tuns destroyed. To Damage sd. Green Sustained, within sd. term, by said Soldierie Spoiling his English hay & salt hay, by their Spreading it about, and Laying on it; 1 tun Destroyed. To above 120 hills of pertatoes, taken out of sd. Greens field, by sd. Soldierie, Supposed to amount to more than 10 Bushels. To Roasting Ears of Corn, that said Soldiers took out of sd. Greens field, Supposed to be Sufficient to have made more than 10 Bushels of Corn, when Sheld. To apples enough, to have made more than 30 Barrels of cider, taken out of sd. Greens orchard, by said Soldiers, in the Summer and fall Season. To the Damage, Sd. Green Sustained, by Removeing, by order of the General of the army, all his stock of 26 head of Cattle & horses, from Chelsea to Stoneham, on the 11 day of November, without any Liberty to Return them Back, untill the Kings Ships [p. 476.] [p. 477.] and Regulars Removed from Boston, which was above 5 months; and above 6 weeks, of the first part of the time, said Green had feed enough to have kept his Stock of Cattle and horses, on his place; as the Same was, the most of the time, not Covered with Snow, and so he was obliged to feed his Stock of Cratures on hay, all said 6 weeks. To Carting 73 lodes of hay, for his stock to feed on, and Grain & Saus, for the use of his famaly. To Damage that the said Green Sustained, by the Soldiers Stationed at Chelsea, in his two large Dwelling-houses, three barns, hogs Sties, and other out-houses; and in the fences on said farm; and, also, in Damage Done to his fruit trees, as follows,

Viz.: To the Damage done to the Glass windows of sd. houses. to Damage Done to the Doors, flower [sic - floor], & other parts of said houses. to Damage Done to said Barns. to Damage done to said hogs Sties, & other out-houses. Glass, 30 Squares, 8 by 10. 18 Squares of Glass, 7 by 9. 10 Squares of Glass, 5 by 7. 8 Casements wanting, that has 48 squares, of 8 by 10, Glass. 9 Doors Spoilt, Belonging to Sd. houses. 380 feet of Boards wanting, at the best Barn. 189 Rales, & 35 Posts, Burnt by sd. Soldiers. about 120 feet of Board fence, & hogs stie, Burnt; Sd. stie, 10 feet Square, Covered. Chelsea, May ye 7th, 1776. Jonathan Green. [There follows a revised account with estimate of damages in currency.] Chamberlain, Mellen; A Documentary History of Chelsea, including the Boston Precincts of Winnisimmet, Rumney Marsh, and Pullen Point, 1624 - 1824. Two Volumes, Vol. II. Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston. 1908. [Google Book Search.] Above, we have a good description of many aspects of military occupation by friendly forces. Some of the concerns may seem trifling at first. But to the farmer, everything had a cost; even the transportation cost of fodder for cattle, or for fodder that could not be used, had an effect on his bottom line. We see several entries that tell us a great deal about the diet of the troops posted here. Of particular interest are these two entries: May ye 31st: to ye Loss he sustained, by the Soldiers that Came from the County of Berkshire, by their Brakeing open his house, and takeing away 5 Case knives & forks, 6 glass Bottles, 3 pounds of Sugar, 2 quarts of Rum, 6 Spoons, with some Bread, Meat, & Meal, & Sundry other things. June ye 18th. To Damage he Sustained, by the Soldiers, belonging to the army, by Brakeing open his house, and takeing away Several knives, Spoons, mugs, 2 pound of Sugar, one Bushel of Dry Beans, and a peck of Salt pertatoes. p. 475-76. -----RHODE ISLAND. Warren, Rhode Island, 1778. British. (/From original, Fesenden Mss./)

An account of the Losses sustained by the Inhabitants of Warren by an Excurtion of the Enemy from Rhode Island, May 25, 1778. Account of Peter Reynolds loss sustained by the British troops, 25th of May, 1778. 1 Blacksmiths Vise - 5 gowns______8__2__0 25 yds. Tow Cloth whitened - 10 yds. Kersey_____________________________3_15__0 9 yds. Sagatha - 1 pair Womans Stays______________________________2_11__0 1 pair Cloth Shoes - one Axe - Coffe mill________________________________1_10__0 2 Silk Cloaks - 1 Looking Glass_______3__3__0 4 Table Cloths - 6 Towels____________2_11__0 1 Doz. Earthen Plates 1 Large Stone Platter______________________________1__1__0 Glasses, Cups, Saucers and Bowls______0_12__0 1/2 Doz. Aprons - 6 pairs Stockings___3_12__0 Shirts, Shifts, &c. - 3 pair Pillow Cases_______________________________3__0__0 2 Petticoats - 2 pewter Plates and Porringer____________________________2__0__0 ___________________________________-------___________________________________31_17__0 [p. 50.] [p. 51.] Ebenezer Bosworths Loss. 1 Suits New Broad Cloth Cloaths______12__0__0 2 Shirts - 1 Silver Spoon and 1-2 Doz. Tea Ditto_______________________2__2__0 1 Pair Silver Buckles__________________0_18__0 __________________________________-------___________________________________15__0__0 Jacob Sanders Loss. 2 Bed Blanketts - 1 Red Broad Cloth Long Cloak_________________________5__8__0 1 Chince Gown - 2 Lawn Aprons_______5__5__0 1 Lawn Handkerchiff - 1 Pr. Silk Stockings___________________________1__7__0 1 Great coat - 1 Hollen Shirt__________2_18__0 1 Gun - 1 Teapot - 1 pair Sheets______3__8__0 Childrens Gowns - 1 Curtain 2 Caps 1 Towel - 2 pillow cases_____________0__5__0 Damage done his house by Explosion of the Magazine____________________12__0__0 1 yard Gauze - 1 Pair Buckles 2 Handkerchiffs_______________________1_14__0 1 pair Silk Gloves 3 yds. Ribbon 1 Porringer__________________________0__9__2 __________________________________-------___________________________________34__8__2 [p. 52.] [p. 53.]

Nathaniel B. Whitings Loss. 50 Paper Dollars - 1 Cutlass_________4__7__0 William T. Millers Loss. 1 Gun 1 pair Leather Breeches________3__0__0 1 Dressed Calf Skin - 1 pair Stays_____0__0__0 1 Table Cloth - 2 Jacketts____________0__7__0 1 Sword - 1 ax______________________2__2__0 Tea Cups and Saucers________________0__3__0 __________________________________-------__________________________________6_10__0 Rufus Whittakers Loss as Per Bill________________________60__7__0 Daniel Cole, Esqs, Loss. 2 pair Shoes_______________________0_12__0 1 Grind stone_______________________0_12__0 2 Pair Stockings_____________________0_10__0 2 Pillows___________________________0__4__0 6 Checkd Handkerchiffs_____________0__8__0 1 Pair good Deerskin Breeches________1_16__0 7 Pair Stockings good________________1_10__0 1 new Linning Sheet_________________0_10__0 1 Pair pillow cases___________________0__4__0 3 good Shifts_______________________1_16__0 4 yds. New Linning Cloth_____________0__8__0 1 Stock and Buckle Silver_____________0_12__0 1 Lawn Handkerchiff_________________0__3__0 __________________________________-------___________________________________9_05__0 [p. 52.] [p. 53.] Rebekah Sheldons Loss as per Bill_________________________9_15__0 The Baptist Meeting House Valued at________________________630__6__4 1/2 The Parsonage House Valued at________________________309__8_11 1/2 Ebenezer Cole, Esq., Loss by the Enemy. 350 Paper Dollars__________________26__5__0 2 Hollen Shirts - 1 Linning___________2__2__0 5 Silk Handkerchiffs_________________1_10__0 2 Linning Ditto______________________0__4__0 2 pair Stockings_____________________0_12__0 1 Sword - 1 Canister & Tea___________1__1__0 __________________________________-------__________________________________31_14__0 Belonging to the Town.

3 Muskets - 3 Cartouch Boxes________4_10__0 Ebenezer Cole, Junr, Loss as per Bill___________________________5__4__0 Leah Handys Loss___________________3_12__0 Elisha Phinneys Loss_______________85__6__0 Samuel Luhters -sic] Loss__________14_11__0 Deacon Benjamin Coles Loss as per bill_________________________52_10__0 [p. 53.] [p. 54.] Martin Luthers Loss. 27 yards Hollen_____________________6_15__0 1 Frock____________________________0_16__0 1 Shirt - Handkerchiffs______________0_15__0 1 Silk Gown________________________3_12__0 1 Frock____________________________0__9__0 Damage done to the Desk___________0_12__0 1 Broad Ax_________________________0_15__0 _________________________________-------__________________________________13_14__0 Benajah Coles Loss. 1 Sheet New_________________________0_10__0 James Child, 2ds., Loss. 3 New Sheets______________________1_10__0 Abigail Hills Loss. One Silver Table Spoon_______________0_12__0 1 Hollen Apron - 1 Checkd Ditto_____0_12__0 1 pair Gold Sleeve Buttons____________1_14__0 1 Hollen Handkerchiff________________0__4__0 1 Checkd Handkerchiff______________0__3__0 1 Black Pelong Handkerchiff__________0__6__0 1 Peticoat - 1 porringer______________0__6__6 1 Cannester & Tea___________________0__4__6 1 yard Black Ribbond________________0__1__0 1 Pair Shears________________________0__2__0 __________________________________-------___________________________________8__5__0 [p. 54.] [p. 55.] Nathaniel Hills Loss. 1 pair Cotton Stockings______________0__6__0 6 Gallons Rum______________________1_16__0 1 Pair Taylors Shears________________0__6__0 __________________________________-------___________________________________2__8__0 Loss sustained by Nathan Miller, May 25, 1778, when the Enemy made an Excursion from Newport to Burn the Boats and destroy the Magazeen.

3-8 of a Privateer 125 Tuns set on fire the whole loss 900 the 3-8______337_10__0 1 Hogshead W. I. Rum in the Store adjoining the Magizeen____________240__0__0 1 Sword and Hanger________________30__0__0 2 small Arms______________________10_16__0 4 Silver Tea Spoons__________________1_16__0 7 Shirts____________________________25__0__0 6 Pairs Stockings____________________9__0__0 1 Pair Buck Skin Breeches_____________9__0__0 1 Paire Hollen Sheets_________________3__0__0 3 yards & 1-2 New Linning Hollen_____4__4__0 1 pair Gold Sleeve Buttons belonging to Caleb____________________________2_16__0 1 Gold Ring_________________________1_12__0 1 Pair Paste Buckles__________________[illegible] [p. 55.] [p. 56.] 1 Black Handkerchiff - 2 Silk and Cotton ditto________________________3__4__0 __________________________________-------_________________________________701__6__0 Consolidated at 4 for one__________175__6__0 Samuel Millers Loss. 4 Hollen Shirts______________________3_10__0 4 Pairs Silk and Worsted Stockings____1_16__0 _________________________________-------___________________________________5__8__0 The Mill belonging to Smith Bowen and Samuel Pearse at Kickemuit________________________88_12__0 Smith Bowens Loss out of his House. 35 Skeins yarn_____________________1__3__4 1 Silver Watch_______________________6__0__0 2 Axes_____________________________1__7__0 2 Saws - 4 Chizzels__________________1__4__0 2 Guns - 1 Sword____________________7_10__0 9 Sheets____________________________3__7__6 7 Pillow Cases_______________________0_14__0 3 fine Shirts_________________________1_16__0 4 other Shirts________________________1_16__0 3 Shifts_____________________________1_16__0 [p. 56.] [p. 57.] 2 Table Cloths_______________________0_16__0 4 Towels - 6 Handkerchiffs___________1_16__0 5 Aprons - 24 pair Stockings_________7_15__0 3 Gowns____________________________6__0__0 2 Petticoats - Jacket_________________2__5__0

1 Pair Buckles_______________________0_15__0 1 pair Gloves - Childrens Clothing____2__0__0 1 Looking Glass - 2 Basons___________0_16__0 2 plates - 2 porringers_______________0__6__0 2 Quart Pots - 1 punch Bowle_________0_18__0 __________________________________-------__________________________________50__0__0 Cromwell Child, Caleb Child & Moses Turners Loss as apprised by Samuel Pearse & Shubel Kinnicutt on the 24th of Dec., 1778___________________________8450_18__0 Lawful Paper Money which Consolidate 6 and 1-2 for one____________1300__0__0 Allin Coles Loss as per Bill__________________________18__4__0 Sylvester Childs Loss as per Bill_________________________100__1__0 The Damage done the Other Half of the Gen. Stark, Privateer, not Charged in any bill before__112_10__0 [p. 57.] [p. 58.] James Childs Loss. Two Beds - 4 Blankets______________10_10_0 Four pair Sheets - Six pewter plates____3__7__0 4 Pewter Porringers - one Copper Tea Kittle____________________________1__9__0 4 Pillow Cases - Two pair Leather Breeches____________________________2__8__0 1 Coat - 3 Jacketts___________________4_16__0 Shirts 3 Silk Handkerchiffs____________2__5__0 2 Shifts - five Childrens Shirts________2_17__0 5 Childrens Gowns - 2 pair Shoes_____2__5__0 1 Frying Pan - one Warming Pan_______1__8__0 3 Pewter Platters - one Looking Glass__0_18__0 15 pounds Candles - Twenty pounds Beef________________________________0_17__0 30 lbs. Pork - three lbs. Sugar_________0_17__0 2 lbs. Coffe - one Barrel Soap_________1__0__5 1-2 Bushel Meal_____________________0__1__6 1 Silk Cloak - five yds. silk___________3_14__0 6 yards Hollon - thirty skeins yarn_____2_16__0 4 yards Drab - 6 yds. Tow Cloth_______1_18__0 1 Bonnet - Two Pewter Basons_________0_16__0 1 Quart Pot - 1 pint ditto_____________0__9__0 1 Milk Kittle - one Coffe Pot__________0_11__0 1 Bowle - one Earthen Platter__________0__8__0 9 Earthen Plates - one Teapot_________0_10__0 15 Pewter Spoons - 3 Earthen Teapots________________________________0__9__3

[p. 58.] [p. 59.] 1 Sett Tea Cupps & Saucers___________0__3__0 6 Bowls for Coffe____________________0__4__6 3 Case Bottles - 18 Round ditto_______0_11__3 1 Case Knives and forks______________0__3__0 Rasors - 1 yarn Coverlid______________1__7__0 2 Lawn Aprons - Babys Cloathes______1_18__0 __________________________________-------__________________________________50_19__8 Richard Hailes Loss as pr. Bill___________________________9_17__0 James Bushees Loss. 54 Squares Glass____________________1_17__6 Other Damage to the House__________3__0__0 __________________________________-------___________________________________4_17__6 John Hardins Loss. 1 Pair Pillow Cases___________________0__4__0 1 Bed_______________________________3_15__0 1 Calico Gown_______________________3__0__0 1 Pair Stays_________________________1__4__0 1 Velvet Jacket______________________2__0__0 1 Teapot - half Barrel pork____________3__8__0 ___________________________________-------___________________________________18_11__0 Barnard Salisburys Loss________95_16__0 Rufus Bartons Loss_____________9__9__6 Caleb Carrs Loss_______________5_17__0 [p. 59.] [p. 60.] Revd Charles Thompsons Loss Saddle and curb bridle just bought____3__0__0 Two Bever Hatts one wore a little, the other not wore______________________4__0__0 Two new Hollen Shirts and seven new Hollen stocks___________________3_10__0 pair of new lather Boots of the first rate________________________________2__2__0 Three home made shirts half wore_____0_15__0 four pocket handkerchiefs____________2_15__0 twelve pair stockens all wore some____2__8__0 One flannel gown____________________0_15__0 two home made shirts wore some_____0_12__0 two Check Aprons___________________0__8__0 One lawn henkerchief________________0__5__0 four lawn and cambric caps__________0__9__0 two pairs stockens__________________0__6__0 pair of cloth shews__________________0__5__0

Childrens cloaths the whole I judge at the lowest computation could not be less than_____________________3__0__0 Baby things to the amount of_________1_10__0 2 yds. and 1-4 of linning_____________0_11__0 1 yd. of home made broad cloth_______0__6__0 2 yds. ticking________________________0__6__0 five pair of sheets half wore___________5__0__0 two pair of pillow caises______________0__9__0 two table cloaths one cersy the other Diaper______________________________0_18__0 [p. 60.] [p. 61.] four cersey towels___________________0__8__0 two caises of knives and forks________0__8__0 One Dozen of Mettle Spoons__________0__9__0 four pewter porringers________________0__6__0 one Quart Bason_____________________0__4__0 one pewter plait_____________________0__1__6 one set of china_____________________0_15__0 four small Delph boals_______________0__4__0 two pairs of common beaker glasses___0__3__0 warming pan________________________0_10__0 large frying pan______________________0__4__0 one pair brass candlesticks___________0__9__0 one large Iron Dish Kittle_____________0_12__0 Iron tea kittle________________________0__6__0 two Cedar washing tubs______________0_15__0 Milkpail water pail and canny pail______0__7__2 One Barrel full and firken half full of sope_____________________________1__4__0 four Cider Barrels almost as good as new______________________________0_12__0 one pounding tub with 160 weight of beef_____________________________3_12__0 one pounding tub with 180 weight of pork_____________________________6__0__0 two bushels of indien and one of ry meal_______________________________0__9__0 flower perhaps no more than 14 weight_____________________________0__6__0 [p. 61.] [p. 62.] Three chiezes about eight pounds each________________________________0_16__0 Three pounds of butter_______________0__3__0 a firken with six pounds of hogs fat__________________________________0__6__0 six pounds of candles________________0__6__0 a new icder [sic] firken with 30 weight of shuger______________________________1__2__0 Coffee twelve pounds_________________0_14__0 fifty weight of flax___________________2__0__0

Eight pounds of wool_________________6__0__0 pair of Cotton Cards__________________0__5__0 two common cheirs__________________0__6__6 bedstead and whale sinew cord________1__4__0 two large brown stone pots___________0__3__0 one large white stone pot for butter____0__4__0 one Dozen chunk bottles_____________0__9__0 Cloaths brush, harth brush and flore brush_______________________________0__9__0 Six milk pans 4 quarts apeace_________0__4__0 two ginn gugs_______________________0__1__0 one black gug held 3 quarts___________0__1__2 two earthen pots_____________________0__1__6 bread trough common size____________0__6__0 paire of seal skin saddle bags_________0_18__0 two large cloathes baskets____________0__6__0 One iron candlestick and pair of snuffers____________________________0__4__0 [p. 62.] [p. 63.] 1 cord of wood______________________1__0__0 Snuffers____________________________0__4__0 Barrel of sand_______________________0__4__0 Pair of steel spurs___________________0__6__0 four flower barrels___________________0__6__0 __________________________________-------__________________________________67_14__3 The Revd Erasmus Kelley lost almost all his furniture which cannot be Estimated at less than____60 Job Millers Loss_____________139__0__0 Caleb Salisburys Loss_________12__0__0 Mary Sims Loss_______________11_10__0 _____________________________------------_______________Total Loss_____12,101__17__03 Baker, Virginia; The History of Warren, Rhode Island, in the War of the Revolution, 1776 - 1783. Published by the author, Warren, Rhode Island. 1901. [Google Book Search.] --NEW JERSEY. Amboy. Algernon Roberts, Captain John Young's Company, Philadelphia Associators. Ca August 27, 1776. "...our duty was easy we had time to rove about the adjesent country and to

contemplate upon its forlorn state which now exibeted an appearance meloncholley beyond description being in a great measure forsaken by it inhabitants and there habitations taken up by the militia from the Jerseys and the adjacent provinces whome necesitey rather than inclination obliged in many places to use the fences for fuel to cook their rations which laid the pastures and corn fields open whare by the industrious labour of their owners whare totaly destroyed and the country laid waste which will be the case in the neighbourhood of every camp being a natural consequance attending camps whare conveniency and ease are oftener consulted than the welfare of the neighbourhood this being the case as it always will it becomes every lover of his country to use all the meeans in his power to keep the seat of war at as great a distance from his home as possible and not in the unnatural way of many to strive by all means in their power to get them in their neighbourhoods under the false hopes on their being protectors of Liberty and property and promoters of order and morality as they are and ever will be the bane of all those blessings and nothing can make them tollerable but their being neighbours and countrymen who may be expeced to use less cruelty and carnage than an opposite army who are to satiate their cruel and averitious appetites at the expence of the defenceless inhabitants whose property they can look upon in no other light than as magazines of their opponents and as such will use them I think this is no exageration of the necesery and custom of [any?] army and could wish that no one was so credulous as to believe the contrary and would join heart and hand to remove the cause instead of wishing for the effects but to return to our journey on the evening of the 28th we received orders to march to Newark..." p. 460-61. "The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography." Vol. VII. Publication fund of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia. 1883. Google Books. --Bergen County, New Jersey, 1776. British Troops. After camping all night on the farm of Adrian Post, the miller, on the east bank of the river, just below the present Dundee dam, when they left on the morning of November 26, 1776, they carried off this plunder, as inventoried and sworn to by him: One pair of mens shoes, almost New, 7s., 6d.; one pair weomens Shoes, almost new, 7s., 6d.; thirteen pair mens and weomens shoes and Stockins 1/4 worn, 3, 6s., 6d; one felt hat, and a good axe new, 15s.; Six pair of pillow Cases with Lace, 2, 10s.; a New Silk Weomens hat, 15s.; twelve handkerchiefs and half-worn shirts, 2, 8s. Two days later some of the laggards of the army gathered up on Mr. Posts premises twelve weomens Caps faced with Lace, 2, 7s.; one Black horse About 14 hands high, 18; A half worn Saddle worth three Dollars or , 2s., 6d; six pair of pillow Cases one third worn, 1, 10s.; five Check Aprons one third worn, 16s. Cornelius I. Van Houten, his next-door neighbor, on the north, had a new wagon and set of wagon gears, with 17s., 5d., taken on November 16. Another neighbor, on the south, Cornelius Post, lost 800 panel of fence, worth 48; two horses, worth 45, and other property, amounting in all to 160, 7s., 3d. Philip Van Bussum, also of Slooterdam, who came from Rockland county, New York, about 1770 or 1771, had a quarter of beef hanging up, which the soldiers carried off, the frightened women in the house not daring to remonstrate. Doubtless some of Cornelius Posts fence rails served not only to make comfortable bivouac fires, but to roast the stolen beef for

the hungry soldiers. [p. 215.] [p. 216.] When the army crossed the river, into Acquackanonk, the farm of Adrian J. Post was thoroughly ravaged, and the house pillaged, the following articles being carried off or destroyed: 2 Calves 8 months old, 30s. Each; 16 Bushels of Rye at 4s. pr. Bus, 3, 4s.; 250 Chestnut Rails at 30s., 3, 15s.; 50 Posts 5 holed at 6s., 1, 5s.; Handsaw, 12s.; One Pannel saw, 10s.; 1 Tennant Saw, 10s.; Sash Saw, 6s.; compass, 3s.; 2 Pair of Match Inch [sic - matching?] Ploughs [possibly these are a set of matching plough planes.] at 7s.; 1 Large Guage [sic - gouge?] & one Chisel, 3s.; 1 Plain Chair, 5s.; Smoothing plain, 3s.; 6 Chissels at 10s.; Pair of pillow Cases, 8s.; 2 Silken handkerchiefs partly worn, 12s.; 2 Pair of Stockings at 3s.; 1 Iron Pot containing 3 Gall, 8s.; 1 Holland fiddle, 1, 10s.; 1 New pair of Worsted Stockings, 6s.; 1 Pair of Stockings partly worn, 4s.; 1 pail, 3s,; 3 knives and forkes, 3s. Total, 22, 8s. Adrian A. Post and his son, Thomas Post, were robbed of: One black Mare 9 years old, 25; One brown Mare 5 Years, 20; One brown Gelding 7 Years, 20; 2 ton English hay 40s. pr ton, 4; 10 Bushels of Indian Corn at 4s. pr bush, ; 300 Wt of Wheat flour, 3; 700 Wt of Rye flour, 3, 10s.; 25 Bags at 3s. Each, 3, 15s.; 150 Wt of Pork at 3 pr lb, 1, 17s. 6d.; Set of Wagon Gears partly worn, 1, 10s. Total, 84, 12s., 6d. A party of soldiers who strayed from the main army as far as the Wesel road as Michael Vreelands, near the Boulevard and Twentieth avenue, found that they had concealed his property, and they only got a watch, valued at 8, two horses, worth 18, and a set of geers worth 5s. As they came down the road again, they stopped at the house of Henry Post (where ex-Judge John N. Terhune now lives), but Mrs. Post had hidden her best china and silver in the bed of an aged female slave, who was apparently too feeble to rise. The soldiers turned everything upside down in their eager search for plunder, and at last began overhauling this bed, whereat the wench taunted them that they should not be so low as to meddle with the bed of an old colored slave. This had the desired effect, for the men left her and her bed alone, and Mrs. Post saved her china and silver. The soldiers were more successful at the next house - that of Hessel Peterse, who lived on the upper part of the present Cedar Lawn cemetery, and from this they got this goodly lot of plunder: 1 Waggon, 15; 2 Horses about 10 Years old at 10 Each; Good Set of Geers, 2; Negro Man Aged 47 Years, 55; Pocket Compass, 6s; Case of Surveying Instruments, 2; 18 Homespun Shirts and Shifts, 7, 4s.; 2 Watch coats, 20s. Each; 20 Handkerchiefs at 4s.; 2 Beaver hats, 3; 5 Silver table Spoons, 5 Total, 116, 10s. Visiting his next-door neighbor, Annaatje Van Riper, widow of Cornelius Doremus, the soldiers gathered 15 sheep worth 15s. each, and no doubt had a jolly feast. Their theft of the following articles was inexcusable: Psalm book, neatly bound and trimmed with silver, 1, 10s; silver teaspoon; cloak partly worn, 12s.; linen sheet, 12s.; pair womens shoes, 6s.; pair silver sleeve buttons, 4s.; pair pillow cases, 8s.; long gown, 2.

From her son, Henry C. Doremus, who lived on the same farm (now part of Cedar Lawn cemetery), they stole: 6 sheep, 4, 10s.; 1 Small Swine, 16s.; Pair of leathern breeches with 14 Silver buttons, 2, 12s.; partly worn, 30s.; a pair New Shoes & brass buckels, 11s.; 1 Pair of New Shoes, 6s.; 2 Pair of trousers at 5s.; 11 Pair of Mens Stockings at 7s., [p. 216.] [p. 217.] 3, 17s.; 4 Homespun Shirts at 10s. Total, 19, 9s. Ann Bassett, widow of Stephen Bassett, was robbed of these goods: 6 Long Gowns, 9; 100 Ells of homespun linen at 2s., 9d., 13, 15s.; 12 New Shifts & fine Sleeves, 9; 1 Counterpane, 2, 10s.; 1 Velvet Cloak, 4; 2 bags.; 1 mare 6 Years Old, 20. Total, 58, 11s. Henry T. Speer, living next south to the Doremuses, had his house carefully ransacked, as appears by the list of his losses: New Sheet, 15s., 2 New fine linen Shirts, 1, 14s.; 3 Homespun linen Shirts, 1, 16s.; 3 New Womens Shifts, 1, 16s.; 1 New Cambric Apron, 1; 1 New Short Gown, 6s.; 1 New Linen handkerchief, 4s.; 3 Silk Linen handkerchiefs, 1, 2s. 6d.; 1 Pair Silver Shoe buckels, 15s.; 1 Cambric Cape [sic - cap?] with Lace, 10s; 1 New Scarlet Waist Coat, 20s.; 6 Pewter table spoons, 3s.; 5 Knives & forks, 2s.; 7lb Sugar, 5s.; 1 New Wool hat, 7s, 6d.; 10 New Ribands, 10s.; 1 Pair Woollen Stockings, 3s., 6d; 1 Cambric Apron, 15s.; 1 Lawn handkerchief, 6s. Total, 13, 10s., 6d. As the soldiers went on down the Wesel road they paused long enough to steal from Paul Powleson these articles of property: 1 Sorrel Stallion 14 hands 3 Inches high 12 Years old, worth 12; 1 Bay horse 14 hands & 11 Years old. 10; 1 Saddle 20s.; 2 Sheep, 24s.; 12 Bush. Oats, at 2s. 6d. p. busl, 10s.; 1 Load of hay, 1; 2 Sheets, 20s.; 2 Blankets, 18s.; Total, 28, 12s. This was on November 16, 1776. Peter Garritse, in the same neighborhood, was robbed of a New Set of Pettiauger Sails, 25. A man of such prominence and such conspicuous devotion to the American cause as Henry Garritse could not expect to go unscathed by the British, and the soldiers had a merry[*} bivouac fire with his movable property available for that purpose, to wit: 500 Rails, at 40s. pr. hund., 10; 100 Posts at 8 pr post, 3, 6s., 8d; 500 Shingles at 4 per thousd, 2; 50 Bushels of Indian Corn at 4s. pr busl, 10; 2 ton of English hay at . Total 31, 6s., 8d. They also stole a mare 6 years old, worth 16. He was destined to suffer repeated losses of much greater amounts during the War. John Elias Vreeland got off lightly, comparatively, losing only 1 Bay horse 14 hands high & 3 Inches 5 years old, 20; 1 Bay Stallion 15 hands & 3 Inches 4 years old, & half blooded, 30; 1 Load of Good hay, 1. They got a larger variety from John Vreeland, including two horses, 7 Cows with Calf, 4 Swine at 30s., 9 Sheep at 15s., 3 Barrels of Cider at 12s., 3 Hives of bees, 3 (what a pity the bees could not have been aroused of their winter sleep to sting the thieves!). 16 Shirts & Shifts at 6s., 4, 16s.; 11 new Pillow Cases at 9s. pr Pair, 2, 6s., 6d.; 2 sheets at 14s. Johns good wife Gouda certified to this list, and no doubt she knew to a penny what was taken. Jacob Vreeland attested that on this same eventful November 26 he had property

taken and destroyed by the British troops or their adherents as follows: 1 Mare 4 Years old, 20; 1 Mare 6 Years old, 30; 3 Horses 7 Years old, 62; 1 Horse 6 Years old, 12; 2 Saddles & 2 Bridles, 8; 2 Working Stears, 20; 1 Waggon, 17; 31 Sheep, 21, 14s.; 1 Bed, bolster, Pillows, 2 rugs, blanket & Coverlet, & 2 Sheets, 20; 2 Set of Geers, 40s.; 2 Pair Stockings at 10s.; 2 Swords, 30s.; Bullet Mould, 6s.; 5 Calves, 10; 1 negro Man, 95; 20 Ells tow Cloth, 60s.; Tub & Milk Vessel, 8s.; 2 Aprons & Short Gown, 18s.; 5 Caps & handkerchief, 20s. Two days after he had another visitation, when the men carried off or destroyed: 6 tons English hay, 9; 600 Sheaves of Oats, 5, 5s.; 500 Do. wheat, 5; 9 Hives of honey, 9; 8 shirts, 96s.; 5 Barrels Cyder, 4; 30 Bushels Turnips, 30s.; 3 Bushels Potatoes, 7s. 6d.; 13 Gallons Methleglin, [p. 217.] [* Perhaps the author hasnt read British accounts of the campaign.] [p. 218.] 2, 12s.; 100 Cabbage Heads, 25s; 50 Barn fowls & 7 Geese, 3, 4s.; Cash, 4, 8s.; 3 Shirts & 2 Pair Stockings, 2, 16s.; 3 Handkerchiefs, 10s.; 1 Gun, 40s. Total for the two days, 381, 9, 6. Lucas Wessels also had cause to remember November 26, as on that day he lost 100 Cwt of flax, 5; 7 tons of English hay, 21; 100 chestnut rails, 2; 20 five hole Posts, 13s., 4d.; 1 Horse, 4 Years old, 20; 1 Mare, 20. Total, 68, 13s., 4d. Cornelius E. Vreeland unwillingly furnished forth many a camp mess with 2 Loads of Cabbage, 1, 15s., 4d.; 6 Turkeys, 15s.; 10 Barn Fowls, 10s.; besides 1 Pair of Buckskin breeches with Silver buttons, 2, 10s.; New Broad Cloth Coat, Vest & breeches, 9. As the soldiers marched down the river road below Passaic, in the neighborhood of the present Brook avenue they came to the modest home of Captain Daniel Neil, then with Washingtons army, and there they stole a horse worth 15; 2 1/2 tons English hay, worth 7, 10s.; half a load of flax, worth 2, and 120 panels of fence, worth 6, 12s. Two years later Mrs. Neil had another horse stolen from her worth 25. Just below Mrs. Neil lived Richard Ludlow. His dock at Acquackanonk Landing was piled up with loads of staves, etc., which all went for fuel for the soldiers, who destroyed 20,000 & heading, 100; 10 Cords of Walnut Wood, 15; 1 Boat with Sales &c., 60. At his house they destroyed or carried off three copper kettles, worth 7; a brass pie pan, 20s.; an iron pie pan, 10s.; a brass tea kettle, 20s., and a Washing of the Linnen, valued at 3. That visitation of the British cost him 187, 10s. The farm of Derrick Vreeland, next below Ludlows, was called upon that same November 26 to supply many a camp fire with a sumptuous repast, thus: 2 Fat Oxen, 14; 2 Fat Cows, 8; 6 Calves, 6; 34 Sheep, 27, 4s.; 2 Bull 5 years old (tough provender, that), 5; 7 Hogs at 20s. He also lost two mares, at 10 each. Halmagh Sip, who lived near Vreeland, was robbed of these goods & chattels: 1 Waggon, 18; 5 Horses, 76; 30 Sheep, 18; Barley & Wheat destroyed, 4; 1 Calf, 16s.; 1 Pair Silver Show buckels & Shoes, 2. Total 118, 16s. Christopher Vanoorstrand, a merchant shipper, a neighbor of Ludlows, suffered

heavily, as appears by this inventory of his losses: 1 Boat almost New, 225; 2 Negro Men, 90; 2 Negro Women, 100; 4 Horses & Mares at 10, 40; 2 Saddles, 4; 15 barrels Cyder, 9; 1 Pair leather breeches, 40s., Cloth Coat, 60s.; 1 Waist Coat, 20s.; 2 Yd. Streaked Holland, 8s.; Pocket Book with sundry Accompts, 6; 2 Water Pots for bleaching, 15s.; 2 Bellows, 7s.; 2 Cases with Sundry flasks, 10s.; 2 Small trunks, 6s.; 2 Teakettles at 15s.; 3 pans at 4s.; Pewter, 8s; 50 Bushels Corn at 4s. pr Busl, 10; 40 Bushels Apples, 4; 1 Sheep, 20s.; 2 Hogs, 40s.; Potatoes, Turnips, Cabbage, &c., 2; Tobacco, 15s. Total, 540, 11s. Adrian H. Sip, son of Halmagh Sip, contributed 10 sheep and 14 geese for soldiers dinners, and was also robbed of 2 Horses, Hood Waggon & Geere, 40, 10s.; Cash taken, 13; 1 Woollen Blanket, 1. 10s.; 100 Pannels of Fence, 10; 18 Ells Linen, 1, 16s.; Indian Corn, Rye, wheat, hay & Hemp, 3, 10s. He also lost a negro, who was subsequently recovered in Pennsylvania, at a cost of 20. Hermanus Van Wagoners farm, west of the Acquackanonk church, was probably camped on by some of the troops, who used up 4,318 of his chestnut rails and 900 of his posts, besides destroying 125 bushels of wheat and as much of rye, and 5 tons of Irish hay, worth 2 per ton. In the way of provender, the soldiers got from him a cow, and 6 swine, besides taking a young horse worth 20, so that his total losses footed up 142, 12s. [p. 218.] [p. 219.] The adjacent farm of Marselis Post was probably similarly occupied, and as a consequence Mr. Post suffered these depredations: 2800 Chesnut Rails at 20s. pr Hund.; 1 New Waggon & Geers, 19; 2 Tons of English Hay, 6; 5 Cwt of rye meal at 14s. pr. Cwt; 5 Head of Cattle at 4 apiece; 2 Yearlings at 30s. Each; 20 Bushels of Indian Corn at 4s.; 1 Broad Axe, 6s.; 1 mare & Colt, 3 Each; 18 Sheep at 15s., 13, 10s.; 700 White Oak posts, 12. Total, 115, 6s. John Sip, senior, suffered losses of like character, on his farm next south of Post, namely: 2900 Rails, 39, 15s.; 360 Posts, 9; 4 Horses, 46; 4 Cows, 25; 3 Sheep, 45s.; 9 Hogs at 20s.; 12 Loads Hay, 15; 2 Guns, 40s.; 32 Hives of Bees, 40s.; 30 Bushels of Rye and 30 do. of Indian corn, 15; 1 Negro Man, 60; 1 Negro boy, 40; 3 Negro Women, 130. Total, 395. Francis Van Winkle, in the same vicinity, lost at this time and subsequently, property thus described: 3250 Chestnut rails, 48, 15s.; 730 Chestnut & White Oak Posts, 18, 5s.; 1 Negro Man, 85; 1 Horse, 20; 1 Horse, 12; 1 Set of New Geers with iron traces, 3; 16 Sheep, 12; 8 Ton English hay at 3, 24; Wheat, barley, Oats about 100 Bushl at 3s. pr bushl, 15; 6 Bags with about 6 cwt of flower, 5, 2s.; 5 Milk Vessels & Churn burnt, 1, 3s.; Pots, kettles, knives, forkes, dishes, &c., 4; Feather bed, &c., 6; 2 Bed blankets, 30s.; 2 Sheets, 30s.; 2 Green Rugs, 3; 2 Woollen Sheets, 1, 15s.; 1 Clock, 15; 1 Load of flax, 4. Total, 281. The foregoing details of losses on the farms of Hermanus Van Wagoner, Merselis Post, the Sips and Francis Van Winkle all point to a temporary sojourn, an encampment for at least a night, and tend to confirm the tradition preserved by the late Henry P. Simmons, of Passaic, that the British encamped on the heights now occupied in part by the Passaic city hall. The invaders proceeded still further down the river road on that twenty-sixth day of November, and visited Marinus Van Riper, who lost in consequence a partly worn

wagon, worth 10; 28 bushels of oats, worth 3, 10s., and 125 oak rails, worth 1, 5s. Jacob Van Wagoners losses are thus enumerated: 30 Bushels of Oats, at 2s., 6d. pr Bushl, 3, 15s.; 20 do of Potatoes, at 2s., 6d., 2, 10s.; 12 do. of Apples, at 2s.; 10 do. of Turnips, at 1s.; 3 tons of English hay at 3 pr ton; 500 Cabbage heads, 3, 10s.; 100 Sheaves of Wheat, 15s.; 4 Geese, 8s.; One duck, 1s. & 13 fowls at 10d.; Gallon Bottle, 2s.; Cash, 15s.; 1 Shift, 10s.; 3 pair of Stockings, 21s.; 2 Jugs, 3s.; Cash, 2 Doll. & half, 18s. 9d. Garret Van Riper had stolen from him two horses, at 15 each, and Negro man, worth 80. Richard Van Ripers losses on November 26 were inventoried as follows: New Iron bound Waggon, 18; 2 Oxen 6 years old, 4; 24 sheep, 18; 4 tons English hay at 3 per ton, 12; 3 Milk cows at 6 Each; 1 Steer 3 years old, 4; Steers & One heifer 2 Years old at 40s. Each, 8; 2 Swine, 170 Wt. Each, 5 10s., 2d.; 2 do. 50 Wt. Each, 1, 13s. 4d.; 1 Mare 5 years old, 2; 1 Horse 7 Years old Saddle & bridle, 12, 8s. On January 7, 1777, Mr. Van Riper lost 1 Negro Man 30 Years old, 70; 1 Bay horse 11 years old, 8; 1 Brown horse, 8 Years [old], 16. His total losses were 217, 11s., 6d. Richard J. Van Rypers losses make a list more curious than pecuniarly important: 1 Pair Oxen 4 Years old, 12; 1 Fatted Swine Wt. 220 lb., about 3; 1 Beaver hat, 45s., 2, 5s.; Copper tea kettle, 1, 7s.; 2 Gold rings, 45s., 2,5s.; 1 Pair of silver Shoe buckels, 1, 4s.; 1 Pair of silver knee buckels, 14s.; 5 Silver tea spoons, 1, 5s.; 1 Pair of silver sleeve but[p. 219.] [p. 220.] tons, 3s.; 1 Dutch Psalm book Clasped & bound with silver, 2, 16s.; 1 pair of buckskin breeches with silver buttons, 1, 10s.; 1 New broadcloth coat, 2, 10s.; Black Callimanco quilt, 2, 10s.; Scarlet short Cloak, 2, 6s.; New dark Chintz Gown, 3; Bombazin Gown, 3; 1 purple Gown, 2, 8s.; 12 Linen Shirts new & 6 Good homespun Shifts, 12; 2 Homespun Sheets, 30s.; 4 Pillow Cases, 21s., 2, 11s.; Lace for 2 pair of Pillow Cases, 6s.; 2 Cambric Aprons, 2, 5s.; 2 Cambric, 2 Silk, 2 Checkd, 1 Chintz & 1 Striped hankerchief, 2, 18s.; 2 Checkd Aprons, 12s.; 2 Pair of mens woolen Stockings, 1; 1 Chain of Pearls, 3s.; 2 Bordered Cap, 26s., & handkerchief blue and white, 1, 10s., 6d. Total, 68, 1s., 6d. On November 27 the British advanced to and through the Third River neighborhood and despoiled Peter Jacobussen of these articles: Cash, 10; 140 Ells Linen Cloth at 3s., 6d. pr Ell, 24, 10s.; 1 Castor hat, 28s.; 1 Pair breeches with Silver buttons, 2; 1 Pair buckskin Breeches, 30s.; 4 Pair Stockings & pair of Shoes, 1, 12s.; 7 Shirts, 3, 10s.; Cloak, 35s.; Silk for 2 bonnets, 24s.; 6 New Shifts, 3; 3 New Sheets, 45s.; 2 White Aprons, 12s.; 4 checkd Aprons, 20s.; 3 Good Short gowns, 22s.; 2 Cambric Handkerchiefs, 16s.; 2 Silk Do 15s.; 4 checkd handkerchiefs, 18s.; & Silver snuff box, 2, 13s.; 12 Silver Buttons, 12s.; 1 Pair silver Shoe & knee buckels, 20s.; 5 Womens Caps, 25s.; 1 1/2 Yd Chints, 12s.; 1 Calloco Gown, 20s.; Pair small Silver buckl, 6s.; 1 pair trousers & 2 Pair Stockings, 18s.; 1 Waggon, 12. Total, 74, 5s. It would seem that a column of the troops must have marched through Speertown and the Stone House Plains neighborhood, for on November 27 John Speer, son of Jacobus Speer, was plundered thus: 1 Close Bodied Broad Cloth coat, 2, 10s.; 1

Castor hat, 28s.; Pair of buckskin breeches, 15s.; 5 Linen Shirts, 2; 2 Pair of Stockings, 14s.; Cash, 3, 4s.; 1 half-silken Gown, 3; One Chintz Gown, 2, 6s.; 1 Calloco Gown, 1, 10s.; 1 Calloco gown, 1; 2 White Aprons, 25s.; 1 Laced Handkerchief, 16s; 2 White Hankerchiefs, 12s.; 3 Silken Handkerchiefs, 12s.; 2 Silken Handkerchiefs, 18s.; 2 Checkd Handkerchiefs, 4s.; 3 checkd Aprons, 15s.; 1 Cloak, 40s.; Silken bonnet, 16s.; 4 Shirts, 40s.; 4 Caps, 20s.; 1 Gold ring and silver snuff-box, 2; 1 Pair of Shoes, 5s.; 2 Short Gowns, 10s.; 1 Pair Cotton trousers, 10s.; 1 Pair of Silver knee-buckels, 8s.; Leading lines & bits, 5s. Total, 32,11s. Rinier J. Speer lost 5 sheep, a gun and a sword, one shirt, 2 pair of stockings and a pair of mittens, which might better have gone to the half-clad American soldiers. His losses footed up 7, 13s. Jacobus Speer was robbed this November 27, of 14 sheep, 18 geese, one watch coat, one gun, one pistol, a silver neck-clasp, worth 10s., and 3 in cash. He also had 350 chestnut rails and 70 posts destroyed, doubtless used for camp fires. Cornelius Degraw had a cow, worth 5, taken. The farm and house of John Sip, junior, were pillaged of these goods: 1 Good Saddle, 3; 2 Hives of bees (what a sweet tooth those soldiers seem to have had!), 2; Leather breeches with Silver buttons, 2, 10s.; 9 pair of thread stockings (not good for much on a long march, one would suppose), 3, 12s.; 1 Pair of Woollen Stockings, 8s.; 1 Coat partly Worn, 1; 1 Iron Pot, 10s.; Pair of Shoes, 8s.; 30 barn fowls, 30s.; 1 Silk Handkerchief, 10s.; Shirt, 8s.; 14 lb. of Sugar, 7s.; 1 lb. of Tea, 3s.; 20 lb. of Butter, at 1s. pr lb.; Pair of Gloves, 2s. 6d. Total, 17, 8s., 6d. From Theunis Speer they carried off: 1 negro Man about 30 Years of age, 80; 3 New Shirts, 36s.; 4 New Shifts, 48s.; 1 Cambric handkerchief half worn, 4s.; 1 Waistcoat half worn, 10s.; Pair of new shoes, 7s.; 6d.; 6 New Pewter table Spoons, 3s.; 1 lb. of Tea & Canister, 6s. Total, 85, 14s., 6d. A British raid of September 12-16, 1777: Peter Garritse, on the Wesel road, lost by the raid 2 Yoke of Oxen, 50; 1 Negro Man, 25 Years old, 80; 1 Large gun, 3. Henry Garritse, on the Wesel road, was despoiled of 1 Bay Horse 15 hands high 4 years old, 35; 2 Waggon Horses, 8 Years old, 40; 1 Mare 5 Years old & Colt, 25; 1 Do 15 hands high 10 years old, 15; 2 Horses. 25; 1 Saddle & Saddle bags, bridle & Whip, 5; 1 Gun & bayonet, 3; 1 Barrel of beer, 30s.; 1/2 Gross bottles, 1, 15s.; 2 Fat Cows at 7. James Linkfoot, of the Third River neighborhood, lost on this occasion 1 Horse Saddle & bridle, 12; 1 Broad Cloath Coat, 3; Waistcoat & breeches Velvet, 4; 1 Musket, 20s.; Quadrant & Scale, 2; Feather Bed, bolster & Pillows, 6; Gold diamond Ring, 2; 1 silk Handkerchief, 8s; 1 Castor hat, 1, 12s.; Total, 32. John Vreeland, also on the Wesel road, was robbed of 3 Horses at 10 each; 4 Fat Cows at 6; 150 Chestnut rails at 40s. pr hund; 30 Posts at 8d., 1. Dr. Nicholas Roche, who seems to have lived on the Wesel road. near Paul Powleson (now the Richard Kip farm), had his premises thoroughly pillaged in this September raid. The list of his losses indicates the style in which he was wont to dress, and that

character of his professional equipment in the way of instruments: []________________________________________________S__D 1 Teakettle 24s._________________________________1__4__0 1 Scarlet short Cloak 30s. & 8 fine linen sheets_____9_10__0 8 coarse linen sheets____________________________6__0__0 12 Pair of Pillow Cases___________________________3_12__0 3 Bags 9s. 3 silk handkerchiefs 18s._______________1__7__0 1 gun 3 8 Shifts & Shirts 4_____________________7__0__0 5 Pair of Stockings______________________________2__0__0 ___Case of Amputating & trepanning instruments of ___the best quality______________________________24__0__0 2 Cases of incision instruments___________________6__8__0 ___Suit of Superfine Broad cloth Clothes____________7_10__0 ___Superfine White Broad Cloth Coat Waistcoat with Sil___ver lace______________________________________3__0__0 1 large Trunk____________________________________1__4__0 1 Medicine Chest_________________________________1_12__0 7 Ruffed Shirts of fine linen_______________________7__0__0 4 Cambric Stocks 17s. 6d.________________________0_17__0 6 pair of Worsted & linen Stockings________________2__8__0 1 Superfine Broad Cloth Coat______________________3_10__0 1 Silver Mounted Sword___________________________5__0__0 24 Geese at 2s. 6d.______________________________3__0__0 _______________________________________________-------____________________________________________119_10__0 Attested to by Ann Roche & Paul Powelson. John Wanshair had property taken and destroyed as follows: 1 Horse 4 Years old quarter English, 25; 1 Mare 4 Years old, 25; 1 Do 5 years old with foal, 17; 1 Stallion 4 Years old, 18; 1 Mare 3 Years old very likely, 20; 4 Working horses bewteeen 14 & 15 hands high [p. 229.] [p. 230.] & between 5 and 6 Years old, 48; 12 Sheep at 15s., 9 2 Calves at 12s, 1, 4s.; 1 Long Scarlet Cloak, 5; 2 Short Scarlet Cloaks at 30s. pr Clk; 1 New Cloth Surtout 3 & Black Velvet Waist Coat, , 10s.; a Pair of Velvet breeches, 30s.; 17 Shirts of fine linen at 16s. pr Shirt, 13, 12s.; 2 Chints Gowns, 4, 2s.; 2 Black Aprons, 2; 4 Lawn Aprons, 5; 4 Lawn Handkerchiefs, 3, 4s.; 6 Cambric Caps, 48s.; 6 New Sheets & 6 Pillow Cases, 5, 9s.; 2 Cotton Petticoats, 3; One Woollen Do, 20s.; 1 Pin Cushion with Silver chain & band, 1, 4s; 10 Pair of Stockings, 3, 10s; 1 pair Silver buckels, 25s.; Coverlet, 30s; 5 Milk cows, 30; 1 Yoke of Oxen 6 Years old, 20; 18 Young Cattle the Youngest 2 Years old, 54; 15 Sheep at 15s. pr sheep, 11, 5s. The plunder obtained from Marinus Gerritse on this raid consisted of 1 Yoke of Oxen, 25; 1 Horse, 15; 1 New Coat & Scarlet Vest, 4, 10s.; 6 Shirts at 10s.; 3 Pair Stocking, 15s. total, 48, 5s. John Cadmus, of Slooterdam, lost 33 sheep and five horses, worth 140, 5s. From Thomas Van Typen they took on September 12, 6 horses, 10 sheep, a wagon, 4 calves, 250 panel of fence, silver teaspoons, knee-buckles, two gold ear-rings, a

dozen silver buttons, a silver snuff-box, a side of upper-leather, a pair of shoes, 42 ells of linen, 6 shirts, 5 white handkerchiefs, 4 quilted petticoats, a dozen pewter plates, half a dozen pewter dishes, a silk handkerchief, a pair of buckskin breeches, a tea kettle, a negro man worth 85, another worth 77, and a negro wench worth 70. His house was badly damaged and windows broken, so that his total loss was estimated at 298. Adrian Post, the miller, of Slooterdam, was again visited, September 12-15, and plundered of these articles: 103 quarters of wheat flower, 1, 12s.; 300 & a Half of Rye meal, 2, 2s.; a sorrel horse Saddle and Bridle, 28; an Extraordinary good gun, 3, 10s.; A Wagon But Little the worse for ware, 16; one good axe, 7s. 6d.; one Neagro man About 34 years old, 85. On September 15, Henry Van Houten, also of Slotterdam [sic], was robbed of one horse 7 years old 13 1/2 hands high, 12. Cornelius I. Van Houten subsequently swore that he had seen the horse of Henry Van Houten in the Posistion of the Enemy. he himself had a horse worth 12 taken on September 13. Totowa and Preakness. American, 1780. Oct. 9... As the Army is encamped very conveniently for wood, the destruction of fences will be without excuse, and must be prevented at all events... The General wishes, also, that all possible care may be taken to prevent injury to the fruit trees; in which he includes the chestnut, many of which he has seen cut down in order to come at the nut. p. 246. Nov. 6. it is with infinite regret that the General is obligd to take notice of the disorderly conduct of the soldiers, arising in great measure from the abuse of passes. The whole country is overspread with straggling soldiers, who, under the most frivolous pretences, commit every species of robbery and plunder. In a ride he took the other say, he found soldiers as low as Aquackenack Bridge, on both sides of the river, and as far as he has ever yet gone, around the environs of the camp, the roads and farm-houses are full of them. p. 250. [The authors summarize claims by the inhabitants:] The following are the only instances recorded: John Hennion, of Preakness - two hogs, seven shoats, one sheep, a bag of salt, and 150 posts, probably for firewood to cook the animals withal. John Oremus, also of Preakness - a two-year-old heifer, a shoat, a beehive full of honey bees, one table cloth of toe and flax good. John Van Houten, of Totowa - 14 sheep at 12s. each. Roelof Van Houten, of Totowa - 5 sheep, a heifer and 5 bushels of turnips. Samuel Van Saun, of Preakness - 2 sheep and 3 calves. Martin Ryerson, of the Goffle - 17 sheep, a steer, one hog supposeing to waigh 100wt.; damage done to stone fences, 15. Halmagh Van Houten, of Totowa - one calf, 5 sheep, 2 shoats, 150 bushels of turnips, two beehives with bees, and a hayfork. Robert Van Houten, of Totowa - one steer and bull, 2 heifers, 2 hogs, one colt, 4 beehives, 2 sheep, 5 bushels of turnips, potatoes, in all, 20, 10s. Garrabrant Van Houten, who lived where the West Side park now is - 6, 14s. worth of sheep, hogs and a calf. Adrian Van Houten, who lived in Water street - sheep to the value of 5, 3s. 6d. Isaac Vanderbeck, Adrians next-door neighbor, who occupied the

Doremus homestead in Water street, had sheep, a calf, a hand-vise, gridiron, ax, and bridle taken, his barn burned, and a horse and stable destroyed, to his total damage 9, 13s. 6s. John Van Winkle, who lived about where St. Marys orphan asylum is located, opposite the Lincoln bridge, lost 9 worth of sheep and a calf. Cornelius R. Van Houten, who lived a short distance southwest of Van Winkle, had cattle to the value of 31, 14s. taken. John Van Giesen, who lived near Totowa and Redwoods avenues, lost 7, 9s. worth in this manner. p. 250. [Summarizes some raids by Loyalists in 1780 - 1781. The losses consisted of slaves and horses.] Nelson, William M., & Shriner, Charles A.; History of Paterson and its Environs (The Silk City). Volume I. Lewis Historical Publishing Company, New York and Chicago. 1920. [Google Book Search.] --Bergen. 1777. [Some rather unflattering comments, but shed some light on the wardrobe customs of the womenfolk of the area.] December 13. - The neglect of some of the people of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, to supply clothing and necessaries to the army at Valley Forge, in accordance with the late requisition made by General Washington, creates much comment.[3] [3] Letter of Francis Mercer. [Governor William Livingston of New Jersey, writing under the pseudonym of Hortentius:] Among suggestions for relief is the following by Governor Livingston, published in this days gazette: - I am afraid that while we are employed in furnishing our battalions with clothing, we forget the county of Bergen, which alone is sufficient amply to provide them with winter waistcoats and breeches, from the redundance and superfluity of certain woollen habits, which are at present applied to no kind of use whatsoever. It is well known that the rural ladies in that part of New Jersey, pride themselves in an incredible number of petticoats; which, like house furniture, are displayed by way of ostentation, for many years before they are decreed to invest the fair bodies of the proprietors. Till that period they are never worn, but neatly piled up on each side of an enormous escritoire, the top of which is deco[p. 527.] [p. 528.] rated with a most capacious brass-clasped Bible, seldom read. What I would, therefore, humbly propose to our superiors, is to make prize of these future female habiliments, and, after proper transformation, immediately apply them to screen from the inclemencies of the weather those gallant males who are now fighting for the liberties of their country. And to clear this measure from every imputation of injustice, I have only to observe, that the women of that country, having for above a century /worn the breeches/, it is highly reasonable that the men should now, and especially upon so important an occasion, make booty of the petticoats. [1] [1] New Jersey Gazette, December 21. Moore, Frank; Diary of the American Revolution. From Newspapers and Original Documents. Volume I. Charles Scribner, New York and Sampson Low, Son and

Company, London. 1860. [Google Book Search.] --Bergen. American Patrol. /Property Captured on an Expedition to Bergen, New Jersey/. Head Quarters Closter 26th Februy 1777. Account of Grain, &c. taken on the way Going to Bergin. 11 Bags with Rye 2 Bags with oats. Things taken on Sceakaws Island, Februy 1777. I White Coverled; 1 Feather Bed; 1 Mortrass; 2 Callico gowns; 1 White Petticoat, 2 Brass Kittels; 6 puter Platters; 1 Do Cover; 1 Large pair Shears; 18 Puter Plates; 1 Small Chist with a Picter Papers &c; 1 toaster iron; 1 Coarce Apron; 4 Smoothing Irons; 14 Forks 11 Knives; 2 tin Candle stands 4 Shirts, 1 nail Hammer 1 Bunch of Twine 1 puter Cup 1 Pair womans Shoes. Taken near the New Bridge 6 Faggots of steel; 7 Barrs of Iron; Parcels of Carriage Wheels Boxes Bands Bolts &c. got neer fort Lee. 2 Milks Cows taken at Ramough which belongs to a person who is now in New York. Account of Horses taken From our Enemies: 2 young Horses of Michel More; 1 Horse of Capt. Lawrence Buskirk; 1 Horse the Oner went in New York For a Commission; 2 Horses of Jost Erl, gone to New York; 1 Horse of Dominie Lydacker; 1 Box Slead & 1 wood Slead. p. 634. Public Papers of George Clinton, First Governor of New York, 1777-1794 - 18011804. Military - Vol. 1. Introduction by Hugh Hastings. Wynkoop, Hallenbeck Crawford Co., State Printers, New York and Albany. 1899. [Google Book Search.] --Piscataway and Perth-Amboy, 1776. British. William Dunlap was the son of a British Officer who had retired and settled in New Jersey. His father moved the family to Piscataway in 1776. He became a fairly prolific writer and the war must have made an indelible impression on him as a young lad. He described it several times in his published works: The English troops marched through Piscatawa without opposition, and plundered the houses. I witnessed this scene. The men of the village had retired on the approach of the enemy. Some women and children were left. I heard their lamentations as the soldiers carried off their furniture, scattered the feathers of the beds to the winds, and piled up looking-glasses, with frying pans in the same heap, by the road side. The soldier would place a female camp-follower as a guard upon the spoil, while he returned to add to the treasure. Perth-Amboy being now in the possession of the British, my father returned with his family to his house, and I saw

in my native town, particularly after the affairs of Princeton and Trenton, all the varieties of abominations of a crowded camp and garrison. Vol. I, 248. Dunlap, William; A History of the Rise and Progress of the Arts of Design in the United States. 2 Volumes. George P. Scott and Co., New York, 1834. Reprint, Introduction by James Thomas Flexner; Editor, Rita Weiss. 3 Volumes, Dover Publications, New York, 1969. In an earlier work, Dunlap had described the scene thus: The English army marched in hostile array through New-Jersey, and my father walked to the high road passing through the village, to present himself to General Grant as an adherent to the cause of Britain. He took me with him, and I saw the soldiers plundering the houses, the women of the village trembling and weeping, or flying with their children - the men had retired to await the time of resurrection. In many houses helpless old men, or widowed females awaited the soldiers of monarchy. A scene of promiscuous pillage was in full operation. Here a soldier was seen issuing from a house armed with a frying-pan and gridiron, and hastening to deposite them with the store over which his helpmate kept watch. The women who had followed the army assisted their husbands in bringing the furniture from the houses, or stood watch as sentinels to guard the pile of kitchen utensils, or other articles already secured and claimed by right of war. Here was seen a woman bearing a looking-glass, and here a soldier with a feather-bed - but as this was rather an inconvenient article to carry on a march, the ticking was soon ripped open, and a shower of goose feathers were seen taking higher flight than their original owners ever soared to. This scene was a lesson. p. 236. Dunlap, William; History of the American Theatre. J. and J. Harper, New York. 1832. [Google Book Search.] It made an indelible impression on me. Not far from me stood a female follower of the camp, having charge of a musket, and guarding a pile of household furniture, to which a soldier industriously added by bringing forth from a house, where the mistress and her child stood weeping at the door, every article he could find, from the table and the looking glass, to the tongs and shovel; pots, kettles, womens clothing, and feather beds, were, by the same industry, transferred from the owners homes to various piles, similarly protected. Here a soldier was seen issuing from a house, armed with a frying-pan and gridiron; and there a camp-follower, bearing a mirror in one hand and a bottle in the other... What could soldiers do with feather beds?... They ripped them open with their bayonets, strewed the road with the feathers, and their helpmates carefully preserved the ticking. p. 142. Dunlap, William; History of New York, for Schools. Two Volumes, Vol. II. Collins, Keese and Company, New York, 1837. [Google Book Search.] --Somerset County. Bound Brook. In the State Library at Trenton are four interesting volumes of Revolutionary

history. They are bound folio manuscript volumes and contain the inventories of persons living in New Jersey whose property was plundered or destroyed by the British or Continentals between 1776 and 1782, mostly in 76 and 77. Each inventory contains the valuation of every article and is certified to by the oath or affirmation of the person damaged or his representative, and in many cases the testimony of eye witnesses of the damage is also added. These oaths or affirmations were before appraisers appointed for that purpose by the State. These inventories were made as the result of an act which passed the Legislature December 20, 1781, relative to such damages and which it was expected the State would repay. In New Jersey such losses were never paid as in some other States, and the only result of these inventories has been to preserve a record of the injuries sustained by our ancestors, and to give us a reliable history of their sufferings, their furniture, dress, etc. This act provided for two inventories, one for property destroyed by the enemy and their adherents, and the other by the Continental Army or the militia of this or the neighboring States The articles were to be inventoried at the prices current at the opening of the war in 1775, to be certified by oath or affirmation. Nothing was to be in the inventory for which any payment had been made for any satisfaction received. No inventory was to be received from any persons who had not shown their loyalty to the American government. Any forged or feigned inventories would render the persons giving them liable to severe penalties. The appraisers were to receive as their compensation seven shillings and six pence by the day and nine pence per sheet of 90 words for registering the inventories and vouchers. Appendix A. Damages by the British Army April 13, 1777, to the people of Bound Brook: Jacob De Groot sustained a heavy loss by the British army on this same day. In his inventory he mentions: 1 bay horse, 3 years old; 1 brown horse, 5 years old; 1 roan horse, 7 years old; 8 Milch cows, 1 working ox, 3 four year old cattle, 4 three year old cattle, 3 one year old cattle, 4 Calves, 1 negro man 24 years old, and many articles of clothing, dishes, etc., to a value of 234 pounds and 15 shillings. From Hendrick Staats they took 3 hogsheads and 2 barrels of cider, 6 bushels of wheat, 4 cows, 1 calf, 2 two year old creatures and other goods in value 32 pounds, 18 shillings and 6 pence. Tobias Van Norden in his affidavit says on the approach of the [p. 25.] [p. 26.] British to Bound Brook, April 13, 1777, he was obliged to retreat and leave his house, and on his return he found the articles mentioned above missing. These articles included a Riding Chair and harness, 2 cows, a calf and heifer, 4 blankets, 8 dollars worth of pig tail [tobacco] in small rolls, 8 silver tea spoons, 3 pair sheets, 2 double gross of buttons, window curtains, dishes, clothing etc. to the value of 63 pounds, 13 shillings, 9 pence. The inventory of Abraham Staats is given in full with affidavit, and is an exact copy of the original.

[]Inventorie of goods and Chattels taken and Destroyed of Abraham Staats by the British and their adherents in April 13, 1777. ________________________________________________ .__s.__d. To 1 Milch Cow and 5 yearlen Calves_______________11__5_____2 Great Coats half worn,________________________1_15_____1 Long broad Cloath Cloak half worn,____________1_10_____5 Bushels Wheat,_______________________________1_10_____1 pair leather breeches half worn,________________-_15_____1 pair leather breeches New,____________________1_10_____1 Short broad Cloth Cloak partly new,____________1_--_____1 Shirt and One Shift New,______________________1__4_____1 Callimanco Quilt,____________________________-_17__6 ___1 Stripped Short gown lined,____________________-__5_____1 Shirt half worn,______________________________-__6_____1 Pewter Tea pott and 1 Coffee pott,_____________-__7__6 _______________________________________________-------_______________________________________________22_s.5. Abraham Staats sworn according to law Deposeth and Saith that on the Approach of the Enemy and their Adherents the 13th of April 1777 he fled, left his home and on his Return home again the Said day he found Missing the Several goods and Chattels Contained in the Above inventories and that he Verily believes they were taken by the Enemy and their Adherents, and that he hath Not Received any Satisfaction for the Same or Any part thereof - further this Deponent Saith Not. Abraham Staats. 23d October 1782. Sworn before Tobias Van Norden.[] From Benjamin Harris the British stole 1 roan horse, 1 bay horse, 1 new wagon with harness for 2 horses, 1 cow, 2/3 of a hogshead of rum, 40 calves skins tanned and curried, 11 sides upper leather, 2 horse hides, 1 hog skin, 1 pair new saddle bags, besides many other articles of clothing and bedding. The total amount of his loss was 125 pounds, 1 shilling and 6 pence. Many others living in the village and near by suffered from the depredations of the British Army. Among them were Elizabeth Van Deventer who lost several head of cattle; James Mc Cray whom they robbed to the value of 25 pounds. Jacob Bond from whom they took cows and clothing of nearly 50 pounds value. Margaret Workman and Archibald Van Norden also lost many smaller articles. On their return to New Brunswick the British [p. 26.] [p. 27.] marched on both sides of the Raritan river, plundering and robbing many homes on the way. James Connett lost 4 cows; Richard Field a yoke of oxen, 2 horses, 3 hogs, 11 head of cattle; Michael Field 2 cows, wagon, harness, and much bedding and dishes; Rev. Israel Reed, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Bound Brook, lost many of his valuable books; from Hendrick Fisher they took 22 head of cattle, 3 hogs and a large sum of money. Appendix B. While the British were encamped at New Brunswick in the winter of 76-77 they

made extensive raids through the country. The Bound Brook people met with severe losses during these raids, especially from the Hessians. The inventories mention no less than five of these raids in December, 1776. On the night of December 6 forty Hessians came to the house of Elias Van Court and took full possession. When they left early the next morning they took with them many articles of furniture and clothing, a stove, provisions and a pound of snuff. The same night probably, a large number of Hessian troops occupied the house of Nehemiah Vernon and filled his stables and barn with their horses, feeding them and carrying hay to horses in other parts of the town. They also carried away many household goods on their departure. From Thomas McElrath this same month they stole a horse, saddle, bridle and some clothing; also a horse from Cornelius Van Duyn and on December 13th a horse from Isaac Van Tuyle. John Herriots loss included 3 blankets, 4 new linen sheets, 1 cow, 1 washing tub new, 1 washing tub old, 1 new pair fire tongs, etc. Daniel Blackfords inventory of damages in December, 1776, has 10 sides of leather tanned, 6 calf skins, 40 sides of sole leather, stack of wheat, horse, 60 pounds meat, etc. Edward Annely was the gunsmith at Bound Brook. His loss was valued at nearly 100 pounds and consisted of swords, guns, pistols, bayonets, fixtures and all kinds of tools for making military weapons. Ennis Grahams inventory is the largest of any in the vicinity of Bound Brook. Being a wealthy man frequent visits were made to his home with the hope of securing his money. On the 19th of December a band of British troopers led by a George H. Fisher, a Tory, came to Ennis Grahams barn, and from underneath the floor dug up a box, containing 6,150 pounds in cash, 3,000 pounds of which was hard money, besides a large amount of silver ware and jewelry. Among the jewelry were garnet earrings, garnet necklaces, brilliant earrings, gold, garnet and brilliant finger rings, gold, crystal and garnet sleeve buttons, three watches, etc. Appendix C. The Continental soldiers under Washington, while in camp on the Middlebrook and at Morristown, caused much damage at [p. 27.] [p. 28.] Bound Brook notwithstanding the earnest efforts of Washington to prevent it. Following is a full inventory of Elias Van Court: []An inventory of good and chattels taken and destroyed of Elias Van Court by the Continental Army in 1777: ________________________________________________.__s.__d. About 10 Pannels post and rail fence,_______________-_15__One saddle about half worn,_______________________1__5__One white pine chest with a lock,___________________-__7__6 One small pine Table and three chairs,______________-_10__One very good plate Griddle,_______________________-__9__The upper part of a small Desk_____________________-__3__-

One iron pot holding about one and a half pailful,____-__9__One hhd. one wine pipe and two bbls. all tite casks,__-_12__My Dwelling house intirely Destroyed Except the ____frame standing and ruff thereon and kitchen of ____ten feet frunt and twenty five feet in rear all In____tirely gone,___________________________________30__-__The above Elias Van Court Sworn According to law Deposeth and saith that he hath lost the sundries articles contained in the above inventories and Verily Doth believe that the Continental troops hath taken Or Destroyed the same and that his house and Premises hath sustained the Damages as Above set forth and doth Verily believe the Same were done by the sd Continental Troops and that he hath Not received any satisfaction for the Same. Elias Van Court. Sworn before Tobias Van Norden 21 Sept 1782. Edward Annely being Sworn According to law Deposeth and Saith that he Saw the troops belonging to the Continental Army take down the Chimney out of the said Elias Van Courts house and put the Bricks in their wagons in June 1777 and carried them over the mountains in Camp, further this Deponent Saith not, Edward Annely. Sworn by Nathaniel Ayers Sept. 21, 1782. In the inventory of Margaret Workman after giving the articles and values, Edward Annely testifies to seeing the Continental soldiers pull down bricks out of her house, and put them in the wagon which he believes went over the mountain to the camp to build ovens with. Tobias Van Norden also had the chimney of his house pulled down by the soldiers and taken away and losing beside many articles of clothing, chairs, tables, dishes, boards, panes of glass, etc. From Nehemiah Vernon they took 30 bushels of oats, 2 tons of hay, bedsteads, chairs, tables and cooking utensils. John Harriots house was damaged to the extent of 8 pounds and 16 shillings. From Daniel Blackford they took 31 sides of leather, 11 tanned Calf skins, and damaged his house, the inventory claim being 34 pounds and 13 shillings. p. 29. Davis, the Rev. T. E.; The Battle of Bound Brook. The Chronicle Steam Printery, Bound Brook, N. J. 1895. [Google Book Search.] --Hopewell, New Jersey. Hannah, daughter of Ralph Hart, married Lott Phillips, a revolutionary soldier in Capt. Henry Phillips company, First Regiment, Hunterdon County. His death probably occurred previous to 1782, as on September 18 of that year Mrs. Phillips presented a bill for damages sustained, which were awarded[*] in accordance with the provisions of an act of the General Assembly of New Jersey, approved October 23, 1781.

[* Differs from the statement made by the Rev. T. E. Davis in this respect.] No. 25. Inventory of the loss and damage Hannah Phillips sustained by the American troops in the year 1777. ___________________________S__D_____S__D 1 Pair Stays______________0_35__0 10 lb Wool and bag_______0_23__0 ________________________--_--_--___2_18__0 1 Pr Steelyards___________0_10__0 15 Bottles_______________0__5__0 1 Flannel Blanket_________0_15__0 ________________________--_--_--___1_10__0 1 Pr Buckskin Breeches____0_20__0 1 Pr Boots_______________0_15__0 ________________________--_--_--___1_15__0 ____________________________________6_03__0 Ralph Hart being duly sworn doth depose & say that he verily believes that Hannah Phillips was plundered of the articles chargd in the above inventory. Signed Ralph Hart. p. 152. No. 42. Inventory of the loss and damage Francis Blackwell sustained by the American army in June, 1778. ________________________--S--D___--S--D 1 Clock________________15__0__0 1 Pr Tongs,______________-__7__6 2 Bu Salt________________-_15__0 _______________________--_--_--__16_02_06 1 Ax,___________________-__7__6 1 Womans Saddle,_______-_30__00 1 Fat Calf,_______________-_20__00 _______________________--_--_--___2_17_06 1 Warming Pan__________-_15__00 1 Whitening Pott,________-__5__00 ______________________--_--_--___1_00_00 9 Geese,________________-_18_00 Half Hogshead Tobacco___100_00 ______________________--_--_--___5_18_00 _________________________________--_--_-_________________________________12_18_00 p. 154. No. 27. Inventory of the Loss and damages Ely Moore sustained by the Continental army in December, 1776. _________________________________________L.__S.__D.

1 Mare__________________________________15__0__0 500 lbs Hay______________________________0_20__0 1 Knapsack & 2 Shirts_____________________0_30__0 2 Pair Stockings__________________________0_20__0 1____Corduroy Breeches__________________0_30__0 1 Blanket________________________________0_15__0 1 Silk Handkerchief_______________________0__6__0 1 Great coat (new)________________________2__5__0 1 Glass, 1 Silver Teaspoon & 1 Butcher Knife_0__7__0 _______________________________________-------_______________________________________23_05_06 Sworn to by Ely Moore. p. 172. No. 26. Inventory of the damage and loss Cornelius Hoff sustained by the Continental army in December, 1776: _________________________________________L.__S.__D. 1 New Brd cloth vest & 1 Silk and Cotton do_2_05__0 1 Pair Corduroy Breeches___________________0_30__0 4 Pair Stockings___________________________0_16__0 2 Basons_________________________________0_07__0 ________________________________________-------_________________________________________4_18__06 Joseph Hoff being duly sworn doth Depose and Say that a number of the Contl troops staid one night at the claimants house and the above mentioned articles were missing in the morning & he Verily believes they took them. Sworn, September 17, 1782. Signed, Jos. Hoff, P. Gordon. p. 172. Ege, Ralph; Pioneers of Old Hopewell, with Sketches of her Revolutionary Heroes. Race & Savage, Hopewell, N. J. 1908. [Google Book Search.] --George Washington to Governor Livingston of New Jersey. Morristown, 24 January, 1777. Sir, The irregular and disjointed state of the militia of this province makes it necessary for me to inform you, that, unless a law is immediately passed by your Legislature to reduce them to some order, and oblige them to turn out in a different manner from what they [p. 200.] [p. 201.] have hitherto done, we shall bring very few into the field, and even those few will render little or no service. Their officers are generally of the lowest class of the people; and, instead of setting a good example to their men, are leading them into every kind of mischief, one species of which is plundering the inhabitants, under the pretence of their being Tories. A law should, in my opinion, be passed, to put a stop to this kind of lawless rapine; for, unless there is something done to prevent it, the people will throw themselves, by choice, into the hands of the British troops. Ford, Worthington Chauncey; The Writings of George Washington. Vol. V. 1776 1777. G. P. Putnams Sons, Knickerbocker Press, New York and London. 1890. [Google Book Search.]

--Morris County. American. Less than a decade ago, there were discovered in the State Library, at Trenton, some papers, so old and musty as to render the decyphering of them somewhat difficult. To J. Frank Lindsley, then editor of the Morris County Chronicle, belongs, in part, at least, the credit of this discovery; and in the newspaper edited by him, copies of the papers discovered were published. [p. 389.] [p. 390.] A Copie of the Inventories of such Property as has been damaged or destroyed by the Continental Army & Militia in the County of Morris, together with the Appraisements thereof done agreeable to an Act of the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey passed at Trenton, December 20, 1781. Such is the heading of old and musty papers, a few extracts from which are here presented: No. 20. Inventory of sundry articles taken from Ellis Cook by the Continental Army, (Viz.) 1780 1 Ox Chain_______________________0_15[s.] Decr. 1 Narrow Ax__________________________7 3 Sheep, at 10s._________________________1_10 20 Fowls, 9d.______________________________15 10 Bushels Potatoes, 2s. 6d.______________1__5 ______________________________________-------_______________________________________4_12__6[d.] Ellis Cook. No. 23. Inventory of sundry Articles taken from Uzal Kitchel by the Continental Army (Viz) 1777 3 Hives Bees, 20s.________________3__0__0 Febr. 2 Hogs (12 months) 30s.___________3__0__0 1 Sheep__________________________________10 Keeping Cattle on hay 7 1-2 months______3_15___ _____________________________________-------_____________________________________10_15____ Uzal Kitchel. No. 28. Inventory of sundry Articles taken from Joshua Guren by soldiers of the Continental Army (Viz) 1779 Sheep 20s.; 1 Calf 5 months old 25s.___5__0 Decemr 1 Great Coat (Blanketing)___________15 [p. 390.] [p. 391.] 1 Linen Peticoat (new)______________________15 2 Good Shifts (half worn)___________________10

1780 2 Bushels Rye 4s.__________________0__8 Aug. 2 Sheep 20s.; 2 narrow Axes 5s.________12 ______________________________________-------_____________________________________7 Joshua Guren. No. 29. Inventory of sundry Articles taken from Phinehas Fairchild by the Continental Army (Viz) 1777 1 Hive Bees 20s.; 1 Beever Hat. new 45s.;_____________________________________3__5 Jan. 4 pr. woolen Stockings 5s.; 1 pr. worsted Do. 7s.______________________________________12 1779 3 Sheep & six lambs 90s.; 2 bus wheat 12s._______________________________________5__2 Decr 1 Bag & 19 Fowls 18s. 1d.; pewter quart & pint________________________________1__5__7 _________________________________________-------_________________________________________10__4__7 Phinehas Fairchild. No. 30. Inventory of sundry articles taken from Joseph Lindsley by the Continental Army (Viz) 1777 1 Vest Broad Cloath___________1__5 Jan. 1 pr. Striped Cotton Trowsers_______10 1 fine Shirt___________________________15 3 Linen Aprons_____________________1__2__6 1779 1 Woolen Cover lid_____________1 Dec 3. 3 Hives Bees 20s._____________3 3 Geese 2s.____________________________6 1780 1 woolen Cover lid_____________1 [p. 391.] [p. 392.] Dec. 4 Sheep 10s.___________________2 1782 6 Bushel potatoes 2s. 6d._________15 June 1 Calf 3 (Months old)___________1__2__6 ________________________________-------________________________________13__0__0 Joseph Lindsley. No 31. Inventory of sundry Articles taken from Ebenezer Stiles by the Continental Army (Viz) 1783 Sept 26 Pasture furnished a Brigade of Teams Appraised_______________________1_10

1780 2 1-2 days cutting wood 4s.___________10 Feb. 4 2 Ox Chains 15s.__________________1_10 7 Fowls 7s. pr pinchers 2s. 6d.______________6__6 1 Shoemakers Hammer______________________1__6 2 Axes 15s.; 1 hive Bees 20s._____________1_15 Pasturing 6 Cattle 1 day_____________________5 Quartering at his house Lighthorsemen 20 days___________________________________1 ______________________________________-------_______________________________________7__9__0 Ebenezer Stiles. No 32. Inventory of sundry Articles taken from Joseph Beach (Viz) 1777 May 25 1 Horse_________________20__0__0 1 Worsted Coat & Vest_____________2 1 Flannel Vest________________________5 1780 1 Linen Do._____________________9__6 March 1 Lindsey Peticoat_____________15 1 pewter porringer____________________2 1 Japand qt. Mug_____________________4 [p. 392.] [p. 393.] 1 Diaper Table Cloth_________________10 1 Window Curtain____________________12 100 Fowls________________________3_15 ________________________________-------________________________________28_12__6 Joseph Beach. No. 34. Inventory of sundry Articles taken from James Miller by the Continental Army (Viz) 1778 1 Cover lid____________________1 Decr 1779 2 Hive Bees____________________2 Decr Jan. 1 pr. Small Steelyards_______________7__6 1 Bridle (good)____________________________6 1782 1 Calf 18s.; 1 Cow Bell 7s._______1__5 June 2 Calves (3 months) 40s.; 1 Tuky (Turkey) 2s. 6d._____________________2__2__6 6 Sheep 60: 1 Pillow 7s. 6d.__________3__7__6 10 Bushel Potatoes 2s._______________1 __________________________________-------__________________________________11__8__6 James Miller. -

No. 35. Daniel Freeman had a Horse impressed in the service of the United States & kept three Years_____5__0__0 Daniel Freeman. No. 38. Inventory of Articles taken from Joseph Peirson Junr by the Continental Army (Viz) 1780 1 Calf__________________________0_18__0 Decr 1 Do.______________________________18 [p. 393.] [p. 394.] Oct. 83. 1 Heifer (3 yr old)____________4 Nov. 1 Barrel Cyder_______________________7__6 ____________________________________-------_____________________________________6__3__6 Joseph Peirson Junr. No. 39. Inventory of sundry Articles taken from John Day (Viz) 1779 6 Bushels Wheat________________1_16 Decr 1 Bushel Corn__________________________4 1 Bag_______________________________________4 ____________________________________-------_____________________________________2__4 John Day. Sherman, Andrew M.; Historic Morristown, New Jersey: the Story of its First Century. The Howard Publishing Company, Morristown, New Jersey. 1905. [Google Book Search.] --New Jersey, Connecticut Farms. British. West Field, 16th May, 1789. Inventory and apprisal of the Effects of Benjamin Sayre, plundered, taken and destroyed by the British Army on the 26th day of June, 1777. ____________________________s._d. 3 Good Cows_____________21__0__0 1 pair of Steelyards___________16__0 1 pewter Quart pot____________5__0 1 pair Leading Lines___________2__0 1 Petticoat___________________15__0 1 Meal Bag____________________3__6 2 Caps & one Ribbon__________17__0 ________________________--------

________________________24__6_0 The above attested to by the oaths of Benjamin Sayre and Elizabeth Clark. p. 124. John Sayre... A Sarah Sayre, of Connecticut Farms, probably his widow, received compensation for the loss, caused by the British, of a lot of carpenters tools, etc., as per following inventory on record in Trenton, N. J.: Connecticut Farms 29th May 1789. Inventory and apprisal of the Damages done to the property of Sarah Sayres taken and destroyed by the British Army or their Adherents in the month of December, 1776. 1 Coat Jack coat and Breeches Superfine Cloth_8__0__0 1 Coat jacket and Breeches of Thick sett_______4__0__0 2 Copper Tea Kettles_________________________1_10__0 [p. 151.] [p. 152.] 7 Linen Sheets_______________________________4_10__0 3 Woollen Bed Blankets_______________________1__4__0 3 Coverlids__________________________________2__5__0 1 Silk and 3 Linen handkerchiefs_____________1__0__0 1 Black Silk Apron____________________________12__0 1 Gum Rule Joint Table______________________2__0__0 1 Looking Glass______________________________10__0 1 New Mans Saddle_________________________3__0__0 1 Brass Kettle________________________________15__0 3 Large Pewter Basons________________________12__0 1 Iron Kettle_______________________________1__0__0 1 Grid Iron____________________________________7__0 Almost a sett of Carpenters Tools___________8__0__0 60 Light of Glass 7 by 9_____________________1_10__0 4 Good shirts______________________________2__0__0 3 shifts___________________________________1__4__0 2 pair of Pillow Cases_______________________1__0__0 __________________________________________-------________________________________________44_19__0 The above attested to by the oaths of Sarah Sayres and Charles Townley. p. 152. West Field, 16th May, 1789. Inventory and Apprisal of Money and other property of Matthias Sayres taken out of his House at West Field on the night of the 18th of February 1783, by three Refugees and one Inhabitant of Staten Island, Adherents to the British Army. 60 Spanish Dollars and 36 French Crowns______37_10__0 1 Good Silver Watch____________________________6__0__0 1 New Castor Hat______________________________1_15__0 1 pair of New Silver Shoe Buckles________________1_10__0 1 pair of____do_______do____part wore__________1__0__0 1 pair of shoes part wore__________________________7__6 2 pair of Brass & Copper new shoe Buckles__________8__0

7 New Stockings at 6s per pair__________________1__1__0 9 Large Silk Handkerchiefs_____________________5__8__0 2__do__Cotton and Linen Do_______________________8__0 Calico Chintz, Black Gause, white gause, and fine Linen, taken out of the Store prized as in 1775____9__0__0 ____________________________________________-------___________________________________________64_19__6 1 Good Musket entirely ruined__________________1_10__0 ___________________________________________66__9__6 The above is attested by the oaths of Mattias Sayres and Caleb Sayres. p. 213. Banta, Theodore M.; Sayre Family: Lineage of Thomas Sayre, a Founder of Southampton. De Vinne Press, New York, 1901. [Google Book Search.] --New Jersey, Moorestown, Chester Township. Inventory of Damage done to Edward French by the American Troops under the Command of General Varnum and others February 15th 1777 1200 Cedar Rails @ 25/ 200 Oak do 6/______15-12 Hay and Grain taken by Waggoners____________2__5 _________________________________________-------_________________________________________17-17 Thomas Morris being Sworn, Deposeth that he saw the Troops of the Continental take and Destroy the articles Contained in the above inventory. Thomas Morris Inventory of the Goods of Edward French Plundered and Destroyed by the Troops of the British Army in June 1778, Vizt. 1 Old horse, 1 two year old heifer, 2 yearling Do____12__0__0 5 Calves, 25 Sheep, 4 large Hogs, 5 Shoats__________24__2__6 80 Fowls, 9 Geese, 4 Tons Hay, 1000 Ceedar Rails____25_12__6 300 Oak Rails, Harness for 2 Horses____________3__3_-Sundry Timber and Fruit Trees, 1 Acre Flax____________4_10_-1 Gun, Sundry Cloathing____________________________3_10_-________________________________________________-------________________________________________________72_18__0 p. 343. French, Howard Barclay; Genealogy of the Descendants of Thomas French. Volume 1. Privately printed, Philadelphia. 1909. [Google Book Search.] --Elizabeth Township, Connecticut Farms. British. The following are inventories by members of the Wade family for property taken or destroyed by the British in forays into Connecticut Farms in Elizabeth Township, New Jersey. Some inventories include whole buildings in which cases, it is unclear whether the goods were taken away or destroyed by fire. Either way, these are

interesting insights into the domestic life of the people of this community and their life during the war. The original records of these and other New Jersey claims are still in existence and copies are available for a fee at: https://wwwnet1.state.nj.us/DOS/Admin/ArchivesDBPortal/RevWarDamages.aspx Inventories of Damages by the British and Americans in New Jersey, 1776-1782. 6,400 entries. --No. 50. Connecticut Farms. Inventory of the property of widow Elizabeth Wade, taken & destroyd by the British troops or their Adherents, in June, 1780. viz:_______________________________________________.__s.__d. 3 Feather Beds, 12, 10 pr. Sheets, 12 10s,_______24. 10. 0 6 Blankets, 4 10s. 3 Bed spreads 60s,_____________7. 10. 0 2 chests with Draws 50s. 1 Drugget Do. 22s 6d,_____2. 10. 0 2 Worsted Gowns 50s. 1 Drugget Do. 22s 6d,_______3. 12. 0 1 durant Do. 17s 6d,_____________________________-_17. 0 [p. 242.] [p. 243.] 1 Gazel Do. 20s, Callimanco Quilt 35 s,____________2. 15. 0 12 Petticoats Linsey Woolsey,_____________________5. 8. 0 1 Blue Broad Cloth Coat Cloak 30s, Taffety Do. 44s,_3. 14. 0 1 Camblet long Gown, 30s, 6 Short gowns 30s,______5. 8. 0 12 Aprons at 6s, 12 Shifts at 9s,___________________9. 0. 0 14. Pr. Stockings 3 10s, 2 Pr. Shoes 15s,__________4. 05. 0 6 Handkerchiefs 30s, 2 Dining Tables 13s,_________2. 3. 0 2 Bed-steads 30s, Cash 40s.______________________3. 10. 0 2 Bonnets 15s. 6 chairs 12s, 12 pewter plates 24s,___2. 11. 0 3 Basons 10s. Iron kettle 10s,_____________________1. 0. 0 1 Small iron kettle 8s. Brass Do. 7s. 6d. Drinking Pot 3s. 6d,______________________________________-_19. 0 _____________________________________________-------_____________________________________________79. 15. 0 Attested by Robert Wade, Henry Wade & Joanna Grummond. p. 242-43. No 52. Connecticut Farms. Inventory of the property of Daniel Wade taken & destroyd by t === From Howes 1779 inquiry in Parliament touching on the subject of plundering. Witness, Major General Robertson. [from p. 317.] Questions by Sir William Howe. [from p. 324.] Q. You have said there was a great deal of plundering; will you ascertain where and

when? A. The places where I first saw the effect of it was on Long Island; the next on NewYork Island. Q. Do you know of a great deal of plundering in any other part of the country? A. It has been observed, that these are the only places in which I accompanied the army: I have heard that in other places there has been a good deal of plunder committed. Q. Will you explain the degree of plunder, within your own knowledge, on Long island and York Island? A. When I landed first, I found in all the farms, the poultry, cows, and farm stocked; when I passed sometime afterwards, I found nothing alive: these were some reasons that appeared publicly to me: I saw some men hanged, by Sir William Howes orders, for plundering; and I have heard, that after Mr. Washington took the Hessians at Trenton, he restored to the inhabitants twenty-one waggon-loads of plunder, he had found among their baggage. Q. Did you ever hear of any orders from the convention of New-York, for the inhabitants to drive off their cattle and stock? A. I have seen such a publication. Q. Did not Sir William Howe give repeated orders to prevent plundering. A. I have said so. [p. 325.] [p. 326.] Q. Do you know, or ever heard, that the Hessian troops were encouraged to go to America by the hopes of plunder? A. I have heard say, that the Hessians, before they went away, were told that they were going to a country where they would have great plunder; but I dont say, that any Hessian officer ever made use of expressions of that sort. Q. Do you believe that the Hessians looked upon America as an enemys country. A. I believe so: the Hessians were ignorant of the people; when they saw the people in arms, it was natural for them, who did not know the people, to think they were enemies; people better informed, too much adopted the notion. Q. From your experience of war in Europe, did you observe, that there was more plundering in America than there would have been by an army in an enemys country in Europe? A. The practice of armies in Europe is very different; some people in Europe would not let their army plunder, even in an enemys country. Q. Are you of opinion that Sir William Howe took every proper means to prevent plundering in his power?

A. I dare say, by Sir William Howes orders, and by what I know of them, he wished to prevent it; and, I dare say, he took the means that occurred to him to prevent it. Q. You have said, a number of officers lately come into the country, and who entertained the notion that Americans were enemies, perhaps did not take enough of care to prevent soldiers from gratifying themselves at the expence of the people, so that plundering was very frequent: - you will therefore explain what officers you meant, and what particular facts you alluded to? A. I had been asked if I stopped plundering; I answered, Yes.: in order to account for that not happening in every other brigade, I said, that the officers, who had lately come into the country, had not the same sense that I had of the merits and dispositions of the people; and that it was from this want, that the commander in chiefs orders were not carried into execution in every other brigade; the reflection was general and did not allude to any particular fact. Q Do you know of any particular instance, where he orders you allude to were disobeyed? A. As often as plunder was committed the order was disobeyed. [p. 326.] [p. 327.] Question repeated? A. I dont know any other answer I can give; I should wish to satisfy every question that was asked; I dont know how to satisfy it more. Q. From the evidence you have before given, can you say, that any officers did not do their duty, in preventing plundering, agreeably to the generals orders? A. I have no particular accusation against any officer. Q. You have said, that in your own brigade, after your orders had been read to the soldiers, there was no more plundering by the soldiers of that brigade; how long did you command that brigade after the time you speak of? A. Till the 16th of September, when I went to the command at New-York. This is the meat of the testimony on the topic by Robertson. There are of course, other occasions where the matter was discussed, but these seem to be the most concise. The responses are generally vague and often evasive. There might be more to pry out of the records. The Parliamentary Register; or, History of the Proceedings and Debates of the House of Commons. Volume XIII. J. Almon, London. 1779. [Google Book Search.] --"/A letter from an officer at New-York. New-York, Feb/. 14 [1777]. /My Dear Friend/, I am infinitiely obliged to you for your letters. I got the three last together. I can't

tell you the satisfaction they are of to me. I wish I could make you a proper return by any letters of mine. As to the history of the campaign, I am in truth not capable of it; and your public accounts will furnish you with, I fancy, a juster idea than any of us can give you. It may seem strange to you, but it will not to a sober military man, that the parties of a General's followers and the discontented run so high, that their reasonings upon events contaminate the facts themselves. I will however endeavour at a thing, that if I could effect answerable to my own idea of it, would be better information to your philosophical mind than any relations of battles and military operations; nay, in my opinion, would be better for the Minister to have a clear sight of, than of the exactest detail of every skirmish we have had with these perverse ragamuffins, who plague us while they can't oppose us, and whom we can't subdue, though we beat them. In a word then, the chapter of the Hessians is worth the attention of the Minister, verse by verse. You will easily imagine, that differing as we do in language, manners, and ideas, English and Hessian did not coalesce into one corps; not but there was great communcation and constant visiting, especially among the principal officers; but these were rather national civilities than personal kind[p. 82.] [p. 83.] nesses, and our younger people hardly kept up any communication with them. They rather affected to despise the thriftiness of the Hessian prudence, as a something base and sordid. The Hessian, naturally fierce, was not so backward to return the disdain he met, and affected to consider the volatile spirit with which our youngsters went to war, as unsoldierly, and talked of themselves as the body on whom the success of the war was to depend. Whatever since has been the effects, the prudence and good sense of Sir William turned these vanities at first to good account. He indulged the forwardness of the foreigners; they were refused no service, and they applied for almost all; Kniphausen had a fair claim to give his name to the fort, and Howe could not doubt that he had confirmed the good temper of the whole foreign army; but it excited pride and arrogance, instead of gratitude in this boorish sort of people. They began to complain that more than their share was put upon them, and in a manner claimed a sort of choice where, and when, and how, they should be employed. They had indeed, from the beginning, considered themselves pretty much as at free quarters in an anemy's country; nor were they much mistaken in the fact, for our friends were little better than spies upon us; but it is not easy for you to conceive the quantity of plunder that the Hessians camp had collected early; their very men were some of them as it were rich, and they took excellent care of what they got; the unthrifty manner of our people left them soon exposed to a thousand inconveniences that the Hessians were strangers to. From the very outset they had got a whim that they were to have allotments of land, in the very first province that was conquered. Whether this was a recruiting tale, or whether a hope of lands was really suggested (as some say) to Heister, I can't tell; but that it should be in the first province we got was absurd: but you will not wonder that it made them eager to get into the Jerseys. They no sooner found themselves disappointed of their immediate settlements, than they considered the country as an object of vengeance. The country was certainly ravaged at a high rate; it is inconceivable the terror they raised in the Americans,

who trembled at the very name of an Hessian. In a word, the rebellion seemed crushed. There was no rebel army in the field; literally speaking, none. Washington was fled to Philadelphia, where he had a few hundreds, scarce sufficient to awe his personal enemies; many of whom he imprudently put in prison, while others fled to us, and their cause was so hopeless, that they had no pretence to claim more than their pardon, and that was all the proudest of them met. They lived in our quarters hated by us as rebels, and despised by their countrymen as deserters. Here you see us in triumph, without an enemy, masters of a delightful country. And now we had leisure to shew our ill humours, and they broke out without management. The general antipathy between us and the foreigners appeared without a mask; they assumed the merit of all that was done. They considered the country as their right. The increase of their plunder, and the care of it, was their only care. In every corps of them, this was a common care, and was guarded as the proper baggage of the corps; they would not move without it. It was in vain that Howe exhausted his temper in reason and arguing: unluckily at the moment an irrmediable mischief fell out, just at a bad nick, `want of pay.' The regular pay of the Hessian had been, as in reason one would think it might have been, left to their own master, who had however not provided for it: `but pay and good discipline' are im[p. 83.] [p. 84.] possible. Howe could do nothing, but shew the constancy of his nature in ordering what he could not remedy. The example of bad discipline naturally extended itself to the English. We began ourselves to feel the inconvenience of a desolated country, and in vain looked for comforts we had found at first. General Howe soon found that the submission of the country was all feigned; many who had sworn allegiance had fled, and those who remained had no better intentions. But it was not to be supposed, that an unarmed reduced province could rise on their conquerors. Howe distributed his army with a view to keeping the province under his long line, in that light was wise, and did answer its end; not an hand dared stir in the province. Means were concerted to provide the Hessians with their pay, and to reduce them to a proper temper. Arrangements were made to establish a firmer discipline among our own people; in which, however, opinions varied widely: it was thought unreasonable to be over exact in an enemy's counry: but the winter promised leisure to settle all this: when suddenly Washington, with an hundred men, beat up the quarters at Trenton. The blockheads, whose heads are full of after-wisdom, now condemn Rholl for turning out his men: but take my word for it, the contempt the Hessians had of the enemy was such, that he would have been branded for a coward had he done otherwise. Rholl was not an overpleasant man, but he was a good and gallant officer; and it is scandalous to reproach him, as some have had the impudence to do, not only with rashness, but with the contradictory charge of want of spirit. By the same vile reasoning, an accidental shot might have stigmatized the hero Mawhood, and want of success might have displaced the never-enough-to-be-admired Harcourt. Upon this adventure of Washington's, all our evil humours grew into rank disorders. My surprize is rather that we keep what we do, than that we have had some losses. Lord Cornwallis has done all that a good officer can do; but he has infinitely more than the enemy and the season to contend with. The British is now the only operative part of the army; and surely you see that they have nore than enough to do for their number.

Among other mischiefs, we are pestered with stories of the wisdom and virtue of the rebels. I won't reckon perverseness and refractory spirit among virtues; and as to wisdom, which they tell us has created this army of Washington's by magic, the case is simply this: his first attempt was with an handful of men: it was, I own, a spirited thing. He happened to succeed. He came into a country of friends, and one success led to another. The march of a successful army always must encrease it. Philadelphia is rich, and her own danger made her liberal, and supplied an army that the circumstances of the times, not the wisdom of Washington, had created. After all, if we could now act with our whole force, they could not stand against us: but the experiment would be just now too dangerous. Would to God we were all British, and spoke the same language, and had the same heart; the rebels would soon listen to reason. But remember I tell you, our allies must be new modelled, or we must change them for British, and send them to take care of you, if we hope for success. I'll mention a little circumstance of ten times the mischief of all Washington's success, and which proves our temper. Some Hessians who had strayed from quarters, and possibly never found their way to the enemy's camp, came back to their colours after the affair at Trenton. [p. 84.] [p. 85.] These fellows, to magnify their own merits, had their mouths full of the offers they had refused of settlements and establishments in Pennsylvania; they tell us wonderful stories of the happy situation of their comrades, who forsooth had not their virtue to withstand temptations. Those stories, at first either disregarded or laughed at, we have at last in vain endeavoured to put a stop to; and Heister has been very sincere an[d] active in his behaviour; and some who had really been prisoners, and escaped, have formally declared how ill they were treated, and how much the Americans hate the Hessians; but the truth they tell is not credited, while the flattering hopes, suggested by the lies of those rascals, who meant no more than to make excuses for their absence, operate monstrously; and I do assure you, of my own knowledge, that there is scarcely an instance of an Hessian officer deserting, not one, or any one of the rank of Field Officer; and perhaps after all, the Hessian brigades are as full as one ought to expect after so much service. It is not the positive loss, but the doubts and fears that are created which do the mischief. If we could meet the enemy to-morrow in fair campaign and pitched battle, I have no doubt the Hessians would behave nobly. In the mean time, it is common-sense that obliges Howe to have a frontier in their hands, as things now stand; perhaps distinct services may be found for them and for the British, which would save the making bickerings and upbraidings that always happened when they were employed together. I have really given you a fair state of the mind of the army: if you find satisfaction yourself, or think it will give any light to -----, you will naturally let his Lordship see: but I beg my name may not be given till you first sound him how he relishes my notions." "The Remembrancer, or, Impartial Repository of Public Events, for the Year 1777." J. Almon, London. 1778. [Google Books.] ---