hardly bear their coats on. Was sitting on the Court Martial ordered yesterday, and tried Samuel Osborn, of Capt. Patterson's Company, for getting drunk on his guard. The Court found him guilty, and sentenced him to receive 20 lashes on his bare back, which was put in execution at roll call. Likewise Morris Wooden, charged with absenting himself from his guard, and found him in some measure guilty, and therefore ordered that he be confined one day on bread and water, be publicly reprimanded at the head of the regiment, and return to his duty. The officers played ball some. By Capt. Bloomfield's orders I was obliged to lie in the tents along with the men, whilst he in quietude sleeps in the house.

Wednesday, October 9th, 1776.-The day was wet; attended roll call and turning out the guard according to orders.

A Court was called at 9 o'clock-whereof Capt. Bloomfield, President, Lieuts. Savage, Elmer, Hennion and Ensign Kinney were members.

They tried Serg. Harker, our Quarter Master Sergeant, who stood charged with alledging that Lt. Funniwell had disposed of candles belonging to public stores, and of giving said Lieutenant the lie. The Court, by examination of evidences, found the prisoner guilty only of some few inadvertant speeches not designedly against the character of said Lieut., and therefore order him to be publicly reprimanded, and beg the Lieutenant's pardon at the head of the regiment. Whilst on the Court the Captain, by my opposing some sentiments, which I deemed improper, charged me publicly with taking a Tory rascal's part. I immediately resented the same-he hushed me, and so I let the matter drop; but this will serve for me to remember the kindness by. This affair happened upon the trial of a Sutler named Grant Cottle for defrauding a soldier, and suffering and making a party in a fray, which so far appeared, that we thought proper to order him to return the money and leave this place immediately.

Mr. Kirkland, Lt. Cox, and the others who went to the Oneida Castle last Friday, returned to-day.

Extract of a letter from General Clinton, dated Kingsbridge, September 18th, 1776:

"About the middle of last week it was determined for many reasons to evacuate the city of New York, and accordingly orders were given for removing the ordnance, military and other stores from thence, which by Sunday morning was nearly effected. On Saturday four of the enemy's large ships passed by the city up the North River, and anchored near Greenwich, and about as many more up the East River,

"

which anchored in Turtle Bay; and from the movements of the enemy on Long Island, and the small Islands in the East River, we had great reason to apprehend 'they intended to make a landing and attack our lines somewhere near the city. Our army for some days had been moving up towards this way and encamping on the Height south-west of Col. Morris's, where we intended to form lines and make our grand stand. On Sunday morning the enemy landed a very considerable body of troops, principally consisting of their Light Infantry and Grenadiers, near Turtle Bay, under cover of a very heavy cannonade from their shipping. Our lines were but thinly manned, as they were intended only to secure a retreat to the rear of our army; and unfortunately by such troops as were so little disposed to stand in the way of grape shot, that the main body of them almost instantly retreated, nay fled, without a possibility of rallying them; though Gen. Washington himself, who rode to the spot on hearing the cannonade, with some other officers, exerted themselves to effect it. The enemy on landing immediately formed a line across the island. Most of our people luckily were north of it, and joined the army; those few that were in the city crossed the river chiefly to Powles Hook, so that our loss in men, artillery and stores is very inconsiderable; I don't believe it exceeds 100 men; and I fancy most of them from their conduct staid out of choice. Before evening the enemy landed the main body of their army, took possession of the city, and marched up the island and encamped on the Heights, extending from Mr. Gown's and the Black House to the North River. On Monday morning, about 10 o'clock, a party of the enemy, consisting of Highlanders, Hessians, Light Infantry, Grenadiers and English troops (number uncertain) attacked our advanced party, commanded by Col. Knowlton, at Mortie Davit's fly. They were opposed with spirit, and soon made to retreat to a clover field south-west of that about 200 paces, where they lodged themselves behind a fence covered with bushes. Our people attacked them in turn and caused them to retreat a second time, leaving five dead on the spot. We pursued them to a buckwheat field on the top of a high hill, distant about 400 paces, where they received a considerable reinforcement, with several field pieces, and there made a stand. A very brisk action ensued at this place, which continued about 2 hours. Our people at length worsted them a third time, caused them to fall back into an orchard, from thence across a hollow and up another hill not far distant from their own lines-a large column of the enemy's army being at this time discovered to be in motion, and the ground we then occupied being rather disadvantageous for a retreat, likewise without bringing on

a general action, which we did not think prudent to risk, being rather insecure our party was therefore ordered in, and the enemy was well contented to hold the last ground we drove them to. We lost on this occasion Col. Knowlton, a brave officer, and 16 privates killed; Major Reed, from Virginia, and about 8 or 10 subaltern officers and privates wounded. The loss of the enemy is uncertain: they having carried their dead and wounded off soon after the action; but we have good evidences of their having upwards of 60 killed, and violent presumption of 100. The action in the whole lasted about 4 hours. I consider our success in this small affair at this time almost equal to a victory. It has animated our troops, given them new spirits, and erased every bad impression the retreat from Long Island, &c. had set on their minds: they find they are able, with inferior numbers, to drive their enemies, and think of nothing now but conquest. Since the above affair nothing material has happened. The enemy keep close to their lines: our advance parties continue at their former station: we are daily throwing up works to prevent the enemy advancing. Great attention is paid to Fort Washington, the post opposite to it on the Jersey shore, and the obstructions in the river, which I have reason to think is already effectual, so as to prevent their shipping passing; however, it is intended still to add to them, as it is of the utmost consequence to keep the enemy below us. We are getting a new supply of Connecticut Militia here. JAS. CLINTON."

[There is a break in the MS. from Oct. 9th to Oct. 25th.]

Friday, October 25th, 1776.—Pursued our march from the place of lodging, and marched down to the ferry crossing over into Schenectady, about 11 o'clock, A. M., where most of the regiment had got and were paraded. Took lodging in a tavern with Mr. Gifford, &c.

Three o'clock, P. M., our regiment was paraded and reviewed by Col. Dayton and the Commissioners from the State of New Jersey, viz: Cols. Dey and Symmes, with Capt. Kinney from Morristown, who much applauded the regularity and alertness of the men after such a fatiguing march. After we had gone through, the square was formed and the Colonel addressed the soldiers in a very kind manner; sympathized with them in their want of clothes and other necessaries, but painted before them the glory and honor they would acquire by pushing forward amidst all their difficulties in defence of their country, and for the destruction of our enemies-which so animated the men that at every person gave three hearty cheers upon being told we must march to-morrow for Ticonderoga, in order to assist in driving Bur

goyne from Crown Point, where they are now landed, and have sent for a surrender of the Fort to them, which would not be granted. God grant we may be able to defend it to the last.

The officers were all assembled in the evening with the Commissioners, who informed us of their business-which was to see who amongst us were willing to continue in service under the new establishment of a standing army during the war-when the question being put, all agreed except Capts. Potter, Reading and Sharp, and Lieuts. Flanningham and Quimby; and myself, who offered as surgeon or mate.

Saturday, October 26th, 1776.-Got up and began, after buying a few necessaries, to prepare for our march, which we set out about 10 o'clock and marched down to the ferry, where we cross the Mohawk River, about 4 miles below Schenectady. After getting dinner, Col. White, Dr. Dunham, Capt. Bloomfield and Lt. Gifford, who marched with us, set out and pursued their march, leaving me to bring up the rear of our wagons which were not over the river; whilst Col. Dayton, Major Barber, Capts. Potter's and Sharp's Companies came over, and about sunset, I having got all the wagons over, marched on about 4 miles; and it being dark put up in a little house, where I laid on the naked floor.

Sunday, October 27th, 1776.-Got up very early and pursued on after the company, which I overtook 4 miles forward at widow People's, where the Albany and Schenectady roads meet, 4 miles from Half Moon, where we got breakfast; and I having no orders from Col. Dayton, stopped the company until we should hear from him,— who came after us about 11 o'clock, and we pursued on to Stillwater, 8 miles forward. Here we took dinner with the Colonels, &c.

A Lieut. of one of the Pennsylvania Regiments being coming down the road, cut his throat at this place last night, but I could not get any information of the cause thereof. Here the Colonel received a letter from Gen. Schuyler, which seemed to hint that we should be ordered back, and that we should halt till it be determined; upon which the Colonel rode up to the General's farm at Saratoga, where he now is, 12 miles off, to know; ordering us to get the best quarters we could on the road, upon which we marched about 2 miles and put up. Expenses on the road 8s. Men in barns, &c.

Report came here this evening that the Regulars have all left Crown Point, and gone back, it is supposed, to St. Johns and Montreal.

We have been exceedingly favored with good weather this march, which still continues. God be thanked for the same, as the blessing is much more valuable on account of our want of shoes and other clothing.

Monday, Oct. 28th, 1776.-Lay waiting for some time to get orders, when the Major came with orders for us to pursue our march, which we accordingly did until we arrived at the General's farm at Saratoga, where he was, and we marched by in the most pompous order, and proceeded on to where the barracks are building, about half a mile past. The farm lies on the North River by the side of the stream which puts out of Saratoga Lake. We drew one day's provision, which detained me along with a few men who staid with me until the evening, and then we went on and overtook the company at the ferry, 2 miles up, and there we staid all night--the Captain and Col. White were gone over the river. Lts. Flanningham, Gordon, Anderson and myself held a small Indian cantico.

Tuesday, October 29th, 1776.-The report of the evacuation of Crown Point proved to be altogether false.

After cooking our provision and paying 6 shillings reckoning, we crossed and marched up the river past Fort Miller and the fine saw mills standing on the river, passing by three regiments of militia, who are leaving Fort Edward in order to go to Johnstown and German Flats. We proceeded on to Fort Edward, where we drew some provisions, and in the evening set out and marched about 4 miles to one Jones's, on the road to Fort Ann, which leads by Skeenesborough and so round Lake George to Ticonderoga, which we were ordered to go to on account of the communication being cut off the other way at Sabbathday Point; but, on account of the badness of the roads this way, which are almost impassable, it is supposed we shall not go it.*

Lodged here all night, which was cold and frosty.

Wednesday, October 30th, 1776.—This morning, the whole regiment coming up about 10 o'clock, A. M., we proceeded on our march to Fort Ann, about 10 miles through the worst and most disagreeable swampy road that ever was, the horses and wagons almost covering themselves in mud and mire; however, we worked our way through and surmounted every difficulty with spirit and resolution, arriving at Fort Ann just before sunset. They are building a new Picket Fort

HEAD QUARTERS, SARATOGA, Oct. 29th, 1776.

* The following promotions and appointments to take place in Col. Dayton's Regiment:-2d Lt. Richard Cox to be 1st Lieut. in the room of Lt. McMichael, deserted to the enemy. Ensign Ed. Patterson to be 2d Lieut. in the room of Lieut. McDonald, cashiered. Ensign Wm. Clark to be 2d Lieut. in the room of Lieut. Cox, promoted. Volunteer Wm. Barber to be Ensign in the room of Ensign Clark, promoted. Serg. Abraham Stout to be Ensign in the room of Ensign Clark, promoted.

By order of the General.

JAMES VAN RENSSELAER, Aid-de-Camp.