JOURNAL OF AN EXPEDITION 1794
FORD
JOURNAL
OF AN
EXPEDITION MADE IN THE AUTUMN OF 1794,
WITH A
DETACHMENT OF NEW JERSEY TROOPS, INTO WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA, TO AID IN SUPPRESSING THE "WHISKEY REBELLION."
BY CAPT. DAVID FORD, OF NEW-JERSEY.
Communicated by Dr. Franklin S. Hough, of New York Census Bureau,
Albany.
Captain Ford's Journal.
[David Ford was a native of Morristown, N. J., and having in early life lost both parents, he spent his childhood with his paternal grandfather, Jacob Ford. The death of the latter occurred in 1777, but the writer of this sketch is not further informed of the early history of Mr. Ford until 1804, except what is given in the following journal. In 1804, (his brother Nathan having eight years previous made the first American settlement on the St. Lawrence, at Ogdensburgh,) he received of Governeur Morris an agency for settling the township of Hague, (now Morristown, St. Lawrence county, N. Y.,) and removed to that place, where he resided most of the remainder of his life. During the war of 1812–15, he held a Colonel's commission, and at various times was honored with public office. He died at Ogdensburgh, Nov. 6, 1835, aged 75 years. Col. Ford was a man of kind and hospitable manners, and strongly attached to his family and friends. The difficulties of a new settlement had in a measure been alleviated by the energetic and successful efforts of his brother, Nathan Ford, than whom, no man ever more resolutely encountered the difficulties incident to beginning a new colony, remote from the jurisdiction of law and in the midst of active and unscrupulous enemies, in the persons of Canadian traders, squatters and timber thieves. F. H.]
⁂ For other papers referring to this expedition, see "Proceedings of the Society," Vol. III, p. 173, and Vol. VI, p. 113.
6th Sept. 1794. This day received orders from Major Leddle, to march with my troop immediately for New Brunswick. I instantly gave the necessary orders for assembling the troop.
7th. Still busy in preparing for the march.
8th. The same.
9th. The same. Gave order for marching at 7 o'clock next morning.
10th. This morning, agreeable to orders, the troop assembled at Boonton, from whence, about 11 o'clock, we marched for Morristown, at which place we arrived about 1 o'clock, and joined Major Leddle, Capt. Tuttle, and the other troops assembled for marching. Here my troop had the honor of turning out more men than all the rest of the county. Ready to march after taking leave of my friends and taking dinner. We marched from the parade under repeated shouts of applause from our fellow citizens, a great number of whom had assembled on the occasion. It afforded me much pleasure to observe the spirit with which the troops marched off, and as we left the Green we returned three cheers to our friends. We proceeded by Baskingridge to Dead River, where we encamped for the night. Most of our men lay in barns, and appear very happy; for my own part, I tumbled on a bed with my clothes on, to be ready for the morning's march, which I had ordered at daylight.
11th. Long before day my men were ready, and at the dawn of the morning we departed for Brunswick. I was deputed by the Major to wait on General White, and request that he would honor the squadron with his presence into the city, which he very politely agreed to do. On our march we fell in with the Bergen squadron, and marched into town together; and without vanity, we cut a very fine figure, and much the best of any that had come in. Here our troops were very much dissatisfied with their forage. Orders are given for all the troops to march to-morrow for Trenton. We now have the Essex squadron, and part of the Middlesex, so that we march near 200 men. This afternoon the whole cavalry paraded in the grand street to receive their standards, at the delivery of which the General gave a most elegant and honorable charge to the Coronets who were present, impressing on them the confidence placed in them by committing to their charge the standard of honor; to which Coronet Beach, in behalf of the whole, made a very handsome reply, pledging themselves never to disgrace or part with their standards, but with their lives. After this solemn ceremony, we were marched through the principal streets to our quarters in the barracks.
12th. Agreeable to orders, the troops were on the parade precisely at 10 o'clock. About 11 o'clock the General arrived, and marched us off through town for Princeton, which is to be our next stage. Nothing of consequence happened on the march; our troops well satisfied, and very happy. We arrived at Princeton about 5 o'clock, and were ordered for forage, &c., to Col. Morgan's barn, where the contractors had purchased hay by the lump for the whole squadron. Here the troop were pretty well satisfied.
13th. Early this morning the troops paraded to march for Trenton, to meet the Governor, who met us near Trenton, and reviewed us; after which he marched at our head into Trenton. By this time we had been joined by different companies, that made our number upwards of 300. Here we took up quarters, drew our tents, and began to live actually the lives of soldiers, and I could not but observe with what ease and facility the men began to do the duty of a camp, and to accommodate themselves to their new situation. Here the necessary supplies and attention to providing the troops were multiplied on my hands; every one looking up to me for what they wanted here. I was highly gratified at the confidence which my men placed in me. Before night, I had my men in their tents, and well supplied with everything to make them comfortable.
14th. Being Sunday, lay in camp taking our ease. In the afternoon the Muster-master mustered us, and the valuers of our horses, Col. Forman and Mr. Vandusen, begun by valuing my horses.
15th. Lay in camp, preparing every necessary for our march; getting everything ready to proceed to Carlisle. Had orders to change our camp, which was done with speed and cleverness, and our tents again pitched and our men well under cover.
16th. Began to rain in the morning; wind N. E., threatening a storm; but cleared off by noon. Order to prepare for a march to-morrow. While at Trenton I spent my time very happy. Most of my old acquaintance were very civil, and we had cove (?) of gentlemen with us: new acquaintances were made with ease and facility among the oflBcers, and each one seemed happy to find the honor of the State likely to be so well supported by the cavalry.
17th. Orders for marching having been given, and notice that the Commander-in-chief of New Jersey intended taking command of the troops from the State, and honoring the cavalry by marching with them, we all prepared, and about 2 o'clock left Trenton. There I was fortunate enough to meet my amiable friends, Miss Cornelia and Hannah Lott, of whom I took leave. I also was so fortunate as to make an acquaintance with Miss Forman and Miss Milnor, two very fine girls, with whom I was very loth to part. We marched across the Delaware, (that is, forded it,) and reached Newtown that night. This is the county town of Bucks county, Pennsylvania. Here slender accommodations had been made, and the troops suffered for forage very much, particularly for hay.
18th. This morning several of the troops were unwell, owing to their having lain on the ground without straw. We however moved on with the whole corps for the Crooked Billet, at which place we arrived at about 2 o'clock. Here our camp was pitched in a very rough, bad piece of ground. It had been ridge-ploughed for wheat, and was all hills and hollows. On our march we had a shower, and towards evening the hemisphere began to thicken and look like a heavy gust. I had determined this morning that I would take up my quarters in my marquee this night, and had attended to the pitching of it accordingly; notwithstanding the appearance of the weather, which now grew more tempestuous, I took up my lodging in the marquee. The whole heavens appeared in a blaze, and peals of thunder succeeded each other so rapidly as scarcely to afford an interval for several hours. A more tremendous storm (for a thunder storm) I never saw. Here again I was very much pleased with the countenance and enterprise of my troop, who had all taken the precaution of trenching round their tents, and when the storm began, they turned out with whips, which they had previously prepared, and whipped their tents; the effect of which is to wet them all as soon as possible, after which they leak no more. I did so with my own, and laid myself down to perfect rest. The Crooked Billet is a small place of 10 or 15 houses, tolerably well-built; tavern dirty and extravagant; the people well disposed to take advantage of the troops, and in general not very friendly to our camp.
19th. We marched early for Norristown, the county town of the county of Montgomery, 172 miles from Philadelphia, where we arrived about 2 o'clock. Our camp was beautifully laid out on the banks of the Schuylkill, in a very pleasant meadow. Here we were well supplied with short feed, but infamously with hay, owing to the villainy of a farmer, who had sold and promised to deliver good hay, and brought bad. Norristown is beautifully situated on the Schuylkill; has a handsome court house, goal and yard, in a separate place, a building for public papers, &c. It lays on an eminence, and has a most commanding prospect. Here we were joined by the Philadelphia light-horse, who left Philadelphia Thursday. They are most completely mounted and equipped, and very genteel looking troops, about men, being three companies. Here we found many people very much in favor of the rioters. These were however all of the most ignorant and uninformed part of society. The most strange and absurd notions of the Government seem to have been industriously propagated by some wicked incendiaries; such as, that Congress were going to lay a tax of two dollars on every male child that is born; that one shilling is to be laid on every new coat, and a number of such like stories. At this place we were overtaken by Gov. Mifflin, who came here to procure the quota of troops from the county. He harangued the citizens (a great many of whom had assembled,) very well, (as I am told,) after which he paid a very high compliment to our State, and was very happy to see us on the ground;—in short, every friend of the Federal Government seems delighted with our appearance.
20th. Marched early for Potts Grove, distant 15 miles, where we arrived about 2 o'clock, and pitched our camp most beautifully on the banks of the Schuylkill. Potts Grove is a charming village, pleasantly situated on that river, and inhabited by much the most genteel, hospitable people of any town we had passed through. It was originally laid out by Mr. Potts, and is now very much possessed and inhabited by his descendants, of that name and the name of Rutter. As we were marching into the camping ground, I had the misfortune to receive a very bad wound by the kick of a horse, which cut my boot, stocking, and into my leg on the shin bone about as large as a dollar, and bruised the adjacent parts very much. Here I experienced the attention of many of the inhabitants, by their kind offers of assistance; but in particular, my friend Jesse Potts happened to be in town, who immediately came to see me, sent for his sulkey, and took me to his nephew's, Mr. Thomas Potts, who had come to meet me. Here I found the most polite hospitality and sympathy I could wish, from an amiable woman, Mrs. Potts, and Miss Potts, a sister of my friend, Mr. Jesse Potts. Here I spent the night, and had every possible attention from all the family. Several of the Messrs. Potts and Rutter called to see me, and pressed me to stay the next day; and all have very cordially invited me to spend some time with them on my return, which I have promised to do. The Messrs. Potts are all largely concerned in extensive iron works of every kind, and some on new and improved constructions. My friend Doct. Anderson, who has joined our squadron as surgeon, was so good as to stay with me at Mr. Potts', and is, as well as myself, well pleased with the politeness and hospitality of the people.
I have as yet not made any observations as to the country. It is very much of a sameness, from the hills above Trenton ferry to this place, and what I call a very fine country, but not as highly improved as I had expected from the representations of the Pennsylvania farmers. I could not help observing the small quantities of meadow, and the few good streams we passed, and we did not see many fine clover fields. Another observation which was made by all the troops, was, that we found no good hay between Trenton and Potts Grove. The quality of the grass had generally been good, but in curing it had all been spoiled, and was so very musty as to give all our horses a cough.
At Potts Grove we found the people very generally our friends, and federal, but heard a bad account of the adjacent country.
21st. The troops marched for Reading. Dr. Anderson and myself staid behind until 11 o'clock, when by the assistance of Mr. Potts, who sent me his sulky, we proceeded for Reading, through a country more mountainous and rough than what we had before passed. Road not very good, yet the lands appeared in good culture, and the farmers happy. On our whole march in Pennsylvania, I find the country by no means as thickly settled as New Jersey; the buildings are generally of stone, and the barns and outhouses very good. We arrived at Reading about 2 o'clock. This is a town pleasantly situated on the banks of the Schuylkill. On the back, about N. E., are high hills and mountains, at the foot of which the town stands; to the S. E., S. and S. W., is a beautiful valley of 3 or 4 miles, when hills and mountains again begin to rise. This is the county-town of Berks; consists of about 400 houses, 3 churches, (one very elegant,) a court house, goal, building for public papers, &c. The houses in general illy built, the taverns but indifferent, particularly as to cooking, which is very bad. This town is mostly inhabited by Germans; as is also the whole country.Here we found the people of the lower order very ignorant and illy informed, full of prejudice against our happy government, and very unfriendly to our cause. The more enlightened were all with us, as must be the case where reason governs.
22d. The troops rested here this day, myself confined to the house most of the day; in the afternoon Col. Rhea, who had been very polite, called on me to go and see a gentleman by the name of Mr. Rose, a most complete musician and plays on at least 10 different instruments; in addition to which he has a collection of curiosities for his own amusement, and some very excellent paintings.
He favored us, in company with his daughter, with some music on the piano forte, violin and an excellent organ. He treated us with great politeness, and is a good federalist. He very obligingly offered me his chaise to get on, but having procured a covered wagon I declined troubling him.
28d. The troops marched for Womelsdorf; town distant 14 miles, where we arrived before sunset, and encamped. The country begins to grow better; almost all of it inhabited by Germans, and in good cultivation; here we found the people divided as to the object of our march; the taverns poor, though not dear; there is a church and about houses.
24th. Marched for Lebenon, at which place we arrived at 10 o'clock, distance 14 miles. In this day's march, we passed through the finest country I have seen in our march. We begin to find blackwalnuts growing spontaneous. The country well cultivated; buildings good, and of stone, and mostly inhabited by Germans. We passed a small village of about 50 houses, called Major town, near the Tulpehockcn, on which is the famous canal for joining the Susquehanna and Schuylkill together. I was unable to go and see it, but many of the gentlemen did, and tell me it is a most grand undertaking; that the canal is already dug ten miles, in which are five locks, to embrace thirty feet; that they are executed in a masterly manner—that in the distance already done there is a great number of elegant arched bridges over the canal, wherever it goes across the road. There are now employed 600 hands at it, and every prospect of succeeding in this part of the bold enterprise, which if once accomplished, from this to the Schuylkill, and from thence to the Delaware, will turn such a torrent of wealth into Philadelphia, as will certainly secure it the emporium of America.
25th. This day the troops were ordered to make a forced march, and reach Harrisburg, distant 26 miles. Of course the line of march was taken up early, and by a little after 6 o'clock the troops were in motion. About 3 miles from Lebenon we passed the Quitapahilla, the branch by which the lock navigation is to be carried to the Susquehanna. It is a fine lively stream, but does not contain much water. On this day's march we found the inhabitants better informed and much more friendly to our cause. The country now becomes very fine, the land well cultivated, blackwalnut and locust very plenty. At the distance of 17 miles from Lebenon, came to a small village called Hunnelstown, consisting of about 40 houses, illy built, inhabited principally by Irish and Germans, very poor to appearances. Near this we passed the Swatara, the creek emptying into the Susquehanna, by which the boats are to ascend to the canal. This is a very lively fine stream, containing about as much water as the Passaic at Paterson. During this day's march found more Americans, Irish and Scotch. The country by no means thickly inhabited, and the fashion is here very much to build from the road. About 2 o'clock we had by industry performed our march and reached Harrisburg. This town is beautifully situated on the banks of the Susquehanna; consists of about 300 houses, 2 markets, court house and other public buildings, 3 churches, a number of very genteel well built brick houses, and displays an air so perfectly different from any of the towns we had lately passed, that to use the language of our soldiers, we thought we had again got among white folks, or Christians. Indeed everything wore a different and more agreeable appearance. We arrived in a storm, and were received by the inhabitants with the greatest cordiality. Each seemed to vie in offers of accommodations for ourselves and our horses, and in a very short time, by their hospitality, all our men were well provided with good houses and stables, some gentlemen taking 20, others 10, and so as they could accommodate. Of course we did not pitch our tents this night. It had been the intention of the General, to have passed over the river, fearing a fresh would prevent us in the morning, but he was assured by the gentlemen of the town that two days rain would effect the river but little, and that no possible danger could be before morning. The Susquehanna is here about one and a quarter miles wide, bounded by high banks, which in a fresh are filled. At a distance up the river you see the gap in the mountains, (called the Blue mountains,) through which it seems to have broken. The hills jetting boldly on each side to the river. Below the mountains a fine intervale country to the town. Down the river, at a distance, mountains tower on each other, and seem to lock in the river. The country between very fine. The river is a most beautiful clear water, with a stony, though not rough bottom. At present so low that the army forded it, and in the deepest not more than 3 feet. Here they take very fine rock fish, and shad in the season. The taverns were much better and cheaper than at Reading, in short the situation and hospitality of this place has left the strongest impressions of gratitude on the troops. This is the county-town of County.
26th. Orders for marching at 6 o'clock for Carlisle, distant 17 miles, made us all up early, and the line of march was taken up early (the baggage being ordered off earlier,) the troops took to the river and reached the opposite shore in about half an hour. The General moved on and reached Carlisle by 2 o'clock. At this place we were received with much politeness. The troop of horse came out to meet us; the company of light infantry paraded and did the same; the artillery fired a salute and many faces were noticed with pleasure.
Here are some very fine barracks, sufficient to hold men, built last war, of brick, two stories, and feet long and well covered. Our troops have pitched their camp near them on fine ground. This town is pleasantly situated, tolerably well built, and contains about houses. It is the county-town of Cumberland Co; has a court house, goal, buildings for public purposes, a market, tolerably well supplied, a college, under the care of the famous Dr. Nisbet, well endowed and consisting of 150 scholars,—churches, many of the inhabitants polite and very much attached to our cause, though in the country not so much so, but I here find the approach of the troops has had a very great influence on the people. It had been the uniform opinion that our troops never would march—that is among the opposers of government—and indeed the spirit with which they have turned out, has exceeded the expectations of its friends. The country through which we marched this day is very fine, producing blackwalnut, locust and very fine white oaks, more meadows than we had been used to see, good tillage, houses well built of stone, good barns, but not very thickly inhabited, a greater mixture of inhabitants, Dutch, Irish, Scotch and Natives. The better informed here, as in all other parts, are for the support of government, without regard to the locality of the law. Here we fell in with a number of the militia officers, particularly Gen. Buchanan. The officers are generally for turning out, but the men are very backward owing to the multitude of scandalous stories imposed upon them by the wicked and designing, the absurdity of them, if possible, exceeds those told in Berks County. One is that each plough is to pay a dollar, that each wagon going into Philadelphia is to pay a dollar, that for each bushel of wheat that is ground 6d is to be paid to the mill, besides a great variety of such stuff, but what is surprising Gen. Buchanan tells me he has been called upon by some good well-meaning men, to know the truth, they believing the stories.
By such like stories, the anti-federalists in all parts of the Union, are endeavoring to render the minds of the people sour and dissatisfied with the government, and sorry I am, that Americans seem so fond of the idea of revolutions, and changing government, that the flame of alteration catches with avidity. We are here led to believe that the majority of the people over the mountain, are disposed to support government, and acquiesce in the law, and that we shall have no trouble with them—that this may be the case we all wish—that they may return to a proper sense of their duty would be much more grateful to us than having to compel them by arms, but unless they do, we most certainly shall try our strength.
27th. Troops pleasantly encamped; the water very bad, being the lime stone country, our men and horses cannot drink it, and I fear many of them will be sick from that cause. Thus far the troops have been remarkably healthy. Heaven grant a continuance; they seem very well satisfied, much more so than could be expected. They only wish a resting spell and then to be led on to execute the business they came upon. I am still mortified by being obliged to keep housed with my leg, the wound is much worse than we at first imagined, however its on the mending hand. I have not mentioned but in every county-town they have a very good market house, and in Reading and Harrisburg quite considerable ones.
28th. This day the Philadelphia horse arrived, about 120 men well mounted and equipped. Many of them are young gentlemen of the first property in the city. The day was not very good, stormed a little. Our troops well encamped.
This day moved my lodgings from the sign of the Indian Queen to Mr. Davis'. At the Indian Queen our landlady was very cross and sulky; very unkind to the unfortunate soldiers and officers who happened to be unwell and sought shelter in her house; inhumanity and ill-nature seemed her chief qualities; they so offended Dr. Smith, my physician, who has been with me since we left Reading, and is surgeon to the Jersey Calvary, that we departed with pleasure from their roof.
29th. Fine day, very hot. This day the Philadelphia horse determined to begin the business of collecting the gentry of sedition, in which some volunteers from our troops joined. They went out in two or three directions and brought in several of the Pole gentry; one of them, after being a prisoner, used very abusive and provoking language, after which he endeavored to make his escape, upon which one of the Philadelphia troops ordered him to stop, which he disregarded, upon which he shot him through with his pistol, of which wound he died next morning. This was rather an unfortunate affair as it doubtless will irritate some as well as intimidate others, but by misrepresentation it may be made very bad use of, and as falsehood seems the forte of the anti-federal gents, there is no doubt but they will embrace this occasion to display their abilities. One of the fellows brought in this day was an Irish schoolmaster, who had been a very busy fellow in the ways of sedition; he was very much frightened when taken; he had repeatedly said, he would himself blow the President's brains out if he attempted to lead the army over the mountains against the insurgents, and much such like talk; he was committed to jail. Our men were all ready to cut him up, but a word to the civil authority prevented any interference. We find a great majority of the people in this county have got the canine madness against government, but our appearance has silenced them, and given the friends of government an opportunity to show themselves.
30th. This day news arrived that the President was on his way to Carlisle, and that Governor Mifflin would be there in two days. Nothing of importance transpired this day.
Oct. 1st. Cavalry busily employed in making provision for the march expected. Foraging parties went out, and also parties for the collection of the pole gentry.Oct. 2d. Gov. Mifflin arrived, and was received by all the horse, about one mile out of town, and was conducted in. On his approach to the town, he was saluted by a discharge from the artillery. The Governor met the militia officers of the county, and made a most flaming speech to them on the necessity and propriety of turning out on this occasion. I was unable to ottend it, but am informed it was pretty well written and delivered. Some companies of infantry arrived this day.
Oct. 3d. Gen. Proctor, with a most beautiful train of artillery, a great number of infantry, artillery, and horse, arrived this day, and began to encamp on the commons. Orders this day for the troops to turn out early in the morning to receive the President of the United States, who is expected early, having lodged at Harrisburgh this evening.
4th. The greatest vieing between the New Jersey and Pennsylvania horse who should be first on the ground to receive the President. At ten o'clock, the signal for mounting came, and away went the horse. The vanguard of the Phila. horse very improperly pressed by our troops, and took post in front. This was considered as not polite by the New Jersey cavalry, more particularly as we were strangers. The President came on. He was met by a very large train of Generals and other gentlemen, and all the troops that could be mustered. On his approaching the town, he was saluted by a Federal salute, and the ringing of bells; and every heart expands with joy, except the whiskey boys. They made a passage through the town to the Pennsylvania camp, and after receiving them, he took up his quarters in town. He was accompanied by Col. Hamilton as an aid, and a small scout of horse. No army ever received him with more heartfelt joy and satisfaction. I was much mortified that I could not attend the train. I was only a spectator of the cavalcade.
5th. The officers of each line of the army, with the Governor of each State, waited on the President at 12 o'clock, and were introduced to him, and received with that manly dignity which would have won enemies had they been there, unless their hearts were as black as their actions. My confinement prevented me this honor, which was a very great mortification.
6th. Nothing material excepting preparations for marching for Pittsburg. You are saluted from every quarter with the arrival of troops, a great many of whom are uniformed and well equipped, and in general good looking young men.
7th. Nothing of consequence.
8th. General review of the horse from New Jersey, at a sight of which the President was pleased to express his great satisfaction, and to pass the most flattering commendation on the spirit and patriotic conduct of our State. This day I mounted my horse for the first time in eighteen days, rode a little, and found it more inflamed. This night a most serious misfortune had nearly happened in the army. From some mistake, Gov. Mifflin had, in expectation of a meeting in Col. Gardner's regiment, ordered out some of the Phila. light horse, with orders to fire on any parties of men; which had nearly involved us in a serious battle. It is said there was serious reason to apprehend a disturbance, owing to a want of regular supply of provisions. And it must be owned that the regiment was composed of such rascally materials as to be easily blown into a flame. Our camp was alarmed; orders for every officer to leave town, and repair instantly to camp, for every dragoon to saddle his horse, and dress himself complete, lay on his arms, and be ready to mount at a moment's warning. One squadron, under Major Williams, were ordered out, and lay on the road all night, with a design to intercept those, if any, who should attempt to desert; happy, however, it was, that no serious consequence ensued. Much blame fell on Gov. Mifflin; he was charged with being in a shameful state of intoxication, and was obliged publicly to ask pardon of some officers and make that excuse.
9th. General orders for marching, and the final arrangement of the commanders, made Gov. Lee, commander-in-chief, Gov. Mifflin next, Gov. Howell next, Gen. White commander of the horse in chief. This day was the first I was able to go out to make any preparations for my camp equipage, and I was mortified to find everything engaged, almost, that I wanted. The cavalry ordered to march to-morrow.
10th. The Philadelphia horse, McPherson's blues and a number of other corps were formed into a legion, to be put under the command of Gen. Frelinghuysen, to lead the van of the army. This corps began their march and was reviewed, with a critical eye, by the President. They were followed by the train of artillery, and were to have been followed by the Jersey horse, but by some mistake or other the wagons for transporting our baggage were not provided. This default was severely censured by the President. Our march was, therefore, put off until to-morrow. In my observation of yesterday, I neglected to mention that a deputation from the people from the other side of the mountains, came to wait upon the President to prevent, if possible, the march of the troops into their country. This committee consisted of the damned scoundrel Finley, who most certainly was the first founder of the opposition to law in the four western counties, and of a Mr. Reddick. The materials in part were so bad that but little could be expected. The President received them; coldly told them he was determined to see the laws executed, if there was energy enough in the United States to do it; that what they said of the disposition of the people to return to order did not appear; that he was now at the head of one of the finest armies he had ever commanded, and that he could have as many more as he pleased, and shortly, that he was determined to march the army to the seat of rebellion, and told them, if they met with the least resistance, he would not answer for the consequences. This stern reply seemed to discompose the old villain, and to please every federalist. We have now an army from all parts, among whom are a great number of men in the first fortunes in the ranks.
11th. This day we paraded for marching; was joined by the Pennsylvania horse, and after saluting the President, marched on to Mount Rock. We were, by our delay of yesterday, now put in the rear of all the Pensylvania infantry and their baggage wagons, which made the march very slow and tedious; though not more than seven miles, we arrived in four hours, and found the ground very good for encamping, but no water to be had in quantities nearer than half a mile; this was a serious want to the cavalry. I rode my horse all the way.
12th. Marched for Shippensburg; the cavalry by themselves. This day we passed one of the largest springs, which turned several mills in a few rods from its source, and in three miles there was a number of other mills. This town is pleasantly situated, consists of about two hundred houses, and belongs to the Shippens in Philadelphia, put out on perpetual leases, on a moderate quit-rent.
13th. The cavalry themselves marched for Chambersburgh, a pleasant village consisting of about two hundred houses, much better built than Shippensburg. This town lays on the waters of the famous Conogocheche, near where it was proposed to have the final seat of federal government, and is the county-town of ; has a very handsome court house, a market and some capital mills, and belongs to Capt. Chambers, who has leased on moderate terms. This town has risen suddenly, not having been laid out more than ten years; here we found the best tavern we had seen for a long time. Capt. Chambers was so polite as to invite me, with Gen. White's family, to dine with him.
14th. Halted this day here, to give the Pennsylvanians an opportunity to vote for Congress and Assemblymen. The country down this valley is very fine and good.
15th. This day marched for Thompson's Cove at the foot of the range of mountains called the North, and three miles from Mercersburg. Hero we lay this night, drew provisions, and made ready to scale the mountains in the morning.
16th. Marched, and in one mile began to ascend the mountain, which here is very rugged and seemed to wind round one point after another for three or four miles, until we reached the summit, whence in every direction we could see nothing but hills and mountains towering over each other, as if they were trying who should get the highest. We descended this, and raised another, and after descending that, got into a small valley called Wallace station, where we found just room enough to encamp, and hay to feed our horses, but found the most wretched houses and improvements, and poverty that we had seen.
17th. Marched to the Juniatta, where we encamped, and found Gov. Mifflin with the Pennsylvania troop; here we had but a poor supply of hay and straw; at this place there had been a battle with the Indians, in Braddock's campaign, in which they were foiled; here we had one cf the most merry nights among the officers, they had on the march. Here in a poor hut, we found a poor child, one month old, with a head swelled to the circumference of three feet, an object of real distress. A great number of officers visited the house, and each presented the mother with a few shillings. Here we were informed that Gen. Mifflin was determined to keep the horse in the rear of the infantry, and that we should not go to Bedford that day. This was a great mortification to us all, and Gen. White had some sharp words with him on the subject.
18th. Marched, and forded the Junietta, about yards wide, and three feet deep; here the river bends round a point and seems to run three or four miles almost directly back. After a march of seven miles, we were informed that we might proceed on to Bedford; this we did with very great alacrity, and arrived at sundown.
19th. Here we are to stay a few days, and then proceed to Pittsburg: distant one hundred miles. This town is not very pleasantly situated; consists of about eighty or one hundred houses.
[Here the Journal abruptly ends.]
Joseph Bloomfield, Brigadier-General.
William Pearson, Brigade-Major.
FIRST REGIMENT.
Colonel, Davenport; Majors, Hunt and *Brooks; Captains, Fithian, Tuft. Lucas, Hammet, Downes, *Beasley, Collins, Johnson; Lieutenants, Davis, B. Westcoat, Bishop, Toy, S. Westcoat; Ensigns, Jenkins, Rose, How, Smith.
Staff—Surgeon, Dr. Gibbs; Paymaster, Dougherty; Adjutant, Hollinshead; Quarter-Maters, *Hunn, Wriggens; Qr.-Master Sergeant, *Sayres; Serg't-Major, Fennimore.
SECOND REGIMENT.
Major-Commandant, Kipp; Major, Gould; Captains, Crane, *Minton, Cooper, Brown, Stull, Miller; Lieutenants, Sigier, Conklin, Blanch, Woolley, Marshal, Oliver; Ensigns Zabriskie, Minton, Demarest, Van Arsdale, Stansbury.
Staff.—Surgeon, Dr. Chetwood; Mate, Dr. Crane, Paymaster, Johnson; Adjutant, Ballard; Qr.-Master, J. Ogden; Qr.-Master Sergeant, McGennis; Sergeant-Major, Wells.
THIRD REGIMENT.
Colonel, Forman, (Senior Colonel in the Brigade); Major, E. Ogden; Captains, Schenck, Hanlon, Price, Marsh, Beardslee, A. Smith, Brindley, Lloyd, Squire, Meliek. Lieutenants, Stevens, *Marl, *Tavlor, Gillman, Imlay, Outcalt, T. Brown, C. Phillips, Loofbury, Ayres; Ensigns, *Stivers, Asburn, Swallow, Brewer, Hutt; Dildine, Driskey.
Staff.—Surgeon, Dr. Whittall; Mate, Dr. Freeman; Adjutant, Lyle; Paymaster, Lawrence; Quarter-Master, Van Pelt, Qr.-Master Sergeant, Payne; Sergeant-Majors, Rodgers, Hummwell.
FOURTH REGIMENT.
Colonel, Crane; Major, Ross; Captains, Burnet, B, Smith, Keenon, Boyland, Day; Lieutenunts, Wade, Gulick, Board; Ensigns, *Burrill, Wyckoff, *Stille, Doty, Ray.
Staff.—Surgeon, Dr. Morse; Mate, Dr. J. Halsted; Paymaster, R. Thomas; Adjutant, Lyon; Quarter-Master, Hendricks; Qr.-Master Sergeant, Lawrence; Sergeant-Major, Jaques.
ARTILLERY.
Captain Commandant, Elmer; Captain, Cantield; Lieutenants, Herriæan, Stringer, Campbell; Quarter-Master and Adjutant, Clunn; Qr.-Master Sergeants, *Parvin, and Pierson.
William Dayton, Paymester to the New Jersey Line; Samuel Robert Stewart, Brigade Quarter-Master, Aaron Howell, Conductor Military Stores.
Those marked * engaged in the six months service.
☛The march of Major Parrot and Porter with the residue of the Officers and Soldiers in requisition was arrested on the 14th October, 1794, by the Secretary of War, under the order of the President of the United States.—W. A. W.]
This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.
Public domainPublic domainfalsefalse