BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF MAJOR GENERAL ANTHONY WAYNE. [From the Casket.] 51 place of the marsh, and to rake and enfilade any column which might be advancing from either of those points towards the fort. In addition to these defences, several vessels of war were stationed in the river, so as, in a considerable degree, to command the ground at the foot of the hill." It is to be hoped that the following correspondence relative to the reduction of this formidable post, will be perused with pleasure, by all who are charmed with reOn the 21st June, the Commander in chief thus ad- hersals of gallantry, and acts of humanity in the "battle dressed General Wayne. Dear Sir, (Continued from page 38.) Smiths in the Clove, June 21st, 1779. I request that you will join the army as soon as you can. I wrote you upon this subject before we marched from Middlebrook. But as you have not arrived, it is probable my letter has miscarried, or that it did not come to hand until very lately. I am, dear Sir, with great regard, Your most obedient servant. GENERAL WAYNE. His excellency's conjecture, as to the miscarriage of his first letter, was corsect; by an autograph of General Wayne's on the back of the last letter, the former was never received. The General in obedience to the call, immediately proceeded to Head Quarters. It appears from a letter addressed to his family, that neither himself nor waiter enjoyed an hour's sleep until their arrival at camp. Marshall, in his life of Washington, says: "The importance of the posts of King's ferry has been already remarked. The inconveniency resulting from ther being in possession of the British, furnish strong motives for endeavouring to recover them, but there were others of decisive influence; which stimulated the commander in chief to the attempt. storm." To Brigadier Gen. Wayne. New Windsor, July 1st, 1779. Sir,-Having appointed you to the command of the Light Infantry of the line, you will immediately repair to that part of it, consisting of four battalions, now commanded by Colonel Richard Butler, which is in the vicinity of Fort Montgomery, and take the command. The infantry of the other divisions is not yet organized, but it will be done as soon as possible, and the whole drawn together as far as the circumstances of the service will permit. The principal object of your present station is, to oppose any movements of the enemy against the forts; for which purpose you will exert yourself to gain an accurate knowledge of the scene of action, all the possible landing places and approaches, to the forts and to your corps, with every advantageous spot for giving the most effectual opposition. You will make such disposition as appears to you best calculated to answer these purposes, and to gain the earliest information of the movements and designs of the enemy. To this end, you will endeavour to engage trusty persons, to go within the enemy's lines as spies;& I will enable you to reward them for their risk and trouble-but in doing this I need not remind you of the necessity of economy, and the greatest caution to prevent imposition. If at any time you see a favourable opportunity for striking an advantageous stroke, you have my permission for improving it, as I rely upon your prudence, that you will under take nothing without sufficient pros pect of success, and unless the advantages to be obtain The enterprise if successful, would have a great ef fect on the future operations of the campaign, particularly in recalling the troops employed in laying waste the country, and burning the towns on the coast. Nor was it unworthy of regard, that a real necessity seemed to exist of doing something to satisfy the publiced will compensate the risk to be run. When you have expectation, and to reconcile the people to that defensive system which the state of the army rendered unavoidable, and to that apparent inactivity which was imposed on him by the real necessity of his situation. In his original plan was comprehended a double attack, to be made at the same time on both sides of the river. But the difficulty of a perfect co-operation of different detachments, incapable of communicating with each other, and the apprehension that some accident might defeat the enterprise against Stony Point, which was the principal object to be gained, and was believed to lead certainly to the possession of Verplank's, determined him to postpone the less valuable acquisition, and to make that part of the plan dependant on the success of the first. His whole attention was therefore turned to the surprise of Stony Point, and the corps destined for their critical service proceeded on it as against a single object. To General Wayne, who commanded the Light Infantry of the army, the execution of the plan was entrusted." "Stony Point," says the same writer, "is a commanding hill projecting far into the Hudson, which washes three-fourths of its base. The remaining fourth is, in a great measure, covered by a deep marsh, commencing near the river on the upper side, and continuing into it below. Over this marsh there is only one crossing place. But at its junction with the river is a sandy beach, passable at low water. On the summit of this hill was erected the fort, which was furnished with a sufficient number of heavy pieces of ordnance. Several breast works and strong batteries were advanced in front of the principal work, and about half way down the hill were two rows of abbattis. The batteries were calculated to command the beach and the crossing | any prospect of consequence,& circumstances will permit, you will please to communicate it to me, previous to execution. You will find in the hands of Colonel Butler a map of this country, taken from actual survey, which is for the use of the commanding officer of the Infantry. Colonel Butler will also communicate to you the instructions he has received, which contain my ideas more in detail. ** ******** It is to be regretted that time or accident has removed the closing paragraph of the above letter of instructions, but it is probably supplied by the following confidential letter of the Commander in chief, on the same subject. This is an autograph, as nearly all others from his Excellency to General Wayne actually are: Dear Sir,-Herewith you will be pleased to receive general instructions for your conduct. This you will consider as private and confidential. The importance of the two posts of Verplank's and Stony point, to the enemy, is too obvious to need explanation. We ought, if possible, to dispossess them. I recommend it to your particular attention, without delay, to gain as exact knowledge as you can of the number of the gar risons; the state of the creeks that surround the former; the nature of the ground in the vicinity of both; the position and strength of the fortifications; the situation of the guards; the number and stations of the vessels in the river, and the precautions in general which the enemy employ for their security. It is a matter which I have much at heart, to make some attempt upon these posts, in the present state of the garrisons, and before the enemy commence any other operations, if warranted by a probability of suc cess. I must entreat your best endeavours to acquire the ne cessary information, after having obtained which, I shall thank you for your opinion of the practicability of a surprise of one or both these places, especially that on the west side of the river. I am, dear Sir, your ob't servt. GEO. WASHINGTON. New Windsor, July 1st, 1779. Fort Montgomery, 3d July, 1779. Dear General,--In obedience to your Excellency's orders, I have reconnoitred the situation of the enemy's works on Stony Point, and the approaches to them, in the best manner that circumstances would admit, and returned late last evening to this place. The sketch, herewith transmitted, will give you a general idea of the strength of their works on the west side, which, in my opinion, are formidable; I think too much so, for a storm; and to attempt their reduction, by regular approaches, will require time as there is no ground within less distance than a mile, but which they command. The works on Verplank's Point are by no means so formidable as those on this side; although they consist of four redoubts, viz. the one made by us, denominated La Fayette, with a fraise and ditch; the second situate to the N. W., on the rising ground, near the river, in which is a block house; the third thrown up round a strong stone house, east of Fort La Fayette, and on the margin of a rising gronnd, commanding the causeway from the church; the fourth is situated on the east side of the creek and marsh, on a high point of rocks, commanding all the gound in its vicinity, and overlooking the causeway; it has also a block house, these last three are surrounded with abbatis, but not fraised, nor could I discover any embrazures; perhaps they fire in barbet. I am clear that the enemy have not more than -men on Stony Point, and about- — on Verplank's; in all of which I am joined in opinion by Col. Butler and Major Steward, who were with me on the duty, and on whose judgment I much rely. Upon the whole I do not think a storm practicable, but perhaps a surprise may be effected, could we fall on some stratagem to draw them out. A thought has struck me, that as no party of force has ever yet been down, or appeared to the enemy, and as I have ground to believe, that an inhabitant living near to Stony Point, acts a double part, and, of course, will give them every information in his power, which goes no further than to the usual route and number of the reconnoitring parties, they may be induced to attempt an ambuscade; or, if they should not attempt this, a few of our people appearing near, may bring a pretty stong party out in pursuit, which may give our troops an opening to enter with them. Should your Excellency incline to reconnoitre the works to-morrow, or next day, I will have a proper disposition made of the light corps, so as effectually to cover you; or, whenever you may order it, I will attempt the surprise, in case it meets your approbation. The troops at the forest of Dane may co-operate with us, if thought necessary. Interim, I am your Excellency's His Excellency, which he commanded to the best possible advantage; thus addressed the commander in chief, respecting the interest of the corps of which he had so recently assumed the command. Fort Montgomery, 8th July, 1779. "I took the liberty to mention to your Excellency, the difficulty that the light corps experience in receiving the necessary supplies of clothing, not being in a situation to apply to their respective regiments for the articles which they may from time to time require. "To remedy which, I propose the following plan,"(It is too extensive to insert here.) "Should your Excellency think proper to adopt this mode, and give an order on the clothier general, for the articles mentioned in the enclosed return; I flatter myself that we shall have it in our power to introduce uniformity among the light corps belonging to the respectixe states, and infuse a laudable pride and emulation into the whole, which, in a soldier, are a substitute for almost every other virtue. I must acknowledge that I have an insuperable bias in favour of an elegant uniform and soldierly appearance; so much so, that I would much rather risk my life and reputation, at the head of the same men, in an attack, clothed and appointed as I could wish, merely with bayonets, and a single charge of ammunition, than to take them as they appear in common, with sixty rounds of cartridges-it may be a false idea, but I cannot help cherishing it. Will your Excellency be so good as to direct Baron Stuben to furnish each officer of the light corps with copy of his military regulations; there are but two or three in the whole corps, Your Excellency must have observed how wretched[ly our platoon officers are armed; many of them without a weapon of defence of consequence, should they ever come to a charge, in place of producing an example to their men, they must inevitably be first to give way; an example much more easily adopted than its opposite, especially by the private soldier, who cannot, very readily, conceive his honor or duty concerned, further than that of his officer, and he will be governed by his example, as well in a retrograde manœuvre, as in a pursuit. I have no reason to doubt the bravery of any officer belonging to the corps; many of them in this respect, I have seen fully tried, and I will be answerable for their conduct, under circumstances the most appalling, if properly equipped, to meet them-which, I believe, is in our power to effect, as a considerable number of espontoons were sent forward to camp before I left Philadelphia, which must have arrived. Will your Excellency be so obliging as to order about fifty of the neatest and best, to this place, with all possible despatch, as I wish immediately to practice with them. I am, your Excellency's most Obedient, ANTHONY WAYNE. P.S. We have nothing new, except five of the enemy's vessels sailed from King's Ferry, towards NewYork, yesterday at 3 o'clock, P.M. To this letter the commander in chief replied:Dear Sir, I have received your letter of this day, and a general have issued order for regulating the manner in which clothing is to be drawn for theinfantry.I have,also, directed a brigade quarter master, forage master, and conductor to be appointed, though I have not assigned the duty of clothier to the first-if it should be found necessary, it can be done hereafter. I agree perfectly, with you, as to the importance of dress, and it is my intention that the infantry shall have a pretty full supply-but, after all, our circumstances must govern. I shall speak to Baron Stuben about the regulations. I believe he has not enough ready to give a full supply, but he may, perhaps, spare a few more than he has done; one to each field officer, and one to each captain. The espontooons, if procurable, shall be sent. Fort Montgomery, 9th July, 1779. Dear General,-I could wish to draw the whole of the light corps together, in order to manœuvre them, and give the officers and men an opportunity to mix, and become acquainted with one another, as also to introduce a similarity of dress and duty. Perhaps this may be done whilst the enemy are at so great a distance, without any disadvantage; for before they could possibly effect a landing, the light corps could be detached to the different posts which they now occupy, if thought the most proper positions. I had a person up from the vicinity of Stony Point, last evening; every thing remains as you saw it, except ing that the enemy have not sent a single party out since you were here. I have a small party of riflemen hovering about them, who have orders to keep them in constant alarm, with a promise of 20 dollars bounty, for each deserter from our army, that they take up. I have given the most pointed orders to guard against a surprise, and not to trust any man in that country. I am, your Excellency's most Obedient, ANTHONY WAYNE. From a written memorandum of General Wayne's, it would appear that the commander in chief and he had a conference on the 10th of July, which was probably the cause of the following letter: Head Quarters, July 14th, 1779. Dear Sir, I have reflected on the advantages and disadvantages of delaying the proposed attempt, and I do not know but the former preponderate. You will, therefore, carry it into execution to-morrow night, as you desire, unless some new motive, or better information, should induce you to think it best to defer it. 53 I perfectly agree with your Excellency, that an enterprise of this nature does not so much depend upon numbers as on secrecy and prowess; yet the mass of our soldiery will derive confidence from the reputation of numbers-from this conviction I have taken the liberty to order Col. Ball's regiment, stationed at Rose's farm, to follow in my rear, and I shall give out that the whole Virginia line are to support us. It can have no bad effect, but it may have a very happy one. I have taken every possible precaution to secure the passes leading to Stony Point-for which purpose, I have detached three small parties of picked men, under prudent and vigilant officers, with direction to approach near the ravine a little before night, so as to reconnoitre, and fix on the proper places to plant their sentries, as soon as it is dark; also, to secure certain persons to serve as guides. I shall meet Major Lee at Clement's, or between that and Storm's. I am pleased at the prospect of the day, and have the most happy presages of the fortune of the night; adieu, my dear General, and believe me, with every sentiment of esteem, Your most obedient and affectionate His Excellency, General orders and dispositions for the attack. The troops will march at o'clock, and move by the right, making a short halt at the creek, or run, on this side next Clement's: every officer and non-commissioned officer will remain with, and be answerable for, every man in his platoon; no soldier to be permitted to quit his ranks on any pretext whatever, until a general halt is made, and then to be attended by one of the officers of the platoon. When the head of the troops arrive in rear of the hill, Colonel Febiger will form his regiment into a solid column of a half patoon, in front, as fast as they come up; Colonel Meigs will form next, in Colonel Febiger's rear, and Major Hull in the rear of Meig's, which will form the right column. You are at liberty to choose between the defferent plans on which we have conversed. But as it is import- Colonel Butler will form a column on the left of Feant to have every information we can procure, if you biger, and Major Murfree in his rear. Every officer and could manage in the mean time, to see Major Lee, it soldier will then fix a piece of white paper in the most might be useful, He has been so long near the spot, conspicuous part of his hat or cap, as a mark to distinand has taken so much pains to inform himself, critical- guish him from the enemy. At the word march. Cololy, concerning the post, that I imagine he may be able nel Fleury will take charge of one hundred and fifty deto make you acquainted with some further details.termined and picked men, properly officered, with Your interview must be managed with caution, or it may possibly raise suspicion. I am, dear Sir, General Wayne. Your most Obedient Servant, Fort Montgomery, 14th July, 1779. Dear General,-I am, this moment, honoured with yours, of this day, and note the contents. I shall effect the interview in a manner the least suspicious. Every thing will be in readiness the time you men tion. I shall do myself the honour to enclose you the plan and disposition of attack to-morrow. Interim, I am, your Excellency's His Excellency, Fort Montgomery, 15th July, 1779. 11o'clock, A. M. S Dear General,-On the 11th, Colonels Butler, Febiger, and myself, reconnoitered the enemy's works at Stony Point, in the most satisfactory manner possible; and I am decidedly of opinion, that two real attacks, and one feint, ought to be made, agreeable to the enclosed plan and disposition, which I now do myself the honour to transmit. arms unloaded, placing their whole dependence on fix- Colonel Butler will move by the route (2) preceded by one hundred chosen men, with fixed bayonets, properly officered, at the distance of twenty yards, in front of the column, which will follow under Colonel Butler, with shouldered muskets. These hundred will also detach a proper officer, and twenty men, a little in front, to remove the obstructions, &c.; as soon as they gain' the works, they will also give, and continue the watchword, which will prevent confusion and mistake. If any soldier presume to take his musket from his shoulder, or to fire, or begin the battle until ordered by his pro 54 ANTHONY WAYNE. per officer, he shall be instantly put to death by the of ́ficer next him; for the misconduct of one man is not to put the whole troops in danger, or disorder, and he be suffered to pass with life. After the troops begin to advance to the works, the strictest silence must be obser ved, and the closest attentoin paid to the commands of the officers. The General has the fullest confidence in the bravery and fortitude of the corps that he has the happiness to command. The distinguished honour conferred on every officer and soldier, who has been drafted into this corps by his Excellency, General Washington, the credit of the states they respectively belong to, and their own reputations, will be such powerful motives for each man to distinguish himself, that the General cannot have the least doubt of a glorious victory; and he, hereby, most solemnly engages to reward the first man who enters the works with five hundred dollars and immediate promotion; to the second, four hundred dollars; to the third, three hundred dollars; to the fourth two hundred dollars; and to the fifth, one hundred dollars; and he will represent the conduct of every officer and soldier, who distinguishes himself in this action, in the most favourable point of view to his Excellency, whose greatest pleasure is rewarding merit. But should there be any soldier so lost to feeling of honour, as to attempt to retreat one single foot, or skulk in the face of danger, the officer next to him is immediately to put him to death, that he may no longer disgrace the name of a soldier, or the corps, or the state to which he belongs. As Gen. Wayne is determined to share the danger of the night, so he wishes to participate in the glory of the day, in common with his fellow soldiers. GENERAL ORDERS: Stony Point, 16th July, 1779. Field officer of the day, Col. Febiger General Wayne returns his warmest thanks to the officers and soldiers, for their coolness and intrepidity in the storm of the enemy's works, at Stony Point, between the hours of twelve and one, this morning. The perfect execution of orders, and the superior gallantry exhibited on the occasion, reflect the highest honor on the troops engaged. The spare arms, accoutrements, tents, and military stores, are immediately to be collected and deposited in a convenient post, in charge of proper guards. The commanding officer of artillery will attend to the execution of the orders, so far as they respect military stores. Ensign Ballard, of Major Hull's detachment, to collect and secure the tents, &c. HEAD QUARTERS, 2 New Windsor, 16th July, 1779. S Sir-I have the pleasure to transmit your Excellency Half past nine o'clock, A. M. the enclosed copy of a letter from Brigadier General Wayne, which this moment came to hand. I congratulate Congress on our success; and what makes it still more agreeable, from the report of Captain Fishbourn, who brought me General Wayne's letter, the post was gained with but very inconsiderable loss on our part. As soon as I receive a particular account of the affair, I shall transmit it. I have the honor to be, with great respect, GEO. WASHINGTON. your Excellency's most obedient servant, P. S. Gen. Wayne received a slight wound in the head, with a musket ball, but it did not prevent him from going on with the troops. His Excellency Joux Jay, Esq. STONY POINT, 16th July, 1779. Gen. WASHINGTON. HEAD QUARTERS, New Windsor, July 21st, 1779. Sir-On the 16th inst. I had the honor to inform Congress of a successful attack upon the enemy's works at Stony Point, on the preceding night, by Brigadier General Wayne, & the corps of Light Infantry under his command. The ulterior operations in which we have been engaged, have hitherto put it out of my power to transmit the particulars of this interesting event. They will now be found in the enclosed report, which I have received from General Wayne. To the encomiums he has deservedly bestowed on the officers and men under his command, it gives me pleasure to add that his own conduct, throughout the whole of this arduous enterprise, merits the warmest approbation of Congress. He improved upon the plan recommended by me, and executed it in a manner that does signal honour to his judgment and his bravery. In a critical moment of the assault, he received a flesh wound in the head, with a musket ball, but continued leading on his men with unshaken firmness. I now beg leave, for the private satisfaction of Congress, to explain the motives which induced me to direct the attempt. It has been the unanimous sentiment to evacuate the captured post of Stony Point, remove the cannon and At evening gun-fire, the troops to parade and the stores, and destroy the works, which was accomplished lines to be manned. The commanding officers of region the night of the 18th inst; one piece of heavy cannon ments will point out the disposition. Two hundred rank and file, properly officered, to compose the necessary guard for the night. The detail will be delivered by Major M'Cormick, who will attend the field officer of the day in forming the arrangement. HEAD QUARTERS, only excepted. For want of proper tackling within The movements of reach to transport the cannon by land, we were obliged to send them to the forts by water. the enemy's vessels created some uneasiness on their account, and induced me to keep one of the pieces for their protection, which, finally, could not be brought off, without risking more for its preservation than it was New Windsor, July 16, 1779. S We also lost a galley, which was ordered down She got under way, on her return, The Commander-in-chief is happy to congratulate the worth. army on the success of the troops under Brigadier Gen- to cover the boats. eral Wayne, who, last night, with the corps of Light In- on the afternoon of the 18th; the enemy began a severe fantry, surprised and took the enemy's post at Stony and continued cannonade upon her, from which, having Point, with the whole garrison, cannon, and stores, with received some injury, which disabled her from proceevery inconsiderable loss on our side. The General has ding, she was run ashore. Not being able to get her not yet received the particulars of the affair, but he has afloat till late in the flood tide, and one or two of the the satisfaction to learn, that the officers and mon in enemy's vessels, under favour of the night, having pasgeneral, gloriously distinguished themselves in the at-sed above her, she was set on fire and blown up. tack. He requests the Brigadier and his whole corps to ac- It is probable Congress will be pleased to bestow some marks of consideration upon those officers who distinguished themselves upon this occasion. Every of ficer and man of the corps deserves great credit; but there were particular ones, whose situation placed them foremost in danger, and made their conduct more conspicuous. Lieutenant Colonel Fleury and Major Stew ard commanded the two attacks. Lieutenants Gibbon and Knox commanded the advanced parties, or forlorn hopes, and all acquitted themselves as well as it was possible. These officers have a claim to be more particularly noticed. Mr. Archer, who will have the honour of delivering these despatches, is a volunteer aid to Genera! Wayne, and a gentleman of merit. His zeal, activity, and spirit, are conspicuous upon every occasion. I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect and esteem, your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant, GEO. WASHINGTON. His Ex'cy JOHN JAY, President of Congress. P. S. I forgot to mention that two flags and two standards were taken, the former belonging to the garrison, and the latter to the 17th regiment These shall be sent to Congress by the first opportunity. Letter from Gen. Wayne to Gen. Washington. STONY POINT, July 17th, 1779. Sir-I have now the honor of giving your Excellency a full and particular account of the reduction of this post, by the light troops under my command. 55 that will ever ensure success. Lieutenant Colonel Hay was wounded in the thigh, bravely fighting at the head of his battalion. I should take up too much of your Excellency's time, was I to particularize every individual who deserves it, for his bravery on this occasion; however, I must acknowledge myself indebted to Major Lee, for the frequent and useful intelligence he gave me, and which contributed much to the success of the enterprise; and it is with the greatest pleasure I acknowledge to you, that I was supported in the attack by all the officers and soldiers to the utmost of my wishes; and return my thanks to the officers and privates of artillery, for their alertness in turning the cannon against the enemy's works at Verplank's Point, and their shipping, which slipped their cables and immediately dropped down the river. I should be wanting in gratitude, was I to omit mentioning Captain Fishbourn and Mr. Archer, my two aids-de-camp, who, on every occasion, showed the greatest intrepidity, and supported me into the works after I had received my wound in passing the last abbatis. Enclosed are returns of the killed and wounded belonging to the light corps, as also that of the enemy, together with the number of prisoners taken; likewise of the ordnance and stores found in the garrison. I had forgot to inform your Excellency that, previous to the who, with three hundred men of his brigade, took post on the opposite side of the marsh, and was to be in readiness, either to support us, or to cover a retreat in case of accident; and I have not the least doubt of his faithfully and effectually executing either, had there been an occasion for it. The humanity of our brave soldiers, who scorned to take the lives of vanquished foes calling for mercy, reflects the highest honour on them, and accounts for so few of the enemy being killed on the occasion. I am not fully satisfied with the manner in which I have mentioned Lieutenant Gibbon, of the sixth, and Lieutenant Knox, of the ninth Pennsylvania regiments, the two gentlemen who led the advanced parties of each column. The first had seventeen men killed and wounded, out of twenty: the latter, though not quite so unfortunate in that respect, was nevertheless equally exposed; each behaved with an intrepidity and address that would have given credit to the oldest soldier. On the 15th inst. at twelve o'clock, we took up our line of march from Sandy Beach, distant about fourteen miles from this place; the roads being exceedingly bad and narrow, and having to pass over high mountains, and through such deep morasses and difficult de-attack, I had drawn General Muhlenburg into my rear, files, that we were obliged the greatest part of the way to move in single files. At eight o'clock in the evening, the van arrived at Mr. Springsteel's, within one mile and a half of the enemy's lines, and formed into columns as fast as they came up, agreeably to the order of battle herewith transmitted, (vide order.) Colonel Febiger's and Col. Meigs' regiments, with Major Hull's detachment, formed the right column. Colonel But ler's regiment, and Major Murfree's two companies the left. The troops remained in this position until several of the principal officers, with myself, returned from reconnoitering the works. At half after eleven, being the hour fixed on, the whole moved forward.-The van of the right was composed of one hundred and fifty volunteers, properly officered, with fixed bayonets and unloaded muskets, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Fleury, preceded by twenty picked men, headed by a vigilant officer, to remove the abbatis and other obstructions. The van of the left consisted of one hundred volunteers, also with fixed bayonets and unloaded muskets, under the command of Major Steward: these were likewise preceded by twenty men, under a brave and determined officer. I have the honour to be, with singular respect, your Excellency's most obedient, and very humble servant, His Excellency, Gen. WASHINGTON. ANTHONY WAYNE. (Continued in our next. j FROM MANUSCRIPTS The loss sustained by the assailants fell far short of At twelve o'clock the assault was to begin, on the the apparent hazard of the enterprise. The killed and right and left flanks of the enemy's works, and Major wounded did not exceed one hundred men. The loss Murfree to amuse them in front; but from the obstruc of the enemy was 63 killed; Lieutenant Colonel Johntions thrown in our way, and a deep morass surrounding ston, 4 Captains, and 20 subaltern officers, together their whole front, and overflowed by the tide, render- with the remainder of the garrison, were made prisoners ing the approaches more difficult than at first appre- of war, amounting to 543. After resistance ceased, not hended, it was about twenty minutes after twelve be- a single British soldier experienced the effect of the Afore the assault began; previous to which I placed my-merican bayonet. The military stores captured were self at the head of Febiger's regiment or right column, extensive and valuable. and gave the troops the most pointed orders not to attempt to fire, but put their whole dependance on the bayonet, which was most faithfully and literally obeyed. Neither the deep morass, the formidable and double rows of abbatis, nor the high and strong works in front and flank, could damp the ardor of the troops, who, in the face of a most tremendous and incessant fire of musketry, and from artillery loaded with shells and grapeshot, forced their way, at the point of the bayonet, through every obstacle, both columns meeting in the centre of the enemy's works nearly at the same instant. Too much praise cannot be given to Lieutenant Colonel Fleury, (who struck the enemy's standard with his own hand) and to Major Steward, who commanded the advanced parties, for their brave and prudent conduct.Colonels Butler, Meigs, and Febiger, conducted themselves with that coolness, bravery, and perseverance, IN POSSESSION OF THE AMER. PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY. EARLY SETTLEMENTS ON DELAWARE. The following are the titles of documents which occur next in order in the society's collection, but which are here omitted as they will be found in the Register, vol. I. and II. A Copy of Sir Robert Carr's Commission to goe to Dela- |