Three Rivers
Hudson~Mohawk~Schoharie
History From America's Most Famous Valleys
New York In The Revolution as Colony and State
by James A. Roberts, Comptroller
Compiled by Frederic G. Mather
Second Edition 1898
Two Volumes
American Prisoners of War
Previous to the battle of Long Island, Aug. 27, 1776, very few of the Americans had become Prisoners to the Enemy. One thousand were taken after that Battle; and 700 at Fort Washington, when the British came in full possession of the City of New York and its immediate vicinity. The Presbyterian and Dutch Reformed Churches of that City were the first Prisons for the captive Americans. Then other Churches, the Provoost (later the Hall of RecordsColumbia College and the sugar houses in Liberty and Duane Streets were used for the same purpose. The accommodations being crowded, transport ships were used in Wallaboul Bay on the Brooklyn shore. The worst of the Prison Ships was the " Jersey ". Others were:--the " Scorpion ", the " Falmouth ", the " Good Hope ", the " Chatham " and the " Prince of Wales". While the deaths in the Prisons on shore were frequent, the mortality on the Prison Ships was far worse-as many as 15,000 in the latter case. In 1808, the bones of many of the Prisoners were given public burial in Brooklyn, by the Tammany Society of New York; and, in 1826, a monument was erected to their memory at the Wallabout.
John Beaty, Elias Boudinot, Thomas Franklin, Lewis Pintard and Abraham Skinner were Commissaries of Prisoners; and Thomas Franklin and Garret H. Van Wagenen were Deupty Commissaries. Thomas Linn was director of the Hospital, in Canada. Henry Dodge Commissary of Prisoners' Pay.
American Prisoners were also kept in New Utrecht, Flatbush (the Bergen Homestead), Gravesend, Flatlands and New Lots - all on Long Island. These Prisoners were taken, for the most part, at Fort Washington, Fort Montgomery and Germantown. Col. Samuel B. Webb, of the Connecticut Line, himself a Prisoner, was active in making exchanges. He corresponded, at great length, with Gen. Washington and the Continental Congress on this subjject. Little was done, however, because the British and American authorities could not tgree upon a ratio of exchange. (See Sparks' " Life of Washington "; and the several vol umes of "The Public Papers of George Clinton ", already-published.) Col. John Ely, also of the Connecticut Line, as a Prisoner, ministered to the wants of the Prisoners on Long Island. He was a physician, especially skilled in the treatment of small-pox. His son led a sortie, captured a British officer of equal rank and made all the arrangements for the exchange of Col. Ely. But the latter refused to leave the Prisoners; and he remained with them almost to the end of the War.
Governor Clinton was an active agent in bettering the condition of the Prisoners. He expended as follows:-Dec. 15, 1777, a certain amount to Miss Clopper for three barrels of flour to be delivered to the Prisoners in the General Hospital, in New York City; Nov. 15, 1782, £84 to Captains Ward and Drake for the use of the Prisoners in Canada; Nov. 21,1782, £3.4. to Capt. Harper for the use of the Prisoners returning from their captivity in Canada; Mar. 26, 1783, £3.14.6 for the same purpose; July, 1783, £175 to Nicholas Covenhoven for money advanced by him to the Prisoners on Long Island; September, 1783, £300 to Colonels Allison and McClaughry, and £2000 to Col. Allison, for the same purpose; Apr. 20, 1784, £30 to Thomas Tillotson for the use of the Prisoners; and, November, 1784, £34. to Alexander Harper for the same purpose.
The Governor, Jan. 21, 1783, had raised £25566.17.6 on the credit of the State in this manner:-
Any Person upon Long Island who will advance to Colo. William Allison for the Use of himself and the other Officers of this State Prisoners of War the Sum of Five hundred Pounds in specie shall be repaid as soon as conveniently may be; for which the Faith of the State is hereby pledged-Given under my Hand at Kingston this 20th June 1780 Geo. Clinton.
Received 1 September 1780 of Mr. Rem Cowenhoven the Sum of Three Hundred and Eleaven Pounds in Gold and Silver-in part of the Within draft
Wm.
Allison Colo.
N. Y. Militia.
[Indorsed] Reed. April l3th 1785. from Gerard Bancker Treasr. three hundred and eighty two pounds nineteen Shillings in full for the principal and Interest of this Note. £382 19
Jno.
R Cowenhoven
Son and Heir to Rem Cowenhoven
We the Subscribers, received of Coll William Allison the Sum fixed opposite our respective Names for Money Sent in by his Excellency Genl George Clinton for the Use of the Officers taken up the North River at Forts Montgomery and Clinton. New Utright Long Island Novr. 27th. 1777.
Long
Island October 23d. 1779.
We the Subscribers do acknowledge to have received of his Excellency George
Clinton Esquire Governor of the State of New York the Sums affixed to our
several names annexed as witness our hands the day and year above written,
recd. by the hands of Col. James Mc Claughry.
We the Subscribers do hereby Severally acknowledge to have received of his Excellency George Clinton Esqr. by the hands of Colonel William Allison the respective Sums annexed to our names it being Money advanced for our uses while Prisoners on Long Island, and paid to us on or about the following dates Viz Augst 8th and Octr. 30th. 1780.
The Prisoners were paid in Depreciation Notes for the time they were in captivity. In July, 1782, Nicholas Covenhoven paid £798,14.9 for the use oi the Officers who were Prisoners on Long Island. Philip Bevier was paid £42.7 for negotiating an exchange of the Prisoners in Canada. Samuel Fraunces was paid £200 " as a gratuity for his kindness in feeding our Prisoners in N. York & for secret services. This was done indiscriminately to the Continental Troops & Militia".
Although the rules for exchanging Prisoners were very strict, yet each side seemed to allow very free access to the other to help its Prisoners. This is seen not only in the sending of money, noted above, but also in the frequent arrival of supplies of flour, clothing &c. Egbert Benson and Col. John Frear sent large quantities of flour into New York City. The paroles, also, were quite liberal:-
I
Caleb Laurence an inhabitant of Rye in the County of Westchester in Province
of New York and a Capt of Militia in the Province aforesaid do acknowledge
myself a Prisoner of War to the King of Great Britain and being permitted
to go to the American Lines on parole do pledge my faith and word of honor
that I will not do or say anything prejudicial to his Majesty or his subjects
and that I will Return and deliver myself up to the commanding officer of
his Majesty's out-post, at or near Kings Bridge, or to the Commissary of Prisoners
for his Majesty whenever summoned, in witness whereof I have hereunto Set
my hand & Seal this 27 May 80.
Witness Caleb Laurence
Thos Devanport
Access
to the American Prisoners was made easy and systematic through the Commissary
of Prisoners, Lewis Pintard, and his Deputies. His Accounts were kept in a
most thorough manner. In one item, alone. Col. Brinton Paine acknowledges
the receipt of £81.15.4.
Lieut Jacob Van Tassell to State of New York Dr
To a Short Credit in Settlement of his Accot 17th Septr 1784 of Cash rece'd
from Lewis Pintard Comy of Prisoners ...................... £ 8.10.10
To Cash rece'd of Abraham Skinner Corny of Prisoners & omitted crediting
in former Accot .............................................. 83.17. 9
1786
Cr. £92. 8. 7
Feby 21. By an Omission of One Ration pr day in selling his former Accot 17th
Septr 1784 is 866 Rations at 10d.................................. 36. I.
8
Due the State of N York.................................... £56. 6.11
New
York 21st Febry 1786 I have examin'd the above Account & find the Sum
of Fifty Six Pounds Six Shillings & Eleven Pence Currency to be due to
the State of New York from Lieut Jacob Van Tassell which Sum he is to pay
into the Treasury of this State in certificates dated November 1781 which
was the date of the certificate which he received out of the Treasure for
his pay. Gerard Bancker Esqr., Treasurer.
Peter T. Cortenius, State Audr
For further information as to the splendid services of Lewis Pintard, consult James Grant Wilson's " Memorial History of the City of New York ", Vol. IV. p. 293,
Pay Office Philad. 23 Nov. 1784.
Sir; Agreeable to your Request of the 13 Inst. to Mr. Pierce, I have enclosed you the Account of Monies etc advanced to the Officers of your State while in Captivity by the several Commissaries of Prisoners: the Returns made to this Office does not in many instances Specify the State to which the Officers belong, by which I apprehend you will receive application from Numbers not included in this List, in this Case you will send me the Names of those applicants and the several charges against them shall be forwarded.
Several Officers have made a Settlement with Mr. Pierce, the Books not being posted I cannot inform you who they are excepting a few which are marked in the outer Column of the Return. In Order to avoid Errors it may be necessary to ask the Officer if his Accounts as Prisoner were ever liquidated by the late Auditors of the Army, by Mr. Pierce or Mr. Milligan the Comptroller of the Treasury, as any Settlements made by them must be final.
It is usual in Settling the Accounts of the Continental Officers to charge them with the Monies and supplies Received in Specie and oppose their Rations to those Monies, and the Old Emissions reed. is opposed to their pay from the time of Captivity to the 1 Aug. 80 & if any balance is due from them in 0. E. (which is generally the case) it is reduced to Specie at the Rate of 75 for 1 and carried to their Debit in the Specie a/c.
It will be necessary for me to know what Officers you settle with and if time will admit you, should be glad of a duplicate of the Account that I may govern myself by it.
I
make no doubt thro the course of your business, that a Communication between
your Office and this will be found necessary if so you will please to direct
your Letters to Jno. Pierce P. M. G'. to my Care, this will avoid Postage.
Mr. Pierce is now on his Circuit to the Southward, the business of this Office
now rests with Sir. Peter T. Curtenius, Esq. Your very Hble Servt. Joseph
Howell Junr
Ass. Comm. Accts
The American Prisoners of War, mentioned in the documents, are the following--all of them from the State of New York, unless otherwise designated:--
| Aarhart
George Abarr Peter Abbot James, Ens. (Conn) Acker Abraham Acker Jacob Allen Ethan, Col. Allison Richard Allison William, Col. Andrews Rich., Lt., (N.C.) Andrews Wm., Lt. (Mass.) Angavine Gilbert Antil Edward, Col. Archart George Ashfield John Ashton Joseph, Serjt. Bancker Nicolas Banks Jonathan Banks Samuel, Ens. Banter Christian Banter Henry Barkem William Barnum Joshua, Capt. Barnum, Thomas Bashford William, Serjt. Baxter John Baxter Thomas Beard Robert Bellinger Christian Bellinger Fred., Lt. Col. Bellinger Philip Belt J. Sprigg, Capt. (Md.) |
Benedict Caleb, Ens. Benedict Elias Benedict Elisha Benedict Felix Bennett Mat., Capt. (Penn.) Benninger Isaac Berwick Robert Bice James Bingham John Birdsall Benjamin, Lt. Col. Black Isaac Blakeney Gabriel (Conn) Bleecker John James Blewer George, Lt. (Penn) Bliss Theodore, Capt. BluenJohn, Major Bogert Gilbert Bon Joseph Bost Christian Bourguin Jean Josei Bouton Daniel Bowen Timothy Bower William, Capt. Bowne Benjamin, Major Boyce Thomas, Ensign Boyd Samuel Boyer Valentine Brannon Abraham Brewer Deliverance Brewster Henry, Lt. Brewster Henry, Lt (Penn) |
| Brier
T. Brinsmade Zach. (Conn) Brocket Moses Brooks John Brown Annanias Brown Joseph Bruce, Robert, Serjt. Bruyn James Lt. Col. Bryson Samuel, Lt. (Penn) Buckbee Russel Buice Abraham Bulkley Ed., Capt. (Conn) Bunker W. Burgess Archer Burlingham Pardon, Capt. Burst Jacob I. Buyker Silas Buyse William Caien Barrent Calder Rudaff Cannan Matthew Cantine Moses, Serjt. Carpenter George Carpenter Nehemiah, Q.M. Carpenter Rufus Carpenter Thomas Carptenter Wright, Lt. Carter Daniel Case J., Capt. Casselman Peter Chanpenois Thomas |
Charlick
Henry Charpanard Simon Charpanat Simon Clapp Henry Clark Charles, Lt. (Penn) Clark Daniel Clark John, jr., Lut. (Va.) Clark Martin Claughry John, Ens. Clock Conrad Collins Tyrans Comb George, Capt. Concklin Samuel Cooper Robert Covenhoven Edward Coventins Moses Cox John Luke Cos, Joseph, Lt. (Penn) Cozens John, Capt. (Penn.) Craft William Craig John, Capt (N.J.) Craig John, Lt. (Penn.) Crane Isaac, Adjt. Crane John, Adjt. Crane Joseph, Capt. Crawford Wm., Lt. (Penn.) Crowley Jeremiah Croxell Charles, Lt. (Penn) Cudner John, Lt. Cudney John, Lt. Cunningham Henry |
| Curtis
Joel Davis John Day Thomas Dean Joseph Dearkis John, Serjt. Delamater Isaac Deline Benjamin DeLong John Denton Isaac Denton Preston (Conn) De Utricht (Baron) Devoe David Dinus Jacob Dodge Samuel, Lt, Donaldson Joseph Douglass Ephram, Q. M. (Penn) Drinkwater Wm. (Conn) Dubois Matthew Dubois Zachariah, MaJ. Duguid John, Lt. (Penn) Dunscomb Edward Dusenberg Richard Dutcher Abraham Dygart Sevrinus Eastwood John Eckerson Cornelius, Lt. Eckler Leonard Ely John, Col. (Conn.) Everit Abner, Lt. (Penn) Faling Jacob Feeks Robert Feeling Jacob Feeling John D. Feeling John I. Fenno Ephraim, Capt. Lt, Ferelon Abr., Serjt. MaJ. Ferdon Abr., Serjt. Maj. Ferguson William, Capt. (Penn) Ferris Daniel Field Reuben, Lt (Va) Finch Einathan Finley John, Lt. (Penn) Finley Samuel, Lt. (Penn) Fisher Bartholomew Fisher Elijah Fisher Sam'l, Capt. (Penn Floisar Ethnel Forbush John Forbush Nicholas Forre Adam Foster Jacob, Lt. Foster Robert, Ens. (Va.) Franke Lawrence Franklin James Fry John, Brig. MaJ. Furman Alexander, Ens. Furman John, Lt. |
Furro
Rudolph Gardinier Harmanus, Lt. George William, Lt. (Va) Gerlach Adam German David Gettman Frederick, Capt. Gifford William B., Capt. (N.J) Gilchrist Adam, Asst. Com. Gen. Gilchrist Geo., Capt. (Va.) Gilchrist Samuel Gilcrease Samuel Giles Aquila, Maj. (Penn) Gill Erasmus, Lt. 4th Lt. Dragoons Gilleylon William, Lt. Gillikins James, Director of Ordnance Gilliland James, Director of Ordnance Gilliland William. Lt. Glean Oliver, Dy. Q.M. G Gloss David Godwin Henry, Capt. Graham Robert Grant Jesse, Lt. (Conn) Gray John (Conn) Gray Richard, Capt. Gray William (Conn) Green Amos, Serjt. (Conn) Green John, Ens. (Penn) Greenman Jeremiah, Ens (R. I.) Hains David Hall Edward, Lt. (Md) Halstead Benjamin, Lt. Hambright Henry, Capt. (Penn.) Hamman James, Lt. Col. Harmil Daniel, MaJ. Harning Lienert Harper Alexander, Capt. Harris Moses Harris William Hartford Ephraim Hatch William Hatfield Moses, Maj. Haviland John, Lt. (N. J) Hawkins Stephen Hawkins Z. Hegens Ebenezer Heggens Ebenezer Helker John Hellegas Peter Hellmer John Hendry Robert Henry Hugh Herter Lawrence |
| Hetfield
Moses/ Maj. Hews James Higby John Higby Lewis Hillegas Peter Hiller John Hobby David Hobby Jonathan Hogeboom Peter Hogel Peter Holland Shelly Hollister Josiah Holmer David Holms Nathaniel Honeywell Israel, Capt. Hoogland Jeronimus, Adjt Hopkins Elisha, Adjt. (Conn.) Horton Thomas, Capt. Horton Thomas House George House Jacob House Nicholas Huchens Absolom Huchings Absolom Humphrey George Humphrey James, Capt. Humphrey William Humphreys Wm., Serjt. Humphry James Humphry William, Serjt. Hunt Philip Hunter John, Lt. Hunter John Hyle James Hynard Michael Irvin James Irvine James, Brig, Gen (Penn.) Israel John Itig Christian, Serjt. Jackson Patten, Lt. Jacobs Abraham Jamison Daniel, Lt. (Penn) Jenney Thos., Lt. (Penn.) Johnson Jno., Adjt. (Penn.) Johnson John Jones James, Lt. Jump William Keeler Isaac, Lt. Keeler Isaac, Ens. Keeler Isaiah Kelly John Kelsey Ebenezer Kennedy Thomas Kerby Stephen Kip Garret, Lt. Klock Jacob Conrad, Lt. Knap Joel |
Knapp
Joseph, Jr. Knox Abraham Kring John Kronkhite James, Capt. KronkrightJohn, Capt. Lamb William Lamareaux John Lamberdson Lambert Lambert Jonathan Lang Robert, Q. M. Serjt, Langler James Lattimore Francis Lavish John, Ens. (Md) Laucks George Laurence Caleb, Capt. Lawrence Nathaniel, Lt. (N. C.) Lawler Conrad Lawler John Lay Asa, Lt. (Conn.) Lay Lee, Capt. (Conn.) Leggett Abraham, Ens. Lent Isaac Lewis John, Serjt. Lewis Samuel (Conn.) Lingau James McCubbin, Lt. (Va.) Livingston William S., Lt. Col. Cont'l Army Lobdell Joseph Logan Samuel, Maj. Cont'l Army Lonas John Loucks Peter Lucas William Budd Luke James Lumis Adam Lush Stephen, Maj. Lyman Geo., Capt. (Conn) Lyon Gilbert, Capt Lyon John Lyon Samuel McArthur Alexander, Lt. McChain John McClaghry James, Lt. Col. McClaghry James, Capt. McClaughry John, Ens. McClellen William McClue William McDonald John, Capt, (Penn) McMullen John Malloy Thomas Marbury Luke, Col (Md) Marlin Daniel. Capt. Marrener William Martin Daniel, Capt. Martin John Martin Joseph, Lt (Penn) |
|
Martin
William, Lt. |
Patchin
Isaac Patchin Jabez Patchin Samuel PauldingJohn.jr. Paulding William Pawling Henry, Lt. Peifer Joh. PellangerB. Pelllnger Frederick Pendleton Nathaniel, Lt. (Va.) Pendleton Solomon, Lt. Pennear William Penoyer William Peterson John Petry Jacob, Ens. Pettie Abel Pickard Bartholomew Piper Andrew Polk John Poor David, Lt. (Mass.) Porter Jonathan, Lt. Potten James Poultson John, Capt. (Va Pownal Thomas, Lt. Poyton James Preston Wm., Lt. (Penn.) Purdy Solomon, jr., serjt. Putnam David Putnam David, Corp. Quick John Ramsay Nathaniel Lt. Col. (Md.) Rankins James, Jr, Raqua Isaac, Adjt. Raqua Isaac, Lt. Raymond Sands, Serjt. Read Thomas, Ens. Reder T. Reed Thos., Ens. (Penn.) Renex Andrew Requa Isaac, Adjt. Requa Isaac, Lt. Requaw Daniel Requaw Gabriel, Capt. Requaw Isaac, Adjt. Requaw James, Jr. Resequie John Retong William Revenshon John Peter Revere Cornelius Reverston John Peter Reynold William Reynolds Nathaniel, Lt. Rickard Jacob Rigel Frederick Riggs Daniel Riley John, Lt. (Conn.) Riverson John Peter |
| Robertson
John, or Wm., Adjt. (Va.) Rogerts William, Lt. (Va.) Roosa Cornelius Roose James Rose James Rouse Thomas, Ens. (Md.) Ruamay John Rumsey Asa, Fifer Rusmey David Rumsnider Henry Rundell Richard Runnels William Rutherford Samuel, Ens. (Penn.) Sackett Richard, Capt. Sackett Thomas H., Lt. (Md.) Sammons Fred'k, Serjt. Sample Robert, Capt. (Penn.) Savage Joseph Shefer Adam Schomaker John Shomaker Thomas Shoomaker Henry Schot Joseph Schulds Hendrick Schults Johannis Schulds William Schumaker John Schuyler David Schuyler Jacob Schuyler Nicholas Scott Joseph Scott William Sears Elnatham, Corp. See David See James Seeley Isaac, Capt. (Penn.) Sharender Richard Sharp Peter Sharp Thomas Sherer James Sheridan Richard Sherman Peter Sherwood Job Sherwood Newcom Sherwood Seth, Capt. Sherwood Stephen, Ens. Shew Godfrey Shew Jacob Shew John Shew Stephen Shireman George, Crop. Sifer Jacob Siffer John, Sr. Siffer John Sitz Peter, Ens. |
Skiget Richard,
Serjt. Slott Cornelius, Serjt. Slutt William Smith Isaac Smith James, Lt. (Penn.) Smith Johannes Smith John, Qr. Mr. Serjt. Smith John, Lt. Smith Josiah, Lt. (Conn.) Smith Richard Snead Charles, Lt. (Va.) Snead, Smith, Capt. (Va.) Sniffen James Sniffen Reuben Spankneble John Sparks Pearl Staring George Staring Henrich Staring Henry Staring Jacob Stark Nathan Starring Jacob Stayner Roger, Capt. (Penn.) Stenson William Steward Stephen Steyments Casper Sticklen John Stinson William Storm Abraham Stotesbury John. Capt. (Penn.) Stuart Charles (Conn.) Swartwout Cornelius, Capt. Lt. Swartwout Henry, Ens. Swope Michael, Col (Penn.) Tanner Jacob, Serjt. Taylor Elijah Taylor Henry Taylor Samuel Teller James, Capt. Terbush Isaac Terwilliger Harmanus, Serjt. Thomas Edward, Adjt. Thomas Thomas, Col. Thompson Andrew, Ens. Thompson James Thwait Thos., Capt. (Va.) Tice John Tillard Edwd., Maj. (Md.) Tomkins Jerremiah Torry David Townsend Samuel Utricht (Baron de) Lewis Augustus, Capt. Valentine Stephen |
| Van Brunt
Leonard, Dy. Qr. Mr. Gen. Van Buren Leonard Van dercok Benjamin Van Dyke Abraham, Capt. Van Eps Evert Van Nosdall John, Corp. Van Osterand William Van Slyke Garret Van Slyke Jacobus Van Tassel Abraham Van Tassel Cornelius, Lt. Van Tassel John Van Tessel David Van Tellse Isaac, Serjt. Van Tellel Jacob, Lt. Van Tessel Peter Van Wagenen G. Surg. Van Wagenen Garret H., Lt. Vermelya Jacob M. Virgil Abijah Vols Conrad Vorhas Samuel Vroman Ephraim, Lt. Vrooman Walter, Capt. Walker Robt. Lt. (Mass.) Wardell Eliakim Warman Thos., Lut. (Va.) Watrous Edward A. Webb Sysumet Weeks James Wells Levi, Col. (Conn.) Wells Michael, Serjt. |
Wentworth
James, Lt. (Penn.) Wescot Annanias West Ebenezer, Adjt. (Conn.) White Epenetus Whiting Samuel, Lt. Whitney James Williams Daniel, Capt. Williams Gilbert Willis John, Capt. (Va.) Willson Andrew Wilson Andrew Wilson Isaac Winne Kelian Winter Thomas Witherall William Woleben Nicholas Wood Enoch Wood James Wood John, Capt. Woodson Robert, Lt. (Va.) Wool Ellis Wood Robert Woolver John Worden George Worden Voluntine Wright William, Lt. Young Joseph Youngs Joseph Zaling John Zeely John, Lt. Zimmer Peter |
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