339. Charles Doughty, of Hempstead, lost a purse containing 3 half joes, 4 guineas, 1 pistole, 1 quarter joe, and $15. April 21, ‘77, Gaine.
340. Aug. 25, ‘77, Gaine. When Parsons attacked Setauket, the militia of Queens turned out to support the Royal cause; but the rebels went off ith such precipitation, that the militia returned before reaching Setauket.
341. Sept. 1, ‘77. Gaine. The report we had last Friday that 2000 rebels had again landed, was false; yet, two regiments from New-York got as far as Newtown. The militia of Queens turned out also in great numbers, but were soon ordered to return.
342. Dec, 20, ‘77, Riv. 200 rebels having landed near Setauket,* Maj. Greene, of Delancy’s 1st battalion, marched on Thursday with 100 men; and 200 Hempstead militia have likewise gone down to augment the advanced body of horse and foot under Col. Hewlett, at Huntington. {Gaine adds, that "Colonel Hewlett, with a party of Gen. Delancy’s brigade, Col. Hamilton, with a troop of horse from Newtown, and Capt. Hewlett, with his troop of horse from Hempstead, are gone in pursuit of the rebels to the east, and it is hoped will give a good account of them." Dec. 15, ‘77, Gaine.-Ed.}
{*When the Americans landed on the east parts of Long Island, the alarm was transmitted west by beacons from Norwich Hill to Beacon Hill, and thence to the Fort at Whitestone, and thence to New York by a discharge of cannon. The alarm-pole at Flushing conveyed the news across to Jamaica, where usually most soldiers lay. The night beacon (composed of wood standing endwise about 20 feet high) made a bright blaze; the day beacon, composed of brushwood, &c., made a thick smoke only. These were guarded by the militia to prevent their being fired maliciously.-Ed)
343. Wanted, a proper person to open a school at Hempstead, for teaching writing, arithmetic, and the elements of geometry. Apply to the Rev. Mr. Cutting or Judge Ludlow, at the Plains. June 8, ‘78.
344. July 27, ‘78, Gaine. Last Sunday week, a large flat schooner, (from D’Estaing’s fleet that lay off the Hook,) with about 200 men in her, made an attempt to land a party of 30 or 40 at Rockaway beach, with an intention, as is conjectured, to take some cattle. --A party of seven o Gov. Wentworth’s volunteers observed their approach and advanced directly towards them. Keen as the appetites of the Frenchmen generally are for the beef of England, they did not incline to risk a contest, but with the sprightliness and activity peculiar to that polite nation, on such occasions, they turned tail to and run away.
345. Oct. 12, ‘78, Gaine. A small sloop and two pettyaugers were taken last Monday, near Rockaway.
346. Nov. 23, ‘78, Gaine. Died, Saturday last, at his seat at Rockaway, the Hon. Josiah Martin, late Governor of North Carolina, aged 79.
34. Hempstead, June 29, ‘79. Riv. On Saturday, we were alarmed with an account that six whale bots, manned with 8, 9, and 10 men each, had entered our bay, seized two negroes belonging to Capt. St. Hewlett, burnt a schooner and a large hay boat, and taken a loaded sloop at Hog Island, intended for the New-York market. Three of the Hempstead militia Capts., their companies (and the men, to do them justice, turned out with alacrity, and behaved with a spirit becoming the subjects of King George.) Early on Sunday morning they retook the sloop, the two negroes, and captured two of the whale boats, completely armed with swivels as well as small arms, and manned with 17 hands.
It was supposed the other four boats had returned to the eastward, but at 2 P.M., the alarm was again given, that the four whale boats, joined by two others, had returned in the bay, and it was supposed, intended retaking the sloop and the two prize whale boats. The same three companies again mustered, repaired to the place appointed, and with the assistance of the two taken whale boats, which they manned, and some old crazy hay boats, boldly attacked the six remaining rebel boats, took three of them completely armed, with 23 prisoners, and pursued the others for several miles, till they were fairly driven out of the country.
Last Sunday, two rebel whale boats, on board of which were 17 men, made their appearance at Hog Island, near Rockaway. The militia were soon alarmed, and a party was dispatched in two boats, whilst the others marched along shore and secreted themselves among the brush at the entrance of and along the creek, at which they entered. The rebels had scarcely landed, when they observed the two boats coming into the inlet, on which, they endeavored to escape, but finding they were surrounded, and fired on from all quarters, they surrendered.
Some time after, three others of the same gentry came rowing along shore, and observing their two boats, made into the inlet, and fell also into the hands of the militia. These boats were fitted out at Saybrook, in Connecticut, with a brass two pounder in the bow of each, and had a commission from Gov. Trumbull to plunder the inhabitants of Long Island. The prisoners, 41 in number were brought to town yesterday.
348. July 4, ‘79, Riv. The Queens Co. militia made some prisoners about this time.
349. $5 Reward. Ran away, Charles, a negro man, speaks good English, &c. N. B. Masters of vessels are desired not to carry him off. --July 13, ‘79.
| JOHN LEFFERTS. HEMPSTEAD |
350. Aug. 10, ‘79. Last Tuesday Dickie was exchanged.*
John Jackson’s store, west of the mill-dam, at Merrick, was robbed by some whale boats under Capt. Dickie, who came up Jackson’s Creek. Jackson was carried off with them, but the weather being unfavorable for going out, they hauled up at Crow Island house. The alarm was spread east and west,* and the militia went in pursuit. The western division consisted of a hay boat full of men, well armed, under Joseph Raynor. The eastern division, of a boat likewise filled, in which was my relator, G. Hewlett. When the boat from the wast was seen coming down, Dickie determined to launch his boat and secure his plunder from the house, and try to escape. All hands were set to work. Shortly after the western boat hove in sight, when Dickie finding himself cut off, resolved to give battle, and formed his men, but on the nearer approach of the boats, finding himself so inferior in number, he concluded to surrender, and stacked his arms before the landing of the militia.
The prisoners were sent to New-York. Dickie had previously plundered a craft of goods belonging to John Brotherton, storekeeper. Jackson ransomed his goods and the prize was sold and divided among the captors.
*Braddock Seaman, who was riding west to spread the alarm, was shot in the thigh by two sentinels posted in a hedge south of the road, west of the dam, but galloped on to Capt. Stephen Hewlett’s before he discovered his wound.
Not long after this, G. H. with two friends, was gunning on the marsh, when a whale boat rowed up, took his gun, silver sleeve buttons and some money; and consulted among themselves whether they should take their hats and coats, but finally left the.
Capt. David Jones had a swivel near his house, which he used more than once, but with what success is not now know.--Ed.
351. Aug. 13, ‘79. Riv. Hunting--A number of excellent Fox hounds having with great difficulty been collected, there will be hunting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, on Hempstead Plains. One guinea subscription to those who wish to partake of this amusement. Half a guinea given for a bag fox delivered to Cornet Stapleton, at Hempstead. Highest price for dead horses.
{Some of the new raised corps lying at Herricks, came over one winter to hunt foxes at Near Rockaway. They were very rude, and finally killed and took off a great quantity of poultry. Capt. Hicks bid the owners make out their bills and send them to Herricks. They were instantly paid to prevent unpleasant consequences.--Ed.}
352. Gain, July 11, ‘80. Last Tuesday morning his Majesty’s ship Galatea run ashore near Hog Island, the sloop Revenue, privateer, of New London, W. Jagger, commander, fitted out by Joseph Woolridge, carrying 12 guns and 52 men. The vessel bilged, the men jumped overboard and swam ashore with their arms; on which 13 of the militia of Hempstead South, viz:
| Richard Green, | Ezekiel Raynor, | Isaac Smith, |
| John Mott, | Reuben Pine, | Joseph Smith, |
| Joseph Mott, | Benjamin Palmer, | Abel Southard, |
| Joseph Rainer, | W. R. Smith, | {who was wounded,} |
| Elijah Rainer, | Amos Shaw, |
commanded by Ensign Elijah Wood, assembled and after a skirmish of 6 hours, took 10 of the rebels prisoners, together with their boat. Mr. Wood was then reinforced by 26* more rebels were secured, and on Thursday all brought to the Main Guard in this city.
*
| *Lt. McKain, an officer | W. Pearsall | Barnabas Smith, | |
| on half pay, | Jas. Denton, | David Pine, | |
| Israel Smith, | Jas. Southard, | M. Demott, a trooper | |
| Stephen Powell, | Elijah Cornwall, | Th. Burtis, a trooper | |
| W. Johnson, | Reuben Jackson, | Wm. Burtis | |
| Sam’l Johnson | Benjamin Cornwall, | Joseph Dorlon | |
| Abm. Sinomson, | Elijah Handley, | Joshua Pettet, | |
| Wm. Pettet | ---Venson, a refugee, | Uriah Seaman, | |
| James Pettet, | Morris Green, | Alex. Dunlap* |
Six of the inhabitants of Hempstead South, who were made prisoners by this rebel crew, were happily retaken.
353. Aug. 9, ‘80. Riv. About 5 o’clock last Friday evening, an account was brought to Rockaway that two whale boats were at Hog Island, and had taken a schooner in the bay. Capt. Chas. Hicks, of the militia, mustered hi company, and with a few volunteers in two boats, went in quest of them. Bust stormy weather prevented their attacking them that evening. At 4 o’clock next morning, Capt. Hicks, to avoid the effusion of blood, sent a flag to inform the rebels that if they would surrender prisoners, they should have good quarters; this they would not comply with, when a smart action commenced; but the enemy seeing that they could not escape, agreed to accept the first terms and accordingly surrendered themselves prisoners of war, 28 in number, among them a clergyman.(?)
These two boats were 14 days from Brunswick, and had met with no success. One was commanded by W. Marriner, formerly a cordwainer and oyster dealer of New-York, but of late a great rebel partisan. Mr. Dickie, the rebel Commissary, was also taken, who has ever proved a violent persecutor of the Royal officers and Loyalists who have fallen into his power. The boats were well filled and provided with all sorts of ammunition. None killed or wounded on either side. Several grapeshot went through Capt. Hicks’s jacket.
Last Friday evening about 6 o’clock, information was brought to Lt. Williams of Gov. Wentworth’s Volunteers, the commanding officer of this post, that a party of rebels had landed on Hog Island beach, and had taken a schooner in the bay. He immediately marched with 14 of his company and 14 of the 17th light dragoons to Pine’s Landing; from whence they proceeded in boats with Capt. Hewlett of the militia, and part of his company, to Hog Island, where they arrived at 9 that evening, and joined Capt. Hicks, who was there with part of his company; remained there till 2 next morning (by which time the militia had collected to the number of about 40,) then re-embarked and proceeded to the beach, where they all landed at daybreak without any other opposition than one musket fired by a rebel sentry, which was returned by two from us. The rebels then sent a flag and submitted themselves prisoners of war; and were, with two remarkable fine boats taken from the, safely conducted to Rockaway by 6 the same morning, and left in care of Capt. Hicks.--Gaine, Aug. 2, ‘80.
{Capt. Story says word was brought that a whale boat had taken Capt. Jo. Stout’s schooner at Hog Island. James Pine rode to Hempstead for the light-horse, when 28 galloped down in 17 minut4es. Pine’s horse gave out and he mounted behind a trooper. These were taken aboard a hay-boat, and staid at Hog Island that night. At dawn they went in search of the whale boat. They saw a person swimming and then running on the meadows. It was Capt. Stout. They took him on board, and then rowed on till they reached the bar running north and south. As they were landing, a person rushed past. It was Capt. Marriner. He fired, but only hit the boat. The schooner and whale boat lay high and dry, the wind being southerly, and the whale boat ignorant of the channel. The militia had two carriage guns on a hill on the beach east of the schooner, ready to fire on her, if she should float and attempt to get off, but did not use it. As they neared the vessels a man whom the whale boats had made prisoner, Thomas Hutchings, came from them, waving a handkerchief on a stick for parley. Marriner proposed to surrender if he could be billeted at Hempstead. This was refused, when they surrendered at discretion, and were marched off to New-York. Only 28 persons, the real captors, shared the prize, though there were 2000 militia collected around.
Uriah Pearsall was one of this party. As they neared the shore, a sentry who lay in a hole he had dug in the sand to hide himself, fired and run. The ball entered the bow of the boat under the seats and so out of the stern, but hurt no one. The militia gave him "whistle tail" but did not touch him. The militia were not obliged to leave terra firma to attack whale boats, but many did so from patriotic motives or hopes of prize money.
Capt. Story, who owned a vessel in the oyster business at Blue Point, was captured three times. First, his schooner was taken while graving at Babylon, by Capt. Spooner, in a New London whale boat. He ransomed her for 20 half joes and 9 guineas, and got a ransom bill for 25 days. The time had hardly elapsed when he was again taken by Spooner, but got off by giving $25 and 5 gallons of rum, (worth 18s. per gallon) as an acknowledgment to the Yankee crew. The captors off with their hats and gave three cheers for Capt. Story and his liberality. The third time, his boat was taken at Hog Island, by a Jersey whale boat, and as they could not get her out, Capt. Story was allowed to ransom her for £63.
G. J. says, in the marshing season, a galley and whale boat from New Brunswick, under Capt. Barent Altrecht, came up Parsonage Creek and robbed Joseph Smith and Thomas Dorlon of two wagon loads of goods. The whale boats on the south side of Long Island were partly from Jersey and partly from New England.
Their chief object was to capture oyster, clam, and wood boats, and vessels trading to and from New-York, which entered the inlets and so sailed in the south Bay. As the trading craft went armed, obstinate fights sometimes occurred. The eastern whale boats were carried on men’s shoulders over the Island at Canoe Place, and launched in the South Bay.
354. On the night of January 10, ‘81, the family of Parmenas Jackson at Jerusalem were aroused by the entrance of John Degraw and 6 other soldiers, who shutting up the rest of the family, demanded of Mr. J. his money, and on his refusing to discover it, they hacked him so terribly on his head and arm (as it was uplifted to ward off the blows) that the wall overhead was spotted with blood, but he continuing resolute and hoping each blow would be the last, held out too long. They left him for dead, and attacked his father-in-law, Thomas Birdsall, an aged man, when his wife, to save her husband’s life, disclosed the hid treasure in a bottle under the hearth. The robbers carried off $3000 in gold and silver, with divers articles of dress and furniture. The only words the wounded man ever spoke were "Lloyd’s Neck! Lloyd’s Neck!" Judging from this that they were soldiers from Col. Ludlow’s garrison, the neighbors forthwith posted off to Lloyd’s Neck. One Voorhies rode a fleet horse* to Capt. Van Wyck’s at E. Woods, who instantly ordered his servant to saddle his swiftest horse, and guided them to Lloyd’s Neck, where they arrived before daylight. The roll was called, and a guard set on the narrow passage to the Neck, when the robbers soon came up and were secured, with their booty on them.
Mr. J. had a good deal of stock which he fattened on the Plains. From the sale of this he had amassed a large sume of money, which coming to the knowledge of the servant girl, she revealed the secret to Degraw, her brother, a soldier in Delancy’s 3d battalion. The robbers were put on shipboard and sent to New-York for trial. Elgar, the worst one, jumped overboard, and was drowned. Degraw died in Provost. The fate of the rest is unknown, though it is said they were sent to the mines on the Spanish Main or to Honduras.
Drs. Searing and Seabury attended Jackson and took off pieces of the skull to relieve the pressure on the brain, which was so exposed that its motions were visible. He survived nine days, when died very hard, gasping for breath a long time, --aged 37.
*This was Jacob Seaman’s horse, Sloven, which was so broke down by this ride that he never recovered his former speed.
To Thomas Van Wyck, Esq, Captain in the Loyal Queens County Militia:
City Hall, New-York, Feb. 23, ‘81
Sir: It is with pleasure I sit down to inform you that I am desired by the Court to assure you that your humane, generous and manly exertion, in bringing to light the perpetration of so horrid a crime as the robbery and murder of Parmeanas Jackson, of Jerusalem, now before us, not only demands the thanks of this Court, but merits also the love and esteem of every neighbor and fellow-citizen.
I am, sir,, with the highest respect,
Your most obedient humble servant,
John Breese,
Major 54th Regiment, President.
355. Mar. 14, ‘81, Riv. Fifty Joes to be run for by Eclipse and Sturdy Beggar, at Capt. Tim. Cornell’s Ples., Hempstead Plains, a single two mile heat.
356. Chatham, N.J., April 18, ‘81. We hear the whale boat’s from Brunswick are making a very successful cruise to Long Island this week.
357. May 14, ‘81. Gaine. Last Thursday was brought into New-York, by a party of Long Island militia, a partisan rebel Capt. Dickie, of New Brunswick, with thirteen of his gang of plunderers. This doughty hero has rendered himself notorious by his expeditions on Long Island.
358. July 30, ‘81. Gaine. Nine Jersey plunderers in a rebel whale boat were taken by the Queens county militia yesterday, and brought to town.
359. Aut. 1, ‘81. Riv. Last Saturday night, Capt. Hicks, of Queens county, heard of a whale boat being in Jamaica Bay, that had taken a sloop of Mr. {John} Mott of Rockaway. He mustered twenty-five of his neighbors, and proceeded in three boats in search of the rebels. After rowing all night, e discovered the whale boat and her prize at anchor, under Barren Island, which they determined to attack immediately. The rebels then manned their boats in the greatest confusion, and being cut off from the sea, made for the Flatlands, in Kings county. Hicks landed most of his men at Barren Island, to cut off their retreat, and pursued them with only five white and three black men, in two small skiffs. The rebels, after a long chase, abandoned their boat, with most of their arms, and fled into the woods; but as Capt. Hicks has alarmed all the shore, he does not doubt the rebels will be secured. The whale boat is quite new, and had a heavy gun in her bow.
A new whale boat to be sold at auction at Hick’s Tavern, Far Rockaway, Aug. 6. She is upwards of thirty-five feet long, rows eight oars, has two good sails and a large swivel.
{Col. Hamilton forbids the above sale, because not reported to him by the captors in a proper and official manner.
Ja.’s Abrams saw the above capture. The boatmen tried Plum Inlet, but as there was a fresh wind from the sought, she was cut off. They then made for the Old Mill, (Schenck’s) The prize had a good store of meat and biscuit on board. The captors named her "Lady Washington," to enhance her value. The militia were not obliged to go off land to attack boats, but often volunteered to do so in hopes of prize money.
A privateer was manned under Barren Island to escape the press gangs. She gave $2 a bushel for potatoes. Market boats were licensed to have a certain number of hands; all over it were liable to be impressed. There were several hot presses in New-York; many were taken off unknown to their friends, and never heard of after.---Ed.}
360. Sep. 25, ‘81. The sloop Restoration, Capt. Hart, of Saybrook, was driven ashore on a point of sand at Hempstead, south side of Long Island, one and a half miles from land, 6th inst., in the night, by a frigate, where his vessel lay till next day, when he was attacked by two militia companies, commanded by Capts. David Jones and Seaman. Capt. Hart took Jones and eight men prisoners;* but next morning he was attacked by five captain’s companies. (three of foot and two of horse,) who sent off a flag demanding the surrender of his vessel, and his men to be given up as prisoners of war. Capt. Hart would not consent to these terms, but sent for answer that himself should be exchanged for Capt. Jones, and the men he had taken should be exchanged for an equal number of Jone’s men, and all his other people should be permitted to return home unmolested, on parole; which terms were finally agreed on; and Capt. Hart with his people returned Wednesday after.
* The militia went down in a hay boat, landed Capt. Jones and a part of the men, when the Privateer fired a cannon, and the boat hauled off and left those on the bar to their fate.
361. May 8, ‘82. An account was yesterday brought to town that an enterprising rebel partisan, said to be Hyler, had landed a number of men on Hog Island, in the Sound(?) There were with him three whale boats and a small privateer.
362. June 10, ‘82, Gaine, Hyler’s boats are now ranging on the south side of Long Island.
People would sometimes take a spy-glass and climb on the roof of their houses, and if they saw any whale boats in the bay, they would remove their valuables to a hiding place, leaving only a few articles in the house. The robbers would then ransack the house, curse them for their poverty, and depart. Stores were often nearly emptied in this way of an afternoon, and the goods replaced next morning. But if the owners were once caught, they were likely to be tortured till the goods were forth-coming. The alarm was spread by guns for horn-blowing.
363. For sale at the dwelling house of Capt. Stephen Hewlett, at Great Merrock, some articles saved from the wreck of the brigantine Hussar, stranded on Merrock Shoals, night of January 24.--Riv. Feb. 12, ‘83.
364. July 21, ‘83. Five Dollars Reward. Strayed or stolen from Robert T. Bloomer, at Hempstead, a young brown mare.
Jos. Weeks, Huntington Ferry
365. Samuel Doughty’s store at Foster’s Meadow was robbed. The neighbors went in pursuit and followed the wagon track to the north side of the island, where they found the wagon and hard the rowing; the robbers having just shoved off for Connecticut.
John Skidmore and wife, an aged couple, lived near Amberman’s Mill, Foster’s Meadow, on the Rockaway Road, (now Shaw’s). He had recently sold a farm and mill, and was supposed to be in possession of a large sum of money. His door was forced open in the night, and his money demanded. He handed the robbers (whose faces were blacked and muffled) a purse, saying it was all he had, for luckily he had a few days before invested $1000. Not satisfied with this, they beat him and his wife, at three or four heats, so dreadfully, on their heads, with the butt ends of their pistols, to extort further disclosures, that they both died of their wounds a few days after. Their negro, Jack, a stout fellow, when he heard the noise, mounted the kitchen loft, and drew the steps after hem. Then seizing a scythe from the rafters, when they bid him come down he flatly refused, and bid them do their best. They then went off, and were never discovered.
Capt. Samuel Seaman, at Jerusalem, had his store well barred, but it was robbed in the daytime by a party under John Cott, who came from Norwalk and lurked about Bread and Cheese Hollow one night. They set a guard over the family and rummaged the house. His wife had taken a handkerchief of gold an silver from its hiding place to get out some change, and placed it on the tester of the bed. They took that, some clothing, and goods from the store. They threatened to stave his liquors unless he would ransom them; but on his refusal, they went off.
On one occasion Capt. Seaman and Luke Fleet, who had been robbed, went over to Norwalk and had the robbers arrested, but they were rescued by a mob from New Canaan.
One foggy morning as Hallet Jones was going to the Bay he saw a gun-boat at anchor by the Shell Bank, and no person on board. He rowed up and took possession, first taking her long-boat from her fastening on shore. Directly the crew (who had gone ashore in quest of wood) returned and begged to be restored to the possession of their boat, promising money and what not. But Mr. Jones was deaf to their entreaties, and fired a lee gun, which drew a company of militia to the spot, who secured the crew. They were examined, when the Captain plead a wife and children who would be distressed at his detention and promising better for the future, all were discharged. The prize was sold and the money divided among the militia, leaving Mr. Jones nothing but a good conscience for his pains.
366. Whereas, Martha, wife of Thos. Coffield, lieutenant in the North Carolina Regiment, is concealed from him, (supposed by her mother, Melissa Carman, of Hempstead,) to deep her from going with her loving husband to Nova Scotia or St. Augustine, the public are cautioned. &c.--Riv. Sept 10, ‘83
367. A Miss H., near Hempstead, had formed an intimacy with a Highlander, against the wishes of her friends. But when the British forces were about to evacuate the Island, she was missing. The distressed father expressed his apprehensions to the commanding officer that his daughter had eloped, and was now in the company of her lover. Forthwith the men were drawn up, and the father walked along the ranks, when he discovered his daughter in the guise of a soldier, by the whiteness of the skin where the garter is usually tied.
A soldier of a regiment of foot that lay at Foster’s Meadow fell in love with a Miss B. Her friends removed her to Solomon Foster’s at the Alley. The soldier discovering where she was, attempted one night to carry her off, but was shot by Solomon, for which he was put in Provost.