Historic Pelham

Presenting the rich history of Pelham, NY in Westchester County: current historical research, descriptions of how to research Pelham history online and genealogy discussions of Pelham families.

Monday, June 30, 2014

A British Lieutenant in the Twelfth Foot Who Fought at the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776

 
In the last fifteen years, I have collected information about a large number of individuals who fought during the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.  One of those persons was, Charles Hastings, a young British officer who, at the time of the battle, served as a young officer in the Twelfth Regiment of Foot.  

Hastings led an interesting, but ultimately tragic life.  He was an illegitimate son of Francis Hastings, 10th Earl of Huntingdon and an "unknown mother."  Although he eventually rose to the rank of General, he took his own life in 1823.

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes a brief summary of the military career of Sire Charles Hastings published in 1848 as well as a brief biography of Hastings that appears online.  Both are followed by citations to their sources.

"SIR CHARLES HASTINGS, BARONET.

Appointed 15th October, 1811.

CHARLES HASTINGS, natural son of Francis, tenth Earl of Huntingdon, was appointed Ensign in the TWELFTH foot in July 1770, and joined the regiment at Gibraltar.  In 1776 he was promoted Lieutenant, and he was permitted to serve with the twenty-third regiment in America, where he was [Page 102 / Page 103] appointed Aide-de-Camp to Early Percy, and afterwards to Sir Henry Clinton.  He was at the actions at Pelham Manor and White Plains, and at the capture of Fort Washington; also in the successful expedition against the American magazines at Danbury.  He accompanied Sir William Howe to Pennsylvania, was engaged at Brandywine and Germantown, and was twice wounded.  In 1780 he was promoted Captain in the TWELFTH foot, and joined his regiment at Gibraltar, where he had several opportunities of distinguishing himself during the siege of that fortress, and he evinced great gallantry at the sortie in November, 1781.  In 1782, he was appointed Major in the seventy-sixth; in 1783 he was promoted to Lieut.-Colonel in the seventy-second, which regiment was disbanded in the same year.  He obtained the Lieut.-Colonelcy of the thirty-fourth regiment in 1786, and was afterwards removed to the sixty-first, and subsequently to the sixty-fifth.  He was promoted to the rank of Major-General in 1796, and to that of Lieut.-General in 1803.  In February, 1806, he was created a BARONET, of Willesley Hall, in the county of Derby; and in November following he was appointed Colonel of the fourth garrison battalion, from which he was removed to the seventy-seventh regiment in July, 1811; and in October following, to the TWELFTH foot.  In 1813 he was promoted to the rank of General.  He died in 1823."

Source:  Cannon, Richard, Historical Record of The Twelfth, Or the East Suffolk, Regiment of Foot, Containing an Account of the Formation of the Regiment in 1685, and of its Subsequent Services to 1847, pp. 102-03 (London:  Parker, Furnivall, & Parker, 1848).




Willesley Hall in Leicestershire, the Seat of the Abney-Hastings Family.
Source:  A Descriptive Guide to Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

Wikipedia includes a more complete biography of Sir Charles Hastings.  That biography provides, in part, as follows:

"Sir Charles Hastings, 1st Baronet

General Sir Charles Hastings, 1st Baronet GCH (11 March 1752 – September 1823) was a British Army officer.  

Family

Hastings was the illegitimate son of Francis Hastings, 10th Earl of Huntingdon and an unknown mother. 

He married Parnel Abney, the only daughter and heiress of Thomas Abney of Willesley Hall in Willesley, Derbyshire. Thomas Abney was the son of Sir Thomas Abney Justice of the Common Pleas. 

Hastings had two sons, Charles born 1 October 1792 and Frank who was born 6 February 1794 and a daughter, Selina, who died young.

He was created a baronet, of Willesley Hall in the County of Derby, on 18 February 1806. He was also a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Guelphic Order. Hastings had an ancestral seat at Willesley from his marriage and a house at Harley Street in Middlesex. 

Lady Hastings passed her life in seclusion and near blindness at their ancestral home.

Hastings took his own life and had acorns buried with him in 1823. He was succeeded by his son Charles who changed his name to Abney-Hastings. His son Frank Abney Hastings fought at the Battle of Trafalgar and died at Zante.

Military career

He purchased an Ensigncy in the 12th Foot, in 1776 a Lieutenancy, and in 1780 a Captaincy. In 1783 he purchased a majority in the 76th Foot, but by 1786 was a Lieutenant-Colonel on the half-pay of the 72nd Foot. In 1786 he became Lieutenant-Colonel of the 34th Foot. In 1789 he retired on half-pay again, and during this time transferred to the 65th Foot. In 1798 he transferred to the 61st Foot as Lieutenant-Colonel and soon afterwards was promoted brevet Colonel and Major-General on the same day. In 1800 he became Lieutenant-Colonel of the 65th Foot. In 1806 he was promoted Colonel of the 4th Foot, then transferred to the 77th Foot, and in 1811 returned to his old regiment, the 12th Foot. He was later promoted General."

Source:  Sir Charles Hastings, 1st Baronet, Wikipedia.org <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Charles_Hastings,_1st_Baronet> (visited Jun. 22, 2014).

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Friday, June 27, 2014

Newly-Published Account Concludes Colonel William Shepard Was Wounded During the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776


There is a fascinating new book about General William Shepard who, as a Colonel, led one of the regiments that fought under John Glover during the Battle of Pelham on October 18 1776.  It is small tome about Shepard, but I recommend it for those who would like to learn more about this fascinating American Patriot.  The book, by John D. Leary, Jr., is entitled "General William Shepard:  An American Patriot."  It is available from Amazon in hardcover, paperback and digital formats.  Here is a link to the hardcover edition.

As part of my efforts to collect research regarding the Battle of Pelham for those who study and analyze that battle, today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog quotes a portion of Mr. Leary's fascinating book, with a focus on the wound that Colonel William Shepard received in his throat during the Battle of Pelham. 


1776 Charles Blaskowitz Map Depicting Events Leading Up to
the Battle of White Plains Including the Battle of Pelham: 
Library of Congress American Memory Collection, Digital Image of
Blaskowitz, Charles, A Survey of Frog's Neck and theRout[e] of the
British Army to the 24th of October 1776, Under the Command
of His Excellency the Honorable William Howe,General and
Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Forces, &ca, &ca, &ca. (1776).


"When about 4000 British and Hessian troops under Gen. Henry Clinton and Lord Charles Cornwallis landed and attempted to march inland at Pell's Point, they encountered Col. John Glover's brigade which included Col. William [Page 7 / Page 8] Shepard's regiment.  Glover's brigade, reduced in numbers to 750 men by illness and battle fatigue, organized into four distinct lines.  Each line held a very strong defensive position.

The British were forced to move over a narrow road that went through small fields lined with stone walls.  As the British advanced, they encountered the first American line commanded by Col. Joseph Read.

When the British were within about 50 yards, Read's troops fired multiple rounds at the advancing troops.  The British were forced to fall back and regroup.  Now with a larger force, the British again attacked and again were greeted with heavy gunfire.  After a short time Read's men fell back behind Shepards' line -- the second defensive line.  The British thinking this an American retreat charged the fleeing troops.

From behind a stone wall, Col. Shepard's regiment rose up and fired at the advancing British.  A fierce engagement occurred which last for about one hour.  During this time, the fiercest fighting of the day took place and the British advance was stopped several times.

Col. Glover, observing the encounter, realized that the British artillery were becoming more effective, and that an increasing number of British troops were engaging Shepard's position.  Glover ordered Shepard to fall back, [Page 8 / Page 9] and for Col. Loammi Baldwin's regiment to give cover fire which Shepard's troops rejoined the rest of the brigade.  Glover's brigade then made an orderly retreat from Pell's Point. . . . .

Col. Glover's brigade gave Washington the time to extricate his troops to Wite Plains, New York, and prevented the British from encircling them and closing off any escape. 

The American brigade had eight men killed and thirteen wounded.  One of the wounded was Col. William Shepard.  According to John Lockwood, 'While the surgeon was examining the serious wound in his neck the doughty patriot called for his canteen and finding that a long drought of rum flowed freely down his throat he said, 'It is all right, doctor, stick on a plaster.  I am going out again'.  And tying on his cravat, he returned to the firing line. . . . .'

Some historians wrote Col. Shepard received his neck wound during the Battle of Long Island.  To be more specific, the neck wound occurred during Battle of Pell's Point.  The Rev. Isacc Knapp in the sermon at the funeral of William Shepard said the injury occurred at Pell's Point. . .

After a few weeks of convalescence, Shepard was able to take command of his regiment, and rejoin Washington in the hills of White Plains, NY."

Leary, Jr., John D., General William Shepard:  An American Patriot, pp. 7-9 (Bloomington, IN:  AuthorHouse LLC, 2014) (footnotes omitted). 

* * * * *

I have written extensively about the Battle of Pelham fought on October 18, 1776. See, for example, the following 31 articles:

Thu., Jun. 19, 2014:  Account of the Revolutionary War Battle of Westchester Creek, Leading Up to the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776

Bell, Blake A., The Battle of Pelham: October 18, 1776, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 41, Oct. 15, 2004, p. 10, col. 1.

Mon., May 19, 2014:
Biography of British Officer Who Fought in the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.

Bell, Blake, History of the Village of Pelham: Revolutionary War, HistoricPelham.com Archive (visited May 9, 2014).

Mon., Feb. 28, 2005: Glover's Rock on Orchard Beach Road Does Not Mark the Site of the Battle of Pelham.

Mon., Apr. 18, 2005: Restored Battle of Pelham Memorial Plaque Is Unveiled at Glover Field.

Fri., May 27, 2005: 1776, A New Book By Pulitzer Prize Winner David McCullough, Touches on the Battle of Pelham.

Thu., Jul. 14, 2005: Pelham's 1926 Pageant Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Pelham.

Wed., Oct. 26, 2005: Remnants of the Battlefield on Which the Battle of Pelham Was Fought on October 18, 1776.

Fri., May 19, 2006: Possible Remains of a Soldier Killed in the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776 Found in 1921.

Fri., Aug. 11, 2006: Article by William Abbatt on the Battle of Pelham Published in 1910.

Thu., Sep. 21, 2006: A Paper Addressing the Battle of Pelham, Among Other Things, Presented in 1903.

Mon., Oct. 30, 2006: Brief Biographical Data About Sir Thomas Musgrave, British Lieutenant Colonel Wounded at the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.

Wed., Nov. 1, 2006: Two British Military Unit Histories that Note Participation in the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.

Tue., Jan. 16, 2007: Brief Biography of British Officer Who Served During the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.

Fri., Feb. 09, 2007: Extract of October 23, 1776 Letter Describing British Troops in Eastchester After the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.

Mon., Feb. 12, 2007: Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site Opens New Exhibition: "Overlooked Hero: John Glover and the American Revolution."

Thu., Jan. 18, 2007: Three More British Military Unit Histories that Note Participation in the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.

Mon., Jul. 16, 2007: Mention of the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776 in Revolutionary War Diary of David How.

Tue., Jul. 17, 2007: Mention of the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776 in Writings of Francis Rawdon-Hastings, Aide-de-Camp to British General Clinton.

Wed., Jul. 18, 2007: Another British Military Unit History that Notes Participation in the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.

Tue., Aug. 7, 2007: An Account of the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776 Contained in the McDonald Papers Published in 1926.

Wed., Aug. 8, 2007: A Description of an Eyewitness Account of the Interior of St. Paul's Church in Eastchester During the Revolutionary War.

Thu., Sep. 6, 2007: Information About St. Paul's Church, the Battle of Pelham and Other Revolutionary War Events Near Pelham Contained in an Account Published in 1940.

Mon., Oct. 8, 2007: American Troops Who Guarded Pelham's Shores in October 1776.

Fri., Oct. 12, 2007: Images of The Lord Howe Chestnut that Once Stood in the Manor of Pelham.

Fri., Oct. 27, 2006: Orders Issued by British Major General The Honourable William Howe While Encamped in Pelham After the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.

Thu., Jan. 22, 2009: Another Brief Biography of Sir Thomas Musgrave, a British Officer Wounded at the Battle of Pelham on October 18 1776.

Wed., Feb. 17, 2010: British Report on Killed, Wounded and Missing Soldiers During the Period the Battle of Pelham Was Fought on October 18, 1776.

Fri., Apr. 23, 2010: Charles Blaskowitz, Surveyor Who Created Important Map Reflecting the Battle of Pelham.

Thu., Feb. 06, 2014: A Description of the Revolutionary War Battle of Pelham Published in 1926 for the Sesquicentennial Celebration.



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Thursday, June 26, 2014

A History of the Early Years of The Pelham Sun, A Pelham Newspaper Institution


As with The Pelham Weekly of today, The Pelham Sun of yore was a Pelham institution that documented the daily doings of Pelhamites throughout a large part of the 20th Century.  Both newspapers have generated priceless historical records of our little town.  

Peter Ceder founded The Pelham Sun on April 9, 1910 and nurtured the growing newspaper until shortly before the advent of the Roaring Twenties when he turned his attention, full time, to real estate development in the Town of Pelham. In 1919, Ceder began a search for a new owner to whom he could turn to continue the institution he had created.  He turned, first, to J. Gardiner Minard, a resident of the Village of North Pelham who had some newspaper experience.  Having just returned from World War I, Minard demurred, telling Ceder "I am sick of wars and running newspapers."

Soon it began to appear that Ceder might close the newspaper, leaving the growing and increasingly-prosperous town without its own newspaper.  A group of nine civic-minded citizens led by Pelham Manor multi-millionaire William T. Grant, the founder of the nationwide chain of W. T. Grant 25 Cent Stores, formed The Pelham Sun Corporation and bought the newspaper from Peter Ceder.  

Pelham resident Thomas M. Kennett was appointed the editor of The Pelham Sun on February 28, 1921.  In 1925, Kennett purchased The Pelham Sun from the nine Pelham residents who had acquired it from Ceder.  Kennett operated the newspaper with his son, Frederick T. Kennett.  



Front Page of The Pelham Sun Published on
December 12, 1941, Announcing the Attack
on Pearl Harbor and the Declaration of War.

I have written before about the history of The Pelham Sun and the newspaper's long-time editor, Thomas M. Kennett.  See Monday, May 23, 2005:  Thomas M. Kennett, Long Time Editor of The Pelham Sun.  

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes a brief article written by J. Gardiner Minard that was published in 1931.  It describes the Town of Pelham in 1910 when The Pelham Sun was founded, and details a little about the early history of the newspaper.  The article appears immediately below, followed by a citation to its source.  

"THE PELHAM SUN HAS PROGRESSED WITH PELHAMS; PROSPERITY IS TESTIMONIAL
-----
Newspaper Has Advanced With Communities; Grows From One Man Paper to Large Organization of Efficient Workers; Editor Ceder's Offer To Dispose of Newspaper.
-----
By J. Gardiner Minard
-----

In the life of a long established newspaper, twenty one years may not seem much; but for a newspaper in the Pelhams to survive a generation is to set a record.  There is quite a difference between the four page paper established in 1910 by the late Peter Ceder and the two or more section Pelham Sun of 1931.

This is, of course, no reflection on the founder.  There is perhaps just as great a difference between the Pelhams of 1910 and the town of 1931.  At that time there was not an apartment in the three villages; that vast tract west of Wolf's Lane stretching to the Mount Vernon-New York City boundary, and from Colonial avenue to Boston Post road had no more houses than could be counted on the fingeres [sic] of one hand.  Fowler avenue to New Rochelle and from Colonial avenue to Boston Post road was the site of the Pelham Country Club.  Winyah Park which stretched from Fifth avenue to the Columbus avenue school in New Rochelle, and from the New Haven railroad tracks to Huguenot Lake, and which did not contain a single building, had just been purchased by Clifford B. Harmon and contractors were busy felling trees to make way for streets in what is now Pelhamwood.

Fifth avenue between First and Second streets had but one building on each side, viz; the court house and the drug store-post office.  The east side of the same street between Second and Third streets was a succession of empty lots and no buildings.  The Heisser farm in the north east section of the village had been sold to the Hudson P. Rose company and was being developed.  It is therefore natural with the phenomenal growth of the town that its only newspaper should keep pace with its development.

My interest in the Pelham Sun is a little more than ordinary, for I had an opportunity in 1919 to be its owner and editor.  I had just emerged from the World War when Mr. Ceder called me into his office and the following conversation took place:  

'Minard, I am going to give you the Pelham Sun.'

'Thanks, ever so much Mr. Ceder, but I don't want it.'

'Don't be a fool; I am not handing you a gold brick; the paper has no debts and here are the books to show it is on a good paying basis.  Here is the situation:  real estate in the town is booming and needs all my attention.  North Pelham is growing and my duties as village president are now taking time which ought to be devoted to my real estate business and I am really devoting no time to the newspaper.  All the news you see in it comes into this office either over the telephone or is brought in.  By devoting your entire time to it you can make a handsome profit.  I will even give you office space here free.'

'Mr. Ceder, I appreciate your generous offer, but I ran two newspapers already in Pelham and was constantly in hot water.  During those years I had to go around with my sleeves rolled up.  I have just returned from more than two years service in the war and I can only compare it with running a newspaper in Pelham.  I am sick of wars and running newspapers.'

Mr. Ceder expressed regret and stated that he must part with it.  A few weeks later nine residents of the town formed the Pelham Sun Corporation and bought it.  When one looks back over the past twenty-one years and notes the wonderful growth of the town it is natural that the Pelham Sun should show signs of expansion.  But it also means the maintenance of an editorial and mechanical staff.

The day of the 'one man' newspaper in Pelham is past.  Few readers realize what forces are at work to keep the hungry columns filled.  There is hardly a night but one or more meetings must be 'covered,' which means a representative of the paper who must remain from the opening to closing, often after the midnight hour, taking notes which must be transcribed and made into typewritten copy for the typesetter.  Police stations and courts must be covered as well as the various meetings and other activities of clubs and societies.  The schools require some attention as well as church services and meetings of their allied societies.  

When a newspaper prospers it is a testimonial to its management, for its circulation determines whether its policy is approved or not by the residents in the territory it covers.  There is no doubt before another generation, the Pelham Sun will pass from the weekly to the daily stage.  Let us hope so."

Source:  Minard, J. Gardiner, The Pelham Sun Has Progressed With Pelhams; Prosperity Is Testimonial, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 17, 1931, p. 13, cols. 4-8.


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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Image of Sir Thomas Musgrave, a British Officer Wounded During the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776


British officer Thomas Musgrave was made a Lieutenant Colonel of the 40th Regiment on August 28, 1776, only about eight weeks before serving in the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.  He is, perhaps, the most well-known of the combatants who was wounded during the Battle of Pelham.  Indeed, I have written about Thomas Musgrave before.  See:

Mon., Oct. 30, 2006:  Brief Biographical Data About Sir Thomas Musgrave, British Lieutenant Colonel Wounded at the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.

Thu., Jan. 22, 2009:  Another Brief Biography of Sir Thomas Musgrave, a British Officer Wounded at the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.  

Below is a rather rare image of Thomas Musgrave, shown shortly after the end of the Revolutionary War.  The image was engraved in about 1797 from a painting created in 1786.   



Lieutenant General Thomas Musgrave, Governor of 
Gravesend & Tilbury Fort, Colonel of the 76.th Regiment of Foot.
Engraved from a Picture painted in 1786: with a view of Mr. Chew's House,
near German-town, in Pennsylvania 1777. L. Abbot 
pinx.t 1786. G.S. Facius sc. 1797. [n.d. c.1797.]

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Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Story of Pelhamdale, the Old Stone House by the Bridge, Once Owned by David J. Pell


In October, 1927, the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution placed a marker at the David Jones Pell house, known today as "Pelhamdale," located at 45 Iden Avenue in Pelham Manor.  The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  

During the ceremony for placement of the marker, Town Historian William R. Montgomery delivered remarks on the history of the home and the life of David J. Pell, a patriot who served during the Revolutionary War.  Ogden Philip Pell, a grandson of David J. Pell, and Isabelle Pell Lawrence, a great-granddaughter of David J. Pell, attended the ceremony.

I have written about David J. Pell and the lovely home known as Pelhamdale (that has been significantly altered since the 18th century) on many occasions.  For examples, see:

Thu., Jan. 03, 2008:  Charges in 1808 Against Lieutenant-Colonel David J. Pell of Pelham that He "Indulges in Inebriety and Habitual Drunkeness."

Thu., Oct. 26, 2006:  Genealogical Data Regarding David Jones Pell of the Manor of Pelham, Revolutionary War Officer

Mon., Oct 15, 2007:  Town Proclamation Recognizes Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of Pelhamdale at 45 Iden Avenue.

Wed., Nov. 02, 2005:  Engraving by P.M. Pirnie Showing Pelhamdale in 1861.

Thu., Oct. 13, 2005:  Two More Pelham Ghost Stories.

Mon., Sep. 19, 2005:  The Long-Hidden Pastoral Mural Uncovered in Pelhamdale, a Pre-Revolutionary War Home.

Mon., Apr. 11, 2005:  More From the William R. Montgomery Glass Negative Collection (includes photograph of fire at Pelhamdale on February 28, 1925).

Tue., Mar. 22, 2005:  The 1790 U.S. Census Information for the Township of Pelham.

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes the text of the presentation that William R. Montgomery delivered in 1927 on the occasion of the placement of a marker honoring David J. Pell at his home, Pelhamdale, by the Daughters of the American Revolution.  It is followed by a citation to its source.



Engraving by P. M. Pirnie Showing Pelhamdale in About 1861.
Source:  Office of the Historian of the Town of Pelham.



Pelhamdale on October 14, 2007.
Photograph by the Author.

"THE OLD STONE HOUSE BY THE BRIDGE

By WILLIAM R. MONTGOMERY

We, of the old Manor of Pelham, which in the early days included the present town of Eastchester, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Bronxville, City Island, Pelham Bay Park and the Pelhams, are indeed fortunate in having so many inspiring legends handed down to us which make our traditional history the envy of many communities.  One of the most beautiful of our legends refers to a young Indian girl who on a cold October night just 151 years ago, speeded from her home near Hunter Island along the old trail, which is commonly known as the Split Rock Road, until she reached 'the stone house by the bridge,' which this building was often called in the colonial times.  The story goes on to say that she kept on rapping and knocking until she woke up young David J. Pell and hurriedly told him that the British were landing at the Point, and for him to spread the alarm.  He immediately rowed down the Hutchinson river to the village of Eastchester and notified the Continental troops that the enemy was preparing to take them by surprise.

The battle of Pelham was fought the following morning, and it was the American troops that did the surprising and succeeded by well planned military tactics in delaying Gen. Howe long enough to enable Gen. Washington to escape a well laid trap.

This stone house played a very important part in the lives of the people of the old Manor of Pelham.  It was the meeting place of the youth for miles around, the swimming hole being only a short distance away.  The original part of this building was supposed to have been built by David J. Pell's father, Philip Pell, about 1752, at about the time of his marriage to Gloriana Tredwell.  

The earliest record that I have been able to locate is the British war map drawn by Claude Joseph Sauthier for General How in 1777 which makes note of a building at the junction of the old Boston Post Road and Hutchinson River.  The first United States government official map surveyed in 1789 by Christopher Coles plainly shows a building at the junction of the old Boston Post Road and Hutchinson River and he designated this house as D. Pell.

The late Mr. Rodman, a descendant of the Pells, who owned this building about 20 years ago, always claimed that the Pell coat of arms with the date 1750 was above the doorway i the basement of the present building.  From another source it was claimed that the date stone was incorporated in the fire-place.  It is safe to say, however, that the original part of this building was erected about 1750.

Relic of Revolution.

During the Revolutionary War this house was in the center of what was termed neutral grounds, and being situated at the junction of two of the most used roads, the old Boston Post Road (now known as Colonial avenue), and Pell's Point Road (near the present Wolf's Lane), it was the scene of many foraging parties and often left devoid of everything worth taking.  

There is a Pell family tradition that a young British officer, Captain Wm. Evelyn, a descendant of the famous English author, and a member of the King's Own Regiment, being badly wounded during the battle of Pelham, Oct. 18, 1776, was carried to this house and was, as affectionately cared for, as if he were a Continental officer.

Reverting back to the principal character of this paper, David Jones Pell, whose old homestead the Daughters of the American Revolution have this day (October 17, 1927), decorated with a marker.  He was born January 13, 1760 and died Aug. 18, [1823].

As far as official military records are concerned a great injustice has evidently been donne, as he does not appear either as an enlisted soldier or an officer during the Revolutionary War.  I recently received from the Adjutant-General the following data relative to David J. Pell's military life:

1st -- He was captain in the New York State Militia, 1786/

2nd -- A major in 1797. 

3rd -- A lieutenant-colonel of a regiment of militia in Westchester County in 1803 and retired from service in 1809.  

I am convinced, however, that he actually served in the Continental army in the 3rd Regiment Dutchess County, Pawling's District.  In the records of this regiment appear the names of David T. Pell and Philip Pell, who were no doubt the sons of the Philip Pell, who built this old stone house.  Pawling in those days was in Dutchess County, as Putnam County was not established until 1812.  It is quite likely that the 3rd Regiment Dutchess County was stationed nearby, as in all probability the Westchester County regiments being earlier in the field were sent to the principal camps.  In addition to this, I might add that David J. Pell was only 16 years old when the battle of Pelham was fought, which delayed his enlistment until later.  

You will recall that in the Battle of Pelham the American troops were from Massachusetts, Colonel Glover himself being from Marblehead.

The New York State Library, through the manuscripts and history section has supplied me with most valuable information in regard to David Pell.  They find record of a certificate of pay to David Pell for services as a private in Captain David Hecock's company of Colonel John Field's regiment of Pawling, Dutchess County.  So it is quite evident and conclusive that David T. Pell of the 3rd Regiment, Dutchess County and David Pell of Colonel Field's regiment of Dutchess County were one and the same person.  The discrepancy as to the middle initial is easily explained as in colonial times and even today the letter J has often been confused with the letter T as many people write both the same way, but add a slight curve at bottom of the J.  I think we can assume without fear of contradiction that Colonel David J. Pell's son Stephen S. Pell would be fully conversant with his father's military activities, as Stephen was past 21 years old when his father died.  

We can also assume that Rev. Robert Bolton in writing his history, no doubt conferred with Mr. Stephen S. Pell, son of Colonel David J. Pell, and thereby received his information practically first hand.  We find on page 544 of Bolton 1848 edition the following statement, 'David (J.) Pell was an officer in the Continental army and the father of the Stephen (S.) Pell, of Pelham.'  Whether David J. Pell was an officer or not is beside the question.  However, we are positive that he served in the Continental army in the 3rd Regiment Dutchess County.  His tombstone in old St. Paul's churchyard, Eastchester, is misleading, which no doubt was the cause of questioning David J. Pell's military service in the Continental army.  The marker reads 'the 3rd N. Y. Militia,' as in colonial times, the regiments were formed by counties and not by the State.  

Colonel David J. Pell was married March 1st, 1790 to Hester Sneden and they had 10 children.  Among them was Stephen S. Pell, who was born Nov. 29, 1803, and lived in Pelham for many years.  

Ogden Philip Pell, son of Stephen S. Pell and a grandson of Colonel David J. Pell was born Feb. 20, 1835, and we are happy to say that he is enjoying good health and has honored this occasion with his presence.  His recollections of old Pelham are amazing, in view of the fact that he has not been in Pelham for 75 years until today.  I understand that Mr. Ogden P. Pell is the last of this branch of the Pell family to bear the Pell name.  We are glad to have also with us at these ceremonies the great grand-daughter of Colonel David J. Pell, in the person of Mrs. Isabelle Pell Lawrence, of Newark, N. J.

Upon the death of Colonel David J. Pell in 1823 his estate was divided and a large part of the farm was conveyed in 1827 to Nancy H. Ogden and upon her death became the property of her son, Nathaniel P. Ogden, who in turn conveyed it on April 7, 1836 to Francis Secor.  The Ogden house was built about 1827 and was situated in front of the well near Wolf's Lane on the Secor land which is now the property of Mr. J. Manger.  It was in this house that Mr. Ogden P. Pell was born in 1835.  The house was destroyed upon the completition of the new Secor house.

Another part of David J. Pell's estate was conveyed in 1833 to A. Wolf, who sold it in 1851 to the Pelhamville Land Co.  This property constituted the major part of what is now known as the village of North Pelham.  Another part of this vast estate including the old stone house became the property of James Hay in 1827, who named it Pelham Dale.

As soon as Mr. Hay secured the property, he immediately made extensive alterations on the building and turned the farm into a garden of beautiful and rare plants.  The first floor of the original building is now the basement of the present building, where one can still see the old Colonial doorway.  Unfortunately the old door knocker has been lost, but it was of the square base style which represented an early Colonial period.  The fluted columns, of the old doorway are in perfect condition.  The present building shows many examples of fine workmanship.  Particularly is this true of the reception hall with its circular walls, curved door and niches for statues.  The curved door is a masterpiece of very skillful workmanship and it is very remarkable that it has been preserved these many years, in spite of several disastrous fires.

After Mr. Hay's alterations the building was again disturbed by the Couderts, who conducted a boys' school here after purchasing it in 1856 from Rebecca Hay, the widow.  The Couderts closed up several windows and spoiled a very beautiful stairway.  The building since then has passed into the hands of several owners who let it go to ruin, until finally it was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Howard E. Wagner, who are restoring it by degrees to its old splendor.  Today we can realize why at one time it was termed a show place of Westchester County.  Mr. and Mrs. Wagner should be congratulated upon the marvellous [sic] results of their arduous work, although I believe it was a labor of love.  The building in my opinion cannot be replaced today for many thousands of dollars and I doubt the ability of present workmen to duplicate it.

The Hay Crest.

The coat of arms incorporated in the wall facing Sixth street has been the cause of many inquiries as to its origin and meaning.  The story attached to this coat of arms is very interesting and fascinating, and could properly be made part of this paper.  It is one of the few crests granted by a king for meritorious services on the field of battle.  The coat of arms (according to Rowland's History), was granted to the Hay family in the year 983 A.D. by King Kenneth III of Scotland.  It appears that in the year 983 the Danes, being desirous of conquering the Scots, landed and destroyed the town of Montross.  King Kenneth with an insufficient number of men gave battle and was badly defeated.  The king, disheartened, fled inland and was prepared to accept the inevitable.

A farmer named Hay and his two sons were plowing the fields and learning the fate of their countrymen they decided it would be better for them to be dead than slaves of the Danes.  They took the yokes of the plow and standing in a narrow pass from which the Scots had just fled, threatened the Danes and invited them to advance.  The Danes fearing an ambush halted, and the Hays made a furious onset, crying aloud, 'Help is at hand.'  This inspired the Scots, and at the same time made the Danes believe a fresh army was falling on them, causing them to retire in disorder and the entire army of the Danes was that day destroyed at a placed called Longcarty.  

The king ennobled the three farmers and bestowed upon them a coat of arms consisting of three crests of red upon the shield of silver with the motto, 

Serva jugum
Keep the yoke.

You will notice that the crest above the shield represents a falcon.  This is explained by the fact that the king, as a further reward gave them 'As much land in the fruitfulness part of the country as a falcon off a man's hand flew over until alighted.'  The place was called Falcon Stone, which was six miles in length and four miles in breadth, lying on the River Tay, now called Errol.

In conclusion permit me to call your attention to the wonderful chestnut tree that once stood on top of the hill, on the farm of Colonel David J. Pell.  This tree sheltered the officers of Gen. Howe during his stay in Pelham.  It has been known for over 150 years as the Howe tree.  Only a part of the dead trunk is now standing near the Boy Scout Cabin."

Source:  Montgomery, William R., The Old Stone House by the Bridge, The Pelham Sun, Oct. 21, 1927, p. 10, cols. 1-6.


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Monday, June 23, 2014

Excerpt of Memoir of American Officer Who, Though Wounded, Tore up the Planks of the Causeway During the Battle of Westchester and Joined His Comrades for the Battle of White Plains in October, 1776


Recently I ran across the memoirs of an American military officer named William S. Smith included in a book published in 1841.  Smith's memoirs indicate that Smith was wounded in the Battle of Harlem Heights on September 16, 1776 and was carried from the field.  Smith was placed under the care of a surgeon in the area of the Village of Westchester. 


According to the memoirs, despite his wound, Smith was among the group of seven men who tore away the planks of the causeway over Westchester Creek on October 12, 1776 to check the advance of the British and German troops from Throggs Neck to the mainland. 

The same memoirs indicate that thereafter Smith was placed under the care of "Dr. Bailey" in New Rochelle because his wound was "not well."  When the British moved from Throggs Neck and landed on Pell's Point (today's Pelham Neck) on October 18, 1776, Smith received word of the advance of the British and German troops.  He left his physician's care and joined his commanding officer for the move to White Plains where the Battle of White Plains was fought ten days later on October 28, 1776. 


Detail from the 1776 Charles Blaskowitz Map Depicting
Events Leading Up to and Including the Battle of Pelham.
The Area Shown is Where William S. Smith Rushed, Though,
Wounded, to Join His Comrades After the Main Battle of Pelham
When the Patriots and the British and German Troops Shelled
Each Other from Opposite Sides of Today's Huthinson
River in the Areas of Memorial Stadium and Pelham Memorial High School
Source: Library of Congress American Memory Collection,
Digital Image of Blaskowitz, Charles, A Survey of Frog's Neck and the
Rout[e] of the British Army to the 24th of October 1776, Under
the Command of His Excellency the Honorable William Howe,
General and Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Forces,
&ca, &ca, &ca. (1776).

"MEMOIR OF WILLIAM S. SMITH.
-----

THE editor is enabled to furnish the following sketch, chiefly collected from a private journal.  In 22 battles of the revolutionary war, was the subject of this memoir engaged.

W. S. SMITH graduated in Princeton College, in the year 1774, and returning to the city of New-York, his native place, and the residence of his family, studied the law with Samuel Jones, Esq. until the revolutionary war commenced.

At an early period of the revolutionary war, the depredations committed by the British, upon the estate belonging to the father of Colonel Smith, upon Long-Island, were extensive.  His maternal grandfather had been killed in the British service, on board of a man-of-war, and his widow received, until the age of ninety, the period of her death, the half pay of Captain Stephens, her husband.  [Page 99 / Page 100]

She remained in the City of New-York, during the whole of the war, visited, by the permission of the British commander, by her daughter Mrs.Smith, who was her only child, and her grand-children, protected by a flag of truce. 

Owing to these circumstances, there existed in the family a divided feeling. And when a sword and a major's commission, with the entire restoration of the property belonging to the family, were offered by the British commander to a young man not twenty years of age, provided he would enter the service of his Britainic Majesty, the mother of Col. Smith warmly advocated his acceptance of terms so advantageous to herself and children, extremely doubtful, as it then was, in what way the struggle for the independence of America would terminate. 

A family council was called; the question proposed, when the son gave his answer in the following words:

"If it is your wish, madam, it shall be done; but from this hour, all intercourse with me and my family is cut off forever."  His father, who had walked the room during the scene deeply agitated, applaudingly exclaimed, "I knew how my boy would decide."

He entered the service as a volunteer at an early period, and in the summer of 1776, was appointed aid-de-camp to Major General Sullivan,[Page 100 / Page 101] with the rank of major, served in that capacity in the battle of Long-Island, and was the only aid-de-camp with the general in that action, in which the whole corps were dispersed, killed, or made prisoners, with very few exceptions. The general fell into the enemy's hands, and Major Smith retired to the lines at Brooklyn, where he remained with General Washington until the retreat from the island, and was one of the last officers who quitted it, coming off with the commander in chief in his barge. 

Major Smith continued with General Washington, and retired with him from the city to the heights of Harlem. He brought off the garrison by orders from the commander in chief, on the15th September, from the fort commanding thepassage through Hurl Gate [sic], and opposed to the British batteries on the opposite shore, under a heavy and incessant fire. In the action on the16th September, on Harlem Heights, he served as aid-de-camp to Major Gen. Green, who commanded the advanced attack on the British, was wounded and fell from his horse on the field of battle at the close of the action, and was brought off the field by Col. Carey, aid-de-camp to the commander in chief, and Lieut. Joseph Webb, of the first Connecticut regiment. He remained under the surgeon's hands at West Chester, untilt he landing of the British troops at Throgg's Neck [Page 101 / Page 102] in October, when, with a corporal and six men, he cut away the bridge connecting Throgg's Point with the main, at the town of West Chester, which checked the progress of the British troops, who remained on the peninsula until the morning of the 18th, when re-embarking, they crossed the outlet of East Chester creek, and proceeding to Pell's bridge, brought on a very severe skirmish with the advance corps of Sullivan's army, commanded by Cols. Glover and Sheppard; when the enemy filed to their right, occupying New Rochelle and the adjacent country on the sound.  Gen. Sullivan being exchanged, and in command on the heights of East Chester, commanding Pell's Bridge, Major Smith joined him in the action, from New Rochelle, where he was under the care of Dr. Bailey, his wound not well. He proceeded with his general to the action of White Plains, where his division continued under a severe fire nearly two days, covering the removal of the stores on the Plains, to the second position.

While the enemy lay within commanding distance of the village, Major Smith, with a small detachment at night, destroyed all the forage in the village and its vicinity in front, and returned to his post.  The British troops retiring to winter quarters, possessed themselves of Fort Washington on York Island, and Fort Lee on the Jersey shore. Sir  [Page 102 / Page 103]  William Howe, throwing the right wing of his army into the Jersey, under command of Lord Cornwallis, Gen. Washington left Generals Lee and Sullivan with his troops,.near the White Plains, and joined Gen. Green in front of the British army, but was obliged to submit to the pressure of the British, who, advancing in vigour, forced the commander in chief to place the Delaware between the two armies, as the only barrier he could present, that would afford rest to his troops, harassed by the pressure of superior force, the badness of the roads, and the inclemency of the season.

During this period, Gen. Lee gave Major Smith the charge of a flag of truce, with important despatches to Sir William Howe at New-York. Major Smith proceeded to King's Bridge, the British advanced post, resided several days with the enemy, and returned to Gen. Lee, having transacted the business committed to his charge to his full satisfaction. 

In consequence of orders from head quarters, on the western banks of the Delaware, Gen. Lee crossed the Hudson, with an intention to reinforce the main army.  During this march Major Smith left Gen. Sullivan's family, and served as aid-de-camp to Gen. Lee, the commanding general.  On Lee's capture at Baskenbridge [sic], Smith rejoined Sullivan, and crossing the Delaware, encamped [Page 103 / Page 104]  at Newtown, the head quarters of the American army. 

Emboldened by this reinforcement, Washington re-crossed the Delaware on the night of the 25th of December, and surprised the Hessians at Trenton, commanded by Col. Roll. In this memorable action, Major Smith acted so conspicuous a part, entering the town with the advance troops of Sullivan's division, taking possession of the Mill Bridge, and the commanding western branch of the mill stream, and subsequently, personally taking the commanding officer of the Hessians from his horse at the head of his troops, at the moment of surrender, that on the last of January,1777, Gen. Washington presented Major Smith with a lieutenant-colonelcy, as a mark of his particular consideration.

After returning with the prisoners over the Delaware, General Washington gave Col. Smith the command of a flag of truce to proceed to Princeton, the then advanced post of the enemy in the Jerseys, with despatches and money for Gen. Lee, then a prisoner at New-Brunswick, and to reconnoitre the enemy.

This duty was performed with correctness and despatch. In the meantime the American army re-crossed the Delaware, and took post at Trenton, where Col. Smith rejoined the troops when returning with his flag.  The winter campaign was [Page 104 / Page 105] re-opened with vigour, and the British were foiled in the Jerseys.  Col. Smith retiring from camp on the recruiting service, appeared in the field again at the head of a well appointed regiment, and joined Gen. Putnam on the eastern banks of the Hudson, at the time Sir Henry Clinton, after reducing forts Clinton and Montgomery, was pressing to Albany to relieve Burgoyne, then on the point of surrendering to Gates. Sir Henry being informed of the Convention of Saratoga, burnt Esopus, distressed the settlers on both banks of the Hudson, and returned to New-York.

Colonel Smith being joined by the regiments of Henly and Jackson, of which as senior officer he took command, proceeded to White Marsh in Pennsylvania, and joined the army commanded by Gen. Washington. On the advance of the British from Philadelphia, threatening the right of the Americans, Col. Smith was posted on the right to defend an abatised bridge and mills.  Upon the reconnoitre of the position, the British retired from the right, and presented themselves in front of the centre of the American line.  Col. Smith was then called from the right, and ordered to occupy two large stone houses in front of the centre, and between the two armies, to abatis the houses with an adjoining orchard, and defend the post to the last extremity. The orders being exe- [Page 105 / Page 106] cuted, and the troops posted, a close reconnoitre of position took place on the part of the enemy, a rapid movement from centre to left followed, but the position was not thought assailable, and the British army retired to Philadelphia. 

The Americans crossed the Schuylkill, and went into cantonments at Valley Forge. Col. Smith with the regiments of Lee, Henly, and Jackson, went into quarters at Lancaster, and in the spring marching to head quarters, was entrusted by the commander in chief with the command of the advance post at the Gulf Mills, six miles in front; Col. Morgan with his riflemen, and Col. Kee with his legion extending to the right.  He here commanded with vigilance and attention, until the evacuation of Philadelphia, when with his corps he entered that city under the orders of General Arnold, crossed the Delaware, and overtook the British troops at Allen Town [sic], hung on their rear with effect to the plains of Monmouth. Here 3000 picked men, under the command of Major General Lee, (he being then exchanged) were detached to attack the British, then in full march.  Col. Smith, connected with Butler and Jackson, were ordered to the front, as the advanced corps of Lee's division, commenced the well known action on the plains of Monmouth, and aided in supporting it through the day.  The British pursued their march to Middletown [Page 106 / Page 107] Point, and proceeded to New-York. The American army took post at the White Plains, and Col. Smith was detached with his regiment to the attack of Newport, in Rhode-Island, under the orders of General Sullivan.  After making good their landing on the island, his regiment was the advance corps of the army in approaching Newport, and lay in advance during the whole siege. For the security of the camp, 300 picked men were placed under the command of Col. Smith, and an equal number under Colonels Lawrence and Fluery, who were required to lay every night between the lines in such positions as their judgments directed, to check a sortie, or prevent a surprise of the camp. When the siege was raised, Smith's regiment was the covering regiment of the retreat, and distinguished itself in the action on Windmill Hill, supporting the position with vigour from sunrise until ten o'clock, when the corps was relieved by other troops and ordered to retire for refreshment. The action continuing lightly through the day -- about 4 P. M. glowed with increased vigour -- a Hessian regiment having possessed themselves of a strong wall, Smith's regiment was ordered to advance and dispossess them; this was done with alacrity, and the post sustained through the night.

On the ensuing evening, General Sullivan, being under the necessity of evacuating the island, [Page 107 / Page 108] selected four regiments to cover the retreat. Col.Smith commanded one of these, the orders being,i n case of the enemy's advancing, that the action should be supported with determined vigour.The retreat was successfully conducted, and the troops went into winter quarters at Providence and the adjacent villages. Col. Smith was here detached with 400 men and took charge of the post at Updik's, Newtown, 25 miles in advance, which he supported through the winter.

In the spring, General Sullivan being ordered to take command of the western army, solicited and obtained General Washington's permission, that Col. Smith should accompany him on the expedition. General Hand, who commanded at Wyoming, called on the commanding general for aid, the savages closely besetting the garrison and village.  Six strong companies of light infantry accordingly detached under the command of Col.Smith who, traversing the wilderness, arrived to the great joy of the inhabitants and the garrison, and encamping on the right of the fort, restored tranquillity to the settlement. 

The savages moving down the country, with an intention to interrupt the passage of the batteaux loaded with provisions and stores, at the Nesnepack falls, on the Susquehannah, Col. Smith was detached with 500 men to cover the passage, and convey the stores to the fort, the place of deposit. This was performed in five days, the [Page 108 / Page 109] detachment and batteaux aniving in safety, the savages being totally defeated and their country laid waste, the troops went into cantonment in the vicinity of Morris Town, winter of '79 and '80.

In the year 1777, when a part of the American army were on their march through the Jerseys, the roads being in a bad condition, the camp equipage, and the provision wagons were impeded for a considerable number of hours, which caused the advanced corps to halt; and the commanding officer, Major General de la Fayette, growing impatient at the delay, called for Col. Smith, one of his aids-de-camp, to demand the cause. The General was very angry when informed that it was owing to the Quarter Master's forward wagon being stuck in the mud, and none in the rear could advance a step, until the provision wagon was dug out.

This excuse so exasperated the General against the Quarter Master, that he rather hastily perhaps, declared that he deserved to be hung. His aid replied, "if you will sign a warrant for that purpose, it shall be instantly executed."  The warrant was drawn, but not executed, as the embarrassment in the passage had in the mean time been removed. On the opening of the next campaign, Col.Smith's regiment was ordered to the front, in conjunction with three others, composing the Jersey [Page 109 / Page 110] Brigade, and covered the country and towns of Newark and Elizabeth, until General Sterling, at the head of a strong column of British troops, crossing from Staten Island, took up their line of march to Springfield. Col. Smith began the action with this column at sunrise, and, aided by the first Jersey regiment, supported it until three in the afternoon.General Sterling was disabled by the fire of the Pickett, on his first landing, and his army retired on the second night to Elizabethtown point, and returned to Staten Island. In ashort time, however, the enemy re-appeared under the command of General Knyphausen, who pressing as far as the first bridge of Springfield, which was supported by Col. Angel's regiment of Rhode Island. Col. Smith with the second Jersey regiment was stationed at the second bridge, to cover the troops then in action at the first, with orders to support the post, until the army commanded by Greene should have completed its formation on the short hills in rear. This duty was performed  with such spirit and brilliancy, that Col. Smith was honoured by the particular thanks of Generals Washington and Greene.

After several ineffectual movements, the enemy again retreated to their islands, and the Americans took post at Hackensack and the English neighbourhood. In this position, a corps of light infantry consisting of three thousand picked men, [Page 110 / Page 111] was formed into two brigades, under Brigadier Generals Hand and Poor, forming one division, commanded by Major General the Marquis de Ia Fayette.  Col. Smith was appointed adjutant general of this corps, and served with it the ensuing campaign, until the march of Lord Cornwallis into Virginia, and his taking post at York and Gloucester, determined General Washington to march from the Hudson and attack him.

Col. Smith was then called by General Washington from the southern army, and appointed his aid-de-camp, in which capacity he served at the siege of York Town, and the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. On the surrender of York Town, Col. Smith was the officer by whom Lord Cornwallis and General O'Hara were presented to the commander in chief, and to whom the direction of the interior arrangement was committed.  After passing the winter with the General at Philadelphia, he accompanied him to the Hudson, and was appointed to command the advanced post of the army at Dobb's Ferry. The General also appointed him Commissary General of prisoners,and stopped all communication by fiag oft ruce with the enemy, fixing on the post commanded by Col. Smith, as the only channel of communication. This post was supported with dignity. Col. Smith visited the city of New-York, entered into the exchange of prisoners, and [Page 111 / Page 112] after a residence of three weeks, completing the business to the satisfaction both of General Washington and Sir Guy Carlton, whose civilities and attentions were extensive and pointed, here turned to his post.  'l'he ensuing spring opening under the blessings of peace, a meeting was had between General Washington and Sir Guy Carlton, at the post commanded by Colonel Smith, who introduced them to each other. After the interview with the two Generals, Col.Smith was appointed by General Washington, one of the Commissioners to reside near Sir Guy Carlton, superintending the evacuation of the country. At the particular evacuation of New-York, Col. Smith was the acting officer of the day, relieved the British guards, and was the officer to whom the country was officially surrendered. 

[Remainder of Memoir Omitted]"

Source:  "Memoir of William S. Smith" in Journal and Correspondence of Miss Adams, Daughter of John Adams, Second President of the United States, Written in France and England, in 1785, pp. 99-112 (NY & London:  Wiley and Putnam, 1841). 

*          *          *          *          *

I have written extensively about the Battle of Pelham fought on October 18, 1776.  See, for example, the following 30 articles:

Bell, Blake A., The Battle of Pelham: October 18, 1776, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 41, Oct. 15, 2004, p. 10, col. 1.

Bell, Blake, History of the Village of Pelham: Revolutionary War, HistoricPelham.com Archive (visited May 9, 2014).

Mon., May 19, 2014:  Biography of British Officer Who Fought in the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.

Mon., Feb. 28, 2005:  Glover's Rock on Orchard Beach Road Does Not Mark the Site of the Battle of Pelham.

Mon., Apr. 18, 2005:  Restored Battle of Pelham Memorial Plaque Is Unveiled at Glover Field.

Fri., May 27, 2005:  1776, A New Book By Pulitzer Prize Winner David McCullough, Touches on the Battle of Pelham.

Thu., Jul. 14, 2005:  Pelham's 1926 Pageant Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Pelham.

Wed., Oct. 26, 2005:  Remnants of the Battlefield on Which the Battle of Pelham Was Fought on October 18, 1776.

Fri., May 19, 2006:  Possible Remains of a Soldier Killed in the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776 Found in 1921.

Fri., Aug. 11, 2006:  Article by William Abbatt on the Battle of Pelham Published in 1910.

Thu., Sep. 21, 2006:  A Paper Addressing the Battle of Pelham, Among Other Things, Presented in 1903.

Mon., Oct. 30, 2006:  Brief Biographical Data About Sir Thomas Musgrave, British Lieutenant Colonel Wounded at the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.

Wed., Nov. 1, 2006:  Two British Military Unit Histories that Note Participation in the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.

Tue., Jan. 16, 2007:  Brief Biography of British Officer Who Served During the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.

Fri., Feb. 09, 2007:  Extract of October 23, 1776 Letter Describing British Troops in Eastchester After the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.

Mon., Feb. 12, 2007:  Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site Opens New Exhibition:  "Overlooked Hero:  John Glover and the American Revolution."

Thu., Jan. 18, 2007:  Three More British Military Unit Histories that Note Participation in the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.

Mon., Jul. 16, 2007:  Mention of the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776 in Revolutionary War Diary of David How.

Tue., Jul. 17, 2007:  Mention of the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776 in Writings of Francis Rawdon-Hastings, Aide-de-Camp to British General Clinton.

Wed., Jul. 18, 2007:  Another British Military Unit History that Notes Participation in the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.

Tue., Aug. 7, 2007:  An Account of the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776 Contained in the McDonald Papers Published in 1926.

Wed., Aug. 8, 2007:  A Description of an Eyewitness Account of the Interior of St. Paul's Church in Eastchester During the Revolutionary War.

Thu., Sep. 6, 2007:  Information About St. Paul's Church, the Battle of Pelham and Other Revolutionary War Events Near Pelham Contained in an Account Published in 1940.

Mon., Oct. 8, 2007:  American Troops Who Guarded Pelham's Shores in October 1776.

Fri., Oct. 12, 2007:  Images of The Lord Howe Chestnut that Once Stood in the Manor of Pelham.

Fri., Oct. 27, 2006:  Orders Issued by British Major General The Honourable William Howe While Encamped in Pelham After the Battle of Pelham on October 18, 1776.

Thu., Jan. 22, 2009:  Another Brief Biography of Sir Thomas Musgrave, a British Officer Wounded at the Battle of Pelham on October 18 1776.

Wed., Feb. 17, 2010:  British Report on Killed, Wounded and Missing Soldiers During the Period the Battle of Pelham Was Fought on October 18, 1776.

Fri., Apr. 23, 2010:  Charles Blaskowitz, Surveyor Who Created Important Map Reflecting the Battle of Pelham.

Thu., Feb. 06, 2014:  A Description of the Revolutionary War Battle of Pelham Published in 1926 for the Sesquicentennial Celebration.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."http://historicpelham.blogspot.com/2014/05/biography-of-british-officer-who-fought.html

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