LETTER FROM NATHAN HALE TO ENOCH HALE (detail), MS243, Gift of Christian A. Zabriskie, 1938-1939
New York, Aug 20.th 1776
Dear Brother,
I have only time for a hasty letter. Our situation has been such this fortnight or more as scarce to admit of writing. We have daily executed an action by which means, if any one was going, and we had letters written, orders were so strict for our tarrying in Camp that we could rarely get leave to go and deliver them, For about 6 or 8 days the enemy have been expected hourly whenever the wind and the time in the least favoured. We keep a particular look out for them this morning. The plan and manner of attack time must determine. The event we leave to Heaven. Thanks to God, we have had time for compleating our work and revising our reinforcements. The Militia of Connecticut ordered this way are mostly arrived. Col. Ward’s Reg. has got in. Troops from the Southward are daily coming. We hope under God, to give a good account of the Enemy whenever they choose to make the last appeal.
(p. 2)
Last Friday Night, two of our fire-vessels (a Sloop and a Schooner) made an attempt upon the Shiping up the River. The night was too dark, the wind too slack for the attempt. The Schooner which was intended for one of the Ships had got by before she discovered them; but as Providence would have it, she run athwart a bomb-catch which she quickly burnt. The Sloop, by the light of the former discovered the Phoenix – but rather too late, - however she made shift to grapple her, but the wind not proving sufficient to bring her close along side, or drive the flames immediately on board, the Phoenix after much difficulty got her clear by cutting her own rigging – [Sergt. Fosdick and four of his hands of my company were in the above sloop. (this section crossed out)] Sergt. Fosdick who commanded the above Sloop and four of his hands were of my company, the remaining two were of this Regt. The Genl. has been pleased to reward their bravery with forty dollars each except the last man that quitted the fire sloop who had fifty. Those on board the Schooner receive the same. I must write to some of my other brothers, lest you should not be at home.
remain Your Friend & Brother No. Hale –
LETTER FROM SIDNEY BERRY TO HIS WIFE (detail), MS204, Collection of Fraunces Tavern® Museum
December 28, 1776 at Jamison’s Tavern
My Dear,
I am now on my way from head Quarters [Morristown, New Jersey]. Good news, we have taken at Trenton upon Thursday [? The Battle of Trenton took place on Thursday, December 26, 1776] last upwards of 1000 Hessians exclusive of the officers with ten [?] brass field peices [sic] thing & gold and a number of ca[..] lei[…]. I saw the pressoners [prisoners] this day at Newton on their way to Sankister [?] a part of our army is now over in / the Jersies the enemie [sic] is fled from Mount holly / Below Burlinton [Burlington?] from the black house (?) from Burdinto. (page is ripped) / and all their posts Below Trenton and (?) our peop[le] (page is ripped) / is pursueing [sic] them they are moved towards South / Amboy its [sic] Reported our people took 1200 more / presioners [prisoners] yesterday at Mount holly its not yet / confirmed I have not read the letter sent by D[..]d [David?] / McCowen (?) I am employed so busey [busy] I cannot come to see you in I hartly (?) on may direct your letters to / me at Patterson where I have been Ever since I / came to this provence [sic] with gods assistance we’ll / make the enemie [sic] grand (?) to close quarters and / next spring drive them up the coast the troops in Bi[.]ting during the war verry [sic] fast their all in / high Spirits I cannot express my Joy a[.]nesny
Lovely dear
[signed] Sidney Berry
