Page:American History Told by Contemporaries, v2.djvu/485

No. 160] 16 — Report, probably true, that our forces at Quebec have met with a great rebuff. Gen. Montgomery killed, Col. Arnold wounded, 70 men killed, 300 taken. Sept. 4 — Awful work ; our troops driven from Long Island ; reports more affecting and distressing ; thousands destroyed, especially Connecticut people. 6 — A gentleman of intelligence came from New York and gave me a more favorable account. 12 — Report of regulars and Indians coming down the Mohawk river towards Albany ; likely to divide our forces and distress us on every side. Report that the General Court has voted that every fifth man of our militia be ready at minute's warning. 14 — In the evening an order came to have the militia ready at a minute's warning. Sabbath disturbed.

Oct. 1 — Several persons inimical to American liberty brought to town some confined in the jail ; others carried to Worcester, brought from the Westward, near Hudson river. Nov. 16 — This day a number of men called tories were escorted by a party of armed men and came to Dea. Ely's and breakfasted, from Long Island, who have showed themselves unfriendly to the liberties of America. Lord grant moderation and kindness. 25 — Dark weather, dark things, stupidity, and obstinacy ; disregard of the business of the house of God.

30 — Military Co. called together at a minute's warning to go wherever called. People don't appear forward. December 4 — Our soldiers begin to return that enlisted for a stated time, and people seem engaged to get money, and I fear by oppression and unjust measure. 6 — Reported a large fleet appears before New London. People are in a fright and the Connecticut militia flecking down to New London.

31 — The last day of the year. It has been one of the most remarkable in the history of America. The people, by their Congress have declared Independency, and the king's troops and fleets are come against us. Battles have been fought ; forts and towns taken ; much blood shed ; many taken captive and wounded ; many sick, and many have died in our army. Sickness has everywhere prevailed ; deaths have been many ; a day of darkness indeed.