Diary of Captain William Yarrington
1738-1811
Revolutionary War 1775-1776
Coram
Transcribed by
Elizabeth Yarrington Russell
Clara Hoyt Russell
New Transcript by
Carol Russell Law, 1976
The following excerpts are from
a diary kept by William Yarrington during the American
Revolution. The unedited copy can be found in the local
history room at the Longwood Public Library. The diary was edited by students of the
Longwood Middle School.
August 1775.
Two brigs upon the other side of the Point while our men
was retreating. The Sloop put out her barge. The Sloop
fired their cannon at our boats, our people fired at the
barge. The firing increased on all sides a littel spread
and fired from the Point and no life lost as yet we know.
The Two Brigs laid their corce through the Gait and found
the fleet. With discharging a Cannon Each.
Saturday 12th
Grait number sheep and cattel upon their return. It was
expected a Tender was porsuing our men. Upon their Return
The Whale Boats was pusht off for their Reliveth but
their was none their. At Evening orders for ye men at Six
o Clock.
Sunday ye 13th
After the men was Porraded and the Boat was Cauld We was
ordered to attend Divine Servis Forenoon and After noon.
From Timothy 2nd Chapter Third 4 and 5 verses Which Draud
the Careictor of Offiser and Solder and a Solemn Address
to Offiser and Solder in a particular manner.After Devine
Servise the soldiers was porraded, The list Beind cauld
we retired to our lodging.
Tuesday August ye 15th.
The Generals Companys in a Batallon was formed With the
grenadiers and light infantry upon the Right, marcht Sloe
and quick marcht and Whole Betallon was Exercised
Together and marcht by drum and fife attended with grait
numbers of Spectators which made a butiful apearence.The
day concluded with Singing and prayers
Sept. 1775.
And concluded With Three Who saw The Company marcht into
Town and Received the Capt's treat. By this time The
Solders was Troublesome and we left the Town and Traveld
til after Night and The Disperst to our lodging. I lodged
at Mr. David Hedge.
Wensday 6.
Rose early in the morning Traveld on. Breakfast at Cousin
Hanna Harrys. Stopt at Capt. Hubbards. Exercised. The men
marcht in order. Stopping Several times by the way. Got
to Mr Griffins about 12:o o Clock. Part of the Company
Took Dinner and then Disperst and made the rest of our
way home. I my family in Safety. I Thank God for Such a
favour.
Thursday 7
After brackfast and Family Duty over went to Work That
Day.
Fryday 8th
Visited Several relations and workt That Day.
Saturday 9
Workt Today and made preparations for a march. Towards
night went to meeting.
Sunday Sept. 10.
Mr. Gillet preacht at Corum And I and my wife went to
meeting.
Monday Sept 11
Workt Some and made a prepation for a march.
Tuesday Sept. 12th.
This morning Left home and went to Corum a according To
orders and Time appointed. With wife and Children with
me, Exercised the Comp. a Spel, Then Took Dinner at Mr.
Daytons, then Exercised a while, we then marcht for
Setaukit. Our paks being brought in a waggon we Stopt at
Mr. Brewster, Took a Drink of Cider Then marcht to Capt
Woodhulls, got their about Sun Down. Exercised the
Company & Took a Treat for our pains from Captain
Woodhull. And their put up for present quarters.
Wensday Sept. 13
We are in Good Spirits at our quarters a Waitting for our
Capt.
Thursday ye 14th.
After Role Caulling and Brackfast Exercised The Company.
After Dinner the Lieut and a number of our men went to
Maj. Floyd's. He treated us with good language and Drink
And let us have a whale boat for pass time to goe to the
harbours mouth to Look out for a Sail or our Company.
This eving nuse the Capt. was sick and Lieut. Marvin Sent
for to march the Company up.
Fryday 15
I went home to my family. Took leave of them after
tarrying one night and all friends.
Saturday ye 16
Left home and Came to Setauket at Dinner Time.
Sunday ye 17.
The Company attend meeting at Mar. Woodhulls. The
Eastward part of our company Came in to Setauket harbour.
The Capt. came to town this eving.
Munday ye 18th.
After our bread was Backt the company poraded and
received the majs treat. We Imbarckt aboard, the ankor
was Waid, histed sail, left Setauket about Sun Down.
Having a light Brese, wind South Sow West Came past
Huntington Next Morning.
Wensday 20.
The Company arived at the City of New York at Bateman's
Slip about Ten o Clock after the Captain and Lieut. Went
on Shore. After their return the Company Landed. Marcht
Through the City with Drum and fife and Took quarters in
the Barracks.
Thursday 21st
This morning our arms was carryd to the armours, all that
wanted repairing. This eving attendednDivine Service at
Mr. Gornos meeting. One Mr. Manning preacht, President of
Rhode Island Cholledge.
Fryday ye 22nd
Capt. Grinnals Company Marcht out of the City.
Saturday 23
Capt. Johnsons Company Marcht out of the City.
Sunday ye 24
This morning our Capt. Begun to make payment to the
Company to the first of September. So the Sabath was
ended in that manner.
Munday ye 25
This Day the City was alarmed all under arms to march to
Hempstead to Receive Some prisoners and to take Care of
the Torrys. Ye Lighthorse And Each Company with their
different Liverys which was Butifull to the Eye to
Behold. Exercised their Companys and Returnd to their
quarters.
Tuesday ye 26th
had the opportunity to see Esqer Jobe from Long Island
and gave him the charge of twelve dollars & a lb. of
tea to carry to my wife.
Wensday 27 Septer.
Left New York by order of the Congress and marcht tow or
three miles from the Barracks and the Company Imbarkt
aboard for Albany. The wind Blew to south. Waid ancor,
Histed sail and got to top on way and Dropt ancor about
one or Two o Clock at Night. The wind and tide being
ahead.
Thursday 28th
This morning all hands was Well. Through the mercy of
God. Our Captain took thirteen desarters aboard belonging
to Capt. Johnson's Company. Belong to our Redgement. Ye
wind and Tide Being Contrary Dropt Anker at Anthony's .
At ten of the Clock histed Sail and Dropt Anker at New
Winsor about Three o Clock that night.
Fryday 29
This morning part of our Offisers went on shore and took
Breckfast. When all hands got on board histed sail, went
about 6 miles the wind being ahead, put about to Winsor
again. Went on Shore that night. our offissers and Some
men partook of supper.
Saturday 30th
The Company went on shore for Exercise. The Capt. had the
preference more than any company before them. That Day
histed sail at Night, lay to.
Sunday, October 1st.
histed Sail about Brake of Day Having a Fresh Brese that
Night, got to Albany that Night at the Dusk of the Eving.
Munday October 2nd.
Our Company Reimbarckt and incampt the North part of the
city in a large pasture by the Riverside in the
Continental Tents.
Tuesday ye 3
Nothing remarkabel Today. One of our men Sent home sick.
Wensday 4
Our men are some of them sick. Went of for home today,
two men more. Our men Begin to be sick in this unholsom
place.
Thursday 5
We are here in this tiresom place to Lodge on the Cold
ground this Night. Collonel Van Scoyik Sent for a gard of
a sergint and Six men. The Capt. Sent me to Wait upon his
honor. Had the charge of Fifteen prisoners Both Regular
and french from St. John's.
Fryday 6
Then was Releaved from gard after stanning Sentry all
night. Capt. Hurlbart Came into our Camp Tonight and
pitcht their tents.
Saturday 7.
Made preparation for a march, Struck our tents. The Sick
men was sent in to the Hospital and a gard sent to the
Fort to gard the prisoners. Then put our baggage into the
waggins, left Albany Camp. About two of the clock crost
the ferry at that flats. Marcht to the New City at the
dusk if the eving and staid at Mr. Tillmans. Exercised
our men the next morning, marcht after Twelve o Clock,
Crost the new fery. Stopt once, tookt Refreshment. put up
at a Dutchman's. This was Sunday 8th.
Munday 9th
After breckfast marcht Leaving one Sick man behind. Stopt
at Mr. Benjamin's Took Refreshment, marcht to Stillwater,
Halted at Liberty, gave three cheers, marcht, rested at
mr. Graham's, marcht to Lt. Marvin's and rested
ourSelves. took a drink that Leut. Marvin gave us; Our
offisers dined at the Doctor's then marcht to Mr.
Johnson's and put up that night.
Tuesday 10th
Marcht this morning, lost one man sick, Took breckfast at
the Mills, Stopt at MackNeals and Took Some refreshment.
Put up at Mr. Ashman's for the night.
Wensday 11th.
We all marcht this morning to the Ferry and took
Breakfast, Through the goodness of God we are in health.
Crost the Ferry marcht by the Ruins of Fort Edward, made
several stops, got to Mr. Wing's that night.
Thursday 12th
Marcht early this morning past by the Halfway Brook, went
about three miles from our lodging and kuct (cooked)
breckfast. Then marcht to the Lake and pitcht our tents
about Two of the clock. It was very Cold Night to lie on
the ground that night.
Fryday 13th
General Wooster's troops marcht to the Lake to Day and
Capt. Hurlbart's Baggage and gard.
Saturday ye 14th
Capt. Hurlbart's Company marcht to Fort George this day.
I assisted at ye General muster master's place or house
for writting. Helpt Draw the muster kards for our Company
for the Revue and present State on Command and Sick.
Sunday ye 15th
Finnished the business of writeing; just at Night was
mustered by the General Muster master. Gen'l Wooster's
Company part of them Crost the Lake.
Munday ye 16
This morning got in readiness. Capt. Hurlbart with fife
men and myself with bisness to the General at 11 o Clock
left the fort. Took some Refreshment at tubal Island, it
being a head wind we Lodged at Saboth Day Point that
Night.
Tuesday 17th.
Rose Early this morning, got to the landing at about Ten
o Clock. Rested ourSelves, we eat Backfast, then walkt up
to Fort Ticonderogue. Returnd & Lodged at the Landing
that Night.
Wensday 18th
The Capt. set out this morning with Capt. Sedgick and his
Brother and Several others. got that Day to Saboth Day
Point. Stopt their for that Day and Staid all Night and
had victuals and Drink plenty. a number of sick men
tarried at ye point.
Thursday Oct. 19
Rose early this morning after a morning drum, got
Breckfast, made preparation to goe on board Both Sick and
well Left the point at Eight o Clock. Got to Fort George
at Twelve o Clock. All Returnd in Safty tho not all well.
I was not Well my self by reason of the coald I chetcht
in my passage back.
Fryday 20th
I was not well the Last Eving and was some poorly to Day.
It has raind Extreem Hard several Days. Their is Know
nuse Remarkabel at present.
Saturday 21st
Some men died out of the hospital, a Lieut. and two
soldiers. At night brother Isaac went to the hospital
being not well.
Sunday, Octoer. 22nd
Orders to imbark for Ticonderogue, got Breckfast, Struck
our tents, putt all things on board. Left Fort George at
Twelve o Clock in Company with Capt. Hurlbart's Company.
Having a fine brese of wind got that night to Saboth
Point and incamped.
23 Day.
After Breckfast Early next morning put on Board got to
the Landing in the afternoon, pitcht our tents, got some
Refreshment for to Stay all Night. Sudding Orders to
strike tents and march to headquarters at Ft. Tic. this
eving. Part of our Company marcht and incampt at
headquarters.
Tuesday 24
In the forenoon recd our provisians for Three Days, regl
orders at Night. I attended as orderly Sergeant to take
orders. Was not well toDay, at night was quite poorly.
Wensday, Oct. 25
This morning warned, and turned out our men upon the
Porade for works. Assisted in Droying a Return of our
Company, then was appointed Orderly for the General, tho
I was not a bit Well that Day and Rested not well that
Night But through the unspeakabel Goodness of God this
morning I am Some Better.
Thursday 26th
A general Cort marshall was hold at the Fort today.
Fryday, October 27th
I had the care of the working party. the Cort Marshal sat
again toDay at the Fort.
Saturday October 28.
Was orderly for the Day.
Sunday October 29th
Early this morning turnd out the working party, then the
gard, then made the Report of the Company present. To Day
at Three o Clock Dind with Captain Griffings & Capt.
Hurlbart's and Markeys, two colonels, six Captains,
Twelve Lieuts & a Docktor and an Adjutant. At Night
Receiv'd General orders and minutes of the Court Marshal.
Munday. 30th.
At nine of the Clock our Companys marcht on to the Point
to see the marshal law Executed upon 6 Soldiers, which
receivd 39 lashes apeace Except one Which was to be
Receivd at 4 times being ye graitest in Crime. At night
Came in the prisoners from Shambelle to Ticonderogue
Being 184 in number, men , Woman and Children.
Tuesday, 31st
Early morning Liet. Riker and a Corporal & 10 men
with a Battow (flat bottom boat) loaded with artilery
Stores Belonging to Coll. Holm's Regt. Set out for St.
Johns.
Wensday, November ye 1st
This morning Captain Hurlbart's Company by order of ye
General Struck their Tents & marcht to the Landing to
imbark aboard and to cross Lake George & to goe down
the Country wiyh the prisiners.
Thursday, Nov. 2nd
This morning Expected to goe to Crown Point Having Leave
from ye Coll Providence ordered it otherwise.
Fryday ye 3.
Nuse that Falmouth near Boston is burnt by ye King's
soldiers orders.
Saturday ye 4.
Our men Groes Sickly & Duty Exsreamly hard.
Sunday ye 5
it was raney & uncomfortabel For Soldiers to be hear
the in Continental servis. Nothing Remb. at present.
Munday ye 6
ToDay I was the General's orderly Sarjeant and Sergt
Clark. Took ye orders for ye Company.
Tuesday Novem. ye 7th
The Long expected Express arived at Head Quarters from
St. Johns. To the General that informs of ye Taking and
Capitulation of St. Johns which was on ye Third Instant
of ye month. This eving Capt. Johnson set out for Albany
with the Express by order of the General.
Wensday ye 8th
ToDay Capt. Prat's Company marcht to headquarters.
Thursday Nov. 9th
Early this morning the General orders tents to be struck
Through ye Commands & all ye Company to Take Shelter
in ye Barracks. The prisoners Boats hove in Site from
Saint Johns while we were moving our baggage to ye Fort.
Being a tedious Storm of Rain and Snow.
Fryday ye 10.
The strorm Continue ToDay and it was over Shoes in mud
& mier Having ye Barracks Crowded with ye prisoners
Which was 594 which Grounded their arms at St. Johns
Besides Woman and Children which were about.
Saturday November ye 11th.
This morning the prisoners Imbarkt, Some by ye way of
Skeansbour and some by Lake George With a gard of one
hundred men under ye Command of Capt. Mott. the Same
morning Captain Griffing and his Brother went to the
landing & cross ye Lake and to goe to Fort George
& from thence Down the country being lame and not
well. In ye after noon the unhappy Misfortain happind.
The fort set on fire by ye prisoners as it was supposed
in the Time they was hear at ye Fort.
Sunday Nov. 12th
I had ye Care of men main guard in the Fort with Lieut.
Thompson.
Munday Nov. 13
To Day Capt. Baldwin's Company came to head quarters. our
sick men was Discharged From Hospital and Sent to Fort
George. A Searjent and four men. Jest at Night four
gentlemen from Philadelphy Came to head Quarters of ye
Light horse with four boxes of money. Lieut. Norton went
on Command To Day to Skeansborow with 13 men out of our
Company to fetch Battows that ye prisoners went down in.
Tuesday Nov. 14.
Lieut. Norton Returned from Skeansborow with the party of
men having a Storm of Snow upon his Return.
Thursday ye 16th
This morning took ye charge of the guard under Lieut.
Hunter, having a Tedious Cold Night of it.
Fryday ye 17
Lieut. Brunsen from St. John's with a party of Sick men
came to head quarters.
Saturday ye 18th
This Day Captain _____ from St. Johna arived to Genl
Schuiler with the Express that informs the surrendering
of Montreal.
Wenesday ye 22nd.
Today at Eving Came in an Express From Coll. Arnol to the
General that informs that Governor Carlton is Blockt up
in the River with our gallant boys.
Fryday ye 24th.
To Day I was orderly for his Excellency. Capt. Peck and
Capt. Arnold with part of their Company from Crown Point,
came by land to Head Quarters.
Tuesday ye 28.
Lieut. Norton Having a permit from General Schuiler Set
out for home
Saturday ye 2. December.
This Day Came out in General orders for Capt. Griffing
Company thats Now in the Garrison is to move to Fort
George.
Monday 4th.
This morning put our Baggage up, got the powder in
Readiness. Loaded our stores on sleds with the powder,
Went to the Landing, Sick and lame and dragg'd a boat
from ye Bridge to the Lake. Put all things on board with
high spirits to leave this Northward part of ye World.
Tuesday December 5th.
Got all on board Early to prosecute our journey. Our
party of Officers was Majr. Tuthill, Lieut Riker. Lieut
Marvin had the charge of 5 prisoners, Three white men and
two Indians.
Saturday December 9th.
Our Company is hardly used. Have to keep a guard in the
fort & Turned out on fatogue (fatigue) Drawing
Batuoes out of the Lake & Live in Barracks Colder
than a barn with 24 men round one fire. This a
Disappointment enoufe to Discourage poor Soldiers in
Their Country's Defense. When Lieut. Marvin had orders
from the General to march Immediately With the powder and
prisoners to Albany I just hint at Things for I am bound
always.
Saturday. December 16.
Traveled on Early This morning, Crost the Ferry at the
fields, got to Albany after noon having a harrowing march
from Fort George.
Tuesday. December 19.
To Day got my gun Lock Dun, a new Day made.
Munday, December 25th.
Christmust Day, which was a pleasant Day But the Dnow was
Deep and I Two Hundred miles or more from home. This
Eving a man belong to the City of Albany being overChardg
with Liquor was denied Entrance at his master's house,
was found Next morning Frose to Dath in a open Room from
Home.
1776
Tuesday, May 28
ToDay Received our Cartridge Boxes, Tents and other
impliments With our Cartridges.
Tuesday June 4th.
ToDay Captain Griffing Came to the Point. The Company was
exercised and formed the Square. I Received a Letter from
home that informs me of Difficulties at home.
Thursday, June 6th
I had the oppertunity to see Captain Baly from Setaucket
Bound to Sea. Took Dinner with us and he apeared an Enemy
to the Cause. He went out ToDay to sea.
Monday 10
Mr. Davis from Coram Came to Oyster Pond, by him I
Received a Letter from home and was glad to hear my
family was well and all friends.
Tuesday 11th.
ToDay Colonel Garner & Majr Isaacs and Some of the
Sagharbour Quality Came to Show Themselves.
Fryday, 14.
The Company Recevid their Cartridges, Likewise Lieut.
Smith Came to Camp from Sagharbour with the guns the
Committee provided for the Company. The square was formed
and Lieut. Smith Treated the Company which paid His
Entrance.
Sunday 16.
To Day an Express came to Coll. Terry's from New York
with orders to have the Companys to be in readiness at
the Shortest warning or notis.
Thursday, August 1st.
Captain Davis and his Ensign is come to our Camp for a
season. John Alleebin was brought as a prisoner to our
Camp.
Fryday, 9th
Orders given by Coll. Smith that the Stock are to be
fecht of the Island.
Monday August 12th
I got to Coram about Twelve o Clock and took dinnerr and
got to my own house after Two o Clock. Found my family
well to my grait Satisfaction.
Thursday 15th.
Capt. Mulford's Company & Captain Roger's Company
Marcht through Coram to Day.
Wednesday, August 21st
I took leave of my family and all friends and Set for
Oyster Ponds. I took dinner at Sergt. Brown's
Sonday, 25th
Nues this Eving from New York that our Army Begun the
Bloody Ingagement Last Fryday, 23rd of month. After the
Regelars Begun to Land our Riflemen Fought the Battel
upon Retreat Till They was Being Forst and may the prayer
of God's people ascend in Such a hour as this that God
would cover the heads of Those that jeopard there lives
in so just a cause, and our enemies put to confusion.
Fryday, August 30th.
To Day afternoon the nues arived to Camp of the Battle
fout at Flat Bush, the Bold attempt of our unnatural
Enemies and the Conquest of our Army. The Soldier of the
kind of times come for some asistance for to kill the
Enemy was coming for them. Louis Rockwell younger.
Fryday Eveing
The Express came to Captain Roe to have his Company in
Readiness to march as quick as possibel. The drum was
ordered to Beat to arms immediately. Alarum was fired
Monday September 2nd.
Nuse flue from all quarters which was Day of Confusion
and Sorrow to all True Sons of Liberty. The afore was
Consulted and Teams was provided for the Baggage.Capt.
Davis Joined our Two Companys with his. The Tents was
Struc and Carts Loaded. We turned our Backs on our
Enemies for the present and marcht Leaving our Dear
Friends Behind.
Tuesday September 3rd.
The Companys marcht this morning in four Ranks in a
Company aBreast. Got to Southholdtown after noon, had
some Spiritous Liquor at Mores, then marcht to the
harbours mouth. Vessels was pressed for our use.
Wednesday September 4th.
This morning we Histed Sail. Came to Oyster Ponds While
ye Cannon was Brought on Board.
Saterday, September 7th.
The Inhabitans of our deprived Island are Dailey Leaveing
There Habitations
Wednesday, September 11th.
Made Sabrook Harbour about Twelve o Clock, marcht up to
Camp.
Saturday, 14th.
This Eving John Ruland of Captain Griffings Company was
heard to Dam the Congress and swore it was better times
under ye King and vented himself against ye cause in many
hard expressions for which he was confined.
Sonday, September 15th.
Orders to Strike tents and doe up our Baggage in order to
Imbark. All the Companys marcht to the waterside. Capt.
Davis' Company & 32 men out of our Company Being 100
men Officers Excluded Imbarkt on Board for Long Island,
the Rest of the men staid at Sabrook. A Regimental court
martial was held to Try John Ruland of Captain Griffings
Company. Found gilty of a mutiny was Sentence to be whipt
ninety lashes on the Bare Back.
Thursday, September. 26.
Took Breckfast at Capt. Booth's the cattel was got on
Board, we Came to Sail about 12 o Clock. Got to Saybrook.
My Capt. was glad to see me & had a good many
Welcomes from others.
Fryday 27th.
It is Reported the ministeral army is Imbarking at York.
This Eving my wife & Children Came into Saybrook,
with some of our affects to my grait joy.
Tuesday, Oct. 22nd.
The Rhode Island Forces arived to this place with Fifty
Whale Boats.
Thursday 24th.
The Company Imbarked on Board our Comp went on Board of
Capt. Cooper. Coll. Levenston's Detachment of vessels was
upwards of 20.
Saturday, October 26th.
Got the vessel of and after our officers Came on board we
came to sail at nine of ye Clock. Esq. Youngs and Mr.
Lester in a smaul boat from Sterling Came on Board of our
vessel. Inform us of Fourty Tories on horseback are
ransacking the Island.