The Neighborhoods of Brooklyn


History of Flatbush, continued


a rebel scoundrel," he replied, "though he be starving." The offensive answer was no sooner given than resented. Major Lenox struck the speaker to the earth. A fray was the immediate consequence, in which the American officers, as might have been expected, were overpowered and severely beaten. But this was not the last of their sufferings. Charged with an assault and conducted upon the testimony of their adversary, before General Pigot, Major Lenox, in a plain unvarnished representation of facts, stated the provocation, and asked "if it were possible to have withheld punishment from a rascal, who so wantonly sought and so richly deserved it." "It is our business," replied the General, "to protect and cherish such of your countrymen as seek our protection. You must submit therefore to ask pardon for the outrage committed, or take the consequences that must inevitably follow." "Ask pardon of that scoundrel," said Lenox, "never"! "Will you, sir," said the General to Hamilton: "May I perish if I do," was the reply. The question was then put to Dr. Stewart, and answered with equal indignation. "You must be introduced then," said the irritated General, "to the Provost Marshall. Mr. Cunningham, they are your prisoners, you know your duty." Six months of close and rigorous confinement in the Provost, (a place of misery, second only to the celebrated prison ship, Jersey,) was the consequence of an act, that a generous enemy would not only have thought just, but commendable.

The American prisoners had the liberty of all the southern towns. They were required to report themselves at certain times and places. When the French fleet, under Count De Estaing was expected, and when after their arrival they laid off the shore, these prisoners went daily to the top of Vanderbilts hill, to view them. And with regard to this hill, we may remark, in passing, that General Clinton, once rode down it so rapidly, that his Aids could not follow him.

Among the prisoners in the county was Capt. William Marriner. He was quartered on parole, at Mr. Rem Van Pelt's, at New-Utrecht. In the exercise of his privilege, he often visited Flatbush. Dr. Van Buren's tavern, the house now occupied by Duryee Wiggins, was a place of great resort. Here he met among others, with the leading tories in the place. These were Colonel Axtell, Colonel Matthews, the Mayor of New-York, Major Sherbrook, Mr. Beach and Major Moncrief. On one occasion, probably in consequence of the too free use of his sarcastic wit, he was insulted and ill treated by this clan, particularly by Major Moncrief. After Captain Marriner's exchange, in 1780, he determined to visit Flatbush, and capture, if possible, all these abusive tories, who were very obnoxious to the American officers. He was a bravo and daring man. For the purpose of carrying his design into execution, he repaired to New-Brunswick, and pro-cured a whaleboat, which he manned with twenty two volunteers. With this he crossed the bay, and landed at Bath, about half-past nine o'clock in the evening. He made prisoners of three black men, who were fishing, and then leaving two persons in charge of his boat, he marched off with the rest of his party towards Flatbush. On his way, he stopped at the house of Rem Van Pelt, his old quarters, and also at his father's, in consequence of which, these persons were afterwards apprehended and confined in Provost, in New-York, on suspicion of being; concerned with him. Marriner reached the Flatbush church without molestation. Here he divided his men into



Page 80


:: Previous Page :: Next Page ::

Book Index (Names Only):

:: A-D :: E-Lov :: Low-Sn :: So-Z ::


:: New York State ::
:: History Readings ::

Books & articles appearing here are modified adaptations
from a private collection of vintage books & magazines.
Reproduction of these pages is prohibited without written permission. © Laurel O’Donnell, 1996-2006.