The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1859-07-28
VOL. 1, NO. 80.
gipgtaphi&s.
[FoR THE PREss.l
George Clinton.
BY W. D.
TCoNTINUED.l

On the 4th of July, 1776, he was present at
the glorious Declaration of Independence, and
assented with his usual energy and decision to
that measure; but having been appointed
Brigadier General in the Militia, and also in the
Army the exigencies of his country at that
trying hour rendered it necessary for him to:
take the field in person, and he therefore retired
from Congress Immediately after his vote was
given, and before the instrument was transcribed
for the signatures of the members for which
reason his name does not appear among the
signers of that notable Instrument
A constitution having been adopted for the
State of New York, on the goth of pril, I777,
he was chosen at the first election under it, both
Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and be was
continued in the former Office for eighteen years,
by triennial elections when, owing to i'll health
and q respect for the republican principle of ro-
tation in office, he declined reelection
During the Revolutionary war, he cordially
co-operated with the immortal Washington, and
without his aid the army would probably have
been disbanded, and the northern separated
from the southern states by the Intervention of
British troops BE was always at his post in
the times that tried mems SOULS" at one time
repelng the advances of thR enemy from Cana
d. and at another, meeting them in battle when
approximation the South. His gallant de-
fence of Fort Montgomery with handful of men
against powerful force commanded by Sir Hen
ry Clinton, "a British oficer,) was equally hon.
orable to his intrepidity and his skill
The following are the particulars of his gallant
conduct, at the storming of Forts Montgomery
and Clinton, in October, 1777, astaken from the
history of the Revolutionary war: !" When the
British reinforcementS under General Robertson,
amounting to nearly two thousand men, arrived
from Europe, Sir Henry Clinton, British, used
the greatest exertion and availed himself of every
favorable circumstance, to put these troops into
immediate operation. Many were sent to suita-
BILE vessels, and united in the expedition, which
consisted of about four thousand men, against
the forts in the Highlands. Having made the
necessary arrangements, he moved up the N orth
River and landed on the 4th of October, at
man, under whose command thousand continent
tai troops had been left with belief, that his
post at Peek's-Kin was the object of attack
At O'Clock at night, the General communica-
ted the intelligence to Gov. Clinton, of the ar
rival of the British, and at the same time ex-
pressed his opinion respecting their destination.
The designs of Sir Henry were Immediately
perceived by the Governor, who prorogued the
Assembly on the following day, and arrived that
night at Fort Montgomery.
The British troops in the meantime, were Sc
cretly conveyed across the river, and assaults
upon our Forts were meditated to be made on
the 5th, which were accordingly put in execu-
ton, by attacking the American advance party
at Doodletown, about two miles and half from
Fort Montgomery. The Americans received
the fire of the British, and retreated to Fort
CLIFTON The enemy then advanced to the west
side of the mountain, in order to attack our
troops in the rear General Clinton Immediate
ly ordered out detachment of one hundred men
to go toward Doodletown, and another of sixty,
with brass field piece, to an eligible spot on
another road. They were both soon attacked by
the whole force of the enemy, and compelled to
fall back
1t has been remarked, that the talents, as well
as the temper of commander, are put to as
severe test in conducting retreat, as in
achieving victory. The truth of this, Gov.
Clinton experienced, when, with great bravery,
and the most perfect order, he retired till he
reached the Fort He lost no time in placing
his men in the best manner that circumstances
would permit. His post, however, as well as
Fort Clinton, in few minutes were invaded on
every SIDE
In the midst Of this disheartening and appal-
ling disaster, he was summoned, when the sun
was only an hour high to surrender; but his
gallant rpirit sternly refused to obey the call
In short time after, the British made general
and most desperate attack on both posts, which
was received by the Americans with undismayed
and resistance. Officers and men, mill
tia and continental all behaved alike-brave.-
An fncessant fire was kept up till dark, when our
troops>were overpowered by numbers, who forced
the line and redoubts OF both posts.
Many ofthe Americans fought their way out,
Others accidentally mixed with the enemy, and
thus escaped efactually, for besides being favored
by the night, the knew the various avenues IN
the mountains The Governor, as well as ms
brother General james Clinton, who was woun-
ded, were not taken. I"