The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1860-01-13
From the Sing Sing Republican.
Revolutionary Incidents.

Revolutionary Incide nts.
WHO SAVED THE COUNTRY WHAT LED TO
THE CAPTURE OF ANDRE!
Every writer upon American history
when he arrives at the account of the cap
ture of Andre lays down the thread Of his
narrative to expatiate on the patriotism of
that noble little band. who, regardless of
golden promises, retained the unfortunate
spy, and saved their country from impend-
ing ruin.
We do not wish to undervalue their
patriotism and services, although we have
sometimes asked ourselves the question.
For what purpose were these three men
stationed upon the roadside Did they
90 forth from their homes in the morning
with desire or an intention of saving
their country? Had they any authority
to stop travellers on the high roads? If
they had been great patriots, would they
not have joined the continental army in
stead of lounging upon the roadsides, &c?
There is a link in the chain of circum-
stances which led to the capture of Andre,
that has been omitted in previous details
OF this momentous event. Who has ever
heard of the names or Moses Sherwood and
Jack Peterson, who had as much to do
with this circumstance as Williams, Pauld-
ing, and Van Wart, whose names have be
come familiar as household words? Jack
Jefferson, was truly patriot; he was a
mulatto, and served in the continental
army At one time he was captured and
sent to New York as a prisoner, where,
with other Americans, he suffered in the
notorious "prison ship" until by skill
ful stratagem he effected his escape. One
dark night he managel 10 tie a bundle Of
clothes on his head, and by stealth crept
to The chains which held the ship to the
anchor; he slipped quietly and unobserv-
ed down into the water, and soon reached
Corlies Hook by swimming he travelled
cautiously by night, aud after many pri,
yatlons, sufierings, and hair breadth es-
capes, reached his home on the banks of
the Croton River. The above incident is
given on the authority of Capt. Potter,
former resident Of Sing Sing, who is
nephew Of Moses Sherwood, referred to in
the following sketch of Jack Peterson,
which was published few years ago in
the Westchester Herald, by Caleb Roscoe
who was never on the alert for facts and
incidents which illustrate or develop the
history Of the American revolution.
1t will be seen by this sketch, which is
worthy of re publication hundred times,
that Jack served in the army of his coun-
try until he was honorably discharged, and
that it was pure patriotism that led Peter
son and Sherwood to attack the enemy of
superior numbers and power. 1t was not
three to one, but two against many 1t
was this boldness and patriotism that
thwarted Andre in his design to embark
upon the Vulture with his death warrant
Of American liberty.
In all future time let the names of Pc
terson and Sherwood be shouted in the
same sentence with those of Williams,
Paulding and Van War.
For many years after this great event,
Peterson was accustomed to point out to
his sons and others one of the cannon balls
lodged in an oak tree, on Teller's Point,
which was fired from the Vulture on this
occasion. A few years ago this tree being
very much decaved, was cut down, the
ball removed and kept by VIM. Under
hill, of Teler's Point, who not long since
presented it to the writer of the present
article.
JACK PETERSON.
Jack Peterson, a colored man, (mulatto)
departed this life October 3D. at his late
residence in the village Of Peekskill, aged
103 years. Peterson was brought up in
the family Of Job Sherwood, of this coun-
ty, whose son, Isaac Sherwood, had enter
ed the Continental Army as first -ieuten-
ant, IN the regiment commanded by Col.
Philip Van Cortlandt, at the commence
ment Of the war of the Revolution: and
Peterson. who was about the same age as
the Lieutenant, having become devotedly
attached TO him, begged the privilege of
accompanying him into the service, which
request was granted by the Lieutenant, and
Peterson enlisted as private in the same
regiment to which he was attached.
This regiment was in the memorable
battle of Saltwater, in Saratoga county, at
the time Gen. Burgoyne surrendered his
whole army to the American forces under
the command Of Gen. Gates. Lieut.
Sherwood, who always sought the post OF
danger, received in the action a mortal
wound, and fell in the arms Of Peterson
who always made it point to be near
the Lieutenant in the hour Of danger