The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1896-03-28

that they were simply an unarmad army
In a foreign country, and complained be-
cause they were not furnished better ac-
commodations and more liberty.
My error now I see too late,
Here l'm coDfin'd within this State.
Yes, in this little spot of ground,
Enclosed by Yankees all around"
The guards for the camp were taken
from the militia and their lack of disoi-
pline was ridiculed by the prisoners, who
were all regulars and used to strict disci-
pine. A Hessian wrote in letter Of
these guards, "The American reg iments
stationed here are made of militia, and
are mostly working men," Each had
contempt for the other, which caused
trouble at all times. One prisoner wrote,
I'VE are here living in misery" The
prisoners were allowed to go out to SER
vice on the farms for what they could
get, and their employers were RESPONSE
bic Tor their return. In April ITS, there
were 655 British, and 1877 GerD,ans off in
such service. Numbers deserted and re-
solved to stay in this country, and it is
stated that only about one half of the
Germans returned to their native land.
1t Is also stated that Gen. Custer was
the great-grandson of German soldier
named Kuster, who came over to help
King George.
Gen. William Heath commanded the
American camp, but he was not favor
lite OF the prisoners. He had no sympa-
thy for his country's enemies. In the fall
of ITS, there was fear that the British,
then at Newport, R. l., might make q
bold attempt to release the English pris-
oners, and they were marched to Rutland
Mass. and some to Barre, where they
staid several weeks. The camp at Rut-
land was simply stookade built Of logs
sharpened and driven into the ground
close together, and the prisoners were
given boards and nails to build them
selves shelter. The officers were quar-
tered outside in the farmhouses.
Congress repudiated the terms of the
Conventions in March 177s. and refused
to be bound by them. When they became
prisoners Of war Gen Burgoy ne, in April
ITS, deposited forty thousand dollars, in
food and supplies from Rhode Island, for
his release and he returned to England
on parole and entered the House of Com
mons, taking part in the debates. He
was finally exchanged for Prest Henry
Laurens, who was captured in 1850, about
January 1852.
The German officers were educated, bat
the priyates were what could be CALLED
ordinary men, not noted for their cleanli-
ness. The British soldiers were not ernen
of high order and the presence of such
people near Boston justified the strict
regulations. Two of the British soldiers
were executed for murder, five were in
Boston Jail at one time FOR highway rob-
berry and many we're confined for other
crimes Mercy Warren wrote: "This
idle and dissipated army lay too long in
the vicinity of Boston for advantage of
either side. While there. in durance,
they disseminated their manners; they
corrupted the students Of Harvard Col
lege and the youth of the capital and its
environs, who were allured to enter into
their gambling parties and other scenes
of licentiousnss.
Congress at last resolved to remove
them to Virginia, and Nov. ITS they be-
gan their march. The Germans and
British soldiers were marched in three
divisions each, and passed through Fish
kill, N. Y, New Jersey, Lancaster,
Penn, and got into Virginia Dec. 81,
with snow foot deep with no shelter
and little protection. The Germans were
from Nov. 10, ITS toIJan. 16, 1879 get
ting to Charlottesville, Va. their distina-
ton, distance of about six hundred and
fifty miles, A German writer said of
this march. "The journey was tedious
and trying and the men found great diff
thinly populated country through which
they moved. Often bivouacking in thu
woods without tents or cover, exposed to
frost and rain, their condition was a
wretched one." They said that Gen
Gates did all he could to make their
journey comfortable and showed them
the greatest courtesy.
The prisoners remained at Charlotte
vile until the close of the war, but the
officers had been about all exchanged
before that time. There they built VII
lage of their own character, erected a
church and theatre, and to this day, it
is said that the influence of their stay is
felt and observable.
1t has been estimated that at the begin
ming of the Revolutionary war there were
about one hundred and fifty thousand
German emigrants in this country, most
of whom took part with the colonists
The employment of the German soldiers
created in England strong feeling
against the government, and in America
they were most thoroughly despised by
the colonists. vino called them hirelings,
but they fought for their own glory,
with all the bravery they possessed.
The following is copy of the roll of
Capt. Wentworth's company raised by
voluntary enlistment in Cum berland
county for service as guards at Cam
bridge in ITS
"A Roll for the States Pay due to the
noncommissioned Officers and Soldiers in