Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury [Connecticut]) 1903-1917, 1904-07-05
CHAPTER XIV.


RT&1Hn men divided into small
squads, marched down to the
ISESSTSS boats-large, unwieldy scows,
ISsSkD which had been hauled up
against the shore-and each boat was
speedily filed to it's utmost capacity.
The most experienced seized the oars,
three or four Marblehead fishermen
armed with long poles took their sta
tons forward and aft along the upper
side Of the boat, with one to steer and
one to command, and then, selling
favorable opportunity, the boat was
pushed off from the shore and, thread
ing its way in and out between the
enormous ice cakes grinding down
upon her, the difficult and dangerous
passage began. Should the heavily
laden boat be overturned very few of
its occupants would be able to reach
the shore. Once on the other side the
fishermen took the boat back, and the
weary process was gone over again.
Fortunately 1t was yet bright moon
light, though ominous clouds were
banking up in the northeast, and ev-
erything could be plainly seen. Each
boat was perfectly visible all the way
across to the eager watchers on the
shore, and sigh Of relief went up
after each fortunate passage. In this
labor Seymour and Bentley, and in a.
less degree Philip Wilton, aided Colo
mel Glover's men; Seymour having the
helm of one boat continuously, Bentley
that of another.
About half past it was reported to
General Washington that all Of the
first division had crossed. and the boat
was now ready for him according to
his orders. The largest and best boat
had been selected for the commander
in chief, one sufficiently capacious to
receive his horses and those Of his
staff who accompanied him. Seymour
was to steer the boat, Bentley stood in
the bow, Colonel Glover stationed him
self amidships, with three or four Of
his trustiest men, to superintend the
crossing, and all the oars were manned
by the hardy fishermen instead of the
soldiers The general dismounted and
walked toward the boat leading his
horse. Just as he was about to enter
an officer on a painting steed rode up
rapidly and saluted.
General Washington"
Eyes, SIR
"a letter, SIR
"What time is this to hand me let
tersr'
"Your excellency have been charg-
ed to do so by General Gates
''By General Gatesy Where is he?"
'sI left him this morning in Philadel-
phia, SIR
What was he doing there?"
"I understood him that he was on
his way to congress"
"On his way to congressv' said the
general earnestly, with much surprise
and disgust in his tone. And then,
after pause, he broke the seal and
read the letter, frowning, after which
he crumpled the paper up in his hand
and then turned again to the officer.
How did you find us, sir?'
81 followed the bloody footprints of
the men on the snow, sir"
Poor fellows! Did you learn any
thing OF General Ewing or General
Cadwalader?"
'No, sir"
"And General Putnam?"
"He babe me say that there were
symptoms of an instruction in the
city. and he felt obliged to stay there.
He has detached 600 of the Pennsyl-
vania militia, however, under Colonel
Griffin, to advance toward Borden
town."
'Tis well, sir. Do you remain to
participate in our attack"
Yes, sir. belong to General st.
Clair's brigade"
you will find it over there. 1t has
not yet crossed. Now, gentlemen, let
US get aboard
The general stepped forward in the
boat, where Bentley, an enormous pole
in his. hands, was stationed, and the re-