several States, besides doing much to describe the natural features of the land in which we live, have issued their early records, or the Documents of their Colonial History, in a manner worthy of great nations; and one State has, by authorizing each town to publish its history, given an additional impetus to our local history. In this state of the public mind, we shall endeavor not to be inferior, and hope to excel. December 1, 1860. THE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE. VOL. IV.] General Department. JANUARY, 1860. NEWPORT IN THE HANDS OF THE BRITISH. A DIARY OF THE REVOLUTION. June 7, 1777. This Morning, Mr. Joseph Tillinghust, Joseph Gardner, John Arnold, and Higgins Landers was committed to the Provost, on suspicion. Likewise, P. Rogers, of New London, who has lately served them as pilot, was committed. 8. Last night, four men came on the island. 9. Mr. Sherman Clarke was committed to the Provost for speaking in favor of America. Last night a cartel sloop arrived from Providence. This afternoon, Mr. Gyles Barney was committed to the Provost. 10. Last night 100 provincials landed at common fence point, and drove back the Regulars, killed 4 men, and wounded another. Reported that some soldiers deserted to the provincials. 11. This day sailed the Unicorn on a cruise. 12. Arrived two frigates; the Cypress from a cruise, and the Rose from York, with a flag on her foremast. 13. Last night a man was beat by the Hessians. It is now dangerous to walk the streets after dark. Proclamations are put up throughout the town, laying great restraints on the fishermen; they have hauled up their boats. 14. This morning a frigate passed the harbor, and went up the river; the King-fisher of York. 15. The inhabitants continue to receive insults from the Hessians quartered in town. 16. Arrived a prize schooner laden with 1200 barrels of flour, &c., taken by the Unicorn from Baltimore. This evening a number of cannon was fired up the river from the ships for a false alarm. Wednesday 17. Arrived a frigate with several transports from New York, with about 400 soldiers, the grenadiers and Light infantry of the 22 regiment and a few Hessian recruits. Sailed this afternoon a transport for England. June 18. Last night a cannonading was heard [No. 1. up the river, supposed to be the American frigate going out. This morning two frigates sailed round the island and returned this afternoon. 19. This morning a provincial privateer sloop went out the east passage notwithstanding a heavy firing from the men of war and forts. Landed this morning a few recruits that arrived on the 17 from York. 21. Arrived a Cartel from Providence. 20. A Hessian soldier that was sentenced to be whipped drowned himself in a pond near the beach. He was taken up and dismembered as a public example. 24. Tuesday. Advertisements was put up throughout the town stating the price of provisions. 25. A duel was fought between a Hessian officer and a ship officer. Mr. Wm. Carter and one Averel committed to the Provost suspected of going off the island. Arrived a prize schooner from Boston taken by the Unicorn with a few hogsheads of rum on board. 27. They frightened a woman into fits by running a dog through in the house. 29. Seven negro men deserted from Stonington and came on the island. This evening two prisoners belonging to the prizes went off the island by the Chatham. 30. A schooner's boat was taken at Seconnet passage, laden with rum, salt, &c. June 30. Reported that 22 English soldiers were killed and 11 carried off prisoners by the provincials. July 2. This evening arrived a Flag from Providence with a number of women on board, belonging to the town. Reported that there has lately been an action in the Jerseys, to the disadvantage of the King's troops. July 4. Friday. A continual firing of cannon was heard up the river supposed to be in honor of the Declaration of Independence. Reported that 8 men was killed on board the Galley from a Fort at Bristol. July 5. A woman, Mrs. Squires was committed to the Provost for wishing the provincials to come to the island, but released the same day. This afternoon the Unicorn from a cruise, with two Prizes, a small Privateer with 4 cannon and 28 men commanded by one Palmer, taken off Nantucket Shoals, the other a Sloop from St. Martin's, bound to Connecticut, ballasted with salt. 6. A Sloop arrived of L. Island with small pox on board. Reported that Gen. Washington has taken 7,000 of the enemy, with all their baggage. 7. Last night came on the Island two Quaker preachers who held a meeting this day. This morning sailed the Unicorn on a cruise, the same night a number of negroes went off the Island. 8. This morning Messrs. Joseph Tillinghust and Joseph Gardner was set at liberty. This afternoon a Cartel sloop and schooner arrived from Boston and Dartmouth, with prisoners. 9. This afternoon Capt. Job Easton was committed to the Provost. 10. This day Capt. Job Easten and John Arnold was set at liberty. 11. Thursday. Last night came on the west side of the island, supposed to be about 10 men of the Provincials, marched up to Mr. John Irving's house, without the least opposition, carried off Major Gen. Prescott, his aide-de-camp Mr. Barrington, the sentry and what others is not known. Immediately on intelligence that the Gen. was carried off, the drums beat to arms the Dragoons scoured the shore, but the bird was flown. The town appears in the utmost | confusion at the loss of the Gen., confusion appears in every face, even the greatest friends to Jiberty are obligated to show some marks of sorrow at the loss of such an accomplished general; but the sun appears very bright through the clouds that hangs on the brow. Mr. John Miller carried to the Provost this afternoon, for too publicly expressing his joy at our relief. 12. This day sailed a sloop with an express for New York, likewise sailed a schooner as a flag for Providence, on board was Major Barry. 13. Returned this afternoon. Reported that Ticonderoga is taken by the King's troops. 14. Last night an alarm at Portsmouth. 15. This morning a cartell arrived from New London with prisoners. The sole command of the town is invested in Major Barry, formerly town Major. He abuses the inhabitants, friends to Liberty in a most shocking manner, not suffering them to talk in the streets, struck Mr. Fairchild for not taking off his hat to a gentleman, as he styled himself. This afternoon Capt. Charles Moore was put under arrest by the said Barry. July 17. This morning Capts. Kenna, Clarke, Higgins and Sandess were released from the Provost. At 5 o'clock this afternoon arrived a sloop from New york, she brings account of Gen. Clinton's arrival at York, about 8 days past with troops. A cartell sloop with prisoners, Capt. John Freebody and others. 19. Arrived the Privateer from Newyork that carried the Express of the General being taken. The accounts of Gen. Clinton are without foundation. Two fishermen, Mr. John Gears and Irish were committed to the Provost. Monday, July 22. This morning arrived the sloop Swan with Major General Pigot from New York, to supercede General Prescott, now a prisoner, likewise a Hessian General. At 10 o'clock they landed at the Long wharf, saluted by the cannon of the ships and forts and escorted by the officers of the army to the house of - occupied by General Clinton. At 1 o'clock this afternoon commodore Sir Peter Parker hoisted his flag on board the Chatham, being promoted to a rear admiral of the Blue, in consequence of which there was a grand entertainment on board the Chatham; saluted by all the men of war in the river. 23. Jonathan Laton and Frank Boston came on the Island. 24. Mr. Robert Lillibridge was committed to the Provost, suspected of being concerned in a Privateer. Mr. John Miller released the second time. This evening the Unicorn returned from a cruise with a prize sloop from Dartmouth bound to laden with lumber and tobacco. Reported that Gen. Howe with his army has landed at New London. Reported that the Lieutenant of the Frigate and a midshipman that were gunning on the 27th on the island of Prudence were made prisoners by the Provincials. 28. The Engineers were employed in measuring the ground on the west and south part of the town. 29. Sailed this afternoon 4 light Transports for England and mounting 20 guns. 30. Arrived a Tender from New York, she brings accounts that the fleet is not yet sailed. 31. This morning at 10 o'clock sailed a Flagg for Providence having on board 130 women and children belonging to the town, their trunks were all searched and some things taken from them, such as tea, pins, linen and men's clothes by the Provost Marshal and Hessian town sergeant. Friday, Aug. 1. Capt. Charles Moore released. This afternoon a Cartel sloop arrived from Connecticut with a number of prisoners taken on their passage to Long Island. Sailed this evening the Unicorn on a cruise. 3. At 4 o'clock this morning we were alarmed at the firing of cannon which proved to be on the Narraganset shore, at the Renown of 50 guns, which obliged her to remove her station. At 5 o'clock the same morning, a party of Pro vincials landed on Dutch Island and carried [off] 30 sheep and thence proceeded to Connecticut where they took a Hessian Guard with one of the inhabitants and carried them off. At 3 o'clock arrived 2 letters of mark sloop and schooner by the Unicorn of Seconnet. These men all escaped in the boat said to be commanded by one Toman. The same ship chased a Privateer ashore and burned her. Mr. Latham Thurston committed to the Provost, said to be concerned in the Lady Washington Privateer. 4. Mr. Billings Coggeshall committed to the Provost, said to be concerned in the same Priva teer. 5. Last night about 1300 of the Light Infantry and Grenadiers and a detachment of the 20th Regiment commanded by Col. - landed at Boston neck at Narraganset with intention to get stock, but being warmly opposed by the Provincials, was obliged to retreat without effecting any thing except taking 4 prisoners, one of whom an old man was treated very ill by the Hessians. This morning a Cartell arrived from Boston with prisoners; on their passage, they saw a large Fleet of ships, supposed to be Gen. Howe with troops bound to Boston. 6. Arrived the Cerberus Frigate from a cruise. 9. Arrived two Letters of Marque, ship from Halifax, with dry goods and Provisions, by whom we have account of Commodore Manly being taken by the Rainbow of 60 guns. That the Flora Frigate retook the Fox frigate and carried into Halifax. 12. This morning arrived here the Flora with two prizes, a brig and a ship, the ship bound to France with a number of on board. In the afternoon arrived three Frigates, the Juno, the Ambuscade, and August 14. This afternoon the frigate that arrived yesterday fired a salute, she being on a cruise when the Admiral hoisted his flag. 16 This day arrived a Cartel from Bedford with prisoners. 17. Last night a man came from the main to this Island; he reports that Admiral Howe has arrived at Boston and burned the town; he was immediately committed to the Provost. This afternoon a Cartel sloop arrived from Bedford. A fort is building at Easton's beach this morning. 18. This day Capt. Rainy of the 54th regiment was buried. 21. Friday, was buried the mate of the Earl of Derby transport, he was drowned on the 20. Arrived a number of small vessels from New York convoyed by a frigate; they inform that Gen. Burgoyne was within 6 miles of Albany city. 22. Lieutenant Knowles, the transport's agent fell from his horse a mile from the town and is dangerously hurt. This morning the Engineers were employed in laying out a fort at the wind mills at the north end of the town. August 20. Sailed the Diamond, Flora and the Lark, frigates on a cruise. 6. Last night a boat went on the Main with eight men. 9. This day Capt. Bankes of the Renown of 50 guns was buried with the honors of war. 10. Reported that 30 soldiers were made prisoners last night by the Provincials. 11. This morning the Engineers were employed in laying out a fort on Howland's Neck, Portsmouth. 16. The inhabitants of Portsmouth are ordered to work on the forts 150. Yesterday 15th arrived a small prize schooner laden with lumber and onions taken by the Unicorn. 17. Last evening two Hessian officers belonging to the Landgrave regiment drew their swords on This morning a party of 100 men of the E. regiment marched from Portsmouth to town to review the Landgrave regiment on 20. Last night a man left the island for the Main. Yesterday a fort was laid out between the north and the 3 wind mills. This morning a cannonading was heard in Providence, supposed to be on account of a defeat. By a man that deserted from the Main last night, (we are informed) that Gen. Burgoyne is defeated and made prisoner, and Gen. Arnold was killed. 25. This day a party of Hessian troops marched from Portsmouth to this town, and embarked for Long Island for wood. 26. The town school house was taken down for the use of the bake houses. 27. This morning 3 vessels attempted to get out of the Seconnet passage being pursued by the Kingfisher of 16 guns. The Ship ashore on the rocks. They the cargo and burnt the ship the Brig and Sloop got off. 28. A number of small vessels sailed for New york, convoyed by a Frigate. 29. Sailed this morning, the Long Island fleet, consisting of 26 sail to fetch wood, among which was the Grand Duke of Russia Transport carried 16 guns, convoyed by a schooner of 8 guns. Last night a Flag arrived from Boston Neck with women. September 1. This day a Flag arrived from Providence with women. 2. Last night 3 men belonging to the Regiment attempted but being discovered by the Guard who firing upon them killed one, the other two were taken prisoners. 4. Last night 4 Men came from Cape Cod, who inform us that great preparations are mak ing for attacking the Island. This morning a Cannonading was heard, which proved to be a Frigate that lay at Providence. Reported that they carried off 11 sailors and left 3 dead. 5. Last night, 2 soldiers belonging to the 22 Reg. deserted, a reward of 100 dollars was offered to any person who will take them or shoot them. The same night a tent belonging to the Kingfisher, Man of war was taken off by the Provincials with 3 sailors. 7. This morning a Flag sailed for Providence with women. Sailed this evening, two ships laden with dry goods in of Gen. Howe. 8. Arrived a number of vessels from New york, convoyed by a Frigate bringing no accounts of Gen. Howe. 20. A Guard of a Sergeant and 6 men are ordered to attend the Market from 9 to 10 o'clock in the morning to regulate the sale of fresh meat. 26. Arrived a ship called the Montgomery taken off Boston Bay. 29. Came in this afternoon, a sloop laden with wood. The men run away with her. They inform that Gen. Washington was defeated by Gen Howe, with the loss of 7,000 men and all his artillery. A Flag sailed for Providence with Women. Oct. 2. This morning all the furniture and wearing apparel was seized by order of Gen. Pigot. This afternoon a Privateer arrived here, taken by the Unicorn, belonging to Cape Ann. 3. This evening a number of small vessels arrived here from New york, convoyed by the Greyhound a Frigate. They inform that Gen. Robertson with 2000 men had arrived. CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE HISTORY OF No. III. THE name of William Brewster occurs several times beside, on the occasions of the marriages. It is connected with the earliest entry to be found relating to the Pilgrims in these records, after the application for denization, and, we believe, with the earliest date yet produced of their actual residence in Leyden. It is a minute of the death of one of his children, on the 20th of June, 1609. He then resided, it appears, on a narrow street or alley called the Steucksteeg, in the vicinity of the spot which was the scene of the great gunpowder explosion in 1807, when a large portion of the city was laid in ruins. He subsequently removed to the Choorsteeg, as would appear from the title page of Cartwright's Commentaries on the Proverbs of Solomon, printed by him in 1617. The Choorsteeg (vicus choralis) is an alley extending from the Broadway to the choir of St. Peter's Church. These streets are obscure but eligibly situated. He is also mentioned as a partner in the printing business of a man by the name of William Brewer, who was a person of some consideration and wealth, and also a member of Robinson's congregation.__ Brewer is styled in the records Edelman, an Honorable. He was admitted a member of the University; and thus when the proceedings were instituted against him and Brewster for printing prohibited books, the University which possessed exclusive jurisdiction, civil and criminal, over its members, took cognizance of the complaint as against him. He This morning the Chatham, Admiral Par-owned a house near Robinson's in the Kloksteeg, ker came down the river with the Guard Ship and anchored near Goat Island. 4. Arrived this morning a small Schooner, taken by the Schooner Lady Parker, with Flour. She belonged in Philadelphia. Reported that Philadelphia is taken by Gen. Howe. 5. A Flag sailed for Providence with women. This afternoon arrived the Syren Frigate from convoying vessels off the coast. Reports run very high of Philadelphia's being taken, that Gen. Washington has fled with the loss of 7000 men, that Gen. Howe has gone in pursuit of him, leaving a garrison in Philadelphia. 6. Handbills circulated concerning the Taking. 7. Last night there was an alarm; the Lighthorse rode through the town several times. The provincials are hourly expected to attack the Island. 16. This afternoon sailed for Providence a Flag, the other that sailed on the 5 supposed to be detained, on board was Major Barry. 17. Arrived a prize schooner belonging to James They inform that Lord Howe's fleet had sailed from Chesapeake Bay. (To be continued.) and it was in the garret of that house that the printing materials were found and seized. Two years after the death of Robinson, namely, in 1627, he sold out his property and effects in Leyden and returned to England. He and Brewster were engaged in printing books for the English dissenters. He appears to have furnished the capital and Brewster to have been the active man in the firm. It is on the occasion of proceedings brought against them on complaint of Sir Dudley Carleton, the English minister at the Hague, of printing books prohibited in England, that we find the mention of Brewster in the records. Exception has been taken against this action of the Dutch authorities as a persecution of the Pilgrims by them, but we think very unjustly. It will be seen by the first document which we now present from the Leyden records, that there was a law of the country prohibiting such printing, and that Brewer plead that the printing had |