Elias Boudinot

Journal or Historical Recollections of American Events During the Revolutionary War Elias Boudinot

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1894 edition. Excerpt: ... Lydia Darrah Conveys The News Op General Howe's Movements To Ellas Boudinot, When The British Were In Possession Op Philadelphia. British Army At Chestnut Hill. In the Autumn of 1777 the American Army lay some time at White Marsh. I was then Commissary Genl of Prisoners, and managed the Intelligence of the Army.--I was reconoitering along the Lines near the City of Philadelphia.--I dined at a small Post at the rising Sun abt three miles from the City.-- After Dinner a little poor looking insignificant Old Woman came in & solicited leave to go into the Country to buy some flour--While we were asking some Questions, she walked up to me and put into my hands a dirty old needlebook, with various small pockets in it. surprised at this, I told her to return, she should have an answer--On Opening the needlebook, I could not find any thing till I got to the last Pocket, Where I found a piece of Paper rolled up into the form of a Pipe Shank.--on unrolling it I found information that Genl Howe was coming out the next morning with 5000 Men--13 pieces of Cannon--Baggage Waggons, and 11 Boats on Waggon Wheels. On comparing this with other information I found it true, and immediately rode Post to head Quarters--According to V my usual Custom & agreeable to orders rec from Genl W. I first related to him the naked facts without comment or Opinion--He rec. it with much thoughtfulness, I then gave him my opinion, that Genl Howe's design was to Cross the Deleware under pretense of going for New York.--Then in the Night to rceross the Deleware above Bristol & come suddenly on Our Rear, when we were totally unguarded and cut off all our Baggage, if not the whole Army.--He heard me without a single observation, being deep in thought. I repeated my...