Memoirs of Andrew Sherburne, a pensioner of the navy of the revolution

Front matter

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Preface

There are yet surviving a few, and but a few, who lived, acted and suffered in the Rev¬ olution which gave freedom, independence and prosperity to the United States of Amer¬ ica. And a very large majority of that few have gone by three score years and ten . They are bending beneath the weight of years and early sufferings.

Their thin locks are whitened by the frosts of seventy, and some by more than eighty winters, and are “ dragging the poor remains of life along the tiresome road.” A few of them are in affluent circumstances — others are sustained by their children and friends — some are partially provided for by govern¬ ment, and some are in indigent circumstan¬ ces.

But the number is very fast diminishing ; a little while and the American people will look round in vain to find an individual who personally acted in the Revolution. The au¬ thor of this narrative is in the junior class of the survivors of the Revolution, as he was only ten years of age when the conflict be¬ gan, and entered the naval service, at the age of thirteen. The complicated charac¬ ter of his trials, and sufferings in the United States navy — his capture — and forcible de¬ tention in the British navy — shipwreck and

IV

PREFACE.

sufferings in a wilderness in Newfoundland, in prison ships and hospital ships, were almost unparalleled.

Many years since he was solicited by gen¬ tlemen of literature and taste, to give his nar¬ rative to the public ; but his limited educa¬ tion, diffidence of his own abilities to write, and in a word his poverty and shattered con¬ stitution, rendered the thought so appalling, that he shrank from the task. It was never¬ theless his intention (if he could find time before death should call for him) to leave in manuscript some detail of his extraordi¬ nary conflicts, and especially of the marvel¬ ous interpositions of the Lord of Sabbaoth in preserving his life amidst distresses, dan¬ gers, and death, and giving him a l>ope ol eternal life and immortal glory through the merits of Jesus Christ.

It is aptly expressed that “ Procrastina¬ tion is the thief of time.” More than three score years passed away before he commenc¬ ed the task; nor then, until the thought oc¬ curred that he might realize some emolu¬ ments by its publication, the prominent object, doubtless, of most authors.

He was at the same time aware of the apparent indelicacy of a person’s publishing his auto-biography. Such a thought proba¬ bly would be revolting to some persons of virtue and refined taste, while possessing .competence, who, if reduced to poverty,

PREFACE.

V with a dependant and helpless family, would dispense with their (possibly) false delicacy, for necessity has no law.

Anterior to publishing his first edition, he was confident that there were thousands of citizens who would most cheerfully patronize his work. It had been his hard fortune, in the war of the Revolution, to become a cap¬ tive three times, and each time to travel home an absolute beggar.

In his anticipations he has not been disap¬ pointed. Numerous gentlemen and ladies have bought and read his book, and have paid him so much of a compliment as to say, that they considered it an interesting narra¬ tive, and well deserving patronage. It has introduced him to many families of distinc¬ tion, and procured for him many affectionate and warm-hearted friends among strangers.

Those gratuitous tokens and expressions of friendship, together with the sympathies exhibited, have gone far to revive his droop¬ ing spirits, while buffeting, in advanced life, the inclemencies of three tedious winters, far distant from his family.

He is at a loss for language to express his grateful sense of obligations to those ladies and gentlemen who have patronized his first edition. He can only say, that it has been, is now, and shall be his prayer to God, that (hey and theirs may never want any good thing. And most fervently does he pray l*

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PREFACE.

that the Americans as a nation may properly appreciate the freedom which they enjoy, while they learn the price of its purchase, and that they may be a virtuous, united and happy people, sustained and protected by the arm of Omnipotence.

In disposing of his first edition, the author has travelled South into the State of Virgin¬ ia, East to Maine, and West to Ohio. To his second edition he has added the most interesting events of the last three years of his life, in these long journeys ; and now presents the public with this edition, be¬ ing confident that as yet he has offered his little book to but few of those patriotic citi¬ zens who would most freely patronize the work.

As in the providence of God, the Author has been denied the advantages of an edu¬ cation, he makes no pretensions to elegance of style or diction ; but with all due defer¬ ence submits his humble performance to the public.

ANDREW SHERBURNE.

Augusta, Oneida County , N. Y. March , 1831.

CERTIFICATES.

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Whereas the Rev. Andrew Sherburne, our worthy brother and fellow-laborer in the gospel, contemplates making a journey, with his family, to remove into the south western regions of this country, to reside; in order that he may meet with that reception among Christians, to which his character and office entitle him; the under¬ signed beg leave to represent, that he has for fifteen years past maintained a respectable standing in the New-Iiampshire Baptist Association, as pastor of the Baptist church in Arundel; and as far as our information extends, is deemed faithful and well established in doc¬ trine, whom we esteem highly in love, as a Christian brother and a minister of Christ; and as such, we would recommend him to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.

SIMON LOCK, Pastor of the church in Lyman.

ABNER FLANDERS, Pastor of the Baptist church in Burton.

JOSHUA ROBERTS,

Pastor of the Baptist church in East parish of Wells.

TIMOTHY HUDSON, Pastor of the church in Hollis.

Hollis, August 21st, 1818.

This and the three following Certificates were given to the Au¬ thor, while on his journey from the State of Ohio to Maine. Washington city, House of Representatives , Feb. 28, 1 823.

The Rev. Andrew Sherburne, the bearer of this, is wor¬ thy the confidence of the friends of Zion, and esteem of his fellow-citizens generally. Twenty years acquain¬ tance, has proved him an undeviating friend. I most cor¬ dially sympathize with him in his troubles, having per¬ formed those services in the revolutionary war, which entitle him to respect.

MARK HARRIS.

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CERTIFICATES.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.

The subscriber has seen the credentials of the Rev# Andrew Sherburne, and has, otherwise, had an opportu¬ nity of becoming acquainted with his character. He be¬ lieves Mr. Sherburne to be a brother deserving the affec¬ tionate and respectful regards of the churches. Mr. S. will, himself communicate the story of his sufferings du¬ ring the revolutionary war, and his subsequent toils in the service of his country. His necessities are real and imperious, and it is hoped the patriot and the Christian will alike contribute to his assistance.

WM. 8TAUGIITON.

Philadelphia , April 11, 1823.

Having seen the Rev. Mr. Sherburne’s, testimonials, and being personally and fully satisfied with his piety and good character, I do most cordially coincide with the Rev. Dr. Staughton in the foregoing certificate and just recommendation.

WM. ROGERS.

Philadelphia , April 15, 1823.

I cheerfully add my testimony in favor of the Rev. Mr. Sherburne’s character to the foregoing, and recom¬ mend him to the charitable consideration of the opulent and benevolent.

JEDEDIAH MORSE.

New Haven , Jane 12, 1823.

MEMOIRS OF ANDREW SHERBURNE.

“ I have attentively perused the ‘ Memoirs of Andrew Sherburne, a pensioner of the navy of the Revolution.’ Publications of this description, though they may not challenge admiration by elegance of style or diction, still deserve the notice of Americans.

The aGtors in our Revolutionary struggle, have, with a few exceptions, gone 1 the way of all the earth.’ Many interesting details relative to the period that ( tried men’s souls,’ must necessarily perish with those who witnessed them. An attempt to preserve from oblivion, facts which show the interposition of the Lord of Sabbaoth, in favor

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IX of the oppressed, and the unconquerable firmness of those who fought in the great cause of freedom and of man, cannot be uninteresting to the pious and the free. 1 recommend the work to the perusal of our citizens, and its aged, war-worn author to the kindness of all who be¬ lieve that a debt of gratitude is still due to the veterans of the Revolution.

N. N. WHITING, Pastor of the Baptist church, Vernon.

Vernon, Aug. 5, 1828.

I have read the above work with considerable interest. The author has written in a spirit of moderation and pie¬ ty worthy of imitation.

I consider Mr. Sherburne and his work, as entitled to the patronage of all Americans.

N. WILLIAMS,

Judge of the Circuit Court , State N. Y.

We fully concur in the opinion above expressed by Mr. Whiting and Judge Williams, and most cheerfully recommend the work to the patronage of a liberal and enlightened public.

S. C. AIKIN,

Pastor of the first Pres, church , Utica. WILLIAM WILLIAMS.

The following editorial notice of this work appeared in tl/e New-York Baptist Register, conducted by A. M. Beebee, Es<j. on the 7th November, 1828, which may be recorded as the fair ex¬ pression of those who have read the book.

u We have read with deep interest £ The Memoirs of Andrew Sherburne, a pensioner of the navy of the Rev¬ olution,’ published by William Williams, Utica, and re¬ commend it to the patronage of the community. It is the plain and simple narration of the life of one who commenc¬ ed while a youth, in our Revolutionary struggle, and en¬ dured with the fortitude ofa man, most extraordinary 'per¬ ils and sufferings, displaying a purity of patriotism to be admired, even in a veteran. Its interest is not a little

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enhanced, from the circumstance of the author having been, not only a Revolutionary hero, but subsequently a Christian, and also a Christian minister. Private indi¬ viduals are overlooked in the glare of attraction which surrounds the great. The officers and great men, who have figured in contests for national glory, give you in a general mass only, the privates whose labors have se¬ cured their fame, while those who have commanded in the fight, have been individually selected for the laurel. Those who have shared in doing and suffering for their country, deserve grateful recollections. But few, in common rank, have told the history of either. Humility on the one hand, and stinted acquirements on the other, have disqualified them for the task. In the present in¬ stance, however, we are presented with the Memoirs of one in an humble station, during the trying period of America’s strife, who acquired the ability to write the history of his woes, while a captive for his country in Mill prison, in England. The narration, though unpretend¬ ing, is marked with much good sense, and purity of style; and the incidents which it unfolds cannot fail to interest every true American, and also all such as love the gospel of Christ. The price of the work is one dollar, and who, that has the sum to spare, would not cheerfully pay it to relieve the declining years of a veteran of the Revolu¬ tion ?”

The following editorial notice of the above named work, is from the Utica Intelligencer of 7th October, 1828, by E. S. Ely, Esq.

“ M e have been much pleased in the perusal of a part ol the volume with the above title. The style is easy and familiar, and the narration contains a circumstantial account of several voyages made during the interesting period of the Revolution, the writer’s treatment when confined in Mill prison, at Plymouth, in England, and his sufferings on board the Jersey prison ship, from which he was discharged at the peace of 17853. Mr. Sher¬ burne has been for a number of years a reputable minis¬ ter of the Baptist church. He is a pensioner, and of course in circumstances far from affluent, and we hope his book will be patronized, not only as an entertaining

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xi auto-biography, abounding with uncommon incidents, but from regard to one whose services and pecuniary circumstances recommend him to favor.”

The following communication was designed to have a place among the recommendations of the work spoken of in it; and though not received in time for that purpose, we think proper, even now, to lay it before the public.

Mr. Wm. Williams,

SIR — Understanding that you are about to publish the Life of Rev. Andrew Sherburne, written by himself, I think it my duty to communicate to you some of my thoughts respecting the work.

When Mr. Sherburne first consulted me on the expe¬ diency of having it published, 1 felt apprehensive that it would be unsaleable, and occasion to him, rather a bur¬ then than a benefit; and consequently dissuaded him from the undertaking. He urged me to look into the manuscript. Reluctantly I complied; and had read but a few pages, when my attention became fixed, and I re¬ gretted that I had not time to read it through before he called for it. I read, however, the account of his ad¬ ventures and sufferings during the Revolutionary War, to the time of his release from confinement on board the Jersey. My opinion on the expediency of printing it became decidedly reversed. I am persuaded that, if published, it will be perused and read with great avidity by various classes of American citizens. It gives a more circumstantial detail of the sufferings and deliverances of our naval prisoners, during the Revolutionary conflict, than I have seen in any other book, and in connexion therewith serves greatly to illustrate the minute and won¬ derful operations of Divine Providence. Upon the whole, though in a plain style, it is a very interesting story; and exhibits a character, in several respects extraor¬ dinary.

Wherefore, as the author is now old and poor, and has a dependant family, I do most cordially wish that the book may be published, and that it may receive deserved patronage; which will, in some measure, remunerate his past toils, and supply his present wants. Indeed,

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whether his youthful and faithful services in the cause of his country, be recollected, or whether he be consid¬ ered as an aged and needy disciple and minister of Christ, where is the American patriot or the sympathet¬ ic Christian , that would refuse to give a dollar for a copy of his book ?

Respectfully yours,

WILLIAM PARKINSON, Pastor of first Baptist church , N. York.

New -York, July 12, 1827.

From my personal acquaintance with Rev. Mr. Sher¬ burne, and from the interesting character of his biog¬ raphy, as lar as opportunity has been afforded to peruse the M. S. I do most cordially unite in the preceding recommendation.

SPENCER H. CONE, Pastor of Oliver-strect Baptsit churchy N. York.

MEMOIRS

OF

ANDREW SHERBURNE.

CHAPTER L

The Author's birth and parentage — at the age of sei'en years left his father's house — Londonderry — Mrs. Bell , an Irish Presbyterian lady-— her piety — the Au¬ thor's first religious impressions through her instruc¬ tions — public excitement at the commencement of the revolution— ^the Author's first cruise on board the Ranger , at the age of thirteen.

My ancestors, both on my father’s and mother’s side, Were from England. My father could trace hi spedigree back to one of the earliest settlers of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Within my remembrance many persons of the name of Sherburne, were inhabitants of Portsmouth, and especially of the plain, called Sherburne’s plain. The only family, however, now on the plain, is that of Capt. Joseph Sherburne, my uncle’s son. He is of the sixth or seventh generation of that name who have held the same farm in succession. My father, Andrew Sher¬ burne, was the son of Deacon John Sherburne, of Ports¬ mouth, My mother was Susannah Knight, the eldest daughter of George Knight, of Kittery, Maine. He died at Cape Breton, in Sir William Pepperell’s expedition, in the year 1745, leaving three infant daughters, Susan¬ nah, my mother, Mary, who became the wife of Capt. Joseph Green, and Elizabeth, married to Capt. William White. These gentlemen were commanders of vessels which sailed from Portsmouth. My grandmother, Mrs. Knight, married Mr. Shadrach Weymouth, whose sons I shall have occasion to mention hereafter.

I was born in the town o-f Rye,* once a part of Ports¬ mouth, N. H. September 30th, 1765, within one hundred rods of the Atlantic ocean. I was the second son and fourth child of my parents-. My brothers were Thomasr older than myself, Samuel, George and John ; the last died in infancy. My sisters were Martha, Elizabeth, Mary, Susan, Abagail, Marcy, Sarah and another who died in infancy* At an early age my life began to be marked by misfortunes and dangers. When I was less than three years of age I fell into a spring, and was to appearance drowned. A sister one year and a half older than myself, gave the alarm. I was taken out, and the Almighty was pleased to resuscitate me. Having reach¬ ed the age of seven years, my father placed me with Mr. John Cate, of Londonderry, forty miles from Portsmouth. His wife was my father’s youngest sister. I lived more than four years in this family, without having seen any member of my father’s family. Here I began to feel the sorrows of life. I frequently mourned deeply over my separation from my father, mother, brothers and sisters. I had no playmate. When childish vanity or fro wardness received correction, I frequently felt myself friend¬ less, and sometimes thought that I was chastised when, t did not deserve it, and that if my parents >vere acqqain-f ted with my sufferings, they would surely take , me, home with them. Children certainly enjoy a very great blessing, who in childhood are permitted to remain under, the care of parents. When I was eight or nine years old, an ancient Irish Presbyterian lady, by the name of Bell came to reside in my uncle’s family. She had ex¬ perienced religion before her removal from Ireland. — She had been distinguished for her piety during the course of a long life, having now reached the age of ninety. She was the first woman whom I had ever heard pray. She had been a cripple from her youth, was never married, and at this time I believe subsisted on the charity of her friends. Families whose means would allow it, seemed to account it an honor to hove Mrs. Bell for a guest. She paid especial attention to

* As Rye was once a part of Portsmouth, I bar# geaeraly flailed from that place.

ANDREW SHERBURNE.

ihe youth and children of those families in which she resided, taught them to read, instructed them in the cate¬ chism, stored their memories with hymns, and often con¬ versed with them on the subject of religion. I recollect to have heard her speak of an extraordinary reformation which took place in Ireland during her childhood. She stated that a number of very young children were con¬ verted, some of whom at an early period, left the world in an extacy of joy, with strong confidence in the prospect of dwelling with the Saviour. When Mrs. Bell entered my uncle’s family, I had but little opportunity for read¬ ing ; she, however instructed me in the catechism, and I, under her direction, learned a number of hymns, most of which I recollect to this day.

One Sabbath afternoon, while this lady was employed in catechising the children of the family, my mind be¬ came agitated in an unusual manner. I wished to retire, but feared to make the attempt, lest 1 should be ordered to remain in the room ; at the same time I concluded I should cry aloud if I remained. I was awed with a sense of the presence of GOD, but could find no cause for my strange confusion of mind. At length I hastily made for the door and retired without molestation. It gave me a momentary relief to escape from the house unmolested. I fled to the barn, imagining that my feet scarcely touched the ground, and falling on my knees in one corner, I, for the first time attempted to pray.

To all this, except weeping when I first left the house, I seemed to be involuntarily impelled. The conflict of feeling subsided, my mind became tranquil, and for some days or weeks, I felt an unusuul degree of solemnity. I have no recollection that Mrs. Bell ever made any inqui¬ ries respecting the state of my mind, yet she was inde¬ fatigable in giving me good counsel.

During fifty-six years which passed away since that event, I have reflected on it perhaps a thousand times, but have never been able satisfactorily to assign a cause for my feelings on that Sabbath. I am not aware that I founded any hopes of salvation on those impress¬ ions. From that time forwaid, however, when I thought <of God, my mind was filled with awe, and I often dread-* ed to sin against him. Still I was not aware, at this pe¬ riod, of the fountain of iniquity which existed within my heart. From that period I occasionally prayed ; some¬ times felt my affections considerably excited, especially when thinking of home. I am now persuaded that I had no small degree of Pharisaic pride about me. I was however but a child, and much, very much needed an instructed

I must now call the attention of the reader to circum¬ stances of a different kind, and wish that he with myself may keep the providence of God in view. The cele¬ brated Stamp Act passed the British Parliament in 1765, the year of my birth. That act excited a general alarm among the American Colonists.. Resolutions were passed against the act by most of the colonial assemblies. I had breathed but a few days when ten of the colo¬ nies, by their representatives, formed a Colonial Congress in the City of New-York, in October, 1765.

I was about nine years of age when Gen. Gage, with a land and naval force, took possession of Boston, which has been termed the c< cradle of American indepen¬ dence.” The seizure of Boston exasperated the feel¬ ings of the colonists in every section of our country. I distinctly recollect the period when the farmers of Lon¬ donderry could scarcely settle themselves to their work. They felt that their rights were invaded. Many persons of talent or influence were friendly to the measures pur¬ sued by the British parliament; they were termed 11 To¬ ries.” Another class, which remonstrated against those measures, received the name of u Whigs.” My uncle with whom X resided was a decided Whig. Having form¬ ed acquaintances in Boston, wheie he had served his time at the cabinetmaker’s business, he felt a deep inte¬ rest in the events which occurred1 there. He took the news-papers ; (there were comparatively few published at that day,) his neighbours assembled about him, and the fire-side conversation turned on the rights of the peo¬ ple, the injustice of parliament, the detection of Tories, &c. The conflicts at Lexington and Bunker’s hill., and the burning of Charleston, roused the Irish “ Yankies” of Lendonderry.. The young; men posted off to the bat-

ANDREW SHERBURNE.

tie ground, prompted by their sires, who followed them with their horses laden with provisions. My ears were open to all the passing news. I wished myself old enough to take an active part in this contest. Little did I realize at that time the horrors of war. I had not yet heard the clash of arms, the groans of the dying, and the shouts of the victors. Nor did I imagine at this period, when I so much abhorred swearing, that the time would arrive when I should become a profane sailor. What is man ? ‘‘At his best estate he is altogether vanity.”

In Londonderry the influence of Doct. Matthew Thorn¬ ton, one of the signers of the declaration of independence, was exerted with great effect, on the side of liberty. — When I was about eleven years of age, my uncle re¬ moved from Londonderry to Epsom. Here another distinguished patriot had resided, Capt. Mc’Leary. He fell with General Warren, on Bunker’s Hill. I recollect the four following lines of a dirge, commemorative of the deaths of Warren and Mc’Leary, and their companions.

“My trembling hands and aching heart,

O how it throbs this day;

Their loss is felt in every part Of North America.”

These lines indicate the spirit of the times, rather than the poetic talent of their author. A martial spirit was diffused through the little circle of my acquaintances.— As the men were frequently called together for military discipline, their example was not lost upon the boys. — Lads from seven years old and upwards, were formed into companies, and being properly officered, armed with wooden guns and adorned with plumes, they would go through the manual exercise with as much regularity as the men. If two or three boys met, their martial ardor showed itself in exercising with sticks instead of muskets. Many a bitter sigh and broken heart, however, testiffed in the end the result of this military excitement.

Parents saw with pain their sons advancing from child¬ hood to youth. My reader can but faintly imagine the feelings of an aged father, or ail affectionate mother, perhaps a widow, when news arrived that a son had o#

UtMOtbS OP left in the field of battle, or had languished and died in a hospital, or still remained a prisoner in the hands of a foe, whose tender mercies were cruel. Danger how¬ ever did not deter our young men from pressing forward to the’ battle ground, or sailing to meet the foe upon the ocean.

I turn to myself. While residing in Epsom, on, a Sabbath I went to a meeting in Chichester, accompa¬ nied by a number of others. 1 do not recollect to have heard the preacher’s name, but I am inclined to think that it must have been Elder Eliphalet Smith, [common¬ ly called “Mountain Smith.”] At this period I was about twelve years of age. I had enjoyed but little op¬ portunity for hearing preaching. Although the congre¬ gation assembled in a barn, the worship was conducted with great solemnity, and the preacher had my whole at¬ tention. I felt a solemn sense of my responsibility to Gon. In the intermission I retired into the woods, my mind was filled with serious reflections, and I earnestly wished to continue in this fratne of mind. While return¬ ing home, I had no inclination to join the young compa¬ ny in their light and careless conversation. I felt inclined to walk alone. The impression made on my mind con¬ tinued for some time. I do not recollect, however, to have formed any opinion respecting rriy situation. In¬ difference at last succeeded, but I did not indulge myself in outbreaking sins as usual. Soon after this I returned to my parents in Portsmouth. An abundance of new objects was here presented to my view. Ships were building, prizes taken from the enemy unloading, priva¬ teers fitting out, standards waved on the forts and batte¬ ries, the exercising of soldiers, the roar of cannon, the sound of martial music and the call for volunteers so in¬ fatuated me, that I was filled with anxiety to become an actor in the scene of war. My eldest brother, Thomas, had recently returned from a cruise on board the “ Gen¬ eral Mifflin,” of Boston, Capt. Mc’Neal. This ship had captured thirteen prizes, some of which, however, being of little value, were burnt, some were sold in France, others reached Boston, and their cargoes were divided among the crew of that ship. On my brother’s return,

ANDREW SHERBURNE.

I became more eager to try my fortune at sea. My fa¬ ther, though a high Whig, disapproved the practice of privateering. Merchant vessels, at this period, which ran safe, made great gains, seamen’s wages were conse¬ quently very high. Through my father’s influence Thomas was induced to enter the merchants’ service Though not yet fourteen years of age, like other boys, I imagined myself almost a man. I had intimated to my sister, that if my father would not consent that I should go to sea, I would run away, and go on board a privateer. i\Iy mind became so infatuated with the subject, that I talked of it in rhy sleep, and was overheard by my mother. She communicated what she had heard to my father. — My parents were apprehensive that I might wander off and go on board some vessel without their consent. At this period it was not an uncommon thing for lads to come out of the country, step on board a privateer, make a cruise and return home, their friends remaining in en¬ tire ignorance of their fate, until they heard it from them¬ selves. Others would pack up their clothes, take a cheese and a loaf of bread, and steer off for the army. There was a disposition in commanders of privateers and re¬ cruiting officers to encourage this spirit of enterprise in young men and boys. Though these rash young adven¬ turers did not count the cost, or think of looking at the dark side of the picture, yet this spirit, amidst the des¬ pondency of many, enabled our country to maintain a successful struggle and finally achieve her indepen¬ dence.