The Women of the American Revolution

Front matter

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I. Mary Washington

IL

Esther Reed, ill.

Catharine Schuyler,

IV.

Catharine Greene,

V.

Mercy Warren, .

Jenet Montgomery, Hannah Winthrop, Catharine Livingston,

. 102

VI.

Lucia Knox, .

Mrs. Gates, .

VII.

Mary Draper, Mrs. Pond,

. 113 117

VIII.

Frederica de Riedesel,

. 119

IX.

Dorothy Hancock, Sarah Hull, .

. 143 . 145

X.

Harriet Ackland,

. 147

XL

Hannah Erwin Israel, Mary Redmond,

. 155 . 169

XII.

Lydia Darrah,

. 171

XIII.

Rebecca Franks, .

XIV.

vm

Contents

WAam,

XV..

Mary Philipse, .

Preface

Ik offering this work to the public, it is due to the reader no less than the writer, to say something of the extreme dificulty which has been found in obtaining materials sufficiently reliable for a record designed to be strictly authentic. Three quarters of a century have necessarily effaced all recollection of many imposing domestic scenes of the Revolution, and cast over many a veil of obscurity through which it is hard to distinguish their features. Whatever has not been preserved by contemporaneous written testimony, or derived at an early period from immediate actors, in thcv scenes, is liable to the suspicion of being distorted or discolored by the imperfect knowledge, the prejudices, or the fancy of its narrators. It is necessary always to distrust, mad very often to reject traditionary information. Much of this character has been received from various sources, but I have refraiued from using it in all cases where it was not supported by responsible personal testimony, or where it was found to conflict in any of its details with established historical facts.

Inasmuch as poHtical history says but little — ^aod that ragpiely and incidentally — of the Women who bore their part

X PREFACE.

in the Revolution, the materials for a work treating of them and their actions and suflferings, must be derived in great part from private sources. The apparent dearth of information was at first almost disheartening. Except the Letters of Mrs. Adams, no fair exponent of the feelings and trials of the women of the Revolution had been given to the public ; for the Letters of Mrs. Wilkinson afford but a limited view of a short period of the war. Ot the Southern women, Mrs. Motte was the only one generally remembered in her own State for the act of magnanimity recorded in history ; and a few fragmentary anecdotes of female heroism, to be found in Garden's collection, and some historical works — completed the amount of published informatiqn on the subject. Letters of friendship and affection — ^those most faithful transcripts of the heart and mind of individuals, have been earnestly sought, and examined wherever they could be obtained. But letterwriting was far less usual among our ancestors than it is at the present day; and the uncertainty, and sometimes the danger attendant upon the transmission of letters were not • only an impediment to frequent correspondence, but excluded from that which did exist, much discussion of the all-absorbing subjects of the time. Of the little that was written, too, how small a portion remains in this — as it has been truly called — ^manuscript-destroying generation ! But while much that might have illustrated the influence of woman and the domestic character and feeling of those days, had been lost or obscured by time, it appeared yet possible, by persevering effort, to recover something worthy of an enduring record. With the view of eliciting information for this purpose, application was made severally to the surviving relatives of women remarkable for position or influence, or whose zeal, personal

PREFACE. XI

sacrifices, or heroic acts, had contributed to promote the establishment of American Independence.

TSij success in these applications has not been such as to enable me to fill out entirely my own idea of the work I wished to present to the reader. Some of the sketches are necessarily brief an meagre, and perhaps few of them do full justice to their subjects. There is, also, inherent difficulty in delineating female character, which impresses itself on the memory of those who have known the individual by delicate traits, that may be felt but not described. The actions of men stand out in prominent relief, and ar^ a sftfe guide in forming a judgment of them ; a woman's sphere, on the other hand, is secluded, and in very few instances does her personal history, even though she may fill a conspicuous position, afford sufficient incident to throw a strong light upon her character. This want of salient points for description must be felt by all who have attempted a faithful portraiture of some beloved female relative. How much is the difficulty increased when a stranger essays a tribute to those who are no longer among the living, and whose existence was passed for the most part in a quiet round of domestic duties !

It need scarcely be said that the deficiency of material has in no case been supplied by fanciful embellishment. These memoirs are a simple and homely narrative of real occurrences. Wherever details were wanting to fill out the picture, it has been left in outline for some more fortunate limner. No labor of research, no pains m investigation — and none but those who have been similarly engaged can estimate the labor — ^have been spared in establishing the truth of the statements. It can hardly be expected that inaccuracies have be^i altogether avoided in a work where the facts have to be drawn from numerous and sometimes conflicting authori-^ ties ; but errors, if discovered, may be hereafter corrected.

The sketches contained in the first volume, illustrating progressive stages of the war, are arranged with some observance of chronological order ; while those in the second do not admit of such a distribution.

Many authorities, including nearly all the books upon the Revolution, have b^eu consulted, and reference is made to those to which I am under special obligations. For the memoir of Mrs. Bache, I am indebted to the pen of Mr. William Duane, of Philadelphia, and for that of Mrs. Allen, to Mr. Henry R. Schoolcraft, of Washington. My grateful acknowledgments are due also to Mr: Jacob B. Moore, Librarian of the New York Historical Society, for valuable advice, And for facilities afforded me in examining the books and manuscripts under his charge ; and to Dr. Joseph Johnson, the Rev. James H. Saye, and the Hon. Judge O'Neall, of South Carolina, who have obligingly aided me in the collection of authentic particulars connected with the war in that State. Others have rendered valuable assistance in the same way, and in affording me an opportunity of examining family papers in their possession. Trth^n all — and to those numerous friends who have encouraged me by their sympathy and kind wishes in this arduous but interesting task — ^I offer most heartfelt thanks. If the work whoise progress they have cherished should be deemed a useful contribution to American History, they will be no less gratified than myself that its desi^ has been accomplished.

THE WOMEN OF THE REVOLUTION.

All Americans are accustomed to view with interest and admiration the events of the Revolution. Its scenes are vivid in their memory, and its prominent actors are regarded with the deepest veneration. But while the leading spirits are thus honored, attention should be directed to the source whence their power was derived — to the sentiment pervading the mass of the people. The force of this sentiment, working in the public heart, cannot be measured ; because, amidst the abundance of materials for the history of action, there is little for that of the feeling of those times. And, as years pass on, the investigation becomes more and more difficult. Yet it is both interesting ^nd important to traee its operation. It gave statesmen their influence, and armed heroes for victory. What could they have done but foe the home-sentiment to which they appealed, and which sustained them in the hour of trial and ^ccess ? They were thus aided to the eminence they gained through toils and perils. Others may claim a share in the merit, if not the fame, of their illustrious deeds. The unfading laurels that wreathe their brows had their root in the hearts of the people, and were nourished with their life*blood.

The feeling which wrought thus powerfully in the community depended, in great part, upon the women. It is always thus in times of popular excitement. Who can estimate, moreover, the controlling influence of early culture! During the years of the progress of British encroachment and colonial discontent, when the sagacious politician could discern the portentous shadow of events yet far distant, there was time for the nurture, in the domestic sanctuary, of that love of civil liberty, which afterwards kindled into a flame, and shed light on the world. The talk of matrons, in American homes, was of the people's wrongs, and the tyranny that oppressed them, till the sons who had grown to manhood, with strengthened aspirations towards a better state of things, and views enlarged to comprehend their invaded rights, stood up prepared to defend them to the utmost. Patriotic mothers nursed the infancy of freedom. Their counsels and their prayers mingled with the deliberations that resulted in a nation's assertion of its independence. They animated the courage, and confirmed the self-devotion of those who ventured all in the common cause. They frowned upon instances of coldness or backwardness; and in the period of deepest gloom, cheered and urged onward the desponding. They willingly shared inevitable dangers and privations, relinquished ^Vithout regret prospects of advantage to themselves,, and parted with

WOMEN or THE REVOLUTIOH. ' 15

those they loved better than life, not knowing when they were to meet again. It is almost impossible now to appreciate the vast influence of woman's patriotism upon the destinies of the infant republic. We have no means of showing the important part she bore in maintaining the struggle, and in laying the foundations on which so mighty and majestic a structure has arisen. History can do it no justice ; for history deals with the workings of the head, rather than the heart. And the knowledge received by tradition, of the domestic manners, and social character of the times, is too imperfect to furnish a sure index. We can only dwell upon individual instances of magnanimity, fortitude, self-sacrifice, and heroism, bearing the impress of the feeling of Revolutionary days, indicative of the spirit which animated all, and to which, in its various and multiform exhibitions, we are not less indebted for national freedom, than to the swords of the patriots who poured out their blood.

• " 'Tis true. Oleander," says a writer in one of the papers of the day,* " no mean merit will accrue to him who shall justly celebrate the virtues of our ladies! Shall not their generous contributions to relieve the wants of the defenders of our country, supply a column to emulate the Roman women, stripped of their jewels when the public necessity demanded them?" Such tributes were often called forth by the voluntary exertions of American women. Their patriotic sacrifices were made with an enthusiasm that showed the earnest

• New Jersey Gazette, October 11th, 1780.

qnrit re«dy <m every occasion to appear in generoiMf acta. Some gave their own property, and went from house to house to solicit contributions for the army. Colors were embroidered by fair hands, and presented with the charge never to desert them ; and arms and ammunition were provided by the same liberal zeal. They formed themselves into associations renouncing the use of teas, and other imported luxuries, and engaging to card, spin, and weave their own clothing. In Mecklenburgh and Rowan counties. North Carolina, young ladies of the most respectaUe families pledged themselves not to receive the addresses of any suitors who had not obeyed the country's call for military service.

The needy shared the fruit of their industry and economy. They visited hospitals daily ; sought the dungeons of the provost, and the crowded holds of prison ships ; and provisions were carried from their stores to the captives whose only means of recompense was the blessing of those who were ready to perish. Many raised grain, gathered it, made bread, and carried it to their relatives in the army, or in prisons, accompanying the supply with exhortations never to abandon the cause of their country. The burial of friends slain in battle, or chance-encounters, often devdved upon them ; and even enemies would not have received sepulture without the service of their hands.

When the resources of the country scarcely allowed the scantiest supply of clothing and provisions, and British cruisers on the coast destroyed every hope of

WOMEN OF TH£ REVOLUTIOlf. 17

aid from merchant vessels ; when, to the distressed troops, their cup of misfortune seemed full to overflowing, and there appeared no prospect of relief, except from the benevolence of their fellow-citizens; when even the ability of these was almost exhausted by repeated applications — ^then it was that the women of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, by their zealous exertions and willing sacrifices, accomplished what had been thought impossible. Not only was the pressure of want removed, but the sympathy and favor of the fair daughters of America, says one of the journals, '' operated like a charm on the soldier's heart — gave vigor to exertion, confidence to his hopes of success, and the ultimate certainty of victory and peace." General Washington, in his letter of acknowledgment to the committee of ladies, says, ** The army ought not to regret its sacrifices or its sufferings, when they meet with so flattering a reward, as in the sympathy of your sex ; nor can it fear that its interests will be neglected, when espoused by advocates as powerful as they are amiable." An officer in camp writes, in June, 1780: "The patriotism of the women of your city is a subject of conversation with the army. Had I poetical genius, I would sit down and write an ode in praise of it. Burgoyne, who, on his first coming to America, boasted that he would dance with the ladies, and coax the men to submission, must now have a better understanding of the good sense and public spirit of our females, as he has already heard of the fortitude and inflexible temper of our men." Another observes : " We cannot appeal in

18 WOttfiN OF THE REVOLUTION.

vain fot whftt is good) to that litnetuajy Whero 1^11 that in good b«ts its proper home — ^the female bosom."

How the influence of Women was estimated by John Adams, appears from one of his letters to his wife :

^' I think I have some times observed to you in conversation, that upon examining the biography of illustrious men> you will generally find some iemale about them, in the relation of mother> or wife, or sister, to whose instigation k great part of their merit is to be ascribed. You will find a curious example of this in the case of Aspasia, the wife of Pericles. She was a woman of the greatest beauty, and the first genius. She taught him, it is S€dd, his refined maxims of policy, his lofty imperial eloquence, nay, even composed the speeches on which so great a share of his reputation was founded.

" I wish some of our great men had such wives. By the account in your last letter, it seems the women in Boston begin to think themselves able to serve their country. What a pity it is that our generals in the northern districts had not Aspasias to their wives.

"I believe the two Howes have not very great women for wives. If they had, we should suffer more from their exertions than we do. This is our good fortune. A smart wife would have put Howe in possession of Philadelphia a long time ago."

The venerable Major Spalding, of Georgia, writes, in reply to an application to him for information respecting the revolutionary women of his state : " I am a very old man, and have read as much as any one I know^ yet I have neviHr known, and never read of one— no, not one!—

WOMEN OF THE REVOLUTIOH. 19

^vfao did not owe high standitig, or a great name, to \ni inother*s blood, or his mother's training. My friend Randolph said he owed every thing to his mother. Mr. Jefferson*s mother was a Randolph, and he acknowledged that he owed every thing to her rearifag. General Washington, we all know, attributed every thing to his mother. Lord B$^on attributed much to his mother's training. And will any one doubt that even Alexander believed he owed more to the blood and lofty ambition of Olympia, than the wisdom or cunning of Philip?"

The sentiments of the Women towards the brave defenders of their native land, were expressed in an dddress widely circulated at the time, and read in the churches of Virginia. " We know,*' it says — " that at a distance from the theatre of war, if we enjoy any tranquillity, it is the fruit of your watchings, your labors, yt^ur dangers. * *^ * * And shall we hesitate to evince to you our gratitude ? Shall we hesitate to wear clothing more simple, and dress less elegant, while at the price of this small privation, we shall deserve your benedictions ?"

The same spirit appears in a letter found among some papers belonging to a lady of Philadelphia. It was addressed to a British officer in Boston, and written before the Declaration of Independence. The following extract will show its character :

" i will tell you What I have done. My only brother I hAVe isent to the tcatnp with toy prayers and blessings. I hope he will not disgrace me ; I am confident he will

20 WOMEN OF THE REVOLUTIOK.

behave with honor, and emulate the great examples he has before him; and had I twenty sons and brothers they should go. I have retrenched every superfluous expense in my table and family ; tea I have not drunk since last Christmas, nor bought a new cap or gown since your defeat at Lexington ; and what I never did before, have learned to knit, and am now making stockings of American wool for my servants ; and this way do I throw in my mite to the public good. I know this — that as free I can die but once ; but as a slave I shall not be worthy of life. I have the pleasure to assure you that these are the sentiments of all my sister Americans. They have sacrificed assemblies, parties of pleasure, tea drinking and finery, to that great spirit of patriotism that actuates all degrees of people throughout this extensive continent. If these are the sentiments of females, what must glow in the breasts of our husbands, brothers, and sons ! They are as with one heart determined to die or be free. It is not a quibble in politics, a science which few understand, that we are contending for ; it is this plain truth, which the most ignorant peasant knows, and is clear to the weakest capacity — ^that no man has a right to take their money without their consent. You say you are no politician. Oh, sir, it requires no Machiavelian head to discover this tyranny and oppression. It is written with a sunbeam. Every one will see and know it, because it will make every one feel ; and we shall be unworthy of the blessings of Heaven if we ever submit to it. * * * * # ♦

WOMEN OF THE KEVOLUTION. 21

* * * « Heaven seems to smile on us ; for in the memory of man, never were known such quantities of flax, and sheep without number. We are making powder fast, and do not want for ammunition."

From all portions of the country thus rose the expression of woman's ardent zeal. Under accumulated evils, the manly spirit that alone could secure success, might have sunk but for the firmness and intrepidity of the weaker sex. It supplied every persuasion that could animate to perseverance, and secure fidelity.

The noble deeds in which this irrepressible spirit breathed itself, were not unrewarded by persecution. The case of the quakeress Deborah Franklin, who was banished from New York by the British commandant for her liberality in relieving the sufferings of the American prisoners, was one among many. In our days of tranquillity and luxury, imagination can scarcely compass the extent or severity of the trials endured ; and it is proportionately difficult to estimate the magnanimity that bore all, not only with uncomplaining patience, but with a cheerful forgetfulness of suffering in view of the desired object. The alarms of war — the roar of the strife itself, could not silence the voice of woman, lifted in encoiffagement or in prayer. The horrors of battle or massacre could not drive her from the post of duty. The effect of this devotion cannot be questioned, though it may not now be traced in particular instances. These were, for the most part, known only to those who were themselves actors in the scenes, or who lived in the midst of them. The heroism of the Revo*

32 W01f£N OF THE BKVOLUTION.

lutionary women has passed from remembrance with the generation who witnessed it ; or is seen only by faint and occasional glimpses, through the gathering obscurity of tradition.

To render a measure of justice — ^inadequate it must be — to a few of the American matrons, whose names deserve to live in remembrance — and to exhibit something of the domestic side of the Revolutionary picture — is the object of this work. As we recede from the realities of that struggle, it is regarded with increasing interest by those who enjoy its results; while the elements which were its life-giving principle, too subtle to be retained by the grave historian, are fleeting fast from apprehension. Yet without some conception of them, the Revolution cannot be appreciated. We must enter into the spirit, as well as master the letter.

While attempting to pay a tribute but too long withheld, to the memory of women who did and endured so much in the cause of liberty, we should not be insensible to the virtues exhibited by another class, belonging equally to the history of the period. These had their share of reverse and suffering. Many saw their children and relatives espousing opposite sides ; and with ardent feelings of loyalty in their hearts, were forced to weep over the miseries of their families and neighbors. Many were driven from their homes, despoiled of property, and finally compelled to cast their lot in desolate wilds and an ungenia] climate.* And while their

heroism, fortitude, and spirit of self-sacrifice were not less brightly displayed, their hard k)t was unpitied, and they met with no reward.

In the library of William H. Prescott, at his residence in Boston, are two swords, crossed above the arch of an alcove. One belonged to his grandfather. Colonel William Prescott, who commanded the American troops in the redoubt at Bunkerhill. The other was the sword of Captain Linzee, of the royal navy, who commanded the British sloop of war — The Falcon, then lying in the Mystic; from which the American troops were fired upon as tbey crossed to Bunkerhill, Captain Linzee was the grandfather of Mrs. Prescott. The swords of those two gallant soldiers who fought on difierent sides upon that memorable day — ^now in the possession of their united descendants, and crossed-^an emblem of peace, in the library of the great American historian — atre emblematic of the spirit in which our history should be written. Such be the spirit in which we view the loyalists of those days.

MARY WASHINGTON.

The Mother op Washington! There needs no eulogy to awaken the associations which cling around that sacred name. Our hearts do willing .homage to the venerated parent of the chief—

" Who 'mid his elements of being wrought With no uncertain aim — nursing the germs' Of godlike virtue in his infant mind."

The contemplation of Washington's character naturally directs attention to her whose maternal care guided and guarded his early years. What she did, and the blessing of a world that follows her — teach impressively — ^while showing the power — the duty of those who mould the characters of the age to come. The principles and conduct of this illustrious matron were closely interwoven with the destinies of her son. Washington ever acknowledged that he owed everything to his mother — ^in the education and habits of his early life. His high moral principle, his perfect self-possession, his clear and sound judgment, his inflexible resolution and untiring application — ^were developed by her training

MART WASHINGTOir. 25

and example. A believer in the truths of religion, she inculcated a strict obedience to its injunctions. She planted the seed, and cherished* the growth, which bore such rich and glorious fruit. La Fayette observed that she belonged rather to the age of Sparta or Rome, than to modern times; she was a mother formed on the ancient model, and by her elevation of character and matchless discipline, fitted to lay the foundation of the greatness of him who towered "beyond, all Greek— beyond all Roman fame."

The course of Mrs. Washington's life, exhibiting her qualities of mind and heart, proved her fitness for the high trust committed to her hands. She was remarkable for vigor of intellect, strength of resolution, and inflexible firmness wherever principle was concerned. Devoted to the education of her children, her parental government and guidance have been described by those who knew her as admirably adapted to train the youthful mind to wisdom and virtue. With her, affection was regulated by a calm and just judgment. She was distinguished, moreover, by that well marked quality of genius, a power of acquiring and maintaining influence over those with whom she associated. Without inquiring into the philosophy of this mysterious ascendancy, she was content to employ it for the noblest ends. It contributed, no doubt, to* deepen the effect of her instructions.

The life of Mrs. Washington, so useful in the domestic sphere, did not abound in incident. She passed through the trials common to those who lived amid the scenes of 2

2d WOMBN OF THE REVOLUTION.

the Revolutionary era. She saw the son whom she had taught to be good — ^whom she had reared in the principles of true honor, walking the perilous path of duty with firm step, leading his country to independence, and crowned with his reward — ^a nation's gratitude ; yet in all these changes, her simple, earnest nature remained the same. She loved to speak, in her latter days, of her boy's merits in his early life, and of his filial afifection and duty; but never dwelt on the glory he had won as the deliverer of his country, the chief magistrate of a great republic. This was because her ambition was too high for the pride that inspires and rewards common souls. The greatness she discerned and acknowledged in the object of her solicitous tenderness was beyond that which this world most esteems.

The only memoir of the mother of Washington extant, is the one written by George W. P. Custis, the grandson of Martha Washington, and published more than twenty years ago in his " Recollections" in the National Gazette. These reminiscences were collected by him in the course of many years ; and to them we are indebted for all that is known of the life and actions of this matron. According to these, she was descended from the re^ spectable family of Ball, who came to this country and settled on the banks of the Potomac, jln the old days of Virginia, women were taught habits of industry and self-reliance, and in these Mrs. Washington was nurtured. The early death of her husband involved her in the cares of a young family with limited resources, which rendered pnidence ^nd economy necessary to

MARY WASHINGTON. 37

provide for and educate her children. Thus circrnnstanced, it was left to her unassisted eflTorts to form in her son's mind, those essential qualities which gave tone and character to his subsequeht life. George was only twelve years old at his father's death, and retained merely the remembrance of his person, and his parental fondness. Two years after this event, he obtained a midshipman's warrant ; but his mother opposed the plan, and the idea of entering the naval service was relinquished.

The home in which Mrs. Washington presided, was a sanctuary of the domestic virtues. The levity of youth was there tempered by a well regulated restraint, and the enjoyments rational and proper for that age were indulged in with moderation. The future chief was taught the duty of obedience, and was thus prepared to command. The mother's authority never departed from her, even when her son had attained the height of his renown; for she ruled by the affection which had controlled his spirit when he needed a guardian ; and she claimed a reverence next to that due to his Creator. This claim he admitted, mingling the deepest respect with enthusiastic attachment, and yielding to her will the most implicit obedience, even to the latest hours of her life. One of the associates of his juvenile years, Lawrence Washington, of Chotank, thus speaks of his home :