Life of Jonathan Trumbull, sen., governor of Connecticut

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Preface

The Life of Governor Trumbull, Senior — a man profoundly and most honorably interwoven with the American Revolution, and, as pronounced by Washington himself, among "iAe first of patriots ^^ — has never, until now, been attempted. To relieve the silence of biography respecting him, and present his name and fame to the Public, in their true light, is the object of the writer of this Work.

Of the manner in which the task has been accomplished, the Reader, of course, will judge. Suffice it to say here, that for its due execution the writer has explored every pertinent and authentic record within his reach, and believes himself to have had access to all the most important. Among these — besides numerous works of General History, biographies of noted personages, and old newspapers, magazines, and pamphlets — which it is not necessary here to specify — he has consulted carefully a large and instructive mass of documents, from the Trumbull family, in the Connecticut Historical Society — another voluminous collection, from the same source, in the Massachusetts Historical Society — the Johnson, Deane, Wolcott, and Wadsworth Manuscripts in the archives of the former Institution — many Letters in the possession of Hon. Joseph Trumbull, of Hartford, Connecticut — ^Letters also in the State Paper Office at Washington — and much other Trumbull correspondence which has been derived from various private hands. In addition to this, he has scrutinized the Journals of the Continental Congress, and numerous records iv PREFACE.

in the State Capital at Hartford — especially those of the General Assembly of Connecticut, and of its Council of Safety, during the War of the Eevolution. Memorials also from Governor Trumbull's native town of Lebanon, and reliable memories from his kindred, and from others well acquainted with his character and conduct, have been gathered for the purposes of this Work. Authentication of statements, when deemed necessary, will be found, generally, current with the text. Keaders are assured, that the author has labored sincerely, in all that he has written, to be accurate, impartial, and just. ■

To Honorable Joseph Trumbull, of Hartford, he feels especially indebted for the unfailing encouragement which this gentleman has bestowed upon a task, which has proved, at times, complicated and difficult. Those only who undertake a similar labor, can fully appreciate the embarrassments which it ofteVi occasion^ to a writer's pen — ^but the highly respected friend to whom I allude, has ever thrown over it the sunshine of his sympathy and hope.

That the work now given to the Public may prove acceptable to him, to the citizens of Connecticut, and to my fellowcountrymen at large — and may justly develop for a nation's veneration one of the most distinguished of its patriotic

sons — is the fervent wish of

I. W. Stuart.

Hartford, April ISth, 1859.

Chapter I. 1710-1740

Tbumbull's birth and ancestry. Of his fether. Of his talents and early education. He prepares for College, and enters Harvard University. His course in College. Of his classmates — particularly Church and Hutchinson. He graduates, and prepares for the ministry. This purpose is changed by the death of a brother, and he embarks in mercantile pursuits. He still continues his studies — what these were, and their efifect upon his mind. He is soon, and repeatedly, elected a Representative in the General Assembly from his native town. He is made Speaker. He is elected to the post of Assistant. His marriage, and his first child Page 25

Teumbtjll's public offices and services. War between Spain, France, and England. Connecticut takes an active part in it. Trumbull is deeply interested. As a military officer, he is busy in furnishing troops and supplies. He is charged by Connecticut with highly important and honorable trusts in connection with the war. Is a principal counsellor upon military enterprises, and upon ways and means. He renders valuable service, and is in liigh repute, but does not himself take the field. Three children are added to his family Page 35

Trumbull's public offices and services. Case of the Spanish Snow St. Joseph and St. Helena, and his particular connection with it. He beneficially settles the controversy it involved. The second French and English "War. The contributions of Connecticut towards it. Trumbull's agency in its prosecution. He again raises men and supplies, and with Commissioners from other Colonies, and British commanders-in-chie^ decides upon its enterprises. Instances of consultation for this purpose. He is twice appointed Colonial Agent for Connecticut to the Court of Great Britain, but declines. His letters of declination. Comment. The war closes. Trumbull's gratification. The fraits of the war.

General joy Page 43

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VI CONTENTS.

Trumbull in the sphere of his own home and town. Two sons, David and John, are added to his family. His care for the education of his children. He is active in founding an Academy in Lebanon. His own views of instruction, studies, and scholarship. He receives honorary degrees from Yale College, and from the University of Edinborough, in Scotland Page 58

CHAPTER V. 1731-1764.

Trumbull as merchant. His partnership connections. His dealings both at home and abroad — with New York, Boston, Nantucket, Halifax, the "West Indies, and England. The articles in which he traded. Interesting anecdote in this connection of himself^ his son John, and Zachary, a Mohegan Indian whom he employed as a hunter. He imports largely, in vessels owned either in part or whole by himself. His trade enhanced by contracts for the supply of troops during the French wars. His experience in these contracts. He establishes semi-annual fairs and markets in Lebanon. His success in these. His business habits — integrity, energy, and punctuality. The property he acquired Page 65

CHAPTER VI.

1764-1770.

General view of the condition of the American Colonies at this period. Investigation into the nature of their connection with the Parent State particularly roused. Trumbull's public offices and duties. He is appointed Deputy Governor and Chief Justice of Connecticut. He watches closely the measures of England. Examines especially the famous Writs of Assistance, and writes to England about them. The conclusions of his mind upon these Writs are strongly in favor of liberty. The noted trial upon their validity in Boston awakens his patriotic zeal. Two application^ for their issue are made in Connecticut to the Court over which he himself presides. His action and sentiments upon these appUcations. A striking letter on the subject from his pen Page 74

CHAPTER VII. 1765.

Trumbull and the Stamp Act. Resistance of Connecticut to the Act, and Trumbull's participation in it. A thrilling scene illustrating his opposition. Governor Fitch calls his Council together in order to take an oath to carry the measure into effect, as required by King and Parliament. He announces his readiness to be sworn. Trumbull, and other Councillors, remonstrate, and refuse to perform the ceremony. The Governor argues the case witli them, and insists upon taking the Oath. Four of the Councillors, enough for the purpose, unwillingly yield. The remaining seven, Trumbull at their head, still resist. Their motives, arguments, and some of their language upon the occasion. The Governor rises to receive the Oath. At this moment, Trumbull, refusing to witness a ceremony which he thinks will degrade the Colony,

CONTENTS. VU

and is an outrage upon liberty, seizes his hat, and indignantly withdraws from the Council Chamber, followed immediately by six of his associates. Judgment of the Colony upon the event Page 83

CHAPTER VIII 1764-1770.

State of the quarrel with Great Britain just after the Stamp Act. Tnimbull expresses his views concerning it in a letter to Dr. Johnson. His moderation and foresight. His character by Bancroft. Great Britain engaged in forging new fetters for America. Trumbull's opinion of these given in another letter to Dr. Johnson — and in one also to Richard Jackson, a Member of the British Parliament. Thus far a prudent remonstrant, but firm in his spirit of resistance to the obnoxious measures of the day. This spirit begins to vent itself with increased energy, when the tyranny deepens — as shown from his letters to Dr. Johnson and Gen. Lyman in London particularly, and from his correspondence elsewhere. He sends abroad State documents of great importance as regards the contest. He is thoroughly informed of everything passing in England. Is familiar with the politics and condition of Europe generally — but especially with those of France, the proceedings of whose Prime Minister, the Duke de Choiseul, he watches with deep interest. He is made Governor of Connecticut at the close of 1769. His appointment a fortunate one for the Colony. Dr. Johnson's letter upon the occasion Page 93

CHAPTER IX.

Trumbull's judicial career — down to 1770 — as Justice of the Peace, Judge of the County and Probate Courts, and Chief Justice of the Colony. Testimony of Wm. Samuel Johnson, and of the public, on this point Page 109

CHAPTER X.

1764-1770.

Trumbull as merchant. He enters into a new partnership. The times are out of joint, and clouds darken over his business life. The general course of trade and commerce at this time, and his own in particular. He sends his son Joseph to England. The son's occupation there, and correspondence with his father. Trumbull becomes a whaling merchant. His vessels. He meets with severe reverses — what they were, and how occasioned. His manly conduct in his troubles. It wins the respect of all his creditors. He makes to them a full statement of his pecuniary affairs. This statement. He takes pains, through his correspondence in England, to develop the resources of his native land. The iron ore of "Western Connecticut in this connection. He commends particularly the Society in England for promoting Arts and Commerce, and circulates their pamphlets. His creditors forbear to press him. Adversity serves but to stiffen his energies Page 114

'General view of the period embraced in this chapter. At the outset of Trumbull's adminstration there is a more cheering state of things — particularly for Connecticut. One important interruption, however, which was carefully composed by the Grovemor. How it was done. The repose continues. This

VIU CONTENTS.

interval seized to look at Trambull in the sphere of his public duties, aside from the American struggle. And here his Election Speech in 1771 — and the Susquehannah Controversy. The management of this famous controversy devolves almost entirely on himself. He states the Case. Abstract of this Statement. The Case remains unsettled when the Revolution commences, but is afterwards determined. The result. Trumbull waived its further agitation at the outbreak of the Revolution, in order to promote union and harmony among the Colonies Page 125

CHAPTER Xri.

Trumbull and the Mohegan Controversy. The origin of this controversy. Claim of Connecticut. Claim of and for the Mohegans. Attempted settlements of the case. Its management, just before and after he became Governor, devolved chieflj' on Trumbull. His fitness for the task from long experience in Indian affairs, and with those of the Mohegans particularly. In 1769 one of a Committee appointed by the General Assembly to visit these Indians, and examine and report upon their condition. The manner in which he performed his task described by himself in a letter to Wm. Samuel Johnson. His exertions roused attention to the appeal of 1766 on the Mohegan Case, and caused it, in January 1770, to receive a fresh hearing before the Lords in Council. A motion to dismiss it made and refused — and another hearing ordered. A dark hour for Connecticut on the case. Trumbull, however, makes preparation for it, and presses the General Assembly to fresh effort. He accumulates all the resources of defence, and sends them over to England. The chances of the trial are still against Connecticut — ^but it terminates favorably to the Colony. The elder Winthrop's Journal in this connection. Trumbull copies it, and causes it, for the first time, to be printed. And here his care generally of valuable papers and public documents. The Trumbull Papers in the Historical Society at Boston. His interest in statistical inquiries. He replies to the Queries of the British Board of Trade Page 137

CHAPTER XIII.

1770-1775.

A CRISIS in the is.sues between Great Britain and the Colonies. Trumbull, in consequence, proclaims a day of Pasting and Prayer, and doubles the military stores of the Colony. Correspondence between Gen. Gage and Trumbull in reference to one Thomas Green, a Boston tory, who had been severely handled in Connecticut. Cases of other disaffected persons. Abijah Willard, Dr. Beebe, and two Ridgfield tories, in connection with Trumbull. Trumbull and the first Continental Congress. His zeal in fostering it. His opinion of its measures. He diligently prepares his own people for the emergency of

I war. He issues a Proclamation against riotous demonstrations. The famous Peters riot, as officially described by the Governor. Such disturbances not as yet common in Connecticut. EpiscopaUans not under the ban of public opinion, as sometimes charged. Trumbull a tolerationist. His Christian character described. The non-importation scheme, and his activity in promoting it. His son John in revolutionary and educational connection with the parent. The father's taste and views with regard to the art of painting. Both sire and son are ready for the Revolutionary Future.. . .Page 150

CONTENTS. IX

CHAPTER XIV. 1775.

State of public affairs in the winter and spring of 17'75. The Earl of Dartmouth's Circular to the Colonies, forbidding a second American Congress. Trumbull long on terms of friendly and useful correspondence with the Earl. He strongly advocates the forbidden Congress. A letter from his pen to the Earl of Dartmouth, on the grievances of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and of the Colonies in general. He repeats the sentiments of this letter in anotlier to Thomas Life, Agent for Connecticut in England. At Norwich he first hears of the Battle of Lexington. His conduct in consequence. Upon receiving a circumstantial account, he transmits the same to Congress, and communicates it to the General Assembly of Connecticut. The duty, in consequence, devolved on him. By order of the Assembly, he addresses Gen. Gage. His letter. Gage's reply. The Massachusetts Provincial Congress is alarmed at this correspondence, and remonstrates. No ground for this alarm. It is soon, through Trumbull and others, dissipated Page 168

CHAPTER XV. 1775.

Trumbull's activity, at Lebanon, in furnishing troops and supplies for the army at Boston, immediately after the Battle of Lexington. His "War Office, and Dwelling- House, and their associations. On request from the New York Revolutionary Committee, he strives to intercept despatches from England for Gen. Gage. He receives from Massachusetts an urgent demand for more troops — with which he complies. His connections with the expedition to Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and with military affairs generally at the North, at this period Page 179

CHAPTER XVI. 1775.

Trumbull supplies the Camp at Boston with fresh troops and stores. Some of the powder he sent told at Bunker Hill. His daughter Faith an eye-witness of this battle. Its fatal effect upon her. Trumbull's conduct upon her death. He sends forces, under General Wooster, and supplies, to New York. His difficulty at this time in procuring supplies. He proclaims an embargo. He recommends Congress to appoint a National Fast — which is done. He objects to their renewed Petition to the King, but on other points harmonizes with their action. Congress highly commends his course. He congratulates Washington upon his appointment as Commander-in-chief. "Washington's reply. A difficulty among Connecticut officers on Putnam's promotion to the post of Brigadier General. Spencer resigns. Trumbull's prudent management of the case. His letter to Congress on the subject. His letter to Spencer. Its soothing effect. Spencer returns again to the Army Page 194

CHAPTER XVII.

1775.

A Council of Safety organized to aid Governor Trumbull. The sessions of this Council, and TrumbuU's efficiency as its Head. He continues active in furnishing troops and supplies. He is appointed by Congress to confer with

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Dr. Franklin, Mr. Harrison, and Mr. Lynch, about the army. A difference between himself and Gen. "Washington in regard to certain new levies. Correspondence concerning it. It is happily reconciled Page 203

CHAPTER XVIII. 1775.

Trumbull in connection with the sea-coast defence of Connecticut. The dangers upon the coast, from the enemy, both to property and person — what they were. Attempted seizure of Gov. Griswold, and of other leading whigs — as Gen. Washington — Gen. Schuyler — Gen. Silliman — Gov. Clinton — and Gov. Livingston. Trumbull a special object of the enemy's vengeance. A Tory threat against him. A price was set on his head. A special guard, therefore, appointed to protect him at Lebanon. A suspicious stranger at liis dwelling. Spirited conduct of his housekeeper, Mrs. Hyde, upon the occasion He receives alarming intelligence of an intended attack, by a large British fleet, upon the shipping, and seaport towns of Connecticut. He is busy for their protection. He detains the Nancy — a suspected ship — and distributes lier avails to the public use. He is applied to by Congress to furnish a large armed ship to intercept two store-brigs from England. He grants permits for exportation — commissions privateers — and sends out spy-vessels. Hia oversight of prisoners of war. Many such sent to Connecticut. Trumbull and the prisoners from Ticonderoga and Skenesborough. His management, particularly, of the cases of the elder Skene and Lundy. His management also of the cases of Capt. De La Place — Major French — and especially of Dr. Benjamin Church, his old classmate in College. His watchfulness against tories, suspicious wanderers, and inimical persons generally. The Detective System of Connecticut at this time Page 211

CHAPTER XIX.

1775.

A NEW anxiety for Trumbull. Soldiers left the Camp around Boston, and among them some of the troops from Connecticut. Washington writes Trumbull respecting these, animadverting, in severe terras, on their conduct. An admirable reply from Trumbull. Another letter of censure, to Trumbull — from the New York Congress — in regard to Capt. Sears and the Rivington Press Trumbull's reply. He blames New Tork for granting permits to carry provisions to the Island of Nantucket, then deemed somewhat disaffected to the American cause. Satisfied now that Great Britain will not yield, he continues diligent for the public good. For the sake of general harmony, he again urges Congress to aid in quieting, for the present, the Susquehannah Controversy. Dr. Franklin's Plan of Union sent to Trumbull. His views concerning it. HeproclaimsaFast, at the close of 1775. The Proclamation . Page 223

CHAPTER XX.

Trumbull known and denounced abroad as " the Rebel Governor of Connecticut." Extract from aLondon Magazine, of 1781, showing the manner in which he was vilified in England. Was in fact the only " Rebel Governor in America," at the outbreak of the Revolution. His course, ilnder this aspect, examined and vindicated by contrast with the course of every other Governor in the United

CONTENTS. xi

Colonies — viz: Thomas Hutchinson of Massachusetts — John "Wentworth of New Hampshire — Joseph Wanton of Rhode Island — William Tryon of New York — William Franklin of New Jersey — John Penn of Pennsylvania and Delaware — Robert Eden of Maryland — Lord Dunmore of Virginia — Joseph Martin of North Carolina — Lord Wilham Campbell of South Carolina — and James Wright of Georgia Page 231

CHAPTER XXI. 1776.

Trumbull in his connections with the war, at the North — around New York — and at the East. He issues two Proclamations for raising a Northern Regiment. He makes other preparations for the Northern Department, and hears favorable news from this quarter. He warmly aids the defence of New York by Gen. Lee. An instance, here, of his promptness and decision. He guards against tories. Congress and Lord Sterling press him to continue his aid to New York. He strengthens and supplies the army around Boston. He encourages the procurement and manufacture of the munitions of war. The works at SaUsbury in this connection. Death of his friend and pastor, Rev. Solomon Williams. Trumbull in his relations to this worthy man — to his Church — and to his death-bed. Pago 243

CHAPTER XXII. 1776.

Trumbull aids the American Army on its way from Boston to New York. He meets Washington at Norwich. His sentiments on the evacuation of Boston. He is informed that a large body of foreign troops is on its passage to America — and that a British fleet of one hundred and thirty sail had left Halifax, Ijound for New York. His preparations thereupon both for the Continental Army, and for the defence of Connecticut. He is officially apprized of the Declaration of Independence. His views of this Instrument. He lays it before his Council, and it is referred, for official promulgation and record, to the next General Assembly. Depressed state of American affairs. Trumbull receives the Peace Propositions of Lord Howe and his brother as King's Commissioners. His opinion and action thereupon. They serve but to render his preparations for the defence of New York and Long Island more vigorous. His Exhortation to the people in this connection. Their quick response. Soldiers rush to New York Page 260

CHAPTER XXIII. 1776.

Disastrous Battle of Long Island. Trumbull not disheartened— but sends reenforcements, and animates Massachusetts and Rhode Island to do the same. He appoints a Day of Fasting and Prayer. His Proclamation for this purpose. Forces from Connecticut pour into the Continental Army. Washington expresses his thanks to Trumbull. Trumbull's reply. American affau-s still in a calamitous state. Trumbull, undismayed, continues his exertions for the common cause. Some of his labors Page 271

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CHAPTER XXIV.

1776.

Trumbull in the department of Home Defence. The hostile vessels and fleets iu the Sound. He is made Chief Naval Officer of the State. He builds three row-galleys, and a ship-of-war. He confers with ingenious men about marine devices. Buslmell and his Torpedo in tliis connection. Trumbull commends him to Wasliington. He regulates provision vessels, and guards against predatory descents, and illicit trade. He concerts expeditions, in aid of Washington, to drive the enemy from Long Island and the Sound. These expeditions described. He urges Congress to adopt New London as an asylum for tlie Continental fleet. The Marine of Connecticut this year. Its success. The Defiance captures a valuable British ship and brig, after a sharp engagement. Admiral Hopkins reaches New London, from the West Indies, with valuable prizes, and important prisoners. Satisfaction of TrumbuU Paje 278

CHAPTER XXV.

1776.

Trumbull and the Northern Army. His letter to Washington upon the failure of the Expedition into Canada. He urges renewed exertions for the defence of the Northern Frontier. Tliey are to be made. His own preparations therefor. Distressed condition of the Northern Army at this time. Trumbull's eftbrts for its relief. The enemy about to descend, in great force, from Canada, and occupy the whole country south. Trumbull, therefore, aids to form a lake squadron ample for defence. His efforts, in other respects, to reestablish the Northern Army. The testimony here of General Gates to his conduct. Arnold's defeat. Trumbull communicates the news to the States adjacent to Connecticut. He continues to refurnish the army. Gen. Schuyler warmly acknowledges his services. His son Col. John Trumbull receives the American prisoners taken at the defeat of Arnold. A curious conference, involving the Governor, between Sir Guy Carleton and Gen. Waterbury. Gen. Gates renews his thanks to Trumbull. Many officers of the Northern Army are recommended by Trumbull to rewards. He sympathizes with their grievances, and gives them counsel. Case of Gen. Schuyler in this connection. Soothing letters to him from Trumbull P^ ^e 296

CHAPTER XXVI.

1776.

An alarm from Rhode Island. The enemy seize Newport. The Connecticut measures for defence, and the Governor's cares and duties. The prisoners of this year. The Mayor of AHaany, the Mayor of New York, Governor Brown of New Providence, and Governor Franklin of New Jc ey, conspicuous among them. Trumbull charged specially with their cub .ody. Case of Franklin particularly described. Other prisoners — where from — where confined. Connecticut is ovorburthened with tliem. Trumbull writes the New York Congress on the subject. His letter. The care taken of them in Connecticut. Trumbull's treatment of them illustrated. He was eminently humane. His duties and conduct in promoting their exchange Page 309

CONTENTS. xm

CHAPTER XXVII.

1777.

Trumbull opens the y«ar with a Proclamation for a Fast. He devotes himself to recruiting the Continental Army. The system of additional bounty in this connection, and a letter from him on the subject. Pressing requisitions from Washington for more troops. Trumbull responds — and how. Menaced devastation from the enemy. Trumbull prepares. Danbury laid in ashes. Measures taken by him in consequence. His Proclamation against home depredators. He guards against similar attacks, and for the present successfully. Gallant expedition of Col. Meigs to Sag Harbor, and report of the same to the Governor. He perseveres in his plans for home defence. Sends a Company of Rangers to the seashore. His labors in the department of supplies. Connecticut the Provision State Page 318

CHAPTER XXVIII.

1777.

Trumbull hears that the British fleet has sailed southwards, but may speedily return. His preparations in consequence. Himself and Rhode Island military affairs. Military affairs at the North. TrumbuU continues to strengthen the army there. An interview between him and a deputation of Oneida warriors — whom he conciliates with a " talk " and with presents. Burgoyne's unchecked progress southwards. Defeat of General St. Clair. The shock to the American people in consequence. Trumbull expresses his own bitter disappointment in letters to his son-in-law "Williams. These letters. Notwithstanding defeat, he is still active to reenforce the army. The tide turns. Battle of Saratoga, and triumph of the American arms. Joy of TrumbulL He participates in a solemn Thanksgiving in the Church at Hartford . Page 332

CHAPTER XXIX.

Trumbull in the naval sphere. The Sound, as usual, infested with hostile ships. His powers, duties, and labors as Chief Naval Officer of the State. Prizes this year — their number and value. Tnunbull in this connection. Maritime losses this year small — maritime gains large. Prisoners this year — numerous as usual — some specified. Trumbull in this connection agaua. Their exchange exacts much labor. Sad state of many Americans whom he released. His remonstrances in behalf of such. Tories and malignauts in Connecticut. Their detection and treatment by Trumbull. His care for sick soldiers. His care for the farming interests of the soldier. He rotates agricultural with military labor Page 345

CHAPTER XXX.

1777.

Trumbull and finance. Large sums of money pass through his hands. The depreciation of the Continental currency. His course on this subject. His views remarkably sound. " Pay as we go," his financial aphorism. His opinion of a foreign loan to sink the bills in circulation. The correspondence and friendship between himself and John Derk, Baron Yan der Capellan, of Holland. Sketch of this patriotic nobleman. Trumbull addresses him a long and able let-

XIV CONTENTS.

ter. He closes the year by proclaiming a Day of Public Thanksgiving. Other Proclamations in this connection. The title of " His Excellency " for the first time conferred this year upon the Governor Page 355

CHAPTER XXXI.

1778.

Starving condition of the American Army at Valley Forge. Washington appeals to Trumbull for aid. It is rendered. Many droves of cattle sent on. Gen. Champion particularly active in the matter. The vital relief they afforded. The poHcy of Connecticut m regard to the supply of beef for the army. Some of its legislation on this subject. Its policy and laws in regard to the supply of clothing. The pains taken by Truipbull to procure materials for this purpose, and the patriotic industry of Connecticut women in fabricating them into garments Page 364

CHAPTER XXXII. 1778- The Campaign of 1178 — its plans and achievements. Trumbull as connected with tliem. The troops to be raised. Difficulties in the way of enlistment. He sends two thousand troops to Peekskill. Upon a call from Congress, he aids in perfecting the defences of the North River. Upon the arrival of the French fleet under D'Estaign, bringing aid to America, he prepares diligently for cooperation. He issues stirring Proclamations for raising troops to support Gen. Sullivan in Rhode Island. The soldiers and supplies he sent. Failure of the attempt to expel the British from Newport. His son, Col. John TrambuU, in the battles there. He sends his father an account of them, and a map of the battle grounds. A graphic description by the son of his own experience at the time. The movements of the enemy become mysterious. American movements in consequence, and the participation Trumbull had in them. Gen. Gates, with a large force, encamps at Hartford. A public dmner is given him by the Governor and General Assembly. The Governor present. Description of the entertainment. The problem of the British plan solved, and the American troops go into winter quarters , Page 371

CHAPTER XXXIII.

1778.

TRUireuLL and the Home Defence of Connecticut. The British naval armament upon the American station this year. Trumbull's protection of the coast. Hia attention to the Marine. A privateer named after him. The whaleboat system gives him much anxiety. It degenerates. He watches it closely, and is sparing of commissions. The benefits resulting to Connecticut this year fi-om his measures for home defence. Maritime losses few. They are more then counterbalanced by maritime gains. The memorable capture of the Admiral Keppel and the Cyrus by the Oliver Cromwell — a Connecticut ship-of war. Its commander's letter to Trumbull announcing the victory. Prisoners — a large number this year. March of the captives at the Battle of Saratoga through Connecticut, on their way to Virginia. Trumbull's arrangements for it. Case of Henry Shirley, a distinguished prisoner in Trumbull's hands. The handsome treatment he received from the Governor Page 392