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CHAPTER XIII

PRISONERS OF WAR IN AMERICA. – JOURNEY TO CAMBRIDGE. – PROVINCIAL BARRACKS AGAIN OCCUPIED. – HONOR AMONG PRISONERS OF WAR. – THE BARONESS TELLS HER STORY. – ROUTE FROM SARATOGA TO CAMBRIDGE. – "TORY ROW"

No foreign king shall give us laws, no British tyrant reign, For independence made us free, and independence we'll maintain. We'll charge our foes from post to post, attack their works and lines, Or by some well-laid stratagem, we'll make them all Burgoynes.

REV. SAMUEL HIDDEN.

      THE Germans and Hessians were in a sorry plight. They came not here voluntarily, but were caught while in their churches and elsewhere, and were forced into the service.
      The wives who were with them helped make up the pitiable procession that passed through the country.

      "They had a collection of wild animals in their train – the only thing American they had captured. Here could be seen an artillery-man leading a grizzly bear, that every now and then would rear upon his hind legs as if he were tired of going upon all fours, or occasionally growl his disapprobation at being pulled along by a chain. In the same manner a tame deer would be seen tripping lightly after a grenadier.

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Young foxes were also observed looking sagaciously from the top of a baggage-wagon, or a young racoon securely clutched under the arm of a sharp-shooter."

      Their advent to Cambridge is thus described by an eye-witness: --
      "On Friday we heard the Hessians were to make a procession on the same route. I never had the least idea that the creation produced such a sordid set of creatures in human figure, – poor, dirty, emaciated men; a great many women, who seemed to be the beasts of burden, having bushel baskets on their backs by which they were bent double. The contents seemed to be pots and kettles, various sorts of furniture, children peeping through gridirons and other utensils, some very young infants who were born on the road. The women were bare-footed, and clothed in dirty rags. Such effluvia filled the air while they were passing, that had they not been smoking all the time, I should have been fearful of disease.
      "Among these prisoners were generals of the first order of talent; young gentlemen of noble and wealthy families aspiring to military renown; legislators of the British realm; and a vast concourse of other men, lately confident of victory and of freedom to plunder and destroy, were led captive through the pleasant land they had coveted, to be gazed at with mingled joy and scorn by those whose homes they came to make desolate. Their march was solemn, sullen, and silent."

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      To many of them the abandoned barracks of the patriots afforded more comfort than they had been enjoying, while to some the best quarters were repulsive in the extreme.

      NOTE. – The reader will bear in mind that the German troops captured and marched as prisoners to Cambridge were only a portion of the whole army hired from that country by the King of England to subdue the patriots. They were first met in combat at Long Island in August, 1776, when Washington was defeated with a loss of one thousand in dead and wounded; but before the year closed, Washington made that memorable Christmas [1] call upon the enemy after crossing the Delaware, and captured a full thousand of the Hessians.

      The British soldiers were quartered in the barracks on Prospect Hill, and the Germans on Winter Hill. Cambridge again assumed a warlike appearance. Besides the almost six thousand prisoners quartered there, a small army of patriots was required to keep guard over them. Among the guard were some brave men who had appeared there under different circumstances in the spring of 1775. The command of the guard fell to General Glover of Marblehead, although many towns were represented in the rank and file. In the almost illegible records of the towns may be deciphered entries like the following: –-

"Men to take and guard the convention troops."

      William R. Lee of Marblehead, who had two years before been prominent as a captain at the


[1] See Story of Marblehead.

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Cambridge camp, was again on the ground, but as a colonel, with his troops to form a portio of the guard.
      On the day following the arrival of the army, General Burgoyne and his two major-generals, Phillips and Riedesel, dined by invitation with General Heath, the commander of the American forces in and around Boston. The dinner is described as an elegant affair. Whose healths were drunk we do not know. Among the guests were Generals Glover and Whipple, who had conducted the British part of the capitulated army from Saratoga. This fine beginning was too good to last. Many of the prisoners were too base to appreciate favors; as utterly incapable of manifesting a sense of gratitude as they were of understanding the language in which orders were given. They took advantage of the liberty given them, and commenced a wholesale destruction of fences, sheds, barns, fruit, and ornamental-trees, and everything available, under the pretence of necessity for fuel. This led to the enforcement of more rigid measures on the part of the guard, and then to complaints from the prisoners, and a general disturbance.       It is apparent that General Burgoyne entertained no hard feelings against Colonel Lee, for there is credited to him the most remarkable kindness in the following narrative.[1]


[1] See "History of Marblehead" by Roads.

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Captain John Lee, brother of Colonel William R., while in the privateer service, was taken prisoner in 1776, and sent to Forton Prison,[1] England. He was there submitted to the most cruel treatment. Three times he attempted, with a few of his companions in misery, to make an escape; but as often failed, and received a worse punishment.
      At length he was allowed the range of the larger apartments and yard of the prison. He was informed one day by an officer that there was some one at the gate who had been granted an interview with him. On going to the entrance he found a well but plainly dressed gentleman, who asked, "Are you Captain John Lee of Marblehead?" and being satisfied of his identity, the strange caller presented a purse containing seventy-five guineas.
      The prisoner asked in astonishment to whom he was indebted for such a timely and most acceptable present. "No matter," was the answer. And then the gentleman observed, "With a part of the funds, purchase, or procure in some way, a complete suit of uniform like those worn by the soldiers of the guard; and this evening place yourself in some obscure corner or position, whence you can unperceived fall into the ranks when they go the rounds, and come out


[1] Same prison mentioned in "A Romance of War" in "Beneath Old Roof Trees" of this series.

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into the yard. But as there are sentinels who must be passed before you reach the street, the countersign will be required;" which was then whispered in his ear, and the unknown gentleman disappeared.
      By using the gold freely and wisely during the day, Captain Lee was enabled to obtain the needful dress, and following the instructions which he had so strangely received, he fell into the ranks as the guard passed through the prison, and soon reached the yard. Then giving the countersign, he passed the guard at the outer gate, and found himself alone in the street. The night was very dark, and the roads were strange to him, so that he did not know where to go, or what step to take next to make sure of success. While he was endeavoring to reach a decision, the gentleman who gave him the purse came up, and taking him by the hand, congratulated him upon his good fortune. Then conducting him to a carriage which was waiting at a little distance, the gentleman requested him to enter it, and stated that the coachman had instructions where to convey him. As he entered the carriage the strange gentleman wished him a prosperous and safe return to America, and was about taking his leave, when Captain Lee again asked to whom he was indebted for such a humane and generous act. He answered, "No matter." And after directing the coachman to move off, he bowed and said,

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"Farewell, God bless you!" and was soon out of sight.
      On his arrival in America, Captain Lee related the circumstances of his escape to his brother, Colonel William R. Lee, and expressed a strong desire to know who the gentleman could have been, and what were his motives for extending assistance to an utter stranger and a natural enemy. Colonel Lee replied, –-
      "I can inform you. When General Burgoyne and his army arrived at Cambridge as prisoners of war, I had the command of the troops which were stationed there as guard, and again for several months previous to his departure for England. When I waited upon him to take leave on the day of his departure, he thanked me in the most cordial manner for my attentions, and, as he expressed it, the gentlemanly and honorable manner in which I had treated him and his officers, and wished to know whether there was anything which he could do for me when he reached England. I informed him I had a brother who for more than two years had been confined in Forton Prison; and as he was entirely destitute of funds, I should consider it a great favor if he would take charge of seventy-five guineas, and cause them to be delivered to him on his arrival. He replied, ‘Why did you not inform me before that you had a brother a prisoner in England? You shall not send any money to him; I will see that it is sup-

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plied, and shall with great pleasure do everything in my power to render his situation as comfortable as possible.' I thanked him for his generous offer of services, but informed him that I could not consent to receive pecuniary aid, and desired as a special favor that he would be so kind as to deliver you the purse which I put into his hand. 'It shall be done,' he said; 'and you may be assured that I shall find him out, and see that he is well provided for in all respects.' Thus, it is evident that you are indebted to General Burgoyne for your fortunate escape from the horrors of a prison."
      Madam Riedesel gives us some ideas of the journey to Cambridge from the standpoint of a captive.

      "As it was already very late in the season, and the weather raw, I had my calash covered with coarse linen, which in turn was varnished over with oil; and in this manner we set out on our journey to Boston, which was very tedious, besides being attended with considerable hardship.
      "I know not whether it was my carriage that attracted

[Photo- "Baroness Riedesel"]

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the curiosity of the people to it, – for it certainly had the appearance of a wagon in which they carry around rare animals, – but often I was obliged to halt, because the people insisted upon seeing the wife of the German general with her children. For fear that they would tear off the linen covering from the wagon in their eagerness to see me, I very often alighted, and by this means got away more quickly."

      On the arrival at Cambridge, Madam Riedesel and family were quartered at a private house, which she describes as follows: "We had only one room under the roof. My women servants slept on the floor, and our men servants in the entry. Some straw, which I placed under our beds, served us for a long time, as I had with me nothing more than my own field-bed."
      They were allowed to eat in the room where the whole family ate and slept. It is impossible to imagine the feelings of the baroness when obliged to remain in such quarters. For one used to ordinary living to be thus located it would be hard indeed, and vastly more irksome for one accustomed to the luxury of the Riedesel home.
      It is apparent that this was not intentional on the part of the Americans in charge, for after three weeks the family were given lodgings in one of the most beautiful houses of Cambridge. It was the Lechmere House, one of the seven on "Tory Row" (Brattle Street) vacated by the Royalists. It is yet standing, not far from the colleges. Both house and grounds are so changed as

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to be scarcely recognizable. The Colonial style of the dwelling is utterly destroyed, and many houses now stand on the extensive grounds where richly dressed men and women were often seen before the Revolution.
      These noted prisoners enjoyed themselves in their new quarters, and were in full sympathy with the owners who had been obliged to flee. They complained that the town throughout was full of "violent patriots " and "wicked people." They decried the women, who they claimed showed them the greatest indignity.
      The kindness of General Schuyler prompted the baroness to pay a visit to his daughter Madam Carter, whose attentions she fully appreciated; but complained of her husband, who, she said, proposed to the Americans "to chop off the heads of our generals, salt them down in barrels, and send over to the English one of these barrels for every hamlet or little town burned down."
      After the abusive measures adopted by General Gage in this locality, it seems remarkable that these prisoners should have been treated with so much lenience, notwithstanding the terms of surrender. It was quite like our more modern way of dealing with our enemies. The family held balls and parties, and even went so far as to celebrate the birthday of the king. When they had become quite contented, expecting to remain in this place until set free, there came an order for a change.

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Some of the troops were sent to Rutland in the interior of the State, and others were sent to Virginia. It fell to the lot of the Riedesels to go to Virginia.
      The baroness succeeded in secreting the German colors, and preventing their being captured by the Americans, who were led by her to believe that they were burned at Saratoga, which was not true, the staffs only being destroyed, while the colors were secreted in a mattress.
      A daughter born to the family in New York in 1780, while they were prisoners of war, received the name of America, which name she honorably bore through a long life in Germany.
      The family spent nearly seven years in this country, it being the autumn of 1783 before they again saw their Brunswick home. About one-third of General Riedesel's army either perished or voluntarily remained in America.
      The record of the Riedesels and the Hessians occupies but a small place in our history, and is passed with but little notice, save as it comes to us occasionally through the lips of one who, like John Colburn of Hollis, N.H., has had it from one of the patriots who faced the foes "who killed for hire."
      The poet Longfellow, who became the owner of the house which was the headquarters of Washington during his stay at Cambridge, became interested in the story of the Riedesels, whose home

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was not unlike his own, and has remembered them in "The Open Window:" --

The old house by the lindens    Stood, silent in the shade, And on the gravelled pathway    The light and shadow played. I saw the nursery windows    Wide open to the air; But the faces of the children,    They were no longer there. The large Newfoundland house-dog    Was standing by the door; He looked for his little playmates,    Who would return no more. They walked not under the lindens,    They played not in the hall; But shadow, and silence, and sadness    Were hanging over all. The birds sang in the branches,    With sweet, familiar tone; But the voices of the children    Will be heard in dreams alone! And the boy that walked beside me,    He could not understand Why closer in mine, ah! closer,    I pressed his warm, soft hand

      Well authenticated history and tradition prove that Burgoyne and his officers were shown favors seldom granted to prisoners of war. While the

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Brunswick general was living in luxury as described, General Burgoyne received the distinction of being located in the Apthorp House, vacated by its Loyalist owner, John Borland, who gave up his beautiful home, rather than forsake the Crown

[Photo- "Apthorp House, Cambridge, Where Burgoyne Was Imprisoned"]

and ally himself with the Colonists. With all the softening effect of time and circumstances, one cannot revert to the vacated estates of Brattle Street without arousing the most profound sympathy for that class of people denominated Tories, many of whom had great possessions. These they sacrificed, and much else that was clear to them, rather than espouse the doubtful cause.

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These Loyalists were doubtless as conscientious in their course as were their neighbors, the patriots, in their struggle for liberty.
      The Apthorp House is one of the notable houses of Cambridge to-day. It is a well-preserved specimen of the Colonial architecture, surrounded by ample grounds, but which have been greatly shorn of their original lawn. In the mellow sunlight of an October afternoon, by the courtesy of the occupant and partial owner, I thoughtfully strolled about that yard, over the turf once trod by the proud general whose glory had departed. I recalled the scene when the general, presuming upon the leniency of the guard, made an attempt to overstep his limits, and, being brought to a halt, gave free expression to his feelings; so says the daughter of one who was a witness to the scene. The massive door of the mansion, and the large hall in which it swings, are silent reminders of many noted guests who have crossed that threshold. The spacious rooms on either side, where elaborate carvings have withstood the vexing hand of modern architects, and the broad staircase with elegant balustrade, remind one of not only the days when a notable prisoner was the occupant, but of the builder and his successors in possession.
      This interesting mansion is familiar to all who have been connected with Harvard University for more than a century, many of whom have dwelt beneath its roof. It was built about 1760 for Rev.

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East Apthorp, the first rector of Christ Church, Cambridge. In sentiment and manner of living, Dr. Apthorp may be classed with the Vassal, Lee, Inman, Oliver, Phips, Lechmere, Brattle, and Temple families, who were instrumental in erecting the church edifice and establishing the mission. It was at a time when there was an increasing opposition to the element of aristocracy in the Colonies. Being censured for his high living, etc., Dr. Apthorp became dissatisfied, and returned to England, after advising his parishioners to give less heed to "fashionable imitation and parade in buildings, tables, equipages, etc."
      John Borland and family, belonging to the select circle of sympathizers, were occupants of the Apthorp House when the Revolutionary troubles began. They were classed among the "absentees;" but the head of the family having died while in Boston in 1775, the property was not held by the government, and the heirs succeeded to the ownership. During the Borland possession the house was enlarged by adding a story at the top for the use of the negro slaves of the family, there being a growing sentiment in the Bay Colony against the practice of certain New York families, who assigned their cellars for the sleeping apartments of their slaves. Captain Thomas Warland became, through purchase, the next owner of the famous house, and it is still in the possession of his family.

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      A pair of brass candlesticks, a part of the travelling equipage or tent ornaments of General Burgoyne, were presented to Lieutenant Edmund Monroe of Lexington by a superior officer, after

[Photo- "Burgoyne's Candlesticks"]

the surrender of the northern army. These are still in the family, owned by George R. Fessenden, M.D., of Ashfield, Mass. They are made so as to be packed in a compact form, and carried in the pocket.

      NOTE. – To trace the route taken by that part of the capitulated army which went to Cambridge, the reader should follow it from Saratoga across the Hudson to Great Barrington, where for the first time they found shelter in barns. There they halted for some time in order to secure a change of teams for the conveyance of baggage, the sick, etc. Then they went on to Westfield in a lazy and shiftless manner. Two of the Germans perished from exposure before reaching West Springfield, where they crossed the Connecticut River; and finding the people of East Springfield unwilling to quarter the troops, they were obliged to go on as far as Palmer, thence to Brookfield, where the Germans overtook their English fellow-sufferers, who had preceded them a day's journey. From Brookfield to Leicester was a march of eleven days, where quarters for the weary army were obtained. On November 4 they reached Worcester, and obtained "deacent quarters." Generals Burgoyne

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and Phillips, with Brigadier Glover, were there at the same time. The next day found them at Marlborough, and on the succeeding day they reached Weston, and one day more was needed to complete the journey to Cambridge, November 7.
      One need not study very intently the history of the towns through which the prisoners passed, to find that the patriots on the entire route took pleasure in the panoramic scenes. In many instances, however, they gave relief to the poor bedraggled creatures who fell out by the way, and lay down to die in a strange land.
      According to the terms of capitulation, the army was to have a free passage to England under Lieutenant-General Burgoyne. It was to march to Massachusetts Bay by the easiest and most expeditious route, and be quartered as near as possible to Boston. The officers were not to be separated from their men; but they were to be quartered according to rank, and not to be hindered from assembling their men for roll-call and the necessary purposes of regularity. They were to be allowed the privilege of parole, and to wear their side-arms. The terms of agreement signed by Gates in behalf of the Colonies, and Burgoyne on the part of the English Government, were not fully carried out, failing to be indorsed by the Continental Congress.
      In times of peace it is hardly fair to impugn the motives of the faithful leaders in times of war; but they were charged with detaining the troops for the purpose of having them desert, and join the American army.

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