The Journal of Lieut. John L. Hardenbergh of the Second New York Continental Regiment from May 1 to October 3, 1779, in General Sullivan's Campaign Against the Western Indians / With an Introduction, Copious Historical Notes, and Maps of the Battle-field of Newtown and Groveland Ambuscade

by John Leonard Hardenbergh

Thursday, 26th.—Struck tents at 1 o'clock and marched about 3 miles up the Tiyuga Branch and encamped.

Friday, Aug't 27.—At 8 o'clock in the morning the Gen'l beat, struck tents at 9 o'clock marched off and encamped that night about 3 miles below Shemung by a large cornfield.[72]

Saturday, Aug't 28th.—At 3 o'clock in the afternoon marched as far as Shemung and encamped.[73]

Sunday, 29th Aug't.—At 8 o'clock in the morning the signal for march was given. We marched about 4 miles when our Light corps fell in with the enemy on the opposite side of a defile with some slight works thrown up in their front. The light troops exchanged some shots with them and amused them whilst Gen's Clinton's and Poor's Brigades with the right flank were ordered to file off by the right and gain the enemy's rear, which to effect, we had to ascend a very steep hill which the enemy had possessed themselves of. Whilst we were gaining the rear, Col. Proctor with the artillery kept up a brisk fire on their works. On our ascending the hill they began to attack us. Our men undauntedly pushed on and gained the hill. The enemy went off in confusion, left their dead on the ground.[74]—About sunset we encamped on the enemy's ground.[75] We had one major, one Capt. and one Lt. wounded. The Capt. and Lieut. died of their wounds, also a few men wounded.[76]

Aug't 30.—Remained on the ground of yesterday. The greatest part of the army were employed in destroying corn which was in great abundance.

The Heliotype Printing Co. 220 Devonshire St. Boston.[ToC]

Tuesday, 31st Aug't.[77]—At 9 o'clock in the morning marched off; marched ten miles above Newtown and encamped on a large pine plain, forming a square with our camp to secure our pack horses and cattle.

Wednesday, Sept. 1st.—The signal gun fired at 8 o'clock in the morning. We marched at half past nine, marched about 6 miles through a flat level road at the end of which we entered a dark pine swamp, which continued four miles with almost impassable hills and valleys and arrived at 11 o'clock at night at Catharine's town.[78]