The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution, Vol. 1 (of 2): or, Illustrations, by Pen And Pencil, of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics, and Traditions of the War for IndependenceLossing, Benson John
History
The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution, Vol. 1 (of 2): or, Illustrations, by Pen And Pencil, of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics, and Traditions of the War for Independence
Lossing, Benson John
United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783
The baroness, in the simple language of her narrative, thus bears
testimony to the generous courtesy of the American officers, and to the
true nobility of character of General Schuyler in particular: "My
husband sent a message to me to come over to him with my children. I
seated myself once more in my dear caleche, and then rode through the
American camp. As I passed on I observed, and this was a great
consolation to me, that no one eyed me with looks of resentment, but
they all greeted us, and even showed compassion in their countenances at
the sight of a woman with small children I was, I confess, afraid to go
over to the enemy, as it was quite a new situation to me. When I drew
near the tents a handsome man approached and met me, _took my children
from the caleche, and hugged and kissed them, which affected me almost
to tears_. 'You tremble,' said he, addressing himself to me; 'be not
afraid.' 'No,' I answered, 'you seem so kind and tender to my children,
it inspires me with courage.' He now led me to the tent of General
Gates, where I found Generals Burgoyne and Phillips, who were on a
friendly footing with the former. Burgoyne said to me, 'Never mind; your
sorrows have now an end.' I answered him that I should be reprehensible
to have any cares, as he had none; and I was pleased to see him on such
friendly footing with General Gates. All the generals remained to dine
with General Gates.
"The same gentleman who received me so kindly now came and said to me,
'You will be very much embarrassed to eat with all these gentlemen;
_come with your children to my tent, where I will prepare for you a
frugal dinner, and give it with a free will_' I said, '_You are
certainly a husband and a father, you have shown me so much kindness._'
* General Burgoyne boasted at Fort Edward that he should eat a
Christinas dinner in Albany, surrounded by his victorious army.
Arrival of the British Officers and Women at Albany.--Courtesy of
General Schuyler and Family.
091
I now found that he was General Schuyler. He treated me with excellent
smoked tongue, beef-steaks, potatoes, and good bread and butter! Never
could I have wished to eat a better dinner; I was content; I saw all
around me were so likewise; and, what was better than all, my husband
was out of danger.
"When we had dined he told me his residence was at Albany, and that
General Burgoyne intended to honor him as his guest, and invited myself
and children to do so likewise. I asked my husband how I should act; he
told me to accept the invitation. As it was two days' journey there, he
advised me to go to a place which was about three hours' ride distant.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account