The Unpublished 1776 Revolutionary War Journal of Lt. Reading Beatty, With Firsthand Accounts of the British Assault on New York in 1776, Its Capture By the British, and New York Under British Occupation

Beatty was present for the British Assaults of the New York Campaign: at the attack by the Phoenix and Rose Frigates; the Battle of Long Island, the British landing at Kip’s Bay, the Battle of Fort Washington and the fall of New York

He was captured by the British and the journal was in part written in confinement by the British in New York; our research shows no other such war-date journal having reached the market

He gives accounts as news arrives in the occupied city of the capture of Charles Lee, Washington’s daring attack across the Delaware and the Battles in Trenton and Princeton, etc….

He writes of life inside occupied New York: going to church, paying rent to his hosts, treatment of Americans, and even Howe’s celebration of his knighthood.

A rare, unpublished primary resource, written inside a first edition of Father Abraham’s Alamack for 1776, with an inscription by the printer, John Dunlap

Dunlap printed the Declaration of Independence, and we have never seen his autograph before

“Friday 4 o’clock – alarmed with the enemy landing on Long Island.”

“The regular army about six in the morning began to attack our lines. After a very heavy cannonade and fire of musketry, we were obliged to give way as they flanked us in the rear – we retreated by way of the north river to the fort…. Considerable loss. A flag from General Howe demanding a surrender of the fort came in about 2 o’clock. We capitulated upon the term of having our lives.”

“Lord Cornwallis landed from Phillips Manor 6000 men and marched down to Fort Lee and took possession, our people having evacuated it, about 5 hours before”

Jan 2, 1777 – “We hear the rebels are routing the King’s troops in the Jersies and are actually in possession of Princeton. Tories now begin to sing very small and are not without their own fears.”

Note on provenance: this journal passed down through the Beatty / Day families and has never before been offered for sale. Our records show no evidence of its publication.

Note on rarity: In the past several decades, only a handful of first-hand accounts during the Revolutionary War have reached the public market. Most are penned after the events and are either reminiscences or copied from other draft journals that no longer exist. None relate to the major events covered in this journal, describing the capture of New York, fighting on Long Island, the arrival of Cornwallis and the retreat of the army toward New Jersey. Moreover, none are penned from inside captivity, describing life as a POW.

Born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania in 1757 into a wealthy and prominent colonial family, Reading Beatty was studying medicine with his brother John when the Revolutionary War began. He was named after his maternal grandfather John Reading. An early patriot, young Reading interrupted his medical studies and joined the 5th Pennsylvania Battalion in 1776 as a private; he would soon be promoted lieutenant. He and his brother John, who was later a member of the Continental Congress, were taken prisoner at Ft. Washington and confined on the famous prison ship Jersey when the British seized New York.

When the American Revolutionary War broke out in April 1775, British troops were under siege in Boston. They barely defeated Patriot forces in the Battle of Bunker Hill, but suffering very high casualties. The Patriots then besieged Boston, blocking in British in. When news of this expensive British victory reached London, General William Howe and Lord George Germain, the British official responsible, determined that a “decisive action” should be taken against New York City using forces to be evacuated from Boston, those recruited from throughout the British Empire, as well as troops hired from small German states like Hesse.

In January 1776 Washington ordered Charles Lee to raise troops and take command of New York’s defenses. Lee had made some progress on the city’s defenses when word arrived in late March 1776 that the British army had left Boston after Washington threatened them from heights south of the city. Concerned that General Howe was sailing directly to New York, Washington hurried regiments from Boston, including General Israel Putnam, who commanded the troops until Washington himself arrived in New York in mid-April.

The New York and New Jersey campaigns commenced, consisting of a series of key battles in 1776 and the winter months of 1777 for control of New York City and the state of New Jersey. The British were led by General Sir William Howe and the Continental Army by General George Washington. Howe was successful in driving Washington out of New York City, but overextended his reach into New Jersey, and ended the active campaign season in January 1777 with only a few outposts near New York as his prize. Meanwhile, after stinging defeats at first, Washington and the American cause were invigorated by unexpected victories at Trenton and Princeton.

Reading Beatty was present for much of this. And this is his unpublished journal.

This is “Father Abraham’s Pocket Alamanck for the Year 1776’, published by John Dunlap, and inscribed by Dunlap, “From your humble servt. J. Dunlap.” It is signed internally by Reading Beatty. 60 manuscript pages, 100 plus pages total. Still in the original marble wrappers. A couple pages separated but still present.

Beatty joins his battalion.

June 12. “Set off on our march from Philadelphia to New York. Arrived there on Sunday the 16th 11 o’clock.”

June 21. “Set off from New York to Blue Bell now called Mount Washington.”

The New York Campaign Begins

The HMS Phoenix and Rose were ships of the Royal Navy and launched an attack on New York City on July 12, 1776. During that attack, the Phoenix and the other ships easily passed Patriot defenses and bombarded New York for two hours. This action largely confirmed Continental Army fears that the Royal Navy could act with relative impunity when attacking deep-water ports. Beatty was witness to this.

July 12. “The frigates Rose and Phoenix passed our fort up Hudsons River.”

Aug 3 – “The gundalow had a smart engagement with the two frigates up the N. River.”

American Col. Tupper attacked the frigates and their tenders with fireships, but again, the attacks were on too small a scale to have a great effect. They did succeed in burning the enemy tender Charlotta on August 16.

Aug 16 – “Two fire ships went up the river and burn one of the frigate tenders. One of them grafted the Phoenix – 10 minutes.”

August 18 – “The Phoenix and Rose frigates returned past our fort to Staten Island.”

The Battle of Long Island is also known as the Battle of Brooklyn and the Battle of Brooklyn Heights. It was fought on August 27, 1776 and was the first major battle of the Revolutionary War to take place after the United States declared its independence on July 4, 1776. It was a victory for the British Army and the beginning of a successful campaign that gave them control of the strategically important city of New York. In terms of troop deployment and fighting, it was the largest battle of the entire war.

Aug 23 – “Friday 4 o’clock – alarmed with the enemy landing on Long Island. The two battalions marched down the North River to Oliver Delancey’s place and returned to camp same evening.”

August 27 – “A skirmish took place between a party of our troops and almost the whole body of regulars. Our loss was to the amount of 7 or 800 men.”

Aunt 28 – “Went over in the morning early to Long Island – continued there two days and two nights and returned Friday morning, being the 30th by day break. The weather proved extremely rainy the whole time.”

Aug 30 – “Returned and encamped on the heights of Morrisania near Kings Bridge.”

Washington was now in a precarious position on the narrow Brooklyn Heights, with the British Army in front and the East River behind him. Large numbers of militia, many of whose summertime enlistments ended in August, departed for home. Leadership was questioned in the ranks, with soldiers openly wishing for the return of the colorful and charismatic General Charles Lee. Washington sent a missive to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia asking for some direction—specifically, if New York City, which then occupied only the southern tip of Manhattan Island, should be abandoned and burned to the ground.

The Landing at Kip’s Bay was a British amphibious landing that took place on September 15, 1776, and pushed the Americans back even further.

Sept 15 – “The regulars landed at Turtle Bay and took possession of New York Island. Our men, chiefly N Jersey troops, made a scandalous retreat from their lines.”

Sept 16 – “A skirmish between 1000 regulars and as many of our troops took place without our lines – when the enemy was obliged to retreat three different times and lost killed and wounded near 300 men.”

19th – “Removed from the heights of Morrisania to Head Quarters.”

The British were welcomed by the remaining New York City population, pulling down the Continental flag and raising the Union Jack. Howe, who had wanted to capture New York quickly and with minimal bloodshed, considered the invasion a complete success. Howe then moved on the Americans again, and, at the Battle of Fort Washington claimed the remnant of the garrison of Fort Washington near the north end of Manhattan Island. Thousands of American troops had arrived at the fort just on time to be surrendered. It was one of the worst American defeats.

Nov. 16 – “The regular army about six in the morning began to attack our lines. After a very heavy cannonade and fire of musketry, we were obliged to give way as they flanked us in the rear – we retreated by way of the north river to the fort…. Considerable loss. A flag from General Howe demanding a surrender of the fort came in about 2 o’clock. We capitulated upon the term of having our lives, side arms and baggage. The Hessians [took] most of the two last. On Monday we were removed from Harlem to new York – remained in a Church all night and next day were admitted to our parole and the liberty of the city allowed us. The loss on the side of the British troops computed to be about 600 killed and wounded. The number of prisoners taken about 2600. Included 200 officers. Coll Magan commanded. Col. Baxter killed.”

Nov. 20 – “Lord Cornwallis landed from Phillips Manor 6000 men and marched down to Fort Lee and took possession, our people having evacuated it, about 5 hours before. A small guard being kept with the baggage. The officer (Mr. Baher) and men were taken after picked up all the boys. Labourers, drivers and negroes etc… in and near the fort – they marched as prisoners to New York. Gen Lee’s packet of letters and papers fell into their hands.”

At this point, Beatty is captured and spends some time on the infamous vessel Jersey; he also appears to have taken up accommodation in the city. He describes his financial arrangement with his host and the goings on and rumors circulating in New York. Details include the weather, sounds of war around him, and the status of prisoners coming and going, as well as news that reaches him about the progress of war. A small handful of selections:

Nov. 26th – “Col. S. Miles obtained his liberty to go home on his parole for 14 days – his business in agreed measure was to petition Congress for an exchange of prisoners.”

Dec 9 – “Col. Miles returned. Brought money and letters for a number of the officer… Several privates and 15 officers were exchanged. Lt Scott and Gray were among the happy number. On Friday the 6th of Dec Gen. Howe’s army was within 4 miles of Kingstown.”

Dec 14 – “This day a reinforcement of Hessians went into New Jersey. We hear the British army are retreating and Gen. Howe is expected in town this Tuesday.”

The Capture of Charles Lee

Dec. 15 – “This day received intelligence that Gen. Lee was taken prisoner by a party of light horse near Morristown.”

Dec. 16 – “We hear that Genl. Heath has taken possession of 5 vessels belonging to the enemy laying in Hackensack River. On board one was a chest of money. Last Wednesday a reinforcement of horse and foot joined the main army of the enemy in the Jersies. On Monday they took possession of Trenton. This day made its appearance a very ridiculous comedy called the battle of Brooklyn on Long Island.”

Dec. 18 – “Evening. General Howe returned from New Jersey. The exchange of the prisoners here was stopped till those taken in Canada first took place. ”

Dec. 20 – “We hear our frigates have taken 16 vail of coals, bound for New York. They had on board 12000 suits off clothes and sundry other necessaries for the army here. A Col. of the British troops has resigned and offered his service to congress. Tis said disgusted with the treatment given Genl Lee. We have certain information that there are 1400 wounded hessians in the hospital.”

In late 1776 the Continental Army retreated across the Delaware pursued by Lord Cornwallis and his British and Hessian troops. On Christmas night, 1776, Washington famously recrossed the Delaware with the Continental Army. The craft in which the Troop embarked could not reach shore and the cavalrymen were forced to take to the water and make their way with their horses through the darkness and floating ice.

The ensuing Battle of Trenton lasted forty-five minutes and resulted in the capture of about a thousand Hessians and the loss of two Americans. Washington then recrossed the Delaware. This was a great American victory.

Dec. 26 – “We hear several vessels in the east river were sunk and thrown on shore. This evening came to town the agreeable news of taking 1800 hessians, some horse, grenadine infanters. We hear Judge Stockton is taken… The hessians are ordered to hold themselves in readiness to march at a moment’s warning.”

Dec. 29 – “Very cold. We heard the 7th regiment have had a skirmish in which our own people proved successful. Great confusion among the troops – ordered to lie on their arms ever night – much fatigued…. This day Gen Howe set off to new jersey. Things being in a critical situation there.”

1777

Following the successful surprise attack at Trenton Washington decided to attack the British in New Jersey before entering winter quarters. On December 30, he again crossed the Delaware River back into New Jersey. His troops followed on January 3, 1777. Washington advanced to Princeton by a back road, where he pushed back the British force, though he had to pull back before Cornwallis arrived with reinforcements. Then, on the night of January 2, 1777, Washington repulsed a British attack at the Battle of the Assunpink Creek. That night, he evacuated his position, circled around General Lord Cornwallis’ army, and went to attack the British garrison at Princeton. The Princeton operation was successful.

The battles of Trenton and Princeton were a boost to the morale of the Continental troops, leading many recruits to join the Continental Army in the spring.

Jan 2 – “We hear the rebels are routing the King’s troops in the Jersies and are actually in possession of Princeton. Tories now begin to sing very small and are not without their own fears. The troops at kings bridge are under apprehension of our attack. Have removed themselves and baggage on to the island and have destroyed the bridge.”

Jan. 8 – “Captain Forest arrived with letters and money for a few of the officers.

Jan. 11 – “A report prevails in this city of the French and Spaniards being about to make war upon England. Tis said the militia there are all embodied. The inhabitants here have petitioned Gen Howe to send prisoners to Long Island. They fearing a design is on foot to destroy by fire the remained of this town. Strong patrols are kept every night by the people.”

Jan. 16 – Some more Hessians came in uniform blue and black. Mrs Smith came back. Says our own army are very strong. The [british] troops in Brunswick.. are sending out flags to Gen. Washington saying for a cessation of arms….”

Jan. 18 – “Much firing this morning. Tis said the Provincials have taken possession of Fort Independence above Kings Bridge. All Rogers Rangers, some Hessians, and York troops have fallen into our hands. The people in town much alarmed…. This night an exhibition of fire works in the bowling green. After it a ball was given by sir. Wm Howe on account of his being created a Knight…. This night three light horse officers came into the house of Mr. Day and in a very turbulent manner took in and Lt Priestly them sick to the main guard house. Striking instance of English generosity.”

Jan. 19 – “Lt Brown returned this evening from S. Amboy. He accompanied the prisoners as far as cranberry. 52 were dead and missing. He saw Col Hyer and Battalion at Cranberry. He was informed by the people through Jersey that General Washington’s army was never before so numerous. The troops in great spirits and warmly clothed. That 500 were taken at Princeton… That General Putnam commanding below Brunswick and Genl Washington above it and that the communication between N Brunswick and Amboy was cut off.”

Jan. 20 – “The officers of the Flying camp to the amount of near 150 went over to Long Island…. By a gentleman from Philadelphia we hear the standing army are raising very fast. Our troops are well clothed – numerous and in great spirits. 54 light horse were taken among the number at Princeton. The inhabitants are today warned to meet to swear allegiance to his majesty. A draught is soon to be made and 1/4 is said are to be obliged to take up arms. We hear that Genl. Howe will exchange the officers taken in Carolina who were commissioned by the government. They are expected in every hour.”

Jan. 27 – “A report prevails in NY that General Washington is taken. How ridiculous.”

The imprint by Philadelphia printer John Dunlap, “Father Abraham’s Pocket Alamanck for the Year 1776”, is itself highly rare and interesting. In addition to the standard information you expect to get from an almanac of this era, such as weather reports, phases of the moon and planets, eclipses, financial information and interest calculators, it relates when the courts were to be held in various states (still called provinces!). Most importantly, it lists the officials of Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey; and the lists of Representatives in the Assemblies read like a who’s who of the great men of the imminent independence, with many being signers of the Declaration of Independence . The listed representatives for Philadelphia are Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Mifflin, Robert Morris and John Dickinson; other counties are represented by George Ross, John Morton, and George Taylor. George Read and Caesar Rodney are listed for Delaware. New Jersey councillors and representatives shown include Richard Stockton and Francis Hopkinson. The entire Pennsylvania Committee of Safety is shown, including many of the men listed above, plus others like George Clymer.

It is nothing short of remarkable that just months after this almanac was published, its publisher became the first to print the Declaration of Independence (ten of whose signers are listed in the almanac). This is also the first Dunlap imprint signed by Dunlap that we have ever seen reach the market in all our decades in the field.