Synopses & Reviews
JOURNAL OF THE REV. AMMI R. ROB8BINS, A CHAPLAIN IN THE AMERICAN ARMY, IN THE NORTHERN CAJIPAIGN OF 1776, -- JOURNAL, A BRIEF journal of some of the more remarkable events in my tour to Canada. Monday, March 18, 1776.- I Took an affectionate leave of home, came to Canaan, met the Colonel and proceeded with a considerable retinue to Sheffield. Rev. Mr. Farrand accompanied us he and I dined at brother 1Ceeps.t Had a most agreeable interview, prayed together and parted in the most tcnder and friendly manner. Very bad riding, but proceeded to Coles in Nobletown lodged comfortably. Tuesday, 19.-Rose early, and in company rode five miles to breakfast, cheerful and comfortable proceeded to ICinderhook, thence to Greenbush, put out our horses, crossed the river at dark and came iato Albany lodged pretty well. Wedazesday, 20.-Found Colonel Buel aud Major Sedgwick, agreed to put up with them. Drew our provisions and lodged on the floor on my mattrass. May I be thankful for such comfortable entertainment. Went twice this day to visit arid pray with a poor soldier of the Pennsylvania regiment under sentence of death he appeared much affected but dreadfully ignorant. Ihursday, 21.-All the troops drawn up on the parade and the prisoter brought out blidfolded to his execution, when the General Schnyler stepped forth and in a moving and striking speech, pardoned the criminal. P. M., crossed the river, sent off my horse, wrote two letters, visited the graves Of Canaan. t Rev. John Keep, of Sheffield, whose wife was a sister of the writer. of those who died in the French zoar in - this place found my dear uncle Foots, dropped a tear over it returned to my soldier home slept comfortably. E7riday, 22.-Weattend prayer with the regiment, morning and evening. Rode five miles to see a sick soldier, fear he cannot live, Wright of Watson7s company. I have much respect shown me as chaplain by all the officers with whom I live, and can be intimate with Colonel Bnel on serious subjects. We live in family way. Saturday, 23.-Cannon arrived from hTew York to go forward. TVallted and visited the sick at evening, Mr. Vatson, a trustee of the Presbyterian church, waited on me with a request to preach to-morrow consented, if soldiers admitted. 0 for grace to bear testimony for God in this wiclied city. Lords Day, 24.-Prayed in the family, then on parade with the regiment at 108 went to church, preached from Hosea, I will go and return to my place till they acknowledge their offence and seek my face. P. nI., AIicah, v, 5, And this rran shall be the peace. Used great plainness a large assembly and very attentive baptized two children. Kindly entertained after meeting at 3T.r. Smiths, one of the church. Elder Ager asks me to preach next sabbath. Monday, 25.-After prayers, visited four sick soldiers of Capt. Downss and Capt. Parmelees company am thanlcful for comfortable health, eat and sleep well. We drinlr no spirits at all, and I find it best unless I have more fatigue. Nothing remarkable to-day. Tuesday, 26.-Went up to S tillwater, visited David FVright who died before niqht. Saw our people at Stillxvater who seemed exceedingly rejoiced at rny coming prayed and snng on the parade at night, appointed a sermon next morning at 10 oclock will God bless his truth lodged at Esq. Palmers. TVedzesday, 27.-Visited the sick and prayed with them, preached at 10 oclock in AIr. Campbells meeting house, dined withEsq. Palmer P. M., returned with Doct. Swift to Albany cordially received, c. Tursday, 28.-After prayers, attended the execution of a sentence of court martial upon three poor Pennsylvania soldiers, who received thirty-nine lashes each. The whole army dram11 up.-P. M., the army marched round the city, a forinidable appearance. Wrote to my father, brother StarrX and my mife General Thomas is arrived it1 town. Friday, 29...