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History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

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1777.] REVOLUTION—DEATH OF REV. MR. HOOKER. 405<br />

see the fight<strong>in</strong>g, but could tell <strong>from</strong> the fir<strong>in</strong>g which party<br />

had the advantage. ^<br />

Aaron Strong <strong>of</strong> Southampton was killed a<br />

The Killed and<br />

Wounded. little before the surrender by a random shot,<br />

on the south side <strong>of</strong> Schuyler's Creek. Just<br />

before this, Jonathan Warner was wounded on the back<br />

side <strong>of</strong> his shoulder. He exclaimed, "The rascals have<br />

shot me <strong>in</strong> the back." Eight men <strong>from</strong> <strong>Northampton</strong> enlisted<br />

<strong>in</strong> this company. They were absent about six weeks.<br />

A Company Enlisted About the first <strong>of</strong> September, the town was<br />

for Three Months, alarmed by the usual drum beat<strong>in</strong>g and<br />

gun fir<strong>in</strong>g, and a number <strong>of</strong> men enlisted.<br />

A company was formed <strong>from</strong> this and other towns, and<br />

went forward to the seat <strong>of</strong> war. It was enlisted for n<strong>in</strong>ety<br />

days. Elihu K<strong>in</strong>g, who was a member, states <strong>in</strong> his narrative,<br />

that John Kirkland was chosen Capta<strong>in</strong>, but becom<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong>sane on the march, Abner Pomeroy <strong>of</strong> Southampton was<br />

put <strong>in</strong> his place, and Samuel Parsons <strong>of</strong> <strong>Northampton</strong> was<br />

chosen Lieutenant. Pomeroy started as Lieutenant, and<br />

Parsons as Ensign, but were promoted when Capt. Kirkland<br />

was discharged. The company marched through Williamstown<br />

to Benn<strong>in</strong>gton, and thence to Pawlet, though<br />

part <strong>of</strong> them went to Ticonderoga, where they captured a<br />

few British soldiers. They rema<strong>in</strong>ed at Pawlet a few days<br />

and then went down the Hudson and crossed to Gates'<br />

army, after the first battle <strong>of</strong> Bemis Heights, Sept. 19"*.<br />

Col. Woodbridge <strong>of</strong> South Hadley commanded the regiment,<br />

which was composed ma<strong>in</strong>ly <strong>of</strong> Hampshire County<br />

companies. After jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the army, they were attached to<br />

the <strong>Massachusetts</strong> brigade, commanded by Gen. Warner <strong>of</strong><br />

Hard wick. In the battle <strong>of</strong> October 7*'', Gen. Warner's<br />

brigade was <strong>in</strong> the l<strong>in</strong>e about half-way <strong>from</strong> the river to<br />

the top <strong>of</strong> the hill <strong>in</strong> the woods. They expected to be<br />

called <strong>in</strong>to action every m<strong>in</strong>ute, but were not. K<strong>in</strong>g could<br />

not see the battle-ground. After the surrender <strong>of</strong> Burgoyne<br />

they marched to Albany, where they embarked <strong>in</strong><br />

sloops and were landed at Tarrytown. Thence they<br />

marched to White Pla<strong>in</strong>s, thence to Westchester, return<strong>in</strong>g<br />

1 Judd MSS.

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