American Union Lodge No. 1 - Onondaga and Oswego Masonic ...

As to present news, can inform you that ye enemy's fleet arrivd in full view of us at 3 Mile Point the 30th of June, consisting of two
ships, one of 22 gun and one of 18 or 20, with 5 or 6 sloops, and as near as we can tell about 25 ruddows and gun boats. The same
day they landed a large number of men on 3 Mile Point, which were composed of Fraizer's infantry, Canadians, savages, &c, on ye
west. The next day, i. e. ye 1st ins*, 45 boats came up from Crown-point loaded deep with men, and landed on ye east side, where
they still remain in the woods. Ye 2nd inst. they took possession of my old fortris at Mount Hope, which is near the mill and block
house. They made several attempts upon Leu* He wit, with about 20 men. He having 2-2 pounders in the block house repulsd them
repeatedly: in the night following the Gen1 sent him orders to burn ye block house and mill and make his escape ye best way he
could, which he did yesterday morning after sunrise. Befor noon they attack our piquett in ye front of the French lines. Our piquet
gave way after a brave resistance, and retreated within the lines and brought off the killd and wounded; they ventured to persue our
men so close to the lines that one of our regiment had oppertunity of discharging two rounds on them, which with a few peices of
cannon loaded with grape they scampered away. In the afternoon they rallied again, as we (we had replacd our piquet) and made
the second attack, but without effect; our piquet stood their ground. At the writing of this they are imbodied about a mile west of the
lines and appear to be about a thosand of them. One of the infantry pushing so hard to kill one of our men (which hed) but was
made a prisoner in an instant. 2 Waldeckers deserted to us yesterday, but am not able to give any account of what intellegeance
they bring, as I am so much unwell I have not been able to go to Head Quarters since they were taken; nothing has been done this
day on either side but prepare for action. Our numbers are few but in high spirit, and seem determined to conquer or die: our men
are very helthy, thank God. Hope in my next to be able to give you a good account of those fellows that now present themselves to
our view. Sr, excuse my freedom, as the post is now waiting for this. I beg leave to subscribe my self
Your Honour's much obligd, humbl servt.
To which Gen. Heath replied:
WILLIAM HEATH TO SAMUEL BREWER.
SAML BREWER.
HEAD QUARTERS, BOSTON, July 21st, 1777.
DEAR SIR, — Your favor of the 3rd instant duly came to hand. I thank you for the particulars contained therein. I am sorry that you as
well as we were disapointed in having so good an account of the enemy as by your letter you were in hopes of giving us. I must
request to hear from you again and in as particular a manner as your situation will admit. The people are exceeding agitated on
account of the evacuation of Tyconderoga. We have not as yet obtained the particular reasons of it. I would also request that you
would obtain and send me the true state of the army as to its numbers; mention in particular the strength of each regiment from this
State, just observing that such a regt including officers consists of so many men. Request the other Colonels from this State to
assist you in this matter, as I am very anxious to know on several accounts. Both you and they shall have my hearty thanks for it. I
am sending on tents, camp kettles, pails, canteens, &, and almost all kinds of military stores with the utmost dispatch for your relief.
We have no special news here, save a packet has just arrived at Portsmouth from France with dispatches for Congress, said to be
of great moment, and that there is a greater prospect of an immediate rupture than ever has yet been. Our frigates lately took the
Fox frigate, which has since been retaken by the enemy. Present my regards to all friends, in particular to Colonels Bailey, Wesson,
Marshall, and Scammel, if they are with you. Francis, I am told, is no more. Please to distinguish in your letters how many
continental troops and how many militia compose your army, and let me request a letter by the first oppertunity. Your last I published
in the paper. It gave great satisfaction.
I am, dr Sir, yours sincerely.
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W. HEATH.
Col. John Brooks, b, 31 May 1752 Medford, MA; d. 2 Mar 1825; son of Caleb and Ruth (Albree) Brooks; m. Lucy Smith 1774.
Children:
Lucy, b. 16 Jun 1775;
Alexander Scammell, b. 19 Oct 1781;
John, b. 20 May 1783.
He served as Governor of Mass. from 1816-1822. Was a doctor in Reading, MA and was selected a Fellow of the Mass. Medical
Society, 18 Oct 1786.
Lieut. Colonel, of Col. Jackson's Mass. Regt.; from 1 Jan 1777 to 31 Dec 1779; commanding regiment on 19 Sep 1777.
Major, Col. Ebenezer Bridge's regt. of Minute-men; marched 19 Apr 1775; served 4 days; also, one of officers detailed for picket
guard 8 Jun 1775; also, Lieutenant Colonel Commandant, 7th regt.; from 1 Jan to 31 Dec 1780; also, acting Colonel, 7th regt.; at
West Point and German Hutts [sic], 26 Jan-25 May 25, 1781; reported on command at Boston; also on command in Massachusetts;
1 Jun to 15 Jun 1781; also, Oct-Nov 1781, at York Huts [sic]; reported commanding the brigade.
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