| Citation |
RNYG.777.012
27 Dec 1777:23,24 (149)
The Case of Lieutenant John Troup, of Gen. Skinner's
Brigade.
[In a letter to Mr. Rivington by John Troup.]
Agreeable to the earnest solicitation of some of my
Friends,--the following narrative, of the abuses I
sustained, while a prisoner among the rebels, is submitted
to the public's perusal.
Some time in the month of July last, I was sent on a
particular command, to New-Jersey; having my commission, as
Lieutenant in his Majesty's service, in my pocket. It is
immaterial to recount the occurences by the way; let it
suffice to say, that having arrived at the place of my
destination, with a small party of men, who were ordered
with me, myself and two others were surprized and taken
after some little resistance, at a house about three miles
from Pompton, where we had put up to get some refreshment.
I afterwards discovered, that an information had been
lodged, by some person on Staten-Island, with Col. Dayton,
who them commanded at Elizabeth Town; and he communicated
it to Mr. Livingston, the titular Governor of that Province.
After being pinioned, and otherways secured, to prevent our
escaping; we were driven on towards Morris-Town, and the
next day got there, having passed through every kind of
insult on the road. We were immediately carried before Mr.
Livingston, who on our coming in, seated himself in the
great chair of state, and looking very fiercely at me, began
my examination with the most cruel threats, and in usage
that spite or malice could invent--Our conversation was of
no long continuance--We were from thence conducted to the
jail; and to keep me the more secure, he sent for a
blacksmith, and attended in person to see irons put on me,
which being very small, soon fretted the skin from my
wrists. My friends made several applications to him, [col.
4] for having them altered, or removed, that I might clean
myself; but in vain; for they were scarcely allowed to speak
to me. It was, however, thought expedient, to call their
Council, and have me examined. Being brought before them, I
was asked, "Whether I knew of any recruiting parties in the
country? At what place I crossed over into that state?
Whether I was in pay, and what motives could possibly induce
me, to enter into the service of the enemy?" After making
proper replies to their several questions, I was recommitted
to my old place of confinement. I here spent twelve days in
a most miserable situation, when it was determined to send
me and the men who were with me, to Mr. Washington's camp,
and an officer calling that way, and there being a party of
invalids at Morris-Town, we were put in their charge. Upon
which the iron doors of our cell were opened, and the two
miserable wretches, and myself, were led out, fast bound in
fetters. It was a sultry day, in the month of August, when
our march began; with drum and fife.--We traversed about
six miles, and then halted for the night; when they put us
in a hog pen, first driving the proper tenants out of it,
after having taken the necessary precautions for security,
left us to our repose. . . .[In the next 89 lines, he
discusses the journey of 4 or 5 days to Philadelphia, a
court martial in which he was sentenced to death, but was
saved through orders of Washington if he would take an oath
of allegiance to the states. He escaped after being held
prisoner for four months.]
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