| Notes |
- This man was active in a humble way during the Revolutionary war and be fore. On the stirring night of Dec. 16, 1773, when a band of men disgu ised as Indians and armed with axes went aboard ships in Boston harbor a nd unloaded their cargoes of taxed tea into the salt water, William, th en sixteen, and a number of other young men, went along with the men an d participated in the exploit. At the age of 18, about the last of September 1775, William accompanied G eneral Arnold's expedition to Quebec during the Revolutionary war throu gh the Maine wilderness. Starting at Fort Western (now Augusta) and yo ung William Dorr and his pet dog were with the little army. About thre e miles below the starting point as the various detachments of the army c ame up, the men stopped to refresh themselves at a beautiful spring, wh ich bubbled from the hills by the banks of the Kennebec River. Among t he rest, William was very much fascinated with the spot, and in his ent husiasm declared to his comrades that when the war was over he was goin g back to Boston and get married, and bring his wife up to that spring a nd settle down. He did so and he and his wife Jane lived there while s ix of his nine children were born. The little city of Hallowell now st ands there. In 1788 he founded the town of Hallowell (a suburb of Augus ta, Maine) at a spot on the Kennebec River he had greatly admired on hi s earlier expedition to Canada. In terrible march starvation repeatedly stared them in the face. Their e xtremity became so great that William's dog was killed and eaten by his m ess. William himself kept a small bone from his faithful friend's leg a s a memento, and when his hunger became unbearable he would draw it fro m his pocket and hold it in his mouth, declaring that he drew strength f rom it. An aide to General Montgomery, he fought on the Plains of Abraham and w as subsequently captured and imprisoned on a ship in the St. Lawrence R iver, suffering many hardships. Expedition Against Quebec A journal of the March from Cambridge on an expedition against Quebec, i n Col. Benedict Arnold's Detachment, 13 Sep 1775. 13th. Sept. Marched from Cambridge in the evening, and encamped that e vening at Malden that night. 14th. This morning marched very early, an encamped that evening at Bev erly. This day marched 25 miles - weather very sultry. Nothing materia l. 15th. This morning marched briskly along, and got into Newburyport at 8 o 'clock at night, where we were to make a stay for some days. 16th. In Newburyport, waiting for the vessels, getting ready to carry u s to Kennebec. 17th. This day had a general review, and our men appeared well, and in g ood spirits, and made a grand appearance, and we had the praise of hund reds of spectators, who were sorry to see so many brave fellows going t o be sacrificed for their country. 18th. Had orders to embark in the evening; our fleet consisted of elev en vessels, sloops and schooners; our number of troops, consisted of 13 00 and 11 companies of musketman and three of rifleman. 19th. Early this morning weighed anchor with a pleasant gale, our colo rs flying, drums and fifes a playing, and the hills all around covered w ith pretty girls weeping fro their departing swains. This night had li ke to have proved fatal to us. We were immediately all called upon dec k, expecting every moment to be dashed in pieces against the rocks, but t he wind fortunately freshen, we got clear after several tacks, to the g reat joy of us all. 20th. Arrived in Kennebec River, rowed and sailed up against the wind a nd tide. 21st. Arrived at Fort Weston, where we halted for some days, and here w e were furnished with bateaux and provisions, for carrying us up the ri ver. Continued here the 22,23,24th. 25th. Embarked on board our bateaux and arrived at Fort Halifax in the e vening of the 26th. 27th. Carried over Ticonic Falls our bateaux and provisions, 40 rods a nd carriages, and pushed up three miles. 28th. Pushed up eight miles, the water so bad that the bateaux men wer e obliged to drag the boats up over the shoals, and in many places were u p to their chins in water. 29th. Pushed up to the second carrying-place, called Cohiggin Falls. 30th. Carried over 60 rods and pushed up 3 miles. October 1st. Pushed up over rocks and shoals, where we were many times o verhead in water, pulling the bateaux over, and arrived at the carrying p lace in the evening. 2nd. This day carried over Norridgewalk Falls, one mile and a quarter a nd then encamped very uncomfortably this night after carrying our boats o ver roots and mud. 3rd. Pushed up 11 Miles on our way. Capt. Hendrick's company of rifle man shot a young moose, which weighed about 200 lbs; but we had none of i t, they being before us. This day we left all inhabitants and entered a n uncultivated country, and a barren wilderness. The timber for the mo st part is birch, pine, and hemlock. Some places on the riverside there a re pieces of ground, where large sugar trees grow. 4th. Pushed up eight miles to Tintucket or Hell Gate Falls, and carrie d over forty perches. 5,6,7th. Pushed up to the head of the Kennebec, where we carried out i nto a pond. These three last days we came about 20 miles. 8th. This day we pushed on very briskly, it being Sunday, the foremost c ompany lying still on account of heavy rains, but we marched all day, i t being very wet and cold, and we suffered a good deal from the incleme ncy of the weather, and came up with some of them at night. 9,10,11th. Carried to the first pond 3 1/2 miles land carried crossed t he pond two miles. 12,13th. Carried to a second pond 3/4 of a mile, crossed the pond one m ile over, then carried 2 miles to a 3d pond and crossed the pond two mi les over. 14,15th. Carried into Dead River three miles and went up one mile, the n encamped at night. This river runs so still, that it can scarcely be p erceived which way it runs; it is black water, about rods wide and runs S E. 16th. The water now being deep and dead, we betook ourselves to our ba rge and rowed up for six miles. 17th. Rowed up (after carrying over a small carrying place, about 10 r ods) 16 miles. 18th. Rowed 20 miles, and carried over a small carrying place. 19th. Carried over 4 carrying places, and rowed up about five miles th is day. 20, 21, 22nd. Were detained in our tents by heavy rain. 23rd. The water being shallow, we were obliged to lay by our oars and t ake our setting poles; we pushed up 10 miles. 24th. Our provisions growing scanty, and some of our men being sick, h eld a council and agreed to send back the sick back, and to send a Capt ain and 50 men forward to the inhabitants as soon as possible that they m ight send us some provisions. Accordingly the sick were sent back and C apt Handchit with 50 men was sent forward. Before this Col. Enos, with t hree captains and their companies turned back and took with them large s tores of provisions and ammunition, being discouraged (as we supposed) b y difficulties they met with. This day got forward nine miles. The wa ter very rapid and many of our boats were upset and much of our baggage l ost and provisions and guns. 25th. Snowed all night; very cold this morning, pushed over the carryi ng places, and got forward 8 miles this day. 26th. Pushed up 4 ponds and carried over two carrying places one of th em a mile over. The ground covered with snow. 27th. Crossed a pond 1/2 mile over, and carried 15 rods to another pon d. 2 miles over, to the Great Carrying place, 4 miles and 5 perches ov er. Here it was agreed to leave most of our bateaux, being greatly fat igued by carrying over such hills, rocks and swamps which were never pa ssed by man before. 28th. After carrying over the Great carrying place, we encamped by a s mall stream, running into Chaudiere Pond; dealt out to each about 4 pin ts of flour and what little meat we had, which was about 4 oz. per man. 29th. Early this morning set out for the head of Chaudiere river. This d ay we suffered greatly by our bateaux passing by us, for we had to wade w aist high through swamps and rivers and breaking ice before us. Here w e wandered around all day and came at night to the same place, we left i n the morning, where we found a small dry spot, where we made a fire, a nd we were obliged to stand up all night in order to dry ourselves and k eep from freezing. We continued so till next day when a bateaux came u p and took us across the river. 30th. At noon were relieved from our miserable situation and we made t he best of our way through the woods for Chaudiere. 31st. Pushed on for Chaudiere with all speed, in hopes of overtaking o ur bateaux in order to get some flour, for ours was all expended; but t o our great grief and sorrow, our bateaux were stove and the flour was l ost, and the men barely escaped with their lives; now we were in a mise rable situation, not a mouthful of provisions, and by account 70 miles f rom inhabitants, and we had a wilderness, barren and destitute of any s ustenance to go through, where we expected to suffer hunger, cold and f atigue. Here the Captain with the ablest men pushed forward, in order t o get provisions to send back for the sick. Nov 1st. This morning started very early and hungry and little satisfi ed with our night's rest. Traveled all day very briskly, and at night e ncamped in a miserable situation. Here we killed a dog and we made a g reat feast without either bread or salt, we have been 4 or 5 days witho ut any provisions, and we went to sleep that night, a little better sat isfied (Probably William Dorr's dog). Our distress was so great, that d ollars were offered for bits of bread, as big as the palm of one's hand . 2nd. This morning when we arose, many of us were so weak, that we coul d hardly stand, and we staggered about like drunken men. However we ma de shift to get our packs on, and marched off hoping to see some inhabi tants this night. A small stick across the road was sufficient to brin g the stoutest to the ground. In the evening we came in sight of the c attle coming up the riverside, which were sent by Col. Arnold, who got i n two days before. It was the joyous sight that ever I beheld, and som e could not refrain from crying for joy. We were told by the men, who c ame with the cattle, that we were twenty, miles from the nearest inhabi tants. Here we killed a creature, and we made a noble feast and some o f the men were so hungry, before the creature was dead, the hide and fl esh were on the fire broiling. 3rd. Marched this day 20 miles, wading several small rivers, some of t hem up to our middle and very cold. In the evening came in sight of a h ouse, the first we had seen for 41 days. 4th. Last night had a plenty of beef and potatoes, but little or no br ead to be had. Snowed most of the night. In the morning marched down t he river to inhabitants thick settled 5th. Continued our march down the river. The people were very hospita ble, provisions plenty, but very dear, milk one-shilling sterling per q uart, and bread a shilling per loaf, weighing no more than 3 pounds. C ame this day twelve miles. 6th. Came up with Col. Arnold, and the advance party. Marched off tog ether at 2 o'clock and marched till 12 o'clock at night. Roads excessi vely bad, most of the way mid deep, with mud and water. Marched 17 mile s. 7th. Marched three miles, and then halted till night, when a lieutenan t and 20 men were sent forward, to see if our way was clear. Accordingl y they marched till near 2 o'clock in the morning, and when we halted w e were in sight of Quebec, the river St. Lawrence between us and the to wn. 8th. Took up our quarters along the riverside, until our troops behind c ould come up; here we stayed until the 13th. By this time all the men a live were coming up, several having perished with hunger in the woods. D uring our stay here, we took a midshipman, belonging to a frigate in th e harbor, who came on shore with others in a boat to carry away flour f rom a mill on our side of the river. The river is about one mile or so me better wide. At the city one 28 gun frigate and a sloop of war, wit h some merchantmen in the harbor. 13th. Crossed the river at night in long boats and canoes. Some of th e canoes over set in the river, but none of the men lost, only some few g uns and some clothes. Got all over against morning at a place called W olf's cove. 14th. This morning were fired upon by the frigate, but received no dam age; took up our quarters in some good houses near the town, which were f orsaken by the owners. Here we remained till the 20th. During which t ime we were informed that there were not more than 100 regulars in the c ity, with a number of sailors and other new recruits, in all not exceed ing four hundred under arms. The first day we came over the river, we p assed close by the walls of the town, and gave three cheers without bei ng molested by the enemy, who fired a few shots from their cannon, but d id us no harm. 21st. Marched up the river 20 miles to Point Aux Tremble, our ammuniti on being almost expended, and too scanty to attack the town with. Here w e joined by Gen. Montgomery with York forces from Montreal, who had tak en St. John's fort, Chambles and Montreal. In these places they took a g reat quantity of provisions, clothing, ammunition and cannon, with 950 p risoners. Remained here till 5th December, when we marched back to Que bec, and laid siege to the town. Continued the siege until the 29th, du ring which time we took several prisoners and cannonaded and bombarded e ach other both day and night. During these transactions the two men who h ad ever been left with Lt. M'Cleland, came to us and informed us that t hey had buried him at the first inhabitants, after he had been brought d own the river by two Indians, hired by Capt. Smith for that purpose. Sunday, Dec 29, 30, 31st. This night prepared to storm the city in tw o different places. Gen Montgomery with York forces on one quarter and C ol. Arnold on the other hand. It began to thicken up towards night and s nowed very much. We were ordered to be in readiness, and at 2 o'clock a t night, we were mustered, and got all fit for scaling the walls and ma rched near the city, some with ladders, some with axes, and some with s aws. Gen, Montgomery with his forces, on the one quarter and Col. Arno ld on the other hand. Gen Montgomery was to throw three rockets into t he air for a signal for each party to strike together. Accordingly, ab out 5 o'clock, in the morning, began the attack; but they could not get t o the walls, but retreated back to their quarters, Gen. Montgomery and t wo leading officers were killed by the fire from the city. There were t hree or four false flashes made, for a signal to retreat, Col. Arnold d id not receive them, but carried on the attack on his quarter, and got p ossession of their two-gun battery, and took 70 prisoners carried back, a nd the captains themselves then took the lead, and drove the enemy, unt il overpowered by numbers and surrounded, we were obliged to surrounded o urselves prisoners of war. During the attack Capt. Hendrick and Capt. H ubbard, with Capt Morgan's first Lieutenant were killed. Likewise they s et St. Roche all on fire. We were all put in the French convent, and t here they gave us a gill of rum to drink and hard bread to eat. William Dorr is listed as captured in Capt. Ward's company. Prison 1 Jan 1776. Our allowance of provisions is one pound of bread and a ha lf-pound of pork, and one gill of rice for a day, and 6 oz of butter fo r a week. 2nd. In Prison. This day we had a cask of porter sent to us by some g entleman of the Town. 3, 4th. The general sent for a list of our names, of the old countrym en in particular by themselves, that were with us, and they chiefly lis ted in the king's service. 5 to 8th. The prisoners petitioned to have their packs sent in to them , where-upon they sent out a flag, and received them for us. 8 to 15th. The general sent for a list of the occupations of the pris oners. The small pox is very plenty with us. 15 to 19th. Capt. Hubbard died with the wound he received a coming in . 19 to 22nd. Five of those that listed out of prison, and five others d eserted the garrison in the night. There were two men put in irons for a ttempting to break out of prison. 22 to 25th. There were three vessels and a house burnt by our people. T he enemy went into St. Roche after plunder. There were two of our peop le taken a going to set fire to the shipping. 25 to 29th. There were eight men deserted the garrison. The people go o ut into St. Roche every day, and fetch in the remains of the buildings t hat were burnt. 29 to 31st. Two men of Capt. Ward's company died with the small pox. T he men are getting well, some of them. Feb 1 to 5th. There were 2 men deserted, 7 of our men died with small p ox, and one man died with pleurisy. He was sick but 4 days. 5 to 9th. Three men deserted. Forty men lay sick in prison. 9 to 12th. Very snowy. The storm very heavy. Three men were stifle d to death in the night on duty. 12 to 16th. This morning 60 men went to the hospital with small pox. T he men have it very favorably. 16 to 20th. Six of the old countrymen, that listed out deserted, and t he remainder of them put into prison again, because they deserted. 20 to 24th. Five men die with small pox. The enemy made an attempt to c ut out after our people's cannon, and got drove back. There was a cont inual firing after them. 24 to 31st. Nothing remarkable. Mar 1st to 6th. Three men deserted. 6 to 10th. One of the prisoners was put in irons for talking with one o f the sentries. We hear that Boston is taken by our people. 10 to 13th. There was an alarm in the city at 10 o'clock at night. A l arge picket was set around the prison, and a field piece before the doo r. 13 to 18th. The "emigrants" are moved into the artillery barracks, an d the rest of us into stone goal and are locked up at 7 o'clock at nigh t. 18 to 25th. Nothing remarkable. 25to 30th. In the night one of the prisoners got out of prison and ru n to our people. We are in a miserable condition having no wood, we al most freeze. 30 to 31st. Most of the prisoners consulted together to break out of p rison, to try their best to take the town, but as one of the persons wa s cutting away some ice at the cellar door, in order to have it handy t o open at a moments, to go out at, the sentry standing nigh, and hearin g the cutting, acquainted then officers of the guard, who acquainted so me other officers and they coming in, inquired who was cutting at the d oor, and what they were (about). On which, one of the prisoners inform ed them of all transactions that were going forward. The officers searc hed all the rooms in the prison, and every man's pack, to see if they c ould find any arms or ammunition, for they supposed some of the people i n the town had supplied us with arms and ammunition; but they could not f ind any such thing with us. At this we were put all in to strong irons . Apr 1st. to 14th. Our people having a battery across the river, at Po int Levi, they threw shot into the town very merry. The officers of th e guard are very particular with us. They call a roll and count us mor ning and evening. 14 to 27th. It is very sickly with us. The scurvy and lameness rage v ery much occasioned by living on salt provisions. 27 to 31st. The town was alarmed in the night. May 1st to 6th. Nothing strange; but in great distress and despair. 6th. This morning 3 ships came in with a re-enforcement of about 1000 m en. All bells in the town rang for joy most of the day. Then all forc es in the town marched out on Abraham's Plain to have a battle with our p eople, but they retreated as fast as possible and left a number of sick i n the hospital. Likewise some of their cannon and ammunition with a nu mber of small arms and packs. 7 to 8th. The general ordered the irons to be taken off the prisoners . The general likewise gave the "Emigrants" their liberty again. This m orning two ships came in. The ships have gone up river, and a number o f troops by land and, for Montreal. 9 to 14th. Three ships and three brigs came in. There were six priso ners put in with us, taken Strolling about. One company set out for Mo ntreal. 14 to 19th. Two ships went out. One of them a packet from England. 19 to 23rd. One ship and a number of small craft came in. Thirteen pr isoners, listed into the king's service. One ship sailed out. 23rd. Our allowance is one pound of soft bread and one pound of beef. 24 to 26th. The militia has laid down their arms. One of those men t hat went out of prison was put aboard a to gun ship; but he did not inc line to enter on board, and they put him in irons, and threatened to ha ng him, but he was taken out of irons and put into prison again in the e vening. Robert Beard was taken out of prison and had got his liberty. H e is going home by water to Ireland. 26 to 30th. One ship went out and twenty came in. there were 8 or 9 p risoners taken out to work; they stayed out 1 or 2 days, and were requi red to swear allegiance to the king, that they would not take up arms a gainst him, and to make it known all experiments against him. 30 to 31st. Four ships came in; one brig and two ship went out. June 1 to 5th. Eighteen ships came in with Gen Burgoyne. There are s ix thousand Hessians and Hanoverians come to assist the king's troops. F ive hundred marched up river fro Montreal. 5th. This day General Carlton with a number of the officers, came to s ee us, and inquired of us whether we had fared as well as they promised u s we should when we were taken. He told him we fared very well. He sa id he did not take us as enemies, and likewise said if he could rely up on our honors, he would send us to New England, if we would be quiet an d peaceable, and not take up arms any more. June 6th. A.D. 1776 A copy of an answer sent to Gen Carlton. May it please you your excellency: We, prisoners in His Majesty's goals, return your Excellency our most h appy and unfeigned thanks for your clemency and goodness to us while in i mprisonment. Being sensible of your humanity, we give your Excellency t hanks for your offer made us yesterday, and having a desire to return t o our friends and families again, we promise not to take up arms agains t His Majesty, but remain peaceable and quiet in our respective places o f abode, and we further assure your Excellency that you may depend on o ur fidelity. So we r emain your Excellency's humble servants. Signed in behalf of the prisoners. June 7 to 12th. Thirteen of the prisoners were taken out to go a fish ing. Two ships sailed. Gov. Carlton has gone up to Montreal. One regi ment has set out for the same place. The French are obliged to send a n umber out of every parish. 12 to 17th. Two of the prisoners that were out at work, ran away. 17 to 21st. A child killed by lightning. Two ships came in. 21 to 25th. Nothing remarkable. 25 to 30th. The soldiers are cut short of their allowance of bread-ha lf pound a week; likewise the prisoners the same. A company marches fo r Montreal. One ship came in. July 1 to 7th. Five ships came in, and three schooners. Two prisoner s were put in with us, which were taken up at Montreal by the Indians. 7 to 14th. Nothing remarkable. 14 to 19th. Col McLean came from Montreal. 19 to 21st. A ship came in. One of the prisoners, that were taken la st, was taken out and confined in close prison in irons for taking sauc y with the provost. 21st. This day number of the prisoners, that went out to work, ran aw ay through the woods. The general has sent after them. 22d. The general has come down from Montreal. 23 to 27th. One ship came in and one went out. One of the prisoners t aken crazy. 27 to 29th. One ship sailed. Two officers came into prison, and enqui red if there were not some of us that wanted shirts. They were told; t here were a number of us that had none. They told us we should all hav e shirts that wanted. They likewise told us, we should be sent home in t en days. 29 to 31st. Our officers have liberty of the town. Aug 1 to 3rd. Nothing Remarkable. 4th. The General sent for all prisoners to come in, who were out in t he country at work that were minded to go home. 5th. This day ninety-five prisoners embarked on board the ship. 6th. This day expected to embark, but were disappointed. 7th. This day the men all in good spirits, and embarked on board the s hips. Sixty of the prisoners on board the Mermaid. 8th. This day our provisions are pork, peas and hard bread. The wind i n our favor, but waiting for orders to sail. At night removed from the M ermaid to the John Christopher 9th. This day our provision is fresh meat and soft bread. The wind i n our favor, but no orders to sail. 10th. Last night a brig came down river with 28 prisoners. At little W olf's Cove, the wind blows up river. 11th. This morning the signal was given for sailing. Weighted anchor a nd went down one mile. At night weighed anchor, and went down the rive r thirteen miles. The weather cold and stormy. 12th. This morning the signal was given. We weighted anchor and beat d own river about 11 miles, and came to an anchor, the wind being strong a gainst us. 13th. This day we lay waiting for the wind. 14th. This morning weighted anchor with a pleasant gale of wind. Sail ed down river about 15 miles, and came to an anchor. Then hove up, and w ith a brisk wind, sailed down the river to the Isle Obeeck, to leagues f rom Quebec. 15th. Having a prosperous gale of wind, we mad sail. In the afternoo n passed a Frigate, lying in the river, to see if there was no fleet co ming up except their own. 16th. This day we had a very brief wind. 17th. The wind breezed up in our favor. 18th. Left Gasey and made St. John's Island. 19th. St. John's Island being 11 leagues long, we sailed by it most o f the day. Hove in sight of Cape Breton Island, before we left Saint J ohns. Espied a ship in distress, cast away on the end of the island he r foremast, mizzenmast and bowsprit carried away. A barge was sent on b oard from our convoy, but we had heard no return. 20th. We were detained by beating round the island to get letters ash ore to the Governor of the island, concerning the wreck that was run as hore. 21st. This day, we had a small breeze of wind against us. At night c ame to an anchor, on order to send a boast ashore with letters to the G overnor. 22nd. This morning the boat went ashore and returned about sunset. Th en hove up with a brisk wind. Sailed all night. 23rd. This day went thro' Canso Gut into Chebucto Bay. Left it this n ight and came in to the open ocean. 24th. It was our misfortune to have the wind ahead, so that we drifte d from our course, and made little or no headway this day. Sunday 25th. The wind still ahead. Changed our course NW. and made C ancer Shore that night. 26th. This day the wind got about almost fair, and breezy up a very b risk gale about dark. 27th. The wind held fair and strong till about 2 o'clock this afterno on. 28th. The wind died away and there was a large swell. 29th. This morning the wind quickened up, and the captain of the ship t ook an observation and found us to be latitude 42, which is Boston lati tude. 30th. A light breeze, but very fair, and continued so this day. 31st. We were told, by the second mate, that we were abreast of New Y ork, and were afraid to put in for a harbor, for fear our Privateers wo uld give them a basting. Sunday, Sep 1st. Were this night informed, that we were south of Penns ylvania. 2nd. This day kept our course SW. until the morning, the wind being y et ahead. 3rd. This morning we were almost up with the Virginia Cape. We about s hip and run upon the other tack. 4th. About 3 o'clock this morning, blew up a squall and a heavy downe r of rain. We were obliged to shorten sail, and stand before it. 5th. Fortune yet frowning in regard to the wind, we look up within ou r points. 6th. We were informed by the shipmen, according to reckoning, that we w ere in the latitude of Philadelphia. Latitude 39, North.
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Puffer Genealogy
1757 - 1840 (83 years)
[5, 6, 7, 8, 9]