Sons of the American Revolution - Binghamton Chapter

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Sons of the American Revolution - Binghamton Chapter SAR promotes patriotism, serves the community & educates the public on the American Revolution

The name of this Chapter shall be the “Binghamton Chapter of the Empire State Society, Sons of the American Revolution”. Objectives

(i) to perpetuate the memory of the men who, by their services or sacrifices during the War of the American Revolution, achieved the independence of the American People;

(ii) to promote fellowship among their descendants;

(iii) to inspire a more profound reverence for the principles of the government founded by our forefathers;

(iv) to acquire and preserve the records of the individual services or sacrifices of the patriots of the War, as well as documents, relics and landmarks;

(v) to encourage historical research in relation to the American Revolution and the study of American History;

(vi) to mark the scenes of the Revolution by appropriate memorials;

(vii) to celebrate the anniversaries of the prominent events of that War;

(viii) to foster true patriotism;

(ix) to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom and to carry out, the purposes expressed in the Preamble to the Constitution of our Country and the injunctions of Washington in his farewell address to the American People.

10/11/2026
10/11/2026

This week in New York’s American Revolution History...

October 11, 1776 – “…No Horse, or Waggon, shall be taken by any Officer…without an Order from Head Quarters, the Qr Mr General, or Waggon-Master General…”

“Head Quarters, Harlem Heights, Octobr 11th 1776.

“Parole: (Sherman)

“Countersign: (Floyd)

“Col. Ewing, Lt Col. Penrose, Major Fitzgereld, Capts. Thorne, Ballard, Packay, and Yates, to sit as a Court of Enquiry into the Conduct of Col. Van Cortlandt, and Major Dey, towards each other; to meet this afternoon at 3’O’Clock, at the Court Martial Room, and make report as soon as possible to the General—Brigade Majors to give them immediate notice.

“—Talmadge Esqr: is appointed Brigade Major to Genl Wadsworth, and is to be obeyed, and respected accordingly.

“As there is an absolute necessity for the business of the Army to be carried on with regularity, and to do this, that the officers of each department should have the regulation and direction of matters, appertaining to their respective Offices, in Order that they may become amenable to the public, or the Commander in Chief, when called upon—It is hereby directed by the General, that No Horse, or Waggon, shall be taken by any Officer, of whatever Rank, without an Order from Head Quarters, the Qr Mr General, or Waggon-Master General: But when either are wanted for regimental uses, the application shall go from the Commanding Officer of the regiment, in writing to the Q: M: Gl or W. M. Gl who will issue his orders therefor; and if wanted for the dispatch of public business the application to be made by the Engineer in writing—all Teams belonging to the public, or in their pay, are to be delivered to the Quarter Master General, registered, and under his direction. The Quarter Master Generals is to take especial Care of all Grain and Hay, belonging to the Public, and see that none of it is delivered, but by his order: And as these Articles are scarce, it is ordered, that all officers, whose duty does not oblige them to be on horseback, dispose of the Horses, or send them out of Camp, immediately; as provender cannot be spared for them on any pretence.

“No Boards are to be taken for the use of any Brigade, or Regiment, without orders, nor delivered but by order of the Quarter Master General, who is to make as equal a distribution among the Regiments as may be, and see they are put to the best use possible, and with as little waste, as there may be difficulty in getting them.

“Mutual Complaints having been made by Mr Fisk the Engineer, and Mr Kinsey the Waggon Master against each other—A Court of enquiry of 3 Captains, and 4 Subs.—from Genl McDougall’s Brigade to sit, and report the matter, with their opinion thereon; to meet to morrow Afternoon at 3 o’Clock, at the Court Martial room.

“The General being accidentally prevented, from going to the Alarm-posts this morning; if the weather is fair, he will visit the Troops to morrow morning, accompanied by the General Officers; he hopes the whole line will turn out as full as possible.

“The time of the Fatigue Men going out is altered to 8 O’Clock, instead of Seven—The men are to breakfast before they go, as they are not to leave Work on that account. The General hopes the officers will exert themselves, to complete the works, as fast as possible, that the men may be the sooner covered.”

Washington’s orders can be read in the transcription above at the following “Founders Online” link from the US National Archives:

https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-06-02-0404



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Image Credit:

“Wagon and wagon master”

From the October 7, 2019 post by John U. Rees entitled:

“Post # 5. Musings of a "desperate [history] Quixot," (In no particular order.)”

" ‘False hopes and temporary devices’: Organizing Food Supply in the Continental Army”

As shared on the Facebook Group Progressive Rev War Reenactors at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/217402738422205/posts/2609536059208849/

10/11/2026

The Battle of Valcour Island

"The naval Battle of Valcour Island, also known as the Battle of Valcour Bay, took place on October 11, 1776, on Lake Champlain. The main action took place in Valcour Bay, a narrow strait between the New York mainland and Valcour Island. The battle is generally regarded as one of the first naval battles of the American Revolutionary War, and one of the first fought by the United States Navy. Most of the ships in the American fleet under the command of Benedict Arnold were captured or destroyed by a British force under the overall direction of General Guy Carleton. Despite losing 11 ships and nearly 200 sailors to capture or casualty, the American defense of Lake Champlain stalled British plans to reach the upper Hudson River valley."

Read a brief account of the battle at the following American Battlefield Trust link:

https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/valcour-island

Read a more detailed description at this Wikipedia link:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Valcour_Island

10/10/2026

This week in New York’s American Revolution History...

October 10, 1776 – “…three Ships of War, Two of 44 & the Other of 20 Guns with three or four Tenders, pass(ed) our Cheveaux de frize Yesterday Morning…”

“Head Qurs Harlem Heights Octo: 10th 1776.

“Dear Sir

“I am now to acknowledge Your Favor of the 1st Inst. & to inform You, that the two Sachems of the Cayugas, with Mr Deane the Interpreter, have been with me & spent three or four Days. I shewed them every Civility in My Power & presented them with such Necessaries as our Barren stores afforded and they were pleased to take; I also had them shewn all our Works upon this Island, which I had manned, to give them an Idea of our Force & to do away the false Notions they might have imbibed from the Tales which had been propagated among ’em. They seemed to think we were amazingly strong, and said they had seen enough without Going to our Posts in Jersey or the Other Side Harlem River. They took their Departure Yesterday morning & I hope with No Unfavorable Impressions.

“Your Favor of the 6th came to Hand this Day by Mr Bennet; I have communicated the Contents, so far as It respects the Boards, to General Mifflin, who has resumed the Office of Quarter Master General on Mr Moylan’s Resignation & the Application of Congress; He will write You to Morrow about them and will send the Sum You require by the Return of Mr Bennet.

“It gives me Great Pleasure to hear the Army is so well supplied with Provision & I would fain hope, that if the Enemy do not Effect any Thing in this or the next Month, that they will not attempt to pass the Lakes till Early in the Spring, by Which Time perhaps We may be able to recruit our Army, tho I have My Fears, That the Buisiness will not go on with Ease and Expedition that I could wish. I have done All I could, and urged strongly the Propriety of Giving the Soldiers a Suit of Clothes annually, how Congress will determine I know not; I have also advised the Raising of the Officers Pay.

“We are again deprived of the Navigation of this River by three Ships of War, Two of 44 & the Other of 20 Guns with three or four Tenders, passing our Cheveaux de frize Yesterday Morning And all our Batteries without any Kind of Damage or Interruption, Notwithstanding a Heavy Fire was kept up from both sides of the River.

“I have Given Directions to compleat the Obstructions as fast as possible, and I flatter Myself, if they allow Us a little Time more, that the Passage will become extremely difficult, if Not entirely insecure. their Views I immagine are chiefly to cut off our Supplies & probably to Gain recruits.

“I am Dr Sir Very respectfully Your most Obedt servt

“Go: Washington.”

Washington’s letter to Schuyler can be read in the transcription above at the following “Founders Online” link from the US National Archives:

https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-06-02-0403



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Image Credit:

“Forcing a passage of the Hudson River, 9 October 1776” (ca 1788) by Thomas Mitchell after Dominic Serres

“The painting is a copy after the original rendering of the subject, a scene from the American Revolutionary War, by Dominic Serres the Elder. It shows HMS ‘Phoenix’, ‘Roebuck’ and ‘Tartar’, accompanied by two smaller vessels, forcing their way through a cheval-de-frise on the Hudson River with the Forts Washington and Lee and several batteries on both sides. The original painting was commissioned from Serres by the family of Hyde Parker, captain of the ‘Phoenix’ and commander of the mission to regain control over the waterway and cut Washington’s lines of communication across it.

“The painting combines elements of landscape and marine painting unified by the effects of gun smoke and clouds. In the foreground the river takes the full breadth of the picture. Upstream between the wooded banks the ships are breaching the obstruction in the water by forcing its junction with the shore on the right.”

ID: BHC0420

Royal Museums Greenwich, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

https://collections.rmg.co.uk/media/374/492/bhc0420.jpg

10/10/2026

This week in New York’s American Revolution History...

October 10, 1776 – NY Committee of Safety alarmed at the “Intelligence of bodies of Men enlisted and armed in order to assist the Enemy”

“Committee of Safety for the State of New York.

“Fishkill October 10th 1776.

“Sir.

“We received from Mr Tilghman an Account of the enemies Ships having gone up the River—and have dispatched Expresses to General Schuyler and General Clinton agreable to your Excellency’s request.

“Nothing can be more alarming than the present situation of our State; We are daily getting, the most authentic Intelligence of bodies of Men enlisted and armed in order to assist the Enemy⟨.⟩ We much fear that they co-operating with the Enemy, may seize such Passes as will cut off all communication, between the Army and us and prevent your supplies. We dare not trust any more of the Militia out of this County—We have called for some Aid from the two adjourning ones, but beg leave to suggest to your Excellency, the propriety of sending a body of Men to the high Lands or Peeks Kill to secure the Passes, and prevent Insurrections and overawe the disaffected. We suppose your Excellency has taken the necessary Steps to prevent the landing of any Men from the Ships should they be so inclined as no reliance at all can be placed on the Militia of Westchester County.

“We are most respectfully Your Excellency’s most Obedient & very humble servt

“By Order.

“Peter R. Livingston, President”

President Livingston’s letter to Washington can be read in the transcription above at the following “Founders Online” link from the US National Archives:

https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-06-02-0402



The link above also shares this background on Livingston:

“Peter Robert Livingston (1737–1794), a son of Robert Livingston, the third lord of Livingston Manor, was in line to become the fourth lord of the manor until 1771 when his father broke the entail on the estate to prevent the profligate Peter Robert from becoming the principal heir of the family fortune. Along with his reputation as a poor businessman, Peter Robert Livingston also developed a reputation as a radical Whig politician while serving in the New York general assembly from 1761 to 1769 and from 1774 to 1775. He was commissioned colonel of the 10th Regiment of the Albany County militia in October 1775, and he was elected repeatedly during 1775 and 1776 to represent that county in the provincial congress and convention. Named president of the convention on 26 Sept. 1776, Livingston served in that capacity and as chairman of committee of safety until 22 Oct.”

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Image Credit:

“Colonel Peter R. Livingston”

Image via HouseHistree at:

https://househistree.com/storage/7801/Screen-Shot-2020-06-15-at-07.46.20.jpg

10/09/2026

This week in New York’s American Revolution History...

October 9, 1776 – Lieutenants Jeremiah Putnam & Nathaniel Cleaves report to Washington on the capture of row galleys “Independence” & “Crane”

“North Rever October the 9th 1776

“Sir

“this is a Coppey of the preceding⟨gs⟩ On Bord the Galley Independance On the 8th Coll Tupper sent Orders On Bord for Capt. Baker to prosceed On shore and that there Was no further Buisness for him On Bord On the 9th at about 7 A.M. We Observed the ships Below to Be moving We Imeadetly Cauld all Hands, after seeing the Other Galley Under way We hove Up and stood Up the river after them and When We got Above the Chevux De’ free, spoke With Cook and askt what he Intended to Doo He answered that he Did not know But stood Up the river and said there Was Not Warter Enough to Goo in to the Creek the Wind Being Morderate we gained a head of them wich gave Us Encoregment to keep along it soon after Breessd Up & the ships Gaind Upon Us fast: and at a bout 11 A.M., the[y] Began to fire Upon Us With theire Bow Chases at A bout twelf they Over reacht Us which Causd Us to Bare in shore and at ½ P.M. We run her On shore Just Above Dobsey Ferry Where We had not time Enough to Git Our people and things On shore in the Boats: and the shiping Began the fire Wich Oblig’d Us to Swim On shore. But no Livs Lost But, part of theire Guns and Cheif of theire Baggage, And I Observed the Enemy to hawl Up thire Boats And man them, Wich, they Emeadetly Dropt On stern and fired a Brad side of Grape shot as We Ley in the Bushes and Emeadetly sent theire Boat On Bord With a Warp and hove her a long side,

from your Most Obedt Serts

“Jeremh Putnam Lt
Nathaniel Cleaves Liut.”

Putnam & Cleaves’ report can be read in the transcription above at the following “Founders Online” link from the US National Archives:

https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-06-02-0396



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Image Credit:

Detail of painting by Ernie Haas depicting Row Galley “Congress” escaping at the Battle of Valcour Island (1993). “Congress” was built at Skenesborough for Arnold’s fleet.

Via American Revolution Institute, Washington, D.C.

https://www.americanrevolutioninstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Arnolds-Bay.jpg

10/09/2026

This week in New York’s American Revolution History...

October 9, 1776 – “the Brigadiers may apply to the Qr Mr General for Boards, and under his direction, employ the spare time of their men in building Barracks, or Hutts, fit for Winter use”

“Head Quarters, Harlem Heights, Octobr 9th 1776

“Parole: (Billoa)
Countersign: (Lisbon)

“The General positively forbids covering the bottoms of Tents with Earth, as in a few days that situation, must render them totally unfit for service—The commanding Officer of each Corps, will take care to see that this Order is strictly complied with in his own Encampment—In Order that the regiments may get out of Tents as soon as possible, the Brigadiers may apply to the Qr Mr General for Boards, and under his direction, employ the spare time of their men in building Barracks, or Hutts, fit for Winter use. These Hutts, or Barracks, are to be built with regularity. The Works of defence are not to be re****ed by these buildings; they are to be advanced by the men off duty, if tools are to be had for them to work.

“The respective Brigadiers are to inquire into the state of the Am******on of their Brigades, and every Colonel is to have a Box of spare Cartridges, to supply occasional deficiencies.

“Edward Sherburne Esqr. is appointed Aide-De-Camp to General Sullivan, and is to be obeyed and respected accordingly.

“David Dexter Esqr. is appointed to act as Brigade Major to the Brigade under Col. Lippet.

Washington’s orders can be read in the transcription above at the following “Founders Online” link from the US National Archives:

https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-06-02-0392



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Image Credit:

“Thus far the hut floors have stayed dry The sill created at the back of each hut creates the perfect place to build a fireplace much like the fireboxes dug into earthen camp kitchens commonly used”

From the article “Lodging as the Nature of the Campaign will Admit,” posted on November 30, 2014

Fort Ticonderoga, Ticonderoga, NY

https://www.fortticonderoga.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/10370348_10152458260329033_1878705063677950746_n.jpg

10/08/2026

This week in New York’s American Revolution History...

October 8, 1776 – “The Brigade lately commanded by Genl Mifflin is to be under the care of Lord Stirling who is just returned from his Captivity”

“Head Quarters, Harlem Heights, Octobr 8th 1776.

“Parole: (France)
Countersign: (Spain)

“The late Sergeant Douglass of Capt. Foster’s Company, late McDougall’s Regiment, being convicted by a General Court Martial, whereof Col. Weedon was President of ‘Mutinous Speeches and speaking disrespectfully of the Commander in Chief’ and sentenced to receive 39 L###xs—The General approves the sentence, and orders it to be executed at the usual time and place—This Offender being a very bad character, is to be continued in the Provost Guard ’till further Orders.

“The Commanding Officer of the Rangers having represented, that Soldiers are continually straggling down to Harlem, and other Places; frequently without Arms—and that when he has apprehended, and sent them to their regiments, no farther notice has been taken of them; As this is a plain breach of General Orders, the General hopes there is some mistake in the matter; however to prevent it in future, he now orders that no officer or soldier (Rangers excepted) go on any pretence beyond the lines, without leave from himself, a Major General, the Brigadier of the day, or the Adjutant General, in writing; unless either of those officers are with them in person: And in order to distinguish the Rangers, they are to wear something white round their Arms. If any such Straggler is found hereafter, he is to be sent to the quarter-guard of the regiment, tried by a Regimental Court Martial, and receive ten L###xs immediately.

“There is now an issuing Store for Am******on, near Genl Spencer’s quarters, the Officers of every regiment will be responsible if there is any deficiency in their regiments, as they may now receive a full supply by making a Return of the State of their Am******on, and getting an Order from the Adjutant General.

“The Brigade lately commanded by Genl Mifflin is to be under the care of Lord Stirling who is just returned from his Captivity.

“The General desires the commanding Officers of each Regiment, or Corps, will give in a list of the names of the Officers & Men, who were killed, taken, or missing in the Action of the 27th of August on Long Island, and since that period: He desires the Returns may be correct, and that any perons who have it in their power, will give in the Returns of this kind in behalf of any Militia Regiments which are discharged.

“The General, to prevent any plea of ignorance, again repeats his order against all kinds of Gaming, as destructive and pernicious to the service: He hopes the officers will set no examples of this kind, and that they will punish it among the men.

“The General is surprised to find that manning the lines every morning, is discontinued—He desires that the practice of doing it, for the future, may not be omitted, unless contradicted by General Orders.

“The Quarter-Master General is to use the greatest diligence, in providing straw for the accomodation of the troops.

“Lieut. Kidd of Col. Smallwood’s regiment, convicted by a Court Martial whereof Col. Ware was President of a breach of General Orders, in ‘Taking fatigue-men from their duty’—is sentenced to be dismisd the service—Ensign Fairly of the regiment late McDougall’s, tried by the same Court Martial, for the same, is acquitted and discharged from Arrest. Capt. Hardenburgh of Col. Ritzema’s Regiment, convicted by the same Court Martial of ‘Defrauding his men’—is sentenced to be cashiered, and his name, place of abode, and offence, published agreeable to the 2nd & 4th late additional Articles of war.

“The General approves each of the above sentences, and orders to be executed.”

Washington’s orders can be read in the transcription above at the following “Founders Online” link from the US National Archives:

https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-06-02-0387



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Image Credit:

Detail of “Major General Lord Stirling” (1872) etched by Henry Bryan Hall, Morrisania, NY

ID: 1350

William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan Library Digital Collections.

https://quod.lib.umich.edu/w/wcl1ic/x-1350/wcl001444

"Closing the Ring, Geoge Washington’s War in the North, 1778 – 1781" (2026) by Jeffrey A. Denman"From June 28, 1778, unt...
10/07/2026

"Closing the Ring, Geoge Washington’s War in the North, 1778 – 1781" (2026) by Jeffrey A. Denman

"From June 28, 1778, until October 1781, there is a gap in major engagements by the main Continental Army under the command of General George Washington. A few minor engagements, at Springfield, Connecticut Farms in New Jersey or Stony Point in New York, occurred. Actions in the Southern Theater occupied much of that period and Newport, Rhode Island became a focal point as well, especially with the French arrival. Historians, especially popular and public historians, tend to quickly cover these approximately three years of war in short order, moving onto the finality.

"Yet, these years are important, especially to understand the other facets of warfare, rebellion, and revolution. Diving into the primary sources, from the quill pens of Washington, his fellow generals, staff officers, Continental Congress, and the soldiery that comprised the Continental and militia forces, and one can easily surmise how important those non-major-warfare years were. Luckily for the avid students and enthusiasts of the American Revolutionary War, we now have a concise, richly researched, and impactfully created prose published by Casemate and authored by Jeffrey A. Denman to fill this gap..."

Read the rest of this review by Emerging Revolutionary War co-founder Phill Greenwalt at this link:

https://emergingrevolutionarywar.org/2026/08/21/book-review-closing-the-ring-geoge-washingtons-war-in-the-north-1778-1781-by-jeffrey-a-denman/

Greenwalt, full-time contributor to Emerging Civil War and co-founder of Emerging Revolutionary War, was historian with the National Park Service at George Washington Birthplace National Monument and Thomas Stone National Historic Site. He was also an interpreter with the National Park Service at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields National Military Park.

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