Excerpt from the Journal of Major Simeon Thayer

 

I was appointed a Major in one of the Rhode-Island Regiments commanded by Col. Angell in the Year 1777, and marched to Red Bank. Here I was detached the Morning after my arrival 19th of October, with 150 men to join Col. Smith on Mud Island when the Enemies batteries were playing, where I continued three Days, when the Hessians appeared as if they intended an attack on Red Bank, I then received an express from Col. Greene to return with my troops to Red Bank about 12 Oclock, which I immediately complyed with and reached the Fort just as the Hessians appeared in sight. I commanded according to my rank during the Action and was detached after the Enemy had departed, about the dusk of the Evening with a Small Party to bring in the wounded. As I was employed in the human Service , Two Hessian Grenadiers came and told me that their Commanding Officer Count Donop was lying wounded in the edge of the Wood near where their Artillery had played, as it was near dark I Suspected they might mean to decoy me into a Ambush I therefore ordered them under Guard, telling them if they deceived me they should be immediately put to Death, to which they readily consented, and conducted me to the place where I found the Count lying under a Tree mortally wounded, he asked me if I was an Officer and of what Rank, of which being satisfied he surrendered himself as a prisoner to me when I ordered six of my Guard to take one of the Hessian Blankets from his pack and Carry him  with all possible care to the Fort where he was received By Col. Greene. Col. Smith who commanded on Mud-Island being wounded, it was necessary that Some Officer Should be appointed to Succeed him. Gen. Varnum who commanded at Woodbury sent his Brigade Major so two different Col.s whose rank intitled them to the Command, but for some reasons they declined, Tho' I was Sensible of the Importance of the Command, and that the whole Continent had their Eyes fixed on the Officer who was defending so important a post, and that he was open to the Censure of the World for any Misfortunes, much more for any misconduct during the Siege; yet when it was offered me I could not refuse my Country any Service in my power, and accepted it, and Continued as long as the Fort was tenable.