About this book
MEMOIRS
OF
HIS OWN TIME.
WITH
REMINISCENCES
OF THE
MEN AND EVENTS
REVOLUTION.
BY
ALEXANDER GRAYDON.
EDITED BY
JOHN STOCKTON LITTELL,
MEMBER OF THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
PHILADELPHIA:
LINDSAY & BLAKISTO N.
Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1846,
BY JOHN S. LITTELL,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court, for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
GRIGGS & CO., PRINTERS.
Bristol.-The Author's account of his family, and early education.-So-
ciety of Philadelphia.-Accident.-Family history.-Quakers.-School
at Bristol.-School discipline.-Mr. Dove.-Philadelphia Academy.-
Mr. Kinnersley.-Anecdote.-Early Adventure.-Author's early Cha-
racter.-Ballad.-Death of the Author's father.-Latin School.-Mr.
Beveridge. Anecdotes of Mr. Beveridge.-School anecdote.-Singular
petition.-Beveridge's poems.-Philadelphia.-Academy.-Author's ear-
ly class-mates.
16
CHAPTER II.
Retrospective events in the Author's history.-Philadelphia.-Yellow fever.
-Lodging-house.-Foot races.-Paxton boys.-They threaten the city.
-Ogle and Friend.-Author's early amusements.-School anecdotes.-
Sailing excursion.-Swimming and Skating.-Abbé Raynal.-Lodging-
house guests-Baron De Kalb.—Lady Moore.-Lady Susan O'Brien.—
Woodward.-Sir William Draper.-Frank Richardson.-Anecdote.—
Major Etherington.-Anecdote.-Majors Small and Fell.-General
Reid.-Captain Wallace.-Anecdote of Joseph Church.-Rivington the
printer.
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CHAPTER III.
The Author mixes in new Society.-Is destined for the Law. His charac-
teristic Indolence.-American players.-Anecdotes.-Dramatic Poetry.
-Author's pursuits.-Debating Society.-Metaphysical subtleties.—
Causes of youthful follies.-Letters of Junius.-Tamoc Caspipina.-
Mr. Duché.
Page
79
CHAPTER IV.
The Author removes to York.-Society there.-A Maryland Parson.—
Odd character.-Judge Stedman.-Mr. James Smith.-Family circle.-
Author returns to Philadelphia.-Prosecutes the study of the Law.-
Fencing. Mr. Pike.-City Tavern.-Singular case of mental derange
ment.-Retrospective reflections.-Causes of the American War.-State
of Parties.-Volunteer Companies.-Political consistency.-Preparations
for War.-Anecdote.-Early attachment.-Dr. Kearsley.-Mr. Hunt.—
Major Skene.
CHAPTER V.
Congress Assembles.-Continental Battalions.-State of Parties.—Mr.
Richard Penn.-His Character.-Levy of Troops.-Officers.-Ad.
venture.-Patriotism.-Recruiting.-Ill Success.-Discipline.-Author
sent on a Mission.-Baron Woedtke.-Military Preparations.-Road to
Albany. Saratoga.—Fort Edward.—Lake George.-General Schuyler.
-His Character.-Author returns to his Regiment.-Judge Livingston.
CHAPTER VI.
The Author leaves Philadelphia.-Appearance of the Army.-Character
of the Soldiers.-Erection of Fort Washington.-Fort Lee.-Character
of General Mifflin.-An odd Character.-Connecticut Light Horse.—
Character of the Army.-Declaration of Independence.-Statue of George
III. British land on Long Island.-Action with the Enemy.-New
York. Privations of Soldiers.-Long Island.-Entrenchments.-Skir
mishing.-Midnight Scene in Camp.-Retreat to New York.-Reflec-
tions. Washington vindicated.-General Howe.-Conduct of the British.
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