Clinton, Alexander, 1793-1878
John M. McDonald interview — 1850-10-10
Dr. Alexander Clinton (1793-1878) was a grandson of General James Clinton, who shared command of the American forces with his brother, General George Clinton, at the Battle of Forts Clinton and Montgomery on October 6, 1777. Dr. Clinton explains how James Clinton escaped capture with the help of Ephraim Dubois, a Black man enslaved by Colonel Lewis Dubois. Dr. Clinton had heard that George Clinton wished to surrender the two forts, but that he was persuaded by James Clinton to attempt to withstand the British assault. He concludes the interview by suggesting that John Macdonald speak with Robert Burnet of Little Britain, New Windsor, New York, and Alexander Thomson of Montgomery, New York.
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
[margin: 138 1010] [margin: 101] [margin: PARIS] his seat exclaimed aloud aloud to Mr. Intosh in Gaelic: "The Devil take the fellow! — Do you hear what he says?" When the Squatters rose against Robinson in Fredericksburgh, a few years before the Revolutionary war, they were [margin: Prendergast?] led by an Irishman named Prengrast. British troops were sent from New York who put Robinson in possession.— Old Mr. Grey and some others had bought what they thought good and refused to com -promise with Robinson."
October 10th Dr. Alexander Clinton, of 603 Houston between Mercer and Greene: "I don't know who commanded Fort Green Clinton when it was captured in 1777. My [margin: 101] [page break] [margin: 1011 141] [margin: 102] [margin: PARIS] grand father, General James Clinton, as I have always heard, escaped from Fort Montgomery. He jumped from the parapet, and said that the leap would have been fatal had he not lighted, accidentally, upon a cedar Bush which broke his fall. It was nearly dark at the time. I have heard him recount his escape. Groping afterwards in the dark in some ravine, he stretched out his hand and found it upon something that felt like wool. It was the head of Col. Dubois's black man who exclaimed, "For God's sake, master, don't murder me! I'll do anything for you," &c.— (See Sylvanus Miller's narrative pp. 62-63 of original and pp. 95-97 of copy.) I have always heard that the two brothers were together at the time of the surrender, and that one determined to escape over the mountains and the others by crossing the Hudson. [margin: 102] [page break] [margin: 142 1012] [margin: 103] [margin: PARIS] I can't tell where the Schoolmasters pamphlet can be found. I have heard also that when Governor Clinton had ascertained the enemy's strength he wished to surrender and save useless loss of life, but was persuaded by General Clinton to stand the assault. General Clinton was wounded in the leg. Robert Burnet, of Little Britain, New Windsor, was at the assault and knows more about it than any one I can think of. He is well in mind though aged and weak. Mr. Alexander Thomson of Mont -gomery, Orange County whose father held some offices at West Point can also give details of the capture. Mr. Thomson is part of his time in New York, and he stays at some hotel, but I don't know which. I can't think of any other person who can give you any particulars." [margin: 103] [margin: * Mr. Alexr. Thomson, a relation of Genl. Jas. Clinton? & wife?]