Page:Memoirs of a Huguenot Family.djvu/453

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LETTER FROM COL. W. FONTAINE.
445

supposed was blown up with design during the negotiation for the surrender. The whole of the prisoners of war amount to 6,800, exclusive of sailors and marines, which, with the shipping, belong to the French, and the refugees, merchants and followers of the army. The shipping of every sort is about seventy sail, though a great many are sunk. Of brass ordnance we have taken eighty odd; of iron, 120; muskets, 7,313 fit for use, beside a great number in unopened boxes, and of odd arms; of horse, about 300 accoutred: there must be more horse accoutrements, but I have not seen a particular return from Gloucester, where the horse lay. The military chest amounts to only 800 guineas. Merchants' stores are subject to the pre-emption of our army at a reasonable price for such articles as suit them, the remainder they are allowed three months to effect the sale of, then are to give their parole and clear out. Tories are subject to be tried by our laws. The 20th of next month is appointed for that purpose. A small proportion of officers are to remain with the prisoners, the rest are to be paroled to New-York. A flag-ship is allowed Cornwallis to carry him to New-York; thence, I believe, he goes home. His flag-ship is not to be searched. The officers retain their side-arms and baggage, and the soldiers their knapsacks. They marched out with drums muffled, and colors furled and crossed. All property taken from inhabitants by the British is liable to be claimed by them. In consequence, Master Tarleton met with a most severe mortification the day before yesterday. The hero was prancing through the streets of York on a very fine, elegant horse, and was met by a spirited young fellow of the country, who stopped him, challenged the horse, and ordered him instantly to dismount. Tarleton halted and paused awhile through confusion, then told the lad