Saved By The Great Emancipator

This story begins February 14, 1940 as recorded by the Journal-Gazette in Coldwater, Michigan. It was an observance of the birthday of Abraham Lincoln where George Quackenbush, age 79, first told his story.

George Quackenbush said that when he was a youngster he went with his parents to upper Sandusky, Ohio to see President Lincoln. who was stopping there briefly to deliver a speech.

When President Lincoln's train arrived, he left the rear of the train but stayed near to it to deliver his speech. During the speech-making Quackenbush lost interest in the ceremonies, and crawled beneath a nearby railroad car to play.

While he was playing there the train began to move, but Lincoln standing nearby, saw that George Quackenbush was about to be crushed. President Lincoln grabbed the boy by a foot and pulled him to safety. The President returned to his train and was gone.

George Quackenbush, a retired Tinsmith, passed away on October 19, 1944

Edwin Bayeux Quackenbush - Lawyer, Insurance Sales

Edwin Bayeux Quackenbush, son of Edwin; born. May II, 1875: married. Sept. 25. 1900, to Flora Betty Wintner.

Children: Schuyler Bayeux, born. Dec. 31, 1901.

Edwin is a grandson of the late G. V. S. Quackenbush, who in 1824 founded the wholesale and retail dry goods establishment bearing his name, at Troy, N. Y., and who was one of the wealthiest and most successful businessmen of New York. He is a member of the New York State Bar, to which he was admitted after a careful training, first at the Albany Law College, and subsequently in the law office of his father, Edwin Quackenbush, an honored member of the Van Rensselaer and of the Saratoga County Bar Association. He served a term of four years as a magistrate in Saratoga County, being then twenty-two years of age and the youngest magistrate in the history of this state.

In 1898 he entered the service of the New York Casualty Company as general agent, and in 1901 was made superintendent of agents, being elected to the position of general manager of the company in May, 1902.

In 1903 he resigned as general manager of the New York Casualty to accept a position as superintendent of the Personal Accident Department of the Ocean Accident & Guarantee Corporation, Limited. He continued as superintendent of that department until 1905, at which time the "Ocean," being desirous of more actively developing the territory in the vicinity of its American head office, Mr. Quackenbush was selected to take personal charge of the Metropolitan Accident, Health and Burglary Departments of the corporation, including agency supervision in New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

The success of Mr. Quackenbush is a logical one. The agents and brokers liked his energy, promptness, good nature and contracts. He provides them with exceptional facilities and assistance, makes sure that their customers' claims are paid promptly and protects them in the renewal of their business, believing that the Accumulation provision of an accident policy is for the purpose of holding the business, on renewal for the agent originally writing the line and not for the benefit of another agent, who at renewal time endeavors to "switch " it away from the agent originally placing same.

Robert Mead Quackenbush - Children's Author

Robert Quackenbush, Nationality American, Book Genres Children's literature
Notable work(s) Henry's Awful Mistake

Spouse(s) Margery

Robert Mead Quackenbush (born July 23, 1929) is an American author and illustrator of children's books. As of 1999, he had authored 110 books and illustrated 60 more.

He has written about many historical figures, such as Quick, Anne, Give Me a Catchy Line, a children's book about the life and works of Samuel F. B. Morse (inventor of the telegraph), and Mark Twain? What Kind of Name Is That?: a story of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, published in 1984.

His most widely known book, Henry's Awful Mistake, published by Parents Magazine Press in 1980, is present in almost 900 US and Canadian libraries. Quackenbush was born in California and now lives in New York with his wife Margery, who is a director of the National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis (NAAP).

Awards

• American Flag Institute Award for outstanding contributions to children's literature - 3 times winner

• Edgar Allan Poe Special Award for best juvenile mystery

• Gradiva Award for Batbaby, voted best children's book of 1998 by NAAP

Cebra Quackenbush - The American House Hotel

Peter, the father of Cebra, was a powder manufacturer at Fair Haven, Vermont, in the firm of Quackenbush, Steer, & Armstrong, and was a leader in that manufacture. After retiring from that business he was a frequent visitor to Berkshire County, Massachusetts, where he had, besides his son, Cebra, two daughters, wives of cashier E. S. Wilinson, of the Adams National Bank, and A. E. Richmond, proprietor of the Richmond House in North Adams. He led a very quiet life while in the county, and was of a very retiring disposition, but he nevertheless became well known and won the esteem of the best citizens of Pittsfield and Adams.

He married, November 13th, 1833, Mary Cebra, daughter of James Breese, who, in 1805, had married Maria Cebra, of Greenbush, New York. James Breese was a descendant of Hendrick Breese, one of the early settlers of Albany, and whose son, Anthony, was high constable of that city in 1695. Mr. Quackenbush purchased the farm of his wife's father at Hoosick and lived on it for many years. Mrs. Quackenbush is described in the Annals of Hoosick as "a lady rich in graces and virtues," an opinion which will be fully confirmed by those who have known her in Berkshire. She is still living. Among the notable ancestors in the Breese family were Mara Bogardus, whose mother was Anneke Janse, from whom Trinity Church, in New York, obtained its immense wealth, and William Cebra Breese, who became a successful banker in South Carolina.

Anthony Breese, son of Henry Breese and Wyntje Van Vechten Breese, married Carayntje Yates about the year 1759. John Yates Cebra, a great uncle of the subject of this sketch, in April, 1809, married Mary Harriman, a daughter of a distinguished Long Island family. He was himself a merchant and politician of great note and much influence half a century ago. From him Mr. Cebra Quackenbush received his name.

Cebra Quackenbush was educated at the Bell Seminary in Hoosick Falls, founded by Honorable L. Chandler Ball, and at the Hudson River Institute at Claverack, where he graduated July 23rd, 1857, delivering an oration upon mental culture. He was clerk in the store of A. Theyer & Son, in Hoosick Falls, at the wages of $5 a month and board. He began his business life for himself in 1861 by purchasing the Phoenix Hotel and Hoosick Falls, which had been erected by Judge Ball, more as a matter of public spirit than with a view to profit, and was one of the finest public houses outside the large cities.

In 1865 he removed to Pittsfield and purchased the American House, which was not of very large capacity and was just beginning to rival in reputation other hotels which had the prestige of years. It was not long before he made it not only the first, but the only house which was visited by the highest class of travelers; and in a few years he almost doubled its capacity.

In the meantime Pittsfield became the county seat of Berkshire, with very costly county buildings, but it had absolutely no hall suitable for public meetings, theatrical, or musical entertainments. This public want, Mr. Quackenbush, associating with himself the Messrs, Munyan, builders of high reputation, determined to supply. Purchasing a most desirable site belonging to the estate of Honorable Phinehas Allen, at a cost of $40,000, they erected upon it a very large, elegant and substantial building, the architect being Louis Weisbein, of Boston. The lower story contains six fine stores. The second story forms the Academy of Music, one of the most admirable theatrical rooms in the country, with all the parlors, offices, and other accessory rooms which can be desired. This was constructed under the direction of F. W. Mazart, of Boston, one of the most noted and skillful theatrical machinists and builders, and cannot be surpassed in its acoustic qualities, the good taste of its architecture and decorations, or its provisions for the comfort of the audience. In still another story is an excellent music hall. From the roof of the building, which is properly protected, there is one of the finest views in the country. Soon after the dedication of the Academy, in December, 1872, the building came into the possession of Mr. Quackenbush alone, and in 1880 four stores were added to the building. The academy has been occupied for every variety of purpose for which such a hall can be employed. It has enabled the people of Berkshire to enjoy at home theatrical and musical pleasures which they would without it have been compelled to forego, or seek at a distance. It has been constantly used for political, religious, educational, and charitable purposes, and its use has so often been given freely that it would amount to a large contribution in money. In 1877, although the building was supposed to be constructed as firmly as it could be, was certainly built without any niggardly regard to expense, an extraordinary gale destroyed a portion of one of its end walls. About one hundred of the leading citizens of the town seized the opportunity to show their appreciation of the benefit which the building had been to the town by arranging a complimentary benefit to the proprietor, and in announcing it they said:

"The obligations of the town of Pittsfield to the proprietorship of the Academy of Music are not diminished by the fact that its membership is individual, and has not sought aid outside of itself in erecting and maintaining a building which contributes to the pleasure of every liberal minded citizen. Had the injury inflicted by the late gale been sufficient to destroy the building the town might have waited long for another like it."

Among the pleasant things connected with the occupation of the American House by Mr. Quackenbush were frequent public dinners and reunions; but the one in which he took most pleasure was that given by the people of the town, June 30th, 1870, to those of its citizens who had reached or passed the age of seventy. Honorable Thomas F. Plunkett presided. Speeches were made by him and other distinguished citizens, and a poem was read by Pofessor W. C. Richards. The occasion was one of great and unique interest, in which Mr. Quackenbush shared warmly.

He has been a lifelong and earnest democrat and represented the Eleventh

Congressional District of Massachusetts in the national convention in 1876, where he voted for the nomination of Samuel J. Tilden. He was the democratic candidate for presidential elector in the same year and received a larger number of votes than any other democrat save one. He has never been an office seeker, but has always attended to his duties as a citizen, politically as well as otherwise. Being a democrat, he has naturally contributed liberally to the support of that party.

He still retains the management of the American House at Pittsfield through an agent, but giving it his constant personal supervision. In 1876 he removed to Albany, and in 1879 became connected with the management of Stanwix Hall. In the following year he assumed the exclusive management of this popular establishment. Here he has shown the same energy and ambition to excel which he manifested at Pittsfield. The hotel, a granite building of large area and six stories high, was built in 1832-3 by Herman and Peter Gansevoort, and now belongs to the estate of Peter Ganesevoort, whose daughter in the wife of Honorable Abraham Lansing. The house was named for Fort Stanwix, where General Gansevoort gained fame in the Revolution.

It has always been a favorite with travelers for its convenient location, its genial management, it luxury without pretense--which means comfort--and its spacious proportions. It had some connection with Pittsfield, as Herman Melvelle, the author, was a descendant of the Gansevoorts, and always made Stanwix Hall his home when visiting Albany; and he also always praised its management.

In 1878 it had become somewhat antiquated and was remodeled internally at a cost of $100,000. Since Mr. Quackenbush took possession it has been luxuriously and elegantly refurnished at a cost of $60,000. It has thus been completely modernized, and in all respects is one of the best appointed hotels in the country. Its management has also of course been made to conform to modern ideas, but with all that modern life demands of a leading hotel, it retains its old genial, comfortable spirit.

In 1859 Mr. Quackenbush married Miss Annette, daughter of George A. Gillette, a merchant residing on Long Island. Mr. Gillette had two daughters, Helen E. and Annette. Helen married William Adams, a New York banker, and brother-in-law of Edwin Croswell, editor of the Albany Argus. Mrs. Cewbra Quackenbush is a lady of culture and refinement, but devotes herself so closely to her children and family that she deprives society to a great extent of a pleasure which would be very grateful. Mr. and Mrs. Cebra Quackenbush have three daughters: Ada Cebra, Mary Annette, and Florence Dewey, the latter receiving her name from Judge Dewey, of the Massachusetts Supreme Court, who himself bestowed it upon her.

Mr. Quackenbush has one brother. Livingston Quackenbush, of Le Sneur, Minnesota, a banker and real estate dealer. Through a life of great activity and frequent changes he has maintained an unblemished character and adhered to pure and elevated principles, winning deserved success by honest business ability and energy.

Source: The History of Bershire County, Massachusetts Volume 2

Daniel McLaren Quackenbush, D.D. - Pastor of Prospect Hill Reformed Church, New York City

DANIEL McLAREN QUACKENBUSH, D. D., eldest son of Abraham Quackinbush and Sarah McLaren, was born March 9, 1819, at 130 Chatham Street, New York City. The house in which he was born was built by his grandfather, Daniel McLaren, on property acquired in five separate parcels between the years 1803 and 1807— and is still in the possession of the family. About the year 1821 the parents of Daniel and the McLaren household removed from Chatham to Orange Street, and shortly after to Greenwich Street near Fulton. Although very young at the time, Dr. Quackenbush recalls several notable events which occurred while he lived in Greenwich Street, among others the visit of General Lafayette to this country as the nation's guest, and his landing at Castle Garden, Aug. 16, 1824, when he was given a grand reception. Daniel was present on that occasion, a child of five years, and remembers grasping one finger of the hero's hand. He also witnessed the elaborate display of fireworks in celebration of the Navarino victory, and the great procession which passed through Greenwich street at the opening of the Erie canal in 1825. From Greenwich Street his parents removed in May, 1826, to 108 Bleecker Street which was then considered very far "up town."

At an early age Daniel entered the High School in Crosby Street, near Broome, where Professor Griscom, a noted Quaker scholar of that day, was the superintendent. The High School was under the management of a society of New York citizens, of which Gulian C. Ver Planck was the president, and num bered among its pupils Captain James Lawrence, U. S. N., who fell on board the " Chesapeake " ; Judge Roosevelt and Daniel Lord of the New York Bar, and the Hon. Schuyler Colfax, vice- president of the United States during the administration of General Grant. Robert Carter, Esq., who had been principal of the Classical Department, opened a private school at Grand Street and Broadway when the High School ceased to exist, which he eventually left to enter his long career as a publisher and book-seller. It was at this school and under Robert Carter's direction that Daniel completed his preparatory studies. He entered the Sophomore class of Columbia College in 1833, and graduated in 1836, at the age of seventeen. During the next three years he studied at the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Dutch Church at New Brunswick, and in 1840 was licensed by the Associate Presbytery of New York. On October 20 of the following year he took his examination for ordination at Cambridge, New York, and was installed December 2, 1842, by the Presbytery of Cambridge, as pastor of the Associate Presbyterian Church at West Hebron, Washington Co., New York, where he remained six years, 1841-47. A pres ent resident of Hebron, who first united with the church during the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Quackenbush, recalls him as " a very young man at that time, boyish in appearance, exces sively diffident and unassuming ; a fine preacher, but noted in those days for his short sermons."

Shortly after assuming this charge the Rev. Mr. Quackenbush was married to Miss Adriana Suydam at the Suydam residence, No. 158 Waverly Place, New York City. The wedding took place May 11, 1842, the Rev. Dr. Abraham Polhemus, a cousin of the bride, officiating. Miss Suydam was the daughter of Lambert Suydam and Ann Eliza Lawrence, and was born January 18, 1822.

Adriana Sydam Quackenbush later was the author of the book "The Quackenbush Family In Holland And America" which chronicled the families coming to America and the first eleven generations of the family.

In the year 1845 the Rev. Mr. Quackenbush accepted an unusual missionary service in the west, his own church in West Hebron being cared for in his absence by the pastors of the neighborhood. The service which he undertook in that early year took him through Philadelphia and Baltimore, and over the Alleghany mountains by stage to Pittsburgh; then to Cincinnati by the Ohio river, and from Cincinnati to Xenia on the Little Miami railroad. His own description of this part of his journey well illustrates the primitive methods of the pioneer railroads:

When the train started from Cincinnati the cars were drawn to the upper level by four mules each, encouraged by two stout colored men with hickory gads. On the upper level the locomotive was attached, it not being trusted to go down the hill into the city for fear it might never get up again. After a run of a few miles the train was stopped where a man was seen sawing wood with a buck-saw. Here the passengers all turned out to help throw the pile he had accumulated on the tender, wood being the only fuel used. After a leisurely conversation about the crops, etc., the conductor suggested an other start, and we re-entered the cars. A few miles further on the train stopped again, evidently for the purpose of allowing one of the passengers to visit a farm house on the opposite side of a forty acre lot, where he transacted some private business. When he returned, taking his own time, we started once more, and towards evening reached Xenia.

At Xenia the Rev. Mr. Quackenbush was entertained in old-time fashion by Major Gallaway, who showed him over his fields where for forty years he had raised successive crops of corn. Some of these fields of corn were given up to the hogs in the fall, who ate

what they chose and trampled the rest into the ground. When they were taken out to the slaughter the next generation of hogs were turned into the fields, and rooted up what the others had trodden into the soil.

From Xenia the Rev. Mr. Quackenbush continued his travels down the Ohio river to St. Louis, and from St. Louis to Galena, a thriving city at that early day, and the headquarters of the lead mining industry. His missionary service at this place being accomplished, he procured an Indian pony and during the next three months visited several needy churches and stations to the south of Galena. He then started homeward, crossing the State of Illinois by stage — as there were at that time no railroads in the State— and after riding two days and one night reached Chicago, where as yet there were no brick or stone buildings. From Chicago he went by way of Lakes Michigan and Huron to Detroit, and returned home along the Niagara river, having been absent from March to September, during which time he lived much in log cabins and shared the rough existence of the western frontiersmen.

In 1849 the Rev. Mr. Quackenbush accepted a call to the Warwarsing Church at Napanoch, an old Dutch church organized in the middle of the last century. Here he remained for two years, his removal in 1851 having been hastened by the death of his wife, which occurred on March 15, of that year. The following letter relative to the death of Mrs. Adriana Suydam Quackenbush appeared in the columns of the " Christian Intelligencer " at the time:

Napanoch, Ulster Co., N. Y. March 17, 1851

Mr. Editor:

Our church and congregation have been deeply affected by the death of Mrs. Quackenbush, the wife of our pastor, on Saturday, the 15th inst, leaving (with her husband) three little orphan children.

We feel, but cannot express, the extent of this bereavement, so many tender ties have been broken.

The kindness of her heart, the discretion and the consistency of her Christian character, enabled her to adorn her station, and having died as she lived, she has left us the only consolation that can compensate for such a loss. The strength of her friendships, the gentleness and sincerity that characterized her intercourse with the congregation, help us in some de gree to realize the desolation of a home deprived of such a wife and such a mother.

Yesterday was a Sabbath of intense interest and solemnity. The Rev. William Cruikshank, an intimate friend of the family of the deceased, left his own congregation to serve ours, and soothe our afflicted pastor. His own feelings were in uni son with ours; and in the course of the two appropriate and impressive sermons derived from the Word of God substantial comfort and consolation to many broken hearts.

Our excellent pastor, almost exhausted by long weariness and anxiety, and bowed down under the weight of so heavy an affliction, was yet able to present his tender infant for baptism during the morning service. Who can describe such a scene ? — the presence of God speaking peace to his soul, and supporting him by His everlasting arm.

At the close of the services the consistory adopted the following resolutions:

Resolved, That we have heard with deep regret of the death of Mrs. Adriana Suydam Quackenbush, the wife of our beloved pastor, and sincerely sympathize with her husband and family in their great affliction, that we shall ever cherish the most affectionate and endearing recollections of her life and character, and trust that God will overrule this dark dispensation of His providence for the promotion of His glory, and will abundantly sanctify to our dear pastor and his orphan children an affliction which we have no language to describe and which human sympathy cannot remove.

Resolved, That in testimony of respect for our departed friend, the members of this consistory will convey her remains, in company with her husband and family, to her father's house in the City of New York, and will attend her funeral there.

Resolved, That a copy of the minutes of this meeting be furnished to the Rev. Mr. Quackenbush, and that he be respect fully requested to gratify the desire of the consistory, as ex pressed in the last resolution.

This morning the remains of Mrs. Quackenbush, in charge of the officers of the church, accompanied by her husband and children, her mother and sister, and a solemn procession, left our desolate parsonage.

Imagine, my dear sir, the sadness of our hearts, and while you share our griefs rejoice with us in the consolation of the gospel, and thank God that our dear departed friend was spared to us so long, rather than murmur that she was taken away so soon.

Affectionately yours,

G.

This notice was written by the Hon. Gabriel W. Ludlum, an Elder of the Napanoch Church.

The Rev. Mr. Quackenbush's next field of labor was at Fishkill-on-Hudson, New York, where he served as pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church from 1851 to 1855. An historical sketch of this church published in the "Christian Intelligencer" of December 25, 1895, contains the following reference to Dr. Quackenbush's pastorate:

The Rev. Daniel McLaren Quackenbush was the third pastor. He graduated at Columbia College and the Theological Seminary at New Brunswick, N. J. His pastorate extended from 1851 to 1855. He came with rare endowments of mind and heart, and entered upon his duties with great zeal. At the outset he succeeded in procuring funds to remove a large debt that had long burdened the congregation. His ministry was most successful, and infused into the church new life and vigor. He still, after these many years, is held in fragrant and blessed memory in this, the field of his early labors.

From Fishkill the Rev. Mr. Quackenbush went to Brooklyn and became the associate of his special friend Dr. Bethune, the pastor of the Church on the Heights. His missionary labors in connection with the chapel of this church extended over a period of three years and terminated in 1859, when he was called to the Reformed Dutch Church at Hastings-on-Hudson. Here he remained until January I, 1861, and then assumed his present charge, the Prospect Hill Reformed Church, New York City. This church was organized in 1860, the first services being held in a small hall at the corner of 86th Street and 3rd Avenue. During the first vear a temporary building was erected on 3rd Avenue between 87th and 88th Streets, but with the increasing congregation it became necessary to provide other accommodations, and in 1867 the church edifice on 85th Street between

2nd and 3rd Avenues was purchased. Services were held in this building for nearly twenty years, when the consistory purchased a large plat of ground at the north west corner of 89th Street and Park Avenue. Dr. Quacken bush's services in the Prospect Hill Reformed Church have been largely gratuitous, and on the approach of his thirtieth anniversary as pastor the Consistory adopted the following resolutions at a meeting held September 16, 1890:

Whereas, The Rev. Dr. Quackenbush began his pastorate over this church on January 1, 1861, and the close of this year will close thirty years of his service in the Gospel among us, therefore Resolved, That it is eminently proper that so long a continuance of life and labor among us should have recognition.

Resolved, That Elder W. G. F. Slover is hereby appointed to report to Consistory on this subject.

At a meeting held October 13, 1890, the Committee re ported the following Resolution, which was adopted:

Resolved, That the Rev. Dr. Quackenbush be requested to make, from sermons preached by him to our congregation, selections sufficient to form a small printed volume, which may serve as a memorial of his protracted pastorate, and the profits from the sale of which may aid our church in its present necessity.

It was further resolved "that Elders Allen and Slover be appointed a committee with power to carry out the purpose of the Consistory in this matter."

A limited edition of these volumes was issued in 1891, and was immediately disposed of for the benefit of the church. A copy of that volume is available in the Quackenbush Store under the title "The Prospect Hill Reformed Church of New York: Thirty Years 1861 – 1891.

Dr. Quackenbush has traveled extensively, most of his journeys being undertaken when traveling was very difficult, owing to poor facilities. In 1858 he visited Charleston, Savannah, Montgomery, Mobile and New Orleans, returning by way of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. His first trip abroad was undertaken in 1865, when he embarked for Liverpool with his two sons, Lambert S. and Abraham C. During a stay of eleven months he visited France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Holland, England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, the longest stops being made in Rome, where he spent seven weeks, and in Naples, Paris and London.

In 1869 he visited Washington, Richmond and Petersburgh to observe the effects of the war. In 1874 he again went abroad, visiting Paris, where he remained nearly three months, while the ravages of the Franco-Prussian war were still very visible. His third trip to Europe was in the year 1883, when the entire time was spent in London.

Dr. Quackenbush received the Degree of Doctor of Divinity from the University of the City of New York in 1863.

Dr. Quackenbush died on Friday, Aug. 24, 1900, at No. 3 East 94th Street, New York City. Interment at Greenwood Cemetery.

Nicholas Quackenbush - Continental Army Assistant Quartermaster General, 1775-1783

A member of a powerful Dutch family in the Hudson River Valley, Nicholas Quackenbush (1734-1813) sided with the Revolutionary cause in the 1760s through 1780s, serving as Assistant Deputy Quartermaster to the Continental forces in Albany with rank as Major. A major trade and transport route linking British-held New York City with the Iroquois country, Canada, and to the settlements along the Mohawk River, the Hudson was a strategic keystone for both Patriot and Redcoat, and it was the focus of particularly bitter contestation. From the fight for Fort Ticonderoga and invasion of Quebec at the start of the armed struggle, to Benedict Arnold’s West Point plot, to the final evacuation of British troops in 1783, control of the Hudson was viewed as critical to military success.

While the position of Quartermaster (Quartermaster meant that basically he was in charge of all supplies) may seem less than glorious, it is one of those posts on which the success of any army hangs. Concerned with the details of provisions, tents, wood for fire, shoes, and shipping, the records of the Quartermaster army reveals much about the inner workings of the Continental Army as it sought to avoid destruction by their superior British foes, and about relations with the populace of upstate New York. The 50 letters written to Maj. Quackenbush during the Revolutionary years also provide a sense for how the American forces learned from their experiences, improving in their operations, and how their periodic successes at arms buoyed their effort and sustained them, ultimately, toward victory.

Cowan's Auctions, held a Fall Americana Auction on November 16 & 17 in 2006. One of the lots presented was No. 818, Major Quackenbush Revolutionary War Archive &

Business Archive consisting of 194 items and was sold for $17,825.00.

The earliest letters in the collection suggest just how vital efficient communications were to the military effort, and how procedures were still being worked out two years into the war. In a fit of exasperation in one letter, Hugh Hughes, the Deputy Quartermaster for the district and the most frequent correspondent in the collection scolded Quackenbush: “Why don’t you let me have a Line every Day? Tyson can easily give me a little Narrative of the preceeding Day, and so from Day to Day. Let me know what Militia are come in & What Continental Troops? What Regmts & What Numbers are stop’d & who, and what & who are gone on to Hdqrs.?” (April 16, 1777). Hughes had a great deal on his plate to be concerned with, and knowing how precarious the position of American forces was that spring, he advised caution for Quackenbush as the better part of valor. From Fishkill, he wrote: “I am very glad you are so well stock’d with Cash, but don’t be unnecessarily lavish of it, as perhaps the Enemy may throw themselves between Hdqrs and us for some Time. I want to see you greatly, but am waiting General Washington’s Orders, which you’l be please to acquaint the General with. I am to go up this side, as high as Esopus, cross, & meet General Clinton the other Side, in order to fix on Places for the Commissary’s Stores &c.” (May 22, 1777)

Important information on military affairs, however, did flow from all points to the Albany district, where Quackenbush and his comrades eagerly followed the events of the Jersey Campaign and other struggles. Abraham B. Bancker, for example, reported “Since closing my Letter, General G. Clinton brings the acct. of General Miflin having taken 300 of the Enemy Prisoners near Paramas, which may be depended upon. Another Acct. from the Eastward says 500 of the Enemy are made Prisoners at Rhode Island, brave news for all Honest Americans…” (Jan. 4, 1777)

The thickest documentation in the collection is reserved for the seminal events of the summer 1777, events much closer to Quackenbush’s home that arguably shaped the outcome of the war. Early in the summer, the situation of the Continental Army looked precarious. With John Burgoyne’s army rampaging through northern New York and Sir Henry Clinton occupying New York City, however, the third commander of British forces, William Howe, made the famous and fateful decision to take his forces by sea to attack Philadelphia from the Chesapeake. Burgoyne -- and perhaps Clinton himself -- were left exposed. It was not long before word of Howe’s blunder spread to Albany. Writing from the “Continental Village” (an army encampment), his friend John Tyson reported: “We have heard reports here, that our people have killed & taken a number of the Enemy. If it be true you will be easy at Albany.” With Washington moving southward, Tyson added, “Most of our Troops are marching towards Philadelphia, as the Enemy are moving that way…” (July 10, 1777). Another letter from Charles Tillinghast added much more detail. After duly reporting that the buildings at Continental Village were being erected “as fast as possible,” Tillinghast added, “all the news that we have at present is that the British Army is gone towards Philadelphia, the fleet is sailed out of the Hook, to the amount of 200 Sail… Genl. Washington’s Army are moving southward, he has ordered Gen. Stirlings & Sullivans divisions over the river again -- and Col. Cranes Artillery over…” (July 26, 1777)

For Quackenbush and the Continental regulars and militia in Albany, Burgoyne was still a force to be feared. In late July, Hughes reported from Fishkill, implying that Burgoyne was not far from Albany (and mentioning that “General Washington was two Days ago near the

Delaware. -- No Acct. of the Enemy yet.” -- July 30, 1777). Three weeks later, an urgent request came from Horatio Gates for “all the Boards that can be Collected & Spared in the Northern department…” (Aug. 21, 1777), a letter presumably written as Gates was preparing for one of the war’s most significant battles, Saratoga, the battle that devastated the British, resulting in the surrender of Burgoyne’s entire army. Although New York remained safely in British hands, this crushing defeat shifted the momentum toward the revolutionary side, raising morale all across the revolutionary lines, and it did as much as anything to prevent the British from using the Hudson to supply their forces from Canada.

The elation of Saratoga was still palpable the following spring. Writing from Fishkill, John Keese overflowed with optimisism about what 1778 would hold for the American army:

I have only to tell you that I am well, and in high Spirits at the prospect of shortly, seeing New York -- You cannot conceive the joy visible in every honest countenance here; -- I hope we may not be disappointed.

A French Fleet has, certainly, stop’d the Passage at Sandy Hook, and it is currently Reported, & Believed, that the sound Passage is also stop’d, or rendered very hazardous by two or three large French men laying in it -- This is somewhat, confirmed by the report of a Deserter who says, that, a few days ago, a Frigate was sent from New York to carry Despatches to Rhode Island that after being away three days she return’d & the Capt. being call’d upon to Account for not performing his Business declar’d that the French had block’d the Channel.

Major Dobbs rec’d a Letter written, and sign’d by General Washington, desiring him without delay, to repair to him in order to go on Board the Fleet and Pilot them into New York Harbor… (July 22, 1778)

From Red Hook that summer, John W. Vredenburgh passed news of the further success of American arms at the Battle of Monmouth, one of Washington’s most extraordinary victories: “Their has bin an Action on Sunday Last in Jersey,” Vredenburgh reported, “the particulars is not yet Come here, but from Report it is greatly in favour as Genl. Washington Incamped on the field…” (July 4, 1778)

There are relatively few letters in the collection for the period 1779 and 1780, however in 1781, Quackenbush preserved several important items documenting what may be the most famous battle of the Revolution, Yorktown. Although Quackenbush was far from the scene of action, news of the American success reached him in relatively short order. On October 27, with his typical sense of good humor and military perspective, Hughes wrote a remarkable letter:

“The General will let you have a Party to cut Wood as soon as the Alarm is over, & that will be very shortly, you may rely, as those Rascals are sent out only to keep this Army from making an Attack on N. York in Sir Harry’s [Henry Clinton] Absence. He having sail’d last Wednesday… with 25 ships of the Line, Frigates, &c. and troops on board to relieve his Ldship, who was a Prisoner before Sir Harry could get to his assistance. -- I desired Major Keefe to inclose you an Extract of Col. M[?] Letter to me on that Subject, same when General Heath writes me that a Person directly from Philadelphia says he saw a printed Handbill there giving the same Acct. Some Deserters from N. York confirmed it also, so that an official one may be hourly expected. Mine came with so much Dispatch that many who knew Nothing of the Writers Character were staggered, as they were at Hdqrs. in 77

when I gave them the first acct. of Burgoyne’s Fate. You see I am lucky at News, tho I deal but little in it…” (Oct. 27, 1781)

More exciting, perhaps, is a contemporary copy of a letter from the French Col. Gauvion to Maj. Campbell (probably the letter mentioned by Hughes) which provides a fabulous first hand analysis of French naval strategy off Yorktown, suggesting how it was the French who won the American Revolution.

there is only thirty seven French Ships of the Line on the Bay, not Frigates included… The Count de Grasse has brought with him one ship of 110 Guns, four of 84 Guns, nineteen of 74 Guns, 4 of 64 Guns, two of 50 Guns, to 44 Gun Frigates, two 32 Gun Frigates, and one Cutter of 18 Guns, which have made their Junction with the Fleet from Rhode Island. We have in the Bay twenty british Vessels, two of them are the Iris and Richmond Frigates, and twelve others are armed, from Sixteen to twenty Guns.

General Washington will have ten thousand french Troops, five thousand Continentals, and as many militia as he will call for, a large train of brass Artillery, with an imense quantity of Ammunition, so I am confident that we shall be able to give a good account of his Lordship.

The British Squadron has presented itself at the entrance of the Bay, it did consist of twenty two ships of the Line, at that time the Count de Grasse had all his Boats with 150 Sailors employed in landing the Troops, but without waiting for them he cut his Cables and put under sail, he engaged the British who kept the wind all the while, but from the moment the wind shifted, the Enemy crouded all their Sail, and the Count did not chuse to follow them for fear of going too far from the Bay, which at that moment was the main Object. He had left four ships to block Cornwallis in the Bay, and since that time he has been joined by the Fleet from Rhode Island… (Sept. 23, 1781)

The bulk of the remaining correspondence deals with the essential details of a quartermaster’s business, including securing and transporting forage, supplies, and equipment, and miscellaneous military matters. In a particularly interesting letter, D. Lyman wrote for Quackenbush’s assistance: “The General has received information from his Excellency General Washington, that a number of soldiers have deserted from the regiments under his Command as it is probably some under this description may attempt to cross the ferry at Albany, you will please to order the strictest examination to be made and send all such as are of suspicious Character to the Head Quarters of Genl. Heath…” (Sept. 10, 1781)

Several of these so-called "routine" letters were written by illustrious Revolutionary figures, including two from William Alexander Lord Stirling (LS from Saratoga, Nov. 1, 1781, regarding sending off grindstones, and an ALS, Sept. 3, 1782, regarding his horses and wagons), one from William Popham (aide de camp to Gen. James Clinton); and a contemporary LS Cy from George Washington, May 1, 1782 (signature mimicking Washington’s) requesting provisions for the troops. Also of note is a pass issued for a dispatch messenger Thomas Clump, signed by famed soldier Marinus Willett, Jan. 30, 1783; an ALS from General and later Governor of NY, George Clinton, May 20, 1777; a Joshua Mersereau ALS, May 30, 1777 (regarding debts: Mersereau was a deputy commissary of prisoners); and an ALS from George Reed, Lt. Col. 2nd New Hampshire Regiment. An important ALS from Continental Army Gen. John Stark, July 10, 1778,

reveals another dimension to a Quartermaster’s duties during the Revolution. Almost a year after Burgoyne’s defeat at Saratoga, Stark writes: “You are hereby Authorized to make search for the Goods and stores of all kinds whatsoever, left by Genl. Burgoyne, on his Retreat from Behmus Heights to Saratoga and Wherever, or Whosoever, such Stores of Effects, shall be found with you are hereby Impowered to Sieze said Affects for the use & Benefit of these United States, & all officers, both Civil & Military…”

In a different vein, the language of the oath of office taken by Quackenbush as Assistant Deputy QM, Oct. 10, 1780 (signed twice by Gen. Daniel Tucker), is redolent with the language of revolution and gives an excellent flavor of the high feelings surrounding the fight for the cause of independence: “I… do acknowledge the UNITED STATES of AMERICA to be Free, Independent, and Sovereign States,” it reads, “and declare that the People thereof owe no allegiance or Obedience to George the Third, King of Great-Britain; and I renounce, refuse, and abjure any Allegiance of Obedience to him…” Also signed by Pierre van Cortlandt.

Revolutionary War collections of this size and historical value seldom appear, and particularly those with such fine content. The rich details these letters and documents provide and the insight into the operations of the Quartermasters Department in the vital Hudson River Valley alone make the Quackenbush Papers an important collection for Revolutionary historians, but the presence of letters written by Continental Army generals and officers such as Clinton, Stark, Stirling, Willett, and Mersereau, and interesting reports on Saratoga and Yorktown made this a rare opportunity. Some fold separations on a few of the accounts, and some ink fading, but generally excellent condition.

Two-thirds of the Quackenbush collection consists not of correspondence, but of receipts, returns, invoices, and accounts documenting the "nitty gritty" of his work with the Quartermaster`s Department. These include an account and memorandum book, 1777-1782 (a leather-bound pocket volume); the Continental Quartermaster General Accounts (27p. -- and itemized record of money owed to Continental Army figures, including Philip and Henry Van Rensselaer, Maj. Gen. Philip Schuyler, Anthony Wayne). Among the subtle items are returns for distribution of entrenching tools dated New York, March 1776, a time when British troops were evacuating for Boston and bound for New York. Presumably, the picks, shovels, and axes being distributed were intended for entrenching positions to prepare for the British onslaught. Among a large number of loose items:

Accounts (3): blacksmith’s accounts, 1782 (2pp., for shoeing horses, mending wiffletrees, making axes, etc.); board and plank accounts, 1781 (13p.); forage accounts, 1782 (2 folio pp.)

Certificates documenting uncompensated transactions, 1779-1783 (12 items). Includes two attesting that Quackenbush has purchased horses branded CA [Continental Army], documenting transport of troops of 1st New York Regiment and 7 prisoners of war to West Point (one other documenting several occasions for transport of supplies and soldiers of the regiment); for supply of wood and forage.

Promissory notes, 1775-1783 (7 items).

Receipts, 1775-1783 (32 items). Receipts for payment for miscellaneous goods and services, several signed by the soldier receiving the payment, often with a mark rather than signature. E.g. $15 for riding express to Saratoga and $80 to Poughkeepsie (ten

receipts for riding express to various points); receipts for coal, lime, chisels, tent poles, tarred rope, and miscellaneous goods.

Returns. Persons employed in the QM General Dept., Oct. 24, 1781 (Quackenbush listed as ADQM); Inventory of entrenching tools, March 1776 (7 items, detailed records of entrenching tools issued, by company, to Continental Army troops in New York)

Vouchers, Jan.-July 1783 (62 items) for small amounts of goods purchased from Albany merchants (one pound of tea, four shillings of goods)

Folio documents (3): List of claims against the government for performance of duties, 1783 (6pp., mostly for transport services, wood, oar making); “Account of sundries Received in the Quartermaster General’s Department at Albany…,” 1781 (5pp.); “Account of articles delivered by Nicholas Quackenbush…,” 1782 (2pp., blank).

Misc. items include a list of persons in Schenectady having boards, 1776.; testimony of witness regarding wood allegedly sent to Maj. Gen. Schuyler, 1781; copy of congressional resolutions regarding payment of accounts, 1781; “Proposal for supplying the American Army with Smith work by Jacob Reader,” ca.1781; estimates (2) of articles and labor hired by QM, 1781; 3 special orders; notification of outstanding accounts against Hugh Hughes, ca.1783. Two documents from the end of the war are rather unusual, to say the least, notifying that the barracks and guardhouse at Schenectady were to be sold at public auction, 1783.

Source: Cowan's Auctions