This is taken from George A. Wheeler's History of Castine, Penobscot and Brooksville, Maine, published in 1875.
Letter from David Perham, giving Colonel Brewer's Account of the Expedition against Penobscot, in 1779
(From Bangor Whig and Courier, of August 13, 1846.)
"Early in the month of June 1779, General Francis McLean, who commanded the Kings' troops in Nova Scotia, entered Penobscot Bay, with 650 men in transports, escorted by three sloops, and took possession of the Peninsula (now called Castine) formed by the waters of Penobscot Bay, and the Majabagaduce River, which struck the inhabitants with terror - especially the women and children. At this time provisions were very scarce, and the inhabitants almost destitute of arms and ammunition. A meeting was called of the principal officers, to determine on defense or submission; at which it was concluded to send a committee to treat with the General; and myself (Colonel Brewer) and Captain Smith of Marsh Bay, were chosen. We proceeded on our mission, and obtained assurance that if the inhabitants would mind their business, and be peaceable, they should not be disturbed in person or property; but afterwards they were called upon to take the Oath of Allegiance, or of Neutrality. Nothing further occurs to my mind worthy of relating, till a few days before the American Fleet arrived in the Bay, when Captain Smith and myself were again called upon by the people to wait upon General McLean to transact certain business, which we accomplished to our satisfaction, and obtained our pass to return home. I then had a full view of their works. About four o'clock P. M., I observed a very rapid movement of the troops, and told Captain Smith it was time for us to be off. We proceeded immediately to our boat, and had just gotten from the shore, when the Grand Rounds went for no one to leave the Peninsula. We continued our course, with a small breeze, up the Penobscot River, when casting our eyes down the Bay we discovered a large fleet of shipping standing up, and knew pretty well what it must be, for myself and others had kept a birch canoe passing every few days from my house to Camden, for information. We stood up the river about six miles, where we staid all night; but got little sleep for joy at what we had seen, and what we expected would take place. Next morning, July 26th, we went down in our boat about three miles, to make further discovery of the fleet, which had just got under weigh, standing up with a small breeze, in line of battle, - as they passed they discharged their guns at the British shipping, then lying in the river. This drew our attention for sometime, but casting my eyes westward, I discovered, under the bank, a number of whale boats full of armed men, and I told Captain Smith it was no place for us. We started for our boat, which we had regained, and were getting up our sails, when the boats came up with us and ordered us to stand; and who should it be but my brother (Colonel Josiah Brewer) who was sent with a detachment of soldiers as an advance guard to be stationed at Buckstown, to stop communication. He ordered us to get under weigh as soon as possible, came on board with one or two of his men, and we arrived at Buckstown, about five o'clock P. M. Having stationed his guard and taken some refreshments, he manned a boat of the fleet, which, on account of darkness and fog, we did not reach until after sunrise in the morning. We went on board of General Lovell's vessel, and being introduced by my brother, were very politely received by the General, who, on being informed that Captain Smith and myself had left the Peninsula about four o'clock, on the 25th, sent immediately for Commodore Saltonstall to come on board. When he arrived, my brother told them whatever information we should give, might be relied upon. We were then invited into the cabin. I told them at four o'clock - as above stated - I reviewed all their works and was inn their Fort. That the Northerly side next to the Cove was about four feet high, the Easterly and Westerly ends were something like a stone wall, laid up sloping; from the back side to the front there was but one sag, and the ground not broken. On the backside the ditch was about three feet deep, - the ends were sloping according to the height of the wall - not a platform laid, nor a gun carriage up to the Fort. I also told him a part of the troops were stationed near the upper end, on the heath; but there was no appearance of Artillery. That there was one six gun battery at Dice's Point, (as it is called) and that was all they would have to contend with on the land. I told him, likewise, there was a small battery begun on Cape Rozier. There was Captain Moat's (Mowatt's) ship mounting twenty guns, and one other mounting ten, which I thought lay nearly opposite the Fort. General Lovell seemed much pleased with the information. I then told the Commodore that being all the force he would have to meet, I thought that as the wind breezed up he might go in with his shipping, silence the two vessels and the six-gun battery, and land the troops under cover of his own guns, and in half an hour make everything his own. In reply to which he hove up his long chin, and said, "You seem to be d--n knowing about the matter! I am not going to risk my shipping in that d--n hole!"
Captain Smith and myself retuned home, having received orders from my brother, then my colonel, to return immediately with half of my company - I being then a captain. This order I obeyed; but my family not then being in a situation to leave, my men were put under the command of another captain, and I returned home for one week, when I again repaired to my post. Next morning we discovered a party of British going down from the head of the Point, and supposing it to be their intention to come on the rear of us, I marched out my company to attack them; but we soon perceived their object to be fishing, which a few shot defeated, and they hurried back again. Nothing important appearing to be going on, I again returned home; and the next information I had was from my brother, who came up in a boat, double-manned, said he did not think anything would be done, and was unwilling to leave his wife and effects. He staid about two hours, when he took his wife and best furniture, and returned down the river. His wife was landed at Camden, and his furniture was put on board the General's ship, which I afterwards saw on Captain Moat's ship.
The next information was received from Doctor Downing, Chief Surgeon of the army, with whom I had formerly been acquainted. He arrived at my house on the morning of the fourteenth of August, with the sick and wounded Americans, and said the siege was raised, and the fleet and army of the Americans, between 3000 and 4000, were on their way up the river, followed by Sir George Collier, with the British fleet. The Doctor stopped, dressed the wounded, got some refreshments, and enquired where would be the best place of safety for the men under his care. I directed him to Major Treat's, about two miles above navigation, where he landed and left them, under the care of Doctor Herberd, leaving with him his medicine chest. Before night, such of the shipping as were not taken or destroyed below, appeared, which were blown up and burnt the next morning, and the troops took their flight into the woods.
The next day I was again requested by the inhabitants to wait on General McLean to know our fate, which I did in company with Captain Ginn. We accordingly proceeded on that duty. At the Narrows, where the ship Blonde lay at anchor, we were hailed and went on board. The Captain being informed what our business was, gave us a pass, and we proceeded to the Peninsula. When I called on the General he received me very politely, and said, 'Mr. Brewer, you have come to see me again, what is the news up the river? and where are the rebels? have they dispersed?' I told him they had. He replied: 'I believe the commanders were a pack of cowards or they would have taken me. I was in no situation to defend myself, I only meant to give them one or two guns, so as not to be called a coward, and then have struck my colors, which I stood for some time to do, as I did not wish to throw away the lives of my men for nothing.' He then said: 'What is your request?' I told him that the inhabitants were in distress, waiting to know his determination. If it be favorable, they will stay at home; if not, they will quit their houses and take to the wood, which some have already done. To which he made answer: 'Go home and tell them if they will stay in their houses and live peaceably and mind their business, they shall not be hurt; but if not, all the houses that are left shall be burnt.' My next request was to know what should be done with the sick and wounded men who had been left. He asked: 'What is your wish?' I replied that they might be conveyed to their friends, as soon as convenient. To which he said: 'Go up and get a vessel, if you can; if not, I will provide one.' I told him I had one in view that I could get. 'Then get it,' he said; 'fit her out in good order, and take all the sick and wounded on board; come down with them, and return me a list of their names, and I will give you a pass, or a cartel, to deliver them where it will be most convenient for the men.' I told him there would be some stores wanted, that could not be procured up the river. He replied: 'Get what you can, and make out a memorandum of what you want more, and I will supply you here.' I then returned home, and on the way chartered a schooner, shipped a master and hands, and the next day she came up the river, and went to Bangor, there to be fitted up with platforms and bunks convenient for the purpose. In a few days Captain Moat came up the river, and anchored his ship off my cove. At night when I came down I was hailed, gave my name and told them I lived abreast his ship - which was communicated to Captain moat. He returned, - that he wished me to call on him in the morning; which I did, and informed him what my orders were, from the General, in relation to the sick and wounded. He wished me to accomplish the business as soon as I could. He frequently called me on board when I was passing, and enquired after the sick and wounded, and often invited me into his cabin to take a glass of wine or brandy. This friendship subsisted till the schooner was completed, when he went up to see the same previous to her sailing. When in readiness I informed him the schooner would be down in the evening, and in the following morning he gave me a pass to General McLean.
On my way, at Marsh Bay, I heard of Captain George Ross and his cabin boy, and sent the boat on shore with Doctor Herberd, to bring off Captain Ross. He had commanded one of the 20-gun ships, and was wounded on the day he landed. He and the boy were brought on board, and I entered his name, George Ross, on my list, likewise the brig's name, and proceeded down to the General's quarters, and presented him with my list, which he appeared to be very much pleased with. I made out a memorandum of what was wanted, which, by his order, was furnished and put on board. he then gave a pass for the schooner, as a cartel, to proceed to Boston, or other places where it would be most convenient for the men; and I then returned home late at night, much fatigued with the tour. Before I got home, Ichabod Colson, then of Marsh Bay, went up and informed Captain Moat that I had sent my boat on shore, and taken off Captain Ross and his cabin boy. early in the morning after my return, Moat sent his boat on shore, with a message for me to go on board his ship. I sent in reply that I was much fatigued, having been out most of the night, but that I would call on board in the afternoon. When I had gotten ready to go, I saw him land on the opposite point of land below my house; and I took my canoe and passed over to him. He saw me coming and walked towards me; we met at a little distance from the shore, and were together about a quarter of an hour, and meeting was not very cordial. The first compliment I received was: 'You damned rebel, I understand that you stopped at March Bay, and took on Board Captain Ross, one of the finest officers there was in the Navy. I meant to have kept him and had two of my captains for him, he was such a fine fellow. Did you return him as a Captain?' 'No.' I returned him as George Ross.' Making use of the same approbrious language, he added, 'Did you not know that I had not given you orders to take any man on board?' I answered, 'yes.' Then said he, with his sword flourishing over my head, 'how dare you do it?' 'Because,' said I, 'I received my orders another way.' 'Which way?' said he. I answered: 'from General McLean, your Master.' It may well be supposed, from my answer, that I was somewhat agitated. He stepped back, and drawing his sword out of its scabbard, said: 'You d-----d rebel! I have a good mind to run you through.' I opened my breast and told him 'there is your mark, do it if you dare! I am in your power.' he turned on his heel and stepped back a little, then turned and advanced, flourishing his sword with more passion than could be well expressed, said, 'before sunrise to-morrow morning, your buildings shall be laid in ashes.' I told him it was in his power to do it, but I asked him what he thought I should be doing in the meantime. Upon which he turned on his heel again and marched off to his boat, and I to mine. I came home and told Mrs. Brewer, what had passed, so that she might not be surprised if he proceeded to put his threat in execution - though I did not believe he would. I always kept a good musket well loaded, and intended to do what lay in my power to defend myself. However, we did not have so good a night's rest as usual; but nothing further occurred, worthy of remark, till the next day about four o'clock P. M., - at which time I saw Captain Moat come on shore at my landing. I told Mrs. Brewer of it, and it put her in a panic. He walked along very moderately, till he got nearly up with my door, when I stepped out to meet him. He very politely asked me how I and my family did; I invited him to walk in, which he readily did; and Mrs. Brewer was introduced to him, which took off most of her panic. He took a seat and opened most of the conversation by stating how much he regretted the situation of the inhabitants, and felt for their distress; and went into a very social conversation for two or three hours, and took coffee with us. he inquired into the situation of my family - how many children we had, and whether it would not be very difficult for me to support them without assistance. I told him I should try. He then said: 'If you think you cannot, I will supply you with such things as you want for your family, to the amount of £1000 sterling, at the first cost at Halifax. If you make out a memorandum, I will send by the first vessel for them.' I thanked him for his good will, and we separated.
At all other times than the one above stated, both before and after, he appeared very friendly. Soon after his first arrival he called all hands on deck and, in my presence, told them if they took one thing out of my garden, or field, they should be punished; and they strictly adhered to his orders during their whole stay. I supplied him with milk, garden vegetation, and pigeons, for his cabin - which he generously paid me for in money. Before he left this place he agreed with me for £200, to take down my brother's house, which was nearly as much as the building was worth. In the situation of things, I considered the house of very little value to my brother, especially as the enemy claimed the right of doing as they saw fit - and so indeed they did with all others - and that it is as well to save something as to have the whole lost. He was to send up a vessel to carry the materials of which the house was composed, to the Fort. But soon after he left, some persons, in the night, took out all the windows and concealed them. Upon which I had to report what had taken place to General McLean - for that being the orders in all cases where there was a contract. I accordingly went down to the Fort and called upon the General, and was very civilly received. He said: 'Well, Mr. Brewer, you have called on me again. What is the news? and what is your request?' 'It is to report to you that I agreed with Captain Moat to take down a house for him, which he was to send a vessel for. But on a certain night, some persons unknown to me, took out all the windows, and have carried them off.' To which he replied: 'Well, man, you must get them again.' I told him I could not, for I knew not where they were nor whom to suspect. He answered: 'Then man, you must stay here till you produce them.' I told him that would be impossible for me to do without having liberty to search for them. To which he replied, 'well man, I guess you know as well where they are as anybody! I will give you a week, or fortnight, to go home and get them, and if you don't bring them here within that time, I will put you under confinement.' I thanked him for his lenity, bid him good bye, and went directly home; but instead of making search for those windows, I hid my own, together with my other things, and packed up my beds and clothing - that I pretended to take with me - and made the best of my way out of his control.
Major George Ulmer, then having command at Camden, was up the river, at my house, with a large boat and a party of soldiers, getting what remained from the destruction of the vessels, &c. he offered his services to take my family with him to Camden, which then consisted of nine beside myself, which he, with my small effects, safely landed at Camden. I collected about half of my stock of cattle, - one yoke of oxen, three cows, and my horse, - joined stock with Mr. John Crosby and others, making about thirty head in the whole, and laid our course through the woods, as direct as possible, for Camden, where we arrived in three or four days. Thence I took my family to the westward of Boston - where we remained till peace was restored, then I again returned with my family to my former residence in Penobscot." (The foregoing account was contained in a letter from Colonel Brewer to David Perham, and was found among the papers of the latter at his decease.)
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