History of the Loyalists: Lieut. James Moody's Narrative

Year
1893
Month
11
Day
8
Article Title
History of the Loyalists: Lieut. James Moody's Narrative
Author
James Hannay
Page Number
1
Article Type
Language
Article Contents
HISTORY OF THE LOYALISTS LIEUT. JAMES MOODY'S'. NARRATIVE Of His Exertions and Sufferings in the Cause of the Government Since the Year 1776. [Concluded.] NO. III. I do hereby certify that during the time I was commandant of New York, Mr. James Moody went sundry times into the rebel country to gain intelligence of the situation and circumstances of the rebels; that at one time he was absent five weeks in different parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and brought authentic and full information of the situation and resources of the several detachments of the rebel army under command of Generals Washington and Gates, in the year 1779; and the prospect the rebels had at that time of procuring a loan from France. That in each of his excursions he obtained and regularly reported to me very accurate information of the rebel country, and appeared to be very zealous and attentive in promoting his majesty’s service; and from the knowledge I have of his services and sufferings, I cannot but recommend him as a person who merits encouragement and support from the British government. Jas. Pattison, Major-General. NO. IV. New York, May 11th, 1782. Lieutenant James Moody, of the first Battalion of Brigadier General Skinner's Brigade of Provincial Troops, having applied to me for a certificate of some particular services which he has rendered in America; and which from their having been attempted and in a great measure executed during General Kuyphausen's having the command within this district, I feel much satisfaction in complying with the request of this gentleman, and in expressing that Lieutenant Moody in two instances in particular, conducted the small parties, one to Jersey and the other to Philadelphia with much personal risk, great spirit and good conduct; and lever found him desire us of manifesting his zeal for the good of the king's service. Geo. BECKWITH, Major in the Army, Aide-de-Camp to his Excellency General Kuyphausen. No. V. New York, May 10th, 1782. By serving in different public departments in the army in North America under the command of his Excellency Sir Henry Clinton, I have had opportunities of knowing of several military exploits, very essential and contributory to his majesty's service being performed by Lieutenant James Moody, of the Provincial Corps, called the First Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers, in the execution of which, he not only underwent the most severe hardships, but encountered almost every possible risk of his life, as well from these hardships (which naturally affected his constitution) as from the enemy. He however persevered in defiance of every obstacle with such an ardor and resolution as plainly evinced an uncommon zeal and attachment to his king and country. Step P. Adye, D. Judge Advocate. No. VI. New York, 11th May, 1782. I, the subscriber, do hereby certify that shortly after Major General Pattison was appointed commandant of New York, and I was employed as his secretary, Lieutenant James Moody of the First Battalion New Jersey Volunteers, having returned from the country, where he had been engaged in collecting intelligence, &c., appeared at the commandant's office and communicated to me for the information of General Pattison, a variety of accounts relative to the situation of the rebel army &c., which I laid before the general. From this time an intimacy commenced between us; and Mr. Moody afterwards, previously and confidentially consulted me on the practicability of several excursions he intended to make in the rebel country; and particularly with respect to his intention to make Governor Livingston a prisoner. Mentioning his want of cash to carry into execution so essential a service, I offered to supply him with 25 guineas for this purpose, and to be his security, or to borrow at interest a larger sum, it being out of my power to advance more; but being supplied with money by his Excellency Lieutenant General Robertson, he was enabled to go out without my assistance. Mr. Moody’s failing in this attempt, was owing to one of his party being taken; by which means Mr. Livingston discovered Mr. Moody’s being out, took the alarm, and raised the country; and with difficulty Mr. Moody escaped falling into his hands; but was afterwards unfortunately taken by a party of rebels and carried to the provost-guard at Mr. Washington's headquarters, where he was confined, and from whence he made his escape and returned to New York. Mr. Moody afterwards made various excursions into the country, and many miles without the British lines; took several rebel mails, containing intelligence of great importance, and brought them safe to New York. In these excursions he ran great risks of falling into the hands of the rebels, and his health was much exposed from lying many nights and days in woods and swamps to avoid a discovery. In these excursions Mr. Moody disregarded either the seasons, the fatigue or the risks he ran. And on the whole of his conduct, I have every reason to believe him entirely disinterested and actuated only by that zeal for his majesty's service which he has on every occasion exhibited. From Mr. Moody’s declaration, and ether evidence, I have every reason to believe, that the compensations he has from time to time received, were by no means adequate to the expenses incurred on these occasions. And I knew that Mr. Moody has at his own expense and credit, supported those whose health from a participation of toil and fatigue with him, on these excursions, have been impaired. John L. C. Roome, Secretary to Major-General Pattison, late Commandant of New York, &c. No. VII. Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Mr. Brown (a very respectable clergyman of New Jersey, now in New York) to the Rev. Dr. Chandler, dated May 10th, 1783:— "You will receive Mr. Moody as my particular friend, and as one most firmly attached to his majesty, and the constitution hath in church and state. Ha has both done and suffered great things from a principle of loyalty. You may give full credit to all he says, and if he tells you some things seemingly incredible, still you are to believe him. He is honest, sober and firm—never intimidated by danger, and of undeviating, probity and honor. Extract of a Letter from Rev. Dr, Inglis, Rector of New York, to the same parson, dated May 11th, 1782. "Mr. Moody is one of the most active partisans we have, and perhaps has run more risk than any other man during the war. He has brought in three rebel mails, and has often been in the greatest perils among false brethren. The history of his adventures will entertain and astonish you. He goes home at Sir Henry Clinton's desire, who has promised to do something for him adequate to his services." In justice to Mr. Moody, I think it my duty to furnish him with the above extracts. August 23d, 1782. T. B. Chandler. Extract from Beamish Murdoch's “History of Nova Scotia," vol. III., page 301. "SISSIBOO, April 3, 1809.—Colonel James Moody died, aged 61 years. He was a celebrated Loyalist, who had been very adventurous in the American Revolution. His descendants settled afterwards in Yarmouth."