"Due
as per above Acct. one hundred and three pounds, eleven shillings and eight
pence on farthing--a true copy." This account shows over 10 tons of iron
drawn to New Windsor, nearly half of which came from Ringwood, N. J. It was
probably in bars. Some of it may have been used in making the chevaus-de-frize,
but the most of it is believed to have been used on the boom: it having been
forged before the West Point chain was determined upon, and intended to supply
the place of the weaker boom obstruction of Fort Montgomery.
Here
is an account current of a part of the expense in preparing the timber for
West Point chain and boom.
"A
geneal Abstract of several companies of Artificers employed in the works obstructing
the navigation of Hudson's River, under the direction of Capt. Thomas Machin,
Sup't.
The
next abstract show a part of the expenses for teaming, while the timer and
iron were being drawn to New Windsor, for the river obstructions at West Point.
It will be seen that a man with two yoke of oxen then commanded four dollars
a day.
"The
United States of America Dr. for a Bridgade of teams under Joseph Robins,
conductor, Employed on the works for obstructing the navigation of Hudson's
River, by order of Brig. Sam'l H. Parsons, and under the direction of Capt.
Thos. Machin, Sup't, commending 1st day of February, and ending 1d day of
march, 1778, inclusive.
"New
Windsor, March 2d, 1778.
"Due
per above acct. four hundred and eleven pounds, twelve shillings-a true copy."
This account is footed ten pounds too much: and would be $1,004, in currency.
This bill appears in a general abstract given in this connection.
I have shown that the first boom of much importance placed in the Hudson,
was at West Point. I have before me a pay roll, showing the services of Benjamin
Thorne, a master carpenter and 14 men, from September 1, to October 1, 1777
:
"Employed at building the Capson, Dock, Anchor and Boom for obstructing
the river at Fort Montgomery, etc." This shows as I infer, that these
preparations making for the new boom, were not in readiness nearly up to the
time when the enemy passed that point: besides, the boom the British spoke
of destroying, could not have been a very reliable obstruction.
The chain at West Point was completed on the first of May, and a previous
Abstract given, embraced the services of the artisans during that month,.
which was upon the boom. Here is another Abstract for labor mostly on the
boom, which may have been completed in August, yet some of its pay rolls end
in September, and October:
"An Abstract of money due to the Artificers, Boatmen, etc., Employed
in the works near New Windsor, obstructing the navigation of Hudson's River,
under the direction of Capt. Thomas Machin, Superintendent, from the 1st June
till October 13, 1778."
