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LIFE OF DAVID PERRY.
Chapter VIII bout this time several regiments were raised for one year's service. Col. Durgee [John Durkee], who commanded one of them, pressed me hard to take a Captain's commission in his regiment. But as I was poor at that time, and had a wife and five small children to support, or if I went, to leave without the proper means of support, I could not comply with his wishes. I told him a soldier ought not to have any thing to think of at home.
But they could not raise men enough, without making large drafts of militia.
In the Fall of the year, a number of regiments were ordered to be raised for the
winter. I had the appointment of a first Lieutenant, and was ordered to
march with my company to New-York. We accordingly set out, and had proceeded
one day, when I had counter orders, to go to Providence,
the enemy having taken possession of Newport. I was put into Col. John Ely's regiment,
which was under the command of Gen. Spencer,
and remained at Providence
till the expiration of the term for which we were called out, without any
occurrence of importance, and then returned home. |