A daily feature from our surrounding historical societies.
There were clear skies, and it was unseasonably cool in the region today.
At noon, convicted deserter Private John Farndon was put to death by hanging at the artillery park. According to oral history passed down to Kulpsville resident John Cassel Boorse Esq. from his grandfather, the site of the execution was near the Skippack Creek a quarter mile upstream from the Sumneytown Pike.
That may be the case, as artillery parks were often located near the center of an encampment for ease of maintenance, the best protection and for the quickest dispatch of cannons to any front. The execution was delayed until noon today because of yesterday’s funeral for General Nash and three other officers.
General Washington was present at today’s execution. His orders called for 60 soldiers from each brigade to be present at the execution. There were estimated to have been as many as 13 to 16 brigades in Towamencin. Local folklore claims the soldiers were there to form a barrier around the deserter, so Towamencin youth gathered to witness the act would be shielded from witnessing his hanging. More likely General Washington had so many soldiers present so that the word would spread quickly through the camp clearly showing the deadly result of desertion. There are no records as to where Private Farndon was buried.
(Credit: Towamencin History)General Washington cautions his officers in one of his general orders today.
"It is not for every officer, to know the principles upon which every order issued and to judge how far they may or may not be dispersed with or suspended, but there [sic] duty to carry them into execution with the upmost punctuality and exactness they are to consider that military movements are like the working of a clock and will go equally regular and easy if every officer does his duty. But without it be as easily disordered; because neglect in any one part like the stoping [sic] of a wheel disorders the whole. The Genl. expects therefore that every officer will duly concider [sic] the importance of this observation; there [sic] own reputation and the duty they owe their country claims it of them; and he earnestly calls upon them to do it."
General Washington also directed that "Arms shall be put in the best order without Loss of time ammunition completed and everything in readiness against a sudden call if such should be made upon us Those who want arms are to be supplied Immediately by and from the Adj. Gen. but at the foot of each Return an account is to be Rendered how the Deficiency arose."
Sometime today, General Washington wrote to Congress with his concerns on finding a suitable place for the Continental Army to spend the winter. Unfortunately, winter quarters finally chosen would prove to be far less than suitable for many soldiers.
