HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 319

“appell,” at which the troops were present with their muskets and equipments. The general was always present at these morning and evening parades. During the night, three “officers’ rounds” were made, and between each of them two patrols, commanded by subaltern officers, visited all the guards and posts in Brooklyn, the fort and the pickets. They also gave their particular attention to the sailors of the British navy, who were apt, when ashore, to get into pot-house broils.

On the 22d of July, 1781, the general, with his family and attendants embarked for Canada, bearing with them the good wishes of the numerous warm friends whose courteous attentions had made their stay in New York and Brooklyn so pleasant.1

During the winter of 1780-81, the East River was frozen solid from the Brooklyn shore half-way across, and on the edge of the ice, near the centre of the river, hundreds of cords of wood were piled for the use of the English army. The Long Island farmers, bringing produce to the city, drove on the ice to the middle of the river, where they placed their loads on board the ferry-boats. The English feared lest the Americans should take advantage of the ice to attack New York. The Americans, however, transported some troops and cannon on the ice from New Jersey to Staten Island.ÑFurman MSS.

1781. “Pro Bono Publico.—By permission, four days sport, on Easter Monday, on Ascot Heath. Purses of £50, £50, £100, £100.”—Rivington, Feb. 12.

“Grand Races at Ascot Heath postponed till June 6, on account of the King’s birthday; on which occasion it is expected every true subject will so strain his nerves in rejoicing, as to prevent this amusement being agreeable before that time. A hurling match on the ground, June 5, when those who have a curiosity to play (or see) that ancient diversion, will get hurls and bats at the Irish Flag.”—Gaine, May 30, ’81.

“To all who know it not, be it understood,
Pro bono publico means mankind’s good.”

This day, being Wednesday, the 20th of June, will be exhibited,

1 Max von Elkin’s Life and Acts of Gen. Riedesel, published at Leipsic, 1856, ii. 321, 833, 837, 340, 346, 359; for translations of which we are indebted to Dr. R. Barthelmess, of Brooklyn. Also Mad. de Riedesel’s Mem., pp. 249-252.