African American Boyrereau Brinch’s Breathtaking Battle with British Dragoons

Boyrereau Brinch, also known as Jeffrey Brace, left an account of his experiences and exploits as a light infantryman in General George Washington’s army. In this incredible excerpt of his memoirs, Brinch was confronted by a British Dragoon or horse-soldier. A desperate hand to hand struggle ensued in which he parleyed saber strokes with the barrel of his musket, killing his attacker. Brinch quickly mounted his enemy’s horse and was instantly spotted by a patrol of Dragoons. They immediately took after him in a hair-raising chase over the countryside. When his comrades came into view, Brinch raced towards them with the enemy hot on his heels. In horror, he saw his friends raise their muskets and spurred on his horse directly into their line of fire. A tremendous explosion split the air. Three bullets of the American volley ripped through his clothes, one slicing through his leather cap, but behind him, the British dragoons crumbled under the devastating blast. What could be a scene from an action movie was real. The players for keeps. And an exciting narrative by an enslaved African American Soldier fighting for the liberty of a country whose laws still allowed whites to murder blacks without fear of prosecution, lay hidden for decades.

Boyrereau Brinch stated that he was born in the Bow woo kingdom of Central Africa. He was captured by an English slave ship anchored in the Niger River in 1758; his 16^th year of age which would put his birth at 1742. It is difficult to locate the exact location and ethnic group to which Brinch belonged. The anchorage of the ship would put it close to where the Niger River empties into the Gulf of Guinea, present day Nigeria. Brinch also claimed that his father was the governor of the region which was a tributary state of the Morocco Empire in the mid 1700’s. He wrote, “Thus in the 16^th year of my age, I was borne away from native innocence, ease, and luxury into captivity by a Christian people, who preach humanity, charity, and benevolence. ‘Father forgive them…”

He was taken to Barbados and from ship, placed in the “House of Subjection” where he and the other slaves were starved, whipped, and tortured until their spirits were crushed and they submitted. He would spend the next two years in a harsh environment, enslaved in the rice and sugar fields before purchased by Captain Isaac Mills. He was tutored as a sailor-soldier by William Burke and served aboard Mills’ vessel during the Seven Years War (French & Indian War). He would receive five wounds in a fight with a Spanish ship during the Havana Cuba Siege, June 6 – Aug. 13, 1762. After the war, he was sold by Mills to John Burwell of Milford, Connecticut, the first of a series of cruel owners who beat and subjected him to many humiliations. Brinch recorded, “Green did not whip me but about twice in a week, except now and then a kicking. From Green, I was transferred to Murier, a tanner, where I remained until September, at which time the widow Mary Stiles of Woodbury, Connecticut bought me. This was a glorious era in my life as widow Stiles was one of the finest women in the world…” She would show him kindness, teaching him to read and write and introduced him to the bible to which he put many verses to memory.

After Mary Stiles’ death, he was claimed by the family. He stated, “When this lady died, I descended like real estate in fee simple to her son Benjamin Stiles, Esq. About four years after her death, her two sons, Benjamin and David, were drafted to fight in the revolution. I also entered the banners of freedom. Alas! Poor African Slave, to liberate freemen, my tyrants.” Brinch is mistaken as Benjamin Stiles was the father of the two sons, David and Nathan, who enlisted in Woodbury, Connecticut on June 18, 1777. Brinch most likely enlisted with them or soon after. He was still a slave when he made his mark in the 2nd Connecticut Continental Regiment which was part of the 1^st Connecticut Brigade of the Highland Dept (Westchester County, NY and north). He served in Captain Samuel Granger’s company under Colonel Charles Webb. Brinch stated that because of his large frame, standing at six feet three inches in height, he was soon reassigned to the 6^th Connecticut Continental Regiment’s company of light infantry; Captain Samuel Augusta Barker commanding under the leadership of Colonel Johnathan Meigs.

Jeffrey Brinch was elderly and blind when he recited his memoirs to Benjamin Prentiss, an antislavery journalist, who published The Blind African Slave in 1810. Under a closer examination, there are many inconsistencies of the events, personnel, and dates that Brinch testified that he had experienced during the war. Though his recall of details may be erratic, the spirit and depth of his recorded experiences remain priceless in human drama and historical richness.

By the time Brinch transferred to the 6^th Connecticut, Colonel Meigs had already conducted his infamous raid at Sag Harbor, New York, (May 24, 1777) in response to the British incursion in Connecticut – the Battle of Ridgefield, April 25, 1777. He speaks of a battle in the spring of 1777 with the British commanded by General Worcester, a name that does not exist among British officers who served in America. Since he did not enlist until the summer of 1777, he may be referring to a battle that occurred in the spring of 1778, however he is clear that after that spring battle, his men marched further north on the Hudson River to fort Montgomery which he said was attacked in August. This attack was on October 6, 1777, by General Henry Clinton, left in command of New York City. The Fort surrendered, however Clinton withdrew his forces back to New York. He states that after they lost the fort, they retreated to Kingsbridge, and New York was evacuated by the Americans, however the evacuation took place the previous year in 1776. He also said that Kingsbridge was under the command of Colonel Owin from Rhode Island. Perhaps he ment Colonel Olney, however Colonel Olney did not resume command of the Rhode Island Regiment until 1781, after the death of Colonel Christopher Greene, having previously been a Lt. Colonel in the Rhode Island 2^nd. He said while at Kingsbridge, there was a Rhode Island Regiment in which two thirds were black. This would be the 1^st Rhode Island Regiment which formed in the summer of 1778 and was posted in Westchester County, New York. They would see action at the Battle of Rhode Island and distinguished themselves at Yorktown.

In chronological order and just prior to the excerpt of his memoir included in this article, Brinch signified that he was under the command of Colonel Meigs of the 6^th Connecticut. In this excerpt, he stated that he was in Captain Granger’s company, however Granger was his previous commander and was still with the 2^nd Connecticut. These inconsistences aside, we pick up his memoir during the period his regiment had been ordered to Hackensack, New Jersey. This was most likely shortly after the Battle of Monmouth, June 28, 1778, when the American Army bottled up the British in New York City. However, because Washington’s army was strung out over a forty-mile radius from New Jersey to Connecticut, British General Clinton was able to muster strong foraging detachments to raid the countryside of New Jersey and Westchester county, New York. This became known as the Foraging War. Often troops clashed in heated skirmishes, some with tragic results such as the Baylor Massacre; Sept. 28, 1778, where over 100 American Dragoons were attacked while sleeping, many bayoneted as they tried to surrender. Brinch was assigned to a small detachment of Americans who were detailed to scour the countryside for provisions. They would run into one of the enemy’s ranging parties. The following excerpt from Brinch’s memoir is pure human drama. Though some details of his testimony may be questioned, the accuracy of his encounter with the enemy is beyond suspect. When one experiences a life or death moment, it is forever burned on the conscience. No matter how many years elapse, the moment is relived for one’s entire life. The excerpt follows:

“Nothing of consequence took place that related to me till spring, when we moved to Hackensack in the Jerseys. Soon after our arrival there, the enemy stole some cattle from our lines. Capt. Granger with twenty chosen men was sent in pursuit of them, with orders to go about two miles to a place called Hackensack-four-corners. I was one of the number, but when we arrived at the destined place, we discovered that they had passed with the cattle. One Ahiel Bradley, a sergeant in the company, said if myself and one Adam Waggonor would accompany him, he would go and find them, as he believed that they were driven to a certain meadow back from the road, which meadow he was acquainted with. The captain consented, and we pursued our course upon the track to a pasture fronting the meadow into which we discovered they had been driven. We came to a small hill or rise of land over which they must have passed. This rise being covered with bushes, it was thought prudent that I should wait upon the hither side of the hill while they went over and examined into the fact whether the cattle were actually in the meadow or not, and at the same time to keep a look out for the enemy.“

While I stood there anxiously waiting for their return, I suddenly discovered a man riding up to me not more than eight rods distant [about fifty yards] on full speed with a pistol in his hand and ordered me to lay down my arms. But not being so instructed by my officers you may well suppose that I did not. At first I thought he was a Jerseyman and was attempting to fool me, as they had played some such pranks before upon some of the soldiers belonging to our line ⎯ therefore in return I demanded to whom I was to surrender and by what authority he demanded it. He said I must surrender to him who demanded me in the name of the King his majesty of Great Britain. I then plainly told him that neither him or his King’s majesty would get my arms unless he took them by force. He immediately cocked his pistol and fired. I fell flat upon the ground in order to dodge his ball and did so effectually do it that he missed me. I rose; he drew his sword and rode up to me so quick that I had no time to take aim before he struck my gun barrel with his cutlass and cut it almost one third off ⎯ also cut off the bone of my middle finger on my hand. As he struck the horse jumped before he could wheel upon me again. Altho’ my gun barrel was cut, I fired and killed him; as he fell I caught his horse and sword. He was a British light horseman in disguise. I mounted immediately and that instant discovered four men on horseback approaching me from different directions. I fled, passed one man just before I came to a stone wall. Both of our horses were upon the full run. He fired and missed me. My horse leaped the wall like a deer; they all pursued me.

“When we got into the road, they were joined by many more, and all with swords in hand pursued me in full career. I drove my horse as fast as possible, stabbed him with my sword and gun, kicked my heels in his side, but having no spurs and not being so good a horseman they gained upon me. I looked forward and saw my Capt. in full view, almost a mile distant. This encouraged me, and the long shanked negro soldier with a leather cap mounted on an elegant English gelding light horse, made all whistle again. When I came in about twenty or thirty rods, I heard the Captain say, “there come one of our leather caps, and it is Jeffrey. Reserve your fire so as not to kill him. However the men fired and three balls cut my garments, one struck my coat sleeve, the next hit my bayonet belt, and the third went through the back side of my leather-cap. They were so close upon me, that the same fire killed four of the British and five horses and wounded some more. I did not stop for this salute but pulled on for headquarters. When our men fired, the enemy were within two or three jumps of me, but being so handsomely saluted upon surprise, as our men were concealed from their view, they made the best retreat possible.“

“I made no halt until I arrived within our Camp. When I dismounted, tied my horse and went to set up my gun, I found I could not open my hand which was the first time that I discovered that I was wounded. As slight fear and precipitation had turned me almost as white as my fellow soldiers. In consequence of my wounds, I was unfit for duty again for almost three months. But after all the poor simple Negro was cheated out of his horse, as I sold horse, saddle and bridle, holsters, pistols and sword, to Col. Roger Sherman for his contract of two hundred and fifty dollars, who thought proper never to pay the same. Yet I felt more gratitude towards the horse than regret for the loss of him, as he with the assistance of divine providence saved my life.” 

“I was in the battles at Cambridge, White Plains, Monmouth, Princeton, Newark, Frog’s Point and Horseneck [Throng’s Neck Feb. 1779], where I had a ball pass through my knapsack.” [White Plains, and Princeton occurred before Brinch enlisted questioning his role in these battles].” All which battles the reader can obtain a more perfect account of in history than I can give. At last we returned to West Point and were discharged [1783], as the war was over. Thus was I, a slave for five years fighting for liberty.”

Note: As to the officer who purchased the horse that saved Brinch’s life and then reneged on payment; there is no recorded officer in the American army by the name Roger Sherman. Brinch must be referring to Lt. Col Isaac Sherman who served with the 2^nd Conn. (Brinch’s first assignment) from Jan. 1, 1777 – Oct. 28, 1779 before transferring to the 8^th Conn., then with the 5^th Conn. from Jan. 1781 – Jan. 1, 1783.

After the war, Jeffrey Brinch returned to Milford and slavery under his same master, Benjamin Stiles. In 1784, Stiles gave him his freedom to which Brinch referred he earned from his military experience. Brinch stated, “After we were disbanded, I returned to my old master at Woodbury [Connecticut], with whom I lived one year, my services in the American war having emancipated me from further slavery and from being bartered or sold. My master consented that I might go where I pleased and seek my fortune. Hearing flattering accounts of the new state of Vermont, I left Woodbury and travelled as far as the town of Lenox in Massachusetts, where for the first time I made a bargain as a freeman for labor. I let [hired] myself to a Mr. Elisha Orsborn for one month at the price of five dollars. When I had fulfilled this contract, I travelled to the town of Poltney in Vermont. There again I let myself to a Mr. Abiel Parker for the sum of thirteen pounds ten shillings, for six months. Here I enjoyed the pleasures of a freeman; my food was sweet, my labor pleasure: and one bright gleam of life seemed to shine upon me.”

While in Poltney, he purchased land in Ames Hollow. He continued to work and saved funds to develop his land. While living in Dorset, he met and married an African American widow Susannah Dublin. She had two children by her former marriage and together they had three more. In 1795, Brinch took his growing family to Poultney to manage the farm he had purchased on Ames Hollow Road. While in Poultney, the family suffered financial and personal hardships. Susannah was forced to bind over her two children as indentured servants. A neighbor, Jerry Gorman, coveted Brinch’s land and in spite, continually harassed them, at one point trying to force the rest of their children into indentured servitude. By 1802, Brinch and his family had enough and left Poultney for Sheldon, and from there to Georgia, Vermont. When Congress authorized pensions for war veterans in 1818, Brace applied for his pension of eight dollars a month. Because he had enlisted under the name of Jeffrey Stiles, it took three years to validate his claim. Brinch won his pension in 1821. Brinch would be in his 85^th year when he died on April 20, 1827. “Ole Jeff” was memorialized in his former town of Poultney by a lengthy obituary written by the local newspaper’s young apprentice, Horace Greeley.

Brinch’s memoir attests to the remarkable memory, intelligence, strength, and character of a man who faced incredible adversary to rise above the bigotry and injustice of a tarnished society to proclaim the freedom all men and women rightfully own. The University of Vermont commemorates the memory of Boyrereau Brinch by offering a $500 book award in his name “to students who exemplify academic excellence and an active commitment to achieving  social and economic justice.”

Want to read more on African Americans in the American Revolution? Check out free book previews on Amazon

Check out other articles in Revolutionary War Journal on African Americans who fought in the American Revolutionary War

Washington and the Enlistment of Black Soldiers in the Continental Army

Black Soldiers in the American Revolution; Chronological Listing

Philip Abbot: Slave Who Fought and Died for America’s Liberty at Bunker Hill

Colonel Christopher Greene: Commanded the Rhode Island 1st of African American Continental Soldiers

African American Dragoon John Redman

African American Jordan Freeman Dies Defending Fort Griswold

Washington’s Crossing and African American Prince Whipple: Fact and Fiction

RESOURSES

Bailey, Anne. African voices of the Atlantic Slave Trade: Beyond the Silence & the Shame. 2005: Beacon Press, Boston, MA.

Brinch, Boyrereau & Prentiss, Benjami Franklin. The Blind African Slave, Or Memoirs of Boyrereau Brinch, Nick-named Jeffrey Brace: Containing an Account of the Kingdom of Bow-Woo, in the Interior of Africa… 1810: Published by Harry Whitney, St. Albans, VT.

Brinch, Boyrereau as told to Benjamin Franklin Prentiss, edited by Kerri Winter. The Blind African Slave, or Memoirs of Boyrereau Brinch, Nicknamed Jeffrey Brinch. 2004: The University of Wisconsin Press, Madison, Wisconsin.

Ford, Worthing Chauncy. British Officers Serving in the American Revolution 1774-1783. 1897: Historical Printing Club, Brooklyn, NY.

Heitman, Francis B. Historical Register of Officers of the Continental Army During the War of the Revolution April 1775 – Dec. 1783. 1914: The Rare Book Shop Publ. Company, Washington DC.

Web Sites

Making the Revolution: America, 1763-1791 Primary Source Collection. Poor African Slave, to liberate freemen, my tyrants. Narrative of Boyrereau Brinch An Enslaved African American in the Revolutionary Army, 1777-1783.

Poultney Historical Society. Jeffrey Brace First African American Citizen of Poultney.