(This account by General Adam Stephen of the
Ohio Campaign of 1754 has lately come to light among the papers of Dr. Benjamin
Rush, (and) now is in the possession of the Library Company of Philadelphia, to
the directors of which institution my thanks are due for permission to publish
it. The manuscript is endorsed, in the handwriting of Dr. Rush, "Col Stevens's
life written by himself for B. Rush in 1775." Peculiarities of spelling, etc. of
the original are here retained. A sketch of General Stephen may be found in the
Journal of Colonel Washington," edited by J.M. Toner, Albany, 1833, p.
27-Bunford Samuel.)
Stephen went to London, and past examination to go aboard the Navy, but
discovering the Officers -- Crew in general to be a parcel of Bears; he
Abolustely refus'd to go aboard, and went Surgeon to an Hospital Ship going with
the Army against Port L'Orient on the Coast of France. There he got a little
habituated to danger, and next year by his coolness and presence of Mind Sav'd
the Ship from being taken.
The Commander of the vessel was confus'd, gave Order upon Order so quickly
that none were Executed and the Enemy within a hundred yards on the Lee Quarter
ready to Board--When Stephen waited upon the Captain in a respectful manner
-- requested the Command of the Guns in the Cabin, four 9 pounders, with the
Cabin Boy -- a young lad brought up in the Coal Trade to assist.
It was obtained; the Guns were loaded with all implements of destruction;
-- the Enemy crowded on the forecastle -- Boltspirit ready to Board; were
greatly hurt by the fire of the first two guns brought to bear upon them. After
three Cheers They gave the Ship a yaw, brought the other two guns to bear --
compleated the destruction of the Enemy; This made him Courted by the Merchants
in London.
The India Company made great offers to Stephen to engage him their Service,
but the Sea disagreed with him so much that he could not be prevailed on to
undertake so long a Voyage.