Robert Erskine

By Elbertus Prol

    Robert Erskine of the Erskine Halcroe family was born on 7 September 1735 in Dumfermline, Scotland. His parents were the Rev. Ralph and Margaret (Simpson) Erskine. Margaret was Ralph's second wife, and Robert was the only son of this union to reach maturity.

    In 1748 and 1752 he attended classes at the University of Edinburgh. His name appears in the Arts Faculty matriculation list of 1752. It is not known what he studied, but it is believed he took up hydraulics and surveying. His father passed away when Robert was 17 years old.

    In 1759 Erskine was in London where he authored a paper entitles "An Attempt to Prove the Force of Gun Powder is Chiefly Progressive from the Place it is Lighted at." At this time he entered into a partnership with a Mr. Swinton selling hardware and agricultural parts.

    Sometime during 1761 and 1762 Erskine invented a new pump and patented a "Continuous Stream Pump." Meanwhile Swinton defects from the business, leaving Erskine to shoulder the responsibility of paying the debts. He used the profits from his pumps to keep himself out of the debtor's prison. On 25 June 1762 Erskine was hauled into debtor's court to answer charges against him by creditors. Upon his word that he would pay his debts, the court released him, At this time his pumps kept him afloat financially.

    Robert Erskine is believed to have married in 1765; it is not know when, but his wife's name was Elizabeth. The union produced a daughter, who lived only two years, passing away on 10 June 1768.

    During this time Erskine was working on the principles of his centrifugal pump; and on 24 January 1765 his paper, "A General Account of the Centrifugal Engine for Raising Water," was read before the Royal Society. A year later, on 18 January 1766, Erskine demonstrated his newly invented pump on board the H.M.S. Princess Mary to a group of very influential people. This was backed by a signed affidavit stating this pump to be 30% more efficient than the old pumps.

    Erskine's interest apparently changed, or he expanded his activities to include engineering and surveying during the years 1767 and 1768. He met many influential and important people including the great architect Robert Adam.

    In 1769 and 1770 Erskine made contacts and decisions which changed his life and destiny -- negotiations between Erskine and Seton and Crofts were opened. Apparently Erskine's abilities fit the needs of the American Iron Company which was at this time looking for a capable man to manage its vast holdings in northern New Jersey and upper New York. Having joined the company, he busied himself with studying every aspect of iron manufacture and visited many of the foremost ironworks in England and Wales. To help himself later on, he wrote letters to Richard Atkinson outlining every aspect of 18th century iron manufacture. He requested that these letters be preserved for his reference. Today they are extant providing a wealth of information on the technology of 18th century iron manufacture.

    His itinerary for the latter half of 1770 included visits to the following places:

    Also sometimes during 1770, probably early in the year, he wrote a paper entitles "A Dissertation on Rivers and Tides Intended to Demonstrate in General the Effect of Bridges and Cuttings;" this was published in London in 1770, 1772, and 1780.

    Six years after reading his paper to the Royal Society, on 31 January 1771, Erskine was elected to fellowship in the Royal Society. The names of Sir John Pringle and Benjamin Franklin appear on his membership certificate which reads:

   Mr. Robert Erskine of Scotland Yard, London, being desirous of the Honour of admission into the Royal Society, We whose Names are subscribed, do, of our personal Knowledge, recommend him as a Gentleman well versed in Mathematics and practical Mechanics and likely to become a very useful Member.

June 23, 1770    John Pringle
July 5, 1770            B. Franklin

Nov. 8 --

-- 15 --

-- 22 --

 Jn. Bleur
Dec. 6 J. Bevis
-- 13

--20

 Tho. James
January 10, 1771

-- 17 --

-- 24 --

 Wm. James

Balloted and Elected Jany. 21, 1771

Paid adm. fee Signed bond and Admitted Feby. 7, 1771

    Sometime during April, two months after being admitted into the Royal Society, Robert Erskine left England for America. Robert Adam wrote a letter to William Pultiney of Balls near Herford on 6 June 1771. This letter demonstrates that Adam, the great architect, was acquainted with Robert Erskine and that his pumps were well received. Adam also had intentions regarding Erskine if he failed in his endeavors with the American Iron Company.

" . . . Mr. Cole engine Maker on the other side of Westminster Bridge Makes these pumps of Erskine's invention. I do not know the price but if you chuse shall informs myself and let you know. I imagine such a one as you want would command a very Moderate price -- I spoke to Erskine himself in consequence of our Conversation upon that Subject. After his return from Scotland where he was for many Months, Is he informed me instructing himself in the Iron Works in Order to go to America as conductor of a great Iron Work on which Messrs. Mure Atkinson etc. are concerned, & he is now gone abroad for that purpose and if he succeeds is to be taken in a Partner by them and in the meantime is allowed a handsome Salary by them. As that was the Case I did not mention your name to him only told him that if his Scheme Misgave I had a proposal to make to him in another way but would say nothing till that I should be fixt with Hutch and Mure. I could have told you before you went . . ."

Robert Erskine's port of entry was New York, where he arrived on 5 June 1771.

    Having arrived at Ringwood later in June, his letter of 9 July indicated how  well acquainted he was with the setting and physical attributes of the Ringwood Iron Works. However his arrival was misunderstood as being a move by London to keep surveillance on John Jacob Faesch, who had been managing Ringwood since the recall of Peter Hasenclever in 1769. Peter Hasenclever had masterminded the establishment of one of the largest and most far-flung Colonial industrial empires. Coupled with the embezzlement in London, misunderstanding and impatience, the company became financially overextended; therefore he was recalled. This led to distrust and later to bitter rivalry,  with Faesch leaving Ringwood for Mt. Hope in 1772. Thus Robert Erskine assumed full responsibility for managing the affairs of the American Company in 1772.

    On 24 March 1773 Robert Erskine was appointed along with John Jacob Faesch to the office of local magistrate by the Governor of the Province of New Jersey. This position was held for life or until he was superceded. The duties included acting on occasion as county judge receiving a special commission, and from time to time holding courts of oyer and terminer.

    In his attempt to rehabilitate the Ringwood Iron Works, Erskine worked under extremely trying circumstances. These included lack of support, open antagonism, and extreme reluctance by the company to favor him with much needed capital. Yet by 1773 the efficiency of the operation had increased; however, the hopes for returns on investments by the gentlemen in London were fading. As a result Erskine and his New York backers were authorized to put the works up for sale. This endeavor ended in failure, and Erskine was left to manage the affairs here as best he could.

    At this time Erskine entered into contract with Curson and Seton to keep the ironworks from going bankrupt. The agreement stated that Erskine would produce iron for their needs and they would advance cash and supplies to assist him in his maintaining the ironworks. He would be surety for any balances accruing in their favor and would also maintain his obligations to the American Company. Neither was this relationship entirely without its problems.

    During the year 1774 Erskine attempted to consolidate the ironwork's solvency. Meanwhile his correspondence indicated his growing concern for the deteriorating relationship between the American colonies and the government of King George.

    The situation rapidly continued to disintegrate; Boston Harbor was closed; blood had been let in the "Boston Massacre" and in the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Robert Erskine, in a gesture demonstrating obligation, honesty, responsibility, and resignation, wrote on 5 December 1775:

I shall continue to act for your interests and the preservation of your property as well as I can.

Erskine organized one of the first companies of militia in Bergen County in the spring of 1775. It is believed to have been comprised of men from each of the ironworks under his management. Under the command of Robert Erskine the militia developed into an efficient company of foot soldiers. It was placed at the disposal of the New Jersey legislature, which interpreted this as a patriotic act on Erskine's part and therefore commissioned him captain of his own militia on 17 August of that year. The militia was outfitted and accoutered with American Company funds. Erskine kept strict records of his finances in his waste book. Since successful operation requires a supply of men at the works, it is possible the militia was formed for this purpose. Because of Erskine's great concern for lack of help, he requested field service exemptions for his men at the ironworks. It is not believed that the militia saw active duty as a unit during the hostilities with England.

    Early in 1775 Erskine was embroiled in dispute with Joseph Hoff, manager  of Lord Stirling's ownership of Hibernia Ironworks, over the price of iron and the dwindling supply of gun powder. Lord Stirling's ownership of Hibernia mine was contested by Erskine and Ogden, for they believed they were in their rights to take ore. Also, Erskine had the corner on the powder market because he had stocked large supplies of usable commodities. He was reluctant to part with it and in do doing, he alienated Hoff. This caused Stirling to tighten the price on ore for which he threatened physical force if his price of "half a Dollar per tonn" were not met. Hoff wrote, "I hope nevertheless, I shall not be drove to taking an acting part in this affair . . ." Erskine apparently tried to circumvent Stirling's order to deprive Ringwood's use of Hibernia ore by contracting directly with Col. Ogden for delivery of this ore. This delivery of ore was apparently under guard, because Hoff in correspondence on 25 May 1775 writes to Stirling:

Mr. Erskine has bought ore of Col. Ogden who must deliver it to him and prevent any persons from molesting him in the transportation of it to the works.

However, Hoff indicated he will attempt to enforce Stirling's request: "I shall in your name forbid any person removing it."

    But Erskine and Col. Ogden did not stand idly by. They were prepared to fight,  for they had an army of men which outnumbered the Hibernia force about 3 to 1. Possibly due to the war, the dispute was ended; and both parties came to an amicable solution, with Erskine and Stirling turning their full energies to America's war effort.

    Erskine at this time took a decidedly neutral stance, especially in view of his promise to his employers. He had gathered all the necessary commodities and stored them at Ringwood -- he had a Company of Militia ready to defend Ringwood and its interests against anyone who dared to tangle with him -- he had dressed them in green regimentals, the same color as the British Loyalist troops, so the British did not molest him -- and he was a captain in the Bergen County Militia. He had made pro-British statements and pro-American acts, so neither side bothered him, As a result, the vast properties were not confiscated by the New Jersey legislature or the New York legislature -- thus the American Company's vast holdings were kept intact.

    During 1776 Erskine continued to operate the ironworks. In July, only eight days after the Declaration of Independence (probably in a test of strength of the colonists), five British ships lay peacefully at anchor in Tappan Bay after having passed the colonial batteries at Paulus Hook and New York City without sustaining any damage. This news caused Erskine to hurriedly construct his model of the tetrahedron he had developed and to dispatch a letter to General John Morin Scott. After expressing his regrets about the convenience experienced by the British in finding an open and comparatively free channel, he proposed that his tetrahedron be studied as a possible contrivance to be used to stop British commerce on the Hudson River. The letter is datelined "Ringwood July 18, 1776" and it is believed to be a letterbook copy. Erskine called his device a Marine Chevaux-de-Friese, which translated is "Horses of Holland." A similar letter also was sent to Benjamin Franklin with a drawing of the Chevaux-de-Friese sheathed in iron points. If this device had been used, it would have inflicted great damage to any ship unfortunate enough to hit it.

    A study of Erskine's cash books indicates he did no work for credit, but on a cash basis only. In this manner he fulfilled his obligations to the American Iron Company.

    Sometime between 11 and 13 July 1777 Erskine met General Washington at the crossroads in Pompton where the General was staying. It is believed the two discussed Erskine's ability as a topographer, and the American army's need for one. Probably a deal was worked out at this time because Washington had been empowered to appoint a surveyor by the Continental Congress. Erskine was given his commission as Geographer and Surveyor General to the American army on 27 July 1777. General Washington informed him by letter the next day from Flemington. He accepted his appointment on a part-time basis until he had his affairs at Ringwood cleared up. This again reveals the keeping of his promise to the American Iron Company. His letter of acceptance was written from Ringwood on 1 August 1777. In November the Ringwood works provided 20 ovens for the army.

    In March 1778 Erskine was at West Point where he attempted to execute detailed plans of the Point and its fortifications. The letter covering the work is datelined "Ringwood March 26, 1778." General Washington sent General Stirling a "Copy of the plan of the Jerseys." This letter is dated "Ringwood April 23d, 1778." Erskine constantly reminds each person he writes he is still arranging his affairs while executing his obligations as a geographer. Sometime during the spring, Erskine met Washington at Valley Forge. On 20 June 1778 he informed Simeon De Witt of his appointment as his assistant; this took place at Ringwood.

    Erskine's official headquarters were located at Ringwood. He conducted his business as well as fulfilling the task of Surveyor General. His nephew, Ebenezer, who arrived at Ringwood in the latter half of 1778, kept a diary in which some light on daily life is shed:

Monday 7th Septr about 5 O'clock in the evening I arrived at Ringwood. Found my Uncle R.E. just arrived from Camp at White Plains where he has been for six weeks . . . he desired me to give myself no Trouble about what was past as I should find in him not only a Relation but a Friend, that I must stay with him till the present Disturbances were over which he hoped would be soon . . . that then he intended opening a large store in New York into which he would admit me a partner . . . he likewise shewed me his Commission appointing him Surveyor and Geographer to the United States by which he was obliged to be most partly along with the Army and upon that Acct. was happy he had got a Frd. to stay with Mrs. E in his absence . . .

    On Thursday, 10 September 1778, Ebenezer was shown Long Pond by his Uncle. The following Saturday Robert Erskine left Ringwood bound for camp with a servant and three light horsemen who attended him. Camp may have been Quakers Mile, Connecticut.

On Oct. 10 Erskine  was at Headquarters then at Quakers Mile about 70 Miles to ye Eastward pf this [Ringwood] upon the Borders of Connecticut . . . Arrived there the 12th, was introduced by Mr. E to Gen. Washington who is a very affable good looking Man. Mr. E gives me 100 Continental Dollars to keep my Pocket, stays there till ye 16th and returns to Ringwood ye 18th, had a Light Horseman attending me going and coming . . .

   Erskine was requested by Washington to be as near to the army as possible for his safety;, because Washington felt British attack on Ringwood was imminent. 

    On 11 May 1779 from Ringwood in a letter to General George Clinton, he states:

My troubling your Excellency at present is to request the favor of a Passport to this place for about 500 Bushel of Indian Corn or other grain which I expect from Minderen Creek from Albany for the use of these Works and tot replace the grain with which I supplied above 12 Continental horses for several months last winter; as the grain is everyday expected and we are in immediate want of it our stock being entirely exhausted . . .

    Once again Erskine's obligation and promise to the American Iron Company comes into play. He had used grain to feed some 12 Continental horses from his own stocks, and he expected reimbursement.

    Erskine complied with General Washington's request to be near the army for his protection. On 30 May 1779 he was at Camp Raritan and wrote a letter to "His Excellency George Clinton Esq.":

I beg leave now to inform you that in Consiquences of my representations to Gov'r Livingston, he has Ordered Capt. Joseph Board to raise a Ranging Company from the two upper Companies of Bergen Militia to scour the Mountains and apprehend Robbers and their

He suggested that possibly the militia in Warwick might be mustered to assist in this endeavor.

    In June General Washington was at Ringwood and on the 6th he wrote a letter to the President of the Continental Congress.

    On 3 July 1779 Erskine transmitted maps of "the Highlands in the State of New York" to "Brig'r Gen'l Wayne" and "Maj. Gen'l Baron Steuben." The covering letters are identical in content are datelines "New Windsor July 3d 1779."

    On 7 August 1779 Erskine was requested by Washington to make surveys of the crossroads between the Sussex and Morristown Roads. Nine days later he was ordered to lay out a road from Ringwood into the clove; Lord Stirling was to assist.

    Erskine was again at New Windsor from which he wrote a letter to Major Gen'l. Green.

    General Washington, writing from Morristown, requested Erskine's presence at Morristown to accurately survey the roads near camp and discuss particular directions. The letter was dated December 9, 1779.

    On 27 December 1779, St. John's Day, Erskine attended the meeting of Free Masons held at Arnold's Tavern, Morristown. The purpose of this meeting was to form a General Grand Lodge for the United States.

    Robert Erskine was elected to membership in the American Philosophical Society on 21 January 1780. He was in Philadelphia in February to attend the meeting held on 17 February. This is the only meeting he attended.

    In summer of 1780 he probably continued his job for the army. He did a small survey of the Hudson at this time. At different times Washington ordered that men be made available to Erskine as chain bearers. Anthony Wayne and Erskine visited Closter on 17 July 1780 and carefully considered the possibilities of the British crossing the river from Phillips' farm and pushing on to New Bridge by way of Closter Landing in preparation of the American attack on Bulls Ferry. From 1 July to 7 July 1780 Washington was encamped at Theunis Dey's house in Preakness. It is believed Erskine visited many times especially in view of the request that Erskine be near the army.

    On 11 September 1780 Erskine was at Ringwood writing a letter to Robert Morris regarding keeping workers employed at Ringwood. Erskine was clearly upset especially in view of the fact that he was risking his life for the American cause and he returned to find people taking his men.

    Robert Erskine passed away on 2 October 1780 and was buried at Ringwood in a table tomb next to his clerk, Robert Monteath. Erskine died the same day Major Andre was hanged at Tappan, New York.