a group of Derby men. The regiment served under Washington's army in New York, having been called after the loss of the Battle of Long Island.
    In April of 1777, Humphreys served under General David Wooster in the battle at Danbury, where Wooster was killed. Humphreys took part in a retaliatory raid on the British ships at Sag Harbor. The expedition surprised the British and captured 13 ships, many supplies and 90 prisoners without the loss of a single man.
    Humphreys was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel. Serving three years on the staff of General Parsons and Israel Putnam, Humphreys made a distinguished record.
    In 1781, Connecticut's black soldiers were brought together under one company in Colonel Butler's regiment. This regiment served under the nominal command of Humphreys.
    Humphreys was one of the first men in the country to recognize the value of the Negro as a soldier. By his influence and that of his faithful body servant, Jethro Martin, among people of his own race, much enthusiasm was generated for the Revolution among the blacks of Connecticut, who were usually household servants.
    On June 23,1781, Humphreys was made aide-de-camp of Washington's headquarters, where he became a confidential friend and advisor to General Washington.
    Humphreys planned a kidnapping expedition to New York to capture either General Henry Clinton or General Knyphausen of the Hessians. With Humphreys in command, a group set sail in a barge and two whaleboats on Christmas night in 1781. Due to high winds and heavy current, the boats were driven off course. They finally made their way to Brunswick, New Jersey and returned to camp unsuccessful.
    Humphreys was at the surrender at Yorktown and was chosen by Washington to represent the army to the Congress. Washington prepared a report and gave it to Humphreys with the flags of the surrendered British and Hessian troops.
    Congress showed their appreciation of Humphreys' services by voting to present him with an elegant sword. The sword was presented to Humphreys in 1876 by General Knox. Congress also voted Humphreys a promotion to the