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GENEALOGY 974.9 N421DAB V.2
M. L
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01802 7182
GENEALOGY 974.9 N421DAB V.2
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016
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Victoria Patrito aug. 1984.
With Compliments of The New Jersey Historical Society.
William Nelson, Corresponding Secretary.
Newark, N. J., September 1st, 1904.
1
ARCHIVES
OF THE
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
SECOND SERIES.
Vol. II.
This volume was prepared and edited by authority of the State of New Jersey at the request of the New Jersey Historical Society and under the direction of the follow- ing Committee of the Society :
WILLIAM NELSON. GARRET D. W. VROOM, AUSTIN SCOTT, FRANCIS B. LEE, .
ERNEST C. RICHARDSON.
DOCUMENTS
RELATING TO THE
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY
OF THE
STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
VOLUME II.
EXTRACTS FROM AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS.
VOL. II. 1778.
EDITED BY FRANCIS B. LEE.
TRENTON, N. J. : THE JOHN L. MURPHY PUBLISHING CO., PRINTERS - 1903.
PREFACE. 1136436
The year 1778, which this volume of newspaper extracts embraces, was one of great importance in the military annals of the State of New Jersey. The close of the campaign of 1777 found the Anglo-Hessian army in com- plete control of Philadelphia, with New York City also under its domination. Winter saw Washington and his troops starving in Valley Forge, and the rich agricultural counties of New Jersey, lying upon the Delaware, the Hudson and the waters tributary to New York bay, ex- posed to marauding, food-searching expeditions sent out by British commanders.
All that had been gained at Trenton seemed to be lost. Early summer, however, brought a change.
General Clinton evacuated Philadelphia, and dragging his army, encumbered by camp followers, across the plan- tation lands and wooded tracts of central New Jersey, met General Washington upon the field of Monmouth. Soon thereafter the second anniversary of the birth of the inde- pendence of the United States, celebrated by the American army at New Brunswick, gave New Jersey to the patriotic cause and turned the tide of war to the southward. Thence, until the end of the year, the military events in the State were of such purely local interest as to be of no national importance.
It is with the details of these great movements that this volume deals. One finds, in the official reports pub- lished in the Whig and Tory newspapers, various tales of the naval fight at Red Bank, not printed until 1778, and the expeditions into Salem and Burlington counties. Then, too, is told the "Story of the Kegs," immortalized by Francis Hopkinson, one of the triumvirate of Whig
vi
PREFACE.
satirical poets of New Jersey, and of the midnight raids in the vicinity of Paulus Hook, now Jersey City, near Elizabethtown and on the "north shore" of Monmouth county.
The evacuation of Philadelphia and the battle of Mon- mouth are detailed by Washington and Clinton, and over against all stands Charles Lee, and his hitherto forgotten letter to the New Jersey Gazette, in which, like many another military leader caught in a sorry fix, he pleads a "suspension of judgment."
But there is much that does not relate to matters purely military. For the first time in the history of New Jersey journalism, a woman, "Belinda," contributes to Isaac Collins' newspaper. There is something familiar in the signatures and arguments of "Equal Taxer" and "A True Patriot," while other discontented citizens "advise" the legislature and "warn" those in authority. "Adolphus," in verse, tells of "The Future Glory of America" and initialed contributors pour out political and economic essays.
Among all the contributors to the New Jersey Gazette, from which so many extracts are taken, "Hortentius" -- Governor William Livingston stands pre-eminent. In satirical poetry, in essay writing, and in legislative mes- sages, he found constant place in the columns of the Gazette, outranking, even, John Witherspoon, who was the friend and associate of the editor.
There is much that throws light upon the social con- "ditions of the time. Not even war, with uncertainties of government and depreciated currency, prevented the sales of real and of personal property. Landowners and store- keepers advertised everything from mansions to patent medicines, while admiralty sales of captured vessels and their cargoes scattered luxuries throughout the State. Slaves and soldiers ran away, and farmers suggested methods of cultivation of flax and the making of molasses, sugar and spirits from Indian corn and pumpkins.
vii
PREFACE.
From the inquisitions found and returned in the county courts may be ascertained the names of Tories of New Jersey, whose property had been confiscated and was to be sold. That this Tory element, as late as 1778, was large is clearly shown by the list presented in the index of this volume. Many of these names are not to be found in the usual works of reference and form a striking commentary upon the continued prevalence of the doctrine that in adherence to the King, a family name, a reputa- tion in the community, worldly goods and even life, should be sacrificed to his cause. The interest attached to such names is unquestioned.
Among the extracts are the neglected records of the naval engagements from Sandy Hook to Cape May, the eulogies of men and women whose very names have been forgotten, the loss of lottery tickets, the announcements of horse breeders, an industry once so prominent that a "nag's head, proper" is emblazoned, as a part of the crest of the great seal of the State; the strangely untrue accounts of successes met with by British arms, circulated by the New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, and the sincerity of Quaker Isaac Collins, who issued the Gazette, and said that if he couldn't fight he could write for the cause of Independence.
The notes in this volume, unless otherwise stated, are by the Editor.
F. B. L.
-
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
The legislature of New-Jersey have appointed John Witherspoon,1 Abraham Clark,2 Jonathan Elmer,3 Na- thaniel Souder,4 and Elias Boudinot,5 to represent them in Congress .- The Pennsylvania Evening Post, January 3, 1778.
To the PRINTER of the NEW-JERSEY GAZETTE.
SIR,
THOUGH I am an old man that cannot render my country any active services, I am willing to contribute my mite to its prosperity, in the only way in which I can be useful to it. Having lost that vigour and vivacity which is peculiar to youth, and necessary for the more busy scenes of life, I am retired from the bustle of the world, resolved to spend the remainder of my days, not as an idle spectator of the struggle in which we are en- gaged, but with a resolution of conveying to the public, through the channel of your paper, such hints and obser- vations on our internal police, as I think may be salutary to the cause of liberty and virtue.
We have, by the blessing of Providence, established a glorious fabric of freedom and independence; but unless that fabric is supported by the same spirit of patriotism by which it was reared, I am afraid that it will not be of long duration. Whenever our public virtue decays,
1 Sixth President of the College of New Jersey. For sketch see New Jersey Archives, 2d Series, Vol. I., p. 148.
2 The "Poor Man's Lawyer." For sketch see New Jersey Archives, 2d Series, Vol. I., p. 527.
3 For sketch see New Jersey Archives, 2d Series, Vol. I., p. 527.
4 Should be Nathaniel Scudder. For sketch see New Jersey Archives, 2d Series, Vol. I., p. 528.
5 For sketch see New Jersey Archives, 2d Series, Vol. I., p. 528.
1 (1)
2
NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1778
our government, which owes its origin to and was founded upon public virtue, will languish; and upon the total ex- tinction of the former, (which heaven avert from ever proving our case) the latter will crumble to pieces, and be totally demolished. It requires great virtue in the people, and great wisdom and activity in their rulers, to prevent the constitution from degenerating in anarchy and confusion. I shall therefore, from time to time publish my sentiments, as well on the errors of the people at large, as on the failings of those who are placed over us, either as legislators or magistrates, and that with the freedom becoming the subject of a free government, but at the same time with the deference and decorum due to superiors. For the present be pleased to insert my thoughts on the duty of representatives, which are honestly meant, and I hope will be graciously received.
Characteristics of a good Assembly-Man. I.
To accept his delegation with a sincere desire, and for the sole pur- pose of rendering his country all the service in his power.
II.
Seriously to consider what laws will be most beneficial ; industrious in collecting materials for framing them; and prompt to hear all men, especially the the most judicious, on the state of his country ; and the regulations proposed to render it more happy and flourishing.
III.
To make conscience of doing his proper share of business in the House, without leaving it to others to do his part, by which they must necessarily neglect their own; every member being bound in honour to do as much as he can.
IV.
Candidly and impartially to form his own judgment for himself, yet to be always open to conviction ; and upon proper arguments for that purpose, ready to change, and frankly to confess the change of, his sentiments.
V.
To detach himself from all local partialities, and county-interests, inconsistent with the common weal; and ever considering himself as
3
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1778]
a representative of the whole State, to be assiduous in promoting the interest of the whole, which must ultimately produce the good of every part.
VI
Never to grudge the time he spends in attending the sessions, tho' his private affairs may suffer, since the loss he may thereby sustain will be amply recompensed by the delightful testimony of his con- science, in favour of his disinterested patriotism; while no pleasure arising from the advancement of his fortune, to the neglect of a superior obligation, can balance the upbraidings of that faithful monitor.
VII.
In every vote he gives, to be solely directed by the public emolu- ment; and never influenced in his suffrage by motives merely selfish or lucrative.
VIII.
To give no leave of absence to a fellow member on trifling occasions, in hopes of the same indulgence in return; but to be strenuous in supporting the rules and orders of the House, (which are the life of business) tho' he may thereby disoblige an irregular, or disappoint an home-sick individual.
IX.
Inflexible in his resolution of acting agreeably to the dictates of his conscience,-to be utterly regardless of the applause or censure, that. may ensue upon the discharge of his duty.
X.
Never to be instrumental in promoting to any office or trust, his dearest connections or intimates, whom he believes not qualified for the department; nor ever to oppose the promotion of any that are, from personal pique or resentment.
XI.
As the best calculated laws will be found ineffectual to regulate a people of dissolute morals, he will recommend by his conversation and example, virtue and purity of manners ; and discountenance all irreligion and immorality, as equally fatal to the interests of civil society and personal happiness.
XII.
Serenely to enjoy the praises acquired by his merit, as an additional testimony to the approbation of his own heart, of the rectitude of his conduct; but from public clamour and obloquy, to retire within himself; and there to feast on his own virtue, without seeking to retaliate the ingratitude of unreasonable men, save only by putting their malevolence to the blush, by fresh and more extensive services to his country.
CATO.
ยท
4
NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1778
To the PRINTER of the NEW-JERSEY GAZETTE.
SIR,
AMONG all the apparatus of General Howe's army, not even excepting some of the sultan's conveniences, I can- not learn that he carries with him a single poet, to cele- brate his exploits. He maintains indeed two historiog- raphers in New-York, who furnish us with weekly accounts of his heroic achievements. But as these royalists and loyalists have neither sufficient integrity for impartial narrative, nor genius for poetical flights, the future conqueror of America seems to derive but little renown from their aukward eulogiums. Be- sides, those trumpeters of his praises, have by this time been so often detected in fiction, that they would not now be credited, should they by accident happen to blunder upon the truth. I would, therefore, advise Sir William to carry with him a prompt bard, able to celebrate all his victories, past, present, and to come; and as I have a nephew, Mr. Printer, of a natural genius for poetry, and at present out of employ, I could wish to introduce hin into his Excellency's family for this laudable purpose. It is true he is at present a whig, but I. doubt not that which has made every body else a tory, who really is so, the expectation of personal profit, may also accomplish the conversion of my kinsman.
As a specimen of his skill in poetical composition, I present you with the following stanza, which the young gentleman delivered this morning at the tea-table, ex tempore.
Yours,
HORTENTIUS.1
On General Howe's late expedition to attack the army of the United States.
Threat'ning to drive us from the hill, Sir William march'd t' attack our men ; But finding that we all stood still, Sir William, he - march'd back again.
1 Governor William Livingston.
5
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
17787
On Tuesday last the schooner Little Hope, with part of her cargo, consisting of rum, sugar, coffee, tea, and a number of blankets, drifted from Philadelphia with the ice above Point-no-point: The day following Major Edwards, with eight more,1 boarded her, after having with much difficulty worked their way through the ice. Previous to their boarding her, the Captain of the schooner, with five sailors, paraded as though they in- tended to dispute the matter; but, their hearts failing them, they saved further trouble by a ready surrender.
The same day (several vessels drifting in the ice be- tween Philadelphia and Gloucester Point) Capt. Robert Quigley,2 with twenty-four of the militia, boarded and took the transport brigantine John, and the armed schooner Industry, with thirteen English seamen, among whom are two Captains. The brigantine had several hogsheads of rum, &c. on board; and the schooner some tobacco. After taking out the valuable articles, and stripping them of their rigging, sails, &c. they were burnt.
Another party of our militia, on the same day, made prize of the transport Lord Howe, which was also stripped and destroyed; and the day following a sloop, on her way from Chester to Philadelphia, was taken with about twenty barrels of flour on board. In these little expe- ditions, thirty-four British seamen and soldiers were taken; and on Friday last, they passed through this city on their way to a place of security.
On Wednesday night last four deserters, who were under sentence of death, and confined in the gaol in this city,3 found means to escape, but two of them were presently re-taken. The others got quite off.
1 Men ( ?).
2 Of the First Regiment Burlington county militia.
3 Burlington.
6
NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION.
[1778
January 1, 1778. To all whom it may concern.
State of New Jersey, ff.
NOTICE is hereby given, that a court of admiralty will be held at Mountholly, at the house of Zachariah Rossel, on Saturday the tenth of this instant January, at ten o'clock in the forenoon of the same day, then and there to try the truth of the facts alledged in the bill of Captain Powell Carpenter, (who as well, &c.) against the sloop or vessel called the COMET, her tackle, apparel, furniture and cargo, burthen about twenty tons, lately commanded by James Taylor: To the end and intent that the owner or owners of the said sloop and her cargo, or any person concerned therein, may appear and shew cause, if any they have, why the same should not be condemned ac- cording to the prayer of the said bill.
By order of the judge, BOWES REED, PRO. REG.
Extraordinary Wages,
and an exemption from serving in the militia :
AND still higher wages, without such exemption, will be given to a few choice wood-cutters and labourers, to be employed at the independent salt-works,1 about eighteen miles southward of the forks of Little-Egg-Harbor, and two miles northward of Absequean river.
Apply at the said works to NATHANIEL PETTIT.
A PERSON Well qualified in all respects to do the duties of a principal clerk in a publick office, may meet with im- mediate employ on good terms, on applying speedily at the secretary's office in Trenton, to
CHARLES PETTIT.
1 One of several works, at this period, established on or near the New Jersey coast. Salt was frequently obtained by using the solar process in evaporating sea water.
7
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1778]
A TRACT of near six hundred acres of good land, in three plantations, adjoining each other, with houses, barns, stables, and other improvements, lying in the county of Middlesex, and eastern division of New-Jersey, is to be exchanged for a well improved plantation of equal value in the western division of New-Jersey, any where between Woodberry and Crosswicks. The title of the above-mentioned land is indisputable, free of every kind of incumbrance, and has been purchased some time. For further particulars enquire of Mr. Peter Shiras in Mount- Holly.
N. B. A good chair and saddle horse, also a riding chair with a top and apron complete and almost new, to be sold, enquire as above.
WAS LOST, The first of January, 1778, between Tren- ton and Crosswicks, A RED MOROCCO POCKET-BOOK, con- taining between eighteen and twenty dollars, ten States lottery tickets, No. 916, 917, 918, 931, 932, 942, 943, 5518, 5498, 5499, and sundry other papers which will be of no use to any but the owner. Whoever hath found the same, and will bring it to the Printer of this paper, shall have the money for their trouble .- New-Jersey Gazette, No. 6, Jan. 7, 1778.
PHILADELPHIA.
From New-Jersey we learn that, in August last, about one hundred and four of the loyal inhabitants of that government, wearied out with the oppression and perse- cution of the rebels, assembled together, and agreed, if possible, to get to New York. But the first night, while the rest were sleeping in a barn at Hunterdon county, one of them deserted and gave information of the whole affair; in consequence of which, the next day, they were way-laid by a party of the rebels, when some of them
8
NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION.
[1778
flying to the swamps, and concealing themselves, escaped ; the remainder, above fifty, were taken prisoners, and made to march loaded with irons, and tied together, first to Trenton-then to Burlington-from thence to Prince- ton, and from there to Morristown, where they were lodged in jail, and some time after tried, and near forty of them sentenced to be hung, two of which were executed the second of last month; some of the others, to save their lives, listed in the rebel army, and some still remain in Morristown jail; Two of those that listed, have de- serted them, and come into town .- The Pennsylvania Evening Post, January 10, 1778.
New-York, January 12. The Rebel Privateer Brig. called the Active, Capt. Williams, lately taken by his Majesty's Frigate the Mermaid, is cast away on the Coast of New Jersey; the Vessel is lost, and the Crew con- sisting of about 20 Men, are now Prisoners with the Rebels.
Last Wednesday died of the Small-Pox, in her 48th year, Mrs. Barton, Wife of Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Barton, of the 5th Battalion of the new Jersey raised Corps ; she had been driven with 7 small Children from their Estate in Sussex County where she had endured every Sort of Persecution from the Rebels, who, also stripped her of all her Property, whilst the Lieutenant Colonel was Prisoner at Weathersfield, in Connecticut. She was a valuable Member of Society, and her Death is greatly regretted. The Children are under the Protec- tion of a Person in Town, until their Father can be re- moved from his Durance .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, January 12, 1778.
By order of his excellency sir William Howe, K. B. general and commander in chief &c. &c. &c.
9
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
17787
PROCLAMATION.
I do hereby, in concurrence with the magistrates of the police, order and direct that no ferry whatever from the city of Philadelphia, or any other place within the en- virons thereof, to the province of New Jersey, be allowed, save those called and known by the names of the Old and New ferries in Water-street, near Arch street; and that no person or persons whatever presume to cross the river to the Jersies, or land from thence, at any other places than the above mentioned ferries, nor cross from those ferries but by virtue of a pass under the hand of one of the magistrates, of which the ferrymen and all others are hereby directed to take notice, and govern themselves accordingly, on pain of imprisonment.
Given under my hand at Philadelphia this 15th day of January, in the 18th year of his majesty's reign.
Jos. GALLOWAY,1 superintendent general.
-The Pennsylvania Evening Post, January 15, 1778.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman, dated Camp, at the Valley Forge, January 7, 1788.
About eight days ago a very large schooner drove on shore upon the Pea-patch, in the Delaware, with the ice, richly laden; having on board 101 hogsheads of rum and spirits, a large quantity of fine and coarse cloths, India silks, bohea tea, &c. &c. The ice having cut the vessel through, the crew delivered themselves to the militia of Salem county, and the principal part of the cargo has been saved and stored in a place of security.
** No more Almanack's are to be had at present at the Printing-Office in Burlington-for want of Paper.
1 Joseph Galloway, the eminent Philadelphia lawyer, who, during 1776. vacillated between Whiggery and Toryism, and finally became an avowed Loyalist. He was the leader of Tory local government in Philadelphia dur- ing the period of British occupation.
10
NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION.
[1778
January 10, 1778.
To all whom it may concern.
State of New Jersey, ff.
NOTICE is hereby given, that a Court of Admiralty will be held in Trenton, at the house of Ranssalear Williams,1 on Saturday the 31st of January instant, at ten o'clock in the forenoon of the same day, then and there to try the truth of the facts alledged in the bills of Robert Collins (who as well, &c.) against the sloop or vessel called the Sally, her tackle, apparel, furniture and cargo, burden about fifty tons, lately commanded by Randle Mumford: Also of Thomas Willis (who as well, &c.) against the schooner or vessel called the Little Hope, her tackle, apparel, furniture and cargo, burden about forty tons, lately commanded by Captain Mease: And of Isaac Cooper (who as well, &c.) against the sloop or shallop called and known by the name of Lewis's Mill Boat, her tackle, apparel, furniture and cargo, burden about twenty tons, lately commanded by Daniel Butler. To the end and intent that the owner or owners of the said vessels and their cargoes, or any person concerned therein, may appear and shew cause, if any they have, why the same should not be condemned according to the prayer of the said bills.
By order of the Judge, BOWES REED, PRO. REG.
TO BE SOLD,
On Thursday the 22d day of January instant, between the hours of twelve and four, by publick vendue, at Salem, in this state, the sloop COMET, burthen about twenty tons, with her tackle, apparel, and furniture.
ISAAC KAY, Marshal.
1 For sketch see New Jersey Archives, 2d Series, Vol. I., p. S.
11
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1778]
Valley Forge, January 5, 1778.
COMMISSARY'S OFFICE.
THE several Assistant Commissaries of Issues for the Middle Department, as well those in camp as all others at the different posts or magazines, in the States of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, are most earnestly requested and enjoined to prepare and transmit to my office, their respective monthly returns of provisions and other stores, received, issued, and on hand, at the end of each month from the time of their appointments, until the first of February next, in order that I may make out my general return, agreeable to a resolve of Congress. A neglect of this essential duty will subject the delinquents, if any, to suspension ; to prevent which, this public notice is given by
THOMAS JONES, D. C. G. of Issues, Middle Department.
WANTED to hire immediately, a PLANTATION of about 2 or 300 acres, with a sufficient quantity of good meadow. Any person having such a place to let, may hear of a tenant, by applying to the printer of this paper.
Letter from Major-General ROBERTSON to His Ex- cellency Governor LIVINGSTON.
New-York, January 4, 1778.
SIR,
I AM interrupted in my daily attempts to soften the calamities of prisoners, and reconcile their case with our security, by a general cry of resentment, arising from an information
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