USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the Colonial History of the state of New Jersey, Vol. XXV > Part 13
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-The New York Gazette or Weekly Post Boy, No. 1229, July 24, 1766.
On Thursday morning last, departed this life, in this city, the Rev. Dr. Samuel Finley, President of the College of New Jersey, in the fifty-first year of his age, and was interred in a plain manner, pursuant to his own request, the morning following, in the new Presbyterian Church, where a sermon suitable to the occasion was preached by the Rev. Mr. Richard Treat.
To attempt to do justice to the character of this truly great and good man, would require more time and reflec- tion than the present mournful circumstances of his death would admit. There are few virtues which adorn the teacher, the divine, the gentleman, and the christian, but what were united in him. To a strong manly genius he had added great improvements in almost all the various branches of learning which he taught, with a degree of ease and precision that did honor to himself, and greatly advanced the reputation of the Seminary over which he presided. Those great acquirements, joined with the
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truely polite, easy behaviour, endeared him to all around him, and rendered him one of the most accomplished scholars in America.
His character as a divine, was eminent. His sermons were always filled with the most important truths, and were delivered with an energy of spirit that demon- strated how deeply his mind was impressed with what he spoke. His many animated and judicious publications, upon some of the most important and controverted points in religion, will always remain as living witnesses of his singular knowledge and penetration.
He was a strict example of every christian virtue, and a striking proof to what a pitch of excellence religion ex- alts the human nature. His devotion was rational and uniform. He was sincere and steady in his friendships, tender and faithful in every domestic relation, and mani- fested that his faith worked by love by his defusive ben- evolence which he evinced in all his deportment toward his fellow creatures.
His whole life was a continued scene of unremitted labours in promoting the interests of religion and learn- ing. He taught a flourishing Academy, and was Pastor of a Presbyterian Church, near seventeen years, in Not- tingham in Pennsylvania, and was removed from thence in the year 1761, to succeed the Rev. Mr. Samuel Davies as President of the College of New-Jersey. He entered upon, and discharged the duties of this important station with a dignity that did honor to the Institution. The many promising young gentlemen that have been edu- cated by him, some of whom are now filling the most use- ful spheres in life, and his bereaved pupils who mourn the loss of one common friend and father, will all attest, how well he was qualified for the difficult office of a Pre- ceptor.
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After all that can be said in his favour, those who knew him best will ever entertain the highest sense of his worth.
During a long and painful illness, he discovered the ut- most resignation to the Divine Will, and met the ap- proaches of death with a composure and triumph that did honour to his character as a christian.
In a word, when we view his useful and exalted sta- tion, and consider how great the loss, and how mysterious the providence is, to the world, the church, and more es- pecially to the college already afflicted with many former bereavements in a close succession, we cannot help adopt- ing the language of the royal mourner, upon a different occasion, and saying, how is the mighty fallen! and the beauty of Israel slain on her high places!
STRAYED away on Saturday the 19th inst. a large sorrel roan horse, above 15 hands high, 8 or 9 years old, but looks older, having a number of grey hairs about his head; he is of the New England breed, full chested and hollow in the flank; he has a switch tail, his mane is thin and hangs on both sides of his neck; he paces and trots, is shod all around, and was lately trimmed under the bridle and about his ears : He was purchased last spring of one Andreas Teniack, inholder, at Brunswick landing, and was bred somewhere near Amboy. It is imagined he may be gone that way. Whoever takes up the said horse, and brings him to the subscriber in Market street, near the Indian Queen, shall receive four dollars reward and reasonable charges paid by me
CHARLES THOMPSON.
SIX POUNDS Reward.
RUN away on the 8th inst. from Grubb's forge in Lan- caster county, a certain John Johnson, about twenty-four
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or five years of age, thick well-set man, about 5 foot 7 or 8 inches high, full faced, pock mark'd, dark brown hair; had on when he went away a blue half worn out broad cloth coat. striped gingham jacket, white shirt, buckskin breeches, thread stockings: and a pair of calf skin shoes : Said Johnson is gone off, for enlarging an order of three pounds to one of thirty and receiving sundry pedler goods of William M'Cord in Lancaster, to the amount of said thirty pounds. Whoever takes up and secures said John Johnson in any of his majesty's goals so that he may be brought to justice, shall receive the above reward and reasonable charges paid by Mr. GRUBB or WILLIAM M'CORD.
N. B. Its likely he will go towards the Jerseys, as he lived some time at the Union iron works.
TO BE SOLD,
A COMMODIOUS Plantation, in the lower part of Am- well in the county of Hunterdon, about twelve miles above Trentown, and three miles to eastward of Correal's ferry, on Delaware, containing about four hundred acres of good land, and is remarkably good for graising, whereon is a good dwelling house, and a good large barn with two good out houses, one completely finished in the lower part for a dairy, and the upper part for a spinning room, a good bearing orchard and a large young one coming on, thirty acres of good meadow, the plantation in very good fence and very well timbered : also to be sold a stout young negro man without any fault. Any person inclining to purchase may apply to JOHN STEVENSON, on the Premises who will agree on reasonable terms and give a good title for the same .- The Pennsylvania Jour- nal, No. 1233, July 24, 1766.
RUN-AWAY on the 20th instant, July, from Thomas
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'Fry, of Gloucester county, new Jersey, a Dutch servant man, named Charles Chrismon, aged about 26, but looks older, about 5 feet eight inches high, dark complection, short sandy curled hair, big and clumsey made; talks broken English, had on when he went away, a soldiers red coat, short skirts and no cuffs to the sleeves, no jacket, oznabrigs shirt, long narrow tow trowsers, no stockings, thick clumsey half worn shoes tied with strings, an old felt hat cocked up. He has a mother living on Schuyl- kill, about 5 miles above Philadelphia, who lives with John Lethermon, and a brother in Lancaster, and is sup- posed to be gone towards Lancaster. Whoever takes up said servant and secures him in Philadelphia goal, shall have FOUR POUNDS reward, and reasonable charges paid by Thomas Fry, or John West at the Old Ferry House in Philadelphia.
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TO BE SOLD,
At public vendue on the 19th of August next, at the pres- idents house in Princeton, all the personal estate of the late Revd. Dr. SAMUEL FINLEY, consisting of,
Two Negro women, a negro man, and three Negro children, household furniture, horses and neat cattle, a light waggon, a new chaise, a sleigh, some hay and grain, together with a variety of farming utensils. Also a choice collection of books, religious, moral and historical, con- taining the complete library of the deceased. The Ne- groes will be disposed of at private sale previous to the day appointed for the vendue, should a suitable price be offered for them. The Negro woman understands all kinds of housework, and the Negro man is well fitted for the business of farming in all its branches. The condi- tions of the vendue will be made known on the day of sale. All those that are indebted to the said estate by bond,
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note, or book debts, are desired to make immediate pay- ment to the subscribers, and such as have any demands against the estate are desired to send in their accounts properly attested to.
JONATHAN SEARGEANT, jun. in Princeton or SAMUEL BREESE, Executor, in New-York.
-The Pennsylvania Journal, No. 1234, July 31, 1766.
Was committed to Gloucester County Goal, a runaway Servant, named William Firth, belonging to Colonel William Fitzhugh, of Rousby-Hall, on Patuxent River, Maryland, agreeable to his Advertisement, bearing Date June 30, 1766
Philadelphia, July 29, 1766. THREE POUNDS Reward.
RUN away from the subscriber, living in Second-street, near Vine-street, an English servant man, named Joseph Hewes, about 20 years old, born in Freehold Township, Monmouth County, in the eastern division of New Jersey, about 5 feet 6 inches high, and well set, is smooth faced, and has brown short hair, by trade a taylor; had on and carried with him from sundry persons, a blue cloth coat, with light blue binding, lined with blue flannel, is trimmed on the sleeves and pocket flaps with plain yellow regi- mental buttons, a blue cloth jacket, with lappels, and yel- low buttons, the form of basket buttons, and a light col- oured flowered cotton velvet jacket, a pair of olive col- oured velvet breeches, a pair of black ribbed, and a pair of blue and white speckled stockings, a pair of pumps, with square steel buckles in them; also a white stock, with a plain silver buckle, and a thirty shilling hat, turned,
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without a button; the chiefest part of said apparel he took from other persons. Whoever takes up the said servant, and secures him in any of his Majesty's goals, and gives his master due notice, so that he may have him again; or whoever will bring him to his master, shall have the above reward, and all reasonable charges, paid by
CHRISTOPHER HANSMAN.
N. B. He absconded himself here before, and was taken up at the place of his nativity above mentioned, but it is supposed he will go to sea now; therefore this is to give notice to all masters of vessels, and others, not to harbour or carry him off, at their peril.
RUN away from Joab Hilman, the 4th inst. July, an Irish Servant Lad, named Bryan Maquod, about 20 Years of Age, about 5 Feet 2 Inches high, has a Defect in his Left Eye, and black curled Hair; had on when he went away, Ozenbrigs Shirt and Trowsers, Brass Buckles in his Shoes, an old Felt Hat, and an old green Jacket. Whoever takes up and secures said Lad in any Goal, so that the Owner may have him again, shall receive Forty Shillings Reward, and all reasonable Charges, paid by JOAB HILMAN, living in Newtown, Gloucester County, New Jersey, about 7 Miles from Cooper's Ferry.
Philadelphia, July 22, 1766.
There were committed to the Work-house of this City, the 7th Day of June last, two Servant Men, named John Quin, and James Norton, belonging to David Ferguson and Samuel Nickison, both of Salem County, in New- Jersey, and their Masters have had Notice; this is once more to inform them, that if they do not come, pay Charges, and take out said Servants, in three Weeks from the above Date, they will be sold out for the same, by the Keeper of said Work-house.
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By virtue of a writ of Fieri Facias to me directed, will be exposed to sale, at public vendue to the highest bidder, on Wednesday, the roth day of September next, on the premises Also to be sold the same day, be- tween the hours of twelve and five of the clock, a lot of land containing 8 acres, more or less, on which there is a convenient place for a fulling mill, in a fine country for that business. About three acres of the above mentioned lot is excellent meadow, late the property of Jacob Arn- wine. Also to be sold late the property, and now in possession of Joseph Howell; seized and taken in execution at the suit of Thomas Pryor, junior, the execu- tors of Ebenezer Large deceased, and others, and are to be sold again, by reason the first purchasers cannot com- ply with the conditions of the vendue by
SAMUEL TUCKER, late Sheriff.
Trenton, July 4, 1766
By virtue of several writs of fieri facias to me directed, will be exposed to sale at public vendue, to the highest bidder, on Monday, the 18th day of August next, between the hours of twelve and five of the clock in the afternoon, on the premises, the noted tavern house, and about 40 acres of land, be it more or less, situate in Amwell, now in the possession of Samuel Fleming; bounded by lands of Richard Laning, Thomas Lowrey, Gershom Lee, Will- iam Norcross, and the King's highway; there is also a good barn, bearing orchard, and some excellent meadow in the above lot. Also one frame house, blacksmith's shop, and about three acres of land, be it more or less, in the corner of the two roads, adjoining the above, and nearly opposite to Mr. Thomas Lowrey: Likewise to be sold the same day, to begin at twelve of the clock, 2 horses, 7 horned cattle, 4 calves, 6 hogs, an iron bound waggon, and geers; one plough, and harrow, sundry
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household furniture, such as feather beds and furniture, one clock, tables, chairs, writing desk, pewter, iron pots, with sundry other things, too tedious to mention here, late the property of Samuel Fleming, seized and taken in execution at the suit of Alexander Ray, John Smith, The- ophilus Severnes, and to be sold; and whereas the above lands and chattels have been adjourned three times, for want of buyers, the publick may be assured of a sale being made, if any purchasers attend on the aforesaid 18th day of August, by
SAMUEL TUCKER, late Sheriff.
By virtue of his Majesty's writ of Fieri Facias to me directed, will be exposed to sale, at public vendue, at the house of Henry Ringo, in Amwell, on Monday, the 8th day of September next, between the hours of twelve and five o'clock in the afternoon, a valuable plantation, con- taining 220 acres, be it more or less, bounded by lands of Richard Reed, George Corwine, Joseph Hickson, Henry Wambough, Jacob Snyder, Moses Reed, and the King's highway, about 14 miles from Trenton, on which is a good stone dwelling-house, barn, large orchard, and ex- cellent meadows, which may be watered by living springs running thro' the farm. Also to be sold the same day, horses, mares, colts, cows, young cattle, hogs, sheep, feather beds and furniture, tables, chairs, clothes-press, iron pots, pewter platters, wheat and rye, in sheaf, with sundry farming utensils, and houshold furniture, too tedious to mention; late the property, and now in the possession of Henry Ringo; seized and taken in execu- tion at the suit of William Cubberly and John Barbrie, and to be sold by
SAMUEL TUCKER, late Sheriff. -The Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 1962, July 31, 1766.
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Perth-Amboy, June 19, 1766.
New Jersey. BY Virtue of several Writs of Fieri Facias to me directed, will be sold at public Vendue on Thursday the 21st Day of August next, between the Hours of twelve and five of the same Day, at the House of Samuel Horner, in Princetown, a Lot of Land contain- ing about three fourths of an Acre, situate and lying near the College, late the Estate of George Campbell, seized and taken in Execution, at the Suit of Malcom Campbell, and others, by
JAMES BROOKS, late Sheriff.
To be sold, or exchanged for a Farm, the old well- known Tavern in Kingston, in Middlesex County, New- Jersey, known by the Sign of the Mermaid, now in the Possession of William Vantilburgh; the House has four Fire Places on the lower Floor, with a Cellar under it, a good Kitchen, good Garden, and a well near the Door, a good large Stable and Barrack, and a convenient Lot of one Acre. The Purchaser may have three Acres more, very convenient, if wanted. Any Person or Persons in- clining to buy, or swap for the aforesaid Premises, may apply to the Subscriber at Perth-Amboy.
JAMES BROOKS
Mr. HOLT,
SIR,
HAVING lately seen in one of the public Papers (but forgot which) an Account of the Light-House being struck by Lightning, I was induced to inquire after the particular Circumstances of that Affair, especially, as I knew it to have had a Metalline Conductor, and that if it really was so, there would not be wanting those, who, from the Prejudice of Education, and their Non-Knowl-
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edge of the Efficacy of conducting Wires, would be ready to infer, and propagate the Inutility of them, for the Pres- ervation of Edifices, &c. You will oblige the Public, and one of your constant Readers, by assuring them, that the Light-House at Sandy-Hook, has not been struck, so as to exhibit any Appearance, or Signs thereof whatsoever, and that the Veracity of the Informant is indisputable, as well as his Knowledge of the Premises, which he derives from his Proximity thereto. I am, &c
New-Jersey, Middlesex County.
To BE SOLD, at PUBLIC VENDUE, on Wednesday the 24th Day of September next, on the Premises :
THIE Plantation lately belonging to Samuel Crow, de- ceased, lying on the Road from Perth-Amboy to Piscata- way and Brunswick, about a Mile from Amboy; contain- ing about eighty-five Acres of Land, whereon is a good Dwelling-House, Barn, and out Houses, some mowing Ground, &c. the Land is good, and pleasantly situated. and convenient for a Gentleman, Tradesman, or Farmer. There will also then be sold, a Lot, or Piece of Salt Meadow, lying on Rariton Meadows, belonging to said Estate, which Land, Meadow, and Premises, is taken in Execution, and will be sold by Virtue of a Writ of Fieri Facias, issuing out of the Supreme Court of this Prov- ince, at the Suit of James Orem, against the Estate of said Samuel Crow, deceased : The Terms and Conditions of Sale at said Vendue, will be made known and declared at the Day and Piace aforesaid, by
John Moores, Sheriff
Perth-Amboy, July 21, 1766
12
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To the PRINTER :
SIR,
Please to give the following a Place in your next Thursday's Paper. Yours, &c.
HE liberty of the press is by all allowed to be the great banner of our liberties- for should the liberty of complaining T through this channel be taken away, no branch of liberty can be said to be safe. Many instances might be given where in- justice, and other grievances, by being exposed and made known, have been re- dressed. In King William's reign, Sir John Hawles, wrote remarks on several trials before the highest courts of judicature, in which he charged those courts of justice with doing injustice-the consequence was, that the legislature on deliberating upon this matter, reversed several judgments and attainder-no doubt he did what was right, but it must be considered this right would never have been done, if complaints had been held criminal, or not allowed of.
The same arguments hold good against hard and op- pressive acts of parliament, which we have experienced are no sooner pointed out and made known to a good and wise legislature, but they offered redress-of this, we have a recent instance in an important matter, wherein indeed all the colonies in America were concern'd; but suppose one colony only, had been injured and oppressed in the seat of reason, this must have had the same force and weight in proportion.
Analogous to this, the county of Middlesex, in New- Jersey, has just reason to complain against the act lately made, entitled, "An act for building a court house and gaol in the county of Middlesex."
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Because, by this act, as a county, part, a member, of the government, she can't but think herself greatly in- jured and aggrieved; for the truth of this, she may with freedom appeal to the public. To set this matter in a true light, I shall observe the following particulars. It must be remembered, that the freeholders for the several precincts in said county, with the justices, having met at Amboy on the 15th and 29th days of November 1764, to consider of ways and means to build a court-house for the county, instead of that burnt down, could not well agree about it; nor did they think it practicable, by the laws in being, to levy money for that purpose; therefore, as a proper expedient, they petitioned the assembly then next to meet at Burlington, for a law to enable them to build a house in such place as should be most agreeable and satisfactory to the inhabitants : Another petition was also presented to the house, signed by a great number of the principal freeholders and inhabitants of the county, praying for a law to enable the county to purchase a lot, and to build a court-house, to be determined by the voice of the freeholders; a liberty they hoped would not only be granted, but thought themselves entitled to, as the money must come from themselves, but which was never denied, and always had been granted before to other coun- ties; which prayer they endeavored to enforce by sundry arguments : Among other things, they mentioned the hardships they had laboured under for many years, of building and repairing the court-house at the sole expence of the county, though the same had been jointly used by the corporation of Amboy, for holding their mayor's courts, and other purposes, and the supreme courts, sub- ject to every accident that might happen on that account, and from prisoners committed there from both.
And though these petitions were zealously opposed by
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two other petitions presented to the assembly at the same time, yet the two former preponderated with the house, as being more just and reasonable.
This appears from a vote of the 3Ist of May, 1765, when the question was; "Whether the house would fix the place themselves where the court-house should be built, or not. Which was carried in the negative."
Pursuant to this vote, on the IIth of June, the en- grossed bill for vesting a power in the freeholders to raise money to build a court-house and gaols in such place as they should think most convenient, passed the house by a vote of 12 against 6, and the same day was carried to the council for their concurrence; the council on the 14th sent back the bill with their amendment; but the house dis- agreed thereto, and resolved to adhere to their bill, which resolution, together with the bill, was again sent to the council, with whom it seems the bill dropt:"After this, we hear no more of this matter till the assembly's answer to the governor's message, just before he was pleased to put an end to the session, wherein they express their dis- inclinations to recede from the principles of their said bill already preferred.
Hence we behold with satisfaction, the house influenced by a true spirit of patriotism, and, as faithful guardians, act with a watchful eye over the rights and privileges of the people intrusted with them: And from such declara- tion and resolves might reasonably expect a firm attach- ment to these noble principles would have continued : But at present we observe, with concern and surprise, meas- ures quite opposite to these principles have been adopted and pursued, with respect to this matter; for by this act, the place where the court-house shall be built is not only fixed, but an exclusive tax is directed to be levied on the inhabitants of Middlesex only, to pay for it, though mani-
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festly expressed and declared by the act to be for uses far more extensive than for a court-house to serve her own purposes.
The cause of this surprising alternative is indeed too mysterious to be explained, but the consequences are too obvious not to be understood, and the burthen thereof will be too great not to be felt.
In support, however, of this measure, it is said, some stress has been laid upon the proprietors terms formerly proposed to the crown to surrender the government. Con- cerning this matter there were several memorials drawn up at different times to the ministry, but that which prop- erly contains these terms, as I apprehend, was the 12th of August 1701, part of the roth article touching this mat- ter. sets forth : "That all the necessary officers and courts, for administration of justice, of cases criminal and civil, be established, and that the supreme courts may be held for both provinces twice in every year at Perth-Am- boy, in East-Jersey, and Burlington in West-Jersey, alter- natively." But, in the deed of surrender itself, the 12th of August, 1702, not a word is to be seen where the su- preme court shall be established, nor in the Queen's com- mission appointing Lord Cornbury, the first governor, in consequence of the surrender, nor in his lordship's in- structions : But grant, that agreeable to the prevailing opinion, the supreme court must be held at Amboy; does it therefore follow, that the county court must follow with it? the contrary is clear from the recited article itself- where no courts are desired or requested to be limited but the supreme court only; hence the county court might be held in any other place. It is also evident from several acts of assembly, under the proprietary government, that the county courts of Middlesex, were always held by rota- tion in different places of the county, no doubt calculated
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