USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the Colonial History of the state of New Jersey, Vol. XXV > Part 16
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43
MATTHIAS WILLIAMSON
Elizabeth-Town, September 15, 1766.
-The New York Gazette or Weekly Post Boy, No. 1238, September 25, 1766.
To the Printers, &c.
I Have perused in your late Journals, a piece said to be "An extract of a letter from me to Dr. Franklin," an- other signed "Americus," and a third, called, "An essay towards discovering the authors and promoters of the memorable Stamp-Act."
The proprietary party have likewise made it their con- stant practice, in their party papers, to asperse and vilify the reputation of the Governor of New-Jersey, for no other reason, that I can discover, but that he is the son of Dr. Franklin, and my friend. To my knowledge, he has never interfered in our disputes further than they related to the affairs of his province or the vindication of his own character made necessary. On this occasion, however, I. find he is determined not to take any public notice of what respects him in the above-mentioned publi- cation, unless some person of credit will put his name to
212
NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1766
the performance. But as I have been favoured with a copy of two notes, which passed between him and the secretary of that province, concerning this matter; I think it a piece of justice due to those gentlemen to com- municate them to the public, and have therefore subjoined them.
JOSEPH GALLOWAY.
The following is a copy of a note from the honourable Charles Read, Esq; to his excellency Governor Franklin.
Mr. Read's duty to the governor. He sends a most extraordinary letter said to come from London. As men- tion is made of me in it, if any refutation is necessary, so far as it respects our province, I shall very willingly con- tradict an assertion made without the least foundation of truth. Mr. Read would wait on the governor, but has not been well these two days.
Burlington, 19th Sept. 1766.
Governor Franklin's Answer.
The Governor's compliments to Mr. Read. He had just before received, by the post, Bradford's supplement, containing the most extraordinary letter, as Mr. Read terms it, but which the Governor, thinks would have been far more extraordinary, (considering from what fountain it springs) had it contained a single word of truth. He was amusing himself with counting those falsehoods in this fictitious letter from London, which he could prove to be such, and had actually got as far as the 193d when he received Mr. Read's note. As to what respects this province, the Governor does not at present think any ref- utation necessary, as the principal part of the charge was before published, by the proprietary party, in the paper read in the Lodge in Philadelphia about this time last year, and was then fully refuted to every honest man's
213
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1766]
satisfaction, by a publication under the governor's own hand; tho' it is now impudently repeated without the least notice being taken of that refutation. Besides every gentleman of the council, and indeed every person in the province acquainted with our public affairs, know, that the whole of it is an infamous falshood: But if any are so absurd as still to give credit to suggestions, which even the authors, miscreants as they are, dare not pub- lickly avow, the Governor is very far from desiring to undeceive them. He don't perceive that it contains any charge respecting himself, that has not been either be- fore fully obviated, or is well known to be groundless, unless it be, that the "Governor encouraged Hughes to apply for a commission to his son, &c." In answer to which, and to what else relates to that affair, the Gover- nor .can safely declare on oath, that he never sent Mr. Hughes any intelligence of Mr. Cox's resignation, nor was it necessary, even if he had intended to befriend Mr. Hughes as above-mentioned, for it was publicly known in Philadelphia two or three days before the Governor received Mr. Cox's notice, and the next day after it was published in the papers: That Mr. Hughes never gave the Governor the least intimation that he had any incli- nation to have his son appointed stamp master of this province. And if Mr. Hughes did write to the Gover- nor's father to make such application it was entirely with- out the concurence or knowledge of the Governor. The Governor would only add, that as to what respects the affairs of Pennsylvania, he shall not any ways concern himself, tho' he could easily prove it to be as false and malicious as what relates to New-Jersey. The gentlemen affected, if they think it necessary to take notice of an anonymous attack from men who seem to have set all truth and honour at defiance, are very capable of answer-
214
NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1766
. ing for themselves, and to clear themselves from every imputation in the Proprietary Romance of yesterday.
Friday, Sept. 19, 1766.
Trenton, September 19, 1766. FIVE POUNDS Reward,
RUN AWAY from the subscriber in Trenton, on Friday the 12th of September inst. an Irish servant man named John Moor, about 5 feet 9 inches high, with long dark brown hair, tied behind, marked a little with the small pox; had on and took with him a short brown coat, with small sleeves and metal buttons, two jackets, the one green camblet, the other red, a pair of blue breeches much daubed with paint; he understands something of the car- penter's, wheelwright's, and painter's business; he is much addicted to drinking and swearing, is about 22 years of age. Whoever takes up and secures said ser- vant, so as his master may have him again, if out of this province shall have the above reward, and if so secured in this province, THREE POUNDS reward, paid by
SAMUEL HENRY.
N. B. It is thought a young woman, servant to Jona- than Hutchinson, went off with him.
ALL persons indebted to Richard Reading, or to the partnership of Reading and Prall, by bond, bill, note, or book debt, are hereby desired to pay their respective debts by the twentieth day of October next, to Joseph Reed, jun. of Trentown, who is empowered to receive them. Those who neglect this notice, must expect to be sued for the same immediately after that time.
JOHN COX Jun. } Assignees. THOMAS SMITH -The Pennsylvania Journal, No. 1242, September 25, 1766.
215
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1766]
Pilesgrove, Salem County, West New-Jersey. THREE POUNDS Reward.
RUN away from his Bail on the 19th of September last, one David Davis, about 28 Years of Age, 5 Feet 9 Inches high, Pock-marked, a thick well set Fellow, wears his Hair tied behind, a talkative Fellow, apt to tell of what he has done and seen, pretends to be a House Carpenter; had on, when he went away, a light coloured Broadcloth Coat, full trimmed, marked with Spanish Brown, a black cut Velvet Jacket, and black Plush Breeches; he took away with him a Silver Watch. Whoever takes up and secures the said David Davis in any of his Majesty's Goals, so that he may be had again, shall receive the above Reward, paid by MICHAEL POWER, ROBERT WOOD, WILLIAM HAMPTON.
Great Egg-Harbour, September 24, 1766.
DELIVERED into the Hands of Edward Doughty, Esq; of Great Egg-Harbour, in the County of Gloucester, by John Delong of the same Place, a certain Watch, sup- posed to be Gold or Pinchbeck, which said John Delong hath declared upon Oath, he found washed up by the Surff about the 20th of last March, inclosed in a small wooden Box. Any Person describing said Watch, and proving Property, may have the same, by paying Charges, and applying to said Edward Doughty, within two Months from the date hereof, otherwise said Watch will be delivered up to said John Delong.
To be sold at public Vendue, on Tuesday, the 21st of October inst, or any Time before, at private Sale.
A Valuable Farm containing about 320 Acres of Land, situate in Amwell Township, Hunterdon County, West New-Jersey, about 180 Acres cleared, and in good Fence,
216
NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1766
. the Remainder well timbered; it is kind good Land for Grain. a sufficient Quantity of Meadow cleared, and in Clover, Timothy and Spear-grass, and more may be made, great Part of which might be readily watered; on said Premises is pleasantly situated a good Brick House, genteelly finished, two Stories high, 48 Feet long, 33 Feet wide, Cellars under the whole, four Rooms on a Floor below, with Fire-places in each, a good Entry, and the same above, a Brick Kitchen and Store-room adjoining, &c. a new Brick Shop a few Rods from the House, with a Counting-room, Cellar, &c. a large Frame Barn cov- ered with Cedar, Barracks, Cow-houses, &c. mostly new, and in good Repair, with several good bearing Orchards, consisting of a large Collection of the best of grafted Fruit; a Stone Grist-mill, laid in Lime and Sand, 50 Feet long, and 40 Feet wide, with two Pair of Stones, in good Order for Country or Merchant Work, Bolts, Hoisting Jack, &c. all go by Water; it stands on the South Branch of Rariton River, a never failing Stream, in the Center of a plentiful Wheat Country, where any Quantity might be bought reasonable; it is 25 Miles from Trenton, the same Distance from New-Brunswick, and 12 Miles from Delaware River, which is navigable great Part of the Year to Philadelphia; it being conveniently situated for New York or Philadelphia Markets, and a good Place for Trade; there having been a Store kept for a Number of Years past; there are near the Mills several conve- nient Houses, for the Miller, Cooper, &c. The Mills will be sold separate from the Farm if required, with a suf- ficiency of Meadow, Timber Land, &c. to accommodate it, as might suit the Purchaser. At the same Time will be sold, a four Horse Team, Waggon, Gears, &c.
On Monday following, it being the 27th, will be sold on the Premises, near 500 Acres of Land, situate in Sus-
217
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1766]
sex County, near a well known Place on Delaware-river, called Manungachung-hill, about a Mile from said River, on a Brook called Beaver-dam Brook; it is kind good Land for Grain, between 30 and 40 Acres of excellent Bottom I.and along said Brook, the greatest Part of it cleared, and in good Grass, a great Quantity of Hay being yearly cut thereon, it is divided into two convenient Farms, and considerable Improvements made on each.
On Wednesday following, it being the 29th, will be sold on the Premises, a Tract of Land, surveyed for 220 Acres, situate at a Place called Scott's Mountain, in said County of Sussex, kind good Land for Grain, and some good meadow might be made; there are considerable Improvements made thereon.
And on Friday following, it being the 31st, will be sold on the Premises, one Moiety or undivided Half Part of a Tract of Land, surveyed for 600 Acres, situate at the Head of the Little Pond, in the County of Morris, a large Quantity of it excellent Meadow Bottom, equal in Goodness for Corn, Flax and Hemp, to any in said County; it is divided into two Farms, Meadow cleared, and considerable other Improvements made on each, it . is about two Miles from Andover Forge, and 6 from a new Iron-works, erecting by Garret Raplejes of New York, so that there will be a ready Market for any Prod- uce raised.
It is expected the Purchaser of any of the above Prem- ises will pay one Third of the Purchase Money, on the executing of the Conveyance, another Third one Year after, and the remaining Third at two Years, or might have any reasonable Time to make the two last Pay- ments, paying Interest, and giving Security, if required.
Any Person inclining to purchase any of the above re- cited Premises before the Days appointed for Sale, may
218
NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1766
apply to the Subscriber, living on the first mentioned Farm, who will give an indisputable Title for the same, or any Part thereof,
GEORGE READING
-The Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 1971, October 2, 1766.
Princeton, (in New-Jersey) Sept. 24, 1766.
THIS Day the Trustees of the College of New-Jersey attended on the Commencement. As the Presidents Chair was now vacant by the Death of the late Dr. FINLEY, the Rev. Mr. ELIHU SPENCER, presided agreeable to a Vote of the Board at their last Meeting: The young Gentle- men in general performed the several Parts assigned them, in such a Manner, as to do Honour to themselves, and give Pleasure to their Audience. The Exercises were diversified with Disputations, in the Syllogistic and foren- sic Methods, succeeding each other alternately; as has been usual on these public Occasions, in which the Can- didates, gave an agreeable Specimen of their Acquaint- ance with some of the most important and entertaining Subjects in the Circle of Literature. In the Course of the Disputation, the Thesis among others, was defended and opposed with great Spirit and Judgment, viz. Civil Liberty is necessary to give Birth to the Arts and Sci- ences. This furnished the Disputants with an Oppor- tunity of displaying the importance of Liberty in a new and striking Light. The Orators also exerted them- selves much to the Satisfaction and Entertainment of the Auditors; Mr. Avery introduced the Business of the Day, with an elegant Latin Funeral Oration on the Death of the late President : After the discussion of some Ques- tions, Mr. Jones in the Forenoon pronounced a very ani- mated Harangue on Oratory, and beautifully exemplified his Subject with all the Graces of Elocution and Action,
219
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1766]
which very agreeably relaxed the Attention of the As- sembly, which might otherwise have been fatigued by unmixed Disputation alone. Mr. Mac Pherson began the Exercises of the Afternoon by very judiciously pointing out the Difference between ancient and modern Learning, in an elegant and well pronounced Discourse on the Sub- ject; and Mr. Haley closed the Exercises of the Batch- elors with a very spirited nervous Harangue on Liberty, towards the Close of which he also paid the just Tribute of Gratitude to the Memory of our late worthy Presi- dent : Just before the Degrees were given, Mr. Jauncey entertained the Audience with a Discourse on the Advan- tages of a liberal Education, and the Business of the Day was finished by an excellent Oration on Patriotism, pro- nounced by Mr. Patterson, in which Elegance of Compo- sition, and Grace and Force of Action were equally con- spicuous. And we cannot but do the young Gentlemen the Justice to observe a Circumstance, which is much to their Honour; that though they must be supposed to have laboured under great Disadvantages by the Death of so eminent and learned an Instructor as D. FINLEY, yet they have so well retrieved the Loss sustained there- by, by superiour Application, that their Appearance both at the public Examination and Commencement, was not inferiour to that of their Predecessors. The Degree of Batchelor of Arts, was conferred on the following young Gentlemen,1 Waightstill Avery, Hezekiah James Balch,
1 The following notices of the Class of 1766 are condensed from the sketches in Alexander's "Princeton College in the Eighteenth Cen- tury," except where otherwise noted:
Waightstill Avery was a native of Norwich, Conn. After graduating, he removed to Maryland, and thence to North Carolina, where he was admitted to the bar in 1769. He was one of the leading spirits that sent forth the Mecklenberg Resolutions. He served many times in the Legislature of his State, and in 1777 he was appointed the first Attor- ney-General of the State. He died in 1821.
Hezekiah Balch was born in Maryland, but removed, while a child, with his father's family, to North Carolina. For some time after his graduation he taught a school in Fauquier County, Virginia. Mr. Balch was licensed to preach, in 1768, and ordained in 1770. He per- formed missionary work in Virginia, and for one year he preached in
220
NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS.
[1766
Hezekiah Balch, Joseph Burt, Caleb Chase, Jonathan Cheever, Daniel Cunyngham Clymer, Ebenezer Cowel, Samuel Edmiston, Oliver Elsworth, John Haley, Joseph Hasbrouck, Moses Heslet, David Howell, Daniel Jones,
York, Pennsylvania. In 1784 he removed to Tennessee, where he was closely associated with the Rev. Samuel Doak, another graduate of Princeton, in organizing churches. About 1793 Mr. Balch conceived the plan of Greenville College, and obtained a charter for the same in 1794. His exertions in behalf of education gave an impulse to the cause through the whole southwestern region. He died in April, 1810.
Hezekiah James Balch, a native of Deer Creek, Hartford County, Maryland, was licensed by the Presbytery of Donegal in 1768, soon after which he removed to North Carolina, where he was one of the leaders in the Mecklenberg Convention. He was the pastor of two churches, Rocky River and Poplar Tent, but died young, in 1776.
The Cowell family of Trenton came from Dorchester, Mass., where was born the Rev. David Cowell, first pastor of the Presbyterian church of Trenton, 1736-60. In his will, dated Nov. 29, 1760, proved Jan- uary 24, 1761, the Rev. David Cowell makes his brother, Ebenezer Cow- ell, of New England, his residuary legatee. Ebenezer probably re- moved to Trenton soon after this. Between 1765 and 1775 he acquired extensive tracts of land in West Jersey, including a share in a Propri- ety of that Division, most of which lands he disposed of in the same period. He was a Deputy Surveyor of West Jersey in 1774 and in 1782- 1784 (Council?) was of the Committee of the West Jersey Proprietors. He is designated in the conveyances as a "yeoman," or "surveyor." From other circumstances he appears to have been a smith, working principally on guns, swords, locks and perhaps surveyors' instruments. In 1777 he advertised for gunsmiths, and offered to instruct others in the art of repairing guns for the American army. He was engaged in this work during the American occupancy of Trenton and vicinity, and employed many helpers, whom he paid out of his own pocket, often waiting many months before being reimbursed for his outlays, but did it gladly, for his love for the American cause. The British showed their resentment by ransacking his house when they entered Trenton after the famous battle at that place, December 26, 1776. In 1791 he was living in Philadelphia. He returned to Trenton, where he died May 4, 1799, his will, da ad un 0 7 11, 1799. His children were:
i. David, graduated from Princeton in 1763; studied medicine in Philadelphia, and settled in Trenton, where he practised until his death, of quinsy, Dec. 18, 1783. In his will, dated Dec. 17, 1783, proved December 30, 1783, he mentions child- ren of his brother Joseph, and his sister Sally. He gives £100 to Congress, if they will settle at Lamberton (a suburb of Trenton), £100 to the College of New Jersey, and £100 to the Grammar School in Trenton. He was evidently unmarried.
ii. Ebenezer, of whom hereafter.
iii. John, studied medicine, and served as a Surgeon of Militia in 1779. On the death of his brother David he advertised in the New Jersey Gazette "that he had been prevailed upon by the friends of his deceased brother to establish him- self as a physician in Trenton." He died January 30, 1789, in his 30th year, according to his tombstone, as cited by Dr. Hall, but his will, not dated, was proved January 28, 1789, or two days before his death. The date on the tombstone is evidently incorrect. In the will he names wife Mary, and children John and Mary, both under age, These children are also mentioned in the will of their grandfather, Ebenezer Cowell, in 1799.
iv. Joseph, married Catherine Case, marriage license dated Jan- uary 19, 1769; died at Trenton, Sept. 30, 1808, aged 63 years. v. Robert, died at Trenton, July 5, 1808.
vi. Eunice, died at Broadway, Warren county, N. J., July 30, 1829, "at an advanced age," unmarried. In her father's will she was named as sole executrix.
22I
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1766]
Solomon Kellogg, Peter Van Burgh Livingston, Josiah Lewis, Daniel M'Cally, John Mac Pherson, Luther Mar- tin, Nathaniel Niles, James Power, Isaac Skilman, Sam- uel Smith, William Smith, Benjamin Stelle, Micah Town-
vii. Sarah, married a Bowlsby, doubtless a relative of John Bowlsby, of Sussex county, who by deed dated July 12, 1765, conveyed to Ebenezer Cowell the right to 500 acres of unappropriated land in West Jersey.
Ebenezer Cowell, 2d, having graduated from Princeton College in 1766, studied law, probably with Abraham Cottnam, of Trenton, and was licensed as an attorney November 30, 1769. The notices of him in the records are scanty. On July 18, 1776, he presented a petition to the Provincial Congress, complaining that John Barnes, Sheriff of Hunter- don county, had refused to receive and execute two writs issued under the authority of the people of the State of New Jersey. Barnes admit- ted that he was unwilling to recognize the validity of the new gov- ernment and was superseded. In joint meeting the Legislature on September 7, 1776, appointed young Cowell clerk of Hunterdon county. He died in Trenton, on the night of February 14-15, 1817. The following notice of his death, in the Trenton Federalist, of Feb. 17, 1817, suggests a sad ending of a once promising career:
"Died. In this city on the night of the 14th inst. Ebenezer Cowell Esq. formerly clerk of the pleas of Hunterdon Co. On the morning of the 15th he was found dead in the house, where he resided, and prob- ably perished in consequence of the severity of the weather."
He was probably about seventy years of age. As he died intestate, Samuel Bowlby and Abner Parke were appointed administrators of his estate. Their inventory and appraisement, taken March 5, 1817, indi- cates that Cowell had not prospered greatly in this world's goods. The following is the list and valuation of his personal property:
one Chest with Sundry Books and papers, 20 00
Six Iron pots and Cittles,
3 00
Three Jugs,
20
Two Pails and 1 Saddle,
50
Three Chairs,
1 00
Two Tables and 2 Boxes,
50
one Survayers Chain,
2 00
a Lot of oald Tin and Iron,
50
Half Barrel and Kug, 50
Two pairs of Saddle Bags and 1 Bed Stid, 1 00
Eight Volumes of the Statu of great Britain, 50 00
77 10
The inventory actually foots up $79.20. No record has been found of the marriage of Mr. Cowell. -West Jersey Wills, Liber 10, p. 589; Ibid., No. 27, p. 490; Ibid., No. 32, p. 8; Ibid., No. 33, p. 455; Conveyances in Secretary of State's Office, Trenton; Hall's Hist. Pres. Church of Trenton, passim; Wickes's Hist. of Medical Men of N. J., 219, 220; 2 N. J. Archives, I., 543; Cowell MSS., unpublished; Minutes Provincial Congress, 513.
Samuel Edmiston, after leaving college, studied medicine, and prac- ticed at Fagg's Manor, Pennsylvania, where he married a daughter of Rev. Samuel Blair. Four other graduates of Princeton married daughters of Dr. Blair: George Duffield, of the Class of 1752; David Rice, of the Class of 1761; John Carmichael, of the Class of 1759, and William Foster, of the Class of 1764, all of them distinguished clergy- men.
Oliver Ellsworth was born in Windsor, Connecticut, April 29, 1745. Soon after graduation he began teaching and the study of theology, but soon relinquished both for the law, and was admitted to the bar in 1771. About 1775, he removed to Hartford, and soon after was appointed Attorney-General of the State. He was in the Legislature which as- sembled a few days after the battle of Lexington. In 1777 he was chosen a delegate to the Continental Congress, but did not take his seat until October, 1778. In 1780 he was a member of the Council of Connecticut, and continued a member of that body till 1784, when
222
NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS.
[1766
send, John Woodhull, Joseph Woodman. Also David M'Kay, was admitted to the Honorary Degree of Batch- elor of Arts. The following commenced Masters of Arts : John Close, David Cowel, Samuel Eakin, James Jauncey,
he was appointed a Judge of the Superior Court. In 1787 he was a member of the convention which framed the Constitution of the United States. In 1789 he was chosen a United States Senator, which place he filled till 1796, when he was appointed Chief Justice of the United States. In 1799 he was appointed, by President Adams, Envoy Extra- ordinary to France. With much reluctance he accepted this appoint- ment. While abroad, his failing health induced him to resign his office of Chief Justice. He died in 1807.
Joseph Hasbrouck, of Huguenot descent, was born in the village of Kingston, New York. He was an ardent patriot, and entered the Rev- olutionary army, in which he became a Colonel of Militia, and saw some service. He afterwards became a General in the State service. He died February 26, 1808.
David Howell, a native of New Jersey, removed to Providence. Rhode Island, and was for three years a tutor in the College of Rhode Island (Brown University); for nine years he was Professor of Natural Philosophy; for thirty years Professor of Law; for fifty-two years a member of the Board of Fellows, and for many years Secretary of the Corporation. He represented Rhode Island in the Continental Con- gress from 1782 to 1785. In 1812 he was appointed United States Judge for the District of Rhode Island, and this office he held until his death, July 9, 1824.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.