USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the colonial history of the state of New Jersey, Volume VIII > Part 22
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Your very loving Friends and humble Servants
DUNK HALIFAX JAMES OSWALD ANDREW STONE.
297
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BELCHER.
1754]
Letter from the Lords of Trade to Lieutenant-Gover- nor De Lancey-about the boundary between New York and New Jersey.
[From N. Y. Col. Docts., Vol. VI, p. 845.]
To James Delancey Esq: Lieut* Gover" of New York.
Sir
(Extract.)
# * The papers you have sent us relative to the points in dispute between New York and the Neighbouring Provinces with respect to Boun- darys, more especially with respect to the line of divi- sion between New York and New Jersey and the observations which you make in your letters upon these disputes will be of great service to us when that point comes under our consideration it appears to us in the general light in which We see this affair at the present that it will be for his Majesty's service and for the peace and interest of both Provinces that a tem- porary line of Jurisdiction should be established by his Majesty's authority until the true line of property can be ascertained and therefore we shall shortly take this matter into Our consideration and lay our thoughts fully upon it before his Majesty. In the mean we do earnestly recommend to you as we have also done to Governor of New Jersey to [take?] every legal and proper measure that can be thought of to preserve the publick peace in those parts and prevent that mischief we have reason to fear might be occasioned by this unhappy dispute * * * * * *
Your very loving friends and humble Servants
DUNK HALIFAX JAMES OSWALD
ANDREW STONE
WHITEHALL July 5 1754
298
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BELCHER. [1754
Letter from Governor Belcher to Richard Partridge- requesting his assistance to secure the confirma- tion of Courtland Skinner as Attorney-General of New Jersey.
[From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey, Vol. 7, H. 48-49.]
ELIZABETH TOWN (N J) July 25: 1754 To Richard Partridge Esq" In London
Brother Partridge
I few days ago M: Warrell, late Attorney General of this Province, wrote me a Letter of Resignation of that Office, of which the Inclosed is Copy,-And I have since appointed Courtland Skinner Esq!, to suc- ceed the said M: Warrell, & this I write at the Re- quest of the said M. Skinner, to desire your best Friendship & Assistance to him, in Case there shou'd be anything necessary to be done for his Confirmation at Home, he is a young Gentleman bred to the Law, & esteem'd of good Knowledge in his Prefession, & any Service you may do him will be kindly taken by,
Sir Your loving Brother
J BELCHER
299
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BELCHER.
1754]
Affidavit of Thomas Dekay-relative to laying out a highway through Minisink.
[From N. Y. Col. MSS. in Secretary of State's Office, Albany, Vol. LXXIX, p. 4.]
CITY OF NEW YORK-THOMAS DECAY ESQ: one of his Majesties Justices of the Peace and Collonell of the Militia in Orange County being duly sworn de- poseth and saith that Henry Simpson one of the Com- missioners of the High Way in Sussex County some time last Month being in Conversation with the depo- nent at the dwelling House of this Deponent Informed him that the Commissioners of the High Ways for the said County Sussex (being a County Lately Erected by the Government of Jersey) had Laid out a High Way throughout Minisinck and that he the said Henry should soon be obliged to go and View the Highway in order to make a return thereof. And this Deponent further saith that for some time before he left Home he was every Night Obliged to Naill up all his doors Excepting one at which he placed a guard for fear of being Surprised in his bed by the people of New Jersey who as this deponent is Informed have Sundry times declared they were resolved to take him prisoner and Carry him into New Jersey, And further this depo- nent saith not
THOMAS DEKAY
Sworn this twenty ninth of July 1754, Before me JNº CHAMBERS.
NEW JERSEY Colonial Documents.
Vol. VIII .- Part II.
NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS.
Letter from the Lords of Trade to Sir Thomas Robin- son, Secretary of State, with a plan of general concert and mutual defense to be entered into by the Colonies in America.
[From P. R. O. B. T. Plantations General, No. 39, Ent. Book K., p. 368.1
To Sir Thomas Robinson One of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State.
WHITEHALL AUGUST 9th 1754
Sir
In Obedience to His Majesty's Commands; signified to Us by your Letter of the 14th of June last, We have prepared a Plan of General Concert to be entred into by His Majesty's several Colonies upon the Continent of North America, for their mutual and common De- fence, and to prevent or remove any Encroachments upon His Majesty's Dominions, which Plan We here- with inclose to you, together with Our Representation to His Majesty upon it, which We desire you will be pleased to lay before His Majesty.
We are, Sir,
Your most Obedient and most humble Servants, DUNK HALIFAX AND: STONE JAM: GRENVILLE JAMS OSWALD FRAN: FANE RICH ?. EDGECUMBE
THO: PELHAM
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ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BELCHER. [1754
TO THE KING'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY,
May it please your Majesty,
In Obedience to your Majesty's Commands signified to Us by Sir Thomas Robinson, one of your Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, in his Letter dated the 14th of June, last, We have prepared and herewith humbly beg leave to lay before your Majesty, the Draught of a Plan or Project of General Concert to be ent'red into by your Majesty's several Colonies upon the Continent of North America, for their mutual and common Defence, and to prevent or remove any En- croachments upon your Majesty's Dominions.
This Plan consists of three distinct Parts or Propo- sitions, viz*
1st That a certain and permanent Method be estab- lished for maintaining such Forts as are already built upon their Frontiers, or may be further necessary to be built, for supporting proper Garrisons in such Forts, for defraying the expence of the usual and necessary Presents to the Indians, and other contingent Charges, and for establishing and subsisting Commissarys in such of the Forts as shall appear to be necessary for the management of Indian Services.
24 That upon any Attack or Invasion upon any of Your Majesty's Colonies, Provision be made for rais- ing such a Number of Troops over and above those upon the ordinary Establishment as may be necessary to oppose and repel such Invasion or Attack.
3ª That the Command of all the Forts and Garrisons and of all Forces raised upon Emergencies, and the sole Direction of Indian Affairs, be placed in the hands of some one single Person as Commander in Chief to be appointed by Your Majesty, who is to be author- ized to draw upon the Treasurer or other proper officer of each Colony, for such Sums of Money as shall be
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ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BELCHER.
1754]
necessary as well for the ordinary as extraordinary Service, according to the Quota settled for each Colony.
The two first Points are proposed to be established by the mutual Consent and Agreement of the Colonies themselves to be finally ratified and confirmed by your Majesty, it appearing to Us that this Method might be liable to the least objection, and perhaps the speediest in point of Execution.
With regard to the manner in which the Colonies are to proceed in deliberating upon and settling such parts of it as depend upon them, the view and object of the Measure, and the general Plan of it is precisely stated to them, the Points upon which they are to de- liberate, and for which Provision is to be made on their part, the method of Proceeding in settling those points, and of finally ratifying and confirming them, when settled are ascertained, as the Preliminaries upon which they are to proceed.
The Necessity of this Union and the Security and Advantage which will arise to the Colonies from it are so apparent, that, We hope no Difficulty will occur on their part: If however it should be found upon Trial, that this Measure should be defeated by any of the Colonies either refusing or neglecting to enter into a Consideration of the Points referred to their Delibera- tion, or, after they are settled, by refusing to raise such Supplies as are proposed by this Plan to be the Fund for the Execution of it, We see no other Method that can be taken, but that of an Application for an Interposition of the Authority of Parliament.
The Execution of the third and last Proposition of this Plan, so far as regards the Power which the Com- mander in Chief will have over the Forts and Garrisons, and over all Troops raised in the Colonies, and in the management of Indian Services, depends singly upon your Majesty, who may, as We humbly Apprehend, legally and by virtue of your own Authority, invest
4
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BELCHER. [1754
any Person your Majesty shall think proper with such Power.
In order however to the proper and effectual Exer- cise of this Power, it is proposed, that it should be agreed and settled by the Colonies, that he should be authorized under certain Regulations and Restrictions to draw upon the Treasurer or other proper Officer of each Colony, for such Sums as shall be settled to be paid by them, for the ordinary as well as the Extraor- dinary Services.
We shall not take up your Majesty's Time in entring into any Arguments to prove the Propriety and Nec- essity of an Appointment of this kind, as We humbly apprehend it will evidently appear to your Majesty, that circumstanced as the Colonies are, divided into seperate and distinct Provinces, having little or no Connexion with, or Dependence upon each other, neither this, nor any other Plan of Union could be effectual unless the Command of the Forts and Troops and the Management of Indian Affairs and Services should be put under one general Direction.
These are the principal Observations which have occurred to Us, as necessary to be submitted to your Majesty upon this Plan, to which however your Ma- jesty will permit Us to add, that as it is proposed, that, in order to settle the several Points, the Commissioners nominated by the Colonies should meet at such time and place as your Majesty should appoint. We hum- bly submit it to your Majesty, whether it may not be adviseable, that the City of New York should be the place of meeting as being the most central, and there- fore the most convenient in point of situation.
Upon the whole however, We must observe to your Majesty that from the delay which must necessarily attend the Execution of any new Plan for an Union of the Colonies, it cannot be made to answer the purpose of a present Exigency: whatever Circumstances there-
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ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BELCHER.
1754]
fore of Danger or Exigency may subsist at this time, such Danger must be guarded against, and such Exi- gency provided for, by an Application of such means of Strength and Force, as can be procured in the most expeditious and most effectual manner under the di- rection of some proper Person to be appointed by your Majesty Commander in Chief of all your Majesty's Forts and Garrisons in North America, and of all Forces raised therein or sent thither, and likewise Commissary General for Indian Affairs, which for the Reasons We have already given, appears to Us to be absolutely necessary and expedient for your Majesty's Service.
All which is most humbly submitted
DUNK HALIFAX ANDY STONE
JAMS GRENVILLE JAMS OSWALD
FRAN: FANE RICHP EDGCUMBE
THOS® PELHAM.
WHITEHALL Augst 9th 1754
The Draught of a Plan or Project for a General Con- cert to be ent'red into by His Majesty's several Colonies upon the Continent of North America for their mutual and common Defence, and to prevent or remove any Encroachments upon His Majesty's Dominions.
It is proposed, That a circular Letter or Instruction be forthwith sent to the Governors of all the Colonies upon the Continent of North America, to the following purport and Effect vizy
To set forth the Danger, to which they are exposed from the Encroachments and Invasions of a foreign Power
That the only effectual method of putting a stop to these Encroachments and Invasions and preventing the like for the future, will be forthwith to agree upon a Plan for maintaining and supporting a proper Num- ber of Forts upon the Frontiers, and in such other
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ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BELCHER. [1754
Places as shall appear to be necessary for the general Security of the Colonies, For raising and subsisting regular Independent Companies for Garrisoning such Forts ; For making provision for defraying the Ex- pences of Presents for the Indians, and for the other contingent Charges of that Service, and for putting Indian Affairs under one general Direction, and for raising and maintaining Troops for the general Se- curity, Service and Defence of the whole upon any attack or Invasion.
To state the urgent Necessity there is of an imme- diate Union of the several Colonies upon the Continent for this purpose.
To direct the Governors forthwith to recommend these points to the serious Consideration of their re- spective Councils and Assemblies, and to propose to them to appoint proper Persons, (one for each Colony) subject to the Governors Approbation, to meet at such time and Place as His Majesty shall appoint, in order to treat and deliberate upon this Matter.
That the Persons appointed to be the Commissioners for this purpose, be instructed to consider in the first place of the Number of Forts necessary to be main- tained and supported, and what Number of regular Forces will be sufficent for Garrisoning such Forts, and to prepare an Estimate of the Annual Expence thereof, And of the Expence of Presents for Indians and other contingent Charges attending this Service.
That Provision be likewise made in such Estimate for maintaining Commissaries to be establish'd by His Majesty, in such Forts as shall be thought proper for the Regulation and Management of Indian Affairs.
That in order to Settle these Estimates with the greater exactness, the Commissioners be furnished with Authenticated Accounts of the particular Expence which each Colony has been at for twenty Years last past for these Services, and in what manner the Money has been applied and disposed of.
1754]
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BELCHER.
That when the Estimates shall have been settled, the Commissioners do agree upon the Quantum of Money to be supplied by each Colony for defraying the Expence of this Service.
That in settling such Quantum regard be had to the Number of Inhabitants, Trade, Wealth and Revenue of each Colony, for which purpose the Commissioners are to be furnished with very full and authenticated Accounts of these particulars, and of the state of each Colony respectively.
That the said Commissioners do agree, that, in case of any Emergency by Invasion or otherwise, whereon it may be necessary to raise Troops for the general Defence of the whole, beyond the Number upon the ordinary Establishment, the Expence thereof shall be defrayed by each Colony, according to the Proportion each Colony is to bear of the ordinary established Charge for Forts &cª
That the Governors do signify to their respective Councils and Assemblies, that His Majesty will ap- point a proper Person to be Commander in Chief of all His Majesty's Forts and Garrisons in the Colonies in North America, and of all Troops already raised there or which may hereafter be raised or sent thither upon any Emergency, and also Commissary General for Indian Affairs, and that Provison be made in the Esti- mate for the ordinary established Service for a proper Salary for such Commander in Chief.
That it be settled and agreed by the Commissioners at the General meeting that the said Commander in Chief, and Commissary for Indian Affairs be impowered, from time to time as occasion may require, to draw upon the Treasurer, Collector, Receiver or other proper Officer appointed to receive the Taxes or Duties levy'd and raised in each Colony respectively, for such sums of Money as shall be necessary for maintaining and supporting the several Forts and Garrisons, making
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ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BELCHER. [1754
Presents to the Indians, and all other contingent Charges, according to the general Estimate agreed upon for the ordinary establish'd Service, and in pro- portion to the Quantum settled for each Colony, taking care to transmit annually to each Colony a particular Estimate, expressing the particular Service for which such Draughts are made.
That in all Cases of Attack or Invasion, whereon it may be necessary to raise Troops for repelling such Invasion or Attack beyond the Number on the ordinary Establishment, the Estimate of the Charge of such Troops, of extraordinary Presents to the Indians, and of the other Contingent Expences shall be formed by the Governor, Council and Assembly of the Colony invaded or Attacked, and immediate notice thereof transmitted by the Governor of such Colony with a Copy of the Estimate so prepared as aforesaid, to the Governors, Councills and Assemblys of the other Colo- nies upon the Continent, and that it be settled and agreed by the Commissioners at the General meeting, that upon such Notice so sent, a Commissioner shall be forthwith nominated and appointed by each Colony respectively to meet at such Place as the Commander in Chief shall appoint, in order to take into Considera- tion and deliberate upon the afore mentioned Estimate so prepared by the Colony invaded, with full Power to alter the same in such manner as shall be thought ex- pedient, and that when the same shall have been agreed upon by the Majority of the Commissioners who shall be there present, any five of which shall make a Quorum, the Commander in Chief shall be im- powered by them to draw upon the Treasurer or other proper Officer of each Colony for the respective quotas each Colony is to bear of such Expence, in proportion to the Ordinary Established Estimate for Forts &cª
That the Draughts of the Commander in chief, as well for the ordinary as extraordinary Service, be paid
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ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BELCHER.
1754]
by the Treasurer &cª of each Colony respectively, out of any Money lying in his hands, in preference to all other Services whatever, and that in case it shall so happen, that the Treasurer of any Colony shall not have in his hands a sufficient Sum to answer such Draughts, he be impower'd by the general Agreement to borrow such a Sum as shall be necessary, for repay- ment of which, Provision is to be forthwith made by the Assembly.
That it be signified, that the said Commander in Chief will be directed to transmit to each Colony once in every Year, an Account upon Oath of all his Disburse- ments for the publick Service, and that he will be obliged to account in His Majesty's Exchequer for all Money received and disposed of by him.
That each Colony may appoint a Commissioner to view and inspect from time to time as they shall think proper, the state of the several Forts and Fortifications and of the Repairs made thereon, and to make Report thereof to the Governor, Council and Assembly of such Colony respectively: and that each Colony may like- wise make Representations from time to time to the Commander in chief of the state of such Colony, and propose to him such measures as shall occur to be necessary for the general Good of the whole.
That when the Commissioners have deliberated upon and settled the foregoing Points, they do transmit to His Majetys's Secretary of State and to the Commis- sioners for Trade and Plantations to be laid before His Majesty, attested Copies of all their Minutes and Pro- ceedings, and that they do prepare a Project or Draught of a general Convention upon the foregoing points and transmit Copies thereof to the respective Colonies, to be forthwith laid before the Governors, Councils and Assemblies, who are to take the same into immediate Consideration, and having made such Alterations therein or Additions thereto, as they shall think nec-
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ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BELCHER. [1754
essary, shall return them to the Commissioners within two Months, and when all the Copies shall have been returned, the Commissioners shall resume their Delib- erations; and having finally settled the whole, the Convention shall be fairly drawn up and signed by each Commissioner, and transmitted hither, in order to be laid before His Majesty for his Approbation.
And in case it shall so happen, that any of the Colo- nies shall neglect to appoint a Commissioner to be present at the general meeting, or such Commissioner, when appointed, shall neglect or refuse to attend, such Neglect or Refusal shall not prevent the Commissioners present, (any seven of which to be a Quorum.) from proceeding upon the Consideration of the foregoing Points, but that the Convention shall be proceeded upon and finally settled and agreed by a Majority of the Commissioners, and when so settled and ratified by His Majesty. shall be binding upon the whole.
That the Governors be directed to signify to their respective Councils and Assemblies, that His Majesty does not intend to withdraw that part of the Expence which the Crown has been usually at, for the Security and Protection of the Colonies, but that he will be graciously pleased to continue to maintain and subsist such a Number of his Troops as shall appear to be necessary to be stationed in America, and does also consent, that whatever Sums of Money have been usually given by His Majesty for Indian Services, shall be deducted from the generall Estimate, as the share His Majesty is willing to bear of the ordinary Estab- lishment for this Service, and that upon any great Emergency they shall receive such Support from His Majesty, as shall be thought reasonable upon a due Consideration of the Nature of the Case, and of what the Circumstances and Conditions of the Colonies shall seem to require.
11
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BELCHER.
1754]
Letter from Governor Belcher to Colonel Schuyler- informing him that the Assembly had voted an additional £15,000 for the support of his Regi- ment.
ELIZ. TOWN Augt 23: 1754.
Sir
I have your several Letters of July 9 & of 6th & 7th present the first from Schenectady which I laid before the Assembly the last Week when I urged them to raise an additional number of men which they con- sidered but did not come into-however they chearfully voted fifteen thousand Pounds as a further Provision for your Regiment untill the Month of May next and the Commissioners will take Care to be sending you the necessary Supplies.
I shall endeavour the Shoes may be made where you desire.
I observe what you say about your Adjutant, & when you make an Acct of his Pay I will join with you in recommending him to the Assembly who I doubt not will allow that Charge and not suffer it to lie upon you.
As it will be necessary for his Majesty's Service and Interest and to the advantage of you and your Regim' I shall be expecting to hear from you as often as you can.
I am glad that you and your Regiment are in so good Health and Spirits in which may God keep you-pro- tect & bless you with Success against the Enemy-I am Sir
Your Assured Frd & Serv!
Col' Schuyler
J BELCHER
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ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BELCHER. [1754
Letter from Governor Belcher to the Lords of Trade- transmitting some public papers and informing them of the choice of a new Assembly, and his ex- pectations therefrom.
[From P. R. O. B. T., New Jersey, Vol. 7, H. 53.]
ELIZABETH TOWN (N J) August 14: 1754.
TO THE LORDS OF TRADE
My Lords
My last to Your Lordships was on the 14: of May past, & covering the publick Papers of this Province, & to which I ask Your Lordship's Reference.
And I now have the Honour to cover to Your Lord- ships, what passed in a Session of the general Assem- bly of this Province, from the 34 to the 21st of June, viz: the Laws past by the whole Legislature,-
Transcripts of the Journals & Minutes of His Maj- esty Council,-
And the printed Journals of the Assembly, -all which will fully inform your Lordships in the Affairs of this Government, to that Time, since which there has been a Choice of a new Assembly, & as I am to meet His Majesty: Council the 21: Instant, I shall take their Advice when It may be most for His Majesty! Service & Interest, to convene this New Assembly, & I shall then urge them to come into an Union with the rest of the Colonies, for defending His Majesty: Honour & Interest in His Provinces on this Continent, & according to the best Judgement I can make, I think they are likely to fall into the practice of their Duty, in what I have mentioned, & I shall not fail to acquaint Your Lordships as soon as possible, of the result.
I have lately reciev'd from M. Secretary Pownall
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ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BELCHER.
1754]
His Majesty: Royal Instruction in Consequence of a Petition of the Assembly here, for an Emission of 60,000 Pounds in Paper Money, which I shall com- municate to the Assembly when they meet, altho' I believe they will not accept of any Emission on the Conditions mentioned in the said Instruction.
I am with the greatest Respect My Lords
Your Lordships Most obedient & Most humble Serv J. BELCHER.
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