USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. I > Part 10
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PETER MACKIE, Assignee.
Dated this 10th day of June, 1776.
-New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, June 17, 1776.
TO BE LET
And entered on immediately.
A BLACKSMITH'S SHOP and TOOLS, near Salem, in West-Jersey, in a very good place for country business,
1 Peter Dickerson (son of Thomas, son of Philemon) was born on Long Island, but was brought by his family to Morris county in his infancy. He married Ruth Coe, October 20th, 1745; she died February 10th, 1763, aged thirty-four years. He was a Captain in the Third Regiment, Continental Troops, at the outbreak of the Revolution, and was a delegate to the first Provincial Congress, which met in May, 1775. He was the grandfather of Mahlon Dickerson (Governor, U. S. Senator, Secre- tary of the Navy, &c.), and of Philemon Dickerson (member of Congress, Governor, U. S. District Court Judge, &c ) His grand-daughter, Esther (daughter of Jonathan Dickerson), married, December 13th, 1781, Colonel Jacob Drake (born at Piscataway, Middlesex county, April 21st, 1732; located at Drakesville while yet a young man ; was a Colonel in the Revolution ; kept a hotel for many years at Drakesville, until 1811, and died at Succasunna, in September, 1823). Peter Dickerson's "house " is still standing, at the corner of Water and Morris streets, Morristown. It was leased, in 1779, to Robert Norris, and was the "Norris's tavern " in which was held (Decem- ber 23d, 1779, to January 20th, 1780) the trial of Major-General Benedict Arnold, for unmilitary conduct at Philadelphia and at Valley Forge, in 1778-a trial that in the minds of many was one of the causes of his subsequent treason .- E. D. H.
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there being many able farmers round. It will suit none but a single man. Any person may be informed of the particulars by applying to JOSEPH SMITH, on the premises. -The Pennsylvania Packet, June 17, 1776.
In PROVINCIAL CONGRESS, NEW JERSEY, BURLINGTON, JUNE 14, 1776.
Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Congress, the Proclamation1 of William Franklin, Esq ; late Governor of New-Jersey, bearing date the thirtieth day of May last, in the name of the King of Great-Britain, appoint- ing a meeting of the General Assembly to be held on the twentieth day of this instant (June) ought not to be obeyed.
Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Congress, the said William Franklin, Esq ; by such his Proclamation, has acted in direct contempt and violation of the Resolve of the Continental Congress of the fifteenth day of May last.
Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Congress, all payments of money, on account of salary or otherwise, to the said William Franklin, Esq; as Governor, ought from henceforth to cease; and that the Treasurer or Treasurers of this province shall account for the monies in their hands to this Congress, or to the future legisla- ture of this colony.
By order of Congress, SAMUEL TUCKER,2 President A true copy, Wm. Paterson, Sec'y. -The Pennsylvania Evening Post, June 18, 1776.
Gloucester County, West New-Jersey, June 17, 1776.
Run away from the subscriber, last night, an indented servant man, named DANIEL SULLIVAN, about 35
1 The proclamation is printed in the Minutes of the Provincial Congress and the Council of Safety, 1775-76, Trenton, 1879, 102.
2 See note, p. 11.
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years of age, about 5 feet 8 inches high, black hair, con- siderably mixed with white; took with him a fine half- worn hat, two pair of tow linen trowsers, one pair of blue and white ticken ditto, two tow cloth shirts, the collar and wristbands of one of them were Russia sheeting, the other shirt all of Russia linen, a blue kersey jacket, a good deal wore, one other jacket, the fore parts black and white drugget, the back parts all white, two pair of home made yarn stockings. Whoever takes up said servant, and brings him to his master, shall have Forty Shillings reward, if taken in the province, if out of the province Three Pounds, and reasonable charges, paid by
THOMAS BATTEN. -The Pennsylvania Gazette, June 19, 1776.
New-Germantown, West-New-Jersey, June 11, 1776. TEN DOLLARS Reward.
Run away from the subscriber, on the 5th day of this inst. a Negroe man, named BEN, about 5 feet 4 inches high, 22 years old, his left leg considerably larger than the other, with a large scar on the same ; when he went away, had on a blue coat, red jacket, black breeches, a pair of mixed coloured worsted stockings, calf-skin shoes, and a pair of carved silver buckles, a claret coloured sur- tout, a swanskin jacket, fine shirt with chitterlings on the bosom, woollen trowsers, a half worn wool hat ; also had a bag marked I. T. supposed to be taken for carrying his Clothes. Any person taking up said Negroe, and secur- ing him in any goal, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
JOHN TAYLOR. -The Pennsylvania Gazette, June 19, 1776.
Run away from the subscriber, living in Woodberry, Gloucester county, New-Jersey, on the 27th of Fifth-
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Month last, an apprentice lad, named JAMES WIG- GINS, between 17 and 18 years of age, about 4 feet 9 inches high ; is pretty well-set, and of a fair complexion ; had on and took with him, when he went away, a brown cloth coat, with tortoiseshell buttons, with silver eyes, a sleeveless jacket, with the fore parts of red serge, the back parts callimanco, black knit breeches, a half worn fur hat, old shoes, with plated buckles, one of which is broke, a pair of blue yarn stockings, one pair of thread ditto, an old fine shirt, two ticklenburg ditto, and a pair of trowsers. Whoever takes up said apprentice, and brings him to his master, or secures him in any goal, so that he may have him again, if taken within the province, shall have THREE DOLLARS reward, if out FOUR DOL- LARS, and reasonable charges
SAMUEL THOMPSON.
-The Pennsylvania Gazette, June 19, 1776.
An Address to the Inhabitants of New-Jersey.
Countrymen and Friends,
MHIS province has been requested by the Continental Congress to send without delay, from their Militia,
Three Thousand Three Hundred men to New- York, in consequence of authentic information, that the grand attack of our common enemy this summer, which will probably prove the decisive campaign, is to be upon that city ; and that their force may be expected there in a few days. Your Representatives in this Congress have, with all the dispatch in their power, and with the utmost unanimity, prepared an ordinance for raising the number called for, as equally from the different parts of the prov- ince as possible. They have determined to raise the men by voluntarily inlistment in the several counties, in full confidence, that, in this way, they will be raised most speedily, as well as consist of persons of the greatest
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spirit and alacrity for the important service. Filled with the same zeal for the defence of their country, they apply to you by this short Address, and in the most earnest and affectionate manner entreat you not to sully the reputa- tion acquired on all former occasions; but to give a new proof to the public of your courage and intrepidity as men, of your unalterable attachment to the liberties of America, and the sincerity of your unanimous resolutions from the beginning of this contest. Were there time to draw up a long discourse in this hour of danger, the arguments that might be used are innumerable; and as some of them are of the most urgent, so (blessed be God) others are of the most encouraging and animating kind.
The danger is not only certain, but immediate and imminent. It does not admit of a moment's delay, for our unjust and implacable enemy is at hand. The place where the attack is expected, is of the last importance ; not only a city of great extent, the interest of whose numerous inhabitants must be exceedingly dear to us, but situated in the middle of the Colonies, and where the success of the enemy would separate the provinces, and disunite their efforts by land, which are of necessity liable to interruption from the enemy's fleet by sea. It is scarce worth while to add, that this province, by its vicinity, would then be exposed to the cruel depredations of the enemy, who, happily hitherto, have been able to do us little or no mischief but by theft and rapine. It would seem to carry an unjust suspicion of you to say any more in our private interest, as we hope every honest man is chiefly concerned for, and will strain every nerve in sup- port of the common cause of the United Colonies.
We cannot help putting you in mind how signally Al- mighty God has prospered us hitherto, and crowned our virtuous efforts with success. The expulsion of the enemy from Boston, where they first took possession, and began
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their oppressive measures, was an event as disgraceful to them, as it was advantageous to the public cause, and- honorable to that brave and resolute army by which it was accomplished. It will certainly be no small encour- agement to those who shall now proceed to the place of danger, that they shall join with many of the same soldiers, who have gained immortal honour by their past conduct, as well as serve under that wise and able leader, whose prudence, firmness and attention to his great charge, have procured him the most unlimited confidence both of those who direct the public counsels, and of those who are in arms under his command.
We must not forget the activity and success of the in- habitants of the southern Colonies. They run to arms in thousands the moment they heard of an attack, both in Virginia and North-Carolina. God was pleased in both cases to reward their alacrity, for they obtained a com- plete victory over their enemies with so little loss of blood, as was not barely wonderful, but scarcely credible. At the battle of Moor-Creek Bridge, there were but a few men killed, and at Norfolk, Great Bridge, we did not lose a single life.
Time does not permit us to enlarge on the past events of this war, in which the kindness of providence is so clearly to be seen. We therefore only further observe, that by the preparations in Britain for this campaign, and by all the intelligence received from Europe, it is plain, that not honour and advantage only, but absolute necessity requires us to exert our utmost efforts, for our all is at stake. Every one is now obliged to confess what many saw long ago, that intire and unconditional sub- mission is the point to which our enemies are determined to bring us, if in their power, so that nothing remains for us but either the abject slavery of tributary slaves, or to maintain our rights and liberties by force of arms ;
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and hand down the fair inheritance to our posterity by a brave and determined defence.
We desire and expect that, in such a situation of things, all particular difference of small moment arising from whatever cause, whether religious denominations, rival- ship of different classes of men, scarcity of some articles of commerce, or any other, may be entirely laid aside. The present danger requires the most perfect union. Let every enemy perceive, that the Representatives of the colonies, as soon as they determine upon any measure, are able to bring out the whole strength of this vast country to carry it into execution.
That you may be under no apprehension, either of inequality in the burden, or that our own coasts will be left unguarded by the destination of this brigade, we have thought it best to inform you, that the Continental Con- gress have amply provided for the defence of this prov- ince, and have made such an arrangement of the Conti- nental army for the ensuing campaign, as lays an equal burden on the inhabitants of the different colonies; in particular, that a flying camp of ten thousand men is now forming for the protection of the middle colonies, which we are credibly informed, is to have its chief sta- tion in this province. We add no more, but that we trust and hope, that while every province is making the most spirited efforts, New-Jersey in its place and duty will be second to none.
Signed in name, and by appointment of Congress at Bur- lington, June 15, 1776.
SAMUEL TUCKER,1 President. A true Copy,
WM. PATERSON,2 Sec.
-New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, June 24, 1776.
1 See note, p. 11.
7 See note, p. 41.
9
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Mr. GAINE,1
By giving the enclosed a Place in your impartial Paper, you will much oblige many of your Customers.
Copy of a petition signed by a Number of the Inhabit- ants of New-Jersey, and addressed to the Provincial Con- gress now sitting at Burlington, June, 1776.
P ERMIT us, Gentlemen, to assure you, that altho' we daily experience and sincerely lament in common
with our Fellow Subjects, Inhabitants of the Colonies, the calamitous Consequences of the present unhappy Controversy with Great-Britain, we cannot but think that we should ill discharge the Duty we owe to our Country, ourselves, our Children, and Posterity, if we neglected to exert ourselves by every Effort in our Power to prevent our Condition, tho' truly deplorable, from becoming perfectly desperate; which we are convinc'd must necessarily be the Consequence, if a total Separation from, and Independency of the Government of Great- Britain should be resolv'd upon, declared, and attempted in this Province.
We do not presume, Gentlemen, to dictate to you, or even to instruct you ; we address you as Fellow-Subjects and Fellow-Sufferers, zealous for the Rights of America in general, but particularly anxious for the real Welfare of New-Jersey ; as such we trust that you will be too deeply impress'd with the Recollection of the peculiar Happiness and Prosperity heretofore enjoyed by the Inhabitants of this Continent, connected with and sub- ject to the Government of Great-Britain, not to dread the Consequences of a declar'd Separation from that Country. We trust, Gentlemen, that you will have the Honour, the
1 Hugh Gaine was a printer and bookseller in New York, in 1750, and in 1752 began to publish a weekly paper called the Mercury. He espoused the royal cause when the Revolutionary War broke out and the paper was edited in that interest. He was allowed, after the war, to remain in New York, but had to abandon the publication of his paper. He died in New York, April 25th, 1807.
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Interest, Safety and Welfare, of this your native Country, too much at Heart, to suffer this once flourishing and happy Province, to the reproachful and calamitous Con- sequences of an avowed Separation.
Permit us also, Gentlemen, to suggest, that we cannot but think, that any precipitate Resolves to change our present constitutional Form of Government, must, in their Consequences, operate to retard and obstruct what we are persuaded you, Gentlemen, as well as ourselves, cannot wish to loose Sight of, as the primary and con- stant Object of the present unhappy Dispute, namely, a safe, honourable, and lasting Reconciliation with Great- Britain on constitutional Principles. To effect which desirable End, we apprehend the Union of the Colonies was recommended-for which Purpose alone was the Con- tinental Congress delegated, and their Authority hitherto submitted to, and upon the same Hopes of Peace and Reconciliation we are daily impatiently expecting Com- missioners from his Majesty. From these Considerations, Gentlemen, we were convinc'd that Sentiments of Separa- tion and Independence must be not only highly impoli- tic, but may be of the most dangerous and destructive Consequences ; add to which, Gentlemen, as we have the Satisfaction to see the General Assembly of this Province legally conven'd, and from Time to Time duly meeting and in the full exercise of their legislative Authority and Jurisdiction, and as the principal Officers of Government in this Colony are now amongst us and engaged in the Duties of their Station, our Courts of Justice and publick Offices open, and Business there conducted with Order and Regularity, our present established Mode of Govern- ment we are convinc'd will continue as it has hitherto been experienced to be, fully sufficient to the Exigencies of our Affairs, and best conduce to the Happiness and Safety of the People of New-Jersey.
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That you, Gentlemen, may join in Sentiments and Opinion with us on the present Occasion, and strenously adhere to, maintain, and assert our present Mode of Gov -. ernment as founded on the British Constitution, and established and confirm'd by the Laws of the Land, is the sincere and hearty Prayer of, &c .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, June 24, 1776.
Sandy-Hook, June 21, 1776. This Morning about 4 o'Clock we attacked the Light House with about 300 Men ; they were strongly reinforced being (as I saw a Boat go on bord from Long-Island) previously informed of our Design. I continued the Attack for two Hours with Field Pieces and small Arms, being all that Time between two smart Fires from the Shipping and the Light House, but could make no impression on the Walls. I then returned to my Camp at the South End of the Cedars, which I have occupied two Days and Nights, and after refreshing my Men, sent out 50 to see for Game, they have this Minute attacked them with Small arms, and seven Boats are making from the Land to the Ships. My Men are all well, and in high Spirits, not one of them being either killed or wounded .- New York Gazette and. Weekly Mercury, June 24, 1776.
The FLYING MACHINE
MTHAT plies between Hackensack and Hoebuck, intends. to set off on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays, from Hackensack at 7 o'Clock in the Morning ; and to set off from Hoebuck the same Days, at 2 o'Clock in the Afternoon, for this Season. The Subscriber humbly thanks the Public for their past favours, and hopes a Continuance of the same. Passengers carried at. Three Shilling each, and Baggage at a reasonable Rate ..
ANDREW VAN BUSKIRK. -New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, June 24, 1776.
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To be SOLD,
F JIVE Plantations at Squire's-Point,' in Sussex County, in New-Jersey, containing 1800 Acres of Land, also, a very good Grist-Mill, with two Pair of Stones, and one of the best Streams in America, in a very good Wheat Country, to be sold separate or together, as suits the Purchasers. For farther Particulars enquire of Garret Rapalje, living on the Premises.
Also, Nine Thousand Acres of Land, about 60 Miles back of Esopus, in Delaware; is very good Land, in a well settled Country, and will be sold reasonable. En- quire of Mr. James Stewart, at New-York, or Garret Rapalje, at Squire's-Point. Also, a Shop to be Let, oppo- site the Fly-Market. Enquire of
JAMES STEWART.
-New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, June 24, 1776.
WANTED.
A Clerk at an Iron Works in the Jersies,2 a good Accomptant, who has undoubted Recommenda- tions for Sobriety and Fidelity, will meet with suitable Encouragement. None else need apply. Enquire of the Printer .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, June 24, 1776.
1 Doubtless in Byram township, at Brookland, or Brooklyn, the outlet of Lake Hopatcong, formerly called "Brooklyn Pond " It was probably given the name by Garret Rapalje, "living on the premises," who was of the well-known Brooklyn family, descendants of Joris Jansen de Rapalie, a Huguenot, who came from Rochelle, in France, to America, in 1623, settled at Fort Orange (Albany) in 1637, bought 335 acres in the present city of Brooklyn, where he lived thereafter. Garret Rapalje, mentioned above, was probably a son of George, and was born at Brooklyn, May 31st, 1730, and married Helen Denys, of New Utrecht. He seems to have located at Lake Hopatcong before the Revolution, and had a four-fire bar-iron forge there as will be seen by an advertisement of a later date in this volume. Before the close of the war he returned to Brooklyn with his family. After the war he was an importing merchant in New York, and finally removed to New Orleans .- Riker's Annals of Newtown, 267-70; History of Sussex and Warren Counties, 461.
2 Probably at Brooklyn forge, mentioned in the next preceding note.
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MTHE Residue of the real and personal Estate of Mr. T Philip French,1 of the City of New-Brunswick, con- sisting of Houses and Lands, Negroes, and some household Furniture, is adjourned to Monday the Fifth Day of August next. The Sale to begin at Ten o'Clock in the Forenoon of said Day, and to be held at the House of said Mr. Philip French.
THOMAS SKINNER, late Sheriff. -New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, June 24, 1776.
TEN DOLLARS REWARD,
R UN-away last Thursday from the Subscriber, at Newark, a certain Negro Fellow named Jack, about 25 years old, a square well-built Fellow, pretty black, Guiney born, and spoke bad English : He took with him several Sorts of Cloths, his Master's Gun, and a Grenadier's Sword, with Brass Mountings : He is supposed to have had on a good Beaver Hat cocked in the Fashion, a light coloured fine Cloth Jacket, without Sleeves, and may wear a Blanket Coat, he has a Scar right down his Forehead to his Nose, his country Mark, can handle a File, and understands the Brass Founder's Business. Whoever takes up the said Fellow, and delivers him to Mrs. Wilkins, near Ogden's Furnace, in Newark, shall have the above reward; or in New-York, to JACOB WILKINS. -New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, June 25, 1776.
Allen's Town, New-Jersey, June 15, 1776. SIX POUNDS Reward.
Whereas a certain John Kelly, a deserter from one of the Jersey battalions, a thick well set fellow, about 5 feet 5 inches high, has by collusion and artifice induced my
1 For some account of Philip French, see 1 N. J. Archives, XII , 79.
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servant William Richardson, an English lad, about 20 years of age, to sign an indenture on himself to him the said Kelly, and have gone off together. I do hereby offer the reward of THREE POUNDS, to any person who shall take up either of the above persons, and shall secure them in any goal in this or the neighbouring prov- inces, and give notice thereof to me
EDWARD GRIFFEES -The Pennsylvania Gazette, June 26, 1776.
New-York, July 1. The Number of Transports now at Sandy-Hook, we hear amounts to 113 Sail, and we have not the least reason to doubt, that General Howe is in this Fleet .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, July 1, 1776.
June 24, 1776.
TEN DOLLARS Reward
R UN-AWAY from Batsto Furnace1 last Night, two Spanish Servant Men, one of them named Francis Berrara, about 30 years of Age, about six Feet two Inches high, black Hair, brown Eyes, and thin Visage, takes a Quantity of Snuff, his fore Teeth remarkably wide, and has a down Look : Had on, and took with him, one blue Cloth short Coat, one light brown Duffles under Jacket, one Pair of new Oznabrigs Trowsers, Oznabrigs Shirt, a Pair of half worn Shoes, and half worn Hat with a broad Brim. The other named Francis Rodrigo, but generally goes by the name of Joseph, about five Feet five or six Inches high, yellow Complexion, black Hair, and brown Eyes : Had on, and took with him, one blue Cloth short Coat, light brown Duffles under Jacket,
1 Batsto furnace, in Burlington county, was built about 1766, by Charles Read, who held many offices under the Provincial Government. It cast shot and shells for the Continental army .- History of the Manufacture of Iron in All Ages, by James M. Swank, 2d ed., p. 136.
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one Pair dove-coloured Plush Breeches, one Pair new Oznabrigs Trowsers, Oznabrigs Shirt, one Pair half-worn Shoes, and an old Hat.
Whoever takes up the above Runaways, and secures them in any Gaol, so that their Master, Mr. John Cox,1 of Burlington, may have them again, or deliver them at Batsto Furnace, shall receive the above Reward, and reasonable Charges.
JOSEPH BALL.
N. B. This is the second Time Berrara has run away. Batsto Furnace is at the Forks of Little-Egg Harbour. -New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, July 1, 1776.
To be Sold by Public Vendue, at Capt Kendal Cole's near Haddonfield, in New Jersey, on Monday, the 8th day of July instant, at Ten o'clock in the morning.
Between sixty and seventy CATTLE, a large part of which will consist of four years old steers and spayed heifers ; the remainder dry cows, oxen, bulls, young cat- tle, and cows and calves ; at which time and place the conditions of sale will be made known .- The Pennsylvania Packet, July 1st, 1776.
Taken out of the house of Mrs. RACHEL STILLE2 at Trenton, the beginning of April, a small OAK BOX, about 22 inches long, about 18 inches wide, and 6 or 7 inches deep, with a lock and hinges, and was corded up, with a direction on it, For Captain Thomson, at St. Jeans. Whoever has taken it through mistake, or otherwise are requested to return it to MRS. STILLE or SAMUEL TUCKER, Esq; at Trenton, where they shall be paid
1 See note, p. 98.
2 Mrs Stille was the widow of Pontius Dillare Stille, a well-known citizen of Trenton, N. J., before the war. He lived in a frame house, still standing, on the southeast corner of what is now Warren and Perry streets His house was used during the time of the Hessian occupation of Trenton as the headquarter guard- house.
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