USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. I > Part 12
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being many able farmers round : It will suit none but a. single man. Any person may be informed of the particu- lars by applying to JOSEPH SMITH, on the premises. -The Pennsylvania Packet, July 22, 1776.
New-Jersey, July 22, 1776. WANTED,
A Good Journeyman Fuller, at the Fulling-Mill, belong- ing to JOHN GLOVER, in the Township of Newtown, and County of Gloucester, on the Road from Haddon- field to Gloucester. Good Wages will be given for one that understands the Business .- The Pennsylvania Gazette, July 24, 1776.
Princeton, East-Jersey, Seventh Month 19, 1776. THREE POUNDS Reward.
Stolen out of the pasture of the subscriber, on the 10th instant, a chestnut sorrel HORSE, with a small star and snip, the mane wore off under the collar, paces and trots, about six years old last spring, shod all round, about 14} hands high. Whoever takes up and secures said horse and thief shall have the above reward, and reason- able charges, or Forty Shillings for the horse only, paid by ROBERT WHITE -The Pennsylvania Gazette, July 24, 1776.
Evesham, Burlington county, West-New-Jersey, July 19, 1776.
THREE POUNDS Reward.
Stole out of the house of the subscriber, on the night of the first instant, an old fashioned Silver faced WATCH No 1460, makers name William Clayton, London; the public in general and watch-makers in particular, are requested to be particular about examining such watch,
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on the crystal of which was a dimple. Whoever secures said watch for the owner, shall have Thirty Shillings reward, or Three Pounds for the watch and thief, and all reasonable charges, paid by
ISAAC HAINES, senior -The Pennsylvania Gazette, July 24, 1776.
THREE DOLLARS, Reward.
Run away, on the 15th of this instant July, at night, from the subscriber, in the township of Deptford, Glou- cester county, West New-Jersey, a Dutch servant man, named Engel Bertclasen, about 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, well set, about 29 years of age, light complexion, bushy hair of a lightish colour, lately had a cut on his right instep, not quite well ; had on, and took with him, a new felt hat, with a button and loop, a blue jacket, lately turned, with tight cuffs, new blue lining in the fore parts, one cloth coloured homespun ditto without sleeves, a homespun shirt, with a large patch on the back, one new pair of homespun trowsers, new buckskin breeches, rib- bed worsted stockings, new neats leather shoes, and a pair of new copper buckles ; a little blue bag, with a book and razor, besides sundry other things. Whoever takes up said servant, and secures him in any goal, so that the owner may get him again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges, if brought home, paid by
JAMES BROWN. -The Pennsylvania Gazette, July 24, 1776.
In the CONVENTION of the STATE of NEW-JERSEY Trenton, July 18, 1776.
W HEREAS it is necessary in these times of danger, that crimes should receive their due punishment, and the safety of the people more especially requires, that all persons who shall be found so wicked
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as to devise the destruction of good government, or to aid or assist the avowed enemies of the state, be punished with death : Therefore be it resolved and ordained by the authority of the same, that all persons abiding within this State of New-Jersey, and deriving protection from the laws thereof, do owe allegiance to the government of this State, as of late established on the authority of the people, and are to be deemed as members of this State ; and that all persons passing through, visiting, or making a temporary stay in this State being entitled to the pro- tection of the law during such passage, visitation, or temporary stay, during the same time owe allegiance to this Government.
And be it further resolved and ordained, That all and every person or persons, members of, or owing allegiance to this Government, as before described, who, from and after the date hereof, shall levy war against this state within the same, or be adherent to the King of Great- Britain, or others, the enemies of this state, within the same, or to the enemies of the United States of North- America, giving to him or them aid or comfort, shall be adjudged guilty of High Treason, and suffer the pains and penalties thereof, in like manner as by the ancient laws of this state he or they should have suffered in cases of high treason.
And be it further resolved and ordained, That all and every person or persons, who, from and after the date hereof, shall be found guilty of reviling the Government of this state, as by this Convention established, or of other seditious speeches or practices, shall be punished in like manner as by the former laws of this state such person or persons might or ought to have been punished for such seditious speeches and practices against the Government then in being.
And be it further resolved and ordained, That all and
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every person or persons, who, from and after the date hereof, shall be found guilty of counterfeiting or altering the Continental Bills of Credit issued by the late Provin- cial Congress of this state, or the Assemblies, Conventions, or Congresses of any of the United States of North- America, or altering the same, knowing them to be coun- terfeit or altered, shall be adjudged felons, and be pun- ished with death, in like manner as persons found guilty of counterfeiting or knowingly uttering the former Bills of Credit of this State, might or should have been.
Provided always, That no person or persons shall suffer death, or other pain or penalty for any of the offences aforesaid, until he or they shall have been first found guilty of the same offence or offences whereof he or they shall be charged and accused in a due course of law, and by the verdict of a jury.
Provided also, That nothing in this Ordinance con- tained shall be construed to divest any Committee of the power they now possess of examining and committing any offenders ; so that they do not proceed to the inflic- tion of punishment for any of the offences in this Ordi- nance contained, but leave the same to be determined in due course of law in manner aforesaid
A true Copy. By order of the Convention, SAMUEL TUCKER,1 President
Attested, WM PATERSON,2 Sec.
-New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, July 29, 1776.
Philadelphia, July 24, Since our last a great number of troops from Maryland and the different counties of this Province, have passed through this city on their way to the Jersies, where, no doubt, if Howe gives them an opportunity, they will prove to the world they deserve Liberty .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, July 29, 1776.
1 See note, p. 11.
2 See note, p. 41.
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New-York, July 29. An old Gentleman between 60 and 70, now does Duty in the Militia near Newark, in New-Jersey, is the Father of about 15 Children now alive, 9 of which are in the Continental Army, from Captains. to Privates.
Several Cannon were fired last Thursday Afternoon, from our Battery at Amboy, at a Number of Boats from Staten Island, bound to Sandy-Hook, supposed to join Part of the Ministerial Fleet laying there ; This brought on a Cannonade from the Encampment of the Regulars near Billop's Point, on the Island, which continued very hot on both Sides for near an Hour ; The Boats got clear, but many of the Regulars were seen to fall, and several carried off, supposed to be wounded. On our Side, a Soldier belonging to one of the Philadelphia Battalions was Killed, and one wounded ; a Horse in a Carriage had his Head shot off in the Street, and some Damage was done the Houses .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, July 29, 1776.
IN PROVINCIAL CONGRESS, New-Jersey,
Trenton, July 15, 1776.
THE general Election for Members of Council and Assembly, and for Sheriffs and Coroners in the Colony of New-Jersey, will begin on Tuesday the 13th of August next, at the several Places in each County, in which the last Elections for the Members of Provincial Congress were held.
By Order of Congress, SAMUEL TUCKER1 President -New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, July 29, 1776.
TRENTON FERRY, July 15, 1776.
Mr. Thomas Harvey, the proprietor of the new ferry, on the Pennsylvania side, has thought proper to address
1 See note, p. 11.
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the public, by way of answer to me, that the assertion (as he terms it) which I made respecting the distance between his new ferry and the old Trenton ferry, where I now live, is false, the true difference being only half a. mile and sixty rood, instead of a mile or more-I can only repeat my first assertion to be true on an actual mensuration, and which may appear from an authentic map of both ferries, and the roads leading to each, now in my possession. By this map it also appears that the river at Mr. Harvey's ferry is at least 110 yards wider than the old ferry, a circumstance Mr. Harvey has thought necessary to be silent upon, and even by his own shew of the true distance, he allows it to be near & of a mile, a round he expects the public to take to oblige, not themselves, but him. It is readily acknowledged that. Mr. Harvey may have been the sole cause of lowering the ferriage to what it is, but he should have been candid enough at the same time to place this to the account of his interest, and not to any particular merit or public spirit of his own. The rates at both ferries being now the same, the public will determine whether a mile saved in travelling is not an object of more consequence to them, than going that distance round to sacrifice to his merit, especially when the subscriber cannot but flatter himself that the boats and attendance at the old ferry, together with his attention and care to oblige and merit the favours of the public, cannot nor shall be exceeded by Mr. Harvey, at his new one.
THOMAS JANNEY.
-The Pennsylvania Gazette, July 31, 1776.
Extract of a Letter from the Camp at Elizabeth-Town, July 25.
" Yesterday nine of our rifle-men crossed the river, in order to harass some regulars who were throwing up a.
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kind of breast-work on a bridge, for their centries, who kept firing on our men for some time, without doing any execution, till one of the brave fellows went within a few yards of the enemy, and desired them to surrender; at that instant he received a ball through his head, which killed him on the spot. The Colonel sent over a Flag of Truce to the commanding officer on the island, desiring leave to bring off his man, which the officer very politely agreed to, and let him take man, rifle, and all his accou- trements .- After talking a little, he enquired what news was stirring ? On being told that Gen. Clinton had been defeated at Carolina, he bore it very well ; but on being acquainted that Lord Dunmore had been driven from Gwyn's Island, he looked very much confused."
Another letter of the same date says, "This morning we had a deserter from the Asia, who says that 2000 Highlanders have arrived within these few days, and that the enemy intend attacking New-York as soon as possible."
On Friday evening arrived in this city from Canada, Brigadier GENERAL SULLIVAN.1
We hear that one of the Continental Frigates lately launched in this city is called the DELAWARE and the other the RANDOLPH, in honour of the late illustrious senator of that name.
On Sunday last Brigadier General Ewing2 set off from
1 John Sullivan was born in Berwick, Maine, February 17th, 1740, of Irish parent- age, and practiced law in New Hampshire before the war. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1774, in June, 1775, was made a Brigadier-General of the Continental Army, took part in the siege of Boston, was promoted to be a Major- General and was captured at the battle of Long Island, August 27th, 1776. He took a prominent part in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Germantown and Brandy- wine. In 1779 he led the destructive expedition into the country of the Six Nations. He resigned in 1780, and was again returned to the Continental Congress. In 1789 he was a U. S Judge for his State and he died in 1795.
2 James Ewing was a resident of York county, Pa. He took part in Forbes' expedi- tion to Fort Duquesne and on July 4th, 1776, was made a Brigadier-General of Penn- sylvania Militia. He was assigned a part, with his command, in the surprise at Trenton, but he was prevented by the ice from crossing the Delaware river. He died March Ist, 1806.
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this city to join the Flying Camp in New-Jersey .- The Pennsylvania Gazette, July 31, 1776.
Run away from the subscriber, in Springfield, Burlington county, West-New-Jersey, on the 28th day of June last, an English servant boy, named Joseph Harris, about 5 feet high, of a yellow complexion, straight brown hair, dark eyes ; he talks much on the English dialect, and is a cunning, lying, deceitful fellow ; he is 16 years of age ; had on and took with him, a pretty good felt hat, an old patched shirt, and a new pair of tow trowsers ; if he has any shoes or jacket is uncertain. Whoever takes up said servant, and secures him in any goal, so that his master may get him again, shall have FOUR DOLLARS reward, and if brought home reasonable charges allowed by
JACOB SHINN.
N. B. All persons are desired not to entertain, conceal, or convey him away at their peril .- The Pennsylvania Gazette, July 31, 1776.
EIGHT DOLLARS Reward.
Run away from the subscriber, living in Pittsgrove township, Salem county, West-New-Jersey; on Sunday, the 21st day of July, a servant man named WILLIAM BLACKMORE, about 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, short light hair, is knock-kneed, and turns his toes out in his walk, he came from the West of England, and talks upon that dialect, is very talkative and impudent, and inclines to swear, fond of company, and apt to get in liquor ; has a large scar in the calf of his leg, occasioned by a scald ; had on, when he went away, a blue cloth jacket, without sleeves, or lining, old buckskin breeches, broke before, coarse thread stockings, old shoes, an old fine shirt, a half worn beaver hat, scalloped and cocked up (which he
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stole) he had with him a tow and linen shirt, also an iron collar round his neck, on one shank of which was marked I. H. and on the other W. B. he covers it with his shirt, but may easily be discovered ; it is likely he will change his name, as he has done before ; it is expected he will endeavour to get on board some of the king's ships, as he is a great tory. Whoever takes up the said servant, and secures him in any goal, so that his master may get him again, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges paid, if brought home, by
July 21, 1776. ISAAC HARRIS.
N. B. All masters of vessels are forbid to carry him off, and all gentlemen of the army, and navy are requested not to enlist him
The subscriber lost, on Monday last, either in Phila- delphia, or on the road to Salem, a silver tipt shagreen case, with 5 lancets ; any person that may find the same, and will deliver it to Mr. Benjamin Davids, in Phila- delphia, or Mr. William Eldridge, in Gloucester county, or the subscriber IH. shall receive Half a Dollar reward. -The Pennsylvania Gazette, July 31, 1776.
Ran away from the subscriber at Atsion iron-works,1 in the province of West-New-Jersey, on Wednesday the 31st of July last, JOHN FISHER, an English indented servant. He is sixteen years of age, about five feet four inches high, slender made, small legs, large feet, a little knock- kneed, much marked with the small-pox, and has a surly
1 An act of the Legislature, passed June 20th, 1765, empowered John Estell to erect a dam across the Atsion river, at Atsion, and probably in the following year Charles Read erected Atsion furnace. about the same time that he erected Batsto and Taunton furnaces, in the same neighborhood. These furnaces were operated by Read until the assignment of his property, June 2d, 1773. Subsequently, water was brought from Machesautuxen branch to the Atsion furnace pond by means of "Salter's ditch." The Atsion furnace was continued by various subsequent owners until the supply of bog ore became so scarce and the expense of transportation so great that the works were no longer profitable. The history of Atsion and Batsto furnaces is fully detailed in the papers in a notable suit in chancery decided in 1801 .- W. N.
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countenance. He had on, when he went away, a spotted swanskin jacket, osnabrug trousers with two patches on one of the knees. It is supposed he took with him a scarlet jacket, and a new ruff castor hat. Whoever takes up said servant and secures him in any jail, shall receive THREE POUNDS Reward.
LAWRENCE SALTAR
-The Pennsylvania Evening Post, August 1, 1776.
TO BE SOLD,
A Good frame Dwelling-house, with a good Garden Lot, containing a quarter of an acre, in a pleasant situa- tion, about a quarter of a mile from Trenton, on the main road leading to Penington and Amwell, fit to accommodate a small family, and may be entered upon immediately Enquire of the Printer, or of Alexander Carr Jun.1 in Trenton .- The Pennsylvania Packet, August 5, 1776.
Philadelphia, July 27. Extract of a letter from the Camp at Elizabeth-Town, dated July 25.
" Yesterday a rifle-man crossed the river, and when within fifteen yards of the enemy's out posts, desired them to surrender ; at that instant he received a ball thro' his head, which killed him on the spot. This morning we had a deserter from the Asia, who says that 2000 Highlanders have arrived within these few days, and that the enemy intended attacking New-York as soon as possible."
The Militia of this State continue to pass thro' this city daily in Companies on their way to New-Jersey. It is thought that Pennsylvania will send 20,000 men to the assistance of our neighbors .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, August 5, 1776.
1 Alexander Carr, Jr., was a chairmaker, and he resided on the property referred to, now part of the premises owned by the Trenton Water Works
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New-York, August 5. Extract of a Letter from Fort Montgomery, dated July 23, 1776.
"The Ships of War in the North-River, are now at Haverstraw. 'Tis evident their designs are frustrated, not expecting we were so well prepared to receive them. Last Thursday a Man made his Escape from on board the Rose, by swimming. He is well known here by Officers and Men from Boston, in the Train. He was taken last Summer by the Rose, in going to the West-Indies. He says, That the most Damage they received was in passing the Battery at Powles-Hook and the Blue Bell. The Cook of the Ship had a Leg shot off, some others wounded, a 12 Pounder lodged in their Fore-Mast, one came through her Quarter Galley into the Cabbin, and that her Shrouds and Rigging suffered much. The Phoenix's Damage he could not tell, only that she had received a Shot in her Bowsprit. What he saw he declared. As he was a Prisoner, 'tis not likely they would let him know their Disasters "
Extract of a Letter from Philadelphia, August 1.
" Last Night arrived an Account of the Capture of the Brig Richmond, by the Sloop Congress (fitted out of this Place) she was bound from London and Nevis for Halifax, and had on board the following Articles, viz. 1078 Joes, 672 Guineas, 15 Moidores ; 41 Hogshead Rum, 6 Hogs- heads, 5 Tierces, and 5 Barrels Sugar ; 1 Hogshead Loaf Sugar ; 24 Hogshead Prize Molasses ; 3 Cases Drugs, and a Trunk of Irish Linen. The Brig is safe arrived at Egg-Harbour, the Gold they had in the Water Cask."- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, Aug. 5, 1776.
The Public are desired to take Notice, That no Person whatever, either Male or Female, above the Age of 14 years, will be permitted to pass any of the Ferries in the
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State of New-Jersey. without a proper pass from the Place they leave .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, Aug. 5, 1776.
WANTED.
A Good Miller .- A single Person will be most agree- able. Also a good Fuller, that can be well recom- mended to make all Kinds of Cloth. Enquire of Mr. Stephen Rapalje, Merchant, in New-York, or to Mr. Garret Rapalje, at Squire's Point, who will give good encouragement.
Strayed or Stolen.
L I AST Night from the Subscriber, out of the Pasture of John Hampton, at Woodbridge, a dunn Horse, about 14 Hands high, six years old, or seven, a black List along his Back, a Blaze down his Face, natural Pacer, shod all round, and has a Lump on his off Shoulder Blade. Whoever takes up and sends said Horse to Mr. John Hampton, or secures him so that the Owner may have him again, shall have 20s. Reward, paid by JOHN MILLER Woodbridge, 1st August, 1776.
-New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, August 5, 1776.
New-York, August 8.
We hear from Elizabeth-Town, that on a late alarm there, when an immediate attack of the regulars was expected, and every man capable of bearing arms was summoned to defend it, there were three or four young men, brothers, going out from one house, when an elderly lady, mother, or grand-mother, to the young men, who, without betraying the least signs of timidity, had, with a resolute calmness, encouraged and assisted them to arm, when they were ready to go, and just setting out,
11
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1776
addressed them thus, "My children, I have a few words "to say to you, you are going out, in a just cause, to " fight for the rights and liberties of your country ; you " have my blessing and prayers, that God will protect "and assist you. But if you fall; his will be done. "Let me beg of you, my children, that if you fall, it " may be like men ; and that your wounds may not be "in your back parts."-The Pennsylvania Evening Post, August 10, 1776.
Extract of a letter from Philadelphia, August 7.
"Capt. Fowler in a sloop belonging to your city, is arrived at Egg-Harbour with 40001. worth of indigo, in 12 or 13 days from Charlestown."-New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, August 12, 1776.
TO BE SOLD
A Valuable Tract of Land, containing about 1500 acres, situate on the branches of Morris's River, West- New-Jersey, adjoining land of Amos Strettle, Thomas Sutton, John Leopar, and John Howard, is about 25 miles from Gloucester. For further particulars enquire of JOHN HART, Vendue master, in Philadelphia, or WILLIAM HALL, at Port-Penn .- The Pennsylvania Packet, August 13, 1776.
PHILADELPHIA
In CONVENTION of the State of New-Jersey, Brunswick, August 2, 1776.
RESOLVED, That the several County Committees within this State, do cause inventories and appraisements to be made of the estates real as well as personal, of all such persons within their respective bounds, as have, or shall have absconded from their homes, and joined them-
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selves to the enemies of this State, causing all perishable articles to be sold, and the monies arising therefrom, and all other the goods and estates of such persons, that they keep in safe and secure custody, until the further order of this Convention, or the determination of other proper judicature ; provided, that the said Committees be em- powered to leave any part of the said estate in the hands of the relations or friends of such absconding persons, taking such security as they may think proper for the return thereof, or of the value.
August 3.
WHEREAS, by the arrival of the enemy in the neigh- borhood of this State, the burden is become much greater to the Militia thereof, numbers being obliged to leave their families, and to march to the defence of their country ; so that prior ordinances for regulating the Militia are become inadequate, it be highly just and equi- table proportionally to increase the sums formerly directed to be paid, by those who refuse to bear arms for the pro- tection of the State; and also to inflict greater punish- ments on those who, although they have associated, or been directed to be enrolled for the defence of their country, yet neglect to attend on days appointed for mustering, and are unwilling, at this time of great danger, to step forth with their countrymen, to oppose the enemies of freedom. It is therefore
Resolved and Ordained, That all able bodied persons, between the ages of sixteen and fifty years, who, on any account, refuse to bear arms, do pay, as an equivalent for their actual service, the sum of twenty shillings procla- mation money monthly and every month during the present alarming time, and until proper measures shall be taken by the future legislature to render the burden and expence equal to the inhabitants of this State; and
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that all persons directed to be enrolled by former ordi- nances, both officers and privates, who neglect to attend on days of muster, do pay double the sums directed by an ordinance of the late Congress, bearing date the 28th day of October, 1775; all which sums shall be recovered and applied by the officers of the militia, in such manner as the aforesaid ordinance directs, with respect to the fines inflicted on officers and privates of the militia, without regard to religious denomination, any in said ordinance to the contrary, notwithstanding.
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