USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. I > Part 15
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CHARLES READ.1
-The Pennsylvania Gazette, September 25, 1776.
1 For sketches of Charles Read, see 1 N. J. Archives, IX., 451 ; X., 426.
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TO BE LETT
A Fulling-Mill and Appurtenances, in good order, on that never-failing stream of water, Crosswick's creek, in Monmouth county, New-Jersey. A person that under- stands the business well, may command as much work as he can manage. For further particulars, enquire of JACOB SHOEMAKER, in Philadelphia or RICHARD WALN on the premises. August 16, 1776. -The Pennsylvania Gazette, September 25, 1776.
Newark, September 28. Tuesday evening last arrived at Elizabeth-town, from Quebec, in 4 transports, about 420 of our People that had been taken prisoners at dif- ferent times in Canada.
Wednesday last, Brigadier General Sullivan,1 who was lately taken by the King's troops on Long-Island, was exchanged for General Prescot, who commanded at Cham- ble. General M'Donald would not be accepted for Lord Stirling.
Sunday last a number of the regulars embarked in boats from New York island, near Greenwich, and it was supposed intended to attack Powles-Hook, but in the afternoon they disembarked, and gave over the attempt for that time. Monday the Roebuck with three other ships came too, opposite our battery at that post, and after discharging about 100 cannon, landed near 500 men, our people having evacuated the place some hours before, and carried off their artillery, &c. They are now advan- tageously posted on the heights at the mill about one mile from the enemy, and are busy throwing up entrench- ments, having been reinforced with about 4000 men.
Last Sunday Morning departed this Life at Elizabeth- Town, in this State, in the 70th year of his age, Mr. Garret Noel, many years an eminent bookseller, in the
1 See note, p. 156.
13
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city of New York. He was a kind husband, and tender parent, and justly esteemed and beloved by all that knew him.
Died last Sunday, at this place, in the 7th year of her age, Miss Katey Hake, eldest daughter of Mr. Samuel Hake, late of the city of New-York, merchant. If from the brightest morn, we might promise the fairest day, if from the most beautiful bud, we might presage the finest flower ; then might her fond parents have promised them- selves the most sincere and lasting joy parental nature is capable of, but alas ! the sun that begins his course with the utmost splendor, is too frequently soon inveloped in clouds, and the ruthless hand of death makes no distinc- tion but points his dart where it will wound the deepest, at the fairest bud. The delicate, sympathysing few, whose hearts have bled on such a stroke, will more easily conceive, than it can be expressed, what the disconsolate mother suffers on this occasion.
"Early, bright, transient, chaste as morning dew, She sparkl'd, was exhal'd, and went to heaven."
-New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, September 28, 1776. A small PARCEL of Sherry Wine and Muscovado Sugars.
To be sold by Ten Eyck and Seaman, at Col. John Zabriskie's at the New Bridge, Hackinsack; The same may be conveyed from thence by Water to Newark and Elizabeth-Town .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, September 28, 1776.
S' ITRAYED from the pasture of Mr. Mathias Wynants, of Chatham, in New Jersey, about 8 weeks since, a brindle heiffer, with a calf about 9 weeks old at
ยท
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this time. Her marks a half crop on the under side of the left ear, she is supposed to have gone towards Raway or Woodbridge with several other creatures that broke out of a pasture together, and probably is some where on the road. She is the property of Ezekeal Ball, and whoever takes the said heiffer and calf, and returns them to the owner shall have two dollars reward, paid by Mr. Mathias Wynants, or Dr. Ball at Chatham, or the owner at Tus- kin1-Hall, at Newark Farms.
EZEKEAL BALL.
Who has an excellent CHAIR HORSE to dispose of.
A N assortment of dry goods (not before exposed to sale) just opening at the house of Mr. John Dixen, near Mr. Horton's2 Meeting House, in Morris County, New-Jersey, among which are sheetings, a variety of linens white and check, tapes, Scotch and marking thread, diapers, tickers, callicoes, chintzes, lawn, gauzes, a large assortment of muslins, a quantity of handker- chiefs, linen, cotton, and Barcelona black cravats, sham garnets, silk and thread lace, peelongs, persians, montre- als, ribbons, serrits ; silk, cotton and worsted hose, furni- ture check, broad cloths, swanskins, kerseys, ratteens,
1 Edward Ball, of Newark, Sheriff of Essex county in 1693, had a son Thomas, whose son Ezekiel built Tusken or Tuskin (Tuscan) Hall, at Newark Farms, known more recently as Middleville. The property was in what is now the southern part of South Orange township, a short distance west of Clinton, and but three or four miles from Newark, on Springfield avenue. The name is perpetuated by Tuscan Road, which runs through the old farm. Ezekiel came to be most generally known by the name of his place, and was commonly called "Tuscan " Ball. See Littell's Passaic Valley Family Records, 31 ; History of Essex and Hudson Counties, 787. Ezekiel Ball, Jr., son of David Ball, of Rahway, removed to Middletown, Ohio, where he left numerous descendants .- W. N.
2 Rev. Azariah Horton was the first regular pastor at South Hanover (afterwards Bottle Hill and now Madison). He graduated at Yale College in 1735, was ordained in 1741, and served as a missionary to the Indians until his call to Madison, in 1751. He resigned his charge in 1776, but volunteering to nurse the soldiers suffering with small-pox, he caught the disease and died, March 27th, 1777. The meeting-house stood on the crown of the hill, south of the burying-ground, in Madison, within about one hundred yards of the Morris and Essex railroad. John Dixon's name appears as that of an officer of the church in 1778 .- E. D. H.
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flannels, embossed serges, linceys, worsted and hair plush, plain and striped camblets, camblettees, durants, shaloons, cailimancoes, lastings, thimbles, knitting pins, penknives, coarse and fine combs, gartering, paper boxes, wool cards, mohair and buttons, &c. &c.
N. B. A small assortment of the above goods, particu- larly such articles as will suit the army, is opened at Mr. John Halstead's, in Elizabeth-Town .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, September 28, 1776.
MADEIRA WINES Of the very best Quality.
ro be sold, by the pipe, quarter cask, or five gallons, by Dr. Atwood, at the house of Joseph Riggs, Esq ; in Newark ;- also, mace, cinnamon, nutmegs, cloves, alspice, &c. Turlington's balsam, Bateman's drops, Haerlem oil, British oil, Anderson's pills, Hooper's pills, Lockyer's pills, James's fever powders, Hill's balsam of honey, a paste for preserving the teeth and gums, Greenough's tincture for the teeth, Boerhagg's balsam, &c. Drugs and Medicines in general. Marble mortars of all sizes .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, September 28, 1776.
Mount Washington, &th September 1776.
D' ESERTED from Col. Forman's regt of the Jersey new levies, from Capt. John Webster's company, between the first and seventh of this Inst. viz. John Den- nis, Phenias Kent, Peter Augustun, Gersham Dunn, Ed- ward Ridgway, Abraham Smock, Jonathan Allin, Bursun Burcaw, and Nathaniel Hodsun. From Capt. Haddin's company, Solomon Tharp. From Capt. Abraham Wooley's company, Jacob Wood, Nathan Lyon, Nathan Sutton, Charles Vandike, and James Tallman. From Capt. Peter Wikoff's company, Isaac Childes. Whoever takes up
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and returns said deserters, shall receive Forty Shillings New-Jersey money, for each, from the subscriber.
DAVID FORMAN,1 Col.
-New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, September 28, 1776. Printed at Newark, in East-New-Jersey.
FORTY DOLLARS REWARD.
RAN AWAY from the city of Burlington, in state of New-Jersey, on Tuesday evening the 24th of September inst. a certain JAMES LANNING country born, a sad- dler by trade, about 21 or 22 years of age, a slender made fellow, fair complexion, light hair, about five feet 7 or 8 inches high ; he generally wears a uniform coat, blue turned up with red, but has a variety of clothing with him, the particulars not known to the subscribers. It is supposed from several circumstances that he intends going to sea in some vessel from Philadelphia, in company with a young man of his acquaintance from Hunterdon County ; all masters of vessels are therefore particularly requested not to carry him off-He has in his possession a considerable sum of money, sundry goods, and papers of value, all belonging to the county of Burlington ; It is therefore hoped that all friends to their country will aid in apprehending such an attrocious villain, who (under cover of friendship to the American cause) has been guilty of deceiving and defrauding the Public .- And whoever apprehends and secures him in any gaol shall be entitled to the above Reward, and reasonable
1 David Forman was Colonel of one of the additional Continental regiments, in February, 1777, and was also commissioned Brigadier-General of the New Jersey Militia, March 5th, 1777. He commanded the New Jersey Militia at the battle of Germantown. He was a most ardent patriot, and he was called " Black David " by the Tory inhabitants of Monmouth county, N. J., whom he persecuted with all the vindictiveness of his strong nature.
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charges if brought into this county and properly secured, from
PETER TALLMAN, Chairman of the Committee.1 EDWARD THOMAS, and SAMUEL RODGERS Jun. -The Pennsylvania Packet, October 1, 1776.
Just published and to be sold by ISAAC COLLINS, at. his Printing office in Burlington.
THE BURLINGTON ALMANACK,
For the Year of our Lord 1777.
Containing besides the usual Astronomical Observa- tions, a variety of useful and entertaining matter in prose and verse.
-The Pennsylvania Packet, October 1, 1776.
NEWARK, (East New Jersey) Sept. 21.
Since our last, printed in New York the ninth instant, we have collected the following intelligence relative to the fleet and armies of our enemies, viz. That a battery was opened on a point of land on Long Island, opposite the east end of Blackwell's Island, which cannonaded our fort at Hoorn's Hook for several days, but to little purpose, we having no more than two men killed and four wounded. Wednesday the eleventh, a number of the enemy took possession of Bahanna and Montrefour's islands, from whence it was imagined they intended to land either at Harlem or Morrissania-Thursday the 12th, two ships of war made their appearance at Hell-gate, having come through the Sound,-Friday the 13th, a
1 The Burlington County Committee of Observation, appointed by the citizens of the county, February 14th, 1775. Tallman was a Lieutenant in Spencer's Regiment, Continental Army.
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signal gun was fired from the Admiral's ship at three o'clock, P. M. when the Phoenix and Roebuck of forty four guns each, the Orpheus of thirty, and another frigate, got under way, and went up the East river, through a very hot fire from all our batteries. Saturday the 14th, in the evening, four other frigates and two transports run up the East river to join those that went the day before .- Sunday the 15th, the Asia, and two other ships of war proceeded up the North river, but were roughly handled by our battery at Powles Hook ;1 and the next morning, by daylight, the Asia came down much faster than she went up, three ships of war being nearly all destroyed by four of our fire ships that run in among them, and nothing prevented their total destruction but a gale of wind, that sprung up at that instant. The same day, about eleven o'clock, the enemy effected the landing of a number of men near Mr. Stuyvesant's house in the Bowery, about two miles from the city, under cover of a most tremendous fire from eight or ten ships of war, and in a few hours after took possesion of the city of New- York.
We hear that the English troops attacked part of our army near the Blue Ball, last Monday, about four o'clock in the afternoon ; that the enemy was twice repulsed, and beat back near two miles, leaving behind them many killed and taken prisoners, with three field pieces, some luggage, &c &c. More authentic accounts of these affairs are hourly expected, when they shall be published in due season.
Wednesday last the Asia went up the North river again.
The same day there was a smart firing from Bergen point, at two tenders, a sloop and a schooner that lay near Shutter's island, at the mouth of Newark bay.
1 Now Jersey City, N. J.
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Yesterday morning, a very heavy firing was heard on York island, at Bergen town.
We hear there are no more than one thousand of the King's troops now in New-York, and those principally Englishmen.
-The Pennsylvania Evening Post, October 1, 1776.
SPEECH of His Excellency WILLIAM LIVINGSTON,1
Esquire, Governor, Captain-General and Commander in Chief in and over the State of NEW-JERSEY, and Territories thereunto belonging, Chancellor and Ordi- nary of the same :
To the COUNCIL and ASSEMBLY of the said State, at a Session of the General Assembly at Princeton.
Gentlemen of the Council and General Assembly,
CONSIDERING how long the hand of oppression had been stretched out against us ; while the most assiduous applications for redress were either totally disregarded or treated with insult :- How long the system of despotism concerted for our ruin had been insidiously pursued, and was at. length attempted to be enforced by the violence of war; reason and conscience must have approved the measure had we sooner abjured that allegiance, from which, not only by the denial of protection, but the hostile assaults on our persons and properties, we were clearly absolved. It may however, afford some consola- tion to every man duly regardful of the convictions of his own mind, and the honor and reputation of his country ; that America deferred this important step, till the decisive alternative of absolute submission or utter destruction, announced by a numerous fleet and army, had
1 See note, p. 170.
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extinguished all hope of obtaining justice; and the whole continent, save a few self-interested individuals, were unanimous in the separation. In a word, till the most scrupulous conscience could, on the maturest reflec- tion, find itself justified before God and Man, in re- nouncing those tyrants who, after having ravaged a great part of Asia, and dissapated in venality and riot, the treasures extorted from its innocent inhabitants by the hand of rapine and blood ; finally meant to prolong their luxury and corruption by appropriating to them- selves the hard-earned competence of the American world.
Thus constrained to assert our own Independence and dissolve all political connection with a nation insatiate with plunder, and deaf to the voice of reason, of justice and humanity ; the late "Representatives of the Colony " of New-Jersey in congress assembled, did, pursuant to " the advice of the Honorable the Continental Congress, "the supreme Council of the American Colonies, agree " upon the form of a Constitution;" which by tacit acquiescence and open approbation, hath since received the assent and concurrence of the good people of this state, to whose consideration it was for that purpose sub- mitted. Agreeable to this Constitution, you, Gentlemen, have been chosen the Legislative Council and Assembly of this state; and being jointly met, have, in farther pursuance of it, proceeded to the choice of a Governor.
Having conferred that honor upon one who feels him- self very unequal to the task ; but at the same time upon one, who, having during the whole contest, taken an active part in opposing the meditated bondage, now dis- dains, in its most perilous period to shrink from a station which must render him peculiarly obnoxious to the com- mon enemy ; he can with great sincerity assure you, that it shall be his constant endeavour faithfully to discharge the trust reposed in him.
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He is moreover confident, that how greatly soever you may find yourselves deceived in the favorable opinion you may have been pleased to entertain of his abilities, he will never give you any reason to call in question the rectitude of his intentions.
Gentlemen,
In the present situation of affairs, it is absolutely necessary to turn our first attention to the operations of war.
The pay of our Militia lately called out for the defence of New-York (which has acquired signal renown by the spirit and alacrity with which it engaged in the common cause) admits of no delay.
That of half our Militia now on duty, will be due in a few days.
Some farther regulations respecting the better ordering the Militia, merit your speedy attention.
A law for regulating the impressing of such articles as the exigencies of the service require, is of great impor- tance.
No allowance having been made for the provender of the light horse when in actual service, and it being im- possible from their perpetual station, and being frequently employed as expresses, for the Commissaries to provide them, it is reasonable the men should be allowed an equivalent for keeping their horses themselves.
The fixing the seat of government in some convenient and plentiful part of the state, calls for your seasonable deliberation.
Such other matters as may occur to me during the ses- sion, and appear more particularly conducive to give vigour to the executive branch of the Constitution, I shall take the liberty to lay before you.
To enable me, Gentlemen, the more successfully to
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execute the arduous office wherewith your unsought and unexpected predeliction hath invested me, it affects me with singular pleasure, to find both Houses composed of the most respectable characters. This affords a happy presage of your zeal and unanimity, in promoting the true emolument of that state of which the uncorrupted voice of a free people, has made you the guardians and protectors. As it is our indispensible duty, may it be our invariable aim, to exhibit to our constituents, the bright- est examples of a disinterested love for the common weal ; and be inflexible in our resolution to know neither friend nor favorite, whenever his solicitations appear in- compatible with the general good. In our public capaci- ties we ought to rise superior to all private attachment or resentment, and make the intrinsic merit of every candi- date for an office our sole rule for his promotion. Let us, Gentlemen, both by precept and practice, encourage a spirit of economy, industry, and patriotism; and that public integrity and righteousness which cannot fail to exalt a nation ; setting our faces at the same time like a flint against that dissoluteness of manners and political corruption which will ever be the reproach of any people, May the foundation of our infant state be laid in virtue and the fear of God; and the superstructure will rise glorious and endure for ages. Then may we humbly ex- pect the blessing of the Most High, who divides to the nations their inheritance, and SEPARATES the sons of ADAM .* In fine, Gentlemen, while we are applauded by the whole impartial world, for demolishing the old fabric. rotten and ruinous as it was; let us unitedly strive to approve ourselves master builders, by giving beauty, strength and stability to the new.
WIL. LIVINGSTON.
Princeton, Sept. 11, 1776.
-The Pennsylvania Gazette, October 1, 1776. No. 258.
* Deut. xxxii., 3.
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NEWARK (New-Jersey) September 28.
Sunday last a number of the regulars embarked in boats from New York Island near Greenwich, and it was supposed intended to attack Powles Hook, but in the afternoon they disembarked and gave over the attempt for that time .- Monday the Roebuck and three other ships came to opposite our battery at that post, and after discharging about 100 cannon, landed near 500 men, our people having evacuated the place some hours before, and carried off their artillery, &c. They are now advanta- geously posted on the heights at the mill about one mile from the enemy, and are busy throwing up entrench- ments having been reinforced with about 4000 men.
Philadelphia, Oct. 8.
By a letter from Newark, in New Jersey, we learn, that besides the damage said to be done by the fire in New- York, Pearl street was all destroyed ; and that several per- sons were in jail on that account. The letter adds, that a number of transports with troops, among which were Burgoyne's light horse,1 had arrived at New-York. -The Pennsylvania Evening Post, October 8, 1776.
To his EXCELLENCY WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Esquire, Governor, Captain General and Commander in Chief in and over the State of New Jersey, and Terri- tories thereunto belonging, Chancellor and Ordinary in the same.
The ADDRESS of the Council of the said State,
May it please your Excellency,
WE, the Council of the State of New-Jersey, beg leave to congratulate your Excellency on your appointment to the government, and to return you our most cordial thanks for your truly patriotic speech.
1 Sixteenth Regiment British Light Dragoons.
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The impartial and disinterested part of the world will agree with your Excellency, that the separation of America from Great-Britain is fully justifiable before God and man ; A separation at once expedient, inevitable, and essentially necessary to our very existence as freemen. America, indeed, was compelled to break off all union with a nation which, contaminated with luxury, and in. satiate with plunder, had concerted a system of despotism for her ruin. All America regrets the necessity, at the same time that all America applauds the rectitude and spirit of the measure. The British nation too, if not totally immersed in venality and corruption, must ap- plaud an action which accords so eminently with the true spirit of their own constitution ; An action, that owes its birth to the same principle, which was so signally dis- played in the memorable Revolution. What, however, is peculiarly worthy of remark in the progress of the present. contest, is, that wonderful preparation of circumstances, and singular combination of causes, which gradually brought on the separation, and disposed the minds of men for an event so truly important.
The constitution framed by the late Convention, al- though not entirely perfect, has, however, equitably and justly decided on most of the principal points whereon the happiness of this society depends ; and therefore hath met with general approbation. Upon so respectable and honourable a bottom the present Legislature is founded ; which, in the most unbiassed manner, hath chosen your Excellency to preside over the State, and, by that choice, hath, at this perilous period, clearly shown how much they admire your virtues, and what confidence they re- pose in your abilities.
The several important matters, recommended by your Excellency, merit our serious and deliberate considera- tion ; and in conjunction with the General Assembly, we
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shall take such steps, and pass such laws, as may appear most conducive to the public weal.
We join your Excellency in sentiment as to the dis- interestedness and integrity so indispensibly requisite in all our proceedings : Certainly, as public men, we are to know neither friend nor favorite, fear nor resentment. Sensible that, especially in the infancy of our civil in- stitution, much depends upon the selection of proper per- sons to occupy the various departments in the State, your Excellency may be assured that we shall be par- ticularly cautious in our choice. Stationed as we are, the guardians and protectors of the State, the general good should be the sole object of attention, and of course, in the appointment of officers, intrinsic merit should be the sole rule of promotion. These, Sir, were the considera- ations which influenced us in the appointment of such officers as have been already elected : and we trust will continue to be the rule of our conduct.
No time ever required more economy, industry, patriotism, purity of manners and true devotion than the present ; and the experience of all ages, with the recent example of Great-Britain, hath effectually taught us, how essentially necessary it is to the weal of the State to in- culcate these excellent qualifications, both by precept and example.
By order of the House, JOHN STEVENS, V. P. Princeton, Sept. 28, 1776.
To which his Excellency was pleased to make the following REPLY.
GENTLEMEN,
I AM greatly obliged to you for your kind congratula- tions on my appointment to the government ; and for the favorable sentiments you are pleased to express concern-
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ing me. As every office is only honourable in proportion to the public good it enables the person sustaining it to do, and the officer himself in proportion to the good he actually does, I can assure you that the reflection of having promoted the true interest of this State to the extent of my wishes and of your expectation, will afford me more satisfaction than can result from any external splendor, or the most illustrious titles.
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