USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. I > Part 16
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-The Pennsylvania Packet, October 8, 1776. No. 259.
SIX DOLLARS Reward.
Deserted from Captain Matthew Smith's company Sept. 28, 1776, from Princeton, a certain James Mellone, about 50 years of age, a dark looking fellow, about 5 feet 10 inches high, wears a brown hunting shirt and trousers, without fringe, an old felt hat, old shoes ; brown hair, hollow eyes, has been fighting, and has a black eye. Whoever secures said deserter so that he may be brought to the regiment at Kingsbridge, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
MICHAEL SIMPSON, Lieut.
-The Pennsylvania Gazette, October 9, 1776.
Philadelphia, October 9. Extract of a letter from head-quarters at Bergen, Oct. 4.
" To-morrow we evacuate Bergen-a measure, which will at first be condemmed and afterwards approved of. For my own part, I am sorry that the enemy should pos- sess another inch of American ground, but prudence requires a further sacrifice. The reasons of leaving this place, I take to be these, Bergen is a narrow neck of land, accessable on three sides by water, and exposed to a variety of attacks in different places at one and the same time. A large body of the enemy might infallibly take
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possession of the place whenever they pleased, unless we kept a stronger force than our numbers will allow. The spot itself is not an object of their arms, if they attacked, it would be to cut off those who defended it, and secure the grain and military stores. These have been removed, and when we are gone, a naked spot is all they will find. No other damage will follow, except a depres- sion of some people's spirits, who unacquainted with places, circumstances, and the secret reasons of such re- linquishments, are apt to despond as if every thing was lost. We go to Fort Constitution as soon as we have seen the troops marched off. We shall leave a guard of observation behind us, this may prevent the enemy's dis- covering our removal for a day or two."-Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, October 9, 1776.
New-York, October 14. It is said that the titular Lord Stirling, who was lately exchanged for Governor Brown of the Bahama Islands, was sent reconnoitering the other Day in Front of the Rebel Lines .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, October 14, 1776.
Philadelphia, October 16. By express from General Lee, at Amboy, dispatched on Saturday last, we learn that the enemy had evacuated Staten-Island, and that our people had again taken possession of it .- Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, October 16, 1776.
The General Assembly of the state of New-Jersey, lately sitting at Princetown, adjourned on Tuesday last to the 13th of November next, then to meet at the city of Burlington .- Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, October 16, 1776.
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SIX DOLLARS Reward.
RAN AWAY from the subscriber living in Bethlehem township, Hunterdon county, New-Jersey.
A
NEGRO MAN named Ben, about three and twenty
years old, five feet six inches high, country born,
lived lately in the lower parts of Maryland. He is lame in one of his feet. Had on an old hat, an old blue coat, a red jacket and buckskin breeches. Whoever secures said Negro so that the subscriber may have him again, or brings him home, shall receive the above reward with reasonable charges paid by
THOMAS SCOTT.
N. B. Whoever takes up said NEGRO, is desired to acquaint the subscriber by advertising him in the Penn- sylvania Journal .- Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, October 16, 1776.
To BE SOLD, By the SUBSCRIBER.
A HOUSE and Lor in the town of Haddonfield in the county of Gloucester in West-Jersey. The house is two story high, has three rooms on a floor ; the lot containing two and a quarter acres of land, chief of it excellent good orchard, for terms apply to JOSEPH ROWAND, living in Coles-town in the aforesaid county. -Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, October 16, 1776.
W AS left at the house of JOSEPH HAIGHT, in the city of Burlington, New-Jersey, a short time ago, a considerable sum of money by some person un- known, the owner by describing the money and the sum, may by applying to the subscriber and paying for this advertisement have it again .- Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, October 16, 1776.
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New-York, October 21. A Body of the Rebels skulked over on Saturday sen'night from the New-Jersey Shore, to Staten-Island, and, after cowardly setting Fire to two or three Farm-Houses, skulked back again to their former Station. Probably, from their Conduct, it may be judged, that these were the People, who about the middle of last August, committed such an Act of villainous Barbarity, as cannot be recited without Indignation. A very little Boy, belonging to an Officer of the Army, was playing by himself, upon the Shore of Staten-Island opposite the Jerseys, when about seven or eight of the Rifle Men or Ragged Men, came down slyly, and discharged their Mus- quets upon him. Immediately upon the poor Creature's falling; they gave three Cheers and retired. This was a most cruel, dastardly, and infamous Murder upon a de- fenceless innocent Child. Such Poltroons will always run away at the Appearance and Approach of Men !
Another Body of Rebels came over from New-Jersey to Staten-Island in the Night of the 15th Instant, and at- tacked a small Post of the Troops, who did not perceive them, till they were advanced close to the Centinels. In the Skirmish, it is said, near twenty Soldiers were killed and wounded or missing. The Number of the Rebels in killed and wounded, is yet unknown.
On Friday 65 Sail of Vessels, under Convoy of the Diamond and Ambuscade, with the second Division of the Hessians, and 1000 Waldeckers, under the command of the Generals Kniphausen and Schmidtz, and a Num- ber of Recruits for the British Troops, in all about 8000 effective Men, arrived off Sandy-Hook. They sailed from Plymouth-Sound the 27th of last July. In the Fleet are several Victuallers and Vessels laden with Draught Horses for the Train, and Baggage of the Army.
A few Days since died in New-Jersey, Mr. HENRY WIL- MOT, Merchant, and late Chairman to the General Com- mittee in this City .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, October 21, 1776.
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To his Excellency WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Esq; Gov- ernor, Captain General, and Commander in Chief in and over the State of New-Jersey, and Territories there- unto belonging, Chancellor and Ordinary in the same.
The ADDRESS of the ASSEMBLY of the said State. May it please your Excellency,
WHILST we anticipate the blessings of a government founded on freedom, having for its sole object the happi- ness of the people, it affords the most pleasing reflection that all our measures for attaining that great end are strongly marked with deliberation and firmness, and will bear the strictest scrutiny of reason and conscience. To those disposed to trace the hand of approving Heaven in our deliverance from the galling yoke of slavery, the unparalleled unanimity of the American States in resist- ing the encroachments of despotism, and refusing the insidious offers of precarious peace-the rejection of our petitions, tho' fraught with unrefuted reasoning and clear demonstration, joined to the infatuated policy of our enemy, and the success of our arms, afford the most un- equivocal marks of Providential Agency; whilst our willingness even to relinquish some of our indubitable rights for the sake of peace-our patience under repeated injuries and insults-the declaration of our rights, and consequent independence, long delayed-plainly evince to the impartial world our aversion to shedding human blood. But, compelled by the insatiate plunderers of the east to assert our freedom, we have burst the bands of political slavery, and arisen into a life of liberty. Thus situate, we cannot evince more fully to the world the purity of our intentions, and our sense of the value of our purchase, than by placing in the most conspicuous points of view those Gentlemen who have taken an early and decisive part in our glorious struggle for freedom.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1776
Our conviction of the rectitude of your Excellency's intentions stands confessed, by your appointment to the office of Chief Magistrate of this free State. But whilst we feel our own inadequacy to the business assigned us by our country, we must acknowledge, with your Excel- lency, that your task is arduous indeed ! and intreat you to look up, with us, to the indulgent Parent of the Uni- verse, who, when the end proposed is stamped with his approbation, can make the abilities keep pace with the will.
Convinced, with your Excellency, of the necessity of a well regulated militia for the defence of a free State, and of their being duly paid for their service, our earliest attention shall be given to that most important business ; and permit us, Sir, to assure you, that whilst we have aught to bestow, the voice of murmuring for services un- paid, or merit unrewarded, shall not be heard in this State.
If, in fixing the seat of government according to the local circumstances and convenience of the various parts of this State, we should appoint a place agreeable to your Excellency, it will double our satisfaction. The law mentioned, and such other salutary regulations as may occur to your Excellency during this session, when com- municated to us, shall meet with all due attention.
Your obliging mention of the importance of the station in which the uncorrupted voice of our constituents hath placed us, demands our acknowledgments, and will, we hope, spirit us to such exertions in our duty, as may re- dound to the benefit of the State : And we assure you, with sincerity, that laying aside all private attachments and resentment, it shall be our study to cultivate that harmony between the branches of the legislature, that spirit of economy, industry and patriotism, so justly recommended, and so essential to the public welfare; and that whilst
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our heaven-directed Generals and soldiers, with an ardour peculiar to freemen, brave the dangers of well- fought fields, against the lawless sons of rapine and plunder, ours shall be the important task, in conjunction with your Excellency and the Honourable Council, to give our cool deliberations and useful resolves, the most unambiguous marks of that spirit which ought to ani- mate a senate of freemen.
We hope that no situation in life can make us lose sight of that evident truth, so loudly proclaimed in the historic page, that dissoluteness of manners and political corruption are inseparable companions in the destruction of kingdoms ; whilst the concurring testimony of the inspired penman will enforce on the most obdurate heart, that righteousness exalteth a nation, but that sin is a reproach to any people. Determined to employ the talents given in procuring, and transmitting inviolate to posterity, the fair inheritance of civil and religious liberty, though bought at the price of life, we will look, for the per- manency and stability of our new government, to him who bringeth Princes to nothing, and teacheth Senators wisdom.
By order of the House,
House of Assembly, Sept. 24, 1776.
JOHN HART,1 Speaker.
1 The cyclopædias and other compilations are singularly inaccurate and imperfect in their accounts of this distinguished character. John Hart, son of Captain Ed- ward Hart, who came from Stonington, Conn., was baptized in the Presbyterian church' at Hopewell, N. J., "12th Mo. 21st, 1713"-March 4th, 1714, N. S. He had little or no education, but was greatly esteemed and trusted by his neighbors, who elected him to the Assembly in 1761, re-elected him in 1768, and sent him to the Provincial Congress of 1775-6, of which body he was chosen Vice President, June 15th, 1776. One week later he was elected a delegate to the Continental Congress, and so became one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, but served in the Congress only that one session. In August, 1776, he was elected to the first Assembly under the State Constitution, and on August 28th was unanimously chosen Speaker, in which office he was continued until the first session of 1778, when he was com- pelled by failing health to retire from active life. He died May 11th, 1779, at his home in Hopewell. The fullest sketch of his life is given in 1 N. J. Archives, IX., 269, note. For an eloquent and accurate delineation of the man's personal character- istics, see oration by Gov. Joel Parker, at the dedication of the monument to John Hart, July 4th, 1865. The most detailed account of his descendants is by Dr. John R. Stevenson, of Haddonfield, N. J., in N Y'. Gen. and Biog. Record, XXI., 36-39. See also Cooley's Genealogy of Early Settlers in Trenton and Ewing, Trenton, 1883, pp. 105-114 .- W. N.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION.
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To which his EXCELLENCY was pleased to make the following REPLY
GENTLEMEN,
YOUR kind and affectionate address deserves my cordial thanks ; and I feel myself most agreeably affected with your obliging assurances of paying all due attention to the laws and regulations recommended to your consideration.
I heartily participate with you in the pleasure of tracing that conspicuous Providential Agency, which has hitherto frustrated the sanguinary purposes of our enemies ; and which, that it is not more generally and devoutly acknowledged, is greatly to be deplored. But while with pious gratitude we survey the frequent interpositions of heaven in our behalf, we ought to remember that as the disbelief of an over ruling Providence is atheism so an absolute confidence of having our deliverance wrought out by the immediate hand of God, without our own exertions, is the most culpable presumption. Let us therefore inflexibly persevere in exerting our most strenuous efforts, in an humble and rational dependence on the great Governor of the World, and we have the fairest pros- pect of surmounting all our difficulties, and of seeing our merciless oppressors involved in that destruction which they have so long been meditating for others .- The Pennsylvania Packet, October 22, 1776. No. 261.
TWENTY-FOUR DOLLARS REWARD,
DESERTED from Perth Amboy, from Colonel Moore's 1 regiment of the Flying Camp, MICHAEL WANE, au slender man, about five feet eight inches high, has lost part of one of the fingers of his left hand, is much given to drink, and seldom looks a man in the face; had on a light coloured frock, yellow breeches, old hat, &c .. NICHOLAS SMITH, five feet eight or nine inches high,
1 Colonel James Moore, Chester county, Pennsylvania, Regiment of Associators.
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is at times apt to be very saucy, and has a very indifferent countenance ; had on a white frock, leather breeches, old hat, yarn stockings, &c. JOHN ARES, about five feet five inches high, and is possessed of every bad quality described in the other two without any of their good ones, if they have any : He has black eyes and hair, a purple frock and trowsers, old hat, good shoes, &c .- Whoever takes up any of the above described persons, and returns them to their respective corps, shall for each of them receive THREE POUNDS, and for the whole of them NINE POUNDS, and reasonable charges paid by
THOMAS HOLME, Captain. -The Pennsylvania Packet, October 22, 1776.
To be SOLD by Private Sale.
That noted and well-accustomed TAVERN in Swedes- borough, near the main landing on Raccoon-creek, in the county of Gloucester, on the road leading from Philadel- phia to Salem, with two acres of land, a good two story stone-house, three rooms on a floor, with a good cedar log-house adjoining, a cellar under it a pump of good water near the door, good stables, and sheds, with other out-houses, and a good paled garden : It is very con- venient to get hay in the summer. Immediate possession will be given to the purchaser. The terms of sale may be known, by applying to JOHN RAMBO, on the premises-The Pennsylvania Gazette, October 23, 1776.
FIFTEEN DOLLARS Reward.
Stolen out of the pasture of the subscriber, living in Hardiston, Sussex county, in New-Jersey, on the night of the 28th of September last, a dark bay horse (with saddle and bridle) near 14 hands high, branded on the near fore shoulder D. has a bald face, and 3 white feet, is 7 years old. Sup-
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posed to be stolen by a certain person who called his name John Cooper, but it is very probable that he will change his name, as he has since called it John Huffman ; had on, when he went away, a check woollen shirt, over a white linen shirt, and a double breasted under jacket ; he stole a blue and white mixed coloured coat, but it is likely that he will change his clothes ; he is about 5 feet 8 inches high, of a dark com- plexion, and black hair, a middling well built fellow, has a down look, and has had the small-pox, has a scar above his left eye, he is of a Dutch descent, and can speak both Dutch and English. Whoever takes up said thief and horse, and secures them, so that the owner may have his horse, and the thief brought to justice, shall receive the above reward, or Ten Dollars for the horse only, and all reasonable charges, paid by
PETER MARTIN.
-The Pennsylvania Gazette, October 23, 1776.
Philadelphia, October 23. Extract of a letter from Fort Lee, (late Fort Constitution, but now altered by General orders) dated October 20.
" Yesterday's affair was honorable to us-Three regi- ments Glover's, Reed's, and Shepherd's1 of Massachusetts under Col. Glover, who commanded the brigade, were advanced under cover to receive the enemy marching out towards the country. Col. Shepherd was well covered under a wall, and at 30 or 40 yards gave their grenadiers and infantry an unexpected heavy fire, then a second and third, which broke the enemy so much, that they ran away as fast as they could in confusion. They returned with field pieces and out flanked our party, which occa- sioned our people to retreat to a short distance, where
1 Colonel John Glover's Fourteenth Regiment, Continental Infantry, of Massa- chusetts; Colonel Joseph Read's Thirteenth Regiment, Continental Infantry, of Massachusetts ; Colonel William Shepard's Fourth Regiment, Massachusetts Conti- nental Line.
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they rallied well and kept their ground against their cannonade and numbers. Our men behaved with re- markable spirit and coolness, and I think are in a good way to do great things. We lost a few, 30 or 40 killed and wounded .- Two deserters from the enemy say they lost 1,000, but really I have the best opinions to believe they lost 150 or upwards, as our men fired with great coolness at a good distance. They are trying to surround us, it won't be easy, and I am mistaken if they don't meet some severe rubbers."-Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, October 23, 1776.
Princeton, October 26, 1776.
T THE Students of the College of New-Jersey, and all who intend to enter there this fall, are desired to take notice, that the Vacation will be up and Col- lege Orders begin to take place on Monday the 4th of November. They are also desired to remember, that on Wednesday the 6th the Chambers will be fixed and as- signed, so that those who do not appear that day will lose all claim from their former possession, unless they have leave of absence previously asked and obtained. The Grammar School will begin at the same time, where boys are taught the Languages, Writing and Arithmetic with the utmost care .- Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Ad- vertiser, October 23, 1776.
TWENTY DOLLARS Reward.
STRAYED or STOLEN out of the Pasture of the Subscriber, on Saturday night the 5th instant.
NE black HORSE, five years old, about fifteen hands
0 high, well-set, with a small star in his forehead ; and one dark brown MARE, three years old, about fifteen hands high, with a star in her forehead, a white streak down her nose, one wall eye, and all four of her
.
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feet white. Whoever takes up and secures the said HORSE and MARE so that the owner may have them again, shall receive the above reward, and all reasonable charges paid by
LUCAS WESSELS. 1
Aquacanock, New-Jersey, October 8.
-Pennsylvania Journal, and Weekly Advertiser, October 23, 1776.
Philadelphia, October 24.
Extract of a letter from Shrewsbury, dated October 19, 1776.
Two ships of war are now passing our quarter, and standing along shore to the southward. We suppose they are bound to the capes. A fleet of sixty four sail now lies at Sandy hook, inward bound .- The Pennsyl- vania Evening Post, October 24, 1776.
The Hon. the Congress have promoted Col. Maxwell2 of New-Jersey, and Col. Smallwood3 of Maryland, to the rank of Brigadiers General in the army of the United States .- The Pennsylvania Evening Post, October 29, 1776.
1 Lucas Wessels was a currier and tanner by trade, whose tannery was on a brook which, until 1894, flowed under the Erie railway tracks and Main avenue, a few rods north of the main station of that railway, in the city of Passaic, his place of business being now occupied by that station. He was prominent in the Acquacka- nonk Church in his day.
2 William Maxwell; see p. 5.
3 William Smallwood was elected Colonel of the Maryland Battalion of the Con- tinental Line, January 2d, 1776, and in July joined General Washington at New York. He fought bravely at the battle of Long Island, and again at White Plains, where he was badly wounded. Congress elected him a Brigadier-General in the Con- tinental Army October 23d, 1776. He gained great distinction in the battle of Cam- den, and received the thanks of Congress. On September 15th, 1777, he was made a Major-General, and after the war elected to Congress. He was also Governor of Maryland, and died February 14th, 1792.
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TO BE SOLD CHEAP For cash or short credit,
A FULL BLOODED MARE, with foal by Lofty. Enquire of the subscriber near Princeton, New Jersey. THOMAS TOBIN. -The Pennsylvania Packet, October 29, 1776.
Philadelphia, October 30. Extract of a letter from Fort Lee, October 20.
"A party of the enemy, on Friday last, marched from their lines into the country. The Brigade commanded by Col. Glover, was posted athwart their way, and gave them a severe reception. The third fire they fled ; but being reinforced with two thousand men they returned to the fight, and a close warm engagement ensued, which continued a considerable time, till Col. Glover had orders to retire which was done with great coolness and regularity. We had a few men killed and about 30 wounded ; among the latter was Col. Shepherd, a brave young officer, who was shot through the neck ; but the wound is not dan- gerous. By accounts from deserters and the spectators of the action, the enemy had about 150 killed and wounded. This little affair has heightened the spirits of the army, which were high before, and every soldier carries confidence in his looks and bids defiance to the blood-hounds of Britain.1
General Washington and the main body of the army now lye near the enemy. Howe moves forward by a slow motion towards the northward. He seems desirous to get between us and New-England, as if he was appre- hensive of our running away ; but perhaps he will find to his cost that he has a much more formidable army to
1 The fight at Pelham Manor, New York, October 18th, 1776.
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contend with now, than when he landed on Long-Island. There will be only one thousand left on York island to garrison fort Washington. Col. Magaw will command. Several mortars and pieces of cannon have been sent here, with great part of the General's baggage. He him- self has taken the field. All the sick have likewise come over."
Head Quarters, Perth Amboy, October 8, 1776.
Colonel SLOUGH'S BATTALION of PENNSYLVANIA ASSO- CIATORS having done their duty as good soldiers, are hereby dismissed the service of the States, and are per- mitted to return home from Elizabeth-Town on Monday next.
SAMUEL GRIFFIN, Deputy Adjutant General.
Head Quarters, Elizabeth-Town, October 14, 1776.
Colonel Slough will be so good as to return my thanks to the officers and soldiers of the Battalion under his command, for their decent and orderly behaviour since their occupying the post at the Point-House, as his Bat- talion is now discharged from farther duty at this post ; I take this opportunity to wish them safe home to their respective families and friends.
MATTHIAS WILLIAMSON, Brigadier General.2
Head-Quarters, Elizabeth-Town, October 14, 1776. SIR,
I request the favour of you to return my sincere thanks to the officers and soldiers of Colonel Slough's Battalion that turned out volunteers with you yesterday and joined
1 Colonel Matthias Slough's Battalion, of Lancaster county.
2 Matthias Williamson was a Brigadier-General of the New Jersey Militia, and also commanded a brigade of New Jersey State Troops. He resigned February 6th, 1777, and was appointed Assistant Quartermaster-General and afterwards Quartermaster- General of the State. He was taken prisoner at Elizabethtown, January 25th, 1780, and confined for four months.
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