USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. I > Part 17
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us in our excursion to Staten-Island, for their orderly and soldier-like behaviour while on that service, and they may depend, I shall always mention them with that regard and honour which their spirited conduct on that occasion entitles them to receive.
I am, with the greatest esteem, your most obedient Servant
MATTHIAS WILLIAMSON, Brigadier General.
Major Philip Brussel of Colonel Slough's Battalion, Lan- caster.
October 30.
A LL persons indebted to the estate of Benjamin Ches- nutt, of Gloucester county, New-Jersey, deceased, are desired to take notice, that if they don't dis- charge the same in a few days, their notes, &c. will be put in suit, as the money is wanted to pay off legacies. ISAAC SNOWDEN, Executor.
Said Snowden has a good house in Spruce-street, near Second-street, for sale .- Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, October 30, 1776.
FOUR POUNDS REWARD.
S TRAYED away, or Stolen from a stable in Amboy, A BLACK HORSE, about fourteen hands and one inch high, his mane and tail thick and woolly, hind legs crooked, one fore leg thicker than the other, owing to a strain, but not observable without particular notice, the horse trots remarkably fast, but is apt to be taken with a lameness in the fore leg. A SADDLE and BRIDLE were also missing about the same time ; the stirrups and bridle furniture are silver washed, the saddle quilted, and the saddle-cloth with green stripes. Whoever will deliver the said horse, saddle and bridle to Mr. Hicks, at Amboy ; or Mr. Vorhees, at Brunswick ; or Mr. Graham, at Elizabeth-
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Town ; or Mr. William Carson, in Third-street, Philadel- phia, tavern-keeper, shall receive the above reward.
September 27, 1776.
-Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, October 30, 1776.
New Brunswick, October 28, 1776. FOUR DOLLARS REWARD.
Strayed or Stolen from Amboy, on the 19th or 20th of last month, a black Stallion, near fifteen hands high, has a white face and feet, small eyes and ears, paces, trots and gallops, is slack of courage, and goes something near with his hind legs-Whoever secures said horse and gives information to the subscribers, so that they may have him again, shall have the above Reward, and all reason- able charges, paid by
PETER AND JOHN VAN EMBURGH. -The Pennsylvania Packet, November 5, 1776.
Left in the stable of Minne V. Voorhies,1 of New- Brunswick, about the middle of July last, an old black HORSE, about fifteen hands high. The owner is desired to take him away, or he will be sold to pay charges .- The Pennsylvania Packet, November 5, 1776.
London, August 5. Extract of a letter from the Hon- ourable General Howe, &c.
" Governor Franklin,2 who for a long time maintained his ground in Jersey (I suppose under pretence of being
1 Minne Van Voorhies was a descendant of Minne Lucasse, son of Lucas Stevense Van Voorhees and Jannetje Minnes. Minne Van Voorhies, first, removed from Flatlands, L. I., to the vicinity of New Brunswick, N. J., where, in 1720, he owned a large tract of land on the south side of the Raritan river, including the mills on Lawrence brook. His will, dated September 20th, 1733, was proved November 15th, 1733. His fourth child was Johannes, baptized March 28th, 1725. The latter's first child was Minne, born February 25th, 1754 ; he was Assistant Commissary in the General Hospital, Continental Army, April 19th, 1777 ; Commissary, August 5th, 1777 ; Captain and Quartermaster. He died August 3d, 1794, unmarried, and was buried in the Reformed Dutch churchyard at New Brunswick .- W. N.
2 See note, p. 109.
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a friend to America, but now discovered) has been lately taken into custody (by a most loyal people) at Amboy, and is now prisoner at Connecticut."
Extract of a letter from Fort Lee, October 25, 1776.
" Head-Quarters is now above 20 miles from this place, and we have but little news we can depend upon till a day or two after the transaction."
Extract of a letter from Fort Lee, October 27, 1776.
" This morning about 7 o'clock two frigates moved up the North River, and came to an anchor near Bourdett's Ferry, apparently with an intention to stop the ferry-way, and cut off the communication between this place and Fort Washington." -Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, November 6, 1776.
Philadelphia, November 13. Extract of a letter from Fort Lee, November 10.
" The enemy have not decamped, as was reported, but are still at Dobb's Ferry. Part of our army have come this side the river. General Washington will cross to-day. Deserters confirm the suspicions of the enemy's design to pay us a visit in the Jerseys; but the attempt is so dangerous, and so long delayed, that I can scarcely believe it is seriously in agitation. Yesterday Col. Magaw's men killed thirteen Hessians and an officer, and stripped them .- This little enterprize gives spirit to our Men, and insensibly reduce the number of the enemy." -- Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, November 13, 1776.
Philad. Nov. 10, 1776.
Wood Cutters wanted at Batsto Furnace, at the Fork of Little Egg-harbour, in West New-Jersey, where sober industrious men may make great wages, by cutting pine
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wood at two shillings and sixpence per cord, which will be given by the manager of the works, or the owner in Philadelphia.
N. B. Wanted also on freight, a number of shallops to go round to Egg-harbour for iron.
-The Pennsylvania Evening Post, November 14, 1776.
From the CONNECTICUT GAZETTE, &c. of Oct. 18.
BERGEN (New-Jersey) Sept. 25, 1776. To the Printer,
As many false accounts of transactions in our armies are, by some means or other, published in gazettes, &c. at a distance, some of which are prejudicial to the com- mon.cause, it has been thought a particular account of what has passed at Powles-Hook (opposite New-York) since the evacuation of that city by our troops, may be acceptable to your readers. If you are of the same opinion the following extract from the journal of Col. Durkee's1 Chaplain (who was an eye witness of all that passed) is at your service.
POWLES-HOOK,2 Sept. 15, 1776.
After Long-island was evacuated, it was judged impos- sible to hold the city of New-York, and for several days the artillery and stores of every kind had been removed, and last night the sick were ordered to Newark, in the Jersies ; but most of them could be got no farther than this place and Hoebuck, and as there is but one house .at each of these places, many were obliged to lie in the open air till this morning, whose distress, when I walked
1 John Durkee entered the Continental service as Major of the Third Connecticut Regiment; became Colonel of the Fourth Regiment, and of the First Connecticut Regiment; was wounded at the battle of Monmouth, June 28th, 1778. He died May 29th, 1782. This chaplain's name was the Rev. Benjamin Boardman, of Middle Haddam, Connecticut.
2 Now Jersey City, N. J.
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out at day-break, gave me a livelier idea of the horror of war than any thing I ever met with before-the com- mandant ordered them every thing for their comfort that the place afforded, and immediately forwarded them to the place appointed and prepared for them.
About eight this morning, three large ships came to sail, and made up towards the Hook. The garrison con- sisting of the 20th Continental regiment (Col. Durkee's) and a regiment of Jersey militia (Col. Duychinck's1) were ordered into our works. Soon after they had taken their posts, the ships came up near Jersey shore, to avoid our shot from the grand battery, the removal of the cannon from which they were ignorant of ; and as they passed up the North river, kept up an incessant fire upon us; their shot, a great part of which was grape, raked the whole Hook, but providentially one horse was all the loss we sustained by it. The fire was briskly returned from our battery by Capt. Dana, who commanded a company of the train on this station.
It gave me great pleasure to see the spirit of the troops around me, who were evidently animated by the whistling of the enemy's shot, which often struck so near as to cover them with dust.
About eleven o'clock, a furious cannonade was heard a little above New York, and before Night numbers came over from the city, and informed that it was evacuated by our troops, and about sunset we saw the tyrant's flag flying on fort George.
Having received intelligence that a number of our troops were in the city, and the enemy spread, across the island, above it, two small parties were ordered to assist them in making their escape, Two Captains, with about
1 John Duychinck was Major of the Second Regiment of Middlesex at the begin- ning of the Revolutionary War; promoted Lieutenant-Colonel of the same August 1st, 1776 ; transferred to the Third Regiment nine days thereafter and then deserted to the enemy.
15
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forty men, two brass howitzers, and about two tons of military stores were brought off by one of them; the other party consisting of five men only, were fired upon by the enemy (supposed the Tories) who have committed a number of robberies on the friends of America) when one Jesse Squire1 of Norwich was wounded, who, together with another man, fell into their hands.
16th. About two o'clock this morning an attempt was made to burn the ships that passed up the North river yesterday, and anchored about three miles above us ; one of them, the Renown of fifty guns, was grappled, but broke her grappling and came down by us again-another cannonade ensued, but no damage was received on our side.
The brave Col. Duychinck, who did all he could to retain his men, could now keep his regiment no longer, but was obliged to retreat to Bergen, from which time Col. Durkee was left on the Hook with only a part of his regiment, consisting of about three hundred effective men.
17th. An express arrived with information that Col. Williams from Connecticut was ordered to reinforce us, and might be expected the next day, but was not able to join us till our retreat to Bergen the 23d.
This day a large quantity of lead, musket ball, and buck shot was discovered in a suspected house about a mile and half above us, and brought down to this place and properly secured for the United States .- Towards night the Renown returned back to her station up the North river, but kept near the Eastern shore, to avoid the shot from our battery, which however kept up a brisk fire upon her as long as she was within reach.
1 Jesse Squire, a soldier of Lieut. Beriah Bill's Company of Colonel John Durkee's Connecticut Regiment.
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18th. Nothing material happened here. Just at even- ing intelligence was received that the brave Lieut. Col. Knowlton1 of our regiment was killed, in the action that happened a little below Kingsbridge on Monday, as he was fighting with undaunted courage at the head of a body of rangers, the command of which was assigned him. The joy the success of that action would have occasioned, was greatly lessened in this department, by the loss of an officer so greatly respected and beloved.
20th. The Renown returned back again to the fleet, and though she passed close in with New-York shore, yet as there was very little wind, about forty shot from our battery were fired at her, many of which took effect. She lay all next day upon a careen to repair.
21st. At two this morning we were waked by the guards, who informed us that New-York was on fire. As the fire began at the south-east end of the city, a little east of the grand battery, it was spread by a strong south wind, first on the East river, and then northward, across the Broadway, opposite to the old English church (if I mistake not the name) from thence it consumed all before it, between Broadway and the North river, near to the college, laying about one third part of the city in ashes (the opinion of those best acquainted with it) and had not the wind, as it veered to the west, died away, the remainder of that nest of vipers would have been destroyed.
This evening a seaman, who said he belonged to Provi- dence, that he was taken and obliged to fight against his countrymen on board the Roebuck, made his escape by swimming from New-York to this place. He informed
1 Thomas Knowlton was born in November, 1740, in West Boxford, Mass .; was a private in Captain Durkee's company in the French War; a Captain in the Lexing- ton Alarm in April, 1775; afterwards Lieutenant-Colonel of the Twentieth Conti- nental Infantry. He was killed at the battle of Harlem Plains, September 16th, 1776. General Washington spoke of him as " a valuable and gallant officer and an honor to any country." See N. E. Historical and Genealogical Register, January, 1861.
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that the men on board the Roebuck were very sickly, that they had lost an hundred since they left the capes of Virginia. He also gave notice that preparation had been made to attack this post ; that a number of large ships were to come up and endeavour to silence our batteries, while a large body of troops in boats, which we discovered on the opposite shore above us, and endeavour to cut off our retreat ; that it was to have been executed this morn- ing, but the fire prevented.
22d. As no reinforcement could be sent us, we received orders this morning to remove our artillery, stores and baggage, and hold ourselves in readiness to retreat, and before night most of them were removed.
About nine, A. M. we saw the enemy embarking in flat bottomed boats about two miles above us, who ap- peared in large numbers on the shore, after their boats, about thirty, were full. Four ships at the same time came to sail below, and stood up towards us, but they soon came to anchor again, and the boats which had pushed off returned back. Had they came at this time, we must either have retired and left them large quantities of artillery stores, or fought their army and navy at the same time with our small detachment, and that under every disadvantage, but they thought fit to retire to get more strength, as appeared afterwards, though they could not be ignorant of our weakness, the men being paraded every day in full view of them.
23d. At one o'clock P. M. having removed every thing of value, we were ordered to retreat from the Hook. As soon as we began our march four ships came up and anchored near the shore around the Hook, at the same time a great number of boats and floating batteries came down from just above New-York, the latter ran up into the cove, opposite the causeway that leads to Bergen. After taking a considerable time to see that there was
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nobody to hurt them, they began a most furious cannonade on our empty works, which continued till they had wearied themselves. In a word, they dared to come much nearer, and displayed the boasted British valour in much brighter colours than ever they had while there remained a single man to oppose them.
Meanwhile our little battalion retreated, with drums beating and colours flying, to Bergen, and before night the brave Britons ventured on shore, and took possession of our evacuated works, where they have taken every precaution to prevent our formidable detachment from returning and driving them from a post which, with so great a display of heroism, they have got possession of.
The post we now possess covers the Jersies. Here we are reinforced by a number of regiments, more are daily coming in, the sick are recovering, the troops in high spirits, and we have no fear but we shall be able to main- tain our ground against all the banditti of George the r -.- The Pennsylvania Evening Post, November 19, 1776.
NEW JERSEY.
To the Honorable SAMUEL TUCKER, Esquire, one of the Judges of the Supreme Court for the state of New-Jersey. The ADDRESS of the GRAND JURY of the county of Burlington, in the said state ;
Having for some time past witnessed an interruption of the free enjoyment of our civil liberties by the hand of British tyranny and usurpation, the Grand Jury for the county of Burlington cannot forbear expressing their unfeigned satisfaction at the opening of the Supreme Court of the State of New-Jersey. The- Constitution, as lately formed by the Honorable Convention of this state, gives us the utmost satisfaction, and, as we believe, the county we represent. We flatter ourselves that in due
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season, under the divine protection, we shall be enabled to baffle the designs of our cruel enemy and reap the benefits thereof. Conscious, however, of the goodness of our cause, and the rectitude of our intentions, the Grand Jury for the county of Burlington are determined to do their part for the support and relief of their much in- jured country.
We congratulate you, Sir, on your appointment as one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of this state: We have no doubt of your integrity and assiduity, and can only wish your country had called you to so important an office in times less perilous and dangerous : But, Sir, let the peril and difficulty of the times be a criterion to dis- tinguish who are real friends to their country and who are not.
Signed by order of the Grand Jury, November 13 1776. W. POTTS, Foreman.
THE ANSWER.
Gentlemen,
I Most cordially thank you for your address, Your firmness in the cause of freedom is very agreeable to me, and am happy to find the Grand Jury for the opulent county of Burlington are determined to support their rights as freemen under our new and happy Constitution, in which they may rely on every assistance in my power.
Your good opinion of me affords me sensible pleasure, and hope my future conduct will be such as will meet with the approbation of every freeman in the state of New-Jersey. SAMUEL TUCKER 1
November 13, 1776.
-The Pennsylvania Packet, November 19, 1776.
The Committee of the county of Essex think it proper to inform the inhabitants of it, that they have received
1 See note, p. 11.
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intelligence by a letter from his Excellency General Washington, at the White Plains, dated the 7th instant, that General Howe, with the army under his command had retreated from that place, with an intention, as he supposed, of sending a detachment of his troops into the Jerseys : The General therefore advises all those who live near the water, to be ready to move their stock, grain, carriages and other effects back into the country .- He adds, if it is not done the calamities we must suffer will be beyond all description, and the advantages the enemy will receive immensely great. They have treated all here without discrimination, the distinction of Whig and Tory has been lost in one general scene of ravage and desolation. The article of forage is of great import- ance to them ; not a blade, he says should be left ; what cannot with convenience be removed, must be consumed without the least hesitation. They have further intelli- gence, by a letter of this day from General Mercer, at Fort Lee, per express, that General Green had just received advice from General Washington, that he was now fully convinced the enemy intended to cross the North River, and make an incursion into this State, desiring we may be prepared in the best manner possible to defeat the design of their coming.
The Committee taking into consideration the present alarming situation of this country, recommend it to all the inhabitants who live near the water, or the great roads leading through the country, to remove, as soon as possi- ble, their stock, grain, hay, carriages, and other effects, into some place of safety back into the country, that they may not fall into the enemy's hands.
By order of the Committee
WILLIAM BURNET,2 Chairman Newark, November 10, 1776.
-The Pennsylvania Packet, November 19, 1776.
2 See note, p. 17.
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Philadelphia, November 20. Extract of a letter from Fort Lee, November 13.
" Last night I went tory hunting with a party of 50 men, but the birds had flown before we arrived : how- ever, we were repaid by a sight of the enemy's encamp- ment, whose fires being very numerous, and greatly extended, exhibited a delightful appearance.
Lord Sterling's brigade and Col. Hand's begin their march this day from Brunswick, and are not to halt till they reach it. They will be ready to prevent any attempts on the Amboy shore, and give you assistance if the enemy should be so mad as to think of Philadelphia.
"I was just now interrupted by the sergeant of the guard we left at the river side opposite to the ships. He informs me, they have taken a red hot tory coming from the enemy's vessels, so our expedition was not entirely fruitless."
Extract of a letter from Fort Lee, Nov. 14, 1776.
"The enemy at Kingsbridge have been reinforced with only one regiment, who are encamped near Fort Independence. This morning a Hessian soldier deserted to Fort Washington, the very first that has done so-He encourages us to hope that many of his countrymen will follow his example, as soon as they are assured the Americans will not hang them for meddling in the present war ; a notion that has been so industriously planted, and is firmly rooted, that it will be difficult to eradicate it. To- morrow his excellency goes to Hackensack, where he will fix his quarters till his presence may be necessary else- where."
On Wednesday last 100 sail of vessels, left Sandy Hook, and put to sea, but whether they have troops on board is uncertain. Various are the conjectures of their destination, but the prevailing opinion is, that they are
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empty transports, and are bound to Ireland for provisions, for the British troops.
We hear the honourable corporation of New-Haven College has conferred the degree of Divinity on the Rev. Mr. Richard Treat of Abington, and the Rev. Mr. Mc. Whorter, of New-Ark, New-Jersey.
On Wednesday the 30th of October, died of a nervous fever, in East New-Jersey, JAMES EDEN, Esq ; Major to Col. Ewings1 battalion of the Maryland Flying Camp. He was taken sick at the camp near White Plains, from whence he was removed across the North-river, and died a few days after.
WAS FOUND,
In a Tent, at Elizabeth-Town, August the 17th.
A New FUR HAT. The owner is desired to call for said hat, and paying charges, may have it again, by applying to JOHN COROTHERS, in West-Penns- borough township, Cumberland county, or to JOHN FORBES, tavern-keeper, at the sign of the Bull's Head, in Front-street in Carlisle .- Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, November 20, 1776.
To be Sold, on the Premises,
On Tuesday, the third day of December next, for cash to the highest bidder.
That noted Plantation, belonging to the estate of the late Capt. Howard,2 situated on the post road about a mile
1 Colonel Thomas Ewing's Third Battalion, Maryland Flying Camp, in brigade commanded by Brigadier-General Rezin Beall. See Saffell's Records of Revolutionary War, p. 238.
2 Captain William Howard, an officer in the British army for some years prior to the Revolution, owned and resided on a farm a little to the east of Princeton, and still known as the Castle Howard farm, after the Captain. He probably built the main part of the stone mansion, which with additions made by Col. John Beatty, a subsequent owner, is still standing, Captain Howard was a decided Whig, but in his later years was laid up with the gout. His wife, on the other hand, was fond of entertaining British officers, which moved him to have painted in large letters over his mantel, "No Tory talk here." On his death, in 1776, his wife returned to England .- Hageman's History of Princeton, I., 95.
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from Princeton, containing 160 acres, with a proper pro- portion of meadow, pasture, arable and woodland, 21 acres of the latter being about three miles from the buildings, which consist of an excellent dwelling house, kitchen, barn, stables, coach, pidgeon and other out- houses ; there is an inclosed garden, and a good well of water ; also a good apple orchard, and a great variety of fruit trees : A considerable part of the fence is well laid stone, and the other part in good repair. The pleasant and healthy situation of this seat is too well known to need mentioning .- At the same time and place will be sold, horses, cows, sheep and hogs ; hay, waggons, a cart, plows, and a variety of other farming utensils ; together with beds, tables, looking-glasses, and a quantity of other genteel household and kitchen furniture .- Possession of the farm may be had, and a good title given, as soon as the purchaser pleases .- The sale to begin at ten o'clock in the forenoon.
N. B. There is a crop of wheat in the ground .- The Pennsylvania Journal, November 20, 1776.
On the evening of the 14th of August last, at Perth Amboy, there was an alarm, that the enemy was expected to make an attack on the town that night ; shortly after there was a report spread that Captain JAMES HAIR, of the first battalion of Chester county militia, stationed at said town, acted the part of a coward, by running away, and hiding himself in the time of danger. We whose names are hereunto subscribed, field officers of said battalion, do certify, that we made enquiry and examined several evidences, touching the said report, and do find that it is false and without foundation; and further, that the said Captain discharged his duty that night, and at other times as an officer ought to do.
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