USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. I > Part 32
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with the declarations of some deserters. Some of the accounts are, that officers were heard to say they had not suffered so severely since the affair at Princeton.
"After the evacuation of Brunswick, I determined, with the advice of my general officers, to move the whole army the next morning to this post, where they would be nearer the enemy, and might act according to circum- stances. In this I was prevented by rain, and they only moved yesterday morning.
" It is much to be regretted, that an express sent off to General Maxwell on Saturday night, to inform him of Gen. Green's movements towards Brunswick, that he might conduct himself accordingly, did not reach him. Whether the express went designedly to the enemy, or was taken, is not known ; but there is reason to believe he fell into their hands. If General Maxwell had re- ceived the order, there is no doubt but their whole rear guard would have been cut off. This the enemy con- fessed themselves, as we are well informed by persons in Bonam Town.
By a reconnoitring party just returned, it is reported as a matter of doubt whether any of the enemy have removed from Amboy ; though it is almost certain they have transported a great deal of their baggage. I have the honor to be, &c.
G. WASHINGTON "
Extract of a letter from Freehold, June 24, 1777.
" I laid a bait last Saturday to break up the plunder- ing Col. George Taylor ;1 it so far succeeded that I was within an ace of taking the whole ; we took one white man and one Negro. While the rest were swimming to- wards a boat that was coming to take them off, we fired
1 A New Jersey Loyalist, of Middletown, Monmouth county.
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upon them, and killed one, and wounded another, who were both hauled into the boat.
" Last Sunday we discovered the enemy ferrying over from Amboy to Staten-island, and this morning we took four Tories, who were coming over to throw themselves upon the mercy of their country. They relate that they went as waggoners with the British army from Bruns- wick to Somerset, and expected they were coming to Philadelphia ; that they retreated with them to Bruns- wick, from thence to Amboy, and thence to Staten-Island ; that, so far as they could learn, General Howe retreated because he did not think proper to attack Gen. Washing- ton, or to leave him in his rear while he should attempt a march towards Philadelphia; that some said in the army, that they were going to England ; others, that they were going up the North river ; others, up the East river ; but that they were all in great confusion. They have pitched their tents upon Staten-Island .- The Penn- sylvania Evening Post, June 26, 1777.
New-York, June 30. About One o'Clock last Wed- nesday Morning his Excellency Sir WILLIAM HOWE, marched out of Amboy, with Part of the King's Army . under his Command : That Division under the Direction of his Excellency Lord Cornwallis, soon fell in with not less than 3000 of the Rebel Army near Bonham Town : His Lordship soon put the Rebels to the Rout, having killed about 300, and took 70 Prisoners, with three Pieces of Cannon. The Prisoners and Field Pieces arrived here Yesterday. The Particulars have not yet reached us, but we hope to give our Readers a more circumstantial Account of this happy Event in our next Paper.
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A Party of about 40 Rebels came down to Col. Bayard's Mills1 last Friday Morning, near Hoebuck Ferry,2 and carried off some Cattle, but being pursued by a few of the 57th Regiment now stationed at Powles Hook, they took to their Heels, and made off with great Precipitation .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, June 30, 1777.
PHILADELPHIA, July 1
It appears from an orderly book found with the Hes- sians who were taken at Trenton last December, that the following letter was given out in the general orders on the 29th of August last, signed Van Heister, who says it was sent to him by General Howe.
Copy of a letter from a Gentleman of Long Island to Gen- eral Howe.
" I was this morning an unwilling spectator of outrages as I never believed could be committed in a Christian country. The Hessian troops have plundered this un- fortunate place intirely, and without distinction of per- sons. They have driven every poor family out of their houses and robbed them of their property, which I be- · lieve will have the most unhappy consequences.
" I am sure the commanding General will not permit such dreadful havock, and I entreat you to acquaint him with it, that we may be freed from our misery as quickly as possible."
Written August 28, 1776.
In consequence of the above letter, the General issued his orders, forbidding such conduct in the troops under
i Col. William Bayard lived in handsome state on Castle Point. He sympathized with the patriot cause at the beginning of the war, but the British successes on Long Island and New York and their pursuit of Washington through New Jersey, in 1776, caused him to take au active part against his country. This incensed the patriots, who burned his mansion, August 24th, 1780. His property was confiscated, and on March itth, 1784, was sold to John Stevens, whose descendants now live on Castle Point. After the war Bayard went to England, where he died in 1804, at his seat, Greenwich House, Southampton .- Winfield's Ilist. Hudson County, 318. 2 Hoboken.
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his command, but it appears from the book above men- tioned, that similar complaints were repeatedly made, and no effectual means taken to prevent them.
Any gentleman by applying to the Printer, will be in- formed where the book is to be seen .- The Pennsylvania. Packet, July 1st, 1777.
Fishkill, June 26.
We hear that in the course of last week sixty of the enemy, in Jersey, were taken prisoners.
Examination of Abraham Orsoe, late of Sing-Sing, in West chester county, state of New York, taken before Brigadier Gen. M'Dougall, Peek's-kill, June 15, 1777.
" He declares he left this place on the 11th of May last, and on the 13th he was taken by a party of Capt. Pike's company of the enemy's new levies, between Pumpton and Morristown, and by them carried to the guardhouse, where he was very ill treated five days, and obliged to inlist. That he received no pay, nor could he- learn that any of the new corps on Bergen had received any. That they were frequently told by their officers,. when they asked for pay, that they must plunder for it.
" That no provisions were served out to the levies, but subsisted wholly by plunder from the inhabitants. That their officers always told them, when out on party, to take care of themselves. That they had plundered white and black of all kinds of clothes they could lay their hands on. That Tory women came frequently to the officers, to inform them where they might take Whigs. That on Wednesday last, all the levies at Bergen were ordered to march to Powles-Hook, to join Gen. Howe's army, and marched in the evening, when he deserted.
" That he learnt from the officers that the strength of the new levies was about seven hundred men."-The: Pennsylvania Evening Post, July 1, 1777.
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STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
IN COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
WHEREAS in and by a certain act of the legislature of this State, passed at Haddonfield the fourth day of this present month of June, inti- tled, "An Act for rendering more effectual two certain acts therein men- tioned," it is among other things enacted that the Governor or Commander in Chief for the time being, and Council of Safety, be authorized and im- powered to grant passports or permissions to pass through any parts of this State, and also to authorize such and so many persons in every county within the same to grant such passports and permissions, and under such regulations as they shall think necessary ; and to detain under guard all persons suspected of dangerous designs against this State, travelling with- out such passports or permissions, until they shall satisfy the Governor and Council aforesaid, or the persons so by them authorized, of their being well affected to the State, or of their travelling without any designs inju- rious to it ; and that every person who shall be convicted of counterfeiting such passports or permissions, shall suffer six months imprisonment ; as by the said act, reference being thereunto had, may appear.
WE do hereby, by these presents, authorize and appoint to grant such passports and permissions as aforesaid the officers following, to wit, all the Members of the Council and of the General Assembly of this State, the Justices of the Supreme Court, the Judges of the Inferior Court of Com- mon Pleas, the Justices of the Peace, and the Field Officers of the Militia of this State, that is to say, such of the Justices of the Peace and Field Officers as have been duly qualified and taken the oaths of abjuration and allegiance prescribed by law ; which passports and permissions are hereby directed to be to the following effect, viz.
County of - ss. The Bearer hereof, aged about years, of a - complexion, rather - of stature, with - eyes, a traveller from - to has permission to pass to said behaving h-self civilly. Dated at - the - day of - - 1777.
Which passport or permission the said officer is to subscribe with his name and title of office ; and all Ferry-men and Inn-keepers within this State are hereby prohibited to convey over any creek or river, or to enter- tain any traveller (excepting the said officers hereby authorized to grant such passports or permissions, and all persons belonging to the army of the United States) who shall refuse to produce such passport or permission upon being thereto requested, which every Ferry-man and Inn-keeper is hereby enjoined to do.
Dated at Haddonfield, the ninth day of June, in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-seven.
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, President.
-Pennsylvania Packet, July 1st, 1777.
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By letters from New-Jersey, we learn the enemy have burnt between 15 and 20 of the principal Houses in that part of the Country they passed in their late rout. We also learn that the enemy have returned to Amboy and Staten-Island, to plan some other manœuvre.
Extract of a letter from Camp at Middle-Brook, June 28, 1777.
" On last Sunday morning the enemy left Brunswick, apparently with an intention to embark ; they gave out they were going to Philadelphia by water ; but their real design was, to draw General Washington from the moun- tains and force a general engagement. General Howe is sensible of the difficulty of conquering us. He probably expects no more or but few recruits, and is desirous to put all upon a single throw. Every day will lessen his army and strengthen ours. Their policy however, was not an overmatch for our prudence. Light parties harassed him, but not in such numbers as to produce any considerable action. Great part of our army how- ever has left the mountains, and General Lord Sterling was posted at the short hills with about a thousand men : On Thursday morning General Howe having reinforced his army with all the marines that could be spared, began his march towards us. By accounts of deserters, and others, his numbers were from 12 to 14,000. He met with Lord Sterling's party early in the morning, a smart engagement ensued, and our men stood their ground manfully for a considerable time ; but the amazing supe- riority of numbers obliged them to retreat, and the enemy having flanked them, they lost two pieces of cannon, with a number of men. No return having been yet made, the exact number of killed, &c. cannot be ascertained. General Sterling thinks, there were not more than twelve killed and one Captain ; but there are near 50 missing.
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It is a pity that this party could not have been properly reinforced without hazarding a general battle. But their numbers and distance from our main body was such, that anything more than covering the retreat of our party, would have been dangerous. They continued near the place of engagement that day, and are now at Westfield. Our army is encamped in the old spot, only large bodies are posted at all the passes, and in some advantageous places below the mountains. It is suspected that the enemy would force our camp, if possible ; but to attack us in the mountains, is a thing devoutly to be wished by every one that desires to see the destruction of the British army.
I must not omit to mention a little affair, that hap- pened in the late engagement. The fire growing hot, and our men beginning to retreat, a British officer singly rode up to a cannon that was playing on the enemy, and with his pistols and hanger forced every man from it, then seeing Lord Sterling, he cried "Come here, you damned rebel, and I will do for you."
Lord Sterling answered him, by directing the fire of four marksmen upon him, which presently silenced the hardy fool, by killing him upon the spot. Our men re- covered the field piece which their want of small arms obliged them to abandon .- The Pennsylvania Journal, July 2, 1777.
TO THE PUBLIC.
Doctor Elijah Bowen, of Cumberland, in New-Jersey, will give attendance, at the Old Ferry, on the 10th in- stant, and at Elizabeth Stewart's in Lombard-street, on the 11th, where he particularly applies himself to the relief of such as are afflicted with Cancers and Wenns ; those who labour under such disorders, and would be desirous of a speedy and certain cure, upon application,
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shall be waited on with the strictest diligence. No cure no reward requested, by
ELIJAH BOWEN.1
To Be Sold,
A Valuable plantation, containing about 118 acres of land, lying in West New Jersey, Burlington county, within one mile of Burlington, a very healthy pleasant situation ; bounded by lands of Aaron Schyler,2 Richard Smith3 and the river Delaware, about 40 acres of wood-
1 Elijah Bowen, Jr., was born in 1743, dying in 1783. Settling as a physician in Roadstown, Cumberland county, he practiced extensively, seeking in the fields, woods and swamps such leaves, seeds, roots and bark as were needed by his pa- tients. The father of Elijah Bowen, Elijah, Sr., was traditionally the earliest prac- titioner of physic in Cumberland county. Removing to New Jersey from Rhode Island, the elder Bowen married Deborah Swinney, whose mother was the first white female child born in Cohansey. Dr. Bowen, Sr., commenced the practice of his profession at or near Shiloh, and was one of the founders of the Seventh Day Baptist church at that place. He died September 23d, 1773, at an advanced age. The Bowens came from Wales in 1640, and, with other Welsh emigrants, settled Swansey, Massachusetts -History of the Counties of Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland, Cushing & Sheppard, p. 556 ; History of Medicine in New Jersey, Wickes, p. 162 ; His- torical Collections of the State of New Jersey, Barber and Howe, ed. 1844, p. 147 .- F. B. L.
2 Aaron Schuyler was a prominent resident of Burlington, and was twice married, first to Ann Wright, about 1773, and, secondly, to Esther Dey, daughter of Colonel Teunis Dey, of Preakness, about 1784. The father of Aaron was Arent, who had in- terests in the family estate at Lessa Point, Arent being the son of Casparus, whose gravestone in St. Mary's churchyard. Burlington city, bears the inscription, "In memory of Casparus Schuyler, who departed this life April 13, 1754, aged 59 years." The father of Casparus was the celebrated Captain Arent Schuyler, born 1662, died about 1731, whose negotiations with the Five Nations and the Delawares made him one of the most conspicuous men in the Colonies of New York and New Jersey. Arent Schuyler had property interests at Wingworth (Lessa) Point, near Elizabeth- town, at Elizabethtown Point, and on Broadway, New York City. Arent Schuyler was the son of Philip Peterse Schuyler and his wife, Margaretta Van Schlechten- horst, original emigrants, and founders of the family name in New Netherlands,- History of the County of Hudson, New Jersey, Charles H. Winfield, p. 531 et seq .- F. B. L.
3 Richard Smith was the youngest son of Richard Smith, of "Green Hill," Bur- lington, and was born in 1735, dying in 1803. He studied law with Joseph Gallo- way, in Philadelphia, afterward becoming Recorder of the city of Burlington. In 1776 he became Treasurer of the State of New Jersey, resigning his position Febru- ary 15th, 1777. He had previously been a member of the Continental Congress from New Jersey, 1774-1776. His portrait appears in Molleson's painting, "The First Prayer in Congress." Later, Richard Smith removed to the Otsego Lake region, in New York State, where he built "Smith Hall," which was the birthplace of James Fennimore Cooper, the novelist. As a man of culture, he corresponded with the literati of his time, his letters to Dr. Tobias Smollet having been printed in the "At- lantic Monthly." Richard Smith married Elizabeth Rodman, of New Bedford .- The Burlington Smiths : a Family History, R. Morris Smith, pp. 118, 119 .- F. B. L.
27
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land, and a good bearing orchard, frame dwelling-house, with 3 rooms on a floor, a well of good water at the door ; the payments will be made easy to the purchaser. For further particulars, enquire of the subscriber, living in Lower Dublin township, Philadelphia county
June 28, 1777.
SIMON CORNEL
TO BE SOLD,
A neat and valuable plantation, containing 100 acres of good land, lying in Pilesgrove, Salem county, West- New-Jersey, near the great road leading from Penn's- Neck to Cape-May ; there are about 40 acres cleared, and there may be easily cleared 15 acres of good meadow, several springs of good water on said place, and one within a few roods of the house that never fails, within about a mile from a good grist-mill, 2 miles from Friends meeting, and 4 miles from Baptists meeting. Any per- son inclining to purchase, and should choose to keep the money, may have it for several years with paying lawful interest for the same, and giving good security if required, or a mortgage on the land. For further particulars, en- quire of the subscriber, who will give a deed and make a good title.
ELIJAH SACKETT.
-The Pennsylvania Gazette, July 2, 1777.
We have authority to assure the public that the enemy have totally evacuated the Jersies, and are encamped upon Staten-Island, opposite Perth-Amboy .- The Penn- sylvania Evening Post, July 3, 1777.
New-York, July 7. Last Monday Evening the King's Troops evacuated Amboy and came to Staten-Island ; and the next Day his Excellency Sir WILLIAM HOWE, with his Suite, arrived here.
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A Specimen of Rebel Humanity, experienced at New- ark in New-Jersey, by the Wives of Thomas Longworth, Isaac Longworth,' Uzal Ward, and some others whose Husbands left that Place last January, and took Refuge in this City. The Committee of Newark ordered the Wood to be cut off their Land, their Grass and Hay to be destroyed, and their Persons insulted, and they were not permitted to remain in the Province longer than Thurs- day the 26th ult. when Guards were placed round their Houses, and their Effects secured by Order of their titu- lar Governor William Livingston : to expostulate was needless, as the Guards told the Women if they refused to obey, Violence would be used. The Cries of Mothers, Children and Slaves, obliged to leave their Homes, for differing in Sentiment from their Neighbours, would have
1 Isaac Longworth was a son of Thomas Longworth, of Newark, who died Septem - ber 4th, 1748, aged 56 years. Isaac was probably born about 1730. He was elected one of the chosen freeholders for Newark in 1765, 1766, 1769 (election contested, but decided in his favor by the Court of Quarter Sessions), and 1774; town clerk in 1772 (and surveyor of the highways), 1773, 1774, 1775 ("and to be exempt from working on the highway for his services"). and 1776. He was county collector . 772-76. He
married first, Sarah -, who died January 19th, 1754, aged 23 years; second, Catherine, daughter of Col. Josiah Ogden, and widow of David Ogden, Esquire (who died January 28th, 1750, aged 40 years), marriage license dated February 19th, 1761. Isaac Longworth was appointed a member of the Committee of Correspond- ence of Newark May 4th, 1775. He soon after went over to the enemy, and in June, 1777, his wife was sent from Newark to join him. Steps were taken for the confisca- tion of his property in due course. He was advertised December 8th, 1778, as "a fugitive now with the enemy ; " an inquisition was returned against him January 19th, 1779, and he was again advertised as "a fugitive now with the enemy," April 29th, 1779, and April 26th, 1784. The board of justices and freeholders of the county in- formed the Legislature, December 20th, 1780, that Longworth, who was one of the commissioners of the loan office for Essex county, had taken with him the books and papers and some of the money entrusted to his care, by which means he had forfeited his bond. He was one of fifty-five civilian Loyalists who, in July, 1783, petitioned for lands in Nova Scotia, as consideration of their services to the King. He appears to have returned to Newark after the war, where he made his will, in 1790, in which he names his wife Catherine and grandson David Johnson. His brother, Thomas Longworth, a leading member of Trinity Church, Newark, was also advertised as "a fugitive now with the enemy," at the same time as Isaac, and his wife, Mary Bruen, was deported from Newark in June, 1777. He returned to Newark after the war, and died July 23d, 1790, aged 72 years. He was the father of David Longworth, who published the first New York directory, in 1786, and was the grandfather of Nicholas Longworth, one of Cincinnati's prominent citizens for many years .- Collections N. J. Hist. Soc., VI., and Supplement, passim; 1 N. J. Archives, XXII ; Minutes Provincial Congress; Revolutionary Correspondence N. J. Executive ; Sabine's Loyalists, II., 546 .- W. N.
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excited Pity in the Breast of any but Savages. The Mandate must be obeyed. The Wife of Mr. Thomas Longworth having two young Children to take Care of, was favoured with a Straw Bed. They all arrived here last Sunday Week.
A Party of Rebel Light Horse went to the House of Capt. Thomas Crowell, of Shrewsbury, in New-Jersey, last Tuesday, and robbed him of all his Cattle, Sheep, Hogs and Horses ; and told Mrs. Crowell, as soon as they had disposed of what they then took, they intended to return and carry off all her Household Furniture, and then dispose of her House and Plantation at public sale.
TF Mr. ROBERT MONTGOMERY, who liv'd near Belly Castle, in the county of Anitim, in Ireland, and came to this country in the year 1775, be alive, and will apply to the printer of this paper, he will hear of something much to his advantage.
N. B. He kept a shop in Hackett's Town, in the Jer- seys .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, July 7, 1777.
Eight Dollars Reward.
Stolen out of the house of the subscriber, living at Maurice River, in Cumberland County, New-Jersey, on the night of the 2d. inst. (July) a China-faced silver Watch with a steel chain, and a beaver hat almost new : Supposed to have been taken by a fellow who calls him- self WILLIAM GLAN, who ran away from said house the same night, and had on when he went away, a yel- lowish wilton coat, red jacket, striped trowsers, half-worn shoes with plated buckle in them, and a round hat : He likewise took away a blue and white new wilton coat, and sundry homespun shirts and trowsers, with other cloaths ;
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also a gun and bayonet. Said fellow is about five feet nine or ten inches high, down look, dark complexion, black short hair, long visage and stoop shouldered. Who- ever takes up said goods and secures them for the owner, and secures the thief so that he may be brought to jus- tice, shall have the above Reward and reasonable charges, paid by JOSHUA BRICK.1 -The Pennsylvania Packet, July 8th, 1777.
FOUR DOLLARS REWARD.
Strayed Away the 21st of March last from the sub- scriber, living in Deerfield Precinct, Cumberland County, New-Jersey, A LARGE BAY MARE, heavy with foal, about fourteen hands high, strongly built, fourteen years old, unshod, a natural pacer, and in very good order, had neither brand nor ear mark. Whoever brings the said mare to the subscriber, or gives information so that she may be had, shall receive the above reward and reason- able charges.
ESTHER SMITH Administratrix of JOHN SMITH, deceased.
PHILADELPHIA
Since our last we have certain intelligence, that soon after the skirmish with Lord Sterling's division, as men- tioned in our last, the enemy filed off from Westfield to Amboy, and from thence to Staten-Island, and left us in entire possession of New-Jersey, in a small part of which they had been pen'd up for six months, unable to do any great matters, except stealing a few cattle, and making ..
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