USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. I > Part 33
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1 Joshua Brick was a descendant of John Brick, who emigrated from England to Fenwick's Colony (Salem) previous to 1680, and purchased a tract of land in the vicinity of the village of Jericho. The Joshua Brick here mentioned was the father of Joshua Brick, a wealthy land-owner and merchant of Port Elizabeth, Cumber- land county. Both father and son were influential men in the southern portion of the State, and, in honor of the family, the village of Bricksboro is named. A branch of the family remained in Salem county .- History and Genealogy of Fenwick's Colony, . Shourds, p. 42 .- F. B. L.
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Whigs of the wavering and diffident .- The Pennsylvania Journal, July 9, 1777.
Extract of a Letter from Morristown, July 5.
" The British army burnt, stripped and destroyed all as they went along. Women and children were left without food to eat, or raiment to put on. Three hun- dred barrels of flour were sent down towards Westfield and Ash Swamp, by order of his Excellency, to be dis- tributed among the poor sufferers. The enemy even de- stroyed all the bibles and books of divinity they came across ; this I assert as a fact."
TO THE PUBLIC
Head Quarters, Morristown, July 4, 1777.
When a man accepts an office in the public service, it ought to be presumed that either his experience entitles him to enjoy it, or that his abilities in time will render him equal to the duties he undertakes ; if he possesses neither, he is no more than a genteel robber,-who would wish to make a property of his country's favours without deserving them. The propriety of these remarks may be proved by certain overt acts, replete with ignorance and want of judgment. In the last month (June) a general court-martial was held at the barracks in Philadelphia, at which a deserter from my company was arraigned ; but no evidence appearing against him, or in his behalf, the said court, rather than suffer a dispensation of their ""dicial powers, proceeded to the trial of the prisoner, and admitted the prisoner's own story as sufficient evidence in his own behalf ; upon which self-evidence he was dis- charged, by said court, from the continental service. They then, upon the same culprit's evidence, proceeded to try me for illegally and tyrannically inlisting the said soldier, and notwithstanding I was then on duty at the
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American camp, I was arraigned, tried, convicted, and fined in the sum of Ten Pounds, Pennsylvania currency. When I heard of this, I applied to Lieut. Col. John Parke for a court of inquiry, who, by order of Brigadier Gen. Scott, called one. The proceedings, together with His Excellency General Washington's orders thereon, are as follow.
At a Court of Inquiry held at Middle-Brook, the 2d July, 1777, by order of Brigadier-General Charles Scott, Esq ; on the application of Capt. Allen M' Lane, of Colonel John Patton's regiment, who complains of the sentence of a General Court-martial, held lately at Philadelphia, of which Lieut. Col. Francis Gurney was President, and before which a certain Andrew Finney was brought, tried for desertion, and on his own vindication, and in the absence of Capt. M' Lane (then on duty at Middle-Brook) and the necessary evidence, discharged from the service, and Capt. M'Lane fined Ten Pounds ; - which sentence was approved by Gen. Arnold (remitting the fine) and said Finney referred to the civil law for redress, as being illegally inlisted.
Capt. PETER GRUBB, President,
Lieut. DUFF Members. ยง Lieut. CLAYPOOLE,
Lieut. HOUSTON J Members. Lieut. JACKSON.
Capt. M' Lane appeared, and produced an enlistment and receipt for the bounty, signed by said Andrew Finney, in the presence of Lieut. Edward Burke and Robert Laghorn ; as also a muster-roll, signed by Lieut. Col. Noarth D. M. M. G in which he was mustered. Mr. Burke (who was present at the inlist- ment) likewise appeared before the court, and gives testimony, that the same was altogether legal, and no improper or unwarrantable steps taken to procure it.
Signed P. GRUBB, Capt. and President Headquarters, Camp at Morristown, July 4, 1777.
His Excellency is perfectly convinced that the above Andrew Finney was legally and regularly enlisted by Captain M' Lane, and accordingly orders that he re- turn to his company, and that every assistance be given to recover him.
By his Excellency's command, (Signed) RICHARD K. MEADE, A. D. C.
My wish and intention, by this publication, is to set my character in a respectable point of view in the eyes of my countrymen ; and I am induced to hope that no man of candour will suffer his judgment to be biassed by wilful misrepresentations, or wanton ignorance, which is ever insolent when in office.
ALLEN M'LANE.
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Run away from the subscriber, living in Philipsburg, Hunterdon county, New-Jersey, a Negroe man, named BEN, about 23 years of age, 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, country born ; he is lame in one of legs and foot. Said Negroe man ran away about the last of June, 1777. Whoever takes him up and brings him home, or secures him, so that the subscriber can get him again, shall have Six Dollars reward, and all reasonable charges, paid by THOMAS SCOTT. -The Pennsylvania Gazette, July 9, 1777.
Extract of a letter from General Sir William Howe, to Lord George Germaine, dated New York, Dec. 20, 1776.
In Jersey, upon the approach of the van of Lord Corn- wallis's corps to Brunswick by a forced march, on the first inst. the enemy went off precipitately to Princeton ; and had they not prevented the passage of the Rariton, by breaking a part of Brunswick bridge, so great was the confusion among them, that their army must inevitably have been cut to pieces.
My first design extended no farther than to get and keep possession of East-Jersey, Lord Cornwallis had orders not to advance beyond Brunswick, which occa- sioned him to discontinue his pursuit ; but finding the advantages that might be gained by pushing on to the Delaware, and the possibility of getting to Philadelphia, the communication leading to Brunswick was reinforced, and on the sixth I joined his Lordship with the 4th bri- gade of British under the command of Major General Grant .- On the 7th Lord Cornwallis's corps the guard excepted, who were left at Brunswick, marched to Prince- ton, which the enemy had quitted on the same day.
This corps marched in two divisions on the 8th, the first advancing to Trenton, reached the Delaware soon
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after the enemy's rear guard had crossed. Their main army, having passed the preceding day and night, took post on the other side of the river.
Lord Cornwallis with the rear division halted at Maid- enhead, six miles from Trenton, and marched at one o'clock next morning to Coryell's ferry, thirteen miles higher up the Delaware, in some expectation of finding boats there and in the neighbourhood, sufficient to pass the river ; but in this he was disappointed, the enemy having taken the precaution to destroy or to secure on the south side all the boats that could possibly be em- ployed for this purpose.
The passage of the Delaware being thus rendered im- practicable, his lordship took post at Pennington, in which place and Trenton the two divisions remained until the fourteenth, when the weather having become too severe to keep the field, and the winter cantonments being arranged, the troops marched from both places to their respective stations. The chain, I own, is rather too extensive ; but I was induced to occupy Burlington, to cover the county of Monmouth, in which there are many loyal inhabitants ; and trusting to the almost general submission of the country to the southward of this chain, and to the strength of the corps placed in the advanced posts, I conclude the troops will be in perfect security .- Lord Cornwallis having desired to return to Britain, the command in Jersey is given to Major General Grant, in whose approved good conduct I place the greatest confi- dence.
Whereas a certain William Howe, alias General Howe, alias Sir William, alias anything or nothing, has lately gone off greatly in debt to sundry persons in New-Jersey and other parts of the continent, and has not left wherewithal to make payment for the same; this is therefore to caution all
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persons not to trust him on any account, as they will cer- tainly lose their money. Said Howe is charged with having, in company with one Cornwallis not yet taken, broke into several houses in New-Jersey, and stolen and carried off many valuable effects; likewise with being concerned in counterfeiting the currency of this Continent. He is a very ill looking fellow, and is an indented servant to a certain George Whelp, alias Guelph, alias King George.
W hoever will secure said Howe in any of the jails of this Continent, or will give notice where he is to the American army, shall be handsomely rewarded.
N. B. He was lately seen skulking about Amboy, West- field and Spank Town in the Jersies, and has not since been heard of. Should he attempt to practise his villanies in this city, 'tis hoped all persons will be on their guard to appre- hend him .- The Pennsylvania Evening Post, July 10, 1777.
Extract of a letter from camp near Morristown, July 10, 1777.
" We remain here to observe the enemy's motions, and take our measures accordingly. Our troops are healthy, and can, with infinite satisfaction, assure you that the spirit of subordination and discipline makes great and daily advances among us. I had almost forgot to men- tion that our brigade was just in the rear of the British army, during part of their late excursion into Jersey, and do assure you that till then I had no idea of the inhu- manity and acts of cruelty these people can be guilty of. Barbarity and the most wanton destruction of private property, marked their footsteps through out their whole tour ; were I to attempt descending to particulars it would far exceed the bounds of a letter."
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Princeton, July 10, 1777.
Notice is hereby given to the public that the COL- LEGE of New-Jersey was opened on Tuesday the eighth instant. It is therefore requested that the under-gradu- ates would repair to Princeton immediately, taking care to provide themselves with books, as none are to be had there. JOHN WETHERSPOON. -The Pennsylvania Evening Post, July 12, 1777 ; also Pennsylvania Packet, July 22.
New-York, July 14. By the best Accounts Mr. Wash- ington has his Head Quarters at Morris-Town, with about two Thirds of his Army, he having detached a consider- able Number to the Northward.
Mr. John Smith belonging to the English Neighbour- hood, in New-Jersey, was on Tuesday last shot through his Arm, near his own House by some Rebels that were plundering the Country thereabouts.
Died, in this City, on Sunday the 6th Instant, of a Wound he received in the late Action in New-Jersey, Mr. Edward Kerin, Volunteer in the 22d Light Company, Son to Terence Kerin, Esq. of this Place, in the 17th year of his Age .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, July 14, 1777.
TEN DOLLARS REWARD.
Strayed or Stolen from the subscriber, living in Chat- ham, Morris County, New-Jersey, on Thursday night last, a light bay horse, near fifteen hands high, half-blooded, rises high on the withers, has been nicked, is eight years old, trots and canters, and has a scar in the corner of his mouth. Any person that will return him to the owner, shall have the above Reward, and all reasonable charges, paid by JACOB MORRELL.
Chatham, July 8.
-The Pennsylvania Packet, July 15th, 1777.
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KINGSTON (Esopus) July 7. A considerable part of the American army having pursued Gen. Howe from Brunswick towards Amboy, took post at Quibble-Town, the remainder, under his Excellency General Washing- ton, preserving their former station at Middle Brook ; and from Quibble Town several small parties were de- tached toward the enemy. Early on Monday morning, the 25th of June, Howe came out of Amboy with his whole army, and marching very rapidly towards the passes in the mountains back of Quibble-Town, which lay on the left of our army, by that means intercepted one of our parties under the command of Lord Stirling, with whom they had a smart skirmish ; his Lordship however accomplished a safe retreat to Westfield, with a loss much inferior to that of the enemy, and then as- cended the mountains back of the Scotch plains. Our other parties after amusing themselves with light skir- mishes on the flanks of the enemy, joined the main body, which moved also to the left, in order to prevent Gen. Howe from possessing himself of the passes, and other- wise to act as occasion might require. The enemy con- tinued their march on our left to Westfield, and there halted until the next day, when Sir William not liking his situation, again retired to Amboy, plundering and burning all before him. Several of our small parties were busied in harrassing him on his retreat, but nothing hap- pened of any consequence. Our loss is extremely small, excepting three pieces of cannon which were left at Quib- ble-Town, and of which the enemy possessed themselves -although we might have attacked them with a great probability of success, yet as our army was dispersed, and their's collected together, as their way lay open to Amboy, which in case of a defeat would have afforded them shel- ter, as the small territory they possess, is of no kind of importance to either army, and particularly as Howe
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hath now no hopes but from the success of a general battle, since he constantly loses and we as constantly gain strength, for these reasons we cannot sufficiently admire the conduct of his Excellency General Washington, who, notwithstanding the eagerness of his whole army, per- sisted in his Fabian system of defence.
Last week Col. Cortlandt, with the regiment under his- command, made a tour as far as Bergen, from which place and the adjacent neighbourhood, he brought off, belonging to the enemy, two hundred and fifty sheep, one hundred fat oxen, and about ninety waggons and horses-several of which were loaded with poultry, mut- ton and veal, for the benefit of the hungry royalists of New-York .- The Pennsylvania Evening Post, July 15, 1777.
PHILADELPHIA
It is conjectured on good grounds, that Howe, from moving from Brunswick to Somerset, and from thence back to his last embarkation for Staten-Island, did not lose in killed, wounded and deserters, much short of 1000- men .- The Pennsylvania Journal July 16, 1777.
New-York, July 21. A Party of the Rebels came down through the English Neighbourhood last Thursday, and carried away about 4 Persons who they suspected were not friendly to their Cause : They were to be carried be- fore their titular Governor Mr. Livingston, at Morris Town, where we hear Mr. Washington has left two Brigades, he being gone with the Rest of his Army towards Pompton, and a Place called Smith's Clove, about 15 Miles from Hackensack, and S Miles West of Hudson's River.
His Majesty's Ship Solebay, Captain Simmonds, arrived here yesterday from Kingston, in Jamaica, with seven
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Sail under his Convoy, loaded with Rum and Sugar for his Majesty's Service. Two Days ago Capt. Simmonds took a Rebel Schooner from Barnegat, in New-Jersey, bound for the West-Indies .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, July 21, 1777.
TWENTY POUNDS REWARD.
Stolen from the subscriber, living in Sowerland, County of Somerset, New-Jersey, on the night of the 16th inst. (July) a chestnut brown stone HORSE, about fifteen hands high, a natural trotter, not shod, long docked tail, four years old, and half-blooded, no saddle or bridle taken with him. Any person securing said horse so that the owner may have him again, shall have the above reward for horse and thief, and reasonable charges, paid by ALBERT VOORHEESE. -The Pennsylvania Packet, July 22d, 1777.
Camp, Middle-Brook, June 26th, 1777.
Stolen out of my office last night, two of the States Lottery Tickets, one of which is No 84 m 817 on the back, wrote Thomas Ramsey, the other No 84 m 822, wrote on the back Dd. Redick Deputy Commissary. Whoever has got them and will return them, shall have two Dollars Reward and no questions asked. The Man- agers of said Lottery are requested, if there should happen to be any Prize drawn in favour of the owners of the abovementioned Ticket, to remember they belong to Thomas Ramsey, and
DAVID REDICK -The Pennsylvania Journal, July 23, 1777.
To be Sold by Public Vendue, on Sixth-day, the first of August next, at the house of Benjamin Thomas, the Sign of the Cross-keys, in Evesham, Burlington county,
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in the State of New-Jersey, for cash, or easy payments, as may best suit the purchaser,
A Tract of Pine Land, containing, by computation, near 5000 acres, with some fine thrifty cedar swamp ; a saw-mill, with two saws, on an excellent stream of water ; a good dwelling-house, sawyers-house, barn, and other out-houses erected thereon, all in good repair ; situate part in Gloucester and part in Burlington county afore- said, about two miles from Adsion Iron-works, and seven from the forks of Egg-harbour, where lumber is trans- ported from said mill by water : Any person inclining to purchase said mill and land, are desired to call on Joseph Pricket, at said mill, and view the same. Also at the same time and place will be sold, several good horses, fit for saddle or gears, two 4-horse waggons and gears for a single team ; one covered waggon and gears, a pair of large oxen, fit to feed or work, very handy being always used on the plantation ; and 20 or 30,000 feet of good pine boards, at said mill : The vendue to begin at one o'clock, where attendance will be given by JOSIAH FOSTER -The Pennsylvania Gazette, July 23, 1777.
Trenton, July 10, 1777.
Deserted from my company, of Col. Hazen's regiment, Redmond Burk, a Sergeant, born in Ireland, about 30 years of age, 5 feet 7} inches high, fair complexion, brown hair, he is very talkative, and is a great liar, has sore legs, and a black patch on his nose: Had on when he deserted, a brown regimental coat, faced with white, a Light Infantry Leather Cap, with the Letters painted in large cyphers C. O. R. in front, with this Latin motto over it Pro Avis et Focis. Whoever takes up said deserter, and either sends him back to the company, or secures him in any goal, and gives me, or any other officer in the
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regiment notice thereof, shall receive Eight Dollars over and above the allowance made by Congress, for taking up deserters.
J. HERON, Captain.
N. B. Said Burk stole a horse from an inhabitant in Trenton, which was seen with him in Philadelphia, but may probably have sold him since, for to travel on the money. As he was a man very much indulged in the regiment, it is hoped that every one who is a friend to their country, will do their utmost endeavours to secure him .- The Pennsylvania Journal, July 23, 1777.
Mr. Towne,
Enclosed you have a translation of part of a Hessian journal found at Trenton, in December last ; you may de- pend upon its being genuine, and may insert it in your Evening Post, if you think proper.
DECEMBER 13th, 1776.
We marched to Trenton and joined our two regiments of Rall and Kniphausen, in order to take up a sort of winter quarters here, which are wretched enough. This town consists of about one hundred houses, of which many are mean and little, and it is easy to conceive how ill it must accommodate three regiments. The inhabitants, like those at Princeton, are almost all fled, so that we occupy bare walls. The Delaware, which is here extremely rapid, and in general about two ells deep, separates us and the rebels We are obliged to be constantly on our guard, and do very severe duty, though our people begin to grow ragged, and our baggage is left at New-York. Notwithstanding we have marched across this ex- tremely fine province of New-Jersey, which may justly be called the gar- den of America, yet it is by no means freed from the enemy, and we are insecure both in flank and rear. This brigade has incontestably suffered the most of any, and we now lie at the advanced point, that as soon as the Delaware freezes we may march over and attack Philadelphia, which is about thirty miles distant. My friend Sheffer and myself lodge in a fine house belonging to a merchant, and we have empty rooms enough. Some of the servants of the inhabitants remain here; last evening I gave one a box on the ear for his sausiness ; I bid him bring me a candle, and he re- plied, if I wanted candles, I should have brought them with me. I was furnished with a candle, but nothing else. Here is no wine, except Ma-
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deira at three shillings and sixpence sterling a bottle. On the third instant Capt. Weitershausen, of the grenadiers, was shot at Brunswick bridge by a rebel, who had concealed himself under the bridge. The Capt. had wrote by the last packet to his wife, desiring her to follow him to America. On the 13th. General Lee, with two other officers, were taken prisoners by the English lighthorse, to the great damage of the rebels. The 16th. the rebels came over the river in boats, but effected nothing.
The 18th. seventy rebels came over the water, and we were obliged to turn out. But they only carried off a family who went willingly, with three cows and some furniture.
The 19th one of the English lighthorse was twice badly wounded by a troop of rebels near Maidenhead. The 21st a horseman was shot dead.
The 23d Count Donop wrote to us from Bordentown, desiring us to be on our guard, for that he was certain of being attacked.
The 24th the enemy actually attacked our grenadiers last night, but without success, two Highlanders and a grenadier were wounded. We have not slept one night in peace since we came to this place. The troops have lain on their arms every night, but they can endure it no longer. We give ourselves more trouble and uneasiness than is necessary. That men who will not fight without some defence before them, who have neither coat, shoe nor stocking, nor scarce any thing else to cover their bodies, and who for a long time past have not received one farthing of pay, should dare to attack regular troops in the open country, which they could not withstand when they were posted amongst rocks and in the strongest intrenchments, is not to be supposed.
It is much to be lamented that this elegant Journalist was disturbed in his literary labours, by men who could not fight without some defence before them, who had neither coat, shoe nor stocking, nor scarce any thing else to cover their bodies, and who for a long time had not received one farthing of pay, and yet had the insolence not only to attack these boasted regular troops, but to kill some, take others, and drive the rest away ; and, what is still worse, deprive the world of the remainder of this entertaining journal .- The Pennsylvania Evening Post, July 26, 1777.
New-York, July 28. We hear Mr. Washington has divided his Army, one Half of which he is to command at Morris-Town ; the other Part to be commanded by Mr. Green, at the Clove, and Parts adjacent.
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A Brig supposed to be from the West Indies, run ashore last Thursday Evening, at a Place called Deal, about 14 miles to the Southard of Sandy-Hook, and the Rebels on the Shore have been seen busy in unloading her. What she is we know not, but it looks like a pre- meditated Act .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, July 28, 1777.
Extract of a letter from Great Egg Harbour, dated July 24, 1777.
" We should have sailed this day had it not been for an alarm we had yesterday, which diverted the peoples attention from work :- About one o'clock we heard a smart firing of cannon, and soon after were informed that several vessels were off the beach about four miles to the Southward of this place ; we immediately mus- tered all hands, 15 in number, and marched with as much expedition as possible ; we soon discovered the enemy had been in chase of a small schooner, and drove her on shore. A frigate of 32 guns came up and anch- ored about three quarters of a mile from the shore, two tenders and three barges came much nearer, and all kept up a steady fire for four or five hours on the shore with- out doing any damage, nor did it prevent the people from landing chief part of the goods that were on board ; at high water the schooner bilged, the remainder of the cargo was drove on shore and secured, it consists of rum, molasses, sugar, limes and dry goods. About seven o'clock another frigate came up and anchored up the beach ; from the preparations we discovered them making, ex- pected they would land in the night, we made a tolerable good breast work of the rum cask and sand, and were determined to prevent their destroying the goods ; how- ever they were disappointed in their design by the wind blowing hard from the North-West, which obliged them
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