USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. I > Part 36
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1 Buskirk, or Van Buskirk, was a Loyalist, from Bergen county.
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the island. Instead of Busscark's it was a British regi- ment which retreated so precipitately that the gen. took their stand of colours, burnt seven small armed vessels, and a large barn full of forage. The gen. being ordered not to go any farther than that place, joined gen. Sullivan at the New Star, who had in a little time settled the matter with col. Barton's regiment, they being but few in number, and the greatest paltroons I ever saw.
" They made a shew of fighting, but did not stand to receive our fire ; we took about thirty of them, and their colonel .- Colonel Ogden's party advancing with the ut- most precipitation, drove the cowardly enemy before them, took colonel Lawrence, three captains, six subal- terns, one doctor, and eighty privates. General Sullivan marched the division to the Old Star, and got them all over except the rear guard, which the enemy advanced upon and took. The bravery of the little party com- manded by major Stewart would do honor to the first troop in the world ; they were posted behind a hedge, and kept up such a blaze upon the enemy, that they were forced to retreat every time they advanced ; the little party, consisting of not more than fifty men having bravely maintained their post and expended their am- munition, major Stewart, whose gallant behaviour would do honor to the first of characters, told his party that he had too great a respect for their bravery to sacrifice them, that he would surrender himself, and give those, that could swim an opportunity to get off ; they all pulled off their hats and begged of him not to surrender, that some of them had two cartridges left, that they would fire them, and stand by him till they were cut to pieces ; Stewart fixed a white handkerchief upon the point of his sword, and walked as cool as if he had been going to shake hands with a friend ; many of the party got over the river. The action was grand though horrid. I
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plainly saw the whole. We have lost three majors, some captains, subalterns, stragglers, and in all one hundred and twenty-seven privates."-The Pennsylvania Evening Post, August 26, 1777.
Extract of another letter from the same place, August 24.
" I have but just time to inform you, that our division made a forced march the 21st instant, to Staten Island, from 3 o'clock in the afternoon ; at day-break next day we got on the Island. General Smallwood went down the island, and by the error of his guide 200 men, with some principal officers, escaped in boats. Our brigade went towards Amboy, surprized about 150 of the enemy, 40 of whom we made prisoners, the others hid in marshes and corn-fields, so that we could not find them. Col. Ogden landed before day at the Old Blazing Star, and took 80 or more, with a large booty of every sort ;- he deserves much credit. Our division were obliged to leave a part of their men behind ; boats sufficient, not having been secured to make safe our retreat. Major Stuart, of Maryland, with about 80 men attacked and beat back their main body three times,-he and his men did honour to their country. Many of our brave fellows swam the Sound and others were, no doubt drowned in the attempt. All our regiment are well, except twelve or thirteen straglers. The chief loss sustained is in Col. Price's regiment.
" We have lost Col. Antill ; he refuses, it is said, to be exchanged ;1 Majors Stewart, Tillard, Woodson and Pow-
1 Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Antill, son of Edward Antill, 2d, of Piscataway, N. J. At the beginning of the war he was practicing law in Canada ; he was offered a commission in the British army, but instead offered his services to Gen. Mont- gomery, in his attack on Quebec, and soon after received a commission as Lieuten- ant-Colonel of the "Congress Own," a Pennsylvania regiment. After his capture he was treated with great severity by the British, on one of the prison ships, until one day he was recognized by his brother, Major John Antill, in the British service, who secured his release on parole. He was detained on Long Island many months, until his exchange after which he continued in the American army. See Edward Antill and His Descendants, by William Nelson, 1900.
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ell ; Capt. Herron and ten other officers, with 130 or 140 privates. We have taken about 120 or 130 privates, two Colonels, three Captains, and seven or eight subalterns. It's certain that our men killed a great number ; they fought until all their cartridges were expended. Gen. Sullivan saw them, and with the other officers give the greatest credit to Jack Stewart and the brave Marylanders he had left. We are in hopes to exchange parties imme- diately."
Another letter says, " We have lost Lieut. Col. Antil, Majors John Stewart, Woodson, and Tillard, Capt Car- lisle, and Dr. Duffe taken prisoners, and that Capt. Hern and Lieutenants Lee, Anderson and Campble are missing -Seven Officers swam across the Sound, and got off safe."
Strayed or Stolen from the Subscriber, in the township of Mansfield, Burlington county, West-Jersey, on or about the 15th instant, two MARES, and one Gelding. One of the Mares is a red roan, a natural pacer ; the other a black, a natural trotter, low in flesh, and used to the geers. The Gelding is a jet black, trots and paces a travel ; has a small blaze in his face, near sixteen hands high, about 7 years old. Whoever takes up the above described Mares and Gelding, and brings them to the subscribers, shall receive a reward of Thirty Shillings for each, and reasonable charges, paid by JONATHAN BARTON and PETER ELLIS Aug. 18, 1777 .- The Pennsylvania Gazette, August 27, 1777.
Strayed out of a pasture at Morris-Town, a dark brown Gelding, 14} hands high, has a star in his forehead, black curled main, black switch tail, has saddle-galls on the broad of his back, a little marked with a collar on his breast, low carriage, is a natural trotter, and shakes his head remarkably when he canters. Any person who will
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deliver the above described horse to MR. BLIKER, at Morris-Town, or secure and advertise him, shall receive TEN DOLLARS reward, and all reasonable charges .- The Pennsylvania Journal, August 27, 1777.
New-York, September 1. Last Friday sennight, in the Morning before Daybreak, a Body of Rebels, under the Command of Messrs. Sullivan, Smallwood, and De Bourg, landed in two Divisions upon the West End of Staten-Island. By the Acknowledgment of some of their Officers, now Prisoners here, their Number was at least 2000. One Division of them soon fell in with a Part of the New-Jersey Volunteers, which Brigade was posted, in small Detachments, along the Side of the Island, from Decker's Ferry to the Point opposite Perth-Amboy, a Distance of fifteen Miles. The Rebels, greatly superior in Numbers, had the Fortune with Success to engage the Detachments that were commanded by Lieut. Col. Law- rence,1 and Lieut. Col. Barton ;2 who were both made Prisoners, with several other Officers, and a considerable Number of Men. They then marched down to Decker's Ferry, where they burned about 35 tons of Hay, and set. fire to a Barn. As soon as the Alarm had reached Head Quarters, Brigadier General Campbell marched with the 52d British and 3d Battalion of Waldeck, leaving a Regiment of Anspach to guard the Camp and Redoubts.
1 Elisha Lawrence was of the Monmouth county branch of the family which fur- nished such active support to the Tory cause during the Revolutionary War. He was the last of the Crown's High Sheriffs of the county. Owing to his activity in raising volunteers for the Loyalist regiment, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel of the First Battalion. Upon April 5th, 1779. his property was confiscated and sold. After the Staten Island skirmish his connection with the New Jersey Volunteers ceased. At the peace Elisha Lawrence retired with the Royal army, retaining his rank as- Colonel, and, under half-pay, removed to a grant of land in Nova Scotia. Subse- quently Colonel Lawrence resided at Cardigan, Wales, where he died in 1811. His wife, who died in New York during the war, was Mary, daughter of Lewis Morris Ashfield .- Sabine's Loyalists, Vol. II., page 3; New Jersey Volunteers (Loyalists) in the Revolutionary War, W. S. Stryker, page 30 .- F. B. L.
2 Joseph Barton left the service in 1781. Very little is known of his personal his- tory.
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Upon the Approach of the regular Troops the Rebels in- stantly mached off with all Speed. In the mean Time Brigadier General Skinner had collected those of his Corps which had been dislodged from their Stations, and detached Major Tympany with 25 Men to gain Informa- tion of the Route which the Enemy had taken. The Major came up with a Number of them at the House of Dr. Parker, which they were plundering. He attacked them immediately, killed several, and took the rest Pris- oners ; among the killed was Mr. Smallwood's Brigade Major. It was now known that the Rebels on this Side had gone off towards Richmond ; they were eagerly pur- sued, and on the Road beyond that village an Account was received from Lieut. Col. Dongan, that his Post had been attacked by the second Division of the Enemy, and obliged to retire (which they did with very little Loss) towards Lieut. Col. Allen, who had himself very season- ably retired, and taken post on a Height near Prince's- Bay, where Lieut. Col. Dongan had joined him. A large Body of the Rebels had twice made a Shew of attacking them, but finally declined it, and marched off towards
the Old Blazing-Star. Those two gallant Officers soon determined to pursue them, and now gave information to Brigadier General Skinner that they were on the Way, and requested Orders, which were immediately dispatched to them to proceed, and at all Events to attack the enemy as soon as possible ; informing them at the same Time, that their Brother Volunteers from the right were coming up with all Speed to join them, and that the Regular Troops, with General Campbell, were at Hand to support them. These Orders were executed with equal Spirit and Success. Notwithstanding a great Dis- parity of Numbers, these new Troops attacked the Rear of the Enemy, consisting of Smallwood's and other Corps that are foremost in Reputation among the Rebels, with an
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Intrepidity and Perseverance that would have done Honour to Veterans. A considerable Number of the Enemy were killed, and about 300 taken Prisoners, in- cluding 21 Officers, viz. 1 Lieut. Col., 3 Majors, 2 Cap- tains, 10 Lieutenants, 3 Ensigns, 1 Surgeon, and 1 Officer wounded. By this Time General Campbell had got up one Piece of Cannon, with a Detachment of the Artillery. That Piece was soon followed by two or three more, and a well directed Fire of round and Grape Shot had a great Effect on the Rebel Boats, and on those of their People who had got over to the Jersey Shore. Our Loss, in the whole Affair, is 5 killed, 7 wounded, and 84 missing. Among the wounded were Lieutenant Col. Dongan, and Major Barnes, both Officers of distinguished Bravery. The former, a young Gentleman of uncommon Merit, both as a Man and a Soldier, is since dead of his Wounds. His Loss is greatly regretted, and his Memory will ever be dear to all those who had the Pleasure of his Acquaint- ance. Major Barnes, tho' shot through the Lungs, it is hoped may possibly recover.
The Rebels, by this Attempt, have indeed got a good deal of Plunder, chiefly from the Inhabitants, of which they may possibly be ready to boast ; for they have often boasted of Exploits which honest Men would deem a Dis- grace ; and they have Reason on this Occasion, to blush for their Conduct.
Lieut. Col. Edward Vaughan Dongan, Commandant of the 3d Battalion of New-Jersey Volunteers, was the youngest Son of Walter Dongan, Esq; late of Staten- Island, was bred to the Law, and supported a most amiable Character. He was in his 29th year, and has left a young distressed Widow to lament the Death of an affectionate Husband. Their only Child died a few Hours before him.
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Wednesday arrived here from Tobago, the Ship Catha- rine, John Freeman, Master, laden with Rum and Sugar ; she was on the 13th Ultimo taken by a Rebel Privateer Sloop called the Baltimore Hero, commanded by one Hasey, who put on board the Ship one Lieutenant, a Prize-Master, and three Hands. They kept the Posses- sion of her nine Days ; but in the Night of the 22d past, Captain Freeman, being assisted by the Hands left on board belonging to the Ship, resumed the Command, and brought her safe into his destined Port.
Sunday sennight Capt. Freeman spoke his Majesty's Ship Phoenix, Hyde Parker, Esq ; Commander ; off Egg- Harbour, on board of which he put his Privateers.
Mr. Washington we are told is gone to the Southard ; Mr. Sullivan, after the Attack on Staten-Island, marched to Brunswick with the Troops he had left, where he re- mained a few Days, but afterwards put about, and is now at a Place called Springfield, eight Miles back of Eliza- beth-Town ; Mr. M'Dougell, and Putnam, are at Peek's- Kill, collecting a Body of Men (as they give out) in Order to attack Kingsbridge.
Yesterday died of the Wounds he received in the late Skirmish at Staten-Island, Major Barnes, much lamented, as a worthy Man and gallant Officer .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, September 1, 1777.
TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS REWARD.
Ran Away from the subscriber, in Morris Town, New Jersey, about the 20th of May last, a Negro lad called JEFF, between fourteen and fifteen years of age, (from circumstances, supposed to have been inviegled away by a fellow, driver to a public waggon, and conveyed to one of the back counties of Pennsylvania) of a yellowish complexion, large bushy head of curled hair; had on a blue jacket of coarse cloth, tow shirt and trousers, and a
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felt hat ; he took with him a bundle of other cloaths, and a blue and white striped blanket. Whoever may appre- hend said servant lad, and will have him conveyed to his master, or to Mr. THOMAS LEIPER, Tobacconist, in Philadelphia, shall receive the above reward and all reasonable charges.
ANTHONY L. BLEECKER.
To the Printer of the PENNSYLVANIA PACKET.
SIR,
Please to insert in your Paper the two following sections of An Act of the State of New-Jersey, passed the fourth day of June last, entitled "An Act for rendering more effectual two certain acts therein mentioned."
Be it enacted by the Council and General Assembly of this State, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That if any person being a member of or owing allegiance to this government, as described in the first section of the Act herein first mentioned, shall be apprehended on his way to the enemy with intent to go into their lines or encampments, or into any places in their possession without the licence permission or pass- port of the Commander in Chief of the army of the United States of America, or of the Governor or Commander in Chief of this State for the time being, or of some General Officer of the Army of the said United States, or of one of the Brigadiers General of the Militia of this State, such person is hereby declared to be guilty of a capital felony, and being thereof legally con- victed shall suffer death accordingly. Provided nevertheless that if any per- son so offending as aforesaid, shall at the time of his examination before the Governor and Council of Safety, or within six days thereafter, declare his willingness to enlist, and shall actually enlist with the leave of the Governor and Council aforesaid, to serve on board any of the vessels of war belonging to the United States, it shall be lawful for them to suffer him so to enlist, and thereupon to discharge him from his confinement, and such his enlistment shall be deemed a full pardon of his offence aforesaid, anything herein before contained to the contrary thereof notwithstanding.
II. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That if any person being a member of, or owing allegiance to this government, as in the said first mentioned Act is described, who hath since the first day of October last voluntarily gone into any of the enemy's lines or encamp- ments, or into any places in their possession, shall return to any parts of this State in a secret or clandestine manner, or without any leave, license or passport previously obtained from the Governor or Commander in Chief of this State for the time being, or from a General Officer of the
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army of the United States, or of one of the Brigadiers General of the Militia of this State, such person is hereby declared to be guilty of a capi- tal felony, and being thereof convicted, shall suffer death accordingly. Provided nevertheless, that he may enlist as aforesaid, and that such his enlistment shall be considered and operate in like manner as the enlist- ment of a person committing the offence specified in the last preceding section of this Act.
The above sections are desired to be inserted in the public papers, not only to convince all officers either be- longing to the United States, or to the Militia of New- Jersey, of inferior rank to those mentioned in the said Act (some of whom have granted such passports since the passing the Act, and that upon very frivolous occasions) that such passports will not avail the persons to whom they are granted ; but also to induce all military officers that may be stationed in, or passing through, the State of New-Jersey, and having convenient opportunity for the purpose, to apprehend all persons, subjects to the said State, going into or coming out of the enemy's lines with- out the passports described in the above Act, and to send them to the civil authority to be committed, and pro- ceeded against, according to law.
WHEREAS I am informed that several of my ten- ants in the States of New York and New-Jersey, have lately refused to pay me their rents for the last year, under pretence that the lands have been sold by virtue of executions ; AND as such sales, if any there have been, must have been made without my knowledge, or any public notice that I have been able to discover, and the very pretence must be a wicked fraudulent trick, con- trived to cover the property of the enemies of this coun- try ; I DO HEREBY give this public notice, forbidding all such tenants to pay the least regard to such pretended sales, or to take leases from, or to pay any rents to any other person than myself, or my attorney, at their peril ;
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and forewarning all persons from paying any sum or sums of money, on account of such pretended sales, at their own risque and peril .-
I have appointed my wife Sarah, Countess of Stirling, at Baskenridge, to be my attorney during my absence.
Given under my hand this first day of September, 1777.
STIRLING - The Pennsylvania Packet, September 2d, 1777.
To be SOLD by PUBLIC VENDUE, on Thursday, the 18th of September instant, on the premises,
A Commodious dwelling-house, and near 5 acres of ground, in Moore's-town, Burlington county, New Jersey, within 10 miles of Philadelphia ; there are a good bear- ing orchard, a pump of extraordinary good water, a good hay-house and stable-room for 3 or 4 horses ; the house has two good cellars under it, a leanto and a kitchen ; there are two rooms on a floor both below and above stairs, and a good shop adjoining that would suit almost any tradesman. It will be sold for cash, and an indis- putable title will be given to the purchaser by
Richard Fleming.
-The Pennsylvania Gazette, September 3, 1777.
Cumberland County, West-New-Jersey, August 21.
FORTY DOLLARS REWARD.
This day made their escape out of the goal of said county, the following persons, viz.
THOMAS RIGGON, born in said county, 5 feet, 8 or 9 inches high : Had on when he escaped, a white swan- skin vest, with sleeves, another without, of broad cloth, the fore-bodies pale blue, the backs deep blue, a half wore Holland shirt with chitterlins at the bosom, and home- spun trousers, but has other good cloaths, such as wiltin
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coat and velvet breeches, deep blue thread stockings, much flourished in knitting, wears his hair tied, it is re- markably curly all over his head, has a great impedi- ment in his speech.
WILLIAM GLAN, born in said county, but brought up in New Castle county, five feet nine or ten inches high, thin visage, black hair, down look, slender made. Had on when he escaped, coarse homespun shirt and trowsers, his other cloathes unknown. Whoever takes up said prisoners and secures them in any of the state goals, so that the subscriber gets them shall be entitled to the above reward, or TWENTY DOLLARS for either of them, and reasonable charges paid by
JOHN SOULLARD, Goaler. -The Pennsylvania Journal, September 3, 1777.
FOR SALE.
A Tract of Land, containing about 370 acres, situate in Cumberland county, West-New-Jersey, near Morris's river, on the head of one of the branches of Buckshou- tom, within two miles of Buckshoutom mills. For terms, apply to the subscriber, in Monmouth county, near Al- len-town, or JOHN MONTGOMERY, in Philadelphia.
ROBERT MONTGOMERY. -The Pennsylvania Gazette, September 10, 1777.
SIXTEEN DOLLARS REWARD.
STRAYED or STOLEN, from the subscriber, inn-keeper in Deerfield, Cumberland county, West-New-Jersey, on the night of the twenty-third of August last, a Dark Bay Horse, near fifteen hands high, three years old, a natural trotter, gallops and carries well ; has a star in his face, his off hind foot white considerably galled with the col- lar. Any person that takes up said Horse and Thief, if
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stolen, and secures the thief, so that he may be brought to justice, and returns the horse to the owner, or secures him so that he may be had, shall be entitled to the above reward for the horse and thief, or EIGHT DOLLARS for the horse only, and all reasonable charges, paid by HENRY SEELY
-The Pennsylvania Journal, September 10, 1777.
New York, Sept. 15. Copy of a Letter from Edward Fleming to Andrew Hamilton, Captain in the Rebel Train of Artillery, dated Second River,1 August 1, 1776. " Dear Sir.
" I was last Night favour'd with your obliging Letter by Mrs. Fleming, that sent by Doctor Jones I have not yet received, but learned this Morn- ing that he left it at Mr. Schuyler's for me, where by some Means or other they have neglected to send it. You nor I my Friend are no Strangers to the Malevolence and Spight of the rascally Part of New York, whose Baseness of Soul measure other Sentiments by their own vile Standard, but who, thank God, have been hitherto happily defeated and detected in their Lies and Villainy. Be assured, my Friend, that altho' surprized at the Report, I could not help laughing very heartily at their spightful Blunder, for conscious of my own Integrity, I did suppose I should be one of the last Men suspected of Treachery or Duplicity, and therefore their fixing me on board the Fleet was truly ridiculous, since they must know it would not gain Credit with any of the Friends to America who knew me, and I am sure it never would be credited by the Enemies of America, for they all know me too well for that. I despise the rascally Authors and Propa- gators of the Lie, and equally despise and abhor the Men of War, all that belongs to them, and their Owner ; and do solemnly declare that nothing on Earth would induce me to go on board any of the King of Great- Britain's Ships, except for the express Purpose of destroying them. I would give Five Pound for the Discovery of the rascally Author, and One Hundred Pounds that he and every villainous Enemy to America were on board the Fleet, and the Fleet in a Flame. I am sorry I had not the Pleasure of seeing you the Morning I left York with Mrs. Fleming. Since we have been here I have been amusing myself with little trifles, putting our little House in order, &c., where I do assure you it would give us great Pleasure to see you, whenever your Duty and Business will permit. Our Situation is pleasant, just on the River Edge, tho' our House is not elegant, yet it serves the Purpose of a Country Retreat for the Summer Season,
1 Now Belleville, N. J.
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and I think I have recruited a good deal for the short time we have been here. When we left York I little imagined you would so soon have a visit from the British Pirates, or I think I should have been tempted to stay a little longer, altho' I had nothing to do or employ me in York, and my House and Family Affairs in the Country neglected. We heard all your firing that Day, by which I imagined the Ships had made a regular Attack upon your Batteries, never dreaming they were so stupid as to attempt a Passage up the North-River, where I think, and greatly hope, they have got themselves in a Pound; and that they may be well pounded before they get out again. I was ex- tremely concerned on hearing the Disasters which befell some of our Men at the Batteries that Day, but happy to find you, my Friend, and others your gallant Brethren had escaped the Calamity : Would to God you were all more prudently cool and cautious, and hope that ugly Accident will be a sufficient warning. I am pleased with your Vigilance and Attention to the Row Gallies, &c. and hope they will have the desired Effect. As to the Dissentary you mention, I apprehend to be only the common Effects of eating early unripe Fruit this warm weather: The Men ought to be cautious against the use of these, and drinking cold Water when they are warm; and Cleanliness should be strongly insisted upon. I should have been several Times in York since I left it, but for want of a Horse to draw my Sulky, which I have not yet been able to procure; I expect one soon, when I hope to have the Pleasure of seeing you ; in the mean Time beg you will favour me with a Line, as Opportunity offers, directed for me at the Post-Office at Newark, which I think will be the most expeditious Conveyance, as my Habitation is within two small Miles of it. I beg you will make my best Complements to Col. Knox in particular, and all the Gentlemen of your Command and Corps of my Acquaintance, and hope you will always believe me to be, dear Sir,
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