USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. I > Part 39
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Our little fleet was now to be preserved ; and, in con- sultation with the land and sea officers, it was agreed that it should, if possible, pass by the city and go up the river. Accordingly, on Wednesday night, the Commo- dore ordered the thirteen galleys to pass close to the Jersey shore, which they all did without a shot being fired at them. It being quite calm the topsail vessels could not attempt it. Friday morning before day, it still being calm, the brig Convention, Capt. Rice, the schooner Delaware, Capt. Eyres, with six of the shallops, set off to get by, which they all did, through an exceeding hot fire of shells and shot, except the Delaware and one shallop, which were ran aground and set on fire. The conti- nental vessels finding that all the troops were gone, and no wind to carry them by, it was thought better to set them on fire, than to let them fall into the enemy's hands; and the same morning before day, the brig Andria Doria, the xebecks Repulse and Champion, the sloops Race-horse and Champion, with the two floating batteries and three fire-ships, were accordingly set on fire and destroyed."
On Saturday, the 21st ult. Major-General Green, with a body of Continental Troops, passed through this city to Mountholly, on his way to attack Lord Cornwallis, who, with a part of the British army, was posted in the neigh-
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borhood of Red-Bank; but as his Lordship declined coming to an action, and having crossed over the Dela- ware to Philadelphia, all our troops, except part of the rifle battalion, returned on Friday last, and have gone to join General Washington in Pennsylvania.
A gentleman of distinction has favoured us with the follow- ing, dated at Mountholly, Nov. 25.
"This day at 10 o'clock, General Glover's brigade joined the detachment of Continental troops at this place, under the command of Major General Green, who was prepared to attack Lord Cornwallis, and only awaited the arrival of this reinforcement. From the intelligence the General had received, he expected the enemy were encamped on this side of Little Timber Creek, and in- tended either to possess themselves of Haddonfield, or, after plundering and ravaging the country, suddenly to cross the Delaware ; he therefore ordered the whole troops to march that night at twelve o'clock. The Marquis La Fayett, who, the day before, had been down to recon- noitre the country, had that evening fallen in with a party of the enemy, consisting of about 400 ; the Marquis took with him the rifle men and part of the Jersey militia, as a covering party ; with these, tho' greatly inferior in number, he immediately engaged them. The bravery of this little party, after an action of about three quarters. of an hour, totally defeated the enemy. In the action we lost two militia officers, killed, and five privates- wounded. The enemy had a Captain, several commis- sioned officers, and upwards of thirty privates killed, and. we took twenty-three prisoners-the number of wounded. is not known. General Green, being on his march, about: two o'clock, received intelligence of the action ; he im- mediately went forward himself, leaving orders for the troops to come on with all expedition .- On his arrival
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at Haddonfield, he found the enemy had, after this small action, drawn themselves down to Gloucester Point, he, however, went to reconnoitre, being determined to attack the enemy, if the ground they occupied would possibly admit of it; but finding them posted under cover of several ships of war, and in a place where not more than one half of his army could act, he directed Gen. Muhlen- berg, Gen. Weedon and Glover's brigades, to return to Mountholly, leaving Gen. Huntingdon and Gen. Var- num's brigades, with the rifle battalion and Jersey militia, to watch the motions of the enemy, and, if possible, to draw them out. They, however, declined meeting him, and re-crossed the Delaware with all expedition."
December 4, 1777.
TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD. RAN AWAY yes- terday the third instant from the subscriber, living in Mountholly, a negro man named Quash, but may probably change it for Yerrah, by trade a cooper, about 26 years of age, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, speaks plain ; had on, and took with him, a London brown broadcloth lapelled coat not much worn, with white metal buttons ; an old whitish coloured ditto broken at the elbows and breast ; a pair of leather breeches much worn ; a pair of ditto striped linen ; two pair of striped linsey trowsers; two tow shirts, one quite new ; a beaver hat not much worn ; two pair of shoes and two pair of stockings, one white cotton, the other yarn mixed red and white. It is thought he will endeavour to get to Philadelphia, or the American Camp, as he is fond of the soldiery. Whoever takes up and secures said servant, so that his master may get him again, shall have the above reward and reason- able charges, paid by JOHN JONES.
N. B. As he has a large bundle with him, and with- out a pass, it is thought he will be easily detected : It is
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therefore earnestly requested of the American gentlemen, officers and soldiers, as they are frequently travelling, to use their utmost endeavours to apprehend him.
November 26, 1777.
WAS STOLEN, From the subscriber, living in Salem, West New Jersey, on Tuesday the 18th of this instant ; A GREY gelding, saddle and bridle : The horse six years old, about 15 hands high, trots, paces, and canters well, marked about the head with a number of black spots, one remarkably large under his near eye, has a small nick in the back edge of each of his ears. Any person who will secure the horse and thief, so that the owner may have the horse, and the thief be brought to justice, shall receive a reward of Twenty Pounds, for the horse only Ten Pounds.
EBENEZER HOWELL.
A PROCLAMATION.
By His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq. General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America.
WHEREAS sundry soldiers, belonging to the armies of the said States, have deserted from the same: These are to make known to all those, who have so offended, and who shall return to their respective corps, or surrender themselves to the officers appointed to receive recruits and de- serters in their several States, or to any continental commissioned officer, before the first day of January next, that they shall obtain a full and free pardon.
And I do further declare to all such obstinate offenders, as do not avail themselves of the indulgence hereby offered, that they may depend, when apprehended, on being prosecuted with the utmost rigour, and suffering the punishment justly due to crimes of such enormity.
Lest the hope of escaping punishment by remaining undiscovered, should tempt any to reject the terms now held out to them, they may be assured, that the most effectual measures will be pursued, in every State, for apprehending and bringing them to a speedy trial.
Given under my Hand, at Head Quarters, this 24th day of October, Anno Domini 1777. G. WASHINGTON.
By his Excellency's command,
Robt. Harrison, Secy.
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BY HIS EXCELLENCY WILLIAM LIVINGSTON,' Esq. Governor, Captain-General and Commander in Chief, in and over the State of New-Jersey, and the Territories thereunto belonging, Chancellor and Ordinary in the same.
PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS the Honorable the Congress did, on the first day of this pres- ent month of November, pass a resolution in the words following, to wit, Forasmuch as it is the indispensible duty of all men, to adore the superintending providence of Almighty God : to acknowledge with gratitude their obligation to him for benefits received, and to implore such farther blessings as they stand in need of : and it having pleased him in his abundant mercy, not only to continue to. us the inumerable bounties of his common providence ; but also to smile upon us, in the prosecution of a just and necessary war for the defense und establishment of our unalienable rights and liberties : particularly in that he hath been pleased, in so great a measure, to prosper the means used for the support of our troops, and to crown our arms with most signal success : It is therefore recommended to the legislature or executive powers of these United States, to set apart THURSDAY, the 18th day of December next, for Solemn Thanksgiving and Praise : that at one time and with one voice, the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their Divine Benefactor ; and that, together with their sincere acknowledgement and offering, they may join the penitent confession of their manifold sins, whereby they had forfeited every favor ; and their humble and earnest supplication that it may please God through the merits of Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of remem- brance. That it may please him, graciously to afford his blessings on the govern- ment of these States respectively, and prosper the public council of the whole. To inspire our commanders both by land and sea, and all under them, with that wisdom and fortitude which may render them fit instruments, under the provi- dence of Almighty God, to secure for these United States, the greatest of all human blesssings, Independence and Peace. That it may please him, to pros- per the trade and manufactures of the people, and the labor of the husbandman, that our land may yet yield its increase. To take schools and seminaries of edu- cation, so necessary for cultivating the principles of true liberty, virtue and piety, under his nurturing hand : and to prosper the means of religion, for the promo- tion and enlargement of that kingdom, which consisteth "in righteousness,. peace and joy in the Holy Ghost."
And it is further recommended, That servile labour, and such recreation, as though at other times innocent, may be unbecoming the purpose of this appoint- ment, may be omitted on so solemn an occasion.
I have therefore thought fit, by and with the advice of the Privy Council, to. appoint the said Eighteenth day of December next, to be set apart and observed throughout this State as a day of public thanksgiving and praise to Almighty
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God on the occasion, and in the manner by the before recited resolution recom- mended : Where of all the inhabitants of this State are hereby required to take notice and govern themselves accordingly. And I do hereby recommend it to the ministers of the Gospel of every denomination, in this State, to perform Divine Service, and to the people committed to their charge to attend on public worship that day ; and to abstain from all servile labour and recreation inconsistent with the solemnity of the Festival
Given under my Hand and Seal at Arms, at Princeton, the 12th day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-seven.
WIL. LIVINGSTON,
By his Excellency's command,
CHA. PETTIT, Secretary. GOD SAVE THE PEOPLE.
To the OFFICERS and SOLDIERS of the MILITIA in the counties of Hunterdon, Burlington, Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland.
Friends and fellow soldiers,
THE enemy have thrown a considerable force into your State, with the intent to possess themselves of the post at ¿Red-Bank, and, after clearing the obstructions in Delaware, make incursions into your country.
To prevent them from effecting either of these purposes, I have sent over such a number of continental troops as I trust will, with the spirited exer- tions of the militia, totally defeat their designs, and oblige them to return to the city and suburbs of Philadelphia, which is the only ground they possess upon the Pennsylvania shore, and in which they cannot subsist if cut off from the supplies of the plentiful State of New-Jersey.
I therefore call upon you, by all that you hold dear, to rise up as one man and rid your country of its unjust invaders. To convince you that this is to be done by a general appearance of all its freemen, armed and ready to give them opposition, I need only to put you in mind of the effect it had upon the British army in June last, who laid aside their intentions of marching through the upper part of your State, upon seeing the hostile manner in which you were prepared to receive them. Look also at the glorious effects which followed that spirit of union which appeared among our brethren of New-York and New-England, who, by the brave assistance which they afforded to the continental army, obliged a royal one, flushed with their former victories, to sue for terms, and lay down their arms in the most submissive manner-Reflect upon these things, and I am con- vinced that every man who can bear a musket, will take it up, and, without respect to turn or class, give his services in the field for a few weeks per- haps only for a few days. I am,
Your sincere Friend and Countryman.
GEO. WASHINGTON.
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.
Gentlemen,
Could I persuade myself that you wanted any farther inducement to exert yourselves on the present occasion, besides the animating motives pointed at in His Excellency's address, I would conjure you by the remem- brance of the laurels you have lately gained, by the love of your country, your posterity and the honour of New Jersey, to turn out with alacrity, at a time when Providence seems to have presented you with a glorious opportunity for defeating the common enemy.
Trenton, Nov. 23, 1777.
Wil. Livingston.
BURLINGTON, PRINTED BY ISAAC COLLINS. All Persons may be supplied with this Gazette at Twenty- Six Shillings per Annum. Advertisements of a moderate length are inserted for Seven Shillings and Six Pence each the first Week, and Two Shillings and Six Pence for every Continuance ; and Long Ones in Proportion.
A GOOD PRICE AND READY MONEY Is given by the Printer hereof, for CLEAN LINEN RAGS .- New Jersey Gazette No. I, Dec. 5, 1777.
New-York, December S. Proceedings of the Army and Navy upon Delaware. By the Arrival of the Sloop York, last Thursday Se'nnight, and the Roman Emperor Trans- port, the Saturday following, from the Delaware, which they left the 22 ult. we learn, that three Batteries on Province-Island, the first of two 32 Pounders, with one 18 and one 12 Pounder ; the second five 24 Pounders, one 8 inch Mortar, and a Howitzer of the same Bore ; the third mounting one 13 and an 8 Inch Mortar, and one 8 Inch Howitzer, being completed on the 9th ult. they opened on Monday the 10th on Mud Island, or Fort Mifflin, and kept up a constant Fire until Saturday the 15th, when about nine o'Clock in the Morning, his Majesty's Ships Isis, Somerset, Pearl, Vigilant, and an armed Sloop came up, attacked the Fort and silenced eighteen or twenty Pieces of Cannon, which had played
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on them from the Time they came within reach, and de- molished the three Block Houses. During the Cannonade, the Men stationed in the Tops of the Vigilant, did great Execution amongst the Rebels, with Swivels and small Arms.
As soon as the Shipping came up, the Rebels hoisted a Jack half Staff, as a Signal for Assistance from their Fleet, which lay under Red Bank, about one Mile and an half from Mud Island, on the Jersey Shore, who imme- diately sent down a number of Boats filled with Men, who were afterwards employed in carrying back their wounded, under the Fire of our Ships and Batteries. The Rebels evacuated the Fort about 9 o'Clock in the Evening, after setting Fire to the Barracks, which were calculated to contain Two Thousand Men, leaving their Colours flying. They were prevented from carrying off their Cannon by our Ships and Batteries. A Gondola, with twelve 18 Pounders, soon after leaving the Island, was sunk by a Shot, but being near the Shore, the Cannon . were next Day recovered by our Troops.
Sir George Osborne, with the Guards, who were pre- pared to Storm the Fort next Morning, had it not been evacuated, took Possession, and found about 40 Pieces of Cannon, a Quantity of Ammunition, &c.
The Loss of the Rebels, in killed and wounded, by the best Accounts, from the first Attack till they evacuated the Island amounts to near 500 Men, among whom are two. Captains of Artillery.
In this Attack we lost one Midshipman and two or three Men, on board the Vigilant, and three or four brave Tars on board the other Vessels.
When the other Ships were engaged at Mud Island, the Roebuck, Capt. Hammond, attacked a Battery near Billingsport, on the Jersey Side, and in less than an Hour silenced it.
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Admiral Howe, during the severest Cannonade perhaps ever heard, landed on Province Island, and continued in front of our Batteries, within Musket Shot of the Rebel Fort, giving Orders for the Attack with his Lordship's usual Calmness.
On the 16th ult. Preparations were made to remove the Chevaux de Frize, and an excessive strong Chain fixed to two large Piers, and extended across the River to obstruct the Navigation. The Rebels at Red Bank, observing the Troops and Sailors beginning this arduous Task, removed their Shipping up the River, within three miles of Philadelphia.
On the 17th, Lieut. Gen. Earl Cornwallis, and General Sir William Erskine, with about 3000 Men, marched to Chester, where they surprized a Picquet Guard of Militia, killed 7, took 25 Prisoners; then crossed the River to Billingsport, where they joined Major-General Sir Thomas Spencer Wilson and General Patterson of the Royal Ar- tillery, who had also landed there with a Body of Troops the same day. They tarried till the Afternoon of the 19th, when a Detachment moved towards Red Bank, which the Rebels getting Intelligence of, abandoned the Fort about seven in the Evening, after blowing up their Magazines.
Next Morning about One o'Clock, the Rebels aban- doned their Fleet, consisting of twenty-five Ships, Brigs, Schooners, Sloops, and one Row Galley, which mounted eighteen 24 Pounders, to prevent their Retreat being cut off by the King's Troops, who were then on their March from Billingsport. Before their Vessels were evacuated they set them on Fire, but with such Caution, that it was almost Six o'Clock before it was discovered, and so effect- ually that none of them could be saved.
The Rebels passed Philadelphia in the Night, close under the Jersey Shore, with several of their Row Gallies,
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but not without being discovered by the Delaware Frigate, which lay above the City, and kept up a con- stant Fire at them as they passed.
The Chain near Mud Island, was severed on the 21st. and the Army Victuallers, trading Vessels, &c., went up to Philadelphia the Day following.
Last Friday Night a Party of Rebels, consisting of some Officers and twelve Men, proceeding on an Enter- prize to seize the Person of Mr. Van Buskirk, at Bergen Point, were intercepted on their Return through the Vigilance of Col. Turnbull, Commander at Powles-Hook, whose Men fired upon them, and Mr. Livingston, said to be a junior Brother of Col. Livingston, who was taken at Fort Montgomery, was killed on the Spot, and another Person, named Van Dolsan, taken Prisoner, who was brought to Town the next Day, and safely lodged in the Provost.
The above Gentry plundered several Houses in and about Pemerapough, particularly Barent Van Horne, Mr. Vreeland, Mr. Van Wagenen, and Walter Clanderon, and in the House last mentioned Mr. Livingston received his Wound.I
A Letter from Philadelphia of the 27th of November, says, "Lord Cornwallis has effected the Business he went upon to Haddonfield, in the Jersies, and is this Day re- crossing the Delaware, having brought off 800 Head of Cattle, with the Loss only of the Serjeant-Major of the · 33d, and three Privates of the 5th Regiment .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, December 8, 1777.
In CONGRESS, October 8, 1777.
WHEREAS it is of essential consequence to the General Welfare, that the most effectual measures should be forth-
1 The last two paragraphs appear in the Pennsylvania Evening Post, December 18, 1777.
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with pursued for cutting off all communication of sup- plies or intelligence to the enemy's army, now in and near the city of Philadelphia : And whereas it has been found by the experience of all States, that in times of invasion, the process of the municipal law is too feeble and dilatory to bring to condign and exemplary punish- ment, persons guilty of such traiterous practices,
Resolved, That every person being an inhabitant of these United States, who shall act as a guide or pilot by land or water for the enemy, or shall give or send intelli- gence to them, or in any manner furnish them with sup- plies of provisions, money, clothes, arms, forage, fuel, or any kind of stores, ought to be considered and treated as an enemy and traitor to these United States ; and that General Washington be empowered to order such person, taken within thirty miles of any city, town or place in the States of Pennsylvania, Jersey and Delaware, which is, or may be in the possession of the enemy's forces, to be tried by a court-martial ; and such courts-martial are hereby authorised to sentence any such persons, convicted before them of any of the offences aforesaid, to suffer death, or such other punishment as to them shall seem meet. This resolve to remain in force until the first day of January next, unless sooner revoked by Congress.
And whereas it has been represented to Congress, that many evil disposed persons, enemies to these United States, make a practice of passing to and from the ene- my's quarters, propagating false intelligence, thereby to º dispirit the people, and aid the cause of our enemies.
Resolved, That it be recommended to all magistrates and officers, civil and military, and to all the good people of these States, to be vigilant in apprehending, securing, and bringing to condign punishment, all such offenders, in order that a speedy and effectual stop may be put to such a pernicious practice. Extract from the minutes,
CHA. THOMSON, sec'ry.
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Mr. COLLINS,
I observe that General Burgoyne, in his famous procla- mation of the 2d of July, declares that the military servants of the crown were called forth to restore the rights of the constitution to America ; and this is the answer in the mouth of every British officer, when asked what their errand is to this country. The following extract from the Antigua Ga- zette of the 10th of Sept. may give us some idea of what sort of a constitution these lovers of justice would wish us to enjoy .- Lest the authenticity of this extract should be doubted I send you the printed Gazette itself. T. L.
The following circular Letter was lately delivered, by a Ministerial messenger, to the different Foreign Ambassadors resident in London.
My LORD,
IT is an incontrovertible fact, that the diminution of American com- merce is the increase of the Russian. The Empres's dominions, with the- advantage of a most numerous population, may supply Europe with tobacco, rice, indigo, coffee and cotton, which will benefit her subjects three millions sterling yearly at least. Labour is so much cheaper in Russia than America, that in profound peace she can undersel the Americans. It appears very obvious to the common interest of Europe to annihilate America, as not only being a most powerful commercial rival to Russia, in every branch, but also to Prussia, Denmark and Sweeden, in naval stores, iron, &c. She is, or will be, a rival to France, Spain and Portugal, as South Carolina is favourable to the growth of wines, fruits, &c. as those countries. The commercial interests of Europe, North and South America, are diametrically opposite ; for a million as America diminishes, Europe- increases; and, vice versa, if the colonies are ever permitted a free naviga- tion .- It is navigation that creates commerce: annihilating American navigation, is in reality reducing them to their primative state, which at present may be done : but perhaps in a few years hence, not.
The British territory in North-America is 122,800 square miles ; 640 acres to a square mile, is 718,592,000 acres; 5 acres to each person is 145,718,400 ; according to which, North-America will support a popula- tion of 26,118,400 more than Europe; the inhabitants of this continent being 117,600,000, by which a judgment may be formed of what North- America is capable of being, if not timely prevented. The millions of money and people North-America was possessed of, prior to this rebellion, was European, consequently a loss of so much to Europe. Europe may at this instant be repaid : Now or never is the time ; for it is the interest of
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this, as well as every other maritime and commercial power, to crush America ; not only their interest, but the peace of Europe, depends upon it; as in a few years America may carry on a marine war against Europe. The common interest of Europe absolutely requires a total annihilation of American navigation, as also the seaport towns, which will soon be found to be a transfer of millions sterling to Europe. The Americans, deprived of navigation, the foundation of commerce, will remigrate with their fortunes to this country, Germany, &c. It is impossible to enumerate the many advantages that this continent will derive from a total reduction of America, in the remigration of subjects, navigation and commerce, it must be beyond conception great.
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