USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 21
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We have undoubted intelligence that on Saturday last the enemy in Philadelphia burnt all the vessels on the stocks-and that the greater part of the British army are now at Cooper's ferry, under marching orders, from whence a movement thro' this State to Amboy, is expected to take place in the course of a few hours. The whole militia of this state are in readiness to march at a mo- ment's warning.
We are informed that several deserters from the enemy on Staten-Island have lately come from thence to Wood- bridge and Elizabeth-Town .- The new levies have changed their green coats for red ones, and Mr. Skinners poor deluded followers begin now to see that this is but a prelude to their being drafted to fill up the British regi- ments.
Last Friday morning, says a correspondent, Brigadier- General Winds, with about 40 militia stationed at Eliza- beth-Town, went to Amboy, and there so roughly saluted an armed brig belonging to his most pacific majesty, which
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lay between the church in Amboy and Col. Billop's house on Staten-Island, and had for three or four days been a terror to the well-affected inhabitants about Woodbridge and Amboy, as to make her slip her cables and make off in which she was greatly favoured by a fair breeze of wind, or she must probably either struck or ran on shore. Our shot made great havoc among her rigging, and did considerable damage to her hull, and there is great reason to believe, did some execution among her men.
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:
WHEREAS, by an Act of the Legislature of this State, intitled, An Act for the regulating, training and arraying the militia, passed at Princeton the fourteenth day of April last, it is among other things enacted, that the militia of this State shall be divided into two brigades, as follows, to wit, The militia of the counties of Middlesex, Somerset, Essex. Bergen, Morris and Sussex shall form one brigade; and the militia of the counties of Hunterdon, Burlington, Monmouth, Glou- cester, Salem, Cumberland and Cape-May, shall form the other brigade. And whereas it is become necessary, in pursuance of the said act, to make a new arrangment in the present brigades of this State: It is his Excellency's order that General Wind's brigade consist of the said six counties first enumerated, to wit, Middlesex, Somerset, Essex, Ber- gen, Morris and Sussex ; and that the militia of the counties of Hun- terdon, Burlington, Monmouth, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland and Cape-May, compose the brigade of General Heard; of which all the officers and privates of the militia of this State are directed to take notice, and to govern themselves accordingly. And the said Brigadiers General are, with all convenient speed, to make a return of their re- spective brigades to the Commander in Chief of this State, and of their arms, accoutrements and ammunition ; And in such returns particularly to specify the persons in their respective brigades, who have procured, or pretend to have procured substitutes in any of the New-Jersey regiments in the continental service, with the names of
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such substitutes, and the time when, place where, and the officers by whom such substitutes are said to have been inlisted.
Given under my hand at Princeton, the 12th day of June, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and seventy- eight.
By his Excellency's command, - William Livingston, jun. D. Sec.
WIL. LIVINGSTON.
TO BE SOLD, By PUBLIC VENDUE,
ON Saturday the twentieth instant, at the house of Col. Richard Westcoat,1 at the forks of Little Egg-Har- bour, 8000 LIMES, 1200 PINE-APPLES, and 15 very large TURTLE.
June 16.
WAS taken up by the subscriber, living in Bedminster township, county of Somerset, a NEGRO MAN about 25 years of age, five feet seven inches high; had on a thick- set coat, striped linen jacket, sailor's trowsers and thread stockings. He goes by the name of Ben, but says he was formerly called Harry. Said Negro was taken up at Hacket's town; the owner is desired to apply, prove his property, pay charges, and take him away.
PHILIP BRIGHT.
May 29, 1778.
STOLEN out of the stable of Humphrey Spinning, near Elizabeth-Town, march 25th, a dark brown HORSE, 6 years old, trots and paces, middling low carriage, about 13 hands and 3 inches high, both his hind feet white, and a small star in his forehead, and some white hairs on his shoulders. Whoever takes up said horse, and returns him to the owner shall have TEN POUNDS reward and all reasonable charges, paid by me
June 13, 1778.
HUMPHRY SPINNING.
1 Resigned from the army March 31st, 1778.
17
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WAS taken up by the subscriber, living in New Ger- mantown, a grey HORSE, having neither mark nor brand, is about 13 or 14 hands high, and seven years old. Who- ever proves their property and pays charges, may have said horse by applying to
JONATHAN TOMS. May 24, 1778.
To all whom it may concern :
New-Jersey ss. NOTICE is hereby given, that a court of Admiralty will be held at the house of Gilbert Barton, in Allentown, on Monday the 13th of July next, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to try the truth of the facts alledged in the bill of John Brooks, (who as well, &c.) against the brigantine or vessel called the Caro- lina Packet, with her tackle, apparel, furniture and cargo; to the end and intent that the owner or owners of the said vessel, or any person or persons concerned therein, may appear and shew cause, why the said vessel and her cargo should not be condemned, according to the prayer of the said bill.
By order of the Judge, BOWES REED, Pro. Reg. June 9, 1778.
TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD.
DESERTED from a party of Col. John Munsen's1 men near Somerset Court-House, on their way from Morris county to Princeton, two Irish men; one calls himself Andrew Connard, about 25 years of age, five feet eight inches high, well set, apt to take a large drink, and often
1 Lieutenant-Colonel in Martin's Battalion, Heard's Brigade, June 14th, 1776. Munsen became Colonel of the Western Battalion, Morris county, May 15th, 1777.
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uses those words; has a light complexion, a watch in his pocket, and nankeen breeches on or with him. The other a small fellow, about 22 years old, five feet high, much pock-marked, has curl'd hair and a down look; calls him- self John Tinny, but it is probable they may change their names. Whoever takes up and secures said men, so that they may be sent to camp, at Mount-Holly, shall receive the above reward, or Ten Dollars for either of them.
SAMUEL SAYRE,1 Major. June 10.
Wanted immediately,
A Number of good TRADESMEN, that are single, such as Carpenters, Smiths of all branches, Armourers, Gun-stockers or Wheelwrights. Any of the above Trades- men that are willing to serve themselves and country, shall by applying to Capt. Wylie, at the grand continental works at Carlisle, receive Twenty Dollars bounty, Thirty Dollars each man per month pay, one suit of clothes per year, and a ration and a half each man per day, and good quarters.
1
THOMAS WYLIE, Capt. Art. Artific. June 6, 1778.
To all whom it may concern. .
New-Jersey, ss. NOTICE is hereby given, that a Court of Admiralty will be held at the house of Gilbert Barton, in Allentown, on Tuesday, the fourteenth day of July next, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to try the truth of the facts alledged in the bill of John
1 Western Battalion of Morris county, May 15th, 1777. His name is also written Sears.
1
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Brook (who as well, &c.) against the brigantine or vessel called the Prince Frederick, lately commanded by Wil- liam Sawyer, with her tackle, apparel, furniture and cargo: To the end and intent that the owner or owners of the said vessel, or any person or persons concerned therein, may appear and shew cause, if any they have, why the said vessel and her cargo should not be condemned according to the prayer of the said bill.
By order of the Judge, BOWES REED, Pro. Reg. June 14, 1778.
RAN-AWAY from the subscriber, living in Springfield township, Burlington county, a servant lad, named Jona- than Shoars, about 18 years of age, about five feet eight inches high, of a fresh complexion, light coloured straight hair, a very large nose, stoops in walking, and something knock need; had on and took with him two homespun linen shirts, two pair of trousers, one pair of leather breeches, two striped woolen jackets, one with sleeves, one pair of stockings black and white, no shoes, a good castor hat. The said lad went off the 31st of May last. Whoever takes up said lad, and brings him to the sub- scriber, or confines him in gaol, so that his master may have him again, shall receive a reward of Two Dollars, from
HENRY LISHMAN.
June 2, 1778.
RAN AWAY from the subscriber, living in Kingwood, Hunterdon county, on Tuesday the 9th of this instant, a NEGRO MAN, named JEM, of middle stature, and marked with the small-pox; had on when he went away an old flannel waistcoat, striped flannel shirt, a pair of cloth trowsers or over-alls, and old shoes, but may have changed his dress, as he also took with him a new livery homespun cloth coat of a drab colour, sleeves and collar turned up
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with scarlet cloth, a nankeen vestcoat, old leather breeches, two white shirts, one a new homespun, the other old Hol- land and a beaver hat smartly cocked. Whoever secures said Negro fellow, so that his master may have him again, shall receive Forty Dollars reward and reasonable charges paid by
CHARLES COXE.
June 14, 1778.
WAS STOLEN out of the house of the subscriber, living in Pennington, Hunterdon county, New-Jersey, on the evening of the 11th instant, a silver faced WATCH, with red figures and strokes where it is commonly black, the maker's name David Hubard, London, on the face of the watch done also with red, the number forgot. Whoever apprehends the thief and secures the watch, so that the owner may have it again, shall have Sixteen Dollars reward, or Thirty Dollars for the watch and thief, paid by me
GEORGE ANTHONY.
N. B. All watch makers are requested to stop said watch if offered to them to disguise or for sale.
June 15, 1778.
EIGHTY DOLLARS REWARD.
STOLEN out of the pasture of the subscriber, in Trenton township, on the night of the 12th inst. a bay MARE, about 14 hands high, four years old, has a small but dim blaze in her face, the inside of one hind foot white, trots and canters well. Likewise was taken from a pasture near the same place, a black HORSE, six years old, about 14 hands three inches high, with a bald face, a long tail, and one hind foot white, trots and canters well also, shod all round, he has some saddle-marks that are not yet quite
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well. Any person taking up and securing said mare and horse with the thief or thieves, shall have the above re- ward, or Sixteen Dollars for each of the creatures only, and all reasonable charges if brought home, will be paid by JOHN READER, Or' SOLOMON M'NAVI. June 15, 1778. -New-Jersey Gazette, Vol. 1, No. 29, June 17, 1778.
TO BE SOLD
Several tracts of valuable LAND, one lying situate at the head of Musconetcung river, in New Jersey, about thirty-five miles from Elizabeth Town and four from Suckasunney Plains, containing about three thousand acres, having on it a large forge with four fires and two hammers, a grist mill and saw mill on one of the best streams in America, with eighty acres of choice meadow and many valuable buildings on the same, all in good order, which is now under lease for eight and a half tons of bar iron per annum ; it will be sold together or separate. Also another tract lying situate on the said river, known by the name of Squire's Point, about fifteen miles from Easton on the river Delaware, containing about one thou- sand eight hundred acres, having on it an old forge and very good grist mill, a dwelling-house and barn, all in good order. Also another tract lying situate about fifty miles from Esopus, containing about nine thousand acres. Also another tract lying situate on Otter Creek, choice good land, containing about four thousand acres. Also a large parcel of cattle, sheep, and hogs, and a large quantity of farming utensils too tedious to mention. Also a phaeton and pair of neat horses, chair and sulkey, a fine English stallion and several breeding mares. All those that have demands to bring in their accounts, and they will be adjusted; and those that are indebted to me
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either by bond, note, or book accounts, are requested to discharge the same immediately, as I intend to remove to West Florida, chief of my family being now there. Any person or persons by applying to the subscriber for any of the above articles of land, may purchase as they can agree for Continental money or credit, with giving bonds and good security, by
May 27, 1778. GARRET RAPALJE living at Squire's Point. -The Pennsylvania Packet, June 17th, 1778.
The British army early last Thursday morning, com- pleted their evacuation of Philadelphia, having before transported their stores and most of their artillery into the Jersies, where they had thrown up some works, and several of their regiments were encamped. They manned the lines the preceding night, and retreating over the commons, crossed at Gloucester point. It is supposed they will endeavor to go to New York. A party of the American lighthorse pursued them very close, and took a great number of prisoners, some of whom were Refugees. -The Pennsylvania Evening Post, June 20, 1778.
New-York, June 22. The Militia of the Province of New-Jersey are divided into two Brigades as follows, viz., Sussex, Morris, Bergen, Essex, Somerset and Middlesex, to be commanded by General Wind; and Salem, Cum- berland, Cape May, Gloucester, Monmouth, Hunterdon, and Burlington, under the Command of General Heard.
The Party that carried away Mr. Bache and Major Moncrieff, from Flatbush on Long-Island, as mentioned in our last, came from Middletown Point, in New-Jersey, in two Whale Boats, consisting of 11 Men, commanded by William Marriner, well known in this Place. They set out in the Evening and got home again by 6 o'clock next Morning.
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L EFT at Hoebuck-Ferry, some time since, a TRUNK, supposed to contain cloathing. Whoever has lost the same, may have it again, proving their prop- erty, and paying charges, by applying to HENRY DAWSON, living between the Fly-Market and Burling's-slip .- New- York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, June 22, 1778.
The last advices from the Jersies inform, that the American army was at Princetown, the British at Allen- town, and that the former had harrassed the latter greatly by detached parties.
There never was an instance of so much desertion in a British army, as what now prevails in the Jersies; near five hundred have already come into Philadelphia since they left it, besides great numbers who go up the country. By accounts from them we learn that they have been much impeded and harrassed in their march, and have lost numbers of their grenadiers and light infantry.
Ran away from the subscriber, living in Newtown town- ship, East Jersey, an apprentice lad named BERNARD ROBERTS, about fourteen years of age, middle sized. He had on when he went away, an oznabrug shirt and trousers, and coarse hat about half worn. Whoever secures said lad, so that his master gets him again, shall have TWENTY SHILLINGS reward, by applying to William Heppard at the above place. June 22 .- The Pennsyl- vania Evning Post, June 25, 1778.
New-York, June 29. The Royal Army under the Com- mand of Sir HENRY CLINTON, left Philadelphia the 18th Inst. and the 26th a Division of them was at a Place called the Cross-Roads in Monmouth County, about 22 Miles S. E. from South Amboy, the Center was at Cross- wicks, and the Rear at Allan's-Town, the two last men- tioned Places 5 Miles apart, and half way between Amboy and Philadelphia, a very plentiful Country.
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Three fourths of the Militia of New-Jersey are going to oppose the Royal Army, by breaking up the Roads, &c.
The Prize Schooner which arrived here last Monday, was chased off Egg Harbour the preceding Evening by a Rebel Privateer.
Last Wednesday Night Capt. Randle, from Elizabeth- Town, came over to Staten-Island with a Party of about 14 Men, and fired upon some of the Militia that were on Guard, wounded Mr. Richard Connor in the Arm, and one Ashar Tappen in the Leg, but neither dangerously. The Militia pursued the Party, but they got into their Boat in a great Hurry, and made for the Jersey Shore with all Expedition.
We hear that a certain George Zabriskie was a few Days since shot on the Road near Paramus, in New-Jersey, by a Person unknown. The Day before he had been busy in pressing Waggons to carry the Grain from the Farm- ers in that Neighbourhood, agreeable to an Order of Congress. - New-York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, June 29, 1778.
Extract of a letter from his excellency gen. Washington to the hon. gen. Arnold, in this city, dated Fields near Monmouth courthouse, June 29, 1778.
"I have the honor to inform you that about seven o'clock yesterday morning, both armies advanced on each other. About twelve they met on the grounds near Monmouth court-house, when an action commenced. We forced the enemy from the field, and encamped on the ground. They took a strong post in our front, secured on both flanks by morasses and thick woods, where they remained until about twelve at night, and then retreated. I cannot at this time go into a detail of matters. When opportunity per- mits, I shall take the liberty of transmitting congress a more particular account of the proceedings of the day."- The Pennsylvania Evening Post, June 30, 1778.
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TRENTON, July 1.1
His Excellency General Washington, having early in- telligence of the intended movement of the enemy from Philadelphia, detached a considerable body of troops under the command of Major-General Lee, in order to support Gen. Maxwell's Brigade of Continental troops already in this state, and the militia under Generals Dickinson and Heard. These troops were intended to harass the enemy on their march through this state to Amboy, and to retard them till General Washington, with the main body, could get up. In the mean time several small skir- mishes happened between the enemy and Gen. Maxwell's troops, joined by the militia, but without any consider- able execution on either side.
The march of the enemy being by this means impeded, and the main army having crossed the Delaware at Coryell's ferry on the 20th and 21st ult. proceeded by the way of Hopewell, Rocky-Hill, Kingston and Cranberry, and on the 27th overtook the enemy at Momnouth Court- house, whither they retired from Allentown on the ap- proach of our troops, leaving their intended rout to Amboy.
It having been previously determined to attack the enemy on their march, a suitable disposition was made the same evening. General Lee, with a detachment of pick'd men consisting of about 1500, and reinforced by a strong body of Jersey militia, advanced to English- Town, (about 6 miles from Monmouth Courthouse) the militia then proceeded to the Meetinghouse; the main army under General Washington being about four miles
1 The other side of this paper having been printed off last weck, previ- ous to the alarm, and thereby prevented from being completed, sufficiently accounts for the date of the title page. By the insertion of this notice, Isaac Collins, editor of the Gazette, explains one phase of the effect of the passage of the Anglo-Hessian army through the Jerseys. The Gazette for June 24th is numbered "30." The newspaper did not again appear until July 8th, No. 31. For this reason the Trenton date line is July 1st, under the head date line of June 24th.
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in the rear of English-Town. In this position the whole halted until advice could be received of the enemy's mo- tion .- At three o'clock on Sunday morning their first division, under General Kniphausen,1 began their march, of which we had intelligence in about two hours, when General Lee received orders to advance and begin the attack, the main army at the same time advancing to support him. About half a mile beyond the Courthouse General Lee began his attack, and drove the enemy for some time; when they being reinforced, he was obliged to retreat in turn, till met by General Washington with the main army, which formed on the first advantageous ground-In the mean time two field-pieces, covered by two regiments of the detachment and commanded by Colonels Livingston and Stewart, were advanced to check the enemy's approach, which they performed with great spirit and with considerable loss on both sides. This ser- vice being performed, they retired with the pieces to the front line, then completely formed, when the severest cannonade began it is thought ever happened in America. In the mean time strong detachments marched and at- tacked the enemy with small arms, with various success .- The enemy were finally obliged to give way, and we took possession of the field, covered with dead and wounded. The intense heat of the weather, and the preceding fatigue of the troops, made it necessary to halt them to rest for some time. The enemy in the mean time presenting a front about one mile advanced beyond the seat of action. -As soon as the troops had recovered breath, General Washington ordered two brigades to advance upon each of their flanks, intending to move on in front at a proper time to support them, but before they could reach their destination night came on, and made any farther move- ments impracticable.
They left on the field the honourable Col. Monckton,
1 A Hessian commander, whose regiment had seen service in the battle of Trenton.
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with several other officers and a great number of privates, which cannot yet be ascertained with precision .- About 12 o'clock on Sunday night they moved off with great precipitation towards Middletown, leaving at the Court- house five wounded officers and above forty privates .- They began the attack with their veteran grenadiers and light infantry, which renders their loss still more impor- tant .- On our side Lieut. Col. Bonner of Pennsylvania, and Major Dickinson of Virginia are slain-Col. Barber of this state is wounded by a musket-ball, which passed thro' the right of his body, but it is hoped will not prove mortal. Our troops behaved with the greatest bravery, and opposed the flower of the British army-Our artillery was well served, and did amazing execution. Before, during, and after the action, deserters came over in great numbers, and still continue so to do. Of the enemy's dead. many have been found without any wound, but being heavily cloathed, they sunk under the heat and fatigue. We are well assured that the Hessians absolutely refused to engage, declaring it was too hot. Their line of march from the Courthouse was strew'd with dead, with arms, knapsacks and accoutrements, which they dropt on their retreat .- They had the day before taken about fifteen prisoners, whom in their haste they left behind. Had wę been possessed of a powerful body of cavalry in the field, there is no doubt the success would have been more com- pleat, but they had been so much employed in harassing the enemy during the march, and were so detached, as to give the enemy a great superiority in number, much to their advantage. Our success, under Heaven, is to be wholly ascribed to the good disposition made by his Ex- cellency, supported by the firmness and bravery of both officers and men, who were emulous to distinguish them- selves on this occasion. The great advance of the enemy on their way, their possession of the strong grounds at Middletown, added to the exhausted state of our troops, made an immediate pursuit ineligible; and our army now
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remains about one mile advanced from the field of battle, having been since employed in collecting the dead and wounded, and burying the former.
Thus (says a correspondent) the enemy have had two campaigns to march from New-York to Philadelphia, and back again, with the diminution of at least half their army. - - - How much cheaper might his Britannic Majesty buy sheep and oxen in England, in the usual manner, than he now gets them, by employing an army to steal them in America !
The enemy, on their way through Burlington county, wantonly destroyed a very valuable merchant-mill near Bordentown, the iron-works at Mount-Holly, and the dwelling-houses, out-houses, &c. of Peter Tallman, Esq. and Col. Shreve.
Previous to the evacuation of Philadelphia, the enemy plundered the inhabitants of most of the waggons and horses in and near the city, and totally destroyed some and greatly injured many very valuable buildings, especi- ally such as were situated about the suburbs of the town and near the lines. A number of the active tory inhabi- tants, being conscious of their guilt, and dreading the vengeance of their countrymen, went off with the enemy.
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