USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 37
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AN OLD MAN,
And ye, British Commissioners know we are free. + + STATES, take the hint.
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NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
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TRENTON, OCTOBER 14.
Thursday last the General Assembly of this State ad- journed. During their sitting they passed twelve acts, the titles of which are not yet received.
About ten days ago Jacob Fagan, who having previ- ously headed a number of villains in Monmouth county, that had committed divers robberies, and were the terror of travellers, was shot. Since which his body has been gibbetted on the publick high-way in that county, to deter others from perpetrating the like detestable crimes.
BOWES REED, Esq. is appointed Secretary of this State, in the room of CHARLES PETIT, Esq. who has resigned.
Since our last several British deserters came to town from the enemy at Hackinsack.
We hear that on Wednesday last the enemy left Egg- Harbour, after having destroyed a number of vessels, and several houses belonging to Gentlemen who have distin- guished themselves by their attachment to the American cause. They have, it is said, bent their course towards Tom's River, in order to destroy our salt works.
Among the officers who fell into the hands of the enemy in Col. Baylor's late disaster, at Old Tappan, were Cap- tain Swan, Doctor Evans, junior surgeon, Lieut. Ran- dolph, and three Cornets. Capt. Stith being suddenly surrounded by the enemy's horse and foot, and seeing no probable way of getting off, called out for quarter; but they, contrary to the rules of war and to every sentiment of humanity, refused his request, called him a damn'd rebel, and struck him over the head with a sword - which fired him with such indignation, that he bravely fought his way thro' them, leaped over a fence, and escaped into a morass. Lieut. Barret got off on horseback; and Lieut. Morrow with a number of others badly wounded and left on the field as dead, were next morning brought off by a party of the regiment, the remaining part of which is now
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1778
commanded by Capt. Stith. Several of those his party brought off are since dead of their wounds.
A good WORKMAN at Press and Case will find con- stant Business, be exempted from actual Service in the Militia, and receive handsome Wages. Apply to the Printer of this Paper.
BROKE out of Trenton Gaol, on Wednesday the 7th of this instant, the four following villains, viz. Thomas Brooks, about five feet seven inches high, well made, short black curl'd hair, a bold looking fellow, and about 27 years old. This is the second time he has broken out of this gaol; the first of which he was confined on suspicion of his being a deserter from the 2d Jersey Regiment, and the second on suspicion of breaking open Abraham Skirm's fulling mill, and is supposed to be a robber and horse thief. Also James Price, about five feet eight inches high, darkish colour'd hair, well made, and is about 17 years of age, committed for being concerned in the rob- bery of the widow Bellisfelt. Also two Indians, belonging to the 2d Jersey Regiment; one named William Homes,1 about five feet eight inches high, full faced, and pitted with the small-pox; the other James Dillap,2 about 5 feet 9 inches high, spare built and smooth faced. Whoever takes up and secures said villains, shall receive Thirty Dollars for Brooks, Sixteen for Price, and eight for each of the Indians, paid by
HUGH RUSSEL, Gaoler. Trenton, Oct. 13, 1778.
STOLEN on the night of the 30th of September, out of the pasture of the subscriber living in Hunterdon county, near New-Germantown, a sorrel MARE, four years old, trots and canters well, about 13 and a half hands high,
1 Second Battalion, Second Establishment, Second Regiment. He may have been from Cumberland county.
2 Dillap's service was like that of Holmes.
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NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
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branded D S on the near side. The thief is supposed to be one Timothy Flude, about 5 feet 9 inches high, well set, has light hair and a fair complexion, near 30 years of age; had on a light colour'd coat and jacket, linen breeches, and a small brimm'd beaver hat. Whoever takes up said mare and thief shall have Forty Dollars reward, and for the mare only Twenty Dollars, with all reasonable charges paid by
WILLIAM ABEL. Oct. 7, 1778.
FOSTER HORTON
Has for SALE at his STORE in CHATHAM.
BEST bohea tea, 8 dollars per pound ; pins by the paper or pound; black silk handkerchiefs; hair combs, fine and coarse ditto ; indigo; salt; ginger ; alspice; tobacco; snuff ; striped lutestring; women's gloves and children's ditto; fans; best black sewing silk; thread; mohair and twist ; an assortment of mohair buttons; knives and forks by the dozen - Also tallow in barrels or cakes, and a new Riding Chair.
To be sold by the Subscriber, Living opposite the Meeting-house in Maiden-head at PUBLICK VENDUE, on the 23d of October, SEVERAL horses, one yoke of oxen, likewise two hogs- heads of good RUM. The vendue to begin at two o'clock, when attendance will be given, by
ELIAS HUNT.
To be sold by the Subscriber, In MOUNT-HOLLY,
A stout healthy NEGRO BOY, about seven years old. Has had the small-pox and measles, and is warranted sound. JOHN JONES.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION.
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To be sold by the Subscriber at TRENTON,
AN excellent BREEDING MARE, with a COLT by her side, got by the elegant horse Bajazett. She is with foal by the noted horse called Lofty. - Also a horse colt rising two years old, got by Lofty.
NATHAN BEAKES.
TWO ELEGANT BAY BREEDING . MARES to be sold. Enquire at the Printing-Office, Trenton. EIGHTY DOLLARS REWARD.
STOLEN out of the house of the subscriber, at Brookland Forge, on Sunday night the 27th September last, the fol- lowing articles, viz. A light-coloured short broadcloth coat, cut regimental fashion, but plain ; a dove-coloured forrest cloth short jacket made with a belt, both a little worn; one pair of blue narrow ribb'd yarn stockings, a pair of plain worsted ditto; a pair of corded velvet breeches, and a castor hat, both new; a pistol with a brass stripe on the barrel, and 80 dollars in continental money. The above articles were taken by a fellow who calls himself Charles Kennedy, aged about 27 years, five feet six or eight inches high, very stout and well- set for his height, very fresh ruddy complexion, round full face, brown hair rather light at the ends, and I. be- lieve has grey eyes ; wears a light home-made jacket lined with striped linsey. Whoever takes up and secures said thief and goods shall have the above reward, and for the thief only Forty Dollars, paid by the subscriber at the place aforesaid.
JOHN BOWNE.
Brookland Forge, Morris County and
state of New-Jersey, Oct. 6, 1778.
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NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
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SIXTEEN DOLLARS REWARD.
STRAYED or stolen, on the night of the 7th inst. from the subscriber in Hopewell, a bright bay MARE, with a black mane and tail, has a saddle mark on the near side, a few white hairs in her forehead, fourteen hands and a half high, paces and trots, but more natural to pace .- Whoever takes up said mare and secures her so that the owner may have her again, shall receive the above reward and all reasonable charges from
JOSEPH HART.
Hopewell, October 12, 1778.
WHEREAS the Partnership of Robert Johnston, of New- Ark, and Thomas Nixon, of the city of Philadelphia, dissolved the 22d day of April last. These are to request all persons indebted to the said partnership to pay the same; and any persons having demands against the said partnership are desired to bring in their accounts to the respective partner with whom the debt was contracted, and they will be paid.
Oct. 9, 1778.
FOR SALE,
THE ruins of a compleat MERCHANT MILL, (which was destroyed by the British army in their late march through New-Jersey) together with about 40 acres of Land, situate on Black's creek, about half a mile from Borden-Town, in the county of Burlington, a healthy part of the country, distant from Philadelphia 28 miles.
There yet remains on the premises a tolerable good saw-mill, an old dwelling-house, kitchen, cooper's shop, stable, smoak-house, &c .- The mill walls are built very good stone 37 by 52 feet, and about 18 feet high, the foundation of which being well fixed on piles, are still sufficient to support a frame building, or even stout enough
31
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1778
to build upon with stone or brick, having sustained little or no damage by the fire. The mill consisted of two water wheels, and three pair of stones all running double geer'd, for which the foundation works are well calculated -besides a spare water lane suitable for a small wheel for hoisting, or many other purposes. The house was large and convenient, four stories high, covering all the wheels, and furnishing granaries to contain about 10,000 bushels of grain, with a remarkable large meal-loft, and the necessary room for boulting-chests, packing rooms, storing flour, bran, shorts, &c. The fore-bay and water lanes are not so much damaged but they may be repaired at a small expence. All the iron work (which was made by a complete workman) consisting of gudgions, spindles, rines, steps, punchions, bands, machine for raising and lowering millstones, &c. will be disposed of with the premises.
The advantages attending this valuable seat for any kind of water-works are very great, the stream being pretty good, and is raised to ten feet nine inches head and fall- the tide flowing up the creek a short distance from the river Delaware to the spot, a flat boat has constantly carried from thence 120 barrels of flour, and a vessel may easily be constructed which may load at the mill-tail and carry off upwards of 200 barrels of flour with great convenience immediately to Philadelphia market. The country for many miles round is fertile, and has always furnished this mill with large quantities of wheat, rye, and Indian corn; besides great supplies of wheat annually brought down the river Delaware in Durham boats,1 which
1 Owing to the shallowness of the Delaware between the head of tide, at or near Bordentown, and the up-river settlements, Durham boats were used to transport freight. During the Revolution there were about forty of this kind of craft. In the passage of the American army over the Delaware, on the night before and the morning of the battle of Trenton, the Durham boat played a conspicuous part. In shape these boats were like large canoes, pointed at each end, about forty feet long, painted black, and manned by a crew of four or five men. A steering-oar, adjustable at either end, guided the boat on its journey down stream. The current carried the boat from Easton to Philadelphia in about two days, although the return trip, during which pole-pushing was employed, occupied the greater portion of the week.
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NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
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unload with much ease and dispatch, being hoisted out by water directly into the mill. Exclusive of those advan- tageous circumstances a very ample supply of wheat may generally be had from Philadelphia, by the return vessels which are continually employed in transporting produce from the several neighbouring landings on the creek and river, at a reasonable freight, and has frequently been procured on better terms than the wheat purchased in this part of the country. From either of those resources a very plentiful supply of wheat for manufacturing may always readily be purchased, with additional quantities for further speculation.
An iron-work1 was formerly erected at this place, which was supplied with pig-iron from Durham, and other fur- naces up the Delaware.
Will be sold with the above premises a lot of ground near the mouth of the same creek, whereon is erected a small dwelling-house, and wharf, for the convenience of the mill, as well as for the benefit of the country, from whence considerable quantities of grain, pork, fiour, lum- ber and other produce, are annually transported to Phila- delphia, and from whence a shallop can carry about 300 barrels of flour --- being distant from the mill seat less than half a mile. There is also a quantity of white oak and other valuable timber part on the spot, and part about two miles distant, already squared suitable for building a large tumbling dam, which will be disposed of with the same, or separately.
A good title will be given to the above described prem- ises .- For terms of sale apply to ROBERT LEWIS, mer- chant, in Philadelphia; ROBERT LEWIS, jun. at Penny- pack mill; WILLIAM LEWIS, near Crosswicks; or to the subscriber on the premises.
NATHANIEL LEWIS.
Oct. 1778.
-New-Jersey Gazette, Vol. 1, No. 45, Oct. 14,1778.
1 At one time a leading industrial establishment in the central portion of the State.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1778
Fish-Kill, October 8. Extract of a letter from an officer in Jersey, dated Aquakanock, October 4, 1778.
"In my last I informed you of the landing of a party of the enemy from New-York. This irruption into our State has been conducted with the utmost degree of pru- dence and circumspection, - with a force sufficient, had it been managed with dexterity and spirit, (in the interval of assembling our militia) they might have harrassed a considerable extent of country and perhaps secured a large number of cattle. 'Tis true in attempting this they must have exposed thier retreat to the sagacity of a commander who from his vicinity to Jersey, had it in his power to cut them off. Instead of penetrating into the state, they confined themselves to a small portion of country, between two navigable rivers, exposing only a small front, im- penetrable by its situation, and by works thrown up for its further security. Here they lay foraging, chiefly among their friends the tories, in the neighbourhood of Hackinsack. We can explain this conduct of theirs, only by complimenting the spirit of our countrymen, who turned out most readily on this occasion, and by suppos- ing them much fonder of forage than of fighting. Had they ventured farther it might have proved fatal. How- ever, this supineness gives us time to collect our strength, and receive reinforcements from the main army on your side of the Hudson. We now are a body of some consider- ation, sufficient to give confidence and cover to the country, with the assistance which we received, and to be at the same time an effectual restraint on the enemy's depreda- tions beyond their lines. At present they are busied in transporting their plunder; and we are watching for a vulnerable point, where we may revenge the barbarities practised on the unfortunate and amiable Baylor.
"Our whale boats in the mouth of Hackinsack river are not unemployed. They have destroyed four vessels with forage that were returning to New-York, and had· we an opportunity to work, you may be assured we would not be
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NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
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idle. We have felt injuries, and learnt how to revenge them, and wish most sincerely for a parting blow with our enemy. We harmonize perfectly with the continen- tals, and are peculiarly happy under the command of Lord Stirling."
New-York, Oct. 19. The Cork fleet arrived at Sandy Hook Yesterday Afternoon.
When the British troops withdrew from the New Bridge, near Hackinsack, the Continentals and Militia that were in that Neighbourhood, marched directly towards Newark, Elizabeth-Town, &c .- New-York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, October 19, 1778.
For the NEW-JERSEY GAZETTE.
THE public, it seems, is once more entertained with another dying speech of their Excellencies the British Commissioners, who, like Mr. Partridge, the Almanack-maker, will be walking about, after having been proved stone-dead before. As these Gentlemen are not the first who have published their own disgrace, the dissemination of their Manifesto, will, I am persuaded, injure none but themselves. It fully proves, and indeed acknowledges, that they had no power finally to do anything but to grant pardons, that is, to hold up the most insolent offer (for receiving them from the bosom of liberty into the shackles of slavery ) to a free and independent nation, which their own tyranny and nonsense (Johnstone himself being judge) have eternally sepa- rated from them, and from which they ought, in all humble manner, to implore forgiveness for their numberless barbarities and outrages : A nation that has reduced them to a degree of humiliation and abase- mont of which their history knows no example, and that is only restrained by the principles of humanity from imitating their own bribing pattern, to lay their metropolis in ashes. - They offer no inducement for any man to become of their party. They tell all the world what all the world knew before - They reiterate the nonsensical experiment of disaffecting the people against the Congress, which they have attempted ever since they landed, and which attempt must end as all other the like attempts have ended - in nothing at all. But have at ye my lads, - and woe to all non-returning rebels, - they threaten in the ravings of despair to execute that vengeance, with a ruined power, which they were incapable of inflicting with all their strength in its fullest vigour. To reconcile such proceedings to com- mon sense, it must be presumed that the Manifesto is rather calculated for the meridian of London than that of America. For as the English have not yet heard that 'Squire Johnstone is banished for bribery,
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION.
[1778
and still believe (for except the truth, what is. there that they do not believe) that the people of America can be spirited up against the Congress, (which is but another name for the people of America in the State-house of Philadelphia) their little fools here, must govern themselves by the sentiments of the great fools there; and, to avoid the cool reception of almost the whole fraternity that have been sent upon the Quixote errand of enslaving America, must be able to intro- duce themselves to their disappointed constituents with the amplest proofs of their having tried whatever the folly of their employers induced them to believe practicable, however repugnant to the sense or the conscience of the negociators employed. This supposition, Messieurs Commissioners, I make in sheer compassion to yourselves, as I cannot but think there must be some sense in a Scotch secretary whatever there be in an English pair of red-heel'd shoes.
The Manifesto1 which has fallen into my hands, friend Collins, I once thought of consecrating to the Goddess Cloacina, but it being ornamented with his Majesty's own arms, and I having heard so much in times of yore about the Lord's annointed, (by which some com- mentators understood Kings, but by which the prophet David cer- tainly meant the people) I was struck with horror at the sacriligious (rebellious) impulse. I shall therefore paste it up over my chimney- piece, but in all probability topsyturvy, (a ridiculous exhibition, you will say, of the Lion and Unicorn, but very emblematical, say I, of the affairs of Great-Britain) that if I am hang'd at last, my descend- ants may know it was thro' sheer love of hanging, by refusing so gracious and unmerited a pardon upon sincere repentance, with so grim-frowning a lion on the top, terrificly denouncing the royal venge- ance against final contumacy and impenitence after the forty days quarantine mercifully allowed to air away all the infection of repub- licanism and rebellion.
HORTENTIUS.2
Extract of a letter from General Count Pulaski, to the President of Congress, dated October 16, 1778.
"SIR,
"For fear that my first letter concerning my engage- ment should miscarry or be delayed, and having other particulars to mention, I thought proper to send you this letter.
1 "Manifesto and Proclamation" given at New York, October 3d, 1778, by the Earl of Carlisle, Sir Henry Clinton and William Eden, Commission- ers authorized to grant pardons of all treasons or misprisons of treasons within the "Colonies, Plantations or Provinces" of North America. The manifesto expired November 11th, 1778.
2 Governor Livingston.
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NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS. 487
"You must know that one Juliet an officer, lately de- serted from the enemy, went off to them two days ago with three men whom he debauched and two others whom they forced with them. The enemy, excited without doubt by this Juliet, attacked us the 15th inst. at three o'clock in the morning, with 400 men. They seemed at first to attack our pickets of infantry with fury, who lost a few men in retreating: Then the enemy advanced on our infantry. The Lieut. Col. Baron de Bose, who headed his men and fought vigorously, was killed with several bayonet wounds, as well as the Lieut de la Borderie, and a small number of soldiers and others were wounded. This slaughter would not have ceased so soon, if on the first alarm I had not hastened with my cavalry to sup- port the infantry, which then kept a good countenance : The enemy soon fled in great disorder, and left behind them a great quantity of arms, accoutrements, hats, blades, &c.
"We took some prisoners, and should have taken many, had it not been for a swamp, through which our horses could scarcely walk: Notwithstanding this, we still ad- vanced in hopes to come up with them; but they had taken up the planks of a bridge for fear of being over- taken, which accordingly saved them. However my light infantry, and particularly the company of rifle-men got over the remains of the plank, and fired some vollies on their rear. The fire began again on both sides. We had the advantage, and made them run again, although they were more in number.
"I would not permit my hunters to pursue any further, because I could not assist them, and they returned again to our line without any loss at that time.
"Our loss is estimated, dead, wounded and absent about 25 or 30 men, and some horses. That of the enemy ap- pears to be much more considerable. We had cut off the retreat of about 25 men, who retired into the country
.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1778
and the woods, and we cannot find them; the general opinion is, that they are concealed by the tories in the neighbourhood of their encampment."
Ordered by Congress to be published.
HENRY LAURENS, President.
PRINCETON, October 2, 1778.
On Wednesday last was held the annual commencement of the College in this place. The Governor, Council and Assembly met the Trustees at the President's house, and the company went in procession to the College Hall in the following order: (1) The Candidates for Batchelors degrees, two and two. (2) The Candidates for Masters degrees in the same manner. (3) The Governor of the state, Præses (ex officio) of the Board of Trustees, the President of the College, and other Members of the Board and Faculty. (4) the Members of the Council (5) the Members of Assembly (6) Clergymen, Graduates, and other Gentlemen present.
After prayer the exercises were performed in the fol- lowing order :
1. Salutatory oration by John Scudder,1 on civil discord.
2. Oration by William Boyd, on the strength of human passions.
3. Oration by Joseph Scudder, on contentment.
4. Oration by Jacob Morton, on the horrors of war.
5. Oration by Belcher Smith,2 on eloquence.
Then the degree of Batchelor of Arts was conferred on the following gentlemen, Members of the senior class, William Boyd, of Pennsylvania, Jacob Morton, of New- Jersey, Joseph Scudder, of New-Jersey, Matthew Woods, of Pennsylvania, Peter Wilson of New-Jersey.
1 John Anderson Scudder, Class of 1775.
2 Belcher Peartree Smith, Class of 1773.
-
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Then the degree of Master of Arts was conferred on the following gentlemen, Alumni of this College, Stephen Balch1 of North Carolina, John Joline2 of New-Jersey, Isaac Keith3 of Pennsylvania, James M'Ree4 of North Carolina, John Scudder, Belcher Smith, and David Witherspoon,5 of New-Jersey.
The whole was concluded with an exhortation by the President to the graduates, containing advices for the prosecution of their studies and direction of their conduct in future life.
The winter session of this College begins on the 10th of November. The grammar school continues without vacation.
TRENTON OCT 21
On Tuesday the 13th instant came on the Annual Elec- tion, throughout this State, when the following Gentlemen were chosen, being all the Returns yet come to our Hands :
For HUNTERDON COUNTY,
Representative in Council, John Stevens, Esq.
Representatives in Assembly, John Hart, Azariah 6 Dun- ham, Esqrs. Col. Chambers.
For SOMERSET COUNTY,
Representative in Council, Fre. Frelinghuysen, Esq.
Representatives in Assembly, William Ch. Houston, Roeloff Sebring, David Kirkpatrick, Esqrs.
1 Stephen Bloomer Blach, Class of 1774.
2 Class of 1775.
3 Class of 1775.
4 Class of 1775.
5 Class of 1774.
6 Nehemiah.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1778
For MIDDLESEX COUNTY,
Representative in Council, Jonathan Deare, Esq.
Representatives in Assembly, Benjamin Manning, Jacob Schenck, Ebenezer Ford, Esqrs.
For MONMOUTH COUNTY,
Representative in Council, Joseph Holmes, Esq.
Representatives in Assembly, James Mott, junior, Peter Schenck, Hendrick Smock, Esqrs.
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