USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 4
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All papers, charter-parties, bills of lading, passports, and other writ- ings whatsoever, found on board any ship or ships which shall be taken, shall be carefully preserved, and the originals sent to the courts of justice for maritime affairs, appointed or to be appointed by the legislatures in the respective Colonies for judging concerning such prize or prizes ; and if any person or persons shall wilfully or negli- gently destroy or suffer to be destroyed any such paper or papers, he or they so offending shall forfeit their share of such prize or prizes, and shall suffer such other punishments as they shall be judged by a court-martial to deserve.
INSTRUCTIONS to the Commanders of private ships or vessels of war which shall have commissions or letters of marque and reprisal, authorizing them to make captures of British vessels and cargoes.
Art. 3. You shall bring such ships and vessels as you shall take, with their guns, rigging, tackle, apparel, furniture and ladings, to some convenient port or ports of the United Colonies, that proceedings may thereupon be had in due form before the courts which are or shall be there appointed to hear and determine causes civil and maritime.
4. You or one of your chief officers shall bring or send the master and pilot, and one or more principal person or persons of the company of every ship or vessel by you taken, as soon after the capture as may be, to the judge or judges of such court as aforesaid, to be ex-
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amined upon oath, and make answer to the interrogatories which may be propounded touching the interest or property of the ship or vessel and her lading, and at the same time you shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the judge or judges, all passes, sea-briefs, charter-parties, bills of lading, cockets, letters, and other documents and writings found on board, proving the said papers by the affidavit of yourself or of some other person present at the capture, to be produced as they were received, without fraud, addition, subduction or embezzlement.
5. You shall keep and preserve every ship and vessel and cargo by you taken, until they shall by sentence of a court properly authorized, be adjudged lawful prizes. not selling, spoiling, wasting, or diminishing the same, or breaking the bulk thereof, nor suffering any such thing to be done.
-New-Jersey Gazette, No. 10, Feb. 4, 1778.
London, October 4. Copy of a letter from lieutenant- general Sir Henry Clinton, to Gen. Sir William Howe, dated Kingsbridge, Sept, 23, 1777.
"In the last letter which I had the honour of writing to your ex- cellency of the 6th of this month, I mentioned my intention of making an incursion into Jersey ; the object of which was to make a small diversion in favour of both armies, at what, I supposed, a critical time; having learnt by rebel accounts that you had landed on Elk- river.
My principal motive was, if possible, to attempt a stroke against any detached corps of the enemy, if one offered, or, if not, to collect a considerable number of cattle, which would at the same time prove a seasonable refreshment to the troops, and deprive the enemy of resources which I understood they much depended upon, and finally to retire with our body, by the only road practicable with those em- barassments, to re-cmbark, return to our camp, or proceed to some other expedition if any thing presented itself.
All the arrangements being settled, the landing was made at the four following places, viz., at Elizabeth-town-point by brigadier general Campbell, with the 7th, 26th and 52d regiments, Anspach and Waldeck grenadiers, and 300 provincials.
At Schuyler's-ferry by captain Drummond with two pieces of cannon, 250 recruits of the 71st regiment, and some convalescents.
At Fort Lee by major-general Vaughan, with captain Emmerick's chasseurs, five companies of grenadiers and light infantry, the 57th, 63d, and prince Charles's regiment, and five pieces of very light artillery.
And at Tapan by lieutenant-colonel Campbell with 200 provincials, and 40 marines.
The corps which landed at Elizabeth-town-point to proceed towards Newark, driving cattle, disarming the inhabitants, and if it met with
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the enemy in any force, so as to prevent its proceeding to Aquakinack, its retreat over the Passaic-river was secured by a small corps with cannon on the heights of Schuyler, who had landed at Schuyler's-ferry, and were aportee to take possession of the high grounds which com- mand the environs of Newark, &c. If the Elizabeth-town corps con- tinued its march to Aquakinack, it was there received by the corps which had landed at Fort Lee, and marched by Newbridge, Hackinsack and Slatterdam, where it was in a situation to fulfil that object. A post was left at Hackinsack, and I ordered general Vaughan to leave one battalion and two pieces of cannon at Newbridge, to cover that very important pass. Lieutenant-colonel Campbell, who had landed at Tapan, to remain there, and if pressed to fall back on Newbridge ; this, however, subject to any alterations that general Vaughan should think necessary to make. Finding that brigadier-general Campbell had landed on Friday the 12th about 4 o'clock in the morning, with- out opposition, I then went by Newark-bay to Schuyler's landing on Hackinsack-river. The cannon were that instant landed, and I ordered them to proceed, through the cedar swamp, to the high grounds near Schuyler's house, where captain Sutherland, with 250 men had been for some time. Finding it necessary to amuse the enemy, who being informed of the landing at Elizabeth-town-point, were retiring with their cattle, the troops were ordered to shew themselves, and about noon the enemy were much increased in number, and had got one piece of cannon. They had all the boats on their side of the river .. Firing of musquetry and cannon continued the whole day with little or no loss on either side. Much loose firing was heard beyond Newark, and at night we had a private report that general Campbell had taken possession of that town. I sent immediately to tell him our situation, but soon afterwards, by the noise of cattle driving and march of troops, found he had continued his route, was opposite to us, and on his way to Aquakinack. I judged it best to order him to halt till morning. At day-break the rebels appeared in some force, and about noon they had three pieces of cannon in battery on their side of the Ravine. I went over to observe them, and had every reason to suppose, from their clothing and artillery, that they were reinforced by what is called continental troops. To try their countenance, and give no opportunity to the provincials, I ordered Buskirk's 1 battalion to march through a corn field, with an intention of taking in flank a body of the rebels posted behind a stone-wall, and which it would have been difficult to have removed by a front attack. The regiment marched with great spirit, and their march, with some little movement to favour it, obliged the rebels to quit without a shot. I then repassed the river, desiring general Campbell to lose no opportunity of giving them a brush, and, if possible, of taking the cannon.
In the evening the rebels retired, as we supposed, to the neighbour- ing woods, and I waited only to hear of the arrival of a squadron of cavalry, which I had ordered to join general Vaughan from Paulus- hook,2 to settle a plan in which part of general Vaughan's corps might
1 Lieutenant-Colonel Abraham Van Buskirk.
2 Now a part of Jersey City.
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co-operate with general Campbell's in endeavoring to surround them. In the meantime I received a letter from general Vaughan, acquainting me, that, by information from his patrols, the rebels were assembling in great force at the Clove. This intelligence, and their leaving us so suddenly, gave me some suspicion of their intention, and made it necessary for me to assemble our little army as soon as possible, occupy Newbridge in some force, and send lieutenant-colonel Campbell from Newbridge towards Tapan, to observe their motions in that quarter.
Gen. Campbell began his march at day-break and was not followed. I ordered the small corps on the Heights of Schuyler, reinforced with two companies of grenadiers, to fall back and cover the entry of the defile ; and when the cattle we had got on that side had passed the river, they were to pass also, and remain with their cannon on the other side.
I then went to general Vaughan at Slatterdam, and having assembled the little army and the cattle, I ordered him to march to Newbridge, and general Campbell towards Hackinsack.
The whole assembled at Newbridge on the 15th, and then hearing nothing of the Enemy, having collected our cattle, the soldiers without tents or blankets, and the weather threatening, I thought it adviseable to fall back. I accordingly ordered general Campbell to continue his march to English neighbourhood, taking with him the cattle, amount- ing to 400 head, including 20 milch cows for the use of the hospital. (which was all I would suffer to be taken from the inhabitants) 400 sheep, and a few horses.
On the 16th general Campbell marched to Bergen point, where he embarked for Staten-island and general Vaughan to Fort Lee, not fol- lowed by a single man, where he repassed the North-river, and the whole returned to their former stations by two o'clock.
I wish upon this occasion to express the very great assistance I have received from the navy ; indeed I have experienced it in every instance ; but the excellent arrangment of the boats in this affair, and the secrecy with which every thing was conducted, demand my particular acknowledgment.
Your excellency will permit me to give the highest commendation to the regularity of the troops, botli British, foreign, and provincials, during this excursion. Their strict attention to discipline did them and their officers great credit.
Total of the killed, wounded, prisoners, and missing of the following corps during an excursion to Jersey from the 12th to the 16th of September.
Total, 8 rank and file killed ; 1 lieutenant, 17 rank and file wounded ; 1 drummer, 9 rank and file, missing ; 5 rank and file taken prisoners. Lieut Heymer of the 7th regiment, wounded.
(Signed ) 1 H. Clinton, lieut. gen
1 This letter was printed verbatim in the Pennsylvania Gazette, March 3d. 1778, and in the Pennsylvania Evening Post, March 6th, 1778. In the account given in the Post, 3 instead of 8 is mentioned as the number of rank and file killed.
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Copy of a letter from brigadier-general Campbell, to Sir Henry Clinton, dated headquarters, Staten-island, August 23, 1777.
Sir,
I had the honour of informing you yesterday morning of a descent made by the rebels on this island, and of my being on my march with the 52d regiment of British and 3d regiment of Waldeck, with two field pieces to each battalion, to reconnoitre, and, if possible, to attack them. I am sorry now to add, that the enemy effected a total surprize of two battalions of the Jersey provincials, which occasioned nearly the whole loss sustained by his Majesty's troops, as will appear by the inclosed return.
Soon after I wrote, I had intelligence that the enemy was moving towards Richmond,1 with intention (as I conjectured) of occupying the adjacent heights, and thereby be enabled to cut off the retreat of three provincial regiments stationed beyond that village, which de- termined me to move forward to prevent the sacrifice of that corps ; but a messenger soon after arrived from lieutenant-colonel Dongan,2 with information that an attack had likewise been made on the west part of the island; that lieutenant colonel Lawrence3 and a good many of his corps had been made prisoners; but that he, and lieutenant- colonel Allan,4 and their battalions, with a few of Lawrence's that had joined them, had taken possession of some works formerly thrown up by the rebels near Prince's-bay, where they should be able to defend themselves until supported, or that boats should arrive to carry them off. This strengthening me in my former resolution, I advanced on the footsteps of the enemy, and proceeded without the least interrup- tion to the village of Richmond, where I was obliged to halt to bring up the rear, and to refresh the troops, who were even at this time very much fatigued from excessive heat. From this place brigadier general Skinner 5 was directed to send repeated expresses to inform
J Then, as now, the capital of Richmond county (Staten Island) .
2 Edward Vaughan Dongan, youngest son of Walter Dongan, of Staten Island. Severely wounded in this skirmish, he died soon after in his 29th year.
3 Elisha Lawrence, of the loyalist branch of that Monmouth county family. At the age of 26, in 1776, he was active in the organization of the First Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers, receiving the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel for his activity. With his capture Lawrence's connec- tion with military life ceased, and having lost much through the confisca- tion of his property and its sale in 1779, he removed to Nova Scotia. He died in Cardigan, Wales, in 1811.
+ Isaac Allen, lawyer, of a Trenton family, who accepted protection papers, about December, 1776. His property was confiscated, and having completed his military service, resumed his profession, as a refugee, 1783, in St. John, New Brunswick. He was a member of the Supreme bench and of the Council of the province, dying in 1806 in his sixty-fifth year.
5 Cortlandt Skinner, last Attorney-General of the King for the Province of New Jersey. For sketch see New Jersey Archives, 1st Series, Vol. IX., p. 449.
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col Dongan of my approach, and desiring him to endeavour a junction. I had proceeded but a short way beyond Richmond, when I was in- formed that the rebels had reached the Old Blazing-Star,1 and were using the greatest diligence in transporting their troops to the Jersey shore. At this very instant an officer arrived from colonel Dongan that he was a little more than at a mile's distance on his way to join me ; whereupon I sent him orders to turn towards the enemy, and to attack whatever body he could come up with, and I was follow- ing with all expedition, and would immediately support him. He obeyed my orders with spirit, bravery, and resolution, and engaged the rear for near half an hour, when the 52d regiment coming up, ex- changing some shots, and moving to take them in flank, and the cannon having by this time begun to play upon their boats, about 150 sur- rendered themselves prisoners to lieutenant-colonel Campbell of the 52d regiment, and the remainder of nearly the same number, retreated towards the extremity of the island opposite Amboy, of which last number I have since learned was brigadier-general de Bore; and reports render it still doubtful whether he has as yet made his escape from off the island ; however, the troops were by this time so much fatigued that I found it altogether impossible to pursue them: and I fear the greater part, if not the whole, found means to cross over near Amboy.
The troops lay for that night under arms, and this morning I de- tached the greater part of general Skinner's brigade towards Amboy, and proceeded with the regular troops on my return. A party was this day also ordered to bring off the enemy's boats under the cover of a piece of cannon, which was effected without any loss.
I must not forget to mention that colonel Buskirk's battalion was early in the day ordered to attack a party left to cover the enemy's boats, which they did with charge of bayonet, and obliged to retreat to the Jersey shore.
By prisoners reports and from an inclosed order found in general Smallwood's major of brigade's pocket, who was killed, it appears that this attack was carried on by select and chosen troops, and formed from three brigades. .. Sullivan's, Smallwood's, and de Bores, and headed by their respective generals, besides Dayton's and Ogden's battalions. We have taken in all 259 prisoners, among whom are 1 lieutenant-colonel, 3 majors, 2 captains, and 15 inferior officers. Their loss in killed cannot be ascertained, but must have been considerable.
I cannot do too much justice to the bravery and spirit of the troops. Both officers and men seemed only anxious to engage, and emulous who should be foremost in the race of glory, and I must add, that the several commanding officers did justice to the ardour of their troops, which they knew to temper with judgment and conduct. For further particulars I refer you to brigade major Campbell, who was present at the whole affair, and charged with the delivery of this. I have, &c (Signed)
John Campbell, Brig. Gen.
1 So called to distinguish this tavern from the New Blazing Star. the latter being situated in the present village of Linoleumville, Staten Island.
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New-York, February 9. Brower the Person who last Week murdered Mr. John Richards, of New-Barbadoes Neck, has, from the admirable Measures concerted for that Purpose, been secured, and was on Thursday After- noon lodged in the Custody of the Provost Guard.
Upon examining into the Means used by the four intrepid and loyal Persons, who voluntarily undertook to apprehend the aforesaid Brower, and brought him to Town, it was found they had endured inexpressible Anxiety and Fatigue; to reward such brave and fortunate Exertions, a Subscription is opened at Mr. Rivington's and Mr. Gaine's for collecting the Contributions of those who have a generous Sensibility of their spirited Enter- prize .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, Feb- ruary 9, 1778.
We hear, that Colonel William Allen's regiment of Pennsylvania royalists, is entirely broken up, and what few men were deluded into so infamous a service as that of taking arms against their native country, have been incorporated into other regiments.
On the 29th ult. Major Goetschius, who commands a party of rangers in Bergen county, had despatched John Leshier 1 and Abraham Brower, two of his men, to recon- noitre the enemy's picket at Paulus-Hook. As they lay in ambush at Prior's mill, within sight of the enemy's centry, they were passed by John Richard with a Negro man belonging to himself, and another to Cornelius Van Vorst, upon a Waggon. John Richard had a pass from Col. Turnbull to go to Bergen. Maj. Goetschius's men thought it their Duty to carry Mr. Richard and the two negroes to their commanding officer for examination. Upon the road, about six miles from the place where they were taken, Mr. Richard and his negro took hold of Leshier's musket, (they being in the waggon, and Brower
1 Lozier.
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[1778 .
at a little distance on horseback) with design, as Leshier thought, to kill him. Upon this he called to Brower to come to his assistance. As Brower came up, the negro took hold of Leshier, and Richard turned to seize Brower -but Brower, to prevent him, shot him dead on the spot, and the negroes were carried to Maj. Goetschius's.
February 3, 1778. To all whom it may concern :
State of New-Jersey, ss.
NOTICE is hereby given that a court of admiralty will be held in Trenton at the house of Rensalier Williams, on Wednesday the 18th of February instant, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, then and there (a new trial being ordered) to try the truth of the facts alledged in the bill of Colonel Samuel Dick, (who as well, &c.) against the sloop or vessel called the PATTY, her tackle, apparel, furniture and cargo, burden about fifty tons, lately commanded by Tunis Mountaine: To the end and intent that the owner or owners of the said sloop and her cargo, or any person concerned therein, may appear and shew cause if any they have, why the same should not be condemned according to the prayer of the said bill. By order of the judge, BOWES REED, PRO. REG.
TO BE SOLD,
By way of public vendue, on the premises, Tuesday the the 24th of March next,
A Certain GRIST MILI. and LOT of LAND adjoining, situate at Horner's-Town, in the township of Upper Free- hold, and county of Monmouth late the property of James Nealan, and sold by virtue of a writ of attachment, issued out of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas for the said
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county of Monmouth, against the goods, chattels, rights and credits of the said James Nealan, at the suit of Thomas Emley. The vendue to begin at 11 o'clock, when attendance will be given by
ABRAHAM HENDRICKS,
PETER IMLAY, Auditors.
January 26, 1778.
TO BE SOLD
BY WILLIAM RICHARDS at LAMBERTON, half a mile below Trenton,
An ASSORTMENT of MEDICINES, and SPRING LANCETS, SWEET-OIL of the best kind, MUSTARD and HAIR-POWDER.
EUNICE and FOSTER HORTON,
Have for sale at their STORE in CHATHAM, Indigo, snuff, tobacco, hair-combs, taylor's shears, paper, an as- sortment of women and men's gloves, tapes, gimps, laces, striped lutestrings, ribbands, an assortment of buttons, black velvet, silk twist, ditto caps, irish linen, homespun ditto, sewing thread, black catgut, women's stays, pocket handkerchiefs, hatters trimmings, saddlers do. fans, sealing wax, bonnet papers, needles, and a general as- sortment of DRY GOODS.
N. B. The above goods are just come to hand and opening.
February 5, 1778.
TO BE SOLD,
By PUBLICK VENDUE, on Thursday, the 19th of this instant February, at the plantation of the subscriber, living on Old Man's Creek, Gloucester county, Woolwich township,
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HORSES, breeding mares, a number of colts from half blood to full, milch cows, fifteen steers, four and five years old, a large English bull, a number of young cattle of the English breed, and sundry articles too tedious to mention. The Vendue to begin at ten o'clock, where attendance will be given, and condition of the sale made known by me
JAMES TALMAN.
11th month, 28, 1777.
Was sent to Henry Burr's Farm near Burlington, by an officer in the army, a small dark grey mare, about six years old, nearly blind. The owner is requested to come, prove his property, pay charges and take her away.
For the NEW-JERSEY GAZETTE.
ANNOTATIONS upon his most gracious Majesty of most gracious Great-Britain's most gracious speech.
IT is a great satisfaction to me that I can have recourse to the wisdom and support of my parliament in this con- juncture-
No doubt it is a satisfaction to your Majesty, to be able to apply for each, to those who must support you in measures in which themselves are accomplices; and who are too dependent upon you to refuse any of your requisitions. The more money they give you, Sir, the more offices you give them ; and this old trick of one good turn's deserving another, has more than half ruined the nation already.
When the rebellion in North-America demands our most serious attention.
How wonderful, that his Majesty begins to think the reduction of America a serious matter ! Had he and his parliament considered at all, they would have thought it a
- 1
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serious matter when they first began it. But they wanted, it seems, at least three years, to discover that the enslaving of three millions of people was a serious undertaking. Notable geniusses to govern three kingdoms and the western world into the bargain, who require three years of blood and slaughter, desolation and havoc, to make them serious.
The powers which you have intrusted me with, I have faithfully exerted-
What powers his Majesty was intrusted with I know not. But the powers he has exerted, have been the powers of breaking his oath, and violating all laws, divine and human; and if he undertook to suppress the revolt, he has not executed his trust, for that he has not done.
But I am persuaded that you will see the necessity of preparing for such farther operations as the contingencies of the war, and the obstinacy of the rebels, may render expedient-
What, Sir, a necessity for farther preparations, when General Gage was to have done the business with four regiments ? Why don't you order the invincible Grant to strike a terror thro' the whole Continent with a file of musqueteers?
And if I should have occasion to encrease them, by con- tracting new engagements-
Worse and worse! What, increase your troops to beat an undisciplined militia, after having imported · thirty-five thousand already! And increase them you certainly must, or quit your purpose with infamy. But whence to procure the augmentation ? aye, that's the ques- tion-the Prince of Hesse will tell you, bye der donder, ich hebber nix meer.
I have received repeated assurances from foreign powers of their pacific dispositions.
And does your Majesty believe those assurances ? Out of your own mouth I will prove that you do not-For,
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But at the time when the armaments in the ports of France and Spain continue-to confirm, I suppose, the assurances of their pacific disposition. What, all the powers of Europe pacific, and France and Spain con- tinuing their hostile preparations! For shame, sir, bastile your speech-maker, for not putting his contra- dictions at a greater distance than that of two sentences.
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