USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 8
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I would moreover recommend to you, Gentlemen, the passing a law which I recommended to the former assembly in September last, to enable every obligor or debtor whose creditor is removed out of the state, or cannot be found in it, or who refuses to receive the debt when tendered, to pay the same into the treasury for his use, and to be thereupon discharged from the sum so paid, and all the interest thereafter accruing, or to be discharged from the principal and interest in such other manner, without paying the sum into the treasury as the legislature shall think most proper.
As there is great reason to apprehend that a considerable part of many of the personal estates which are forfeited in consequence of an act, entitled, "An Act of free and general pardon, and for other pur- poses therein mentioned," is secreted and concealed from the commis- sioners by the said act appointed, it appears highly necessary for the more effectually attaining the valuable ends thereby intended, to pass a law for authorising the commissioners to compel the appearance of persons suspected of concealing such effects, or of being indebted to the delinquent, and to examine them as well as other witnesses upon oath, with proper penalties for such concealment, and adequate rewards to induce a discovery. A law to this purpose will save the state many thousand pounds, which will otherwise be lost through the fraudulent practices of the friends and agents of the offenders, whose personal estates are by the said act declared forfeited.
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The militia posted along such of our frontiers from which the dis- affected among us carry on a commercial intercourse with the enemy, frequently seize the commodities so carried, or the merchandize brought back in exchange for them, and appropriate them to their own use. This being altogether illegal, cannot be countenanced by government, and the militia being thus judges in their own case, and immediately interested in condemning as prize the booty they take, are under strong temptations to plunder under that pretext persons near the enemy's lines who have no intention of conveying in to them the effects they are transporting. If on the other hand they are restrained from confiscating the provisions or other effects actually designed to be conveyed to the enemy, or the return cargo bartered for them, con- sidering the additional service and hazard in making such seizures, they will not make them at all; and thus this pernicious traffic will be carried on without interruption, I would therefore recommend to your consideration a law authorizing the militia, or any other persons, to seize all effects suspected to be carrying to or coming from the enemy, and to have them properly inventoried and secured till the person from whom they are taken shall be legally tried; and if con- victed of the offence, to be appropriated to the person who seized them as part of the punishment to be inflicted upon the delinquent, but if acquitted, to be restored to the owner .- This will be both an en- couragement to make such seizures, and oblige the person making them to bring the criminal to justice, without whose conviction he cannot be entitled to the property, at the same time that it will prevent the lawless and indiscriminate violation of private property, under the specious pretence of an illicit correspondence.
Considering the sufferings of such of our militia as have been made prisoners by the enemy, I doubt not you will see the necessity of ap- pointing a state commissary to supply them with provisions and such other necessaries as they may want.
Gentlemen,
We are now arrived at a very important crisis of the contest. The next campaign will probably terminate in something very decisive. Considering the natural strength of America, and the reason we have from the justice of our cause to depend upon the Divine Interposition in our behalf, it will be our own fault, if it does not terminate in our favour. Our constituents expect our most strenuous efforts-and I trust your patriotism will not suffer them to be disappointed.
Trenton, Feb. 16, 1778.
WIL. LIVINGSTON.
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For the NEW-JERSEY GAZETTE.
FRIENDLY HINTS TO THOSE IN AUTHORITY.
As it is the honour, the highest honour, that can be conferred upon mortals, to be the legislative Representatives of a free people, so it is the happiness and unalienable privilege of every constituent, to suggest to their consideration such things as tend to promote the interest of his country. Hints from the unskilful have often been improved by those of more inlarged understandings for the subserviency of the most important purposes .- The desires of all in authority, whether legislative or executive, must be so perfectly interested in the public weal, that every suggestion to secure and advance the same, and to prevent or correct whatever may be detrimental hereto, will be received by them with the highest pleasure. My pen shall ever be guarded with propriety, decency and a proper respect to all in authority. But if any of my hints at any time seem unwise or unseasonable, let them be treated with that neglect which they deserve; if otherwise, I have the fullest confidence in the integrity, wisdom and zeal of those in authority, that they will apply and improve them for the public good.
As the highly respected Legislature of this State is now sitting, I shall address myself at present to you. And while honour is the guardian of my pen, general utility my chief end, and the love of my country my only motive, I may indulge myself with the assurance you will condescend to hear me, as I intend neither to occupy a large space in your news-paper, nor impose on your patience.
I. Let none of our honourable Legislators entertain the thought that they are assembled only to hurry up some acts, and in a few days return home. A Legislator is an august an important character, and cannot be supported with dignity by hurrying over his duties in a des- ultory manner .- Our government is but young, and therefore many new laws to enact, and old ones to amend ; all which require time, and a patient and diligent application to business. The State is now suffering through want of some new laws and the amendment of others : Hence many of your constituents have expressed themselves with sur- prize, at your now sitting constantly this winter, so that having gone thro' the business of the State, you might have been at home in the spring. But if you choose to sit rather in the vernal season, it is well ; and sure I am you cannot do your duty to your country, or faithfully discharge the obligations resulting from the acceptance of your delega- tion, if you do not. In the present conjuncture of affairs, the Assembly ought to sit a great part of their time. The absolutely necessary business of the State cannot be well done without it. Wherefore when you accept of the appointment of your countrymen to be Legislators, you should consider you are obliged to leave your families and private affairs for a considerable part of the year. And if you cannot do this, and patiently give the most of your time to the public business of your country, you ought in all good conscience not to have suffered your- selves to have been elected .- Further, be pleased to be careful you allow
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none of your members to be absent but upon reasons of the greatest importance. Yea, as you are delegated by the people, and their ser- vants, tho' most honourable ones, if any of you absent yourselves from the business of your delegation, it should ever be for such reasons as you would not be ashamed your constituents should know them .- I will not harrow up the conscience, nor put propriety to the blush, by men- tioning reasons accepted by the House, for granting leave of absence to their members, in hopes, it is said, of a reciprocal indulgence.
II. Be entreated not to spend your important time in disputing the distinct privileges, or determining with mathematical exactness, the peculiar rights of each house. Altho' one house is called the Council and the other the General Assembly, yet it is not as formerly, the one appointed by the crown and the other by the people. We are no longer under the British constitution, which is neither monarchy, aristocracy, nor democracy, but an absurd collection of contradictory and jarring qualities from all three. In it the crown is ever endeavouring to make inroads on the rights of the people, and the people choose once in seven years, six or seven hundred men to limit its power and keep the pre- rogative within some bounds. So that the British constitution is founded in an eternal struggle or war between the rights of humanity, and the proud ambitious claims of a creature called a king. Perhaps this influenced Mr. Hobbes, a shrewd philosopher, an admirer of this strange constitution, and a great friend to prerogative, to fancy that "moral obligation was founded in contest or war." And the English now act in conformity to his philosophy and their own constitution, fully demonstrating by their sanguinary measures, that right is only to be determined by might. Nothing ever maintained peace in the British empire but foreign wars. If they were at peace with their neighbouring nations, they were always sure to be embroiled in a civil war at home. I defy any person to point out from the English history, their enjoying a peace with other nations of any considerable con- tinuance, that was not interrupted with domestic discord, and the shedding of blood among themselves. Why should the English be more incident to quarrels than any other nation? The matter is easily accounted for. It arises from the very constitution of their govern- ment. It is founded in contention, and contention, war and bloodshed, have always proceeded from it, as streams from a fountain, and always will proceed from it as long as it exists. Therefore I congratulate you, O happy Americans, on your deliverance from so irrational, so ridicu- lous and so bloody a form of government! Our Legislators I hope will ever remember, that both houses are creatures of the people, and cannot possibly, virtue and honour being preserved, have jarring or different interests ; wherefore all disputes between you about privilege and prerogative are mere logomachics. And I have too high an opinion of your honesty and understanding to indulge the disagreeable idea that you will at all waste your time about matters absolutely nugatory.
AN ELECTOR.
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TRENTON, March 4.
To the INHABITANTS of NEW-JERSEY.
Gentlemen,
CONSIDERING the noble ardor which this state has uni- formly manifested in the common cause, I am confident that our virtuous Farmers will take a particular pleasure1 in complying with his Excellency the General's request. They will disdain in the close of our struggle to sully the honour which New-Jersey has deservedly acquired by affording all possible aid during the whole contest. 'Tis hoped the next campaign will make the enemy repent their execrable purpose of enslaving a free people; and teach even British stupidity, wisdom. For liberty's sake, Gentlemen, let not our expectations of this cam- paign be disappointed for want of the supplies we can so easily furnish. I know you will exert yourselves, and want neither arguments to convince, nor exhortations to rouse von. Your country calls ; and to the call of your country you were never deaf.
WIL. LIVINGSTON.
Trenton, 25 Feb. 1778.
We learn from a New-York paper of the 19th of Feb- ruary, that the Hessian Lieutenant-General Philip De Heister, died at Cassel, in Germany, on the 19th of November last, in the sixty-first year of his age. His death was occasioned by an inflamation in his lungs, which carried him off in four days.
On Wednesday last the enemy landed about 3000 men at Billingsfort, and marched down the road towards Salem, and on intelligence received that another body intended to land at Cooper's ferry,2 in order to surprize General Wayne (who had lately landed in New-Jersey
1 See p. 75, ante.
2 Now the northern part of the city of Camden.
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with 500 of the Continental Troops) and Col. Ellis, who commanded a detachment of the Jersey Militia at Had- donfield, our troops not being sufficient to make a stand, it was thought most adviseable to move towards Moores- Town, to prevent being surrounded, which was accord- ingly done a few hours before the enemy landed about 1500 men agreeable to the intelligence received, and marched to Haddonfield early in the morning of the 26th. Upon this our men marched to Mount-Holly to wait for reinforcements .- The Governor upon receiving the above intelligence, ordered out a proper number of the Militia to join those under Col. Ellis, who are now collecting with great alacrity, and unless the enemy retire before they are attacked by the united vigour of General Wayne's Troops and our Militia, we doubt not they will repent their rash visit to this State .- Last Friday Brigadier General Count Polaski, of the Cavalry, left this place1 with a body of horse in excellent order, to join the Continental Troops under General Wayne, and who from the former exhibitions of his valour and alertness, will give a good account of the enemy's horse, if they do not deprive him of that pleasure by a precipitate flight.2
About ten days ago a report was spread in this town, that a party of the enemy had penetrated into Bucks County as far as Newtown. The intelligence reached this place in the afternoon, and in the evening a re- spectable number of Militia were assembled at the dif- ferent ferries. The next morning a party was preparing to cross the river in quest of the enemy, when intelligence was received that they were returned to Philadelphia, having plundered many of the inhabitants, and carried off with them two coach loads of lumber from the house of Joseph Galloway, Esquire, Superintendent-General in Philadelphia.
1 Trenton.
2 One of a series of predatory raids in West Jersey undertaken by the British during their occupancy of Philadelphia.
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His Excellency the Governor has thought proper to station strong guards of Militia at the several ferries on Delaware, and many others are in readiness at a moments warning to fly to the aid of their brethren in Bucks County, should another plundering party shew them- selves in that quarter.
On the 15th ult. at night the house of Asher Mott, on Boyle's1 island near this place, by accident took fire, and was entirely consumed. The family providentially es- caped, with saving only a small part of their wearing apparel.
To all whom it may concern.
New-Jersey, NOTICE is hereby given, that a Court of fs. Admiralty will be held at the house of Renselaer Williams, in Trenton, on Monday the 23d day of March instant, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to try the truth of the facts alledged in the bills of Joseph Wade, commander of the armed boat called the Fame, (who as well, &c.) against the sloop or vessel called the Duck, and the sloop or vessel called the Betsy, with their respective tackle, apparel, furni- ture and cargoes, lately captured .by the said Joseph Wade, and Capt. Martin Wert, commander of the armed sloop Arnold. To the end and intent that the owner or owners of the said sloops respectively, or any person or persons concerned therein, may appear and shew cause, if any they have, why the said sloops or vessels and their respective cargoes, should not be condemned according to the prayer of the said bills.
By order of the Judge,
March 3d, 1778.
B. REED, Pro. Reg.
3 Biles.
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James and Alexander Stewart
Have for SALE, in Hackett's-Town, Sussex county, New-Jersey,
A Large quantity of PAINTS, viz. Spanish brown, red lead, white lead, yellow oker and mahogany colours ; glass 6 by 8 and 8 by 10; muscovado sugar at 6s. per lb. by the hogshead, or 6s6 by the barrel, best white clay'd do. at Os. by the hogshead or barrel, second ditto at 8s6. third ditto at 8s.
N. B. They give 3s9. per lb. for BEES-WAX.
BOND and PAIN,
Have for sale at their Store in Morristown,
BEST bohea tea, Muscovado sugar, spices of different kinds; a quantity of Dutch linen by the piece or yard, black and coloured Barcelona handkerchiefs by the dozen, black and coloured ribbons, with a variety of other articles too tedious to enumerate.
N. B. Said Bond and Pain make great allowance to those who buy to sell again; and would be willing to take country produce in barter.
Morris-Town, Feb. 21, 1778.
ANY person properly recommended who understands the business of a Riding-Chair Maker, and would be willing to act in the capacity of a Journeyman, may meet with good encouragement by applying to Frederick King at the Post-Office in Morris-Town, who carries on the business.
Said King would also be willing to take a young lad of a good character as an apprentice.
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Trenton, February 28, 1778.
TO BE SOLD,
AN extraordinary good, strong, and very handsome one horse CHAISE, elegantly painted, with an iron axle, steel springs, and leather fall-back head, gears, &c. Enquire of Mr. B. Smith, saddler, opposite Mr. Williams's tavern.
N. B. A pair of good strong horses wanted to buy ; and a few horses to sell. Enquire as above.
March 4, 1778.
TO BE SOLD,
SEVERAL Tracts of valuable LAND; one lying situate at the east head of Musconetcung river, in New-Jersey, about thirty-five miles from Elizabeth-Town and four from Suckasunney Plains, containing about three thou- sand 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, con- taining about one thousand eight hundred acres, having on it an old forge and a very good grist mill, a dwelling- house and barn, all in good order. Also another tract lying situate about fifty miles from Esapus, 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,
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sheep, and hogs, and a large quantity of farming utensils too tedious to mention. Also a phæton and a pair of neat horses, chair and sulky, 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 either by bond, note, or book accounts, are requested to discharge the same imme- diately, 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 or land, may purchase as they can agree for Continental Money or credit, with giving bonds and good security, by GARRET RAPALJE.
TO BE SOLD,
A quantity of excellent
LOAF SUGAR, By George Wilson, jun. Near Kingston, about two miles and a half from Princeton.
March 3, 1778. TO BE SOLD,
BY Public Vendue, at the house of Thomas Leland and Company, in Allentown, on Thursday the 12th instant. (March) viz. A variety of merchandize, among which are the following articles; thirty-two dozen hemp stock- ings, fifteen pieces pistol lawns, four pieces Holland, a large quantity of country-made linens, white drillings, checks, cambrick, lawn, Barcelona handkerchiefs, printed linen, ivory combs, binding, with a variety of other goods too tedious to insert: also a beautiful stallion rising five
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years old, got by Northumberland out of a noted fine mare. Also two fine mares with foal by the best blooded horses ; a horse and chair, and many other articles.
The vendue to begin at 10 o'clock. Attendance will be given, and the conditions made known by
THOMAS LELAND & CO.
ALL persons indebted to the estate of JANE COMMANS, deceased, of Trenton, whether by bond, note or book ac- counts, are desired to come and make payment by the 15th of April next: All those, likewise, who have any de- mands against said estate, are requested to bring in their accounts, properly attested, that they may be settled, by me.
JOSEPH GREEN, administrator. Feb. 27, 1778. -New-Jersey Gazette, No. 14, Mar. 4, 1778.
Copy of a letter from gen. sir William Howe, to lord George Germain, dated Philadelphia, October 25, 1777.
My lord,
The enemy having intrenched about eight hundred men at Red bank, upon the Jersey shore, some little distance above Fort island, col. Donop, with three battalions of Hessian grenadiers, the regiment of Mirbach, and the infantry chasseurs, crossed the Delaware on the twenty- first instant to Cooper's ferry, opposite to this town, with directions to proceed to the attack of that post. The de- tachment marched apart of the way on the same day, and on the twenty-second in the afternoon was before Red bank. Colonel Donop immediately made the best dispo- sition, and led on the troops in the most gallant manner to the assault. They carried an extensive out-work, from whence the enemy were driven into an interior intrench-
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ment, which could not be forced without ladders, being eight or nine feet high, with a parapet boarded and fraized. The detachment, in moving up, and returning from the attack, was much galled by the enemy's gallies and floating batteries.
Col. Donop, and lieut. col. Minningerode, being both wounded, the command devolved upon lieut. col Linsing, who, after collecting all the wounded that could be brought off, marched that night about five miles towards Cooper's ferry, and on the following morning returned with the detachment to camp.
Col. Donop unfortunately had his thigh so much frac- tured by a musquet ball, that he could not be removed, but I since understand there are some hopes of his re- covery. There were several brave officers lost upon this occasion, in which the utmost ardor and courage were displayed by both officers and soldiers.
On the twenty-third the Augusta, in coming up the river, with some other ships of war, to engage the enemy's gallies, near the fort, got aground, and by some accident taking fire in the action, was unavoidably consumed; but I do not hear there were any lives lost. The Merlin sloop also grounded, and the other ships being obliged to remove at a distance from the explosion of the Augusta, it became expedient to evacuate and burn her also.
These disappointments however will not prevent the most vigorous measures being pursued for the reduction of the fort, which will give us the passage of the river. I have the honor to be, &c. W. HOWE.1
-The Pennsylvania Evening Post, March 6, 1778.
New-York, March 9. On the 28th ult. a Party of his Majesty's Light-Horse from the Royal Army at Phila- delphia, took near Coryell's Ferry,2 127 Bullocks, that
1 For accounts of this battle see "Defense of Fort Mercer," A. W. Hes- ton, and "New Jersey as a Colony and as a State," Vol. II., p. 189 et seq. 2 Lambertville.
7
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were going to the Rebel Army under the Care of Capt. Samuel Dunham, and his two Sons; who were made Prisoners, and a fourth Person of the Dunham Family, was wounded, but made his Escape, and got safe home to Woodbridge .- New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, March 9, 1778.
To the PRINTER of the NEW-JERSEY GAZETTE.
SIR,
HAVING been informed that a new bill is under consideration for a general limitation of prices, I would, with all due deference, suggest a few hints on the subject. That trade can best regulate it's own prices, is a maxim so universally subscribed to, that the wisest legis- lators have seldom ventured to interfere with or control it in this respect. Extraordinary conjunctures may, however, happen in which the interference of the legislature may be proper : But whenever such a conjuncture does happen, it is an infallible symptom that there is some radical disorder in the police of the State, or that it is violently acted upon by external circumstances. The disease, whether arising from one or the other, or a complication of both of these, may have nearly the same appearances and effects, but may require very different remedies. We should therefore, with great care and attention, enquire into the causes and seat of the disease, in order to know and apply the proper remedy. The limitation of prices by law, may be likened to an outward application in a fever; it is a temporary expedient that may give some check to the disorder, till the more slowly-operating internal applications can have their proper effect. At the same time it is an expedient fraught with so many dangers, that few situations will justify the use of it; and when it is used, it should be so tempered and modified that every order or class of men in the community may partake of the advantages and disadvantages arising from it as equally as possible. Whatever differences are made,-and it is impossible to avoid making some-, should be in favour of the production of such articles as are of absolute necessity, such as provisions, cloathing, iron, &c. and against those of mere conveniency and luxury, such as rum, sugar, tea, spices, &c. And in order to find out how to proportion the limitations duly, it may be necessary to have recourse to calculation.
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