USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 9
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By the law lately passed for regulating prices,1 the legislature seem to have aimed at fixing most of the articles of internal produce at
1 This act was passed at Princeton, December 11th, 1777. In June and October, 1778, the operation of the act was suspended, unless the Legis- latures of New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware agree to carry into effect the regulation of prices agreed upon in the New Haven convention.
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NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
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double the former prices. This may perhaps be a proper standard for some articles; but when the matter is fairly considered, it will be found that the same reasons which require the prices of some things to be doubled, will call for a smaller advance on some others, and on others again a much greater : Of the latter kind are such articles as derive their value chiefly from labour, and require the use of some commodity either imported from abroad, or which, from it's scarcity, cannot be obtained but at a very high price. To explain my meaning I shall subjoin a few calculations.
I. As to farmers. Let us suppose a farm, the annual produce of which for sale, exclusive of what was necessary for the consumption of such parts of the family as do not labour, would sell in former times for £. 300 00
It is said to be a large allowance, to admit that one half of this value is paid for labour, supposing the whole to be done on hire,. 150 00
Annual profit remaining 150 00
Supposing the price of labour to be doubled, the labour on the same farm will be worth. 300 00
The consumption of the family will be the same, and allow the same annual profit as formerly,.
150 00
The extraordinary price of salt may be. 15 00
Allow, moreover, the use of as much rum, tea, sugar, and other luxuries as will cost, extra,.
35 00
500 00
The farmer ought therefore to have for his produce on an average now, 5s. for what he would formerly have sold for 3s. or 1s8 now for 1s. formerly.
II. As to labourers. Let us suppose a labourer, finding his own provisions and cloathing, formerly carned per
45 00
annum,
That his provisions cost him.
20 00
And his cloathing.
10 00
Profit toward the maintenance of a family 15 00
45 00
Provisions at double price will be.
40 00
Cloathing will cost at least three times the old price. ..
30 00
His profit for the use of his family ought to be at least doubled as they must purchase all they consume.
30 00
£. 100 00
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION.
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His wages therefore ought to be increased to 10s. for every 4s6 he would formerly have received ; or 1s8 now for 9d. formerly.
The same proportion will be requisite for mechanicks, handicrafts- men, lawyers, clerks, &c. so far as their several productions derive their value from labour ; making the proper addition or deduction for what the prices of their respective materials may exceed or fall short of that proportion.
It will be observed that I have stated the price of labour at double the former prices to the farmer, though I have shewn it must cost more to others; and that I have stated provisions at double to la- bourers, &c. though I have said the farmer ought to sell them at a lower rate. A little reflection will justify these diversities. As to the first, the farmer having the advantage of feeding; and, in a great measure, cloathing and paying his labourers from his own produce without purchase, (to say nothing of the advantage he may derive from the labour of his children and servants) can always procure labour at a much cheaper rate than a person of any other class. And as to the second .- Suppose the prices of the common articles of pro- visions should be fixed at the rate of 5s. now, for 3s. formerly, as above stated, if we make but a small allowance for the extraordinary prices of salt, sugar, tea, rum, &c .- and some of these they must and will use as well as their neighbours,-we shall find the average price of provisions to labourers, mechanicks, &c. will not be less than doubled. I have heard it remarked that a great majority of the mem- bers of the legislature being farmers, their limitations are calculated greatly in favour of that class of men. If there is any truth in the remark, I am persuaded it must arise from their want of proper in- formation, as I cannot suppose they would designedly oppress others for their own emolument. As faithful representatives of the people, I should suppose they would be particularly watchful that no just ground should be given for a suspicion of this kind.
III. As to the importation of goods from Europe. Some of this business is yet necessary, and therefore good policy requires that we should encourage it. A person acquainted with trade has furnished me with the following estimate on that head.
Suppose goods purchased in Europe to the amount of, first cost,
100 00
Freight and shipping charges, say.
10 00
Premium at 50 per cent, and insurance made so as to be made whole in case of loss, there must be 220£. insured, which will cost.
110 00
Sterling
220 00
Exchange 300 per cent ..
660 00
The goods delivered here will cost the importer.
880 00
Allow as a profit to encourage trade 15 per cent. 132 00
£. 1012 00
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NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
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They must therefore be sold at the rate of more than 10s. here for 1s. sterling of the prime cost in Europe ; and if the goods are coarse and bulky, the freight alone will be worth more than 10 per cent. on the first cost.
IV. As to iron and steel : I know so little of the expences and . difficulties attending the production of these articles, that I am not possessed of sufficient data to make a proper estimate. But they are already become scarce, notwithstanding the high prices they have borne for some time past ; and I conceive them to be so absolutely necessary, as well for the use of the army as for the purposes of husbandry and other domestick business, that I wish to see this branch of business so far encouraged as to ensure a competent supply. I would there- fore, if I may be permitted without being charged with presumption, recommend it to the legislature, before they fix a limitation to the prices of these articles, to consult with some honest men skilled in the production of them,-and surely some such may be found notwithstand- ing the hint in a late publication, and if they should think proper to fix any limitation at all, to make it such as will not defeat its own purpose.
RATIONALIS.
TRENTON, March 11.
A correspondent desires us to insert the following:
After Gen. Howe's pathetic complaint to the British ministry that Gen. Washington would not leave the mountain at Middlebrook to fight him in a manner most advantageous to his Majesty's service, it seems rather ungenerous in this English Commander (who ought cer- tainly to do as he would be done by) that his troops in their late irruption into this State, not only refused to fight us as we thought most for our advantage, but what is infinitely worse refused to fight us at all, merely because they thought that any fighting would have been to our advantage. After a most pompous parade in landing in two several divisions to the great terror of the horned cattle, and the no small peril of some undefended stacks of hay, they marched into Haddonfield with above two thousand men, when they knew we had not above a quarter of that number in arms in that part of the country. Gen. Wayne the mean-while secured and sent to camp all the cattle and horses they came to steal, and to elude their search, artfully attracted their attention towards the river by setting fire to such part of the forage as lay on its borders. Though they knew our inferiority of number, our attacking them with a few light horse at Haddonfield, under the command of Brigadier-General Count Pulaski. made their fears get the better of their knowledge, as well as of their courage, and happiest was the Briton who had the longest legs and the
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION.
[1778
nimblest heels. Leaving bag and baggage, they retreated precipitately to Cooper's Ferry. There Count Pulaski charged among the thickest, and when they found that he was surrounded by them, by his having rushed into the middle of them, they plucked up courage enough to pursue what they were certain of never overtaking ; but our militia lying in their way, and giving them a few of their last winter, still remembered New-Jersey, blasts, they fled ten times as fast from the militia, as they pursued after the Count, who being determined the next morning to push them into the Delaware, behold they had re-crossed to Philadelphia, and left him the mortification to' parade on the banks without the satisfaction of an enemy to fight. And thus endeth the first lesson of their expedition into this State, (since they were ignominiously driven out of it last summer) without the cattle or forage they wanted ; and with several killed, and about one hundred wounded, which, I presume, they wanted not. And if the British horse take it in their heads to desert as fast for want of provender, as their men have lately done for want of fresh provisions, I suppose the Emperor of Persia, will be subsidized for cavalry, as the Prince of Hesse is for infantry. And yet I would lay two to one that this same contemptible manœuvre, properly dished up by the loyal and the royal typographical cooks in New-York, with a little of parson I-'s political theology by way of garnish, will make as luminous a figure in the London Gazette, as have done any of its ridiculous predecessors of nonsensical memory; it being the curse of heaven upon an aban- doned nation that it shall be deluded till it is destroyed.1
"The public has been already informed of the death of Elizabeth Shipley, of Wilmington, but a circumstance relating thereto is a secret (perhaps) except to a few. On her death bed, as well as during her better state of health, she was much affected with the calamity that this country now labours under, from the cruel oppression of the king and parliament of England ; but a ray of that light by which the soul can look into the future events springing up in her, she was com- forted, and with godly confidence declared, That this country should not be conquered by Great-Britain .- This she uttered with such solem- nity that it commanded the particular notice of all who heard her, and is now made public for the encouragement of every well-wisher to the freedom and liberties of America. Every one who had an opportunity of knowing this great and good woman, whether they be Whig or Tory, will be inclined to give credit to her prophecy, and for the sake of all such as knew her not, they are now informed that she was a woman eminently endowed with knowledge both natural and divine." 2
1 This sketch suggests the pen of Governor Livingston.
2 This story had wide circulation throughout the army,
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NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
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1778]
January 26, 1778.
TO BE SOLD By WILLIAM RICHARDS at LAM- BERTON, half a Mile below Trenton, An ASSORTMENT of MEDICINES, and SPRING LANCETS, SWEET OIL of the best Kind, MUSTARD, CHALK, and HAIR-POWDER.
Post-Office, Morris-Town, March 2, 1778.
THIS is to inform the Publick, that the POST sets off from Fish-Kill on Thursdays, and arrives here on Satur- days about 7 or 8 o'clock in the morning, and then the Mail is immediately dispatched for Easton; and in about two or three hours after a Mail is made up and dispatched for the Post-Office at Fish-Kill. The Post returns with a Mail from Easton to this Office on Monday evening.
TO BE SOLD,
And may be entered on the first of April next,
A PLANTATION, containing 95 acres of land, in the county of Middlesex, New-Jersey; 8 acres of which is excellent English meadow, about 50 acres of good wheat land, and the remainder in good timber. There is on the premises a convenient dwelling-house, kitchen and barn, a black-smith's shop, and several other con- veniences. The whole in good repair. For terms apply to Joseph Potts in, Cranberry, or the subscriber on the premises.
South-Amboy,
SAMUEL POTTS.
Middlesex Co. March 6, 1778.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION.
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1
Morris-Town, Morris County, Feb. 23, 1778.
THE present precariousness and situation of publick as well as private affairs, oblige the Subscribers, auditors appointed by the Court, of the suit of Thomas Coe, Plaintiff, against William Demayne, Defendant, late of Morris County, absconded, earnestly to call upon those who are indebted to said estate, to make payment by the 16th of next month, or they will be under the necessity of putting their bonds, accounts, &c. in the hands of an Attorney for prosecution ; and those who have any de- mands against the same, to exhibit them for settlement. JOSEPH WOOD, JOSHUA LAMBERT, Auditors.
RICHARD JOHNSON,
Bow-Hill, February 26th, 1778.
TO BE SOLD
At PUBLIC SALE, for ready Money
AT the dwelling-house of the subscriber, at Bow-Hill Farm 1 near Trenton, on Friday the 13th of March, sundry handsome blooded horses, mares and colts; also some horned cattle and sheep. They are all in good order, and are only sold on account of the owner's not having suffi- cient fodder for keeping them until next grass. The sale to begin at eleven o'clock in the forenoon. Those gentlemen who choose to be well mounted, will then have an opportunity of supplying themselves.
RANDLE MITCHELL.
--- New-Jersey Gazette, No. 15, Mar. 11, 177S.
1 Probably the same farm, subsequently purchased at the close of the Revolution by the wealthy merchant, Barnt De Klyn, and by him rented to Joseph Bonaparte, ex-King of Spain. It was at Bow Hill that Annette Savage resided, famous for her liaison with Joseph. See "Historic Houses of New Jersey," p. 277. W. Jay Mills.
105
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
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From the London Gazette Extraordinary
Admiralty-Office, January 8, 1778.
The following is an Extract of a Letter received last night by the Eagle-Packet, from the Vice Admiral Lord Viscount Howe, Commander in Chief of his Majesty's ships and vessels in North-America, to which Mr. Stephens, dated on board his Majesty's ship the Eagle, in the Delaware, the 23d of November, 1777.
Eagle, Delaware, Nov. 23, 1777.
SIR.
The General advising me of his intention to send a packet imme- diately to England, I avail myself of the opportunity to acquaint you, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, respecting the progress of the military services in which the ships of war have been concerned, since the date of my last letter of the 25th of October.
I mentioned in that letter the preparations making for the attack meditated on the works the rebels had constructed on either shore, for preventing an open communication by water, with the army at Phila- delphia, on which it was obvious to them that the farther operations of the campaign would greatly depend.
The wind still continuing to prevent the Vigilant from passing to the rear of the enemy's works on Fort Island, by the only channel prac- ticable for that purpose, the opportunity was taken by the King's forces, and by the enemy with equal assiduity, to strengthen the prepa- rations judged expedient on either part for the proposed attack.
The officers and seamen of the ships of war and transports were employed in the meantime, with unremitting fatigue and perseverance, to convey provisions, artillery and stores to the Schuykill, between Fort Island and the Pennsylvania shore; six twenty four pounders from the Eagle, and four thirty two pounders from the Somerset, transported in the same manner, with the requisite proportions of ammunition, were mounted in the batteries erected by the General's appointment on Province-Island.
The wind becoming favourable the 15th instant, the first occasion was taken for ordering the ships upon the intended service.
The Somerset and Isis were appointed to proceed up the Eastern channel of the river, to act against the fort in front. The Roebuck. Pearl, and Liverpool, with the Cornwallis galley, and some smaller armed vessels, against a battery with heavy artillery which the rebels had lately opened on a point above, and near to Manto1-Creek, in a situation to rake the ships anchored to fire upon the fort, and more advantageously chosen, as the shoalness of the water did not admit ships to approach within a desirable distance of the work.
1 Mantua.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION.
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The Vigilant, with a hulk mounting 3 eighteen pounders, commanded by Lieutenant Botham of the Eagle, proceeded at the same time through the channel round Hog-Island, and anchored on that side the fort, according to the intention pointed out for co-operating with the batteries on the Pennsylvania shore.
The Isis, being as well placed in the Eastern channel as the circum- stances of the navigation would permit, rendered very essential service against the forts and gallies, much to the personal honour of Captain Cornwallis, and credit of the discipline in his ship. The Roebuck and other frigates stationed against the battery, were equally well con- ducted.
Greater caution being necessary in placing the Somerset, that ship could not be carried as far up the channel as the Isis was advanced.
The impression made by the batteries on Province Island (before very considerable ) being united with the well directed efforts from the Vigilant and Hulk, soon silenced the artillery of the fort; and farther preparations being in progress for opening the estocade, and forcing the works next morning, the enemy set fire to and evacuated the fort during the night.
The number of the enemy killed and wounded appeared to have been very considerable. Those in the different ships, as stated in the an- nexed return, were much less than could be supposed. particularly of the Isis and Roebuck, which were struck many times from the gallies and works.
As a farther evidence to their Lordships of the meritorious conduct of the several officers therein named, I have added the General's con- curring sentiments signified to me on the occasion. Capt Duncan re- mained several weeks with the army. to superintend the different nautic services and preparations before mentioned. .
A detachment from the army under the command of Lord Corn- wallis, having been landed the 1Sth at Billingsport (where a post had been some time before established) for attacking the redoubt at Red- Bank, the enemy abandoned and blew up the work. They had passed several of their gallies unperceived above the town of Philadelphia, in the night of the 19th,1 which proved very favourable for the purpose ; and attempted to do the same with the rest of the gallies, and other waterforce, the following night : but being seasonably discovered. they were opposed with so much effect by Lieutenant Watt of the Roebuck (ordered by Captain Hammond, before my arrival, to take his station in the Delaware prize, near the town) that not more than three or four of the former appeared to have escaped ; and being otherwise unable to prevent the capture of the rest of their arm'd craft (con- sisting of two zebecques, the two floating batteries, and several ships, besides fire vessels, amounting to about seventeen in number) they were quitted and burnt. Lieutenant Watt having testified great pro- priety and spirit on this occasion, I have continued him in the com- mand of the Delaware, retained as an arm'd ship in the service, to remain near the town of Philadelphia, where such additional naval force is particularly requisite.
1 These gallies were taken to Burlington and Bordentown.
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NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
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A more accurate ispection of the obstructions to the navigation of the river adjacent to Fort-Island, becoming practicable under the circumstances before mentioned, two channels were discovered thro' which the transports, containing the provisions, stores, and other neces- saries for the army, might proceed to Philadelphia. They were ordered up the river accordingly, to be afterwards secured at the wharfs of the town, for the approaching winter months.
The unfortunate event of Lieutenant-General Burgoyne's operations with the northern army terminating, as I am advised by the Com- mander in Chief, with the surrender of those troops agreeable to the tenor of a convention executed the 16th of last October, has rendered a suitable provision necessary to be made for their conveyance to Europe. A proper number of transports has been appropriated for that occasion. But as it would be scarcely practicable this season of the year for light transports to gain the port of Boston, where the embarkation is conditioned to take place, the transports have been ordered under convoy of the Raisonable to Rhode-Island; that if the proposed alteration is adopted, and the troops can be embarked at that port, they may be sooner released.
The following are Copies of the Papers referred to in the aforemen- tioned Extract.
Return of the number of men killed and wounded on board the different ships employed in the attack of the works of the enemy on Fort-Island, their armed craft, and other defences erected to obstruct the passage of the river Delaware, on the 15th day of November, 1777.
Somerset. 5 seamen wounded.
Isis 3 seamen wounded.
Roebuck 3 seamen killed, 7 ditto wounded.
Liverpoole. None.
Pearl. 1 master killed, 3 seamen wounded.
Vigilant. 1 midshipman, 1 seaman killed ; lent from the Eagle.
Cornwallis Galley. 1 second master and pilot wounded.
Sloop commanded by Lieut Botham. None.
Total killed
6
wounded 19
25
The following is copy and extract of two letters from the Hon. Gen. Sir William Howe, to Lord George Ger- main.
My Lord,
Philadelphia, Nov 28, 1777.
From a variety of difficuties attending the construction of additional batteries, in a morass, against the fort upon Mud-Island, and in the transportation of the guns and stores, they were not opened against the enemy's defences until the 10th instant. On the 15th, the wind
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION.
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proving fair, the Vigilant armed ship, carrying-16 twenty four pounders, and a hulk, with 3 twenty four pounders, got up to the fort through the channel between Province and Hog islands: these assisted by several ships of war in the eastern channel, as well as by the batteries on shore, did such execution upon the fort and collaterial block-houses, that the enemy, dreading an impending assault, evacuated the island in the night between the 15th and 16th, and it was possessed on the 16th, at daybreak, by the grenadiers of the guards. Much commenda- tion is due to Brigadier General Cleaveland, to the officers and men of the corps of artillery, and to the troops in general employed upon this service, attended with great fatigue.
The enemy's fire upon the ships of war, the Vigilant, and Hulk, from two floating batteries, seventeen gallies and armed vessels, and from a battery on the Jersey shore, was exceedingly heavy; but the gallantry displayed by the naval commanders, their officers and seamen, on this occasion, frustrated all their efforts, and contributed principally to the reduction of the enemy's works. Permit me, at the same time, to report to your Lordship, that the perseverance of the officers and seamen employed in bringing up stores from the fleet, under the con- duct of Capt. Duncan of the Eagle, demand my highest acknowledge- ments : and that the services they rendered were most essential, and borne with the utmost chearfulness.
I have the honor to enclose a return, No. 1, of the cannon and stores found in the fort. The enemy's loss during the siege is computed to have been 400 killed and wounded. The loss to the King's troops was only seven killed and five wounded.
On the 18th at night Lord Cornwallis marched with a corps from camp, and passed the Delaware on the 19th from Chester to Billings- port, where he was joined by Major General Sir Thomas Wilson, with a corps that arrived a few days before from New York under his command, having with him Brigadier Generals Leslie and Pattison.
As soon as the necessary preparations were made, his Lordship pursued his march to attack the enemy entrenched at Red Bank. Upon his approach, the rebels evacuated the post, and retired to Mount Holly, where they joined a corps of observation, detached from the main army of the rebels, encamped at White Marsh. His Lordship found in the enemy's works cannon, ammunition, and stores as per return, No. 2. The entrenchment being demolished, his corps returned by Gloucester on the 27th, and joined the army in this camp.
The enemy's shipping having no longer any protection, and not finding it advisable to attempt the passage of the river, the channel being commanded by the batteries of the town, and the Delaware frigate, they were quitted, without being dismantled, and burnt on the night between the 20th and 21st ; but the gallies of a smaller draught of water, by keeping close along the Jersey shore, escaped from the great breadth of the river.
A forward movement against the enemy will immediately take place, and I hope will be attended with the success that is due to the spirit and activity of his Majesty's troops.1
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