USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. III > Part 12
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These, my dear countrymen, are a few of the many evils our nation struggles under. My heart trembles at the view of the fatal consequences. May God in his kind Providence direct to the cure before it be too late !- I fear I have already been too tedious in this essay, and therefore shall defer pointing out the things I apprehend to be the causes of these evils, and the remedies for their cure, to a future opportunity.
I am, Sir, your friend, and the Publick's. ʻ
Humble servant and real wellwisher,
A TRUE PATRIOT.
TRENTON, MARCH 17.
Saturday last a fleet of twenty British vessels, chiefly ships, put to sea from Sandy-Hook.
PROCLAMATION. BY HIS EXCELLENCY
GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq
General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA.
WHEREAS it hath been represented, that many of those soldiers who have been induced from divers motives to desert their corps, and are now dispersed in different
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parts of these States, having seen their error, would be glad to return to their duty, but are restrained by the fear of punishment- In order to quiet such appre- hensions, and give them an opportunity to put in practice these good dispositions, I do hereby proclaim full pardon to all those who shall rejoin their respective corps by the first of May next. At the same time declaring to all such who shall neglect to avail themselves of the present offer of mercy, and who shall persist in their delinquency beyond the period herein appointed for their return, that the most effectual measures shall be persued to detect them wheresoever concealed, and to bring them to the most rigorous and exemplary punishment.
Given at Head-Quarters, Middlebrook, March 10th, 1779.
GEO. WASHINGTON.
Head-Quarters, Middle-brook, March 9, 1779.
ALL officers and soldiers absent on furlough from any part of the army, either immediately under the Com- mander in Chief or elsewhere, are requested without fail, to join their corps before the first of May next.
This order is not to effect those whose leave of absence will expire before that period, who will be expected to return punctually at the expiration of their furloughs.
Such officers of the Virginia Line who having been on furlough, have since been appointed to a particular duty under Brigadier General Scott, are not compre- hended.
Extract from General Orders, ALEX. SCAMMELL, Adjt Gen
All printers are desired to publish the above proclama- tion and extract in their respective papers.
10
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1779
WRITING-PAPER by the ream or quire, wafers in boxes, spelling-books, primers, schoolmasters assistants, oeconomy of human life-1 Also rhubarb, Jesuits bark, in the gross or pulverized; brimstone, manna, senna, salts, gum asafoetida, &c, to be sold for ready cash by the printer hereof.
TO BE SOLD,
By way of public vendue by the subscriber, on Tues- day the 23d of this instant, March, at Princeton ;
HORSES, fit either for the saddle or gears, good breeding mares and colts, part blooded; also good milch cows with calves, and some forward with calf, young cattle, hay, furniture, &c &c.
JONATHAN BALDWIN.
TO COVER,
The ensuing season, at Longbridge Farm, in this State, four miles from Kingston, the beautiful imported HORSE
BAY RICHMOND, Rising eight years old,
At FORTY DOLLARS the season, and a Dollar to the Groom ; the money to be paid at the stable door.
BAY RICHMOND was imported by Lewis Morris from England, and as appears by the under-mentioned certifi- cates, is a high bred horse as any in Europe. He is a beautiful bay, fifteen hands high, very active, and has got some remarkably handsome colts, many of which may be seen in the possession of several gentlemen in the neighbourhood of Philadelphia. It is needless to mention any thing more of the size, figure or activity of the horse,
I The Oeconomy of Human Life, by Hezekiah Watkins, Woodbridge, 1766.
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as his character for each and all of them is so well es- tablished through the States; and will only add the cer- tificates of his pedigree for the satisfaction of the public.
Richmond, Yorkshire, Sept 10, 1774
I CERTIFY that the bay colt which Mr. John Hutchinson purchased of Sir Lawrence Dundass, Baronet, was bred by me, and was got by Babram1 Blank, out of my mare Dido, that won ten fifty pounds prizes, or upwards, and which colt was a three years old at May-day last. (Signed) THOMAS COMFROTH.2
Askrigg, in Yorkshire, Sept 14, 1774.
I DO hereby certify that the mare Dido, the property of Thomas Comforth,2 Esq. was bred by me, and was own sister to my mare called Virgin and my colt Miracle, being got by Changeling, (own brother to Fenwick's Matchem) the dam of Virgin, Miracle and Dido, was also the dam of Lord Bolingbroke's Conundrum, (afterwards Mr. Pigot's) and Canthas .- Mr. Comforth's Enigma, my mares Riddle and Miss Tims, Mr. Foly's Pumkin, and my filly called Maiden, all of which were got by Matchem ; their dam was got by Squirt, (sire of Mask and Syphan), grandam by Mogul (own brother to Barbam1) great-grandam by bay Bolton, great-great-grandam by Mr. Pullen's chestnut Arabian (which mare was the grandam of the Bolton Ster- ling) great-great-great-grandam by Rockwood, great-great-great-great- grandam by Bustler.
(Signed) JOHN PRATT.
I CERTIFY that the foregoing are true copies from the original certificates.
LEWIS MORRIS. February 8, 1779.
P. S. A number of Mares are already engaged, and the owners have left their names with Mr. Thomas Wetherill, at Longbridge Farm. Those who are inclinable to send their Mares to RICHMOND, had better apply by letter to Mr. Wetherill, and as such, will claim preference.
To all whom it may concern :
New Jersey ss Notice is hereby given, that a Court of Admiralty will be held at the house of Gilbert Barton, in Allen-town, on Tuesday the thirteenth day of April next, at ten o'clock in the forenoon of the
1 So in the text.
2 So in the text.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1779
same day, then and there to try the truth of the facts . alledged in the bill of James Richmond, (who as well &c) against the sloop or vessel called the Speedwell, lately commanded by John Le Count, with her tackle, apparel, furniture and cargo; To the end and intent that the owner or owners of the said vessel, or any person or persons concerned therein, may appear and shew cause, if any they have, why the said vessel and cargo should not be condemned according to the prayer of the said bill.
By order of the Judge. JOSEPH BLOOMFIELD, Register.
TAKEN up by the subscriber on Crosswicks creek, at the Draw-bridge, a Long-Boat, about 22 feet long, in good order, marked C. N. on the out side of the stern. The owner is desired to come, prove property, pay charges and take her away.
WILLIAM NUTT.
Hanover, Morris County, March 8, 1779.
STOLEN,
ON Tuesday night the 5th instant, a roan mare, 14 hands high, 7 years old, has a slit in one ear, a large star in her face, long hinder fet-locks, a little white round the hoofs.
A bright bay mare, above 14 hands, 9 years old, with a snip and thick bushy mane. Both mares are with foal, trots and paces, and each twice branded with the Con- tinental mark C. A.
A dark bay filley, 20 months old, with a long tail and very bushy mane. Whoever takes up said creatures shall have One Hundred and Twenty Dollars reward, and for the thief or thieves as much, on delivering them to
Walter Buchanan.
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TO BE SOLD,
And may be entered on the first of April next.
ALL that tenement whereon Abraham Cottnam, Esq.1 lately lived, situate on the east side of Queen-street, in Trenton : There are on the premises a large commodious brick dwelling-house, two stories and a half high, four rooms on a floor, with convenient upper lodging rooms, a convenient brick kitchen adjoining, an elegant brick out-house fronting the street, at a small distance, a large convenient barn, stables, carriage house and other out- buildings; a garden containing about three quarters of an acre, and about five acres of excellent meadow, subject to a yearly ground rent of £. 3. It has been a tavern for upwards of two years past, and is very convenient and an excellent stand for that business or any other, being situate on the street leading directly through the town, and is a very agreeable situation for a private Gentle- man. For further particulars enquire of the subscribers, or in their absence to Ebenezer Cowell, Jr.
ELIZABETH ANN COTTNAM, ROBERT HOOPS, GEO. COTTNAM
March 2, 1779.
TO BE SOLD,
A Lot of one acre of land in Readington, Hunterdon county, New Jersey, on the south branch of Raritan, (a never failing stream) on the great road leading from Coryell's-Ferry to Morristown. There is on said lot a two story stone house, 36 by 20 feet, two rooms on the first floor and three on the second: There is likewise a
1 For a sketch of Abraham Cottnam, see New Jersey Archives, 2d Series, 1: 382.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1779
privilege for a mill seat, and would suit well for a fulling- mill .- There is a good quarry on said lot. It would suit a tradesman or store-keeper; the situation is pleasant and title indisputable. For terms of sale apply to Moses Estey, jun. near Flemington, or Benjamin Brannan, in Darby, Chester county, Pennsylvania.
Wanted to purchase,
A NEGRO GIRL not less than nine years of age, nor more than thirteen. She must be of an affable disposition, and free from any particular fault. If bred in the country the more agreeable. Any person having such a girl to dispose of may hear of a purchaser by applying to the printer hereof.
YOUNG BULLEROCK
A Beautiful bay horse in excellent order, six years old this grass, fifteen hands high, will cover mares the en- suing season at the stable of Matthias Vandike, in Mid- dlesex county, State of New Jersey, within one mile of Kingston, at the moderate price of Six Pounds the season, the money to be paid at the stable door, Young Bul- lerock is a full blooded horse, was got by the famous horse Old Bullerock, and his dam Britannia, whose stock and blood being so well known in this and the adjacent States wants no further pedigree. Good care will be taken of mares and pasture provided at a moderate price.
TO COVER,
The ensuing season, at Major Richard M'Donald's near Pluck'min, the elegant and high bred hunter called,
AJAX.
.
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NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
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FULL sixteen hands high, moves well, for he walks, trots or canters as light as a pony. It is expected from the justness of his make and action, that he will, with suitable mares, get fine horses for the road or harness. Much more may be said in favour of this horse, but those who take mares to him will have the satisfaction of judging for themselves. He is set at Twenty Dollars the season, and One Dollar to the groom. At his stand will be provided pasture for mares at a reasonable rate.
New Jersey, PURSUANT to the directions of an act of the SS. General Assembly of this State, intitled, An Act for forfeiting to and vesting in the State of New Jersey, the real estate of certain fugitives and offenders, passed December 11th, 1778, will be sold by way of public vendue for ready money, at the Court house in the county of Cumberland, on Monday the 12th day of April next, to begin at ten of the clock on said day, and continue until the whole are sold, the following plantations and tracts of land, situate in said county, viz.
No. 1. The plantation whereon Daniel Stretch lately lived, containing about 50 acres, situate in Hopewell township, on the great road leading from Greenwich and Roadstown to Philadelphia, and is a good stand for a tavern. On the premises are a good dwelling-house, barn, orchard, &c &c.
No. 2. A plantation situate in the township of Stow- Creek, nearly opposite the above, containing about 100 acres, bounded by lands of Michael Hofhell and others, on which is a good frame dwelling-house. This place formerly belonged to Adam Hofhell, deceased, and will be sold subject to his widow's right of dowery.
No. 3. The plantation whereon William Stom now lives, situate in Hopewell aforesaid, containing about 90 acres, bounded by lands of Peter Souder, Peter Johnson and others, on which is a small log dwelling-house.
No. 4. About 3 acres of drained meadow, within what
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1779
is commonly called Holme's-Bank, on Cohansie Creek. The above were all late the property of Daniel Stretch.
No. 5. A lot in Bridgeton, nearly opposite the Court- house, containing near an acre, on which is a new frame dwelling-house and large stable.
No. 6. A tract of unimproved land, situate in the town- ship of Fairfield, containing about 300 acres, bounding on lands late of Samuel Barnes, deceased, being a part of Helby's Survey, about 16 acres of which are cedar swamp.
No. 7. A tract of salt marsh called 50 acres, lying upon Back Creek, in Sayre's Neck, adjoining marsh late the property of Ebenezer Westcott, deceased. No. 5, 6, and 7, late the property of Richard Cayford.
No. 8. A tract of land and cripple, situate in Maurice's River township, bounding on said river, now in the poses- sion of Nicholas Brum, containing about 60 acres, late the property of Nicholas Baugh.
No. 9. A lot in Roadtown, with a two-story brick house and frame kitchen adjoining, in which Dr. Peck now lives, late the property of Daniel Bowen.
No. 10. A small plantation in Hopewell township, ad- joining lands of Jonathan Smalley and Adam Mintz, con- taining about 30 acres, on which is a log dwelling-house and frame barn, late the property of Jacob Hall.
No. 11. 100 acres of unimproved land, situate in the township of Downs, adjoining the Cranberry Ponds, late the property of Ananias Tubman.
No. 12. 100 acres of unimproved land adjoining the last, late the property of Sylvanus Tubman.
All which lands being seized as forfeited to the State, are to be sold by
Enos Seeley
Wm Kelsay 1 Commis- sioners.
INQUISITIONS having been found, and final judgment entered thereon, in favour of the State, against John
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Smith, late of the Eastern Precinct, against David White, Bernardus Legrange, Richard Cumpton and George Howard, late of Bridgewater, and against Joseph Arrow- smith, of Hillsborough, all of the county of Somerset .- NOTICE is hereby given, that the real estates of those of- fenders will be sold at public vendue, agreeable to a law of the Assembly passed at their last sessions .- The plan- tation of John Smith will be sold on Saturday the 10th of April next ; That of David. White on Monday the 12th; That of Bernardus Legrange on Tuesday the 13th ; That of Richard Cumpton on Wednesday the 14th; That of George Howard on Thursday the 15th; and that of Joseph Arrowsmith on Friday the 16th of April, by
Jacob Bergen Fred. Frelinghuysen Henry Wilson
Commis-
sioners.
TO BE SOLD BY
WILLIAM RICHARDS,
At his house at Trenton Landing,
A FRESH and good assortment of DRUGS and MEDICINES, where practitioners may be supplied as cheap as they can purchase in Philadelphia, and in his absence at the same rate by Doctor David Cowell,1 in Trenton.
The best velvet corks and mustard to be sold at the above Trenton landing.
N. B. The original store with a large and compleat assortment of the latest imported drugs and medicines is still continued by William Richards and Co. at the sign of the spread Eagle, in Market Street, near the Court- house in Philadelphia.
1 For a notice of Dr. David Cowell, see New Jersey Archives, 24 : 254.
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TO BE SOLD,
By public vendue to the highest bidder, on Friday the 19th instant, at the house of the widow Chamless, near the premises.
A BOUT 12 or 1300 acres of land in Piles-Grove, in the county of Salem, laid out in plantations, together with 300 acres wood-land that joins the glass-house lands. The emissions of May and April, or Loan-Office certifi- cates will be taken in payment. The vendue will begin at 10 o'clock. Due attendance will be given at the above place.
WM. GAMBLE.
-The New Jersey Gazette, Vol. II., No. 67, March 17, 1779.
TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD.
Stolen out of the house of the subscribers, living in Somerset county, State of New Jersey, the 21st. of Feb- ruary last, by a certain HENRY RUSH, a woman's GOLD WATCH, gold face, chased case, representing Pompey's head shewn to Caesar, maker's name supposed to be Wilsman, London, a blue regimental coat, turned up with red, white buttons flowered, lined in the back with white durant, the skirts and fore parts with red shalloon ; a white serge vest and breeches, the vest lined with white fustian, the breeches not lined; a full welted hunting saddle not half worn, the tree has been broken, and is mended by a piece of iron clenched on the inside, blue long elk saddle cloth, lined with tow linen, with a strip of white cloth sewed round near the edge, and a bridle, the reins tied to the bit. The said fellow deserted from Captain Van Hair's troops of light horse, has strait dark brown hair, a scar on one side of his face, and speaks
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the English and German language very well. Whoever secures said fellow in any of the States goals, shall receive One Hundred Dollars Reward, and for the watch the other Hundred
March 3. JOHN I. SCHENK. -The Pennsylvania Gazette, March 10, 1779.
From the London Gazette.
Whitehall, Dec. 1, 1778.
Extract of a letter from General Sir Henry Clinton, Knight of the Bath, to Lord George Germain, dated October 25th-
In my Letter of the 8th inst. I mentioned that my Move into Jersey was partly to favour an Expedition sent to Egg Harbour. I have now the Honour to enclose Copies of two Reports made to me by Captain Ferguson, of the 70th Regiment, who commanded the Troops employed upon that Service, to which I beg leave to refer your Lordship for an Account of its Success, under the Direction of that very active and zealous Officer. +
Report of Captain Ferguson, of the Seventieth Regi- ment, to his Excellency, Sir Henry Clinton, dated
Little Egg Harbour, October 10th.
Sir-I have the Honour to inform you that the Ships, with the Detachment ordered to this Place, arrived off the Bar on the Evening of the 5th Instant, when Captain Col- lins sent in the Galleys, but the Ships could not enter be- fore the 7th.
Three Privateers of six or eight Guns, with an armed Pilot-boat, had escaped out of the Harbour before our Arrival, in Consequence of Advice received on the second from Mr. Livingston, warning them of our Destination.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1779
As it was from this Evident that Preparations had been made against us for several Days, it was determined to allow no further Time, but to push up with our Galleys and small Craft, with what Soldiers could be crowded into them, without waiting for the coming in of the Ships; accordingly, after a very difficult Navigation of twenty Miles inland, we came opposite to Chestnut-neck, where there were several Vessels and about a dozen of Houses, with Stores for the Reception of prize Goods and Accom- modation for their Privateers' Men.
The Rebels had there erected a Work with Embrasures for six Guns, on a Level with the Water, to rake the Chan- nel, and another upon a commanding Eminence, with a Platform for Guns en barbette, in which, however, it after- wards appeared that they had not as yet placed Artillery.
The Banks of the River below the Works being swampy, rendered it necessary for the Boats with the Troops to pass within Musquet Shot, in order to land beyond them, pre- vious to which Captain Collins advanced with the Galleys to cover our Landing, and as he came to very close to the Works, and the Guns of the Galleys were remarkably well pointed, the Fire from the Rebels was effectually stifled, and the Detachment, landing with Ease, soon drove into the Woods the skulking Banditti that endeavoured to op- pose it.
The Seamen were employed all that Evening and the next Day till Noon in destroying ten capital Vessels, and the Soldiers in demolishing the Village, which was the principal Resort of this nest of Pirates. Had we arrived by Surprize, we meant to have pushed forwards with Celer- ity to the Forks, within thirty-five Miles of Philadelphia .. But as the alarm had been spread through the Country, and the Militia there had been reinforced from Philadel- phia by a Detachment of foot, five field pieces and a body of light horse, our small Detachment could not pretend to enter twenty miles further into the Country to reach the
4
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Stores and small Craft there; and the shallowness of the Navigation rendered it impracticable for the Galleys to co-operate with us; it was, therefore, determined to return without loss of Time and endeavour to employ our Force with Effect elsewhere: but some of our Vessels having run aground, notwithstanding the very great Diligence and Activity of Captain Collins, and the Gentlemen of the Navy, an opportunity offered, without interrupting our Progress, to make two Descents on the north side of the River, to penetrate some Miles into the Country, destroy three Salt Works, and raze to the ground the Stores and Settlements of a Chairman 1 of their Committees, a Cap- tain of Militia, and one or two other virulent Rebels, who had Shares in the Prizes brought in here, and who had all been, remarkably active in fomenting the Rebellion, op- pressing the People and forcing them, against their Incli- nation and better Judgment, to assist in their Crimes.
At the same time, be assured, Sir, no manner of Insult or Injury has been offered to the peaceable Inhabitants, nor even to such, as without taking a Lead, have been made, from the Tyranny or Influence of their Rulers, to forget their Allegiance.
It is my Duty to inform you that the Officers and Men have cheerfully undergone much Fatigue, and everywhere shown a Disposition to encounter any Difficulties that might offer.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, etc.
PAT. FERGUSON, Captain Seventieth Reg.
P. S .- One Soldier of the Fifth was wounded through the leg at Chestnut-neck, but we have neither lost a Man by the Enemy nor deserting since we set out.
1 Probably Eli Mathis is meant.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1779
Little Egg Harbour, October 15, 1778.
Sir-Since the Letter which I did myself the Honour of writing to you on the 10th instant, Captain Collins has received a Letter from Admiral Gambier, signifying that the Admiral and you are both of Opinion, that it is not safe for us to remain here, as the Army is withdrawn from the Jerseys and ordering our immediate Return; but as the Wind still detained us, and we had Information by a Captain and six Men of Pulaski's Legion, who had de- serted to us,1 that Mr. Pulaski had cantoned his Corps, consisting of three Companies of Foot, three Troops of Horse, a Detachment of Artillery, and one brass Field Piece, within a Mile of a Bridge, which appeared to me easy to seize, and from thence to cover our retreat ; I pre- vailed upon Captain Collins to enter into my Design, and employ an idle Day in an Attempt which was to be made with Safety, and with a Probability of Success. Accord- ingly, at eleven last night, two hundred and fifty Men were embarked, and after rowing ten miles landed at four this Morning, within a Mile of the Defile, which we happily secured, and leaving fifty men for its Defence, pushed for- ward upon the infantry, cantoned in three different Houses, who are almost entirely cut to pieces. We numbered among their Dead about fifty, and several Officers, among whom, we learn, are a Lieutenant-Colonel, a Captain and an Ad- jutant. It being a night Attack, little Quarter could, of course, be given, so that there are only five Prisoners; as a Rebel, Colonel Proctor, was within two Miles, with a Corps of Artillery, two brass Twelve Pounders, one Three- Pounder, and the Militia of the Country, I thought it hazardous, with two hundred Men, without Artillery or Support, to attempt anything farther, particularly after Admiral Gambier's Letter.
1 Lieutenant Gustav Juliet, who had deserted in 1777 from a Hessian regiment. and who now again deserted, this time from the Americans, on October 13.
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The Rebels attempted to harass us in our Retreat, but with great Modesty, so that we returned at our Leisure, and re-embarked in security.
The Captain who has come over to us is a Frenchman, named Bromville.1 He and the Deserters inform us that Mr. Pulaski has, in public Orders, lately directed no Quarter to be given; and it was, therefore, with particular Satisfaction, that the Detachment marched against a Man capable of issuing an Order so unworthy of a Gentleman and a Soldier.
PAT. FERGUSON, Capt. 70th Regt.
P. S .-. The Dispatch Vessel not having got to Sea last Night, I am enabled to inform you, that our Yesterday's Loss consists of two Men of the Fifth, and one of the Pro- vincials missing, and two of the Fifth slightly wounded. Ensign Camp, of the Third Jersey. Volunteers, has re- ceived a Stab through his Thigh.
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