USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. III > Part 48
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I should commit the highest injustice, was I not to assure your Excellency that my endeavours were fully seconded by every officer in his station; nor can any dis- crimination justly be made, but what arose from oppor- tunity. The troops vied with each other in patience under their many sufferings, and conducted themselves in every vicissitude of fortune with a resolution which reflects the. highest honour on them.
During the whole action not a single musket was fired on our side,-the bayonet was our sole dependence.
Having gained the fort, such were the order of the troops and attention of the officers, that the soldiers were prevented from plundering, altho' in the midst of every sort.
American humanity has been again signally manifested, self-preservation strongly dictated, on the retreat, the put- ting the prisoners to death, and British cruelty fully jus- tified it; notwithstanding which, not a man was wantonly hurt.
During the progress of the troops in the works, from the different reports of my officers, I conclude not more than 50 of the enemy were killed, and a few wounded .- Among the killed is one officer, supposed from his description to be a Captain in Col. Buskirk's regiment. Our loss on this occasion is very trifling. I have not yet had a report from the detachment of Virginians; but, as I conclude their loss to be proportionate to the loss of the other troops, I can venture to pronounce that the loss of the whole in killed, wounded and missing, will not exceed 20. As soon as the report comes to hand, I will transmit to Head-Quarters an accurate return. I herewith inclose a return of the pris- oners taken from the enemy.
At every point of the enterprise I stood highly indebted to Major Clarke for his zeal, activity and example :- Cap- tains Handy and Forsyth have claim to my particular thanks for the support I experienced from them on every occasion. The Captains Reed, M'Clane, Smith, Crump,
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and Wilmot, behaved with the greatest zeal and intrepid- ity. I must acknowledge myself very much indebted to Major Burnet and Capt. Peyton of the dragoons, for their council and indefatigability in the previous preparations to the attack. The premature withdraw[al] of the boats, was owing to the non-arrival of my dispatches, and though a most mortifying circumstance, can be called nothing more than unfortunate. Lieutenant Vanderville, who was to have commanded one of the forlornes but was thrown out by the alteration of the disposition of battle, conducted himself perfectly soldier like. The whole of the officers behaved with the greatest propriety ; and, as I said before, no discrimination can justly be made, but what arose from opportunity:
The Lieutenants M'Callister, Armstrong, Reed, and Rudulph, distinguished themselves remarkably. Too much praise cannot be given to those gentlemen for their prowess and example. Capt. Bradford, of the train, who volun- teered it with me for the purpose of taking direction of the artillery, deserves my warmest thanks for his zeal and activity. I am personally indebted to Capt. Rudulph and Dr. Irvine of the dragoons, who attended me during the expedition, for their many services.
I beg leave to present your Excellency with the flag of the fort by the hands of Mr. M'Callister, the gentleman into whose possession it fell.
It is needless for me to explain my reasons for the in- stantaneous evacuation of the fort. Your Excellency's knowledge of the post, will suggest fully the propriety of it. The event confirms it.
Among the many unfortunate circumstances which crossed our wishes, none was more so than the accidental absence of Col. Buskirk and the greatest part of his regi- ment. They had set out on an expedition up the North River the very night of the attack. A company of vigilant Hessians had taken their place in the fort, which rendered the secrecy of approach more precarious, and, at the same
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time diminished the object of the enterprize by a reduction of the number of the garrison. Major Sutherland for- tunately saved himself by a soldier's counterfeiting his person. This imposition was not discovered till too late.
I intended to have burnt the barracks; but on finding a number of sick soldiers and women with young children in them, humanity forbid the execution of my intention. The key of the magazine could not be found, nor could it be broke open in the little time we had to spare, many at- tempts having been made to that purpose by the Lieuten- ants M'Callister and Reed. It was completely impractica- ble to bring off any pieces of artillery. I consulted Cap- tain Bradford on the point, who confirmed mne in my opinion. The circumstances of spiking them being trivial, it was omitted altogether.
After most of the troops had retired from the works, and were passed and passing the canal, a fire of musquetry commenced from a few stragglers, who had collected in an old work on the right of the main fort. Their fire being ineffectual and the object trifling, I determined not to break in upon the order of retreat, but continued passing the defile in front. I cannot conclude this relation with- out expressing my warmest thanks to Lord Stirling for the full patronage I received from him in every stage of the enterprise. I must also return my thanks to the cavalry, for their vigilant execution of the duties as- signed them.
Captain Rudulph waits on your Excellency with these dispatches ; I beg leave to refer to this officer for any fur- ther explanation that may be required.
I have the honour to be,
SIR, With the most perfect respect, Your Excellency's most obedient, And most humble servant. HENRY LEE, jun.
Paramus, Aug. 22, 1779.
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His Excellency General WASHINGTON.
RETURN of Prisoners taken at Powles Hook on the morning of the 19th of August, 1779.
64th Regiment, 1 Captain, Garrison Regiment, 6 Ser- jeants, 67 rank and file. Buskirk's ditto, 1 Surgeon, 1 Surgeon's Mate, 1 Quarter-Master, 4 Subalterns, 2 Ser- jeants, 39 rank & file. Hessians, 1 Serjeant, 10 rank and file. Artificers, 2. Inhabitants, 10.
Artillery, 1 Serjeant. 1 Corporal, 2 Gunners, 9 Ma- trosses. Total 158.
The Surgeon on parole,
By order of Major Lee,
ROBERT FORSYTH, Capt. P. L. Dragoons. Published by order of Congress, CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.
CHATHAM SEPTEMBER 21.
A French fleet may be momently expected upon this coast, having been spoke with at sea. All the Pilots in this State, we hear, are engaged to hold themselves in readiness to go on board, should they make this coast.
A Cartel, we hear, is likely to be settled for a general ex- change of prisoners.
STOLEN, on Sunday night the 12th instant, a bright sorrel horse, about 4 years old, 14 hands high, has a small star in his forehead, with both hind feet white, and has a very bad flaw in his right hoof, trots and canters very smart .- Whoever takes up said horse, so that the owner may get him again, shall receive one hundred dollars reward, and all reasonable charges paid, by
JOHN VAN WINKLE.
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MAKEN up by the subscriber, about ten days ago, a bright bay MARE, about thirteen hands and an inch high, three years old, with a star in her fore- head, and a natural pacer. Whoever owns said mare may, by applying to the subscriber, proving their property, and paying charges, have her again.
PAUL HUSTON. New-Ark Township, Sept. 13, 1779.
TRAYED or stolen, a FOX HOUND, of a pretty large size, white with yellow spots on his sides, his ears long and spotted with yellow and white, and a long tail. Whoever will leave word with the printer hereof, or at Mr. Winan's tavern, in Elizabeth Town, where the said dog may be had, shall there receive Thirty Dollars reward.
FOUND, on the 18th instant, between Springfield and Elizabeth-Town, a piece of coarse cloth. Whoever it belongs to, on proving his property, and paying charges, may have it again by applying to
SAMUEL TYLER.
Springfield, Sept. 21, 1779.
Practitioners of Physic,
M AY be supplied with the following medicines (of the first quality) by applying at the house of Jona- than Morrell, half a mile from New-Providence meeting-house; peruvian bark, rhubarb, tartar emetic, cantharides, opium, glauber salts, camphor, compound spirits of lavender, volatile aromatic, salt or worm- wood, &c.
N. B. At the same place may be had, indigo by the barrel or dozen.
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To be sold on Thursday the 23d instant, at the late dwell- ing house of Timothy Whitehead, Esq; of Connecticut Farms, deceased;
H ORSES, cattle, sheep, swine, cyder spirits, a good clock, cupboard, bedding, and various other articles of household furniture and farming utensils too nu- merous to mention. The vendue to begin at 10 o'clock, when the conditions of sale will be made known by
DANIEL WADE,
TIMOTHY WHITEHEAD. Executors.
ROUND, about the middle of July last, near Daniel Young's in Hanover, a parchment containing a small sum of money and some writings .- Whoever owns the same may, by proving their property, giving a gratuity to the boy that found it, and paying the cost of this advertisement, have it again by applying to John Smithson, at Daniel Young's.
CAME to the plantation of the subscriber, the 11th in- stant, a red bull calf, with a white face, has a slit in the left ear and a crop in the right .- Whoever owns said calf may, by proving their property, and paying charges, have him again by applying to
ROBERT FRENCH.
Springfield, Sept. 20, 1779.
S TOLEN, from the subscriber's plantation near Wood- bridge, the 11th instant, a black mare, about 14 hands high, branded on the near shoulder with S D, trots, paces, and canters ; is about 5 years old .- Who- ever secures the thief and mare, so that the owner may have her again, shall have one hundred dollars, or forty dollars for the mare alone, and all reasonable charges paid by JOHN JENNINGS.
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Mr. KOLLOCK,
I Have observed in conversing with people of my ac- quaintance, that the chief objection they make against the regulating act is, that it is formed by a Committee, and not by lawful authority, universally in all the States. Altho' this objection may have weight with some, yet I humbly conceive it will not have so much with others, as to induce them to falsify their word, and make void their public agreement, in order more effectually to ruin their distressed country. That some expedient is absolutely necessary to be adopted, I think none in their senses dare deny; and who will venture boldly to assert that the longer that expedient is put off the better? We don't argue thus in other cases, when we are extremely sick,or in pain, that we will defer sending for a Physician, until we get better. No, in that case, we take the alarm, and instantly apply a remedy; why then should we not be equally anxious for the health and salvation of our coun- try? It's true, that if a regulation of prices was univer- sally established by law in all the States, that would be much more agreeable, and rather to be chosen; but a tem- porary regulation, until that can be adopted, must be considered, by every true friend to his country, a very im- portant matter. The sooner the depreciation of our cur- rency is remedied, the better; and therefore we ought im- mediately to apply the salutary remedy. Should any say that Committees have no authority to oblige them to obey their resolutions, and therefore they wont regard them, that saying manifests a stubborness of temper, to a shock- ing degree, as well as exceedingly selfish and covetous; to prefer sordid gain before the salvation of their country. I should think the dear bought experience we have had in not complying with the former regulating act, might for- ever silence such objections. How many millions of ex- pence would that have saved us, had it universally been complied with, as well as prevented many evils and diffi-
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culties under which we now labour? But America was young in politics, which consideration must be her apology, and in some measure plead her excuse. But now when ex- perience hath been our Schoolmaster, should we neglect our duty, then no excuse or apology can be made for us.
A FRIEND TO LIBERTY.
Mr. KOLLOCK,
Observed in one of your late papers a curious perform- ance, under the signature of Jesse Baldwin, in which
he highly resents being held up to the public, as an offender against the regulations of the Committee. Altho' I am not one of that body, yet zeal in the cause of my country, urges me on to attempt an answer to that malevo- lent insolent performance. He first begins, by observing that it is very agreeable when one is exposed to disgrace and infamy, to have as much company as possible, &c. I should have thought that a man who professes to be a christian, and friend to his country, would not so egre- giously expose his profession. Does Mr. Baldwin think that having a multitude of transgressors on his side, will exculpate him, or extenuate his crime? If he does, his own words will condemn him. Or, does he mean to in- sinuate that it is no crime to disregard good regulations, because they are made by a Committee, which he and some others had no hand in chusing. This probably is this gentlemans meaning, (for I have so much charity for him as to suppose that he believes a regulation of prices to be necessary for the good of our country) I shall therefore take this for granted, waving any other remarks upon his performance, and proceed to expose the conduct of those, whether they be few or many, who prefer their own private gain, to the happiness and peace of their country. Upon this principle is founded all the mischief and disorders which take place in the world. Selfishness is the bane of society. It overthrows kingdoms and empires; breaks through all bonds and obligations; it destroys the peace
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of families; and, in fine, is that source from whence first sprang all the evils, we experience in this life, and all which are experienced in the life to come. If therefore this is the case ; what punishment can be too great to in- fict upon those, who openly avow their persisting in it, and their ulter contempt of such who are earnestly striring to save their country from all its abominable evils?
A FRIEND TO LIBERTY.
HE subscriber informs the public that he still con- tinues to cut TOBACCO as usual, and can supply them with that article either by the paper or pound, at as low a price as the times will admit of .- Also, to dis- pose of, for six bushels of wheat or two hundred of flour, three sash lights of forty-two pains of glass 7 by 9's. JAMES CHAPMAN.
Elizabeth Town, Sept. 13, 1779.
FOR SALE,
THE convenient dwelling-house, and about five acres of land, where the subscriber now lives; the house is pleasantly situated, and stands in one of the best situations in this town for mercantile business in settled times ; has a number of convenient out-buildings, good gardens and orchard, all in good repair-A lot of land of about 11%, acres in an excellent situation for building and for business-And a lot of 20 acres, or upwards, about one mile from the dwelling-house ;- two breeding mares and two colts. For further particulars apply to
MATTHIAS HALSTED.
Who has one fire in a forge, on a good stream of water, near Morris-Town, to dispose of, for the sale of which Mr. Dixon, at Bottle-Hill, is authorized to treat.
Elizabeth-Town, Sept. 14, 1779.
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One Hundred Pounds Reward.
0 N the night of the 7th instant, the store of the sub- scriber was broke open and robbed of the following articles, viz. two pieces of red baize, one piece of brown homespun cloth (fulled) one piece cotton and silk striped, four or five pair of stockings, five pair of pinch- beck knee-buckles, a few pair of sleeve buttons, two or three sailors coats and breeches (blue) upwards of two hundred dollars in Continental money &c. &c. Any per- son giving information, that the goods may be recovered. and the thief brought to justice, shall receive the above re- ward ; for the goods only, fifty pounds.
AARON DAY.
Elizabeth Town, Sept. 13, 1779.
W HEREAS JOHN JACKMAN, an Englishman born, a serjeant in my company, died some time ago; and as I have a considerable sum of money in my hands, the property of the deceased, and worthy the atten- tion of his friends, any person who has any demands on his estate, or any heir or representative, properly author- ized, may receive the effects of the deceased by applying to me at the park of artillery.
JOHN LILLIE, Capt. 3d Reg. Art. Artillery Park, State of New York, Sept. 8, 1779.
W ANTED, on interest, from twelve to fifteen hundred pounds, for which good land security will be given in the county of Orange, State of New-York. Ap- ply to George Ross, Esq; at Elizabeth Town, East-Jersey. Sept. 13, 1779.
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W HEREAS the wife of William Denniston has eloped time after time, and taken my effects with her: This is therefore to forewarn all persons not to , trade with or harbour her, as I am determined to pay no debts of her contracting from the date hereof.
WILLIAM DENNISTON. Hanover, Sept. 13, 1779.
A LL persons who have any demands on the estate of Hendrick Fisher, late of the county of Somerset,
Esq ; deceased, are desired to send or bring in their accounts or demands to the subscriber, living near Bound- Brook, in order that the same may be adjusted; and those who are indebted to said estate, are required to make speedy payment, in order that the affairs of said estate may be settled.
JEREMIAH FISHER, Executor.
September 13, 1779.
TO BE SOLD, A PHAETON,
With harness complete .- Enquire of the printer.
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ITOLEN from the plantation of the subscriber the 3d instant, a red-roan MARE, with a white slip in her face, trots and canters well, four years old last spring, in good order, and about 14 hands high .- Whoever secures said mare, so that the owner may get her again, shall have fifty dollars reward; and for the thief and mare, one hundred and fifty.
RODAH VALANTINE. New-Providence, Sept. 13, 1779.
-The New-Jersey Journal, Vol. I., Numb. XXXII., Sep- tember 21, 1779.
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To be SOLD by Public Vendue
On Monday the twenty-seventh instant,
The Hull of a fine new Brigantine, and the Hull of a Schooner, which were drove ashore near Squan River, in the township of Shrewsbury, in Monmouth county, to- gether with their spars, sails and rigging, being all new 4 cables, 4 anchors, 22 pieces of cannon with their carriages, 10 swivels, a quantity of gunpowder, a quantity of round shot, double-head ditto and langridge, rammers, ladles, sponges, crows and hand-spikes, 2 boats and oars, a number of iron-bound puncheons, 2 iron cabouses, 2 cop- pers, a number of small arms and cutlasses, crane and waist irons, a quantity of good beef, a quantity of good duck, &c. &c. Apply to RICHARD WHELDEN and NICOLL FOSDICK, residing at Mr. Haven's near the premises. N. B. The vessels may be easily got off, their hulls not hurt.
The TRUSTEES of the College of New Jersey, are hereby put in mind, that the annual commencement is upon the last Wednesday in September; and that their attendance is expected on the Tuesday preceeding, at Ten. o'clock.
-The Pennsylvania Packet, September 21, 1779.
FORTY DOLLARS REWARD.
Run away the 26th of August, 1779, from the subscriber, living in Deptford township, Gloucester county, in New- Jersey, an apprentice lad, named William Malice, this country born, about 5 feet 2 or 3 inches high, near 18 years of age, a chunky well made lad, short brown hair, round faced, black eyes, glissens much when he smiles, something freckled, a cunning smart active fellow; had
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on, and took with him, a round fine hat, a fine shirt and two coarse ones, two pair of trousers, a brown coatee, a lightish coloured upper jacket, and under ditto without sleeves, a greenish cast jean breeches mended on the knees, paleish ribbed worsted stockings, and good shoes, with brass buckles. Whoever takes up and secures said lad, so that his master may have him again, shall be entitled to the above reward and reasonable charges, paid by JAMES HINCHMAN. -The Pennsylvania Gazette, September 22, 1779.
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DESERTED from Capt. JOHN DAVIS'S Company of the New Jersey State Regiment, whereof Col. Fred- erick Freelinghauson's Commander. One ANDREW BELCHER, by trade a shoemaker, dark complexion, brown hair, which he wore tyed; 33 years of age, 5 feet 10 inches high. JOSEPH GIFFORD, about 29 years old, 5 feet 6 inches high, dark complexion, supposed to be about Egg- Harbour. THOMAS DOUGHTY, about 20 years old, 5 feet 9 inches high, of a dark complexion, supposed to be about Egg-Harbour. ABRAHAM PETERSON, about 27 years old, 5 feet 111/2 inches high, of a fair complexion, supposed to be at Egg-Harbour. Likewise, one NA- THANIEL AVIS, who deserted on the 12th day of Sep- tember, 1779, he is about 5 feet 4 or 5 inches high, of a sandy complexion, about 17 years old, supposed to about Sweedsborough in Gloucester county, Woolwich township. Whoever takes up and secures said deserters, in Gloucester Goal, or brings them to Woodbridge, or to Col. JOHN TAYLOR at Elizabethtown, shall receive a reward of One HUNDRED DOLLARS each, and reasonable charges paid by JOHN DAVIS, Capt. July 26th.
-The Pennsylvania Journal, September 22, 1779. -
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To the Honourable the Congress of the United States of America.
A LTHOUGHI no man can hold your elevated and digni- fied characters in greater veneration than I do, nevertheless, as a citizen, I apprehend that I have a right to address you, more especially at this time of im- minent danger. You have perhaps with great propriety, and for the general good of the union, emitted large sums in bills of credit, and which, through your recommenda- tion, have been made a legal tender in payment of money equal to silver and gold by the several Legislatures of the States in union. These bills are depreciated to a degree that the most penetrating observer could not foresee or the most credulous believe, yet nothing has been done by Con- gress, or any of our Legislatures, to provide a remedy for this intolerable evil, which our enemies believe will prove our ruin. Is it then really so, that self-interest has eaten out every generous and every noble sentiment from among us ? Are we determined to be guilty of felo de se? God forbid; for Heaven's sake lay aside every little party dis- pute; look with a single eye at the good of the union; and instantly fall upon ways and means for restoring the bills of credit, on which, under God, the salvation of the union depends. Give your Staff Officers handsome salaries, but no commissions; prevent monopolizing and engrossing, which will greatly tend to restore the credit of your money. Can we be guilty of such horrid ingratitude ? Gracious Heaven has been very bountiful to us; Nature's lap is laden with the fruits of the earth; we are invited to reap the golden harvest; we have the greatest prospects of plenty of all the necessaries of life; and shall all these be held at more than twenty times the prices given when there was less of those articles among us ? Supposing the sum of six millions in common times, at former prices, sufficient to carry on the war, which I think nearly right, it will now cost one hundred and twenty millions. Suppose the United States to raise by tax fifteen millions, do we not contract a
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debt in one year of one hundred and five millions ? There- fore, for the sake of everything dear to us, let the delusion go no farther, but instantly fall upon measures to restore our money. Government and law are essentially necessary . for the well being of any people: The several States in union have formed constitutions founded on the authority of the people, which are in full exercise; and will our superiors leave us to go back to committees again ? As an excellent reasoner observes, where law ends tyranny be- gins. I shall leave this important subject with the wisdom of Congress to determine and draw a line of limitation, which being by them recommended to the several Legis- latures of the States in union as a sovereign remedy, on which, under God, the political salvation of our nation de- pends ; at the same time that each state raise annually as great a sum by taxes, as the representatives shall judge their constituents able to pay either yearly or every half year.
A JERSEY FARMER.
TRENTON, SEPTEMBER 22.
Sunday evening last His Excellency the Sieur GERARD arrived here from Philadelphia; and yesterday morning His Excellency Count DE LA LUZERNE, Minister Plenipo- tentiary from the Court of Versailles, met him at this place, accompanied by his Secretary, with a large retinue, and escorted by a corps of Baylor's light dragoons, com- manded by Capt. Jones .- The Legislature sitting here, His Excellency the Governor, and the Vice-President of the Council, paid their compliments of congratulation to the Count .- After a short stay in town, Monsieurs LU- ZERNE and GERARD, with their attendants, set out for Philadelphia.
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