USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. III > Part 49
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Yesterday was taken up at Woodbridge, as he was going to the enemy, one --- Hayden, a notorious villain, who
1779]
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has been famous for his treachery to his country. There was found on him 250 blank sheets of paper for printing continental money .- It appears to be the same kind of paper, on which the true bills are printed.
A few days ago four of the gang of villains, associates of the infamous Lewis Fenton, were made prisoners, by a party of our militia, in Monmouth county, and safely lodged in the county gaol.
By several gentlemen from Monmouth county we learn, that a large number of the enemy are upon Staten-Island ; and that Major Lee, with his corps of cavalry, arrived in that county a few days ago.
The number of Indian towns which have been destroyed by our army under the command of General Sullivan, on the western expedition, including those burnt by Gen. Clinton previous to the junction, amounts to 14; which, with the destruction of all their corn, beans, &c. in the vicinity of those towns, will, we flatter ourselves, some- what frustrate the savages during the remainder of the campaign in their predatory schemes against our frontier inhabitants.
A late London paper observes, "There seems a strange contradiction in the sentiments and conduct of the Gen- erals who have commanded, and Governor Johnston, who has been a Commissioner in America ; the former, by their evidence, almost directly assert, that it is impossible for this country to subdue America with the force that has been sent thither (and which has been greater than this country in prudence ought to have spared) :- The latter, that the force sent thither has been fully sufficient for the purpose, and that by firmness and perseverance, the end will be finally obtained; as at least half the inhabitants in America are faithful and loyal subjects. Whilst we halt and falter between two opinions, let us take care that the thread of our own constitution is not snapped asunder."
Quere. Who may we conclude to be the most compe- tent judges in this case? The most intrepid and exper-
41
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1779
ienced Generals in the British service, who have ever found themselves surrounded with insurmountable diffi- culties, and unavoidable and uncommon disasters, as soon as they have attempted to penetrate into the country or leave their ships; or Governor, Navy-Captain, or Com- missioner Johnston, who could not possibly have any in- formation of the true state of the country, but from those whose manifest interest it was to prolong the war, (as no other means remained for the recovery of their estates) and eke out the life of their own consequence, by misrep- resentation and falsehood; and who, having early entered into voluntary banishment, by joining the enemies of their country, could be no better informed of what passed in the interior and more remote parts of it, than our celebrated quondam Parliament Friend, who was but a short time in, and was refused the liberty of paying a visit to the country, even on his own earnest and humble solicitation?
-
WANTED,
A
Person qualified for keeping an English School. Such a one, with a proper recommendation, may meet with encouragement by applying to THOMAS READING.
Amwell, Hunterdon county, Sept. 20, 1779.
Brunswick, Sept. 15, 1779.
A Quantity of excellent sole leather to be exchanged for good raw hides; a, number of the best kind of soldiers large shoes for cash; and leather curried for country produce, by
HENRY GUEST.1
N. B. A workman at the currying business, will meet with good encouragement. Apply as above.
1 For some account of the Guest family, see New Jersey Archives, 28 : 32.
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17.79]
BROKE out of the gaol of Somerset county, in the night of the 31st ult. ROBERT GIE, cooper, about 6 feet high, well made, black hair, full faced, reddish cheeks, and about 30 years old: Also, SAMUEL GRAY, about 5 feet 9 inches high, a neat built man, marked with the small-pox, has a scar on his eye-brow, light coloured hair, a pale look, speaks a little on the Irish brogue, (says he has been a lieutenant in the American army) and is about 35 years old; being both confined for passing coun- terfeit continental currency. Whoever secures the said persons or either of them, so that they may be brought to justice, shall have Sixty Dollars reward for each, and if brought to the gaol from whence they broke, all reasonable charges paid by
PETER DUMONT, Sheriff.
Millstone, Sept. 1, 1779.
To all whom it may concern.
W HEREAS Richard Stevens and John Mehelm, Es- quires, stiling themselves "trustees to discharge by the sale of the real estate of William Alex- ander, Earl of Stirling, within this state, the debts and incumbrances affecting the same," &c. have, by their ad- vertisement of July 20, 1779, published in the New-Jersey Gazette, given notice that there will be sold at publick vendue on certain times and at certain places therein men- tioned, "sundry tracts of land, cultivated farms, houses," &c., particularly described in said advertisement, and said to be part of the real estate of the said Earl of Stir- ling in this state. And whereas divers parts of the said real estate so advertised as aforesaid, and hereinafter more particularly mentioned, was fully and clearly vested in the late Hon. Philip Livingston, Esq. of the state of New-York, deceased, in his lifetime and at the time of his death, by sundry mesne conveyances under the said Wil-
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1779
liam, Earl of Stirling, and by the last will and testament of the said Philip Livingston, devised to several persons, among whom the said Earl of Stirling is not included. And also whereas the said Philip Livingston was in his life-time, and the said devisees since his death have been and now are, in the actual and peaceable possession of the parts and parcels of the said real estate hereinafter par- ticularly described : We the subscribers, executors of the said last will and testament, in behalf of ourselves and others, the devisees aforesaid, do hereby give this publick notice of the claim of the said devisees of the said Philip Livingston to the same, hereby forewarning all persons. whatsoever from purchasing all or any part of the said lands and real estate, of the trustees aforesaid, they hav- ing no power to convey a title for the same to the pur- chaser, as no part thereof are included within the Act of Assembly under which they derive their authority - -
- and in case of such an attempt, the purchaser will be con- sidered as having notice of the claim aforesaid, and treated accordingly.
The following lots of land, situate in the county of Hunterdon in said state, being part of the land known by the name of the West-Jersey Society's Great Tract, and of the allotments No. 1 and 2 of said great tract :
Lot No. 68, being part of the allotment of lot No. 2 of the said great tract, containing 238 acres .- Lot No. 69, part of the said lot No. 2, containing 448 acres .- Lot No. 37, part of the said lot No. 2, containing 198 acres .- Lot No. 32, part of the said lot No. 2, containing 145 acres .- Lot No. 33, part of the aforesaid lot No. 2 of the said great tract, containing 245 acres .- Lot No. 7, part of the aforesaid lot No. 2 of the said great tract, contain- ing 236 acres .- Lot No. 47, part of the said lot No. 2 of the said great tract, containing 106 acres .- Lot No. 123, being part of allotment No. 1 of said great tract, contain- ing 192 acres .- Also the mansion-house and farm at Bask- enridge, in the county of Somerset, in which the said Earl
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1779]
of Stirling lately lived, containing about 1200 acres, in- cluding the saw-mill and lands thereunto belonging.
ABRAHAM TEN BROEK, - Execu- THOMAS JONES tors.
Squires Point, Sept. 9, 1779.
W HEREAS JAMES LITTLE has put an advertisement in the New-Jersey Gazette, cautioning all persons against buying the mills at Hackets Town, from me, against his better knowledge, as he has seen my deed : The subscriber begs leave to acquaint the publick, that he has a good title for the said mills from Mr. Cromeline, who sold it to him a long time ago, for the benefit of Mr. Kelem's creditors, as he was one. Whoever inclines to pur- chase the said mills, can see the deed, and I will warrant and defend the same against all pretended purchasers, or those who purchase and never pay.
The mill now rents for 600 bushels of wheat per annum. GARRET RAPALJIE.
WANTED,
A N industrious, steady YOUNG WOMAN, to sew, and assist in taking care of children.
Good wages and constant employ will be given .- For further particulars enquire of the printer .- The New- Jersey Gazette, Vol. II., No. 91, Sept. 22, 1779.
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, together with their spars, sails and rigging, being all new-4 cables, 4 anchors, 22 pieces of cannon with their carriages, 10 swivels, a.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1779
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 coppers, a number of small arms and cutlasses, crane and waist irons, a quantity of good beef, a quantity of new duck, &c. &c. Apply to RICHARD WHELDON and NICOLL FOSDICK, re- siding at Mr. Haven's near the premises.
N. B. The vessels may be easily got off, their hulls not. hurt.
-The Pennsylvania Packet, September 23, 1779.
By the latest intelligence from the rebel lines, we are informed, that Mr. Washington was moving back to- wards Morris-town. The Carolina brigade was ordered to Georgia, and Major Lee's horse to Sussex county : in New Jersey .- The Royal Gazette, No. 312, September 25, 1779.
NEW-YORK, Sept. 27.
The Cork Fleet under Convoy of His Majesty's Ship Roebuck, Sir Andrew Hammond, Commander, consisted of 48 Sail, who all got safe into Sandy-Hook last Tuesday and Wednesday.
L AST Thursday Morning a Boat going from New- York to Sandy-Hook, with a Man, two Boys, and a Woman, Wife to a Grenadier, overset in the nar- rows, by which Accident the Woman was drowned, the other three with great Difficulty was taken up by two Boats from the the ship Elizabeth, after being near an Hour in the Water. A Guinea Reward will be given to any Per- son who will inform William Hardy, at the Sign of the Sailors Return, Opposite Dover Street, where the said Boat may be found if driven ashore .- The New-York Gazette: and the Weekly Mercury, No. 1458, September 27, 1779.
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1779]
To the Legislatures of the United States in general, and that of New-Jersey in particular.
Y OU, gentlemen, are chosen from among the people at large, as being possessed of more knowledge in the affairs of government, agriculture and trade, than any others among us; you are looked upon as our fathers and guardians, and no doubt are fully ac- quainted with the impending ruin hanging over us, through the de- preciation of our continental money. The body politic, in many cases, wants the aid of good laws, as does the corporeal body, when labour- ing under some malignant disorder, want the aid and assistance of the skilful physician, and I am well assured, that the most skilful physician might as well say, that nature will cure the patient, and restore him to health without any assistance whatsoever, as that trade, amidst the convulsions of the present day, will regulate itself. Ex- perience teaches us that it will not; else why the many conventions and committees that are now, without law, drawing the line of limi- tation in the several states. It is your duty, and you ought, without delay, to take this matter into your most serious consideration, and by a law draw the line of limitation of all internal produce, manu- facture and labour, fixing a generous line of limitation for all im- ported articles, or in lieu thereof, limit all importation to pass only thro' three hands, to wit, the importer, the retailer, and the 'con- sumer. This will effectually put an end to the engrosser, monopolizer, forestaller, and those locusts, those pests of society ; in short, they are bad men, and I cannot give them a worse name, nor sum up their characters in more forceable words than those lines of the old poet :
They only seem to hate, and seem to love, Interest is still the point on which they move.
A law for the purposes aforesaid having become absolutely neces- sary, I shall not presume to dictate to my superiors, but must beg leave just to mention, that it should be so framed as to be most likely to be carried into execution : I would therefore suppose, that by law, each town in every state should be authorized to choose a committee not less than fifteen, nor more than one hundred, whose business it should be, by applying to a magistrate, to carry the said law into effect, in punishing every transgressor of the same. This or some- thing similar, I am fully convinced, is the only remedy for the extor- tion of the present day.
To the Committee of Philadelphia in particular, and to all other Committees, whose proceedings have been published, in general. .
GENTLEMEN,
Although I must acknowledge you have stept forth in a most im- portant hour, in favour of the glorious cause of liberty, and in some degree, have put a stop to extortion and the further depreciation of our continental money, yet let me entreat you not to be offended with me, who am but a common farmer, for giving you my sentiments on your regulations. You have fixed almost everything at most extrava-
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gant prices, which are to be lowered monthly, as they heretofore had risen. Will not this have a tendency to stagnate all trade? What man will purchase this month any quantity of goods for sale, when he knows if he does not sell in the month, it is to be so much lower the next? Besides your resolutions (although made from the purest principles) have not the same weight with the people at large, as perhaps the same regulations would have, were they sanctified by a law : Therefore, let us all unite, and petetion our several Legislatures for a general regulation throughout the United States, by law, for that most valuable purpose.
To the people at large throughout the United States in general, and those of New-Jersey in particular.
Friends and Brother Farmers,
I shall conclude this paper in addressing you on the most interesting political subject that ever was agitated among us. Here let me call up your most serious attention for a few moments. You are all by this time well acquainted with the depreciation of our continental money, and the unparalleled extortion that prevails among us; you know we are in a war; that this war must be supported by taxes finally on us. Is it consistent with common sense or common prudence to support this war at upwards of twenty times as much as it would have cost, had the prices of our produce and manufactures remained at what they were in the year 1773 or 1774? Remember we are con- tracting a debt that will have to be paid, when we have a peace, (as we cannot raise more by our annual taxes than will suffice for the current year : ) Therefore the debt already contracted, must remain to be paid in a peaceable day, which God grant may be soon. Let us therefore most heartily join in petetions to our Legislature, that they immediately enact a law limiting the prices of all internal produce, manufacture and labour, drawing a line for all imported articles as shall, taking in all risques and expences, leave a generous profit for the importer .- This, I apprehend, will have a better effect than that of committees. I expect it will be said, trade will regulate itself. I answer, the experience of the present times must fully convince us, it will not; a remedy must be applied, and although I venerate the in- tentions of the several committees that have been published, yet I am fully convinced, that anything short of a penal law to take place throughout the United States, as near the same time as possible, will [not] effect the cure of the political disorder, under which we at present are labouring ; on which our enemy's most sanguine hopes rest, for bringing about our ruin. Let us then nobly resolve (for it is our truest interest) to sacrifice a little property for securing our dearest liberty. I could say a great deal about the cruelty of our enemies, should they prevail ; but you have already heard so much of this, 'tis needless, their prospects at present being so trifling : Relying there- fore on your virtue and patriotism, I conclude, wishing you all manner of prosperity.
Sept. 10, 1779.
A JERSEY FARMER.
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Extract of a letter from an officer in the western army, commanded by Major-General Sullivan, dated Konadasa- gea, September 9, 1779.
"Since the action of the 29th of last month, the Indians have fled at the approach of our army, and left their settle- ments to our mercy,-New-Town, Konowarohala, French Katherines, Candai, Skayes, Gaghseonghwa, and Kona- dasagea, are great heaps of ruin; besides these we have burnt a number of scattering houses; and destroyed a large country of corn, pumpkins, cymblines, cucumbers, water-melons, peaches and apples.
"This day we shall set out for Genesee, and lay that country in ashes. The enemy having retired to Niagara we expect no opposition as we advance, but expect an attack as we return."
On Thursday last a Mr. Van Mater was knocked off his horse on the road near Longstreet's mill, in Monmouth county, by Lewis Fenton and one Debow, by whom he was stabbed in the arm and otherwise much abused, beside being robbed of his saddle. In the mean-time another per- son coming up, which drew the attention of the robbers, gave Mr. Van Mater an opportunity to make his escape. He went directly and informed a serjeant's guard of Major Lee's light dragoons who were in the neighbourhood of what had happened. The serjeant immediately im- pressed a waggon and horses, and ordered three of his men to secrete themselves in it under some hay. Having changed his clothes and procured a guide, he made haste thus equipped to the place where Fenton lay. On the ap- proach of the waggon Fenton (his companion being gone) rushed out to plunder it. Upon demanding what they had in it, he was answered a little wine and spirit. These articles he said he wanted; and while advancing toward the waggon to take possession of them, one of the soldiers, being previously informed who he was, shot him through
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION.
[1779
the head, which killed him instantly on the spot. Thus did this villain end his days-which it is hoped will at least be a warning to others, if not induce them to throw themselves on the mercy of their injured country.
STATE of NEW-JERSEY,
Gloucester County, Sept. 7, 1779.
ATOTICE is hereby given to all persons having any de- mands against Harrison Wells, George Avis, Wil- liam Wells, William Bocock, Daniel Cozens, Jona- than Chew, James Hanisey, Joseph Long, Jacob Hewitt, John Robeson, Peter Johnson, Isaac Justice, John Hatton, James Duffield, John Gruff, John Hinchman, William Forsman, Alexander Bartram, John Cox, John Rodrow, Gabriel D'Veber, William Pinyard, John O'Briant, George Swanton, Josiah Biddle, Robert Whitaker, Jere- miah Prosser, John Carter, jun. or David Suram, whose estates are forfeited, and have been sold by the Commis- sioners of said county; that they exhibit their accounts before the Judges of the court of common pleas, within the time limited by law, in order that they may be adjusted and paid.
JOHN SPARKS, { Commis- SAMUEL KAIGHIN, sioners. -The New Jersey Gazette, Vol. II, No. 92, Sept. 29, 1779.
By several gentlemen from Monmouth county we learn, that a large number of the enemy are upon Staten-Island ; and that Major Lee, with his corps of cavalry, arrived in that county a few days ago .- The New-York Packet, and the American Advertiser, No. 145, September 30, 1779.
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TO BE SOLD
By the subscriber at Bordentown,
A NEAT FARM containing about one hundred and eighty-two acres of land, thirty acres of which are good meadow, lying on Crosswicks Creek (navigable water for shallops) On said Farm are a brick dwelling-house, some- what out of repair, a good barn and other improvements. It is situated about two miles from Bordentown and if not sold at private sale within two weeks from the date hereof, will be disposed of by public vendue at the Coffee house in Philadelphia. 1
Borden-Town, Sept. 22
JOSEPH BORDEN
ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD.
Absconded from Manington township, Salem county, a young man named ELISHA OSBIN, about five feet eleven inches high, fair complexion, pitted with the small- pox; had on an old scolloped hat, a blue and white Wilton coatee, a white linen waistcoat, and broad checquered trowsers. He took with him when he went away, a likely white Stallion with a saddle and bridle, six years old, about fourteen and a half hands high, paces, trots and gallops well. Any person apprehending the thief and horse, so that the owner may have the horse and the thief be brought to justice shall have the above reward, or FIFTY DOLLARS for the horse only, if delivered to the subscriber living in Manington township, Salem county, or to Benjamin Miers in Strawberry-alley, Philadelphia.
Sept. 12. JOSEPH HARTLEY. -The Pennsylvania Packet, October 2, 1779.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1779
By a person arrived from the southward we are in- formed that in Philadelphia five jails were lately broke open and all their prisoners made their escape, amongst the rest a notable lad who had eminently distinguished himself in the Continental Dollar branch, which, had not this event occurred, would inevitably have carried him up to exalted preferment.1
-The Royal Gazette, October 2, 1779. No. 314.
NEW-YORK, October 2.
Some Time ago the Republicans of Monmouth County in New-Jersey, removed the well affected to Government to the back Parts of the Country ; the more moderate and sober Sort of Whigs have lately remonstrated against the Measure and procured their Return, declaring, that they looked upon the Tories as their Protectors, and unless the Loyalists were recalled, themselves would also follow them into retirement.
The Generals Philips, Reidesel, &c. advanced on their Parole from the Convention Army in Virginia, as far as Elizabeth Town in Jersey, on their Way to this City, were, as we are informed, yesterday prevented from proceeding by an Express from the Congress, which occasioned their being removed to the Village of Chatham, in that Province.
NEW-YORK, Octo. 4.
The Snow Vengeance, Capt. Deane, has sent in a Priva- teer Sloop of 8 Guns, called the Revenge, York, Master, from Philadelphia, with 30 Hands: She was taken the 29th ult. off Sandy-Hook .- The New-York Gazette: and the Weekly Mercury, No. 1459, October 4, 1779.
1 See page 662, post.
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1779]
Philadelphia, October 6
Last week, Captain Taylor, of this port, sent a prize into Egg-Harbour, having on board a Hessian Colonel and 214 privates, with a quantity of dry goods. We hear . the prisoners are expected in town to day .- The Pennsyl- vania Gazette, October 6, 1779.
MR. COLLINS,
I' HAVE seen the performance of your correspondent a Farmer, in your 79th Number, and attribute his boldness to his ignorance. His charge against me is bluntly expressed, without a single proof .- He pretty plainly expresses his concern for his money; but when he gets off these his familiar topics, his language degenerates into mere nonsense and unintelligible jargon .- He says, I dismiss the True Patriot to reflect on the wildness of his propositions, and make my address to the Honourable the Congress, &c. I defy the most ac- complished grammarian to make these sentences, as here connected, speak common sense .- If the greatest part of the remainder of his performance is not unintelligible jargon, I must own I am too ignorant to comprehend such sublimity !- I have also noticed the distant in- sinuations of the Oeconomist and Crito, in your Numb. 76 and 80.
I expected, Sir, in consequence of what I have declared in my con- cluding Number, that if I was attacked, it would have been attempted by arguments, at least to appearance, conclusive : But while men of sense and judgment have forebore, literary pigmies have made the attack by bare ungrounded assertions and distant insinuations .- I would have never troubled your press or the public, with any animad- versions on these performances against me, had I not been induced by more powerful motives. As I perceived that the Farmer had bor- rowed his charge from the general talk of persons, whom, I fear, are too much actuated by self-interest, and the sinister views of raising a dust and prejudicing the community against a plan, the most just, equitable and salutary in our present circumstances, I have deemed it my duty once more to address the respectable public, on that im- portant subject .- The charges against me, are the Depreciation of our Currency, and recommending a plan which, if executed, would be attended with injustice and a breach of the national faith.
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