USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. IV > Part 34
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57
An humble address to the afflicted friends of American liberty in the State of New Jersey.
GENTLEMEN,
0 N this day of general calamity and distress, it becomes every one who wishes well to his country to exert him- self to the utmost of his power, in order to extricate her from the savage barbarity and cruelty of her more than savage, unmerciful enemies. In their late exploits of devastation and ruin, we may behold the rancour and spite of their hearts against us in the most lively colours; when despairing of subduing us by force of arms, they are de- termined to burn and destroy our houses, and if possible desolate our rich and fertile country. But my friends, their power is limited and their rage and vengeance, will I trust in the end fall upon their own guilty heads. How can they expect to succeed in their undertaking, who openly violate all the laws of God and man; and, like their father the devil worry and distress those which they
459
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1780]
cannot destroy and conquer. They may perhaps plunder and burn some more of our towns and villages, but they cannot burn up our land, nor prevent the rain descending, and the sun shining upon it, to inrich, and fructify it. Therefore let us not be discouraged, but trust in that God who governs the universe, and who will plead our cause against an unrighteous foe, and in due time will deliver us out of their hands.
There is nothing which we have so much reason to fear as the awful prophaneness and extortion of the times, the want of brotherly love, and compassion one for another; these sins cry against us, and call for heavy calamities and judgments to be inflicted upon us; which we all experi- ence in a greater or less degree, and if they might be the means of reforming our land, we should be much advan- taged, even if we suffered the loss of all temporal things. But how far our kind father may yet afflict us, we cannot tell, yet it is our duty to take notice of his providence, and eye his hand in all these calamities he hath been pleased to bring upon us, and repent of our sins, and turn unto him with our whole hearts, and then we need not fear what our enemies can do unto us; for nothing can injure our best interest ; being protected by an almighty arm, we shall be safe and happy even in death itself. As this ad- dress is designed to comfort, and cheer up the hearts of the afficted and suffering friends of liberty, I hope they will take it kindly that sympathize with them in their heavy calamities, and desolations lately experienced. You my dear friends, are touched in a very tender point ; your houses are burnt to ashes ; your provision destroyed, &c. These are truly heavy calamities, and call for relief from your compassionate country. And I Hope your country will endeavour to help and relieve you according to its ability. You, my friends, as well as I, have engaged in a great struggle for liberty; we know in some measure the value of the prize for which we are striving, viz. liberty
460
NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1780
and religion, not only for ourselves but for our children, unto the latest posterity. A prize so great, taken in every view, was perhaps never before disputed on the face of the earth. Therefore no wonder if the enemies thereof exert themselves to destroy our independence, knowing if that is established their power and authority over us is broke, and their kingdom falling to the ground. Since this is the case how earnestly ought we to strive to secure unto our- selves and posterity the unspeakable blessings for which we have thus far so gloriously contended, and so success- fully struggled ?
I cannot willingly conclude this address without taking notice of the kind hand of providence towards us, in our late remarkable deliverance out of their hands when boast- ing greatly of their power and might, how suddenly have they fled from our borders and hid themselves out of our sight ? A FRIEND TO LIBERTY. -- The New-Jersey Journal, Vol. 2, Numb. 72, July 5, 1780.
EXTRACT from GENERAL ORDERS.
Springfield, June 22, 1780. IT
THE Commander in Chief cannot leave this post with-
out expressing the highest sense he entertains of
the conduct and bravery of the officers and men of Maxwell's brigade, in annoying the enemy in their incur- sions of the 7th instant. Col. Dayton merits particular thanks .- He also with pleasure embraces this opportunity of testifying that the behaviour of the militia has been such as to do them signal honour, and entitles them to the warmest approbation. There never, since the commence- ment of the contest, appeared a more general ardour, than animated all ranks upon this occasion, and the spirited opposition given was attended with answerable effects."
·
461
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1780]
Extract of a letter from camp near Springfield, dated June 24, 1780.
"Yesterday morning the enemy marched in force from Elizabethtown, under command of the unprincipled merce- nary Knyphausen. After driving our picquets they reached Connecticut Farms about sun-rise, where a scatter. ing fire began between them and a few of our advanced troops, assisted by part of the militia. However, as we had but two Continental brigades, and two brigades of militia, and the enemy's force by estimation 5,000 men and six pieces of artillery, we could give them but little impediment until they arrived at Springfield bridge, where a very obstinate resistance was made to their passing it. They after very considerable loss, carried it, and entered the village. We retired to the ridge of hills in rear of the town and took our position, expecting them to advance towards Morristown, but after recovering from their fa- tigue, collecting their killed and wounded, they began a most distressing scene-They burnt the Presbyterian meet- ing-house and nineteen dwelling-houses, with chief of their standing furniture .- They then began a most rapid re- treat, and our troops pursued them to their works, killing and wounding many of them. During their expedition, several of them deserted, both British and Hessians. Our loss was very small, only one officer fell that I have yet heard of, Capt. Lieut. Thompson of artillery, a very brave man.
"This morning some of our horsemen have been down to Elizabethtown, and find that the enemy went over to Staten-Island last night, took up their bridge, and bid us farewell. Deserters and prisoners agree that their expedi- tion will be carried on up the North-River."
At a special court, held in Burlington last week, Robert Pomeroy was tried for the murder of David Hurly, and convicted on very full evidence. He is sentenced to be
462
NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1780
hanged the 7th day of July next .- At the same court Jo- seph Burns, gaoler of Burlington, was indicted for aiding and assisting one Thomas Burney (who was charged with felony) to escape from said gaol, of which said Burns was convicted, and is sentenced to eighteen months imprison- ment.
Sunday evening last the Philadelphia troop of light dra- goons, arrived here from that city, under the command of Capt. Budden ; and early next morning they marched for headquarters. They were excellently well mounted, and made a very martial appearance.
Monday last five Hessian deserters came to town, and yesterday three more including a corporal; they say ten of them came off together with their arms, the other two being on the road. They left the enemy at Elizabethtown Point on Friday evening last.
By a gentleman from Philadelphia we are informed, that three transports, viz. a ship, a brig and a schooner, from Charlestown to New-York, were taken a few days ago, and are arrived in the Delaware. On board of one of the transports were taken a British Cornet and a Hessian Captain.
The LADIES of this town and neighbourhood, animated by the ardour which daily prevails more and more among all ranks of people to distinguish themselves in the present conjuncture of publick affairs, have instituted a subscrip- tion to be applied as a donation to the soldiery, for the purpose of rendering their situation more easy and com- fortable. A large sum has already been given, and we flatter ourselves that similar subscriptions will circulate throughout the state.
On Friday the 16th instant, a little after sunset, six armed villains came to the house of John Chamberlain, Esq. in Windsor, Middlesex county; three of them en- tered the house, the other three stood as guards: Putting their bayonets to his breast, they demanded his money ; and after much abuse, and many threatenings, they went
-
463
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1780]
off, taking with them about £.6:5 in hard, and about £.1000 in Continental money, three pair of silver shoe buckles, three silver stock do. three pair of silver buttons, half a dozen tea spoons, and a variety of the family's wear- ing apparel.
A Number of waggons being wanted to convey provi- sions from hence to the army, under the command of his Excellency General Washington; which pro- visions are forwarded to this place by the citizens of Phila- delphia, who have directed us to take them under our care : We give notice that those persons who are willing to engage in this service, shall meet with proper encouragement, by applying to the subscribers, who will furnish the wag- goners with corn for their horses, and pay the hire of the waggons in gold or silver, or the value thereof in Conti- nental currency, as soon as the service is performed.
THOMAS BARCLAY, SAMUEL MEREDITH.
Trenton, June 26, 1780.
N. B. Protections will be given to prevent the waggons from being impressed.
MTHE Subscriber begs leave to inform the Publick that he carries on the Silversmith Business in Princeton, and has constant in his employ an experienced hand in the Watch-Making Business, both in mending and re- pairing; where any person may have their work done with care and dispatch, by their humble servant,
SAMUEL STOUT.
Three Hundred Pounds Reward.
S Y TOLEN out of the subscriber's stable near Jacob's Town, in the county of Burlington, the 23d inst. at night, a large black STALLION, five years old, full fifteen hands high, with a star in his forehead, a few white
464
NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1780
hairs on each flank; he is very heavy set, and as likely a horse for the gears as any in the state, without exception ; a natural trotter, good carriage; he is barefooted. Who- ever takes up said horse and secures the thief, so he may be brought to justice, shall have the above reward, or £.150 for either horse or thief, and all reasonable charges paid.
JOSEPH GRIGGS.
June 24th, 1780.
-New Jersey Gazette, Vol. III, No. 131, June 28, 1780.
By accounts from Jersey we are informed, that General Knyphausen made a Moon-light retreat out of that Stato, on Friday night last, and left his works at Elizabeth Town, to be leveled by the Militia, which was soon effected.
Accounts farther say our loss in the skirmish of the 23d, is 40 killed and wounded, that of the enemy not less than 200 killed and wounded and 30 taken prisoners.
The ship Revolution, Capt. M'Naughton, from Martin- ique for this port, is put into Matomkin inlet, having been chased by a frigate a little to the southward of our capes. -The Pennsylvania Journal, June 29, 1780.
FISH-KILL, JUNE 29.
Extract of a letter from Camp, New-Jersey, June 25.
"On Friday last, the enemy moved from Elizabethtown- Point to Springfield, in considerable force supposed about 5000 men .- The bridge at Springfield, was pretty obsti- nately defended by a detachment from Colonel Angel's regiment of Rhode Island troops ; nor was it gained by the enemy without a conflict of near forty minutes: This regiment had about forty killed and wounded; our whole loss during the day, does not arise much higher; but from all accounts we have been yet able to collect, the enemy's have been vastly superior :- They retreated with great
465
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1780]
rapidity, after they had burnt Springfield, to Elizabeth- town-Point, and evacuated that place between twelve and one o'clock the same night."
Last week about 90 sail of great and small vessels ap- peared in the North-River, nearly opposite Col. Philips's ; from hence it was concluded that Sir Harry intended to attack West-Point; in consequence of which the militia in this county was called out, who appeared at their re- spective places of rendezvous with great alertness. We have since heard that most of the vessels have fallen down the river. 'Tis thought the manoeuvre was made in order to facilitate their burning plan in New-Jersey. Though they burnt the small town of Springfield, they paid dearly for it, having lost in killed and wounded, by the best ac- counts we can collect, from 500 to 700 men.
On the 19th inst. three spies and horse thieves were hanged at Head-Quarters, near Morristown; they were taken in Monmouth county by some of our militia. The gang consisted of five, one was killed, and another made his escape. They were harboured by a Quaker, who is now in custody, and it is expected he will, in a few days, receive the reward his conduct deserves .- The New-York Packet, and the American Advertiser, No. 177, June 29, 1780.
BOOTS! BOOTS for the General!
The following original, in the hands of the Printer, ap- pears to be the epistle from General Maxwell to Parson Calwell,1 alluded to in his letter to that Divine dated, Camp, 22d February, 1780, and copied into this gazette on the instant.
"Dear Sir,
"My old Boots will neither keep out wind or water, if you can help me to a pair I would come down some day
1 Rev. James Caldwell, of Elizabeth, was commussary and had the issu- ing of supplies to the soldiers.
30
466
NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1780
and have my measure taken. I have never had a pair of Boots or Shoes from the Publick yet, but it seems now that those who serve the Publick have no other place to go to for their necessarys, or at least are not able to go to any other place.
I am Dear Sir, "Your Most Obedient Humble Servant, "Wm. Maxwell.
"The Reverend James Caldwell."
A TENT was put on board the Sloop True Subject, John Betty Master, at Elizabeth Town Point, about fourteen days ago when the British army lay there. on the Tent is painted Col. Mathew, Guards. Any person that will bring or give an account of the said Tent to John Cramond, at No. 462 William Street, or to Major Thomas Colins, of the Guards, where the same may be had, shall be rewarded for their trouble accordingly .- The Royal Gazette, No. 392, July 1, 1780.
[TRANSLATION.]
Extract of a letter from Lieut. General Knyphausen, to Lord George Germain, dated New-York, March 27, 1780.
HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship, that since General Clinton's departure from hence on the 26th of Dec. last, we have had the longest and most severe winter that ever was remembered. All was con- tinent : and horses with heavy carriages could go over the ice into the Jerseys from one island to another; and it is only since the 20th of February that the Rivers and Straights have been navigable. I
The rebels thought to avail themselves of this easy com- munication, and threatened an attack upon Staten Island,
467
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1780]
where there were 1800 men under the command of Briga- dier-General Stirling, who were pretty well intrenched. For this purpose General Washington, whose army was hutted at Morr[i]s-Town, sent a detachment of 2700 men, with six pieces of cannon, two mortars, and some horse, commanded by Lord Stirling, who arrived on the island early in the morning of the 15th of January, our advanced posts having retired upon their approach. They formed the line; and having made some movements in the course of that day, withdrew in the night, after having burnt one house, pillaged some others, and carried off with them about 200 head of cattle. The day of their arrival on the island I embarked 600 men to attempt a passage, and sup- port General Stirling; but the floating ice prevented their success, and obliged them to return. I imagine that the appearance of these transports, with troops on board, which they could see towards the close of the day, induced them to make this sudden retreat, as they could not tell what success they might have. Some prisoners were made in their retreat.
Some days after, an advanced post, which they had at Newark, consisting of one company, was surprized and taken by a detachment from hence, and from Paulis-Hook, under the command of Major Lumm; and the same day General Stirling sent another detachment under Lieut. Col. Buskirk, who surprized the picquet guard at Eliza- beth-Town, and made two Majors, two Captains, and 47 men prisoners of war. Both these enterprizes were effected without any loss on our side.
Some time after General Mathew sent a detachment of guards and provincial horse, under the command of Lieut. Col. Norton, to attack a post at John's house upon the White Plains. This did not succeed entirely to his wishes ; but the rebels who were posted in a house were however attacked and dislodged, with the loss of 40 men killed and 97 made prisoners, among whom were 1 Lieut. Colonel, 1 Major, and 5 inferior officers. We had 3 killed and 15 wounded.
468
NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1780
In the night of the 22d of this month we partly sur- prized and took a rebel post in the Jersies, consisting of 250 men, of whom we made only 65 prisoners, owing to two embarkations, one from hence under Lieutenant-Col. Macpherson, and another from Kingsbridge under Lieut. Colonel Howard, not arriving at the appointed time. Our loss upon this occasion was very inconsiderable. Capt. Armstrong of the 42d regiment is wounded. By these little enterprizes during the winter, as far as we can ascertain, we have made 320 prisoners, and killed about 65 of the enemy.
By the best intelligence I have been able to get, General Washington's army at Morris-Town consists of about 5000 men, besides militia. There has been a great desertion . among them : Tired of the war, and dissatisfied with the depreciated value of their money, a general discontent pre- vades the whole army.
Extract of a letter from Major-General Pattison, to Lord George Germain, dated New-York, February 22, 1780.
ITHE intense frost accompanied with great falls of snow, which began here about the middle of Dec. shut up the navigation of this port from the sea, within a few days after Admiral Arbuthnot's fleet, with the troops under the Commander in Chief had taken its departure from Sandy-Hook. The severity of the weather increased to that degree, that towards the middle of January all communications with this city by water, were entirely cut off, and as many new ones opened by the ice. We could scarcely be said to be in an insular state. The passage of the North River, even in the widest part, from hence to Paulis-Hook, (2000 yards) was about the 19th practicable for the heaviest cannon, an event unknown in the memory of man; and very soon after provisions were transported upon sleighs, and detachments of cavalry marched from
469
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1780]
New-York to Staten Island, (11 miles ) upon the ice. The East River to Brooklyn on Long-Island was also, for many days, blocked up.
Thus circumstanced, My Lord, the city was laid open on many sides to an attack from an enterprizing enemy: and notwithstanding the unsuccessful attempt they made upon Staten-Island, the 14th of January, it was nevertheless strongly reported that General Washington was meditating a great stroke upon New-York, with his whole force, by different attacks; and although the undertaking would perhaps have been too daring and unwarrantable, yet the repeated intelligence we received of the many preparations they were making for that purpose, forbid the absolute dis- belief of such a plan's being under contemplation: There- fore, having received in November last an address, signed by the principal inhabitants, in behalf of themselves, and fellow citizens, to put themselves in military array, I thought it a favourable occasion of putting the sincerity of their professions to the test, and of adding in the present instance to the security of the city and garrison, which the Commander in Chief was pleased to honour me with the care and command of, as well as establishing in future such an internal defence, as to make a garrison of less strength sufficient in general for its protection. I con- sulted with General Tryon upon the expediency of this measure, and, as he entirely concurred in my opinion, I did not hesitate (having taken the sense too of some of the principal citizens) to issue a proclamation, calling upon all the male inhabitants, from the age of 17 to 60, to em- body and take arms. The cheerfulness and alacrity with which it was universally complied, exceeded all expecta- tion ; and in the space of seven days after the procla- mation, we had the pleasure to see forty companies, from the six wards of the city, enrolled, officered, and under arms, to the number of 2660, many of the most respectable citizens serving in the ranks of each company. Above 900 purchased arms at their own expence, and the whole were
:
470
NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1780
desirous of doing the same, if there had been a sufficient number of firelocks in town for sale; but that not being the case, it was necessary to supply the deficiency from the King's stores. I ordered them however to be issued only as a loan, and upon condition of each Captain's becoming re- sponsible, under his hand, to the storekeeper, for returning to him, when called upon, the number he received, or to pay thirty-six shillings for each stand of arms, if required. The officers appointed to these companies are all persons of known well affected principles.
The laudable spirit and ardour being happily raised, quickly diffused itself amongst all orders of men. The several public departments vied with each other who should be most forward in offering me their services as volunteers, I readily accepted their offers, and formed them into com- panies accordingly. The old volunteer companies likewise augmented their numbers, and in a very few days I re- viewed them altogether under arms, most of them cloathed in uniform at their own expence. General Knyphausen, General Tryon, and all the General Officers were present, and expressed the highest satisfaction at so respectable a body of men. The return which I have the honour to en- close, will shew your Lordship the number of these new associated companies, with the effectives of each. I have besides received a memorial from fifty gentlemen of the city, offering to form themselves into a troop of cavalry, to mount, clothe, and arm themselves at their own expence, and to serve, if called upon, either on York or Long-Island.
The very meritorious and distinguished zeal, which the officers of the royal navy have testified upon this singular occasion, demands my most grateful acknowledgements. The several Captains Edgar, Brenton, Osborne, Ardesoif, and Aplin, whose ships were fast locked up, personally offered me their services, to act with all their seamen on shore; and Capt. Howe, of the Thames, as commanding the whole, signified to me officially by letter the desire of all the officers to serve under my orders, as Commandant,
471
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1780]
in any manner they could be most useful. These hand- some offers were most gratefully embraced, and a circular redoubt near the East River, with eight twelve pounders, and one nine pounder, was made over to their charge; and, as a compliment due, it was immediately called the royal navy redoubt. The number of seamen, about 350, were divided into ten companies, each commanded by a Lieut. of a man of war. Two of them have mounted daily in this redoubt, and were to be re-inforced by five more, in case of an alarm. The other three companies were then to repair to a post, the most suitable for them, upon a height cover- ing the King's Dock-Yard, which was also to be defended by the company formed from the Artificers of the Yard, under the command of the naval store keeper, as Captain.
The sailors belonging to the victuallers, transports, small craft and private trade, armed with pikes, and under the direction of Captain Laird, the Agent, were destined to guard and protect the whole chain of wharffs and shipping, from the ship-yard to the lower battery, at the other ex- tremity of the town.
The several Captains of militia, desirous of making it permanent, and as useful as possible for the service, have readily agreed to, and subscribed many regulations for the good government of it, for fining delinquent, absentees from any parade, or from their tour of duty on the city watch; for keeping in repair and in good condition their arms and ammunition, &c. They are likewise out every Saturday, and the volunteer companies every Sunday, in order to be trained and instructed in the use of arms. I have appointed Mr. Amiel, who served for twelve years as an officer in the 60th regiment, to act as Major of Brigade to the corps of militia, with an Assistant under him; both of whom are to be paid out of the city funds.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.