USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. IV > Part 35
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
The rigour of the frost is now happily abated, and we are flattered with the prospect of a complete thaw ; so that all ideas of an attack are now at an end. Indeed it was much to have been wished they had made one, as we were
472
NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1780
so well prepared to repel it to their cost. We already learn, that the recent display of loyalty here, with the great acquisition of force it produced, has had its effect upon the friends of government without the lines, as well as upon the enemy, who have been apprehensive of an attack being intended upon their main force at Morristown. It has probably too contributed to the great desertion, which has lately prevailed amongst their troops in the Jersies, upwards of 160 having come over within these few weeks, and inlisted here with the recruiting parties of our pro- vincial corps:
NEW-YORK, July 3.
All the British Prisoners that were in Morris-Town Gaol, in New-Jersey, were lately sent from thence for Philadelphia, under a strong Guard.
The three Men lately executed at Washington's Camp were, John Clawson, formerly of Woodbridge, a young Man of the Name of Hutchinson, from Morris-Town, and a Ludovic Lacy, of Sussex.
There was a fourth Person in Company with the above three were taken in Mr. Veal's Barn, but he was shot after he had delivered himself up to the Party that came to take him. Mr. Veal, in whose Barn they were found, was car- ried to the Place of Execution, and would also have been executed, but the poor Men exculpated him before they were sent out of the World.
Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, a noted Partizan in the Rebel Service, died a few Days ago of the Wounds he received at Springfield some Days since in a Skirmish with the British Troops.
The Schooner Restoration of this Port, mounting two 3 Pounders, and her prize, loaded with Bar-iron and Cannon, was taken last Friday off Sandy-Hook by the Sloop Commerce, mounting 8 Guns, after an Engagement of 3 Hours .- The New-York Gazette: and the Weekly Mercury, No. 1498, July 3, 1780.
473
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1780]
To be SOLD, at private SALE,
A Valuable Plantation, situated within one quarter of a mile of Princeton, Middlesex county, East New-Jersey, 42 miles from Philadelphia, adjoining the great road leading to Trenton, containing above 300 acres of excellent good Land, 100 acres whereof is in good woodland, 20 acres of meadow, and as much more may be made, with very little trouble, a never failing stream of water runs through the center of the place.
On the Plantation is a well finished large stone dwelling- house, fit for any family; likewise, a large barn, and an exceeding good stable, that will hold 20 horses, with other out-houses ; also a large garden. For further particulars and terms, apply to James Fisher, in Second-street, be- tween Market and Chestnut-streets, Philadelphia, or to the subscriber on the premises. ALEXANDER MCDONALD.
State of New-Jersey, July 1, 1780. To be SOLD, by PUBLIC VENDUE,
On Tuesday, the eighteenth day of this instant, at the house of Col. Richard Wescott, at the Forks of Little Egg Harbour.
The SCHOONER BETSEY, burthen about thirty tons, with her cargo of turpentine, consisting of fifty bar- rels: Also the SLOOP REVENGE mounting two car- riage guns, and four swivels; agreeable to inventories, to be seen at the place of sale. They are both very fast sailers.
By Order of the Court of Admiralty.
ZACCHARIAH ROSSELL, Marshal.
At the time and place of the above mentioned Vendue, will be Sold, the Private SCHOONER, Little Molly, for-
474
NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION.
[1780
merly called the Yankey Witch, mounting two two-pound guns and six swivels, with all her materials, agreeable to inventory, to be seen at the time of sale.
JOSEPH BALL. -The Pennsylvania Journal, July 5, 1780.
MAJOR-GENERAL GREEN'S ORDERS.
Head Quarters, Springfield, June 24th, 1780.
The General congratulates the troops under his com- mand, upon the enemy's evacuating this State, after the disgraceful expedition of yesterday, in which they must have suffered great loss and disappointment. He returns his particular thanks to the officers and soldiers of Colonel Angell's regiment, the artillery commanded by Lieut. Col- onel Forrest, and the detachment from the Jersey brigade, for their gallant behaviour in defending the bridge at Springfield; as also to the detachment under Major Lee on the Vaux Hall road. He sensibly laments the loss of that valuable officer, Capt. Lieut. Thompson, of the artil- lery. The General recommends the conduct of Colonel Dayton's regiment at the pass of Connecticut Farms, and Colonel Shreve's in covering the retreat from Springfield ; as also the behaviour of Capt. Davis's detachment, in the afternoon. He cannot avoid expressing his satisfaction at the eagerness and alertness manifested by those corps which were not called to action.
The conduct of the militia was particularly pleasing to him, especially in the spirited manner by which they pressed the enemy on their retreat.
Last Friday sennight the enemy came out in force from Elizabeth Town Point, in two columns, commanded by General Knyphausen. Our people were early apprized of their intentions, and took measures accordingly. They advanced with rapidity to Connecticut Farms, where part of the Jersey brigade, with some militia, began to skir-
475
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1780]
mish with their advance parties; but the enemy's superi- ority in numbers obliged our people to retreat to Spring- field, where taking a favourable position, and being joined by General Stark's brigade, they determined to dispute a defile with them which they had to cross, which they heroicly did, and repulsed them several times with great loss; but the column on the Vaux-Hall road advancing fast on our left flank, a retreat became indispensable, and they possessed themselves of Springfield, our army re- treating to the Short Hills, where it was determined to give them the second addition, but from the specimen they had of our prowess at Springfield, old Knyp shewed no inclination of advancing farther, but savage like, con- tented himself with burning that beautiful village; and under cover of the flames and smoke, endeavoured to steal a retreat; but our people were so vigilant that they could not effect it unnoticed, when we pushed their rear hard, and killed a number of them, some of which they carried off on their field pieces, which were well loaded with dead carcases when they arrived at town .- Had Mr. Knyphausen's temerity prompted him to advance to the Short-Hills, we query if he would ever have led on another division of German boors to accomplish his satanic de- signs again.
The inhabitants of Elizabeth Town inform us, that they counted eighteen wagon load of dead and wounded, many of the former laid in the bottom of the wagons and the latter upon them.
Our loss on this occasion was trifling, considering the heavy fire they sustained from their musquetry and ar- tillery. Col. Angell's regiment of Rhode-Islanders be- haved to a charm, and suffered near as much as the whole army besides.
We took a few prisoners, and several deserters left them previous to their leaving the state.
On Saturday last a man was taken up in Bergen county with upwards of 40,000 counterfeit continental dollar
476
NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1780
bills. He is safely lodged in Morris Town gaol, and we hope we shall soon hear of his exaltation.
We are informed, that on the night of the 21st ult. a party of the New Levies from Staten-Island released, and took with them, all the persons, eight in number, who were in confinement in the gaol of Sussex county. In a few hours thereafter, four of the prisoners returned; among those who went off was Robert Maxwell, under sentence of death for burglary: He had been twice respited, and a day or two previous to this period, his Excellency the Gov- ernor had issued an order for the further suspension of the execution of the culprit to the 7th of September next. -The militia acted with spirit, but were unsuccessful, on this occasion.
While the enemy lay at Elizabeth Town Point, a Lieu- tenant Sherlock,1 of the 43d regiment, and five men were made prisoners by a small patrole of ours. The Lieuten- ant and his party was also a patrole, but instead of attend- ing to his duty, was taken with his party robbing a hen- roost, and the fowls taken in his hands. We did not send him to the whipping-post, although he richly deserved it. This may be depended on as a fact, and the culprit origi- nals seen in the hands of our Commissary of prisoners .- Seldom does British merit shine with greater lustre.
On Wednesday sennight died, that Patriot and terror to the abettors of tyranny, Captain Nathaniel Fitzrandolph, of Woodbridge, of a wound he received the preceding Fri- day in pursuing the enemy on their retreat from Spring- field. The ball entered his left arm, below the shoulder, penetrated his body, and came out at the right breast. It may justly be said of him, that he was a kind and tender husband, an indulgent parent, a worthy citizen, a sincere friend, a brave and valiant soldier, possessed of honour and humanity, as acknowledged by his enemies. During this contest he has been twice wounded before the fatal one which terminated his life; and twice a prisoner, and was
1 William Sherlock, commissioned Ensign of the 43d Regiment, March 10th, 1777, and Lieutenant, September 15th, 1779.
477
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1780]
confined in the provost of New-York for upwards of two years. His remains were interred on the Thursday fol- lowing, with the honors of war, attended by a large con- course of respectable inhabitants from the neighbouring townships. He has left an amiable wife and two lovely children to bewail his loss; and is much lamented by all that had the pleasure of his acquaintance.
The printing-office having been removed in the late alarm, was the reason this paper was not published last week.
The piece signed A CITIZEN and several articles of intelligence, must be postponed until our next.
B Y virtue of a precept to me directed for that purpose, I do hereby give notice that a court of Oyer and
Terminer and general gaol delivery is appointed to be held at Newark in and for the county of Essex, on Tues- day the 25th day of July next: All Justices, Coroners, Clerks, Constables, and other ministers of justice within the said county; and all those who would complain or prosecute in behalf of the state, are desired to take notice and govern themselves accordingly.
GIVEN under my hand at Newark this 28th day of June, 1780. ISRAEL HEDDEN, Sheriff.
To be Sold at VENDUE,
On Tuesday the 11th instant, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, at the late dwelling-house of Isaac Winans, deceased, in Elizabeth Town, Rahway ;
0 NE horse, cows, young cattle, sheep, hogs, wool, feather beds and bedding, Indian corn, many arti- cles of household furniture, farming utensils, &c. &c. A stout young negro man at private sale .- Articles will be made known at the time of sale.
JONATHAN J. DAYTON, Administrator.
478
NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1780
Four Hundred Dollars Reward.
S TRAYED or stolen from the subscriber, on the 25th ult. at Chatham, a SORREL HORSE, about four- teen hands and a half high, thirteen years old, has neither brand nor mark, but a remarkable brown spot on one of his thighs, and has some white hairs intermixed all over his body; paces and trots, but is most natural to a pace, goes near behind, very dull, moves rough and clumsey. Whoever takes up said horse and thief, if stolen, so that the thief be brought to justice, and the horse se- cured so that the owner may have him again, shall have the above reward; or Two Hundred Dollars for the horse only, and all reasonable charges, paid by the subscriber living near Grig's Town, in the county of Somerset.
CHRISTOPHER BEEKMAN. July 4, 1780.
0 N Friday evening the 2d ult. the fulling-mill of the subscriber, in Hanover, was broke open and robbed of one piece of dark brown cloth of seventeen yards, one piece of London brown of thirteen ditto, and one piece of brown worsted of eight ditto, three black worsted cloaks, and sundry other pieces not mentioned. A reward of Three Hundred pounds will be given for the cloth and thief; or the half of it for the cloth alone, and in propor- tion for any part of it.
ABRAHAM FAIRCHILD.
C AME to the plantation of Amos Freeman, the 16th ult. a dark brown mare, thirteen and a half hands high, between eight and ten years old, a small star in her forehead, her mane hangs the near side, white hairs on each foot, and some marks with the saddle. Whoever owns said mare, is desired to come, prove property, pay charges and take her away.
Essex county, Orange, July 4, 1780.
479
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1780]
A LL persons that have any demands against the Quarter- Master General's department, that has been con- tracted between the 2d of March 1778, and the 1st of June 1780, in the county of Middlesex, to the eastward of Raritan river, or in any part of the county of Essex, are desired to bring their accounts, with proper vouchers, to my office at Rahway, any time in this month, where they will be taken in and paid off either in cash or certifi- cates. Attendance will be given six days in every week for the above purpose.
DANIEL MARSH, D. Q. M. G.
Rahway, July 4, 1780.
STOLEN, since the commencement of the late alarm, from the house of John Badgley, living on the Moun- tain above Westfield, the following goods, viz. about ten yards of brown linen filled with tow, six or seven yards of linen, one piece striped with blue, one ditto striped with white, calico short gown, two single white handkerchiefs, two pair of sheets, one pair pillow cases, one pair man's stockings, shirt, and stock; children's clothes, and sundry other articles in the cloathing way.
Also, obligations on sundry persons, amounting to a con- siderable sum, besides other papers of no consequence to any but the owner, one state lottery ticket, some small silver money contained in a needle-book. As the above articles were sent abroad to keep them from the flames of our more than savage enemy, no doubt but every friend to the community will exert himself in detecting such un- natural villany .- A generous reward will be given for said goods, and Five Hundred Dollars for detecting the thief or thieves, on his or their conviction, by
EDWARD MARSH.
N. B. As a number of silk gowns were taken from the same place, belonging to a lady in Westfield, besides other valuable apparel, it is hoped notice will be taken of them also.
480
NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1780
At a Joint Meeting of the Council and Assembly on Saturday last, Mr. Israel Morris, of Gloucester county, was appointed state clothier, in the room of Enos Kelsey, Esq; who hath resigned.
Mrs. Washington passed through this place, since our last, on her way to philadelphia.
-The New-Jersey Journal, Vol. II., Numb. LXXII., July 5, 1780.
PHILADELPHIA.
Extract of a letter from General Washington, dated Whip- pany, June 25, 1780.
ITHE conduct of the enemy giving us reason to suspect a design against West-Point, on the 21st the army,
except two brigades and the horse, (left under the command of General Greene to cover the country and our stores) was put in motion to proceed slowly towards Pompton. On the 22d it arrived at Rockaway bridge, about 11 miles from Morristown. The day following, the enemy moved in force from Elizabeth-Town towards Springfield. They were opposed with great conduct and spirit by Major Generals Greene and Dickenson, with the continental troops and such of the militia as were assem- bled: But with their superiority in numbers, they of course gained Springfield. Having burnt the village, they retired the same day to their former position. In the night they abandoned it, crossed over to Staten-Island, and took up their bridge. I beg leave to refer Congress to General Greene's Report for particulars.
The enemy have not made their incursions into this state without loss. Ours has been small. The militia de- serve every thing that can be said on both occasions. They flew to arms universally, and acted with a spirit equal to anything I have seen in the course of the war.
The enclosed REPORT from Major-General Greene is as follows:
481 .
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1780]
Springfield, June 24, 1780.
SIR,
I HAVE been too busily employed, until the present moment, to lay before your Excellency the transactions of yesterday.
The enemy advanced from Elizabeth-Town about five in the morn- ing, said to be about 5000 infantry, with a large body of cavalry, and 15 or 20 pieces of artillery. Their march was rapid and compact. They moved in two columns, one on the main road leading to Spring- field, the other on the Vauxhall road. Major Lee with the horse and pickets opposed the right column, and Col. Dayton with his regiment the left, and both gave as much opposition as could have been expected from so small a force. Our troops were so extended, to guard the different roads leading to the several passes over the mountain, that I had scarcely time to collect them at Springfield, and make the neces- sary dispositions before the enemy appeared before the town; when a cannonade commenced between their advance and our artillery, posted for the defence of the bridge. The enemy continued manœuver- ing in our front for upwards of two hours, which induced me to believe they were attempting to gain our flanks. My force was small, and from the direction of the roads, my situation was critical. I dis- posed of the troops in the best manner I could, to guard our flanks, secure a retreat, and oppose the advance of their columns. Col. Angell with his regiment, and several small detachments, and one piece of artillery, was posted to secure the bridge in front of the town ; Col. Shreve's regiment was drawn up at the second bridge, to cover the retreat of those posted at the first; Major Lee with his dragoons and the pickets, commanded by Capt. Walker, was posted at Little's bridge, on the Vauxhall road; and Col. Ogden was detached to support him. The remainder of General Maxwell's and Stark's brigades were drawn up on the high grounds at the mill. The militia were on the flanks. Those under the command of General Dickenson made a spirited attack upon one of the enemy's flanking parties, but his force was too small to push the advantage he had gained.
While the enemy were making demonstrations to their left, their right column advanced on Major Lee. The bridge was disputed with great obstinency, and the enemy must have received very considerable injury ; but by fording the river, and gaining the point of the hill, they obliged the Major with his party to give up the pass. At this instant of time, their left column began the attack on Col. Angell ; the action was severe, and lasted about forty minutes, when superior numbers overcame obstinate bravery, and forced our troops to retire over the second bridge, there the enemy were warmly received by Col. Shreve's regiment, but as they advanced in great force, with a large train of artillery, he had orders to join the brigade.
As the enemy continued to press our left on the Vauxhall road, which led directly into our rear, and would have given them the most important pass ; and finding our front too extensive to be effectually secured by so small a body of troops, I thought it most advisable to take post upon the first range of hills in the rear of Bryant's tavern, where the roads are brought so near to a point, that succour might readily be given from one to the other. This enabled me to detach
31
482
NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1780
Col. Webb's regiment, commanded by Lieut. Col. Huntington, and Col. Jackson's regiment with one piece of artillery, which entirely checked the advance of the enemy on our left and secured that pass.
Being thus advantageously posted, I was in hopes the enemy would have attempted to gain the heights, but discovering no disposition in them for attacking us, and seeing them begin to fire the houses in town, detachments were ordered out on every quarter, to prevent their burning buildings not immediately under the command of their cannon and musketry. In a few minutes they had set fire to almost every house in town, and began their retreat. Capt. Davis with a detach- ment of 120 men, several smaller parties, with a large body of militia, fell upon their rear and flanks, and kept up a continual fire upon them, until they entered Elizabeth-Town, which place they reached about sun-set-Stark's brigade was immediately put in motion, on the first appearance of a retreat, which was so precipitate that they were not able to overtake them.
The enemy continued at Elizabeth-Town Point until twelve o'clock at night, and then began to cross their troops to Staten-Island; by six this morning they had totally evacuated the Point and removed their bridge. Major Lee fell in with their rear guard, but they were so covered by their works, that little or no injury could be done them. He made some refugees prisoners, and took some tories which they abandoned to expedite their retreat.
I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency, that the troops who were engaged, behaved with great coolness and intrepidity, and the whole of them discovered an impatience to be brought into action. The good order and discipline which they exhibited in all their move- ments do them the highest honour. The artillery under the command of Lieut. Col. Forest was well served. I have only to regret the loss of Capt. Lt. Thompson, who fell at the side of his piece by a cannon ball.
It is impossible to fix with certainty the enemy's loss, but as there was much close firing, and our troops advantageously posted, they must have suffered very considerably.
I herewith enclose your Excellency a return of our killed, wounded and missing, which I am happy to find is much less than I had reason to expect from the heavy fire they sustained.
I am at a loss to determine what was the object of the enemy's expedition : If it was to injure the troops under my command, or to penetrate further into the country, they were frustrated. If the de- struction of this place, it was a disgraceful one. I lament that our force was too small to save the town from ruin. I wish every Ameri- can could have been a spectator, they would have felt for the sufferers, . and joined to revenge the injury.
I cannot close this letter without acknowledging the particular services of Lieut. Col. Barber, who acted as Dep. Adj. General, and distinguished himself by his activity in assisting to make the necessary dispositions.
I have the honour to be, &c.
N. GREENE, Major-General.
483
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1780]
There were a number of prisoners made, but as they went on to Morris I had no return of them.
His Excellency General Washington.
RETURN of the killed, wounded, and missing, in the action of the 23d of June, 1780 .- Springfield.
Artillery. Killed ; 1 Captain, 2 Serjeants. Wounded ; 2 Matrosses.
Angell's regt. Killed; 1 Serjeant, 5 rank and file. Wounded; 1 Captain, 3 Subs, 3 Serjeants, 25 rank and file. Missing ; 3 rank and file.
Shreve's regt. Killed ; 1 rank and file. Wounded ; 1 Serjeant, 2 rank and file. Missing; 2 rank and file.
Dayton's regt. Killed ; 2 rank and file. Wounded ; 1 Sub, 6 rank and file. Missing ; 4 rank & file.
Spencer's regt. Wounded ; 1 Serjeant.
Lee's detachment. Killed ; 1 rank & file. Wounded ; 4 rank and file.
Total. Killed ; 1 Captain, 3 Serjeants, 9 rank & file .. Wounded ; 1 Captain ; 4 Subs, 5 Serjeants, 37 rank and file, 2 Matrosses. Miss- ing ; 9 rank & file.
The return of Davis's detachment I could not get, he having marched off the next morning after the action. The return of the militia I cannot get : They had none killed, but about 12 wounded. (Signed ) F. BARBER, Lt. Col.
Published by order of Congress.
CHARLES THOMPSON, Secretary.
TRENTON, JULY 5.
EXTRACT from GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-Quarters, June 26, 1780.
MHE Commander in Chief requests General Greene
and all the officers and men under his command, to accept his warmest thanks for the good conduct and gallantry displayed in opposing the enemy in their ad- vance to Springfield the 23d instant. The regiment of Col. Angell, from its situation had an opportunity of more particularly distinguishing itself, and is entitled to particular notice.
"The General has observed with the highest satisfaction that the behaviour of the troops upon every late occasion, has exhibited signal proofs how much may be expected from their valour, improved as it now is by discipline,
·
484
NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1780
and affords the happiest presage of success in our future operations."
Since our last, returned to this place, Major-General DICKERSON.1-The enemy having evacuated the state, the General, at the request of his Excellency Commander in Chief, marched the militia to Elizabeth-Town, and de- stroyed those works which the enemy had erected at and near the old Point ;- which service being performed, he dismissed them with great reputation.
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.