USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. IV > Part 46
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part of the redeeming tax may be paid in the bills of other states. The thought may be deemed nugatory, but I cannot help observing, that the silver shoe-buckles in New-Jersey would, if sold, produce more than the whole sum, and replace themselves with steel or brass into the bargain.
As to the indemnification and repayment to subscribers, a thing which ought not to be forgotten, the following remarks are submitted :
1. By the resolutions of Congress bills of exchange for the interest are payable annually at the loan-office. At all events therefore, nothing can be risqued but the discount at which they may possibly sell below par. Of the probable rate a judgment can be formed from that of the bills now paid for the interest of money in the funds ; recollecting that they have continued to approach nearer and nearer to an equality with specie from the time they began first to be paid out.
2. When the bills of credit about to be issued are found to have a currency at the same rate with silver and gold, individuals will prefer them as more convenient than bills of exchange, and the publick may as well pay them. This will secure subscribers; and besides. the receipt of interest at the office will be an object of less conse- quence, as the trouble, however small, will be something, and the dif- ference between holding the interest in a bill, or separately from it. none at all.
3. As the prejudices against foreign loans are, in a great measure corrected, and as it is known these are attainable, it may, at the term of a year, be practicable to pay this interest in coin, though, as was before observed, it might not have been expedient to make such a stipulation under the least uncertainty.
4. As taxes must be paid to answer the publick exigencies, as well as to redeem the bills, and as part of the former may be paid in specie, a fund may by this means come into the hands of the Leg's- lature to answer the subscriptions in whole or in part.
5. The confiscated estates which remain unsold, may, if the govern- ment think fit, be appropriated to this use; or, if it should be thought more advisable, to the payment of the interest in the first instance. If it should be objected to the ideas above-stated, that a provision of this kind would extend only to the payment of the first year's interest, and leave the subsequent on the present ground; it is readily to be answered, that, on the best arguments, more will not be necessary : But if, contrary to expectation, this opinion should be wrong, the measure may be repeated under a double advantage, a greater proportion of silver and gold, and a diminution of the quantity of paper currency.
Should a measure of this nature be wholly rejected as unnecessary, improper, or difficult of execution, the following will probably be less objectionable :
1. Let an engagement or association be formed by the officers of government, and men of business, influence, trade and property throughout the state for receiving the bills to be issued as specie in all payments.
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2. In addition to the above, and with the same object, let the bills now current be brought in and exchanged, agreeably to the opinion given in the act for redeeming them.
With respect to the first of these, it is no farther eligible than as it may give fuller operation to the law, and remove the misgivings and confirm the minds of the suspicious and less informed. Examples of this are before us, and there is no doubt the effect may be bene- ficial under prudent management. It is a general consent which gives a currency to any money, and this consent is formed and regulated by the leading and monied part of the community.
On the second it is almost unnecessary to remark how much the withdrawing of the present currency from circulation must tend to establish the just value of the new bills; and, it may be added in passing, how much the establishment of these will induce the holders to exchange the present for them. The effect is reciprocal ; and little penetration is required to distinguish that although taxation is a good means to bring about this end, because it is certain and infallible, a more rapid and immediate would be greatly preferable.
It will be recollected that proposals of this nature rest much upon the remarks stated in the beginning. As they contain no project of exclusive gain to individuals, they are not addressed to such as make this the pole-star of their actions. Patriotism and not private interest must have the higher influence. But as little loss can be incurred, and the publick benefit must be great; and as that which is ad- vantageous to the community must be so to a majority of the individ- uals, they do not come wholly unrecommended to any one.
If these hints have no other merit, they have however this, that they are offered with every deference, and with hopes of at least calling the attention of better judges to a subject, the importance of which is felt and acknowledged by all. Reflection and discussion are the inlets of knowledge ; and publications on matters of this kind, as well as of any other, may be rendered useful rather than injurious, if, instead of building up new systems or taking down the old, they are employed in stating information and giving aid to the execution of publick measures. SPERANDO.
TRENTON, SEPTEMBER 6.
Friday night the 25th ult. a party of our six months men, under the command of Ensign Fitz-Randolph, went upon Staten-Island and brought off a Justice Lake and five other principal inhabitants, without any loss on our side.
Doctor Bloomfield is exchanged for a. Dr. de Bass a Surgeon to one of the Hessian corps.
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We learn that the Alliance, lately arrived at Boston, brings advice that the second division of the French fleet had not sailed when she left L'Orient .- The reason of the delay has not yet transpired.
Friday last the Pennsylvania militia, which were en- camped near this town, were reviewed by His Excellency Joseph Reed, Esq. Commander in Chief of that state. They were formed in brigade about nine o'clock in the morning; soon after which His Excellency and his suite appeared in the field, when the troops performed a variety of military manoeuvres with great ease and exactness. They then marched thro' the town in proper military order; and after they had returned to their camp, were dismissed by His Excellency. They were as fine a body of militia, it is thought, as ever appeared together in America, well clothed and equipped, and made a truly martial appearance.
The following ADDRESS to His Excellency JOSEPH REED, Esquire, President and Commander in Chief of the militia in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, signed unanimously by the officers, was presented by Brigadier- General Lacey, Col. B. Eyers and Col. Will:
Camp near Trenton, Sept. 1, 1780.
SIR.
I MPELLED by principle, we feel it our duty to express to your Excellency the high sense we entertain of your exertions and alacrity in assembling the militia at this place, agreeable to the orders of our excellent Commander in Chief; and at the same time that we admit the necessity of the measure we cannot help lamenting our countermand, as we indulged the flattering hope, from the uni- form system of subordination and discipline which your Excellency inculcated, and which we were determined to support, that we should at least have answered the expectations of our country, and disap- pointed the wishes of our enemies, foreign and domestic.
Prompted by motives of political safety and personal attachment, we beg leave to assure your Excellency that it will ever be our pride and glory to follow you to the field, and that we shall most chearfully afford you every support in our power to promote the general weal of America, and the particular interest of the state over which you so honourably preside.
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To which His Excellency returned the following Answer:
Gentlemen,
T THE obliging sentiments you have just expressed, cannot but give me very sincere pleasure. The requisition of our service upon this occasion was founded upon the most apparent propriety, and was too explicit to admit of doubt or delay. We have shewn our illustrious allies, our excellent Commander in Chief, and the whole world, that when our country calls it is our pleasure to obey. The alacrity with which so numerous and well appointed a body of troops have appeared in arms, the improvement in discipline, and the chastity of conduct with respect to private property, reflects the highest honour upon the officers and men, and have made my command not only hon- ourable but pleasant. Had the situation of public affairs required our proceeding to take an active part in the operations of the campaign, I doubt not you would have done equal honour to the state and your- selves by your conduct in the field, and it would have been as it ever will be, my duty and pride to partake of your danger and glory.
The opportunity is only deferred for a little time, and I trust it will not be long before we shall congratulate each other on a glorious inde- pendence, well secured by an honourable peace.
The marks of personal attachment and affection I have experienced in this short tour of duty have made an impression on my mind which no length of time can deface. To see my country free and happy is the first object of my wishes, and to see the many brave and valuable men who have distinguished themselves in the contest duly honoured and rewarded is the next.
Among these I shall ever feel a particular attachment to you, Gen- tlemen, who on every account both public and private, merit my warm- est acknowledgments.
Jos. REED, President, and Commander in Chief of the Penn- sylvania Militia.
Head-Quarters, Trenton 1 September 1, 1780.
Extract of a letter from an officer, dated English Neigh- bourhood, 30th August, 1780.
"On the 24th the light camp, which you know is com- manded by Major-General the Marquis de la Fayette, took up its line of march from the place of its encampment in the vicinity of Fort Lee, and moved on the road to Ber- gen. We arrived near the town about one o'clock at night,
40
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where we halted, and fixed our piquets and patroles. Col. Steuart with his regiment took post within about musket of Paulus Hook, the place where our friend Lee so very deservedly gained such reputation. Altho' I have been on this ground before, I was not 'till then sufficiently sensible of the multitude of difficulties which must have been op- posed to his success.
"In the morning the light camp took a position on the high ground between Bergen town and Paulus Hook. The city, the shipping, Long-Island, and the harbour lay ex- posed to our view. The troops in New-York of course had an opportunity of seeing us, and I make no doubt felt themselves injured by our near approach.
"All this day the infantry were employed in foraging as low as the Kills. The enemy fired a number of shot upon those on Bergen Neck from Staten-Island, but they were too ineffectual either to disturb the waggoners who were loading with grain, or to drive off any of the foragers.
"I cannot say the amount of cattle and dry forage col- lected; but certificates were given to the people that they might have as little room as possible for complaint. These will procure them, at some future day, compensation ; and in the mean time they should consider, that they have con- tributed heretofore very little to the support of this war; and that what was taken for the use of this army, and to prevent its becoming a source of subsistence to the enemy, does not amount to the value of their taxes. In this light we have only assisted them to liquidate a tax, chearfully paid by their fellow-citizens, and which they could have paid in no other manner, owing to their particular situa- tion.
"But a business of this kind is seldom unattended with more or less of injury to the household property of the inhabitants. The soldiers will find occasions to pilfer, however watched by the officer. It is impossible to exclude every practice of this nature. All the officer can do in this case, is to punish the offender when discovered, and
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restore the goods. This was done in every instance; and one of the soldiers hanged on the spot.
"What think you of all this, with Clinton's eyes fixed upon every motion of ours ? Have we not offered him an opportunity to fight us, had he been.so disposed ? And as he has not done it, was it not submitting to a glaring in- sult ? Will not the world consider it in this light ? And can he any longer boast to his vain Court, that he only wished and waited for a fair occasion to fight ? Have we not offered him battle every day since we recrossed the North river and took post near Dobb's ferry ? And at this instant is not our situation at the liberty-pole, and the neighbourhood of Fort Lee, of the nature of a military challenge ? We have done the same thing, precisely, as a man in private life who has been injured, and who twits the fellow by the nose, or shakes a cudgel over his shoul- ders, who abused him. Clinton has behaved like the fellow who quietly submits to the chastisement.
"The light camp in this movement were supported by the Pennsylvania line. It commanded the passage at Hoe- buck. The Jersey brigade Bull's ferry, and the York troops the intermediate space between that and the rest of the army which remained encamp'd at the liberty-pole. The whole was under Major General Greene, who com- mands the right wing of the army. His arrangements in this movement do him a great deal of credit.
"We are again where we were. Clinton, t'is said, has landed at Frog's-point, in the county of West-Chester, with intention I would suppose, to take care of himself. I wish we could irritate him to come where we want him.
"I think it probable that the army will change its situa- tion in a few days."
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To the PRINTER.
SIR,
As the enclosed letter, which was intercepted coming from New- York, may possibly entertain some of your readers, it is sent to you for publication. The writer will perceive that proper care has been taken to conceal her name. I have only to ask the Lady's pardon for the few comments that are added. August 30th, 1780.
New-York, August 27th, 1780.
W E'VE almost, sweet sister, been frighten'd to death, Nor have we, as yet, quite recover'd our breath. An army of rebels came down t'other night, Expecting no doubt that the British would fight. Next morning we saw them parade at the Hook* And thought to be sure this was too much to brook ;
That soon would the river be crowded with boats, With Hessian and English, to cut all their throats : So we dress'd in high taste to see them embark, Not thinking Sir Harry would go in the dark ; To light a retreat, as seen in his letteri, He once us'd the moon-for want of a better ; Much less, having sworn, that the rebels he'd maul, Could it enter our heads, --- he'd not go at all. Tho' now I think on't, ere since Greene beat old Knyp}, Not one of his heroes have open'd a lip, Except to abuse them for fighting so well With Greene at their head --- to find quarters in h - 11. -Ah! Tabitha, these men can swear with such grace, One can't be offended, tho' done to one's face. All day I was hurried without knowing why, Each moment expecting to see them pass by. The officers bowing, the drums in a clatter, Their heads rising up, like ducks out of water, Then glancing on me with a passionate air, Turned round to their men and most charmingly swear. But why would they thus our soft bosoms alarm, Should they do like their masters-where is the harm? But this was all vision, Tabitha, to me
Paulus Hook.
¡ The battle of Monmouth, where Sir Harry Clinton says, that he took advantage of the moon. I suppose this is what the Lady alludes to. It may be well enough, however, to set her right, by informing her, that he did not begin his retreat till the moon had gone down, which vulgarly speaking, was really to take advantage of the moon.
* Battle of Springfield, 23d. of June, 1780.
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Not an officer came, so much as to tea. The Major himself, who has always some story To lessen the worth of American glory, Or asham'd to be seen, or else of the day, Would not venture to cross me, tho' just in the way ; But, stop'd, like one shot at, then whisk'd up a lane : I'm sure the poor man felt a great deal of pain. At length came the night, overloaded with fears, And shew'd us on what we had lean'd for five years. The men who had wish'd for occasions for blows, Now suffer'd themselves to be pull'd by the nose. Sir Harry it seems; was more sullen than ever, And Andre complained of much bile in his liver. The Generals all met, as grave as magicians, The magii of law, or the sagest physicians : But all that was done, tho' they sat till near night, Was to keep at their bottle-and not go to fight. Pray tell me, what think you of these men in York, Who formerly cross'd like a bit of dry cork, When nothing was near but a regiment or troop, As easily drove as a boy drives a hoop :
But when that the rebels came close to their eyes, Pretend not to see them, tho' thicker than flies; Let Washington's army do just what they please, While they, in the cholic, would seem at their ease. For my part, dear sister, I hate all deceit, You know I love something that's solid to eat. You still may remember, when Tom kiss'd my hand, I told him his doom-was a cassock and band. God help us, Tabitha, how women will change, But sure it was meant we should have a long range, Nor were we design'd to be shut in a cloister, Or fix'd to one spot, like a root or an oyster. But here, on this island, one scarce gets a span, And now not an inch, let one do what they can ; And long as the rebels keep up such a pother, We shall do nothing-but look at each other. Seest thou, my good sister, where you are, these rogues, Who fright us to death, without stockings or brogues. They say a French Marquis commands, my dear girl, Is it not the same, would have cudgel'd our Earl?§ We're told he has made them look all very neat ; (I wish he had brought over shoes for their feet) That to each he has given, to put in their hat, A feather, with swords and sword belts, and all that ; While the officer has, to make him feel bolder,
The piece of fring'd gold, that worn on the shoulder.
§ Lord Carlisle, I suppose is meant.
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-This Marquis of theirs, who gives without measure, Must sure be possessed of infinite treasure. How else, my Tabitha, could any one stand, Or spend so profusely-to fight for their land. What reward can he get? From Congress a vote ; (The Marquis, you know, has no need for a coat.) Were I in their boots, as such mortals are rare, I'd vote for one more-should France have one to spare. -I've heard too, the youth has a sweet wife at home,
I wonder she suffers him thither to roam : I think in my heart, she must wish him more nigh,
I hope 'tis no sin to confess-so do I.
But stop with this chatter, what, what do I say, Here's news that the rebels have all gone away ; At least they have march'd to a place call'd Fort Lee, Twelve miles from the Major and twelve miles from me. Quick, Bet, bring the tea, for before it be long, The sweet fellow comes, with his laugh and his song, His quirks and his cranks, and his stories so droll- Oh! sister, the Major's the man on the whole. Z.
STATE of NEW-JERSEY, Essex County, August 25th, 1780.
A S business of the utmost importance, and requiring the greatest dispatch, will come under the considera- tion of the Legislature at their next sitting, the Speaker earnestly requests that the several members will punctually meet at the day to which the Assembly stands adjourned.
New-England PRIMERS
To be sold by the Thousand or smaller Quantity, at the Printing-Office, in TRENTON.
-
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JAMES SCHURMAN,
Has for SALE at the lowest rates for Cash or Produce, at his Store in New-Brunswick.
B EST West-India rum,
Indigo, Earthenware,
Muscovado sugar,
Deerskins,
Coffee,
Pipes,
Tea,
Tobacco and
Pepper,
Snuff
ALSO
A quantity of SHORE SALT, &c.
S TRAYED away from the plantation lately belonging to Mr. Meredith, near Trenton, fifty-seven SHEEP and LAMBS, all marked with a swallow fork in the off ear, and a half-penny in the lower side of the near ear, and the old sheep with the letters W. T. with tar, on the side. Any person who will secure the sheep or any of them, and give information to the subscriber, residing on the farm aforesaid, shall be handsomely rewarded, and have reasonable charges paid.
WILLIAM TAYLOR.
September 2, 1780.
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TO BE SOLD,
At PUBLICK VENDUE, on Monday the 11th day of Sep- tember inst. at the dwelling house of Jacob Eoff, sen. de- ceased, in Bedminster township near Pluck'emin, H
ORSES, cows, young cattle, sheepi and swine; as also a good crop of wheat in the sheaf, oats and
flax, a large quantity of hay, eight acres of good Indian corn, as also a variety of household furniture and farming utensils too tedious here to mention; as also a young healthy NEGRO MAN and NEGRO WENCH, and NEGRO BOY nine years old. The vendue to begin at ten o'clock of said day, and to continue 'till all are sold. The conditions of sale will be made known and attendance given by
GARRET EOFF
September 2, 1780. JOHN BROKAW JAS. VANDEREN
1 Extrs.
To BE SOLD at Private Sale,
At the house of the subscriber on the West side of Ne- shameny Ferry,
C OWS, horses, sheep, swine; a good two horse waggon with set of harness for two horses, cart and harness ; sundry household and kitchen furniture; two NEGRO MEN, one aged 28 years, and the other 24 years, and a likely NEGRO WOMAN aged 19 years. The above negroes are sold for no fault; as the subscriber is going to remove, and has no employment for them.
JOSEPH VANDEGRIFT.
August 28, 1780.
N. B. To be LET by the subscriber, that noted Inn, Ferry, and Farm at Neshameny ferry, and may be entered on the first of November, 1780.
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Nottingham, Burlington county, Aug. 29, 1780.
Two Hundred Dollars Reward. STRAYED or STOLEN, From the SUBSCRIBER,
A YOKE of OXEN, about the 10th of July last, seven years old, one brindle, the other brindle and white. Any person who will deliver the above cattle to the subscriber, or will give information where they are, shall have the above reward. ROBERT PEARSON.
N. B. The above cattle were drove up the river road by a man with a white hat.
Freehold, Monmouth county, Sept. 4, 1780.
The Subscriber will dispose of one very likely active NEGRO fellow, twenty years old, for £.150 in specie, and two likely active NEGRO girls, fifteen years old, for £.120 each afore said, or the value thereof in current money. They are not to be sold for any fault, but the want of business : They are all country born, and understand most kinds of business. SAMUEL FORMAN.
New Brunswick, Aug. 28, 1780.
Notice is hereby given to the Publick,
ITHAT there is a STAGE WAGGON established by JOHN DEGROVE, Innholder and Ferry-Keeper on this side of Raritan river, in New-Brunswick, to go to Elizabeth-Town every Tuesday morning; and at the same
+
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1780
place may be had a good Horse and Chair, and Horses for hire to go to any place any Gentleman may chuse. All which services shall be performed in the cheapest manner, and where good attendance will be given by the
Publick's humble servant, JOHN DEGROVE. ---. N. J. Gazette, Vol. III., No. 141, Sept. 6, 1780.
We are informed that a duel has been fought in Jersey, between one of the Colonel Livingstone's and a Lieutenant Stokes, in which the former, 'tis reported, was killed.
R UN AWAY from the subscriber, on the evening of the 23d ult. a Negro Lad named FORTUNE, about eighteen years of age, of a brownish cast, and much pitted with the small pox, is slender made, and about five feet seven or eight inches high, came from Georgia about ten months ago with Major Drummond of the New-Jersey Volunteers, is very fond of dress, and generally wears a small round hat bound with silver lace; one of his eyes are sore and much inflamed. Whoever will apprehend said Negro, and bring him to No. 42, White-Hall, or give information where he may be had, shall receive TWO GUINEAS reward, paid by
BROUGHTON REYNOLDS.
N. B. All persons and masters of vessels, are fore- warned harbouring or secreting said negro at their peril, as in case of conviction they will be dealt with accordingly.
New-York, September 1, 1780.
-The Royal Gazette, No. 410, September 2, 1780.
New-York, September 6.
We are informed that Mr. Washington has again shifted his position, and is now posted between Paramus and Eng- lish Neighbourhood.
-The Royal Gazette, No. 411, September 6, 1780.
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