USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. IV > Part 8
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The expences of the war has hitherto been constantly defrayed by every man who has received paper-money ; the depreciation of which has all along operated as a Tax-but a tax unequal and oppressive to extreme. The farmer, who formerly sold forty bushels of wheat to the States for forty dollars, and who now can purchase but one bushel for that money, has certainly contributed towards the support of the war thirty-nine bushels. Now, if every one had received, and still possessed, his due proportion of the money, all would be right- Whether it is all sunk, or all suffered to remain in circulation, would be a matter of perfect indifference to every individual .- No one would find himself one whit the richer or poorer for it. But unfortunately this is far from being the case-the burden has fallen most unequally-
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whilst some have contributed more than twenty times their just pro- portion, others have been great gainers, or, at least, have contributed nothing. That restitution should be made to those, who have borne more than their equal proportion, is what justice and equity require of us-and it was solely with a view to effect this purpose, that Con- gress have pledged the faith of the United States for the sinking all the money within the term of eighteen years. But, should this mode of making restitution prove judicial to the publick welfare, I do not conceive we should be under the least obligation to make good the performance of this promise, provided some other mode could be adopted, that would do equal justice to the sufferers.
But whether Congress, at the conclusion of the war, shall think it necessary to sink so much of the money, as that the remainder shall be equal in value to silver, dollar for dollar-or whether they will suffer the money to find its own level, and discharge the debts due to and from individuals amongst us, at the same value they were con- tracted at-are questions, in the solution of which, the difficulties at present pressing us, are not involved. The grand desideratum at present is, to be able to raise the necessary supplies, without doing farther injustice to individuals : and let us turn which way we will, let us amuse ourselves with this or that plan, I am persuaded, we shall at length return fully convinced, that it is only to be effected by taxations and loans.
It has been proved that regulation and depreciation are in reality taxes-but of the most unequal and oppressive kind. Surely then, when urged by every motive, which can animate the exertions of a wise and spirited people, we cannot hesitate a moment, with the greatest earnestness, to set about equal taxation. Let the pressure of the burden no longer fall partially on individuals, but let us oblige every man to put his shoulder to the wheel. We have now weathered out five campaigns, whilst the debt we have contracted, is not worth men- tioning. For, I again repeat it, nothing but what is due to foreigners can be properly called a debt .- As to what has been borrowed among ourselves, it is not the debt of the publick, but of individuals. Let no man then plead our inability. Has not our supplies of all kinds (ex- cept to the amount of the foreign debt) been drawn from amongst ourselves-and if this too could be done by means of a tax the most unequal that could be contrived-how much more easy will it be to effect by one, where the united wisdom of the legislative body of each State will be exerted to render it as equal as possible ?
HONESTUS.
Somerset County A T an Inferior Court of Com- State of New-Jersey mon Pleas held in and for said county of Somerset, were returned inquisitions for joining the army of the King of Great Britain, and other treasonable practices, found against Andrew Bell, James Voorhees and Ben-
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1779
jamin Tomson, of which proclamation was made at said court, that if they or any other person or persons on their behalf, or any persons interested, should appear and tra- verse, a trial should be awarded, but no traverse offered : therefore, notice is hereby given, that if neither they or any in their behalf, or any interested, shall appear and traverse at the next court to be holden in and for said county, the inquisitions will then be taken to be true, and final judgment entered thereon in favour of the State.
JACOB BERGEN,
Nov. 29. FREDERICK FRELINGHUYSEN,
HENDRICK WILSON,
Commis- sioners.
TRENTON, DECEMBER 8.
Last week the North Carolina Brigade, Col. Clark com- mandant, passed through this place on their way to Phila- delphia.
Monday last passed through this town on his way to Congress, SAMUEL-WITHAM STOCKTON, Esquire, Coun- sellor at Law, having lately arrived at Boston from Hol- land. This Gentleman is a native of this State, and we are happy to hear from several quarters that he has uni- , formly distinguished himself in different parts of Europe as a firm and zealous Friend to the Liberties of his Coun- try, we therefore presume his own State will claim the advantage of his future services .- He left America in the beginning of 1775; and, after the appointment by Con- gress of a Minister at the Courts of Vienna and Berlin, he was called to the Secretaryship of that Embassy .- We hear also that he has resided the last five months in Holland, where he has much promoted the interest and advancement of the American Cause; and that he brings important dis- patches from that country for Congress :- we therefore hope it will be but a short time before our Independence will be recognized by the United States of Holland; which
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will entitle them to a share of our future extensive com- merce.1
Tomorrow is to be observed, by the Inhabitants of this State, as a Day of publick THANKSGIVING and PRAISE, for the purposes set forth in His Excellency our Governor's Proclamation, inserted in our last.
Notwithstanding the flattering accounts of the British affairs, published in some of the late New-York papers, the wise men of the British Parliament draw a most melan- choly picture of the calamitous circumstances of their coun- try-Lord John Cavendish, in a late debate, said, "He would expend his fortune and hazard his life against the natural enemies of his country; and he would do as much to bring Ministry, the cause of all the nation's calamities, to their deserts," declaring, with all the enthusiasm of resolution, "that his resentment should be found firm and lasting."-He further observed, that "nothing less than the most exemplary punishment ought to be inflicted upon them, and their respective estates confiscated, and applied towards the expences of the war."-Sir George Saville, Col. Barre, Mr. Burke, Mr. Baker, with others, were tre- mendously severe on Administration, the latter declaring that he "would oppose the granting any money, or going into any measures, till the present Administration were dealt with as they ought to be"-Lord North replying with sarcastic wit, and contemptuous pleasantry, Lord George Cavendish, advised him "to be sober, grave and serious that day, and to throw his wit and humour aside, for that they would serve no longer."
State of New-Jersey Bergen County A T an Inferior Court of Com- mon Pleas, held for the said county on the 26th day of October, 1779, were returned inquisitions for join- ing the army of the King of Great-Britain, and other trea- sonable practices against Joost Demerist, John Brinkerhof,
1 For a sketch of Samuel Witham Stockton, see New Jersey Archives, XXV. : 470.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1779
Edmund Simmons, William Rome, Lawrance Rome, John Vanboskerk, Peter Vanboskerk, Harrimanis Lutkins, Joost Bogart, John Richards, Jacob Riker, John Daws, William Byard, Anthony Liponer, Winant Kettletos, John Dunscomb, Cornelius L. Vanhorn, Kenneth Mac Kinzey, Isaac N. Kipp, James Makus, Prenore Derik, A. Wanna- maker, Jacobus A. Bogart, Cornelius Hallens, John Van- boskerk, jun. on which proclamation was made in said court, that if they, or any person on their behalf, or any person interested, would appear and traverse, a trial should be allowed, but no traverse was offered: therefore notice is hereby given, that if neither they, or any person in their behalf, or any interested do not appear to traverse at the next Court of Common Pleas to be held for the county, the said inquisitions will be taken to be true, and final judgment entered in favour of the State.
JAMES BOARD,
Nov. 15. HENDERICUS KUYPER, . Commis-
GARRET LYDECKER, sioners.
-The New-Jersey Gazette, Vol. II., No. 102, Dec. 8, 1779.
CHATHAM, DECEMBER 14. '
The 6th inst. departed this life, at Woodbridge, in the 34th year of his age, Mr. SAMUEL. FRANKLIN PARKER, printer,1 after a long and painful disorder, which he bore with the greatest patience .- His corps was interred the day following, in the Presbyterian burial ground, at that place, with all the honours of war, in the following man- ner, viz.
1st. A company of Continental troops, with their arms reversed, and a muffled drum beating the dead march.
2d. The corpse.
3d. The Mourners.
4th. Col. Webster's battalion of militia who were on duty in that town.
1 Son of James Parker, the first printer at Woodbridge.
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5th. The inhabitants of the town in general.
After the corps was interred the company of Continental troops under the command of Capt. Neeler, who were also on duty there, fired three vollies over the grave .- It may with justice be said, that the deceased was a zealous friend to American Liberty, and that he lived respected and died lamented by all his friends and acquaintance .- He took an active part early in the present contest. He was a major in the five months service in the troops of this State. Soon after that service was out, he was appointed a muster- master in the Continental army, in which post he contin- ued until his health obliged him to quit the service, and retire home.
WILLIAM BUTLER,
Has for sale at Mr. David Bruen's, near Bottle-Hill meet- ing-house, the following articles, viz.
PLAIN mode, shoe binding, black sewing silk, sleeve buttons, pegging awls, awl blades, tacks, awl han-
dles, knitting needles, raisins, calamancoes, hats, officers best gold epaulets, broad and narrow tapes, waist- coat patterns, fine thread, pins, shirt buttons. Also good bohea tea, which he will exchange on moderate terms for produce.
Dec. 13, 1779.
To be sold at private SALE,
S UNDRY head of horned cattle, among which are, two good yoke of oxen. Likewise for sale, a very likely half-blooded mare, which will be sold at a reasonable rate. For particulars apply to the subscribers, at Long-Hill.
DANIEL THOMPSON, JABESH THOMPSON.
Dec. 6, 1779.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1779
L AST week half a pound of loaf sugar and nutmeg, was taken from an indigent woman at Rahway, who was pregnant, and expected to have occasion for them in a few days. It was with much difficulty she procured them ;- she therefore gives this public notice to those of her sex, in the like condition, near the enemy's lines, to be careful where they deposit such articles for the future.
Rahway, Dec. 13, 1779.
S trayed or stolen the 15th ult. a large white spotted dog, with black spots intermixed with the white, short hair, with one of his tusks wanting, a yellow face, with white about his nose. Whoever will bring said dog to the subscriber, living near Bottle-Hill meeting- house shall have thirty dollars reward.
BENJAMIN CLARK.
Dec. 13, 1779.
BOHEA TEA,
To be sold by the quantity, or single pound, by ISAAC ARNETT, at New-Providence.
ALMANACKS for 1780, sold by the printer hereof.
W AS sent to the subscriber on Monday last, a black horse about seven years with star and snip. Said horse was taken from one of Col. Baylor's light dragoons, by Col. Washington, at Trenton ferry. The fel- low in whose possession the horse was found, said that he took him from a boy between Woodbridge and Amboy. Any person by applying, proving property, and paying charges, may have him again.
Daniel Marsh, Q. M.
Rahway, Dec. 13, 1779.
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F OUND, since the first of November last, a number of Continental bills. The owner by describing said bills, proving property, may have them on applica- tion to
JAMES SHOTWELL. Scotch Plains, Dec. 13, 1779.
To be SOLD, by
THOMAS MORRELL,
In New-Providence, three miles from Springfield,
R OHEA tea (of quality supreme) by the hundred weight or pound, best French brandy, superfine crimson hair plush, fine scarlet do. black beads by the pound, cambrick dc. with a variety of medicinal articles as usual.
A Reward of FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS will be given to the person who will discover the thief who stole out of the house of Samuel Smith, inn-keeper, in Elizabeth Town, this evening, the following articles: A valice, containing the muster and pay rolls of the 4th regi- ment of light dragoons, with sundry papers of great value to the owner, and of no value to any person else: also a bundle containing two sets of regimentals, green faced with scarlet; there is likewise in the valice some fine hol- land shirts, silk and worsted stockings, penknife, razor and other shaving utensils .- Whoever will bring them to Mr. Smith, in Elizabeth Town, or the subscriber, shall have the above reward, and no questions asked. Could the papers be conveyed to Mr. Smith, or myself, by any private way, it would much oblige me.
WILLIAM HENDERSON, P. M. to the 4th Reg. L. D.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1779
THIRTY DOLLARS Reward.
R AN away from the subscriber, living in Somerset county, Bedminster township, on the 25th of Octo- ber last, an apprentice girl, named Massey Doyl, between 14 and 15 years of age, brownish hair, sandy com- plection, and something of a down look; had on and took away with her, one long gown of striped purple callico, check apron, old red cloak, a pair of stays, three lincey petticoats, one blue, the other two of a reddish brown col- our; three striped short gowns, one of linsey, the other two of tow and linen; a black silk bonnet, a round ear'd cap and ribbon, old blue yarn stockings, old pumps with steel buckles, some blue stocking yarn, a pair of pillow cases marked L R, and several other things .-- Whoever will secure the said girl, or give intelligence so that the owner may get her again, shall have the above reward, and all reasonable charges, paid by
JOHN BARKLEY.
December 6, 1779.
TO BE SOLD
By SHEPHERD KOLLOCK
AT HIS HOUSE IN CHATHAM,
Beft Bohea Tea,
For CASH, BUTTER, or any kind of COUNTRY PRODUCE.
Mr. Kollock,
I N reading your late papers, I have been highly pleased with the performances of your correspondent Eumenes. I like his plan, and wish it might be put in execution. It breathes forth strongly the breath of liberty and justice to the oppressed, as well as wholesome counsel and advice to America in general. What can be more reason-
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able than for Congress to give to every one the true value of his money, instead of giving value for cyphers? By this method the truly helpless widow and orphan, and other innocent sufferers, will be redressed- our public expences lessened and brought within our power-and many evils and difficulties prevented, which would otherwise come upon us. This plan appears to me preferable to taxing in the usual manner, because it would immediately relieve us of an enormous nominal debt, and remove in great measure from us the depreciation of our currency ; the bane, as well as the curse of our country ; under which it greatly labours, and groaneth at present.
I am aware that many will find fault should this plan take place, and say, our money is our own, and who has a right to take it from us? But remember, my friend, that you have risked your life and fortune, in the defence of your country, and obliged yourself by signing the association agreement, that you will abide by the Congress, and our rulers in general, in compliance with those measures which they in their wisdom shall think proper to adopt. I know that it will be very disagreeable to some monied men to lose fifteen or twenty parts of their money ; but let such consider that if they have the true value of the whole, in the remainder, no injustice is done them, and their country much advantaged by such an exchange. The commonwealth ought to be the main object of every member of the community ; and every one should be willing to sacrifice some of his private property for the advantage and good of the public; which I trust every true friend to his country will chearfully do, in order to extricate her from the tyranny of Britain, and from the oppression and cruelty of all those who are taking advantage of the times and of the depreciation of our currency.
A FRIEND TO LIBERTY.
Mr. KOLLOCK, By giving the following a place in your paper, you will much oblige, your humble servant,
ARATOR.
Mr. Eumenes,
T THE plan pointed out by you, in the course of your letters on our paper currency, appears rational and wise in general; yet it appears to me there is an essential error in your plan of emit- ting new money, to be exchanged for the old. Though you pretend to answer an objection that the new money would depreciate as the old has done; yet I do not imagine you have sufficiently answered the objection ; for you say in your fourth letter, "The fifteen million paper "dollars proposed would not be a debt upon the country, but might "pass for ever with only the expence of striking new bills to exchange "the old, when they become ragged." Upon this plan how could the depreciation be hindred ?- But, upon a little reflection, I acknowledge it would not depreciate, because it would not at first have any price; therefore, it could not lose a value which it never had.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1779
In order to know whether your plan of emitting money will answer for a community to adopt ; let us see how it will answer for indi- viduals to act upon. Suppose you should write an obligation after this manner, "I promise to pay to A-r, fifteen Spanish milled dollars, &c." And underneath you should write, "N. B. I never design to pay "you the money ; but I engage to give you a new obligation of the "same tenor with this, as soon as it is worn out, or grown ragged, and "to do thus as often as the old one becomes ragged.
Do you think I would take such an obligation and give you the produce of my farm for it? As well might you imagine I would, as that the inhabitants of these States would take paper money upon your proposed plan of emition, and give the product of their farms for it ; when at the same time they were assured that they should never receive any real value for it.
But the plan I would propose is this: Let fifteen million dollars of paper money be emitted, and the old redeemed with it, by giving thirty for one, as you have proposed. But in order to establish and keep the credit of it equal with silver and gold, let a time be fixed by Con- gress, perhaps three years would be the best, and then let the time be expressed on the face of the bills, when it shall be redeemed with silver or gold, paid to the possessors of the bills at the time expressed on the face of the bills for the redemption of them.
That this purpose may the better be effected ; let five million of silver dollars be stipulated for by Congress, to be delivered to them on loan, at least one month before the time fixed upon for the redemp- tion of those bills. Then let ten million dollars be called in by rates, the last of which to be paid into the Continental treasury at least one month before the time exprest on the bills for their redemption; so that all accounts might be well settled, so as to have the money ready to be paid to the possessours of the bills not called in by rate, on the very day it becomes due. Then let Congress assure us that the money shall be thus redeemed, and we will receive it equal with silver and gold.
-The New-Jersey Journal, Vol. I., Numb. XLIV., De- cember 14, 1779.
Married, on Monday evening last, in this city, Colonel ELISHA LAWRENCE, of Jersey, to Miss BECKY REDMAN, (second daughter of the late JOSEPH RED- MAN, Esq;) a young lady whose superior beauty, joined with an elegance both of person and manners, render her justly admired by all who have the pleasure of her acquaint- ance .- The Pennsylvania Gazette, December 15, 1779.
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TRENTON, DECEMBER 15.
By recent accounts from New-York, we learn, that the embarkation of troops which took place there many weeks ago, have not yet sailed. Their destination is certainly for Carolina or Georgia-but the reason of their not sail- ing, is, they have not a sufficient convoy, as they apprehend danger from Count D'Estaing's fleet.
We are informed that the Refugees in New-York are in distressed circumstances, several large families being obliged to crowd in one small room, and other families cannot even produce that convenience, but are obliged to live on board ships in the harbour, and provisions amaz- ingly scarce and dear.
Last week the Hon. Major-General GATES passed through this place on his way to Virginia.
We hear that the Head-Quarters of the American Army is established at Morris-Town, in the Vicinity of which the troops are now hutting.
The Honourable the LEGISLATURE have passed an Act for establishing the holding the Supreme Court in future at Trenton.
Since our last most of the troops of the Virginia line arrived here, under the command of General Woodford, being on their way to the southward .- They are in high spirits, and make a martial appearance.
A New-York paper of the 20th ult. mentions the taking of a packet the 4th ult. with dispatches from General Washington to Count D'Estaing.
Mr. COLLINS.
Y ou will greatly oblige a distressed old man by insert- ing the following Petition in your next Gazette, which I wish to have done for two reasons, viz. That the Council and Assembly, now convened, may see it, and that all my fellow-citizens may have an opportunity,
7
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1779
if they please, to give me their aid by joining their pete- tions with mine.
To the Honourable the Council and General Assembly of the State of New-Jersey, now convened at Mountholly.
The Petition of an Old Man, a citizen of your state, and a firm friend to the Independence of the United States.
Most humbly sheweth,
T HAT whereas your petitioner, by industry and care in his younger days, accumulated a small fortune of about four thousand pounds, which, agreeable to law, he placed at interest on real security, the annual in- come of which was with frugality adequate to the support of himself, his wife and two children: but the deprecia- tion of the Continental Money, which being by a law, passed by your honourable houses, made a legal tender in payment equal to Gold and Silver, has totally ruined your petitioner, his little fortune having been lately paid him in continental bills of credit, the depreciation being as forty to one:
Your petitioner therefore most humbly prays that at this time, whilst your honourable houses are making provision for all the officers of government, nearly equal to the de- preciation of the money, you will also make some provision for your petitioner, and save him and his family, together with other aged men, the widow and orphan, in similar circumstances, from want and misery-and your peti- tioner, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
AN OLD MAN. Dec. 7, 1779.
.
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TO BE SOLD,
A SET of the New Jersey Gazette, for the Year 1779.
Enquire of the Printer.
TO BE SOLD
A Good Cow with Calf,
Or will be exchanged for one with a Calf by her side.
Enquire of the Printer.
0 NE Bushel of good SALT will be given for Seven and an Half Bushels of FLAXSEED, at SAMUEL WORTH'S Mill, near Princeton.
JOSEPH MILNOR,
Has for Sale, at his Store in Trenton,
A Large quantity of bar and slit iron, and nails by large or small quantities : Also sugar and tea, cotton by the bag or smaller quantity, a good assortment of dry-goods, such as broadcloths, coatings, calicoes, linens, silk handkerchiefs, best pipes by the groce or smaller quan- tity, &c. He will give ten dollars per bushel for good clean FLAXSEED.
-The New-Jersey Gazette, Vol. II., No. 103, Dec. 15, 1779.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION.
[1779
To MARIOT ARBUTHNOT, Esquire, Vice-Admiral of the Blue, and Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Ships and Vessels employed in North America, &c. &c. &c.
The humble ADDRESS of the Committee of his Majesty's Loyal Refugees from several of the revolted Provinces in America.
SIR,
THE Loyal Refugees from the several revolted Prov- inces of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Con- necticut, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Three Lower Counties on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North- Carolina, and South-Carolina, having the Approbation of his Excellency Sir Henry Clinton to assemble, and hold mutual Intercourse with each other, beg Leave to wait upon, and express to you, as his Majesty's Commander in Chief of the Naval Department, those particular, and re- spectful Compliments, due to a Station so eminent, and a Character so worthy. From the very ready, and warm Disposition which you have been pleased to shew and ex- press in Favour of the Loyal Refugees, we cannot but per- suade ourselves that so numerous a Body of his Majesty's faithful Subjects will ever meet with your countenance and protection-After the severe proofs we have already given of an unshaken attachment to our Sovereign, and Country, we trust it is unnecessary to repeat what our actions have so evidently, and uniformly evinced. But permit us, Sir, to assure you that the same Principles of Duty which urged us to the free, and great sacrifices we have made, will also actuate us in future, to afford to you, upon all occasions, as well as to his Excellency the Com- mander in Chief, every aid, and influence in our Power,
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