USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. V > Part 14
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Humanity, indeed, wishes they could enjoy liberty and happiness, consistent with justice to those who have honestly bought them, and we, in truth, consider our liberty our liberty as a prelude to their release from slavery. The love of freedom in due season, we trust, will be so predominant that either the individuals whose property they are, will, for their emancipation, disregard their cost; or the publick, by subscription or donation and not by law, for we know of no just authority the legislature have to command the property of their constituents for this purpose without express permission) will cheerfully defray it, and put them on an equal footing with ourselves.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1781
But a measure so important cannot be adopted without the appro- bation of our Assembly; for though, we conclude, they have not the right to free our slaves without the consent of their owners, they are judges of the propriety of receiving them as freemen of the state. Taking it for granted this disposition of benevolence now prevails either in their proprietors among the people, or, if the reader pleases, that justice demands the freedom of our Africans, for we wish not to contend for the negative in this particular.
The other enquiry is, Whether the present is a proper period to effect so laudable design. That there is "a time for all things," is an indisputable truth, A small error in the execution of schemes, in point of time only, has been productive of the most unhappy effects. A potion of medicine administered unseasonably may occasion the death of a patient, or the word of command given by a General a moment too soon may not only lose a victory, but be productive of ruin to his army. If we desire the freedom of our Negroes may not be injurious to ourselves, or render them more miserable than at present, we should duly attend to this circumstance of time as well as to the mode of their release. A premature attempt of this sort may be productive of the most serious consequences. That the pres- ent day would be improper for the execution of this business must, we think, appear evident to every one on the least reflection. Should our slaves be freed, they must either continue with us, or inhabit some territory by themselves. If the freemen of the country find it difficult to support themselves and families at the present time, is it reasonable to suppose that our slaves, naturally indolent, unaccus- tomed to self-government; destitute of mechanical knowledge; un- acquainted with letters; with a peculiar propensity to spirituous liquors ; destitute of property, and without credit, would pay their taxes and provide for themselves, in the path of integrity, the neces- saries and comforts of life? Is it not more rational to infer, from these considerations, that many of them would soon revert to their former state, more wretched than before; that great numbers of them would become pests to society, by plunder and rapine add to the horrors of war, and that dire necessity would compel us to de- prive some of them not only of their liberty but also of their life? Their sloth alone might be sensibly felt by the community at this juncture, and on their arms, we are of opinion, for several obvious reasons, there could not be any just dependence. Our state of war forbids their removal to any exterior part of the country, not only in regard to safety, but also in other respects. Whenever they shall be emancipated, on mature deliberation perhaps it will be tho't, that small settlements of them in different parts of the continent, under proper regulations, will be most compatible with our safety and their felicity. They may thus become useful members of the body politick ; ' enjoy the sunshine of freedom, together with the cheering rays of the light of the gospel.
Some compensation will this be for their servitude! A striking ex- hibition too of the goodness of the Divine Being towards them, and of the wisdom of his holy providence in bringing good out of evil;
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NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1781]
In causing the inhumanity of their brethren, like that of the sons of Jacob to their brother Joseph, to terminate in honor, glory and happiness ! Until this day shall arrive, it is to be hoped the pos- sessors of slaves will revere the sacred precept, "to do as they would be done by ;" mollify the hardness of slavery by acts of kindness ; and above all, be particularly anxious to have them freed by in- struction, admonition, and example from spiritual thraldom, and "brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God." The effect- ing of this will not only be paying a tribute to justice, but also an advancement of our temperal emolument ; for experience will decide, that it will not be less politick and wise than humane and christian. IMPARTIAL.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
An Act to extend the power of the Collectors in receiving certain certificates in payment of taxes.
[ For this act passed January 9, 1781, see Laws of N. J., Fifth Session, Chap. XVII.]
TRENTON, January 10.
Yesterday the Honourable the Legislature of this state adjourned to Tuesday, the 15th of May next, then to meet at Princeton. Dur- ing the sitting eighteen Acts were passed, the titles of which will be iuserted in our next.
All persons indebted to the estate of William Cahaill, deceased, are desired to make immediate payments to prevent further trouble; and all persons having any demands against said estate, are desired to bring in their accounts properly proved.
JOS. LAWRENCE.
JONATHAN RULON, - Executors.
January 1, 1781.
TO BE SOLD.
A Valuble Grist Mill and Tract of Land thereunto belonging,
Situate in Allentown, eight miles from Bordentown, on the main stage road to New-York. It is a commodious well built mill, in good order for carrying on merchant work, about four miles to a landing ; there is two good dwelling houses, 36 acres of land, about one-third meadow exclusive of the mill-pond; all of which is pleasantly situ- ated within view of the mill and houses. It is in a good wheat coun- try and an excellent stand for country business. Also about seven and a half acres of woodland, at a small distance, handy for fuel or timber for repairs when necessary. Two-thirds or more of the pur- chase money may lay on interest by giving security. For further particulars apply on the premises to Arthur Donaldson.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1781
Philadelphia, December 25, 1780.
TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS REWARD.
Ran away this evening from the subscriber, a Negro wench named Maria, alias Amoritta, she is about thirty-four years of age, tall and well made, her face long, and features more regular than are com- mon with her color : She had on, or took with her, a pale blue and white fine short linsey gown and petticoat almost new, a petticoat of tow linen, a pair of men's shoes, good shifts of brown homespun linen, and aprons of the same. It is supposed she will endeavor to get into the Jerseys, as she came from thence, and once lived with Mr. Thomas Lowrey, of Flemington, but it is suspected she is now lurking in this city, or concealed by some free negroes. She also took with her, her female child named Jane, about four years old, well made, fat, round faced, and lively ; had on or took with her, a blue and white linsey frock.
Whoever will deliver the said wench and child to the subscriber in Philadelphia, shall have the above reward.
JOHN DUFFIELD.
N. B. All persons are forbid to harbour her at their peril.
From the New Jersey Gasette, Vol. IV., No. 160, Jan. 17, 1781. Middlesex, New-Jersey, Jan. 1, 1781. Mr. Collins,
I send you herewith a short account of a society which we have lately erected in this county, and which is laudable at least for the public spirit upon which it is founded. I hope your giving it to the public thro' your Gazette will inspire other counties with similar good resolutions, and create a correspondence among all the whigs of the state to show our enemies that no difficulties into which we may be brought by the acci- dents of the war can make us determine not to be free.
The reason of the institution is given in the following preamble to their agreement.
A number of the gentlemen of this county, the firm friends of the present revolution in America, observing the embarrassment of our public affairs, through the ill fate of our paper currency and the numerous at- tempts of our internal enemies, and willing to contribute all in their power to strengthen the civil government, and to defeat the designs of these traitors, have agreed for that purpose to form themselves into a society to be distinguished by the name of-The Society of Whigs of the County of Middlesex-[These gentlemen have subscribed the following form : 1
We whose names are underwritten, do agree to enter heartily, sincerely, and bona fide into this society, pledging ourselves to each other to exert every prudent endeavor to attain the objects which it hath in view, for the public good, and to submit ourselves to the regulations by which it shall be governed.
Then the objects of the society are declared to be these ;
Ist. To detect and to prosecute such traiterons inhabitants of this state as shall openly contemm and violate its salutary laws, and such in par- ticular as do furnish provisions to the public enemy.
2dly. To support and strengthen the executive authority in the exeen- tion of the laws, and to assist them in calling out the force and the supplies of the state against our enemies.
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1781] NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
3dly. To recommend to the legislature the enacting of such laws as we conceive to be for the interest of this commonwealth in particular, and of the continent in general.
Illy. To consider the situation of such of our brethren as may be suffering in captivity, or by their generous exertions in behalf of their country ; and as far as in our power, to procure relief for them, and a compensation for what they have suffered .- But we mean that our atten- tion shall be principally directed to the sufferers of our own country.
After stating the objects of their association, they divide the county Into three districts, each of which shall have a society similar to the general one of the county, who may form their own rules of proceeding, but shall be obliged to report their transactions to the joint meeting of the whole. This joint meeting shall be composed of seven delegates from each district, who alone are to do all the business, the others, if they attend, attending only as spectators.
The district societies are composed of those gentlemen who originally Associated, all of known characters and sound principles, and of those whom they may think it prudent to admit ; upon which they have made this resolution-"It is not our purpose to exclude from this society any gentleman of the county of a fair moral and political character, who may huse to become a member ; however, no person shall be admitted who is hot of such fair character, and who is not proposed by two members and Voted by a majority."
The publie good, and the establishment of the liberty and independence of America, are their sole aim; and with this view they invite the other counties to enter into similar associations, and to establish a corres- pondence with them. Their President is the Rev. Azel Roe, of Wood- tridge ; their Vice-President the Rev. Samuel Smith, of Princeton ; and their Secretary Col. Jonathan Deare.
A. B.
The following are the Titles of the Laws passed the last sitting of the Legislature.
{ For these titles, see Acts of Assembly, Fifth Session, p. 67.1
TO BE LET, Speedwell Saw-Mill and Lands
On Waiding River, in West New Jersey, Burlington county, &c.
[ For this adyt. of Benjamin, Randolph, Phila., see p. 1443. It is taken from the Pennsylvania Packet of Dec. 10, 1780.] BENJAMIN RANDOLPII, in Chestnut-street.
N. B. A young handy Negro Wench, her child, a boy, to be sold, fit for country work. Enquire as aboye.
SUSSEX, SS.
Was committed to the gaol of this county the 31st. of December last, the three following soldiers belonging to Captain Mead's com- pany, of the first Jersey regiment, viz., Benjamin Boone, John Bur- nett, and John Yherts, who were lately advertised in the New-Jersey Journal as deserters. JAMES MORROW, Gaoler.
Newtown, Jan. 7, 1781.
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[1781
TRENTON, January 17.
The publick may depend upon the authenticity of the following brief account of the disorders that have lately taken place among the soldiers of the Pennsylvania line, and which are now happily settled.
A discontent arose among them on the first of this month about the periods of their enlistments, which many of them contended had ex- pired. Some invidious comparisons were also made between the large bounty given to enlist those who were engaged during the war. En- deavours were used by the officers to quiet them, but without success. One officer was unfortunately killed ; and a great part of the soldiers marched off from their encampment toward the Delaware. They were under the conduct of their sergeants; but Gen. Wayne, with some other officers, determined to follow and keep with at all events, though the General could not prevail upon them to stop till they came to Princeton. They marched through the country with great regu- larity and good conduct, and perhaps less less damage than is com- mon on the passing of troops .- While they continued at Princeton a sergeant of the British army with one Ogden, an inhabitant of this state, for a guide, came to them, and made proposals from General Clinton. These they rejected with so much honor and indignation that they seized the messengers and delivered them to General Wayne, who put them under guard. Soon after this a Committee of the Council of Pennsylvania came to meet the soldiery, and a Committee of Congress came to this place. Their grievances were redressed, particularly by giving an interpretation favorable to the soldier of the enlistments which were for three years, or during the war, de- claring them to expire at the end of the three years. They marched from Princeton to this place on Tuesday the 9th. On Wednesday the 10th, the two spies were tried, and executed the next day at the crossroads near the upper ferry. Commissioners were appointed to hear and settle the claims of the soldiers, who are now going through with them with all possible dispatch ; and on Monday the Committee of Congress returned to Philadelphia.
Upon the whole, this affair, which at first appeared so alarming, has only served to give a new proof of the inflexible honor of the soldiery, and their inviolable attachment to American Liberty ; and will teach General Clinton that tho' he could bribe such a mean toad- eater as Arnold, it is not in his power to bribe an American soldier.
Lieutenant-Colonel Klein, formerly in the service of the United States, was last week apprehended in the county of Monmouth on his way to New York.
It is reported that several outward bound vessels from Philadel: phia, were captured last week by the enemy's cruizers off the capes of Delaware.
Last week Ensign Fitz-Randolph, with ten or twelve privates of our militia, were surprised in Amboy by a party of the enemy, and carried to Staten Island.
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1781]
On Sunday, the 7th. instant, departed this life, in an advanced agr, Jacob Bergen, Esq., first judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Somerset. He was many years a Magistrate under the former government; was continued under the present; univer- sally respected as an early, decided, and consistent patriot. The country has lost in him a faithful, active Magistrate, and the state an useful, respectable citizen.
A report prevails here that the enemy under the traitor Arnold, have landed in Virginia. It is added, but we cannot say with what certainty, that they have taken possession of Williamsburg.
We are told that a vessel, prize to the Fair American, has arrived a few days ago in the Delaware.
Day before yesterday died in this place, William Ball, for many years teacher of a school in the neighborhood.
We have received no papers from the Eastward this week.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
An Act of ascertaining the value of the continental currency in the payment of debts, passed 5 Jan., 1781.
[ For this Act, see Statutes of the Session, Chap. IX.]
The remainder of the donations of the Ladies in New-Jersey, for the benefit of the continental army, is desired to be forwarded to the persons appointed to receive the same, that it may be laid out for their use.
A List of Letters remaining in the Post Office last quarter.
Isaac Barns, Trenton, William Bell, ditto. John Carl, Esq. 2, ditto. James Glisson, 2, Jersey. Michael Hannah, Trenton. John Mehelm, Esq. Readington. Martha Lowrey, Flemington. Ebenezer Platt, Penn- ington. William Richards, Trenton. Thomas Stevens, Amwell. John Wright, Bordentown.
Trenton, Jan. 5, 1781. B. Smith, P. M.
TO BE SOLD,
On reasonable terms,
A larde DWELLING HOUSE, situated at Bound Brook, two stories high, four rooms on a floor, with a good kitchen and barn; fifteen acres of meadow adjoining, on which are a number of bearing apple- trees. Whoever is inclined to purchase the same, may know the terms by applying to Michael Field, at Bound Brook, or John Pool, at Trenton.
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RAN AWAY,
From the subscribers last night,
A Negro Man named Joe, and a Negro Woman named Hester : The man is about five feet six or seven inches high, well set, full faced, of an open countenance, was formerly a servant to a British officer, speaks the German language well; had on and took with him a brows great coat badly dyed, white pewter buttons with the letters U. S. A. in a cypher, a green coat with red cuffs and cape and yellow buttons, white jacket and leather breeches, a pair of boots and a pair of shoes, two or three pair of stockings, and two or three shirts. The wench is small though well made, and has a lively eye, being bred in Carolina has the manners of the West-India slaves; she had on a red striped linsey short gown and petticoat, and took with her a dark brown cloak and sundry other clothes. Whoever takes up and secures the above Negroes shall receive Six Spanish milled dollars each, and reason- able charges.
Trenton, Jan. S, 1781.
ROBERT L. HOOPER, ROBERT HOOPS.
TO BE SOLD,
For Hard Money or Continental,
A Tract of Land, containing about 1000 acres, lying in the Corpora. tion of New Brunswick, on the South-River.
| For this advt. of Levinus Clarkson and others, see p. -. ]
JOSEPH MILNOR,
Hlas for Sale at his Store in Trenton,
Rum, Brandy and Wine, Suchong and Bohea Tea, Coffee and Choc- olate, Spanish and Muscovado Sugar, Pine and Cedar Boards and Shingles, Bar-Iron and Nails, with a sufficient assortment of
DRY GOODS.
N. B. All those indebted to him are desired to make immediate pay- ment, and prevent further trouble.
TO BE SOLD,
A valuable Tract of Land, in Hardwick township, Sussex county, state of New Jersey, now in the tenure of Thomas Silverthorn. It contains 213 acres, 150 very rich meadow land, about 30 of which produce the best clover, timothy and blue grass. It is excellent for raising hemp, and well calculated for raising and fatting cattle. There are on the premises, besides the dwelling house, a pretty good Dutch barn, stables, barracks and spring-house, upwards of one hundred apple-trees, and a number of cherry and peach-trees; also a never failing spring of water sufficient for a hemp-mill, and situated con- venient to water a considerable quantity of the meadow. The title is indisputable. For terms apply to the printer of this paper.
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NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
1751]
STOLEN,
Out of the stable of the subscriber, on new-year's eve,
A Black Horse, with one white hind foot, one of his fore hoofs split, a heavy main, low carriage, near 15 hands high, trots or paces, ten years old. Likewise a black Mare, 12 years old past, trots and paces, very tender mouth'd, has some white hairs in her forehead, and saddle marks. Whoever takes up said horse and mare, and secures them so that the owner gets them, shall have Six Hundred Dollars reward, or Three Hundred Dollars for each.
SIMON R. REEVE. Tewksbury township, Hunterdon county, near New-Germantown.
From the New Jersey Gazette, Vol. IV., No. 161, January 24, 1781.
TRENTON, January 24.
Extract of a letter from an officer of the Southern army, dated Hick's Creek, South-Carolina, December 31, 1780.
"The troops of the enemy which left Virginia under Leslie, have ar- rived at Charlestown, and are said to be on their march to join Lord Cornwallis, who has assembled his forces at Camden. Gen. Greene's head- quarters are at this place."
James Slover, Asher Bisset, and Daniel Melvin were last week, by the Court of Quarter Sessions for the county of Middlesex, condemned by virtue of an act of this state against trading with the enemy, to serve on board some of the galleys, frigates or ships in. the service of the United States, and were accordingly carried under guard to Phil- adelphia, to have the said sentence executed.
As government is determined to execute the said act with the greatest vigour, it is hoped those villainous enemies to their country who have hitherto carried on that infamous traflick may profit by the above example, least another punishment enjoined by the said act soon overtake them, and they appear with one car less than their neighbors.
* The Piece signed "A lover of true Justice" is received, and will be attended to next week.
ODE.
How hard the lot of human kind- Both high and low, the rich, the poor, The monarch and the humble hind, All subject are to fortune's power.
Now, now, she turns her smiling face, And now her specious charms we view ; And fondly hug'd in her embrace, Ideal forms of bliss pursue.
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As phantoms grasp'd they melt in air ; The tow'ring castles fancy rais'd, As quick as lightning disappear, At which ere while we fondly gaz'd.
Not they who mighty sceptres sway, Nor they who draw the ears of kings, Can boast security a day From the vicissitudes of things.
Iligh from the haughty tyrant's throne, Whose power is gain'd by means unjust, One stroke of fortune casts him down, And bids ambition lick the dust.
To crush the daring hopes of pride, See one great wretch from being hur'l'd ; Who knows not how brave Cæsar dy'd- Cæsar, the conqueror of the world.
How blest is he whose virtuous soul, Unshaken sees the storm draw near ; And hears the thund'ring tempest roll, Nor feels the force of guilty fear.
Tho' nature should her end proclaim, And lightning rend the earth and skies, Still finds his dauntless mind the same, And views the scene with fearless eyes.
Fortune on him but wastes her ire, Ile laughs her feeble rage to scorn ; Each stroke new courage does inspire, And serves the hero to adorn.
Virtue ! 'ti's thine to mend the heart, The rugged path of life to even, Substantial blessings to impart, And point the way that leads to heav'n. JUVENIS.
New Brunswick, Jan. 20, 1781.
TO BE SOLD,
At the Printing-Office in Trenton, a few copies of the Pamphlet, intitled,
PUBLIC GOOD, Being an examination into the Claim of Virginia to the vacant Western Territory, And of the right of the United States to the same To which is added, Proposals for laying off a new State, To be applied as a fund for carrying on the war, or redeeming the national debt. By the Author of Common Sence.
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RAN AWAY,
On Saturday the 20th. instant, from the subscriber living in Maidenhead,
A negro man named Will, formerly went by the name of Yerrah, about twenty three years of age, five feet eight inches high, has a very remarkable hair mole on his check : Hlad on and took with him a pair of new leather breeches, two pair of stockings, a pair of new shoes, light colored home-spun coat much worn, and nat. It is thought he will endeavour to get to Ancocas or within the enemy's lines. Who- ever takes up and secures said servant so that his master may get him again, shall have Four Specie Dollars Reward, and all reasonable charges paid by
SAMUEL HUNT.
January 224, 1781.
WILLIAM RICHARDS,
At Trenton Landing, and at his Store in Philadelphia, will give the highest price for good
MUSTARD SEED.
The Method of raising Mustard Seed in Durham, Old England.
The ground must be well manured and made into hills about two and a half feet distant each way, much in the same manner as for Indian corn; plant the seed in the first good weather after the twentieth of February a little below the surface, let there be about three or four stalks on each hill, and the seed will grow larger and a greater quantity than if sowed: As it does not all come to per- fection at one time, it must be gathered as it ripens, and spread on a floor to dry. This is work proper for children.
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