USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. V > Part 17
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Since the publication of John Wilmut's Advertisement in No. 164 of the Gazette, the Printer has been informed that it is supposed to have allusion to Mrs. Tree, and to be intended to asperse her good name: This is therefore to inform all whom it may concern, that the said Mrs. Tree, from incontestable evidence, appears to be a Gen- tlewoman of unblemished character, and whose life and conversation have always been exemplary and amiable. The advertisement would by no means have been published, had the Printer been acquainted with the intentions of it, or had the least suspicion that it was pointed at her.
TWO FARMS TO BE SOLD.
The one on which the subscriber lives, containing 273 acres of land, one third of which is good mowing ground, one third plow land, the other third well covered with timber of the best quality ; the whole
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farm is enclosed and under complete fence and small enclosures; there is on it a good dwelling house almost new, two stories high, a large Dutch barn, barracks, shades, &c., two large apple orchards, a num- ber of peach trees, and a large peach nursery fit to plant out. The other farm joins this one, and contains 163 acres, above one third of which is well timbered wood land, 15 acres of mowing ground and much more may be made at an easy expense, the rest good plow land; there is on said farm a good dwelling house and shop, a large English barn, two apple orchards and a number of other fruit trees, the whole under good fence. Both farms are exceedingly well watered, and will be sold very cheap for ready money by the owner.
JOHN SHAW.
Bernard's Town, Basken- ridge, Feb. 24, 1781.
TO BE SOLD.
A Quantity of West-Jersey Rights to Locate Lands in any part of the Western Devision. The title warrented good. Any sort of specie now current, or continental currency, will be received in payment, or country produce, &c.
Wanted to purchase or hire, for a term of years a Negro Man who has been brought up to husbandry and knows plantation work well. Also a Negro Girl about 14 years of age, who has been brought up to country work. None need apply but such as can warrant their char- acters good. Application may be made to the subscriber, who is ready to treat with any person for the above contents.
JOHN LEE.
Mount-Pleasant, near Mount- 1 Holly, February, 26, 1781.
N. B. Wanted, a quantity of cedar rails, boards and shingles, &c.
LOST,
On the 22d instant, on the Morristown road, between Mr. Clark's schoolhouse and John Bullom's tavern near Middle-Brook,
A pocket-book, containing one Seven Dollar Bill Jersey state money, one Forty Shilling ditto, Pennsylvania ditto, one Seventy Dollar Bill Continental, and some other small money. Whoever finds and delivers said Pocket-Book and Money to Mr. Clark, schoolmaster, near Middle Brook aforesaid, or to the subscriber, Post-Rider, shall have One hundred and fifty dollars reward.
Feb., 24.
JAMES MARTIN.
As I propose leaving this state in a short time, notice is given to all persons who have demands against the subscriber, are desired to bring their accounts as speedily as possible, as I shall attend at this place some time to complete the settlement of the same.
JOIIN STAATS.
Bound Brook, Feby. 6, 1781.
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Were committed to the gaol of the county of Burlington, on the 16th. of January last, a certain John Workman and John Teanis, who acknowledge they broke out of Easton gaol some time ago. Also a certain John Ketcham, a deserter from the Pennsylvania regiment. Those concerned with the prisoners are desired to come immediately, pay charges, and take them away.
RALPH PRICE, Gaoler.
Burlington, February 24, 1781.
STRAYED OR STOLEN, From the subscriber, living in Somerset county, Bedminster township,
A large blackish roan Horse, fifteen hands high, shod all round, long tail, blind in the near eye, occasioned as is supposed by the stroke of a whip as he hath been formerly a waggon-horse in the continental service. Also went with him, a two year old Filley, near fourteen hands high, dark brown, long tail not docked. Whoever secures said Horse and Filley, so that the owner may have them again shall have Two Hundred Dollars reward with reasonable charges.
Feb. 26, 1781.
ROBERT GASTON.
From the New Jersey Gazette, Vol. IV., No. 167, March 7, 1781.
TRENTON, March 7.
Extract of a letter from Philadelphia, March 6.
"The news from the South is encouraging. There are letters from thence as late as the 15th, ult. which give an account that Gen. Greene had effected his retreat without any loss of men or baggage ;- that Lord Cornwallis had halted at Dan river, and it was uncertain whether he would cross it, or retire to the southward. Other letters from Virginia, of a later date, say the enemy are retiring with as much precipitation as they advanced, harrassed half to death with long marches ;- that the main army was in turn pursuing them ;- that Morgan, Lee, Sumpter, and Marian were south of them, and the militia fast assembling and gathering about them."
"On Wednesday, the 28th. of February last, departed this life, at his seat at Morven near Princeton, in the fifty-first year of his age, Richard Stockton, Esquire. The ability, dignity, and integrity, with which this gentleman discharged the duties of the several important offices to which he was called by the voice of his country are-well known.
"In the private walk of life he was peculiarly engaging; his man- ners were easy, his conversation was at all times embellished with the genuine marks of a finished education, a refined taste, and a true knowledge of the world ..
"It pleased God to give him an oppertunity of completing his char- acter as a Christian, by that unshaken fortitude and pious resignation
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with which he sustained a disease peculiarly painful and tedious; and by that composure and triumph with which he parted with every- thing that was dear in life.
"Ilis remains were conducted to the College hall on the Friday fol- lowing, where an excellent sermon suitable to the occasion was preached by the Rev. Mr. Samuel Smith, the Professor of Divinity ; they were afterwards interred with his ancestors, in the Friends burial . ground near Princeton."
Ilis Excellency the Governor has appointed the Terms in the Court of Chancery, (then to be held at Trenton) on the first Saturdays after the first Tuesdays in the months of April and September, and on the first Saturdays after the second Tuesdays in the months of May and November.
To the Printer of the New-Jersey Gazette.
Sir.
The General Assembly, by their act of the 17th. November last, have authorized his Excellency the Governor and the Honorable the Privy Coun- cil, to ascertain and declare, from time to time, the comparative value of the continental currency and specie; or, in more familiar phrase, the current rate of exchange between them. This, in my opinion, was a judicious measure, and in virtue of the authority vested by it, the rate of exchange was duly declared on the 22d of the same month at seventy five. Doubtless the Legislature intended that this power should be exer- cised as often as a change of circumstances should render it proper and necessary. It is not mine to prescribe to the Honorable Body in whos hands it is deposited, but with the respect which it becomes a citizen, I would observe, that the same reasons which made it proper on the 22d, of November last to mark it at seventy five, rather than a lower number, now make it proper to carry it above seventy five. The experi- ence of several years has taught us, and fixed the conviction, that all laws and regulations respecting money, ought in an especial manner. to coincide with the general sense of the people. That where-ever this is not the case. a thousand shifts and practices of slight of hand will be used to evade them. There is certainly, at this time; in the opinion of the people at large, a very considerable difference between the estimated or mercantile and the lawful exchange. The natural and Inevitable effect of this is to depreciate the new bills, commonly called lawful money, which it is the interest, determination and endeavour of every honest trader and honest man of whatever profession, to support at their legal value and equality with coin.
I would not, by any means, have produced these sentiments to publick view were they merely my own, but I believe they are the sentiments of the community in general ; nor do I wish to enlarge upon them, well know- ing that news-paper effusions upon money matters rarely do any good ; but I hope they can have no ill effect nor be taken as an offence, and am fully persuaded that a little reflection and enquiry will point out to those whom it may concern, what is best to be done.
SILENTIO.
Trenton, March 5, 1781.
Whereas by information from the Superintendant of Purchases it appears that many of the County Contractors have been very negligent in making their Returns and Settlements: Therefore those Con- tractors in the several counties who are delinquent in making their returns and settlements agreeably to law, are required to make them
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unmediately ; and those who have made purchases, and since resigned their offices, are required forthwith to make a final settlement of their accounts.
JAMES EWING, Auditor of Accounts.
Readingtown, Hunterdon county, near the . White-House, February 20, 1781.
The subscriber takes this method of acquainting his former cus- tomers, and the publick in general, that he has furnished himself with u quantity of Carolina Cane, intending to carry on the
REED-MAKING BUSINESS
as usual and hopes, by his knowledge of, and attention to his business, to give satisfaction to all those who shall please to favour him with their custom. CHIARLES EVERSOLE.
Joseph Inslee, at Pennington, Ilas for Sale, a few barrels of the best Liver Oil. Also Pepper and Alspice, by the hundred weight or less quantity.
WANTED,
A good schoolmaster, to teach reading and writing. A single or married man, well recommended, will hear of a place, and meet with proper encouragement by applying to the Printer.
Likewise good wages will be given by a gentleman in the neighbor- hood of Morris-Town for a good Negro Man, who can be well recom- mended for Cooking, Sobriety, &c. For further information enquire of the Printer.
TO BE SOLD,
A Negro Man and his Wife, with two male Children. The man is a complete farmer. The wench is an exceedingly good dairy woman, and can wash, iron, and cook very well. They are honest and sober. Enquire of the Printer.
MADE HIS ESCAPE,
From the Constable of the township of Windsor, in Middlesex county,
A Certain William Turner, apprehended for theft. He is about five feet eleven inches high, and in but poor habit. Whoever will take up and secure the said Turner, shall receive Two Hard Dollars reward, and reasonable charges.
LIPPINCOT SOUTII.
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TO BE SOLD BY PUBLICK VENDUE,
At the house of Okey Hendrickson, Innkeeper, in Heights' town, on Friday, 23d. of March,
Three horses, two of them very good for the gears, and the other an elegant saddle horse; also a good breeding mare, cattle, a waggon
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and gears, two sets of boxes, with wings and screws for a riding chair ; one plough ; half a dozen chairs; half a dozen knives and forks; a set of new China ; and 1000 feet of inch pine boards. The vendue to begin at ten o'clock, when the conditions of sale will be made known by me. OKEY HENDRICKSON.
N. B. Also a hogshead of good Rum to be sold, of high proof and excellent quality, for which loan-office certificates or state money will be taken in payment.
From the N. J. Gazette, Vol. IV., No. 168, March 14, 1781.
TRENTON, March 14.
General Dickinson desires the Militia of this state will hold them- selves in the most perfect readiness to march on the shortest notice ; it being probable their services may soon be required. He requests the officers will pay the strictest attention to their men's arms and accoutrements, that their appearance in the field may reflect honor on themselves; and flatters himself, that when called upon, they will turn out with that spirit which characterizes the Militia of New- Jersey.
The Brigadiers and Colonels, or Lieutenant-Colonels Commandants of brigades, will be pleased to make their returns agreeably to the direction of the last militia law, passed at Trenton, January 8, 1781.
We would advise the gentleman who sent us an account of the "Conduct of a guard," whenever such behaviour shall be repeated, to practice the methods he proposes, of guarding such guard to a safe place, there to remain until they shall be taught that their duty is to protect, not plunder, the good people of the state. The money sent will be returned when called for.
The Whig inhabitants of the Western Precinct, (Somerset county) are requested to meet at the house of IIenry Harrison, at Rocky-Hill, on Tuesday, the 3d of April next, on business of importance; to which time and place the last meeting adjourned.
By order of the meeting,
THO. EGBERT.
Princeton, March 12, 1781.
WILL BE RENTED AT VENDUE, On Saturday the 24th of this instant, March,
The elegant Farm formerly belonging to Capt. Howard, but now in the possession of Thomas Forman, situate on the main road leading from Philadelphia to New-York, one mile from Princeton and two from Kingston. The vendue to be held on the premises, and will begin at one o'clock, where the conditions will be made known, and attend- ance given by WM. SCUDDER.
Princeton, March 6, 1781.
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At a Court of Inquiry held at the house of Aaron T. Lucas, in Bradington, by order of Major-General Dickinson, on the 5th and 6th days of February, 1781, for the investigation of a charge of cowerdice alledged against Colonel John Taylor, of the fourth regiment of Hun- terdon county militia, at the battle of Springfield, June 23, 1780.
The Court consisted of the following officers, viz.
Colonel Joseph Phillips, President, Lieutenant-Colonel Joab Hough- ton, Major Cornelius Stout, Major Richard M'Donald, Major Joseph Brearley, Major Henry Phillips, Members.
The Court, after hearing the proofs and allegations of both parties, wud having maturely considered the same, unanimously beg leave to report, That the said Colonel John Taylor's conduct at Springfield was unexceptionable ; that he did not manifest any degree of timidity or cowardice on that occasion, but on the contrary, (situated as he was) discovered spirit, prudence, and sagacity ; conspicuous and in- berent qualities in a good officer: And therefore ought to be honorably acquitted of the charge above mentioned.
By order of the Court, JOS. PHILLIPS, Presid.
The above report approved of by
PHILEMON DICKINSON, M. Gen.
The District Society of Whigs of the townships of Windsor and South-Brunswick, ( Middlesex county), will meet at the house of Mr. Isaiah Shaw, in Cranberry, on Thursday, the 29th inst. (March) at nine o'clock in the forenoon.
By order of the Society, NATHANIEL HUNT, Clk.
March 12th, 1781.
TO BE SOLD. A Negro Wench,
Forty-six years old, remarkably healthy and active, has had the small- pox, is an excellent cook, in which station she has served many years in a very genteel family ;- is honest, industrious, neat, and a very good economist, spins very well, and is fond of children. Would . .
particularly suit a genteel tavern or family that entertains much. Price [GO, hard cash, or the current exchange in continental. Enquire of the Printer, March 12.
TO BE SOLD BY PUBLIC VENDUE, On Tuesday the 20th of March, instant,
The Plantation whereon James Hazlett now lives, it was part of a tract of land belonging to Rebecca Coxe; it is situated in a very pleasant healthy part of the country in Mansfieldwoodhouse township, Sussex County, and state of New-Jersey ; containing 175 acres of excellent wheat and pasture land, 100 acres cleared, the rest well timbered, 16 acres of good English meadow, and more can be made.
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On the premises are two good dwelling houses, a good barn, stables, and barracks, a good thriving orchard ; the whole place well watered by a constant stream besides good springs; the fences in good repair. The Vendue will begin at 12 o'clock, when attendance will be given. Conditions of sale made known, and an indisputable title will be given by JAMES & SAMUEL HAZLETT.
TO BE SOLD,
At Chestnut-Neck, in Gloucester county, on Friday the 16th instant, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, The Sloop Hannah,
With all her tackle, and furniture; and also her Cargo, consisting of thirty-seven thousand feet of pine boards, ninety-two thousand 18 inch shingles, a quantity of bar iron, and a considerable quantity of tar.
By order of the Judge of the Admiralty of the state of New Jersey. J. BURROWS, Marshal.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
The subscriber, living in Mount-Holly, Burlington county, having administered on the estate of Elias Bland, late of Woodbridge in New-Jersey, deceased, requests those indebted to the said estate to pay ; and those who have accounts are desired to bring them in, properly stated and attested, by the 10th of next month.
3d month 12, 1781.
WM. CALVERT.
ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS REWARD,
Broke out of Burlington gaol, on the night of the 6th inst. the following persons, viz. John Workman, (advertised in the Pennsyl- vania papers for breaking out of Easton gaol) about five feet nine or ten inches high, dark complexion, pitted with the small pox, about thirty-four years of age. John Ketchum, five feet eleven inches high, stoops when he walks, a deserter from the 6th Pennsylvania regi- ment. Thomas M'Calvey and John Hanly, formerly belonging to the Pennsylvania line. Whoever secures the said John Workman in any gaol, shall have Five Hundred and fifty dollars, and One hundred and fifty for each of the other three, will all reasonable charges, paid by me. RALPHI PRICE, Gaoeler.
March 7, 1781.
From the New Jersey Gazette, Vol. IV., No. 169, March 21, 1781.
Mr. Printer,
I observed some time ago two pelees in your paper concerning the free- dom of Negroes, tending to discourage a proposed law for their manumis- sion. The first fully admits the Injustice of slavery ; the second admits it too, but with some reluctance, (as I have not the papers by me, I write,
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an yer correction, by memory) and hints, that the iniquity is so very old, 4444 very common, that in short it is almost no iniquity at all. Both how- aver hartily concur in opinion, that a law for that purpose would be highly umapedient at the present time. As all their arguments are founded on · . opposition that a total and immediate abolition of slavery is intended ; Would the fact appear to be quite otherwise, their reasonings will lose all their weight, and of course ought likewise to lose their effect. I had for honour to sign a petition, as did most of my neighbours, to the Legis- lature for the freedom of the Negroes; and I can assure those gentlemen, nat an immediate and indiscriminate liberation was neither expressed be, nor intended by the petition; and we fully considered, as we ought to do, in the wisdom of that Honourable Body, that they would enact a Low upon similar principles with the one then in force in the neighbour- the state of Pennsylvania. We wished indeed it might retrospect as far a. the Declaration of Independence, that we might convince the world in kcorral, and even our enemies, that it was not a partial, interested free- dela we meant to assert and maintain, but that as soon as we had cast of forever our shackles and pressures, which had too long borne down and obseared every generous motive of action, and found ourselves free la act agreeable to the dignity of human nature, our conduct should declare that we considered liberty as inherent and unalienable ; and as far @. ur influence should extend, we would communicate it to all our fellow wien. The freedom of those unhappy black people, induced in so very gradual a manner as it is in Pennsylvania, must remove every reasonable apprehension of danger to the state, or private loss to individuals. But should some inconveniences and embarrassments arise to the public, it is ho more than we have a right to expect, as a punishment for our past oppression of them. The danger we have been in of losing our own liberty, may be a wise dispensation of Providence to awaken in us a juster sense of theirs. The national calamity of war, we cannot doubt, is sent as a punishment for national sins; because only in this life can states and kingdoms be punished : And it behooves us seriously to consider whether the just and merciful maker and father of all mankind is not now con- tending with us for the insult offered to his image and the workmanship of his hands, in depriving our fellow men of that liberty with which Christ has made them free, and insolently and impiously arrogating this privilege, as peculiar to ourselves alone, for no better reason but because our skins arr white, when it has pleased the all-wise God to make the greater part of mankind of a different complexion.
As to the loss of private property upon this plan- - to every good man it must appear very inconsiderable ; But were it even greater than pro- posed, the heart-felt satisfaction and inward peace which are evermore the concomitants of conscious rectitude and justice, and the approving and prospering smiles of that God who alone giveth increase, will finally much better supply deficiencies than all the sneaking carnal prudence and Interested wisdom in the world. The just man's children, says the good man when old, I never saw beg their bread. But, say these writers, like Felix of old, at a more convenient season we will hear you. According to the fore mentioned plan, four or five and twenty long years must elapse before it has any effect ; therefore there is not a moment to be lost in beginning it. Let us only place ourselves in their situation ; or let but a good man and a conscientious patriot who finds himself wrong, and in spite of supposed interest, wishes to be right, consider his own situation, and he would without hesitation pronounce --- Now is the time. Tolerando miseris succurrere disco, -- by suffering myself I learn to succor the miser- able,-was a Latin maxim I got by heart when a boy at school, but I never felt the force of it so sensibly as since the present troubles of my country began. I am an old man, and have had Negroes ever since I had property of my own, (it is true I treated them with humanity and kind- ness, as is generally the case in this part of the world) yet I never doubted they were chattel property as much as my horses and cattle, till my neighbor called upon me with the petition, of which the enclosed is a copy. The proposal at that time was entirely new to me; and interest condemned it before I heard it read. In obedience to the first mercenary Impulse I declined signing it, with the most plausible evasion . I could
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find, to save my credit ; I avoided as much as possible talking upon the subject then, yet I could not get rid of the impression it made, and Is a round-about manner (I acknowledge it with shame) I procured a copy, which I porsued with leisure and seriousness ; the result was, I cheerfully signed the petition soon after, and as I am informed it has been presented some considerable time ago to the Legislature, I presume, Mr. Printer, there would be no impropriety in printing it; perhaps it may carry the same conviction with it to others that it did to me : For I am convinced it is from want of thought and consideration alone that good men cam oppose the measure.
However, the publication of that, or the scrawl that incloses it, is sub- mitted to your better discretion .--- Happen as it may, I shall rest the better contented for having made an honest well-meant attempt, altho' it should be judged an improper one.
HOMO SUM
The following is a Copy of the above mentioned Petition.
To the Honourable the Representatives of the Freemen of the state of New-Jersey in Legislative-Council and General Assembly convened.
The Petition of sundry Freeholders and Inhabitants of the county of --
Humbly sheweth,
That your petitioners, inspired by that love of liberty which dilates and purifies the heart, and is abhorrent of slavery where-ever it is found, beg leave humbly to represent the distress they feel for their fellow men amongst them, doomed to hereditary and perpetual bondage.
Your petitioners are humbly of opinion, that the God of human nature, however he, in his wisdom, may think proper to diversify his own image in external appearance, yet whenever he breathes into it the rational and ever living soul, he likewise bestows everything that is effectual to the dignity of man ;- the blessing of reason would other- wise be its curse. But should the conduct of sovereign wisdom be in any instance inexplicable to us, he has laid down a rule directory to our conduct ; of perpetual obligation; too plain to be doubted; too positive to be evaded ;- To do to others as we would they should do unto us.
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