USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. V > Part 34
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Q. "Do you remember the King's speech in 1775, promising to send Commissioners into America to make peace?
A. I do not remember it particularly : I dare say I have seen it.
Q. Do you not remember that it was reported in America, assurances were given from the Throne that Commissioners would be sent to Amer- ica for making peace?
A. I remember it very well.
Q. Did that commission arrive in America ?
A. Yes.
Q. Was it seven months, or thereabouts, after the opening of that ses- sion ?
A. I am perhaps the least able to tell that.
Q. Do you remember when the commission arrived in America?
A. Pretty well.
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Q. The time?
A. I believe about the month of August, 1776.
Q. Was it not expected with eagerness by numbers of the Americans, par ticularly the well affected ?
A. Certainly it was so.
Q. Was not independency declared in the interval between the declaration from the Throne, and the arrival of that commission ?
A. I believe independency was declared before Lord Howe's arrival.
Q. Was it long before?
A. Not very long; I don't remember the day.
Q. Was it in the beginning of July ?
A. I believe about June or July.
'Q. Not long before Lord Howe's arrival?
A. No.
Q. Did not the postponing a conciliatory commission till that time pro- duce mischief ?
A. The sooner the King's gracious intentions were known it would have been better.
Q. Was. it not assigned as one reason of the declaration of independence, that they were put out of the King's protection, and that no redress of grievance was held out ?
A. I have no way of knowing but by reading the Congres's papers, which are in every body's hands.
Q. Was not that in the Congres's papers?
A. I believe $0.
Q. Was there not a complaint in America, that the powers of the Com. missioners were so limited that they had no power to offer any specifick redress of grievances ?
A. The people of America did not know what powers the Commissioners had, nor do I know to this day.
Q. Was it made known in America that the Commissioners had a power to give satisfaction relative to the matter of taxation?
A. I don't know that it was known ; I did not know it; nor do I know it now.
Q. Would not the knowledge of such a power have facilitated peace, if such a power had been ?
A. Such an offer made to the gross of the people, would certainly have had a very great effect.
Q. Do you think if the Commissioners had had such a power, they would not have made it known?
A. I did not know what reasons the Commissioners might have for con- cealing their powers.
Q. Were they not charged with not having such power by Dr. Franklin and others, as well as by the Congress, and whether that charge was not made publick ?
A. Dr. Franklin said so.
Q. Did the Commissioners contradict it?
A. I really am not aterse to answering the question, but I do not know what the powers of the Commissioners were, nor were they known in America ; they were differently spoke of and guessed at."
In the fourth day's examination of General Robertson, Parliamentary Register No. LXXVIII. p. 395, are the following questions and answers.
Sir William Howe. Q. You have said that the gross of the people were desirons to treat, did they make any offer towards it to the first Commis- sioners?
A. I know nothing of that; the gross of the people cannot make offers ; they would be hanged if they did.
Q. Was there any means for the Commissioners in first commission to treat with the people in general without having first defeated the Amer. ican army?
A. I apprehend that the great art of the Commissioners was to contrive how to carry on such a treaty, without its being discovered.
Q. Were the first Commissioners authorized by their instructions to treat in the mode you have supposed they might treat?
A. I know nothing of the Commissioners powers.
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In the foregoing examination it appears that General Robertson, an of- Wer of high rank in the British army, a man of observation and intelli- grace, and who had resided above twenty years in America, could never Ascertain either from circumstances or information, the powers of the Commissioners in 1776, or whether they had any power to treat with America at all. It is true Lord and General Howe said they had a com- mission, but of what nature or import they never revealed, either to false the spirits and confirm the loyalty of the friends of Britain in this rountry, or to endeavour to bring over the whigs to their side. The only faits we are possessed of, are, that they came to New-York in 1776, with a naval and great military force, and that instead of making con- elllatory offers, they employed this force to ruin our commerce and lay waste our country ; for which they have had their reward.
CANDIDUS.
TRENTON, Dec. 26.
On Thursday the 29th ult. died at his seat on Raritan, Mr. Derrick Van-Vechten, in the S4th year of his age .- This gentleman possessed the virtues of patriotism and hospitality in a very eminent degree ; ---- warmly attached to the cause of his country, he took peculiar pleasure In rendering it any services in his power, and when his property was very essentially injured by the winter quarters of a division of our army being fixed on his possessions, like a good citizen, he submitted without repining, to suffer as an individual, to promote the publick good. Ilis benevolence and hospitality were not confined to the circle of his friends and acquaintances-His doors were ever open to the friendless stranger ;- his house afforded a resting place and a cheerful welcome to the weary traveller-the blessings of the poor and needy, . the widow and orphen daily ascended to Heaven in his behalf .--- Providence blessed him with a good constitution, and he met the gradual approaches of death with that composure and resignation which proceed from the consciousness of a virtuous life, and a well grounded hope of the divine acceptance .-- The general sorrow of the numerous assembly which attended the funeral on the Sunday follow- ing, testified their sense of his merit, and their loss,
Peter Hopkins, Esq. was lately elected a Representative to serve in General Assembly for the county of Sussex, in the room of William Maxwell, Esq. who did not take his seat.
The person who left a quarto bible at the Printing-Office sereral months ago, to be rebound, is requested to call for it. Mr. Collins,
The inclosed being sent to mc by Col. A. Walton White, as a friend of his I desire you will insert the same in your next paper, and you will oblige your humble servant, A. W.
Camp near York, in Virginia, Oct. 25, 1781.
Sir,
In compliance with your request of the 20th inst. I have informed His Excellency the Commander in Chief of your application for a hearing on the charges exhibited against you by Capt. John Heard, of the 4th Tegiment of light dragoons, and find that Capt. Heard has declared he was misinformed by the officers he expected to produce in support of the charges he has preferred, and petitioned to with draw them, which his Excellency acquiesces in.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION. [1781
This, Sir, in my opinion, amounts to as ample a justification of yout conduct as an acquittal by a General Court-Martial, and ought for that reason to be as satisfactory to you. I am, Sir, with regard and esteem. your obedient and very humble servant
EDWARD HIAND, Adj. Gen. COL. ANTHONY W. WHITE, 1st. regt. Light Dragoons. (Copy )
Extract from General Orders,
"Colonel White, of the 1st regiment of dragoons, being favoured with an opportunity, by the arrival of the northern army, to request a hearing by Court Martial, upon the charges exhibited against him by Capt. Heard, of the 4th regiment of light dragoons, in the year 1779, and having obtained the Commander in Chief's permission for that purpose, informed Capt. Heard officially of his determination. and requested him to prepare his evidences accordingly, In con. sequence of which Capt. Heard replied, that upon investigation he found that his charges against Col. White were grounded upon mis information, and expressed his wishes to withdraw them. The Gru eral, in order that this declaration may have its proper effect, and that Col. White may be totally freed from the aspersions cast on his character in consequence of the charges alluded to, directs it to be published to the army.
The General cannot forbear adding, that accusations of so serious a nature should be made with the most scrupulous caution, an officer's character being too sacred to be impeached with levity or without a sufficient foundation."
Why the charges alluded to in the above letter and general orders were not enquired into at an earlier period, the publick will be in .. formed by the following remarks :
Colonel White, as Lieutenant-Colonel of the 4th regiment of light dragoons, then with the northern army, commanded the regiment on the lines most part of the campaign of the year 1775, during all which time Capt. Heard was with the regiment. In the beginning of the year following Col. White was appointed to the command of the first regiment of dragoons, then serving with the southern army, and or dered to join that regiment immediately, which he did. And although Capt. Heard had been frequently heard to declare, during the cam. paign before mentioned, that he had and intended to exhibit several charges of a most serious nature against Col. White, he delayed, for reasons too obvious, doing it until Col. White had joined the southern army, when he exhibited the charges alluded to in the general orders, notwithstanding he was cautioned and told at the time, that his de- laying to exhibit the charges during Col. White's presence, and offer- ing them when the Colonel was at too great a distance to vindicate himself, would bear a very unfavourable aspect. Col. White having continued to the southward ever since his joining the first regiment, never had an oppertunity of a hearing until this time, when he joined the northern army before York, in Virginia, and immediately applied for a hearing ; the issue of which the above letter and general orders fully explains.
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1781]
NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS.
353
Mr. Collins.
Please to give this Hymn (which was sung in several Churches on the Day of our publick Thanksgiving) a Place in your useful Gazette, and it will be very acceptable to many.
1 To Thee, great sov'reign of the skies ! This day our grateful songs resound ; From ev'ry heart shall incense rise, And praise through all thy temples sound.
2 Our Land, a tributary slave, Doom'd to rebellion's awful fate, When Heav'n a pow'rful monarch gave To aid new pillars of the state. 3 Our States supported by thy pow'r ; Firm prop of the Republic's laws ;- Thy blessings on the people show'r ; Thine arm defends th' united cause. 4 Union 'tis God alone inspires ; Founded by Hleav'n the fabrics rise :
Th' astonished world the work admires, And owns the counsel of the skies.
5 New empires never rise by chance ; No veering gales promotion blow ; A sov'reign judge doth states advance, And lays oppressing kingdoms low. 6 He forms our gen'rat prudent, brave, Gives the young Captains warlike skill Angelie shields our troops preserve, Who scale proud tow'is with breasts of steel.
7 No savage deed distains the sword, While Heav'n's taught chief directs the host ;
Submission hears the joyous word- Mercy !-- The christian conq'ror's boast !
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8 The mem'ry of thy recent grace. Afresh shall fire them from the field :
The foe shall find renew'd disgrace. And fly our shores, or shameful yield. 9 Our fertile fields thy favour show ; With gifts revolving moons appear ; Gifts !- that in streams luxuriant flow- Thy goodness crowns th' auspicious year. 10 Save us from all despondent eries ; Now may our trust in God be strong, Till full salvation shall arise, And heav'n-born peace attend the song.
NATHAN BRAKES
Has just opened store at the house lately occupied by David Pincker- ton, deceased, where he has an assortment of dry goods suitable to the season. Also West-India and country rum, sugar, pepper, tea, coffee, &c. which he will sell by wholesale or retail.
As he has laid in his goods upon the best terms, and being determined to sell for a moderate profit, he wishes to claim the attention of the publiek in general, and his friends and acquaintances in particular.
This is to inform the publick, that James Shea takes in and dresses boot legs in the neatest and best manner. Also curries leather of all kinds, for boots, shoes, &c. He is to be found at his dwelling nearly opposite the gaol, and next door to Archibald Yard's, in Trenton.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION.
[1782
TO BE SOLD,
At publick vendue, on Friday the 28th day of this instant, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, at the house of James Willis, at Cape- May ; The SLOOP BETSEY, burthen about 40 tons, with her tackle, apparel, furniture and cargo, consisting of flour, wheat and Indian corn. By order of the Judge,
JOHN BURROWS, Marshal.
Dee. 17, 1781.
From the New Jersey Gazette, Vot IV., No. 210, Jan. 2, 1782.
TRENTON, Jan. 2.
On Saturday last the General Assembly of this state adjourned to Wednesday the 15th of May next, then to meet at Trenton. During the setting the following acts were passed :
A supplemental act to an act, intitled, an act for amending and establishing the charter of the college of New-Jersey.
An act to continue an act, intitled, an act to alter the place of holding the supreme court of judicature of this state, and to ascertain the times for holding the same, and also to alter and ascertain the times of holding the inferior court of common pleas and court of general quarter sessions of the peace for the county of Hunterdon.
An act to continue an act, intitled, an act to alter the place of holding the inferior court of common pleas and court of general quarter sessions of the peace for the county of Middlesex.
An act to empower John Ely, on the part of George Ely, to divide a certain tract of land belonging to the said George Ely and Capt. George Coryell.
An act for the more speedy settlement of the publick accounts.
An act to procure an estimate of the damages sustained by the inhabitants of this state from the waste and spoil committed by the troops in the service of the enemy and their adherents, by the con- tinental army, or by the militia of this or of the neighbouring states.
An act to secure the profits of lands upon the frontiers of the state, to the owners respectively who have been compelled to abandon the same.
An act for recovering certain monies due for the hire of substitutes.
An act to amend an act, intitled, an act to declare the value of the continental currency through the several periods of its depreciation, and to provide for the more equitable payment of debts.
An act to raise the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Pounds, in money and certificates, in the state of New-Jersey.
An act to ascertain the time when the several persons appointed as appraisers in the act, intitled, an act to procure an estimate of the damages sustained by the inhabitants of this state from the waste and spoil committed by the troops in the service of the enemy, and their adherents, by the continental army, or by the militia of this or of the neighbouring states, shall proceed to perform the several duties required of them.
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An act to repeal part of certain acts therein mentioned, and also to direct the settlement of the accounts of the superintendant and contractors of this state.
An act for supporting the government of the state of New-Jersey, lo commence the thirteenth day of October, one thousand seven hun- dred and eighty-one, and to end the second Tuesday in October, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two, inclusive.
An act to provide for the defence of the frontiers, and for defraying the expences of the government of this state.
An act for taking charge of and leasing the real estates of the sub- jeets of the King of Great-Britain, lying within this state.
An act for regulating and establishing admiralty jurisdiction.
An act for defraying sundry incidental charges.
On Wednesday last the Honourable the Council and Assembly elected the following officers of the Court of Admiralty : The Hon- ourable John Imlay, Esq. Judge; Joseph Bloomfield, Esq. Register ; and James M'Comb, Esq. Marshal.
TO BE SOLD,
On the lowest Terms for Cash only, At the Printing-Office in Trenton,
Tea, Coffee, Chocolate, Muscovado Sugar, Spanish ditto, Pepper, Ginger, Soap,
Also,
Pins and Needles-and a Variety of Queen's Ware, consisting of Tea Pots, Cups and Saucers, Sugar Bowls and Plates-Where ready money will be given for a few Barrels of good soft Soap.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN :
State of 1 New-Jersey, ss. S Notice is hereby given, that a Court of Admiralty will be held at the house of Gilbert Barton, in Allentown, on Monday the 25th day of January next, at the hour of ten in the forenoon, then and there to try the truth of the facts alledged in the bill of William Treen, commander of the schooner
and Joseph Edwards, commander of the whale-boat Unity, (who as well, &c. ) against a certain sloop or vessel called the Betsey, which lately sailed from Jones's Creek, in the Delaware state, laden with wheat, Indian corn and flour, and was captured in Delaware Bay by a British cruzer, commanded by Joseph-Hughes Burden, and retaken by the aforesaid Captains Treen and Edwards, together with her tackle, apparel, furniture and cargo: To the end and intent that the owner or owners of the said vessel, or any other person or persons interested therein, may appear and shew cause, if any they have. why the said vessel, with her tackle, apparel, furniture and cargo should not be condemned to the captors thereof, and a decree thereon pass, pursuant to the prayer of the said bill.
By order of the Judge, JOSEPH BLOOMFIELD, Register.
Burlington, Dec. 27, 1781.
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NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION.
[1782
Notice is hereby given, that the subscriber and Margaret his wife. by express contract, made an equal division of their property, sep- arated in February 1779, and have lived separate ever since, and that he shall pay no debts which she hath either contracted since that time, or which she may hereafter contract. OVID HIAND.
December 22, 1781.
From the New Jersey Gazette, Vol. T., No. 211, Jan. 9, 1782.
STATE OF NEW-JERSEY.
An Act to amend an Act, intitled, An Act to declare the value of the Continental Currency through the several Periods of its Deprecia- tion, and to provide for the more equitable Payment of Debts.
[For this Act, passed Dec. 25, 1781, see -. ]
The following has been omitted several weeks for want of room. By the United States in Congress Assembled, October 29th, 1781.
Resolved,
[ For this resolution of thanks to General Washington, see Journals of Congress. ]
RT At the expiration of the year 1778, lists containing the names of every individual subscriber for the New-Jersey Gazette, with what entrance money each had paid, and what was due up to that time, were transmitted to the persons to whom packets had been sent, and who were not then accountable for the pay, with a request that they would collect the money due, send it, and return the same lists or accounts to the publisher, to the end that he might give the necessary credits and return receipts :- Many of the packet-masters not having done this, it is impossible for him to close his accounts to that period without being subjected to the tedious, expensive and disagreeable necessity of calling upon every individual subscriber, many of whom have, perhaps, already paid to the packet-masters; he therefore begs the favour of them to return him all unsettled lists as soon as possible, that credits may be given and receipts returned, as above-mentioned. to such as have paid, and more effectual means taken to collect the arrears from such as have not. ISAAC COLLINS.
January 9, 1782.
TO BE LET, For a term of years,
A Plantation containing 200 acres of land, 9 miles distant from Trenton, on the river road. The fields properly divided, with water in each, between 18 and 20 acres of meadow, an exceeding good orchard, with an excellent stone dwelling-house two stories high, a
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stone kitchen adjoining, and a spring near the same; a large barn covered with cedar, with sheds that will contain 20 horses.
Apply to PHILEMON DICKERSON.
Trenton, Jan. 8 1782.
TO BE SOLD,
A Lot of Land, in Monmouth county, East-JJersey, on the great road leading from Morris's tavern to the Baptist Meeting-House, within one mile and an half of Emley's Town, and six miles from Allen-Town, containing 50 acres, 40 cleared, 4 of meadow, and the remainder wood-land ; thereon is a good framed house, with two rooms on the lower floor, and an entry; three rooms above, and a cellar under the whole; a good well of water at the door, a stone kitchen and shoe-maker's shop, a barn, with stables therein, a good waggon-house with a stable and cornerib therein, a young bearing orchard, and other fruit-trees, such as peaches, plumbs, pears and cherries. For terms apply to Robert Wright, in Hanover township, Burlington county, Benjamin Morris, on Shrewsbury road, or Judiah Throb, on the premises.
If not sold by the first of April, to be let.
January 3, 1782.
TO BE SOLD,
And entered upon the first day of April next,
A good large framed house, wherein Thomas Nixon now lives, almost new, with cellars under the whole, and eleven acres of land, on which is a thriving young orchard of divers fruit besides apples, with a good stable and garden well inclosed. The whole in good repair at the Cross-Roads, ten miles from Brunswick and five from Cranberry, and is a good stand for a merchant or tradesman. The title is indisputable. The value of the purchase will be taken in stock, if agreeable to the purchaser. Enquire of John Guest, near Brunswick.
January 1, 1782.
TO BE SOLD,
A Farm in the township of Upper-Frechold, in the county of Mon- mouth, near Allen-Town, and state of New-Jersey, containing 196 acres, a large proportion of meadow and meadow ground, some very fertile and the rest, with little improvement, will make good meadow ; -wood in plenty. For terms apply to William Walton, living on the premises, by whom a good title will be given.
January 1, 1782.
TO BE SOLD,
On the lowest Terms for Cash only, At the Printing-Office in Trenton,
Tea, Coffee, Chocolate, Muscovado Sugar, Spanish ditto, Pepper, Ginger, Soap,
Also,
Pins and Needles-and a Variety of
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QUEEN'S WARE,
Consisting of Tea Pots, Cups and Saucers, Sugar Bowls and Plates -- Where ready money will be given for a few Barrels of good soft soap.
From the New Jersey Gazette, Vol. V., No. 212, Jan. 16, 1782.
STATE OF NEW-JERSEY.
An Act to provide for the defence of the frontiers and for defraying the expences of the government of this State.
[ For this Act, passed Dec. 21, 1781, see Statutes, 1781.]
CHATHAM, January 9.
A gentleman from New-York reports that they have accounts there of the capture of St. Augustine, the capital of East-Florida, by the Spaniards.
TRENTON, January 16. New-Brunswick, January 10, 1782. Mr. Collins, Sir,
About four o'clock last Wednesday morning, near three hundred of the enemy from New-York, consisting of British and refugee troops, landed at the lower end of the town; our guards discovered their approaches on the river, by which means the inhabitants were alarmed about fifteen minutes before they landed. They were attacked by a small party whilst landing, in which they lost two men. Reinforcements were thrown in to support this party, but being overpowered by numbers, and the enemy having gained the heights, they were obliged to retire. They then took possession of the town with very little difficulty, for the darkness of the morning and the enemy landing in different places, prevented us from assembling in force. They had possession of the town more than an hour, during which time very little opposition was made .- When the blessed light of the morning began to appear they refired to their boats, and at smart skirmishing commenced, which would have been much more severe had not many of our muskets been rendered useless by the falling of snow and rain; during which action no marks of fear were seen on either side. We had none killed, and only five wounded; Peter Nesies, a brave soldier, we are fearful is in danger from his wound; the other four, who are equally brave, are in a fair way of recovery. Six of the Inhabitants were made prisoners. The citizens in general with cheerful- ness left their families and their property, and marched forth to oppose the enemy, they assembled with alertness, and behaved with spirit; in short no men in their peculiar situation could have done better. We cannot ascertain the loss of the enemy, they left two dead in the town, two more were killed at their first landing, and they were seen to carry off several. We have . reason to believe they suffered on their return, from the well directed fire of different partles assembled on the shores from Piscataway and South River, The taking of the whale-boats ap- peared to be their principal object, which they accomplished. Credit is due to them for the execution of a well concerted plan, and much credit is due to them for their humane treatment of the defenceless part of the community .--- No burnings or insults were permitted, and only two fam- ilies were pillaged. I am Sir,
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