USA > New Jersey > Documents relating to the revolutionary history of the state of New Jersey, Vol. V > Part 9
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If the masters of such slaves as were imported into this country never had right to or property in them, 'tis plain that they could have no right to or property in their offspring as slaves; and then as the whole business of slave holding must have been without right, and an abominable scene of tyranny and oppression ; so the plea of right to restitution, in case they are set free, necessarily falls to the ground.
As to our author's idea of the masters of slaves being vested with a 'right to them by the laws of the land, it seems to have no other foundation than mere ignorance. It is utterly repugnant to the very nature and spirit of the common law ; and no such right has ever yet been attempted to be created or established in this state, either by statute or act of assembly. And indeed if it had, the validity of a law for such a purpose might very justly perhaps be called in question, as being repugnant to the laws of God and nature.
If there is such a thing as a right to restitution in case our slaves are set free, it appears to me to be in favour of the slaves themselves ; they seem to have an equitable claim upon their masters for at least
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the clear profits of all their past labour. And were they to receive this, it would not only tend to set them on foot in the world, but to encourage them to future exertions in order to acquire more property, and become useful members of society. The old and decrepit too might in this way, upon the plainest principles of justice, be furnished in most cases with an ample support. So far therefore from proving burdensome or injurious to the community would the emancipating of those unhappy people be likely to prove, that it would most proba- bly, in its present and remote consequences, prove highly beneficial to the state at large.
Indeed, if they are to be free at all, justice to ourselves as well as to them, seems now to call for their emancipation; in order that they may engage in the service of their country, and assist in defending those rights, which, as freemen they will be entitled to enjoy. Why, let me ask, should they thus be kept from the dangers of the field, when we ourselves are so daily exposed? What can induce us to be so very frugal of their blood, and at the same time so lavish with our own? If they are to partake of the benefits resulting from the war, let them also pay their proportion of the price. Why should our blood ransome both them and us? why should it alone stain the fields of our affliction, and as it were manure the ground, in order to raise vines and fig-trees for them to sit under?
Our author's last objection against freeing our slaves is, "because they are treated with a humanity unknown to other parts of the world, and are better off than the generality of the white poor, who are obliged, those who have families, from their necessities to work harder than the slaves in this state." This objection however must really appear laughable when we view it as having fallen from the pen of a gentleman who has just told us, as mentioned above, that he "hopes no one will do him the injustice to think him an advocate for slavery." . Ile is not willing it seems to be thought an advocate for slavery, and yet is opposed to setting our negroes free so long as they are well used. "According to this doctrine, we must commence devils towards our slave in order that it may become our duty to do them justice. They can never hope for freedom whilst they feel them- selves kindly treated. And does the gentleman really imagine that such a change in our conduct would afford them a promising prospect? Could they possibly view it as a prelude to their wished for deliver- ance?
In short the writer, if we may judge from his own reasoning, seems to be but very little acquainted with the most noble and lovely feel- ings of the human heart. In his opinion, it seems, our slaves may rest contented in their servile state, provided they are not obliged to work harder than some of their neighbouring whites. He appears to have no idea of the intolerable mortification that must incessantly arise from being wholly subservient to the will of another-from being a mere machine in his hands, utterly deprived of the greatest of all human enjoyments, the privilege of judging for himself, and of acting pursuant to his own judgment. When in reality, compared with this, the greatest afflictions that can be supposed to result from hard labour
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or poor fare, would scarcely be thought worthy the attention of a great and generous mind.
The man who only abhors tyranny when it points at himself, is altogether unworthy the esteem of the virtuous; and can never. until he becomes a new creature, merit the confidence of a free people. A good man loves liberty, because liberty tends to render mankind happy ; and the more general it is, the more he feels himself pleased ;-- he even participates in the felicity of those who enjoy it, and fancies all their happiness his own. The love of liberty is indeed a godlike virtue-it pervades the whole world, and delights in the joy of all.
But to conclude ; we may expect that our negro-masters in general, like drowning men, will catch at every twig, at every shadow, to pro- long, if possible, their reign over their black subjects. And in this point of light we may view those, who, ashamed to object generally against emancipating our slaves, have recourse to the plea of its being at present inexpedient. A wretched plea indeed ! How can it be in- expedient to embrace the earliest opportunity to do justice? We have heretofore thrown the blame of the slave-trade, and our holding our negroes in bondage, upon the King and Parliament of Great-Britain. But this pretext will serve us no longer. We are now at liberty to do them justice-to do to them as we would they should do to us were we in their situation. And if we withhold from them this justice, not only the stigma, but the iniquity must forever rest upon our own heads.
If our author has anything further to say upon the above subject, let him give us his name, or be treated with silent contempt; let him come forth from his lurking hole that we may be able to judge of the colour of his skin -- that every true whig may have the pleasure of pointing at him where-ever he sees him pass, and of saying, There goes the wretch. who. even in this land of liberty, has the effrontery to vindicate tyranny. A FRIEND TO JUSTICE.
POSTSCRIPT.
To the CRISIS EXTRAORDINARY.
IIILE this paper was preparing for the press, the
W T treachery of General Arnold became known, and engaged the attention and conversation of the public ; and that, not so much on account of the traitor as the magnitude of the treason, and the providence evident in the discovery.
[Here followed an account of Arnold's flight and Andre's detection, which, being now fully known, is omit- ted to give place to more material matter.]
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The true character of Arnold is that of a desperado. His whole life has been a life of jobbs ; and where either plunder or profit was the object, no danger deterred, no principle restrained him. In his person he was smart and active, somewhat diminutive, weak in his capacities and trifling in his conversation; and though gallant in the field, was defective in the talents necessary for command. The early convulsion of the times afforded him an introduction into life, to the elegance of which he was before a stranger, and the eagerness . of the public to reward and encourage enterprize, procured him at once both applause and promotion. His march to Quebec gave him fame, and the plunder of Montreal put the first stamp to his public character. His behaviour at Danbury and Saratoga once more cov- ered over his crimes, which again broke forth in the plunder of Phila- delphia, under pretence of supplying the army. From this time, the true spring of his conduct being known, he became both disregarded and disesteemed, and this last instance of his treachery has proved the public judgment right.
When we take a review of the history of former times, it will turn out to the honor of America, that, notwithstanding the trying variety of her situation, this is the only instance of defection in a general officer; and even in this case the unshaken honesty of those who detected him heightens the national character, to which his apostacy serves as a foil. From the nature of his crime, and his dis- position to monopolize, it is reasonable to conclude he had few or no direct accomplices. His sole object was to make a monied bar- gain ; and to be consistent with himself, he would as readily betray the side he has deserted to, as that he deserted from.
But there is one reflection results from this black business that deserves notice, which is, that it shows the declining power of the enemy. An attempt to bribe is a sacrifice of military fame, and a confession of inability to conquer ; as a proud people they ought to be above it, and as soldiers to despise it; and however they may feel on the occasion, the world at large will despise them for it, and consider America superior to their arms. C. S.
CHATHAM, November 1.
Another embarkation of troops, we are told, is about taking place at New-York, destined for the Southward.
Proclamation.
W THEREAS it hath pleased Almighty God, the Father of all mercies, amidst the vicissitudes and calamities of war, to bestow blessings on the , people of these states, which call for their devout and
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thankful acknowledgments, more especially in the late re- markable interposition of his watchful providence in rescu- ing the person of our Commander in Chief and the Army from imminent dangers, at the moment when treason was ripened for execution; in prospering the labours of the husbandmen, and causing the earth to yield its increase in plentiful harvests; and above all, in continuing to us the enjoyment of the gospel of peace :
It is therefore recommended to the several states to set apart Thursday the seventh day of December next, to be observed as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer; that all the people may assemble on that day to celebrate the praises of our Divine Benefactor; to confess our unworthi- ness of the least of his favours, and to offer our fervent supplications to the God of all grace; that it may please him to pardon our heinous transgressions, and incline our hearts for the future to keep all his laws; to comfort and relieve our brethren who are any wise afflicted or dis- tressed; to smile upon our husbandry and trade; to di- rect our public councils and lead our forces by land and sea to victory ; to take our illustrous ally under his special protection, and to favour our joint councils and exertions for the establishment of speedy and permanent peace; to cherish all schools and seminaries of education, and to cause the knowledge of Christianity to spread over all the earth.
Done in Congress, this eighteenth day of October, 1780, and in the fifth year of the Independence of the United States of America.
SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, President.
Attest.
Charles Thompson, Secretary.
TRENTON, NOVEMBER 8.
We hear that on Saturday night last Col. Ogden and Capt. Dayton, were taken prisoners by a party of six
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refugees from Staten-Island, headed by the infamous Smith Hetfield. These gentlemen were surprized at Con- necticut Farms, about four miles from Elizabeth-Town.
At a Special Court held in Gloucester last week, Wil- liam Wells was convicted of high treason, and Christopher Bishop was convicted of murdering of his wife. They are both sentenced to be hanged on the 15th instant.
As the account of the arrival of 6,000 French troops at Sunbury in Georgia, mentioned under the Philadelphia head, has not been confirmed, we cannot vouch for the truth of it.
The Hon. the House of Assembly having ordered their Votes and Proceedings to be printed weekly, "for the satisfaction and inspection of the Publick," they may be had at the Printing-Office in Trenton.
TO BE SOLD,
And entered immediately,
T HIE HOUSE in which the subscriber now lives, situ- ated in the healthy and agreeable village of Prince- ton. The house is a large, neat, new, well finished brick building, with every conveniency of stores, stables, garden, &e. &e. to render it perfectly agreeable either for a merchant or private gentleman. Any person inclining to purchase said house, by paying part of the money down, may have time to pay the remainder in. For terms apply to the subscriber, or the Printer hereof.
Also will be sold at publiek vendue, on Saturday the 18th instant, at said place, one good new milch cow, a sulkey and harness, a quantity of bricks, and sundry articles of household and kitchen furniture, &e. The vendue to begin at 12 o'clock of said day.
ENOS KELSEY.
Nov. 7, 1780.
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TO BE SOLD, for Specie, The NOTED HORSES
Molton and Bold Seline.
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For further particulars inquire of the subscriber at Fish-Kill, in the state of New-York. JOSEPH JACKSON.
To be sold at public Vendue,
On Tuesday the 14th of November instant, at the house of David Chambers, tavernkeeper, at the Cross-Roads, in the township of Nottingham and county of Burlington, viz.
H TORSES, milch cows, young cattle, four horse wag- gons, one two horse waggon, two light pleasure waggons, gears and harness, ploughs, harrows, and a variety of farming utensils too tedious to mention.
Six weeks credit will be given. The vendue to begin at nine o'clock in the forenoon.
November 4, 1780.
To be sold at public Vendue,
On the 13th instant, at the house of Mr. Mershon, tavern- keeper, in Amwell,
S UNDRY blooded MARES and COLTS, with some two and three years old. Six months credit will be given on security, if required. The sale to be- gin at eleven o'clock.
November 4, 1780.
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TO BE SOLD,
A Likely NEGRO MAN, about thirty years old, stout, strong, and in good health. He understands all kind of farming business, to which he has been brought up from his infancy. For terms apply to John P. Schenk, at Maidenhead, or Arch. Mercer, at Millstone. Nov. 6.
TO BE LET,
Andover Furnace and Forge,
Situate in Sussex county, New-Jersey,
A Large quantity of wood ready cut may be had con- venient to the works. They are now in repair, and may be entered upon immediately.
· Apply to Archibald Stewart, at Hacket's-Town, or to the owners in Philadelphia.
Some Negroes belonging to said works to be sold.
Nov. 6.
-N. J. Gazette. Vol. III. No. 150. Nov. S, 1780.
NEW-YORK, NOVEMBER S.
Last Sunday Mr. Cornelius Hetfield, and two of his as- sociates brought to town from Connecticut Farms in Jer- sey, Colonel Matthias Ogden and Capt. Jonathan Dayton, officers in the rebel army; they were found in the night horizontal, Cheek by Jowl, and from the admirable con- trivance of the captors, translated hither in perfect seren- ity and good humour, on Monday they were presented to tho Magnifice, and permited to return to their abodes in Jersey; having engaged afterwards to return on parole to take up the ground on Long Island lately occupied by their rebel fraternity, which had just before been vacated
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in consequence of the late exchange of prisoners. Very liberal offers in money were made, on the route, for the enlargements of these worthy Wights, well known to have been violently exerted in the cause of this dirty rebellion. -The Royal Gazette, November 8, 1780. No. 429.
TO THE PRINTER.
The following letter to Tabitha, was intercepted when the American army lay near the New-Bridge. It was put into my hands by the same person who detected the former one in your paper :* but it has not been in my power till now to make such alterations as appeared proper for concealing the author. I am sorry however to inform the public, that I might have saved myself that trouble, as there is good reason to believe, the writer either dying or dead of a distemper, occasioned it is said, by the ignorance or mismanagement of her physicians in treating a common cold.
October 26, 1780.
NEW YORK, September 12, 1780.
H OW little I dreamt, when I wrote last my sister, The rebels were still on our backs like a blister. When they mov'd to Fort Lee, I was happy too soon, And thought myself sung as the man in the moon. But the bustle was all to be gone o'er again,
And I was to sorrow once more for my swain. O'er night the commander had labor'd so hard, That each rebel look'd like a tyger or pard ; The guides were all sent for, and maps finger'd o'er, And questions were put,-that were put oft before, Till each prov'd as plain as the nose on his face, That the roads all remain'd-just in the old place. Such, forsooth is the case when the enemy comes, And as usual, I'm told, as the noise of their drums. We thought, who knew nothing at all of the matter, The guards of the rebels possest all the water, And hence, that Sir Harry, had got to a stand, Not seeing a place where a soldier could land.
* The former letter, here referred to, is printed in N. J. Archives, Second Series, V., 628-630.
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But when that' the rebels were all drawn away, We stood like a fool-who has nothing to say. Next we hop'd they meant only to fight in grimace, But their still keeping near, quite alter'd the case.
At school we are wont to use pounce for a blot ; A general plenty of powder and shot.
The man who for wiser than others would pass. The look of an owl and the gait of an ass ; Or pent in his room; or apart from the crowd Is seen for a moment, then gone like a cloud ; Is silent when sager men speak to the point ; Or nods. as to say,-you have hit the right joint, While slow from his seat he stalks off with an air, More fix'd than a priest's in the depth of his pray'r. What's odd for Sir Harry, he nothing begun, Kept close to his works-without firing a gun. But, perhaps, th' poor man could not get on his legs, After sitting so long-like a hen o'er spoil'd eggs.
Alas! my sweet sister, I cannot but fear, That something not good is to happen us here. 'The Knight he is either involy'd in deep gloom, When no mortal but Andre dare enter his room; Or careering, whip stich, with a dozen o' fools, Like children astride upon switches or stools, Hot after a dog who has tied to his tail A herring, as boys tie a bladder or rail .* Not th' fool that some chance has to dignity rais'd ; Not a cat when she's strok'd, or poet when prais'd, So pleas'd is, or finds it so much to their taste, As hunting the herring-our herd in haste. "Tis strange in what whimsies some men take delight; I wish he but lov'd half as well for to fight, We should with the rebels no longer be teas'd ; And the officers too might do what they pleas'd ; Nor Ayres at the Hook be afraid of one Lee, i As your spouse of a scold, or the Major of me.
HIere th' scenes are all shifted, and barrens the shore, And gone all the magic that pleas'd us before. What's life my Tabitha? Instable as sand ; A pleasure that's spent while it seems in the hand ;
A silk changing color as men change their ground ; A thing when once lost, ne'er again to be found ; A sea full of storms. or ebbing or flowing ; A riddle, -- a something, -- a charm not worth knowing, How dulness, and drivel, and folly, and pride, Triumph at each corner, or sigh by our side.
* A substitute for fox-hunting,-or a favorite and constant diversion of the Knights'.
t Ayres the commanding officer at Paulus Hook.
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-What lack-a-day lovers, what nothings but show ; What pedants with swords, and all musk'd as a beau ; What sorrowful tunes do they set to our eyes ; When they sing of themselves what sustains and lies ; While each dunce as he reads be-praises his brother, Like figures of China, that nod at each other. My nerves are less hurt at the sight of a wen, Than th' same story still by the same set of men. Let me die an old maid if you'd find in th' town, But humor to make a conondrum go down. Nay, I'd send you a sample, an effort most rare, That's cook'd up in cantoes, and proves to a hair, By the cast of the die or a desperate hit A piece may be made without genius or wit. -- But, I wish to say nothing at all of the dead, Lest, perchance, th' dull thing should be ask'd for or read .*
This morning, quoth Bet, as she lac'd on my stays, It enters my head, we shall have no more plays ; And as for the balls dance at them who may, I trust there will none of them fall in our way. There's something that tells me-who's at a dead lift, And even the best will be put to their shift. I've had my own qualms for this month and more past, Now, 'tis plain, what I fear'd will happen at last ; For sure as in Rome there are priests or a pope, Affairs here have got to the end of the rope ; And if there is ought or in visions or skill We all must give up to the rebels at will. I dreamt, when the city they'd got, you were seen, All charming as now, and bedight like a queen ; A beautiful youth bow'd down to your feet, (The Major besure, never look'd half so sweet)
Then bade you not fear with an air so divine, As melted your heart, -- as it could not but mine : I never felt so, in my days, as I live, For, beshew me, I thought,-no quarter they'd give. -I hope, my dear mistress, when this trial .comes, They'll finish the work without using their bombs ; To think of their tails, I almost lose my breath, But should one burst near me it would be my death. The yea --- forsooth Yankee I hate as the Turk; The dogs under Wayne too will make bloody work. And yet, how I long to leave this place of sin, When think you, good mistress, the rogues will begin. If they don't do it now, pray is it not clear That they'll double their force-and do it next year! Z.
* I suppose the author alludes to a late New-York poctical jet; but as she seems unwilling to give it a chance to be known, the editor begs leave to follow the example.
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CHATHAM, NOVEM. 8.
Last week forty of our officers, who have been in cap- tivity with the enemy, were exchanged and came over to Elizabeth Town; and on Sunday last, one hundred and fifty privates.
NEW-YORK, Nov. 11.
The election for New-Jersey has been misrepresented ; Mess. Dickinson and Brailey both standing a poll in op- position to Mr. Livingston, thereby occasioned the interest to be divided, and made the government of that province an easy acquisition to the latter, who had 37 votes out of 50.
NEW-YORK, NOVEMBER 13.
Friday last the Fleet from Cork arrived at Sandy-Hook : They touched at Charlestown, where they left 20 odd Sail, the Remainder, amounting to about 54, proceeded here. The Day after they left Cork, which was the 13th of Au- gust, his Majesty's Ship the Beneficent, Capt. MeBride, one of the Convoy, fell in with and took, a French 64 Gun Ship called the Duke D'Artois, that had been cruizing in Quest of the Fleet.
-The New-York Gazette: and the Weekly Mercury, No- vember 13, 1780. No. 1517.
TO BE SOLD BY PUBLIC SALE,
At the Coffee House, on Saturday the 18th day of No- vember, instant at 6 o'clock in the evening, A valuable tract of land, situate in Roxborough township Morris county, New-Jersey, within one mile of Andover
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Iron-works, and five miles from Hackets town, containing 418 acres. It is chiefly all woodland, and finely timbered with large oak and hickory, which in time, will be very valuable, on account of its situation, being so near the Iron-works; a sufficient quantity may be converted into fine meadow, which can be watered by two streams, ex- clusive of several valuable swamps, which is now mowable. There are two log houses on the tract.
-The Pennsylvania Packet, November 14, 1780.
CHATHAM, NOVEMBER 15.
It was Elias Man, and not Cornelius Blanchard (as mentioned in our last) who assisted in capturing of Col. Ogden and Capt. Dayton.
W ANTED, to be bound, a BOY about 12 or 14 years old, who can be well recommended, to live on a farm, and help in a grist-mill, if required; he shall be well cloathed and taken care of, and sent to night school if required. Inquire of the Printer.
TO BE SOLD, BY THE SUBSCRIBER,
T HE FARM formerly the property of George Arm- strong, 5 miles from Morris-Town, and 3 from Baskenridge meeting-house, containing 500 acres of good land, one half of which is fine young woods, the other half fit either for pasture or grain, 60 acres of which is good meadow: On said farm is a large two story dwelling-house, with a kitchen at each wing, a good barn, cider, chair, and cow houses; a cooper's shop, and other
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