USA > New Jersey > Minutes of the Council of Safety of the state of New Jersey > Part 12
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Ordered That the aforesd James Parker & Walter Ruther. ford Esq' be forthwith committed to the Common Gaol in Mor- ristown until the Honble John Fell Esq' and Winant Van Zant are exchanged for them or released from their confinement in New York.
His Excellency produced to the Board a letter from the Revd M' Caldwell to Maj' Gen1 Dickinson, dated the 22 October last, containing his report to Gen1 Dickinson who had been re- quested by the Board to inform them of the most proper place to fix beacons and appoint alarm posts, by which it appears to this Board most expedient to remove the piece of Cannon now lying at Princeton, to the mountain that nearly divides the space between Elizabeth and Morristown, to be put under Guard of the Man who lives where the said Cannon is to be fixed and a few of his neighbours who ought to be exempted from Military Duty ; That it would farther be proper to erect a pile on the Hill near where M' McGee formerly lived, whence the Guard from the said Mountain may see the fire or smoke and by that means know that the Guns fired at Elizabeth Town, are intended for an alarm & upon that signal fire the Cannon on the Mountain ; The Council hereupon agreed That M' Caldwell be desired to carry the above Plan into execution and to transmit to the Board an account of the expenses attend- ing the same.
Agreed That the following persons be summoned to attend this Board, to have the Oaths of Abjuration & Allegiance, ap- pointed by Law, tendered to them; vizt :
James Clark, Isaac Clark, Thos Clark,
Samuel Clark,
Benjin Clark, Wm Clark,
John Clark, Matthw Clark, Jos Skelton,
Alexdr McDonald, Ezekiel Smith Sam' Worth,
Rob' White, Wu McDermott,
Josh Horner,
John Stockton, (son of Joseph)
John Hedges
John Heath,
Andrew Morgan Wm Bryant,
Thos Wilson.
Thursday the 20th November
The Council met at Princeton
Present,
His Excellency the Governor
.M' Camp
M' Manning
Mr Drake
M' Talman Col Fleming His
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His Excellency was pleased to lay before the Board, a letter from Major Meeker, respecting the Prisoners in Sussex Gaol and the provisions necessary for their support.
The Board being of opinion that there is no necessity of keeping a Guard for securing the prisoners above mentioned.
Agreed that Co' Symmes be desired to direct Major Meeker, to discharge the Guard now kept for that purpose, and to settle with Major Mecker as to the Cattle & Flour he has pur- chased for their support ;-
That as to the British prisoners confined in the said Gaol, Co' Symmes will acquaint the Commissary of Prisoners with their confinement & procure his directions concerning them ; As to the Deserters from the Continental Army, he will inform the Magistrates & endeavour to have them carried to their re- spective Corps.
P. M.
The Council met,
Present. His Excellency the Governor,
M' Manning,
Mr Camp,
M' Hart, M' Talman,
Col Fleming,
Co' Drake,
Co' Scudder,
M' Condict,
Agreed That instead of exchanging Messrs Rutherford & Parker for Messrs Vanzandt & Fell, agreable to a late resolu- tion of the Board, Mr Rutherford be exchanged for M' Van- zandt, and Mr Parker for M' Fell, and that whenever M' Van- zant is released from actual imprisonment, and enlarged on his parole to the City of New York or Long Island, M' Rutherford is to be released from actual confinement, and hold himself bound by the obligation he has entered into to remain within a mile of the Court house in Morristown. The like in both cases with respect to M' Parker as to M' Fell's, release from actual custody, and having the privilege of the City of New York, or Long Island.
Agreed That His Excellency the Governor be desired to write to the person in Winchester in Virginia, who has the cus- tody of Robert James, lately of Monmouth County, and a sub- ject of this State, desiring him to deliver the said Robert James to Richard James & Thomas Parker, or Either of them, they having promised to bring him into this State, at their or his
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his own expense, and to enter into Bond for his appearing before the Council of Safety of this State in a reasonable time after his arrival in it.
Agreed That warrants be issued for apprehending Joseph Morse Jr, John Hendricks, Baker Hendricks, & John Meeker for trading with and carrying provisions to the enemy on Staten Island.
Friday, 21st November.
Present His Excellency the Governor M' Condict Col Drake
M' Manning Mr Elmer
M' Speaker
Agreed That there be paid to the following persons for attending the Council of Safety as Light Horsemen, and riding express four days, the following sums, vizt:
To John Voorhies the sum of . . £4. 5. 9 ·
To Sany, Moores ·
.
. 1. 0. 0
and To John Smock
. 3. 12. 0
and To Gerret Terhune, for like services . 8. 5. 9
Monday, 26th November 1777
The Council met at Princeton
1
Present, His Excellency the Governor,
M' Elmer Co' Fleming
M' Hart Mr Condict
M' Manning Co' Drake
Agreed that the Sheriff of Morris County be directed to confined Walter Rutherford & James Parker Esqrs to a private room nearest the Court house, for a space of 3 weeks from the date hereof; and then to Execute the precept lately delivered to him for their imprisonment, unless he shall receive orders to the contrary.
Agreed That Edward Taylor & Jeremiah Taylor of Middi- ton and George Taylor & Josiah Parker of Shrewsbury, be summoned to appear before the Council of Safety as persons disaffected to the present Government.
Agreed
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Agreed that there be paid to John Van Nest for attending as a witness at the Court of Oyer & Terminer in Morristown S days the sum of . £6. 8. 0) To Benjm Harris for his expenses in attending as a Witness 4 days 3. 4. 0
To Joseph Blackford for do. do.
· 3. 4. 0
To the Constables attending the Court the number of days affixed to their respective names over & above the usual term of Duty, vizt :
Joseph Stoutan 15 days at 10|. pday. £7. 10.
Robert Gould J' 17
8. 10.
Levi Baldwin do -do- 8. 10.
John Lyon 18 -do- 9. 0.
Ephraim Lindley 18 -- do- 9.0. 0
and by recommendation of the Court
for travelling Expenses
1. 0. 0. 10. 0.
Matthias Burnet J' 17 days and for travelling charges in
8. 10. 0.
serving subpoenas 3. 0. 0. 11. 10.
John Riggs. 10 days at 10|.
5. 0. 0
To the Cryer 18 Do
9. 0. 0
That there be paid to Philip Young a wounded soldier in the Militia 5. 15. 0
and to M' Condict for the use of John Cooper another wounded Soldier, 15. 2. 6
Agreed That the officer who is to conduct John Penry & Ben- jamin Chew Esq' to Wooster be directed to purchase in some of the New England States for the use of this State 20.000 Flints.
Wednesday, 26th Novr
The Council met at Princeton
Present
His Excellency the Governor.
Mr Elmer
M' Manning
Co' Drake
Mr Hart,
M' Condict
His Excellency was pleased to lay before the Board a letter from
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from Anne Kip petitioning for leave to remove with her family & furniture into New York to her husband, from whence she is a refugee to Tappan, where she is unable any longer to sup- port herself & her children.
Agreed that the said Anne Kip be permitted to pass to New York, with her three children & furniture, & three days Provisions and that she pass thro' the Guard kept by Capt Herring who is to inspect the waggons to see that nothing be carried contrary to the interest & meaning hereof ; & that if the said Anne Kip takes the benefit of this permission, she is not to return from New York into this State during the pres- ent War.
Agreed That there be advanced to Co' Chamberlain for pur- chasing 20.000 Flints in New England, and for defraying his expenses to Wooster in the Massachusetts Bay, whither he is to conduct Mesr Penn & Chew, the sum of £200.
Agreed That there be paid to Co' Ellis Cook, for the ac- count of Dr Jacob Green for attending & administering physic to W'" Maypowder who was sent by this Board to Morristown as a material witness against Northop Marpoll, & there taken sick, the sum of £1. 10. 6 & for boarding the said Witness & keeping his horse £3. 16|.
Friday 28 Nov',
The Council met at Princeton.
Present His Excellency the Governor
Mr Elmer
Mr Camp
Mr Hart
Co' Drake
Mr Condit
Co1 Fleming
Agreed That there be paid to Co' Cook, for the use of Dr John Powers, for dressing the wounds of and attending on Thos Baldwin a wounded Soldier, in Cap'n Isaac Halsey's Compy of Militia in Col Ford's Regiment, the sum of £1. 16 . & for the use of the said soldier for the loss of time during his illness and Rations the sum of £7. 18. 2.
Agreed That if John Ackerman, Hendricks Ackerman, & Gerret Hopper, inhabitants of Bergen lately deserted from Staten Island, give security for their appearance at the next Court of Oyer & Terminer to be held in the County of Essex they be discharged from the Guard-
Patrick Nevens & William Cook appeared before the Board,
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& having severally entered into recognizance (Patrick Nevens with Col Drake his surety & W" Cook with Co' Fleming his surety in £300 Each,) for their appearance at the next Court of Oyer & Terminer and Gen' Gaol Delivery for the County of Hunterdon, and having also taken & subscribed the Oaths of Abjuration & Allegiance prescribed by Law, were severally discharged.
John Ackerman, Hendrick Ackerman & Gerrit Hopper above mentioned severally appeared & having entered into Recogni- zance with John Outwater their security in the sum of £300 Each, for their appearance at the next Court of Oyer & Ter- miner for the Co of Essex, took also & subscribed the Oaths of Abjuration & Allegiance and were dismissed from the Guard according to Agreement.
Sunday, the 31st November 1.777
The Council met at Princeton
Present His Excellency the Governor M' Condit, Mr Manning,
M' Hart, M' Camp,
Mr Elmer-
Agreed, That Lieut Jacob Boskirk, Lieut Edward Earle, John Hammel a Surgeon & John Brown a Commissary in the Service of his Britannic Majesty, who all went from this State (of which they were subjects) Since the passing of the Treason Law in this State, to join the British Army, & were lately taken prisoners on Staten Island by a detachment of the Militia commanded by Major Gen1 Dickinson, be committed to Trenton Jail for high Treason ;- .
Monday 1st December P.M.
Present
His Excellency the Governor. M' Manning Col Fleming M' Elmer Col Drake M' Speaker
The Board receiving information that the Exchange lately proposed for S of the Bergen prisoners in Morristown for the like
168
like number of our subjects, confined in New York, could not be complied with as Gen' Skinner had no authority to alter the Exchange Agreed to by Gen' Jones, and the latter being absent, but that he would release any 5 of the 9 prisoners con- fined in New York for 5 of those confined in Morristown.
Agreed That John Van Boskirk, Peter T. Herring Esq', Capt Gerret Demarest, John Paulinson & Garret Van Gieson be set at liberty upon the Release of Isaac Blanch, Jacob Verton- dyck, Thos Bantha, Barnardus Van Brycke & Samuel Ver Bryck-
December 3rd 1.777
The Council inet at Princeton
Present His Excellency the Governor M' Condit, M' Manning Co' Drake
M' Speaker,
M' Elmer
John & Baker Hendricks appeared before the Board & hay- ing severally entered into recognizance for their appearance at the next Court of Oyer & Terminer to be held for the County of Essex, with Co' Dayton their surety in the sum of £300 Each, were thereupon discharged from the Guards.
P.M. The Council met
Present His Excellency the Governor
M' Condit, M' Camp,
Mr Hart, Co1 Fleming, M' Linn, Co2 Drake,
Agreed That Edward Taylor give a Bond in £100. to stay within a mile of the College at Princeton, & not depart be- yond these limits, without the leave of the Council of Safety, & that he be set at liberty when Thos Canfield a prisoner at New York, shall be discharged by the Enemy and suffered to return home.
Agreed That M' Taylor notwithstanding his Bond have leave to appear .at the next Court of Oyer & Terminer to be held for the County of Monmouth, according to his recognizance.
Friday,
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Friday the 5th December 1777
The Council met at Princeton.
Present. ITis Excellency the Governor.
Col Scudder Co' Drake
Col Frelinhuysen M' Elmer M' Manning M' Speaker
Agreed That Major Mauritius Goctshius be authorized to raise a Company of 60 men, with 1 Lieutenant & an Ensign for the defence of the Northern parts of Bergen County, & prevent the depredations of the Enemy & disaffected persons, and the Illicit trade & intercourse carried on between the Co of Bergen & New York, & that they continue in service during three months unless sooner dis- charged.
Agreed, that John Aker, John Blinkerhoof, John Smith, & Jacob De Groot, who have gone over to the Enemy have per- mission to return to this State upon condition of their bringing with them Peter Westervelt, Jacob Westervelt, John Wester- velt, Henry Vervalier and Jacob Ferdon, now prisoners in New York.
Decr 5th 1.777 P. M.
The Council met at Princeton.
Present His Excellency the Governor Mr Hart Con Henning Mr Camp ... Coll Drake M' Manning
Agreed That John Honeyman be committed to Trenton Gaol for High Treason.
Agreed That John Mecker enter into recognizance with Thos Saten his surety in £300 Each, to appear at the Next Court of Over & Terminer to be held for Essex.
Agreed That, Jacob, Joseph, Reuben & Joatham Randolph enter into Recognizance in the like sum to appear at the next Court of Q' Sessions for the County of Middlesex.
Monday,
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Monday, 8th Deer 1.777
The Council met at Princeton
Present, His Excellency the Governor Mr Camp Col Drake
M' Manning M' Elmer
MF Speaker
The following prisoners under Guard from Major Potter at Woodbridge, (to wit) Ellenor Worth, Charles Friend, John Willis, Walter Noakes, Michael Condin, and William Fleming, were brought before the Board-
Agreed That the four first be committed to the Guard in this place and the two latter dismissed.
Monday, 8th December 1.777
The Council met at Princeton
Present His Excellency the Governor
Mr Smith M' Imlay
M' Cooper
M' Linn
M' Condict
Jacob Bogert, Samuel Demarest, Henrick Zobriski, Corne- lius Ackerman, Isaac Stagg, & John Ackerman having been apprehended for going into & returning out of the Enemy's lines, without the passport required by Law, Agreed that they have five days, to consider whether they will Enlist in one of our Battalions during the War.
Mr Smith & Mr Cooper left the Board & Co' Drake, Col Fleming & M' Camp took their seats.
Agreed that- -Worth apprehended coming out of & going into the Enemy's lines without the License required by Law, entered into recognizance with Surety, to appear at the next Court of Gen' Quarter Sessions of the Peace for the Co of Hunterdon.
. Agreed that there be paid to Israel Freeman for coming with his Waggon & two horses from Woodbridge with Guards & five prisoners to the Council of Safety, and returning to Wood- bridge £4 11. 6.
And to Capt Manning's order for his expenses & of the Guard which was sent in pursuit of a man coming from Staten Island in a clandestine manner £5. 1. 9-
Tuesday,
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Tuesday, the 9th Decem 1777
The Council met at Princeton
Present His Excellency the Governor M' Condict M' Elmer
M' Manning
M' Speaker
Mr Camp
Co1 Drake
Agreed that his Excellency direct Col Seely commanding at Elizabeth-Town to remove the Cattle from Raway-Neck, and such other places where from their proximity to the Enemy, they may be in danger of being carried of by them, to places of greater security, (the owners of such cattle refusing to do it, on notice given to them for that purpose) and that the re- moval of such Cattle be Effected with as little damage to the proprietors, as circumstances will allow or the public service requires-
Ordered That Asher Woodruff, Ezekiel Woodruff & William Higgins, be summoned to attend the Board & give their Evidence in support of certain facts by them alleged, relating to the conduct of Gen' Dickenson, while he commanded at Eliz. Town
Wednesday 10th December 1.777
The Council met at Princeton.
Present Ilis Excellency the Governor
M' Cooper
M' Mcheh
M' Elmer
Col Fleming
M' Linn Mr Hart
M' Condiet
M' Manning
M' Imlay Co1 Drake
M' Camp
Agreed that at the future Meetings of the Council of Safety such members as live nearest to the place of meeting shall attend.
Agreed That the Council Sit at this place immediately after the adjournment of the Assembly till the business arising in this neighborhood is finished, & then adjourn to Ringoes & from
172
from thence to Springfield in the County of Essex-That the following members do meet at this place to wit-
Mr Smith, M' Mehelin, M' Hart, Mr Linn, Mr Manning, & M Imlay.
That the following members meet at Ringoes (to wit) Mr Hart, M' Mehelm, M' Drake, Mr Smith, Mr Linn, M' Tallman
And that the following members do meet at Springfield (to wit) M' Smith, M' Condict, M' Camp, Co' Fleming, Col Drake & M' Manning,
Agreed that £5. 4. 9 be paid to Jonathan Palmer in part of what is due to W" Niller for attending as a Witness in Morris County (Palmer having Niller's order)
December 12th 1.777
The Council met at Princeton
Present His Excellency the Governor M' Speaker
M' Elmer
M' Camp
Co' Fleming
M' Manning
Mr Smith
Mr Mehelm
Application was made to the Board for the payment of the Money due to the Militia in the County of Gloucester under the Command of Co' Ellis-
Agreed That Co' Ellis be informed by Letter that the Legis- lature have directed the Delegates to obtain from Congress the sum of 120.000 dollars for discharging the debt due to the Militia of this State, and that the proportion of 16.000 dollars when obtained will be paid into the Hands of Thos Carpenter for the payment of the Militia of Gloucester & Salem.
A Letter from Asher Holmes Esqr was read, setting forth, That a flag of Truce from New York had just arrived in Shrewsbury River, for the families, servants & Effects of Mrs Antil, Mrs Moore, Mrs Johnston, Mrs Miller and Mrs Kippen. A permission also under the hand of Major Gen' Robinson for the wife of Elisha Laurence to pass to Shrewsbury Was laid before the Board-
Agreed that Mrs Antil, Mrs Moore, Mrs Johnston, Mr Miller and Mrs Kippen be permitted to pass to New York, with their Families, Servants & Effects excepting the property of those whose husbands have joined the Enemy since October 1.776
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P. M.
Present His Excellency the Governor Mr Smith Mr Manning M' Speaker M' Mehelm
Mª Imlay
Ordered that there be paid to Cornelius Vanderveer for his services in attending to Council of Safety as a light Horse- man the sum of £5. 15. 6.
Agreed that John" Dey, for leaving the State & going over to the Enemy, since the Treason Act, & returning into the same without the permission required by Law, have his choice whether to enlist into one of the four Battalions of this State raised for the Continental Service or be committed to Trenton Gaol-
Agreed that there be paid to John Bennet for attending the Council of Safety as a light Horseman, the sum of £7. 0. 0.
Agreed that Matthew Wrench for the same crime as above, be in like manner committed to Trenton Jail ----
Agreed that John Richmond enter into recognizance with surety in £300 each for his appearance at the next Court of Oyer & Terminer to be held in Hunterdon Co
Adjd till tomorrow Morng 9 O'clock.
Saturday 13 December 1.777
Princeton
The Council met pursuant to adjt
Present. Ilis Excellency the Governor M' Speaker M' Inlay
M' Manning M. Smith
Mr Mchelm
In consideration of M' Rutherford's & M' Parker's indisposi- tion, ·
Agreed, That they be Enlarged from their present Confine- ment until the 1st day of February next, upon the terms of their obligation of having the District of one Mile from the Court House in Morris town, & that they be then committed to Jail, unless the Council of Safety shall order to the con- trary-
Agreed
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Agreed That the wife of John Havens have leave to go into the Enemy's lines-
In addition to the order Given to Col Seely, by a former res- olution of the Board, relative to his removing such cattle as from their nearness to the Enemy are in danger of being car- ried off by them.
Agreed that he be directed to remove Sheep, Hogs & Cows that give no milk out of the Reach of the Enemy, and that he must be guided by his own Judgment, to the Places where he would have them removed.
Adja till next Tuesday Morning 8 O'clock-
Tuesday, 16th Decr,
The Council met at Princeton- 1
Present. The Governor.
M' Smith M' Mehelm
M' Imlay M' Speaker
There not being a sufficient number of members to proceed to business, the Board adjourned till tomorrow Morning.
Wednesday, 17th Decr,
The Council met at Princton. Present, as before.
The Board adjourned till tomorrow for want of another member-
Thursday, 18th Decr 1.777
Met pursuant to adjt Present, as before.
There not being yet a sufficient number of members to make
a Quorum adjd till tomorrow Morning 9. O'clock.
Friday, 19th Decem 1.777
Met pursuant to adjt
Present Ilis Excellency the Governor Mr Smith M' Imlay M' Speaker
M' Mehelm
There
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There not being a sufficient number of members to enter upon business that required a vote of the Board, those present, pro- ceeded as Magistrates to the examination of certain persons, who were by an order of the 17 Nov' Summoned to attend the Council to have the Oaths of Abjuration & Allegiance ten- dered to them-
Alexander McDonald, by virtue of a Warrant was brought before the Board, & having taken & subscribed the Oaths of Abjuration & Allegiance, was thereupon dismissed-
Mr Manning appeared & took his Seat at the Board.
Ezekiel Smith was brought before the Board & on the Affirmations to the Effect of the Oaths of Abjuration & Allegiance being tendered to him, desired leave to consider the matter till tomorrow Morning, which request was granted him-
Adja till 3, O'clock P. M.
Met pursuant to adjt.
Present, as before-
Agreed that there be paid to Frederick Ten Eyck, the sum of £4. 18. 9 for attending the Council of Safety as a Light Horseman, and to William Van Dyne the sum of £3. 12 3 for the like services.
Mathew Clark being by virtue of a Warrant brought before the Board & having taken & subscribed Affirmations to the Effect of the Oaths of Abjuration & Allegiance prescribed by Law, was dismissed.
Tunis Hoogland presented his account to the Board,
Agreed That he be paid the sum of £3. 12. 6 for his attend- ance on the Council of Safety, as a Light Horseman and riding Express.
The following persons of the people called Quakers, were brought before the Board, viz-Joseph Horner, Isaac Clark, Benji Clark, Wm Clark, John Clark, Thos Clark & Robert White, who having Each of them refused to take and sub- scribe the Affirmations to the Effect of the Oaths of Abjura- tion & Allegiance & having also refused to become bound, in sufficient Securities to appear at the next Court of Gen' Qr Session's of the peace to be held in & for the County of Middle- sex, Agreed that Warrants of Commitment do issue for their imprisonment.
Thos Wilson appeared before the Board & having taken & subscribed the Oaths of Abjuration & Allegiance, as by Law prescribed, was thereupon dismissed.
Saturday
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Saturday 20 December
The Board met pursuant to adjt
Present His Excellency the Governor Mr Manning Mr Smith M' Speaker Mr Mehelm
M' Imlay.
John Honeyman having entered into recognizance with Jacob Hyer his Surety in £300 Each to appear at the next Court of Gen' Q' Sessions of the peace, to be held in and for the County of Hunterdon, was discharged from the Guard.
Mathew Wrench & Charles Friend were called before the Board, & on failure of security required by Law were ordered to be sent to Flemington.
Agreed that John Willis Apprehended on his way to the Enemy be in like manner as above sent to Flemington.
Isaac Clarke, Benjm Clarke, William Clarke, John Clarke, Thos Clarke, & Robert White, appeared before the board & on passing their Words to be forthcoming on Wednesday next, were dismissed for the present.
John Hedger having entered into recognizance with John Scot his surety in £300 each, to appear at the next Court of Gen1 Q' Sessions of the peace to be held in the County of Somerset, & in the meantime to be of Good behaviour, & was thereupon dismissed-
Adjd till 3 O'clock P. M.
Met pursuant to Adjt Present as before.
Ezekiel Smith entered into Recognizance with Jonathan Dear his surety in £300 Each to appear at the next Court of Gen1 Q' Sessions of the peace to be held in & for the County of Middlesex, & was thereupon dismissed.
Sarah Barrow was brought before the Board for going into the enemies lines & returning into this State; without the Li- cense required by Law.
Agreed That she be immediately sent back to her husband in New York and remain there during the present War.
Priscilla Stewart was brought before the Board for the like Offence, & entered into recognizance with Peter Teple, her surety, to appear next Friday at the Court of Oyer & Terminer for Hunterdon County.
Lewis Freeman entered into recognizance with David Frazey, his
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his surety, iu £300 each, to appear at the next Court of Oyer & Terminer for Hunterdon County.
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