USA > New Jersey > Cape May County > The history of Cape May County, New Jersey : from the aboriginal times to the present day > Part 15
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By the beginning of 1776 the British Government had sent over reinforcements to Boston, and their coming had continually excited the colonists. The spirit to obtain con- by the British, and were patriots of the first rank.
stitutional liberty had now begun to turn toward thoughts of complete independence. But this plan was only with the statesmen, and not with the common people, because there was still a disposition of the less stern to be neutral, and to jump to the victorious side.
The Committee of Safety had now been organized in the State, of which Elijah Hughes was a member from Cape May. It first met at Princeton, on January 9, 1776, and at New Brunswick on February 12. At that session the committee of Cape May are reported as having made re- turns of militia officers, and the committee. At the latter place, on the 6th of February, Mr. Hughes had been ap- pointed to take a census of Cape May county, as directed by the Continental Congress, which varied little from that of 1772. On the 20th of February a tax to support the war was ordered raised in the colony amounting to £50,000 and 5 shillings, of which Cape May was to raise £156 18d. 2p., and the rates on which taxes were to be raised fixed as fol- lows:
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HISTORY OF CAPE MAY COUNTY.
"All householders (exclusive of certain ties) at from 2 to 30s.
"Merchants-5 to 20S.
"Ferry-5s to 5£.
"Coasting sioop, schooner, shallow, flat, passage boat, pilot boat, wood· boat. pettiauger. 3s to 30S.
"Single man, work for hire, keeps horse, mare or gelding,
2s. to 6s. Single man, works for hire only, 2s. to 6slı.
"Every bought serv. or slave, 2sh.
"Riding chair or kittereen, Ish.
"2 horse chaise or curricle, 2sh.
"four wheel chaise or phaeton, 5sh.
"Coach or chariot. 9 shil.
"Every waggon, the body of which hangeth on springs, 2 sh. All cattle, etc., 8 sh."
On June 7th a motion had been passed by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia that the colonies ought to be free and independent, and their action and discussions soon spread across the river to New Jersey. On the 17th of March the evacuation of Boston by the British had occurred and Washington had entered the city. The news was gen- erally spread by that time. The sister colonies had pre- pared for defense, and the British Parliament had declared the American colonies out of their protection. The British were sending soldiers to America, and 17,000 Hessians had been hired. This news precipitated matters in Congress and in the colonies.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE REVOLUTION BEGINS.
The Continental Congress at Philadelphia, on the 17th « of April, passed these two resolutions:
"Resolved, That the secret committee be directed to sup- ply Mr. Thomas Leaming with 200 lbs. of powder for militia at Cape May, he paying for the same.
"Resolved, That the commanding officer at New York be · directed to order two companies of Col. Dayton's battalion to march to Cape May and there remain until further or- ders." And again Congress, on June 17th, voted "that two companies of the force now in the Delaware regiment be or- dered to Cape May."
In the spring of this year, probably in March, the follow- ing Cape May men were elected as delegates to the New Jersey Council of Safety or Provincial Congress: Elijah Hughes, Jesse Hand, Thomas Leaming, Jr., Joseph Sav- age and Hugh Hathorn. Leaming was the man whom the Continental Congress voted 200 pounds of powder. They all attended the Congress for which they were elected, which met first at Burlington on the 10th of June, and continued its sessions at Trenton and New Brunswick. On the 18th of June the following military resignations were ordered accepted :
Henry Hand, Esq., Lieutenant-Colonel: Eli Eldredge, - First Major; Thomas Leaming, Esq., Adjutant.
Three days later this Assembly decided to form a State government, and on the next day a committee of ten per- ·sons was appointed to prepare for the new government and present a Constitution. Elijah Hughes was one of the com- mittee chosen. The Constitution was adopted on July 2, two days before the Declaration of Independence was pro- wclaimed. This Constitution was drawn principally by Rev.
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HISTORY OF CAPE MAY COUNTY.
Jacob Green, and upon its adoption it received the assent: of the five Cape May delegates.
Thomas Leaming, Jr., was a patriot, whose fame was wide in Philadelphia, as well as at home. He was a wealthy son of Thomas Leaming, who was a long time Judge of the Cape May courts. Leaming was born in Cape May, Au- gust 20, 1748, and died in Philadelphia October 29, 1797. He was educated at the University of Pennsylvania, studied law with John Dickinson in Philadelphia, and practiced his profession until 1776. He possessed large landed estates. in New Jersey, and was, as before noted, a militia officer and member of the Provincial Congress. He declined to accept from Great Britain the protection offered to those. who would not bear arms against the mother country. He, after the convention, went to Philadelphia. To him is given the credit of obtaining the signatures of the men who joined, the Cape May battalion, of which he was drill master. In Philadelphia he joined the First City Troop, fought with it. in the battle of Germantown, October 4, 1777, and remained. a member of the organization until his death. At the close. of the war he became a merchant. He was a meniber of the firm of A. Bunner and Company, which gave £6000, the- second largest subscription toward upholding the Conti- nental treasury. His firm was largely interested in priva- teering, and in 1785 he said their vessels had taken fifty prizes and 1000 prisoners.
The members of the colony Assembly at this time, which. body appeared inactive, and was, no doubt, purposely so, were still Eli Eldredge and Jonathan Hand.
Closely following the act of the Continental Congress on July 4, when they declared that "these United Colonies are,. and of right ought to be, free and independent States;" the New Jersey Provisional Congress thirteen days later passed a resolution that "Whereas, the honorable, the Continental Congress, have declared the United Colonies free and in- dependent States, we, the deputies of New Jersey, etc., de- clared New Jersey a sovereign State." Dr. Beesley says of these trying times :
"In the contest of our forefathers for Independence, noth- ing praiseworthy can be said of the other counties of the:
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THE REVOLUTION BEGINS.
State, that would not apply to Cape May. She was ever ready to meet the demand made upon her by the Legisla- ture and the necessities of the times, whether that demand was for money or men. Being exposed, in having a length- ened water frontier, to the attacks and incursions of the enemy, it was necessary to keep in readiness a flotilla of boats and privateers, which were owned, manned and armed by the people, and were successful in defending the coast against the British as well as refugees. Many prizes and. prisoners were taken, which stand announced in the papers of the day as creditable to the parties concerned. Acts of valor and daring might be related of this band of boatmen, which would not discredit the name of a Somers, or brush. a laurel from the brow of their compatriots in arms. The women were formed into committees, for the purpose of preparing clothing for the army; and acts of chivalry and fortitude were performed by them, which were cqually worthy of their fame and the cause they served. To record a single deserving act, would do injustice to a part; and to give a place to all who signalized themselves, would swell this sketch beyond its prescribed limits."
Elijah Hughes was born on February 15, 1744. He was County Clerk from 1762 to 1768, and Surrogate from 1768 to 1787, as well as a member of the Provisional Congress. He was also a member of the Legislative Council (Senator) from 1781 to 1782, and from 1785 to 1786. He died No- vember 23, 1797.
As soon as the Constitution for the New State went into effect Cape May was represented in the Legislature by Jona- than Hand in the Legislative Council, and by Eli Eldredge, - Joseph Savage and Hugh Haythorn in the Assembly. Their experiences were trying in legislating for a new State, whose future at that time could hardly be predicted. They all served until 1778.
During the last half the year 1776 the British had taken possession of New York, driven Washington to New Jersey, and by the end of the year Washington and his men were struggling about Princeton and Trenton, and even Philadel- phia was so threatened by the British that the Continental Congress had adjourned to Baltimore for safety.
186
HISTORY OF CAPE MAY COUNTY.
On October 4, 1776, Joseph Ludlam and Abraham Ben- nett were appointed inspectors of gun powder. They were to qualify ; to mark the powder-"S. N. J.," and were to be fined £5 for neglect of duty. Their pay was } of a dollar for every 100 wgt of powder; and should the inspectors ride over 10 miles to inspect over 1000 weight of powder the fees should be 3 pence a mile each way. The Court of General Quarter Sessions could supply a vacancy.
Early in 1777 General Washington's army had been suc- cessful in driving the British from New Jersey, and the latter then turned their attention to capturing Philadelphia, and in getting there by way of the Chesapeake Bay. The New Jersey men were called out in classes for thirty and sixty days' tours of duty in cases of general alarm, of which there were many during the next two years. Several of these mi- litiamen did duty at various times in the "Jersey Line," Con- tinental establishment.
About this time the new Legislature appointed Jesse Hand, of Cape May, a member of the Committee of Public Safety, on which he served from 1777 to 1781. The duties of this committee were the most arduous of any other body in the newly organized State. They were considered traitors by the British, and were patriots of the first rank.
From the isolated position of Cape May county, her dis- tance from the theatre of war which extended but litttle be- low Salem county and her agricultural characteristics which would not be an inducement for British raids, the Peninsula was never the scene of an engagement. None the less how- ever did the fire of patriotism burn brightly in the breast of Cape May folk of the time.
Colonel Richard Somers, of Atlantic county, having cap- tured the brigantine "Defiance," and the inhabitants of Great Egg Harbor having aided him, it was ordered by law of February 28, 1777, that the Marshal of the Court of Ad- miralty should secure the cargo and sell the same and to dis- tribute the money derived therefrom. On the fifteenth of March John Witherspoon, a signer of the Declaration of In- dependence and a delegate from New Jersey to the Conti- mental Congress and President of Princeton College, and Abraham Clark, were appointed commissioners to supply
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THE REVOLUTION BEGINS.
Cape May with 33 stands of arms, 187 pounds of gun pow- der, 347 pounds of lead, 334 flints, 7 quires of cartridge pa- per and one bullet mould.
It was also ordered that the Cape May militia should meet on the first Saturday of every month, and attend general re- view three times a year.
In the incidental bill of March 17th, are these items: To Eli Eldridge for Cantain Henry Stevens in full for pay of militia £316.17.9. To Eldridge for Memucan Hughes as «Commissary and Muster master, £213.9.9.
Aaron Leaming "held loan office," March 25th, says his diary.
On April 16th, 1777, the members of the second com- pany of the Cape May battalion met to choose officers. Hugh Hathorn certified that he was present at the election. The certificate signed by members of the company reads as follows:
"These are to certifie that on the 16th day of April, 1777, the second company of ye Cape May Battalion of militia in the State of New Jersey being met, did nominate, choose and appoint James Willits Junr Captain; David Edwards first and Joseph Wheaton second lieutenants. Henry Young ensign, in witness whereof, the majority of the company of "the company have hereunto set their hands,
"Moses Griffing,
Thomas Scott,
Abel Lee,
Uriah Young,
Levi Corson,
Japhet Hand,
John Goldin,
Jeremiah Van Gelder,
Darius Corson,
Daniel Skull,
James Godfrey,
Parmenas Corson,
Abraham Van Gelder,
John Cone,
David Corson,
Samuel Insell.
Rem Corson,
Stephen Young,
Jesse Corson,
Amos Willits,
Cornelius Corson,
Jacob Corson,
Joseph Badcock,
Isaac Van Gelder."
Commissions were issued to these four officers and dated April 16th. At the same time a commission was given to John Mackey, Esqr., to be colonel, which was dated May 7,
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HISTORY OF CAPE MAY COUNTY.
1777, and he was to rank from the date of his former com- mission as colonel.
An account of a training is given in the words of Aaron Leaming:
"The 3d of May, 1777, at a training Thomas Godfrey having his gun charged with small stones, by accident, shot James Parker in the Leg. The bone was much Splintered & Shattered and it was judged necessary to amputate it. For this purpose docr. Oto was Sent for from Gloucester County. The 12th of May afternoon, the Amputation was performed by Oto assisted by Dr McGinnis of Philadelphia, Docr Hunt & Dr. Benjn Stites. The 17th of May he died."
On the 19th of May, 1777, the Continental Congress at Philadelphia, received petition of Nathaniel Forster, of Cape May, in behalf of himself and divers other inhabitants of the said Cape, praving to be supplied with a few pieces. of cannon, and a suitable quantity of ammunition for the defence of the inhabitants of the Cape, and protection of vessels that may be there driven ashore, whereupon it was "Ordered. That the marine committee supply the petitioners. with six pieces of cannon, and that the board of war supply them with a suitable quantity of ammunition."
The following is the certificate of the officers of the third company.
"Cape May, May 23d, 1777.
"These are to certify that the under mentioned gentlemen were duly elected and chosen officers for the third company of the foot militia of the Cape May Battallion of which John Mackey, Esqr is Collonel, viz. Salathiel Foster Captain, Robert Personsjun first Liutenant. John Newton 2d Liuet, and David Hand ensign.
"John Hand, major.
"Certifyed by me."
By this time vessels of the British fleet on their way from New York to the mouth of the Delaware and to the Chesa- peake Bay made their appearance about the Cape, and the occasion caused considerable stir among the residents in preparing for defense. Aaron Leaming says, in his diary,
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THE REVOLUTION BEGINS.
"On Guard, June 3, 1777.
"Benjn. Ruggins, officer of ye first guard, Samuel Erixon, George Lord, Samuel Wickwaus."
By act of June 4, 1777, the Cape May electors were ex- empted from voting by ballot. They only had to show their hands at the public meeting. When there were two can- didates for an office, and but one to be elected, all who fa- vored one man would go on one side of a room, while those who favored the opponent went to the opposite side, and the tellers counted.
T.A.R
STEAMBOAT LANDING, CAPE MAY POINT, IN 1859,
On June 5, 1777, Henry Hand and Jonathan Jenkins were appointed as commissioners to seize Tory property, sell it if the subject still held out against the new State gov- ernment, and pay the same, less 3 per cent, to the State Treasurer.
On September 20, 1777, James Willets, Jr., and Thomas Ludlam for Cape May, were named as commissioners to purchase pitch, tar, turpentine, masts, yards, spars, and na-
190
HISTORY OF CAPE MAY COUNTY.
val stores, for state uses. The exportation of these things» were prohibited.
Later, November 25, 1777, Benjamin Stites and Jesse- Hand were appointed commissioners to purchase army clothing. Cape May was required to furnish 50 blankets.
Major Stillwell's report of the officers of the Cape May regiment reads:
"To the Honorable the Legislature of New Jersey.
"Gentlemen-The Captains and Subalterns of the Bat- talion at Cape May are as follows, viz:
"First Company. Jonathan Jenkins, Capt .; John Cresse,. Ist Lt .; Amos Cress, 2d Lt .; Richard Matthews, Ensign. "2nd Company, James Willits, Capt .: David Edwards, Ist Lt .; Josept Wheaten, 2d Lt .; -, ensign.
"3rd Co., Salanthiel Foster, Capt .; Robert Persons, first Lt .; John Newton, 2d Lt .; David Hand, ensign.
"4th Co., Henry Townsend, Capt .; Henry Ludlam, Ist Lt .; Christopher Ludlam, 2d Lt .; Jacob Cresse, Ensign.
"For all of which gentlemen, I pray commissions may be made out, as they have been chosen agreeable to the con- stitution.
"Enoch Stillwell, Major."
"dated
"June 7, 1777.
The commissions for the officers of the first and fourth companies were issued by the State on September 13, 1777, but dated June 7th. The commissions to the second and third companies had been previously issued.
On June 20th there appeared in Cape May Charles Cooke and Allen Cameron, two British agents, who were probably here to give aid to the troops who might land to march to- wards Philadelphia, then the British's next point of attack. They were apprehended, and Jonathan Leaming, the young son of Aaron Leaming, was sent on the following day with a letter to Robert Morris in Philadelphia, giving notice of the fact. The letter read in this way:
"Cape May, June 21, 1777.
"Dear Sir,
"Yesterday there came two Gentlemen here from Phila-
19W
THE REVOLUTION BEGINS.
delphia, and there appearing some cause for suspicion, were taken care of by the Militia; and this day Examined by the Justices, when it appeared by the Oath of Mr. Thomas. Hand, that they applied to him to assist them in getting on Board a Man of War. And Sundry papers being found upon them we apprehend they are prisoners of War, and have made their escape from Philadelphia-and say their namics are Charles Cook and Allen Maddison; but by their Papers and Confession on a stricter examination, Confess their Names are Allen Cameron and Charles Cook-the former of which having made his escape out of your Prison by heaving himself out of the window. The Prisoners are in Custody, and we wait your Orders to know what further shall be done with them. The contents of which Letters and other particulars we refer you to the Bearer hereof, Mr. Jonathan Leaming.
"We are Sir, with great truth and regard, your most Obdt. Humble Servts.,
(Signed) "James Willdin, "Henry Hand.
"Directed.
"To The Hon'ble Robert Morris, Esq., President of the Board of War, Philadelphia.
"Favor of Jonathan Leaming, Esq."
Cameron sent a letter to Dr. Thomas Bond, asking for re- lief from the Cape May committee, while Cooke appealed to his brother, an officer in the American army. They were subsequently released. Of Cameron his after life is not known to the author, but of Cooke we have it that he was afterwards, in 1780, driven from the country, and ever after resided in England. He had two brothers in the American army. Cooke was pensioned by King George III. for the loss of his property in America. The letters which these two prisoners sent on the day following, appealing for their release, are here quoted:
"Sir:
"No doubt you must before this reaches have heard of my escape from there, and I am very sorry to inform you that I am unfortunate enough to fall into the hands of the
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HISTORY OF CAPE MAY COUNTY.
Cape May Committee. However it's my fate, and altho' you and I differ widely in political sentiments, yet as there is a few British Ships in sight who have on board several persons of Consequence belonging to this place, whom the Committee seems anxious to have exchanged, I Beg leave to request that you will use your interest with your ac- quaintances in Congress, to allow those in authority here to The Bearer goes purposely with letters concerning me and another Gentlemen who was taken with me. In complying Exchange me for one of those from the Ships of War. with the above request you will unutterably oblige,
"Sir, Your very Humble Servant,
(Signed) "Alan Cameron. "Cape May, 21st June, 1777.
"Directed,
"To Doctor Thoms. Bond, Philadelphia."
"Cape May, 21st June, 1777.
"Dr. Brother: In making my escape, I have fallen into the Hands of the Cape May Committee, who have treated me very politely. Several Ships of War lay off Here, in which there are many of your prisoners, & I'm very desirous of being exchanged, beg you'd use your utmost influence with the Congress to have it effected, by obtaining the liberty of Congress for this Committee to see it put in execution. You no doubt will do everything in your power to serve me on this occasion, as it would give me particular pleasure; the rest I must leave to your own good management.
"I am, D'r Brother, yours sincerely,
"Charles Cooke.
"P. S. If not exchanged, perhaps the Congress would allow my going to New York, either on Parole or Sending one in my Room.
"To Col. Jacob Cooke, Esq'r,
"Indian Queen, Philada."
The Continental Congress, in session on July Stli, found due and ordered paid a sum of money to Lieutenant David Edwards and Sergeant Amos Willets for their expenses and horse hire in bringing Elisha Hand, a suspected person,
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THE REVOLUTION BEGINS.
prisoner from Cape May to Philadelphia, under orders of General Arnold.
On the 30th of this month a sufficient number of British Men of War had appeared within the bay to cause General Washington to give orders for the concentration of the Patriot forces in Philadelphia. The Cape May committee were then busy in reporting by pony express for a couple of months continually, the movements of the fleet, to the Board of War, the Continental Congress and the Council of Safety in Philadelphia.
The Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania on Au- gust Ist had in payment for such services, orders drawn in favor of Abraham Bennett for seven pounds and ten shil- lings for "riding express from Cape May to this city" (Philadelphia).
James Wilson (probably Whilldin) was paid the same amount. On the following day Matthew Whilldin was paid the same, while on the fourth David Hand was an equal recipient of money for his services.
When the officers for the Cape May foot militia were chosen there was no quarter-master selected. The other of- ficers were given the power to select one, and on September 10, 1777, Nathan Hand was chosen by John Mackey, colo- nel; Nicholas Stillwell, lieutenant colonel; Enoch Stillwell, major, and John Hand, major.
Soon came the battle of Brandywine, and as the war was getting close to home, the New Jersey troops were hurried up to become a part of Gen. Philemon Dickinson's com- mand. Aaron Leaming thus speaks of the activity:
"By a requisition issued from Governor Liviston all the Militia are called from this county & the neighbouring ones to rendevous at Woodberry without delay.
"The II of Sept, there was a Battle between General How & General Washington at Chad's ford & Jone's ford on Brandewine the american account is that Washington lost about 800 as some say.
"The english lost is computed by some to be 1300 kil'd by some 3000 & by some near 4000 all uncertain I believe & General Washington says our loss is much less than the
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HISTORY OF CAPE MAY COUNTY.
Enemy he is perswaded he says he lost 7 or 8 pices of can- 11011.
"All this acct I esteem vaug & uncertain. How remained Master of the field & wounded & that night Washington retreated to Chester & wrote the acct to Congress.
"the 19th Septr the militia march'd from Cape May said to be thus :
James Willet's company 50
Henry Townsend's company turned out about. 30
Lieut John Cresse 23 Salanthial Foster 37
140
Field officers
5
Sub. alterns about II
I56
"A considerable number would not go
"The 22nd they rendevouzed at Woodberry and that day crossed Delaware to joyn Genl Armstrong who is under General Washington and by letters we hear that Genl How lies on the west side of Schuylkil at Sweeds fords and Gen- eral Washington on the East side thereof 17 miles front Philada. The 22d some firing was heard there."
On the 26th of September the British Army and Hessian grenadiers, in command of Lord Cornwallis, entered Phila- delphia, and the main body of the British Army encamped at Germantown.
To hold Philadelphia the British must control the Dela- ware River, and they finally captured the largest American boat in the bay, and thus secured what they wanted.
CHAPTER XV.
CAPE MAY PATRIOTS.
By the third of October General Washington had re- ceived all the reinforcements he expected, consisting then of 900 Continental troops, 600 New Jersey militia under Gen- eral Forman and 1100 Maryland militia under General Smallwood, which made his force amount to 8000 troops and 3000 militia. Generals Sullivan and Wayne were order- ed to enter Germantown by way of Chestnut Hill, while "General Armstrong, with the Pennsylvania militia," says Gordon, was to fall upon the British, gain their left and at- tack them in the rear. Generals Greene and Stephens were to attack the right, while the New Jersey and Maryland mi- litia were to circuit the right and attack the enemy in the rear also. On the night of that day, the 3rd, the battle of Germantown was fought, the Patriots losing the battle. While Mr. Leaming said the Cape May men marched and joined General Armstrong, of the Pennsylvania militia, there is no doubt of the Cape May men being in the bat- tle, and they fought under Armstrong, being detailed to his command.
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