Documents and letters intended to illustrate the revolutionary incidents of Queens county; with connecting narratives, explantory notes, and additions, Part 12

Author: Onderdonk, Henry, 1804-1886
Publication date: 1846
Publisher: New York, Leavitt, Trow
Number of Pages: 280


USA > New York > Queens County > Documents and letters intended to illustrate the revolutionary incidents of Queens county; with connecting narratives, explantory notes, and additions > Part 12


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Capt. JOSEPH THORNE, Brooklyn. JOHN VOORHIES, Flushing.


210. July 19, '83, Rir. Any persons having demands against the late Lt. Steadman, 64th Reg., are desired to send in their accounts to Lt. Hutchinson, of the 61th Grenadiers, near Flushing.


211. T'en guineas reward. Stolen from David Haviland and Robert Lawrence, thirty-four sheep, supposed to be put on board some boat from Ab'm Lawrence's Point, where they left a small pen standing, after catching them. Flushing, Aug. 4, '83, at night.


JAMAICA.


212. Soon after the British were established in Jamaica, a parcel of loyalists perched themselves in the belfry of the Pres-


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byterian church, and commenced sawing off the steeple. Word was brought to the pastor, the Rev. Mr. Burnet. Whithead Hicks, Mayor of New-York, happened to be at his house, and as Burnet was a loyalist, soon put a stop to the outrage.


Mr. Burnet (who had married an Episcopalian) was the only Presby - terian minister in the county reputed to be a friend to government, and was therefore allowed to preach here during the whole war. Al- though he saved the church from desecration yet after the peace, party spirit ran so high that he was forced to leave.


The Highlanders attended his church. and sat by themselves in the galleries. Some had their wives with them, and several children were baptized. Once when the sexton had neglected to provide water, and was about to go for it, the thoughtful mother called him back and drew a bottle of it from her pocket.


213. The Dutch church was used as a storehouse. The pulpit was left, but the pews and floor were taken out and used for building huts and barracks for the soldiers. Here, every Sunday, wagons repaired, not to carry devout worshippers, but blaspheming soldiers to get their weekly allowance of pork, rum, flour, pease, &c. ; for Sunday was the chosen day for all extra duties.


The Dutch occasionally worshipped by permission in the Episcopal church,* Domine Rubell or Schoonmaker, at distant intervals, making the tour of the county for that purpose, and marrying and baptizing all who were ready .; The alms' chest was buried in a sheep-pen and covered with litter, by I. Doxey.


*The rector, Rev. J. Bloomer, also preached at Newtown and Flushing. + When the services of a domine could not be procured, the Dutch went to gebedt, where they sang, read prayers, and a sermon. When Domine Rubell preached, his loyalty was evinced by the fervency of his prayers for "King George III., Queen Charlotte, the Princes and Princesses of the Royal Family, and the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament." If the minister omitted this prayer, he could hardly de- scend the pulpit before receiving a reprimand from some one of his hearers. Dominie Froeleigh, pastor of the Dutch church, had been an ardent whig, and in his public ministrations often prayed the Almighty to strike the fleets of our invaders with his bolts, and sink their soldiers


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in the seas, so that they might never set hostile foot on our shores. Be- fore the British came to Jamaica, he had fled to Newtown, and lay con- cealed one night in the house of Mr. Rapalje at Hell-Gate, who set him across to the Main. He never returned, though a call was sent to him after the peace. The Dutch parsonage house opposite the Rev. Dr. Schoonmaker's, was occupied by the Rev. Mr. Bowden.


214. After the British had possession of Long Island, Oliver Delancey, the elder, reputed thie most likely person to induce the loyalists to join the King's troops, who had been appointed by Howe brigadier general of the southern colony of New- York, established his quarters at Jamaica, first at the parson- age-house of the Rev. Mr. Burnet, and afterwards at the house of Waters Smith, (now J. Simonson's,) where, it is supposed, continued during the war.


215. Jamaica was occupied by soldiers during the whole war, especially in winter, when the soldiers cantoned here after their summer expeditions. On the side hill, north of the vil- lage, were several rows of huts, extending a mile or so east and west, with streets between. The huts were partly sunk in the earth, with a rude stone fire-place and chimney of sticks and mortar, covered with thatch, sedge, reeds, or sods, laid over boards. Boards were in such demand that the old county hall (now Herriman's Row) and other buildings were torn down for building materials. Rails also were used for fuel and huts, till not a length of fence was left in the village ; and even the farmers around, took up their fence in the fall and reset it in the spring .*


Officers were quartered at Justice Smith's, (now P. P. Larre- more's, ) and at Justice French's. (now W. Nichol's.) A guard of Jamaica militia (say six) stood here every night to prevent their being carried off. All wagons to and from New-York were examined. G. J. was going to market one night, and the noise of his wagon prevented his hearing the challenge of the sentinel till he felt the bayonet between his ribs.


The parade was between the huts and the village. The hospital at one time was in the huts. Here, great mortality prevailed, and the dead were interred so carelessly that after the peace their bones were seen above ground and were again covered. The police was at the house now J. D. P. Ogden's.


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The wood yard, north of Dr. Shelton's, was enelosed with a high picketed fenee. Before the war the hills were covered with heavy timber, but at the peace all were bare.


* Con. Gaz., July 18, '83. A person from Staten Island says there is scarcely a panel of fence left there ; and others say it is precisely the case on Long Island, the rails being burnt by the soldiers. With the greatest difficulty the unfortunate inhabitants can even keep small en- closures for their cattle and flocks at night, which they are obliged to watch through the day, to save their grain from destruction.


216. Jun. 13, '77, Gaine. A grammar school is now open- ing at Jamaica, by Andrew Wilson, who for some years has taught Latin and Greek at Morristown. Board may be pro- eured at Jamaica.


217. Feb. 24, '77, Guine. Fox chase. On Sunday, 16th inst., a rebel fox stole into the town of Jamaica, supposed with a design to steal some poultry belonging to the friends of gov- ernment; but the scent being very strong, was soon taken by the royal hounds, who soon opened in full cry upon him, and pursued him over the hills into a thick swamp, where they left him for the present; but as the town has been frequently dis- turbed by this obnoxious animal, a sharp look out will be kept for him in future. [Some concealed Whig probably .- ED.]


218. May 8, '77. The representatives for Queens county, appointed by the Convention till Queens shall be in a condition to elect others, were Philip Edsall, Benj. Coe, B. Birdsall, and D. Lawrence. (See 108, and Thompson II, 493.)


219. May 26, '77, Gaine. $4 reward. Ran away, from Capt. Tho's Harriot, Jamaica, South, a negro ; had on a short gray coat, brass buttons, brown jacket, homespun trowsers, and beaver hat cocked. Masters of' vessels are desired not to ship or carry him off. He was bred to the sea.


220. June 2, '77, Gaine. Lost, the pocket book of Major Alex. Campbell, 74th, containing two half-joes, and some small money, which the finder is welcome to, and $2 reward.


221. June 14, '77. Rev. Mr. Hart, of Huntington, is in Ja- maica jail for his bold avowal of whig principles.


222. Col. Graydon, a prisoner on parole, at Flatbush, who


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JAMAICA.


had permission to dine with Alexander Wallace, at Jamaica, in the spring of '77, thus describes his visit :


" Upon our first arrival at Jamaica, after putting up our horses at an inn, we concluded to take a ramble through the town before we went to Mr. Wallace's. We had accordingly strolled to nearly the end of the main street, when we observed a soldier coming after us. Approaching with due military etiquette, he gave us to understand he came by order of Col. Fanning, who desired to speak with us at his quarters. We im- mediately returned with him to the colonel, who informed us that he pre- sumed we were prisoners; and if so, as we were without our limits, he conceived it his duty to inquire into the cause of it. We told him we came to dine with Mr. Wallace, who had obtained permission for us from the commissary of prisoners. Had we any certificate of it ? he asked. We replied, No, as we relied on Mr. Wallace. Finding he still seemed to consider it dubious, we thought it time to assert ourselves a little, and told him it was a matter of the utmost indifference to us what part he might adopt. After a moment's consideration, he thought proper to dis- iniss us. This Mr. Fanning had been secretary of Gov. Tryon, and now commanded a regiment of new levies stationed here.


" Mr. Wallace entertained us with much hospitality, and to show that this civility was not to be considered in any degree as a toleration of our principles, his son, a boy of seven or eight years of age, came into the room, and his father, putting a glass of wine into his hand, asked him what he drank ? ' Church and King,' replied the little fellow in an audible voice. I had recently contemplated becoming an Episcopalian, yet the sentiment appeared to me selfish and degrading in the extreme."


223. Sep. 1, '77, Gaine. We have the pleasure to acquaint the people that the little town of Jamaica has contributed, to the encouragement of the new corps raised in the Province at the request of Gov. Tryon. £219, delivered by Joseph French, Esquire.


224. Oct. 6, '77, Gaine. The Jamaica new stage wagon will set off from Hope Mills' at 7, on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings, for Brooklyn ferry. and return on the same days. For freight or passage, apply to the public's humble servant,


HOPE MILLS.


N. B. All letters and newspapers proper care will be taken of.


225. Ric., Dec. 6, '77. A guinea and charges paid. Stolen


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or strayed in the night of Nov. 20, from the pasture of the Rev. Mr. Bowden, in Jamaica, a dark gray mare.


MR. BETTS, Innkeeper.


226. At a town meeting at Jamaica, Nov. '77, to provide firewood and other necessary articles for the use of the hospi- tal and guard-house in Jamaica, [where were they ?] it was voted, 1st. That all who have soldiers billeted on them be ex- cepted. 2dly. That the following be appointed trustees for the above purpose, viz. : John Polhemus, for the Western District ; John Lamberson and John Doughty, for Springfield ; Jacamiah Valentine, for the Eastern District; Dowe Ditmars, for the Southern District. 3dly. That Edward Willets be appointed to inspect the wood and give certificates .- Town Records.


227. Dec. 6, '77, Riv. $20 reward. Lost, two black mares, JACOB SMITH, at Jamaica, Capt. 1st Comp., 1st Bat., Delancy's Brigade.


228. Dec. 27, '77. The 1st battalion of Gen. Frazer is to be quartered at Jamaica .- Riv.


229. Jan. 31, '78, Riv. Stolen or strayed, from the pasture of Dr. Charlton of Jamaica, a black mare, &c.


230. Riv., Mar. 28, '78. To be sold, by Edward Willet, of Jamaica, 12,000 acres of land in the Patent of Minisink, also a first rate negro wench with two very fine children.


231. Light Dragoons. All gentlemen volunteers, who are disposed to serve his Majesty in Capt. Kinlock's troop of light dragoons, now raising on Long Island, are desired to repair to his quarters at Jamaica,* where they will find good encour- agement, together with an horse, clothing, and proper accou- trements, and enter immediately on the same pay with the British dragoons. None need apply but those of good charac- ter .- Riv., May 2, '78.


* He lay on a hill north of Miss Rowlands'.


232. June 29, '78, Gaine. $3 reward. Stole or strayed out of the pasture of Tho's Harriot, Jamaica South, May 15, a mouse-colored cow and two yearlings, with the broad arrow marked on each.


233. July, '78. Wm. Betts keeps the tavern, sign of Gen,


&c.


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JAMAICA.


Amherst, formerly kept by John Comes, opposite the meeting- house.


234. Rir., Aug. 29, '78. Tho's Rochford has taken the house, late of Wm. Betts, and informs the gentlemen of the army and navy, and inhabitants of New-York, that they can have breakfasts and dinners on the shortest notice. He has laid in an assortment of liquors of the best quality.


235. Oct. 14, '78, Gaine. The races at Capt. Polhemus's, New Lots, are changed to Jamaica ; purse 20 guineas.


236. Dec. 7, '78, Gaine. Capt. F. Graham, of 37th Grena- diers, died of apoplexy at Jamaica,


237. Dec. 8, '78, Holt. A gentleman from Long Island says there are 400 dragoons at Hempstead, 150 at Lloyd's Neck, 470 at Oyster Bay, 1,500 [foot?] at Jamaica, 200 yagers at Flushing, 350 at Newtown, 3,000 on board British fleet under Gen. Campbell, 200 at the ferry, and 3,000 on New-York Island .*


* New Haven, Jan. 6, '79. We hear about 1,500 of the enemy's troops, and 400 or 500 of their light-horse, wagon horses, &c., are quar- tered on the inhabitants of Long Island.


238. Feb. 27, '79, Riv. $10 reward. Stolen in the night of Feb. 24, out of the stable of Major Bowden, at Jamaica, a sorrel horse, his mane lying on the mounting side, &c.


JOHN BOWDEN,


239. Feb. 27, '79, Gaine. $6 reward. Run away, Tom. He had on a dark gray short coat, belt waistcoat, yellow metal buttons, buff breeches, white worsted stockings. 'Tis thought he will try to go out in some privateer.


B. SMITH, Jamaica.


240. Ap. 7, '79, Rir. A horse for sale at the parsonage, [Mr. Bloomer's,] formerly W. Creed's, one mile west of Jamaica.


241. Ap. 13, '79. It is said the British troops on Long Island are commanded by Gen. Vaughan.


242. Loosely and Elms propose to run a CARAVAN to Jamaica and back to Brooklyn ferry, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays,-Riv., May 26, '79.


8


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243. Ju. 17, '79, Riv. Rochford has quit the tavern, sign of Gen. Amherst, and opened the Queen's Head, at the house lately occupied by Gen. Skinner, first house north side of the street above the English church, [now Dr. Shelton's.] He is grateful to the gentlemen of the army and navy, &c.


244. July 10, '79, Riv. Wm. Betts has opened the tavern, formerly John Coombs's, sign of Gen. Ainherst, opposite the meeting-house, where he has provided choice liquors. Din- ners on the shortest notice, and good stabling.


245. Sep. 15, '79, Riv. Died, at Jamaica, aged 40, George Brewerton, 2d Bat., Delancey's Brigade. When young, he was Col. of a New-York regiment at the reduction of Havana, (Aug. 14, 1762,) universally beloved, and his death greatly lamented.


246. Oct. 16, '79. Jamaica races. 20 guineas, three heats ; twice round the course, at Beaver Pond, to cach heat.


247. Tickets for the Jamaica Accession Ball, Oct. 25, '79, for the inhabitants and officers quartered there, are issuing at the Queen's Head and Gen. Amherst. A grand band of music will be wanted.


[George III.'s accession to the throne took place Oct. 25, 1760 .- Ed.]


248. Loyal Refugees recruiting at Betts's tavern. Abm. C. Cuyler, Esq., is authorized to raise a battalion of 600 men .-- Riv., Nov. 3, '79.


[He was thanked at Smithtown, Jan. 31, '81, when he left for England .- Ed.]


249. Mar. 18, '80. A munificent entertainment was given by Lord Rawdon, Col. of the volunteers of Ireland, to his regi- ment, quartered at Jamaica, in honor of St. Patrick, tutelar saint of that kingdom. Song by Barny Thompson, piper to the regiment, tune Langolee:


Success to the shamrogue, and all those who wear it,


Be honor their portion wherever they go,


May riches attend them, and store of good claret, For how to employ them sure none better know.


Every foe surveys them with terror,


But every silk petticoat wishes them nearer,


So Yankee keep off, or you'll soon learn your orror, For Paddy shall prostrate lay every foe.


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JAMAICA.


This day, but the year I can't rightly determine,


St. Patrick the vipers did chase from this land,


Let's see if, like him, we can't sweep off the vermin,


Who dare 'gainst the sons of the shamrogue to stand. Hand in hand ! Let's carol the chorus-


" As long as the blessings of Ireland hang o'er us,


The crest of Rebellion shall tremble before us,


Like brothers, while thus we march hand in hand !"


250. 2 guineas reward. Ran away, June 4, 'S0, a negro man, Will, thick lips, had on corduroy breeches, &c.


JOHN AMBERMAN.


251. Last Sunday evening, was married, at the seat of Gen. Skinner, near Jamaica, [then Rev. A. Keteltas's, now S. Judd's, ] Capt. Meredith, 70th Reg't, to Miss Gertrude, third daughter of Brig. Gen. Skinner, a young lady whose mental and personal accomplishments promise the most permanent fe- licity .- Ju. 14, 'S0.


252. Three days ago, Capt. W. Dickson, commander of one of the New-York volunteer companies, was unfortunately drowned while bathing in a pond in the neighborhood of Ja- maica, whither the corpse was brought and interred on Mon- day evening, attended by Major Small and the officers of the regiment of Royal Highland Emigrants stationed there .- Ju. 17, '80, Gaine.


253. The American officers were admitted to parole in the pleasant village of Jamaica, till July 10, '80, when, having previously broken their parole, and otherwise behaved so badly, it was refused them. Sproat .- Feb. 12, '81, Gaine.


254. Aug. 23, '80, Rir. Run away from Jamaica, a large fat young wench, with three cuts on each cheek, late from Charleston. Whoever sends her to Col. Linsing, or Ray & Fitzsimmons, merchants, Jamaica, shall have $5 reward and charges.


255. In the fall of 1780, a British half-pay officer, Crowe, or Crowell, quartered at John Montanye's, on the Rockaway road, at Foster's meadow, (a large house burnt down a few years ago,) sent his servant to Derick Amberman's mill for flour, The miller, half-joking, bid the servant tell his master to send money with his bag next time, as he could trust him no longer.


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Crowe had been drinking and was ready for violence. In com- pany with a brother officer, (a guest of his, from New Jersey, Maj. Stockton, quartered at Uriah Platt's,) he rode down to the mill, half a mile distant, called the miller out, and commenced beating him on the head with a loaded whip. A wagon now came along with several persons in it, and they were ordered in the KING'S NAME to stand, and so great was their terror that they dared give no assistance to the miller.


His eldest daughter, Sarah, being informed by a lad at the wood-pile of what was going on, ran out, and seeing her father warding off the blows with a piece of board, picked up a bit of rail and made at the assailant. They bid her keep off, or they would throw her in the pond, which they tried to do. She es- caped, however, and returned to the charge, but could not as- sist her father.


Crowe kept beating him till he fell, when Stockton came up and run him through. The wounded man then made for the house, but was unable to ascend the steps-the stoop is still stand- ing-when his daughter assisted him and led him into the back room, where he fell on the floor saying, " The villains have made a dead man of me."


His wife had been visiting at a neighbor's, and saw the whole transaction, and reached home only in time to take her husband's head on her lap, when he gasped once or twice and expired. The alarm was soon spread, when Tunis Covert, ser- jeant, with a few militia, hastened to Crowe's quarters, rushed on the officers before they could fire-it was now dark-arrested them as they were mounting their horses to escape, bound them and carried them back to the mill. They were put under guard at Jamaica that night, and subsequently taken to Bedford for trial. A coroner's jury had rendered a verdict of wilful mur- der. But the question arose, which wound caused the death ? The body was disinterred and a second jury summoned. The surgeon who opened the body was of the opinion, that, though there was a huge swelling on the forehead, occasioned by the blows of the whip, he died of the stab; the sword had passed within an inch of the heart.


It is not known what became of the offenders, but it is sup- posed they were acquitted.


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JAMAICA.


It is said that an Irish officer, McNeil, in a quarrel af- terwards at Nova Scotia, upbraided Stockton with this murder, and challenged him at the sword.


256. Riv., Sept. 6, '80. Last Sunday night, died at Jamaica, of a very painful illness, Dr. Jacob Ogden, aged 59. Through a long course of successful practice, he acquired an extensive and respectable acquaintance, who valued him for a goodness of heart, which marks the honest and benevolent man.


257. Sept. 11, '80, Gaine. Died at Jamaica, aged 75, Capt. Benj. Whitehead, supervisor. His attachment to government involved him in many difficulties, which he bore with the great- est fortitude.


258. Sept. 22, '80. The Queen's Rangers marched from Oyster Bay to Jamaica, and crossed from Long Island to Rich- mond redoubts, Staten Island, Oct. 8.


259. Oct. 25, '80, Rir. John Waller, Esq., Major of bri- gade to Brig. Gen. Delancey, died of fever at Jamaica.


260. Feb. 12, '81, Gaine. Mrs. Marsh's place [now J. A. King's] for sale. It lies on the Main-street, bounded east by the cemetery of the English church, and west by the Dutch par- sonage, (now occupied by the Rev. Mr. Bowden, ) west by land of widow Banks. Inquire of Rev. John Sayre, New-York.


261. Riv., March, '81. B. Creed's Jamaica and Brooklyn- Hall Stage Machine, 6s. a passage ; not answerable for money, plate and jewels, unless entered and paid for.


262. April 7, '81, Riv. To be let, a commodious house and garden, in possession of Tho's Rochford, 4 rooms on the lower floor, 3 on 2d floor.


263. May 12, '81, Rir. Rochford, of the Queen's Head, has re- moved to the house containing 8 rooms, lately occupied by John Livingston, [now R. J. Snedeker's.] He begs leave to inform the ladies and gentlemen that he has an elegant garden with arbors, bowers, alcoves, grottos, naids, dryads, hamadryads, &c., &c.


He lias a stock of good liquors, and can at any time furnish genteel dinners. The ladies and gentlemen who choose to make an excursion to the pleasant village of Jamaica, remarka-


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ble for the salubrity of its air, may depend on good cheer and the utmost attention.


264. $10 reward. Run away from Ray & Fitzsimons, merchants, two miles beyond Jamaica, [now I. G. Carpenter's,] a negro, Hercules, apt to stutter on a surprise, liad on velvet plush breeches, &c .; and a wench, young and lusty, with three scars on each cheek, from the southward. Riv., May 16, '81.


265. July 7, '81. An express from the Keppel* sloop left a bay horse at the house of Capt. Nicholas Ludlam, [now D. I. Ditmis's, ] Jamaica, for which no owner has yet appeared.


[*The Keppel took some whaleboatmen near Setauket .- Ed.]


266. Jan. 5, '82, Rir. Lt. Steadman, of the 64th company of grenadiers, fell from his horse on the road from Jamaica to Brooklyn. The corpse was interred in the church yard of Ja- maica, with military honors, attended by the officers of both battalions of grenadiers.


All persons having demands against Lt. Steadman will send them to Capt. Symondson, 64th grenadiers, Jamaica.


267. April 24, '82, Riv. Address of the loyal inhabitants of Foster's Meadow and Springfield, to the British Legion, on leaving their district :


We, the loyal inhabitants within the districts of Foster's Meadow and Springfield, impressed with the deepest sense of gratitude and esteem, beg leave to approach you and return you our most sincere thanks for your kind attention to our interests during your winter residence within our districts. We beg leave to assure you of our best wishes wherever your duty calls ; and it is our most fervent prayer that the Almighty may take you under his protection in the day of battle.


GAPHINEAH SPOONER,


In behalf of 26 most respectable inhabitants.


Reply of the British Legion.


GENTLEMEN :- During the unhappy differences between Great Britain and her colonies, it ever has been our study to attend to the private interests of every virtuous citizen of Amer- ica. We return you our thanks, and sincerely wish your fields


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may yield you a most plentiful harvest, and your floeks may bring forth in abundance, to the mutual interest of the army and inhabitants .*


* Soldiers were billeted at almost every house in Foster's Meadow und Springfield. There was much robbery, thieving and disorder.


The wagoners were billeted in Springfield, sometimes 20 horses in a barn In a lot south of Capt. Grant's (now Ab'm Higbie's) was a hay magazine, constantly guarded to keep off incendiaries. Another hay magazine and the King's stables (that would hold 100 wagoners' horses), were at Samuel Doughty's, (now Jacob Bergen's,) Jamaica South. These wagons were drawn by four horses, single breasted, and driven without reins. They probably came from Pennsylvania.


The farmers put off the poorest salt-hay (meadow drift, &c.) on the fo- rage masters, while the best they would cart home by a circuitous route, to escape observation, and hide it under refuse stuff in their barns .- Ed.




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