USA > Pennsylvania > Colonial Records of Pennsylvania Volume 13 > Part 54
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MINUTES OF THE
assembling the militia in such a manner as to effect the purposes of the resolution before mentioned, and also in. what manser & guard of five hundred men could be most quickly collected for im- mediate defence, to be relieved by the militia, in consequence of a call for the service proposed. In the course of this conference, il was asked whether some kind of a negotiation had not taken place. We mentioned what had passed on that head. After some time. we retired to the Council Chamber. Soon after we came into the Chamber, one of the committee of Congress entered, and informed the President that he thought himself bound to give him notice of a great mistake that had been committed by the person from whom he had received his intelligence concerning the ammunition, that person having in a late conversation told him there were not more than two hundred musquet cartridges to be found. The President took this opportunity of again desireing that Council might not be precipitated into measures not adapted to the present circumstances; that the soldiers had now been quiet. for three years, and we ex- pected every hour to hear from their committee; the gentleman said that no report in writing had yet been made to Congress, and that for his part he should be for taking some time to make it, fx the reasons that had been mentioned.
In about an hour after we had left the officers, we returned into the Assembly room to them, and Colonel Shee, speaking for the company, declared it to be their opinion, that it would be very im- prudent to make any call of militia at present, as they were con- vinced it would be ineffectuals that if the negotiation for setling the disturbance should not succeed, and the soldiers should insist on unjust and unreasonable things, or should commit any outrage, they would be willing to make all the exertions in their power for preserving the peace and "supporting public authority," and would use their utmost influence for disposing the minds of all under their command, and of their fellow-citizens, to join in such mes- sures.
We then directed that the officers should have their respective commands as well prepared as could be for action, on the shortest notice, which they promised to do; and we are persuaded that if the occasion for commencing hostilities had appeared as pressing to the militia as it did to some, they would have acted with the same spirit that had always distinguished them, whenever, in their judg- ment, the object claimed their exertions.
Before the Council adjourned, we received the following letter and inclosure from the committee appointed by the soldiers, vist:
SIE :- Yesterday morning we were waited on severally by . committee of Serjeants, who handed to each of us similar appoint- Ments, of which the inclosed is one. But upon their being objected to, and refused as inconsistent with the powers granted them and di-
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
honorable to as, they made such concessions relative to us as were satisfactory, so far as we could take up the business, and they have confessed their conduct on the twenty-first instant to be disorderly, and have promised to hand in their concessions as soon as possible, which will immediately lay before your Excellency. I have the honor to be, your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,
JAMES CHRISTIE, Captain 2d Penn'a Reg't.
His Excellency John Dickinson, Esquire, President of the Com- mittee.
Philadelphia Barracks, June 23d, 1783.
BIR :- You are hereby appointed by the non-commissioned offi- oers and soldiers in this city from authority. they have from the President of the State, and General St. Clair as a member, to represent them in committee of siz commissioned officers.
You are to remember that every effort in your power must be exerted to bring about the most speedy and ample justice, and even to use compulsive measures, should they be found necessary, which we declare in the presence of Almighty God, we will support you in to the utmost of our power. Should you shew a disposition not to do all in your's, death is inevitably your fate. Signed by order of the Board.
JAMES BENNET, Secretary.
Captain James Chrystie.
Council rose, and soon afterwards we received intelligence that Congress was adjourned by their President, to meet at Princetoron on the Thursday following.
That evening we met again at the President's house, upon advice that the soldiers meditated an attack on the Bank. We resolved that a strong guard should be immediately collected, and so posted as best to secure that important object, and as several field officers attended, they immediately and with the greatest alacrity, employed themselves in the business. The President, Vice President and General Irvine, directed Captain Stiles, the Commissary of Mili- tary Stores, to try the next day if he could not get some fixed am- munition out of the State Magazine, in removing powder that was private property. He did, and thro' the pacific or careless diepo- sition of the guard of soldiers, got out a considerable quantity, and distributed it as ordered, in proper places.
Wednesday the twenty-fifth, we were informed that the soldiers were in a very tumultuous disposition, and that there was great
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664 ·
MINUTES OF THE
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1
reason to apprehend it would rise into some violence, as their tions would be stopped on the Friday following.
We therefore, came to the following resolutions :
In Council, Philadelphia, Wednesday, June the twenty-ft 1783.
Ordered, That the Lieutenants of the city militia, &e, he directed to call forth a guard of one hundred privates, with me number of officers as he may think proper, as a measure indispe- sable and immediately necessary to secure government from inek the State from disturbance, and the city from injury. Carpenter's Hall is assigned for the place of meeting.
Resolved, That the different officers commanding regiments, be requested to hold their respective commands in immediate read- ness for action. It is expected, also, that they will meet this day as soon as possible, for the purpose of determining the place d and signals for rendezvous. A report of their proceedings to be made to the President.
Resolved, That the Commissary of Military Stores be directed to issue such public arms and ammunition as he may now bare ss- der bis direction, to the militia of the city and liberties, upon a plication of the different officers commanding regiments.
While the Clerk was copying these resolutions, Captains Chy tie and Symonds, two of the committee of the soldiery, presented to us the three papers inclosed aud marked number one, two, and three. These boiug read, it was unanimously resolved that Cous- cil will not even take the proposals now made by the soldiers inte consideration, unless they first put themselves under the command of their officers, and make full and satisfactory submission to Cos- gress.
This resolution was then communicated to Captains Chrystie and Symonds, and they being informed that it was our uualterable de termination, were directed to communicate the same as such to the soldiers.
They assured us this should be immediately done, but that the soldiers did not think they had offended Congress, as their inter- tion on Saturday was only to apply to Council. They then pro- ceeded to what was and probably would be, the temper of the troops, upon receiving this answer of Council, and entrested w to take all the measures we possibly could for our own safety sad that of the city, as everything licentious was to be apprebended. On this intelligence, Council ordered the guard to be increased to five hundred privates.
We then adjourned, and were severally employed in engafix the militia and citizens in general to take arms immediately. Uu fixed resolution, insisting on a submission to Congress, the ball the Militia, the excellent behaviour of the officers of our line, in general, the industry and address of Colonel Humpton, in reprt
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 665
ng to the Serjeants then in town the dangers that surrounded by these operations, and intelligence that part of the army n motion towards the city, with a circumstance that happened opportunely, threw them into confusion. The circumstance bis : A Captain Carberry, deranged, and a Lieutenant Sulli- two of the Committee appointed by the soldiers, and the ipal instigators of the disturbance, were so much alarmed at scasures taken and the accounts circulated, that they thought ir to fly. They first wrote a billet to Mr. William Huston, ler of the Committee, and Adjutant of Colonel Humpton's sent, in these words : " Consult your own safety ; we cannot you." H. C. J. B.
his note, by some mistake, was delivered to Captain Chrystie. .nd Captain Symonds went with it to Colonel Humpton. He the Captains came to the President, and brought the Serjeants. rst the construction was doubtful, but in a short time it was ed that the meaning was agreeably to the facts just stated. nel Humpton proposed his going to the Barracks with the Ser- ts who had impeached Captain Curberry and Lieutenant Sulli- and were now in a proper disposition to second his measures. lid so, and some citizens went to assist, by advising the soldiers chave prudently in the present exigency. After some time were prevailed upon to leave their arms under a guard at the acks, to come to the President's, and hear what he should say tem. They came and paraded before his house. He addressed I on the subject of their late and present behaviour, insisted heir giving a further evidence of their good disposition, and of · dutyfull submission to the offended Majesty of the United ss, by compelling the soldiers lately arrived from Lancaster Ly down their arms or begin their march for that place, under sommand of their officers, at the end of twenty-four hours, un- in that time those unhappy men should return to a sense of duty. At the conclusion of the address, they were ordered :pair to the Barracks under the command of their officers, then int, and behave themselves as soldiers ought to do, and they ntly obeyed.
Le next day at twelve o'clock, the soldiers from Lancaster sub- sd, and soon after began their march for that borough.
Le President immediately communicated accounts of these trans- us to the President of Congress in the three letters inclosed. >apers relating to the subsequent proceedings are herewith trans- ed.
lus, gentlemen, we have laid before you a faithful narrative of Mfair, composed and examined while every circumstance was ily remembered by us, and the Secretary will deliver to you riginal papers, on which it is principally founded. We have
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 887
the Peace for the county of Cumberland, upon returns - rding to law. morial of Thomas Bradford, of the city of Philadelphia, subject of some forfeited goods, &ca., &ca., was read, and
owing orders were drawn upon the Treasurer, agreeably aptroller General's report.
ur of David C. Claypoole, for the sum of one hundred ty-four pounds fifteen shillings and three specie, all of his account for printing. done for the State. ur of Thomas Bradford, for the sum of eighty eight elve shillings and six pence specie, in full of his account g done for the State.
ar of Nicholas Depui, Esquire, for the sum of twenty. ds six shillings and three pence State money of the sov- pril, 1781, being the amount of principal and interest his certificata for a mare furnished for the use of the be paid out of the fund provided by act of Assembly da- he eighth, 1782.
favour of John Carr and Robert Stewart, for the sum of nds specie, in full of their account for attendance on Auditors, as Commissioners of the State for the pur- oathing in the year 1777.
: Council met.
Wednesday, August 20th, 1783.
PRESENT :
le JAMES EWING, Esquire, Vice President.
les Irvine, George Wall, Jun'r,
n McDowell, John Van Campen,
? Esquires.
nptroller General's report on the account of Lieutenant erson, for recruiting in the year 1777, was read and ap-
e was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of John Nich- lire, for the sum of five hundred pounds State money nth of April, 1781, for the purpose of discharging the art of depreciation due to the officers and soldiers of the ia line, according to act of General Assembly dated of April, 1782, for which he is to account.
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668
WOK UKNO MINUTE
The Council met.
Thursday
PRE
His Excellency JOHN DI The Honorable JAMES EWIN
James Irvine, Gea John M'Dowell, Jan John Byers, Joh
The Comptroller General's officers and soldiers were read 1 for the interest due to each on computed by him, to be paid of excise appropriated for the disct tion certificates, vizt :
William Mayberry, Matross in reg't artil'y, Andrew Crawford, Matross of 2 Artificers, John Hemmelwright, private of regiment,
Howard Knight, Matross of Ar Captain William Wilson, of the giment, Peter Wilduck, private of the f Bartholomew Berry, private 5 do.,
James Hawkins, private of the do.,
Morris Casey, private of Hazen Joseph Morrison, late Lieutenant Camp, Colonel William Butler, of the regiment, John Adams, private of do., Sadier Roach, do. do., John Brown, Fifer, late of the e do.,
Sampson Dempsey, Serjeant in t do., Captain Walter Finney, in thi do., Thomas Malson, private of the do.,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
Principal.
Interest.
388 15 6
23 6 5
56
81 6 3
2 6 3 7 4 4 17 6 ..
167 3 9
10 0 6 .
66 19 5 4 0 4
297 13 8 17 17 1
63 1 7
3 15 8
in Jordan, of Artillery Arti-
177 0 0
10 12 4
tenant James Smith, of Ar- atz, a private in the third re-
278 5 2
16 13 10
60 8 8
3 12 5
Till, do. in the fourth
do. in the fifth
61 10 4
3 13 9
59
3 1 3 11 0
212 0 0 12 14 4 :
42 4 1
2 10 6 ...
81 1 7
4 17 3
56 18 1
3 8 3
68.0 10
4 1 7
83.0 11
4 19 7
450 9 2
27 0 6
chmycer, Captain in Flying .
280 9
5 16 16 6
:er, Matross in the Artillery, ncis Allison, late sen'r Surg'n ›sp'l,
28
9
3 1 14 1
328 4 0
19 13 9
ion of David Hillyer and Joseph Johnstone, Serjesats lid corpa, was read, and . referred sto . the . Ooms ptrbli d'i'.
1. 1 yidina
nes Armstrong, of Lee's Par- rioD, Cormick, private in the 7th
in, Serjeant in the 4th do., tman, Esquire, Lieutenant 3rd do., rhard, a private in the third
oty, Lieutenant of the 1st Parcell, Lieutenant in the se- ment,
aughlin, private in do., an Edie, late of the seventh
illan, Matross of Artificers, 'lock, late a private in the do., van, private in the eleventh albatt, Matross of Artillery hort, private in the eleventh 'erguson, Captain Artillery
39 15 8 2 7 7
670
MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, On application of Mr. Wall, that Captain St directed to issue thirty compleat stand of arms to the Lie of Bucks county, in lieu of the same number without bayon posited by the said Lieutenant with Captain Stiles.
Ordered, That the Treasurer be directed to inform Com much money has arisen from the sale of Province, now Island, and the city lots, by whom paid, how much is still d by whom ?
The Council met.
PHILADELPHIA, Friday, August 22nd, 17 PRESENT :
Honorable JAMES EWING, Esquire, Vice President.
James Irvine, James Potter, ₾
George Wall, Jun'r, John Buyers,
John McDowell, John Van Campen,
Sebastian Levan,
Mr. Long, Mr. J. Thomas, Mr. Boyd, Mr. Single, and Mr.] zel, a Committee of the House, in conference with Council the petition of Joseph Hart.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of the Ha ble John Byers, for the sum of twenty-five pounds specie, in for his attendance in Council 'till the twenty-fifth instant mileage.
The Council met.
PHILADELPHIA, Saturday, August 23rd, 17% PRESENT :
The Honorable JAMES EWING, Esquire, Vice Presilu
James Irvine, John McDowell,
Sebastian Levan, John Byres,
John Piper, John Van Campen,
James Potter,
The memorial of Major Michael Ryan, representing Thursday last, on his way from Virginia to this city, he wasty in Chester by the Sheriff of that county, served with a and obliged to become responsible for a debt of forty pounds, conte
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 671
commanding officer of a detachment of General then Colo- 'ne's regiment, for the accommodation of his troops, in the 16, was read, upon which Council determine that the pro- I against Major Ryan, who served upon the occasion in an and accountable office, have been highly irregular, and that 'etary be directed to inform the Attorney of Mr. Elisha ad the Clerk of the Court, that they expect some steps will i to bring this affair to a more equitable issue. It is their also, that all similar prosecution be staid.
memorial of Josiah Harmer, Esquire, Lieutenant Colonel, 1.
"ed, That a letter be written to the Agents of the county humberland, inquiring into the cause of Colonel Harmer's ntment, and whether there be any lands of a similar de- in the said county, to satisfy his title.
ably to the decree of the Supreme Court, an order was 1 favor of Jane Roberts, for the sum of two hundred and sight pounds ten shillings and three pence, being the annual se for herself and two children, Elizabeth and Anne, with suit for its recovery for three years, at seventy-five pounds im, ending the first day of April last.
er from Monsieur Marbois, inclosing a memorial from seve- och merchants, addressed to the General Assembly, was
-
The Council met.
PHILADELPHIA, Monday, August 25th, 1783. PRESENT :
Honorable JAMES EWING, Esquire, Vice President.
James Irvine, John McDowell, - James Potter, John Piper,
Esquires.
John Van Campen,
rder was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of John Nichol- quire, for the sum of fifteen pounds specie, in full of his for the contingent expences of his office of Comptroller .
Penrose and Mr. Lilly, a committee of the General Assem- ending in Council, a conference was held upon the subject ving the Chevaux de frize, &ca., obstructions to the navi- if the river Delaware.
red, That the Wardens of the port be informed that this is now under consideration, and that they bo directed to ticate to Council the different proposals (if any) which they seived for removing the said obstructions.
672.
MINUTES OF THE
·
The memorial of Ebenezer Allen, accompanied by a letto the Assistant Secretary at War, was read, and referred Judges of the Supreme Court, who are requested to meet ( to-morrow morning eleven o'clock, at the State House.
The Council met.
PHILADELPHIA, Tuesday, August 26th, 1; PRESENT :
The Honorable JAMES EWING, Esquire, Vice Presida
James Irvine, John McDowell,
John Piper, George Wall,
James Potter,
John Van Campen,
Esquir
Sebastian Levan,
Messieurs Whitehill and McPherson, a committee of the I attending in Council, a conference was held upon the inconsis of the law respecting marriage licences.
'The Honorable the Judges of the Supreme Court attend Council, agreeably to the request of Council of yesterday.
The Council met.
PHILADELPHIA, Wednesday, August 27th, 178 PRESENT :
The Honorable JAMES EWING, Esquire, Vice President,
James Irvine, James Potter,
John McDowell, John Piper, Requis
John Van Campen, Sebastian Levan,
The following papers were delivered to the Clerk of the Ga Assembly :
Two letters from Monsieur Marbois, one inclosing . mem from several French merchants to the General Assembly; other on the subject of the D'Estaing's cargo.
One from the Minister of France, inclosing a memorial. tol from the French merchants residing in this city.
One from Mr. Scott, Prothonotary of Washington county reply to several letters from Council upon the subject of the communication from Virginia.
One from Mr. M'Gaughey, refusing the appointment of. officer for the county of Bedford.
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 678
Ir. Boyd, Mr. Duncan, and Mr. Lilly, a committee of the House .ssembly, attending in Council, a conference was held upon the ructions which have presented themselves to the execution of law intitled "An Act for the sale of certain lands therein men- ed, for the purpose of redeeming and paying off the certificates epreciation given to the officers and soldiers of the Pennsylvanis , or theit representatives ; and for appropriating certain other s therein mentioned for the use of the said officers and soldiers, e divided off to them severally at the end of the war."
The Council met.
PHILADELPHIA, Thursday, August 28th, 1783. .
PRESENT :
His Excellency JOHN DICKINSON, Esquire, President. be Honorable JAMES EWING, Esquire, Vice President
James Irvine, John Piper, r John McDowell, John Van Campen, Esquires. James Potter,
'r. Jacks, Mr. Schmyser, and Mr. Carothers, a committee of House of General Assembly, attending in Council, a conference held upon the subject of providing a proper place for the sitting le Council of Censors.
letter from the commissioners of taxes for the county of :hampton, was read.
be following papers were this day transmitted to the House of :mbly by their committee : Mr. Nicholson's letter to Council Jolonel Marsteller's accounts, those which relate to Oclonel "'s purchase of a forfeited estate, and the account of . Nixon, Ditt, and Fuller.
pon the petition of John Wedburn, convicted of selling spiritu- liquors, contrary to law, and the recommendation of the magis- ' in bis favor,
rdered, That the fine of five pounds adjudged to be paid to the of the State by the said Wedburn, be remitted.
pon the petition of Thomas Green, convicted of felony at the Eral Quarter Sessions of the Peaco held in April last for the ty of York,
"dered, That the cropping, which is a part of the punishment bich be has been sentenced by the court, be romitted.
no. petition of William Nugent, was read and rejected.
VOL. XIII -43.
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674
MINUTES OF THE
The Comptroller General's reports upon the accounts of Jame Pollock and William Cochran, Esquires, late Sub-Lieutenants d the County of Washington, were read and approved.
'An order was drawn in favour of John Leadom, upon the Tres surer of the State, for the sum of two pounds three shillings sed eight pence, State money of the seventh of April, 1781, in fulld his account against the State for one bull. furnished by bin ix the use of the public, agreeably to the Comptroller General's» port.
The Comptroller General's report upon the accounts of Jobs Hart, Esquire, late Collector of Excise for the county Bucks, vu road and approved, and an order drawn on the Treasurer for the sum of one pound sixteen shillings and eight pence, State money of the seventh of April, 1781, being the ballance due to the af Hart.
The Council met.
PHILADELPHIA, Friday, August 29th, 1783.
PRESENT :
His Excellency JOHN DICKINSON, Esquire, President The Honorable JAMES EWING, Esquire, Vice President. James Irvine, John McDowell,
Sebastian Levan, George Wall, Jun'r, S Esquires. A report of the Committee upon the subject of Governor Harri- son's letters, read and adopted by the House of Assembly, u transmitted to Council.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Philip Broyle, for twenty-three dollars specie, in full of his bounty ass soldier, inlisted in the year 1778, to be paid out of the money aris ing from the class tax appropriated for the recruiting service.
Upon the communications of William Moore, Esquire.
Ordered, That Mr. Benjamin Shoemaker be authorized to ceive from his father, Samuel Shoemaker, all such papers, monin, &ca., &ca , as he may be possessed of, the property of the late car- poration of this city, and that he, Mr. Benjamin Shoemaker, be requested to forward them to this Board as soon as possible.
Resolved, That an order be drawn on the Treasurer in favour d Archibald M Clean, Esquire, for the sum of thirty-one pounds st. enteen shillings and six pence State money of the seventh d April, 1781, advanced by him to Major James Moore of the Poet sylvania line, for the recruiting service ; and that the Comptroller General be directed to deduct the sum aforesaid from the depros tion certificates due to Major Moore.
675
. SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Thomas Potta, for the sum of fifty-three pounds one shilling and one penny, Stato money of the seventh of April. 1781, in full of his account of principal and interest due on the price of a horse, furnished for the use of the public, agreeably to the Comptroller Gen'ls report.
The Comptroller General's report upon the recruiting account of Captain William Vanlear, was read and approved, and an order drawn for the sum of ten shillings and six pence specie, being the ballance due to Captian Vanlear, to be paid out of the recruiting fand.
The Council met.
PHILADELPHIA, Saturday, August 30th, 1783. PRESENT :
His Excellency JOHN DICKINSON, Esquire, President.
The Honourable JAMES EWING, Esquire, Vice President. James Irvine, John M'Dowell,
Jobu Van Campen, George Wall, Jun'r, S Esquires.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Messieurs Bodford and Nevil, for the sum of one hundred pounds specie, for the purpose of carrying on the repairs of the post houses on Stato Island.
The petition of David Welgar was referred to the General As- Combly.
The papers relating to the purchase of a part of Hogg Island. were transmitted by the Secretary to the General Assembly, with verbal message, that it was the unanimous sense of Council that s that part of the island which was sold by the Agents of Chester County to the officers of the Pennsylvania line, is in some instan- Des insufficient to satisfy their claims, and as in others the right of Che State is contested, it becomes the opinion of Council that the Land should continue to be the property of the State, and that the Certificates should be restored to the officers.
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