Colonial records of Pennsylvania, Vol. X, Part 69

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Publication date: 1838
Publisher: [Harrisburg] : By the State
Number of Pages: 810


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Resolved, That the officers of the three late provincial Battalions who have signified their desire to engage in the service on the new establishment, and accordingly are not provided for in the arrange- ment already made, be directed to repair to Philadelphia as soon as the situation of the American Army will admitt of their absence, and that Major Williams acquaint them with this resolve.


Mr. Nesbitt to pay Col. Henry Geiger £6 0 0, for 2 Riffles, & £16 0 0 for 6, Firelocks, for the use of the Flying Camp.


Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Mr. Gurney one Hundred Swivel Shott, he paying for the same.


Resolved, That this board will, on Monday, the 4th day of No- vember next, proceed to appoint Captains and subalterns in the 11th Pennsylvania Battalion, to be Commanded by Colonel Richard Humpton.


VOL. x .- 49.


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770


MINUTES OF THE


In Council of Safety, October 28th, 1776.


PRESENT :


THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.


David Rittenhouse,


William Lyon,


John Bayard,


Fred. Kuhl,


Geo. Gray,


Timothy Matlack,


Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,


Samuel C. Morris,


Owen Biddle,


Joseph Blewer, John Bull.


Francis Gurney,


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Robert Towers £69 0 2, for Workmen's Wages, making Musket Cartridges, &ca.


Mr. Robert Towers was directed to deliver John Sparhawk one Hundred Three Pound Shott, to be replaced by him.


Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Col. John Bull 40 Pitching axes, 100 Shovels, 100 Wheel Barrows, 50 Grubing Hoes, taking his receipt, being for the fortification at Billingsport.


An order was drawn on Jno. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, in favor of Messrs. Butler & Potts, for One Thousand Pounds, on acco't of Cannon & Shott Cast for this State, to be charged to their ac- count.


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Michael Kuhn £5 12 6, for going Express to Chester to summons Judges &ca, of the late Elec- tion at Chester.


The Council Adjourned to 3 o'Clock ; When the following mem- bers met :


THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, President.


David Rittenhouse,


Sam'l C. Morris,


Owen Biddle, William Lyon,


John Bayard, Fred. Kuhl.


George Gray,


Jno. M. Nesbitt Esq'r, was directed to pay Francis Clark £150 0 0, for Two Hundred Cutlasses delivered to Mr. Towers.


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Sam'l Postlethwaite £175 4 0, for Muskets, &ca, (1st Batt'n Cumberland Co'y.)


Mr. Nesbitt to pay Michael Finley £10 5 0, for Shot Fouches, for Col. John Montgomery's Battalion, of Cumberland County, to be charged to the Colonel.


Mr. Nesbitt to pay Capt. Zebulon Potts £63 5 0, for Arms bo't, to be charged to Henry Hill.


Mr. Nesbitt to pay Capt. J. Kean £158 1 2 for Flints, &cs, Arms, &ca for Militia, £158 1 2.


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771


COUNCIL OF SAFETY.


In Council of Safety, October 29th, 1776.


THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.


David Rittenhouse,


Fred. Kuhl,


Owen Biddle,


Timothy Matlack,


John Bayard,


Sam'l C. Morris,


Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,


Francis Gurney.


William Lyon,


An order was drawn en John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, in favour of Mr. Josiah Hewes and others, Wardens of this City, for £300 0 0, for purchasing Oyl for this State, to be charged to their Acco't.


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Frederick Vernon £14 10 0, for noticing the Commanding officers of the Different Battalions in Lancaster, York & Cumberland Counties, to hold themselves in readiness to march to this City, 10 days & Expences.


Col. Matlack reports that there is an order for paying to him about 19,000 Dollars, the balance remaining of a sum of money put into the hands of Col. Biddle by the Commissioners, for rais- ing the Flying Camp, and requests this Board will order the same to be paid into the hands of their Treasurer ; therefore,


Resolved, That the said sum be paid to Jno. Maxwell Nesbitt, 'Treasurer to this Board.


Jno. M. Nesbitt was directed to pay Leonard Rupert £16 4 2, to be charged to Col. Haller of the Flying Camp.


Jno. M. Nesbitt to pay Thos. Wier £6 0 4, for expences of his Company going to Newtown, Bucks County, to suppress the elec- tion held there.the 1 & 2nd Instant, p. order of Lieut. Col. Wm. Baxter.


Mr. - to pay Hans Morrison £12 15 0, for arms pur- chased, to be charged to Col. Rob't McPherson.


Mr. Nesbitt to pay John Kerling for 9 New Guns delivered to Mr. Towers, at £4 10 0.


An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Capt. Zeb. Potts, for 11 Blankets, to be charged to Col. Hill.


An order was drawn on Michael Hillegas, Esq'r, in favour of John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq'r, for Twenty Thousand Dollars, being part of 100,000 Dollars borrowed of Congress.


Resolved, That Ludowick Sprogel, Esq'r, Muster Master of the Fleet and army of this State, be allowed the Rank, pay, & Rations, of Captain from the 21st October, 1776.


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772


MINUTES OF THE


In Council of Safety.


PHILAD'A, October 30th, 1776.


PRESENT :


THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.


David Rittenhouse,


Joseph Blewer,


Francis Gurney,


Fred. Kuhl,


Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,


Sam'l C. Morris,


Geo. Gray,


Timothy Matlack,


John Bull, William Lyon,


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Benjamin Davis for a Drum £2 10 0, delivered to Capt. James Cowden of Col. Burd's Battal- ion of Lancaster County.


Ludowick Sprogel, Esq'r, £162 1 3, for his wages & expences going to muster the Troops when in Jersey & New York Govern- ments, & Rations to 21 October.


Benja. Davis £2 3 0, for Drum Heads & Snares for the first & third Companies of Artillery Militia of this City.


An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Mr. Francis Gurney for One Hundred Pounds, for the purpose of purchasing Woolens, to be charged to his Account.


An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Peter DeHaven & Co., for £500, to be charged to their Acco't, for the use of the Lock Factory.


Mr. Towers was directed to deliver to Doct'r Harris One Ton of Salt Petre to manufactor into powder for Congress.


An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in fav'r of Mr. Thomas Nevill, for £150 0 0, on acco't of Gun Carriages making by him for this State, to be charged to his acco't.


Mr. Sam'l Kerr was discharged from his Parole, as he appears to be very Friendly to our Cause, Certificates from Col. J. Parker & others, & is permitted to return to his Family at Edentown in North Carolina.


Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Capt. John Rice Twenty Muskets, for the use of the Convention Galley.


An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of James Old for £500, to be charged to his acco't.


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Samuel Boyd £35 5 0, for 15 Stand of Arms, & £58 10 0, for 25 Stand of Arms, taken from Non-Associators, to be charged to Col. Geo. Ross.


An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Colonel David Porter of New Jersey, for two Hundred Pounds, on account of 150 Barrels Pork to be Purchased & put up by him for this State, (for the Condition see memorandum Book.)


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay two Accounts exhibited for Work done at Fort Island, by Men under the Command of Major Proctor, Certified by the Check Clerk, amounting to £112 17 6.


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773


COUNCIL OF SAFETY.


Resolved, That Mons'r Uttendorf be appointed Adjutant of a Battalion to be raised in this State, for the Continental service, : and as he has heretofore held a Commission as Captain in a foreign service, that he now rank as Captain, his pay to commence from this day. That he be permitted to go to the Camp, in the State of New York.


Resolved, That in Consideration of Mons'r Uttendorf having lost his Baggage in his Voyage hither, it be recommended to our Treasurer to advance to him the sum of Two Hundred Dollars hereafter to be discounted out of his Pay, to be charged to him.


Resolved, That Major Proctor be directed to re-Enlist such men belonging to the Artillery in the service of this State, whose times are now expired, or such as may hereafter expire, who are willing to serve during the War, they to be allowed the Bounty of Ten Dollars given for that purpose by this Council, and that the En- gagement entered into by him with Mease & Caldwell, respecting the Cloathing the Artillery under his Command, be fulfilled by this Council.


In Council of Safety, October 31st, 1776.


PRESENT :


DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.


John Bayard,


Francis Gurney,


William Lyon,


Fred. Kuhl,


Joseph Blewer,


Sam'l C. Morris,


John Bull,


Timothy Matlack.


Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,


Upon application from some inhabitants of York Town,


Resolved, That Doct'r John Kearsley, now a Prisoner in that Jail, be removed to the Jail in Carlisle, and that the Committee of York Town be requested to see it done.


Jno. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, was directed to pay Jacob Myers for Slitt Iron & Steel he bo't of of Jacob Morgan, for the Use of Fort Is- land.


An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Thomas Straw- bridge, for £75 0 0, on acco't of Coarse Woolens, &ca., to be charged to his Acco't.


An account was exhibited for Muskets & Riffles belonging to the Militia of Northampton County, Commanded by Col. Jacob Strowd, amounting to £29 15 0, which Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay, and Charge to the Col.


By order of the Council, two Blank Commissions for Privateers or Letters of Marque, were delivered to Messrs. James Mease & Robert Mease, for a ship & Brig, to be fitted out by them in a for- eign Port.


774


MINUTES OF THE


Complaint having been made to this Council by Christopher El- liot, That John Baldwin, of this City, Cordwainer, had refused to receive in payment the Continental Bills of Credit issued by order of Congress, Thereupon the said John Baldwin was ordered to ap- pear before this board, and being Informed of the said Complaint, did acknowledge that he had refused to receive the said Bills of Credit in payment.


The Council urged the pernicious & destructive tendency of such Conduct, and requested him to reconsider it, allowing him several days to form his Judgment and fix his final resolution.


This day, agreeable to notice given him, he again appeared be- fore the Council, and declared that he was determined not to re- ceive the said Bills in payment ; Whereupon,


Resolved, That the said John Baldwin is an Enemy to his Coun- try, and precluded from all Trade or Intercourse with the Inbabi- tants of these States.


Resolved, That the said John Baldwin be committed to Goal, there to remain without Bail or mainprize, untill he shall be re- leased by order of this Council, or some other power lawfully Authorized so to do.


Ordered, That the proceedings in John Baldwin's case be made public.


The Council adjourned to 3 o'Clock, afternoon ; When the fol- lowing members met :


DAVID RITTENHOUSE, Vice President.


Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,


Francis Gurney,


Jno. Bayard, Sam'l C. Morris,


Timothy Matlack,


Fred.Kuhl.


Jos. Blewer,


An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Maj'r Lewis Nicola, for £100, to be charged to his acco't.


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay the following acco't :


Sarah Austin's acco't for Boat Hire, €5, at several times.


Wollery Meng's acco't, for 297 Bayonets, Scabbards, delivered to Mr. Towers, £44 11 0.


The Nurse at Hospitals at Province Island acco't, for attending sick belonging to the Fleet &ca, £153 16 4.


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COUNCIL OF SAFETY.


In Council of Safety.


PHILAD'A, November 1st, 1776.


PRESENT :


THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.


David Rittenhouse,


Fred. Kuhl,


John Bayard,


Sam'l C. Morris,


Francis Gurney,


Geo. Gray.


Joseph Blewer,


An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Capt. Wm. Brown for One Hundred Pounds, to be charged to his acco't.


An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Mr. John Mitchel, for £1500, to be charged to his acco't.


Resolved, That Hercules Courtney be appointed to the rank of Captain Lieutenant, in the second Company of Artillery in the service of this State.


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Geo. Spangler ££2 17 6, for 2 days' riding into Chester County, to summons some of the Inspec- tor &ca., of an Election held in said County.


An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Major Thomas Proctor, One Hundred & Eighty-seven pounds & ten Shillings, to be charged to his acco't.


Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Capt. Wm. Richards all the Canvass in his Possession belonging to this State.


An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of James Forrest, for his nephew James Shanks and a Servant, being for 3 month sub- sistance, from 19 Septem'r last, to 19 December next, allowed them agreeable to a Resolve of Congress, £22 10 0, to be Charged to Congress.


An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Arthur Donald- son, for £500, to be charged to his acco't.


In Council of Safety, November 2nd, 1776.


PRESENT :


THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.


David Rittenhouse, Fred Kuhl,


John Bayard, Sam'l C. Morris,


Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Francis Gurney,


John Bull,


Geo. Gray.


Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Mr. Isaac Hazlehurst 25 Three pound Shott, & 25 4 pound Shott, taking his receipt to re- turn the like Quantity.


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MINUTES OF THE


Resolved, That an officer & 25 men be sent to the Salt works erected by this State, on Tom's River in New Jersey as a Guard, & Twenty-five Spare Muskets, two Howitzers, & a sufficient quantity of Amunition to defend it, in case of an attack from the enemy.


Two Acco'ts were Exhibited for Arms Purchased for two Compa- nies of Col. James Crawford's Battalion of Militia, of Lancaster County ; one amounting to £14 17 0, the other to £4 10 0, to be charged to the Colonel.


An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of John Fleming, a soldier who was left on Long Island in the Engagement, & made his escape from thence, for £1 10 0, to be charged to Congress.


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Col. John Bull, for Arm pur- chased from Non Associators, £44 17 9, to be charged to Col. John Bull.


Mr. Nesbitt to pay Col. Philip Greenwalt £94 11 9, for Arm, Powder, Lead, &ca., £77 12 0, to be charged to the Col., £3 5 0, to Congress, & £13 14 9 to this State.


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Little £18 10 0, Nails & Spikes, for fort Island, delivered to Rob't Allison; also, £7 18 4, for do., for Salt Works.


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Sam'l Holmes £37 10 0, for fifty Cutlasses, delivered to Mr. Towers.


Mr. Nesbitt to pay Josiah Wood £49 6 0, for 161 Pikes, deliv- ered to Mr. Towers.


Mr. Nesbitt to pay Alexander Rutherford £141 19 0, for Cor- touch Boxes, Bayonet Straps, Belts, &ca., delivered to Major Proc- tor. for the use of the Artillery, & 18s for 6 Bayonet Scabbards, delivered to Capt. Sam'l Goudy, to be Charged to Col. James Wilson.


Mr. Nesbitt to pay Capt. Hugh Montgomery £10 13 3, for re- cruiting Expences.


Resolved, That the Committees of the several Counties in this State, where Prisoners of War are Stationed, be directed to make Monthly returns of such Prisoners to this Council, or other Execu- tive power of this State, and that they do not, on any Account whatever, permit any Prisoner to leave his place of abode, without permission first obtained from this Council or the Board of War.


777


COUNCIL OF SAFETY.


In Council of Safety, November 4th, 1776.


PRESENT :


THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.


David Rittenhouse,


Francis Gurney,


John Bayard,


Sam'l C. Morris,


Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Geo. Gray,


Fred. Kuhl,


Joseph Blewer,


Owen Biddle,


Timothy Matlack.


Resolved, That application be made to the Board of War, to de- sire General Mercer, at Amboy, to dispatch Fifty Men to the Salt Works now Erecting by this State at Tom's River, in New Jersey, the Council thinking it necessary that such a Guard should be fixed there for their Security.


Colonel Timothy Matlack Reports :-


That he has paid to John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, Treasurer, the Sum of Nineteen Thousand four Hundred and Ninety Dollars, agreeable to the order of this Board.


An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Major Thomas Proctor, for 1000 Dollars, & charge the same to his Acco't.


Jno. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, Treasurer, was directed to pay Doct'r Geo. Glentworth £3 1 9, for attending a sick soldier belonging to Col. . Miles' Battalion.


Mr. Nesbitt to pay Lewis Grant £2 15 0, for 3 Gun Laddles, for the Convention, Capt. Rice.


Resolved, That the appointment of Captains and Subalters, for the Eleventh Penn'a Battalion of Foot, to be commanded by Col. Richard Humpton, be deferred to Monday next, the 11th Instant.


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Arch'd Dick £34 17 4, to be charged to Col. Miles.


Commodore Seymour informed the Board that the Commanders of the Continental Vessels, the Wasp and the Fly, had received and detained divers Men belonging to the Armed Boats of this State, and declare their Intentions of receiving and detaining as many more of the said men as they shall be able to obtain ; therefore,


Resolved, That Commodore Seymour be directed to apply to the Board of War, (or to the Marine Committee, if they are now Sit- ting,) and inform them of this Circumstance, And request an order for the return of the Men belonging to our Boats, which, from the


778 .


MINUTES OF THE


Justice of the request, this Board have the Strongest confidence will be immediately granted.


Then adjourned to 4 o'Clock, afternoon; when the following members met :


THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, President.


David Rittenhouse,


Joseph Blewer,


Samuel Morris, Sen'r,


Francis Gurney,


Fred. Kuhl,


Sam'l C. Morris.


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Robert Towers, being the Bal- ance of his Acco't for Men's Wages in Labratary, £12 18 0.


Daniel Stonematz £39 9 0, for Tubs &ca., delivered to Major Loxley, for the Cannon Foundery.


In Council of Safety, November 5th, 1776.


PRESENT :


THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, President.


David Rittenhouse,


Fred. Kuhl,


Sam'l C. Morris,


Owen Biddle,


Francis Gurney,


Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,


Joseph Blewer,


John Bayard.


An order was drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, Treasurer, in favour of Thomas Dundas, for £500, on acco't of the Fortification Erecting at Billingsport.


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Thompson for Water Casks, Harness Tubs & Mess Tubs, &ca., for the Armed Boat Conven- tion.


James Bristol & Flarence Sullivan, were allowed to have a furlow for two Weeks, to work at Mr. Stacy Hepburn's Rope Walk ; Mr. Hepburn is to be answerable for their return at the expiration of their Furlow, and is to engage for their appearance on any alarm, or when call'd upon by order of this board.


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Folwell 16s for a Blanket, delivered to Capt. Thomas's Company of the Flying Camp.


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Jacob Miller £32 10 0, for 13 Arms delivered to Col. Biddle at the flying Camp, to be charged to Col. Biddle.


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Matthias Slough, or order, £111 18 9, for 4474 Ibs Salt Petre, delivered to Mr. Towers.


Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Mr. Slough 200 1bs of Powder.


Mr. Nesbitt to pay Wm. Caldwell £2 15 5, for Wood for the. Ship Montgomery.


Mr. Wharton, Mr. Biddle, Mr. Rittenhouse & Col. Humpton, the Committee appointed to view the Country and fix upon a Spott


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COUNCIL OF SAFETY.


for a Magazine for Military Stores, Report : That they have viewed the Ground along the Wissahicon Rhoad for 12 Miles, and are of Opinion that the Heights on the north side of Wissahickon Creek, afford a very convenient Situation for Stores, and is capable of being defended to great advantage, and the back Country affords a fine retreat in case of necessity. The Hill on the Wissahickon Road just above Mr. Vanderin's Mill, is very proper to erect a for- tification upon, as it may be made almost Inaccessible, and must command that Country.


In Council of Safety, November 6th, 1776.


PRESENT :


THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.


David Rittenhouse,


Fred. Kuhl,


Sam'l C. Morris,


John Bayard,


Jos. Blewer,


John Bull,


Owen Biddle,


Timothy Matlack.


Francis Gurney,


Capt. Wm. Richards was directed to deliver Coningham & Nes- bitt as many pieces of Sale Duck as they have occasion for, taking their receipt.


John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, Treasurer, was directed to pay Ebenezer Lundy £137 10 0, for 200 Cartouch Boxes, & 200 Bayonet Belts, delivered to Mr. Towers.


Mr. Nesbitt to pay Hill & Marret £68 5 6, for a Flat Bottom Boat, built by them for this State.


Resolved, That Commodore Seymour be directed to send a ves- sell on board every Vessell passing from this Port through the. Chevaux de Frize, with a proper officer to Inspect their Permits, & that said Vessels at all times be assisted by the Boats, &c., in the Service of this State (if required) in going through the Chevaux de Frize.


Resolved, That Mr. Kuhl & Capt. Blewer be appointed to wait on the owners of the salt lately arrived, and request them to sell said Salt to this Council, agreeable to a Publication of the 12th of October last.


Information being made to this Council by Col. John Bull, that the Treasurer to the Managers of the Hospital has refused taking Continental money in Payment ; therefore,


Resolved, That the Council will take order on that matter to- morrow.


Capt. William Richards was directed to deliver Mr. Towers two pieces of Duck, for Quilting Grape Shott.


780


MINUTES OF THE


In Council of Safety, November 7th, 1776.


D


PRESENT :


DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.


John Bayard,


Owen Biddle,


Francis Gurney, Fred. Kuhl,


Jos. Blewer, Timothy Matlack.


John M. Nesbitt was directed to pay Rob't Eastburn £27 6 0, for attending the delivery of Salt, measuring, &ca .; also for collect- ing rags some time since.


Mr. Nesbitt to pay to Jeremiah Baker, for Wood & Straw delivered at the Barracks, £180 14 0, to be charged to Congress.


An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Lewis Guyon, for One Hundred Pounds, to be charged to his Acco't.


Mr. Nesbitt to pay James Ennis £6 5 0, for Riding Express to Northampton & Bucks Counties, to request the Commanding officers of the Militia to hold themselves in readiness to march to this City at an Hour's warning.


An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Col. Francis Gurney, for 1000 Dollars, to be charged to Col. Richard Humpton.


Col. Matlack reports, That Captain Hare, an officer in Continen- tal pay, did, in his presence yesterday, in the open Coffee House, in the most public manner, and with Circumstances attending his manner that appeared to be intended to draw the Attention of the People present, purchase Three silver Dollars at a very considerable advance above their Accustomed Value, which advanced value he paid in Continental Bills of Credit.


'The Council taking the Same into consideration, & it appearing that the like practice is becoming frequent in this City, and that it may have a Dangerous tendency to lessen, if not destroy the credit of the Continental Currency,


Resolved, That Mr. Rittenhouse, Mr. Biddle, & Col. Matlack, be . a Committee to lay this matter before the Board of Treasury, take their sentiments hereupon, & report to this Board.


Resolved, That the Salt purchased by this Council for the use of the Inhabitants of this State, shall be proportioned to the several Counties, as near as may be, according to the number of Inhabi- tants in each; And That the Quantity allotted to each county be delivered to such persons as shall apply for it, by order of the seve- ral Comittees, on their paying the prime cost of 15s + Bushel, to be distributed by said Committees amongst the people at the same price, Expence of carriage only added.


The Board taking into consideration the State of the Salt Works in New Jersey,


Ordered, That Mr. Rittenhouse & Col. Matlack visit the Salt Works, carefully examine into the state of them, and report to this Board.


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781


COUNCIL OF SAFETY.


1


In Council of Safety, November 8th, 1776. &


PRESENT :


THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.


David Rittenhouse,


Jos. Blewer,


Owen Biddle,


Geo. Gray,


Francis Gurney,


Fred. Kuhl.


Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,


John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, was directed to pay the following Acco'ts :


Messrs. Rittenhouse, Biddle, & Dehaven, £15 2 6, for 60} lbs. Salt Petre, made at the public Factory.


William Steward, for 114 Cord of Wood a 26s, £14 12 6, de- livered at Fort Island.


Captain Blewer £19 12 0, for 28 Barrels of Tar, delivered to Capt. Hazlewood.


Matthias Keely, for 42 New Arms delivered to Mr. Towers, £189 0 0.


Christian Shaffer £40, on Acco't of Work done at the Barracks, to be charged to his Acco't.


Resolved, That Colonel Curtis Grub be authorized to impress a sufficient number of Teams in the County of Lancaster, to Trans- port the Cannon he has Cast for the Congress to Philadelphia.


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Lieu't John Hennessy for the Balance of his acco't for Wages, £3 11 2.


To pay Mrs. Connelly £5 7 14, for 4 weeks & 2 days allowance, from 3 Oct'r to 3 Nov'r, 1776, to be charged to Congress.


Mr. Robert Eastburn was directed to deliver the Inhabitants of this City & County to the amount of 300 Bushels of Salt, to each housekeeper not more than half a Bushel, the other Counties to be supplied with the proportions allotted for them by Gentlemen ap- pointed to distribute the same.


An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Maj'r Lewis Nicola, for Two Hundred pounds, to be charged to his acco't.


Commodore Seymour was empowered to Impress such Sloops or Vessels as may be necessary to weigh the Chevaux de Frize, lately sunk by accident near Fort Island.


Complaint having been made to this Board that a Certain Cap- tain Thomas Cripen has entered into Contract with Samuel Read for the Sale of the Schooner Nancy, now Commanded by him, which he refuses to abide by or to give the Complainant satisfac- tion, Commodore Seymour was directed not to permit said Ves- sel to pass by Fort Island without Special Licence from this Council.


Resolved, That Messrs. Jacob Barge, John Purviance, William Heysham, & Wm. Moulder, be appointed a Committee to super-


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782


MINUTES OF THE


intend and direct the purchase, Sale, & distribution of the Salt imported into this State agreeable to the regulations established by this board.


1


In Council of Safety, November 9th, 1776.


PRESENT :


THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.


David Rittenhouse,


Francis Gurney.


Fred. Ruhl,


Timothy Matlack,


Geo. Gray,


Joseph Blewer.


Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,


An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, Treasurer, in fav'r of Col. John Patton, for £400, on acco't of Shot cast for this State, & Charge the same to his acco't.


An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of the Rev'd Mr. Rodgers, for £70, being in part of his acco't for Wages as Chaplain to late Miles' & Attlee's Battalions.


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Tho's Dungan £1 13 0, for an allowance of Is p piece on 33 Worms & Screws.


Jacob Rittenhouse £31 5 10, for Cannon Cartridge Paper, de- livered to Mr. Towers.


Matthias Keely £238 15 6, being the Balance of his acc't for Arms, &ca.


James Young, Esq'r, informed the Council the Colonel Housag- ger has declared he will pay no obedience to the Magistrates of this State.


Resolved, That the Council will take the case up on Monday next.


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Leisner £2 3 0, for 43 days nursing in Hospital at New York, for Col. Atlee's Batt'n.


Mr. Nesbitt to pay Caleb Hewes £3 3 10, for Oak Scantlin, delivered Allison & Worrel, for Fort Island.


An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Joseph Mather, Esq'r, for £50, to be charged to his acco't.


Mr. Nesbitt to pay Herculus Courtney £71 12 0, for Blankets collected for the use of the Artillery.


Resolved, That Mr. Kuhls, Mr. Keppele & Mr. Sam'l S. Mor- ris, be a Committee to examine & Settle Messrs. Dehaven & Car- ter's acco't of the Lock Factory.


Resolved, That the Gunsmith be allowed 24s p piece for every good Gun Barrel delivered at the Lock Factory.


783


1


COUNCIL OF SAFETY.


In Council of Safety.


PHILAD'A, November 11th, 1776


PRESENT :


THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.


David Rittenhouse,


John Bayard,


Owen Biddle,


Francis Gurney,


Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Chair'n, Sam'l C. Morris,


John Bull,


Fred. Kuhl,


Jos. Blewer,


Henry Keppele, jun'r,


Geo. Gray,


An order was drawn on Jno. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, Treasurer, in fa. vour of Messrs. Peter Dehaven & Co, for £500, on acco't of the Lock Factory, to be charged to their acco't.


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Benj'n Harbeson £98 12 6, for Sundrys, for the use of the Fleet & Fort Island, &ca. ..


Mr. Nesbitt to pay an order drawn by John Read, Commissary & Barrack Master at Fort Island, for a month's Pay, for October, £500.


Mr. Nesbitt to pay Rob't Patton £88 10 4, for 2 Ton 4 c. 1 qr. 2 tb. Barr Iron, delivered to Capt. Wm. Richards.


[Here follow fifteen blank pages in Council Book. ]


In Consequence of Intelligence received that part of General How's Army was making a Move this way, the Council, to get things in forwardness to make a defence, came to the following Resolutions, vizt :


1. That 12 Expresses with Horses be provided, to be in readi- ness to send.


2. That Col. Gurney & Mr. Kuhl be appointed to examine the state of Military Stores and Arms in the State House and Lock Factory, & report to the Board the State in which they shall find them.


3. That Col. S. Matlack be appointed to write a Circular Letter containing the Intelligence received, to the Commanding officers of the Militia.


4. That Commodore Seymour, Col. Humpton, Capt. Blewer, & Capt. Hazlewood, do review the whole Naval Armament and the Artillery Companies belonging to this State to-morrow, and make report to this Board of the State in which they shall find them.


5. Resolved, That Col. Bayard be appointed to draw up a Letter to Col. Kirkbridge, to view the Fords of the River Delaware above the Falls.


6. That Mr. Biddle be appointed to write to the Delaware State & the Lower parts of New Jersey, and acquaint them with the In- telligence received. .


784


MINUTES OF THE


7. That Mr. S. C. Morris be appointed to write to Mr. Parr, Mr. Tilghman, & Mr. Lukens, & order them to remove the Public Papers in their hands.


8th. That Mr. Robert Irwine be sent for and directed to engage a Number of Waggons, in order to remove the Military Stores from this City to the Country.


9. That Col. Mifflin be sent for & requested to Assist in direct- ing the Mounting all the small Guns that can be procured on Car- riages in and near the City, that is fit for that purpose.


10. Mr. Towers be Directed to provide a larger Quantity of Musket Cartridges than is now on hand, and employ as many people in making them as can be procured.


11. That the Boom be fixed to the Piers near fort Island, with- out delay.


Adjourned to 3 o'Clock.


Novem'r 12th, 1776.


PRESENT :


THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, President.


D. Rittenhouse, Francis Gurney,


John Bayard, Fred. Kuhl,


Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,


Henry Keppele, jun'r,


Timothy Matlack, Sam'l C. Morris,


John Bull, Geo. Gray.


Resolved, That a Quantity of Military Stores be Immediately removed to Col. Bull's at Norrington, and that Col. Bull be di- rected to procure proper Guards to be stationed there.


An order was drawn on Mr. Ferree, in favour of Tho's Lowry, Esq'r, for 500 Bushels of Salt, for the use of the Army.


Mr. Nesbitt to pay Stewart Duncan £3 19 4, for 2 Cords of Wood for ship Montgomery.


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END OF VOL. X.


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