USA > Pennsylvania > Colonial records of Pennsylvania, Vol. XI > Part 60
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John Macky, Smith, } Esq'rs.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Robert Allison, for the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds, for which sum he is to ac- count.
The Council resumed the consideration of the Cutter Revenge; and thereupon
Ordered, That Blair McClenaghan be requested to bid for the Cutter Revenge for the Public Service, & to purchase her as cheap as he can, not exceeding Forty-five Thousand Pounds.
The Secretary reports that he had delivered a Letter to Mr. Blair McClenaghan, requesting him to purchase the Cutter Revenge, for the State service, & that Mr. McClenaghan agreed to under- take that service.
The proceedings of the Council be printed & ready to be deliv- ered,
Ordered, That a Message to the Hon'ble House of General As- sembly be sent into the House, together with a number of Copies. of the said proceedings ; And the same being prepared, approved & .. signed, is as follows, Viz :
" Gentlemen,
" The Council having received information that a number of Waggons, called into Continental Service under the authority of the Waggon-law of this State, had been applied to private use, at a time when the calling out a very great number of Waggons had
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exceedingly distressed the good people of this State. They laid before Congress a complaint against Major General Arnold, for this abuse. The proceedings of the Council in this case being printed, we transmit herewith a number of Copies for the use of Hon'ble House, & at the same time assure you of our readiness to communi- cate to your Hon'ble House the original papers relative to this . transaction.
"GEORGE BRYAN, Vice President. " March 17, 1779."
Ordered, That the Secretary do present the said Message to the House. The Secretary reports, that agreeable to order, he had pre- sented to the Speaker in the Chair the Message of the Council.
The Council met.
PHILAD'A, Thursday March 18, 1779.
PRESENT :
The Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, John Hambright &
John Macky, Smith, Esq'rs.
The late Proprietaries of Pennsylvania being this day to be heard by Council before the Hon'ble House of Gen'l Assembly, the Coun- cil adjourned, in order to attend in the House.
The Council met,
PHILAD'A, Friday March 19, 1779.
PRESENT :
The Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, John Hambright, &
John Macky,
Smith,
Esq'rs.
A Letter from divers Officers of Col. Proctor's Battalion.
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
The Council met.
PHILAD'A, Saturday March 20, 1779.
PRESENT :
The Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, John Hambright, & 2
John Macky, Smith, Esq'rs.
Received from the Hon'ble John Jay, Esq'r, Six blank Commis- sions for private Ships of War.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. John Par- ker, or his order, for the Sum of Fifty-One Pounds Eight Shillings & Six Pence, balance due to him for work done at & about the State House.
The Council Met.
PHILAD'A, Monday March 22, 1779. PRESENT :
The Hon"ble Joseph Hart, John Hambright, & ? Esq'rs. John Macky, - Smith,
The Council now receiving information that His Excell'y the President returned from Camp last Evening, & that he is indisposed & unable to come abroad : And being also informed that it will be agreeable to him to confer with the Members of the Council at his - own House .*
Adjourned to Six O'Clock in the Evening, to meet at the Presi- dent's House.
Same Day, [Six in the Evening] The Council met at the Presi- dent's House.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President .*
Jos. Hart, John Hambright, & ?
John Macky, Smith, Esq'rs.
His Excell'y informed the Council that he had the satisfaction to assure that His Excell'y Gen'l Washington was taking vigorous measures for covering the frontiers of this State, and for making an
* The Hon'ble Vice President's non-attendance was owing to the funeral of his Father-in-law.
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attack upon the Indians in their own Country ; And that the Army were in the best temper & disposition that could be wished. Also same time, the Hon'ble Maj. Gen'l Armstrong, Mr. Searle, Mr. Muhlenberg, & Mr. McLene, Delegates of this State in Congress, attended in Council, and spent several hours in conference with Council on the situation of Public affairs.
The Council met.
PHILAD'A, Tuesday March 23, 1779. PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Macky,
John Hambright, & } Smith,
Esq'rs.
A Letter from Capt. Hazlewood was read, recommending one Thomas Jones, an Invalid.
Ordered, That the Commissary supply said Jones with a Ration in lieu of the 2s 6, he now receives.
A Letter from Christian Schaffer, Capt. of Artificers, was read, informing the Board that there are two Cables now laying at the middle ferry which will take damage if not taken care of, & that there are some matters respecting the Bridge that requires atten- tion.
Ordered, That Mr. Henry be directed to have proper care taken of the Cables, & report what further may be necessary at that place.
A Letter from the President of Congress was read, dated 22d ins., including 2 recommendations of a Fast, to be appointed the 1st Tuesday in May.
An application was read from Matt'w Irwin, in behalf of him- self & others, Owners of the Ship Gen'l Green, praying the deter- mination of the Board with respect to the said Ship; There- upon,
Resolved, That this Board will take the said Vessel, agreeable to the terms proposed in the Letter of the (-)
Resolved, That Mr. Blair, McClenaghan, & Mr. Matt'w Irwin, be appointed Agents for the fitting out the Ship General Green with all possible expedition, to cruize against the Enemy for the protection of the trade of this State ; that they be allowed reason- able Commissions for their trouble, & in case of any Prizes taken, the same be put under their management & direction.
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
The Council taking into consideration the critical situation of their affairs with Congress, & being desirous of confering with the Hon'ble House of General Assembly,
Ordered, That a free conference with the General Assembly be requested, and the following Message being read, was approved & signed, Viz :
" Gentlemen of the Assembly :
"The Council request your Hon'ble House to meet them in a free conference upon Sundry matters affecting the Interest & Hon- or of this State, & the union & harmony of the United States of America; & that in case of concurrence, you will signify when it will be most convenient for you to attend it.
" In Council, Philad'a, March 23, 1779. " JOSEPH REED, President."
The following Letters were read, Viz :.
From His Excell'y Patrick Henry, Esq'r, dated March 13, 1779, respecting an Embargo.
From His Excell'y Cæsar Rodney, Esq'r, Gov'r of Delaware State, dated March 13, 1779, on the same subject.
From Gen'l Sullivan, respecting Papers belonging to the Estate late of Christopher Saur.
From Gen'l St. Clair, March 13, 1779, respecting bounty, &ca.
From His Excell'y Tho's Johnson, Esq'r, Gov'r of Maryland, dated March 5, 1779, respecting an Embargo.
From the Board of War, inclosing Gen'l Arnold's resignation of the Command of Philadelphia.
Also, a Letter from the Hon'ble John Jay, Esq'r, inclosing two printed Copies of a Proclamation issued by Congress, recommend- ing a Fast.
Resolved, That Col. Bull be authorized & requested to employ suitable Workmen & Laborers to repair the Banks & Sluices at Mud Island, to complete Barracks sufficient for 50 men, with prop- er Apartments for Officers proportionate ; also, to construct as soon as possible, at least Six Chevaux-de-Frize for different depths, & to do such other Work as may be necessary to render the said Island healthy and commodious, & that money be advanced to him when necessary, for the Payment of the Persons employed.
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The Council met.
1
PHILAD'A, Wednesday March 24, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, & John Macky, Esq'rs.
The Secretary reports that he had, agreeable to order, this Morn- ing presented to the Hon'ble House of General Assembly the Mes- sage of yesterday.
Tho's Smith & Stephen Chambers, Esq'rs, a Committee of the Hon'ble House of General Assembly, attended in Council, & in- formed the Council That the General Assembly will attend in free conference with Council this Afternoon at four O'Clock.
The Conference to be in the Council Chamber.
Tho's Smith, Jonathan Hoge, Christopher Hays, Dr. Gardner & Rob't Martin, Esq'rs, a Committee of the Hon'ble House of Gene- ral Assembly for conferring with Council on the State of the Fron- tiers, attended in Council, & a free and full conference thereon was had, in which His Excellency laid before them information con- cerning the carrying the War into the Indian Country, so as to strike a terror into the Savages & endeavour to shew the Committee the necessity of encouraging the inhabitants to keep their ground as far as possible.
His Excell'y the President & Council, & the Hon'ble Speaker & . the Members of the Gen'l Assembly, met in the Council Chamber.
His Excell'y the President then opened the business of the con- ference, & stated the various applications made by the State of Pennsylvania to Congress, & the total neglect of them all until the late charge against Gen'l Arnold, & the conduct of that business until its present Stage, Viz : A Report of a Committee thereupon, which report is not yet adopted by Congress, but contains, as it is said, very extraordinary resolutions, and such as must reflect his dishonor on the State, & possibly affect the Union & harmony of the whole. And he also read divers letters & papers relating to the business, & he then, in the name of the Council, proposed to the consideration of the Hon'ble House the appointing of a Committee of each of the two bodies present to join together & request a con- ference with Congress.
Divers Members of the Hon'ble House having expressed their approbation of the proposal, the General Assembly retired.
A Letter from Mr. John Mitchell, D. Q. M. G.
727
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
The Council met.
PHILAD'A, Thursday March 25, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Smith, &
The Honorable Joseph Hart, John Macky, John Hambright, S Esq'rs.
Doctor Gardiner & M'l Shubert, Esq'r, a Committee of the Gene- ral Assembly, attended in Council, & laid before the Council the resolution of the General Assembly of this day, appointing a Com- mittee of the said General Assembly to join with a Committee to be appointed by this Council, & to request of Congress a free confer- ence with a Committee of Congress upon divers transactions of that Honorable body, which may have a tendency to interrupt the har- mony & confidence so necessary for the common Interest of this & the United States; and thereupon,
Resolved, That His Excell'y the President, The Hon'ble Vice President, & the Members of Council now present, do join with the Committee of the Hon'ble House of General Assembly, & request & hold a conference with a Committee of Congress upon the sub- ject aforesaid.
The Hon'ble House of Assembly having resolved that the Offi- cers, Seamen, & Mariners, in the Naval Service of this State, should be entitled to all the benefits to which the Officers and Sol- diers of this State, employed in the Armies of the United States, are entitled by the Resolutions of the 13th instant,
Ordered, That Capt. Boys, Commanding Officer of the Gallies, do make out a complete return of the officers & men under his command, & transmit the same, in order to enable and authorize this Board to carry the above Resolve into execution.
The Council met.
PHILAD'A, Friday March 26, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Macky, & - Smith, - Esq'rs.
An application being made by the Rev'd Wm. Rogers, Chaplain of the Pennsylvania Brigade, for a supply of Cloathing, agreeable to Resolves of Assembly,
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MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That Jacob S. Howell, Receiver General of Cloathing, do furnish the Rev'd Wm. Rogers, Brigade Chaplain, with a sup- ply of Cloathing, according to his Rank.
The following orders were drawn on the Treasurer, Viz :
In favor of Col. John Bull, for the Sum of One thousand Pounds, to be applied in paying the Men employed in repairing the banks at Mud Island, & for which he is to account.
In favor of Will'm C. Bradford, Paymaster of the State Fleet, for the Sum of One Thousand & five Hundred Pounds, for which he is to account.
In favor of Will'm Crispin, Commissary, for the Sum of Four thousand Pounds, for purchasing Provisions, for which he is to account.
The Council met.
PHILAD'A, Saturday March 27, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President. Joseph Hart, Matt'w Smith,
John Macky, & S Esq'rs.
The Council Met.
PHILAD'A, Monday March 29, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President. Joseph Hart, Matt'w Smith, &
John Macky, John Hambright, Esq'rs.
A Letter from the Hon'ble Jeremiah Powell, Esq'r, President of the Council of the Massachusets-bay, dated Feb'ry 28, 1779, was read, by which it appears that a Committee from that State have been appointed to endeavour to obtain a supply of Provisions ; & it also appearing that the said Committee are now in this City ; The Council being disposed to give the earliest attention to their application, do appoint this Evening, at six O'clock, in the Council Chamber, to confer with the said Committee.
Col. Lewis Farmer having represented to the Council that he had purchased goods for the use of the Army to the Amount of £25,000, & praying an order on the Treasurer for the said sum,
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the said Col. Lewis Farmer, for the Sum of Twenty-five Thousand Pounds, for which sum he is to account.
A Certificate of the Election of Chief Burgess, Burgesses, & Constables of the Borough of Chester, being presented, was read, by which it appears that David Cowpland, Esq'r, is duly elected Chief Burgess ; William Evans, Robert Forgeson, & Will'm Ker- lin, Esq'rs, Burgesses ; & John Shanlan, High Constable: And the said David Cowpland appeared in Council, & took the Affirma- tion required by the Constitution to Qualify him for the said Office of Chief Burgess.
The Council met.
PHILAD'A, Tuesday March 30, 1779.
PRESENT :
A Letter wrote to the Chief Justice to know what has been done on the intercepted Letter of Sam'l R. Fisher.
In pursuance of a conference with the Deputies of Massachu- sets-bay, the following Message was sent to the Hon'ble House of Assembly, together with the Letter received from the Hon'ble the President of the said State :
" Gentlemen of the General Assembly :
"At the opening of the Session we laid before a Letter from the Hon'ble the President & Council of the Massachusets Bay, representing the very great scarcity of bread in that State, & re- questing the friendly aid of this State for their relief.
" Yesterday the Letter which now accompanies this message, was presented by the Gentlemen who are mentioned in it, & are de- puted by the General Court of that State to renew the former ap- plication.
By refering to the Law passed last Session, intituled "An Act to prohibit the exportation of Provisions from the State of Permsyl- sylvania for a limited time, you will observe that the relaxing powers of this board do not reach the present case, so that, if upon conference or otherwise with the Gentlemen deputed on this occa- sion, your Hon'ble House should think proper to favor their appli- cation, it will be necessary to extend the powers in this instance also, as the transportation by land is deemed impracticable in our present circumstances.
" JOSEPH REED, President.
" March 30, 1779."
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MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That Col. Smith deliver the same to the Assembly. Col. Smith reported that he had delivered the said Message & pa- pers to Doct. Gardiner, a Member of the House
A Resolve was received from the House of Assembly of the ad- ditional encouragement to the 5 Companies of Rangers to be raised in this State by Congress.
Resolved, That Capt. James Montgomery be appointed to the Command of the Ship Gen'l Green, now fitting out by this State, for the defence & protection of the Trade.
Resolved, That Major Henry supply Messieurs McClenaghan & Irwin, with what Articles they want for fitting out the above ship, taking Receipts therefor.
Resolved, That Mess. McClenagan & Irwin be authorized to ap- ply to the Hon'ble the Marine Committee of Congress, for a loan of such Naval Stores as they cannot otherwise procure, not doubt- ing but the urgency of the service & the readiness this State has always shewn in offices of the same nature, will induce that Hon'ble Board to readily comply with our request.
Council taking into consideration the return of Justices for Ma- honey Township, Northumberland County, & it appearing that the Election was made by the Inhabitants, whereas the Constitution re- quires it to be by the Freeholders,
Resolved, That the said return be transmitted to Mess Dan. Rees & Chas. Gillespie, in order that a proper Election be had.
The Hon'ble Will'm Paca, Esq'r, Delegate for the State of Maryland in Congress, attended in Council, & informed that Con- gress having appointed a Committee to confer with the Joint Com- mittee of Council & of General Assembly, he now, in the name of the 'said Committee, gives notice that they are ready to meet in con- ference whenever the said joint Committee shall appoint ; where- upon, Col. Smith was appointed to give notice thereof to Mr. Har- ris, Chairman of the Committee of General Assembly, & to request the said Committee of General Assembly to meet the Council this Evening, at Six O'Clock.
A Message to the General Assembly.
[Blank in Council Book.]
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
The Council met.
PHILAD'A, Wednesday Mar. 31, 1779. PRESENT :
A Letter of thanks & acknowledgements from the officers of the Army to the President of Council & Assembly, was read.
Ordered, That the same be transmitted to the Hon'ble House of Assembly.
Resolved, That Joseph Irwin, Esq'r, appointed one of the Cap- tains of the 5 Companies of Rangers to be raised for the defence of the Frontiers; Alex. Cray 1st Lieu., & Hardy Hill 2d Lieu, to take Rank as may be settled hereafter, having respect to former Rank & Service.
The following Message was sent to the Hon'ble House of Assem- bly, together with the Letter from the Oficers of the Army, & the same are as follows, Viz :
" Gentlemen :
" The Letter from the Field Officers of the Pennsylvania line, which accompanies this, being equally designed to manifest their respectful acknowledgements & regard to your Hon'ble House, as to this Board, we accordingly transmit it.
"JOSEPH REED, President.
" March 31, 1779."
The Letter is as follows :
" MILLSTONE CAMP, March 27, 1779. " Sir :
" Deeply impressed with the truest sense of gratitude, we beg leave, in the name of all the Officers & Troops of the State, to re- turn your Excell'y & the Hon'ble Council & Assembly our most sincere & hearty thanks for the generous resolves passed in our favor.
"It really affords us great pleasure to find our past Conduct acceptable to you, & assure you, Sir, That our endeavours shall not be wanting to merit the esteem & confidence of a virtuous Presi- dent & Legislature, under whose auspices we hope to see unanimity, wisdom, & public Interest flourish, and a Government that it will be the duty & Interest of every individual in the State to support. " And when called forth to the field, rest assured, Sir, we shall
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exert every nerve to advance the honor & dignity of the State to which we belong. With every sentiment of esteem & respect, we remain your Excellency's & the Honorable Council's And Assem- bly's Most Obedient and very Humble Servants.
" JAMES CHAMBERS,
" Colonel 1st Pennsylvania Reg. " RICHARD BUTLER, "Col. 9th Pennsylvania Reg. "T. CRAIG, " Col. 3d Penns'a Reg.
" WILLIAM WILLIAMS, " Lieu Col. 3d Penns'a Reg. "JAS. HARMAR,
" Lieu. Col. Commandant 6th Penns'a Reg. "J. P. MENTGES,
Maj. 7th Pennsylva'a Reg. " JOHN MURRAY, Maj. 2d Penns'a Reg.
"THOMAS L. BYLES,
Maj. 3d Penns'a Reg.
"J. GRIER, Maj. 10th Penns'a Reg't.
1
The Council met.
PHILAD'A, Thursday April 1, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Macky, &
Matt'w Smith, th,¿ Esq'rs.
A Letter from Brig. Gen'l Du Portal.
A Letter from His Excell'y Ger'l Washington, dated 28th March.
Another Letter from His Excell'y Gen'l Washington of the 29th March, inclosing a Letter from Gen'l Maxwell of the 28th Mar., from Elizabeth Town.
The following two orders were drawn on the Treasurer, Viz :
In favor of the Hon'ble Jos. Hart, Esq'r, or his order, for the Sum of Seventy Two Pounds Seventeen Shillings & Six Pence, to be charged to his account ; and
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
In favor of Col. John Bull, or his order, for the Sum of One Thousand Pounds, for which Sum he is to account.
The following Recruiting instructions were agreed to, Viz : *
The Council met.
PHILAD'A, Friday April 2, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Matt'w Smith, John Macky, & h,}Esq'rs
A Petition referred by the Hon'ble House of General Assembly to this Council, signed by Tho's Hazlewood, for himself & Officers of the State Fleet.
On Consideration,
Ordered, That a Proclamation be issued enjoining a due obe- dience to the Militia Laws, & the following being read, was ap- proved & signed.
Ordered, That 600 be printed & sent forward to the several Counties, by the Hon'ble Members of the House of General As- sembly :
" Pennsylvania, ss :
" A PROCLAMATION.
" By His Excell' y JOSEPH REED, Esquire, President, & Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania :
"WHEREAS, there is just cause to believe that our cruel & invete- rate Enemies, despairing of the Conquest of America by open & manly force, are about to adopt the mean and savage Policy of dis- tress & depredation ; And as a vigourous, firm, & united resistance can alone (under Providence) enable us to disappoint & defeat their barbarous design, We do hereby most earnestly exhort the good people of this State to prepare themselves for such events.
" And we do particularly enjoin & require the General Officers, Lieutenants, Sub-Lieutenants, Field & other Officers of Militia, diligently to exert themselves in arraying, training & disciplining the Militia of the State; as by Law directed, Enforcing the said Law against all delinquents, & encouraging & animating by their presence & example, those brave & faithful Subjects who chearfully
* See Appendix.
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stand forth in defence of the liberties of their Country. We do also exhort & enjoin all Officers, both civil & military, to make diligent search after the public Arms & accoutrements which have been disposed & lost through the Country, & to recommend & en- deavour to have all the Fire Arms in their respective districts & Counties put in the best repair, so as to be ready on the shortest notice. And as the designs of the Enemy, so far as they may re- gard this State, must in their immediate effects (unless frustrated) desolate those parts exposed to the Sea on one side & the frontiers on the other, we do in a special manner recommend a spirit of Union, harmony and mutual Affection, as the most effectual weapon of defence, laying aside all animosities, dissentions & uncharitable- ness, & then we need not doubt, but (with the blessings of God) we may as we have heretofore done, repel our invaders, with shame, disgrace & disappointment, & in a short time enjoy the blessings of peace on free & honorable terms.
"Given by order of the Council, under the hand of his Excell'y Joseph Reed, Esq'r, President, & the Seal of the State, at. Philad'a, this Second day of April, in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred & Seventy-nine.
"JOSEPH REED, President.
" Attest-T. MATLACK, Sec'y. "GOD SAVE THE PEOPLE."
A Message to the General Assembly of Representatives of the Freemen of Pennsylvania, was read, considered, approved & order- ed to be signed by the President. And the same is as follows : . " Sir :
" I send into the Assembly some papers laid before the Council by Mr. Scott, one of the members. By them it seems probable that Robert Culbertson, of Bedford County, who was authorized by an act of the late Assembly, To seize Provisions for the use of the Army of the United States, has been sued & saddled with damages for taking Fifty Bushels of Rye from Jacob Wiltz, for that purpose. Of the merits of this transaction the Council have nothing to communicate. Perhaps some of the Gentlemen who re- present Bedford County can furnish some explanations; particularly Mr. Smith, who as Attorney brought the suit. This is an instance in point of the abuse of Replevins in the case of Public Officers, (whatever ground there was for an action,) an abuse to which we hope you have put a Stop by the Law just passed.
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