USA > Pennsylvania > Colonial records of Pennsylvania, Vol. XII > Part 11
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Resolved, That the Invoices of Cloathing and Trimmings, pur- chased by Mr. Turnbull at Baltimore, be forwarded to Colonel Far- mer, and that he be authorized to receive the Cloth and Trimmings from Mr. Turnbull as soon as possible.
Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to request Colonel Far- mer to give a rough sketch of the appropriation of the Monies he has receiv'd.
In Council.
PHILADELPHIA, September 17th, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPII REED, Esquire, President. Honourable GEORGE BRYAN, Esquire, Vice President.
Mr. Hart, Mr. Mackey, Mr. Read,
Mr. Hambright, and Colonel Smith.
A Petition from William Russell, late Ensign in the Third Penn- sylvania Regiment, representing that he lost his Leg at the Battle of Brandywine; that he has been since omitted in Promotion, and praying his case may be considered by this Board. A certificate from Colonel Miller and Major Clarke of the Merit and good char- acter of Mr. Russell, were also read ; Thereupon,
Resolved, That a copy this Minute be sent to Colonel Nichola, and he be requested to inform the Board of the Mode in which of-
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ficers are Transferred into his Regiment, and also how far his re- quest as to Promotion can be complied with.
That Colonel Nichola be requested to return the Papers with his Answer.
A Letter from John Hay, Esquire, Sub-Lieutenant of York, rep- resenting the necessity of a guard at the Goal, was read ; and there- upon,
Resolved, That the conduct of the Sub-Lieutenant is approved by the Board, in providing a guard, and that he be authorized to keep up a guard of a Subaltern, Serjeant and twenty Men, untill a Court be held for the Tryal of Criminals, which it is recommended to the Inhabitants of the county to apply to the Justices of the Supreme Court for, if the cases are capital.
A Letter was laid before the Board from the President of Con gress, inclosing an address from Congress to their constituents, Or the subject of Publick Credit ; also, a resolution, dated the Twenty. first day of August, for continuing the Embargo to the first day of January ; also, a resolution, dated the Twenty-fifth day of Au- gust, against any restrictions on the Inland Trade between the United States; also, one of Tenth Instant, for providing Cloathing for the Troops.
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In Council.
PHILADELPHIA, September 18th, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, Esquire, President. Honourable GEORGE BRYAN, Esquire, Vice President.
Colonel Smith, Mr. Hart, and Mr. Mackey.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Honoura- ble George Bryan, Vice President, for the sum of Two hundred and fifty pounds, in part of his salary, for which he is to account.
Resolved, That the President be authorized to order a Number of Standards for Public use, with the Arms of the State worked thereon.
The case of Jonathan Lodge, Esquire, High Sheriff of North- umberland county, being again resumed, the answer of the Hon- ourable the Chief Justice was read ; Whereupon, the Board having Maturely deliberated thereon, and it appearing clearly to the Board from the examination of the Sheriff, that he has failed in his duty, and it also appearing that the time for which the said Sheriff is to continue in office expires in a very short time, so that the removal therefrom wou'd be very inadequate to the offence ; Wherefore,
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
Resolved, That the several papers, and the proceedings of this Board thereupon, be transmitted to the Supreme Court, that such proceedings may be had under the act of Assembly entitled "An act for establishing courts of Judicature," or prosecution by In- dictment, as to the said Court shall be most conducive to Publick Justice ; and it is hereby recommended accordingly ; and a copy hereof is ordered to be sent to the Chief Justice.
In Council.
PHILADELPHIA, September 21st, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, Esquire, President. Honourable GEORGE BRYAN, Esquire, Vice President. Mr. Mackey, Mr. Read, and Colonel Smith. Mr. Hart,
A Letter was read from Mr. Holker, praying the answer of the Board with respect to his demand of Flour.
Resolved, That the President be requested to inform Mr. Holker that the old Crop being expended and New not Threshed, there is at present a difficulty in procuring Flour, and that the demands of the Continental army are so urgent that this Board cannot engage to supply him with any specific quantity.
In Council.
PHILADELPHIA, September 22d, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, Esquire, President.
Honourable GEORGE BRYAN, Esquire, Vice President.
Mr. Hart, Colonel Smith.
Mr. Mackey, and
A Committee of Assembly, consisting of Messrs. Mifflin, Gardener and Clymer, having attended this Board and acquainted them that it had been resolved by the House to present an address to Mons- sieur Gerard, the Minister Plenipotentiary of France, upon his de- parture, and in case this Board proposed a like measure, they might attend him together, and that the address was already prepared to be presented by the Board ; Whereupon,
Resolved, That Colonel Hart and Colonel Smith do acquaint the said Committee that this Board have also prepared an address ; but
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as the Compliment is not Joint, it is conceived to be more agreea- ble to custom, to attend Monsieur Gerard seperately.
Resolved, That the Secretary do inquire and report to the Board, the proper time to present the address prepared by the Board, which is as follows:
PHILADELPHIA, September 22d, 1779.
SIR :- The President and Supreme Executive Council of Penn- sylvania would not do Justice to their own feelings and your Meritt, if they suppressed their Wishes for your future prosperity and . happiness, and their regret that the commands of your Prince, and the Bad state of your Health, have abridged your residence among us.
The favour of your Sovereign we trust awaits your faithfull ser- vices, and if the affectionate regards of this Board can add to your happiness, be assured that you possess them in a very high degree.
Your eminent services in forming the Union between the two Nations, and your conduct, which has had a happy tendency to conciliate and cement our affections to the Monarch and People of France, will fully Justify, in the opinion of the World, this special Mark of our attention and respect, and transmit your name to Posterity, among the first and most distinguished friends of this rising empire.
With sincere wishes for your safe and happy arrival in your Native Country, sir, we bid you adieu.
Signed in behalf of the Council, unanimously.
JOSEPH REED, President.
Colonel Smith having laid before the Board a record of the Court of Quarter Sessions of Lancaster County, by which it appears that Jane Ringland was convicted of three several Larceny's, and ordered to be whipped on the twenty-fifth instant; that the said Criminal is now pregnant, and that the Execution of the Punishment may probably be attended with dangerous consequences,
Resolved, That the said Punishment be respited untill the next Court of Quarter Sessions, who may farther order therein.
A letter from Charles Hall, Esquire, concerning Abraham Boyer, was read.
A letter from the Chief Justice, with an account of the Prisoners in the New Goal, was read, and
Ordered, To be farther considered.
Joseph Redman, Esquire, Clerke of the Market, being deceased, the Board proceeded to the appointing of a successor, when the following gentlemen were candidates, to wit :
Robert Smith, John Sibbald,
Edward Pole, Benjaman Armitage,
John Leacock, Mathew Henderson, and
William Browne, Thomas Francis.
William Bonham,
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
Who being respectively Ballotted for, Mr. Robert Smith, Hat- ter, appeared to have a majority of the voices. Whereupon, he was appointed to said office, and the Secretary is directed to make out his commission accordingly.
In Council.
PHILADELPHIA, Wednesday, September 22d, 1779. PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, Esquire, President. Honourable GEORGE BRYAN, Esquire, Vice President.
Mr. Hart, Mr. Mackey, .
Colonel Smith, and Mr. Read.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Mr. William Crispin, Commissary, for the sum of Twelve thousand pounds, for purchasing Rum, Tea, Sugar, Coffee, &ca., for the use of the State Fleet, and the Militia doing duty down the river; for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Captain Joseph Stiles, Commissary of Militia stores, for the sum of Three thou- sand pounds, for paying sundry accounts by him contracted on behalf of the State, for which he is to account.
A Petition from Colonels Lollar, Smith and Thompson, on behalf of Major Wright, a Prisoner with the Enemy.
Resolved, That the said Petition be transmitted to Mr. Bradford, Commissary of Prisoners for the State, with a direction to him to procure the exchange or release of said Wright, as a Citizen, he not being taken in Arms.
A Letter from Captain Montgomery of the State Ship, informing of his having taken the Brigg Privateer, Bayard, and of his putting into New Castle to refit,
Resolved, That the President direct Captain Montgomery to proceed again to sea as soon as the ship is refitted.
In Council.
PHILADELPHIA, Thursday, Septem'r 23d, 1779. PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, Esquire, President.
Honourable GEORGE BRYAN, Esquire, Vice President.
Mr. Mackey, Mr. Hart, and
Colonel Smith.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Mr. Ebenezer Cowell, for the sum of Three thousand pounds, for repairing Arms for the use of the State, for which he is to account.
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A Letter from Ephraim Blaine, Esq'r, Deputy Commissary of purchases, acquainting the Board of his apprehensions of the Ar- my suffering for want of Flour. That he shall want Seventy Thou- sand Barrells of Flour from this State, and praying the Exertions of the Legislative and Executive authority ; also, giving a list of his deputies in this State.
Resolved, That the same be considered to-morrow.
The Letter of the Chief Justice, respecting a Number of Pris- oners taken in Arms, and owing allegiance to the State, was again read ; whereupon,
Resolved, That the determination of this matter be referred to a farther Day, and that in the mean time a List of the said Prisoners be sent to Mr. Bradford, Commissary of Prisoners, and he be di- rected not to Exchange the said Prisoners without the farther order of this Board.
In Council.
PHILADELPHIA, September 24th, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, Esquire, President. Honourable GEORGE BRYAN, Esquire, Vice President.
Mr. Hart, Mr. Mackey,
Mr. Read, and Colonel Smith.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Mr. Levi Budd, for the sum of twenty-five pounds, four shillings and six pence, the amount of his account for Boards for the Court Room.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of his Excel- lency the President, for the sum of five hundred pounds, in part of his salary, for which he is to account.
Sundry Petitions and complaints from the county of Northum- berland, against Benjamin Weiser and Wilton Atkinson, Justices, were read ; whereupon,
Resolved, That they be forwarded to the Honourable House of Assembly, to be prosecuted on, agreeable to the Constitution.
A Letter was wrote to Mr. Holker, inclosing the resolve of the Twenty-first instant.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Mr. William Turnbull, Agent for Purchasing cloths, trimmings, Blankets, &ca., for the use of the Troops of the Pennsylvania Line, for the sum ยท of one hundred thousand pounds, for the purpose aforesaid, for which he is to account.
The Petition of Catherine Malone, setting forth that she had been convicted of Larceny in four several Indictments, sentenced
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
to be whipp'd and pay four several Fines, amounting to three hun- dred pounds ; That she had suffered the Corporal Punishment, and prayed a remission of the said Fines, was read ; and thereupon, Ordered, That the Fines imposed for State be remitted.
In Council.
PHILADELPHIA, Saturday, Septem'r 25th, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, Esquire, President. Honourable GEORGE BRYAN, Vice President.
Mr. Hart, My. Mackey,
Mr. Reed, and Colonel Smith.
A petition having been presented to this Board, in behalf of Ralph, a Negro, formerly the property of John Rankin, an attaint- ed Traytor against this State, wherein the Interposition of this Board is prayed for his relief ; whereupon,
The same being considered, and the several papers examined, there appears the following evident Marks of Imposition and Fraud :
First. That at a Monthly meeting of Quakers, held at Warring- ton, on the seventh day of March, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight, the service of Manumitting the slave was not fully performed. That at a like meeting, on the Eleventh of April, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight, the persons appoint- ed by the Meeting reported they had no further oppertunity to perswade the Master to manumit the slave, on account of his hav- ing been absent from home, as represented in the said Paper; in truth and fact, he having then Joined the Enemy in Philadelphia; and yet a Manumission is now produced, dated Twenty-fifth of February, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight, most evi- dently and suppositiously anti-dated.
Secondly. There are no Witnesses or proof whatsoever of the Execution of the said Instrument, so as to ascertain the real time of its being executed.
Thirdly. A blank of the date has been evidently filled up in a different hand and Ink. From all which circumstances, this Board are fully satisfied this pretended Manumission was made after the said Rankin Joined the Enemy, and calculated to defraud the State.
Resolved, That the said claim be disallowed, and the Agents of York County give directions with respect to farther disposal of him.
VOL. XII .- 8.
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A Decree of the Supreme Court, in favour of Jacob Morgan, Junior, for three thousand one hundred and eighty-three pounds fifteen shillings, due from the Estate of John Potts, a Traytor, was read ; whereupon,
Resolved, That the order therefor be postponed 'till the Agents make return of the Monies receiv'd from the said Estate.
Two affidavits of the circumstance of Colonel Hannum's escape from the Enemy were read, and ordered to be forwarded to General Washington.
A representation having been made by the Honourable Colonel Smith, of the services of the Volunteers who turned out on the late Invasion of Northumberland, the time not being sufficient to admit a regular call of Militia.
Resolved, That the same be transmitted to the Honourable House of Assembly, and this Board do recommend the same to the fa- vourable attention of the House, for a suitable encouragement in future to such brave and spirited Men, who turn out to the relief of the distressed Frontier; And that the Secretary do deliver the same to the Speaker of Assembly.
In Council.
PHILADELPHIA, Monday, Septem'r 27th, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, Esquire, President.
Honourable GEORGE BRYAN, Esquire, Vice President.
Mr. Hart, Mr. Mackey,
Mr. Read, and Colonel Smith.
A Decree of the Supreme Court, adjudging a debt of eighteen pounds to William Honeyman, out of the Estate of John 'Tolley, and a certificate of the Agent, that there was sufficient Money in his hands for that purpose,
Resolved, That an order do Issue for the sum of eighteen pounds.
An Act of Congress, transmitted by his Excellency the Presi- dent, was read, in the Words and Terms following, vizt :
In Congress, September 26th, 1779.
WHEREAS, Congress have receiv'd authentic Information of the arrival of Count D'Estaing, with a powerfull Fleet, to Co- operate with these United States.
And whereas, By the vigorous of the said States, the allied forces may be enabled to strike an important blow against the En- emy;
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
Resolved, That it be most earnestly recommended to the several States to furnish General Washington with such aid as he may re- quire of them respectively, as well by Detachments from their Mi- litia as by providing that the allied Armaments in the United States be speedily and effectually furnished with ample supplys of Bread and other provision, and the most vigorous exertions made for that purpose,
Extract from the Minutes.
CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec'y.
Whereupon,
Resolved, That the same be immediately communicated to the Honourable House of Assembly, and that they be requested to meet this Board in committee or otherwise, in a free conference thereon, and also to receive some farther considerations from the Minister of France, thro'. the President, on the subject of procur- ang supplies for the French Fleet.
And that Colonel Smith and Mr. Read do deliver this resolve; and if such conference is agreed, to appoint the time and place of meeting.
A Petition from Colonel William Maloney, praying the direc- tions of this Board touching some Horses taken by him in one thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight, from Persons of disaf- fected and doubtfull character, which have been sold by him, the sales amounting to one hundred and seventy-three pounds ; where- upon, the Board having made enquiry therein,
Resolved, That the proceeds of the said sales shall be accounted for with the Agents of Bedford County, and that it is the opinion of this Board they shou'd receive the same, unless they have some satisfactory reason against it, which They shou'd make known to the Board.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Lieutenant William Honeyman, for the sum of Eighteen pounds, the amount of his claim on the Estate of John Tolly, decreed him by the Su- preme Court.
In Council.
PHILADELPHIA, Tuesday, September 28th, 1779. PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, Esquire, President. Honourable the Vice President.
Mr. Mackey, Mr. Hart, Colonel Smith.
Mr. Read, and
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Hillary Baker, Junior, Esquire, for the sum of Three thousand one hundred and
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Eighty-nine Pounds four Shillings and Six pence, to be paid to Colonel Jacob Morgan, it being the amount of his Claim against the estate of John Potts, decreed him by the court.
An authentic copy of the Record of the conviction of John Gill, a soldier in the Fifth Pennsylvania Regiment, was read.
Resolved, That a Pardon do issue, so far as respects the payment of any fine.
A Petition of Jedidiah Snowden, was read, setting forth that a Negro Man had ran away from him to the Enemy, and had been lately taken by the State ship, with an affidavit of his property, and praying the said Negro to be delivered to him free of any Sal- vage.
Resolved, That it appearing to this Board that Salvage is not claimable in such a case, any claim on the part of the State to be wholly relinquished.
An application from Christian Wertz, Town Major of Lancaster, for pay and rations, being laid before the Board, and the same fully considered, it appears that the said officer is wholly employed in services arising from the Prisoners and stores of the United States being kept at Lancaster, and that there wou'd not be the least oc- casion for such an officer on any service of the State; Where- upon,
Resolved, That the said account be Transmitted to the Honour- able the Board of War, and also that it is the intention of the Board to continue the said officer, if his support is to be given by the State.
An application was made to the Board from the Board of War, for Militia to guard Prisoners to Lancaster and Fort Frederick.
Resolved, That the same be farther considered.
A Letter from Colonel Stewart was read, representing that Messrs. Anbrine De Marcellin and George Le Roy, two young Gentlemen recommended by the Chevalier De La Luserne, had entered into the second Regiment, and praying commissions for them as En- signs.
Resolved, That they be appointed, and the Board of War re- quested to issue commissions accordingly.
In Council.
PHILADELPHIA, Wednesday, Septcm'r 29th, 1779.
A Letter from Charles Thompson, Esquire, Secretary of Con- gress, dated September Twenty-eight, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine, informing that Congress had, on that day, Elect- ed the Honourable Samuel Huntingdon, Esquire, to bo President of Congress.
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
A Letter sent to the Board of War, recommending the two Gen- tlemen mentioned in yesterday's Minute.
The President communicated to the Board sundry resolutions of the House of Assembly, on the Mode of providing Flour for the French Fleet, which being read and considered,
Resolved, That great difficulties will arise from leaving the pri- ces of Flour unsettled, and the price at which Salt is to be taken, that the same be signified to the House, and they be requested to determine the same, and a Letter was wrote accordingly, and de- livered to the Assembly.
The unhealthy state of the Garrisons at Mud Island and Bil- lingsport, and all circumstances considered,
Resolved, That the Garrisons, except an Officer, Serjant and fif- teen Men to each, be withdrawn, and that the said guards be relie- ved regularly once a week, untill the present Tour of duty be ex- pired, and that the President be requested to thank the Officers and Men for their faithfull service.
A Letter from Colonel Marsteller, and one from Colonel Morgan, were read, on the subject of Flour.
In Council.
PHILADELPHIA, Thursday, September 30th, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, Esquire, President.
Honourable GEORGE BRYAN, Esquire, Vice President.
Mr. Hart, Colonel Smith, and
Mr. Mackey,
Mr. Orndt, (now first return'd.)
Mr. Read,
A resolution of the Honourable House of Assembly, on the Points referred to yesterday, being receiv'd, to the following ef- fect.
4'IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA, Thursday, 30th of September, 1779, A. M.
''The Letter from his Excellency the President of Council, rela- tive to the procuring supplies of Flour, &c., was read the second time, and being considered ; it was
"Resolved, That the Supreme Executive Council be requested and authorized immediately to adopt effectual Measures for pur- chasing and procuring the salt at present in the city and liberties of Philadelphia, beyond the necessities of Private Families, for the use of the State, and that the ratio of salt to flour shall not be less than a Bushell and an half of salt for a hundred weight of flour, and that there shall be paid in part of the price of Flour, at the
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ratio aforesaid, at least Five Bushells for every ten Barrelfs of Flour, containing not less than two hundred weight each, and so in proportion.
Extract from the Minutes.
JOHN MORRIS, Jun'r, Clerk of the General Assembly."
And the same being considered,
Resolved, That the obscurity of the expression, this Board not being able to Comprehend the meaning of the House, will make it necessary to have some farther Explanation bereupon, and that this Board will meet at three o'clock to confer with the members of Assembly thereon, and endeavor to proceed in the business.
Whereas, his most Christian Majesty, the Illustrious Friend and Ally of these United States, hath sent a great and powerfull Fleet to Co-operate with the Arms of these States, for the annoyance and destruction of the Common Enemy, which Fleet will require a very considerable and immediate supply of Flour, which it is both the duty and Interest of the People of these States to furnish without delay, so as to give Vigour and effect to the United Arms, and realize the happy prospects of Terminating the War :
And Whereas, the Legislature, in order to encourage the good People of the State to furnish the said supply, as well as to pro- vide for their necessities, by the appropriation of a Quantity of Salt, and further provision of that Necessary Article, have resolved as follows, to wit:
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA, Thursday, September 30th, 1779.
The Letter from his Excellency the President of the Councill, Relative to the procuring of supplies of Flour, &c., was read the second time; and being Considered, it was
Resolved, That the Supreme Executive Council be requested and authorized immediately to adopt effectual Measures for purchasing and procuring the Salt at present in the City and liberties of Phila- delphia, beyond the necessities of Private Families, for the use of the State; and that the ratio of Salt to Flour shall not be less than a Bushell and a half of Salt for a hundred Weight of Flour, and that there shall be paid in part of the price of Flour at the ratio of at least Five Bushells for every ten Barrells of Flour, Con- taining not less than two hundred weight each, and so in proportion.
Extract from the Minutes.
JOHN MORRIS, Jun'r., Clerk of the General Assembly.
In Execution, therefore, of the above resolve, the Agents to be appointed for the receiving flour, are directed upon the receipt of" any Quantities of Merchantable Flour, not less than Ten Barrells
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
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