USA > Pennsylvania > Colonial records of Pennsylvania, Vol. XII > Part 13
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A recommendation granted to each of the following named Per- sons going to Germany, vizt :
Isaac Levan, Jun'r, Godfried and
Joseph Reed, Esquire, chosen and return'd as Councellor for the County of Philadelphia, appeared in Council, and took the oaths of Allegiance and the oath of office, required by the Constitution, (Sect. 40,) and thereupon took his seat in Council.
The Council proceeded to the election of a President of the Council, according to the authority in them vested by the Twen- tieth Section of the Constitution. And the Ballots being taken, Joseph Reed, Esquire, was duly elected to be President.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Honourable George Bryan, Esquire, for the sum of Three thousand pounds, on account of his salary as Vice President.
A Letter from R. Purdy, A. C. Issues, dated Lancaster, Seventh October, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine, applying for Sixty Waggons.
Ordered, That the said letter be sent to the Assistant Quarter- Master General, Charles Petit, Esquire.
Mr. Root and Mr. Janifer, a Committee of Congress, attended in Council, and a conference was held upon the subject of the Pay of Waggons, now become altogether inadequate to the service.
Ordered, That Colonel Thompson and Colonel Hart be appointed to make enquiry what Prices are now paid for Waggons hired by the Quarter-Masters.
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Peter Richards being appointed by the General Assembly, on the fourth instant, to be a Sub-Lieutenant of the County of Phila- delphia, a commission was now issued to him.
On consideration,
Resolved, That Henry Haffa, Esquire, be appointed Sheriff of the County of Berks; and that James Whitehead be appointed Coroner of the same County.
Resolved, That David Mackey be appointed Sheriff of the County of Chester.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of the Honoura- ble Joseph Hart, Esquire, for the Sum of one thousand and eighty- four pounds seven shillings and six pence, the ballance of his ac- count, for his attendance in Council, to wit : From January first to. the fifth of April last, at eight dollars + day, ninety-five days; and from the fifth day of April last to the sixteenth of October Instant, one hundred and ninety-four days, at twenty dollars day, and Mileage on Twenty miles, at five shillings + mile.
In Council.
PHILADELPHIA, Saturday, October 16th, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, Esquire, President ..
Honourable MATHEW SMITH, Esquire, Vice President.
Mr. Thompson, Mr. Hambright.
Mr. Orndt, and
Mr. Root, Mr. Janifer and Mr. Marshall, Committee of Congress, again attended in Council, and proposed that the Pay of Waggons now to be called into the service of the United States, be Ten pounds each day, the Continent finding forage and Provision, or twenty pounds each day, the parties finding their own provisions and forage. And they informed Council that Congress authorized them, the said Committee, to take order in the said case.
The Council took into consideration a Letter from John Mitchell, Deputy Quarter Master General, requesting Warrants for procur- ing one hundred & twenty Waggons ; and, thereupon,
Ordered, That Warrants be issued to the Waggon Masters Gene- ral of the following counties to supply the same, to wit :
Of the County of Lancaster, forty, 40
Of the County of Chester, thirty, 30
Of the County of Berks, thirty, 30
Of the County of Bucks, ten, 10
Of the county of Philadelphia, te», 10
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
Henry Haffa now offers Daniel Hunter and Jacob Shoemaker, Esquires, as surities for the faithfull performance of his office of Sheriff of the County of Berks, and the same are approved of
On consideration,
Ordered, That the sum of Thirty pounds # bushell be allowed and paid for the Salt now in the State Store.
Council taking into consideration the dangerous Tendency of Persons going at large who stand charged, on oath, with high Treason; and that Peter Miller and Richard Mason, who stand so charged, are now at large,
Ordered, That a Warrant be Issued for apprehending the said Peter Miller & Richard Mason, and Confining them in the Prison of this City untill delivered under course of Law. And the same was Issued accordingly to the Sheriff of the City and County.
Petitions of Mary Ann Crippin and Ann Taylor, praying to pass into New York, were read and granted, they giving Security not to return without leave of this Council.
Joseph Gardner, Esquire, having presented himself to this Board to be Qualified as Councellor for the County of Chester, and the return thereof being read, it appears that the return of Chatham was informally made in this respect, that the same was not sealed, as by law directed; Whereupon,
Resolved, That the said return be remitted to the Judges of the. said Election, and that they transmit the returns to them made from Chatham district, in order that the said Informality be rectified ; and that then do meet again, and amend the return now made to this Board, agreeable to Justice and the True Meritts of the Election.
In Council.
PHILADELPHIA, Monday, October 18th, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excellencey JOSEPH REED, Esquire, President.
Honourable Mr. Smith, Mr. Orndt, and
Mr. Thompson, Mr, Hambright.
William Moore, Esquire, Councellor elect for the City of Phila- delphia, attended in Council, and took the oath of allegiance and the oath of office required by the Constitution; and thereupon he took his seat in Council as a Member thereof.
The Petition of Joseph Holdstock was read, praying permission to go into New York ; and the same was granted, on Condition that he did not return, and giving security in the same in the sum of five hundred pounds.
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An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Colonel John Bull, for the sum of two thousand pounds, for the purpose of pay- ing workmen employed by the State, under his direction, the same to be charged to his account.
The Council considering that the time of service of the Militia now doing duty at Billingsport and Mud Island, will expire to- morrow,
Ordered, That Captain Boys do appoint an Officer and twelve men belonging to the Gallies, to take charge of each of the fortifi- cations of Billingsport and Mud Island, with the stores therein, and to be relieved from time to time, as the case shall require.
Petition of Abraham Ristean, praying that a Negro Slave be- longing to him, named Jack, now in the Goal of this city on a charge of Theft, be discharged, was read.
And it appearing that restoration of the Goods had been made, and the party satisfied,
Ordered, That the said Negro Slave be pardoned and discharged, on payment of all Expences.
A return of the General Election for the county of Lancaster being now made, the same was read; and it appears that the fol- lowing named Persons were Elected, to Wit :
Representatives .- James Anderson, James Cunningham, John Gilbert, Christopher Kucher, John Smily, William Browne, John Whitehill, James Jacks, William Peter, William Brown, and Eman- uel Carpenter, Jun'rs.
Sheriffs .- Joseph Work and Thomas Edwards.
Coroners .- Jacob Baily and John Offner.
Commissioner .- John Slaymaker.
Assessors .- John Anderson, Maxwell Chambers, John Huber, Jacob Carpenter, William Wright, and James Bingham.
On consideration,
Resolved, That Joseph Work, Esquire, be appointed' and com- missioned to be Sheriff of the county of Lancaster, and that Jacob Baily, Gentleman, be appointed and commissioned to be coroner of the county of Lancaster.
An Order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of William Cris- pin, Commissary, or his Order, for the sum of Fifteen Thousand Pounds, for Purchasing necessaries for the State Fleet, &c., for which sum he is to account.
Joseph Work, Esquire, Offers as security for his faithfull per- formance of the office of Sheriff of the county of Lancaster, Ran- dall McClure and William Kelly, of the same County ; and the same were approved of.
A return of the General Election for the county of Northamp- ton being now made, the same was read ; and it appears that the following named Persons were Elected, to Wit :
Representatives .- Peter Rhoads, John Ralstone, Christopher Wagner, John Van Campen, and Simon Diesbock.
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
Sheriffs .- Jonas Hartzell and Peter Ealer.
Coroners .- Phillip Boehm and Peter Traxler, Junior.
On consideration,
Resolved, That Jonas Hartzell be appointed and Commissioned to be Sheriff of the County of Northampton, and that Phillip Boehm be appointed Coroner of the said County.
John Hartzell offers Peter Sipe and Jacob Hartzell, Junior, for the faithfull performance of his Office of Sheriff of the County of 1 Northampton; and the same are approved of.
The Honourable House of Assembly having taken into consider- ation the Meritorious services of General Wayne and Troops of the Pennsylvania Line under his command, particularly in the attack on Stoney Point, on the Sixteenth day of July last, and come to the following resolve, to wit :
In General Assembly of Pennsylvania, October the Tenth, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine.
"The Assembly of Pennsylvania, taking into their consideration " the services performed by General Wayne and the officers and sol- "diers of the Pennsylvania line, in the attack on Stoney Point, and " the recommendation of the Supreme Executive Council,
" Resolved, That the thanks of this House be given to General "Wayne and the officers and soldiers of the Pennsylvania Line, for " the courage and conduct displayed by them on the attack on Stoney "Point. The honour they have reflected on the State to which they "belong, the Clemency they shewed to those in their power in a sit- "uation when, by the Laws of War, and stimulated by resentment, "occasioned by the remembrance of a former Masacre, they wou'd "have been Justified in putting to Death every one of the Garrison, " will transmit their names with Honour to the latest Posterity, and " will shew that true Bravery and humanity are insepirable.
" Resolved, That this resolution be transmitted to the Supreme "Executive Council, and that they be requested to transmit the same "to General Wayne, to be by him conveyed to the officers and sol- "diers of the Pennsylvania line under his command in the attack "above mentioned.
Signed by order of the House.
JOHN BAYARD, Speaker."
Which has been duly communicated to this Board ; and there- upon,
Resolved, Unanimously, That the Supreme Executive Council do cheerfully concur therein, and give their thanks to General Wayne and the Pennsylvania Troops, for their Bravery, Humanity, and Good Conduct displayed on the above occasion, in which they have not only acquired most deserved Applause, but have reflected honour upon the State to which they belong.
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MINUTES OF THE
WHEREAS, Sundry Persons, owners or Tactors of Salt, which ar- rived yesterday, in violation of the resolves of the Assembly, and the wholsome regulations made by this Board, have exchanged the said Salt for Flour brought to city on Publick account.
Resolved, Therefore, that the Agents for Purchasing and procu- ring of Salt, do demand the said Flour so exchanged of the pre- sent holders, and lodge the same in the Publick store and pay for the salt by them delivered, at the rate of Thirty pounds $ Bushell, and no more ; and that they be fully authorized to take into their immediate possession all salt lately arrived, or which may hereafter arrive, engaging payment therefor at Thirty pounds per Bushell, and that they be desired to exert themselves to prevent any future violations of the Plan laid down by the Legislature for procuring supplies of Flour for Publick use, and supplying the county with salt.
The Petition of John Harding being read and considered,
Ordered, That he be pardoned, on condition of leaving this State within two weeks, and never returning to it again.
In Council.
PHILAD'A, Tuesday, October 19th, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, Esquire, President. Honourable Mr. SMITH, Vice President.
Mr. Moore, Mr. Thompson,
Mr. Arndt, and
Mr. Read,
Mr. Hambright.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Colonel William Coats, Lieutenant of the County of Philadelphia, or his order, for the sum of Four thousand pounds, to be advanced to the Militia, agreeable to the resolve of this Board, for which sum he is to account.
A return of the General Election for the county of Bucks was read, by which it appears that the following named persons were elected, to wit :
Councillor .- John Lacey, Junior.
Representatives. - Gerardus Wynkoop, Benjamin Fell, William Scott, Arthur Watts and Joseph Savage.
Sheriffs .- George Wall, Junior, and Abraham Kechline.
Coroners .- John Carr and Abraham Dubois.
Commissioner .- Joseph Thomas.
Assessors .- D. William Means, Daniel Larew, Thomas Folwell, James Peller, John Thomas, Charles Keighleine.
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
On Consideration, ,
Ordered, That George Wall, Junior, be appointed and commis- sioned to be Sheriff of the County of Bucks, and that
be commissioned to be Coroner of the said county.
George Wall, Junior, now offers John Thompson and John Carr as sureties for the faithfull performance of his office as Sheriff of the county of Bucks, and the same are approved of.
Major Francis Nicholls, one of the persons who were in the house of James Wilson, Esquire, on the fourth of October Instant, at the time of the riot there, now appears ; Whereupon, the said Francis Nicholls became bound to the State in the sum of Five thousand pounds, and Samuel Caldwell and George Campbell, Esquires, be- come bound to the State in the sum of two thousand and five hun- dred pounds, conditioned that the said Francis Nicholls be and ap- pear at the next Court of Oyer and Terminer, and General Goal delivery, to be held for the city and county of Philadelphia, there to answer, &ca.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of William Turn- bull, for the sum of one hundred thousand pounds, for the purpose of purchasing Flour for the use of the State, and for which sum he is to account.
The following named Persons, to wit : James Wilson, Esquire, Stephen Chambers, Esquire, and John Potts, Junior, who were in the house of James Wilson, Esquire, on the fourth of October in- stant, at the time of the riot there, appeared; and thereupon, became bound with sureties, and to be and appear at the next Court of Oyer and 'Terminer and General Goal delivery, to be held for the city and county of Philadelphia, then and there to answer such charges as shall be brought against them, and not depart the Court without leave, to Wit:
James Wilson, in the sum of Ten thousand pounds,-Sureties, George Clymer and Samuel Caldwell, each in the sum of Five thou- sand pounds.
Stephen Chambers, in the sum of Five thousand pounds,-Su- reties, George Clymer and Samuel Caldwell, in the sum of Two thousand and five hundred pounds each.
John Potts, Junior, in the sum of Five thousand pounds,-Su- reties, George Clymer and George Campbell, in the sum of Two thousand and five hundred pounds each.
A return of the General Election for the county of Northumber- land being read, it appears that the following named Persons were elected, to Wit:
Representatives .- Robert Martin, Samuel Deale, and William Montgomery.
Sheriffs .- James Crawford and Conrad Shaffer.
Coroners .- John Foster and James Hayes.
Commissioners .- Walter Clarke and William Mackey.
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Assessors .- Albright Swinforth, Peter Kester, Daniel Montgom- ery, William Clarke, James Harrison and Lewis Goss.
On consideration,
Resolved, That James Crawford be appointed and commissioned to be Sheriff of the county of Northumberland, and John Foster be appointed and commissioned to be Coroner of the said county of Northumberland.
James Crawford, Esquire, now offers Colonel William Cooke and Charles Gillespie, as surities for the faithfull performance of his office of Sheriff of the County of Northumberland, and the same are approved.
Nathaniel Potts, one of the Persons who were in the House of James Wilson, Esquire, on the Fourth day of October instant, at the time of the riot, appeared, and thereupon became bound, with sureties, for his appearance at the next Court of Oyer and Termi- ner and General Goal delivery to be held for the City and County of Philadelphia, then and there to answer, &ca.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Colonel Attlee, or his order, for the sum of Three thousand pounds, to be charged to his account, as part of his pay as a delegate in Congress.
A Petition was read, signed by the principal remaining Inhabi- tants of Northumberland county, representing their great appre- hensions from the Indians, in consequence of the removal of General Sullivan's Army, and their being destitute of any Troops for their defence.
Sundry Letters from General Hand were also read, acquainting the Board that Three hundred men had been left as a Garrison at Wyoming, and it was deemed a greater number than was necessary for that post; Whereupon,
Resolved, That the said Petition and Letters from General Hand be transmitted to the Board of War, and that they be re- quested to order one hundred and fifty men from Wyoming to Sunbury, there to be stationed in such manner as the Lieutenant of the County and the Commanding officer of the said Troops shall deem most likely to afford the Greatest Security and protection to the said county.
The President having communicated to the Board the desire of the Honourable Mr. Searle, one of the Delegates in Congress, to attend him to the Field as an Aid du-Camp, in consequence of a former appointment, and the present state of the Delegates being fully considered,
Resolved, That the Board have a proper sense of Mr. Searle's Zeal, but that as his absence might be Prejudicial to the Publick service, and not agreeable to the Assembly, who being shortly to meet, this matter may then be farther considered.
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
In Council.
Wednesday, October 20th, 1779.
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PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, Esquire, President. Honourable Mr. SMITH, Vice President.
Mr. Thompson, Mr. Arndt, and
Mr. Hambright.
The following named three persons, who were in the House of James Wilson, Esquire, on the fourth of October instant, at the time of the riot there, to Wit: Doctor Jonathan Potts, Matthew McConnell and John F. Mifflin. Whereupon, Dr. Jonathan Potts became bound in the sum of Five thousand pounds, and Doctor Thomas Bond, Junior, and Josiah Hewes, each in the sum of Two thousand five hundred pounds, conditioned that the said Jonathan be and appear at the next Court of Oyer and Terminer and General Goal delivery, there to answer, &c.
Matthew McConnell became bound in the sum of Three thou- sand pounds, and John Duffield and James Gallagher, each in the sum of one thousand five hundred pounds, conditioned that the said Mathew be and appear at the said Court, &c. And John F. Mifflin, being under age, George Mifflin and Anthony Butler be- came bound in the sum of Three thousand pounds each, conditioned that the said' John F. Mifflin be and appear at the said Court, &c.
And Mark Bird, also present on the said day at James Wilson, Esquire's, appeared, and became bound for his appearance at the said Court, &c. Himself in the sum of Twenty thousand pounds, and Richard Peters and William Dewes each in the sum of Ten thousand pounds.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Captain Joseph Stiles, Commissary of Military Stores, or his order, for the sum of Six thousand pounds, for which he is to account.
On consideration,
Ordered, That Isaac Ely be appointed and Commissioned to be first Lieutenant in the State Fleet, on Board the Franklin Galley, and that Henry Spees be appointed and Commissioned to be Second Lieutenant of the said Franklin Galley.
Order to Mr. Thompson for one hundred and sixty-two Bushells of Salt, for his proportion of Thirty-three Barrells of Flour to the State.
A Letter from General Sinclair was read, by which it appears that Lieutenant Gibbons had been found Guilty of Embezzleing Public Money ; therefore,
Ordered, That the Attorney General be directed to prosecute the said Gibbons, and that he lay the damages at six thousand pounds.
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The Petition of Major Solomon Bush, in the Militia of this State, being again read, and due inquiry having been made into the circumstances of his case, it appears that Major Bush has, on many occasions, distinguished himself in the Public Service, especially in the Winter one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six, when the service was Critical & Hazardous.
That he entered again into the said Service in the summer one thousand seven hundred and seventy-seven, when General Sir Wil- liam Howe invaded the State, and the Militia were called out pur- suant to the resolutions of Congress and the requisition of his Ex- cellency General Washington; and in the Month of September, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-seven, acting as Deputy Ad- jutant General, he was dangerously Wounded in a skirmish between the Militia and the advance of the British Army, his thigh being broke, and he brought off with great difficulty ; That being carried to his Father's House, on Chesnut Hill, and incapable of being moved, he fell into the hands of the British Army, when it moved up to Whitemarsh, in December, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-seven, who took his Parole; That he has ever since been Confined with his Wound, and incapable of performing any Mili- tary duty, or acquiring a livelihood; but on the other hand, his situation attended with much difficulty and expence.
All which circumstances being considered, and that the said Major Bush being at the time of receiving his Wounds in Conti- nental Service, and now a Prisoner of War,
Resolved, That he be recommended to the special Notice of the Honourable Board of War, in Order to obtain Pay and rations equal to his Rank; and that this Board, in consideration of the services and sufferings of Major Bush, will permit him to draw from the State Store, from time to time, such articles as may be necessary for his comfortable Subsistance and support.
The Petition and representation of Captain Jacob Buss, and other Captains of the fifth Battalion of Northampton County Mili- tia, being again read and duly considered,
Resolved, First, That the candour and professions of the Peti- tioners to submit to the Laws and determinations of this Board, is highly acceptable to the Council and Honourable to the Petitioners.
Resolved, Secondly, Upon full consideration of the State of the case, as made by the Petitioners, that the Voluntary service ren- dered by a part of the Battalion or Persons hired, cannot, in law or reason, be deemed a satisfaction of the Tour of duty for those who did not serve, but that the residue remaining liable to the Tour of duty, when called on, the said Voluntary service notwith- standing :
That, therefore, it is the Judgment and determination of the Supreme Executive Council, that the Companies who refused Com- pliance with the orders of the Lieutenants in July last, and have not paid their flines, are liable thereto, and that the Lieutenants
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
and other officers do proceed to put the Law in Execution therein, with as little inconvenience to the delinquents as may be.
Resolved, That if the classes already called by the Lieutenant of the City, do not furnish Two hundred Men, exclusive of Officers, he do proceed to the next Class, and so on, to compleat the said Number, unless such a Number of Volunteers have entered to in- corporate with the said Militia, as to compleat the above Number.
Resolved, That pursuant to the resolution of the Honourable House of Assembly, now concurred in by this Board, The Lieu- tenant and Sub-Lieutenants of the City, either by themselves or suitable Persons to be appointed by them, procced to collect Blank- ets in this City from the Inhabitants, for the use of the Troops on the proposed service ; That the Persons performing this duty do give a receipt to each person furnishing a Blanket, to replace the same as soon as may be, or pay therefor a price to be estimated by the said Collectors, and expressed in the said receipt; That where Persons, from conscientious Motives or otherwise, being of ability, refuse to supply any Blankets, they be authorized to impress the same, provided that no more than two Blankets be taken from any one Family, and that they collect, if possible, not less than one thousand.
Petition of David Franks, praying permission to go into New York to settle his accounts as Commissary of Prisoners, was read ; and on Consideration rejected.
In Council.
PHILAD'A, October (Thursday) 21st, 1779. PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, Esquire, President. Honourable Mr. SMITH, Vice President.
Mr. Thompson, Mr. Moore,
Mr. Read, and Mr. Hambright.
An application from George and Co'y, requesting payment for Five hundred and forty and one quarter Bushells of salt, delivered to the Agents for procuring of salt, was read, together with a re- ceipt for the same, signed by Robert McGee ; and Thereupon,
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