USA > Pennsylvania > Colonial records of Pennsylvania, Vol. XII > Part 25
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In Council.
PHILAD'A, Tuesday, March 7th, 1780.
PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, esquire, President.
Hon'ble the Vice President.
Mr. Lacey, Mr. Gardner. Mr. Whitehill,
Mr. Hambright, and
Dr. Hugh Martin having been recommended to this Board by Doctor Shippen to be appointed Surgeon to the eighth Pennsylva- nia Regiment, .
Resolved, That the same be granted, and that he be recommend- ed to the Board of War for a Commission.
The Board taking into consideration the many inconveniencies and dangers which the publick interests have suffered, and to which they will be exposed during the continuance of the War, from the intercourse which wives of sundry persons who have joined the enemy still hold with them at New York, and the intel- ligence they give, of which proofs frequently occur:
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
Resolved, That notice be given them that passports will be granted to go within the enemies lines to their respective Husbands, before the fifteenth day of April next, and that their neglect of proceeding thither, pursuant to the notice, will make it necessary to take farther measures for this purpose, as the publick security shall require.
An intercepted Journal having been laid before this Board, by which it appears that Mrs. Shoemaker, wife of Samuel Shoemaker, now in New York, has by letters of recommendation, and other- wise, assisted Prisoners and others, Enemies to this Government, and to the United States, to pass clandestinely to New York.
Resolved, That General Lacey, Doctor Gardner, and Mr. White- hill, be a committee to meet to-morrow at eleven o'clock, in the library room at the State house, thereupon, and that Mrs. Shoema- ker be notified thereof, that she may attend the said committee thereupon, before farther proceedings are had.
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In Council.
PHILAD'A, Wednesday, March 8th, 1780. PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, esquire, President.
Hon'ble the Vice President.
Mr. Lacey, Mr. Gardner, Mr. Hambright,
Mr. Read, and Mr. Whitehill.
A valuation of certain damages done to the houses of Edward Barrett, in Southwark, by the Militia and flying Camp, dated June seventh, 1777, to the amount of three hundred and four pounds fifteen shillings, was laid before the Board for payment, and the same being considered,
Resolved, That the applicant be informed that no fund has been hitherto made by the house of Assembly for the payment of such accounts ; that therefore, this Board have not, at present, the means or power to satisfy him.
The Petition of Jacob Taney of the County of Philadelphia, yeoman, was read, setting forth that he was bound by recognizance to appear at the last Court, to prosecute one Isabella Reily for fel- ony, but that his Wife and children being dangerously Ill, it was not in his power to attend the Courts, by which his recognizance was forfeited; and the facts in the Petition being proved on Oath to the Satisfaction of the Board,
Resolved, That the forfeiture of said recognizance be remitted.
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An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of John Lacey, Junior, esquire, for one thousand dollars, in part of his pay, for which he is to account.
In Council.
PHILAD'A, Thursday, March 9th, 1780. PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, esquire, President. Hon'ble the Vice President.
Mr. Lacey, Mr. Read,
Mr. Arndt,
Mr. Whitehill, and Mr. Hambright.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Mr. John Vance, for the sum of four hundred pounds, for his expenses in securing a certain Thomas Burney, a notorious Counterfeit of Pub- lick Money.
An Order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of James Eng- lish, a Serjant in one of the Regiments of this State, for the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds, for his services in securing a cer- tain Thomas Burney, a notorious Counterfeiter of Publick Money.
Resolved, That the Sheriff of the City and County of Philadel- phin apprehend Doctor William Cooper, whose general as well as special conduct has been such as to give just reason to suspect he is an enemy to the American cause, and against whom complaint has been made to this Board; and that the Sheriff bring the said Cooper before this Board to-morrow at one o'clock.
The Petition of Joseph Richardson, now in custody by virtue of an Order of this Board, pursuant to a late Act of Assembly, was . read; and thereupon,
Ordered, That the Sheriff of the City and County of Philadel- phia do bring the said Joseph Richardson before this Council to- morrow at twelve o'clock, in order that he may be heard in the premisses, and that this Board may take farther Order therein, if it shall appear necessary.
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
In Council.
PHILAD'A, Friday, March 10th, 1780.
PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, esquire, President.
Hon'ble the Vice President.
Mr. Read, Mr. Hambright,
Mr. Arndt, and Mr. Whitehill.
A Petition from the Reverend Nathaniel Seidle, on behalf of sun- dry persons of the Moravian Society, who are arrived at New York, from England, praying they may be permitted to come into this State, in order to proceed to Bethlehem, to their friends and con- nections, was read; and thereupon,
Resolved, That the same be granted, and a pass made out ac- cordingly.
Joseph Richardson being brought before the Board and exam- ined,
Resolved, That he may be remanded to prison 'till farther order.
Dr. William Cooper being also brought before the Board and examined, touching his proceedings in respect to Henry Carter, a disaffected person, whom he had concealed some time, and for whom he had procured a Doctor's place on board an armed ship from this port, and the same being considered,
Resolved, That he depart this State, or give security for his good behaviour, agreeable to act of Assembly; when he made choice of the former, and requested two Months time to prepare, which was granted him.
WHEREAS, There are sundry estates held by persons who have joined the enemy, to which they were entitled by Marriage and Otherwise, which interest being less than freehold, and hitherto having proved burthensome rather than profitable to the State, ought to be sold without delay :
Resolved, therefore, That the Agents for confiscated estates do proceed to the sale of all estates held by attainted persons, less than fee simple, any former resolution of this Board to the contrary thereof notwithstanding.
VOL. XII -18.
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In Council.
PHILAD'A, Saturday, March 11th, 1780. PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, esquire, President. Hon'ble the Vice President.
Mr. Lacey, Mr. Arndt,
Mr. Whitehill, and Mr. Hambright.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of the Honoura- ble James Searle, esquire, for the sum of eight thousand dollars, in part of his pay as a Member of Congress for this State for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Colonel Lewis Farmer, for the sum of eighty thousand pounds, for purchasing the enumerated articles for the use of the Troops of the Pennsyl- vania line, for which sum he is to be accountable.
A letter was wrote to the Board of War, in answer to one re- ceived last week, informing this Board of the apprehended scarcity in Camp.
In Council.
PHILAD'A, Monday, March 13th, 1780. PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, esquire, President. ١
Hon'ble the Vice President.
Mr. Lacey, Mr. Gardner, Mr. Read, Mr. Arndt,
Mr. Hambright,
Mr. Whitehill, and
Mr. Thompson,( now first re- turned from a visit to his family.)
Captain Boys having made his monthly return, the following Orders were drawn, to wit :
An Order on the Treasurer in favour of Captain Nathan Boys, or his Order, the sum of two hundred and forty-seven pounds sev- enteen shillings and six pence, amount of pay due to the Officers and Men of the Gallies, from the first day of February last to the first day of March instant.
One other Order, drawn in favour of Captain Nathan Boys, for the sum of four thousand five hundred & forty-one pounds eight shillings
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
and seven pence, amount of money due to the Officers and Men of the Gallies, in lieu of their refreshments and common rations, from the twelfth day of February last to the eleventh day of March instant.
The Attorney General having given his opinion to this Board upon the case lately referred to him, whereby it appears that the Claim of the Consul of France, to be the depository of monies belonging to the subjects of his most Christian Majesty, having no legal representatives here, is well founded; and this Board con- curring therein,
Resolved, That the sense of the Council be made known to the Judge of the Admiralty upon the said claim, but that it be recom- mended to the Judge that Mr. Holker's Commission of Consul, together with the acknowledginent of it by the State, be recorded in the Court of Admiralty, previous to the delivery of any Money ; and that the receipt of such money also be made a matter of re- cord.
A letter from the Commissioners of Berks County, informing the Board of divers obstructions which have been thrown in their way while executing their Office, and requesting the advice and direction of the Board; Whereupon,
Resolved, That a letter be wrote them in answer, containing the sentiments and instructions of the Board in that respect.
A letter from the President of Congress, inclosing a requisition of that house to supply Mr. Holker, the Agent of the Marine of France, with Six thousand barrels of flour, six hundred barrels of Pork, and two hundred barrels of Beef by the first day of May next, was read ; and the requisition being addressed to the legisla- ture, a request was made to the committee of supplies to meet this Board ; Which being done, and a conference thereon had, the said papers were delivered to Mr. Bryan, Chairman of the Committee, to be laid before the house of Assembly.
An Application was made to the Board by Captain Kimmel, for a reward and indemnification for apprehending Thomas Taylor, a highway Man, executed lately in Lancaster County, and the said Kimmel being recommended by the Chief Justice,
Resolved, That Mr. Whitehill and Mr. Thompson be a Commit- tee to hear him, and report to the Board thereupon.
An application being also made by Larry Burns, a soldier in the Pennsylvania line, but formerly a Dragoon under Captain Craig, that he has been apprehended and committed to Goal by Justice Miller, upon a complaint of one Haines, for that he had been robbed by said Burns of forty pounds, in 1777: And Burns alledging that he had taken the said Money from Haynes in pursuance of Orders he had received from his Officers, to prevent the intercourse between the City and the Country in the Winter of 1777, while the British Troops were in this city,
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Resolved, That Doctor Gardner, General Lacey and Mr. Ham- bright be a committee to enquire into matter, and report to the Board thereon.
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In Council.
PHILAD'A, Tuesday, March 14th, 1780. PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, esquire, President.
Hon'ble the Vice President.
Mr. Lacey, Mr. Gardner, Mr. Arndt, Mr. Read,
Mr. Hambright, Mr. Thompson, and
Mr. Whitehill.
The Committee appointed yesterday to inquire into the appre- hension of Larry Burns, having made report, that he appears to have been acting as a soldier under the command of Continental officers, also acting under special Orders of General Washington, when he stopped the Complainant Haines, and it appearing Other- wise that the Circumstances of the case would render it highly improper to prosecute the said Larry Burns,
Resolved, That the Attorney General be directed not to prose- cute the said Larry Burns, and that Mr. Justice Miller Supercede the Warrant of Commitment, so that the party confined may be at liberty to Join the Army.
In Council.
PHILAD'A, Wednesday, March 15th, 1780. PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, esquire, President.
Hon'ble the Vice President.
Mr. Lacey, Mr. Gardner, Mr. Arndt,
Mr. Hambright, & Mr. Whitehill.
A deed was examined and signed by his Excellency the Presi- dent, to Michael Diffanderfer, conveying four several tracts or parcels of land, situate in Cocolico Township, in the County of Lancaster, late the estate of Michael Whitman, of the said Town-
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
ship and County, now forfeited to the use of the State, bounded and described as follows, to wit:
One of them beginning at a stone at the Fork of Paxton road and Reading road; thence along said Reading Road by land of John Senseman, south sixty three degrees West ninety-seven perches and a half to a Hickory; thence by Jacob Nagley's land, North twenty Degrees West fifty-seven perches to a Stone ; thence by Jacob Gorgas's land North sixty-nine degrees and a quarter east eighty-two perches to a hickory; thence by Samuel Bowman's land South twenty degrees east eighteen perches & a half to a Stone ; thence by the same land along the side of the Paxton road, south forty-eight degrees east thirty-one perches and a half to the place of beginning; containing twenty-six acres and eighty perches of land, and the usual allowance of six acres per cent. for Roads.
One other of them begining at a black Oak, in a line of land late of Ludwig Weber; thence by the same, south fifty degrees east one hundred & nineteen perches to a stone; thence by Conrad Holzinger's land, North sixty degrees east thirteen perches and three quarters to a hickory, and South thirty-three degrees east sixty perches to a stone; thence by Martin Nehr's land, north fifty- five degrees east fifty-six perches to a black Oak, and North thirty- three degrees West twenty-four perches to a White Oak ; thence by John Palmer's land, North thirty-seven degrees West ninety- seven perches to a Maple, and South eighty-five degrees West one hundred and ten perches and a half to the place of beginning ; containing fifty-nine Acres and one hundred and ten perches, and the usual allowance, &ca.
One other of them beginning at a Stone, a Corner of Samuel Bowman's Land; thence by the same Southeast One hundred and twenty perches to a black Oak, Northeast eleven perches to a white Oak, Southeast seventy-one perches to a Stone, North sixty seven degrees east thirteen perches to a Chestnut Oak, and South nine degrees three quarters East One hundred and twenty-five perches to a black Oak; thence by Jacob Werns' land North eighty de- grees East eleven perches to a Stone ; thence by land late of Henry Mohler, deceased, North Seven degrees West one hundred and eighty-three perches to a black Oak, North thirty-eight degrees east twenty-seven perches and a half to a White Oak, and North fifty-two degrees West One hundred and four perches to a White Oak; thence by John Lander's land North thirty-three degrees West twenty-three perches and a half to a White Oak; thence by the same land along the side of a Road South Sixty-three degrees West ninety-seven perches to the place of beginning; containing Ninety-nine acres and fifty-three perches of land, and the usual allowance aforesaid.
And the Other of them beginning at a black Oak in the line of Jacob Werns' land; thence by the same South seventy-eight de- grees West fifty-two perches to a black Oak ; thence by Jacob Neg-
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ley's land, North eighty-eight degrees West nine perches and a half to a hickory; thence partly by the same, partly by John Sen- seman's, and partly by Samuel Bowman's land, North twenty three degrees West one hundred and five perches to a black Oak ; thence by the said Samuel Bowman's land North Sixty-seven degrees east eighty-eight perches and a half to a Stone, & South thirteen degrees east one hundred and twenty perches and three quarters to the place of beginning; containing Forty-seven acres and the usual allowance aforesaid : The Sum of twenty-five thousand pounds con- sideration Money having been paid to Charles Hall, esquire, Agent for forfeited estates in the said County, agreeable to the terms of Sale. Deed dated the fifteenth day of March instant.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Captain Michael Kimmel, for the Sum of two hundred pounds, for his services in ap- prehending and securing a certain Thomas Taylor, a notorious high- way-man, lately convicted and executed at Lancaster.
Captain Pry, in behalf of the Officers and privates in Colonel Hazen's Regiment, belonging to this State, having applied to this Board for an order to receive the benefits allowed to the Officers and Soldiers of the line,
Resolved, That the sub-Clothier of the State supply the Officers with Cloathing; and that Captain Zeigler, or other person ap- pointed to distribute the refreshments allowed to the Troops of the State, do issue to the Officers and privates in Colonel Hazen's Re- giment, belonging to this State, their due proportion of Stores ; That the Sub-Clothier be furnished with a list of the Officers, and that the non-Commissioned Officers and Privates be mustered and such issue made, agreeable to such Muster roll, and that the like Muster be made every three months, agreeable to the resolve of Congress of the fifteenth day of March, 1779.
The petition of John Clarke being read,
Resolved, That the petitioner be referred to Doctor Hutchinson, who is desired to inquire into his Case; and if the petitioner is unable to procure his livelihood, that the said Doctor Hutchinson procure him a suitable place at the Hospital, or house of employ. ment, where he may be decently and properly provided for at public expence.
The petition of William Rowling, a prisoner in the Goal of the County of Northampton, convicted of stealing a quantity of pow- der, praying a remission of his fine, was read, and also the record of his conviction,; Whereupon,
Resolved, That the said fine be remitted.
The application of Messrs. Irwin, Carson and Semple, for five hundred weight of powder, being read and considered,
Resolved, That this Board cannot comply with the request, the publick stock being too small to spare any, consistent with the safety of the City.
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
Messers. Bayard & Hodge having applied to this Board for some of the old Cannon laying about the Town, and belonging to the State,
Resolved, That the same be complied with, and that Mr. George Henry be authorised to deliver to the above Gentlemen, or order, the quantity they want, they paying him what Mr. Henry some- time ago informed this Board was offered by an Iron Master in New Jersey.
A letter from his Excellency the President of Congress, dated the fourteenth March instant, enclosing a recommendation to ap- point the twenty-sixth day of April next as a day of fasting and prayer, was read ; whereupon,
Ordered, That a proclamation do issue accordingly.
A letter from Simon Sneider, esquire, Sub-Lieutenant of Lan- caster county, was read, resigning his commission.
Resolved, That the same be accepted.
A letter from Judge Atlee was read, respecting George Rein and others.
In Council.
PHILAD'A, Thursday, March 16th, 1780. PRESENT :
Honourable the Vice President.
Mr. Lacey, Mr. Read,
Mr. Thompson, and Mr. Whitehill.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Colonel Lewis Nichola, or his order, for. the sum of eight hundred and thirty-three pounds and four pence, amount of Money due to the said Colonel Lewis Nichola, Captains Woelper and MeIlhatton, and Lieutenants Honeyman and Pugh, in lieu of their rations and refreshments from the thirteenth day of February last to the twelfth day of March instant, inclusive.
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In Council.
PHILAD'A, Friday, March 17th, 1780. PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, esquire, President. Hon'ble the Vice President.
Mr. Lacey, Mr. Gardner,
Mr. Hambright, and
Mr. Arndt,
Mr. Whitehill.
The Board having, on the Nineteenth of February ult., pursu- ant to Act of Assembly, demanded from Edmond Physick, esquire, late Receiver General under the propriateries of this State, the books, Certificates, Order, and other documents, instruments, wri- tings, and seals of his Office, since which the Honourable house of Assembly having appointed a committee to inspect said Books,
Resolved, That the said time of delivery of said books, &ca., be postponed to the fifteenth day of April next.
The recommendation of the Congress of the United States of America of the 11th instant, respecting a day of fasting and pray- er, was read ; and thereupon,
Ordered, That a proclamation be issued, recommending to the good people of this State to set apart Wednesday, the 26th day of April next, as a Day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, and that they abstain from all servile labour and recreation.
A letter from the Clerk of General Assembly, inclosing two re- presentations to the Hon'ble House of General Assembly, against Frederick Ichelbury and Jacob Ichelbury, was read.
An account of the expence of the Nursing and taking Care of Edward Lega, a Lunatic, belonging to the State Troops, and Ed- ward Bowling and Edward Gibbons, belonging to the State Navy, who had been necessarily sent to the Hospital, being read and con- sidered,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of the Managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital, or their Order, for the Sum of four hundred and twenty pounds, amount of the said account.
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SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
In Council.
PHILAD'A, Saturday, March 18th, 1780. PRESENT :
His Excellency JOSEPH REED, esquire, President. Hon'ble the Vice President.
Mr. Lacey, Mr. Thompson,
Mr. Gardner, and Mr. Whitehill.
A deed was examined, and signed by his Excellency to Captain George Geddis, conveying a certain lott or piece of land in Ger- mantown, late the estate of Christopher Saur, now Forfeited to the State, Situate on the South-Easterly side of a lane or forty feet Road, leading from Germantown to Abington, commonly called Abington Road ; beginning at a Stone, a Corner, by the Side of Abington road, also a corner of a lott of Jacob Keyser ; thence by the said Abington road north forty-four degrees cast thirty four perches and a half to a Stone; thence by a lot in the tenure of Dirck Keyser, south forty-four degrees east thirty perches to a Stone in the line of Paul Engle's land; thence by the said Paul Engle's land South forty-four degrees West thirty-four perches and a half to a Stone, a Corner of Jacob Keyser's, in Paul Engle's line afore- said; thence by the said Jacob Keyser's lot North forty-four de- grees West thirty perches to the place of beginning; containing six acres and an half of an acre and one perch. The Sum of one thousand six hundred and Seventy pounds consideration Money having been paid by the said Captain George Geddis, on the twenty- eighth day of September last, to Thomas Hale, late Agent for for- feited estates in the County of Philadelphia, Sold agreeable to Law, on the eighteenth day of September last-Deed dated the eigh- teenth day of March instant.
WHEREAS, Many of the purchasers of confiscated estates, ta- king advantage of the depreciation of the Money, have neglected to comply with the conditions of Sale, which were the payment of one fourth of the purchase money in ten days, and the remainder in one Month from the time of Sale, to the great injury of the State, and the embarassment of the Sales :
Resolved, Therefore, previous to the Signing any deed, the ex- act times of Sale and of payment be inquired into by a standing Committee of this board, who are to report thereon; and as all the days of payment are long expired, the agents do no other act whatever, on any pretence, touching the past Sales, unless to cer- tify the boundaries, and the times of sale and payment as afore- said ; and that there may be as little delay as possible to the pur- chasers.
Resolved, That the Vice President, general Lacey, Mr. Thomp- son, and Mr. Whitehill, or any three of them, be a Committee for
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that purpose, to meet on this business at the Council Chamber every Morning, from ten to eleven O'clock, and the purchasers, when they apply for their Deeds, are directed to bring the Original receipts.
'The following Proclamation was read and Ordered to be pub- lished, to wit :
By his Excellency JOSEPH REED, esquire, President, and the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pensyl- vania.
A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas, The Congress of the United States of America, by their resolve of the Eleventh day of this instant, March, did recom- mend in the following words, to wit :
" It having pleased the Righteous Governor of the World, for the punishment of our manifold offences, to permit the Sword of War still to Harress our Country, it becomes us to endeavour, by humbling ourselves before him, and turning from every evil way, to avert his anger and obtain his favour and blessing; it is there- fore hereby recommended to the several States, that Wednesday, the twenty-sixth day of April next, be set apart and observed as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, that we may with one heart and one voice, implore the Sovereign Lord of heaven and Earth to remember Mercy in his Judgments ; to make us sincerely penitent for our transgressions; to prepare us for deliverance, and to remove the evils with which He hath been pleased to visit us; to banish vice and irreligion from among us, and establish virtue and piety by his divine grace ; to bless all publick Councils throughout the United States, giving them Wisdom, firmness and unanimity, and directing them to the best measures for the public good; to bless the Magistrates & people of every rank, and animate and unite the hearts of all to promote the interest of their Country ; to bless the publick defence, inspiring all Commanders and Soldiers with mag- nanimity and perseverance, and giving vigour and Success to the Military operations, by Sea and Land; to bless the illustrious Sovereign and the Nation in alliance with these States, and all who interest themselves in the support of our rights and liberties; to make that alliance of perpetual and extensive usefulness to those immediately concerned, and mankind in general; to grant fruitful seasons, and to bless our industry, trade and manufactures ; to bless all Schools and Seminaries of learning, and every means of instruc- tion and education ; to cause Wars to cease and to establish Peace among the Nations. And it is further recommended, that servile labour and recreation be forbidden on the said day."
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