USA > Pennsylvania > The Register of Pennsylvania : devoted to the preservation of facts and documents and every other kind of useful information respecting the state of Pennsylvania, Vol. III > Part 113
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116
Let me inform you my dear General, that the officers of the army, are in general well behaved gentlemen, and confident I am that nothing they can say will tend to the disadvantage of our army, so well bred are they, and strictly observe the rules of politeness, that we may truly say they understand the graces.
When the troops are all over I shall join you at King's Ferry. Dear General, your's sincerely, B. FISHBOURN. Nov. 26th, 1778.
General Wayne.
As in the early part of the campaign of 1777, so in the latter part of that of 1778, General Wayne was ad- dressed by many of his former political associates on the subject of the jarring views and interests of the people within his native state. All those communications de- sired his presence, for the purpose of aiding in the pro- curement of relief from men and measures, which, in the opinion of the writers, were rapidly degrading the state.
1829.]
ANTHONY WAYNE.
403
It would appear that the gentlemen, who addressed him, were also desirous that he should lend his presence, aid and interest in obtaining the call of Convention, for the purpose of amending the Constitution of Pennsylva- nia.
As the principal object of this memoir is to exhibit the military, and not the political character of General Wayne; only one of those addresses, and his reply, will be noticed. Their brevity, as well as the justice of shewing the estimation in which General Wayne was held as a private citizen, by some ofthe most celebrat- ed men in the state, will be, no doubt, a sufficient apol- ogy for their introduction.
Dear Sir-Affairs now wear a very pleasing aspect in Pennsylvania. A majority of the members elected for the Assembly, are sincerely and warmly disposed to rescue their country from tyranny and from contempt. In the county of Chester there has been a double return of members and a new election may perhaps be the con- sequence of it. Your presence in that county and in this city, during this important conjuncture, will be of signal service in many respects, which we forbear to mention in a letter. The situation of the army will probably admit of your absence for some time from camp. Let us, therefore, have the pleasure of seeing you here as soon as possible. Matters are now approach- ing to a crisis; and in a few weeks it will be determin- ed whether the state of Pennsylvania shall be happy un- der a good Constitution: or be oppressed by one the most detestable that ever was founded. We need say no more to induce you to be with us.
We are your very humble servants,
Signed, THOMAS MIFFLIN, MARK BIRD, JONATHAN POTTS, EDWARD BIDDLE, SAMUEL POTTS, JAMES WILSON.
Fredericksburg, 23d Nov. 1778.
Gentlemen-It affords me the sincerest pleasure to hear that our state is likely to be rescued from usurpa- tion and tyranny with which she has been too long op- pressed. She once stood on high ground, and I have the most flattering hope that her present leaders will place her there again.
The army is on the point of moving-as soon as we reach the place destined for winter quarters I shall try to be with you, and will most cheerfully contribute my small influence towards restoring the shattered Consti- tution of my native state.
Present my best wishes to our friends in Assembly, and believe me, with every sentiment of esteem,
Yours most sincerely, ANTHONY WAYNE.
Messrs. Thomas Mifflin, &c.
Although the returns of members for the General As- sembly, in the autum of 1778, were not made up of a majority of precisely such men as the truly patriotic had anticipated, yet an unusually large portion of talent and worth were brought into the Legislature; of which no stronger evidence could have been given than the elec- tion of Joseph Reed to the presidency of the council; and of course to the chief magistracy of the state. This gentleman was both an accomplished military officer, and a deeply read citizen, to which he added stern integrity and indefatigable industry, precious pledges to both the citizens and soldiers, that, so far as depended on him, justice would be fully and promptly dispensed to each; and never were moral pledges more faithfully redeemed.
Under the auspices of this distinguished man, the state rose into consequence, not only in her own estimation, but in that of the sister republics:
If the citizen or soldier long complained of a griev- ance, the means of redress was not within the exclusive control of this worthy and excellent man. He lived to |
-
see the close of the Revolutionary war, soon after which he went to rest, universally regretted in death as he had been beloved in life.
In the autumn of 1778, Gen. Washington, after wri- ting to Congress on the necessity of clothing the soldie- ry of the army-thus addressed the board of war on that of his officers:
"The incessant and pressing applications of the ofi- cers, and their real distress for clothing, oblige me to repeat my wishes to the board to obtain the earliest di- rections of Congress for relieving their wants. They are in a very disagrecable situation in this respect, and unless some mode can be adopted for speedily supply- ing them, many of them will be obliged involuntarily to quit the service, or if this should not be the case, we shall be involved in perpetual complaints, and the most painful applications."
General Wayne, ever solicitous for the comfort of the officers and soldiers of the Pennsylvania line, thus spread before the president of council their situation as to clothing, &c. but especially that of the officers.
Mill-stone, 28th Dec. 1778.
"Sir-I should have long since acknowledged the re- ceipt of your's of the 25th of October, but expected the pleasure of waiting on you in Philadelphia. The man- œuvres of the enemy, up the North river, have put us so far back in hutting, that all the l'ennsylvania line are, at this inclement season, exposed to wind and weather in their old tents, one third of them quite destitute of blankets and without hats-suffering every possible ex- treme of fatigue and cold, to which the officers are also exposed, and that in a situation still more intolerable than the soldiery. The latter having good uniform coats and under clothing-whilst the former are actual- ly so naked as not to be fit to appear on parade.
You will perhaps ask why these officers did not pur- chase clothing for themselves. 1 answer, for very sub- stantial reasons -- among others the depreciation of our currency is not the least, but the real cause was a resolve of the honorable Congress, passed long since, directing or recommending the several states to furnish their offi- cers not only with clothing, but all other necessaries at a moderate rate, and in proportion to their pay. In consequence of which resolve, a quantity of cloth was purchased by the state of Pennsylvania for that purpose, about this time twelve months; and they were made to believe, that they would all be furnished agreeably to the returns and measures sent for the purpose. In this they have been egregiously deceived-not a single uni- form has come to camp; and if any officer or officers have been furnished with clothing, it is not those who now are and always have been doing their duty in the field, and who are not callous to their present suffer- ings, .but are conscious of meriting some attention from their state, although they have not as yet experi- enced any. Whilst the officers of other states are sup- plied with almost every necessary suitable for gentle- men and soldiers, at a moderate rate, and at less than one sixth part of what we are obliged to pay for articles that we cannot possibly do without. This discrimina- tion among officers, fighting in the same cause, and ser- ving in the same army, produces feelings not the most pleasant.
I know it must give you much concern to hear a rep- etition of those grievances, especially as they are but too just, and yet remain unredressed. Give me leave to assure you, that whatever your sensations may be on the occasion, that mine are not less, but rather heighten- ed by a constant view of the hardships and distress to which gentlemen are hourly exposed, who merit better treatment. You will, therefore, have goodness enough to pardon this intrusion, and direct Capt. Lang, or the clothier of the state, to deliver all such clothing, as may be ready for the use of either officers or men, to the bearer hereof, Mr. Knox, quarter master to the 9th Pennsylvania regiment, with full powers to forward them to camp with all possible dispatch; for unless
y
ANTHONY WAYNE.
404
something effectual be done for them, they must be permitted to go home and leave the men unofficered .- Should that unfortunately be the case, I have too much ground to believe that a very great proportion will nev- er return to this camp.
I have already observed that the subject must be un- grateful, but it is a duty which I owe to my country, to myself, and to the worthy officers whom I have the hon- our to command, to represent their well founded com- plaints, founded upon facts which materially concern the honor of Pennsylvania, and the good of the service in general; in full confidence that you, sir, will lay the whole before the Legislature of the state, and give it that countenance which you think it may merit.
I neither ask nor desire any thing on my own account. I wish for nothing more than an opportunity of return- ing to my Sabine field, with safety to my country and honour to myself. I shall forbear saying more on the subject until I have the honor of seeing you, which will be in a few days. Believe me, with every sentiment of esteem, . Your Excellency's
Ob't. and very humble servant, ANTHONY WAYNE.
His Excellency Jos. REED, Esq.
The first communication of the president and council, to the General Assembly, developed the capacity of Jo- seph Reed, for the very important post to which he had been recently elected. It is a state paper of great mer- it, and although concise in itself, embraces most inter- esting matter both civil and military. It operated in such a manner on the General Assembly as to diffuse life and spirit into that body, whence they reached both the citizen and soldier, and each in his tuin speedily en- joyed the benefits resulting from legislative acts; which, on the part of the army, the field officers of the Penn- sylvania line thus acknowledged:
Mill-stone Camp, March 27, 1779.
Sir-Deeply impressed with the truest sense of grati- tude, we beg leave, in the name of all the officers and troops of the state, to return your excellency, and the honorable council and assembly, our most sincere and hearty thanks for the generous resolves passed in our favour.
It really affords us great pleasure to find our past conduct acceptable to you, and assure you, sir, that our endeavors shall not be wanting to merit the esteem and confidence of a virtuous president and legislature, under whose auspices we hope to see unanimity, wis- dom, and public interest flourish, and a government that it will be the duty and interest of every individual in the state to support.
And when called forth to the field, rest assured, sir, we shall exert every nerve to advance the honour and dignity of the state to which we belong. With every sentiment of esteem and respect, we remain your excel- lency's, and the honourable council's and assembly's, most obedient and very humble servants,
[ Signed by the Field Officers of Pennsylvania Line. ]
After General Wayne had seen the Pennsylvania line comfortably quartered in their huts, he surrendered the command to Major General St. Clair, and repaired to Philadelphia, where he addressed the commander-in- chief as follows:
Philadelphia, 10th Feb 1779.
Dear General-I did myself the honour of writing to you the 20th ultimo, mentioning that I was necessitated to be here at the meeting of the assembly of this state, and that I should take the liberty of waiting on you the first of this inst. for leave of absence.
I was, unfortunately, deprived of the pleasure of see- ing you by passing down the Jersey shore, whilst you were on your way for camp on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware.
I made a point of having my people well and comfor- tably covered previously to my leaving them, and hope | ry character.
that the appearance of the men, and the regularity and
internal police of our new city, have met your excellen- cy's approbation.
I also flatter myself that General St. Clair will be pleased with the command of troops that always have and ever will do their duty in the field; and that they, on their part, will be happy under the conduct of a gen- tleman of his distinguished merit, a gentleman to whom I cheerfully give place and sincerely esteem. It is known to your excellency that, although a brigadier, I have commanded a division nearly the whole of the two last campaigns, whilst the Coloneis in the Pennsylvania line have, for the greater part of that time, alternately conducted brigades, on account of the deficiency of General officers; I have so much sympathy for the feel- ings of these officers that I cannot think of resuming the command of a brigade.
I, therefore, wish to be indulged with a situation in the LIGHT CORPS, if it can take place without prejudice to the service, or the exclusion of an officer of more worth and experience, but if that cannot be done-I beg your excellency not to spend another thought, or give yourself a single moment's uneasiness on the occasion- but permit me to hope for the continuance of that friendship with which you have heretofore honored me, and, in case of an active campaign, the pleasure of ser- ving near your person as a volunteer.
Believe me to be Your Excellency's most ob't.
ANTHONY WAYNE. His Excellency Gen. WASHINGTON.
The commander-in-chief, highly appreciating Gene- ral Wayne's military services, and being desirous of re- lieving him from the unpleasant situation to which the general adverts in his letter of the 10th, assured him that "so soon as the army would admit of the formation of a respectable light corps, his wishes should be gratified;" and, in the mean time, he very cheerfully granted him leave of absence.
To this the general replied-
Philadelphia, 28th Feb. 1779.
Dear General-Having been absent from this city on a visit to my farm, it was not until this moment I had the honor of receiving your favour of the 16th. It gives me sincere pleasure to find that the construction and dis- position of the Pennsylvania barracks meet your appro- bation.
When the arrangement of the army, and other cir- cumstances will afford an opportunity for the formation of the light corps, or upon any movement of the enemy, I shall expect and be happy to receive your excellen- cy's commands. In the interim, I have an affair of some delicacy, as well as matters relating to my private for- tune, which claim some attention; but these shall nev- er prevent me from doing my duty in the field, when my general or country requires my attendance.
If it is necessary that I should be present, or that I can in the least degree assist in or facilitate the formation of the corps in which your excellency has been so indul- gent as to offer me a command, you will please to sig- nify it; and believe me with sincere esteem,
Your most obedient, and
Very humble servant,
ANTHONY WAYNE.
His Excellency Gen. WASHINGTON.
During the winter of 1779, General Wayne received the most flattering marks of attention from the citizens of Philadelphia, the heads of departments, and the mem- bers of legislative bodies, then convened in that delight- ful city.
Whilst here his civil and military correspondence was very extensive, full, and impressive; little more of which can be admitted into this memoir, than what is indispensably necessary for the illustration of his milita?
( To be continued. )
.
1829.]
1
EPISCOPAL CHURCHI.
405
EPISCOPAL CHURCH -- FIRST AMERICAN BISHOPS.
The following extract from a work published some years since, entitled "A Narrative of the Organization, and of the early Measures of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, "cannot fail to be interest- ing to our readers. It contains a brief account of the consecration of the Right Reverend Bishop White, and the Right Reverend Bishop Provost, late of New York. {Episcopal Magazine.
"Monday, January 29th, 1787. We received a ver- bal message from the archbishop, desiring us to call on him. We attended. His design was to ask some ques- tions, respecting the forms of our testimonials; and the titles to be given to us, in our letters of consecration .- We staid with him nearly two hours; and held much conversation with him, concerning the affairs of our church; which confirmed us in our high opinion of his regard for her, and of his desire to advance the interests of religion.
Friday, February 2d. The mornings of the two pre- ceding days had been spent in visiting the different bishi- ops, who were in town; agrecably to the proposal be- fore made to the archbishop. A few of them-the arch- bishop of York, and the bishops of Oxford, Landaff, Rochester, and Bangor had previously visited us; and we had seen the bishops of Worcester and Exeter, a few days before at the archbishop's, at dinner: an occasion which I have not particularly noticed; because nothing passed on it interesting to our mission .* Those of the bishops whom we found at home, seemed to take the compliment in good part; expressed great good will to our church; and wished that our longer stay, after their coming to town had permitted their showing of us at- tentions.t
On this day, we waited on the archbishop in conse- quence of his own appointment at our former interview,
*On the said occasion, we witnessed a singular cere- mony, which we supposed to be a remnant of the state of former times. Soon in the morning, we received a note from the archbishop, intimating, that the then day of the week was his public day, during the session of parliament; and that he should be glad to see us on any weekly day so mentioned-on that day in particular, if disengaged. We waited on him, and supposed from what we saw, that the several eminent persons who en- tered, came uninvited as to that particular time. Be- fore dinner the archbishop rose, bowed to the company, and left the room. They followed; all of them, no doubt, besides ourselves, understanding the transaction. Af- ter passing through a suite of rooms, we found ourselves in the chapel; in which were the two chaplains in their surplices. One of them read the litany; after which we returned to the room wherein we had been received .- Soon afterwards, we were called to dinner. It is prob- able, that such a visit on some Wednesday-it was the weekly day-during the session of parliament, is expec- ted of every member of either house, who lives in hab- its of acquaintance with the primate.
The reading of the litany, including the prayers at- tached to it in the English book of Common Prayer, and none other, seems-a remnant of former practice; it having been originally a distinct service. It is on this account, that the incident has been related.
in order to accompany him to court. Thither we went together, in his coach. On being introduced to the king. I made this preconceived address-That "we were happy in the opportunity of thanking his majesty, for his license granted to his grace' the archbishop, to convey the episcopal succession to the church in Amer- ica." The king made this answer; which I set down, to show the kindness of the archbishop *- "His grace has given me such an account of the gentlemen who have come over, that I am glad of the present opportu- nity of serving the interests of religion " His majesty" then asked Dr. Provost, whether the episcopal commu- nion were not numerous in New York : and was answer- ed by the Doctor in the affirmative, with further thanks for the license granted. The king then passed to the next in the circle, and after a little while we withdrew, with the archbishop.t
We had contemplated this measure of waiting on the king, as of peculiar delicacy. In the character of citi- zens of the United States of America, we should have thought it inconsistent in us, to have made any applica- tion to the civil authority of Great Britain. The act of parliament, had laid on the archbishop the obtaining of the consent of the king, under his sign manual. This consent had been obtained, before our going to court; and therefore, we saw no impropriety in the visit.
Sunday, February 4th. We attended at the palace of Lambeth, for consecration. The assistants of the arch- bishop, on the occasion, were the archbishop of York, who presented; and the bishop of Bath and Wells and the bishop of Peterborough who joined with the two archbishops, in the imposition of hands. It was partic- ularly agreeable to us, to see among them the bishop of Bath and Wells; because we had all along understood, that in the beginning, this aged and venerable prelate had entertained scruples, on the subject of the applica- tion of our church: and it was principally owing to his lordship, that such a point was made of the descent into hell, in the apostle's creed. We presumed, that his difficulties were now removed. Dr. Drake, one of the archbishop's chaplains, preached; and Dr. Randolph,- the other chaplain, read the prayers. The sermon, was a sensible discussion of the long litigated subject of the authority of the church, to ordain rites and ceremo- nies. The text was-"Let all things be done decently and in order." 1 Cor. xiv. 40. The discourse had very little reference to the peculiarity of the occasion. The truth was, as the archbishop had told us on Friday, on our way to court, that he had spoken to a particular friend to compose a sermon for the occasion; and had given him.a sketch of what he wished to be the scope of it. This friend had just sent him information of a do- mestic calamity, which would excuse him from attend- ance; and the archbishop was then under the necessity, of giving a short notice to one of his chaplains.
The consecration was performed in the chapel of the palace of the archbishop; in the presence of his family and his household, and very few others; among whom was my old friend, the Rev. Mr. Duche. I had asked the archbishop's leave to introduce him: and it was a great satisfaction to me, that he was there; the recollec- tion of the benefit which I had received from his in- structions in early life, and a tender sense of the atten-
*It may be presumed, however, that such civility is the usual courtesy of the place.
+While we were waiting in our places, until the king should come to us in his passing from one attendant to another, there occurred an additional instance of the at- tion of the archbishop to the delicacy of our situation .- When the king speaks to you, said he, you will only bow: adding, with a smile-when an English bishop is presented, he does something more. This alluded to the ancient form of doing homage for his barony on his knees. We were aware of the different circumstances
+The prelates whom we found, were the archbishop of York, the bishop of Rochester, the very aged bishop of Carlisle, in whom we saw the wreck of one of the first scholars of the age, and the bishops of Salisbury, Bristol, and Ely. The first mentioned of these three, since bishop of Durham, commended the moderation manifested in our service for the 4th of July. This was gratifying, as it had been pronounced by some on our side of the Atlantic, that the said service would of itself be sufficient, to induce a rejection of the application of in which we stood: but it was considerate, to guard the American Church.
against the danger of mistake.
406
HISTORY OF BUCKINGHAM AND SOLEBURY.
· [JUNI
tions which he had shown me almost from my infancy, together with the impressions left by the harmony which had subsisted between us in the discharge of our joint pastoral duty in Philadelphia, being no improper ac- companiments to the feelings suited to the present ve- ry interesting transaction of my life. I hope, that I felt the weight of the occasion. May God bless the medita- tions and the recollections by which I had endeavored to prepare myself for it, and give them their due effect on my temper and conduct, in the new character in which I am to appear!
The solemnity being over, we dined with the arch- bishop and the bishops; and spent with them the re- mainder of the day. I took occasion to mention to his grace my conviction, that the American church would be sensible of the kindness now shown; and my trust, that the American bishops, besides the usual incentives to duty, would have this in addition; lest the church of England should have cause to regret her act, perform- ed on this day. He answered, that he fully believed there would be no such cause; that the prospect was very agreeable to him; that he bore a great affection for our church; and that he should be always glad to hear of her prosperity; and also of the safe arrival and the welfare of us individually.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.