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 82
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Banks.
An act to incorporate the Wyoming Bank at Wilks- barre.
An act to compel the agent or trustees of the Nor: thumberland, Union and Columbia Bank at Milton to account.
An act to extend the charter of the Lancaster Bank. A supplement to an act to re-charter certain banks.
Education and Poor.
An act establishing an academy in the town of Smith- port, in the county of M'Kean.
A supplement to the act, entitled an act establishing an academy in the town of Clearfield.
An act for the establishment of a classical and agricul- tural school in Susquehanna county.
An act to authorise the election of schoolmen in the township of Litterkenny, in the county of Franklin.
. An act to provide for the erection of a house for the employment and support of the poor in the county of Cumberland.
Miscellaneous.
An act relative to the county rates and levies of the county of Union.
Resolution relative to the abolition of slavery in the district of Columbia.
An act to encourage the destruction of foxes and wild cats.
An act to fix the number of senators and representa- tives, and form the state into districts, in pursuance of the provisions of the constitution.
Resolution relative to the American Colonization So: cięty.
. A further supplement to the act, entitled an act for the regulation of the militia of this commonwealth.
REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS AND PAPERS.
We have been favoured by a friend, with the corres- pondence of Brig. Gen. Lacey, during a trying period of the Revolution. Gen. Lacey commanded the militia posted on the west side of the Schuylkill, to watch the enemy and to prevent. his receiving provisions in the city, which he at that time occupied. The gentle- man who furnished us with this correspondence, has given a short sketch of Gen. Lacey, introductory to the papers which follow; and has also connected the differ- ent parts by suitable explanations.
[John Lacey, Esq. having served out the campaign to the northward, in the year 1776, with the rank of Captain in Col. Wayne's regiment, returned to Bucks county, Penn. in the month of December of that year; and shortly afterwards sent in his resignation. About this time the Legislature of the State, under the new Constitution, were sitting in Philadelphia, and were pro- gressing in acts to organize the government. Among others they passed a militia law on the 17th day of March, 1777, by which they established a sort of civil and military tribunal in each county, composed of five officers, -a Lieutenant, and four sub-Lieutenants, with the rank of Colonel, and Lieutenant Colonels, res- pectively. These officers were to hold Courts, to class and district the militia, to organize them into re- giments and companies, hold the elections for officers, to call out the classes, find substitutes in the place of de- linquents, and to assess, and cause the assessments on delinquents to be collected and paid into the state Trca- sury, with other extensive duties enumerated in the law. Mr. Lacey was appointed one of the sub-Lieutenants, on the 22d of March, 1777; and having acquired some knowledge of military affairs during the campaign of 1776, was one of the most active and zealous in the prosecution of the business. Having succeeded in or-
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REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS AND PAPERS.
[MAXI
ganizing the militia of Bucks, Mr. L. carried in the re- turns of the officers; when he was complimented by the Executive Council, as being the first who had com- plied with the requisitions of the law. The militia of the district in which Mr. Lacey lived, chose him for their Lieutenant Colonel; and as this appointment did not interfere with his duties as sub-Lieutenant, he was commissioned a Lieutenant Colonel on the 6th of May, 1777, and continued to act in both capacities.
In the spring of 1777, it was expected that the Bri -. tish would make a serious attempt upon Pennsylvania; whereupon the President of Council addressed an ur- gent letter to the sub-Lieutenants, calling upon them to be prepared. The following was received by Mr. La- cey :-
SIR-The opinion which Gen. Washington, and all the general officers of our army, entertain of the designs of Gen. Howe, against this state, induce them to be ve- ry pressing in their request to have a part of our militia to take the field as soon as possible. And it appears to be absolutely necessary for our preservation, that every means in our power should be used, to have them rea- dy to act on the shortest notice.
The continental troops, now in this neighborhood, are ordered to march to Bristol, and Gen. Washington has requested the militia of this city to be immediately em- bodied, from an apprehension of the enemy making a very sudden march this way.
Although I have no doubt but that you are attending to the duty pointed out to you by the militia law, yet I conceive it to be my duty, in the most earnest and pres- sing manner, to entreat you to exert yourself to the very utmost, that the militia may be ready to oppose the en- emy whenever they shall advance against us.
The times call for vigilance and activity, and I hope no friend to his country, will, in our present situation, hesitate one moment, but cheerfully and instantly ren- der it every service which may be in his power. There- is at present no other service so important and essential to the welfare of this State, and of the United States of America, as that of putting the people in a posture of defence, and animating them with a spirit of Patriotism, which will induce them to regard the welfare of their country as their true and most valuable interest. For of. what value is life, or any thing which this world can af- ford, if we are deprived of Liberty?
I beg leave to repeat, in the most pressing terms, that, I beseech you not to lose a moment's time in pre- paring the militia to obey the call, which will probably soon be issued for them, to defend themselves, and to oppose their enemies.
I am, with great respect, Your very humble servant, THOMAS WHARTON, Jr. President.
TO JOHN LACEY, Esq. sub-Lieutenant 2 of the County of Bucks. Philadelphia, April 16, 1777.
The apprehensions of the approach of the British be- ing increased, the President wrote to the Lieutenants of the Counties as follows:
(CIRCULAR.)
June 15, 1777.
SIR-The Council have received undoubted intelli- gence that the enemy are on their march with a numer- ous army, to invade this state. In my lettter of the 13th inst. I have ordered that the first class proceed immedi- ately to camp; and that the second be in perfect readi- ness to march when called upon. Since the express set off with that letter, the movement of the enemy makes it absolutely necessary that the second class be also ordered instantly to camp; and as you value your Freedom, we intreat you to exert yourself to have the third class ready to march at a moment's warning; for next to the blessing of Providence, our Liberty and safe- ty depend upon the virtuous efforts of the people.
A letter has been written by the general officers to you and the other Lieutenants of the counties, to order out the whole militia. Although this has been done with a good intention, as they are zealously attached to our cause, yet the Council are of opinion it may tend to confusion; and that those gentlemen did not properly consider the embarrassment which would ensue upon such a step.
You are therefore hereby ordered, without loss of time, to march the first and second class fo Bristol; and to put in readiness the third class also, as there is too much reason to suppose they will be ordered out as soon as they can possibly be equipped. A compliance with the militia law is the only means whereby the fines and forfeitures of delinquents can be recovered: It is therefore recommended by the Council, that a strict at- tention be paid to the directions of that law; and partic- ularly that the greatest regard be had to that part of it, which directs the procuring of substitutes -- which you are to exert yourself to obtain by every means which the law will justify.
As there are many worthy persons who may not fall into either of the classes mentioned, whose warm at- tachment to the cause of Freedom may induce them to turn out as volunteers; the service of those gentlemen at this important and critical time will be most thank- fully received by the Council; which I beg you to make known as opportunity may offer,
I am, Sir,
Your very humble servent
THOS. WHARTON, Junr. Pres't,
To Jos. KIRKBRIDE EsQ. 2. Lieut, Buck County. 5
Mr. Lacey appears to have had the same apprehen- sions with the Council, relative to the call, by the gen- eral officers, for the militia en masse. He thus writes to Col. Kirkbride, the day following the date of Mr. Whar- ton's Letter.
Buckingham, June 16th, 1777.
Dear Sir, I send you enclosed a copy of orders from General Arnold, in which he calls on the whole militia of Pennsylvania to turn out. Those orders were sent by the way of Colonel Tomb's, whose commands I also send you. I understand that upon the strength of these orders, the different Colonels have called upon their Battallions, which march to-morrow, or next day, for Coryell's Ferry. Colonel Roberts have called on me for my asssitance in hurrying them out: But as I think the orders come from a wrong quarter, I don't think it my duty to comply with them; neither do I find by our militia law that more than one half is to be called at one time, and that call to come from the President.
I think I can plainly see, if this order from General Arnold is complied with, it will make such a confusion in our mode of business, that it will take us some time before we will be able to form things in their regular channel again. But if it is your advice and opinion that we should at this time of approaching danger break over all law and custom to defend our Country from those British savages, I will heartily join and exert my very utmost in collecting what troops I can, and freely oppose them in person. I beg,' Sir, you will send me word by the bearer, my Brother, in what manner I shall act in this matter. . I am, &c.
JOHN LACEY.
To Col. KIRKBRIDE.
[Extract from an order of Council to the Lieutenant of the Counties. ] .
IN COUNCIL. Philadelphia, 28th July, 1777.
Sir, The following lines come to you from Council in the most pressing exigency of public affairs, in which the very existence of this state is threatened.
1829.]
REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS AND PAPERS.
297
The enemy, baffled in New Jersey, are, by every ac- count, at this moment exerting themselves to invade Pennsylvania; in short, we hourly expect - to hear of their arrival in the Delaware. On Tuesday last 250 ves- sels sailed out of the bay of New York, with a fair wind. This fleet, without doubt, transports a large army, and is composed in part of ships of war. Seventy - of them were seen on Friday within eight or ten leagues of Cape May, the north eastern Cape of Delaware, and by their dispositions seemed desirous to e fect an entrance into the bay, laboring against a contrary wind. Some ac- counts arrived since, say that 190 sail at different times had passed by Egg-harbour, before ten oclock in the morning yesterday. Their destination, after this, ad- mits of no doubt.
General Washington, fully assured that the enemy have this state for their object, is on a hastened march for this place, with such part of his army as can be spar- ed for this service; for he must provide also for the se- curity of the country he leaves against the alarming ap- proach of General Burgoyne. But General Washington is yet distant; and it is therefore absolutely necessary that a considerable part of the natural force of the coun- try be assembled without loss of time, and sent to Ches- ter, to join such continental troops and militia as are here, in opposing as far as is prudent and delaying the progress of the enemy, till the army can arrive.
In this circumstance we are desirous of procuring real aid with all possible dispatch. We would solicit and authorise you to do it by all the lawful and effectual means in your power; but we wish to leave much to your prudence. It seems to us very desirable that all the hearty and able bodied men should be, if possible, . drawn out. They might appear either personally in the classes now called out, or as substitutes for those who side with the foe, or are hindred by principle from bearing arms. In this view we direct &c. * * * * *
As we can depend on the aid of the militia of New Jersey, whose active and valorous example must pro- voke every honest breast to emulate the advantages, honor and success, which their prowess and spirit has obtained to their state and to themselves; as we. shall be assisted by the Delaware State, and we doubt not, by Maryland, we have every reason to expect that the foes of freedom may be easily resisted and suppress- ed, and the numerous evils, which would ensue on their success, may be prevented, if we be not wanting in this day of trial to ourselves and to posterity. You are to order down with each company six pitching axes and ten shovels, which the Council will either pay for or return in good order; and you will be under a neces- sity of sending down blankets for the whole, and all the. arms that can be come at.
The authority given you to disarm the refusers of the oath of allegiance to the state, is, in this respect, wor- thy your attention.
I am Sir, Your very Humble Serv, t. THOS. WHARTON Jun. Pres't. To Jos. KIRKBRIDE, EsQ. 2 Lieut. of the County of Bucks. S
IN COUNCIL. Philadelphia, July 31. 1777.
Sın,
I wrote to you on the 28th Instant, and ordered - class of the militia of the County to be immediately marched to Chester. This morning I have certain intel- ligence of the arrival of two hundred and twenty eight sail of the Enemy's fleet, at our Capes yesterday morn- ing; they were then standing in for the Bay -- this ren- ders it absolutely necessary that every exertion be used to have the Militia at Chester as soon as possible. It is unnecessary to urge to you any other motive than a regard to the salvation of our country, to induce you to take every measure for this purpose, which is in your VOL. III. 38
power, without a moment's delay. Volunteers, anima- ted by the love of Liberty and of their Country, who may step forward on this great and important occasion, before it may be in their turn to go into the Field in the class to which they belong, and thereby render the most important service at this critical time, will be enti- tled to the highest esteem and respect, and will most certainly meet with every countenance and encourage- ment which the Council can give. They will be enti- tled to the same pay, and rations with the militia.
Your most obedient humble servant,,
THOS WHARTON jr. Prest. To Jos. Kirkbride Esq. Lieut. of the County of Bucks.
The foregoing papers afford some idea of the zealous exertions made by the constituted authorities of Penn- sylvania to resist the Enemy, in the contemplated inva- sion of that state. They were, however, unavailing; and the British, as is well known, entered the city of Philadelphia shortly after the battle of Brandywine. Gen. Washington made several attempts to retrieve the disasters of that day, and had his troops actively em- ployed in harrassing the British lines.
Letter from Gen. Armstrong to Col. Lacey. Sın,
In pursuance of orders I have received this morning from his Excellency General Washington, you are to march your Battalion to-morrow morning at 5 o'clock to the lower. end of Germantown, where you will be joined by other Troops, and receive further orders.
One axe is to be taken along by each company, and all the provision that they have dressed. No waggons or baggage. Each man takes his Blanket. You are to leave a small guard at your Camp to take care of any Prisoners you may have, and your Baggage. If you overtake any persons going, or meet any coming from town, send them back with a few men to your present camp.
I received your letter* this day, and approve of what you have done. . You will have the salt forwarded here as soon as possible; reserving only what may be necessa- ry for your own men.
I am. Sir, your most obedient and very Humble Servant, JOHN ARMSTRONG.
To Col. Lacey.
Camp near Bartholomew's, Decem. 22d, 1777. * This letter does not appear.
IN COUNCIL. Lancaster Jonuary, 9th. 1778.
SIR,
You are this day appointed to be a Brigadier General of this State,# and the Secretary will, by Colonel Hart, forward to you a Commission empowering you to act as sụch.
Brigadier General Potter has obtained leave to visit his family, and you are to take the command in his ab- sence.
Two classes of militia from the County of York, two from the County of Cumberland, two from the County of Northampton, and one from the County of Northum- berland, are now ordered into the field; and the Lieute- nants of the Counties of Philadelphia and of Bucks are directed to supply you with twenty Lighthorse each, without officers; as they must be necessarily divided into small parties, where officers will be useless.
1 am Sir, Your very Humble Servant.
THOS' WHARTON Jun. Pres't. To Brig. Gen. Lacey, at Camp.
* Gen. Lacey was not twenty three years of age un- til the 4th day of February, ensuing this appointment,
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ANNALS OF PHILADELPHIA.
(MAY
Lancaster, Jan 9. 1778.
Sın, Enclosed is a Commission authorising you to act as a Brigadier General of the Militia of this State. .
I congratulate you on this appointment, which, at the same time it does you honour in acknowledging your merit as an officer, affords a reasonable ground of hope for benefit to the publick, by calling you into the field in an important station. I sincerely wish you success- and am with great respect
Your very Humble servant, T. MATLACK Secy. To Brigadier General Lacey, at Camp.
Col. Kirkbride to Gen Lacey.
Bellevue, 13th Jany. 1778.
DEAR SIR, .
I am this moment informed, by a letter from his Ex- cellency, of your appointment to the office of a Briga- dier General; 'and altho' I am exceedingly sorry for the loss I shall meet with, in being deprived of so valuable an assistant in my department-yet I make no doubt but it will be amply made up to me, and the public, in the execution of your duty in the department to which you are preferred,-and on which I do most heartily congratulate you.
I have just received an order from his Excellency to raise a Troop of twenty Light Horse. to patrole the roads, and attend the militia. The plan proposed is not such as I could wish; but I am in hopes of improving it in time. There is no Bounty proposed; but the hor- ses and accoutrements to be valued, and paid for, if lost,-and the parties to be excused from other duty; To be no regular officer, but, nevertheless, some per- son, who may be the choice of the Troop, may have the command.
I make no doubt but you will give every encourage- ment to this matter.
I shall be very happy to see you down here with Col. Gill, before you get too far engaged in business- And am Sir, &c.
To Brig. General Lacey. - JOS. KIRKBRIDE* General Washington to General Lacey.
Head Quarters, Valley Forge, Jany. 23, 1778.
Sir, I received your favour dated the 21st inst .*- I must request that you will exert yousself to fulfill the intention of keeping a body of Troops in the coun- try where you are posted. Protecting the Inhabitants is one of the ends designed, and preventing supplies and intercourse with the enemy and city is the other. This, perhaps with the utmost vigilance cannot be totally ef- fected; but I must entreat you to take every step that may render it possible. As to the reduction of your numbers, I wish you to make timcly application to the President of the State, to keep up the necessary force under your command.
I am well informed that many persons, under pre- tence of furnishing the inhabitants of Germantown, and near the cnemy's lines, afford immense supplies to the Philadelphia markets-a conduct highly prejudicial to us, and contrary to cvery order. It is therefore be- come proper to make an example of some guilty one, that the rest may expect a like fate, should they per- sist. This I am determined to put into execution; and request you, when a suitable object falls into your hands, that you will send him here with a witness; or let me know his name, when you shall have power to try, and (if proved guilty) to execute. 'This you will be pleased to make known to the people, that they may again have warning. Your want of whiskey I cannot remedy-we are in the same situation here, and nothing effectual can be done until the arrival of the committee of Congress, whom we expect every day.
I am Sir,
Your most humble servent. GEO. WASHINGTON.
* This Letter is missing.
P.S. You will strive to suffer no more provision to go into Germantown than what is absolutely necessary for its Inhabitants.
B. G. Lacey.
Gen. Lacey to Gen Washington.
Camp, G. Rodman's, Warwick, Jany. 26, 1778.
Sir, I have received your Excellency's favor of the 23d inst. My numbers are reduced so low, that I thought it most prudent to move my Camp a few miles back into the country, till I received a fresh supply of men.
I received a letter from the President and Council, dated the 9th inst. advising me of seven classes being called out, and forty Light horse from Philadelphia and Bucks counties, to be sent me by the Lieutenant :- none of them have yet joined me; nor have I received any account of them.
I have taken every measure in my power to stop the intercourse between the country and city. No person has. yet fallen into my hands, against whom sufficient proof can be had. The intercourse is chiefly carried on by women. An accident happened in camp the 24, inst. A number of cartridges were consumed in conse- quence of a spark blowing from the fire into an open box, where the armorer was engaged in assorting some that were damaged. About six thousand cartridges (chiefly damaged ones) were destroyed-some tents and cartridge boxes consumed, and five men badly burnt.
The enemy's Horse were as far as Germantown this day. They have advanced their sentries to the 3d mile stone, on the Germantown road.
I have the honor to be &c.
J. LACEY. "
His Excellency GEN. WASHINGTON. Gen. Lacey to Council.
Camp, Graham, Park, Jany. 24, 1778. ' Sir, None of the classes lately ordered have yet ar- rived, and the times of those here are almost expired .- The numbers I have are by no means sufficient for the necessary duty, for their own safety, and stopping the intercourse between the country and city.
My numbers at this place, are about seventy rank and file; at Smithfield, eighty, and at the Spring-house, and Plymouth meeting, both included, about three hun- dred. These are all my strength, and the times of the whole will be up by the first of February. As for the Light Horse, ordered from Philadelphia and Bucks counties, not one of them have yet appeared. Some of the Lieutenants of Philadelphia county assure me they have not received any orders to raise or send any; and I believe are doing nothing in that way. My numbers are reduced so low, and the detached parties on the different roads so distant, that we can by no means act together, either by patroles, or in case of an alarm : Some of the roads leading to my camp are consequently left unguarded, and open to surprize by the enemy. I there- fore think it advisable, and most prudent, to move my quarters three or four miles further back into the coun- try, and wait a reinforcement.
Im &c.
J. LACEY.
To the President of Council.
ANNALS OF PHILADELPHIA-1773. October 5 .- William Fisher elected Mayor.
The Mayor elect having signified his inclination: to take the recommendation of this board as to the proper person to be appointed hy him as clerk of the market of this City. The sense of the Board was thereupon taken by ballot, and it was carried by a great majority-that Judah Foulke be recommended to the Mayor for that office.
The Recorder informed the Board that some com- plaint had been made in the province of Maryland that
1828.]
ANNALS OF PHILADELPHIA.
299
the sealed half Bushel made in this city, by which great quantities of wheat had been bought and sold there, contained considerably more than the legal inea- 'sure; and that unless some examination was speedily made into this matter, it might be attended with conse- quences greatly detrimental to the trade of this City. The Board accordingly took it into consideration, and having sent for Nathaniel Allen the officer appointed to size and seal the measures, and having before them the copper half bushel which has been long used as the standard in this province came to the following Resolu- tion, That a Committee be appointed to examine with great accuracy whether the said standard copper half bushel be a just and legal measure or not, taking Mr. Rittenhouse or any other persons they may think pro- per, to their assistance-And as the half Bushel appears to have received some injury, not being now circular and bulging out at the bottom-the board requested that the Committee would procure a new one to be made of cast brass, to contain the exact and legal mea- sure according to the act of parliament.
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