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 99

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870
Publication date: 1828
Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ;
Number of Pages: 440

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 99

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1758-In June of this year, it was proposed by several members of the congregation, as an object highly de- sirablc, to have a new Church in the south part of the town. The vestry considered the subject, concluded that an additional place of worship was much wanted, and, appointed a committee to procure subscriptions, for this purpose. It appears that a lot of land, part of , the same on which St. Peter's Church now stands, had been previously granted by the proprietors, as a proper site.

While the vestry were sitting and deliberating on this subject, a letter was received from the Rev. Dr. Jenney, which having probably been the cause why the new Church was associated with the other, we give entire. "Gentlemen. The condition which I am in, makes it impossible for me to express my sentiments, which I would frecly do in relation to the new Church you pro- pose to build, and therefore I think it necessary for me to deliver them in writing. Your proposal of the thing in vestry, seems to intimate that you design that it shall be in such a manner as may regularly fall under the con- sideration of that body, which I think it cannot do un- less the design is, that both the congregations shall be united in the closest manner in doctrine, discipline, and

Church government; otherwise you would make us to be felo de se, by contributing to ruin the peace, unity and concord of our Church, and gratify the worst mo- tive of our enemies. And I see no way that we can keep up this unity, but by making the new Church a Chapel of ease to the old, and both together to be one congregation, under one minister or rector, (any other minister engaged, besides being his assistant,and acting as such) to be also under the same set of Church ward- cns and vestrymen, chosen as usual, every one having a vote in the election, &being entitled to be chosen(if a ma- jority shall think fit)by those who have a seat or sitting in either of the Churches;and that nothing done by one, sep- arate from the other, shall be good and valid. If you keep to this unity, I heartily join in recommending the pro- moting of it; otherwise I am against it, and declare that if the vestry consent to promote the building without this understanding, we betray our trust, give up the unity of the Church, and contribute to promote discord, division, and schism in it. I hope, gentlemen, as you know the condition I am in, * you cannot imagine that I have any selfish view in what I say. If I had, I cannot enjoy the benefits of it long, and I solemnly declare, that the real interests of our holy Church are my sole motive. I pray God may direct you to consider in all your con- sultations his glory, the good of his Church, and the eternal salvation of souls.

ROBERT JENNEY.

There were several reasons operating at the period the above letter was written, in favour of the opin- ion therein expressed, which at the present time have ceased to apply. Among others we would mention, the great distance at which the churches here, were placed from Episcopal superintendance. As there was no bishop in this country, to whom differences of opin- ion might be submitted, and who could act as a media- tor in healing divisions, there certainly was danger to be apprehended in the multiplication of Churches, par- ticularly in the same neighbourhood. This appears to have been the principal difficulty anticipated by Dr. Jenney. At the present time, however, this cause does not operate, and we believe it is the opinion of the most judicious members of our communion; both among the clergy, and laity, that associate Churches are not friendly to the proper discharge of parochial duty. It is generally admitted, that one single congregation par- ticularly such as are found in cities, requires the whole attention of a clergyman. To multiply churches un- der the care of the same person, therefore, is providing more duty than any one man is able to perform.

This difficulty, it may be thought, is removed by hav- ing assistant ministers, who can share the labour. Ex- perience, I believe, shows that in most cases assistant ministers, are not enabled to perform many parts of duty, which are regarded as belonging more particularly to the rector, and which, therefore, remains undone .-- There is also a formidable objection to associate church- es, arising out of the manner in which the public duties of the sacred office are performed. Religious instruc- tion, like every other kind, if it be profitable, ought to be in such order that one subject will naturally pre- pare the way for the other. To hear a discourse in the morning, upon one point of doctrine, and in the after- noon upon another, and on the following Sunday on a third, and so to have the mind continually vibrating he- tween different topics, will, in a great measure, defeat the end of preaching. If there are more than two Churches united, another inconvenience arises, that there will be one of them in which the rector is not scen, every Sunday, and in neither more than half the day. There appears to be no little inconsistency in a shepherd having so large a flock, that he cannot visit and administer to their necesities, once at least in every week.

* Dr. Jenney was at this time 70 years of age, and afflicted with both paralytic and asthmatic complaints,

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[JUNE

Captain William Clymer, who died about this time, left by his will / 100 to the ministry and vestry of this Church; the interest of which, he directed should be annually distributed among twelve poor widows, be- longing to the congregation. The /100 was laid out, and continues in two per cent.

1759. Mr. Jacob Duche having determined to send for his son then at Cambridge in England, who was de- signed for the ministry, requested that the vestry would address the lord bishop of London, that he might be admitted into holy orders, and licensed to officiate in Philadelphia. In compliance with this request, the vestry wrote a letter, praying his lordship to ordain, and licence Mr. Duche as an assistant minister in Christ Church. In July of this same year, the following let- ter was received from the Rev. Jacob Duche, then in London, having been admitted to deacon's orders.

To the Rev. the Minister, Church Wardens and Vestry- men of Christ Church Philadelphia. .

Gentlemen,-I think myself bound in gratitude to send you my sincere thanks, for your very kind recom- mendation of me to the lord bishop of London for holy orders appointing me, at the same time, one of the as- sistant ministers of your Churches at Philadelphia .- Before the receipt of your letters and address, his lord- ship had been graciously pleased, notwithstanding my want of age, to grant me deacon's orders, with a licence to exercise my function in the province of Pennsylvania, as well in consequence of my recommendatory letters from Philadelphia, and my testimonials from the Uni- versity of Cambridge, as at the particular instance and request of my late worthy tutor, the Provost of the Col- lege of Pennsylvania. Young as I am, persons as young have been admitted into orders, yet as I could not have claimed these singular favours from the rules on some oc- casion prenscribed by the church, or from any extraordi- nary merit of my own, I shall ever acknowledge them with the sincerest gratitude;and shall spare no pains,in the ex- ercise of my ministerial duty at Philadelphia, well know- ing that this will be the best step I can take, towards discharging the obligations I am under to my. lord of London and to you.

İ am gentlemen, with all due respect, your most humble servant. JACOB DUCHE, Clerk.

London, March 15th 1759.

Mr. Duche arrived in Philadelphia in September, and was immediately received by the minister and ves- try, as one of their assistant ministers.

REVOLUTIONARY LETTERS AND PAPERS. ( Continued from page 344. vol. 3d. )

GEN. MAXWELL TO GEN. LACEY.

Dear General-I have wrote to you once this day; but I believe you have not received it. I could wish to see you here this evening to talk of some matters of conse- quence. I beg you will come, if possible. I have heard, but do not much believe it, that a large party had come out from town, up the Bristol road. I will send a few horse to fall in pretty low down. This night I wish you might send to the same road, for intelligence. I met a small party of yours near the Billet; and I thought it was best they should go down and discover what they could. I would be glad to know why you was stopping your scouting parties. His Excellency Gen. Washington has ordered that you should be under my direction. I want to see you much.

I am, dear general, Your most humble servant,

Gen. Lacey. W M. MAXWELL, B. G.

Sun-down, May 9th, 1778.

GEN. MAXWELL TO GEN. LACEY.

Dear General-While I was writing to you this even- ing, and to his Excellency, and had sent on the troops, some rain came on, and it threatened to be a wet night

-- they put up on the hill at one of the M'Lean's. We purpose filing off between day light and sunrise; and the old man purposes to bring us down by the meeting- house to the cross-roads. I expect to be with you tol- erable early. Try to get some provisions for me. I have seen a deserter out of town to-day, that saw some of the sailors this morning that returned from Bordentown .- Possibly there may be some yet near Bordentown. Try to have good intelligence as soon as possible. I pur- pose sending this by a light horse in the morning. The deserter says England has declared war against France.

I am, dear general, Your most humble servant,

Brig. Gen. LACEY, 2 WM. MAXWELL.

at Cross-Roads. S 10th May, 1778, 9 o'clock

GEN. MAXWELL TO GEN. LACEY.,

Dear General-The party with the cannon is now 13 miles from me, refreshing themselves. I have sent your party, that was here, to South Wales meeting house; who are to stay there and watch the roads, and send us intelligence, till further orders. I have sent the light horse for the artillery; and will come on as soon as they arrive. If you have any intelligence, send it to me; and spare no pains to procure such as may be depended up- on. Send me one of the light horse back immediately, with what intelligence you have.

I am, dear general, Your most humble servant,

Gen. Lacey.

WM. MAXWELL.

11th May, 1778, 11 o'clock.

GEN. MAXWELL TO GEN. LACEY. Latham's tavern, half past two.

Dear General -- I have your favor of one o'clock, and find by it the enemy is returned to the city. We have no further business here. I will return to the Cross- roads this evening. I wish you and your party could come near us, somewhere near Hart's, that I might see you this evening. I am afraid the enemy may have some designs, possibly on our camp. I have got some flour- I wish you could direct me where I could get some pork or beef. I heard there was some near Doylestown. If you have any there that you can spare, send me notice.

I am, dear general, Your most humble servt. , WM. MAXWELL.

Gen. Lacey. 11th May, 1778.

GEN. WASHINGTON TO GEN. LACEY.

Head Quarters, Valley Forge, May 11, 1778.

Sir-Brigadier General Potter's return from the west- ward, affords me an opportunity of relieving you in the command of the Pennsylvania militia; which must have been fatiguing, considering the smallness of your num- bers, and the constant motion which you have conse- quently been obliged to be in.

As General Potter is in a great measure a stranger to the country, and to the people among whom he is to act, I shall be obliged to you if you will remain with him a few days, to give him a general idea of the roads; and to make him acquainted with those upon whom he can depend as guides, for intelligence, and for other purposes. I am, sir, Your most obdt. servt. GO: WASHINGTON.

Brig. Gen. LACEY, 2 Bucks county.

TIMOTHY MATLACK, ESQ. TO GEN. LACEY. Lancaster, May 16, 1778. Sir-The bearer hereof delivered to the President your letter of the 4th inst. * and now calls for an answer;

*Giving an account of the surprise, at the Billet, in nearly the same terms with that to Gen. Wash ington; and therefore omitted.

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but as the Council have just received intelligence from the' westward which makes it necessary to give immedi- ate attention to the defence of that quarter, against the Indians-several people having been killed on the Bald Eagle-I have, therefore, not detained the messenger as there is no material order to be given. Your conduct is highly approved: and your men have justly acquired great reputation by their bravery.

I am, with great respect, Your friend and hble. servt. TY. MATLACK, Sec'y.

One class of Philadelphia county militia is ordered to join you-the first order having, it seems, not been complied with.

Brig. Gen. LACEY.

GEN. LACEY TO GEN. WASHINGTON. . Bucks, June 6th, 1778.

Sir-The militia are free, and leave this to-morrow morning; except thirteen men from Bucks, and about ten from Philadelphia county, just arrived. Application is made by the President of Bucks county Sessions for a party of men to bring the prisoners, sent to Easton by the Magistracy of this county, to Plumstead township, where June Court is to be held next week. I have thought proper to order these two little parties on the above business; as the prisoners are numerous-I believe upwards of thirty: and chiefly market people.

This post is now left entirely naked; but I am told some more militia are on their way.

I remain, sir, with respect, Your Excellency's most obdt. hbl. servt. IIis Ex. Gen. WASHINGTON. J. LACEY.

GEN. LACEY TO THE COLONELS OF HIS BRIGADE. (Circular.)

June 22d, 1778.

Sir-His Excellency Gen. Washington requests a par- ty of Militia from Bucks county may be collected and marched into the Jersey's, to hang on, and harrass the rear of the enemy. This request he made to Col. Kirk- bride; which the Colonel made me acquainted with this evening-and I join heartily with him to carry it into execution; and call upon you to lend a hand, by calling upon your battalion to stand forth this once, and share the laurels just ready to be gathered, by the total over- throw of our cruel enemies.

You will, sir, (I most ardently beg, ) call upon your battalion to turn out as volunteers for a few days. They will meet me, next day after to-morrow at Doylestown; where they shall have such necessaries as I have, or can procure for them. They are to bring their own arms, blankets, &c. if they have any. Let every officer come. Pray exert yourself night and day. Spare no pains; as this is the finishing stroke. Send the men by two's and three's, as you get them ready; and they can be embodied when they arrive at Doylestown. Send me word, also, what success you meet with.

I am, sir, Your most humble servant,

To Cols. Keller, Roberts, 2 J. LACEY.

Toombs, & M'Ilvaine.

[The correspondence of the campaign of 1778 here terminates; and does not appear to be resumed until the year 1780.]

PRESIDENT REED TO GEN. LACEY.

Dear Sir-You will please to proceed with all dis- patch to Bucks county, to forward the troops demand- ed by his Excellency Gen. Washington from that coun- ty. In the equipment you will issue such order of im- press for wagons, horses, blankets, arms and accoutre- ments, as you shall judge necessary at this important crisis; and to which all officers, civil and military, will yield due obedience, as they will answer the contarry at their peril. You will then proceed to Berks county, for the same purpose, and with the like powers. After

seeing the men in proper forwardness, you will then re- turn to this city for further consultation on the measures necessary for the troops-and in the mean time you will give such directions to Col. Farmer, the Commissary of the state, and to the Deputy Quarter Master, with res- pect to your stores, and the transportation of your bag- gage, as you judge necessary and suitable to your rank.

I am, sir, Your obdt. and very hble. servt.

TheHon. Gen. LACEY. JOS. REED, Pres't. Philadelphia, August 1, 1780.

PRESIDENT REED TO H- W-, EsQ.

Sir-Having expressed myself so fully to you and Mr. T. upon the necessity of procuring a number of hor- ses, I am not a little surprized that you should have dis- charged those that had been taken under the direction of Gen. Lacey; and I cannot help considering it as ad- ding to my embarrassments at a time when you gave me reason to expect assistance.

It is much to be wished that gentlemen in public of- fice, who, from motives of compassion, or a fear of of- fending, cannot take part in these necessary measures, would on such occasions avoid any interference; and leave persons of more decision to proceed. The Legis- lature having vested a power of declaring Martial Law in us, I apprehend you had not authority to counteract the orders given; which were to send such horses as were taken immediately down to this place, for the ac- commodation of the militia, about to march agreeably to Gen. Washington's order. It will be a great disap- pointment if they do not come down, and will throw us all in confusion. As Mr.T. and yourself, by my accounts, discharged all the horses, after taken, I must esteem you accountable for them. It is no season for such lax and indecisive measures; and you will probably ere long, if the enemy are not driven from the country, experience that though temporizing measures appear at first view easy and desirable, they are ruinous in the end. You have already done enough, and bave property enough, to make you an object of the vengeance of the enemy, and their tory adherents; and if you do not secure your- self by your exertions, you have little to expect from their lenity or gratitude. I should not have said thus much if I did not feel myself much hurt, and the public service injured, by giving way to a little clamour, after the most odious and difficult part of the business was done.

I am, sir, Your obt. hble. servt.

H- W-, Esq. 2 Bucks county.

JOS. REED.

Philadelphia, August 11, 1780.

GEN. LACEY -TO PRESIDENT REED. Trenton, August 14, 1780.

Dear Sir-I received your Excellency's letter of the 13th [this letter is missing] this morning, by serjeant Judon. I arrived at this place last evening; and a few militia, both from Philadelphia county and Bucks, had got in before me. They are now quartered on the in- habitants, in the town. They continue coming in from those counties; and I find many of them are without arms.

The stores here are very trifling indeed. TheCommissa- ry this moment informed me he had issued every pound of flesh he had in possession, to the militia who had arri- ved; and that his expectations of a future supply were very gloomy. He had written to some of the contract- ors in this neighbourhood, and the answers from them were all unfavorabe. I fear we must starve, unless sup- plied from Pennsylvania. There is a pretty good bank of short forage, and some hay, in 'store. There is not one quarter-master with the militia; nor one field offi- cer yet arrived. The men come in small squads, and appear very awkward, and out of order; however, I will endeavor to organize them as fast as I can. I have been on the ground back of Lamberton, and think it very

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suitable for a camp, so shall order the troops to encamp there. The camp kettles have all been sent on from this place to camp; therefore we must be supplied from Philadelphia.

I am, with respect and esteem, &c. J. LACEY.

Ilis Ex. President REED.

GEN. LACEY TO PRESIDENT REED. Trenton, August 15th, 1780.

Dear Sir-Since I wrote you yesterday I have been a second time on the ground back of Lamberton, and have changed my sentiments with respect to encamping there. The ground is very good; but there is no wa- ter, except from the river, near it-and the militia will be very much displeased if they are obliged to drink the river water-so. I have now fixed on the open ground, a little south of Trenton; where I am told there is good water plenty. I was with Col. Coxe, and Col. Farmer, yesterday; and find them very obliging. Col. Farmer was with me on the encamping ground both times. Col. Coates came here last evening, from Phil- adelphia, and informs me the troops are coming on fast from the county and city; and I also expect they are coming from Bucks. It alarms me exceedingly to think we shall have so many men here, and not a mouthful of provision to give them, except flour. I think it my du- ty to mention the melancholy fact to you, that some- thing may be done; for, depend upon it, the militia will be very uneasy without provisions-and the consequen- ces that may happen, I cannot foretell. There is much grumbling among them already, respecting the great difference in their pay. I cannot learn that there are two counties in the state alike; and I fear, without a reg- ulation in that matter, we shall be troubled with them. But provision is now the great object. Perhaps an or- der from Council, to the purchasers in Pennsylvania, to send forward meat to this place, would be advisable.

I am, with real esteem and respect, Your Excellency's most obdt. servt. J. LACEY.

HIis Ex. President REED.

VICE-PRESIDENT MOORE TO GEN. LACEY. Council Chamber, Oet. 16, 1780.

Sir-Tuesday the 17th inst. being the general mus- tering of the city militia, and the districts adjoining, you are therefore required to review them in Brigade; and all persons concerned are hereby directed to obey you accordingly. I am, sir, with great respect, Your humble servant, WM. MOORE, Vice-President. Hon Gen. LACEY, Pres't.

VICE-PRESIDENT MOORE TO GEN. LACEY. Philadelphia, February 14, 1781.

Dear Sir-I received your's of the 12th inst. Should there be any necessity of your returning to Council,* you may be assured I shall give you timely notice. We have a full board at present. The news from General Morgan has put us in great spirits. It is certainly the most brilliant affair that has happened during this con- test; and in its consequences I hope will be productive of advantages to the general cause little inferior to the convention of Saratoga.

We have no news more than what is in the papers ac- companying this. The Assembly made a house yester- day: we have laid plenty of business before them .- £450,000 specie, or money equivalent, will necessarily be wanted for the year 1781.

Excuse haste, yours, &c.

Gen. LACEY. W. MOORE.

VICE-PRESIDENT MOORE TO GEN. LACEY.

Dear Sir-I received your's of the 19th inst. The As- sembly have passed no other laws than what you will -

*Gen. Lacey was at that time a member of Council.

see in the papers. They have appointed several com- mittees for ways and means to raise supplies for the year 1781; which by an estimate we sent in to them a- mounts to £900,000* specie. We have a very full board; all the members attending except yourself, & Mr. White- hill. From all the accounts. we are able to get by Paul Jones, we may expect the war in America will be prosc- cuted by Britain with greater vigor than since the Rev- olution. 2,500 British are arrived at North Carolina under Provost; and 10,000 more were certainly under orders for other parts of America, in November last.

I am afraid it will be June before we shall be able to get the Pennsylvania Line recruited. That business does not go on so well as I could wish for. The men in too many instances dislike their officers. My compli-

ments to all friends, and am

Your most humble servant,

The Hon. Gen. LACEY. WM. MOORE. Council Chamber, February 21, 1781.

*This estimate appears to be double the amount men- tioned in the letter of the 14th.

COL. HARMAR TO GEN. LACEY.

Camp, near Bottom's Bridge, Aug. 15, 1781.

Dear Sir-I had the pleasure of addressing you on the 13th June; since which I have to acknowledge the receipt of your's of the 19th July, and 25th, enclosing several newspapers; for which be pleased to accept my hearty thanks. The various marches and counter marches have prevented my writing to you as often as I could have wished.

Since my letter to you, a material change has taken place in the Pennsylvania Line. The action of the 6th ult. at the Green Springs, together with the customary casualties of hard and severe marching, rendered it ab- solutely necessary to reduce one of our battalions: ac- cordingly an incorporation took place, and we are at present formed into two battalions.

Long ere this you have received the particulars of that action. It is therefore almost needless to say any thing on that head. The vast superiority of the enemy obliged the small corps that attacked them, (which was nearly all composed of Pennsylvanians, ) to retire pre- cipitately. There was a disproportion of about four for one against us. The British troops were formed just in front of their encampment, in elegant order. Our men were encumbered with packs, and greatly fatigued. It is a miracle to me how we escaped as well as we did. I hope the next brush we have, we shall be more equally matched. The second battalion was that day comman- ded by me. My Major was Mr. T. Moore-we both had our horses shot. Mine is since dead of the wound.

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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 99

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870 Publication date: 1828 Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ; Number of Pages: 440

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870
Publication date: 1828
Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ;
Number of Pages: 440