NEWS: Newspaper Extracts, 1775, Archives of the State of New Jersey, First
Series, Vol. XXXI, pp. 201-236
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DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE COLONIAL HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY
FIRST SERIES --- VOL. XXXI
EXTRACTS FROM AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS RELATING TO NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 1775
EDITED BY A. VAN DOREN HON EYMAN
SOMERVILLE, N. J.: THE UNIONIST-GAZETTE ASSOCIATION, PRINTERS, 1923
1775] NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS. 201
NEW-YORK, September 28.
[Extract of a Letter dated at the Carrying Place, near Ticonderoga, September
14, 1775, from an Officer in the New-York Forces.]
"I have the pleasure to inform you that I have at length reached this place,
with all my people, having been so fortunate as not to be left by one of them on
the way. They are a parcel of hearty lads, and from some circumstances that
have occurred, I flatter myself they will not turn their noses from the smell of
gun powder, in the day of trial, which is near at hand, as we intend sitting off
to morrow morning, on our way to the Isle aux Noix, where I understand they are
impatiently waiting our coming, in order to make an attack on the fort which the
regulars have erected at St. John's. I have nothing new to communicate except
that a small skirmish has lately happened near St. John's occasioned by a party
of about 50 of our men, going out to reconnoitre; they were surprised (it is
said) by a party of regulars, Canadians and savages, who lay in ambush,
concealed in the sedge or very high grass; we had 5 or 6 men killed, and several
wounded, 4 or 5 of whom have since died of their wounds. Major Hobby and Capt.
Mead of Connecticut are slightly wounded. The enemy had several killed and
wounded, among the former, a certain Capt. Tice, of John's Town, in Tryon
County, a native of New-Jersey, who was formerly a Captain in the service of
that province, and an old acquaintance of mine, but it now appears that he was a
rank Tory. I am very happy to think he met the fate which I hope every rascal
like him will share before the matter is ended."
From the New York Gazette, No. 1251, Oct. 2, 1775.
LOST.
On Monday evening last, at or near the stage or ferry house, at Amboy, a black
leather pocket book, with steel clasps, containing some papers belonging to
Major Rogers, of no use to any one but himself. Whoever will deliver them to
Mr. Hugh Gaine shall be handsomely rewarded, and all reasonable expences paid.
September 30, 1775.
From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 2441, Oct. 4, 1775.
The relations of Joseph Smith, deceased (formerly of Kensington, in the
Northern Liberties of Philadelphia, and late of the Township of Chesterfield, in
the county of Burlington) who are by law entitled to a share of the surplus of
said decedent's personal estate, are
202 NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1775
requested to call upon the subscriber, his widow and administratrix, at her
house in Mount Holly, on Monday, the 16th of this instant October, produce
proper proof of their affinity to the deceased, and receive their respective
shares of the estate, according to law. And all persons who are any ways
indebted to said estate are hereby notified that unless they pay the same
forthwith they will be sued without further notice. RUTH SMITH.
Married, on the 2d inst., in Cohansey, West New-Jersey, the Rev. Andrew Hunter
to Miss Nancy Riddle.
From the Pennsylvania Journal, No. 1713, Oct. 4, 1775.
DEARFIELD TOWNSHIP, Cumberland county, West New-Jersey.
Whereas Mary, the wife of the subscriber, has lately behaved very unbecoming,
and has attempted to run me in debt, these are therefore to forewarn every
person from harbouring or crediting her on my account, as I am determined to pay
no debts of her contracting from the date hereof, and to prosecute any that may
entertain her. MARK BOWEN.
September 26, 1775.
September 26, 1775.
Was stolen this day, from Levy Dair, one greyish coat, a darkish purple
coloured velvet vest and breeches, five pair of stockings, a pair of silver knee
buckles, a stock and silver stock-buckle, a fine shirt, and a beaver hat, a
work'd pocketbook.
From Aaron Fithian, a suit of light coloured clothes, one camblet coat, broad
cloth vest, velvet breeches, a yellow striped silk vest, a fine shirt marked A.
F., a pair of new shoes, a silver watch, with a steel chain and a silver seal,
some cash, and other things.
And from Amariah Harris, on the 27th inst. at night, one strawberry roan
horse, 14 hands one inch high, seven years old, paces and trots, a bridle and
square cantle saddle, blue striped cloth, maker's name Joel Westcott; the said
saddle full welted and new; supposed to be stolen by James Veal, has called
himself John Norris and John Warren, lately made his escape from Cape May gaol:
a short, well set fellow, brown curl'd hair, a scar under his right eye, about
twenty years old, speaks good English, is very profane, and has a grum voice.
Whoever takes up said thief that he is brought to justice [and] the owners get
their property again, shall have the reward of six pounds, or in proportion to
any of them.
LEVY DAIR,
AARON FITHIAN,
AMARIAH HARRIS.
1775] NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS. 203
TO BE LET,
A good dwelling-house in Borden-Town, pleasantly situated. Enquire of the
subscriber. JOSEPH BORDEN.
Sept. 5, 1775.
From the New York Journal, No. 1709, Oct. 5, 1775.
Taken up by the subscriber and now confined in gaol at the White Plains, in
Westchester county, an indented runaway servant man, named John Ogden, belonging
to Mr. John Chips of Morris county, who may have him on application to the
subscriber and paying charges. GILBERT OGDEN.
September 28, 1775.
Notice is hereby given to the members of the New-Jersey Society for the relief
of the widows and children of deceased Presbyterian Ministers that they are to
meet, agreeable to their adjournment, at Elizabeth Town, the first Wednesday in
November next, at 10 o'clock in the morning. A. MACWHORTER, Sec'y.
October 3d, 1775.
ELIZABETH-TOWN, October 4.
Yesterday sixteen Companies of Foot and one of Horse, belonging to this
Borough, were reviewed on the Parade, went through their military exercises with
alertness and regularity, and made a very handsome appearance.
From the New York Gazette, No. 1252, Oct. 9, 1775.
Morris County, ss.: By order of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for
the county of Morris, notice is hereby given to all the creditors of Ebenezer
Perry, Thomas Evans and Peter Owens, insolvent debtors, that they be and appear
before two of the judges of said Court, at the court house in Morris-Town, on
the first day of November next, at two o'clock in the afternoon, to shew cause,
if any they have, why an assignment of the said insolvent estates should not be
made, and they be discharged from their confinement, according to the directions
of an Act [etc.].
Morris-Town, October 2, 1775.
From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 2442, Oct. 11, 1775.
THREE POUNDS REWARD.
Stolen out of the house of the subscriber, in Pilesgrove, Salem county, on the
first of this instant, October, by a person unknown, a
204 NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1775
light-coloured silk saggathy coat, almost new, a silk saggathy jacket, of a
brown colour, with large plain silver buttons on it, a pair of light coloured
fustian breeches, with round silver buttons, two Irish linen shirts, two pair of
stockings, one pair thread and the other worsted; about four pounds in cash,
chiefly small money, none of the bills above fifteen shillings, and only one of
that number; a razor, a worked pocket-book, marked I. B. and part lined with
black taffety, a pair of women's silk mitts, and a handkerchief of an orange
colour. Whoever takes up said robber and secures the goods, so that the owner
may get them again, shall upon his conviction receive the above reward, and for
the thief only fifteen shillings reward, ELISHA BASSETT.
JUST PUBLISHED.
(Price 9d., or 6s. per dozen) and to be sold by Isaac Collins, Printer, in
Burlington, Extracts from the Journal of Proceedings of the Provincial Congress
of New-Jersey, held at Trenton, in the months of May, June and August, 1775.
Published by Order.
BURLINGTON COUNTY, October 7, 1775.
Run away, last night, from the subscriber, living in Northampton township and
county aforesaid, an Irish servant man, named Francis Niell, about 20 years of
age, about 5 feet 5 inches high. . . . It is supposed he is making for the
regular camp at Boston, as he is a Tory. Whoever takes up and secures the said
servant, so that his master may have him again, shall receive twelve dollars
reward and reasonable charges, if brought home, paid by
JOSEPH BURR, Junior.
FOUR DOLLARS REWARD.
Run away from his bail, living in Greenwich township, Gloucester county, a
certain Irishman, named James Brown, about 5 feet 6 inches high . . . . Whoever
takes up said James Brown and delivers him to the subscriber, or any of his
Majesty's gaols, so that he may be had again, shall have the above reward, and
reasonable charges paid by ISABELLA CARTER.
October 1, 1775.
From the New York Journal, No. 1710, Oct. 12, 1775.
THREE POUNDS REWARD.
Stolen from the subscriber, living at Newfoundland, in the county of Bergen
and township of Pompton, one light blue cloth coat, one
1775] NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS. 205
light drab coloured coat and jacket, one old home-spun blue jacket, one gun, and
several other articles not yet known, supposed to be taken by one David John, a
well set man, about five feet three inches high, black hair, much marked with
the small pox, and has an impediment in his speech. Whoever shall apprehend and
secure the thief and clothes so that the owner may have them again, shall have
the above reward, and all reasonable charges paid by JOHN YERRY KNOUSE.
From Rivington's New York Gazetteer, No. 130, Oct. 12, 1775.
PRINCETON, September 28.
Yesterday the annual commencement of the College of New Jersey was held in
this town. The assembly which met upon the occasion was numerous and polite,
and expressed great satisfaction with the performances of the young gentlemen
who were admitted to the honours of the college. The exercises of the day were
conducted in the following order, after prayer by the President.
A Latin salutatory oration, de luxuria, was pronounced by Mr. Charles Lee.
Then Mr. James M'Cree, as respondent, and Mr. John Blair, as opponent, held a
forensick dispute on the following subject: "Truth is never to be violated from
any prospect of advantage, or any supposed necessity."
An English oration, "On the Nature and Pernicious Effects of Luxury," was next
delivered by Mr. John Springer.
This was followed by a Latin forensick dispute on this question: "An
immortalitas mentis humanae ratione Bola demonstrari protest?" in which Mr. John
Montgomery was respondent, and Mr. Andrew Kirkpatrick opponent.
To this succeeded another forensick dispute, in English, between Mr. John
Trezevant, respondent, and Mr. Ichabod Burnet, opponent, on the following
subject: "The moral duties are the same in their nature, object and obligation
between societies and private persons."
An English oration on "The Utility and Importance of History" was then
delivered by Mr. John Evans.
Next succeeded an English forensick dispute between Mr. Thomas Sprott,
respondent, and Mr. James Reid, opponent, on the following subject: "Civil
liberty promotes virtue and happiness."
Mr. Isaac Keith then delivered a Latin oration on this subject: "Pax nationis
summa felicitas."
This was suceeded by an English forensick dispute on this position: "A
retired, solitary life has no tendency to promote knowledge, happiness, or
virtue"; in which Mr. Isaac Tichenor was respondent, Mr. James Duncan, opponent,
and Mr. Spruce Macay, replicator.
206 NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1775
Mr. Samuel Doake then delivered an English oration on Eloquence.
This was followed by another forensick dispute in Latin on this subject: "Est
lex natures et gentium, qua reges et nationes, quantum - vis inter se
disjunctae, obligantur." In this Mr. Arnold Elzey was respondent, and Mr.
William Claypole opponent.
Mr. Joseph Finley then delivered an English oration on "The Growth and Decline
of Empires."
Mr. William Bradford, B. A., one of the candidates for a second degree, next
entertained the audience with an English oration on "The Pernicious Effects of
Arbitrary Power."
The President then proceeded to confer the first degree in the arts on the
following young gentlemen: Messrs. Charles C. Beaty, John Blair, Ichabod Burnet,
William Claypole, Edward Crawford, Samuel Doake, James Duncan, Arnold Elzey,
John Evans, Joseph Finley, Isaac Keith, Andrew Kirkpatrick, John Joline, Charles
Lee, Spruce Macay, James M'Cree, John Montgomery, John Pigeon, James Reid, John
R. B. Rodgers, Archibald Scot, John A. Scudder, John Springer, Thomas Sprott,
Isaac Tichenor and John Trezevant.
The following gentlemen, being alumni of the college, were admitted to the
second degree in the Arts: Messrs. Robert Archibald, William Bradford, Joseph
Eckley, Samuel Edmiston, Israel Evans, Philip V. Fithian, Andrew Hodge, Andrew
Hunter, William Linn, George Luckey, Robert Keith, and Nathaniel Ramsay.
The valedictory oration, "On Magnanimity," was then delivered by Mr. John R.
B. Rodgers.
Prayer by the President concluded, as usual, the exercises of the day, and the
assembly retired highly pleased with their entertainment, as the young gentlemen
severally acquitted themselves with deserved reputation.
From the New York Gazette, No. 1253, Oct. 16, 1775.
Mr. Elsworth's stage waggon, that plyed between Powles-Hook and Hackinsack,
will cease driving after next Thursday, for the season.
TO BE LET IMMEDIATELY.
The whole or part of the dwelling-house late of Joseph Jelf, deceased, situate
in Elizabeth-Town. Also to be let, the shop and out stores late of the said
deceased. This shop is one of the best situations in town for business. For
terms apply to Mrs. Jelf, who lives on the premises.
1775] NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS. 207
From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 2443, Oct. 18, 1775.
Lost from the subscriber, living on Raccoon creek, in Woolwich township,
Gloucester county, West New-Jersey, in the night between the 9th and l0th of
this instant October, an indented female child; her name is Polly Murphy, very
near 5 years of age, pretty tall for her age, of a fair complexion, has ruddy
cheeks, grey eyes, light hair, and a small scar on her forehead; had on an
almost new homespun lincey petticoat, with red, brown and yellow stripes, turned
up round-about, a red ragged woollen short gown, and a coarse ozenbrigs shift.
It is supposed she has been taken away by her parents, who stayed that night
with the subscriber, and with the child disappeared in the morning. The
father's name is Henry Scharff, has a lean face and thin hair, and had on an old
worn out blue coat; the mother is a lusty, hearty woman, of a fair complexion,
has thick lips, and black hair, and is big with child. Whoever takes up the
said persons with the above described child, and secures them, so that the
subscribers may have the child again, and the parents convicted of the theft,
shall have five pounds reward, or for the child alone three pounds, and all
reasonable charges paid by ANDREW MINTZ.
hese are to forewarn all persons from entertaining a certain Thomas Osler, a
house-carpenter, this country born, a servant, who absconded, about the first of
August last, from the subscriber, living in Waterford township, Gloucester
county. Any person that will secure said fellow in Gloucester gaol, or
Philadelphia gaol, shall receive one dollar reward, paid by JOSEPH BURROUGH.
October 14, 1775.
Was stolen, on the 18th day of September last, from the subscriber, living in
Nottingham township, Burlington county, West-Jersey. A sorrel stallion, near 16
hands high, 15 years old next spring; has neither brand nor ear-mark; has a
small star in his forehead, some white hairs on his near buttock, shod before
with steel shoes, a natural pacer, and low in flesh; likewise an old saddle,
with light coloured plush housings, and a snaffle bridle. Were taken by a man
who called himself John Stewart, but he has passed in other places by the names
of John Noble Armstrong, alias John Armstrong, alias John Wentworth Armstrong,
alias Newgent, and is apt to change his name at almost every place he comes to,
and is a cunning, artful fellow; pretends he was brought up in the practice of
the law; is apt to drink hard, and when merry very foul mouthed and wranglesome
. . . . Whoever takes up both horse and thief and secures
208 NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1775
them, so that the thief may be brought to condign punishment, and the subscriber
gets his horse again, shall have three pounds reward, and for the horse, saddle
and bridle only, the sum of twenty shillings, and all reasonable charges shall
be paid, by ABRAHAM LOBB.
GREENWICH, Cumberland County, New-Jersey, October 1, 1775.
Strayed or stolen, from the subscriber, a light bay horse, about 14 hands
high, 8 or 9 years old; he is a well made, good looking horse, a natural
trotter, shod heavy before, his mane and foretop are of a deadish colour.
Whoever takes up the said horse and gives the subscriber notice where he is, or
brings him to me, so that the owner gets him again, shall have two dollars
reward, and reasonable charges paid by WILLIAM WARTHMAN.
TWELVE DOLLARS REWARD.
Broke Salem gaol, last night, three persons, viz., Isaac Brown, James Kelley
and John Charles Mullen. Brown is about 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, fair hair;
had on a green jacket, linen trowsers. Kelley is 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high,
ragged and dirty, with one leg shorter than the other, very bushy headed.
Mullen is a Dutchman, a butcher, about 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high; had on a brown
jacket, and very dirty leather breeches. Whoever takes up either of those
villains and secures them in any of his Majesty's gaols, shall have four dollars
for each, and if all three the above reward, paid by
October 11, 1775. JOSEPH HAYNES, Gaoler.
From the Pennsylvania Journal, No. 1715, Oct. 18, 1775.
NEWPORT, October 9.
By all the papers from the westward, the people in North-Carolina, Virginia,
Maryland, Pennsylvania, Jersies, New-York, and Connecticut, appear gloriously
animated in the present most important contest.
From the New York Journal, No. 1717, Oct. 19, 1775.
Whereas the Fulling mill of Hanover, in Morris county, and the appurtenances
thereunto belonging, were advertised the 20th of last September for sale, but
not being sold for want of buyers, I therefore, by the advice of a number of my
customers, inform the public, especially those who live at a distance, that may
perhaps be at a loss to know whether I yet carry on the business at Hanover, I
do hereby
I775] NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS. 209
acquaint them that I carry on the Fulling and Dyeing business in its several
branches to the greatest perfection, where the public may depend upon having
their cloth done in the best manner, and with the greatest care and dispatch;
almost any colour dyed upon woollen cloth, yarn, wool and silk or cotton, linen,
&c. But dye stuffs sometimes proving not good, neither can I find in York, or
Philadelphia, of every sort or quality, such as I could mention, fit for such
and such colour or dyes, and the deadness of the wool, some of it caused by the
hardness of the winter, and for want of proper care taken of the sheep, it seems
to be very hard or difficult striking some colours, to the advantage or shade
they do at home. I have followed the trade several years in this country, have
worked almost all over England, Scotland and Ireland, where it was my chief
study in each place to dive into this mystery; and the reasons above given, and
for want of encouragement, is the cause why I don't dye every colour as well and
to as great perfection as they do at home.
Men's clothes cleaned, and the spots taken out, the colour retrieved; women's
scarlet cloaks cleaned and the colour retrieved, as also gowns, skirts, silks,
or waistcoats; takes mildews from goods damaged by salt water, or otherwise,
&c., by me. WILLIAM DENNISTON, Clothier.
At Hanover, Morris County.
N. B. - A journeyman wanted, that understands his business in its several
branches, or in the shearing and pressing way, at Hanover.
From Rivington's New York Gazette, No. 131, Oct. 19, 1775.
Last Thursday was married at Newark, in East Jersey, Mr. Nicholas Ogden, son
of the honourable judge Ogden, to Miss Hannah Cuyler, sister to Henry Cuyler,
Esq., of this city.
From Dunlap's Penn'a Packet, No. 209, Oct. 23, 1775.
TWELVE DOLLARS REWARD.
Stolen or strayed, from off the plantation of Richard Brick, in Manington
township, Salem County, on the fifteenth of October instant, a bay horse,
thirteen or fourteen hands high, with a dark short switch tail, dark mane, which
hangs to the off side, lately trimmed at the feather lock, a few white hairs on
his forehead, branded on the rear hip with the letters I. C. eight or nine years
old. Whoever takes up said horse, and the thief if stolen, shall have the above
reward, or for the horse only four dollars, to be paid by the subscriber, living
at the corner of Second and South-streets, Philadelphia. GEORGE MOORE.
210 NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1775
October 21, 1775.
Notice is hereby given to the Members of the New-Jersey Medical Society, that
they are to meet, agreeable to their adjournment, in Princeton at the house of
Mr. William Whitehead, on the second Tuesday in November next, at eleven o'clock
in the morning. H. STITES, Secretary.
From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 2444, Oct. 25, 1775.
SALEM GAOL, October 14, 1775.
This is to give notice to all whom it may concern, that we, the subscribers,
now confined in the gaol of the county of Salem, WestJersey, for debt, intend to
apply to the honourable, the Legislature of the said province of New-Jersey, at
their next sitting, for an Act to relieve our persons from the said confinement.
SAMUEL OAKFORD,
SAMUEL ROBINSON.
TO BE SOLD
At public vendue, on Thursday, the 23d day of November next, on the premises,
a grist mill, with two pairs of stones, and three boulting reels and wheat fan,
all in good order, a large, well built mill-house, two dwelling-houses, a barn
and out-houses, and about 15 acres of land; also sundry household goods, late
the property of Jacob G. Bergen. The premises are situate at Penn's Neck, about
4 miles from Princetown, 72 miles land carriage to Philadelphia market, 15 miles
land carriage to New-York market, at which time and place the conditions will be
made known, by
JOSEPH SKELTON, JOHN IMLAY, ARCHIBALD MER. CER, AND JOHN SCHENCK, ASSIGNEES.
From the Pennsylvania Journal, No. 1716, Oct. 25, 1775.
Philadelphia.
On Monday morning, the 16th inst. the transport ship Capt. Hastings, of
London, bound from Boston for New-York. with seventeen seamen, a Capt. Duncan
Campble, a Lieut. Sims, a recruiting serjeant and fifteen or twenty raggamuffin
fellows, that had ran from New-York and listed, who acted as marines on board,
ran ashore on Brigantine Beach, near Egg harbour, where she is lost. The seamen
and marines were secured soon after their coming on shore and conducted to this
city; where the seamen are set at liberty, but the marines are properly secured.
Capt. Campbel, Lieut. Sims and one Cameron, (who it appears were to land at New-
York to list what
1775] NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS. 211
men they could, by large promises of confiscated land, which he never could
fulfill, get them on board the Asia and then transport them to Boston) left the
ship in a small boat, put into a place called Cranbury Inlet, but being pursued,
were seized on board a sloop in which they had taken their passage for New-York.
It is said before they quitted the ship they threw overboard several pieces of
cannon belonging to the vessel, 60 muskets and two and a half barrels of powder.
The vessel left Boston.
COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, ss.-The examination of Joseph Sooy, Jun., of Little Egg-
Harbour, in the county aforesaid, taken on oath this 23d of October, 1775, as
follows, viz.:
That on the sixteenth of this instant October, he was going up the Little Egg
Harbour river, to engage a craft to bring him some firewood, and he perceived a
vessel on shore on Brigantine Beach; upon which he immediately went down to her,
and went on board her, enquired of the people on board where she came from, and
was told by a person (who he since understands is one Captain Campbell), that
the ship was from New-Castle on Tine, had very little lading in, except ballast.
That the said Campbell told him they were bound to New-York, and that the day
before they came on shore; they were by their reckoning seventy leagues distant
from the land, and upon that account were careless about sounding. That he
perceived a great many people on board, and enquired what they were, and was
told they were passengers, coming to settle in America. That as none of the
people had any regimentals on, and he did not perceive any arms or ammunition,
he had no suspicion they were officers or soldiers. And that the said Campbell
told him he was a part owner of the vessel, and wanted to go to New-York, where
he had a considerable tract of land, and pressed this deponent to assist him in
procuring a small vessel or vessels to take what they could save out of the
wreck, and he promised to do it, and signed a letter to one Captain Grant (which
was wrote by a person who he since understands to be Lieutenant Sims), desiring
the assistance of Grant and his vessel to help the said Campbell to secure his
effects and convey them to New-York, firmly believing him to be a distressed
merchant and not an enemy to this country. That the said Campbell, Sims, and a
person who he is informed is named Cameron, went in his boat away from the
Inlet, with William Stibbs and Thomas Skinner, without his, the deponent's,
knowledge, privity or consent, and that he hath not received any bribe, hire, or
reward, nor hath he promise of any reward whatsoever from any person or persons
to convey away the said Campbell, Sims and Cameron, in a private or clandestine
manner. JOSEPH SOOY, jun.
Sworn before JOSEPH READ, Justice of Peace.
212 NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1775
From the New York Journal, No. 1712, Oct. 26, 1775.
PHILADELPHIA, October i8.
Thursday Evening, 7 o'Clock. - By a gentleman just arrived from the Jerseys,
we are favoured with the following intelligence which he received yesterday
about noon from Mr. ---, a young gentleman of character, who lives about twenty-
five miles from the sea-side, viz.: That a transport vessel, from whence or
where bound not certainly known, was on shore at Brigantine Beach (about sixty
miles from this city) on Tuesday afternoon last; that a Captain, Lieutenant and
Serjeant, of the Regulars had come on shore on the beach, and offered a large
sum in half Johanneses to a man there, to put them on board a man of war, which
they apprehended not to be far distant, but were refused.
At the same time several sailors came on shore, who said they had been pressed
on board, and informed that some barrels of gun powder and small arms had been
thrown overboard, with some soldiers' clothing; the vessel was left on a careen,
with the sand nearly up to her quarter deck. The sailors left the beach, and
came over to the main, when, it is said, they took to the woods.
NEW JERSEY, Monmouth. - By order of the honorable Court of Common Pleas. John
Anderson and James Lawrence, Esqs., two of the judges of the Court of Common
Pleas for said county, that Lippington Sought, Joseph Cox, Samuel Brogden and
John Chamberlin, prisoners for debt in the gaol of said county, have been duly
sworn and filed their schedule, pursuant to the late Act of Assembly of said
province; an Act entitled for the relief of insolvent debtors, made in the
twelfth year of his Majesty's reign: Now these are to give notice to the
creditors of said prisoners, that they be together at the court-house of said
county, on the 25th day of November next, to shew cause before the judges, if
any they have, why the said prisoners estate shall not be assigned for the use
of their creditors, and their bodies discharged from their present confinement,
pursuant to said Act of Assembly.
NEW-YORK, October 26.
[Extract of a letter from Philadelphia, dated October 21st, 1775].
"A vessel was lately cast away near Egg Harbour. The Captain is brought to
this city. He commanded a transport from Boston bound to New-York, with a
Duncan Campbell, and 25 soldiers without uniforms, who were to recruit and carry
troops to the Regulars. The men are all taken; the ship is bilged; she belongs
to England, and carried troops to Boston the 16th June. Campbell, it seems, had
1775] NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS. 213
enlisted and carried to Boston 60 men from your country, and promised to get as
many men for a Captain's commission, which he obtained, and was coming to earn
it. The Captain of the ship (now before our Committee of Safety) says he sailed
from Boston the 8th instant; that it was currently reported there before he
sailed that either Major Sheriff or Major Small was to go to the Congress with
terms of accommodation, in consequence of dispatches received from England by
the vessel which brought General Gage's leave of return. General Washington's
permission was also said to be necessary before they could advance. This
Captain sailed with the fleet which left Boston some time ago; he says there
were a number of vessels bound to different quarters, and not to any particular
place."
Thursday last his Majesty's Sloop of War, the Viper, Capt. Greaves, sailed for
Boston, and from Sandy Hook on Saturday, and carried with him the Brig Harmony,
Capt. Ross, from Coracoa, with salt belonging to Mr. Nixon, of this Port; the
Brig ---, Captain Lightburn, from Bermuda, loaded with salt likewise, belonging
to Mr. William Malcom, &c.; a new vessel, Bermuda built, and this her first
voyage; and the Sloop Polly, Captain Barns, from Antiqua, loaded with sugar and
molasses, belonging to Messrs. Mott and Bowne, and the cargo to Mr. William
Currie. They were all seized between this City and Sandy Hook.
Last Friday night, Capt. John Bates arrived here in a small schooner, from
North-Carolina and acquaints us, that the Wednesday before he saw a ship lying
ashore on her beam ends at Brigantine Inlet, a half a mile to the southward of
Little Egg Harbour, with her head on shore; that the same evening a boat came
out of Cranberry Inlet, with some people in her, three of whom appeared like
gentlemen, and said they had been a gunning, but, their ammunition being out,
they would be glad of a passage to New-York; Captain Bates took them on board,
but soon after the wind came a head, he was obliged to put about and take
shelter in Cranberry Inlet, where the next morning his company was taken from
him by Capt. Loverman, and a party of his men from Egg Harbour, who informed Mr.
Bates he had taken all the rest of the crew, and that the ship they belonged to
was a transport, and that he understood the Captain's name was Thompson.
We have since heard the ship above-mentioned was from Boston, and was cast
away yesterday week bound here, had 13 women on board, one of which is come to
this town; that the crew are saved, but the ship gone to pieces.
214 NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1775
This is to give notice to all the creditors of John Jenkins, that we, the
subscribers, being assignees appointed to settle the estate of the said John
Jenkins, will meet at the Court-House in Newark, on the 22d day of November
next, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon of the same day, in order to make a division
of such estate of the said John Jenkins, as is come to our hands.
SAMUEL HUNTINGTON,
THOMAS SAPPEN,
Assignees.
Newark, New Jersey, Oct. 13th, 1775.
From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 2444, Oct. 25, 1775.
On Monday morning, the 16th instant, before day, a transport ship, Captain
Hastings, was stranded on Brigantine Beach, on the New-Jersey coast. [Same
account follows as previously given. - Editor].
The vessel left Boston the 5th of October, in company with a twenty gun ship
and one transport with some troops bound for Halifax. No other ships of war or
troops had sailed. General Gage was to sail in a day or two, in a merchant ship
of 16 guns. The 48th and 59th [50th?] regiments being greatly reduced, the
privates are incorporated into other regiments, and their officers going home.
The object of Col. Arnold's expedition was not known at Boston, but supposed to
be destined against Halifax. Beef at Boston was nine-pence sterling per lb.,
mutton a quarter of a dollar, and bills of exchange sold at 20 per cent.
discount.
From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 2445, Nov. 1, 1775.
NEW-YORK, October 26. - A letter from a gentleman at Powles-Hook, dated last
Saturday, at 4 o'clock, P. M. to his friend in this City, says: "I am just
arrived here from Ticonderoga, where nothing material has lately transpired, but
in hourly expectation of the news of St. John's being taken, as very heavy
firing was heard on Saturday last."
From the New York Journal, No. 1713, Nov. 2, 1775.
FIVE DOLLARS REWARD.
Run away from the subscriber, living in Horseneck, township of Newark, New-
Jersey, a negro man named Doll, about 40 years of age, six feet high . . . .
Whoever takes up and secures said negro, so that his master shall get him again,
shall have the above reward, and all reasonable charges, paid by
CALEB HETFIELD.
1775] NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS. 215
WILLIAM AND SARAH LONG.
Have removed their Boarding School from New York to the house, late Mr. Jacob
Ricketts', between the Old Point and Elizabeth Town, where young ladies are
genteely boarded and educated in different branches of useful and polite
Learning.
From Dunlap's Penn'a Packet, No. 211, Nov. 6, 1775.
Was committed to the gaol of Gloucester, New-Jersey, a certain negro man named
Thomas Mekel, a sly, artful fellow, very talkative, . . . His master is desired
to come for him in three weeks from the date hereof, or he will be sold for his
charges, by RICHARD JOHNSTON, Gaoler.
EIGHT DOLLARS REWARD.
Ran away from the Glass House, in Salem County, West New-Jersey, on the 2d
instant, a Dutch servant man named John Godfrey Knester, a carpenter by trade, 5
feet 5 or 6 inches high. . . . Whoever secures him in any gaol of this province,
or New-Jersey, shall have the above reward and reasonable charges paid by
RICHARD WISTAR.
TWO DOLLARS REWARD
Ran away on the 3d instant, a servant woman named Mary Quin M'Crea, middle-
aged . . . . As she has a husband in some part of Maryland, it is supposed she
has gone that way. Whoever takes up said servant and brings her to Mr. Robert
Moffett's, in Water street, Philadelphia, or to her master, at Mr. Robert
Wallas's, in Bordentown, shall be paid the above reward and reasonable charges,
by JOHN M'COY.
From the New York Gazette, No. 1256, Nov. 6, 1775.
FIVE POUNDS REWARD.
Made his escape from the subscriber, the 30th ult., at South-Amboy, a certain
Samuel Hillsey, by trade a taylor; a wellmade fellow, about five feet eight or
nine inches high . . . . Whoever apprehends the said Hillsey, so that he may be
had again, shall receive the above reward, and all reasonable charges paid by
me. JACOB LAWRIE, Deputy Constable.
216 NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1775
THE FLYING MACHINE.
That plies between Hackinsack and Hoebuck intends after the fifth of November
instant to drive but twice a week, Tuesdays and Saturdays. To set off from
Hackinsack between seven and eight in the morning, and return from Hoebuck at
two in the afternoon. ANDREW VAN BUSKIRK.
TO BE SOLD.
By way of public vendue, by an adjournment, on Thursday, the 30th day of
November inst., two farms or plantations, lying and being in Bridgewater
township, county of Somerset, New-Jersey, lately belonging to Hendrick
Rynearson, deceased; the one lying adjoining Rariton River, on the North side,
about 13 miles from Rariton Landing, containing about 350 acres, with a
considerable parcel of low land and meadow. The other lying on the rear of
Rariton front lots, about 11 miles from said Rariton Landing, containing about
300 acres, with a sufficient quantity of meadow thereto belonging. The said
plantations are sufficiently timbered.
The vendue to begin at 10 of the clock on said day in the morning, and to be
held on the first above mentioned premises, when the conditions of sale will be
published by PETER VAN NEST,
JACOB VAN NORSTRAND,
Trustees.
MORRIS-TOWN, Nov. 1, 1775.
MORRIS COUNTY, ss.-By order of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas, in and for
the county of Morris, public notice was given in this Gazette, on the 2d of
October last, to all the creditors of Ebenezer Perry, Thomas Evans and Peter
Owens, insolvent debtors, that they should be and appear before two of the
judges of said Court, at the court house in Morris-Town on the first day of
November inst., at two o'clock in the afternoon, to shew cause, if any they had,
why an assignment of the said insolvents' estates should not be made, and they
be discharged from their confinement, according to the directions of an Act
[etc.]; And whereas on the same first of November Jacob Ford and Samuel Tuthill,
Esqrs., two of the judges of said Court, did attend at Morris Town, at the court
house, in order to hear the objections of their said creditors, if any they had,
against their discharge; and, after hearing some of them, did adjourn to
Thursday, the ninth day of November instant, then to meet again at the court-
house at Morris Town, at two o'clock in the afternoon, to hear any further
objections that may be made against their said dis-
1775] NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS. 217
charge; public notice is therefore hereby given to their said creditors then and
there to appear before two of the judges of said Court, to shew further cause,
if any they have, why an assignment of the said insolvents' estates should not
be made, and they be discharged from their confinement according to the
directions of said Act.
From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 2446, Nov. 8, 1775.
SALEM GAOL, October 30, 1775.
This is to give notice to all whom it may concern, that we, the subscribers,
now confined in the gaol of the county of Salem, West-Jersey, for debt, intend
to apply to the honourable, the Legislature of the said province of New-Jersey,
at their next sitting, for an Act to relieve our persons from the said
confinement.
LEWIS SMITH,
TIMOTHY CONNER.
Married in Cohansie, New-Jersey, on the 25th of October last, Philip V.
Fithian, A. M., to Miss Betsy Beatty.
From the Pennsylvania Journal, No. 1718, Nov. 8, 1775.
SIXTEEN DOLLARS REWARD.
Run-away, the 8th of May, 1775, from Birdsborough Forge, a negroe man, named
Cuff; goes by the name of Cuff Dix. . . Also a negroe man, named Chester, on
Saturday night, September 9, 1775, a stout fellow, about 5 feet 8 inches high .
. . . Chester formerly belonged to one Keys in the Jerseys, and was seen on the
road to Philadelphia. Whoever takes up said negroes and brings them home or
secures them, or either of them in any gaol, so that their master may have them
again, shall have three pounds reward for each, and reasonable charges, paid by
MARK BIRD.
TO BE SOLD on the first day of December next, a plantation, situated in
Pilesgrove in the county of Salem in New-Jersey; containing 168 acres, whereon
is a good dwelling-house, a good bearing orchard and a never failing stream of
water through the same. For further particulars enquire of the subscriber
living on said plantation. SAMUEL BRICKS.
From the New York Journal, No. 1714, Nov. 9, 1775.
THREE DOLLARS REWARD.
Run away from me, the subscriber, living in New-York, on the tenth of October
last, an apprentice lad, named Moses Badgely, a
218 NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1775
shoemaker by trade, about 19 years of age, five feet high . . . . It is supposed
that he has gone to his father's, Joseph Badgely, in Turkey, New-Jersey.
Whoever takes up said runaway and secures him in Elizabeth-Town gaol, so that
his master may have him again, shall have the above reward and reasonable
charges. JOHN HANCOCK.
From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 2447, Nov. 15, 1775.
TO BE SOLD,
By public vendue, on Saturday, the second of December, at Deptford Farm, near
the mouth of Raccoon, Gloucester county, New Jersey, two horses, two breeding
mares and a number of the best bred colts, got by Figure, Herod, Briton, Yorick,
etc. The sale to begin at ten o'clock, when attendance will be given, and the
terms made known, by PETER BECKET.
On the fifth instant died, in Cumberland county, New-Jersey, Mr. John
Tomlinson, Lieutenant of a Company of Riflemen; and on the 7th his remains were
interred at the Seventh-day Baptist meetinghouse, attended by the Officers and
Militia, with the Infantry and Rangers of said county, by whom his death is very
greatly and justly lamented.
COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, SS: Whereas public notice has been given to the
creditors of James Simpson, weaver, absconding debtor from Moore's-town, in the
county aforesaid, to deliver in their respective accounts, duly proved, to the
auditors appointed by virtue of a rule of Court in May last: All persons are
therefore informed that the sale of the effects, etc., of the said Simpson will
begin on Thursday, the 23rd day of November instant, at his late dwelling-house,
in Moore's town aforesaid, for the benefit of the applying creditors, agreeably
to the Act of Assembly in such cases. JOHN COX,
JOSEPH STOKES,
RICHARD S. SMITH,
Auditors.
This is to give notice to the creditors of John Small, confined for debt in
the gaol of Burlington, that they be and appear before Daniel Ellis, and Thomas
Rodman, Esquires, two of his Majesty's Judges of the Inferior Court of Common
Pleas for the county aforesaid, at the house of Joseph Height, Innkeeper, in
Burlington, on Thursday, the
1775] NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS. 219
7th day of December next, to shew cause, if any they have why the said debtor
should not be discharged, agreeable to an Act of the Legislature of the province
of New-Jersey, intituled, An Act for the Relief of Insolvent Debtors.
FIVE POUNDS REWARD.
Made his escape from the gaol of Gloucester, on the 10th day of this instant
November, a certain Henry Anderson; is about 5 feet 10 inches high . . . .
Whoever takes him up and brings him to Gloucester gaol shall have the above
reward, and all reasonable charges, paid by RICHARD JOHNSON, Gaoler.
COMMITTEE CHAMBER, AMWELL.
Hunterdon County, New-Jersey, October 2, 1755.
Divers complaints having been made to this Committee against Cornelius
Williamson, of Amwell aforesaid, as being inimical to the liberties of America,
he thereupon was cited to appear before this Committee, to which he came this
day to answer, and voluntarily entered into the following acknowledgment and
declaration, viz.:
"As I have been charged before the Committee for having uttered expressions
derogatory to the Continental Congress, and tending to impede the opposition of
my countrymen against ministerial oppression, I do hereby declare myself
heartily sorry for my imprudent expressions, and do sincerely promise for the
future to coincide with every measure proposed for the redress of American
grievances. Witness my hand, CORNELIUS WILLIAMSON."
Voted, That the above declaration be taken as satisfactory, and the same be
published in the Pennsylvania Gazette.
By order of the Committee, JOHN STOUT, Chairman.
TEN POUNDS REWARD.
Was stolen on the night of the 3d instant out of the pasture of the
subscriber, living in the borough of Chester, a bay horse, 13 hands high . . . .
The supposed thief is one Welch, about 5 feet 10 inches high, with a large scar
from the right ear under the jaw-bone; has just got a new suit of cloaths, viz .
. . . Whoever will secure the thief and horse shall have the above reward, or
three pounds for the horse only. DAVID COWPLAND, Sen.
N. B. - Said Welch went over Dunk's Ferry to the Jerseys.
220 NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1775
From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 2448, Nov. 22, 1775.
THREE POUNDS REWARD.
Run away from the subscriber, living in Shrewsbury, in the county of Monmouth,
New-Jersey, a negroe man, named Titus, but may probably change his name; he is
about 21 years of age, not very black, near 6 feet high . . . . Whoever takes up
said negroe and secures him in any gaol, or brings him to me, shall be entitled
to the above reward of three pounds proc., and all reasonable charges, paid by
Nov. 8, 1775. JOHN CORLIS.
LANCASTER COUNTY GAOL, Nov. 15, 1775.
Was committed to my custody, on the 14th of October last, as a vagrant, or
person not fit to be going about the country at large, a certain John Wentworth
Armstrong, but says his proper name is John Nugent, and has formerly passed in
this place by the name of John Wentworth Nugent; he is about 5 feet 10 inches
high, sandy complexion, remarkably near sighted . . . . He is supposed to be the
person advertised in the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 2443, by a certain Abraham
Lobb, of Nottingham township, Burlington county, West New-Jersey, as he has
disposed of a stallion in this county, supposed to be the same described in said
advertisement; the said Abraham Lobb, and all other persons concerned, are
desired to come in 3 weeks from the date hereof, and prove their property to
said stallion, if any they have, or objection to the said Armstrong's being
released, otherwise he will be then discharged on paying his fees by
GEORGE EBERLY, Gaoler.
NEW YORK, November 20.
Major Stopford, with the other officers, and a French gentleman, that were
taken prisoners at Chamblee, passed through Newark last Wednesday, in their way
to Trenton, where they are to remain prisoners.
GLOUCESTER COUNTY, New-Jersey, November 20, 1775.
All persons indebted to the estate of Henry Wood, late of Waterford township,
in the county of Gloucester and Western Division of the province of New-Jersey,
Esq., deceased, are requested to meet at the house of the subscriber (one of the
Executors, etc., of the said deceased) in the township of Waterford aforesaid,
on the 18th day of December next, and settle their several engagements to the
said estate, if not discharged before that time, in order to prevent further
trouble and all those who have any just demands against the said estate are
requested to attend at the time aforesaid, with their accounts properly
attested, in order to settlement and discharge. MARY WOOD, Executrix.
1775] NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS. 221
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, West New-Jersey, Nov. 20, 1775.
The Cumberland stage-waggon, formerly drove by John Tomlinson, deceased, will
continue to go as formerly, and just and proper care and attendance be given by
REUBEN JERMAN, and
ELIJAH TOMLINSON.
From the Pennsylvania Journal, No. 1720, NOV. 22, 1775.
We hear a gentleman in New-Jersey having occasion to pull down an old barn,
from the earth under it collected upwards of forty pounds of good saltpetre.
As it is proved to a demonstration that the loose dirt, and for one or two
inches below it, of all the cellars in this city and country, will produce salt-
petre, it behooves every one to try to produce the same by the simple process
inserted on the first page. Those who have a quantity of earth fit for the
purpose, and do not chuse to try the same, would no doubt do their country a
service by mentioning it to some of the Committee of the Provincial Saltpetre
works in this city, who have men employed to remove the same to said works.
On Friday last, Major Stopford and other Officers, with their band of music
taken at Chamblee arrived at Trenton, in New-Jersey, where they are to remain
prisoners of war, till exchanged.
From the New York Journal, No. 1716, Nov. 23, 1775.
TO BE SOLD,
One half of a boat with one half of her sails, rigging, anchors, and cables;
will carry eight cords of wood. Any person inclining to purchase said boat can
have her on reasonable terms by applying to the subscriber, living in
Middletown, New-Jersey. ESEK HARTSHORNE.
When an opposition is made to a useful discovery, and the facts in support of
it are not only misrepresented but denied, to the injury of a man's character as
well as person, it is to be presumed every honest man will excuse a person under
such circumstances, if he takes the liberty to lay before the public, some real
facts in vindication of himself; with this view beg leave to present the
following. ENGLEBART KEMMENA.
To Dr. Kemmena, in New-York.
222 NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1775
SIR: After the discouragement I met with from a Surgeon of the first practice
in your City, I have reason to thank God that I was sent to you, at whose hands
I have experienced a cure of one of the worst of disorders. Our family was much
surprised at finding a lump so large taken out by a plaster; especially situated
as it was, between the tendons of my neck. They never before believed that the
King's evil could be cured; now, happily convinced, join with me in praying for
your long life. I remain your most obedient humble servant. JOHN VAN VORHEES.
Somerset County, New Jersey, 21st May, 1775.
TO BE SOLD, AT PRIVATE SALE,
A house and lot of land, situate on Morris-Town Green, in the county of
Morris, and province of New-Jersey, contiguous, and next to the dwelling house
and lot of land of Abraham Ogden, Esq. The house is not large, but well
furnished, with four fire places; one upper room has a fire place, and another
of equal dimensions may be made on the same floor at a small expense. There are
two rooms on the under floor, one of which is papered and the other wainscotted
and painted genteelly, and the kitchen convenient and complete, together with a
large store-house adjoining, elegantly adapted for a merchant, or any person in
public business. The lot of land contains three acres, well fenced and in good
repair, with a thriving young orchard, all grafted; together with a green house,
pidgeon house and an excellent garden. It is well known to be an excellent
stand for business, and elegantly situated for convenience, profit, prospect and
pleasure; and lately occupied by James M'Bride, merchant, and is now the
property of the subscriber, living at Brooklin Ferry, opposite New-York, who
will give an indisputable title for the same. THOMAS IVORY.
November 15th, 1775.
From Rivington's New York Gazetteer, No. 136, NOV. 23, 1775.
TO BE SOLD,
The house and lot of ground where Timothy Halstead formerly lived, situated in
the township of Shrewsbury, in the province of East New-Jersey, Monmouth county,
containing four acres of good land, with an apple orchard of very fruitful
trees, together with a number of peach, plumb and cherry trees. The house is 30
feet by 28, one story and a half high, two rooms and an entry below, with two
fire-places below the upper part, partitioned off in rooms;
1775) NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS. 223
there is a good stone cellar under the whole, and a piazza in the front of the
house, with a kitchen adjoining, not quite finished, a good stone well of
excellent water. For further particulars enquire of Abraham Russel in New-York,
who will give a good title.
From the New York Gazette, No. 1259, NOV. 27, 1775.
FOR SALE.
On moderate terms, for cash, at the store of Henry Remsen, in Hanover-Square,
a few pair of large and superfine swanskin and rose blankets, 8-4 and 9-4 green
rugs, men's and boys' felt hats.
Also, at his store at Newark, in New-Jersey, an assortment of goods at such
prices as will please the purchasers.
N. B. - Black and coloured taffeties, China silk handkerchiefs, &c.
From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 2449, Nov. 29, 1775.
TO BE SOLD.
By way of public vendue, at the house of William Hugg, at Gloucester, on
Wednesday, the 19th day of December next, the sale to begin at 10 o'clock: A
great variety of household and kitchen furniture, viz., A great number of
feather beds and bedding, of the best quality; one repeating and one alarm
clock; a considerable quantity of walnut furniture, of several kinds; a great
quantity of pewter; horses, cattle, hogs, hay, Indian corn, a large, strong,
iron-bound waggon, husbandry utensils, and sundry other articles too tedious to
enumerate. Attendance will be given and the conditions made known by Joseph
Hugg, Samuel Hugg, and William Hugg, Executors.
N. B. - At the same time will be sold, a negroe man and a negroe girl.
Last Friday Lieut. James Smith Symes was released from confinement, and
ordered by the Honourable Continental Congress to reside at Trenton, on his
parole of honour. We hear that Captain Campbell is still to remain under close
confinement.
From the Pennsylvania Journal, No. 1721, Nov. 29, 1775.
PHILADELPHIA. - On Monday last sat out from this city on their way from
Virginia to Cambridge, the Ladies of General Washington and General Gates, Mr.
and Mrs. Custis. They were accompanied
224 NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1775
out of town by the Officers and Light Infantry of the three Battalions, and the
Light Horse; the latter of which went as far as Trenton.
TO BE SOLD
The plantation whereon the subscriber now liveth, situated in Eversham, in
Burlington county, West New-Jersey, containing forty odd acres, whereon is a
frame house and shop, a barn and cow house, and other out houses, a good well
and pump at the door, a good bearing orchard and a quantity of peach and cherry
trees, about sixteen acres is cleared. Any person inclining to purchase the
same, by applying to the subscriber may know the terms, which will be made easy
by RICHARD GLOVER.
If the above plantation is not sold before the fifth day of February, it will
be sold at public sale on the first day of March next.
From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 2450, Dec. 6, 1775.
NEW-YORK, December 4.
Wednesday evening last arrived at Newark, in their way to the Provincial Camp
at Cambridge, the Lady of his Excellency General Washington, the Lady of
Adjutant-General Gates, John Custis, Esq., and his Lady, and Warner Lewis, Esq.
They were escorted from Elizabeth-Town by the company of Light Horse, and most
of the principal gentlemen of that borough; and on their arrival at Newark the
bells were set ringing, and Col. Allan's company of minute men immediately
mounted guard. About 10 o'clock on Thursday morning, Lady Washington and Lady
Gates, etc., escorted by a party of the Elizabeth-Town Light-Horse, and a great
number of gentlemen and ladies from Newark, set out for Dobb's ferry, in order
to pass the North-River at that place on their way to the Provincial Camp.
[The following Addresses to Governor Franklin and his replies thereto are not
to be found in the published Minutes of Council (see "Minutes of the Provincial
Congress," etc., Trenton, 1879, circa page 323), and are, therefore, given in
full below. An Address by the House of Assembly and the Governor's reply does
appear, however (Ibid, pages 309, 310), and are not repeated here - Editor].
To his Excellency, William Franklin, Esq., Captain-General, Governor and
Commander in Chief, in and over the Province of New-Jersey, and Territories
thereon depending in America, Chancellor and Vice-Admiral in the same, etc.
1775] NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS. 225
The Humble Address of his Majesty's Council for the said Province.
May it please your Excellency: We beg leave to express the satisfaction we
feel in the opportunity you have given us of meeting your Excellency in General
Assembly, at this time, for the dispatch of such business as the exigencies of
the Province require; and thank you for that freedom with which you communicate
to us, from time to time, such parts of the letters you receive from His
Majesty's Ministers, as may be of consequence to the welfare of this Province.
It is with the greatest pleasure we assure your Excellency, that we know of no
reason to doubt but that the confidence you are pleased to say you have in the
affection and regard of the good people of this Colony is well founded. We are
sorry, however, to observe that, notwithstanding this confidence and trust, your
Excellency expresses some degree of apprehension as to the safety of your own
person and the persons of the other officers of the Crown. We can, with truth,
declare, that we are totally ignorant as to any circumstances in this Province,
that may give rise to such an apprehension, and are happy in believing that it
must be without any real foundation.
You are pleased to call on us for an explicit declaration of our sentiments
respecting those aims at an independency on Great-Britain, which, you say, are
at this time openly avowed by some men of present consequence. In answer to
which, we make no hesitation to assure your Excellency that we have the utmost
abhorrence of any design whatever to subvert that happy Constitution of
Government, under which, not only this, but every other Colony in America hath
long enjoyed the blessings of security and prosperity; and that we will, by
every means in our power, exert ourselves in the defence of it, and in defence
of your Excellency and the other officers of the Crown, acting under the
influence and by virtue of that inestimable Constitution.
We flatter ourselves that your Excellency will not doubt but that we shall be
ready, on all occasions, to join you in the promotion of peace, order and good
government; and eagerly improve every opportunity that may tend to the restoring
this Province to its former State of happiness and tranquility.
By Order of the House,
Council Chamber, Nov. 25, 1775. JOHN STEVENS, Speaker.
To which his Excellency was pleased to make the following Reply:
GENTLEMEN: I am greatly obliged to you for the sentiments of regard expressed
in this Address, and heartily thank you for the assurances you give me of your
readiness to exert yourselves in the
226 NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1775
defence of our happy Constitution, and of the officers of the Crown in this
Province.
At the same time it gives me concern that I cannot agree with you in opinion,
that there are not any circumstances in this Province, which may justify some
degree of apprehension as to the safety of myself and the other officers of
Government. It is true I have not actually seen the Associations signed, nor
the orders and resolutions of Congresses or Committees issued, yet I cannot on
that account, without being guilty of a subterfuge, which gentlemen of your
candor must disapprove, pretend a total ignorance either of their contents or of
their effects, both in this and the neighboring Colonies. From what has already
happened, the officers of the Crown will be naturally led to form a judgment of
what may happen. Such of them, therefore, as have conscientiously done their
duty here, must of course have some reason to expect the same fate with those
who have done their duty elsewhere. It must be allowed, however, that those
who, from timidity or other motives, have been induced to pursue a different
conduct may have present safety, but then, as it must be at the expence of their
honour, it is not likely that there will be found many of them who will choose
to pay such a price for such a consideration, nor is it probable, if they
should, that they would meet with your approbation.
From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 2451, Dec. 13, 1775.
NEW-JERSEY.
MESSAGE TO THE GOVERNMENT FROM THE COUNCIL.
May it please your Excellency: When we consider the uninterrupted harmony
which for many years hath subsisted between the Governor and Council of this
province; when we reflect upon the repeated assurances we have received of your
approbation of, and confidence in, our unwearied endeavours zealously to
discharge the duties of our station; and as we flatter ourselves the constant
tenor of our conduct towards your Excellency has ever manifested the most
respectful regard to your person and station: It is with no small degree of pain
and regret we find ourselves constrained to lay before your Excellency some
observations on the reply you were pleased to make to the Council's address, in
answer to your speech at the opening of the present session of Assembly; more
especially at this unhappy period, when even the appearance of disunion between
the several branches of the legislature ought carefully to be avoided. Your
reply, sir, though rather darkly penned, contains, we apprehend, some
reflections and innuendos, which our consciences tell
1775] NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS. 227
us we do not deserve, and which we cannot, therefore, with honour or due regard
to our station pass unnoticed.
Your Excellency was pleased in your speech to ask us whether we could answer
for your personal safety. We replied in our address in such plain and open
language as we thought could not have been misunderstood, could not have
admitted any doubt or cavil, nor the most distant hint of subterfuge, that you,
and the other officers of the Crown are, in our apprehension, perfectly safe in
this province. From persons who have too much at stake not to dread the
consequence of a total subversion of government, order and authority, who, while
they lament the public disorders of the present times, are anxiously studious to
lessen their effects on the inhabitants of this province, such a declaration
might, we think, have been received with joy and gladness by your Excellency,
rather than with insinuations of your doubts and apprehensions, drawn from the
language of Associations, the orders and resolutions of Congress and Committees,
or from the effects of either of them in this and the neighbouring colonies. We
trusted that you would have congratulated us on the degree of serenity still
existing in the province, rather than damp our hopes by foreboding what may
happen here from what has happened elsewhere; or by throwing an unworthy
reflection on the inhabitants of this province, in supposing that such officers
of the Crown, who have or shall conscientiously discharge their duty, need be
under any doubts of the protection, support and applause of the people.
It is not necessary or proper for us to extend our views to other colonies, in
order to form our sentiments or opinions of the conduct and behaviour of
officers of the Crown. With respect to Crown officers in general in this
province, we cannot but think it an ungenerous insinuation that there are any
who have departed from the line of their duty from the impulse of timidity, or
other motives in view to present safety. Such aspersions, permit us to say,
ought not to be thrown out, but on the surest grounds that such characters
really exist amongst us.
If the return for the affection and regard, which your Excellency acknowledges
you have experienced from all ranks of people in this province, is to be general
calumny and detraction, it is not likely there will be found many who will
choose to pay "such a price for such a consideration."
We promised ourselves that the experience you have long had of our zeal in the
cause of public justice, the honour of government, and support of the
Constitution, might have induced more confidence in our assertions than the
language of your reply seems to convey. However, Sir, if ever we have again the
honour of a reply from you
228 NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1775
to an address, we trust, that whilst the Council of New-Jersey preserve a
conduct which calumny dares not openly asperse, though they should happen to
differ in opinion with your Excellency as to the real circumstances of the
province, they will escape every insinuation of subterfuge or insincerity,
which, however applicable to secret foes, must be heard with disdain by the
known friends and real well-wishers to this country.
Council Chamber, Burlington, December 4, 1775.
A MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR TO THE COUNCIL.
GENTLEMEN: The uninterrupted harmony which has subsisted between me and the
Council has been one of the most satisfactory events of my administration. It
has been my constant inclination and endeavour to preserve it by every means
consistent with my duty. My conduct to you as a body, and as individuals, has
ever been such as to manifest a disposition to oblige you as far as was in my
power. If this has been hitherto the case (which I believe none of you will
deny) it is not probable that I should, at this unhappy period, wantonly and
without cause do anything that might endanger that harmony, or occasion "even
the appearance of disunion." Why you should, therefore, of a sudden, apprehend
that I meant, in my reply to your address, to cast any reflections on your
conduct, I cannot conceive. If my expressions are, as you say, darkly penned,
that circumstance might have afforded you a just pretence for asking an
explanation, but surely not for an unhesitating application to yourselves of any
matter "which your consciences tell you that you do not deserve."
Your address was perfectly satisfactory to me, except that part in which you
gave your opinion respecting the personal safety of the officers of this
government. I should have been very happy if I could have joined you in that
opinion; and should not then have failed congratulating you on so joyful an
occasion. It did not appear to me that it was warranted by the circumstances
really existing in the province, and it evidently carried with it an implication
that the degree of apprehension mentioned in my speech was ill-founded. As
nothing was farther from my intentions than the exciting of false alarms, I did
not choose to lie even under the suspicion. On that account I thought it
necessary to particularize some of the reasons, which induced me to differ in
sentiments with you on that point. Whether you or I have the best grounds for
our opinions, others will judge. I express'd not the least doubt of your
thinking the opinion you gave just and right, but I thought it proper at the
same time to assure you, that I could not agree with you in that opinion,
"without being guilty of a subterfuge, which gentlemen of your candour must
disapprove."
1775] NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS. 229
Why you should from these words suppose that I meant a distant hint that you had
been guilty of such a subterfuge, I cannot imagine; especially as your
"consciences tell you that you do not deserve it." Nor can I conceive that you
have the least pretence for taxing me with "throwing an unworthy reflection on
the inhabitants of this province." Whatever I may think applicable to some
individuals on the present occasion, I have said nothing which can, without
manifest perversion of my words, be applied to the people at large. My real
opinion of them, and my confidence in their affection and regard, are too fully
and clearly expressed in my speech, and my conduct has been too conformable
thereto, not to defeat any purpose that may be intended by such an unworthy
suggestion.
Though I think as favourable of the Crown officers in general in this province
as you can do, yet I am not able to comprehend that it must therefore be an
"ungenerous insinuation" to intimate, that some of them may have been induced by
timidity, or other motives, to "depart from the line of their duty." That some
have actually departed from the line of their duty, from some motives or other,
it is a matter too publicly known to justify any attempt at concealment,
particularly as you have at this session advised me to suspend one of the most
considerable of them from his office on that account only.
I entirely agree with you that "aspersions ought not to be thrown out but on
the surest grounds." Why, then, have you, without any foundation whatever,
thrown out that a "general calumny and detraction" on "all ranks of people in
this province" is to be found in my reply? Is it because I there told you, that
"it is not likely that there will be found many of them who will chuse to pay
such a price (as their honour)for such a consideration" as their safety? Or is
it because I said that it was not "probable (if they should) that they would
meet with your approbation?" Or is it merely to give you some pretence for
introducing an, otherwise, inapplicable quotation?
Far be it from me (however we may differ in sentiments on particular points)
to pretend any doubt of your zeal in the cause "of public justice, the honour of
government, and support of the constitution." I have never given the least
intimation of the kind; but, on the contrary, I have had frequent occasion, and
never omitted any opportunity, of signifying my approbation of your conduct.
Even the reply, at which you have so causelessly taken offence, contains "my
hearty thanks for the assurances you gave me of your readiness to exert
yourselves in the defence of the Constitution," etc. But if you expect an
implicit "confidence in your assertions," even when they may happen to appear to
me evidently not well founded, you
230 NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1775
expect more than is possible for you to obtain. I ever wish you to give me your
sentiments fully and freely on all occasions. They will always have weight with
me, if not too repugnant to my judgment. But if, from my own knowledge of
things, I entertain a different opinion, I shall not hesitate to tell you so,
nor to give you my reasons, even though I should be previously certain that my
expressions would be again tortured for reflections and innuendos never
intended.
Were it proper for me to mention here the steps I took, in a private way, to
prevent all cause of dissatisfaction on account of the exceptionable part of
your address, before it was presented in form, no one could be at the least loss
to determine which of us have given the stronger proofs of a sincere disposition
to avoid "even the appearance of disunion." But of this circumstance, though
well known to some of your members, you, as a body, may, perhaps, with a
specious propriety, declare yourselves totally ignorant.
WILLIAM FRANKLIN.
The Sessions of Assembly of this province ended on Wednesday last, when the
following laws were passed:
An Act to impower Isaac Haines to erect a dam, mills, and other water-works on
the southermost branch of Ancocus Creek, in the township of Evesham, in the
county of Burlington.
An Act to authorise the Board of Justices and Freeholders of the several
counties in the colony of New-Jersey to defray the expense of taking lists of
the inhabitants.
An Act to prevent rams from running at large at certain seasons of the year.
A Supplementary Act to the Act, intitled "An Act for striking one hundred
thousand pounds in Bills of Credit, and directing the mode for sinking the
same."
An Act to provide a more effectual remedy against excessive costs in the
recovery of debts above six pounds, and for other purposes therein mentioned.
An Act to enable the owners and possessors of meadows and tide marsh, lying on
both sides of the south branch of Pennshawking Creek, in the counties of
Burlington and Gloucester, to erect and maintain a bank, dam, and other water-
works across the said creek, in order to prevent the tide from overflowing the
same.
An Act for the support of government of his Majesty's Colony of New-Jersey, to
commence the first day of October, 1775, and to end the first day of October,
1776, and to discharge the public debts and contingent charges thereof.
1775] NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS. 231
From the New York Journal, No. 1718, Dec. 7, 1775.
TWENTY SHILLINGS REWARD,
Lost from Hoobuck Ferry, a rowboat, about two months ago; She is about twenty-
four feet long, three feet eleven inches wide, her upper works made of white
pine, the rands and wales of white ash, red painted inside and outside, except
her wales and rands are painted white, but much worn. She is square built in
her chimes. Whoever will bring or deliver said boat to me, the subscriber,
shall have the above reward, and all reasonable charges paid by
HERMANUS TALLMAN.
From the New York Gazette, No. 1267, Dec. 11, 1775.
JUST PUBLISHED,
And to be sold at his book store and printing-office, in Hanover-Square
(illustrated with a beautiful and accurate Copper Plate Plan of the City of New-
York). Gaine's Universal Register, or, American and British Kalendar, for the
Year 1776. Containing, . . . Goverment of New-Jersey, New-Jersey Bills reduced
to New-York Currency, Table of Interest, Roads, &c.
From the New York Journal, No. 1719, Dec. 14, 1775.
Deserted from the first regiment of the Continental Army, raised in New-
Jersey, commanded by the Right Honorable, William Earl of Stirling, and Captain
Peatt's company, now lying in barracks at Elizabeth-Town:
George Sparlin, twenty-three years of age, about five feet ten and a half
inches high, of a brown complexion, brown hair, has a downcast look, bad on a
brown coat and waistcoat, and a pair of leather breeches.
Peter Sutton; about seventeen years of age, five feet five and a half inches
high, brown complexion dark brown hair, had on a short whitish coat, reddish
brown waistcoat and a pair of leather breeches.
The above deserters were born in the county of Middlesex, and province of New-
Jersey, labourers, inlisted by Captain Daniel Peatt, on the 17th of November,
1775.
Whoever secures the said deserters so that they may be brought to justice,
shall receive from the commanding officer of the said Regiment, at the head
quarters at Elizabeth Town, aforesaid, five dollars reward for each; and all
friends to American Liberty are hereby requested to be aiding and assisting in
apprehending the above named deserters, and causing copies of this advertisement
to be written or printed.
Elizabeth-Town, December 13, 1775.
232 NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1775
From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 2452, Dec. 20, 1775.
SOMERSET COUNTY, December 12, 1775.
Whereas, pursuant to sundry executions to me directed and delivered, against
the goods and chattels, lands and tenements, of the Right Honourable William
Earl of Stirling, the same goods and chattels, land and tenements, have been
repeatedly advertised for sale, and the sale thereof was actually begun on the
twenty-third day of November last, and continued for the space of three days;
And whereas on the 27th of November aforesaid, the sale was further adjourned
for want of buyers, and by the agreement of his Lordship and the creditors for
one month, at which time, if the said executions be not settled, it was farther
agreed by the parties, that sale should be made of all the said goods and
chattels, lands and tenements, without opposition or further delay, which is
testified in writing, under the hand of the said Earl of Stirling: I do,
therefore, give this notice, that, on the 27th of December instant, I shall
begin the sale of the said goods and chattels, lands and tenements, and continue
the same until all shall be sold, or until the executions in my hands shall be
satisfied. ROBERT STOCKTON, Sheriff.
TO BE SOLD,
CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Burlington County, December 14, 1775.
A plantation or tract of land, containing 140 acres, in a high healthy part of
the country, about 9 miles from Burlington and the same from Cooper's Ferry,
within 3 miles of an English church and 3 miles from a Quakers' meeting-house in
Moore's-town; there are on the premises a dwelling-house, barn, stable and other
out-houses, a good bearing orchard, about 50 acres of cleared land, about 10
acres of meadow and, more may be made, the woodland well timbered, all in good
repair. The terms to the purchaser will be extremely easy. For further
particulars, enquire of the subscriber, on the premises. JACOB LIPPINCOTT.
This is to give notice to the creditors of Samuel Oakford and Lewis Smith,
confined for debt in the gaol of Salem, that they be and appear before John
Holme and Andrew Sinnickson, Esquires, Judges of the Inferior Court of Common
Pleas for said county, at the house of Joseph Haynes, gaoler, in Salem, on the
tenth day of January next, to shew cause, if any they have, why the said debtors
should not be discharged, agreeable to an Act for the Relief of Insolvent
Debtors.
1775] NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS. 233
From the Pennsylvania Journal, No. 1724, Dec. 20, 1775.
Whereas Margaret, the wife of the subscriber, has run him considerably in debt
at different times, this is therefore to forewarn any person from entrusting her
on my account from the date of this advertisement, as I will not pay any debt of
her contracting.
Burlington County, Dec. 6, 1775. ALEX. GLASS.
From the New York Journal, No. 1720, Dec. 21, 1775.
M R. HOLT: I have lately seen in the public papers an instruction from the
House of Representatives in Pennsylvania to their Delegates in Congress, which
to me appeared very odd, and even inconsistent. They very properly observe, at
first, that the mode of executing their trust may be so diversified in the
course of their deliberations that 'tis scarcely possible to give particular
instructions respecting it. And yet in a few minutes they so see into futurity,
as to venture to give one instruction very peremptorily, respecting a separation
from our Mother country. 'Tis not easy to understand what they may precisely
mean by such a separation. Without asserting anything I would take the liberty
to ask a few questions. There can surely be no hurt in querying a little. I
would, therefore, ask, Are they certain that Great-Britain cannot, or will not,
in the course of the year treat us in such a manner as to forfeit all right to
our dependance upon them? Are they sure that if Great-Britain does so, it will
still be best, at all adventures, to put our necks into their yoke? Are they
sure that Britain will not call in foreign aid, so as to oblige us also to do
the same? Are they sure that if Britain should thus oblige us to call in
foreign aid, we should not be as much under obligation to our new allies as to
Britain? Are they, sure that if we submit to British government they will not,
as heretofore, try to fill all places of trust and profit with their creatures,
so as by degrees entirely to bring us under? Are they sure that such a
resolution in the province of Pennsylvania will not encourage Britain, and make
them rise in their demand upon us, since they may expect, from such an
instruction, that we should submit to anything rather than a separation from
them? Are they sure that if all the other Colonies should agree in a form of
government, it would be best for their delegates to reject it, and stand out?
Was there any need of mentioning the change of the government in their own
province? Could there be any the least ground for a suspicion of that, let our
separation from our mother-country be as it would? Is this instruction
agreeable to the wisdom and prudence that has generally appeared in the Assembly
of that province? Are they sure that 'tis best
234 NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1775
America should not be independent as to government, and that several nations,
suppose Britain, Holland, France and Spain should have equal advantage of our
trade, and that they should all be bound to maintain our independency in other
respects? Suppose that Britain should have all the advantage of our trade, is
not that all that can really be beneficial to them? May there not be a proper
treaty for Britain's having the advantage of our trade, without being any other
way under their government? Have we not already tasted too much of their
legislative power, ever to let them have the advantage in their hands again? Is
not the advantage of our trade regulated by a proper treaty, all that Britain
has a right to expect or desire, and all that we have a right to grant?
New-Jersey, Dec. 4, 1775. LYCURGUS.
TO BE SOLD,
An excellent lot of ground, with a convenient house, barn and garden, situated
in the centre of Elizabeth Town, East New-Jersey. The above premises, lying
upon the river, command a full view of the boats and small craft which come up
to the town, as well as a prospect of the principal elegant buildings, and of
all those who travel to and from the old and new ferries. For terms of sale,
apply to JOSEPH TREAT.
New-York, Dec. 18, 1775.
From Dunlap's Penn'a Packet, No. 218, Dec. 25, 1775.
JUST PUBLISHED,
And to be sold by Joseph Crukshank, Printer and Bookseller, in Market-street,
between Second and Third-street, Poor Will's Pocket Almanack, for the Year of
our Lord 1776. Containing, besides the usual astronomical calculations, times
of holding Courts in Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, New-York, Maryland.
From the New York Gazette, No. 1263, Dec. 25, 1775.
WANTED,
By the subscriber, two good paper-makers, at Spotswood Paper-Mill. Twenty
shillings per week will be given to each, with victualing, washing and lodging.
Also a mill-wright, that understands making a Paper-mill, shall meet with good
encouragement, by WILLIAM SHAFFER.
The highest Price will be given for all sorts of linen rags, by said Shaffer,
and David Grim.
1775] NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS. 235
From the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 2453, Dec. 27, 1775.
THIRTY SHILLINGS REWARD.
Run away on Saturday, the first of December instant, a tall, personable man,
aged about 28, dressed in a chocolate coloured Bath coating surtout coat, with
buttons at the sleeves, and has a large green velvet collar, a close coat,
jacket and breeches, of dark brown broadcloth, also a pair of blue, red and
white narrow striped cotton trowsers, which come down under the shoe straps; in
his pockets a miniature picture of a young lady, two pair of ruffles, and a
toothpick case; his hair dressed in the fashionable manner, and his hat in the
modern cut. He has much the appearance of a gentleman, says he is a doctor,
speaks some words in the Scotish idiom, and has passed in the several places he
has been defrauding in, by the names of Drummond Stuart, and Cambell. He took
with him a bay mare, supposed to be 14 hands high, is with foal and is branded
on one of the shoulders it is thought with S. H., generally paces, but can trot,
and was seen on the Jersey road, going towards Cohansey. Any person who
delivers the mare, bridle and saddle, to William Cooper, at his ferry opposite
Philadelphia, shall receive the above reward; and if any one will give
intelligence, by line or otherwise, so that the mare may be had again, shall
receive twenty shillings for his trouble.
SALEM COUNTY, December 18, 1775.
I, Sarah Smith, School-mistress, the wife of William Smith, take this method
to inform the public not to trust or credit the said Smith on my account, for I
shall never pay any of his contractions; my living shall go no more after that
rate as it did last March. . . . I will not trust it to that false man. I nine
years have been his wife, tho' he for a widower doth pass, when he meets a
suitable lass; for his wicked doings I never more can him abide, nor he never
more shall lie by my side. SARAH SMITH.
From the New York Journal, No. 1721, Dec. 28, 1775.
The 6th Dec. at Quibble Town, Middlesex County, Piscataqua Township, N.
Jersey:
Thomas Randolph, cooper, who had publickly proved himself an enemy to his
country, by reviling and using his utmost endeavours to oppose the proceedings
of the Continental and Provincial Conventions and Committees in defence of their
rights and liberties; and he being judged a person of not consequence enough for
a severer punishment, was ordered to be stripped naked, well coated with tar and
feathers and carried in a waggon publickly round the town; which punishment was
accordingly inflicted; and as he soon became
236 NEW JERSEY COLONIAL DOCUMENTS. [1775
duly sensible of his offence, for which he earnestly begged pardon, and promised
to atone, so far as he was able, by a contrary behaviour for the future, he was
released and suffered to return to his house in less than half an hour. The
whole was conducted with that regularity and decorum that ought to be observed
in all public punishments.
NEWTOWN, Sussex County, New-Jersey.
Last Tuesday, about four hundred of the militia of this county, under the
command of Col. Ephraim Martin and Mark Thompson, assembled and proceeded in
good order and regularity in quest of Tories, a considerable number of whom
(inhabitants of this county) had entered into a combination and agreement not to
comply with any Congress measures; about forty, we hear, are taken, most of whom
have recanted, signed the Association, and profess themselves true sons of
liberty, being fully convinced of their error: and that two or three who remain
incorrigible are to be sent to the Congress to be dealt with.
I, Ezekiel Beach, of the township of Mendham, in the county of Morris, have
heretofore, by my words and conduct, been guilty of opposing the good people of
this country, in the measures by them adopted for preserving American Freedom,
particularly saying, "I had rather the Ministerial troops would conquer the
Continental," and further declared, that "the Parliament of Great Britain had a
right to levy the oppressive taxes and acts upon America, particularly the act
for changeing the government of Massachusetts Bay;" and further declared, that
"I would assist the Ministerial troops with provisions and other necessaries,
provided they would pay for the same." And, having, on the most mature
deliberation, considered of such my conduct, do most heartily disapprove of the
same, and do hereby promise that, for the future, I will observe, as far as in
me lies, the rules and regulations of the Honourable Continental Congress and
the Provincial Congress of New-Jersey; and will use my best endeavours to
promote and carry into execution every measure adopted already, or that may
hereafter be adopted by said Congresses for preserving the rights and liberties
of this country, and I will most cheerfully sign the Association adopted by said
Provincial Congress when thereunto required; and do hereby desire, that in
future the good people of this country would consider. me as a friend to the
same, which I hope to manifest by my conduct. EZEKIEL BEACH.
Signed at Morris-Town, this 23d day of December, 1775.
Witnesses present: Thomas Milledge, Cornelius Ludrow, Peter Layten.
~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~