The New America Times

In Congress

Philadelphia, September 27

Two letters from General Washington, of the 24th and 25th, with sundry papers enclosed, were laid before Congress and read, and referred to a committee of five: Mr. Wythe, Mr. Hopkinson, Mr. Rutledge, Mr. John Adams, and Mr. Stone.

Letters were also read from the convention of New-York, of the 20th; from Jos. Trumbull, of the 22d; from Colonel John Shee, of the 25th, enclosing his commission; and from Jonathan B. Smith, of the 25th, requesting leave to resign the office of deputy muster master general. The resignations of Colonel Shee and of Mr. Smith are accepted. Colonel Shee's regiment was ordered to New-York in June last, with Colonel Magaw's.

Resolved, That the sum of one hundred thousand dollars be advanced to the delegates of New-York, for the use of that state, which is to be accountable.

Ordered, That the Secret Committee deliver to the Board of War the care and custody of all arms, ammunition, and other warlike stores now under their care, or that may hereafter be imported or purchased for account of the United States.

Resolved, That the Marine Committee be empowered to pursue such measures as they judge proper and effectual, to import as much salt as possible.

The petition of Hamilton Young, of New-York, praying leave to return to Long-Island to take care of his books and effects, is granted.

Congress being informed that a number of men belonging to three of the Pennsylvania battalions have deserted, it is recommended to the convention of this State to take measures thereupon.

The petition of William M'Cue was presented and read, and referred to the Board of War.

Philadelphia, September 30

A memorial from Gunning Bedford, muster master general, was laid before Congress and read, and ordered to lie on the table.

The Board of War brought in their report upon the petition of William M'Cue, the same having been laid before Congress on Friday and referred to that Board; whereupon Resolved, As Congress have empowered the several states to provide for such soldiers as may be disabled in the service of the Continent, that the petition be referred to the commonwealth of Virginia.

What M'Cue asked for, and in what condition he asked it, is not set down in the resolve. What is set down is that Congress has made it a matter for the states, and that his is now Virginia's to answer.

Resolved, That one hundred thousand dollars be advanced to the state of Pennsylvania, which is to be accountable.

Resolved, That Mr. Mease be directed to supply Captain Doyle with money sufficient to purchase rifles and blankets for his company.

The Northern Department

Albany, September 16

General Schuyler has received intelligence by express from General Gates at Ticonderoga, that a heavy firing had been heard at that place, which continued, with some intermissions, for several days, supposed to be between Gen. Arnold, at the head of the American fleet on that station, and a party of the enemy. No return had been made to the General when the express came away, and no farther particulars are come.

Ticonderoga, September 16

Extract of a letter from Ticonderoga.

"The enemy have not made any appearance here yet, and I believe they will not this year; we cannot understand they are making any preparations to meet us, but mean to act only on the defensive. Gen. Arnold is about 100 miles down Lake Champlain, at a place called Split-Rock, where he is watching the motions of the enemy. He lately sent a small boat with a number of men on shore, who were fired upon by a party of about 50 regulars and Indians, when three of them were killed, and six wounded."

Convention of this State

Philadelphia, September 30

The Convention has risen, having on Saturday passed the frame of Government for this State. It is ordained to be the Constitution of this commonwealth, and the words in which the Convention claims the authority to ordain it are these:

We, the representatives of the freemen of Pennsylvania, in general convention met, for the express purpose of framing such a government … do, by virtue of the authority vested in us by our constituents, ordain, declare, and establish, the following Declaration of Rights and Frame of Government, to be the CONSTITUTION of this commonwealth, and to remain in force therein for ever, unaltered, except in such articles as shall hereafter on experience be found to require improvement.

The elections that would in an ordinary year have been held this day are not held.

Philadelphia, September 26

In Convention for the State of Pennsylvania, Thursday, September 26, 1776.

Whereas it is not convenient to hold the next election throughout this State, for choosing the elective officers thereof, on the day on which it will be most convenient to the people to hold their elections for the future, and this Convention being desirous that the freemen of this State may, as soon as possible, enjoy the advantages of a free and established government, it is therefore

Resolved, That the next election of Representatives in General Assembly, and of all other elective officers heretofore usually chosen on the first day of October, shall be held for the city of Philadelphia, and for the county of Philadelphia, and for every other county of this State, on Tuesday the fifth day of November next, and, except in the counties of Bedford, Northumberland and Westmoreland, at the places where the elections for Representatives in this Convention were held.

Philadelphia, September 28

In Convention, Saturday, September 28, 1776.

Resolved, That immediate public notice be given, by the Secretary, that the Freemen of this State are impowered, by the frame of Government this day passed, to choose, at their next election for Representatives, in the city of Philadelphia and each county, one person as a Counsellor of State.

From the Eastward

Newport, September 23

Last Monday a ship and a brig taken by the Montgomery went up the east passage; on Wednesday a large ship taken by the General Greene and a Baltimore schooner, and a brig taken by the Revenge, got safe into a neighbouring port; on Friday another ship, taken by Capt. Munro, went up the bay, and the same night another brig taken by the Revenge passed the east passage. All the above are valuable prizes. That taken by the General Greene is 310 tons, loaded with 372 hogsheads of sugar, 82 puncheons of rum, 36 pipes and 4 hogsheads of Madeira wine, and 1800lb. of copper.

By several gentlemen arrived from Boston we are assured of the arrival at the eastward of three prize ships, which we had not heard of before; one of which had on board 320 hogsheads of sugar, 80 puncheons of rum, the amount of 150 pipes of Madeira wine, and a considerable quantity of cotton.

Cape-Ann, September 21

Saturday last was sent in by the schooner Warren, Captain William Coas, a ship of 400 tons burthen, called the Picary, commanded by Breckholt Cleaveland, bound from Tobago for London, having on board 325 hogsheads sugar, 161 bales cotton, 118 pipes, 29 hogsheads and 10 quarter-casks Madeira wine, and some indigo.

On Monday evening was also sent in by the Warren a brig of 120 tons, mounting 8 carriage guns and 10 swivels. She was from the coast of Guinea, but last from Tobago, bound for London, with some elephants' teeth and gold dust.

When the above brig left Captain Coas he was in pursuit of a ship.

Watertown, September 16

Thursday last the General Assembly of this State passed a resolve for raising every fifth man in the same, a few sea towns excepted, to march for New-York, for the immediate assistance of our brethren there.

Foreign Intelligence

Whitehall, June 24

The following letter, from Gen. Carleton to Lord George Germaine, was this morning received by Lieut. Fooks, of his Majesty's ship Lizard, arrived from Quebec in the Hope transport.

On board the Maria, opposite St. Ann's, May 25, 1776.

My Lord,

I have this moment received an account from Capt. Forster, that he, with a detachment of the Eighth regiment, some Canadians, and a number of Indians, had taken, the 19th instant, a fort at the Cedars, two pieces of cannon, and three hundred and ninety rebels, prisoners at discretion. The day following, a party of one hundred and twenty rebels crossed from the island of Montreal to Kinchin; those were attacked by Messrs. Lorimer and Montigny, defeated and taken.

The small force that is already arrived is drawing nearer to the rebels, to see if any assistance can be given to the King's good subjects above, who have begun rather sooner than I could have wished. The rebels are still numerous in the province, and talk of large reinforcements.

I am, &c. Guy Carleton.

No advices later than the above are come to hand. What has been said in the Parliament now risen, or what answer has been made there to the Declaration of the fourth of July, is not known in this city, and will not be known until a vessel comes in that has one of their papers aboard.

Of the trade of the enemy more is known, and it is set down above under the Eastward, where the prizes are entered. What the ministry intends is unknown here. What it ships is entered in our own ports, by the ton.

Philadelphia, in Brief

Philadelphia, September 30

Prisoners returned. Last Saturday a number of officers and privates, belonging to the American army, who had been taken prisoners in Canada, arrived in this city, agreeable to the proclamation of Gen. Carleton. They were sent in four transports, under convoy of the Pearl frigate.

From the camp. Monday last arrived in this city, from the Camp at Haerlem, Brigadier General Mifflin. Major General Lee is daily expected, on his way to the American camp near New-York.

A vessel named. An armed vessel is now fitting out in this city, which will be called the Parry, in honour of the late gallant Colonel Caleb Parry, of this State, who fell on the 27th of August last. Congress stood in his debt at his death for fifty-three dollars — provisions supplied the militia on their march to New-Jersey, and the ferriage of their baggage waggons over Schuylkill — which sum is ordered paid to John Jacobs.

New-Hampshire. The Hon. Matthew Thornton, Esq; of Londonderry, is chosen a member of the Hon. Continental Congress for that State, in the room of Col. John Langdon, who has resigned.

Newbury Port. Arrived the brig Georgia Diana, Peter Rigan master, bound from Grenada to London, taken by the Washington privateer, Nathaniel Osborne, having on board 60 hogsheads rum and sugar, and about 20 chaldron of coal.

Plymouth. Monday last returned Captain Samson, after a short cruise, in which he has taken five prizes; three or four of which are arrived safe into port.

Committee of Safety of New-York

Fish-Kill, September 23

The Committee of Safety of the State of New-York met on Monday afternoon, Brigadier-General Abraham Ten Broeck in the chair.

It was put to the Committee whether a messenger should be despatched to require Colonel Drake's immediate attendance, and determined in the negative, because Colonel Drake's presence in Westchester county is absolutely necessary, in order to inform the Committee of the measures which, at the time of his departure, that Committee had under consideration for detecting and defeating conspiracies of the disaffected.

The memorial of William Tredwell, now detained by order of the Convention on suspicion of holding correspondence with the enemy — he having been on Long-Island since the same has been in possession of the enemy — was read and filed. Ordered, That the said memorial be referred to the Committee appointed for detecting conspiracies.

Convention of the Delaware State

New-Castle, September 11

The following is now come to hand. The tenth article, which excuses from bearing arms any man conscientiously scrupulous of it who will pay an equivalent, is the one on which this State will be asked to act soonest. The remainder of the articles will be given in our next.

In Convention of the Delaware State, Wednesday, September 11, 1776, A.M. A Declaration of Rights and Fundamental Rules of the Delaware State, formerly stiled the Government of the Counties of New-Castle, Kent and Sussex, upon Delaware.

1. That all government of right originates from the people, is founded in compact only, and instituted solely for the good of the whole.

2. That all men have a natural and unalienable right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences and understandings; and that no man ought or of right can be compelled to attend any religious worship, or maintain any ministry contrary to or against his own free will and consent; and that no authority can or ought to be vested in, or assumed by any power whatever, that shall in any case interfere with, or in any manner controul the right of conscience in the free exercise of religious worship.

3. That all persons professing the christian religion ought forever to enjoy equal rights and privileges in this State, unless under colour of religion any man disturb the peace, the happiness or safety of society.

4. That the people of this State have the sole, exclusive and inherent right of governing and regulating the internal police of the same.

5. That persons entrusted with the legislative and executive powers are the trustees and servants of the public, and as such accountable for their conduct; wherefore, whenever the ends of government are perverted and public liberty manifestly endangered by the legislative singly, or a treacherous combination of both, the people may of right, and ought to, establish a new, or reform the old government.

6. That the right in the people to participate in the legislature is the foundation of liberty and of all free government; and for this end all elections ought to be free and frequent, and every freeman having sufficient evidence of a permanent common interest with, and attachment to the community, hath a right of suffrage.

7. That no power of suspending laws, or the execution of laws, ought to be exercised, unless by the legislature.

8. That for redress of grievances, and for amending and strengthening of the laws, the legislature ought to be frequently convened.

9. That every man hath a right to petition the legislature for the redress of grievances in a peaceable and orderly manner.

10. That every member of society hath a right to be protected in the enjoyment of life, liberty and property, and therefore is bound to contribute his proportion towards the expence of that protection, and yield his personal service when necessary, or an equivalent thereto; but no part of a man's property can be justly taken from him or applied to public uses without his own consent, or that of his legal representatives: Nor can any man that is conscientiously scrupulous of bearing arms in any case be justly compelled thereto, if he will pay such equivalent.

The remainder in our next.

Advertisements

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHT DOLLARS Reward.

DESERTED from Bergen town, the 5th of September last, out of Captain Miller's company, belonging to the Flying Camp, John and Benjamin Williams, country born; Owen Jenkins, Ephraim Hallen, John Falls, William Erwin, John Ryan, of Chester county, Pennsylvania; Samuel Stacy, of Philadelphia. From Fort Constitution, deserted the 16th of September, William Idding, Thomas Lyons, Moses Lyons, John M'Kie, Adam Stack, William Grey, and Samuel Marshall. Whoever takes up and secures the said deserters in Philadelphia gaol, shall have the above reward, or Eight Dollars for each. Also deserted from the above mentioned place, a man named Brooks. Whoever apprehends him, shall have Eight Dollars reward.

THOMAS MILLER, Captain.

FOUR DOLLARS Reward.

STOLEN, on the night of the 28th of September last, from the pasture of Hugh Ely, living in Buckingham township, Bucks county, a sorrel MARE, about 10 years old, full 14½ hands high, with a large blaze in her face, both hind feet white, whitish mane and tail, a small saddle spot on each side of her back, and a small hard lump at the place of buckling the throat strap, paces and trots well, and suckled a foal when taken. Any person taking up said mare, and giving intelligence, so that the owner may get her again, shall have TWO DOLLARS, and if brought home the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by

JOHN ELY.

STRAYED away from the plantation of the subscriber, in Darby township, the 14th September last, two MARES; viz. A Sorrel, three years old last June, a blaze down her face, neither brand nor ear-mark, shod before with old shoes. The other a light Bay, two years old last May, with a large star and four white feet, branded on the near shoulder I. B. Whoever takes up and secures them, so that the owner may have them again, shall receive the above reward for both, or One Dollar for either, paid by

JONATHAN BONSALL.

TO BE LETT, and may be entered on immediately,

A WELL-ACCUSTOMED FULLING-MILL, in a good neighbourhood, situate in Londongrove township, Chester county, being the mill lately occupied by William Wood, deceased. The said mill is on a never-failing stream of water, in good repair, and may be had on reasonable terms; together with all the utensils necessary for carrying on the Fulling Business. Any person inclining to know the terms, may be informed, by the owner, living on the premises.

Ninth Month 28, 1776. HENRY HAYES.

JAMES BUTLAND, FRINGE and LACE MAKER, in Front-street, near Arch-street, makes and sells the following articles, wholesale or retail, viz.

ALL kinds of uniforms for officers and soldiers, in gold, silver, silk, worsted, or thread; where whole battalions may be supplied with lace for hats or clothes, and made to any pattern or colour, at a short notice. Likewise Coachmakers, Upholsterers, Sadlers, and Hatters trimmings, &c. Great price will be given for gold or silver Lace, either old or new, or gold or silver thread, sleazey or tambour, in any quantity.

Wanted 3 or 4 hands, either men or women, that can weave ribbons, lace, fringe, tapes, or other narrow works, who can be well recommended, may have constant work, and good wages; or any willing to learn the above business, from 12 years old and upwards, may, by applying as above, have good encouragement.

TO BE SOLD, on the premises, the 24th day of this instant October,

A VALUABLE plantation, situate in the township of Willistown, in the county of Chester, containing 120 acres of LAND, very pleasantly situated, and in a very healthy part of the country; there are on the premises three separate dwelling houses, a new stone barn, 46 feet by 25, a stable, cart-house, hay loft and hog house, all of stone, and a good stone spring house.

PHILIP MARCHINTON HATH removed his stock of GOODS, from his store in Market-street, to his store at his Woollen Manufactory, in Front-street, between Market and Chestnut-streets; which are brown and black broadcloths, English and India black, pink, green, and cloth coloured paduasoys; blue, orange, and cloth coloured, plain and flowered satin damask; striped and sprigged pink and white, and blue and white tobines; black and cloth coloured silk breeches patterns; black and cloth coloured silk stockings; blue, black and purple, best double-top genuine cotton velvets; black and brown best silk and hair plush, &c.

He continues taking in Wool; Spinners and Weavers may have full employ.

FOUND, some time ago, a sum of MONEY. Whoever has lost the same may hear of it, by applying to Loose Baker, at the Lower Ferry, Trenton.

TO BE SOLD for 100l. and not less, or hired for 22l. a year,

A VERY likely young Negro man, who can cook, bake, and do all sorts of house-work, understands tending on a Gentleman's table and taking care of horses well, is sober and good tempered. Whoever wants, may apply to the PRINTERS hereof, who will inform them where to treat for said Negro. The duty was paid for him, at Philadelphia, some years ago; he has had the smallpox.

FOUND, some time ago, a sum of MONEY. Whoever has lost the same may hear of it, by applying to Loose Baker, at the Lower Ferry, Trenton.

† WANTED, a JOURNEYMAN PRINTER, who is master of his business, and can be well recommended for sobriety. Constant employ and good wages will be given. Enquire of the Printer hereof, at the head of the Valley road.