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Philadelphia, October 22
The Resolutions of the Meeting in the State-house Yard, continued from our last.
17\. That it is the sense of this Meeting, that the people are generally and greatly dissatisfied with the said Constitution.
18\. That it is the sense of this Meeting, that the late increase of the number and insolence of tories and persons disaffected to the Independence of this State, and the feebleness of its public measures, are greatly owing to that general dissatisfaction.
19\. That more dangerous consequences may be expected, unless the unhappy causes of such dissatisfaction can be removed, by procuring proper alterations and amendments to be made in the said Constitution.
20\. That such alterations and amendments are immediately and absolutely necessary for promoting the happiness of Pennsylvania, and advancing the welfare of our great American cause, and cannot with safety to the public be deferred.
21\. That for the attainment of these salutary purposes, the freemen of the several counties in this State be instantly and most cordially invited to accede to the foregoing resolutions, and to agree to and concur in executing the following.
22\. That at the election to be held on the fifth day of November next, the electors ought not to take the oath or affirmation required by the ordinance of the late Convention, dated on the twenty-sixth day of September instant.
23\. That the inspectors and judges of the said election ought not to take the oath or affirmation recited in the ordinance aforesaid.
24\. That every inspector and judge ought to take the oath or affirmation prescribed by an act of Assembly of the late government of Pennsylvania, made in the year of our Lord 1766, and intituled "an Act directing the choice of Inspectors, and for holding the general elections in this province."
25\. That the members of Assembly to be chosen at the said election ought not to take the oath or affirmation, or to make or subscribe the declaration, mentioned in the tenth section of the frame of government formed by the late Convention.
26\. That when two thirds of the members elected have met and chosen their Speaker, before they proceed to business, each member ought to make and subscribe the following declaration:—"I (mentioning his name) profess faith in GOD the Father, and in JESUS CHRIST his Eternal Son, and in the HOLY SPIRIT, One GOD blessed for evermore: And I do acknowledge the HOLY SCRIPTURES of the Old and New Testaments to be given by Divine Inspiration."—And to take this oath or affirmation: "I, as a member of this Assembly, will not propose or assent to any act, vote or resolution, which shall appear to me injurious to the people; nor do or consent to any act or thing that shall have a tendency to lessen or abridge their rights or privileges; but will in all things conduct myself as a faithful and honest Representative and guardian of the people, according to the best of my judgment and abilities. I do renounce, refuse and abjure any allegiance or obedience to George the third, King of Great-Britain, his heirs or successors, or any in authority under him or them; and I will not, directly or indirectly, do any act or thing prejudicial or injurious to the State of Pennsylvania."
27\. That the said Assembly ought to have full powers to make such alterations and amendments in the Constitution aforesaid, as the said Assembly shall judge to be proper.
28\. That the said Assembly ought also to have power to enact such ordinances as the emergencies of public affairs may indispensably require.
29\. That after making such alterations and amendments, and enacting such ordinances, the said Assembly ought to publish the said alterations and amendments for the consideration of the people, and then, if they shall think proper, adjourn themselves for a convenient time, in order to collect their sense upon such alterations and amendments, vesting a power in the Speaker to call them together again before the time to which they shall adjourn, if it shall be necessary.
30\. That the carrying on the said elections without the electors taking the oath or affirmation prescribed by the aforesaid ordinance of the twenty-sixth day of September, ought to be considered and observed by the members of Assembly chosen at such elections, as express instructions to them not to take the oath or affirmation, or to make or subscribe the declaration mentioned in the 10th section of the frame of government, to make such alterations and amendments in the Constitution formed by the late Convention, as the said Assembly shall judge to be proper—and to conform to the two next preceding resolutions.
31\. That no Counsellors ought to be chosen at the election to be held on the fifth day of November next.
From the Pennsylvania Gazette of October 9.
AS too great a number of the members of this State are the avowed votaries of submission to higher powers on any terms, and as those weak people persuade themselves that the exercise of this christian virtue, as they esteem it, would restore them again to tranquillity and happiness; I beg leave to make a few observations on the declaration which some of these peaceable men, and all the avowed abettors of unconditional subjugation, would hold out as the olive branch, which nothing but the most desperate madness can tempt us to refuse.
And first I would enquire what is this constitutional government that our wicked Congress so obstinately oppose? Do not the king and his ministers, and that by the authority of an act of parliament, declare, that they, with the advice and consent of people, with whom we have no more political connection than with the Siberians, have and ever had a right to make and execute laws for us in all cases whatsoever?
2\. Does returning to our allegiance mean any thing less than the acknowledgment of this right in the king, his ministers, and obsequious parliament?
3\. Does not the admission of this principle form a new constitution, entirely subversive of the constitution which, even the people called Quakers, have ever most strenuously endeavoured to support, and which alone can secure us the enjoyment of any thing, the privilege, nay the unalienable right of having a free, a full and unbiassed representative voice in the body that makes our laws.
If any one can shew me that a closure with R. and W. Howe's proposal does not imply the above acknowledgment and resignation, I will allow myself to have been hitherto misguided; but if absolute power to make, revise, repeal or confirm laws, binding on us in all cases whatsoever, is to be acknowledged to reside in any body of men, in which the whole body of the American States have no more weight or influence than the crew of a vessel which might be stranded on a maroon island, I know nothing of the true principles of the constitution.
DEMOPHILUS.
Fish-Kill, October 22
A Letter from Tench Tilghman, Esq., being this morning read in the Committee of Safety of the State of New-York, it was resolved, that Henry Schenck and Dirck Jansen, Esquires, "be directed to forward by water towards the Continental Army in Westchester County, with all possible expedition, all the Flour they can procure"; that they be empowered for that purpose to hire or impress vessels, boats, wagons and teams, and "to pledge the publick faith for the payment of such Vessels, Boats, &c., at an appraised value, as may through an unforeseen accident fall into the hands of the enemy."
In the afternoon a Letter from Colonel Jonathan Hasbroeck, "enclosing a list of disaffected persons in his Regiment of Militia," was read, and the Letter and List referred to the Committee appointed to inquire into all Conspiracies; to which were also referred a Letter from Kerr and others, in Orange County, "relative to Gale, Treadwell, and Ludlam," and a Letter from Jas. Thomas, Jun., Chairman of the Committee of Westchester, "accompanying all the Prisoners from White-Plains Jail to this place."
Henry Wykoff declining the purchasing of Clothing for the Troops, Mr. Paul Schenck, who has already purchased articles for that purpose to the amount of 250l., is appointed in his room, with 300l. to be advanced him, for which he is to be accountable.
Philadelphia, October 25
"Resolved, That it be recommended to the several assemblies and conventions of the United States, forthwith to import, or otherwise procure, full supplies of fire arms, bayonets, brass, or other field pieces, powder, lead, flints, medicines, entrenching tools, tent cloth, blankets, and other clothing, for such of their militia as are deficient therein, and to send to the Board of War and Ordnance a copy of their resolutions for this purpose, that the same may be laid before Congress."
A certificate from Brigadier Generals H. Mercer and P. Dickinson, in favour of the Rev. John Nevelling, who has officiated as chaplain to nine Jersey batallions, was referred to the Committee of Treasury, "who are directed to enquire how long Mr. Nevelling officiated, as is mentioned in the said certificate, and pay him for his services, at the rate of 50 dollars a month."
"Resolved, That 3,000 dollars be advanced to Colonel Hazen towards inlisting his batallion, he to be accountable." Two months' pay is likewise to be advanced to Lieutenant David Zeigler, "who was wounded, and come to Philadelphia for the purpose of perfecting his cure."
On the report of the Committee of Treasury it was ordered, that there be paid to John Mitchell 109l. 15s. for the expences of a party of light horse going with money from Philadelphia to Ticonderoga, and for himself and Mr. Dunlap, "as a guard with Generals Prescot and M'Donald, and their two servants, to New York, to be exchanged"; to Mr. Hodgkin and Mr. Cronstedt, "two midshipmen, taken prisoners," three weeks' allowance each.
A letter from the General's secretary, R. H. Harrison, of the 21st, was read; and a letter from Peter Zabriskie and John Morgan, of the 20th, was referred to the Board of Treasury. Congress then adjourned to Monday.
Philadelphia, October 25
The Council of Safety this day directed Mr. Nesbitt "to pay Lieutenant-Colonel Baxter for part of a Company's expenses in Bucks County, in order to disperse the people at the late election there."
It was resolved, that in forming a new Battalion the Board will appoint such persons for Officers as are suitable, "without being confined to those in service"; that all Captains and Subalterns in the Army "shall rise regimentally"; and all Field Officers "shall be promoted according to the line"; the Board reserving a deviation "where the good of the publick may require" it.
The Council at the same sitting made the following promotions and appointments in the Battalions of Continental Troops of this State: Lieutenant-Colonel James Irvine to be Colonel of the Ninth; Lieutenant-Colonel Lambert Cadwalader, Colonel of the Fourth (late Shee's); Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Penrose, Colonel of the Tenth; Richard Humpton, Esq., Colonel of the Eleventh; Daniel Brodhead, Esq., Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fourth (late Shee's); Major Anthony James Morris, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Second (De Haas's); Major George Nagle, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Ninth; Major James Dunlap, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Tenth; Francis Gurney, Esq., Lieutenant-Colonel of the Eleventh; John Patton, Esq., Major of the Ninth; Captain Jonathan Jones, Major of the Second (De Haas's); Captain John Beaty, Major of the Sixth (Magaw's); Major Henry Becker, removed to be Major of the Tenth; Captain William West, Major of the Fourth (Cadwalader's); Francis Mentges, Esq., Major of the Eleventh; and Captain David Greer, Major of the Seventh (William Irwin's). "Resolved, That the above-mentioned Officers have rank according to the order in which their names are here set down."
Lancaster, October 21
At a meeting of the Committee of Observation, Inspection, and Correspondence, at the house of Adam Reigart, William Atlee in the chair, an express from Philadelphia arrived, "with a Letter from Colonel George Ross, accompanied with the Resolves of a number of the respectable inhabitants of Philadelphia, respecting the proceedings of the late Convention, directed to the Committee of this County. And as matters contained in the said resolves are of great importance to this State, it is Resolved and Ordered, That the Chairman do summons the members of the County Committee to meet at the Court-House in Lancaster, on Friday, the 25th instant, at ten o'clock in the morning, to take the matter therein contained into consideration, and determine thereon as shall be thought proper; that a number of the said Resolutions be immediately printed in the English and German languages; and that expresses be sent off to-morrow morning, or sooner if they can be sooner printed, to summon the members of Committee of the different Townships to attend as aforesaid; and that a printed copy be sent to each Township, that the members may know the design of their being called together."
Lancaster, October 22
Jacob Rees, in 1,000l., and Abraham Kendig, in 500l., this day acknowledged in Committee their recognizance to the State of Pennsylvania, "for the good behaviour of the said Jacob Rees to all the subjects and inhabitants of the said State, particularly to Thomas Smith, his family and estate."
Charles-Town, (South-Carolina) October 10.
The Legislative Council this day proposed to the General Assembly an amendment to the Bill for an oath of qualification of its members, that instead of the State oath they shall take this oath or affirmation: "I, A B, do swear or affirm that I will, to the utmost of my power, support, maintain, and defend the Constitution of South-Carolina as established by Congress on the 26th day of March, 1776, until the legislative authority of this State shall determine otherwise." The Council likewise proposed a clause, that all Church-Wardens or other persons who shall manage elections within this State shall, "before they receive the vote from any elector who they may suspect and believe hath not taken the oath of fidelity to this State, administer the same to all and every such elector or electors; and in case of their refusal to take the said oath, he or they shall not be permitted to give his or their vote." The House resolved to "concur with the honourable the Legislative Council in the amendment proposed in the foregoing Message," and by message told the Council that it concurred "in the amendments proposed to be made to the Bill."
Both Houses balloting together, Captain Edward Allen was elected Captain and Commander of the Brigantine Comet, "armed in the service of this State."
Entered in. No entries are come from the office this day.
Cleared out. None entered this day.
No notice is come from the office this day.
No price current is come to hand.
No new notice is come to hand this day.
No new notice is come to hand this day.
To be SOLD by public vendue, on the 31st day of this instant October, on the premises,
A CERTAIN LOT of good GROUND, containing about 25 or 30 acres, situate in Newtown township, Chester county, about 14 miles from Philadelphia, on the road leading from the Great Valley to Chester and Darby, and another leading to Concord, one half woodland; there are a log house, a smith's shop, and a good well of water on the premises; joining the lands of William Reece, Samuel Cealey, and Joseph James; 10 acres he has advertised for sale on the 31st of this month; the conditions of sale will be made known on the day of sale, by
NATHANIEL NULEN.
To be SOLD by the subscriber, in Chester county,
A MESSUAGE and LOT of GROUND, containing eight acres, whereon are a good house and kitchen adjoining, the house is two stories high, and well finished; a young bearing orchard, a well of excellent water at the door; the place is pleasantly situated, on the road leading from Lancaster to Philadelphia, about 18 miles from the latter, and would suit for either a tavern or store. For further particulars, enquire of HUGH HENRY, in Chestnut-street, Philadelphia, or of
JONATHAN MORRIS.
TEN POUNDS Reward.
WAS STOLEN out of the pasture of the subscriber, living in West-Fallowfield township, Chester county, on the 11th of September inst. about 7 o'clock in the morning, a black HORSE, about 15 hands high, 8 years old, neither brand nor ear-mark, a natural pacer, but travels short, has a large mane that hangs to the off side, a long switch tail, there is a lump on each side of his nostrils, the one on the near side is as large as a hickory nut. Whoever secures said horse, so that the owner may get him again, and the thief brought to justice, shall have the above reward, or Three Pounds for the horse, paid by
SAMUEL FUTHEY.
Philadelphia, October 23, 1776.
CAME to the stable of BENJAMIN DAVIDS, at the Sign of the George, the corner of Second and Arch-streets, on Sunday, the 13th instant, a sorrel HORSE, about 7 years old, four white feet, bald face, and branded on the near buttock; he came with a large hook yoke on. The owner is desired to come, prove his property, pay charges, and take him away, or he will be sold in four weeks from this date.
CAME to the plantation occupied by the subscriber, in Bristol township, Bucks county, near Neshaminy Ferry, the first week in last July, a brindle COW, six years old. The owner is desired to come, prove property, pay charges, and take her away.
THOMAS GUY.
CAME to the plantation of the subscriber, at Perkiomen creek, New-Providence township, a black STALLION, about 14 hands high, and about 7 or 8 years old. The owner is desired to come, prove his property, pay charges, and take him away.
October 5, 1776. JACOB KLINE.
CAME to the plantation of the subscriber, living in Goshen township, Chester county, the 10th of August last, a yearling HEIFER, spotted black and white. The owner is desired to come, prove his property, pay charges, and take her away.
JOSEPH HUNT, senior.
September 9, 1776.
WAS LOST, about two weeks ago, a large FISHING BOAT, square stern, black bottom, with an iron chain. Whoever finds said Boat, and returns her to ANDREW KESSLER, living in Lad's Cove, a little below Gloucester, or lets him know where she is, shall be handsomly rewarded,
Gloucester County, West New-Jersey, Sept. 10, 1776.
RUN away from the subscriber, living in the township of Glouccster, an English servant lad, named Richard Snell, about 17 years of age, 5 feet 3 or 4 inches high, very dark complexion, straight brown hair; had on, and took with him, a light coloured cloth jacket, a striped under ditto, two new brown homespun shirts, two pair of tow trowsers, half-worn, a good felt hat, hob-nailed shoes, with large square brass buckles. Whoever takes up said servant, and secures him in any goal, so that his master may have him again, shall receive SIX DOLLARS reward, and all reasonable charges, paid by
JACOB ROBERTS.
September 5, 1776.
RUN away from the subscriber, living in Cheltenham township, Philadelphia county, an indented servant boy, named Joseph Rudsdel, came from England, can tell lies, is about 5 feet high, thin small visage, short black hair; had on, when he went away, a pair of tow trowsers, an old flax shirt, a swanskin jacket, and a pair of thick soaled shoes. Whoever secures said boy, so that his master may get him again, shall have Ten Shillings reward, paid by
JOHN HALLOWELL.
SIX-PENCE REWARD.
ABSENTED herself from the subscriber's service, on or about the 25th of September 1775, a certain JULIANA MILCAHEE, about 30 years of age, fresh complexion, black hair and brown eyes, much pitted with the small-pox, is short of stature, broad shouldered and stout made; had on, when she went away, a striped lincey jacket and petticoat, had sundry other clothes with her, that she may change her dress; she had a male child, about 3 months old, which she took with her. Whoever will deliver her to her master, shall have the above reward, paid by ANTHONY FORTUNE, at the White Horse and Groom, in Shippen-street, near the new Play-house.
PHILADELPHIA: Printed by Davidson Signal, near the Sign of the Wolf and Bear, at the head of the Valley road.
Written by AI, to rules its publisher set. The events are real and drawn from whatever source records them — not only from what a printer happened to set in type.
† marks an advertisement composed for this paper — the advertiser, the goods and the terms are ours. Everything else in the advertising columns is reproduced word for word. Nothing concerning an enslaved person or a bound servant is ever composed.
Davidson Signal is a pen name.
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