Price Three Coppers. Published every Day, Sunday excepted.
Containing the Freshest Accounts, however long upon the Road.
Head-Quarters, White Plains, October 25.
Among the General Orders of this day is the following:
The General most earnestly recommends to all Commanding Officers of brigades and regiments to extend their care to the wagons which they have or may employ, and to dismiss them as soon as they have brought their baggage and have been refreshed.
At a General Court-Martial held the same day at the Court-House in the White Plains, by order of His Excellency General Washington, Colonel Holman, President, David Brearley, Judge-Advocate, Lieutenant Ethan Sickles was tried, "charged with breach of General Orders; also with coming under the twenty-first article of the fourteenth section of the Rules and Articles for the government of the Troops of the United States of America." He pleaded 'Not Guilty.'
Colonel Reed, Adjutant-General, being sworn, said that the defendant came the day before by Head-Quarters with two wagons of baggage under his care; that he stopped the wagons, and on examination found a sutler in one of them; that the defendant, being asked, answered there was only a small case and a keg containing five gallons of rum; that a barrel of rum in the wagon belonged to the regiment, and that another barrel contained soldiers' clothes; but that on examination he found it "to contain chiefly leaf tobacco," and the barrel of rum to belong to the sutler. "The defendant produced no witnesses, but was heard in his own defence."
"After mature deliberation of the premises, the Court are unanimously of opinion that the defendant, Lieutenant Sickles, is guilty of disobeying general orders, and of behaving in a scandalous, infamous manner, such as is unbecoming the character of an officer and a gentleman, and do sentence him to be discharged from the service.
"JONATHAN HOLMAN, President."
Annapolis, October 23
"The Convention having received information that a number of the inhabitants of Caroline County had marched down into Dorchester County, and committed sundry depredations in the said County, by entering the houses of the inhabitants thereof, and in a violent manner taking and carrying away their Salt, and that sundry of the inhabitants of Dorchester County had joined with them in committing such unwarrantable depredations and outrages, Ordered, That the Committees of Caroline and Dorchester Counties make immediate inquiry into the causes of the said disorders; and, if they judge it necessary, to send under a sufficient guard to this Convention, or in their recess to the Council of Safety, such persons as shall appear to them to have been most active therein; and that the Committees of Caroline and Dorchester Counties do apply to Brigadier-General Hooper, to order out such part of the Militia under his command as they may judge necessary to bring the said offenders to justice."
The Council of Safety the same day "Ordered, That a Court-Martial be appointed for the trial of Levi Willin, First Lieutenant, and Job Todd, Ensign of Captain Lake's Company, in Dorchester County; and that Colonel John Ennalls be President of the said Court; Colonel Robert Harrison, Colonel James Murray, Colonel John Dickinson, Major Thomas Muse, Major Thomas Jones, Major Joseph Ennalls, and Major Joseph Richardson."
On motion of Mr. Johnson, the Convention empowered the Council of Safety "to give a Bounty of twenty dollars to each able seaman, and ten dollars to each landsman, who shall inlist to serve in the Marine service of this State during the war, or until discharged by the supreme authority of this State."
Annapolis, October 22
A Petition from William Richardson was read and ordered to lie on the table, setting forth that, at the time of the alarming appearance of a hostile fleet under the direction of Lord Dunmore, on the 13th of July last, he observed a Sloop drifting towards the shore, which a barge from the fleet soon scuttled; "that he went off with his own negroes, intending to board her and save everything on board the said Sloop he possibly could; and he accordingly saved and brought away a mainsail, topsail, and gib, a quantity of old iron, thirty-six pair of iron hinges, and fifty-three cow hides"; that all the said articles were sent for and taken away by Captain Uriah Forrest; and praying to be authorized to receive a moiety of them.
Charles-Town, (South-Carolina) October 12.
A motion being made in the General Assembly this day, that the order of the day for reading a second time a Bill for the better regulation of the Militia of this State be postponed, a debate ensued, and the House divided: "Teller for the yeas, Colonel Pinckney—46. Teller for the noes, the Honourable Mr. Lowndes—42. So that it was resolved in the affirmative."
The House also "Ordered, That the Honourable Mr. Lowndes, Colonel Gadsden, the Honourable Mr. Justice Bee, the Honourable Mr. Justice Matthews, the Honourable Mr. Heyward, Colonel Pinckney, Captain Trapier, Mr. Attorney-General, and the Honourable Mr. Edwards, be a Committee to revise the Constitution or form of Government, and to report to the House such alterations or additions as may be expedient to make thereto."
Fish-Kill, October 25
The Committee of Safety of the State of New-York this morning, "On motion, Resolved, That Ebenezer Hazard, Esq., Postmaster, be requested to forward to the Convention or Committee of Safety of this State, as often as he may be able to procure the same, all the publick Newspapers of the States of Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, (printed by Mr. Gaine,) Connecticut, (printed at New-Haven, say New-London,) and Massachusetts, (printed at Boston.) And that Mr. Hazard be requested to procure for the use of the Convention or Committee of Safety of this State, all those Papers heretofore printed, or which may hereafter be printed, and which contains the plans or form of Government, published in the different States of America, and that the Convention or Committee of Safety of this State will provide for the payment of the same."
In the afternoon Mr. James Weeks, an inhabitant of this place, informed the Committee that a certain Philip Dalley had beat and abused his workman in his blacksmith's shop; upon which Dalley "rushed into the Committee-Chamber, without permission, in an insolent manner," owned he had given the workman some strokes with his whip, and declared he would do the like again. The Committee ordered his horses shod without delay, as the publick service may require it, and informed him that they "highly disapprove of and blame his conduct." He was further informed "that the apprehension of the publick service being delayed, alone prevents their ordering him into confinement for his ill conduct and insolence." General Mifflin is to be informed of his behaviour.
Fish-Kill, October 23
In the afternoon of this day, "The Petition of William Watkins, Sam'l Wilson, John Levericke, and John Read, Prisoners and disaffected persons, were severally read. Ordered, To be referred to the Committee of Conspiracies."
Ticonderoga, October 20
Extract of a letter from Ticonderoga, dated October 20, 1776.
"The enemy are in possession of Crown-Point, and we expect they may fancy this ground in a day or two. They must pay a great price for it, however, as we value it highly. Fourteen boats, or birch canoes, with Indians, were just now seen by our guard-boats, five miles from this. We expect an attack every moment; whenever it comes, it will be furious, and the defence obstinate, cruelly obstinate."
Philadelphia, October 28
"Congress, being informed that certain persons were busy in monopolizing and engrossing the articles necessary for the use of the army, with a view to enhance their price, and prevent the army from being supplied, Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to enquire into this matter, and report thereon to Congress." The members chosen were Mr. Wythe, Mr. Gerry, and Mr. Rutledge.
The committee to whom the memorial of Matthew Irwin was referred reported this day, that they have conferred with the Council of Safety of this State, "who say they have some salt, the quantity they cannot ascertain, which they are willing to sell for the use of the army"; whereupon the said committee is to request the Council "to sell to Mr. M. Irwin, for the use of the army, as much salt as they can possibly spare."
One thousand dollars were this day advanced to the committee appointed to engage carpenters to go to head quarters near New York, for the use of the said carpenters, they to be accountable. M. Du Bois has leave, "upon resigning his commission, to return to Martinico." A petition from William Savage, Thomas Corbett, and John Scott, in behalf of William Wilson, was referred to the Marine Committee.
Letters were read from General Schuyler, of the 17th, "together with the report of a court of enquiry appointed to discover what stores were on board the enemy's fleet taken in the river St. Lawrence," which was referred to the Board of Treasury; from General Andrew Lewis, of the 6th, referred to the Board of War; from the Convention of New-York, of the 16th; and from Thomas Cushing, of August last, referred to the Committee for Indian Affairs.
Philadelphia, October 28
The Council of Safety this day directed Mr. Nesbitt to pay Michael Kuhn 5l. 12s. 6d., "for going express to Chester, to summon Judges, &c., of the late election at Chester"; and Mr. Robert Towers 69l. 0s. 2d., "for workmen's wages, making Musket Cartridges, &c."
In the afternoon the Council directed payment to Francis Clark of 150l., "for two hundred Cutlasses delivered to Mr. Towers"; to Captain Samuel Postlethwaite of 175l. 4s., for Muskets, &c., First Battalion, Cumberland County; to Michael Finley of 10l. 5s., for Shot-Pouches for Colonel John Montgomery's Battalion, of Cumberland County; to Captain Zebulon Potts of 63l. 5s., for Arms, &c., to be charged to Colonel Henry Hill; and to Captain J. Kean of 158l. 1s. 2d., for Flints, Arms, &c., for Militia.
Princeton, September 24
To his Excellency WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Esq; Governor, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief in and over the State of New-Jersey, and Territories thereunto belonging, Chancellor and Ordinary in the same,
The ADDRESS of the ASSEMBLY of the said State.
May it please your Excellency,
WHILST we anticipate the blessings of a government founded on freedom, having for its sole object the happiness of the people, it affords the most pleasing reflection that all our measures for attaining that great end are strongly marked with deliberation and firmness, and will bear the strictest scrutiny of reason and conscience. To those disposed to trace the hand of approving Heaven in our deliverance from the galling yoke of slavery, the unparalelled unanimity of the American States in resisting the encroachments of despotism, and refusing the insidious offers of precarious peace—the rejection of our petitions, tho' fraught with unrefuted reasoning and clear demonstration, joined to the infatuated policy of our enemy, and the success of our arms, afford the most unequivocal marks of Providential Agency; whilst our willingness even to relinquish some of our indubitable rights for the sake of peace—our patience under repeated injuries and insults—the declaration of our rights, and consequent independence, long delayed—plainly evince to the impartial world our aversion to shedding human blood. But, compelled by the insatiate plunderers of the east to assert our freedom, we have burst the bands of political slavery, and arisen into a life of liberty. Thus situate, we cannot evince more fully to the world the purity of our intentions, and our sense of the value of our purchase, than by placing in the most conspicuous points of view those Gentlemen who have taken an early and decisive part in our glorious struggle for freedom.
Our conviction of the rectitude of your Excellency's intentions stands confessed, by your appointment to the office of Chief Magistrate of this free State. But whilst we feel our own inadequacy to the business assigned us by our country, we must acknowledge, with your Excellency, that your task is arduous indeed! and intreat you to look up, with us, to the indulgent Parent of the Universe, who, when the end proposed is stamped with his approbation, can make the abilities keep pace with the will.
Convinced, with your Excellency, of the necessity of a well-regulated militia for the defence of a free State, and of their being duly paid for their service, our earliest attention shall be given to that most important business; and permit us, Sir, to assure you, that, whilst we have aught to bestow, the voice of murmuring for services unpaid, or merit unrewarded, shall not be heard in this State.
If, in fixing the seat of government according to the local circumstances and convenience of the various parts of this State, we should appoint a place agreeable to your Excellency, it will double our satisfaction. The law mentioned, and such other salutary regulations as may occur to your Excellency during this session, when communicated to us, shall meet with all due attention.
Your obliging mention of the importance of the station in which the uncorrupted voice of our constituents hath placed us, demands our acknowledgments, and will, we hope, spirit us to such exertions in our duty, as may redound to the benefit of the State: And we assure you, with sincerity, that, laying aside all private attachments and resentment, it shall be our study to cultivate that harmony between the branches of the legislature, that spirit of œconomy, industry and patriotism, so justly recommended, and so essential to the public welfare; and that whilst our heaven-directed Generals and soldiers, with an ardour peculiar to freemen, brave the dangers of well-fought fields, against the lawless sons of rapine and plunder, ours shall be the important task, in conjunction with your Excellency and the Honourable Council, to give our cool deliberations and useful resolves, the most unambiguous marks of that spirit which ought to animate a senate of freemen.
We hope that no situation in life can make us lose sight of that evident truth, so loudly proclaimed in the historic page, that dissoluteness of manners and political corruption are inseparable companions in the destruction of kingdoms; whilst the concurring testimony of the inspired penman will enforce on the most obdurate heart, that righteousness exalteth a nation, but that sin is a reproach to any people. Determined to employ the talents given in procuring, and transmitting inviolate to posterity, the fair inheritance of civil and religious liberty, though bought at the price of life, we will look, for the permanency and stability of our new government, to him who bringeth princes to nothing, and teacheth senators wisdom.
By Order of the House,
House of Assembly, JOHN HART, Speaker.
Sept. 24, 1776.
(To be continued.)
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Just Re-printed, from the London Copy, and now selling by ROBERT BELL, in Third-street, Philadelphia, Price Half a Dollar,
THE Interest and Glory of Great-Britain; containing Arguments which prove, that not only in Taxation, but in Trade, Manufactures, and Government, the Colonies are entitled to an entire Independency on the British Legislature; and that it can only be by a formal Declaration of these Rights, and forming thereupon a friendly League with them, that the true and lasting Welfare of both Countries can be promoted.
In a Series of Letters to the Legislature.
It is not to be hoped, in the corrupt State of Human Nature, that any Nation will be subject to another, any longer than it finds its own Account in it, and cannot help itself. - - - - - - - -
No Creatures suck the Teats of their Dams longer than they can draw Milk from thence, or can provide themselves with better Food; nor will any Country continue their Subjection to another, only because their Great Grand-Mothers were acquainted. This is the Course of human Affairs, and all wise States will always have it before their Eyes. Trenchard on Plantations and Colonies, in Cato's Letters. No. 106.
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THE genuine PRINCIPLES of the ancient SAXON, or ENGLISH CONSTITUTION. Carefully collected from the best Authorities; with some Observations on their peculiar Fitness for the United Colonies in general, and Pennsylvania in particular. By DEMOPHILUS.
All human Constitutions are subject to Corruption, and must perish, unless they are timely renewed by reducing them to their first Principles. SIDNEY.
Where Annual Election ends, Tyranny begins.
HISTORICAL ESSAYS.
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THE FALL of BRITISH TYRANNY: Or, AMERICAN LIBERTY TRIUMPHANT. The first Campaign. A TRAGI-COMEDY of 5 Acts, containing 26 Scenes; amongst which are the following, viz. A pleasing Scene between Roger and Dick, two Shepherds, near Lexington. Clarissa, &c. A very moving Secne, on the Death of Doctor Warren, &c. in a Chamber near Boston, the Morning after the Battle at Bunker's Hill. A humourous Scene, between the Boatswain and a Sailor on board a Man of War, near Norfolk, in Virginia. Two very laughable Scenes, between the Boatswain, two Sailors, and the Cook; exhibiting Specimens of seafaring Oratory, and peculiar Eloquence of those Sons of Neptune, touching Tories, Convicts and Black Regulars, and between Lord Kidnapper and the Boatswain. A very black Scene, between Lord Kidnapper and Major Cudjo. A religious Scene, between Lord Kidnapper, Chaplain and Captain. A Scene, The Lord Mayor, &c. going to St. James's with the Address. A droll Scene, A Council of War in Boston, between Admiral Tombstone, Elbow-Room, Mr. Caper, Clinton, and Earl Percy. A diverting Scene, between a Whig and a Tory. A spirited Scene, between General Prescot and Colonel Allen. A shocking Scene, A Dungeon, between Col. Allen and an Officer of the Guard. Two affecting Scenes, Boston after the Flight of the Regulars from Lexington, between Lord Boston, Messenger and Officer of the Guard. A patriotic Scene in the Camp at Cambridge, between the Generals Washington, Lee, and Putnam, &c. &c. With a Dedication, Preface, Address of the Goddess of Liberty to the Congress. Dramatis Personae Prologue, Epilogue, &c. A Song in Praise of King Tammany, the American Saint. A truly dramatic Performance, interspersed with wit, humour, burlesque, and serious Matter, which cannot fail of affording abundant Entertainment to Readers of every Disposition. The Whole comprised in 73 Pages Octavo, and a new and beautiful Type. Enquire of the PRINTERS.
Philadelphia, July 28, 1776.
TWENTY SHILLINGS REWARD.
RUN AWAY from the subscriber, living in Arch-street, near the corner of Front-street, an apprentice lad, named Daniel Etter, a shoemaker by trade, and a pretty good workman, 19 years of age, about 5 feet 5 inches high, has a fore head, which appears through his hair on close examination, a coarse voice, fair skin, full face, and short thin hair; had on, when he went away, an old hat, bound round the brim, a check shirt, a striped black and white Bengal jacket, lined with brown holland, a pair of new dark blue cloth breeches, one pair of clouded cotton stockings, a pair of pumps, with plated buckles. Whoever takes up the said apprentice lad, and secures him, so that his master may have him again, shall receive the above reward, paid by
GEORGE FITLER.
All masters of vessels are forewarned not to carry him off.
SIXTEEN DOLLARS Reward.
RUN away from the subscriber, living in West Caln township, Chester County, June 13, 1776, two servant men, viz. JAMES DOLAN, a native of Ireland, speaks a little on the brogue, short light-coloured hair and eye-brows, is pitted with the small-pox, about 5 feet 4 or 5 inches high, stout and strong made, aged 22 years: Had on and took with him, a small round hat, a green jacket, lined with red, 1 shirt, and a pair of trowsers; he is barefooted. The other a Mulatto fellow, named FRANK, aged 24 years, 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, stout and strong made, a little bandy-legged: He is well known on the roads, and in Philadelphia; is a native of Portugal, and a slave, but speaks good English: Had on and took with him, a small round hat, a pair of tow trowsers, and a shirt. Whoever takes up and secures said servants in any goal, so that their master may have them again, shall have Eight Dollars for each of them, and reasonable charges, paid by the subscriber, or Mr. Dominick Joyce, in Philadelphia.
JOHN TELLES.
N. B. The white man is a notorious villain, and has attempted to murder his master.
PHILADELPHIA: Printed by Davidson Signal, near the Sign of the Wolf and Bear, at the head of the Valley road.
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