Price Three Coppers. Published every Day, Sunday excepted.
Containing the Freshest Accounts, however long upon the Road.
Extract of a letter from White-Plains, dated October 28, 1776, at two o'clock, P.M.
I have only time to acquaint you that since my arrival at the American camp, we have had several very successful skirmishes with the enemy, in which the latter have lost several hundred men, in killed and prisoners. Thirteen Waldeckers, seven Britons, and two Tories, were yesterday taken prisoners, and brought in to Head-Quarters.
This day, about ten o'clock, the enemy advanced towards our lines, in full view of Head-Quarters, while a large body approached to the right. The first were soon dispersed by our Artillery. The latter attacked several of our regiments on the right, when a warm engagement began, and now continues with great fury. To-morrow, it is probable, will produce a general battle.
Colonel Smallwood is just come in, wounded in the arm and hip, but not dangerously.
I must not omit mentioning that the enemy made an unsuccessful attempt against our lines at Harlem yesterday.
P.S. The post being detained by desire of the General, gives me an opportunity (with a wooden pen, on a drum head) to acquaint you that the part of our army which was engaged to-day was a brigade commanded by General McDougall, composed of Webb's, Ritzema's, Smallwood's, Haslet's, and Brooks's regiments. Ritzema's and Smallwood's suffered most on this occasion, sustaining with great patience and coolness a long and heavy fire, and finally retreated with great sullenness, being obliged to give way to a superiour force.
The British army and auxiliaries are now encamped about one mile off our lines, and make a formidable appearance; but, from the spirit and temper of our troops, I augur well of the event of another attack, which it is expected will commence to-morrow morning.
Head-Quarters, White Plains, October 29.
Among the General Orders of this day are the following:
John Eustace, Esq., appointed Aid-de-Camp to General Lee; and Adjutant Bradford, of Colonel Hitchcock's Regiment, is appointed temporary Aid-de-Camp.
The representation made of Colonel Webb's Regiment, yesterday, by General McDougall, appearing to be a mistake, and that they kept the post assigned them, notwithstanding a severe cannonade, the General takes the first opportunity to make it known, to prevent any unfavourable impression.
Alexander Scammell, Esq., appointed Assistant to the Adjutant-General for General Lee's Division.
Fish-Kill, October 29
The Committee of Safety of this State, in a letter of this day to Robert Yates, Esq., Chairman of the Committee of Convention at Albany, write that they have "now in custody near two hundred and twenty dangerous and disaffected persons, whom we propose removing to Exeter, in the State of New-Hampshire. A detachment of seventy-six persons of this stamp was sent off a few days ago."
The same day Henry Schenck, Esq., was empowered to purchase up Wheat for the use of the Continental Army, and to have it manufactured into Flour; and it was "Resolved, That the names of all persons who shall refuse to part with their Wheat at a reasonable rate be forthwith returned to the Committee of Safety or to the Convention of this State, in order that proper measures may be devised for preventing the publick interest from being sacrificed to the perverseness, disaffection, or avarice of individuals." The Coopers in the Counties of Dutchess, Westchester, Orange, Ulster, Albany, Tryon, and Charlotte, are exempted from all Militia duty for two months, provided they are employed in making Flour, Beef, and Pork Barrels.
John Canfield, Esq., Adjutant to a Regiment of Light-Horse from Connecticut, having produced bills for the board of part of the Regiment, "charged at very different rates," the Committee "fixed the following regulation of prices for the payment of those accounts: viz: 1s. 6d. per day for each man for boarding, lodging, diet, &c.; 9d. for each horse per day, and 3s. per bushel for oats."
Ticonderoga, October 16
In the General Orders of the Northern Army, given at Head-Quarters this day:
At a General Court of the Line, of which Brigadier-General St. Clair was President, Captains Jonathan and John Fassett, Lieutenant Rufus Perry, Jonathan Wright, and Matthew Lyon, were tried for deserting their post on Onion river, without being attacked or forced by the enemy, and without orders.
The Court having duly considered the evidences for and against the prisoners, are of opinion that Captain Jonathan Fassett, Captain John Fassett, Lieutenant Jonathan Wright, and Matthew Lyon, are guilty of deserting their post without orders, or without being attacked or forced by the enemy; and that they are also, with Lieutenant Rufus Perry, guilty of a breach of the sixth article of war, and do adjudge that the said Jonathan Fassett and John Fassett, Lieutenant Wright, and Lieutenant Rufus Perry, and Lieutenant Matthew Lyon, be cashiered, forfeit all their pay, (to be appropriated towards making good the damages sustained by the inhabitants on Onion river on account of their unsoldierlike retreat,) and that they be, and that each of them are, hereby declared to be incapable of ever hereafter holding any military commissions or employments in the service of the United States of America, and that their names and crimes be published in the newspapers.
The General approved the sentence, and ordered it, as it relates to the officers, to take place immediately.
Philadelphia, November 1
Congress this day took into consideration the report of the committee on the ways and means of supplying the treasury; whereupon, "Resolved, That a sum of money be raised by way of a lottery, for defraying the expences of the next campaign, the lottery to be drawn in the city of Philadelphia: That the committee who brought in the report, be directed to prepare the plan of a lottery, to fix the number of managers, and the security by them to be given, and report to Congress." The remainder of the report is postponed till to-morrow; and the Board of Treasury are directed to lay before Congress, "once every week, an account of what part of the last emission of money remains unexpended."
Three thousand dollars are ordered paid to Adam Bonfield, on a draught of Mr. Trumbull's, deputy pay master general in the northern department, dated at Albany, 15 October, and as much advanced to the delegates of Georgia, for the use of that state; commissions are to be granted to fill up the vacancies in the 4th, 5th and 6th Virginia batallions, "agreeable to the list given in to the Board of War by General Stephen;" and a petition from sundry ship joiners is referred to the Marine Committee.
Philadelphia, November 1
At the Council of Safety this day, present Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, and others, it was "Resolved, That Herculas Courtney be appointed to the rank of Captain-Lieutenant in the Second Company of Artillery, in the service of this State."
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay George Spangler 2l. 17s. 6d., "for two days' riding into Chester County, to summons some of the Inspectors, &c., of an election held in said County;" and an Order was drawn on him "in favour of James Forrest, for his nephew James Shanks, and a servant, being for three months' Subsistence, from 19 September last to 19 December next, allowed them agreeable to a resolve of Congress, 22l. 10s.; to be charged to Congress." Orders were drawn besides for Captain William Brown, 100l., John Mitchel, 1,500l., Major Thomas Proctor, 187l. 10s., and Arthur Donaldson, 500l., each to be charged to his Account; and Mr. Towers is to deliver Captain William Richards "all the Canvas in his possession belonging to this State."
Massachusetts-Bay, October 26
On the petition of Miles Greenwood, of Salem, who, with Joseph White, Ichabod Nichols, and Jonathan Ingersoll, hath fitted for sea "a private sloop of war called the Revenge, burthen ninety tons," the Council have ordered a commission to Benjamin Dean as her Commander, "he complying with the resolves of Congress."
"Resolved, That Henry Gardner, Esq., the Treasurer of this State, be and he is hereby directed to exchange one hundred and twenty pounds of Silver or Gold from the publick Treasury, for the same sum he may receive from Mr. Levi Allen in paper Bills of Credit of any of the United States, agreeable to the request of said Allen."
Charles-Town, (South-Carolina) October 16.
Mr. Neufville this day reported to the General Assembly from the Committee on the ways and means of supplying the Treasury in the recess of the House, and how the moneys that have been counterfeited may best be called in; and the Report, being amended, was agreed to in the following words:
"That it is their opinion, and they therefore recommend, that one hundred and thirty thousand Pounds be emitted in bills of one to ten dollars, which, with the emissions of Congress, will make an even sum of two millions; and that the Commissioners of the Treasury be authorized and empowered, when they shall be so ordered to do by the President, with the advice of the Privy Council, to obtain on loan from any persons or bodies corporate disposed to lend the same, such sums as the exigencies of the State may require, not exceeding the sum of five hundred thousand pounds currency, and to pay interest for the same at the rate of six per centum per annum. That a Message be sent to the President to desire that he will issue his Proclamation, ordering and requiring all Magistrates to be vigilant and attentive in causing to be apprehended and sent to Jail, for due trial, every person who shall be accused of counterfeiting or uttering, knowing them to be counterfeit, the certificates issued by the late Houses of Assembly or the Continental or Colonial currency, which hath been already or shall be hereafter issued."
Charlestown, October 17
"We are well informed, that the Men of War have left North Carolina, and gone to New York. Previous to their Departure, they burnt the Cruizer, being unfit for Service, and several Prize Vessels. It is more than probable, that there is not at present one British Ship of War on any Part of the American Coast between Pennsylvania and East Florida."
The Essay headed, In the Day of Adversity consider, concluded from our last.
After so clear a demonstration of popular infatuation, the last mentioned gentleman spoke but little more, and did not appear on the next morning, to which the meeting was adjourned.
On the fourth article, "That the said constitution unnecessarily deviates from all resemblance to the former government of this State, to which the people have been accustomed, Messrs. M—k and C—n observed that in a government founded on charters from two sovereigns, it was hard to find many articles which could serve as copies for sections of a constitution framed on the authority of the people only. And that too many members of the Convention had a most just and inveterate abhorrence to that wretched jumble of regal and proprietary domination to wish to rake into it for any materials they needed. However the people who composed that meeting passed the resolution, as they did every one that was read to them, without the least alteration.
At the Tuesday meeting, understanding that the absurdity of swearing to support a government that 'should be made' by an Assembly they should instruct for the purpose was too glaring, they expunged that article and did not put it to vote.
The large and respectable meeting, of between two and three hundred persons convened for the patriotic purpose of overthrowing the constitution, then resolved that their judicious resolutions should be affectionately recommended to their fellow-citizens in every part of the State of Pennsylvania, and some persons were accordingly dispatched with them.
How clear these Ambassadors will steer of 'kingly' and 'proprietary' votaries in their present tour is not quite evident to persons who observe a wonderful softness of disposition lately, where there was heretofore the most profound contempt on one side, and as hearty resentment on the other.
Nothing less than dementition, or a total inattention to the probable consequences of so dangerous a measure, could ever have led a number of honest and worthy men to patronize so pernicious an experiment. Could they consider a moment the behaviour of our common enemies on the occasion, they could not fail to draw instruction from it. They know well the consequences of suffering the legislature to amend constitutions. They have seen the effects of it, in the several changes of the condition of the people in Europe. A little reading would inform us that the slavery and misery of every State that ever lost its liberty was the consequence of people's negligence in this very point. A point of more importance than all the words in my power will ever be able to communicate.
To conclude, fellow-citizens, be advised by a person who can have no interest in deceiving you, to hold fast your constitution as the sure hope of your political salvation. 'Tis time enough to have it amended when experience and cool reflection on all the arguments that can be offered for and against it can ripen your judgments for so weighty an affair. At present you are sensible the opposers of your free government have mightily and very rudely troubled the waters, and if you do not find they aim to fish advantages to themselves out of the public disquiet, never again give credit to.
CONSIDERATION.
Entered in. No entries are come from the office this day.
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THE TRUSTEES of the SOCIETY for promoting Learning amongst the Baptist Churches, are desired to meet, at the Baptist Meeting-House, in Philadelphia, on Wednesday, the 13th Day of November next, at Two o' Clock in the Afternoon, to consider of some Matters of Importance.
October 28, 1776. WILLIAM BALL, Clerk.
THREE DOLLARS Reward.
RUN away from the subscriber, living in Salisbury township, Lancaster county, the 25th of June last, an indented servant man, named James Porter, about 18 years of age, 5 feet 8 inches high, slim made, has fair hair, something freckled in the face, is a great sleeper and slovenly fellow; took no clothes with him but a tow shirt and trowsers. Whoever takes up said servant, and secures him, so as his master may have him again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges if brought home, paid by
WILLIAM BRISBEN.
FOUR DOLLARS Reward.
RUN away from the subscriber, June 18, 1776, a servant Girl, named Mary Allen, of a middle size, straight and well made, freckled in the face and arms, grey eyes, dark brown hair, a gauze cap, raised with a roller, an old straw hat, black mittens on her arms, a calicoe short gown, a dirty coloured lincey petticoat, a red under ditto, high heeled calf-skin shoes, white cotton stockings; says she was born in England, and brought to Cæcil county, Maryland, at 12 years of age, where she served her time; she afterwards went to Philadelphia and was put in goal on suspicion, but nothing proved against her, and she was sold to the subscriber for her cost. Whoever secures said servant in any goal, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges, if brought to JOSEPH PARK, in Sadsbury township, Chester county
CAME to the house of the subscriber, in Springfield township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, some time in September last, a NEGROE LAD, who says his name was JAMES, and that he ran away from his master in Virginia, to Dunmore, and that his master's name is Samuel Morgan.--- His master is desired to come, prove his property, pay charges, and take him away.
WILLIAM BRYAN.
September 10, 1776.
SEVENTY-TWO DOLLARS REWARD.
DESERTED from Captain Thomas Hanson's company, of the Maryland Flying-Camp Battalion, commanded by Col. Thomas Ewing, the following men, viz. Whorton Qualls, 21 years of age, 6 feet 1 inch high, wears his hair, and has a very swarthy complexion. William Coxe, 19 years of age, 5 feet 11 inches high, florid complexion. Henry Mudd, 24 years of age, 5 feet 6 inches high, dark complexion. Michael Notier, about 35 years of age, 5 feet 8 inches high. William Waple, about 23 years of age, 5 feet 8 inches high. John Carroll, 21 years of age, 5 feet 10 inches high. Patrick Duffield, 24 years of age, 5 feet 6 inches high. Ignatius Adams, 20 years of age, 5 feet 7 inches high. Johnson M'Coy, 20 years of age, 6 feet high. Thomas Goley, 24 years of age, 5 feet 5 inches high. John Howard, 21 years of age, 5 feet 8 inches high. William Ward, 19 years of age, about 5 feet 7 inches high. Whoever takes up the said Deserters, and secures them in any goal, or returns them to the said Battalion, shall have the above reward, or Six Dollars for any one of them. Those men were all inlisted in Charles county, and it is probable they will attempt to return to their respective homes.
T. HANSON.
Perth-Amboy, September 24, 1776.
DESERTED from Captain John Jamison's company, of Col. Hart's battalion, Haycock township, Bucks county, George Stinor, about 5 feet 6 inches high, about 30 years of age, of a swarthy complexion; had on, when he went away, an old hat, tow shirt and trowsers, and took with him a white great coat. Whoever fetches the said George Stinor to Amboy, shall have EIGHT DOLLARS reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
Captain JOHN JAMISON.
SIXTEEN DOLLARS Reward.
WAS STOLEN from the subscriber, living in Greenwich township, Sussex county, New-Jersey, near Easton, out of his pasture, on Friday night, the 6th of September inst. a black HORSE, with a small star in his forehead, has some white under his belly, which he got by a hurt jumping fences, he is 5 years old, 14 hands high, or something better, in good order, a natural trotter, but has been learnt to go a sort of a shuffling travel, he gallops well, shod before, a short switch tail, lately trimmed by his ears. Whoever takes up said horse and thief, shall have the above reward, or Eight Dollars for the horse, and all reasonable charges, paid by
THOMAS BARBER.
October 21, 1776.
FIVE POUNDS REWARD.
STRAYED or STOLEN, but supposed to be stolen, off the plantation of Benjamin Landes, 3 miles from Lancaster, in the night of the 18th instant, a sorrel MARE, 6 years old next spring, trots and paces, is branded B. L. has 3 white feet, and a bald face; one of her teeth is turned out a good deal, on account of the old ones. Whoever takes up said mare, and brings her to Benjamin Landes, or secures her, so that the owner may get her again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
JOHN WEAVER.
New-Britain, Bucks county, Sept. 14, 1776.
WHEREAS a certain GEORGE CUNGLE, of the aforesaid township, in the year 1774, obtained from the subscriber, two Promissory Notes, one of them for Four Pounds, payable the 27th of November last, the other for the like sum of Four Pounds, payable the 27th of May last. This is to caution the Public, not to take any Assignment of the said Notes, or either of them, the Subscriber never having had any consideration or value for said Notes, and therefore will not pay them, unless compelled thereto by law. Witness my hand the day and year abovesaid.
PETER STEPHEN.
PHILADELPHIA: Printed by Davidson Signal, near the Sign of the Wolf and Bear, at the head of the Valley road.
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