The New America Times

From the Southward

Annapolis, October 30

John Rogers, Esquire, having resigned his commission as Judge of the Court of Admiralty, the Convention of Maryland this day appointed Benjamin Nicholson, Esquire, in his stead; and empowered the Council of Safety to write to their agents in the foreign West-Indies for warlike stores before ordered, to the amount of twenty-five thousand pounds, currency, "to be paid for in paper money by drafts on the Treasury here, instead of exporting country produce to that value."

In the afternoon the Convention, having sat in a Committee of the Whole on that part of the Constitution of Virginia which was referred to their consideration, agreed to the following:

Resolved unanimously, That it is the opinion of this Convention that the State of Virginia hath not any right or title to any of the territory, bays, rivers, or waters, included in the charter granted by his Majesty Charles the First to Caecilius Calvert, Baron of Baltimore.

Resolved unanimously, That it is the opinion of this Convention that the sole and exclusive jurisdiction over the territory, bays, rivers, and waters, included in the said charter, belongs to this State; and that the river Patowmack, and almost the whole of the river Pocomoke, being comprehended in the said charter, the sole and exclusive jurisdiction over the said river Patowmack, and also over such part of the river Pocomoke as is comprehended in the said charter, belongs to this State; and that the river Patowmack and that part of Chesapeake Bay which lies between the Capes and the south boundary of this State, and so much thereof as is necessary to the navigation of the rivers Patowmack and Pocomoke, ought to be considered as a common highway, free for the people of both States, without being subject to any duty, burthens, or charge, as hath been heretofore accustomed.

Resolved unanimously, That it is the opinion of this Convention, that the very extensive claim of the State of Virginia to the back lands hath no foundation in justice, and that if the same or any like claim is admitted, the freedom of the smaller States and the liberties of America may be thereby greatly endangered; this Convention being firmly persuaded, that if the dominion over those lands should be established by the blood and treasure of the United States, such lands ought to be considered as a common stock, to be parcelled out at proper times into convenient, free and independent Governments.

The Convention then sat again in a Committee of the Whole on the Declaration of Rights and form of Government, which came to several resolutions thereon, reported "as the Declaration of Rights," but, not having had time to go through the form of Government, asked leave to sit again. The suits depending in the March and August courts of St. Mary's and Charles Counties are revived and continued to the next November courts.

Annapolis, October 31

The Convention took into consideration the report of the Declaration of Rights. On motion of Mr. S. Chase, the question was put, that instead of the sixth article the following be substituted, "That the legislative, executive, and judicial powers of Government, or any two of them, ought not to be vested in the same man or body of men"; carried in the negative, and the sixth article concurred with. On motion of Mr. Fitzhugh, that the latter part of the thirteenth article, "yet fines, duties, or taxes may properly and justly be imposed or laid with a political view, for the good government and benefit of the community," be struck out, carried in the negative. In the afternoon, on motion of Mr. Earle, that in the nineteenth article the words "or affirmation" be inserted after the word "oath," carried in the negative. The form of Government was referred till to-morrow.

Williamsburg, October 31

The soldiers of the different regiments in this State who have been indulged with furloughs for the recovery of their health, are ordered to repair to this place without loss of time. Those who abuse the indulgence given them, by not returning as soon as able to do duty, may expect to be treated as deserters.

ANDREW LEWIS, Brigadier-General.

The Northern Department

Ticonderoga, October 27

Extract of a letter from Ticonderoga, dated October 27, 1776.

Last Monday, a party of the Indians came across two soldiers bringing, in a hammock, a wounded soldier who received his wound in the engagement of our fleet. The Indians surprised them within three miles of our camp, and took the two able men prisoners, tomahawked the wounded man, and left the tomahawk in his hand; since which the two prisoners have been sent back by Governour Carleton, who examined them concerning our army; but, as the men were very ignorant, I believe got but little satisfaction on that head. He swore them not to take up arms against his Majesty again, and supplied them four days' provisions, and sent them back, informing them, at the same time, that he should soon drive the Rebels from their lines, and should have done it before, but was waiting with an expectation that we should be wise enough to lay down our arms, and deliver ourselves to the mercy of his Majesty. Simple man! to think that such gasconade would have any effect to intimidate the minds of the brave Americans.

The Army at New-York

White Plains, November 1

Extract of a letter dated White-Plains, November 1, 1776.

On the 31st ultimo it was thought that the enemy had near finished four or five batteries, which they had erected against us; and as our ground near the centre of the town at White-Plains was not good, being overlooked by neighbouring hills, the Generals last night drew off most of the troops from the lines there, and this morning the guards and sentries burned the town and forage all around it, and came off about nine o'clock. We had carried off all our stores and planted our artillery on the hills about a mile and an half off the centre of the town. The enemy advanced in the forenoon on to the ground we left, and as soon as they came over the hill, we saluted them with our cannon and field-pieces; and they advanced no farther. Our sick and wounded are sent out eight or ten miles. Our men are in good spirits, and, with much patience, endure great hardships and fatigue. I believe the main body of the enemy lie off against us, and that they have formed no lines across the country as yet, below us. Their Light-Horse may possibly scour across as far as the river, but how that is I cannot determine. All things seem to be quiet at Fort Washington.

Head-Quarters, White Plains, November 1.

The General Orders of this day begin:

Peter Buise, under sentence of death, and to be executed this day, is reprieved until Monday, eleven o'clock.

The General Court-Martial whereof General McDougall is President is to sit to-morrow for the trial of Colonel Graham. The General hopes that officers of all ranks will correct the abuses of straggling and plundering, the taking up of horses, the loading of the teams with heavy lumber, and firing in camp: "all heavy chests, tables, chairs, and other lumber" are to be left, or be thrown off the wagons, and the offender who fires in camp is to have ten lashes on the spot. The orders close:

A relief having come for the Light-Horse under Major Backus, that corps is now dismissed, with the General's hearty thanks for their faithful services, and the cheerfulness and alacrity they have shown upon all occasions.

Head-Quarters, White Plains, November 2.

In the General Orders of this day:

The General expressly forbids any person or soldier belonging to the Army, to set fire to any house or barn, on any pretence, without a special order from some General Officer.

In Congress

Philadelphia, November 4

The Honorable Matthew Thornton, Esq., a delegate from New-Hampshire, this day attended, and produced his credentials, a vote of the House of Representatives of that State of the 12th of September, appointing him a Delegate "for one year next ensuing." Letters from R. H. Harrison, General Washington's secretary, from R. Stockton and G. Clymer, from General Schuyler, dated Saratoga, and from G. Mason, chairman of the committee of Fairfax county, in Virginia, were read and referred to the Board of War. After which:

Whereas it is manifest, that unless effectual measures are immediately taken for re-inlisting the army, the safety of the states may be greatly endangered;

Resolved, That the president be desired to write to the commander in chief and inform him that if, upon receipt of this resolution, commissioners from the respective states, for the purpose of appointing officers, shall not have arrived, he is then, after consulting and advising with such of his generals as he can conveniently call together, immediately to grant warrants to such of the officers from the respective states, who have not commissioners present authorized as aforesaid, as he shall think deserving of commissions:

That the officers so to be appointed proceed with the utmost expedition, to recruit their regiments to their full complement:

That commissions be sent to General Washington as soon as possible, to be given to such officers as he shall appoint by warrant, in consequence of the foregoing resolution:

That the commander in chief be desired to take such steps as he shall think most proper for continuing the militia now in camp.

That, for this purpose, he write to such of the states as now have militia in the government of New York, requesting their assistance in this business; and that he farther be desired to apply to the neighbouring states for such additional aid as he may require;

That a letter to the same import be written to General Schuyler.

Some of the marines in the barracks being sick, Doct. Rush is desired "to take them under his care, and see them properly provided for"; and the waggon master general is directed to take charge of the horses belonging to the Continent, and prepare them for service.

In Council of Safety

Philadelphia, November 4

At the Council of Safety this day, present Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, and others:

Commodore Seymour informed the Board that the Commanders of the Continental vessels the Wasp and the Fly, had received and detained divers men belonging to the Armed Boats of this State, and declare their intentions of receiving and detaining as many more of the said men as they shall be able to obtain: Therefore,

Resolved, That Commodore Seymour be directed to apply to the Board of War, (or to the Marine Committee if they are now sitting,) and inform them of this circumstance, and request an order for the return of the men belonging to our Boats; which, from the justice of the request, this Board have the strongest confidence will be immediately granted.

Colonel Timothy Matlack reports that he has paid to John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, nineteen thousand four hundred and ninety dollars, agreeable to the order of the Board. Mr. Nesbitt is directed to pay Major Thomas Proctor 1,000 dollars, Doct. Geo. Glentworth 3l. 1s. 9d. "for attending a sick Soldier belonging to Colonel Miles's Battalion," and Daniel Stonemats 39l. 9s. for tubs, &c., delivered to Major Loxley for the Cannon Foundry.

Convention of New-York

Fish-Kill, November 2

At the Committee of Safety of this day, a letter from Jacob Odell was read, and the Treasurer was ordered to pay Abraham Odell 38l. 13s., in full for Jacob Odell's account. The Committee were informed by Mr. Robert Harper "that the Soldiers want Shoes," and a letter was approved to the three Brigadier-Generals of the State, asking whether it is necessary to send clothing for their troops to the Army at this time, and by what route. Mr. Wisner, having engaged men on the roads "at four shillings per day each for a fortnight longer, they maintaining themselves," is to be paid 300l. "to repair the Roads in Orange County leading to the American Army."

In the afternoon a memorial of William McNeal was read, setting forth "that Colonel Dirck Brinckerhoff has taken from the store of Peter Bogardus thirty bushels of Salt belonging to the memorialist, which he detains," and was referred to the County Committee of Dutchess County, "to hear and determine thereon."

From the Eastward

Watertown, October 29

The General Court of Massachusetts-Bay, several Members of the House and Council "whose attendance is absolutely necessary at the General Court" being bound to attend the Superiour Court of Judicature, Court of Assize, and General Jail Delivery, has this day resolved that the Court to be held at Cambridge for the County of Middlesex be adjourned to the second Tuesday in February, and the Court to be held at Salem for the County of Essex on the first Tuesday of November to the first Tuesday of February; and that "all persons summoned or bound by recognizance to appear at said Court on said first Tuesday of November, shall be held to appear and answer on said first Tuesday of February."

Abraham Walker and Isaiah Walker, of Marshfield, taken prisoners at the Light-House near Boston in July, 1775, and confined at Springfield since, having petitioned the Council, being "both by profession Quakers," who "by our profession mean not to take arms on neither side during the present struggle," the following order was this day read and accepted:

Ordered, That Abraham Walker and Isaiah Walker be and hereby are discharged from their confinement in the Jail in Springfield, in the County of Hampshire, upon their giving bonds, with two sufficient sureties, to the Treasurer of this State, in the sum of one hundred pounds each, that they will not hold any correspondence with the enemies of the United States of America, or do or say any thing contrary to the resolves or orders of the honourable American Congress, or the laws or resolves of this State.

Advertisements

Deer-Creek, Harford County, Maryland, May 27, 1776.

FIFTY DOLLARS Reward.

RUN away from the subscriber, on the 27th instant May, 3 convict servants, one named John Mahony, alias Nonon, a native of Ireland, speaks a little on the brogue, short light coloured hair and eye-brows, pitted with the small-pox, about 5 feet 10 inches high, stout and well made, aged abuut 23 years; had on, and took with him, an old small beaver hat, a lightish coloured jacket, tow shirt, old green knit breeches, yarn stockings, country made shoes, with steel buckles. Thomas Jones, alias William Griffith, a Welshman, about 5 feet 8 inches high, aged 25 years, black hair, sore eyes, speaks upon the Welsh dialect, not very easy to be understood by a stranger, a dirty white coloured coat and red jacket, having 3 or 4 buttons off the bottom, good buckskin breeches, tow shirt and trowsers, also stockings, shoes, and odd brass buckles. James Kay, born in Ireland, aged abuut 23 years, about 5 feet 7 inches high, brown hair, a hat (what sort unknown) a brown broadcloth coat and jacket, almost new, a fine shirt, also a tow ditto and trowsers, blue stockings, and half-worn shoes, with buckles in them. It is probable they may have passes, and change their names and dress, as they took other clothes with them. Whoever takes up and secures said servants, if 20 miles from home, shall have Ten Dollars; if 50 miles, Twenty Dollars; if 100 miles, Thirty Dollars; and if 200 miles, the above reward, including what the law allows, paid by WILLIAM WEBB.

\.\ It is supposed they will try to make for the ministerial army.

York Island, October 9, 1776.

FORTY DOLLARS Reward.

DESERTED from my company, of Col. William Richardson's battalion of the Flying Camp, Sept. 19, 1776, the following persons, viz. Simon Gibney, about 5 feet 7½ inches high, by trade a baker, of a dark complexion, and black curled hair; a quiet fellow. John Duffey, a well set fellow, 5 feet 6 inches high; had on a short green jacket, made sailor fashion, pretty talkative, full faced, and pretty fresh coloured. Edward Gallanough, 5 feet 6 inches high, dark curled hair, much pitted with the small-pox. James Quigley, a down looking fellow, of a sandy complexion, 5 feet 10 inches high, much pitted with the small-pox; had on a hunting shirt. Samuel Painter, a little man, 5 feet 4 inches high, about 35 years of age, short curled hair, dark brown mixed with grey. The above deserters have all received two months pay. Any person or persons securing said deserters and sending them to my company, now on York Island, near Head Quarters, shall receive the above reward, or EIGHT DOLLARS for either of them, paid by

WALTER ALEXANDER, Captain.

FIFTEEN DOLLARS REWARD.

STOLEN out of the pasture of the subscriber, living in Hardiston, Sussex county, in New-Jersey, on the night of the 28th of September last, a dark bay horse (with saddle and bridle) near 14 hands high, branded on the near fore shoulder D, has a bald face, and 3 white feet, is 7 years old. Supposed to be stolen by a certain person who called his name John Cooper, but it is very probable that he will change his name, as he has since called it John Huffman; had on, when he went away, a check woollen shirt, over a white linen shirt, and a double breasted under jacket; he stole a blue and white mixed coloured coat, but it is likely that he will change his clothes; he is about 5 feet 8 inches high, of a dark complexion, and black hair, a middling well built fellow, has a down look, and has had the small-pox, has a scar above his left eye, he is of a Dutch descent, and can speak both Dutch and English. Whoever takes up said thief and horse, and secures them, so that the owner may have his horse, and the thief brought to justice, shall receive the above reward, or Ten Dollars for the horse only, and all reasonable charges, paid by

PETER MARTIN.

CAME to the plantation of the subscriber, in Oxford township, Philadelphia county, on the 12th of August last a black COW, with white in her face. The owner is desired to come, prove his property, pay charges, and take her away.

JOSEPH YATES.