{"1": {"fulltext": "", "height": "3130", "width": "2011", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0001.jp2"}, "2": {"fulltext": "Class.\\nBook\\nfi^a\\n_tiSi", "height": "3206", "width": "2087", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0002.jp2"}, "3": {"fulltext": "", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0003.jp2"}, "4": {"fulltext": "I", "height": "3206", "width": "2087", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0004.jp2"}, "5": {"fulltext": "SELECTIONS\\nFROM THE\\nCOREESPOIDENCE\\nEXECUTIVE OF M\u00c2\u00a5 JERSEY,\\nFROM 1776 TO 1786.\\nrUBIilSHED BV ORDER OF THE LEGISLATURE.\\nNEWARK, N. J.\\nPRINTED AT THE NEWARK DAILY ADVERTISER OFFICE.\\n1848.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0005.jp2"}, "6": {"fulltext": "V\\n4-", "height": "3206", "width": "2087", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0006.jp2"}, "7": {"fulltext": "STATE OF NEW JERSEY.\\nBe it Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the Stale of\\nNew Jersey. Sec. 1. That the Govemor, Secretary of State, and\\nCommittee on Education of the House of Assembly be authoiizecl to\\ncause to be published at the expense of the State, such numl)er of\\ncopies as they may deem proper of all manusciipts, letters, and other\\nmatters now m the State Library or office of the Secretary of State,\\nas they may select. That they also be authorized to have said copies\\nneatly bound, and deposited with the Treasurer of this State, to be\\ndisposed of as may hereafter be directed by law.\\nSec. 2. And be it enacted. That the Treasurer be authorized to\\npay on warrant of the Governor, the expense mcurred in carrying the\\nforegoing resolution into effect.\\nApproved, March 9, 1848.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0007.jp2"}, "8": {"fulltext": "COMMITTEE:\\nHon. DANIEL HAINES. Governor.\\nCHARLES G. McCHESNEY, Secretary of State.\\nJ. G. GOBLE, Chairman, -v\\nWM. W. BENNET,\\nOLIVER S. STRONG. K Committee on Education.\\nM. F. CARMAN,\\nJ. ACKERMAN, J", "height": "3212", "width": "2026", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0008.jp2"}, "9": {"fulltext": "PRE F AC E.\\nIt is in state papers and among public records, that\\nwe must seek for the facts of history. From these, the\\nhistorian draws those materials which he combines and\\narranges, until under his hand, they assume the shape\\nof a narrative, at once systematic, truthful and at-\\ntractive.\\nThe American Revolution is one of the most inte-\\nresting and important events which can occupy the\\nattention of a reflecting mind, whether we consider its\\nmore immediate or its ultimate and probable results;\\nwhether we view it as giving existence to a great\\nRepubUc of unparalleled extent and rapid increase, or\\ndirect our thoughts to the influence which that republic,\\nits free institutions, and its bold example, are now ex-\\nerting, and are destined still further to exert, upon the\\npolitical and social condition of the other nations of the\\nworld.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0009.jp2"}, "10": {"fulltext": "11 PREFACE.\\nIt is well known that the State of New Jersey was\\nemphatically the battle-ground of the Revolution none\\nof the immortal thirteen maintained a more promi-\\nnent position, or performed a greater amount of public\\nduty, during that memorable era. It follows, therefore,\\nthat the Correspondence of the Executive, and other\\nsimilar documents which have survived the Revolution,\\nare pecuharly interesting. In consequence of the per-\\nishable nature of these manuscripts, and the loss and\\ninjury to which, from various causes, they are necessa-\\nrily exposed in their present situation, the Legislature\\nof the State have deemed it expedient to take measures\\nto preserve what remained of these valuable records,\\nand to collect and arrange them in such a manner, as\\nto render them accessible and useful to the student of\\nour revolutionary history. By a resolution of both\\nHouses, which received the approval of the Governor,\\nat the last session of the Legislature, it was provided,\\nthat the Governor, Secretary of State, and Committee\\non Education of the House of Assembly, be authorized\\nto cause to be published at the expense of the State,\\nsuch number of copies as they may deem proper, of all\\nmanuscripts, letters, and other matters, now in the State\\nLibrary, or office of the Secretary of State, as they\\nmay select. That they also be authorized to have said\\ncopies neatly bound, and deposited with the Treasurer\\nof this State, to be disposed of as may hereafter be\\ndirected by law. Under this resolution of the Legisla-\\nture, an examination of the manuscripts in question\\nhas been made. Upon such examination, a consider-", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0010.jp2"}, "11": {"fulltext": "PREFACE. m\\nerable number of the manuscripts were found to be\\nof a private nature, and these it was not thought\\nworth while to pubhsh. They would only swell the\\nsize of the volume, without materially increasing its\\nvalue.\\nThe Executive Correspondence of this State during\\nthe Revolutionary War, was very extensive and vo-\\nluminous but the frequent changes of the seat of\\ngovernment, and the many accidents and disasters\\nnecessarily connected with such a warfare as that of\\nwhich our State was the principal theatre, have scat-\\ntered many of the papers. Not a few of them are\\nlost: and of those which remain, some of them are mu-\\ntilated and defaced, partly because they have not been\\nkept with proper care, and partly from the disposition\\noccasionally evinced by those who have inspected these\\nprecious remains of the past, to appropriate to them-\\nselves certain portions of the manuscripts as relics of\\nthe men and events of revolutionary times. In their\\npresent condition, however, these papers, though in\\nmany instances disconnected and imperfect, so as not\\nto form a continuous chain of public documents, (for\\nmany links are wanting,) nevertheless contain much\\nvaluable information, and will be found amply to repay\\nthe perusal of any one to whom the incidents of the\\nrevolutionary war, the efforts, the sacrifices, and the\\nprivations of a patriot ancestry, in their successful\\nstruggle for the rights of freemen, furnish matter for\\ninteresting investigation, grateful emotion, and improv-\\ning reflection. This volume, therefore, is given to the", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0011.jp2"}, "12": {"fulltext": "IV PREFACE.\\nworld in the hope that its contents will not be found\\nwholly to disappoint public expectation, either in the\\nhistorical importance of the documents themselves, or\\nthe degree of care taken in their selection and arrange-\\nment for the press.\\nNewark, Dec. 28, 1848.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0012.jp2"}, "13": {"fulltext": "CONTENTS.\\nJ- 7b. PAGE.\\nFebruary 21. John Smyth, Treasurer of the Province of East\\nJersey, to Samuel Tucker, President of Provincial Congress\\nRelating to his continuance in office, 1\\nFebruary 22. Same to the same, 2\\nFebrua7-y 26. Same to the same, 3\\nMarch 26. Resolves of the Committee of Safety to raise three\\nBattalions of Militia for the defence of New York, 4\\nJune 18. The President of the Continental Congress to the Con-\\nvention of New Jersey Requesting that the General at\\nNew York may be empowered to call for such militia to his\\naid from New Jersey as he may deem necessary, 6\\nAugust 8. General commanding at New York to the President\\nof the Provincial Congress\u00e2\u0080\u0094 Relating to suspicious persons,\\nand calling for reinforcements, 7\\nSeptember 15. Brig. Gen. Matthias Williamson at Elizabethtown\\nto the Governor Accepting his commission, and referring\\nto complaints of the militia, 9\\nSeptember 16. John DeHart, of Elizabethtown, to the Legisla-\\nture Acknowledging his election to the Chief Justiceship\\nof New Jersey, 11\\nSe-ptember 19. Dep. Qr. Mast. Gen. Clement Biddle, at Perth\\nAmboy, to the Governor Relating to supplies of grain\\nrequired for the army, 1 1\\nSeptember 30. Archibald Kennedy at Morristown to the Gov-\\nernor Asking to be relieved on parole, from confinement, 12\\nOctober 2. The President of Continental Congress at Philadel-\\nphia to the Assembly of New Jersey Relating to the ap-\\npointment of Surgeons, and the filling of vacancies in\\nCongress, 13\\nOctober 9. The same to the same Relating to the pay of the\\ntroops, and requesting the appointment of a Committee to\\nvisit the army, and secure the re-enlistment of the men from\\nNew Jersey, 14\\nOctober 18. Col. William Maxwell, at Point Independence, to\\nthe Governor, Council, and Assembly, of New Jersey\\nStating the unwillingness of the men to re-enlist mention-\\ning Col. Shrieve Major Grey Capt. Shute Capt. Scott, 15\\nNovember 12. The President of the Continental Congress to\\nGovernor Livingston Recommending adoption of Measures\\nto prevent intercourse with the Enemy, 18", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0013.jp2"}, "14": {"fulltext": "VI, CONTENTS.\\n1776. PAGE.\\nNovember 19. George Taylor of Monmouth to John Coven-\\nhoven, Member of the Assembly Relating to his accept-\\nance of a Colonel s Commission, c. 18\\nNovember 21. S. Forman to Joseph Holmes, Member of Assem-\\nbly Referring to the Refusal of Col. Taylor to take oath\\nof Office, 19\\nDecember Colonel Wm. DeHart to the Governor Relating\\nto the filling up of Vacancies in his Regiment, dtc. 20\\nDecember 30. The President of Continental Congress to the\\nGovernor Covering Resolves conferring more ample pow-\\ners on the Military Department, 21\\n1777.\\nJanuary 28. Col. Oliver Spencer at Elizabethtown to\\nStephen Crane of the Assembly Giving a list of the Com-\\nmissions wanted in his Battalion, 22\\nJanuary 31. General Washington at Morristown to the Legisla-\\nture Calling for the passage of Laws to prevent Desertion, 23\\nFebruary 5. Colonel David Chambers, at Raritan, to John Hart,\\nSpeaker of the Assembly Recommending persons as Field\\nOfficers in his Battalion, 24\\nFebruary 5. Jonathan D. Sergeant, Delegate to the Continental\\nCongress at Baltimore, to John Hart, Speaker, c. Desi-\\nring some other person to be appointed in his place, 24\\nFebruary 8. Abraham Clark, Delegate to the Continental Con-\\ngress, at Baltimore, to John Hart, Speaker, c. Giving\\ninformation of the action of some of the Colonies in regu-\\nlating prices Condemning a proclamation of Washington\\nReferring to the Tories of Maryland The contemplated\\nremoval of Congress, :c., 25\\nFebruary 9. James Sullivan, Chairman of a Committee of Mas-\\nsachusetts House of Representatives, to the Governor\\nEnclosing an act of the Legislature for regulating prices,\\nand a resolution preventing the exportation of sundry\\narticles, 28\\nFebruary 12. General Phil. Dickinson, at Raritan, to the Gov-\\nernor Desiring to be released from his command, 30\\nMarch 17. Colonel Israel Shrieve, at Princeton, to the Governor\\nAsking for his certificate for the Staff Officers of his\\nRegiment, 31\\nMarch 18. Governor Livingston to Daniel Rittenhouse, Vice\\nPresident of Pennsylvania Council of Safety Sending five\\nprisoners taken at Squam Beach, 32\\nMarch 27. Colonel John Bull, at Waterfield, to the Governor\\nInforming him of the pay received by laborejs and soldiers\\nin Pennsylvania, 33", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0014.jp2"}, "15": {"fulltext": "CONTENTS. VU\\n1777. PAGE.\\nMarch 28. James Wilson, at Philadelphia, to the Governor\\nAdvising the apprehension of John Curlis, of Shrewsbury,\\nfor intercepting a dispatch of General Washington, 34\\nMarch 26 to April 3. Minutes of the Commissioners of New\\nYork, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and\\nVirginia, met at Yorktown to adopt a system for regulating\\nthe price of labor, of goods imported, ic., 34\\nApril 1. General Nathaniel Heard, on the Raritan, to the Gov-\\nernor Enclosing a letter from Colonel Beavers, asking for\\ninstructions, c., 45\\nMarch 29. Colonel Joseph Beavers to General Heard Refer-\\nring to neglect of duty by his officers, 46\\nApril 5. Charles Pettit, Secretary of the Province under the\\nRoyal government, to Governor Livingston Referring to\\nthe removal of the Records of the State, 47\\nApril 7. Silas Condict, at Morristown, to the Governor Ac-\\ncepting an appointment as one of the Council of Safety, c. 49\\nApril 8. William Smith and Benjamin Rumsey, at Philadelphia,\\nto the Governor Respecting a Mr. Campbell, 50\\nApril 10. Examination of Jesse Woodward, of Monmouth\\nCount}^, 51\\nApril 10. Francis Wade, at Allentown, to the Governor En-\\nclosing the foregoing, 53\\nApril 16. General Washington to the Governor Referring to\\nCol. Duyckinck then in confinement, 54\\nApril Francis Hopkinson, at Philadelphia, to the Governor\\nRelating to the apprehension of John Curlis, 56\\nApril 25. General Israel Putnam to the Governor Accompany-\\ning several prisoners, -57\\nApril 25. Rev. A. McWhorter and Elisha Boudinot of Newark\\nto the Governor Recommending certain persons as officers\\nof the Militia, 58\\nMay 7. Major John Taylor, commanding at Cranberry, to the\\nGovernor Sending sundry prisoners, 59\\nMay 15. The same to the same Relating to prisoners sent, 60\\nMay 19. Colonel David Brearley, Jr., to the Governor Send-\\ning a prisoner, 60\\nJune 12. John Cox and Elijah Clark, at Egg Harbor, to the\\nPresident of the Council of Safety Detailing the proceed-\\nings of an enemy s vessel, c., 61\\nJune 12. The President of the Continental Congress to the Gov-\\nernor Calling for 500 men to be sent to Billingsport, 63", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0015.jp2"}, "16": {"fulltext": "Vlll CONTENTS.\\n1777. PAGK.\\nJune 14. Robert Morris, Judge of the Supreme Court, to the\\nGovernor Relathig to the proceedings of the Court at\\nNewton, Sussex Co., 63\\nJune 15. Charles Pettit, at Burlington, to the Governor Rela-\\nting to Courts and the movements of the enemy, 67\\nJune 17. General Nathaniel Heard, at Ponipton, to the Council\\nof Safety, 69\\nJune 19. Charles Pettit, at Burlington, to the Governor Re-\\ncommending a movement of militia towards the coast\\nGiving his views as to the state of the government, the\\nmilitia, c., 69\\nJune 21. Joseph Hedden, Jr., of Newark, to the Governor\\nTransmitting the names of women whose husbands were\\nwith the enemy Recommending Elisha Boudinot for De-\\nputy Surrogate, dec, 72\\nJune 26. General Phil. Dickinson to the Governor Accepting\\nthe appointment of Major General, ;c., 73\\nJune 30. Major Samuel Hayes, of Newark, to the Governor\\nGiving the names of women sent to New York with their\\nchildren, 75\\nJ^me 30. Joseph Hedden, Jr., to the Governor Relating to the\\nprisoners in jail at Newark, 76\\nJune 30. Chief Justice John C. Symmes, at Newton, to the\\nGovernor Relating to the recapture of escaped criminals, 77\\nJuly 1. Joseph Hedden, Jr., at Newark, to the Governor\\nTransmitting names of prisoners and their offences, 78\\nJuly 2. Brig. Gen. David Forman, at Middletown, to Edward\\nTaylor Directing him to remain on his farm at Middletown\\nas a suspected person, 80\\nJuly 3. Governor Livingston to General Winds Directing him\\nto detach 200 men to be employed in apprehending disaf-\\nfected persons, 80\\nJuly 7. Governor Livingston to General Washington Referring\\nto the above mentioned detachment, 81\\nJuly 9.\u00e2\u0080\u0094 -Joseph Hedden, Jr., of Newark, to the Governor\\nGiving the names of women whose husbands were with tlie\\nenemy, .82\\nJuly 21. Same to the same Sending sundry prisoners, \u00c2\u00abkc., 83\\nAugust 1. General Phil. Dickinson, at Trenton, to the Governor\\nRecommending the raising of a troop of horse, 84\\nAugust 12. William Paterson, at Newark, to the Governor\\nSending a Mr. Macomb arrested on suspicion, 86\\nAugust 17. Captain Webster at Piscataway, to Colonel Freling-\\nhuysen Accompanying prisoners, 88", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0016.jp2"}, "17": {"fulltext": "CONTENTS. IX\\nY) j PAGE.\\nAugvst 25. Brig. Gen. Silas Newcomb, at Woodbury, to the\\nGovernor Giving an account of the apprehension of sun-\\ndry persons in Cumberland county, c., 89\\nAugust 21 Silvanus Seely, of Elizabethtown, to the Governor,\\nSending Benjamin Hatfield, 91\\nAugust 21.\u00e2\u0080\u0094 Captain John Craig to Colonel Frelinghuysen\u00e2\u0080\u0094\\nGiving information in reference to operations in Wood-\\nbridge Neck, -92\\nAugust 23.\u00e2\u0080\u0094 Ebenezer Hazard, at Philadelphia, to the Governor\\nRelating to Andrew Buskirk, a post-rider, 93\\nAugust 25. Colonel Frederick Frelinghuysen, at Raritan, to the\\nGovernor Commenting on the state of the country, the\\napparent want of loyalty in Hunterdon Sullivan s Expedi-\\ntion to Staten Island, c. 94\\nAugust 25. Edward Taylor, of Middletown, to the Governor\\nand Legislature Relating to his Imprisonment, 96\\nAugust 27. List of prisoners ordered to Princeton from Eliza-\\nbethtown, by Col. F. Frelinghuysen, 98\\nSeptember 5. The President of Continental Congress at Phila-\\ndelphia, to the Governor Comphmentary to the Militia of\\nNew Jersey, c., 98\\nSeptember 12 The same to the same CaUing out four thousand\\nof the Jersey militia, 99\\nSeptember 20. The Governor, at Haddonfield, to Brig. Gen.\\nNewcomb Ordering the Militia of Woodbury to march\\nagainst the enemy, 100\\nOctober 4. The Governor, at Princeton, to the President of the\\nContinental Congress Remonstrating against the removal\\ninto New Jersey of Governor Penn and Chief Justice\\nChew, of Pennsylvania, ;c., 101\\nOctober 4. Colonel Wm. Maxwell, to the Governor Relating\\nto the insufficiency of the clothing furnished the troops, 103\\nOctober 6. General Washington, at Philadelphia, to General\\nForman Authorizing the discharge of some of the Jersey\\nMihtia, 104\\nOctober 9. Elisha Boudinot, at Newark, to the Governor\\nDeclining the appointment of Secretary to the Committee of\\nSafety, 105\\nOctober 17. The President of the Continental Congress to the\\nAssembly Relating to the clothing required for the troops. 106\\nOctober 18. William Paterson, at Morristown, to the Governor\\nRespecting the mode of trial in case of sundry insurgents\\nApprehensions felt at Newark about Captain Kennedy s\\ncourse The mode of selecting the detachment sent to the\\nservice in Pennsylvania Announcing Burgoyne s Surren-\\nder, c., 107", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0017.jp2"}, "18": {"fulltext": "X CONTENTS.\\n1777. PAGE,\\nNovember 20. Jonathan Elmer, Delegate in Congress, at York-\\ntown, to the Speaker of the Assembly Announcing his\\nintended return to New Jersey, and commenting upon his\\npay in comparison with that of Delegates from other States, 10\\nDecember 23. The President of the Continental Congress, at\\nYorktown, to the Assembly Transmitting resolves against\\nthe arts and avarice of engrossers and extortioners, c., Ill\\n1778.\\nMay 25. The Board of War to the Governor Applying for\\ntlie Andover Iron Works, 113\\nMay 28. Colonel Benjamin Flower, at Lebanon, to the Gov-\\nernor Relating to the same subject, 1 14\\nJune 17. The President of the Continental Congress, at York-\\ntown, to the Governor Commenting upon the course of\\nthe enemy, calling for reinforcements, and informing him of\\nan embargo laid on provisions of all kinds, 116\\nJune 16. General Wm. Winds, at Elizabethtown, to the Legis-\\nlature Stating his great want of ammunition, 117\\nJuly 13. Nathaniel Scudder, of Freehold, to John Hart,\\nSpeaker of the Assembly Recommending the granting of\\nfurther powers to the Delegates in Congress as to the ratifi-\\ncation of the confederation, mentioning some of the objec-\\ntions, c., 119\\nSeptember 10. Quarter-Master-General Charles Pettit, at White\\nPlains, to General Washington Relating to Forage, 123\\nSeptember 6 Colonel Clement Biddle to Quarter-Master-Gen.\\nPettit, enclosed in the foregoing, 126\\nSeptember 29. Governor Livingston to the Legislature Enclo-\\nsing the two foregoing letters, 128\\nSeptember 17. Jonathan Elmer to the Legislature Accepting\\nthe appointment of Delegate to Congress, 128\\nNovember 2. Colonel Benjamin Holme, at Cumberland, to the\\nGovernor Resigning his commission, 129\\nNovember 11. Nathaniel Scudder, Gouverneur Morris and Wil-\\nHam Whipple, a Committee of Congress, at Philadelphia, to\\nthe Governor Desiring enquiries to be instituted into the\\nagricultural resources of the states, 130\\nNovember 11. The same to the same Suggesting measures to\\nprevent the engrossing of supplies, 132\\nNovember II. The same to the same Relating to officers en-\\ngaged in engrossing articles required for the public, 133\\nDecember 2. P. Scull, Secretary of the Board of War, to the\\nGovernor Answering complaints of a want of clothing by\\nthe New Jersey troops, 134", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0018.jp2"}, "19": {"fulltext": "CONTENTS. XI\\nIf /if- PAGE.\\nJanuary 7. Chief Justice John C. Symnies to the Governor\\nDetailing the cases of a criminal character which had come\\nbefore him in Gloucester and Cumberland, 135\\nJanuary 14. Colonel Clement Biddle to the Governor Refer-\\nring to the supplies of Forage, 139\\nJanuary 19. Gouverncur Morris and Wm. Whipple, a Com-\\nmittee of the Continental Congress, to the Governor Re-\\nferring to the practice of engrossing, 140\\nMarch 25. John Fell, Delegate to Congress, at Philadelphia, to\\nthe Governor Complaining of the absence of his col-\\nleagues, dtc, 141\\nApril 17. Memorial of the Officers of the Jersey Brigade to the\\nLegislature Asking for pay in Spanish milled dollars, c., 143\\nApril 25. General William Maxwell, at Elizabethtown, to the\\nLegislature Relating to the wants of the officers and sol-\\ndiers of the Jersey Brigade, 146\\nApril 26. The same to the same Commenting upon public\\naffiiirs and the evils likely to result from the associations of\\nCaptains Kennedy and McCloud and Mrs. Chandler, 151\\nApril 29. Frederick Frelinghuysen, Delegate to the Continental\\nCongress, to Baleb Camp, Speaker of the Assembly\\nResigning his seat, 155\\nMay 6. Memorial of the Officers of the Jersey Brigade to the\\nLegislature Respecting their pay, 156\\nMay Major John N. Cunmiings and Capt. Joseph Anderson\\nin behalf of their fellow officers, to the Legislature Asking\\nfor the adoption of measures for their relief, .157\\nMay 6. Brig. General William Maxwell, at Elizabethtown, to\\nGeneral Washington Referring to the complaints of the\\nOfficers of the first regiment, 159\\nMay 7. General Washington, at Middlebrook, to Brig. General\\nMaxwell Answering the foregoing, 161\\nMay 8. Officers of the first regiment, at Elizabethtown, to\\nGeneral Washington Referring to their Memorials, and\\nnoticing the above letter to General Maxwell, 164\\nMay 10. General Washington to Brig. General Maxwell Com-\\nmenting upon the course of the Officers, 166\\nMay 22. The Board of War to the Governor and Speaker of\\nthe Assembly Giving the members, c., of the New-\\nJersey forces in service and required, 168\\nJune General Washington, at Middlebrook, to the Governor\\nReferring to the want of wagons, 172\\nAugust 26. The same to the same Relating to the want of\\nClothing, 173", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0019.jp2"}, "20": {"fulltext": "XU CONTENTS.\\n1779. PAGE\\nSeptember 23. Governor Livingston to the House of Assembly\\nAnswering enquiries respecting the state regiment, 175\\nSeptember 25. Colonel John Taylor, on Raritan, to the Gov-\\nernor Respecting the State Regiment, 177\\nSeptember 27. General Washington, at West Point, to the\\nGovernor Recommending vigorous preparations in view of\\na co-operation with an expected French squadron, 181\\nSeptember 27. Enos Kelsey, at Princeton, to the Speaker of the\\nAssembly Giving an estimate of supplies required for the\\nJersey Brigade, 183\\nOctober 4. George Clinton, Governor of New York, at Kings-\\nton, to the Governor Enclosing sundrj Resolutions of the\\nLegislature of New York, 185\\nOctober 1. Resolutions of the Legislature of New York\\nAgainst outrages committed upon the inhabitants of Long-\\nIsland, (fee. Enclosed in the foregoing Letter, 186\\nOctober 4. General Washington, at West Point, to the Governor\\nCalling for 2000 men from New Jersey, and urging the\\nnecessary measures for supplying them with Provisions, 187\\nOctober 5. From Wm. H. Houston, Delegate to Congress, at\\nPhiladelphia, to the Governor Relating to the Recal of\\nArthur Lee, as Commisssioner at Madrid, 191\\nOctober 22-25. Proceedings of the Legislature of New York,\\non a proposition of the Legislature of New Jersey, for a\\ngeneral regulation and limitation of Prices, 195\\nOctober 25. Pierre Van Cortlandt, President of the Senate, and\\nEvert Bancker, Speaker of the Assembly of the State of\\nNew York, to the Governor and Speaker of the Assembly,\\nTransmitting the foregoing Proceedings, 198\\nOctober 30. Isaac Collins to the Legislative Council In an-\\nswer to a call for the author of an article signed Cincin-\\nnatus, in the New Jersey Gazette, 199\\nNovember 12. Wm. H. Houston, Delegate to Congress, at Phil-\\nadelphia, to the Governor Relating to the Finances\\nTaxes, c. The case of the Sloop Active, c., 200\\nNovember 22.\u00e2\u0080\u0094 John Witherspoon, Nathaniel Scudder, John\\nFell, and Wm. H. Houston, Delegates in Congress, at Phil-\\nadelphia, to the Governor Referring to the Plan for the\\nLimitation of Prices, 204\\nDecember 21.\u00e2\u0080\u0094 General Washington, at Morristown, to the\\nGovernor Requesting the adoption of measures for calling\\nout the whole Militia of the State in the most speedy manner, 206\\n1780.\\nFebruary 14.\u00e2\u0080\u0094 Chief Justice Symmes to the Governor Relative\\nto disagreements between the officers and men of the New\\nJersey Line as to the period of enlistments, 210", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0020.jp2"}, "21": {"fulltext": "CONTENTS. Xlll\\n1780. PAGE.\\nFehrvary 17. Abraham Clark, Delegate to Congress at Phila-\\ndelphia, to the Speaker of the Assembly Referring to the\\nConvention for regulating Prices And subjects before\\nCongress, 212\\nFehrvary 20. General Washington at Morristown to the Gov-\\nei-nor Transmitting a return of the Quota of the Troops\\nfrom New Jersey, 207\\nFebruary 26. The same to the same, 214\\nMarch 20. The President of Congress to the Governor Rela-\\nting to the Act of Congress for bringing in the Continental\\nCurrency, 215\\nMay 22. Wm. H. Houston, Delegate to Congress at Philadelphia\\nto the (lovernor Relating to Measures of Finance The\\nEmbargo Act, :c. 216\\nJune 2. Genei-al Washington at Morristown to the Governor\\nCalling for Reinforcements, 219\\nJune 4. Wm. H. Houston, Delegate in Congress at Philadelphia,\\nto the Governor Informing him of the Capitulation of\\nCharlestown, 221\\nJune 5. The same to the same Enclosing Resolutions of Con-\\ngress respecting Deserters and the defence of the Interior, 224\\nJune 12 Philip Schuyler, Chairman of a Committee of Con-\\ngress, then at Morristown, to the Governor Relating to\\nthe critical condition of affairs, 225\\nMay 25. General Washington to a Committee of Congress\\nEnclosed in the foregoing, 228\\nJu7ie 15. The President of Congress to the Governor Renew.\\ning their application for aid, 231\\nJune 19. John Matthews and Nathaniel Peabody, Committee of\\nCo-operation at Morristown, to the Governor Repeating\\nthe solicitations for assistance, and enclosing a Letter from\\nGeneral Washington, 233\\nJune 19. General Washington at Springfield, to the Committee\\nof Co-operation Enclosed in the foregoing, 235\\nJune 20. The same to the same Referring to a proposed\\nSystem of Co-operation among the several states, 236\\nJune 23. The same at Rockaway, to the same Giving\\ninformation of the movements of the enemy, and reiterating\\nhis wish to have the States urged to a speedy compliance\\nwith his requisitions, 238\\nJune2S. The Committee of Co-operation at Morristown, to the\\nGovernor Enclosing the foregoing, 239\\nJune 29. The President of Congress to the Governor Calling\\nfor Funds, 240", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0021.jp2"}, "22": {"fulltext": "xiv CONTENTS.\\n1780. P\\\\GK\\nJune 30. General Washington, at Ramapaugh, to the Governor\\n\u00e2\u0080\u0094Relating to the time for the arrival of the new levies, c. 242\\nJuly 7.\u00e2\u0080\u0094 Benjamin Stoddard, Secretary of the Board of War to\\nthe Governor Informing him of two guns at Carlisle\\nbelonging to New Jersey, 243\\nAugust 16. The Committee of Co-operation, at Camp Tappan,\\nto the Governor Calling for Supplies, 244\\nAugust 17. General Washington, at Orange Town, to the\\nGovernor Relating to the New Jersey quota of Troops, 246\\nAugust 19. The Committee of Co-operation to the Governor\\nUrging more strenuous exertions to reinforce and supply\\nthe army, 248\\nAugust 26. General Washington, at Bergen, to the Governor\\nReferring to the prevailing want of Provisions, 254\\nAugust 27. The same to the same On the same subject, 256\\nSeptember 3. The President of Congress to the Governor\\nRespecting old and new Bills of Credit, :c. 258\\nSeptember 9. Abraham Skinner, Commissary of Prisoners, to\\nthe Governor Relating to the Jersey prisoners in the hands\\nof the Enemy, 260\\nSeptember 15. Hendrick Van Brunt, John Mercer, and Bate-\\nman Lloyd, in behalf of the Jersey Prisoners of War on\\nLong Island, to the Governor Asking the attention of the\\nLegislature to their wants, 261\\nWithout Date. Timothy Pickering, Q. M. General, to the Legis-\\nlature Setting forth the want of Forage in the Arm} 264\\nSeptember 14. The President of Congress to the Governor-\\nRequesting an immediate supply of Cattle, 264\\nOctober 31. Abraham Clark, Delegate to Congress at Philadel-\\nphia, to Josiah Hornblower, Speaker of the Assembly\\nCommenting upon a Resolution granting half pay for Life\\nto the officers of the Army, c., 267\\nDecember 4. Judge Wm. Patterson, at Raritan, to the Legisla-\\nture Declining the appointment of Delegate to Congress, 269\\n1781.\\nJanuary 15. The President of Congress to the Governor\\nRelating to the Financial Affairs of the country, 270\\nFebruary 8. The same to the same Transmitting Resolves of\\nCongress asking for authority to levy a duty upon importa-\\ntions, 274\\nMarch 23. The same to the same Transmitting Acts of\\nCongress relating to the Currency, and an assessment of\\nsix millions, 277\\nMay 14. The same to the same Relating to the want of\\nsupplies by the Army, 278", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0022.jp2"}, "23": {"fulltext": "CONTENTS. XV\\n1781. PAGE.\\nMay 24. Abraham Clark, at Trenton, to the Chairman of the\\nJoint Meeting of the Legislature Resigning his seat as\\nDelegate to Congress, 279\\nMay 25. Gen. Phil. Dickinson to Josiah Hornblower, Speaker\\nof the Assembly In relation to the condition of the\\nMilitary Companies in the State, 280\\nJuly 25. Robert Morris, at Philadelphia, to the Governor\\nRelating to the accounts of the State, 282\\nAugust 22. The same to the same Referring to the Supplies\\ndemanded by Congress, 287\\nOctober 23. Abraham Clark, Delegate to Congress at Philadel-\\nphia, to the Speaker of Assembly Referring to a division\\nof the Islands, dtc, in the Delaware Bay and River between\\nPennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. 288\\nOctober 31. The President of Congress to the Governor\\nTransmitting a Proclamation, d:c., for general Thanksgiving, 291\\nNovember 21. The Governor, at Trenton, to the Speaker of the\\nAssembly Relating to his Salary, 294\\nDecember 12. The President of Congress to the Governor\\nReferring to Acts of Congress calling upon the States to\\ncomplete their quota of troops, and recommending a census\\nof the inhabitants, 296\\nDecember 17. Address of Congress to the States Calling for\\nrenewed exertions, 297\\nDecember 17. Abraham Clark, Delegate in Congress at Phila-\\ndelphia, to John Mehelm, Speaker of the Assembly\\nRespecting the settlement of the claim of Islands, c., in\\nthe Delaware, 300\\n1782.\\nJanuary 22 General Washington, at Philadelphia, to the Gov-\\nernor---In relation to the finances of the country, 303\\nJanuary 31. The same to the same Transmitting a return of\\nthe men from New Jersey in service, ;c., 306\\nMarch 5. The same to the same In reference to the wants of\\nthe next campaign, 310\\nMay 4. The same to the same Urging preparations for the\\nensuing campaign, 312\\nMay 8.\u00e2\u0080\u0094 The same to the same\u00e2\u0080\u0094Commenting upon debates in\\nParliament on American affairs, 317\\nJuly 29.\u00e2\u0080\u0094 Robert Morris to the Governor\u00e2\u0080\u0094 Relating to the\\nFinances, gig\\nJuly 30... .The same to the same\u00e2\u0080\u0094 On the mode of collecting taxes, 320\\nSeptember 16.--Abraham Clark, Delegate in Congress at Phila.\\ndelphia, to Joseph Cooper--Relating to Islands in the\\nDelaware, 322", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0023.jp2"}, "24": {"fulltext": "XVI CONTENTS.\\n1782. PAGE\\nSeptember 26. The same to John Mehelm, Speaker of the As-\\nsembly Respecting the quotas of old bills of credit to be\\nsunk by several States The public debt, c., 324\\nDecember 14. Benjamin Franklin, at Passy, France, to Robert\\nMorris Relating to the interests of America abroad, 327\\n1783.\\nMarch 18. Robert R. Livingston, at Philadelphia, to the Gov-\\nernor Transmitting copy of Provisional Treaty of Peace, c. 330\\nJune 5. Robert Morris to the Governor, 332\\nJune 7. General Washington to the President of Congress\\nTransmitting an address of the Officers of the Army to him,\\nwith his answer, 333\\nJuly 11. Rober Morris to the Governor On the state of the\\nFinances, 340\\nJuly 28. The same to the same, 343\\nOctober 29. Elias Boudinot, at Princeton, to the Chairman of\\nthe Joint Meeting Requesting to be allowed to retire from\\npublic service, 345\\nNovember 8. Governor Livingston to the Legislature Ack-\\nnowledging his election as Governor, 348\\nDecember 23. Thomas Mifflin, President of Congress, at An-\\nnapolis, to the Governor Requesting the attendance of\\nDelegates from New Jersey, 349\\nDecember 24. The same to the same, 349\\n1784.\\nOctober 24. Governor Livingston to the Legislature In ack-\\nnowledgment of liis re-election, 351\\n1785.\\nAugust 24. The Secretary of Congress to the Governor In\\nrelation to the finances, and the necessity for an enumeration\\nof the inhabitants, c., 352\\nOctober 22. Benjamin Thompson, Commissioner for settling the\\naccounts of New Jersey, at Newark, to the Governor\\nRelating to the claims of New Jersey, 356\\nNovember 1 3. Baron Steuben to the Governor\u00e2\u0080\u0094 Relating to the\\npurchase of a tract of land near Hackensack, 359\\nNovember 18.-_The Secretary of Congress to the Governor\\nAsking for the attendance of the Delegates from New Jersey, 359\\n1786.\\nFebruary 23._-Patrick Henry, Speaker of the Assembly of Vir-\\nginia, to the Governor_-Informing him of the appointment\\nof a Committee to meet with others from the different States\\nfor the purpose of framing regulations for trade, c. 360\\nMarch 1. The Secretary of Congress to the Governor Refer-\\nring to the absence of Members of Congress, -361", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0024.jp2"}, "25": {"fulltext": "CORRESPONDENCE.\\nFrom John Smyth, Treasurer^d^. to Samuel Tucker, Esq.\\nPresident of the Provincial Congress of New Jersey.\\nPerth Amboy, February 21st, 1776.\\nSiR^__In answer to yours of yesterday s date, which\\ncame to my hands last evenmg, I beg you will inform the\\nCongress that I still look upon myself as Treasurer\\nunder my former obligation and am very willing to\\nexecute the office in the best manner I can, under the\\ncondition I heretofore mentioned to them, and which\\nthey thought reasonable, to wit that my securities\\nand myself be indemnified from all damages whatever\\nthat may happen by the provincial chest being taken\\nout of my hands; for they must be sensible of greater\\nrisk in the execution of that office when the chest is at\\na distance, than if it were in my own house. My\\nown misconduct, carelessness or negUgence I expect to\\nanswer for.\\nOn the 8th instant I wrote you a letter, which I\\n1", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0025.jp2"}, "26": {"fulltext": "2 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1776.\\nsent by a special messenger, who, on his return, told\\nme he delivered it into your own hands I should\\notherwise have thought myself extremely blame-\\nable for not letting the Congress hear from me in\\nso long a time but as no notice is taken of that letter\\nin yours, conclude it to be mislaid. I am obhged to\\nthe Congress for a copy of their Resolve, relative to\\nmy receiving Continental money into the Treasury. I\\nshould not have wished for their sanction in any other\\ninstance than of money to be sunk, but am sorry it\\nshould appear in their minutes that I ever refused it.\\nI did at first tell Col. Ford I beheved I would not do\\nit, but on a second conference he agreed to take it\\nback with the view of changing it for Jersey money,\\nwhich he said he believed he could do, and if he could\\nnot I told him that I would receive it.\\nMy leg now begins to mend, and hope soon to be\\nable to attend to the chest at Mr. Schenck s, as occa-\\nsion may require.\\nI am your most humble servant,\\nJOHN SMYTH.\\nFrom John Smyth to Samuel Tucker, Esq.\\nPresident of the Provincial Congress.\\nPerth Amboy, February 22d, 1776.\\ngiR, It is impossible I can give an expUcit answer to\\nyour letter of yesterday until I have consulted my securi-\\nties, which I would have done before now, had I not un-\\nderstood from Congress that my securities and myself", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0026.jp2"}, "27": {"fulltext": "1776.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 3\\nwere to be indemnified from the additional risk occa-\\nsioned be the removal of the provincial chest, and am\\nalmost certain it is what the Congress consented to\\nbut the place where the chest was to be fixed was the\\nonly uncertainty in which case I thought it unnecessary\\nto consult my securities but since it must be done,\\nI have dispatched a messenger to Mr. Stevens, the only\\none of them who lives at a distance, and when I get\\nhis answer the Congress shall immediately hear from\\nme again.\\nI am your humble servant,\\nJOHN SMYTH.\\nFrom John Smyth to Samuel Tucker, Esq.,\\nPresident of the Provincial Congress.\\nPerth Amboy, February 26th, 1776.\\nSir, Mr. Stevens, according to my request, has been\\nso good as to come down to this place, to whom I com-\\nmunicated the letters sent me by the Congress relation\\nto the removal of the Treasury, as I did to my other\\nsecurities some time before. I find that they are willing\\nto continue security for me, considering the difficulty\\nof the times, provided the chest is removed to a place\\nwhere the office may be executed in the usual manner.\\nI would therefore propose that as I am not now able,\\nand have little prospect of being so in less than six\\nweeks, to attend the chest if it be removed to Mr.\\nStevens who will receive the taxes that are still to\\nbe paid in, and the county collectors may be desired", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0027.jp2"}, "28": {"fulltext": "4 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1776.\\nto attend at his house for that purpose in which case\\nno one will or can have access to the chest but those\\nwho have already entered into engagements, and are\\nby law accountable to the public for the due perform-\\nance of my office, which cannot in justice or reason\\nbe expected of me or them, without the chest is suffered\\nto remain in my or their possession.\\nAs this proposal fully comprehends the declared in-\\ntention of the Congress in removing the chest, I cannot\\ndoubt its proving fully agreeable and satisfactory to\\nthem. Whenever I am able to attend to the duty of\\nthe office abroad, the chest may then be removed to\\nany other place that shall be agreed upon by all con-\\ncerned, there to remain until we see happier times.\\nMr. Stevens goes home by way of Brunswick, to\\nwhom I beg you will please to give your answer, who\\nwill forward it to me.\\nI am your most humble servant,\\nJOHN SMYTH.\\nResolves of the Committee of Safety.\\nTrenton, March 26th, 1776.\\nThe committee considering the critical situation of\\nthe city and province of New York, represented in the\\nletters from brigadier generals Thompson and Lord\\nSterlino-, and the recommendation of the Continental\\nCongress to this committee on that subject:\\nDo order and resolve that three battahons of militia\\nbe draughted out of the militia of this province, in", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0028.jp2"}, "29": {"fulltext": "1776.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 5\\nmanner following, viz From Hunterdon county four\\nhundred and forty men, and from Burlington county\\ntwo hundred and twenty men, who are to join and\\nform one battalion. From Somerset two hundred and\\ntwenty men, from Sussex two hundred and twenty men,\\nand from Morris two hundred and twenty men, who\\nare also to join and form another battalion. From\\nMiddlesex one hundred men, from Monmouth one\\nhundred and forty men, from Essex two hundred and\\ntwenty men, from Bergen two hundred men, who are\\nlikewise to join and form another battaUon.\\nThe whole to march to the city of New York with\\nthe greatest expedition, under the command of the\\nbrigadier generals Dickinson and Livingston^ and such\\nfield officers, captains, and subalterns as are necessary\\nto command the said battalions.\\nResolved, that in order to facihtate this service,\\ntwelve waggons be furnished to the generals to carry\\nthe baggage of the several battalions.\\nWhereas from the scarcity of arms, the draughts may\\nnot all be properly supplied with the same\\nResolved, that it be recommended to the several\\ncompanies of militia, to lend their arms to such as may\\nwant them, and if a sufficient number cannot be ob-\\ntained in a voluntary manner, the several captains are\\nhereby impowered to impress them, so as to completely\\nequip such as are going upon the present important ser-\\nvice, the arms so lent or impressed to be appraised by\\nindifferent persons, if lost or damaged in action, or\\nreal service, the value to be paid to the owner by the", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0029.jp2"}, "30": {"fulltext": "6 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1776.\\nprovince, if lost or injured by negligence the occupier\\nto make good the damages.\\nResolved, that the generals may draw on the trea-\\nsury of the provincial Congress of New Jersey, for the\\nsum of one thousand pounds, if so much be necessary\\nfor the subsistence of the troops on their march to the\\ncity of New York.\\nBy order of the committee,\\nSAMUEL TUCKER, President.\\nFrom the President of the Continental Congress to the\\nConvention of New Jersey.\\nPhiladelphia, June 18, 1776.\\nGentlemen, It is impossible fully to ascertain the\\nstrength of our enemies, or the force destined for New\\nYork. It is incumbent on us to be prepared to defend\\nourselves against any number of troops that may be\\nordered against that place. This, it is apparent, can\\nnever be effectually done but by adopting the enclosed\\nresolve, wherein it is recommended by Congress to your\\ncolony, to empower the General at New York, to call\\nsuch part of the militia to his assistance, as may be ne-\\ncessary to repel our enemies.\\nThe great advantages the American cause will re-\\nceive from the Civil power thus lending its aid to the\\nmilitary, and acting in conjunction with it, are too man-\\nifest to be mentioned. The whole strength of a Colo-\\nny, may, by these means, be drawn to a point, the in-\\nstant the situation of affairs shall render it necessary.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0030.jp2"}, "31": {"fulltext": "1776.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 7\\nThe colony of Massachusetts Bay, while the British\\ntroops lay in Boston, passed a Resolve, at the request\\nof Congress, similar to that which they now recommend\\nto you.\\nThe colony of New Jersey, will, I am persuaded\\nimitate their example on the present occasion and\\nconvince her sister Colonies, that in virtue and love of\\ncountry, she is determined to be exceeded by none.\\nI have the honor to be. Gentlemen,\\nYour most ob t and very humble serv t,\\nJOHN HANCOCK, President.\\nFrom the General commanding at New York, to the\\nPresident of the Provincial Congress of New Jersey.\\nNew York, August 8, 1776.\\nSir I have received repeated information, that a\\nnumber of persons known to be inimical to the cause of\\nthe American States, or of suspicious characters, have\\nlately removed from this and other places into the county\\nof Monmouth in New Jersey, with intent, no doubt from\\nits situation, of communicating with and aiding our\\nenemies. All those of similar characters on Long Island\\nand the other counties adjacent to this place, will be\\nsecured to-morrow morning, and I must urge the\\nnecessity on your Congress of adopting the same mea-\\nsures in all those parts of your Province which are\\nmost contiguous to the enemy. There are some also\\nof very dangerous characters, who I am informed are\\nlurking in the neighborhood of Hackensack, and what", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0031.jp2"}, "32": {"fulltext": "8 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1776.\\nthey call the English Neighborhood, particularly Ben-\\njamin Hugget and Frederick Rhinelander.\\nThis measure has now become the more necessary,\\nas from the intelligence I have this day received, there\\nis the greatest reason to believe that the enemy intend\\nto begin their operations in a very few days, and that\\nwith a very powerful force. For not only a consider-\\nable part of the foreign troops, the British Guards,\\nand an additional number of Scottish troops are lately\\narrived at Staten Island, but the army from the South-\\nward under General Clinton also joined them last\\nThursday. I must also urge upon your Congress the\\nabsolute necessity of adopting some immediate and\\neffective measures for completing the troops voted, and\\nfor affording every other reinforcement to this place that\\nis in their power, by detaching a considerable body of\\nthe militia, or in such other manner as will be most\\neffectual.\\nOf the 3300 voted by your State, we have but 1458,\\nand in the same proportion from the other Colonies, so\\nthat you will easily conceive what an alarming situation\\nwe are in. As the harvest is now over, and the militia\\nengaged most cheerfully to return if necessary, I per-\\nsuade myself they will readily turn out upon a repre-\\nsentation being made to them of that necessity.\\nWhat from a deficiency of the old regiments, sick-\\nness and the failure of new levies, we are in danger\\nof being outnumbered by the enemy at least doubly,\\nif not more. The consequences may be fatal unless\\nprevented by the spirit of the country. I have de-", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0032.jp2"}, "33": {"fulltext": "1776.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 9\\nspatched expresses to Connecticut to call in their\\nmilitia immediately with their arms, blankets, and what\\nammunition they have, as the supply here to fit their\\nguns is attended with much difficulty and delay. I\\nmust beg your attention to the same circumstances as\\nfar as the situation of things will admit, but so as not\\nto hinder from marching those who cannot come so\\nprovided.\\nFrom Brigadier- General Williamsori to the Governor\\nof New Jersey.\\nElizabeth Town, September 15, 1776.\\nSir, I had the honor of receiving by the hands of\\nPeter Sobriesky, Esq., a commission appointing me to\\nthe rank of Brigadier General of the Militia Forces of\\nthe State of New Jersey.\\nI am laid under the most sensible obligations to the\\nLegislative Council and Assembly for this distinguishing\\nmark of their favorable opinion of my abilities, and\\nreadiness to serve my country, at a time big with events\\nof the most solemn nature that can possibly affect a free\\npeople. I can with gratitude promise that, as far as\\nmy small abilities enable me, I will execute the trust\\ncommitted to my care with the utmost fidelity so help\\nme God.\\nI must beg leave to trouble your Excellency with\\nsome difficulties which have arisen in the militia, and\\nwhich without a speedy removal will make me despair\\nof supporting this post (immediately under my care)\\nwith that strength which its vicinity to the enemy and its\\nimportance requires. Their principal complaint is that", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0033.jp2"}, "34": {"fulltext": "10 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1776.\\nthey have been often called out and received no pay.\\nThis real grievance of theirs your Excellency is well\\nacquainted with, and without a speedy remedy, the\\nimportant posts at the ferries of this Town will in a\\ngreat measure be abandoned by our militia. I have but\\nlittle hope that the militia who were upon duty the\\nmonth past will be relieved by half their numbers. I\\nbelieve, sir, that this complaint would be in a great\\nmeasure removed by the appointment of some person\\nthat could be confided in, to the office of a Muster and\\nPay Master, to attend the different posts, to see that no\\nfalse returns were made of the men, and who being\\nintrusted with sufficient sums of the public money,\\nmight pay them with the greatest punctuahty at the\\nexpiration of every month s service, which would remove\\none capital cause of the present difficulties.\\nYour Excellency well knows the imperfections occa-\\nsioned by the frequent relieves of the militia for my\\npart, I think if no expedient is fallen upon to prevent\\nit, they will dwindle away to a mere nothing in three\\nor four relieves more, if thp practice of monthly rota-\\ntion is continued. Should the militia serve six months\\nin turn, they might be made a respectable body, and\\nmany great imperfections in discipline removed. I\\nfind the ammunition magazines in this town are very\\ndeficient. The committee, I believe, have it under\\nconsideration, and will make the proper application on\\nthat head.\\nI am, with due regard, your very humble servant,\\nMATTHIAS WILLIAMSON.\\nHis Excellency, William Livingston, Esq.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0034.jp2"}, "35": {"fulltext": "1776.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 11\\nFrom Judge DeHait to the Legislature.\\nElizabeth town, September 16th, 1776.\\nGentlemen, Mr. Zabriskie by your order acquainted\\nme that I had been elected Chief Justice of the State of\\nNew Jersey. This election does me great honor. I\\ncan only wish my abilities were equal to that high and\\nimportant office, but such as they are they shall be ex-\\nerted to discharge with dignity and uprightness the very\\ngreat trust reposed in me.\\nI am, gentlemen, your most obliged and most obedient\\nservant, JOHN DeHART.\\nTo the Hon. the Legislative Council and Assembly of\\nthe State of New Jersey.\\nFroin Deputy Quarter Master General Biddle to\\nGovernor Livingston.\\nPerth Amboy, September 19th, 1776.\\nSir, I received orders about ten days ago to pur-\\nchase a quantity of grain for a magazine to be formed\\nabove Bomdet s ferry for the supply of provender for the\\nhorses of the army on the New York side.\\nI engaged Col. John Zabriskie near Hackensack to\\npurchase about 2,000 bushels of oats, corn and rye,\\nwhich he informed me could be got in that neighbor-\\nhood, and sent to a more distant part for a larger\\nquantity. I was much surprised on receiving a letter\\nfrom my assistant at Fort Constitution, in which he\\ntells me Col. Zabriskie has got no grain, as the inhab-\\nitants would not sell it without gold and silver.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0035.jp2"}, "36": {"fulltext": "12 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1776.\\nI yesterday received orders from his Excellency,\\nGen. Washington, and from Col. Quarter\\nMaster General, which makes it requisite to have a\\nmagazine of hay and grain immediately formed at or\\nnear Fort Constitution, and this refusal of the conti-\\nnental money, or keeping back their grain, which I am\\nready to pay the full value for, puts it out of my power\\nto make the provision I am ordered. I thought it my\\nduty to acquaint your Excellency, that the Legislature\\nof this State may take the same into their consideration\\nand pass such ordinance or resolves as may to them\\nseem necessary. I shall be glad to be favored with\\nyour advice on this subject, and am,\\nWith great respect your Excellency s most obedient\\nand very humble servant,\\nCLEMENT BIDDLE,\\nD. a M. General.\\nHis Excellency, the Governor of New Jersey.\\nFrom Archibald Kennedy to Governor Livingston.\\nMorristown, September 30th, 1776.\\nSir, By an order of the Provincial Congress of\\nNew Jersey, I have been confined for ten weeks past.\\nI don t know of any charge against me, nor the reasons\\nof my being thus forced trom my family. But I have\\nbeen informed several half-pay officers have been per-\\nmitted to return to their respective places of abode upon\\ngiving their parole of honor, a favor which I flatter\\nmyself will be extended to me, and which I shall fully", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0036.jp2"}, "37": {"fulltext": "1776.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 13\\ncomply with, having a numerous family of above fifty\\nto provide for every day, and no person to look after\\nmy property.\\nI need not say more on this subject, bnt hope you will\\ntake the above into serious consideration, and permit\\nme to return to my family.\\nI am your most humble servant,\\nARCHIBALD KENNEDY.\\nHis Excellency, William Livingston, Esq., Governor\\nof the State of New Jersey.\\nFrom the President of the Continental Congress to\\nthe Assembly of Neiv Jersey.\\nPhiladelphia, October 2d, 1776.\\nGentlemen, The many and just complaints of the\\ninsufficiency of the surgeons and their mates, to dis-\\ncharge their duty in a proper manner, have induced\\nCongress to pass the enclosed resolves recommending\\nit to the several States to appoint some skilful physicians\\nas examiners without whose approbation no surgeon,\\nor surgeon s mate shall receive a commission either in\\nthe army or navy.\\nThe Congress being at present deeply engaged in\\nmatters of the utmost importance to the welfare of\\nAmerica, have judged it absolutely necessary that there\\nshould be a full representation of the several States as\\nsoon as possible. For this end, I am to request, in\\nobedience with their commands, you will immediately\\ntake proper measures to comply with the enclosed", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0037.jp2"}, "38": {"fulltext": "14 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1776.\\nresolve, in order that the United States may be fully\\nrepresented in Congress and the sentiments of Amer-\\nica be the better known upon those interesting subjects\\nthat lie before them. I shall therefore only once more\\nrequest your compliance with this requisition of Con-\\ngress, and have the honor to be, Gentlemen,\\nYour most obedient and very humble servant.\\nJOHN HANCOCK, President.\\nFrom the President of the Continental Congress to the\\nAssembly of New Jersey.\\nPhiladelphia, October 9th, 1776.\\nGentlemen, The enclosed resolves which I trans-\\nmit in obedience to the commands of Congress, will\\ninform you of the ample provision they have made for\\nthe support of both officers and soldiers who shall enter\\ninto the service during the war. The pay of the\\nformer is considerably increased, and the latter is to\\nreceive annually a complete suit of clothes or in lieu\\nthereof the sum of twenty dollars, should he provide the\\nsuit for himself This additional encouragement, besides\\nthe twenty dollars bounty and one hundred acres of land\\nformerly granted, the Congress expect will be the means\\nof engaging the troops to serve during the war. For\\nthis purpose also, I am to request you will appoint a\\ncommittee or committees to repair immediately to the\\narmy to induce such of the troops as have been raised\\nby your state to enlist during the war, and to appoint\\nofficers for the same.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0038.jp2"}, "39": {"fulltext": "1776.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786, 15\\nThe Congress for very obvious reasons are extremely\\nanxious to keep the army together.\\nThe dangerous consequences of their breaking up,\\nand the difficuky of forming a new one, are inconceiva-\\nble were this barrier once removed, military power\\nwould quickly spread desolation and ruin over the face\\nof our country. The importance and indeed absolute\\nnecessity of filling up the army, of providing for the\\ntroops, and engaging them to serve during the war, is\\nso apparent, and has been so frequently urged, that I\\nshall only request your attention to the resolves of Con-\\ngress on this subject, and beseech you, by that love you\\nhave for your country, her rights and liberties, to exert\\nyourselves to carry them speedily and effectually into\\nexecution, as the only means of preserving her in this\\nher critical and alarming situation.\\nI have the honor to be, gentlemen, your most obedient\\nand very humble servant,\\nJOHN HANCOCK, President.\\nHon ble Assembly of New Jersey.\\nFrom Colonel Win. Maxwell to the Governor-, Council\\nand Asseinhly.\\nPoint Independence, October 18th, 1776.\\nGentlemen, Agreeably to your instructions sent by\\nthe Hon. John Cleve Symmes and Tunis Dey, I have\\nfurnished them with the necessary returns. Clothing\\nI did not think worthy of mentioning as they are\\nchiefly worn out. I have likewise given them a list of", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0039.jp2"}, "40": {"fulltext": "16 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1776.\\nthose officers that choose to continue in the service\\nduring the war.\\nI am sorry to inform you, that there is not one man\\nwilling at present (nor do I think they will, while here)\\nto engage to stay at this place during the winter. I have\\nlaid before them every proposal the continental Con-\\ngress has made them the great care your hon. house\\nis taking to provide them with warm clothing, and\\nthe glorious cause we are now engaged in, but all to no\\npurpose. They generally say that they will engage as\\nsoon as they go home, and I believe they will. This\\nbeing the first year of their service, and it has been so\\nsevere a one, and now a contract offered, that they know\\nnot when it will end, it may be easily conceived rhey\\nwill require a little time to deliberate.\\nI have the pleasure to inform you that I have in\\ngeneral as good a set of officers as there is in any bat-\\ntalion in the continental service, and of course they will\\nmake good soldiers: what we have still remaining in\\nhealth, I beheve there is none better,\\nI beg leave in a particular manner to recommend to\\nyour notice Colonel Shrieve, he has been very attentive\\nto getting a thorough knowledge of his duty, and he is\\nthe oldest Lieutenant Colonel belonging to our State\\nand although I must regret his absence from any regi-\\nment I should have the honor to command, yet I cannot\\nhelp doing him the justice to recommend him to you as\\nfit for the first preferment in these battalions, or to com-\\nmand the fourth to be raised.\\nMajor Grey has behaved spiritedly on every occasion.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0040.jp2"}, "41": {"fulltext": "1776.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 17\\nHe was at the head of the first division of my battaUon\\nv^^hen it went into Canada, and has gone through the\\nseveral fatigues of this long campaign with credit to\\nhimself and all his acquaintance. I can heartily re-\\ncommend him as worthy of preferment.\\nCaptain Shute is on command, but has frequently\\nsaid he would serve during the war I think you may\\nmake no doubt of his continuing. My assistant and\\nquarter-master I beg leave to appoint myself, (Congress\\ngave me this right before), as those I have had did not\\nsuit the battahon or me.\\nWhen the battalion was first raised, all the officers,\\nexcepting the field ones, lost above a month s rank,\\nwhich has grated them much, and has saved nothing to\\nthe pubhc. The case was thus the officers got only\\nwarrants to recruit with, instead of their commissions.\\nI hope that you will remedy that evil in some measure\\nthis time, by dating our commissions from the time of\\nour entering our names to continue in the service. I\\nam informed the Pennsylvania commissioners, have the\\ncommissions for their officers with them.\\nCaptain Scott has been under arrest for some time\\npast. The near approach of the enemy will not permit\\nus to have a general court martial there is too much\\nbusiness for the officers Colonel Dey has a copy of\\nhis crime. He is the first officer, and the only one, put\\nunder arrest, belonging to the battahon I hope it may\\nbe the last but they may depend upon coming to it\\nwhen found to deserve it. I am, Gentlemen,\\nYour most obedient humble servant,\\n2 WHJJAM MAXWELL.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0041.jp2"}, "42": {"fulltext": "18 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1776.\\nFrom (he President of the Continental Congress to the\\nGovernor.\\nPhiladelphia, November 12th, 1776.\\nSir, I am directed by Congress to transmit you the\\nenclosed resolve, and to request your attention to it.\\nTlie dangerous intercourse between our enemies in\\nNew York and Staten Island, and the internal enemies\\nof America in different parts of New Jersey, calls for\\nthe immediate interposition of government to suppress\\nit. You will therefore be pleased, in conjunction with\\nyour Council and Assembly, to take such measures, for\\nthis end as you shall judge most expedient.\\nI have the honor to be, with the utmost esteem, sir,\\nyour most obedient and very humble servant,\\nJOHN HANCOCK, President.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFrom Col. George Taylor to John Covenhoven.\\nNovember 19th, 1776.\\nSir, I have taken this method to inform you and\\nthe rest of the House that Col. Hendrickson s month\\nends next Thursday evening, and the men will be very\\nanxious to return home. I am at a loss how to act in\\nthis case, as the Generals are out and no orders can be\\ngiven. Another thing I must inform you that I have\\nbeen informed that an act of your house makes void all\\ncommissions when the bearer does not qualify: as to\\nmy part, gentlemen, I don t choose to qualify for several", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0042.jp2"}, "43": {"fulltext": "1776.] executivf: from 1776 to 1786. 19\\nreasons, and if officers have no other principles to bind\\nthem but oaths, I should be very doubtful whether any\\nvery extraordinary matters might be expected from\\nthem. This subject I shall drop, and request your\\ninformation whether you choose my resignation or\\nwhether I must act as usual. This, gentlemen, is in\\nyour breasts. I have ordered a company down to\\nSandy Hook; the post I think lies most exposed. I shall\\nnow remain inactive till I hear further from you, which\\nI expect will be by the messenger as I have sent him\\non purpose, and tlie nature of the several stations re-\\nquires something should be done as soon as possible.\\nI therefore conclude, and submit the subject to the\\nwisdom of your house, and remain, gentlemen,\\nYour very humble servant,\\nGEORGE TAYLOR.\\nJohn Covenhoven, Esq., Member of the Assembly now\\nsetting at Princeton, New Jersey, or, in his absence,\\nto any other member.\\nFrom ti. Foniian to Joseph Holmes.\\nNovember 21st, 177G.\\nDear Sir, There is a task laid upon me that I\\ndon t hke.\\nCol Taylor refuses taking the oath required: in con-\\nsequence thereof the officers refuse acting under him.\\nThey request me to take the command the next month,\\nwhich begins to-morrow. Tis quite hkely Col. Taylor\\nhas orders from the General, and also money for to", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0043.jp2"}, "44": {"fulltext": "20 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1776.\\nsupply the regiment with provisions. Before I can go\\nI must have orders and money to supply a commissary.\\nYou see the immediate necessity for orders being sent,\\nor our guards on the shore may be suffering for pro-\\nvisions, and in the greatest confusion.\\nI am, S. FORMAN.\\nTo Joseph Holmes, Esq., at Burlington.\\nFrom Colonel DeHart to Governor Livingston.\\n[December, 1776, original without date.]\\nSir, I am thus far on the road to Pitts Town, ex-\\npecting to have met the Assembly and Council there,\\nbut am informed by Mr. Mehelm that you have ad-\\njourned to a place near Philadelphia. My business\\nwith them is, to ascertain what price I may venture to\\ngive for arms to arm the regiment I belong to. Another\\nthing I would most earnestly request. That such war-\\nrant appointments as remain, or have happened in our\\nregiment, may not be filled up by the state, as Colonel\\nOgden and myself have already begun, and made con-\\nsiderable progress in the recruiting service. In order to\\ndo this, we have filled the vacancies already with\\nofficers, who have recruited a considerable number of\\nmen, and should this not be attended to, it will finally\\nruin the regiment in the recruiting service. This I\\ncould by no means have thought to be an intrusion\\nupon any prerogative, as your Excellency may remem-\\nber that I apphed to you to do it, or to call upon a com-\\nmittee of Council so to do, and your Excellency could\\nafford no expedient for that necessity. I apphed to", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0044.jp2"}, "45": {"fulltext": "1776.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 21\\nGeneral Washington, who directed the mode we have\\ntaken. I shall soon return to Morristown, as my\\npresence and assistance are very necessary there for\\nrecruiting, and notwithstanding the many unmerited\\nneglects our regiment has received, I shall exert myself\\nto fill it. The above I request you to communicate to\\nCouncil and Assembly, and\\nI am your most obedient servant,\\nWILLIAM DeHART.\\nFrom the President of the Continental Congress to\\nGovernor Livingston.\\nBaltimore, December 30th, 1776.\\nSir, Ever attentive to the security of civil liber-\\nty. Congress would not have consented to the vest-\\ning of such powers in the military department as those\\nwhich the inclosed resolves convey to the continen-\\ntal Commander-in-Chief, if the situation of publick\\naffairs did not require at this crisis a decision and vigour\\nwhich distance and numbers deny to assemblies far re-\\nmoved from each other and from the immediate seat of\\nwar.\\nThe strength and progress of the enemy, joined to\\nprospects of considerable reinforcements, have rendered\\nit not only necessary that the American forces should\\nbe augmented beyond what Congress had heretofore\\ndesigned, but that they should be brought into the field\\nwith all possible expedition. These considerations\\ninduce Congress to request in the most earnest manner", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0045.jp2"}, "46": {"fulltext": "22 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1776.\\nthat the fullest mfluence of your state may be exerted\\nto aid such levies as the General shall direct in conse-\\nquence of the powers now given him, and that your\\nquota of battalions formerly fixed may be completed\\nand ordered to head quarters with all the despatch that\\nan ardent desire to secure the publick happiness can\\ndirect.\\nI have the honor to be, with every sentiment of\\nesteem, Sir, your most obedient servant,\\nJOHN HANCOCK, President.\\nTo His Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFrom Col. Spencer to Stephen Crane of the Asseinhly,\\nElizabethtown, January 28th, 1777.\\nDear Sir, I was in hopes to have had the pleasure\\nof visiting your honorable House of Assembly, but my\\ntime is so taken up in completing the three months\\nbattalion and that of raising a battahon during the\\nwar, that it is not possible for me to be so long absent,\\ntherefore must give up the matter at present. I send\\ninclosed a Ust of what commissions may be wanted in\\nthe battallion I am now in. You ll please present the\\nmatter and let them be forwarded.\\nWith best compliments to His Excellency, Governor\\nLivingston and the gentlemen of the House, I am your\\nmost obedient and humble servant,\\nOLIVER SPENCER.\\nThe Hon. Stephen Crane, Esq.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0046.jp2"}, "47": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE, FROM 177G TO 1786. 23\\nList of Commissions wanted 1 Colonel, 1 Lieut.\\nCol., 2 Captains, 4 first Lieuts., 3 second do. 8 Ensigns.\\nN. B. As I have not got the names of the whole,\\ndon t insert any of them, as the commissions can be\\neasily filled here.\\nOLIVER SPENCER.\\nFrojii General Washington to the Legislature of New\\nJersey.\\nHead Quarters, Morristown, January 31st, 1777.\\nThe great countenance and protection shewn and\\ngiven to deserters, by persons in the different neighbor-\\nhoods from whence thev originallv came, has made that\\nvice so prevalent in the army that unless some very\\neffectual measures are fallen upon to prevent it, our\\nnew army will scarcely be raised before it will again\\ndwindle and waste away, from that cause alone.\\nI know of no remedy so effectual as for the different\\nstates, immediately, to pass laws laying a very severe\\npenalty upon those who harbour or fail to give informa-\\ntion against deserters, knowing them to be such, and\\nstrictly enjoining all Justices of the Peace and officers\\nof the militia to keep a watchful eye over and appre-\\nhend all such persons as shall return from the army\\nwithout a discharge.\\nIn order that this most salutary measure may be\\ncarried speedily into execution, I have not only desired\\nCongress to recommend it to the different States, but\\nhave myself wrote circular letters to them all, pressing\\ntheir compHance with my request. Desertion must", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0047.jp2"}, "48": {"fulltext": "24 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\ncease, of course, when the offenders find they have no\\nshelter.\\nI have the honor to be, gentlemen, your most obedi-\\nent servant, G^ WASHINGTON.\\nTo the Hon. the Representatives of the State of New\\nJersey.\\nFrom Colonel Chambers to the Speaker of the\\nAssembly.\\nRaritan, February 5th, 1777.\\nSir, I have consulted my officers, and in conse-\\nquence of which, I do request you will recommend to\\nhis Excellency, Governor Livingston, the following\\npersons to be Field Officers in my Battalion, viz.\\nMajor Cornelius Stout, for Lieutenant-Colonel.\\nDavid Bishop, Adjutant, for First Major.\\nCaptain David Jones, for Second Major.\\nJohn Schanck, for Adjutant.\\nYou will please to urge the necessity for those Offi-\\ncers, and beg they may be immediately commissioned.\\nColonel Lowrey being appointed Commissary for\\nthis state, declines acting as Lieutenant- Colonel.\\nI am, sir, your very obedient and humble servant,\\nDAVID CHAMBERS, Colonel.\\nTo John Hart, Esq., Speaker of Assembly.\\nFrom Jonatlian D. Sergeant to the Speaker of the\\nAssembly.\\nBaltimore, February 6th, 1777.\\nDear Sir, Pursuant to the appointment of the\\nLegislature of New Jersey, I have attended the Con-", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0048.jp2"}, "49": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 25\\ngress, as one of the Delegates, from their first sitting at\\nBaltimore to this time. As, during this period pubUc\\naflfairs have taken a much happier turn, and my own\\nprivate circumstances have assumed rather a melan-\\ncholy complexion, I hope your honorable body vv^ill\\nexcuse my wishing to retire to the management of my\\nprivate concerns.\\nThe loss of my house, by fire, is the least part of my\\nmisfortunes, as my attention to politics during those un-\\nhappy times has at once superseded my business and\\nprevented the collecting my accounts till the greater\\npart of my debtors, it is to be feared, are either ruined\\nor not to be found. For these reasons I find it neces-\\nsary to apply myself to some business for the support of\\nmy family. My attendance in Congress must be a bar\\nin the way of all such attempts, and I must, therefore,\\nbeg that some other person may be appointed in my\\nplace. I shall, however, attend till a person can be\\nappointed to succeed me.\\nI am your most obedient and humble servant,\\nJONA. D. SERGEANT.\\nHon ble J. Hart, Speaker, c.\\nFro?n Abraham Clark to the Speaker of the Assembly.\\nBaltimore, February 8th, 1777.\\nDear Sir, I lately heard the Assembly of New\\nJersey had met, but cannot learn where, and am there-\\nfore unable to give a proper direction. The four New\\nEngland Colonies have had a meeting of committees", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0049.jp2"}, "50": {"fulltext": "26 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777-\\nfrom their Legislatures to consult upon measures for\\ntheir mutual defence, and for regulating trade and com-\\nmerce. Their proceedings are before Congress, and I\\nexpect will soon obtain their approbation and recom-\\nmendation will therefore be sent to New York, New\\nJersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland, to appoint com-\\nmittees to meet at Philadelphia for the purpose of\\nregulating the prices of all articles of trade, c. The\\nsouthern states will also be desired to meet for that\\npuipose. These matters, if passed, you will soon have\\nnotice of\\nI am much alarmed with General Washington s\\nproclamation of the 25th ot January. He has as-\\nsumed the legislative and executive powers of govern-\\nment in all the states. I moved Congress to pass a\\nresolution I introduced for preventing its fatal conse-\\nquences, and the establishing such a precedent. My\\nmotion was committed, and is now before the com-\\nmittee. I hope our Legislatures will take proper\\nnotice of it, whatever issue it may have in Congress,\\nand not tamely submit their authority to the control of\\na power unknown in our constitution. We set out to\\noppose tyranny in all its strides, and I hope we shall\\npersevere.\\nA regulation for providing carriages for the army,\\nand to prevent as much as possible the custom of im-\\npressing, has long been before a Congress committee,\\nand has been recommitted, and so it remains. I wish\\nyou would not delay passing a law for regulating im-\\nuresses of this kind. The devastations of New Jersey", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0050.jp2"}, "51": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 27\\nby the enemy will, I think, make it necessary to prevent\\ncattle running at large, as fences on the main road are\\nwantonly destroyed, and cannot soon be made. I think,\\ntoo, that no person ought so be compelled to fence\\nagainst street cattle at any time.\\nMr. Sergeant talks of resigning, and Mr. Stockton,\\nby his late procedure, cannot act. I wish their places\\nmay be supplied by such as will be reputable to New\\nJersey, not only by their integrity but abilities.\\nThe tories in the two lower counties of Maryland,\\nand on the eastern shore of Delaware, are very trouble-\\nsome, and collecting forces, aided by several men oi\\nwar in Delaware, but more especially in Chesapeake\\nBay. The militia and two Continental regiments are\\nmarching against them.\\nI expect Congress will soon remove from hence to\\nLancaster, though it is not yet determined. If that\\nshould happen, I shall be greatly perplexed with the\\nchests. Our chief reason for removing is the extrava-\\ngant price of living here. The price of board, without\\nany liquor, a dollar a day, horse keeping 4s., wine 12s.\\nper bottle, rum 30s. per gallon, and every thing else in\\nproportion, and likely soon to rise.\\nI am, dear sir, with great regard, your obedient and\\nhumble servant, ABRAHAM CLARK.\\nJohn Hart, Esq., Speaker of Assembly of New Jersey.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0051.jp2"}, "52": {"fulltext": "28 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nFrom James Sullivan to Governor Livingston.\\nBoston, February 9th, 1777.\\nSir, As chairman of a committee of the House of\\nRepresentatives of this state, for this purpose especially\\nappointed, I enclose you a copy of an act lately passed\\nby this government, for regulating the price of the arti-\\ncles therein enumerated, and w^hich may from their\\nnature and use, and from the present situation of the\\ncountry, come under the denomination of the necessa-\\nries of life.\\nThe want of a sufficient medium in silver and gold\\nto support the present war, necessarily procured the\\nemission of bills of pubhc credit, and in proportion to\\nthese emissions the public debt must be increased. It\\ntherefore became a measure of the last importance to\\nlessen the very extravagant price to which these\\narticles had arisen, and without it the wages of the\\nsoldiers would have been insufficient to support his per-\\nson and family. Had not the very weighty and impor-\\ntant business which so constantly demands the attention\\nof the honorable Congress prevented it, their making\\nthese regulations would have given the measure, even\\nhere, a more extensive and salutary influence than can\\nbe expected from what the northern states have done.\\nThat the prices of those necessaries might throughout\\nthose states be as uniform as the situation and custom\\nof each state can admit of, and the particular situation\\nof Congress and the army being such as prevented our\\nmaking application to that honorable Assembly upon", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0052.jp2"}, "53": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 29\\nthis subiect, a committee from their several Assembhes\\nmet at Providence, and drew the outHnes which were\\ngenerally adopted by these Assembhes and it is the\\nardent desire of Massachusetts that some such regula-\\ntion may be speedily embraced by all the American\\nstates.\\nI am also directed to enclose you a copy of a reso-\\ntion recently passed by the General Assembly here, for\\npreventing the exportation of the several articles therein\\nmentioned; and am authorised to assure you that this\\nmeasure did not in the least proceed from any abate-\\nment in that sincere affection which we have for our\\nsister states, but from an earnest desire to feed and\\nclothe that army upon whom the salvation of America\\nso materially depends.\\nHad we not taken this step, the few evil-minded\\nand designing persons yet in America, who leave no\\nmeasure untried to ruin us, together with those who,\\nregardless of their country s weal, are seeking their own\\nemolument only, would have monopolized near all the\\ngoods which we have, and which we design for the use\\nof the army.\\nThis embargo was rendered in some measure neces-\\nsary by the Regulation Act, or rather by our sister states\\nnot coming into similar measures, for all our goods\\nwould soon have been either concealed from the use of\\nthe arm} or have been carried to those places where\\nan exorbitant price o\u00c2\u00bbuld be obtained for them. But\\nwe hope soon to see the army so well clothed, and\\nsuch regulations ui ir9de take place in all the United", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0053.jp2"}, "54": {"fulltext": "30 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nStates, as will enable us to repeal this resolution which\\nwe shall do in such case with the greatest cheerfulness.\\nI am, sir, with the greatest respect, your most obe-\\ndient and humble servant,\\nJAS. SULLIVAN.\\nHon. William Livingston, Esq., Governor.\\nFrom General Dickinson to Governor Livingston.\\nHead-Quailers on Raritan, Feb. 12, 1777.\\nSir, I wrote your Excellency some tune ago, and\\nthen reminded you of our conversation at Morristown.\\nAlthough my private alfairs demanded my immediate\\nattention, yet much was due to the public and I could\\nnot think of absenting myself from the station, in\\nwhich the late honorable convention of this state had\\nplaced me, w ithout giving timely notice, especially as it\\nwas a time of great danger. The situation of my\\nfamily and affairs require my utmost care and attention.\\nMrs. Dickinson has been long confined to the house,\\nand by a letter just received is now confined to her\\nroom my family and effects dispersed through three\\nstates, my loss has already been very considerable, and\\nwithout my attention will be greatly increased. I\\njoined his excellency Gen. Washington the 25th Nov.\\nlast, since which time have not spent a single hour in\\nlooking after my property in this state, which now\\nsuffers exceedingly. The situation o1 my farm is in\\nso public a part of this state, I have so sensibly felt\\ninconvenience attending the same, that Mrs. Dickinson\\nchooses to remove to some more distant and secure part", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0054.jp2"}, "55": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 31\\nof the country in a neigliboring state, which 1 am de-\\ntermined to comply with, as soon as I am released\\nwith honour. I have a place to purchase, and then to\\nremove my family and effects, which will take up a\\nconsiderable time, and the season is advancing fast. I\\ntherefore request your excellency will be pleased, with-\\nout fail, after the timely notice I have given you, to\\nrelease me by the appointment of another general by\\nthe first of March next, as my situation is such, that I\\ncannot remain longer without the greatest injury to my\\nfamily. The gentleman whom you honor with the\\nappointment, will be pleased to call upon me at my\\nquarters the beginning of March. If my conduct has\\nmet with the approbation of your excellency, and the\\nGeneral Assembly of the State,* it will be to me a\\nsotirce of great pleasure.\\nYour excellency s most obedient and humble servant,\\nPHILEMON DICKINSON.\\nHis excellency, Gov. Livingston.\\nFrom Col. Shrieve to Governor Liri?ig.ston.\\nPrinceton, March 17, 1777.\\nSir, I have been repeatedly apphed to by the state\\nofficers of iny regiment for their commissions, and have\\nbeen informed, that they are to be given by the Hon.\\nJohn Hancock, on your excellency s certificate that\\nthey have been duly appointed. My quarter-master is\\ngoing to Philadelphia on business. If your excellency\\nwill please to give him such certificate, he will call for", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0055.jp2"}, "56": {"fulltext": "32 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nthe commissions. Charles Uxford was first appointed\\nquarter-master, but I have not seen or heard from him\\nsince his appointment I supposed he dechned serving.\\nAfter my arrival at this place, the necessity of such a\\nuseful officer obliged me to apply to the General to ap-\\npoint one in orders, when Benjamin Osman, a very\\nproper person, was appointed. The officers of the\\nregiment, together with myself, pray he may be con-\\ntinued by the honorable Council, now sitting at Bor-\\ndentown.\\nI am your excellency s most obedient and humble\\nservant,\\nISRAEL SHRIEVE.\\nTo his excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nThe staff officers of my regiment are\\nLuther Halsey, Adjutant.\\nBenjamin Osman, quarter-master.\\nWilliam Shute, Paymaster.\\nLewis Howell, Surgeon.\\nFrom Governor Livingston to the Vice President of\\nthe Council of Safety of Pennsylvania.\\nHaddonfield, March 18th, 1777.\\nSir, Captain Walton will wait on the Committee of\\nSafety with one Borden and his son, boatmen, and\\nfour other prisoners, Scotchmen, lately bound from Phila-\\ndelphia to New York, and taken on that account at\\nSquam Beach. The boatman denies his being privy to", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0056.jp2"}, "57": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 33\\nthe designs of the passengers of going to New York,\\nHe has however contradicted himself in his relation to\\nCol. Randolph, to whom he declared that he left Phila-\\ndelphia without passengers, and has while here, express-\\ned himself to the guard in a very violent manner against\\nthe Congress. The passengers confess their design of\\ngoing to New York, if they could have prevailed upon\\nthe boatmen to carry them, and there to have embarked\\nfor Scotland justifying themselves in the measure under\\nGeneral Washington s Proclamation, though it has no\\nreference to people in their situation, and if it had, they\\nwere under no necessity of going in so clandestine a\\nmanner. They being inhabitants of your state, I send\\nthem to you for further examination by advice of our\\nCouncil of Safety, The said boatman has been employ-\\ned in rigging your galleys, and has been for 25 years\\nacquainted with your river, and had been employed in\\nNew York in sinking the Chevaux de Prised\\nSir, I am your humble servant,\\nWILL. LIVINGSTON,\\nHon David Rittenhouse, Vice President, c.\\nFrom Colonel Bull to Governor Livingston.\\nWaterfield, March 27th, 1777.\\nSir, Yours to David Rittenhouse, Esq., was receiv-\\ned wherein you recommend Col. Willman, and desire to\\nknow the terms which to laborers is 4s. 6d. per day\\nwith diet every man to bring his own blanket. Sol-\\ndiers or militia in continental service receive one shilling\\n3", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0057.jp2"}, "58": {"fulltext": "34 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nper dav with an allowance of rum over and above their\\nmouthlv pav. I have now at Billingsport about 20u\\nworkmen, chiefly soldiers. I remain your excellency s\\nObedient and humble servant.\\nJNO. BULL, Colonel.\\nHis Excellencv. Gov r Livingston.\\nFrom James Wilson to Governor Livingston.\\nPhiladelphia, March 28, 1777.\\nSir. There is sreat reason to believe that a certain\\nJohn Curhs of Shrewsbury in New Jersey was con-\\ncerned in taking at Bristol the packet from General\\nWashington to Congress. I was one of the Com-\\nmittee appointed to enquire into that matter and in\\nthat character think it my duty to write to you upon\\nthe subject, that Mr. Curhs may be apprehended and\\nexamined.\\nI have the honor to be. with much esteem, sir, your\\nverv humble servant,\\nJAMES WILSON.\\nHis Excellencv. Wfn. Livingston.\\nMinutes of the Commissioners appointed to regulate\\nPrices.\\nYork Town, Wednesday Morning, March 1Q\\\\h, 1777.\\nThe commissioners appointed by the states of New-\\nYork. New Jersev. Pennsylvania. Delaware, Maryland\\nand Virginia for the purpose of considering of and\\nforniins a system of regulation adapted to those states", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0058.jp2"}, "59": {"fulltext": "177 7. J EXECuxm: from 1776 to 17S6. 3-5\\nto regulate the price of labor, of manufactiir-i\\ninternal produce within these states and of\\nported from foreign parts, except mihtarr storrs.\\nlaid before the respective Legislatures of each state for\\ntheir approbation, met at the house of 3Ir. W:\\nWhite. Present\\nJohn Sloss HobarL CoL Rober Van Rennseker, of\\nNew York-\\nTheophiltis Ehner. Jose;., ji _ of New Jersev.\\nGeorge Henry. Bartram Gc\\nRichard Thomas. I avia McC _ v. of\\nPennsylvania.\\nGeneral Caesar Rodney, Lt. Col. Thomas Collins,\\nCoL James Lattemore, of Delaware.\\nNorman Bruce. John Braceo. Henry GriflitlL Joseph\\nSim. of Maryland-\\nLewis BurwelL Thomas Adams, of Virginia.\\nThomas Axxos. Clerk.\\nThe several commissioner? n^.iz-\\ntials, which were read, appr _. \u00e2\u0080\u009e_. ;_.l. T_f\\nresolve of Congress recommending lo he sfv-ir?.\\nLegislatures, or ;r recess, to the Ex\\nof the states of New York. A:c.. ?5ion-\\ners to meet at York Town\\nMonday of March :7 .^iiier\\nsystem of regulation :_ Zx^ose stai-\\nbefore the respective Legdslc.rares of each state for their\\napprobation, wastead and\\nAdjourned to 3 o clocL", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0059.jp2"}, "60": {"fulltext": "36 CORRESPOiNDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777..\\nThe commissioners met Wednesday afternoon at\\n3 o clock, pursuant to adjournment.\\nPresent, Lewis Burwell, Chairman, c.\\nOrdered that Mr. Hobart, Mr. Henry and Mr. Adams\\nbe a committee to devise ways and means to prevent the\\nmischiefs arising from the spirit of monopoly so preva-\\nlent in these states.\\nAdjourned till to-morrow morning, 10 o clock.\\nThursday morning 10 o clock, March 27, 1777.\\nThe commissioners met pursuant to adjournment.\\nPresent, Lewis Burwell, Esq., Chairman, c.\\nAdjourned till 4 o clock in the afternoon.\\nThursday afternoon 4 o clock, March 27, 1777.\\nThe commissioners met pursuant to adjournment.\\nPresent, Lewis Burwell, Esq., Chairman, c.\\nThe committee to whom it was referred to devise\\nways and means, made their report, which, being read,\\nwas ordered to lie on the table for consideration till to-\\nmorrow morning, and is in the words following\\nYour committee to whom it was referred to devise\\nw^ays and means to prevent the evils arising from the\\nspirit of monopoly so prevalent at present, have taken\\nthe same into consideration and beg leave to report the\\nfollowing resolves\\nWhereas many evil minded and disaffected persons\\nhave engrossed and monopolized large quantities of the\\nnecessaries of life in order to enhance the price, distress\\nthe army, and discourage the good people of these\\nstates in the present glorious struggle for their liberty,\\nResolved. That it be recommended to the several", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0060.jp2"}, "61": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 37\\nLegislatures of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,\\nDelaware, Maryland and Virginia to pass laws for the\\npurpose of fixing the prices and enforcing the sale of\\nsuch necessary articles as have been or may be from\\ntime to time engrossed, and which shall be necessary\\nfor the use of the army or the consumption of the in-\\nhabitants.\\nResolved, That the prices of the following articles\\nthat shall have been or may be engrossed or monopo-\\nlized as aforesaid, do not exceed, in any or either of the\\nsaid states, the rates hereinafter mentioned.\\nResolved, That it be further recommended to the\\nseveral Legislatures aforesaid from time to time to fix\\nthe prices and enforce the sale of such other necessary\\narticles imported from foreign parts as may be monopo-\\nlized in manner aforesaid.\\nResolved, That no person ought to be considered as\\nan engrosser or monopolizer who shall keep an open\\nshop for the purpose of selling goods by retail, and who\\nshall make no distinction in the price between gold and\\nsilver and continental bills, or the bills of credit of the\\nrespective state where the sale shall happen.\\nAdjourned till 10 o clock to-morrow morning.\\nFriday morning 10 o clock, March 28, 1777.\\nThe connnissioners met pursuant to adjournment.\\nPresent, Lewis Burwell, Esq., Chairman, c.\\nThe report was read and debated.\\nAdjourned till 3 o clock, March 28, 1777.\\nFriday afternoon 3 o clock, March 28, 1777.\\nThe commissioners met pursuajit to adjournment.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0061.jp2"}, "62": {"fulltext": "38 CORRESPONDENCE OF J HE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nPresent, Lewis Burwell, Esq., Chairman. c.\\nAfter some time spent in the consideration of the\\nreport, ordered that the further consideration thereof be\\ndeferred till to-morrow morning.\\nAdjourned till 10 o clock to-morrow morning.\\nSaturday morning 10 o clock, March 29, 1777.\\nThe commissioners met pursuant to adjournment.\\nPresent, Lewis Burwell, Esq., Chairman, c.\\nOrdered that the report be recommitted, and that Mr.\\nBraceo, Mr. Collins and Mr. Elmer be added to the\\ncommittee, and that they be instructed to prepare a\\nsystem of measures for remedying the evils occasioned\\nby the present fluctuating and exorbitant prices of labor,\\nof manufactures, of internal produce, and of goods im-\\nported from foreign parts, except military stores.\\nAdjourned till 10 o clock Monday morning.\\nMonday morning, 10 o clock, March 31, 1777.\\nThe commissioners met pursuant to adjournment.\\nPresent, Lewis Burwell, Esq., Chairman, c.\\nThe committee made their report, which, being read,\\nwas ordered to lay on the table for consideration, and is\\nin the words following\\nYour committee to whom was recommitted^the report\\nof a plan to prevent the evils arising from a spirit of\\nmonopoly so prevalent at present, with an instruction\\nto prepare a system of measures for remedying the\\nevils occasioned by the present fluctuating and exor-\\nbitant prices of labor, manufactures, internal produce,\\nand goods imported from foreign parts, have taken the\\nsame into consideration, and are of opinion that the pre-", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0062.jp2"}, "63": {"fulltext": "1776.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 39\\nsent fluctuating and exorbitant prices of these articles\\nare owing to the following causes.\\n1st. The great quantity of paper currency brought\\ninto circulation for the purpose of supporting the war\\nwhereby the medium greatly exceeds the quantity of\\ntransferable property, especially in those states in the\\nneighborhood of the army, and is therefore so far forth\\ndecreased in its value to those who have no further\\nuse for it than to purchase the necessaries and con-\\nveniences of Ufe.\\n2d. The non-importation agreement, which subsisted\\nwhile any hope remained that Great Britain would do\\njustice to the colonies, and the great risk attending a\\nforeign commerce since the declaration of war, have\\nprevented the inhabitants of these states from receiving\\nthe usual supplies of foreign connnodities which, to-\\ngether with the scarcity of raw materials and imple-\\nments requisite for their manufacturing the necessaries\\nand conveniencies of life within themselves, have re-\\nduced the quantity on hand greatly below the demand\\nfor the actual consumption of the country.\\nAdd to these, that a number of disaffected and inim-\\nical persons in the different states, who eagerly seize\\nevery opportunity of perplexing and distressing the\\ngood people in their present glorious struggle for every\\nthing that ought to be dear to freemen, have refused to\\nreceive the continental and other currencies in pay-\\nments and where that could not be avoided, have by\\ninvesting their monies in silver, gold, and other commo-\\ndities, which have an intrinsic value, and by giving\\nhigh and exorbitant prices for the same, led the way", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0063.jp2"}, "64": {"fulltext": "40 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nfor many inconsiderate persons to follow so pernicious\\nan example whereby the spirit of monopoly and extor-\\ntion has increased, great quantities of the necessaries\\nand conveniences of life have been purchased and laid\\nup, by some, under an expectation that should the event\\nof the war prove unfavorable to the United States, pro-\\nperty would be more secure in those articles than in\\npaper currency; by others, with a view to the rapid\\nincrease of their fortunes by extorting an exorbitant\\nadvance upon the prime cost of their goods which has\\ninduced the manufacturer to withhold his commodities,\\nand the laborer his service, unless they could obtain a\\nprice equally extravagant. For the remedy of which,\\nand to prevent the like evils in future, your committee\\nare of opinion that a general and permanent system of\\ngiving stability to, and preventing extortion in the\\nprices of labor, of manufactures, and of internal pro-\\nduce within the United States, and goods imported\\nfrom foreign parts ought to be adopted, and for this desi-\\nrable purpose, beg leave to report the following resolves.\\nResolved, First, that it be reconnnended to the seve-\\nral legislatures of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,\\nDelaware, Maryland, and Virginia, by taxes and other-\\nwise, according to the abilities of their respective states,\\nto collect as much as possible of the paper currency\\nalready emitted, and not to issue the same again, but in\\ncases of the most urgent necessity. [Disagreed to.]\\nResolved, Secondly, that it be recommended to the\\nseveral legislatures aforesaid, to fix the prices and en-\\nforce the sale of such commodities as now are or here-\\nafter shall be in the hands of such persons who engross,", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0064.jp2"}, "65": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 41\\nmonopolize or withhold them from market the same\\nbeing necessary for the use ot the army or navy, or\\nthe consumption of the inhabitants, and that the follow-\\ning articles, which may be so engrossed, monopolized,\\nor withheld from market, be sold at a rate not exceeding\\nthe prices hereinafter mentioned.\\nViz. And that the prices of all other articles that are\\nor may be engrossed, monopolized, or withheld from the\\nmarket, as aforesaid, be fixed by the respective legisla-\\ntures in such manner as that they shall bear the same\\nproportion to those already enumerated, which they\\nusually did before the commencement of the present war.\\nAnd whereas, the price of labor and of manufactures\\nought to be proportionate to each other. Resolved, That\\nit be recommended to the legislatures aforesaid to pass\\nlaws for the purpose of fixing and settling the rates and\\nprices hereinatter enumerated viz And further, that\\nthe manufactures not herein enumerated, be rated by\\nthe respective legislatures, in such manner, as that the\\nprices may bear the same proportioa to the price of\\nlabor, as now fixed, that they did before the counnence-\\nment of the present w ar.\\nAnd whereas, the practice of exposing good\u00c2\u00a7 and\\nmerchandize to sale, bv wav of pubhc vendue has\\ntended to increase the present fluctuating and exorbi-\\ntant prices of the necessaries and conveniences of Life\\nand encourage the spirit of monopoly Resolved. That\\nit be recommended to the respective legislatures afore-\\nsaid, to pass laws for restraining such practice in future,\\nexcept in the case of commodities, which shall have\\nbeen condemned in a Court of Admiraltv, or taken bv", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0065.jp2"}, "66": {"fulltext": "42 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1776.\\nprocess issuing out of the other courts of law in which\\ncases to regulate the sale by providing that no goods,\\nwares or merchandize be sold in large lots and that\\nno lot be removed from the warehouse, in which it\\nshall be stored, under the care and direction of the\\nproper officer, until the purchase money for the same be\\nfirst paid down.\\nAnd whereas, the most speedy and effectual measures\\nought to be pursued for procuring a sufficient supply of\\nthose commodities, which are more immediately neces-\\nsary for the use of the army and navy, and the con-\\nsumption of the inhabitants.\\nResolved, That it be recommended to the respective\\nlegislatures aforesaid, to encourage the commerce to\\nforeign parts, by establishing public assurance offices on\\nthe account of the respective states to encourage by\\npremiums and otherwise, for a limited time, the import-\\nation of medicines, coarse woolen and Unen cloths,\\ncoarse hosiery, felt hats, raw hides, tanned leather, men s\\ncommon shoes, salt and wool, cotton and tow cords to\\ndiscourage by every prudent means the importation\\nand use of fine woolen and linen cloths, and all kinds\\nof superfluities.\\nTo prohibit the exportation of skins and furs of all\\nkinds, except to some one or other of the United States;\\nto encourage by premiums and otherwise the increasing\\nthe number and improving the breed of sheep; the\\nraising of flax, hemp, and cotton, the manufacturing of\\nwoolen and linen cloths, and the erecting of slitting\\nand wire mills and salt works.\\nAdjourned to 3 o clock, afternoon.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0066.jp2"}, "67": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FR03I 1776 TO 1786. 43\\nMonday afternoon, 3 o clock; March 31, 1777.\\nThe commissioners met pursuant to adjournment.\\nPresent, Lewis Burvvell, Esq., Chairman, c.,\\nThe report was read a second time and taken into\\nconsideration after some time spent thereon,\\nResolved, That the further consideration of it be\\ndeferred till to-morrow morning.\\nAdjourned till to-morrow morning, 10 o clock.\\nTuesday morning, 10 o clock, April 1, 1777.\\nThe commissioners met pursuant to adjournment\\nPresent, Lewis Burvvell, Esq., Chairman, c.\\nThe consideration of the report was resumed.\\nA motion was made and seconded, that the report be\\nrejected, and the question being put it was received in\\nthe negative, in the manner following viz\\nFor the affirmative, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Mary-\\nland.\\nFor the negative. New York, New Jersey, Virginia.\\nAdjourned till 3 o clock, afternoon.\\nTuesday afternoon, 3 o clock.\\nThe commissioners met pursuant to adjournment.\\nPresent, Lewis Burwell, Esq., Chairman, c.\\nAdjourned till ten o clock, to-morrow morning.\\nWednesday morning, 10 o clock.\\nThe commissioners met pursuant to adjournment.\\nPresent, Lewis Burwell, Esq., Chairman, c.\\nMr. Braceo moved, and was seconded by Mr. Bruce,", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0067.jp2"}, "68": {"fulltext": "44 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nthat the report be amended as follows In the third\\nresolve after the word labor leave out the word and\\nand after the word manufactures insert the words,\\ninternal produce within those states, and of goods\\nimported from foreign parts, except military stores and\\ncoarse woolens, linens, felt hats, coarse hosiery, and\\nmen s common shoes for the use of the| army only,\\nimplements of manufacture, medicines, raw hides and\\nsalt.\\nFor the question, Delaware.\\nAgainst the question, New York, New Jersey, Penn-\\nsylvania, Virginia. Maryland divided.\\nAdjourned till 4 o clock in the afternoon.\\nWednesday, 4 o clock, afternoon.\\nThe commissioners met pursuant to adjournment.\\nPresent, Lewis Burwell, Esq., chairman, c.\\nAfter some time spent in the consideration of the\\nreport, the commissioners came to the following resolu-\\ntion, viz Whereas, it appears in the course of the\\nproceedings of the board, that there is a great dissimi-\\nlarity of sentiment among the commissioners, about the\\nmeasures to be adopted for remedying the evils occa-\\nsioned by the fluctuating and exorbitant prices of labor,\\nmanufactures, and internal produce within these states,\\nand of goods imported from foreign parts, except mili-\\ntary stores some conceiving themselves restricted by\\nthe resolves of Congress and the instructions received\\nfrom their respective legislatures, from entering into any\\nregulations but such as shall directly limit the prices of", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0068.jp2"}, "69": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 45\\nthose articles while others, conceiving that such\\nregulations will be productive of the most fatal conse-\\nquences to these states, are for adopting measures which\\nin their opinion will in their operation tend to counter-\\nact the causes which have occasioned the evils so justly\\ncomplained of. From whence it is evident that this\\nBoard cannot proceed with unanimity in establishing\\nany particular system of measures for answering the\\npurpose of their meeting Therefore, Resolved unan-\\nimously, That certified copies of the proceedings of\\nthe Board be transmitted to Congress, and to the res-\\npective legislatures of New York, New Jersey, Penn-\\nsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia and that\\nthis meeting be dissolved.\\nA true copy.\\nLEWIS BURWELL, Chairman.\\nSigned Thursday evening,\\nBy candle-light, April 3, 1777.\\nFrom General Heard to Governor Livingston.\\nHead -Quarters, Raritan, April 1st, 1777.\\nSir, Inclosed you have the copy of a letter I\\nreceived from Colonel Beavers, in the county of Hun-\\nterdon, by which you will see what a bad situation the\\nmilitia of that battaUon are in on account of the\\nCaptains of the several companies refusing to do their\\nduty. I should be glad of your directions how to pro-\\nceed in the matter, that the men may be brought here\\nthey being very muoh wanted at present, as many of\\nthe militia s times expire this day.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0069.jp2"}, "70": {"fulltext": "46 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nLikewise should be glad of directions to know what\\nis to be done with people that refuse to give up their\\nprotections, as I have now a man under confinement\\nthat refuses to give his up. The mihtia law points out\\nno mode of what is to be done with such people.\\nThere is a villain apprehended with a warrant found\\nwith him to enhst men for the British army, and now in\\nconfinement, who has informed me there are many per-\\nsons out now upon the same business, chiefly in Sussex\\ncounty, the names of which you will find on the back\\nof the letter enclosed, and beg you will direct such\\nmethods for the apprehending them as you shall think\\nmost proper. I should have sent after them myself, but\\nhave so few troops now here thought proper not to\\nspare them, but to wait your directions.\\nI am, sir, your humble servant,\\nNATHANIEL HEARD.\\nFrom Colonel Beavers to General Heard, enclosed in\\nthe foregoing.\\nMarch 29th, 1777.\\nSir, This is the second time the other field officers\\nand myself have met on the orders you have sent me,\\nand can do nothing, as three of the Captains of this\\nbattalion refuse to act nor have they warned a man in\\ntheir companies on either of the orders, to wit Captain\\nShenard, Captain Meddler and Captain Cliue. I am\\nand have been very unwell for some time or would\\nhave waited on you myself with pleasure, for your direc-", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0070.jp2"}, "71": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 47\\ntions aud advice on this important occasion, and must\\nbeg that favor by the bearer, Major Pettit, who can\\ninform you of our whole proceedings.\\nI have the honor, sir, to subscribe myself your hum-\\nble servant,\\nJOS. BEAVERS.\\nTo General Heard.\\nA list of the persons names now enhsting men for\\nthe British army\\nRobert Ellison, (late Squire) in Sussex.\\nPeter Anderson, do.\\nWilham Hutchinson, do.\\nJohn Ensley, (Sergeant) do.\\nHutchinson is soon expected at Brunswick with his\\ncompany.\\nFro?R Charles Pettit to Governor Livingston.\\nBurlington, April 5th, 1777.\\nDear Sir, You are already informed of mv situa-\\ntion respecting the residence of my familv. I am\\nobliged to remove them from the house they \\\\\\\\q\\\\\\\\\\nocctipy, aud have no otlier provided for their reception.\\nI have already taken not a httle pains to procure a\\nhouse, but without success, and it is an object of so\\nmuch importance to me that I must still pursue it.\\nHad I been at liberty a month or six weeks ago to give\\nattention to tliis business, I find I might have accom-\\nphshed it with much less difficulty. This, however,\\nbeing business of a private nature, I should not have", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0071.jp2"}, "72": {"fulltext": "48 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\ntroubled your Excellency with it, but by way of apology\\nfor what follows. The Legislature have thought fit to\\nvest Mr. Bowes Reed, Mr. Joseph Newbold and myself,\\nor either of us, w ith authority to move the records now\\nin the Secretary s office, in case of alarm, to some place\\nof safety. How soon such alarm may happen is very\\nuncertain and from the circumstances I have men-\\ntioned it is very probable that when the hour arrives, I\\nmay be engaged in my family affairs, probably at a con-\\nsiderable distance from this place, that I cannot give it\\ndue attendance, I am also apprehensive that if it be\\ndeferred till the enemy are on the march this way, it\\nwill be very difficult to get the business effected\\nindeed, even now, I doubt whether teams could be got\\nin this neighborhood to engage in it without military\\nauthority. Were it within my official duty, it might\\nbe said that my private concerns should give place to\\nit. But as it is altogether extra-official, I am persua-\\nded that it will not be expected. I mean not, however,\\nto withdraw myself from it from any other motive than\\nnecessity, and I am persuaded the circumstances of my\\nfamily will for the present sufficiently plead my excuse.\\nIf I can get them settled in time, I will turn my atten-\\ntion to this lousiness. But it seems to me that if it be\\nproper to move the records, no time should be lost in\\ngetting about it. Were I to attend wholly to it, I\\nshould wish to have the advice of your Excellency\\nand the Council of Safety as to the place, and the route\\nby which they are to be taken, and I conceive it is my\\nduty to lay the matter thus before you. It is indeed a", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0072.jp2"}, "73": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 49\\nbusiness of an Executive nature, which the Board, I\\nbeheve, might have undertaken without the special\\nact for the purpose, and in which they will now,\\nprobably, think propei to give their aid, especially as\\ncoercive power may be necessary in the doing ol it.\\nThe boxes to pack the books and papers in are ready\\nin the office. From the present very uncertain situa-\\ntion of our affairs, I have not been able to fix any\\nopinion as to the place the records should be moved to.\\nYour means of intelligence are so much better than\\nmine that you can determine on better grounds. I\\nearnestly wish the Board would be pleased to give\\nsuch advice and direction in the matter as they think\\nbest. Mr. Newbold lives within a few miles of Bor-\\ndentown, and may be easily consuked with. Mr.\\nReed will probably be at hand to superintend the\\npacking up. Perhaps the necessary wagons may be\\nprocured at Bordentown.\\nI am, with great respect, your Excellency s most\\nobedient and humble servant,\\nCHAS. PETTIT.\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston.\\nFrom Silas Condict to Governor Livingston\\nMorristown, April 7th, 1777.\\nDear Sir, This day I received your favor of the\\n23d ult, wherein you acquaint me that I have been\\nappointed one of the Council of Safety. I am much\\nconcerned that you have so lew members attending at\\n4", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0073.jp2"}, "74": {"fulltext": "50 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nthis critical season, and although it is extremely difficult\\nat present for me to leave home (my family being in-\\noculated, and not yet through the small pox,) yet I will\\ncome at any time, rather than public business should\\nsutfer, on notice given me that it is necessary. Col.\\nDeHart told me to-day that the battalion had arranged\\nits officers, and only wanted an opportunity to present\\nit for commission. The Colonel says that he has at\\nGen. Washington s request examined several of the\\nprisoners now in iail here, and that it will be best for\\nthe Council of Safety to sit in this county soon and\\nif this is thought proper, I think it will be best to sit\\neither at Mendham, or at Capt. Dunn s in Roxberry,\\nas the army is still at Morristown, and it will be incon-\\nvenient to sit there.\\nI am, with great respect, yonr most obedient and\\nhumble servant,\\nSILAS CONDICT.\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston.\\nFroin William Smith and Benjamin Rumseij, to\\nGovernor Livingston.\\nPhiladelphia, April 8th, 1777.\\ngiR^ Mr. Campbell being a gentleman unknown to\\nus, we have made inquiry into his character, and have\\nthe pleasure to be informed that there was_[a gentleman\\nof that name of a good and fair character who lived\\nin St. Mary s county, in Maryland, married there, and\\nhad children; that he lost his wife and carried his", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0074.jp2"}, "75": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 51\\nchildren to Scotland about two years ago to be educa-\\nted. That he is in the possession of property, and has\\nalways been zealously attached to the liberties of\\nNorth America, having stepped forth as early in her\\ncause as any of her sons. As he appears to be the\\nman, we are of the opinion that he may be released by\\nyour Excellency, as we esteem him a good fellow\\ncitizen, a thing rare in his countrymen with us, and\\ncannot apprehend the least danger from him.\\nWe are your Excellency s most humble servants,\\nWM. SMITH.\\nBEN J. RUMSEY.\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston.\\nExamination of Jesse Woodward.\\nAllen Town, April 10th, 1777.\\nThe examination and confession of Jesse Wood-\\nward.\\nHe says he has pressed wagons, and disarmed a\\ncertain Arthur Livingston, and took John Hendrick-\\nson s gun out of his wagon on the road near Buckelow s\\nfor the use of the British army that he went from his\\nhouse about the last of December 1776, into the Pines\\nabout ten miles from his house, and lived in one of the\\ncabins for about a week at a time, and sometimes went\\nhome and removed to a cabin on Crosswick s Creek\\nabove Wall s Mill, where he has lived for about three\\nor four weeks past.\\nHe has seen Thomas Fowler and Nicholas Williams", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0075.jp2"}, "76": {"fulltext": "52 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777*\\nsince his going to the last mentioned cabin, and says\\nthey came to him and he had some conversation with\\nthem, and that he understood from his cliildren they\\nwere under the same circumstances that he was. He\\nsays he had no authority from any person in the British\\nor Hessian army to impress horses or wagons, but that\\nhe weni in company with others that went to press\\nwagons, viz. Anthony Woodward, commonly called\\nlittle Anthony, and that his brother Anthony Wood-\\nward, commonly called black Nat, was in company\\nwith them he says he has left his gun in a tree in the\\nwoods, somewhere between his former cabin and the\\none he last lived in, with some powder and shot.\\nHe says he with the others above mentioned was at\\nJacob Hendrickson s, and that he ordered a wagon and\\ntwo horses from there and that he saw Samuel Wood-\\nward sometime about the fall of the last snow at his\\nhouse that Fowler and Williams were with him the\\nbest part of a night went last to see him at his cabin,\\nbut he don t recollect the day of the week or how\\nmany days ago. He says he only impressed the\\nwagon for the British army, and not the guns, as he\\nsays he intended to return them to the owners.\\nTaken before me the day and date above written,\\nand in the presence of Col. Brearley.\\nFRAN S WADE, at Allen Town.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0076.jp2"}, "77": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 53\\nFi-om Francis Wade to Governor Livingston.\\nAllen Town, April 10th, 1777.\\nSir, I was handed your obliging favor of the 9th\\ninstant, last night, since v\\\\ hich Lewis Bastedo and the\\nparty with him have succeeded so far as to secure Jesse\\nWoodward, whom I have examined, and have now en-\\nclosed his confession to you to lay before the honorable\\nthe Council of Safety, and himself a prisoner for farther\\nexamination. I find he is very backward in giving any\\ninformation. You ll find by his confession and Fowler s,\\nthat they differ much in the time of their last meeting\\nand talking together it however plainly appears that\\nthere is a gang of them living among the pines and no\\ndoubt in readiness to shew themselves whenever oppor-\\ntunity offers. I therefore think it a duty incumbent on\\nme for the good of the service, to continue here until I\\nrepresent this matter to his Excellency, General Wash-\\nington, notwithstanding I have liis letter, if my private\\naffairs call me home to go,\\nI am much obhged for your Excellency s, and the\\nHonorable the Council s approbation of my conduct,\\nand hope to deserve it on all occasions when the ser-\\nvice of my country calls on me.\\nI am, very respectfully, sir, your most obedient and\\nmost humble servant,\\nFRAN S WADE.\\nTo His Excellency, Wm. Livingston, Esq., Governor\\nof New Jersey.\\nP. S. I have not heard farther about the corps of\\nWilliams. I am of opinion it is agreeable to Gen l", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0077.jp2"}, "78": {"fulltext": "54 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nWashington s general orders that Bastedo should have\\nthe rifle and gun taken from Fowler and Williams. If\\nyou and the honorable Council are of the same opinion\\nshall be glad to know, and shall act accordingly. You\\nhave, inclosed, a note left by Col. Samuel Forman.\\nAmmunition is much wanted, if any, it would be well\\nto send some by the party.\\nFrom General Washingto?i to Governor Livingston.\\nHead-Quarters, Morristown, April 16, 1777.\\nSir, I am honored with yours of the 14th. I don t\\nknow whether Col. Duyckink comes properly under\\nthe civil or military jurisdiction, but from the following\\nstate of the facts on which I ordered him to be secured,\\nyou will be able to form a judgment and if you think\\nhe falls within the civil line, I will most cheerfully give\\nhim up to you.\\nSome time in the winter, Col. Duyckink came vol-\\nuntarily out of Brunswick, and surrendered himself to\\nGenl. Dickinson, at Millstone said he had seen my\\nproclamation, and had come to take the benefit of it\\nthat he had been ill-used by the British army, and that\\nhe was determined to remain with his countrymen.\\nGenl. Dickinson sent him up to me he told me the\\nsame story and I permitted him to go at large. Some\\nlittle time after this, he applied to Lord Stirling for lib-\\nerty to return again to Brunswick, who not being\\nacquainted with the circumstances, granted him per-\\nmission but before he went Genl. Dickinson, luckily\\njeceived information from a person who came out of", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0078.jp2"}, "79": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 55\\nBrunswick, who told him he had heard Cortlandt\\nSkinner tell Duyckink he was afraid it would not do,\\nand that there would be danger in the experiment,\\nmeaning his going out under pretence of becoming a\\nconvert. Upon this he was stopped and carried before\\nGenl. Green, who asked him what was the reason of\\nthis sudden alteration in his sentiments. He said that\\nhe could not in conscience take the oaths to the state,\\nas he had taken the oath of allegiance to the king;\\nthat the people in the country threatened his life\\nand that he thought he had better return to Brunswick.\\nGenl. Green asked him if he had not considered the mat-\\nter of taking the oaths to the state before he came out,\\nas he owned he had seen the proclamation. But he\\ngave such evasive answers that it convinced us that he\\nonly came out to get intelligence, and I therefore had\\nhim apprehended and sent to Philadelphia, where he\\nhas been since confined. He is looked upon as so dan-\\ngerous a man by the well affected in this part of the\\ncountry, that I believe his being set at liberty, and suf-\\nfered to remain in the country, would create great\\nuneasiness.\\nI have the honor to be, with great respect, sir, our\\nmost obedient servant,\\nGEO. WASHINGTON\\nHis excellency. Gov. Livingston.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0079.jp2"}, "80": {"fulltext": "56 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777-\\nFrom Francis Hopkinson to Governor Livingston.\\nPhiladelphia, Friday.\\nDear Sir, The enclosed letter is from a Committee\\nof Congress, requesting that you would cause John\\nCurlis to be apprehended and examined.\\nMr. Wilson is at present so engaged in the investiga-\\ntion of a dangerous plot, (the particulars of which I\\nhave wrote to Mrs. Hopkinson,) that he could not be\\nso explicit as he could wish, and therefore requested me\\nto inform you that the desire of the Committee is, that\\nyou would be so good as to have this Curlis strictly\\nexamined, and if you find sufficient grounds of suspi-\\ncion, or any direct proof against him, that he may be\\nforwarded to Philadelphia.\\nThe Congress have it much at heart to discover by\\nwhat means the packet of Bristol was conveyed to\\nLord Howe, and to have the traitors brought to light.\\nAs I gave you all the particulars of this affair that had\\ncome to my knowledge, there is no occasion to repeat\\nthem now. Only this I would observe, that it will be\\nnecessary for you to have the evidence of Bassonet s\\nbar-keeper at Bristol. But I fear CurUs has taken such\\ngood care of himself that he will save you and us any\\nfurther trouble.\\nWith compliments to Mr. and Mrs. Imley, I have the\\nhonor to be\\nYour friend and humble servant,\\nFRA^ HOPKINSON.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0080.jp2"}, "81": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 57\\nFrom General Futnam to Governor Livingston.\\nPrinceton, April 25th, 1777.\\nDear Sir, Under a guard I send you Stephen Flood,\\nJacob Dancer, John Butler Linch, and an old William\\nHalfpenny, who have been taken going in and out of\\nBrunswick.\\nInclosed is a copy of a letter from Major Scudder,\\nby which you will see what Flood is accused of, and\\nseveral depositions against Dancer.\\nFlood was sent to me without any crime, and nothing\\n(thus) appearing against him, I gave him a pass to\\nPhiladelphia and afterwards received the inclosed\\nfrom Major Scudder. I sent immediately after and\\nsecured him.\\nElizabeth Brewer, whose deposition you have in-\\nclosed, was taken coming out of Brunswick, and\\nbrought before me. She gave information of one Lucas\\nVoorhees, hkewise of Linch and Halfpenny, whom I\\nnow send you, and many others whom I have sent for,\\nbut not yet secured.\\nThere was nothing particular appearing against Voor-\\nhees, and I (of consequence) dismissed him, first taking\\nhis parole not to communicate any intelligence to the en-\\nehiy relative to the situation or strength of the American\\narmy but on the contrary to immediately communicate\\nall the intelligence he can collect of the movement and\\nintentions of the British army to some of the officers in\\nthe continental service. The ^bove Ehzabeth Brewer\\nhas an inchnation to enter the hospital as a nurse, in", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0081.jp2"}, "82": {"fulltext": "58 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nwhich employment she has been before engaged at\\nthis place and the surgeon giving her a good character,\\nI have thought proper to detain her here for that pur-\\npose.\\nIf you. have any objections, and will let me know, I\\nwill send her immediately to you.\\nI am, sir, with utmost respect, your most obedient,\\nhumble servant,\\nISRAEL PUTNAM.\\nHis excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFro??i Rev. A. Mc Whorter and Elisha Boudinot to Gov-\\nernor Livingston.\\nNewark, April 26, 1777.\\nMay it please your excellency The unhappy situa-\\ntion of this town, being so contiguous to the enemy,\\nwho threaten us daily with an invasion, renders it\\nabsolutely necessary that the militia of this place should\\nbe put on a more respectable footing, and officered with\\ngentlemen whose tried fidelity in a time of distress\\nentitles them to the confidence of their country. A\\nnumber of the inhabitants have agreed to recommend\\nas officers the persons mentioned in the enclosed peti-\\ntion to your excellency. And as some particular reasons\\nrender it absolutely necessary that no time should be\\nlost in having proper officers appointed, we have sent\\nMr. Banks as an express. He is a person who is ca-\\npable of giving a true representation of the state of the\\ntown, and who may be depended on. If your excel-", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0082.jp2"}, "83": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 59\\nlency and the council should approve of the gentlemen\\nrecommended, we beg Mr. Banks may be dispatched\\nwith the commissions immediately.\\nWe have the honor to be your excellency s most\\nob t and h ble servants,\\nA. McWHORTER.\\nELISHA BOUDINOT.\\nGovernor Livingston.\\nFrom Major Taylor to Governor Livingston.\\nCranbury, May 7, 1777.\\nMay it please your Excellency By a letter received\\nfrom Major-General Putnam, I was commanded imme-\\ndiately to apprehend Peter Overt, Mr. Lake and Fran-\\ncis Letts, hving near Raritan river, in tiie county of\\nMiddlesex, and send them to your excellency. The\\ngeneral informed me that they have lately been trading\\nwith the enemies of our country with potatoes and\\nsome other articles. They carried on this trade by\\nmeans of one Halfpenny, a very old man, and an in-\\nhabitant of the same part of the country with them-\\nselves. There have been many complaints brought\\nagainst those men this winter past but not sufficient\\nevidence appearing, they have as yet been unpunished.\\nFrom your humble servant,\\nJOHN TAYLOR,\\nCommanding officer at Cranbury.\\nHis excellency, William Livingston, Esq.,\\nGovernor of the State of New Jersey.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0083.jp2"}, "84": {"fulltext": "60 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nFrom Major Taylor to Governor Livingston.\\nCranbury, May 15, 1777.\\nMay it please your excellency: This morning sent\\non under guard two prisoners, taken by a party from\\nthis post, within one mile of the enemy s lines, going to\\nBrunswick as they themselves confess. The name of\\nthe one is Thomas Woodburn from Crossnecks, with\\nwhom I am unacquainted, but his neighbors give him a\\nvery bad character. The other s name is Thomas\\nWilliams, who is also a stranger to me he says that\\nhe formerly taught an English school in different parts\\nof the country he came from New York four weeks\\npast, and was now endeavoring to return. These kind\\nof men are certainly very dangerous to the state, yet it\\nis very difficult to obtain any evidence against them,\\nfurther than what we ourselves do observe. If I can\\npossibly get any more evidence against John Brown,\\nalias Lee, sent to Haddonfield from this place, I will\\nimmediately send it on to the governor.\\nFrom your very humble servant at command,\\nJOHN TAYLOR, Major 2d BattaUon.\\nTo his Excellency, W. Livingston.\\nFrom Colonel Brearly to Governor Livingston.\\nAllentown, May 19, 1777.\\nSir, Your excellency will have delivered herewith\\na certain Giles Williams, who left this state last sum-\\nmer with Elisha Laurener and others, and joined the", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0084.jp2"}, "85": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 61\\nenemy on Staten Island he has for some time past\\nbeen hirking in the Pines with a set of villains, but\\nwas very luckily taken last night in the edge of the\\nPines, by Lieut. Barton, and sent up to this place.\\nI am your excellency s most obedient and humble\\nservant,\\nDAVD BREARLEY, Jun.\\nHis excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFi om John Cox and Elijah Clark, to the Pi-esident of\\nthe Council of Safety.\\nForks of Little Egg Harbor, June 12th, 1177.\\nSir, We this morning received information from\\nCapt. Bradley, at the Foxborough, that on the 10th\\ninstant, about six o clock in the evening, a brig\\nappeared off Little Egg Harbor Inlet, and made a\\nsignal for a Pilot, on which Joseph Sowey with\\nhis brother and two boys went off to conduct her\\ninto port, and were unluckily taken and carried off.\\nImmediately on taking them on board, the brig pro-\\nceeded to the mouth of Great Egg Harbor Inlet, where\\nshe again threw out a signal for a pilot, on which Mr.\\nGolder, a noted man in that way, went off with his\\nboat, and on approaching near enough to discover what\\nshe was, finding her to be a vessel ot force, and observ-\\ning her to hoist out her boat to windward, which was\\nmanaged with some degree of precipitation, he immedi-\\nately put about, and pushed for the shore, the enemy s\\nboat pursuing with only two men appearing, and on", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0085.jp2"}, "86": {"fulltext": "62 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\ncoming withiu about one hundred yards, a number of\\nmen instantly showed themselves, and fired on Golder\\nand crew, who with some difficulty gained the shore,\\nbut were obliged to quit their boat, which fell into the\\nhands of the enemy. As Sowey is one of our best\\npilots, and well acquainted with our Inlet, we doubt\\nnot he will be made use of by the enemy to bring in\\ntheir tenders, and pilot them up the bay and river;\\nwhich may be productive of the most fatal consequen-\\nces, the inhabitants being in the most helpless condition\\nand having a great number of cattle and other property\\nthat must immediately fall into the hands of the pirates,\\nunless some spirited steps are immediately taken to\\nprevent it and being desirous of doing everything in\\nour power to disappoint them, we have presumed to\\ntake from Capt. Shaler eight or ten pieces of cannon,\\nbelonging to a sloop of his lately cast away on the\\ncoast, which we have this day ordered down to the\\nFoxboroughs, under his direction, with orders immedi-\\nately to throw up a battery to defend the Inlet, and to\\nannoy the enemy as much as possible, should they\\nattempt an entrance.\\nThere is now at Foxboroughs a guard of about 20\\nmen, and Col. Clark will immediately order down as\\nmany more, to assist in doing the necessary work.\\nPowder and provisions for the people will be immedi-\\nately wanted. Shot can be procured here. We doubt\\nnot the hon le Council will think it expedient to\\nlose no time in giving the necessary directions for\\neffecting what they may think ought to be done on\\nthis alarming occasion.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0086.jp2"}, "87": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 63\\nWe are, with great respect, your most ob t and\\nh e ser ts, JOHN COX.\\nELIJAH CLARK.\\nThe Hon. the President of the Council of Safety.\\nFi om the President of the Continental Congress to\\nGovernor Livingston.\\nPhiladelphia, June 12th, 1777.\\nSir, You are hereby requested to order out forth-\\nwith five hundred of the niihtia of the state of New\\nJersey, to assist in completing the works now erecting\\nat BilUngsport for the defence of the river Delaware,\\nit being of the utmost consequence that the fortifica-\\ntions at that place should be completed without delay.\\nBy order of Congress,\\nJOHN HANCOCK, Prest.\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston.\\nFrom Judge Morris to Governor Livingston.\\nNewtown, June 14th, 1777.\\nSir, Enclosed your Excellency has a list of the\\nconvictions, and the judgments thereon, at this very-\\ntedious, and I would have said, premature Court, if the\\nCouncil had not thought expedient on mature delibera-\\ntion to have appointed it. I had the pleasure to find\\nMr. Justice Symms here at my arrival, and confess if\\nI had supposed the Council would have spared him for\\nthe business, I would not have travelled post over the", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0087.jp2"}, "88": {"fulltext": "64 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nmountains through the rain and late into the night on\\nSO very short a notice.\\nJudges young in office, and not appointed for their\\nlegal erudition, associates but reputable farmers, doctors\\nor shopkeepers, young officers, no council nor clerk, for\\nwant of timely notice, which was not even given to the\\nsheriff, and this in a disaffected country, both witnesses\\nand criminals to be collected from all parts of the state.\\nThus circumstanced was a court of the highest expect-\\nancy ever held in New Jersey a court for trial of a\\nnumber of state criminals, some for high treason, a\\ncrime so little known in New Jersey, that perhaps the\\nfirst lawyer in it would not know how to enter judg-\\nment under our constitution. It would make an excel-\\nlent paragraph in Gaine s veritable Mercury no other\\nprinter would venture to publish it. In England where\\ntreasons and rebelUons are from immemorial usage,\\nbecome familiar terms, twelve learned judges from the\\nfirst courts in the world, the members of privy council,\\nand the first gentlemen in the kingdom, would have\\nbeen sent on such an errand, and attended by old and\\nexperienced officers, and the ablest council at the bar\\nwitnesses prepared, criminals to try, and seasonable\\nnotice given. But there the law is systematically ad-\\nministered, and the ministers of it have settled forms of\\npractice, under an old constitution well understood.\\nAnd here we have a new modelled government, incom-\\nplete in parts, young in practice, and contingencies un-\\nprovided for.\\nSeriously, sir, with due submission to the council, I", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0088.jp2"}, "89": {"fulltext": ".1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 65\\nshould have thought that for a court of such conse-\\nquence, the members of the council and some of the\\nbar ought to have been joined in the commission\\nand requested to attend. We have set with great pa-\\ntience, and have now closed the third week. Had it\\nnot been for the negligence or villainy of a rascally\\ngaoler, in suffering John Eddy, the only person indicted\\nfor high treason, to escape yesterday morning, I flatter\\nmyself we should have acquitted ourselves with tolera-\\nble success, and I hope have given satisfaction to the\\ngood people. This escape has given me much uneasi-\\nness, as I fear it will be undeservedly attributed to the\\ninattention of the court. K the gaoler was not privy\\nto the escape, which did not appear, he is perhaps too\\nseverely punished. The court in fixing his punishment\\nhad a retrospective eye to past abuses of this sort, and\\nthought an early example of severity would be hkely\\nto prevent them in future. He appears to be a young\\nsimple fellow, unacquainted with the duties of his office,\\nand not fully instructed by the sheriff, who has been\\nalmost daily cautioned on the subject. This gaoler s\\ncase is recommended to the mercy of your excellency\\nand council, at such season as you shall judge expedient\\nto exercise it. Mr. Att y Gen l will inform you of the\\nparticular demerits of the other convicts some of them\\nmay hereafter be entitled to partial pardons I wish I\\ncould say they were at this time. The httle time the\\nmembers of the court had for considering the commis-\\nsion after my arrival, hurried us into a matter which on\\nfurther consideration I confess I am not satisfied with\\n5", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0089.jp2"}, "90": {"fulltext": "66 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nI mean the short time between the teste and return\\nfor the praecipe for the Grand Jury. In England I\\nobserve fifteen days was ordered, on mature deUbera-\\ntion, of all the judges acting under the special com-\\nmission of 1746. What the practice has been in New\\nJersey we do not know, as the clerk has none of the\\nformer circuit papers. If we have erred, it is partly\\nchargeable on the council for appointing the court so\\nshortly after issuing the commission, and they are\\nbound to get the legislature to cure it. Had I had half\\nan hour s time for thinking of the matter, it should\\nhave been otherwise.\\nIn your letter notifying me of this court, you ob-\\nserve that my not attending the courtat Burlington\\nhad given uneasiness. Whatever private individuals\\nmight have thought, I am persuaded no member of\\nthe legislature had the least right to expect my attend-\\nance. Two hundred miles a day is rather hard\\ntravelling, and even that would not have done unless\\nthey suppose me possessed of the spirit of divina-\\ntion. I accepted my present office to manifest my\\nresolution to serve my country. I mean to do the duty\\nof it while I hold it, according to my best judgment.\\nWhenever the legislature think they can fill it more\\nadvantageously, the tenor of my commission shall not\\ndisappoint them.\\nThe court rose without adjournment, as it was not\\nsupposed they would have occasion to set again,\\nunless Eddy should be retaken. If this should be\\nthe case I hope one of the other justices will be able", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0090.jp2"}, "91": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 67\\nto attend I fear I shall not. I wish the legislature\\nbefore another court sits would take under consider-\\nation the judgment in high treason, old indictments\\nat the suit of the king, and some other difficulties in\\nformer practice, which the Att y Gen 1 will mention to\\nyou.\\nI have the honor to be your excellency s very hum-\\nble serv t,\\nROB T MORRIS.\\nGov r Livingston.\\nFrom Charles Pettit to Governor Livingston.\\nBurlington, June 15, 1777.\\nDear Sir, You will receive herewith a dra^iight of\\na Commission of Oyer and Terminer, which I have\\nmade from one of the old forms it is a translation as\\nliberal as the change of style will admit. I send also,\\nby way of cover, the draught of the late commission for\\nSussex, so that you may have an opportunity of com-\\nparing them. On farther consideration, (though I have\\nhad no opportunity of examining books,) I am better\\nsatisfied that the Court of Oyer and Terminer may be\\nlegally held under such commission, if it were only by\\nvirtue of the Act for reviving and establishing the\\ncourts of justice. The only doubt that remains is the\\nappointment of assistant justices to those of the Su-\\npreme Court, as it may be said they ought to be elected\\nby the Council and Assembly if so, it might be well\\nat their next meeting to elect a set of associates for\\neach county.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0091.jp2"}, "92": {"fulltext": "68 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777-\\nThe late movement of the enemy has put the miUtia\\npretty generally in motion, except in this county where\\nbut few have turned out something more may yet\\nperhaps be done with them, especially as they hear\\ntheir neighbors are going with cheerfulness and confi-\\ndent of success.\\nFriday and Saturday we were not quite free from\\nalarming apprehensions, knowing but Uttle of the ene-\\nmy s strength, what course they would take, or what\\nnumbers of militia would turn out to aid our army\\nbut we now imagine they will not reach far westward\\nof Brunswick. I have, however, moved away the\\nboxes I was some time ago desired to prepare, with\\ntheir contents, leaving nothing but a few conveniences,\\nfor current business. You will know what I mean by\\nthis description.\\nYou will scarcely expect anything in the news-way\\nfrom me, as the attention of every one is now so fixed\\non the transactions of the part of the country you are\\nnearer to than 1 aui. I may, however, mention a\\nreport we had on Saturday last, (which seemed to come\\nstraight, and has not been contradicted,) that the enemy\\nhad invested Egg Harbor Inlet, and taken out two sloops\\nand a larger vessel outward bound.\\nI am, with great respect, D r sir, your most obedient,\\nhumble servant,\\nCHAS. PET TIT.\\nHis excellency, Governor Livingston.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0092.jp2"}, "93": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 69\\nFro7n General Heard to the Council of Safety.\\nPompton, June 17th, 1777.\\nGentlemen, I send down tliis day several persons\\nfor your examination. They are charged with taking\\naway in an unlawful manner some tea stored at Para-\\nmus. I also send Major Gordon with several exami-\\nnations, and orders from his Excellency, General\\nWashington, respecting it, and as they were not in\\nactual service at the time of taking said tea, must refer\\nthem for your determination. The quantity of tea\\nmissing supposed to be near four hundred weight. Mr,\\nGordon will inform you more particularly.\\nI am, gent., your liumb. ser t,\\nNATHANIEL HEARD.\\nCouncil of Safety.\\nFrom Charles Fettit to Governor Livingston.\\nBurlington, June 19th, 1777.\\nDear Sir, I had the honor to enclose to you a few\\ndays ago a draught of a commission of Oyer and Ter-\\nminer, c., but as conveyances are uncertain, I know\\nnot when it may reach you. Last evening I received\\nthe enclosed letter from Col. Cox, and in order to\\nconvey it to you, I shall send this to the commanding\\nofficer at Bristol, with a request to forward it, either by\\nthe return of an express, or by some officer going to\\nhead quarters. I would beg leave to recommend it to\\nyour Excellency s consideration, whether it would not", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0093.jp2"}, "94": {"fulltext": "70 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nbe proper to order a part of the militia to watch the\\nmotions of the enemy about the Egg Harbor Inlets. I\\nhave been informed the militia, from Trenton upwards,\\nhave turned out with great zeal and unanimity. I also\\nheard they are doing the hke in the counties southw^ard\\nof this but that from an apprehension of danger on\\ntheir own coasts, where the enemy s vessels are con-\\nstantly in view, and daily making descents in small\\nparties, they will march very reluctantly from that\\nquarter. Some, however, are on their march, and from\\nwhat I can learn they would come from thence pretty\\ngenerally, were it not for the consideration I have\\nmentioned and they now think themselves the more\\nexposed there, as tlie Pennsylvania troops are withdrawn\\nfrom BilUngsport. Your Excellency will judge how far\\nit will be proper to alter the orders respecting the militia\\nof the southern counties. As to this county, I fear but\\nhttle is to be expected. A baneful influence has been\\ntoo much spread among the people, and though there\\nare yet many among them who would willingly act\\nwith propriety if they knew how to set about it, their\\nservices are lost to the pubhc for want of active and\\nspirited officers of w eight and influence to collect and\\ndraw them to a point. In these alarming times, there\\nseems to be a necessity for some established mode of\\nconveyance from this quarter of the state to your\\nExcellency. At present, were the exigency ever so\\npressing, I should scarcely know by what route to send\\nan express to you, or where you might be found.\\nIn the neighborhood of the army, I apprehend the", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0094.jp2"}, "95": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 71\\nmilitary power must in a great measure overshadow\\nthe civil, but at this distance from it, the Executive\\npower of the government would give vigor to the\\npubhc measures. As to affairs merely of a civil nature,\\nthere may not be immediate necessity to call your\\nExcellency s attention to them, as the government is so\\nfar established in this quarter of the state as to work its\\nway pretty well in the ordinary course. But having\\nthe enemy all around the coast, exigences are constantly\\narising which require exertions and military arrange-\\nments that I am apprehensive our officers are not equal\\nto, and both the commander-in-chief of the state, and\\ncommander-in-chief of the army, being at so great a\\ndistance, I fear will be attended with inconvenience.\\nI have said more than I intended when I began this\\nletter, and perhaps more than it becomes me to say on\\nsubjects of this kind, but as it has arisen merely from a\\nregard to the \\\\^elfare of the state and the honor of your\\ngovernment, I am persuaded you will consider it as an\\nemanation of friendship, rather than impute it to an\\nimpertinent desire of intermeddling in things out of\\nmy hue of duty. If the hints I have mentioned pro-\\nduce any effect for the good of the state, they will not\\nmeet with your censure if otherwise, I hope they\\nwill be esteemed at least innocent, and escape repre-\\nhension, from the goodness of the motive which gave\\nrise to them.\\nPeople in general, as well in Philadelphia as in this\\npart of Jersey, are far from being dismayed at the late\\nmanoeuvres of the enemy on the other hand, they", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0095.jp2"}, "96": {"fulltext": "72 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nthink the cause never had a fairer prospect of success\\nthan at present. And so long as this sentiment does\\nnot hill us into sluggish security, it may be rather ben-\\neficial than otherwise.\\nI am, with great respect, your most ob t and h e sv t,\\nCH S PETTIT\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston.\\nFrom Joseph Hedden, Jr., to Governor Livingston.\\nNewark, June 21st, 1777.\\nSir, I take this opportunity by a Hght-horse sent\\nby Major Hayes, to transmit to your Excellency the\\nnames of the women that have their husbands at New\\nYork or Bergen, with the enemy. Nothing new in\\nthis town shice I saw your Excellency. I am daily\\napphed to by some of the inhabitants of this place to\\nnominate some fit person to act as deputy Surrogate.\\nThere are a number of wills to be proved, and letters\\nof administration granted, and no person in tliis county\\nqualified to act in that office. If your Excellency\\nwould please to appoint Elisha Boudinot, Esq., to that\\noffice it would greatly oblige a number of the inhabit-\\nants of this town. There yesterday came to this town\\none Caleb Bruen, who was taken prisoner about eight\\nweeks ago by the enemy, at or near Paramus. I sup-\\npose he is sent by Mr. Brown and Mr. Isaac Ogden to\\nget intelligence. He is to return back to New York in\\nthree or four days, and shows a pass from Gen. Pigot to\\ncome to Newark and return to New York. If your", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0096.jp2"}, "97": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 73\\nExcellency thinks proper said Bruen should be per-\\nmitted to return to New York, please to inform me by\\nthe bearer.\\nI am your Excellency s most ob t and h e serv t,\\nJOS. HEDDEN.Jr,\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston.\\nNames of the Tory women.\\nEhzabeth Bailey, Hannah Ward,\\nMary Longworth, Abigail Ward,\\nSarah Crawford, Elizabeth Wheeler,\\nMargaret Nichols, Mrs. Connelly,\\nCatharine Longworth, Elizabeth Brown,\\nPhebe Banks, Sarah Sayres,\\nLydia Sayres, Polly Wood.\\nFrom General Dickinson to Governor Livingston.\\nBoundbrook, June 26tli, 1777.\\nDear Sir, I received yonr Excellency s letter by\\nMr, Runyon which together with the information\\nreceived from several members who attended the joint\\nmeeting at the time of my being chosen, has given me\\nthe sincerest satisfaction. I do accept the commission\\nof Major General as a mark of the approbation of my\\nconduct, of the honorable Council and Assembly of\\nthis state, and shall on all occasions endeavor to render\\nthe most essential services in my power.\\nNeither my own health, nor the situation of my\\nfamily, would permit me to accept a commission that", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0097.jp2"}, "98": {"fulltext": "74 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nshould oblige me to do duty as I formerly did. But\\nwhenever there is a general call for the militia I will\\nattend, and continue as long as the militia remain out,\\nor his Excellency shall think proper. I have been in-\\nformed by many gentlemen of both houses tlie ap-\\npointment was made with that view.\\nHis Excellency, Gen. Washington, last evening re-\\nquested me to send up Gen. Heard with about 500 men\\nto Pompton, to take his old station. As I apprehend it\\nwiU come with more propriety from your Excellency,\\nI beg the favor of you to send such an order. Should\\nyour Excellency, upon a similar occasion in future,\\nthink it proper for me to issue such an order, you will\\nplease to signify the same.\\nSeveral persons in the counties of Burlington\\nand Hunterdon, I am informed, have an inclination\\nto form themselves into a troop of horse, as there are\\nnot any in that part of the state and their utility\\nbeing sufficiently known to your Excellency, I should\\nbe glad you would give permission for raising a\\ntroop. Captain Gamble, of Burlington county, has\\noffered to raise a troop, should your Excellency think\\nproper to commission him. He says young Mr. Nosder\\nwill accept a commission, and also Mr, Israel Carle, of\\nHunterdon county, will take the Lieutenancy. There\\nmay be some rules respecting this matter that I am not\\nacquainted with whatever they are must be known to\\nyour Excellency. But as we have an immediate and\\npressing occasion for a number of light-horse, I beg leave\\nearnestly to request you will give this matter immediate", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0098.jp2"}, "99": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 75\\ndispatch. This letter is prepared in great haste, upon\\na shattered table, and in a crowded room. Your\\nExcellency will therefore excuse inaccuracies.\\nAs his Excellency has dismissed the mihtia, upon their\\npromise of an immediate return if necessary, shall go\\nto Trenton for a few days if nothing material happens.\\nYour Excellency s most ob t ser t,\\nPHILEMON DICKINSON.\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston.\\nFrom Major Hayes to Governor Livingston.\\nNewark, June 30, 1777.\\ngiR,__In pursuance of your excellency s order of the\\n24th instant, ordering me to remove from the county of\\nEssex certain women and children therein mentioned,\\nI last Saturday sent the following women with their\\nchildren on the east side of the Hackensack River\\nviz: Catharine Longworth, Elizabeth Bailey, Hannah\\nWard, and Mary Wood Phebe Banks had gone to\\nNew York by way of Hackensack before the order\\ncame to hand. Elizabeth Wheeler is too sick to be\\nremoved. I cannot find any such person as Anna Clark\\nRitter in New York or Elizabethtown.\\nI have the honor to be your most ob t ser t,\\nSAM L HAYES.\\nHis Excellency, Gov r Livingston.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0099.jp2"}, "100": {"fulltext": "76 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nFrom Joseph Hedden, Jr., to Governor Livingston.\\nNewark, June 30, 1777.\\nSir, On Saturday last we had an alarm here, and\\nexpected the enemy in town within an hour from the\\ntime the alarm was given. My first thought was the\\nprisoners which we have confined here. Upon going\\nto the jail I could find neither sheriff nor jailer to con-\\nsult with in regard to their safety. The sheriff lives\\nsome seven miles from the town, and the jailer ten.\\nThe enemy can at any time they please, with a party\\nof men, and with the assistance of their flat -bottomed\\nboats, ravage this part of the country, and carry off who\\nand what they have an inclination for and it is im-\\nagined they will make an excursion to this place, before\\nthey entirely quit the Jerseys for forage and provisions.\\nIf your excellency and the honorable council think it\\nproper the prisoners should be removed from this town,\\nto some more remote part of the state, please to give\\nsome directions about that matter. Four of the vil-\\nlains who are confined here, the sheriff has given\\nliberty to use the court room, and has also given the\\njailer orders to admit certain persons to have free\\naccess to them, who are thought to be unfriendly to the\\ncountry. Mr. Camp will give you more particular in-\\nformation on this subject.\\nI am, sir, your excellency s most ob t and hum. ser t.\\nJOS. HEDDEN,Jr.\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0100.jp2"}, "101": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 77\\nChief Justice Si/?nmes to Governor Livingston.\\nNewtown, June 14th, 1777.\\nSiR Since I wrote your excellency yesterday eve-\\nning, I have further to acquaint you, that two of the\\nculprits that escaped o;i Monday are taken and brought\\nback to jail. The county is all out after the others,\\nand I hope more will be taken. I cannot procure the\\nexpress I last night expected, but am promised one in\\nthe morning by the sheriff. I submit to your excellen-\\ncy and the gentlemen of the Council of Safety, the\\ngreat necessity there is of again opening the court of\\nOyer and Terminer in this county, to try these two for\\nfelony, as taking the arms and keys in the manner they\\ndid will no doubt tuck them up. An exhibition of this\\nsort will work wonders. The people cry out to a man,\\nlet them be hanged; and a gallows was never\\nadorned with two gems more deserving of it. James\\nMorris and one of the Atwoods are the two taken. The\\npresence of the Council of Safety, and a little more of\\nthe Court are as necessary at this time, as the rays of\\nthe sun are to vegetation. Since writing the above, the\\nscouts have come in with three more, five in all. While\\nthe enemy are in your neighborhood, I humbly conceive\\nyour exertions will operate to better purpose at a dis-\\ntance. The military overshadowing the civil, says\\nMr. Pettit.\\nI remain, sir, your most ob. ser t,\\nJOHN C. SYMMES.\\nHis excellency, Governor Livingston.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0101.jp2"}, "102": {"fulltext": "78 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nNewark, July 1, 1777.\\nSir, 1 received Mr. Paterson s letter of this day,\\nabout half an hour since, and in compliance to your\\nexcellency s request, send you a list of the names of the\\nprisoners confined here and at Elizabethtown, with\\ntheir crimes, c., c.\\nPeter Dubois, John Robinson, Eliphelet Johnson,\\nThomas Codmus, Jr., and James Nuttman imprisoned\\nby the inferior court held here last week, six months for\\nrefusing to take the oaths of the state.\\nJohn McGinness and Jno. Havens, imprisoned by\\nsaid court nine months, for attempting to go over to\\nthe enemy.\\nIsaac Ogden, an old offender, and one whom your\\nexcellency knows.\\nGeorge Watts and Jno. Edeson, committed to goal\\nfor treason, have not yet had their trials.\\nAaron Kingsland, committed for passing counterfeit\\nmoney not yet had his trial.\\nThe above persons are in the goal of this town.\\nMorris Hetfield and Baker Hendricks, removed from\\nthis goal, by order of the sheriff, to Elizabethtown gaol,\\nand are committed for passing counterfeit money not\\nyet had their trial.\\nThe enemy have left Amboy and gone over to\\nStaten Island and Bergen. I think this town is\\nmuch more exposed now than when they were below\\nus. I beg your Excellency will favor me with an", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0102.jp2"}, "103": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 79\\nanswer by the return of the bearer, with sufficient in-\\nstructions.\\nI am your Excellency s most humble servant,\\nJOS. HEDDEN, Jun r.\\nHis Excellency, William Livingston, Esq., Governor\\nand Commander-in-Chief of the state of New Jersey.\\n[^Drafted by Wiilia?n Pater son on the foregoing sheet.\\nWhereas Peter Dubois, John Robinson, Eliphelet\\nJohnson, Thos. Codmus, Jun r, and James Nuttman\\nstand committed in the common goal at Newark, in\\nand for the county of Essex, for the space of 6 months\\nby the order and judgment of the court of General Q,.\\nSessions of the Peace for the said county, for refusing\\nto take the oaths of Ab. and Al., agreeably to law.\\nAnd whereas John McGinness and John Havens were\\nby order of the said court imprisoned for 9 months on\\nbeing duly convicted of a misdemeanor for attempting\\nto go over to the enemy and whereas Isaac Ogden,\\nGeorge Watts and John Edeson are imprisoned in the\\ngoal aforesaid, being charged with high treason and\\nalso whereas Aaron Kingsland and Morris Hatfield and\\nBaker Hendricks are confined, the first in the goal\\naforesaid and the two latter in the goal at Elizabeth\\nTown, being charged with felony for altering and pass-\\ning bills of credit, knowing them to be altered and it\\nbeing represented to this board that the vicinity of\\nNewark and Ehzabeth Town to Staten Island and\\nother places in possession of the enemy, their exposure\\nto incursions render it necessary that the persons above", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0103.jp2"}, "104": {"fulltext": "80 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nnamed should be removed to some more distant and\\nsecure place in the state. It is therefore agreed that\\nthe persons aforesaid be confined in the com. goal at\\nMorris Town, and that orders of removal be immedi-\\nately made out and executed.\\nFrom General Fornian to Edward Taylor.\\nMiddletown, Monmouth County, July 2d, 1777.\\nSir, Several complaints have been made to me re-\\nspecting your conduct, particularly for acting as a spy\\namongst us, and from several corroborating circumstan-\\nces, especially that of giving information to a parly of\\ntories and British, commanded by your son, George\\nTaylor, late militia Col. in this county, now a refugee,\\nby which means your son and his party escaped the\\npursuit of a body of militia sent to attack them. I do\\ntherefore enjoin it upon you that you do for the future\\nconfine yourself to your farm at Middletown, and do\\nnot re-attempt travelling the road, more than crossing it\\nto go to your land on the north side of said town, unless\\nby liberty obtained from the legislative body of this\\nstate, or this order be recalled, under the risk of being\\ntreated as a spy.\\nYours, c.,\\nDAVID FORMAN, Brig. General.\\nFrom Governor Livingston to General Winds.\\nMoiristown, July 3d, 1777.\\nSir, You are hereby directed to detach 200 men of\\nthe miUtia of this state, viz. 200 from the county of", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0104.jp2"}, "105": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 81\\nMorris, and the remaining 100 from the counties of\\nSussex and Essex, to be employed in apprehending\\ndisaffected persons agreeably to the directions of the\\nGovernor and Council of Safety of this state and\\nv\\\\^henever the men are raised and properly equipped,\\n(which is to be done with all possible expedition) you\\nare to notify the same to the Governor and Council of\\nSafety upon which you will be furnished with a hst of\\nthe persons to be apprehended. The men are to be\\ncharged. not to commit any depredations upon private\\nproperty.\\nThe above detachment will only be a Major s com-\\nmand. It is not expected that you will command them\\nin person unless you choose to do it. By a late resolu-\\ntion of Congress, no other pay is allowed to any officer,\\nbeyond that, to which the officer whose proper com-\\nmand the detachment is would be entitled. It is\\nthought that Major Hayes of New^ark would be a very\\nproper officer to command the party. This order not\\nbeing founded on the Militia Act, but merely author-\\nizing the Council of Safety to call out the militia to\\ncarry their orders into execution, does not admit of\\nany fine or compulsion.\\nYour obed t serv t,\\nWILL. LIVINGSTON.\\nFrom Governor Livingston to General Washington.\\nNewton, Sussex County, July 7th, 1777.\\nSir, By order of the Council of Safety of this\\nState, General Winds has collected 200 of our militia\\n6", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0105.jp2"}, "106": {"fulltext": "82 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nto proceed to the county of Bergen under the com-\\nmand of Major Hayes of Newark, a prudent and active\\nofficer, to apprehend such disaffected persons in that\\ncounty as the Council of Safety think it most necessary\\nfor the pubhc interest to commit to jail, and to assist\\nthe commissioners for securing and disposing of the\\npersonal estates of those who have gone over to the\\nenemy. These commissions cannot be properly exe-\\ncuted in that county without miUtary aid. Both these\\nservices being of the last importance to the general\\ninterest, we doubt not will meet your Excellency s\\napprobation and encouragement. As General Winds\\nacquaints me that the men are destitute of ammunition,\\nit would greatly facilitate the enterprise if they could\\nbe furnished out of the continental magazine and\\ncharged to this state, unless it is to be more properly\\nconsidered as a continental expense. Whether I can\\nwith propriety ask this favor of your Excellency, to\\npermit the party to draw provisions from the public\\nstores, I am at a loss to determine. If not, they must\\nbe provided as well as they can.\\nWith great respect, your Excellency s most humble\\nand ob t serv t,\\nWILL. LIVINGSTON.\\nHis Excellency, Gen l Washington.\\nFrom Joseph Hedden, Jr., to Governor Livingston.\\nNewark, July 9th, 1777.\\nSir, The commissioners are much impeded in their\\nbusiness on account of the tory women that remain", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0106.jp2"}, "107": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 83\\nwith us. They secrete the goods, and conceal every\\nthing they possibly can from them, which gives them a\\ngreat deal of trouble. There is here one James\\nO Brien and his wife that have been great plunderers\\nand concealers of goods, and when called upon for any\\nthing, they petition to leave and go among christians,\\nand not to be detained among brutes, as they call us in\\nthis town. Pray make an order to send them among\\ntheir christian friends, our enemies I send the follow-\\ning list of women whose husbands are with the\\nenemy Mary Kingsland, Mary Stager, Fiha Risser,\\nSarah Garrabrant, Mary Grumfield, Ehzabeth Howet,\\nMartha Hicks, Autta Van Riper, Susanna Wicks, Mary\\nGarrabrant, Jane Drummond, Sarah Sayres, Lydia\\nSayres, Margaret Nichols, Elizabeth Brown, Sarah\\nCrawfoot, Abigail Ward.\\nSending the above women after their husbands\\nwill be an advantage to the state and save the com-\\nmissioners a world of trouble.\\nI am, Sir, your most ob t and hum. ser t,\\nI JOS. HEDDEN, Jr.\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston.\\nFro7?i Joseph Hedderi, Jr., to Governor Livingston.\\nNewark, July 21st, 1777.\\nSir, This day I received an account of sundry\\ntories that were taken up by Col. Morgan the 20th\\ninstant, and sent by said Morgan to Major Hayes. He\\nbeing out of the way I thought proper to acquaint your", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0107.jp2"}, "108": {"fulltext": "84 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nExcellency with the affair. I send the prisoners, with\\ntheir crimes. Inclosed you have a list which Col.\\nMorgan sent with them, their names are as follows\\nJames Smith, Edwd. Allen, Abrm. Van Gesan, Jonah\\nAllen, Corns. Van Gesan, Jno. Stager, Aaron Clawson,\\nEgbert Sanders, and Isaac Van Gesan. I have sohcited\\na guard to send them to Morristown, to be examined\\nby your Excellency and the Council of Safety. This\\ntown is this day evacuated by the continental troops,\\nand no militia called in their stead.\\nThere is one Thomas Barrow of New York sent a\\nsum of money to be paid to a gentleman in this state\\nand as the matter hath come to the commissioners\\nknowledge, would be glad to have your Excellency s\\nopinion whether the money shall be detained by the\\ncommissioners or given to the person for whom it was\\ndesigned this said Barrow moved fromt his town last\\nwinter while the enemy were in possession of it.\\nI am your Excellency s most humble serv t,\\nJOS. HEDDEN, Jun r.\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston.\\nFrom General Dickinson to Governor Livingston.\\nTrenton, August 1st, 1777.\\nSir, In consequence of business sent me by order\\nof his Excellency, General Washington, I came to\\nPhiladelphia several days ago, and to this place last\\nevening. The General then expected the fleet was\\ncertainly going to Philadelphia, but its real destination", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0108.jp2"}, "109": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 85\\nyet remains a secret. I should be much obhged to\\nyour Excellency to inform me what orders you have\\nissued respecting the niiUtia of this state, that I may not\\nbe at a loss should they make their appearance suddenly,\\nas I do not intend returning to my family until the\\ndesigns of the enemy are know^n.\\nI mentioned to your Excellency some time ago the\\nnecessity I thought there was fof a troop of light -horse\\nin this part of the state, to which I have received no\\nanswer perhaps the letter never reached your Excel-\\nlency. Their utility is too well known to enlarge upon\\nthe subject. I found great difficulty this day in pro-\\ncuring this express, and another to his Excellency, Gen.\\nWashington. If your Excellency thinks proper to\\nauthorize me to raise a small troop here, and will signify\\nthe same by the return of this express, I will undertake\\nit immediately, and doubtless it may be speedily effected.\\nI could give the officers certificates (by your permission)\\nand then they may receive their commissions from your\\nExcellency. I would propose raising the troop in\\nHunterdon and Burlington counties, taking officers\\nfrom both. It is a matter of immediate consequence,\\ntherefore beg your Excellency s answer.\\nI formerly received instructions to give orders on\\neither of the Treasurers for the payment of expresses,\\nshould be glad to have your Excellency s order respect-\\ning the same. I have employed Mr. Runyon to furnish\\nthem several times, who takes receipts and keeps an\\naccount.\\nI wrote to your Excellency that I was entirely", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0109.jp2"}, "110": {"fulltext": "86 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nsatisfied in regard to my appointment, but have not\\nreceived the commission. Will your Excellency be\\npleased to send it by this express.\\nI remain your Excellency s most ob t and humb e ser t,\\nPHILEMON DICKINSON.\\nHis Excellency, Gov r Livingston.\\nFrom William Paterson to Governor Livingston.\\nNewark, August 12th, 1777.\\nDear Sir, I have sent you a certain Mr. Macomb\\nfor examination. He came out of New York with a\\nflag from Gen l Jones, in order to go to Brunswick on\\nprivate business. He landed at Amboy, where there\\nwas no officer to receive him from thence he proceed-\\ned to New Brunswick, at which place, he says, he pro-\\nCured a passport from Mr. Voorhes, a militia officer, to\\ngo up to Millstone. He returned to Brunswick, and\\nMr. Voorhes conducted him to Elizabethtown. This\\ntransaction wears a singular complexion, and is not, I\\nbelieve, conformable to the rule which governs flags,\\nand which is estabhshed in the military department.\\nHe has travelled through a considerable part of Jersey\\nin a very improper manner. When he came to this\\nplace, Major Hayes was directed to take charge of him\\nuntil he could be conveyed to Gen l Sullivan, who, we\\nunderstand, is the nearest general officer belonging to\\nthe Continental Army. However, I thought it most\\nadvisable to send him to your Excellency, who can\\nproceed in the matter, and take such order respecting", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0110.jp2"}, "111": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 87\\nhim as may be judged most proper. The enemy if\\nwe may judge from their general course of conduct,\\nwould not suffer a flag from us to behave in the like\\nmanner, without due notice and chastisement. They\\nwould have consigned him instantly to the care of their\\nprovost guard.\\nGeneral Lee is on board of the Centurion, and Cap-\\ntain Manly, of the Portland. Captain Lowrey, of Jersey,\\nwho was taken in the late skirmish near the Short Hills,\\nwas confined in the Provost in New York, and in which\\nhe died a few da}s ago. I am amazed that the Con-\\ngress do not act agreeably to their Resolution, and push\\ninto exercise the law of retaliation. We deserve to be\\ninsulted, because we bear it. If we were to treat the\\nsoldiers of the enemy, who are prisoners with us, in the\\nsame manner that they treat our soldiers, who are pris-\\noners with them, it would soon produce a mild and\\nhumane course of conduct. All the Jersey officers who\\nhave been taken by the enemy, are now in the Provost,\\nand treated in the most severe and barbarous manner.\\nPerhaps a letter from your Excellency and the Council,\\naddressed to Congress, might be productive of the\\nhappiest effect. Mr. Justice Smith arrived at this place\\nyesterday about noon. The Chief Justice and Mr.\\nSmith agreed that it would be improper to hold the\\nnext Supreme Court at Amboy, and I make no doubt\\nyour Excellency will be of the same opinion. I wish\\nthat your Excellency and the Privy Council would\\ndirect an ordinance to be made out altering the place,\\nbut not the time of holding the Court. I requested", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0111.jp2"}, "112": {"fulltext": "88 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nthe Judges to give their opinion respecting the most\\nproper place to have it held, and on considering the\\nmatter, they agreed that Princeton, which lies in the\\nEastern Division, would be the most proper place.\\nThe Supreme Court will come on the first Tuesday of\\nnext month.\\nWe have not any militia from Hunterdon, Somerset,\\nor Sussez. We have an excellent Grand Jury, Mr.\\nPettit at the head of them. They have already found\\ntwelve bills.\\nI am your Excellency s most ob t Serv t,\\nWm. paterson.\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston.\\nFrom Captain Webster to Colonel Frelinghuysen.\\nPiscataway, August 17th, 1777.\\nSir, I, having received information that James\\nWells and Richard Churchward, (both of which had\\nleft their families and gone off with the enemy,) were at\\nRaritan Landing, I immediately dispatched a file of\\nmen out of my company to apprehend them, which,\\nwhen brought before me, they acknowledge to have\\ncome from New York in order to fetch their families\\nthither that their employment was catching clams and\\noysters for the enemy that they had a pass to go with-\\nin the king s lines that they refuse to take up arms in\\ndefence of the American states, c. Therefore, as our\\nsituation is at present very dangerous there being no\\ntroops to guard between us and the enemy I think it", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0112.jp2"}, "113": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 89\\nhighly necessary that such known enemies should be\\nkept in custody, and not to be suffered to return un-\\npunished. Upon the above confession I have given\\norders to the guard to deliver said Wells and Church-\\nward to Col. Frelinghuysen, to be dealt with by him as\\nhe shall think proper.\\nJOHN WEBSTER, Capt.\\nTo Col. Frelinghuysen,\\nor to either of the Commanding Officers in his absence.\\nFrom Brig Gen. Newcomh to Governor Livingston\\nWoodbury, August 25, 1777.\\nSir, Having frequently been informed, that a number\\nof the inhabitants of Downs, in Cumberland county in\\nthis state, had made a practice of going on board the\\nenemy s ships in Delaware Bay, and in other respects\\nfavoring the designs of the British administration in\\ntraitorous acts and speeches against the authority of\\nthese states on the 5th inst., I issued orders to Major\\nEwing to detach from the militia a sufficient number for\\nthat purpose, and apprehend tfie persons suspected to\\nbe guilty as above, which orders the Major has executed,\\nand makes me the following return: That on the 7th\\ninst. they proceeded as directed, and apprehended fifteen\\nof the above persons, twelve of whom were discharged\\nby the civil authority, on taking the oaths of the state.\\nThree were convicted of the following crimes that\\nthey had been on board of the enemy s ships, had met\\nand treated with the enemy on shore, and had received", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0113.jp2"}, "114": {"fulltext": "9^ CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\ninstructions from them how to conduct themselves in\\ncase of an alarm, which instructions were delivered to\\nthem by a certain Daniel Shaw, their ringleader, on a\\nday previous to the enemy s landing, with assurance\\nthey would land at such an hour, as they actually did.\\nIt is likewise proved against said Shaw, that he had laid\\na design with his gang, to seize upon me in the night\\nand take me on board the enemy s ship that he made\\napphcation to a blacksmith for a number of spikes to\\nspike the cannon placed in a redoubt near Morris\\nRiver, which the smith refused to do, and he was one\\nof his confederates and still bore this testimony against\\nhim. Although the evidence was directed chiefly\\nagainst Shaw as their chief, yet others are his accom-\\nplices, and constant associates are doubtless equally\\nguilty. Some of those who were discharged by the\\ncourt acknowledged they have been on board the ship,\\nbut it appears that for some time past they have con-\\nducted better, and have avoided the company of Shaw\\naltogether. One of the principal villains, brother to\\nShaw, is now with the enemy, and two others keep out\\nof the way, that they cannot be taken.\\nThis is the return made by Major Ewing, and I should\\nbe glad to be favored by your excellency with directions\\nin what manner these cases shall be tried and whether\\nif they are willing to enter on board the continental fleet,\\nthey may not be permitted to do so, previous to trial.\\nAgreeably to your orders I am now at this place with\\nnea 300 of the militia of my brigade, which number\\nwas furnished by the following regiments, and in the", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0114.jp2"}, "115": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 91\\nfollowing proportions, viz. Col. Hand s 60, Potter s 24,\\nHolmes 110, Dick s 20, Ellis 55; the other regiments\\nfurnished none, nor have any appeared from Burlington\\nas jour orders intimated. I would submit it to your\\nexcellency whether, as the movements of the enemy\\nare so precarious, the orders given me might not be\\nmore discretionary, as I am always on the spot, and the\\ndistance so great that the service might suffer before\\nproper orders could be procured from your excellency\\non every occasion.\\nI am your excellency s most ob t and hum. ser t,\\nSILAS NEWCOMB, B. G.\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston.\\nFrom Silvanus 8eely to Governor Livingston.\\nElizabethtown, August 21st, 1777.\\nSir, I received information yesterday that there had\\ngone over a canoe and three men the day before to\\nStaten Island. I immediately sent off a small party to\\nwatch them they accordingly did so, and in the eve-\\nning took the canoe and one of the men, Benjamin\\nHatfield. I send him to you by Peter Williams and\\nJohn Bonnel, Jr., two of the men that apprehended\\nhim. He denies that any men went ovei with him,\\nbut says that Jacob Hatfield and James Hatfield went\\ndown with him to get his boat off I am inclined to\\nthink this is true. I make no doubt both these fellows\\nwent down and helped him away, and then returned,\\nas I know they were in town at the time the canoe", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0115.jp2"}, "116": {"fulltext": "92 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nwas seized. Our men found with him 1^ gallons of\\nrum, 1 lb. tea, sugar and salt, and sundry small writings\\nwhich I have enclosed. Please inform me what I shall\\ndo with the goods taken with him.\\nYour ob t and humb. serv.,\\nSILVANUS SEELY.\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston.\\nCaptain Craig to Colonel Frelinghuysen.\\nAugust, 1777.\\nDear Col. Agreeably to your order of last evening\\nI marched what men I could muster to Trumblys Point,\\nand posted them in such manner as I thought best, to\\nreceive the enemy if they came over. No movement\\nwas perceived in that quarter, but was informed that\\nthey landed at Woodbridge Neck, about 80 men, and\\ntook off ten of the inhabitants as prisoners, and above\\none hundred head of cattle, and no person to oppose\\nthem. It is with the greatest difficulty that I am able\\nto keep my company together, as they have been\\nexpecting to receive assistance, and if not very soon\\nrendered, I shall scarcely be able to keep this post.\\nThe enemy were over near Woodbridge Neck night\\nbefore last, and seized three of the inhabitants within\\none mile where we lay. I must likewise beg the favor\\nof being supplied with cartridges, as we have not more\\nthan one round apiece.\\nYour most ob t ser t,\\nJOHN CRAIG.\\nCol. P relinghuysen, at Elizabeth Town.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0116.jp2"}, "117": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 93\\nFi om Ehenezer Hazard to Governor Livingston.\\nPhiladelphia, August 23d, 1777.\\nSir, Some time last fall a certain Andries Buskirk\\nwas employed as a post rider between Hackensack (at\\nwhich place he lived) and my office in the state of New\\nYork. He rode but three or four trips before the mail\\nfell into the hands of the enemy at Hackensack. Gen-\\neral Washington s letter to Congress upon that occasion\\nintimated that this was not an accident, but the effect\\nof design in the rider which I am inclined to think\\nwas the case, as his Excellency, Gen. Washington,\\nasserts notliing as a fact but upon good authority. I\\nhave been informed the rider was apprised of his dan-\\nger, and took no care to avoid it. As I am told Buskirk\\nis now in confinement in Newark, I beg your Excel-\\nlency will be pleased to direct an inquiry to be made\\nrespecting this matter, that if Buskirk has been treach-\\nerous, he may be punished. His son rode at the time\\nthe mail was taken, but as Buskirk, himself, was the\\nperson we agreed with as a rider, he is answerable for\\nthe conduct of those he employed under him. It is not\\nunlikely his son is at Hackensack, and may be easily\\ntaken, I think his name is Andries. It is said that Dr.\\nMcLean of New York, kept the rider in chat till the\\nenemy came up. I beg to be favored with a line in\\nanswer to this, and am\\nYour Excellency s most obedient and very h e ser t,\\nEBEN. HAZARD.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0117.jp2"}, "118": {"fulltext": "94 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777\\nFrom Colonel Fi elinghuysen to Governor Livingston.\\nRaritan, August 25th, 1777.\\nDear Sir, I expected yesterday to find your Excel-\\nlency at Morristown, and am extremely sorry that your\\nExcellency left the place before I arrived. I have so\\nmuch to communicate and so much to complain of, that\\nI am extremely anxious to see you, but conceive it my\\nduty to repair again to my station before night, which\\nI could not reach should I first go to Princeton. I am\\nbesides so much fatigued by losing my rest for tw^o\\nnights past that I must necessarily choose the shortest\\nroad.\\nCol. Middah waits upon you, and will represent to\\nyour excellency several things, concerning which I have\\nnot time to write. In particular the Colonel will ac-\\nquaint you with the circumstances of the affair, on\\nStaten Island, for I suppose my letter on that subject\\nhaving been sent to Morris is not received. The prin-\\ncipal matter on which I am so desirous of conversing\\nwith your excellency, is the unhappy situation of our\\nstate. The continental troops are to march towards\\nPhiladelphia. The militia who have turned out are a\\ntrifling number the enemy are encouraged and irri-\\ntated. The consequences, I fear, will be fatal to that\\ncounty nay, I have reason to believe, the enemy will\\nnot lay idle after the removal of the continental troops.\\nIs it not in your excellency s power to prevail upon\\nGeneral Sulhvan to leave one of the Jersey regiments\\nIf so, it is the only means, I believe, which can be", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0118.jp2"}, "119": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 95\\nused for the salvation of that county. I must certainly\\nfall a prey to the enemy with my little party, if the\\nenemy choose to come down, and we attempt to drive\\nthem back. I fear much the loss of character, but I am\\nmost concerned for the poor inhabitants, and their pro-\\nperty. I am however determined to exert my utmost\\nabilities for the defence of this state and I trust I shall\\nnot be blamed for any of my future conduct by those\\nwho are unacquainted with my situation. I must inform\\nyour excellency, that I have four prisoners who were\\ntaken up as spies, having been with the enemy all\\nwinter, and are now making their appearance among\\nus. I shall send them on with the two before appre-\\nhended. Your excellency s directions respecting such\\nmeasures as Colonel Middah will mention, I hope will\\nbe immediately forwarded, especially with reference to\\nthe procuring of ammunition. I must not forget to\\ncongratulate your excellency on the great loyalty of\\nHunterdon county. On Saturday arrived at Elizabeth-\\ntown Lieut. Col. Houton, with one private, a baggage\\nwagon and two horses. The Colonel says it is occa-\\nsioned by a report having been industriously spread\\namong the inhabitants, that General Dickinson advised\\nthem by no means to go, there being no need of any\\nmihtia that their being called upon was solely owing\\nto a whimsical notion of General Hinds. Something,\\ndoubtless, must be immediately done upon my arrival\\natElizabetlitown. I shall order Col. Houton to return,\\nand wait upon your excellency. I dare say the account\\nof General Sullivan s conduct in the affair of Staten", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0119.jp2"}, "120": {"fulltext": "96 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nIsland will cause some uneasy sensations, I wish I\\nmay be wrong in my opinion, but I seriously believe\\nthat upon inquiry, nothing but the most unpardonable\\nneglect will be found the cause of our loss. I send by\\nCol. M. three letters, which I received last night.\\nI am your excellency s most obedient and most\\nhumble servant,\\nFRED^ FRELINGHUYSEN.\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston.\\nFrom Edward Taylor to Governor Livingston and the\\nLegislature.\\nMiddletown, August 25, 1777.\\nGentlemen, As the ear of the Legislature of New\\nJersey is always open to hear the complaints of the\\npeople and to redress grievances, I therefore take this\\nopportunity to make my complaint to your honorable\\nbody. I may be remembered by some of you who\\nattended the Governor at Bordentown as a Council of\\nSafety, when I was ordered to attend by the command-\\ning officer of this county. I accordingly attended, and\\nwas bound over to attend the next court of Oyer and\\nTerminer that should be held in this county, which I\\nthought was for small charges, though was better\\nsatisfied, thinking as I was a prisoner to the Governor,\\nunder bail, I should be free from insult from the military\\nauthority without just cause, but to my great surprise I\\nfound my mistake. I was sent for to appear before the\\ncommanding officer, Gen. Forman, and made a prisoner,", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0120.jp2"}, "121": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 97\\nas you may see by the enclosed letter. The charges\\nmade against me are enthely unjust. 1 am as innocent\\nof them as the child unborn. Though innocent, I\\nstrictly obey the order of confinement, which is a con-\\nsiderable damage to me in my business, having a grist\\nmill at the distance of two or three miles from where I\\nhve, and nobody but servants of my own house to\\nattend there, whom I cannot trust without my being\\npresent to oversee them, which occasions my mill to\\nstand idle the chief part of the time, which is a\\ngreat damage to my neighbors as well as myself My\\nfarming business is also neglected, part being at a dis-\\ntance from where I reside. I therefore hope my\\ncomplaint will come under your speedy consideration,\\nand that I may be ordered to appear before your hon-\\norable house, and my accusers also, that I may know\\nwho they are or w hat they will say against me. If my\\nrequest should be granted, I should take it as a favor\\nfrom his Excellency, the Governor, to send an order\\nfor me to appear, which may be a protection for my\\nperson in my journey, and also an order of protection\\nfor my family and property during my absence, which\\nfavors will be gratefully acknowledged.\\nYour most ob t and hum e serv t,\\nEDWARD TAYLOR.\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston, Commander-in-\\nChief, and the Hon. Council and Gen. Assembly.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0121.jp2"}, "122": {"fulltext": "98 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY^ [1777.\\nList of Prisoners ordered to Princeton.\\nElizabethtown, August 27th, 1777.\\nTaken and detained for having gone into the enemy s\\nlines and returning to this state\\nJames Worth, apprehended by order of Col. Fre-\\nHnghuysen.\\nBenjamin Worth, taken just after the action on\\nStaten Island, he having left the Island when the\\naction began.\\nJonathan Clauson, Cornelius Clauson, apprehended\\nby Major Dunn for having joined the enemy w^hen in\\nJersey.\\nJames Wells, Richard Churchward, left the Island\\nand came to Jersey, apprehended by Capt. Webster.\\nJames Compton, apprehended by Major Davison.\\nJames Hetfield and Jacob Hetfield, apprehended by\\norder of his Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nTo Lieutenant Allen\\nYou are required to march forthwith with 6 men and\\ntake the above prisoners to Princeton and deliver them\\nto his Excellency s order.\\nFREDK. FRELINGHUYSEN, Col.\\nFrom the President of the Continental Congress to\\nGovernor Livingston.\\nPhiladelphia, September 5th, 1777.\\ngiR^ In the present exigency of public affairs, the\\nCongress have come to the enclosed resolve, which I", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0122.jp2"}, "123": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 99\\nhave the honor to transmit, and which I am to request\\nyou will comply with as soon as possible.\\nThe militia of the state of New Jersey by their late\\nconduct against our cruel enemies, have distinguished\\nthemselves in a manner that does them the greatest\\nhonor; and I am persuaded they will continue to merit\\non all occasions, when called upon, the reputation they\\nhave so justly acquired. Those which the Congress\\nnow request you will order out, it is their desire you\\nwill order to rendezvous at Bristol.\\nIt will be highly agreeable to Congress to give the\\ncommand to Gen. Dickinson, should the appointment\\nfall in with your judgment, and I have reason to believe\\nhe will cheerfully accept of it, if you should think\\nproper to put them under his direction.\\nI have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, sir,\\nyour most obed t and very h ble serv t,\\nJOHN HANCOCK, Prqsid t.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFro7n the President of the Continental Congress to\\nGovernor Livingston.\\nPhiladelphia, September 12th, 1777.\\nSir, It is the earnest desire of Congress, and I\\nhave it in charge to inform you of it, that you will\\nimmediately order out four thousand of the Jersey\\nmilitia to reinforce the army under General Washing-\\nton with all possible expedition.\\nIf you should not be able to call out that number, it", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0123.jp2"}, "124": {"fulltext": "100 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777\\nis the request of Congress that you will call out\\nas many as possible in this critical state of our\\naffairs,\\nI have the honor to be, with great respect, sir, your\\nmost obed. serv t,\\nJOHN HANCOCK, Presid t.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nGovernor Livingston to Brigadier General Newcomb.\\nHaddonfield, September 20th, 1777.\\nSir, As from the real bravery of our militia, and\\nthe terror with which they have already frequently\\nstruck the enemy, they will doubtless be of essential\\nservice in opposing the progress of the enemy towards\\nPhiladelphia, I think it best those now collected at\\nWoodbury should immediately march to join the militia\\nunder the immediate command of General Armstrong,\\nand to reinforce the army under the command of his\\nExcellency, General Washington. This detachment,\\nI am persuaded from your zeal for the cause, you would\\nupon this important occasion be desirous of connnand-\\ning in person. But as in all probability the enemy s\\nfleet, should their land army meet with success, will\\nattempt to ravage our coasts, and they may perhaps\\nthrow over some troops besides, I think your presence\\nwill be more necessary in this state. You will therefore\\ndirect Capt. Potter to take the command of the troops", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0124.jp2"}, "125": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 101\\nnow at Woodbury, and to march them with all possible\\nexpedition as above directed.\\nI am your hum e serv t\\nWILL. LIVINGSTON.\\nBrigadier Gen l Newcomb.\\nFrom Governor Livingston to the President of the\\nContinental Congress.\\nPrinceton, October 4, 1777.\\nSir, The council a few days ago was informed, but\\nnot officially so, that Mr. Penn, late Governor, and Mr.\\nChew, late Chief Justice of Pennsylvania, with some\\nothers, had been removed to the Union, in the county\\nof Hunterdon, by order of the Hon. Board of War.\\nWe are extremely sorry that persons of their political\\ncaste and rank in life should have been sent into this\\nstate, which is nearly encircled by the enemy, to say\\nnothing of our domestic foes. Wherever the enemy\\ngo they never fail to make friends and abettors, or at\\nleast to call up such into active life in their favor as\\nduring their absence remained in a sort of inactivity.\\nWe have suffered extremely from persons under parole.\\nA course of experience has fully convinced us, that\\nthey have always tinctured the neighborhood in which\\nthey have been fixed with toryism and disaffection.\\nThere is hardly a county in this state which is not at\\npresent exposed to the incursions of the enemy and\\ntherefore we submit it, whether it be proper to send\\nany suspected persons into it. They have an iinper-", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0125.jp2"}, "126": {"fulltext": "102 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nceptible and baleful influence even upon the well affect-\\ned. We request, therefore, that the above gentlemen\\nmay be removed into some other staie as soon as pos-\\nsible. Of all Jersey, the spot in which they are at\\npresent is the very spot in which they ought not to be.\\nIt has always been considerably disaffected, and still\\ncontinues so, notwithstanding all our efforts, owing, we\\nimagine, in part to the interests, connection, and influ-\\nence of Mr. John Allen, brother-in-law of Mr. Penn,\\nwho is now with the enemy. Of this the Board of War\\nmust have been entirely ignorant, otherwise they would\\nnot have made such an order of removal. And we are\\nwilling to ascribe it to the hurry and multiplicity of\\nof their business, that either the honorable the Congress,\\nor the Board of War, should have selected any part of\\nNew Jersey as a prison for mal-contents, without first\\nnotifying the same to the executive power of the state.\\nNor can we persuade ourselves that they will have any\\nobjection against our removing the before-mentioned\\nprisoners out of this state, to such other parts of the\\ncountry as Congress may think most fit for their safety,\\nor, if they must remain in this state, to leave it to our\\ndirection in what particular locality, they are likely to\\ndo the least mischief\\nI am your ob t and hum. ser t,\\nWILL: LIVINGSTON.\\nHis Excellency,\\nJohn Hancock, Pres t of Congress.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0126.jp2"}, "127": {"fulltext": "1777.1 EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 103\\nFroin Colonel MaxiveU to Governor Livingston,\\nOctober 4, 1777.\\ngiR^_As Col. Dayton is going to your excellency\\non the business I designed to write upon, and his excel-\\nlency, General Washington, having wrote to you fully\\non that head, my designs are nearly anticipated. How-\\never, I will offer something, viz If our state does not\\nkeep a watchful eye over their troops in the clothing\\nway, I am certain they will in a great measure be neg-\\nlected.\\nFrom this and all to the southward, every state has\\nimported something, and by their industry had got\\ntheir troops tolerably well clothed in the spring and,\\nwith what the clothier-general assisted them to in\\ncommon afterwards, they will make a tolerable appear-\\nance. I need say little to you of the northern troops\\nyou must well know their advantages in getting cloth-\\ning, and they made use of them. We have gone very\\nearly into the field, and have had no other dependence\\nbut on the clothier-general, and we got them in bits\\nand scraps, as the miser gives his son some part of his\\npatrimony before death. It was dealt out with so\\nscanty a hand, we never knew the good of it; besides\\nwe never got our proper quantity, and some of what we\\ndid get was rotten. If our state would provide a\\ncomplete suit at first, then the other supply might be\\nsufficient. We are in great need at present of shoes,\\nstockings, breeches, shirts, good jackets, and some caps,\\nfor the want of which many valuable men are rendered\\nuseless.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0127.jp2"}, "128": {"fulltext": "104 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nHis excellency says that if you would now fill up\\nthe regiments he would ask no more militia. That\\npernicious practice of substitutes, either in the standing\\narmy or militia, must be put a stop to to\\nrecruiting, and nothing will prevent it while the militia is\\nrequired. I submit these few observations, to your\\nexcellency and both houses, and hope that a temporary\\nsupply may be sent as soon as possible and am\\nYour Excellency s most obedient and humble ser-\\nvant,\\nWM. MAXWELL.\\nHis excellency, the Governor of New Jersey.\\nFrom General Washington to General Forman.\\nHead-Quarters, Philadelphia County, Oct. 6, 1777.\\nSir, You having informed me that the times of\\nmany of your present brigade of militia are near expi-\\nring, and that many others who came out for no certain\\ntime, are anxious to return home, you have my permis-\\nsion to march them towards Delaware, under pretence\\nthat you are going to guard the stores at Trenton, and\\nwhen they have crossed the river you may discharge\\nthem. But I must beg that you will immediately use\\nyour utmost endeavors to collect a number equal to what\\nyou were to have brought in your last brigade, and\\nreturn with them as soon as possible to join the army\\nunder my command. I shall be glad if you will let me", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0128.jp2"}, "129": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 105\\nknow, upon your arrival in Jersey, when I may expect\\nyou again, and with what force.\\nI am, sir, your most ob t serv t\\nG\u00c2\u00ab WASHINGTON.\\nGeneral Forman.\\nFrom Elisha Boudinot to Governor Livingston.\\nNewark, Oct. 9th, 1777.\\nSir, I received your favor yesterday relative to the\\nappointment with which your Excellency and the Com-\\nmittee of Safety have honored me. The inadequate\\nsalary would not have been the obstacle against my\\naccepting the office, as, during the present distress of\\nmy country, I would freely devote my time to its ser-\\nvice, and I should have immediately set out for Bor-\\ndentown, on the reception of your letter, had I not\\nprevious to this received an office in the mihtary depart-\\nment. I am in hopes, however, to get liberty to act as\\nsecretary for the short time you will sit, which I suppose\\nwill be no longer than the meeting of the Legislature.\\nI shall be able to determine this on Monday, which if it\\nis according to my wishes, I will set out on Tuesday.\\nIf it should be otherwise, must beg your Excellency\\nand the Committee of Safety to accept of my thanks\\nfor the polite offer, and to be assured that it is with the\\ngreatest reluctance, if I am obliged to decline the ap-\\npointment.\\nI have the honor to be your Excellency s most ob t\\nand humb e serv t.,\\nELISHA BOUDINOT.\\nHis Excellency, Gov r Livingston.\\na", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0129.jp2"}, "130": {"fulltext": "106 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nFrom the President of the Continental Congress to the\\nAssembly of Neiv Jersey.\\nYork Town, Pennsylvania, October 17th, 1777.\\nGentlemen,\u00e2\u0080\u0094 I have the honor to transmit a copy\\nof the return to Congress from Gen. Washington of\\nthose articles of clothing that are absolutely necessary\\nfor the army under his immediate command, accompa-\\nnied with an extract of the General s letter on the\\nsubject. From these letters you will perceive that the\\ntroops are in the greatest distress and Hkely to suffer\\nstill more from the inclemency of the approaching\\nseason, unless they are reheved in time. I am therefore\\nin obedience to the inclosed order of Congress earnestly\\nto request you will forward to head quarters, with all\\npossible dispatch, all such articles mentioned in the\\nreturn as you are able to collect, which are not imme-\\ndiately wanted for the regiments that have not yet\\njoined the army. You will also be pleased to issue\\norders to the officers of the clothier s department who\\nreside in your state, to exert themselves to forward the\\nclothing agreeably to the inclosed requisition of Con-\\ngress. I mui^t also entreat your attention to the other\\nresolves herewith transmitted.\\nI have the honor to be, gentlemen, your most obedi-\\nent and very humble servant,\\nJOHN HANCOCK, Presid t.\\nHon ble Assembly of the State of New Jersey.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0130.jp2"}, "131": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 107\\nFrom Williain Paterson to Governor Livingston.\\nMonistowii, October 18th, 1777.\\nDear Sir, In the 13th section of the act constitu-\\nting a Council of Safety, the President and Council\\nare authorized at discretion to direct the trial of certain\\noffenders in other counties than those in which the\\ncrimes were committed. The insurgents who were\\ntaken on their way to the enemy are now at this place,\\nbut the court cannot with propriety proceed to try them\\nunless they be expressly directed for the purpose. I\\nwish your Excellency would be pleased to write to the\\nChief Justice and enclose an order directing the court\\nto try the said insurgents in this county. Lest your\\nExcellency should not have their names, I send herewith\\na list. The Easton offenders I suppose will soon come\\non, and hope that you will send a similar order for them.\\nJacob Bogart, John Sears, Joseph Pearce, Stout\\nHavens, Wm. Newman, and Richard JNIorrison were,\\nupon cmifession, committed for high treason by the\\nCouncil of Safety. If there be any witnesses, I should\\nbe early informed of them. Mere confession, although\\nsufficient to commit upon in high treason, is not suffi-\\ncient to convict. Cornelius Clawson, James Worth,\\nBenjamin Worth, and Jonathan Clawson were likewise\\ncommitted by the Council of Safety, upon confession\\nsolely. The commitments against the last four include\\ntwo charges first, high treason second, felony for\\ngoing into the enemy s lines. Confession, perhaps, will\\noperate in felony and therefore it will be necessary", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0131.jp2"}, "132": {"fulltext": "108 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nfor some of the Council of Safety who were present at\\nthe confession to attend the court. By turning to the\\nminutes you will be able to see what members were\\npresent. Mr. Parker informed me yesterday that he\\nhad not yet sent his letter to Mr. Skinner, and told me\\nhe imagined (and perhaps justly enough) that the com-\\nmanding officer at EHzabethtown would not let it pass\\nwithout an order from your Excellency. If proper,\\nyour Excellency can send the order to me, and I will\\nforward it with the letter to General Dickinson.\\nThe well affected at Newark are very uneasy about\\na certain Capt. Kennedy, who was laid under parole\\nby the late Convention. The uneasiness increases,\\nowing to the enemy s having a few days ago driven 70\\nor 80 head of fat cattle from his farm. He is on half\\npay in the British service. Would it not be proper to\\nrelease the Capt. from his parole, and then call upon\\nhim to take a decisive part 1 I once moved something\\nof this kind in Council, but it went off, as business of\\na more pressing nature happened to come in before it\\ncould be decided upon. I am convinced that the\\nCouncil did a very imprudent action at Princeton in\\nadvising your Excellency to detach the men which\\nshould compose General Forman s brigade, for the\\nPennsylvania service, from particular regiments it has\\nbroke in upon and marred extremely Gen. Dickinson s\\narrangements and plan. I submit it to your Excellency\\nwhether in future it will not be most advisable, when a\\nrequisition is made for men, for your Excellency to\\ndetermine the number, and Gen. Dickinson to deter-", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0132.jp2"}, "133": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 109\\nmine from what regiments and brigades that number\\nshall be detached. If the orders were through Gen.\\nDickinson, so far as respects the mode, it will prevent\\nconfusion.\\nGlorious news glorious news General Burgojne\\nhas surrendered himself and his whole army prisoners\\nof war to Gen. Gates. I believe this intelligence may\\nbe depended upon, it comes quite direct. The bearer\\nwill inform your Excellency more particularly.\\nEnclosed are two letters for your Excellency, and a\\nnewspaper. One of the letters is from General Winds\\nand being informed that it was on business of impor-\\ntance, I have dispatched the messenger sooner than I\\nshould have done. I beheve our militia will not be\\nwanted up the North River, if so, would it not be best\\nto recall them At all events, it would not be improper\\nto order Gen. Winds (unless he be already ordered by\\nGen. Dickinson) to return the instant the enemy sail\\ndown the river.\\nI am, with respect, your most ob t and hu. serv t,\\nWM. PATERSON.\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston.\\nFro7n Jonathan Elmer to Governor Livingston.\\nYork Town, November 20th, 1777.\\nSir, As my term of delegation expires in a few\\ndays and business of importance requires my attend-\\nance elsewhere, I propose leaving Congress to morrow.\\nThe state of New Jersey will then be unrepresented.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0133.jp2"}, "134": {"fulltext": "110 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nI thought it my duty to acquamt you with it, and to\\nrequest the Assembly immediately to send forward one\\nor more delegates from the state.\\nI have made it my business ever since I have had the\\nhonor of a seat in Congress, to attend as constantly as\\npossible. Whether I have discharged the important\\ntrust reposed in me by my constituents to their\\nsatisfaction or not I must leave to them to judge. I\\ncan however with truth declare that I have at all times\\nexerted myself to the utmost of my slender abilities for\\nthe good of m} country and in particular for the state\\nwhich I have had the honor of representing.\\nCongress hath at length completed the confederation.\\nIt is now printing, and will be sent forward in a few\\ndays for the consideration and approbation of our Leg-\\nislature.\\nThe distance of the public treasury of our state from\\nmy place of abode when at home, and my not having\\nhad an opportunity of waiting upon the Assembly when\\nsitting, have prevented my receiving any money for\\npublic services through the Treasurer s hands. I\\nreceived 300 dollars of Mr. Clark in July last, for\\nwhich I gave him a receipt, and for which he engaged\\nto account to the Assembly, Since that, I have drawn\\non the continental treasurer for 700 dollars, to be\\ncharged to the state of New Jersey, and for which I\\nexpect to account to the state.\\nThe expense of attending Congress upon the most\\neconomical plan I have been able to draw, amounts to\\nconsiderably more than 20 shiUings a day. I rely on", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0134.jp2"}, "135": {"fulltext": "1777.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. Ill\\nthe generosity of the assembly to make me such an\\nadditional allowance as they shall deem adequate.\\nObserving to you, sir, that my expenses for the 7 weeks\\nI have attended Congress in this place, for supporting\\nmyself and one horse, amounts to \u00c2\u00a365. The Delegates\\nfrom every other state have from 5 to 8 dollars a day,\\nand in general complain they cannot subsist on the pay\\nallowed them by their respective states.\\nI have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient and\\nvery humble servant,\\nJONATHAN ELMER.\\nHon ble Speaker of Assembly, N. Jersey.\\nPro??i the President of the Continental Congress to the\\nGovernor of Neiv Jersey.\\nYorktown, December 23d, 1777.\\nSir, I am directed by Congress to transmit to your\\nhonorable body the enclosed resolutions, which the\\npressing wants of the army, and the arts and avarice of\\nengrossers and extortioners have rendered indispensably\\nnecessary to the general welfare.\\nIt is with deep concern that Congress, after having\\nfor some time contemplated in painful silence the mis-\\nchiefs which threaten this extended continent from the\\ngrowing avarice of the times, feel themselves constrained\\nto recommend measures, which the virtue of all classes\\nof men rendered not long since unnecessary, and\\nwhich a scrupulous regard for the security of property", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0135.jp2"}, "136": {"fulltext": "112 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1777.\\nto every citizen of these states has hitherto restrained\\nthem from adopting but, (unhappy the case of Ameri-\\nca) laws unworthy the ciiaracter of infant repubUcs, are\\nbecome necessary to supply the defect of pubUc virtue,\\nand to correct the views of some of her sons and she\\nis called upon by the grand principle of self-preservation\\nto guard against the parricide of those whom she has\\nfostered in her own bosom.\\nTo minds, whose reflections are employed on the\\nimportance of the cause in which we are engaged, and\\nwhich feel for every circumstance which may affect the\\nhonor and safety of these states, it must give the most\\npainful sensations to consider, that at a time when the\\nlate signal successes we have been blest with, the re-\\nduced numbers of the enemy, the difficulties they meet\\nwith in procuring foreign levies, and the political com-\\nplexion of affairs in Europe, have deprived them of\\nmany of those resources on which she has so much\\ndepended when the numbers and improving discipline\\nof the army, the prodigious augmentation of our mihta-\\nry stores, the quantity of provisions with which this\\ncountry abounds, and the large supplies of clothing\\nwhich have of late been imported by private persons,\\nafford not only the opportunity but the means under\\ndivine Providence of establishing our liberties by a few\\nexertions, this bright prospect should be clouded over,\\nand this great and glorious event endangered by the\\nlanguor of too many, and by the arts and avarice of\\ndesigning individuals, who hke the British nabobs of the\\nEast, are corrupting the manners of a whole nation,", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0136.jp2"}, "137": {"fulltext": "1778.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 113\\nand building vast fortunes on the destruction of the\\nliberties of the Western World.\\nIt is to be hoped, however, that the wise and spirited\\nlaws of the different states, aided by the influence and\\nexertions of the real patriots, will apply effectual reme-\\ndies to these evils that the old and hardened offenders\\nwin be punished that those in whose bosoms the sparks\\nof public virtue are not yet extinguished, will be re-\\nclaimed the languid roused from their present apathy,\\nand that all classes of men will unite with their former\\nspirit and virtue against an enemy whose progress is\\nmarked with every vestige of barbarity, and whose de-\\ntermined object is to estabhsh a tyranny of the most\\ndangerous and debasing nature over the inhabitants\\nof a vast continent. Congress flatter themselves that\\nthe resolutions herewith transmitted, will lead to accom-\\nphsli some of these valuable purposes and they there-\\nfore esteem it their duty to recommend them to the\\nserious consideration of your honorable House, and\\nhope they will be carried into execution as expeditiously\\nas possible.\\nBy order of Congress,\\nJOHN HANCOCK, Pres t.\\nFrom the Board of War to the Governor.\\nWar Office, May 25th, 1778.\\nThe Board not having thought proper to agree with\\nCol. John Patton for the carrying on the Andover Iron\\nWorks, have instructed Col. Flower to apply to the", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0137.jp2"}, "138": {"fulltext": "114 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1778.\\ngovernment of your state and procure the possession of\\nthe Works for Col. Thomas Majbury, with whom the\\nterms of the contract are settled, on condition of his\\ngetting the possession agreeably to the resolution of\\nCongress. As we find it absolutely necessary to put\\nthese works in blast, the Board beg the favor of your\\nExcellency to assist Col. Flower or Col. Maybury in\\nthe business they will necessarily have to have such,\\nrelative to these works with the government of your\\nstate.\\nI have the honor to be, with great esteem, your very\\nobed t serv t,\\nBy order of the Board,\\nRICHARD PETERS.\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston.\\nFrom Colonel Flower to Governor Livingston.\\nLebanon, May 28, 1778.\\nSir, Your Excellency will see by the honorable\\nBoard of War and Ordnance, that they have not\\nthought proper to agree with Col. Patton for the carry-\\ning on the Andover Iron Works, and have directed me\\nto apply to the government of your state and procure\\nthe possession of the Works, to wit the furnace and\\nforges for Col. Thomas Maybury, with whom I have\\nmade a contract, for the iron to be made at the said\\nWorks, to be converted into steel, agreeably to the\\nresolution of the Honorable Congress of the 15th Jan-\\nuary last; since Col. Patton could not get possession of", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0138.jp2"}, "139": {"fulltext": "1778.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 115\\nthese works, with the consent of the owners, two of\\nthem being with the enemy in Pliiladelphia and Mr.\\nChew whom Mr. Whitehead Humphreys and myself\\nwaited on, who is another owner, refused to have any-\\nthing to do with it, as he was only a part owner, but\\nadvised me to send in a flag to Philadelphia, in order to\\ntreat with Messrs. Allen and Turner on the terms of the\\nlease, agreeably to the resolution of the Honorable\\nHouse of Assembly of your state on the 13th March\\nlast; which advice of Mr. Chew I considered as an\\ninsult, as he knew such a step was impracticable.\\nI, therefore, in behalf of the United States of North\\nAmerica, beg leave to sohcit your Excellency s assist-\\nance in these premises, in order to have Col. May bury\\nput in possession of the Andover Works as soon as possi-\\nble as your Honors were pleased to assure us, that if\\nthe present owners of the works refused to let them for\\nthe use of the public, the Legislature would then take\\nthe necessary steps for putting them in possession of a\\nproper person in order to have them carried on for the\\npurpose before-mentioned.\\nI hope the Legislature will approve of Col. Maybury,\\nand give him such assistance as will enable him to per-\\nform his contract, and that your Excellency will use\\nyour influence to accomplish this very essential and\\nimportant business.\\nI have the honor to be your Excellency s most obe-\\ndient obhged, very humble servant,\\nBENJ. FLOWER, Col l Adj. C. G. M.\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0139.jp2"}, "140": {"fulltext": "116 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1778.\\nFrom the President of the Continental Congress to\\nGovernor Livingston.\\nYork-Town, June 17, 1778.\\nSir, Authentic intelligence received by Congress\\nfrom many quarters, leave it no longer doubtful in what\\nmanner the enemy mean to conduct their plan of con-\\nciliation.\\nUnder delusive appearances of pacific acts and peace-\\nmaking commissioners, already their military reinforce-\\nments begin to arrive, and already they have com-\\nmenced the campaign in many places with acts of\\ncruelty and devastation.\\nIndian irruptions, and burning houses in the moment\\nof dispersing propositions for peace, evince the insidious\\ndesigns of the enemy, and demonstrate the necessity of\\nwisdom in council, of strength and vigor in the field.\\nThe former may be employed to distress the enemy\\ngreatly, by withholding from them the provisions of\\nAmerica, and the latter by quickly collecting poweriul\\narmies to take advantage of their present weaknsss.\\nIn duty therefore to their constituents, Congress ear-\\nnestly call upon you, sir, and your state, to adopt the\\nmost effectual and vigorous measures for speedily rein-\\nforcing the continental army with your quota of troops.\\nThe present moment unimproved, may be productive of\\nmost pernicious consequences, and the pubhc safety\\ndemands strong and united efforts.\\nExperience hath shewn that the marine force of our\\nenemies enable them to secure for the support of their", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0140.jp2"}, "141": {"fulltext": "1778.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 117\\narmies, almost the whole of our exported provisions, and\\ntherefore. Congress, impressed with the necessity of\\npreventing the supplies derived to our foes from this\\nsource and desirous of supplying the armies of the\\nUnited States, have upon mature deliberation, laid an\\nembargo upon provisions of all kinds, and they earnestly\\nrequest the vigorous exercise of the powers of your\\nstate to carry into effective execution this most necessary\\nmeasure.\\nI am, with great respect, sir, your excellency s most\\nobedient servant,\\nJOHN HANCOCK, Pres t.\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston.\\nFrom General Winds to the Legislature.\\nHead Quarters, Elizabethtown, June 16th, 1778.\\nGentlemen, The anxiety I feel for want of ammu-\\nnition to supply the militia, should any quantity be\\nwanted on a sudden emergency, may be much easier\\nconceived than described. Permit me to call your\\nattention to my situation for a few hours. I flatter\\nmyself your time will not be misspent. Here I am on\\nvery extensive lines with a small body of men, who\\n(although in the highest spirits) cannot be furnished\\nwith six rounds of ammunition, while the enemy are in\\ngreat strength on Staten Island. And it is not im-\\nprobable, should the British army attempt a passage\\nthrough New Jersey, from Philadelphia to New York,\\nthat our neighbors on the Island may make a diversion", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0141.jp2"}, "142": {"fulltext": "118 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1778.\\nthis way, but should not this be the case, hable as we\\nare at all times to invasions, when the enemy are in\\nstrength, and while our frontiers produce any thing\\nwhich to them is an object worth attempting, what\\nconsideration ought to induce us to remain unprepared\\nto receive them\\nI have the fullest confidence in the bravery of the\\nNew Jersey militia, and besides other weighty reasons\\nfor my repeated applications on this subject, the fear of\\nsacrificing our reputation is not among the smallest.\\nPermit me to add that with militia it is impossible to\\nkeep secret the state of our magazines, and it is not\\nimprobable that very soon, or perhaps even now, the\\nenemy know our situation, and in case of an invasion,\\nor the passage of the British army through this state, I\\nam persuaded the militia will turn out cheerfully, and\\nin large numbers. But I cannot flatter myself in the\\nleast with the prospect of their doing any thing material\\nwithout ammunition, I rather think that numbers\\nwithout so necessary an article will only be disadvan-\\ntageous. Not in the least doubting, if I could but\\nengage your attention to so serious an object you would\\ngrant me speedy reUef, and relying on your answer\\nby[]the return of the bearer, I subscribe myself\\nMost respectfully, your most obe t ser t,\\nWILLIAM WINDS.\\nP. S. Lead most wanted.\\nThe Hon. the Council and Gen l Assembly of the\\nState of New Jersey.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0142.jp2"}, "143": {"fulltext": "1778.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 119\\nFrom Nathaniel Scudder to the Speaker of Assembly.\\nFreehold, July 13th, 177,8.\\nMy Dear Sir, I do myself the honor to address\\nyou upon an affair to me of the most serious and\\nalarming importance. The honorable Council and\\nAssembly of this state have not thought proper to invest\\ntheir delegates with power to ratify and sign the con-\\nfederation, and it is obvious that unless every of the\\nthirteen states shall accede to it we remain an uncon-\\nfederated people. These states have actually entered\\ninto a treaty with the court of Versailles as a confede-\\nrated people, and Monsieur Girard, their Ambassador\\nPlenipotentiary to Congress is now on our coast with a\\npowerful fleet of ships, which have taken a pilot on\\nboard for Delaware. He probably may be landed by\\nthis time, and will at all events be in Philadelphia in a\\nfew days. How must he be astonished and confounded,\\nand what may be the fatal consequences to America\\nwhen he discovers (which he will immediately do,) that\\nwe are ipso facto unconfederated, and consequently\\nwhat our enemies have called us, a rope of sand.\\nWill he not have just cause to resent the deception\\nand may not insidious Britain, knowing the same, take\\nadvantage of your disunion for my own part I am of\\nopinion she will never desist from her nefarious designs,\\nnor ever consider her attempts upon our hberties\\nfruitless and vain, until she knows the golden knot is\\nactually tied. I left Congress last Wednesday eve-\\nning. The affair of confederation was to be taken up", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0143.jp2"}, "144": {"fulltext": "120 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1778\\nnext daj.^Tlie magna charta of America was amply\\nengrossed andj prepared for signing. Ten states had\\nactually authorized their delegates to ratify a delegate\\nfirom an |eleventh (viz. Georgia) declared he was so\\nfully possessed of the sense of his constituents, that he\\nshould not hesitate to subscribe it. New Jersey and\\nMaryland only stood it out. Mr. Chase, one of the\\ndelegates from that state, told me the day I left Phila-\\ndelphia, that he imagined the determination of Maryland\\nwould depend much upon that of New Jersey, and\\nthought if our state should accede, theirs would also.\\nHe therefore concluded to go immediately down and try\\nwhat could be done. I at the same time assured him\\nI would write you on the subject on my return.\\nI ought to inform you, sir, that the objections stated\\nby New Jersey were read and considered in Congress,\\nand after being entered at large on their minutes, a\\nquestion was taken whether Congress at that time\\njudged it expedient to take up the said objections so as\\nto admit any emendations in the plan of confederation\\nor not and it passed in the negative. In consequence\\nof wliich they remain both upon the journal and files\\nto be taken up and considered at any future time when\\nthey may be called for. I expect my colleagues will\\nsoon address you on this subject. I left Doct. Wither-\\nspoon, Doct. Elmer and Mr. Boudinot at Philadelphia,\\nwhither I expect to return in a few days. I should\\nhave been much more uneasy when I was last at\\nPrinceton, and should have taken more pains to con-\\nvince the members of the necessity of granting the", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0144.jp2"}, "145": {"fulltext": "1778.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 121\\npowers of ratification to their delegates, had I not been\\nencouraged to expect that the Legislature would not\\nrise without doing it at the same time supposing the\\nreason why they withheld at that juncture to be, that\\ntheir objections might have the greater weight with\\nCongress. Indeed I all along expected Doct. Witlier-\\nspoon would have brought on such powers with him,\\nespecially as I hoped the honorable houses would be\\nclearly of opinion that it were better to confederate\\nunder all the disadvantages they apprehended, than that\\nthe general union should be broken or even greatly\\nendangered.\\nI know not whether I ought to say anything respect-\\ning the objections themselves some of them are per-\\nhaps not very essential. The obtaining an admission\\nof several of them would doubtless be of great local\\nadvantage to this state but every state must expect to\\nbe subjected to considerable local disadvantages in a\\ngeneral confederation. Indeed upon the whole I am\\nfully of opinion that no plan can or will ever be adopted\\nmore equal or less generally injurious to the confederated\\nstates than the present. I also declare it as my opinion\\nthat, if the general business of emendation were to be\\nfairly taken up in Congress to-morrow, several altera-\\ntions would be made exceedingly disadvantageous to\\nthe smaller circumscribed states, and which perhaps\\nmight more than counterbalance the obtaining what we\\napply for. As to the grand and capital objection\\nrespecting the lands, c., I will only observe that in\\ncase we never obtain an original quota of them, we", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0145.jp2"}, "146": {"fulltext": "122 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1778.\\nshall only lose a share in the prime sale of them, which\\nwill probably be very low, while we shall inevitably\\nreap a permanent and increasing benefit from the rapid\\nand enormous growth of the larger states for surely\\nin proportion to their extent and population, their quota\\nof the public expense and debt will be increased, while\\nours will be proportionably diminished. What avails\\nit therefore to us, whether five pounds of our national\\ndebt be paid by the accession of a subject to this state,\\nor whether our quota be really lessened five pounds by\\nthe settlement of a person in the state of Virginia at\\nthe distance of a thousand miles from the Atlantic 1 for\\nmy own part, I think we shall have greatly the advan-\\ntage of these enormous, unwieldly governments nor\\ndo I judge it unlikely they will soon find it neces-\\nsary to sue for the curtailing their extravagant juris-\\ndiction.\\nIn the settlement of our soldiery, and the foreign\\ndeserters at the expiration of the war, we shall incur\\nconsiderable disadvantage however, as the larger states\\nwill doubtless reioice to have their frontiers immediately\\nenlarged, and will vie with each other in courting so\\ngreat an accession of inhabitants, there will probably be\\nno greater expense than barely that of locating the\\nlands, our quota of which cannot be any very consider-\\nable sum.\\nI congratulate you on the signal success of our arms\\nin this neighborhood on the 28th of June. Great\\nplunder and devastation have been committed among\\nmy friends in this quarter, but through the distinguish-", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0146.jp2"}, "147": {"fulltext": "1778.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 123\\ning goodness of Providence, my family and property\\nescaped, and that almost in a miraculous manner.\\nI wish you to take the above representation into your\\nserious consideration, and if with me you shall judge it\\na matter of sufficient importance, that the Legislature\\nmay be as speedily as possible convened to deliberate\\nand determine thereon.\\nI am, dear Sir, with great esteem, yonr most obed t\\nh ble servant,\\nNATH. SCUDDER.\\nHon ble John Hart, Esq.\\nQuarter-Master- General Pettit to General Washington.\\nCamp White Plains, Sept. 10, 1778.\\nSir, The scarcity of Forage, and the reluctance\\nwith which the farmers part with what they have to\\nspare, has for some time past filled me with more alarm-\\ning apprehensions than I have felt on account of any\\nother branch of the Quarter-Master s Department. The\\nnecessary consumption of forage, not only in and about\\nthe army, but from the numerous teams employed in\\nthis inland transportation of provisions and stores, has\\nso far exhausted the resources of former crops, that\\nevery farmer in the middle states discerns that the\\ndemand for grain is equal if not more than equal to all\\nthat can possibly be furnished, and of course that the\\npurchasers, whether for pubhc or private use, must of\\nnecessity pay whatever price shall be insisted on. The\\ndiscretion of each individual is therefore the only boun-", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0147.jp2"}, "148": {"fulltext": "124 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1778.\\ndary to the price demanded. Hence we find it impos-\\nsible without the interposition of legislative authority,\\nto adhere steadily to any fixed price, and at the same\\ntime obtain the necessary supplies. For, although\\nmany of the better disposed among the farmers would\\nbe willing to sell their forage at the present current\\nprices, if they were not apprehensive their more ava-\\nricious neighbors would obtain a higher price for theirs i\\nyet while they see prices constantly rising, and un-\\nbounded, they are unwilling to preclude themselves from\\nthe advantages which experience has taught them may\\nbe obtained by withholding their commodities from the\\npresent market. This increases the avidity of the de-\\nmand, and of course obliges the purchaser to submit to\\nthe terms imposed by the seller.\\nThe enormous increase of the public expenditures,\\nthough perhaps the greatest, is but one of the evils which\\nmust attend the permitting the prices of grain to continue\\nrising without any other limitation than the capricious\\ndiscretion of the sellers of it. The mischief is increased\\nboth in size and velocity by every step it advances, and\\nmust, if permitted to continue, produce the most disastrous\\nconsequences. On the other hand, if the legislatures of\\nthe respective states will give us their aid by fixing a table\\nof prices between individuals and the public, and estab-\\nlishing a legal mode as well for the obtaining at such\\nprices what each individual can spare, as for ascertain-\\ning the quantity which may be taken in case of dispute,\\nI imagine the quantity of grain in the country will be\\nfound more adequate to the demand than present ap-", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0148.jp2"}, "149": {"fulltext": "1778.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 125\\npearances indicate. From the scarcity, whether real\\nor artificial, which we now feel, and have for some\\ntime past experienced in the states northward of the\\nChesapeake Bay, we have been under a necessity of\\ndrawing considerable quantities of grain from Virginia,\\nMaryland and Delaware the transportation of which\\nnot only enhances the price, but by employing more\\nteams in the pubUc service increases the consumption.\\nIf, therefore, the inhabitants of the state more contigu-\\nous to the army, could be induced to deliver in a short\\ntime what they can with propriety spare, it would not\\nonly enable us to form our magazines in due season,\\nbut might authorize us to relax our demand in the dis-\\ntant places from whence supplies are transported at so\\ngreat an expense.\\nI take the liberty of troubling your Excellency with\\nthese acts and observations, together with a letter from\\nColonel Biddle, C. G. F., which is enclosed herewith,\\nconfident that a representation of the matter from\\nyour excellency to the legislatures of the respective\\nstates, either immediately or through Congress, will be\\nthe most likely way to have the business speedily at-\\ntended to, and to procure it that dispatch which its\\nimportance demands.\\nI have the honor to be, with the greatest respect,\\nyour excellency s most obedient and most humble\\nservant,\\nCHA.PETTIT, A. aM.G.\\nHis Excellency, Gen. Washington.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0149.jp2"}, "150": {"fulltext": "126 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1778.\\nCol. Biddle to General Pettit, enclosed in the foregoing.\\nCami? White Plains, Sept. 6, 1777.\\nDear Sir, The consumption of forage is so great,\\nand the distance it is brought subjects to so many delays\\nand disappointments that I wish to fall on every method\\nthat will be most Hkely to answer a certain and regular\\nsupply. At this time we draw considerable quantities\\nof corn and oats from Virginia and Maryland, by the\\nway of the head of Elk, to Trenton, and thence by\\nland to this camp. The same from the Delaware state\\nand these supphes must be continued as long as\\nthe season will permit, the middle states being much\\ndrained. However, I think much more might be drawn\\nfrom Pennsylvania, Jersey, New York, and Connecticut,\\nif the legislatures of those states would take effectual\\nmeasures to bring out their hay and grain for the use of\\nthe army, and we shall have occasion for all that can\\npossibly be spared from each of these states, to subsist\\nour horses. At present. New Jersey cannot furnish a\\nsufficiency to forage the great number of teams passing\\nthrough there although the gentleman in that state has\\nas much interest and industry as any one in it, he\\ncomplains of the great prices demanded the same\\ncomplaint from my agents in Pennsylvania, New York\\nand Connecticut, and all agree that from various causes\\nthe forage is not brought to market.\\nThe absence of the militia in service in some places\\nhas been one cause of their not threshing, and in many,\\nthe expectation of a rising price induces them to keep\\nit back. Some measures are necessary to bring them", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0150.jp2"}, "151": {"fulltext": "1778.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 127\\nto thresh and deUver all that can be spared for the use\\nof the army. The limitmg a generous price, beyond\\nwhich they would not have an expectation of a rise,\\nwould have a good effect and they should deliver it at\\nthe season in which it is most wanted, viz during the\\nfall, winter, and spring. Therefore, I would propose,\\nthat his Excellency Gen. Washington, should be in-\\nformed of this, and be requested to write to the different\\nlegislatures to take the most effectual measures to assist\\nmy agents in the different districts in the collection of\\nforage by limiting the prices and enforcing a deUvery of\\nthe hay and grain that can be spared at stated periods,\\nalso in furnishing carriages, to haul the same in their\\nrespective states, to such places as it may be wanted in.\\nIf the prices should be limited from Pennsylvania to\\nConnecticut inclusive, it may be necessary to make an\\napphcation to the legislatures of Delaware, Maryland\\nand Virginia, on the same occasion, as the conveniency\\nof water carriage from, and the great abundance of corn\\nand oats in, those states, as well as the insufficiency of\\ngrain ^in others, will make it necessary to draw regularly\\nfrom them.\\nThe proposition you made of a number of ox-teams,\\nwould be a great relief if they could be procured, as the\\noxen could be subsisted on grass, and a very little hay\\nin the winter a small quantity of grain would be neces-\\nsary. I submit this to you lay such part of it as you\\nmay think necessary to lay before the general.\\nAnd am, dear Sir, your most obedient serv t,\\nCLEMENT BIDDLE, C. G. R", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0151.jp2"}, "152": {"fulltext": "128 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1778.\\nP. S. There is so little grain threshed in this and\\nthe adjoining states, and our present situation requiring\\nimmediate supphes, there is no time to be lost in adopt-\\ning some method to get the farmers to work.\\nTo Col. Charles Pettit, A. Q. M. Geni.\\nFrom Governor Livingston to the Legislature.\\nPrinceton, September 29th, 1778.\\nGentlemen, I herewith lay before your honorable\\nHouse copies of two letters from Col. Biddle and\\nCharles Pettit, Esqrs., upon the subject of forage,\\ntogether with a letter from his Excellency, General\\nWashington to me, accompanying these letters, and\\ndeclaring his perfect conviction that the Legislature\\nof this state will be forward to adopt every expedient\\nthat may seem calculated to afford the smallest relief in\\nthis interesting and essential point. The subject, gen-\\ntlemen, is of such importance that I doubt not you will\\ngive it your serious attention, and manifest the same\\nzeal in the common cause for which this state has\\nhitherto rendered itself remarkably conspicuous.\\nWIL. LIVINGSTON.\\nJonathan Ehner to the Legislature.\\nPhiladelphia, September 17th, 1778.\\nGentlemen, Sensible of the important trust reposed\\nin me, and the honor conferred, in appointing me one\\nof your delegates in Congress for two years past, I", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0152.jp2"}, "153": {"fulltext": "1778.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 129\\nesteem it my duty to embrace this opportunity of making\\nmy sincere acknowledgements.\\nA v/illingness to comply with your requisition, and an\\nearnest desire to serve my country, as far as my slender\\nabihties would enable me, were the sole motives that\\ninduced me to accept of the appointment. How far I\\nhave answered your expectations in executing the trust,\\nI willingly submit to your candor to determine. Permit\\nme, however, to assure you that the public interest and\\nthe good of my country, particularly of the state which\\nI have had the honor of representing, have constantly\\nbeen the objects of my attention. I hope the integrity\\nof my conduct, at least, will meet your approbation.\\nAs the circumstances of my family and private\\naffairs, render it impracticable for me to attend Con-\\ngress any longer, I take this opportunity of acquainting\\nthe hon l Council and Assembly therewith, and of\\nsoliciting leave to resign.\\nI have the honor to be gentlemen, your most ob t and\\nhum. s t, JONATHAN ELMER,\\nHon l Council and Assembly.\\nFrom Colonel Hobne to Governor Livingston.\\nCumberland, November 2d, 1778.\\nDear Sir, Inclosed I send you my commission as\\nCol. of the second regiment of foot militia in the county\\nof Salem, which I resign for the following reasons.\\nFirst place, I have removed from Salem county to Cum-\\nberland, and settled myself there, which makes it very\\n9", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0153.jp2"}, "154": {"fulltext": "L30 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1778.\\ninconvenient for me to attend the battalion. Secondly,\\nI shall expect that the battalion will not be reconciled\\nto have their commander an inhabitant of another\\ncounty. Therefore would beg your Honor and the\\nJoint Meeting to accept my resignaticfti, and your com-\\npliance will oblige\\nYour humble serv t\\nBENJ. HOLME.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston, or the Governor\\nfor the time being of New Jersey.\\nFrom a Committee of Congress to Governor Livingston.\\nPhiladelphia, November 11th, 1778.\\nSir, The great and increasing difficulties in the\\nQuarter Master and Commissary General s Depart-\\nments have induced Congress to adopt the resolution of\\nwhich we have the honor to transmit you a copy.\\nAmong the measures immediately necessary for placing\\nthese matters on a proper foundation, is the acquiring a\\nknowledge of the proper resources of these states.\\nThe articles of consumption which we would most\\nparticularly be informed of, are flour, wheat, rye, barley,\\noats, corn and rice, beef, pork, working oxen and horses,\\ncider and vinegar. The ignorance and the interests of\\nmankind oppose so strongly our wishes in this respect,\\nthat after every effort and every prudent precaution, our\\ninformation will perhaps be of far less importance than\\ncould be wished. It is however our duty to aim at it,\\nand we have no reason to doubt your Excellency s\\nconcurrence in the steps necessary to attain what we\\nhave in view\\\\ Especially when it is considered how", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0154.jp2"}, "155": {"fulltext": "1778.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 131\\nreadily your own good sense will dictate the impracti-\\ncability of continuing the war, at least of continuing it\\nto advantage, while we remain supremely ignorant of\\nthe supplies our country is capable of affording. We\\nhave to intreat that your Excellency, from your knowl-\\nedge of the productions of the several parts of your\\nstate, would appoint some proper persons in whose\\nindustry and secrecy you can confide, to make proper\\nlists through the districts you shall severally allot to\\nthem, of the quantity and number of such of the\\narticles above named as are produced in it, which may\\nprobably be over and above the necessary consumption\\nof the inhabitants, and also as nearly as possible the\\nquantity, c., which they consume over and above their\\nown productions, or of what they do not produce.\\nWe hope that these lists may be transmitted to us with\\nall convenient speed, to the end that proper arrange-\\nments may immediately be made for the ensuing\\ncampaign. Upon transmitting an account of the\\nexpenses which may accrue in this business, they\\nshall immediately be paid. You will perceive, sir, that\\nevery precaution should be taken to prevent this object\\nfrom transpiring, lest as on many former occasions the\\ndevoted adherents of should make a\\ngain of the public distresses.\\nWe are, respectfully, your Excellency s ob t and\\nh ble servants,\\nNATH. SCUDDER,\\nGOUV. MORRIS,\\nWM. WHIPPLE.\\nGovernor of New Jersey.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0155.jp2"}, "156": {"fulltext": "132 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1778-\\nFrom a Committee of Congress to Governor Livingston.\\nPhiladelphia, November 11th, 1778.\\nSir, The dangerous practices of engrossers have\\nincreased so rapidly with the pubhc distresses, and have\\nso accumulated them, that every friend to this country\\nor even to humanity, cannot but wish to see some\\nremedy to an evil which threatens the existence not\\nonly of the several states, but of the poorer part of the\\nindividuals which compose them. We are fully sensible\\nthat this disease should be touched with a cautious and\\nwith a delicate hand, but at the same time we confide\\nin the wisdom of your Legislature for this delicacy and\\ncaution. We do not pretend to mark out the means\\nwhich they should adopt, but the confidence reposed in\\nus by Congress demands that we should at least hint\\nwhat in our idea may conduce to this valuable purpose.\\nThe articles necessary for the consumption of the army\\nare easily designated. And we trust there will not be\\nmuch difficulty in distinguishing between the dealer in,\\nor manufacturer, of those articles and the engrosser, or,\\nas he would call himself, the speculator. These two\\nobjects being accomphshed, it surely cannot be deemed\\ninconsistent either with policy or justice that he should\\nbe obliged to part with them to the pubhc. The pro-\\ncess necessary fortius purpose must depend on the civil\\ninstitutions which may have been respectively adopted,\\nbut it should be as short and as simple as is consistent\\nwith the constitution of the state. One thing more is\\nnecessary to complete the system, namely the price, if", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0156.jp2"}, "157": {"fulltext": "1778.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 133\\nthis is such as to leave the speculator his profit, nothing\\nmore is operated by the law than merely to sanctify his\\nunrighteous gains. If the price be fixed by law^, the\\nefforts now making to render our money valuable, (and\\nwhich we doubt not your Legislature will assist by\\nheavy taxes,) will only tend to realize what he hath\\nalready accumulated. Perhaps a power lodged some-\\nwhere to fix the market price monthly, by the name of\\nassize, and a deduction from it of about twenty per\\ncent, on commodities in the hands of engrossers, would\\nbe most effectual. This, however, and every thing else\\nwe have mentioned, is submitted to your wiser con-\\nsideration.\\nWe have the honor to be your Excellency s most ob t\\nand h ble servants.\\nNATH. SCUDDER,\\nGOUV. MORRIS,\\nWM. WHIPPLE.\\nGovernor of New Jersey.\\nFro?n a Committee of Congress to Governor Livingston.\\n\u00e2\u0080\u00a2Philadelphia, November 11th, 1778.\\nSir, Permit us to call your attention for a moment\\nto the detection and punishment of a crime against the\\npublic. Persons in office under the continent have as\\nwe are informed, used the monies entrusted to them in\\nthe engrossing of articles upon the pubhc. This seeth-\\ning of the kid in its mother s milk calls for the most\\nexemplary punishment. We pray that you will urge", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0157.jp2"}, "158": {"fulltext": "134 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1778.\\nthe Legislature of your state to pass laws for the prose-\\ncution and punishment of offenders of this kind in\\nfuture, and that in the interim your Excellency will\\ncause any who may in your state be guilty of the like\\ncrimes to be secured for trial in safe and close custody.\\nWe are, respectfully, your Excellency s most ob t and\\nhumble servants,\\nNATH. SCUDDER,\\nGOUV. MORRIS,\\nWM. WHIPPLE.\\nP. Scull, Secretary of the Board of War, to Governor\\nLivingston.\\nWar Office, December 2d, 1778.\\nSir, Your Excellency s letter of the 25th ultimo to\\nCongress has been referred to this board and they now\\ndirect me to inform you that it must have been occa-\\nsioned by mistake or inattention in the affairs, that your\\ntroops were not furnished with an equal quantity of\\nclothing with the rest of the army. A greater propor-\\ntion of coats, vests and breeches than will supply the\\nwhole army has been forwarded to Springfield, in Mas-\\nsachusetts and the troops from your state could have\\ndrawn those articles, and were entitled to at least a\\ndividend of such as proved deficient. His Excellency,\\nGeneral Washington, has informed the board that he\\nwill give directions about the delivery of clothing and\\nif the commanding ofificer in Jersey will make out the", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0158.jp2"}, "159": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 135\\nnecessary returns, there is no doubt but they will be\\ncomplied with on appUcation to head quarters.\\nI have the honor to be, with the greatest respect\\nyour Excellency s most obed t ser t,\\nP. SCULL, Secy\\nHis Excellency, Gov r Livingston.\\nFrom Chief Justice Syimnes to Governor Livingston.\\nMorristown, January 7, 1779.\\nSir, I beg leave to lay before your Excellency, and\\nthe honorable gentlemen of the Council, the business of\\nthe state that came before me in the late Circuit, in the\\ncounties of Hunterdon and Cumberland, which was\\ncapital recommending to the clemency and grace of\\nyour honor those miserable subjects who are under sen-\\ntence of death.\\nIn the county of Gloucester there is Jonathan Chew\\ncondemned for high treason he was convicted by jury.\\nI take it that he was disaffected from the beginning of\\nthe troubles, and joined the enemy at their coming to\\nBilHngsport, and acted as a captain among them. The\\ncharges laid against him in the indictment of levying\\nwar and adhering to the enemies of the state was well\\nsupported, and I cannot think there is any equitable\\ncircumstance in his favor, either as matter of law or\\nfact. But the following considerations may perhaps\\nplead for him with your honors for a pardon.\\n1. He is a very weak man in his understanding.\\n2. He has a family of twelve children, that must be", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0159.jp2"}, "160": {"fulltext": "136 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nobjects of charity if their friend is taken away, and\\nthey have no property left.\\n3. It appeared in the Court that he was humane, and\\ninchned to distress the inhabitants that were in his\\npower as Uttle as possible, in person or property.\\n4. He left the enemy after they had retreated through\\nJersey, and came home and threw himself in the way\\nof justice,\\nHarrison Wells, who traversed his indictment for\\nlevying war against the states, and adhering to its\\nenemies, and convicted thereon. I believe that Mr.\\nWells was a Whig at the beginning he was in the\\nmilitia and behaved well. But I cannot say there was\\nany equitable circumstance appeared (touching law or\\nfact) on his trial that can operate in his favor but\\nperhaps the following considerations may incline your\\nhonors to pardon him\\n1. He was undoubtedly over-persuaded by Mr. John\\nHinchman, who had been his guardian, to go and join\\nthe enemy, which at length he did with some reluctance,\\nbeing partly in compliance to Mr. Hinchman s advice,\\nand partly because he was threatened by the militia.\\n2. When with the enemy he was offered a Lieuten-\\nant s Commission, which he refused.\\n3. It appeared that he early wished to make his\\npeace with his country by desiring to surrender himself,\\nbut found the popular clamor so much against him that\\nhe dare not do it and his house was contiguous to the\\nenemy.\\n4. When the enemy left Philadelphia, he surrendered", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0160.jp2"}, "161": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 137\\nhimself at Haddonfield, to the law, refusmg to march\\nwith the enemy. He appears very penitent.\\nBesides Chew and Wells, there are fifteen others\\ncondemned for high treason against the state viz\\nWilliam Hammet, John Dilks, John Franklin, James\\nBirch, Joseph Pratt, Joseph Dill, Abraham Fennimore,\\nJoshua Dilks, Christopher String, Daniel Fussman,\\nLawrence Cox, David Lloyd, Thomas Nightingale,\\nPaterson Cook, and Isaac Lord who, after having\\nproper time allowed them to consider of a plea, seve-\\nrally pleaded guilty to their indictments, which has pre-\\nvented the Court from having their causes investigated\\nbefore them and I must own that as to by far the greater\\npart of them, I know nothing of the nature of their\\nguilt, or what favorable circumstances there may be in\\ntheir cases, only as they were charged in their indict-\\nments and pleaded guilty but as to William Hammet,\\nI believe there is as little to be said in his favor as to\\nany of them. I should be exceeding happy, were your\\nhonors of opinion there was no occasion of farther\\nexamples in cases of high treason that our laws and\\ngovernment were sufficiently established, and that noth-\\ning remained but to forgive. But as I think these\\nthings matters of some doubt, I hope your honors will\\nnot receive it ill of me if I proceed to say, that were\\nthe question put to me. Who shall die I should be in-\\nclined to say, William Hammet. My reasons are. First,\\nbecause he was formerly apprehended and sent to your\\nExcellency and the Council of Safety, charged with\\nsimilar offences against his country, and notwithstand-", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0161.jp2"}, "162": {"fulltext": "138 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\ning the Honorable Council of Safety were pleased to\\nsuffer him to return home, he went immediately and\\njoined the enemy. Secondly, he was a daring offender\\nwhile with the enemy, and may be so again. Thirdly,\\nhe was taken while in the service of the enemy, and\\nhas at no time since, (if I am rightly instructed,) ex-\\npressed himself a friend to the state, as most of the\\nothers have but he has frequently wished to be sent to\\nthe enemy again and I think the probability is against\\nhim that he joins them if discharged. Fourthly, he\\nhas no family that must suffer by his death, as many of\\nthe others have and in making up my mind on this\\nsubject, I think I am warranted in some measure by the\\nopinion of Judge Blackstone, where he speaks of the\\nnecessity of human punishments.\\nThere is also one convicted in\\nGloucester county for burglary and robbery. I believe\\nhe thought the person whom he robbed, a tory, and that\\nby the custom of the times, conceived he had a perfect\\nright to plunder him. He appears very penitent, and\\nhas been a brave soldier in the American army. In\\nthe county of Cumberland there is one capital con-\\nviction, and that is for an highway rob-\\nbery. He was convicted by jury. There is an appear-\\nance of equity in this man s case. The party robbed,\\nwho was the principal witness against him, was proved\\nto be a tory, and a person of very ill fame but I must\\nown I am inclined to think the man was actually\\nrobbed. The Court have, however, thought proper to\\nrecommend him for pardon, as your honors will see by\\nthe petition in his favor.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0162.jp2"}, "163": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 139\\nI have the honor to inclose to your Excellency and\\nthe gentlemen of the Council, all the papers relative to\\nthe prisoners that have fallen into my hands. I hope\\nthey will not prove altogether useless. I was not pre-\\nsent at Salem when any capital case came before the\\nCourt. I hope his honor the Chief Justice will point\\nout to your honors those matters in which I am defi-\\ncient, as he presided at Gloucester, during the trials of\\nChew and Wells, and was alone at Salem when the\\ncapital trials came on there.\\nI have the honor to be, honorable gentlemen, with\\ngreat esteem, your humble servant,\\nJOHN CLEVES SYMMES.\\nHis Excellency, the Governor.\\nFrom Colonel Biddle to Governor Livingston\\nPrinceton, January 14, 1779.\\nSir, In my letter of the 1st inst, I had the honor\\nto inclose you a resolve of Congress, of the 30th No-\\nvember, relative to the Forage Department a copy of\\nwhich I now send to you.\\nThe scarcity of forage is very great, and to lessen\\nthe consumption we have sent upwards of 2000 horses\\nfrom the army into Pennsylvania, and shall retain no\\nmore than are actually necessary within the camp. I\\nhave given orders to forward a considerable quantity of\\ngrain from the westward and southward by water to\\nTrenton as soon as the Delaware opens, and I have", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0163.jp2"}, "164": {"fulltext": "140 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\ngood information that I may depend upon considerable\\nsupplies by that channel.\\nBut such is our present situation, that we must rely\\nchiefly on this state to subsist our horses until the open-\\ning of the river, and it is with the greatest difficulty we\\ncan keep them alive.\\nI have therefore to request that your Excellency in\\ncouncil, will please to give your aid and advice for\\ndrawing forth all the forage that can be spared from\\nevery part of this state and I beg leave to suggest that\\na recommendation to the magistrates to carry into exe-\\ncution in their several districts, the law for impressing\\nforage would have a very good effect. But I submit\\nto your wisdom to give such relief as to you may appear\\nmost hkely to answer the end.\\nI have the honor to be, with the greatest respect,\\nyour Excellency s most obedient and very humble\\nservant,\\nCLEMENT BIDDLE.\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston.\\nFrom a Committee of Congress on the Commy and\\nQ. M. Department to Governor Livingston.\\nPhiladelphia, January 19, 1779.\\nSir, We did ourselves the honor to write to your\\nExcellency the 11th of November last on the subject\\nof engrossing. Permit us to call your attention once\\nmore to that subject. The evils feared, when that letter\\nwas written, now rapidly approach, and the letter from", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0164.jp2"}, "165": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 141\\nthe commissary-general, of which we enclose a copy,\\ngives us the most alarming apprehensions. The wis-\\ndom of the state you preside over and your own exer-\\ntions will not, we are confident, be wanting to prevent\\nthe mischiefs arising from that insatiable thirst of gain\\nwhich knows neither principle or bound.\\nWe will not insult your good sense by dwelHng upon\\nthis painful topic. Your knowledge of the cause, and\\nprudential foresight of the effects will doubtless stimu-\\nlate you to every measure which you shall deem neces-\\nsary for the public service.\\nGOUV. MORRIS,\\nWM. WHIPPLE.\\nGovernor of New Jersey.\\nFrom John Fell to Governor Livingston.\\nPhiladelphia, March 25, 1779.\\nDear Sir, I cannot help complaining to your Ex-\\ncellency of the behavior of some of the delegates from\\nour state, which is not only disgraceful to the state, but\\nin my humble opinion, treating me with the greatest\\nimpoUteness they take upon them to leave Congress\\nwhen they please and without leave, by which the\\nstate in course is not represented. Last Saturday\\nDr. Witherspoon went home without ever saying one\\nword to me on the occasion, and this day Colonel\\nFrelinghuysen went away in the same manner.\\nNo man has the service of his country more at heart\\nthan I have but then I should choose to be treated in", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0165.jp2"}, "166": {"fulltext": "142 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nsuch manner as I think I have a right to as a gentle-\\nmen. And I am certain such treatment from mj col-\\nleagues cannot be deemed in that line. Therefore I\\nrequest it as a favor, that I may not be treated in like\\nmanner in future to make my stay here so exceedingly\\ndisagreeable.\\nI received a letter this week from hon I Mr. Scudder^\\ndated 13th inst, he wrote me he expected to be here in\\nabout six weeks from that date. When Dr. Scudder\\ncomes I hope your Excellency will have no objection to\\nmy paying a visit to my family for a short time. As I\\nhave engaged to serve the state for the time of my\\nappointment I undoubtedly shall do it, to the best of my\\npower and ability. However, I hope the honorable\\nAssembly will pay some regard to the increase of pay\\nfor my service, as every kind of expense has advanced\\nin this city upwards of 50 per cent, since my appoint-\\nment. It is with great reluctance I am under the\\ndisagreeable necessity to mention a circumstance of this\\nkind, but my private fortune has suffered so much from\\nthe great losses I have met with, as well as my long,\\ncruel captivity, that I shall not be able to support the\\nextraordinary expense long. I am certain there is no\\nmember in Congress does more duty than I do. Every\\nmorning at the commercial committee, afterwards at\\nCongress, and three stated nights in a week at the\\nmarine committee, besides occasional committees in\\nshort, there has been very few nights this winter that I\\nhave not been engaged in business. And riot to be\\nable to live in the manner I have ever been used to,", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0166.jp2"}, "167": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 143\\nwithout spending my own money as well as time, is\\nrather too unreasonable for the pubhc to desire of any\\nindividual.\\nI was exceedingly happy to hear you were from home\\nwhen the enemy came to pay you a visit as I am\\ncertain you are not one of those gentlemen who they\\nhave the greatest regard for. I should imagine Princeton\\nor Trenton would be a much more eligible place for\\nyour residence than Elizabethtown. Your being\\ntaken, besides the many disagreeable circumstances of\\nbeing a prisoner, would be of the utmost bad conse-\\nquence, as I know of no person in our possession that\\nyou could be exchanged for; however the subject is\\ntoo melancholy to dwell on.\\nI have the honor to be, with great respect, your\\nExcellency s most humble servant,\\nJOHN FELL.\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston.\\nMemorial of the Officers of the Jersey Brigade to the\\nLegislature.\\nTo the Honorable the Legislative Council and General\\nAssembly of the state of New Jersey.\\nIt is with great reluctance that the officers of the\\nJersey brigade undertake to address you.\\nThey had reason to expect that you would (fr(5m\\nprinciples of justice as well as necessity) before this\\ntime have taken such measures as would have rendered\\nit unnecessary, but the circumstances of your troops", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0167.jp2"}, "168": {"fulltext": "144 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nhave become such that it would now be crimmal to be\\nsilent. The Legislature need not be informed that our\\npay is now only nominal, not real, that four mouths\\npay of a private will not procure his wretched wife\\nand children a single bushel of wheat. The situation\\nof your officers is worse. The pay of a Colonel of\\nyour regiments will not purchase the oats for his horse,\\nnor will his whole day s pay procure him a single\\ndinner. A common laborer or an express rider receives\\nfour times as much as he. It would be superfluous for\\nus to point out all our grievances, they are many, they\\nare great, they are known to you. It is therefore a\\nduty we owe our country, a duty we owe ours^ves, to\\ninform you in the most plain and unambiguous terms,\\nthat unless a speedy and ample remedy be provided, the\\ntotal dissolution of your troops is inevitable. The\\nspirit of desertion has already taken place, and has risen\\nto the most alarming height. Combinations of large\\nparties to desert are almost every day discovered, and\\nthe utmost vigilance of the officers is not able to\\nprevent it.\\nThe soldiers estimate the money truly, by what it\\nwill purchase. They have frequently been heard to\\nsay that it was true British pay was very small, but\\nnotwithstanding, two days pay would purchase a quart\\nof rum, and with us a month s pay would not more\\nthan do it.\\nIn the year 1776 the pay of the officers and soldiers\\nafforded no more than a scanty subsistence. Since\\nthat period the currency has depreciated in most articles", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0168.jp2"}, "169": {"fulltext": ".779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 145\\n)f life more than two thousand per cent. Are we then\\no risk our Hves in the field of battle, to submit to all\\nhe inconveniences of a camp hfe, to be deprived of\\nhe sweets of domestic happiness, and subsist upon one\\n;wentieth part of a sufficiency\\nCongress, seeing the enormous rise of the necessaries\\n)f hfe, so long ago as December, 1777, recommended\\n;o the several states to provide all necessary clothing\\n\u00e2\u0096\u00a0or their officers and soldiers at prices proportioned to\\nlieir pay. We had examples of the states both of the\\nsouthward and eastward complying with this resolution,\\nmd in many instances exceeding it.\\nThat your troops are less brave, or have done less\\niuty than any troops in the union, is a position that\\nQone have been hardy enough to advance, and why\\n:hey should be so long neglected is a problem in politics\\nliard to be explained.\\nPennsylvania has lately passed some resolves in favor\\n3f her troops. Maryland has adopted the same some\\n3ther states have done more, but none of them have\\nlone enough.\\nThe families of officers and soldiers should some\\nWSLY be provided for. If our pay was in Spanish\\nmilled dollars (and that was the contract between Con-\\ngress and us) we could provide for them we therefore\\n[leither ask nor wish for more than a compliance\\nwith the original contract.\\nPay us in Spanish milled dollars or give us an equiv-\\nilent, and our complaints shall instantly cease.\\nElizabethtown, April 17th, 1779.\\n10", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0169.jp2"}, "170": {"fulltext": "146 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nW. Ogden, Col.\\nDavd. Brearley, Lt. Col.\\nDanl. Piatt, Major.\\nJona. Forman, Capt.\\nGiles Mead, Capt.\\nAlex. Mitchel, Capt.\\nP. V. Voorhies, Capt.\\nJohn Holmes, Capt.\\nAaron Ogden, Capt.\\nA, Wni. Pratt, Lt.\\nCyrus DeHart, Lieut.\\nWm. DeHart, Lt. Col.\\nR. Howell, Major.\\nJno. HoUingshead, Capt.\\nJno. N. Cummings, Capt.\\nSam. Reading, Capt.\\nJonth. Phillips, Capt.\\nSaml. Henry, Capt.\\nElias Dayton, Col.\\nF. Barber, Lt. Col.\\nJohn Conway, Major.\\nJno. Ross, Capt.\\nW. Gifford, Capt.\\nJer. Ballard, Capt.\\nJos. T. Anderson, Capt.\\nSeth Johnson, Capt.\\nIsf Regiment.\\nJno. Howell, Lieut.\\nWm. Barton, Lt.\\nAb. Martin, Lt.\\nEplmi. Whitlock, Lieut.\\nC. Lott, Lt.\\nJonathan Snowden, Lt.\\nAbsalom Bonham, Lt.\\nSilas Lt.\\nJno. Bishop, Ens n.\\nWm. M. Barnet, Surg.\\n2d Regiment.\\nNathl. Bowman, Capt.\\nWm. Helms, Capt.\\nSam.\\nAbm. Appleton, Lieut.\\nSaml. Shute, Lt.\\nBen. Osmun, Lt.\\n2 d Regiment.\\nJonathan Dayton, Lt.\\nNathl. Leonard, Lt.\\nEdmund D. Thomas, Jun.\\nEph. Darby, Lt.\\nSam. L. Shippard, Lt.\\nJohn Reed, Lt.\\nJno.\\nFrom General Maxwell to the Legislature.\\nElizabethtown, April 25th, 1779.\\nGentlemen, I have written or waited on jou at\\nevery time of your sitting for two years past, or per-\\nmitted officers to wait on you as a close attention to", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0170.jp2"}, "171": {"fulltext": "L779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 147\\n[ny duty would permit me, with a design to draw your\\nattention to the distresses of the officers or soldiers of\\n^our brigade. I suppose by this time I shall be thought\\ntroublesome by some, but however some individuals\\nQiay think of the matter, yet so long as I am honored\\nwith my present station I shall look on it as my duty to\\nrepresent to your honorable house every grievance I\\nfind among your troops or even amongst your inhabit-\\nants within the district of my command. With respect\\nto the distresses of your troops I have no doubt they\\nare visible to the meanest capacity in the country.\\nThey have been so shamefully neglected by the Legis-\\nlature of the state that I am now at a loss how to\\naddress on the subject a state who claims credit with\\nany of her sister states of her size on the continent, in\\nturning out her equal number of militia as well as con-\\ntinental troops, on all occasions, for the defence of our\\nrights and privileges; and that their military prowess has\\nequally gained credit with their alertness, is what I\\nbeheve none will deny. I say after all these circum-\\nstances in favor of the troops of the state of New\\nJersey, is it not strange the Legislature should not think\\nthem worthy of their notice or care when brought to\\nthe field incredible as it may seem, it is certainly true,\\nto such a length has the neglect and injustice been\\ncarried that had any private person attempted to treat\\nhis servant in such a manner, the law of the state\\nwould have found such servant ample redress. I will\\ngive a few instances on the contract by way of example,\\nviz. when the soldier and officer engaged to serve the", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0171.jp2"}, "172": {"fulltext": "148 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nState or continent, a continental dollar was worth a\\nSpanish silver dollar, and would have bought equally\\nas much of any article the officer or soldier wanted to\\npurchase now those very people whose servants these\\nofficers and soldiers are, will require now for some\\narticles of their own manufacture or raising near\\ntwenty continental dollars for what one silver one\\nwould have purchased then, and in some other articles\\nmuch more. Where is the justice or equity of this pro-\\nceeding None I presume can be offered. Shall we\\nthen expect less justice from the legislators of our state\\nthan from private persons I hope not. Therefore I\\nmake no doubt you will immediately set about making\\nample recompense for the injustice done your troops in\\ntime past, and a sufficient subsistence for them for ihe\\ntime to come. I make no doubt you will instantly set\\nabout doing your troops justice, therefore I beg leave to\\ngive you my sentiments on your mode of doing it. I\\nwould not have you to copy after Pennsylvania entirely,\\nalthough they deserve great credit for what they have\\ndone, considering the quantity of back water their\\nwheels of government have to force their way through.\\nI would not have you to furnish your troops with\\nmuscovado sugar at 3s. 9d. per lb., above five times its\\nformer value when we entered the service, nor common\\ntea at 12 shilHngs per lb., above twice its value, and\\nother things in proportion nor with one suit of clothes\\nin the year at the old prices, when the value of two\\nsuits in clothes will scarcely serve. I would have you\\nto furnish them with such articles and necessaries as", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0172.jp2"}, "173": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 149\\nthey may think suitable for them, equal to their full pay\\nat the time and prices when they entered the service.\\nThis I call justice and no compliment if you fail in any\\narticle of this by not having it in your power to get it,\\nyou must make ample amends in something else that is\\nsuitable. Pay your military as you ought to do, and\\nyou may expect their labor, yea, I say command it. It\\nis useless for you to say you are not able to pay in full\\nvalue. I ask pardon, I know better your merchants\\nand farmers never were so rich in this world before. I\\ncannot say what provision they have laid up for the\\nother world, but if we are to judge by the old rules\\nto lay up treasures in heaven, such as charity, virtue,\\npublic spiritedness, c. c., I think they have not put\\nmuch in that bank lately, it is likely they intend it when\\nthe hard money comes in use. The farmer as well as\\nthe merchant is come to knowledge that every thing is\\nworth what it will bring, and notwithstanding he knows\\nthat the security of his property and privileges has cost\\nthe soldier dear in heats, colds, thirsting, hunger and\\nwatching, yet they will make no scruple to strip him of\\nhis month s pittance for a day s subsistance and the other\\nfor a toy. Charity will not carry any of them further\\nthan a drink of cold water, which shows the absolute\\nnecessity of the officers and soldiers having a decent\\nsubsistence to support them according to the custom of\\nthe times, without trusting to charity. I believe it will\\nhardly be denied that the soldiers have been the last of\\nthe community who have given up their living on honor\\nand virtue, they stood firmly to it till many thousands", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0173.jp2"}, "174": {"fulltext": "150 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nperished that would now have been in the land of the\\nliving had they been taken proper care ot, and which\\nwas in the power of the states to have done. Falstaff\\njustly says that honor will not clothe a man s back,\\nnor fill his belly, nor mend a broken leg or arm, there-\\nfore one good turn must deserve another, and that in\\nsuch a manner that no misconstruction can be put on\\nits value.\\nAs to your making some provision for your servants\\nthat are rendered unfit for further service, or to those\\nwho have been brought up to no other business, or for\\nthe widows or orphans of those brave men who have\\nfallen in your service, humanity must dictate that\\nsome provision be made for them. I know I could not\\nsuffer an old dog to perish for want who had served me\\nfaithfully, if I had it in my power to serve him. It is\\nwell known that the pay of the British army was\\nestablished above two hundred years ago, and that the\\nofficers and soldiers pay was then honorable and gen-\\nerous, but since that time the money has depreciated in\\nits value, at least as three to one, owing to its increase\\nin quantity it is also well known that no officer in\\nthe British service under the rank and pay of Captain\\ncan support himself on his pay but by the greatest par-\\nsimony, or from his private fortune or friends, and from\\nthe Captain upwards their pay is no more than a decent\\nsupport, therefore as the public have taken them into\\ntheir service and has not thought proper to allow them\\nmore than a bare subsistence, it was reasonable to\\nexpect that some support would be provided for them", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0174.jp2"}, "175": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 151\\nby the public when they were old or disabled, or to\\nthose whose services may be wanted in future, as well\\nas to widows and orphans. It is well known that the\\npay of our troops (the officers I mean) has never been\\nas high in continental currency as the British officers\\nis in sterling, therefore would I imagine that we are\\nentitled to equal recompense at the end of the war with\\nthem. However, in this case I would recommend it to\\nyou to copy after that kingdom or state whose discipline\\nyou think the most perfect. You have plenty to make\\nyour choice from. Something concerning the weak-\\nness of your civil authority in time of war (especially\\nwhen the enemy are on your borders) to serve the state\\neffectually, shall be the subject of my next.\\nI am, gentlemen, with much respect and esteem,\\nWM. MAXWELL.\\nHis Excellency, Gov. Livingston. The honorable\\nCouncil and General Assembly of the state of\\nNew Jersey.\\nFrom General Maxwell to the Legislature.\\nElizabethtown, April 26th, 1779.\\nGentlemen, I promised in my last of yesterday to\\ngive you some hints wherein I thought your Civil Poli-\\ncy was weak, and not sufficient to answer the exigency\\nof the times, when an enemy is in your state or on\\nyour borders. I will give you some instances, viz I\\nwill suppose a tory is taken up, going to or coming from\\nthe enemy, and may possibly be twenty or thirty miles", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0175.jp2"}, "176": {"fulltext": "152 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nfrom his former abode in that case the magistrate\\nwhere he is taken can do nothing with him then the\\nmihtary must go that distance and take all the evidence\\nwith him, and when that is done, if his crime is not so\\ncapital as will be likely to hang him, the justice imme-\\ndiately takes bail of him, and if his former residence\\nwas on the lines, which is commonly the case, he\\ncannot prevent him from hving there the magistrate\\nsays he cannot bail him, and then orders him to be con-\\nfined to some county at a distance. I believe his ob-\\nservations to be right, but some remedy ought to be\\nprovided for such evils. I suppose there are five or six\\nor more such persons between this place and Wood-\\nbridge, that are turned loose upon the shore, who have\\nbeen over with the enemy some one year, some eight-\\neen months, and others longer, so that they return to us\\nwith the addition of seven devils more than thev were\\npossessed of before, by the connections they have\\nformed on the other side and no doubt but some of\\nthem are sent over to us by the enemy. Two of\\nthese sort of fellows were bailed out last winter, and\\nwhen called on to attend Court at Newark they made\\ntheir escape to the enemy and then sent intelligence\\nback that the enemy had carried them off The present\\nmode might answer well in time of peace, but it cuts a\\nshocking figure in time of war. Again, some people\\nare encouraging our soldiers to desert, and others buy\\ntheir clothes and no one knows what to do with them\\nand villainy escapes unpunished for want of necessary\\nlaw.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0176.jp2"}, "177": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 153\\nThere are a number of people in this part of the\\ncountry, that it would be much better for the safety of\\nthe state, that they were moved some to New York and\\nothers back into the country. That we should keep\\nCapt. Kennedy and Capt. McCloud here on parole, is\\nvery extraordinary it is keeping hcensed spies, in our\\nvery Hues, amongst our troops this is carrying com-\\nplacency beyond anything that I ever saw or heard of.\\nHere we much exceed the generosity of princes, by\\nsuffering such people on our Hues and among our\\ntroops in short, these officers and the tories here pre-\\nvent the honest whig from doing his duty for fear of\\nhaving his property destroyed, which they often threaten\\nthem with. It is well known that Capt. Kennedy car-\\nries on a correspondence with the enemy by the assist-\\nance of his wife and negroes. The Governor knows\\nsomething of this it appears by the oath of one of the\\nsoldiers that was lately secured at Newark, when some\\nothers deserted, that Capt. Kennedy s negro was to find\\nthem a boat, and it is Hkely that he did to those that\\nwent off. If the enemy would not exchange them,\\n(which I think they cannot avoid finally,) I would send\\nthem in on a parole, and if they would not go that way\\nI would make a present of them it would have been\\nwell for us had that been done long ere now. Capt.\\nMcCloud draws his full pay from them in New York,\\nand seems to have no visible business here. I think he\\nwould be much better for us in New York. He cannot\\nhelp speaking against us and our measures and a man\\nwho will speak hasty in any cause, will act too, when", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0177.jp2"}, "178": {"fulltext": "154 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nhe can do it with safety. Mrs. Chandler is much in\\nthe same way here that McCloud is, with respect to\\nher Hving but in the way of giving intelHgence to the\\nenemy I think her the first in the place. There is not\\na tory that passes in or out of New York or any other\\nway, that is of consequence, but what waits on Mrs.\\nChandler and mostly all the British officers going in or\\nout on parole or exchange, wait on her in short, the\\nGovernor, the whole of the tories, and many of the\\nwhigs. I think she would be much better in New York,\\nand to take her baggage with her, that she might have\\nnothing to come back for. Lawyer Ross and some\\nother noted tories here I would recommend to be sent\\nsome distance back in the country, as well as some\\nothers along the shore between this and Amboy, after\\ntheir characters being properly enquired into by proper\\npersons sent here for that purpose by you. They must\\nnot be persons living near this place, that will do the\\nbusiness, it must be people that are not afraid of those\\npeople s emissaries or friends on the other side. There\\nwants a thorough reform here. Several good friends\\nhave mentioned these hints to me often, but dare not\\napply to the legislature for fear of a discovery. I beg\\nyou will excuse the roughness of these observations, as\\nI have not had time to dress them.\\nI am, with respect and esteem, gentlemen, your most\\nobed t and h ble servant,\\nW MAXWELL.\\nHis Excellency, the Governor, Council, and General\\nAssembly State New Jersey.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0178.jp2"}, "179": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 155\\nFrom Frederick Frelinghuysen to the Speaker of the\\nAssembly.\\nTrenton, April 29th, 1779.\\nSir, Agreeable to the appointment of the Legisla-\\nture, I repaired to Philadelphia in the month of January\\nlast, and have since that lime attended Congress, until\\nthe public business entrusted to my care in the county\\nof Somerset rendered my absence unavoidable.\\nIt is needless for me to remind the honorable Legis-\\nlature, that I did with great reluctance accept of the\\nappointment of a delegate for this state in Congress.\\nI was then sufficiently sensible that the trust was too\\nimportant for my years and abilities. I am now fully\\nconvinced that I should do injustice to my country did\\nI not decline that service.\\nIn doing this, I am conscious to myself that I am\\nactuated merely by motives for the public good, well\\nknowing that whatever may be my abilities, they will\\nbe useless to the state in the supreme council of the\\nNation, and that the other appointments with which\\nthe Legislature of New Jersey have been pleased to\\nhonor me in the county of Somerset, are more than\\nsufficient to employ my whole attention.\\nI might add some other circumstances which render\\nmy situation there peculiarly disagreeable, but I fear the\\nevils which might arise from my opening myself on this\\nsubject, would more than counterbalance any good it\\nit might probably answer. I trust, however, the repre-\\nsentatives of New Jersey will not think it impertinent", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0179.jp2"}, "180": {"fulltext": "156 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nin one who lias faithfully endeavored to serve his\\ncountry, to declare to them that the interests of America\\nloudly call on them for extraordinary vigilance.\\nI shall say nothing respecting the amazing expense\\nof attending Congress, and my inabiUty to support it. I\\nam determined not to complain till the last farthing of\\nmy little property is spent in the service of my country\\nand then, perhaps, I shall have the consolation to see\\npoverty esteemed as the characteristic of an honest\\nman.\\nconchide with observing, I am particularly moved\\nto wish for a release from the appointment, as it has\\nbeen hinted to me that my colleague Mr. Fell is ex-\\nceedingly uneasy that he is so often left alone to manage\\nthe weighty affairs of state, and that he has even ex-\\npressed himself with warmth and temper on the sub-\\nject in his letters to the Legislature. I shall only say\\nI am ready at all times to give an account of my con-\\nduct to those who appointed me,\\nI trust the Legislature will take into consideration\\nand gratify my request of being excused from the\\nfarther attendance at Congress.\\nI am, sir, your most obedient and humble serv t,\\nFRED\u00c2\u00bb^ FRELINGHUYSEN.\\nHon ble Caleb Camp, Speaker of the Assembly.\\nMemorial of the Oncers of the Jersey Brigade.\\nTo the Honorable the Council and General Assembly of the State\\nof New Jersey.\\nGentlemen, Our being now under marching orders", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0180.jp2"}, "181": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 157\\ninduces us to this our second remonstrance, occasioned\\nby jour too long delay and inattention to us.\\nWe therefore with the greatest concern and reluct-\\nance inform you, that unless we have an immediate\\nrelief, and the depreciation of currency made good, we\\nshall be under the necessity of leaving a service we\\nwould wish to continue in while we can be supported.\\nUnless we do within three days receive the former of\\nthese demands, and full assurances of the latter being\\ncomphed with as early as possible, we request officers\\nmay be immediately appointed in place of\\nYour most obed t, humble serv ts.\\nElizabethtown, 6th May, 1779.\\nJno, Forman, Capt., Abm. Martin, Lieut.\\nGiles Mead, do. Ephm. Whitlock, do.\\nAlex r Mitchell, do. Edw d Burrows, do.\\nP. V. Voorhies, do. P. Lott, do.\\nJohn Holmes, do. Silas do.\\nAaron Ogden, do. Absalom Bonham,do.\\nJacob Piatt, Lieut. Asher Levy, Ensign.\\nWm. Piatt, do. Jno. do.\\nCyrus DeHart, do. Jno. Bishop, do.\\nJno. Howell, do. Jn. Snowden, Lieut.\\nWm. Barton, do.\\nMemorial of Major Cummings and Capt. Anderson.\\nTo the Honorable, the Legislature of the State of New Jersey\\nGentlemen, We being appointed by the officers of\\nthe Jersey brigade to make such representations to our\\nHonorable House (respecting the depreciation of your\\npay,) as to us might appear expedient, beg leave to pre-\\nsent the following", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0181.jp2"}, "182": {"fulltext": "158 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nBeing fully sensible that by reason of the many and\\nmost important matters in which you must be necessa-\\nrily employed, those of less consequence to the general\\ngood may in some degree be neglected and forgotten;\\nwe beg leave to remind honorable Body of the petition\\nof the twenty-sixth of May, dehvered by Colonel D Hart\\nand Dr. Elmer in behalf of the officers and soldiers of\\nthe brigade, requesting that the certificates on account\\nof the depreciation of our pay, might be more effectually\\nsecured by the mortgage of those estates that are al-\\nready or may hereafter be confiscated.\\nPlacing a firm reliance upon your entire willingness\\nto pay every possible attention to the representations of\\nyour brigade, and confiding in your laudable endeavors\\nto give them the most ample satisfaction in your powder\\nconsistent with the public weal, we take the Hberty to\\nrequest in the most earnest manner, that we may be\\nplaced on an equal (or the same) footing with that of\\nthe troops belonging to the state of New York.\\nWe were never yet made sensible either by general\\nor particular instances of any superior merit in the offi-\\ncers and soldiers of that sfate, to those employed under\\nyou nor can we be induced to think that the legisla-\\nture of any state can be more desirous of encouraging\\nmerit, or more willing to render strict justice to their\\narmy than that of ours. Deeply impressed with these\\nsentiments of your liberality and strict adherence to\\njustice, we have ventured to trouble you with the fore-\\ngoing representations, being convinced from cool and\\nimpartial reflection, that no sufficient objection can be", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0182.jp2"}, "183": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 159\\noflfered against a request, which to us appears to be\\nfounded on the grand principle of equity and economy.\\nFor we conceive that the mode above alhided to, as\\nhaving been estabHshed by the legislative authority of\\nthe State of New York, would be equally conducive to\\nthe interests of the state and that of the brigade, since\\nit must consequently save to the former an annual inte-\\nrest of as much as the certificates draw, more than the\\nrents arising from the confiscated estates; and will give\\nto the latter the most ample satisfaction, by affording\\nthem an opportunity of realizing their notes, which\\nmust otherwise be exposed to the disadvantages of an\\nequal invalidity with the new emission.\\nWe are, gentlemen, with the greatest respect, your\\nobedient servants,\\nJ. N. CUMMINGS,\\nMajor 1st R. Jersey.\\nJ. ANDERSON,\\nCapt. in 1st Reg t, N. J.\\nFroin Brigadie?- General Maxwell to General\\nWashington.\\nElizabethtown, May 6th, 1779.\\nSir, I am just informed by Col. Ogden that the\\nofficers of the first regiment have delivered him a\\nremonstrance to our Legislature with their commis-\\nsions, informing them that if they have not some\\nimmediate redress with respect to their pay and support\\nthey will look on themselves as out of the service at the", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0183.jp2"}, "184": {"fulltext": "160 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nexpiration of three days. They will however put the\\nregiment in the most proper order for marching, or take\\ncare of it till the state has reasonable time to supply\\nother officers. This is a step they are extremely\\nunwilling to take, but it is such as I make no doubt\\nthey will all take. Nothing but the necessity of their\\nnot being able to support themselves in time to come,\\nand being loaded with debts the time past, could have\\ninduced them to resign at so critical a time, when their\\ncountry so much wants their services. They begged the\\nCohmel to make it known to those concerned that they\\nhad not taken this step through any design of cabal or\\ndisaffection, as they had not desired or wished an officer\\nof any other regiment to join them, that they would\\nhave come to this resolution long before now, but from\\ntheir unwillingness to leave the service they so much\\nrespected, and that their former applications, with\\nthose lately made to their Legislature, they thought\\nwould have drawn their attention to their distresses.\\nThey say the clothier for this state has informed\\nthem that the assembly has given him orders to pur-\\nchase to the value of \u00c2\u00a3150 worth of clothing for\\neach officer, which they say will not do much more\\nthan get them a coat.\\nCol. Ogden is going off to the Assembly to lay the\\naffair before them, and expects to be back in three days.\\nI have in haste endeavored to convey the substance of\\nwhat Col. Ogden informed me to your Excellency, and\\nam, c., WM. MAXWELL.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0184.jp2"}, "185": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 161\\nFrom General Washington to Brigadier-General\\nMaxwell.\\nHead-Quarters, Middle-brook, May 7, 1779.\\nSir, I have received your favor of yesterday, vi^ith\\niufinite concern there is nothing which has happened in\\nthe course of the war, which has given me so much\\npain as the remonstrance you mention from the officers\\nof the 1st Jersey Regiment. I cannot but consider it\\nas a hasty and imprudent step, which on more cool\\nconsideration they will themselves condemn.\\nI am very sensible of the inconveniences under which\\nthe officers of the army labor, and hope they do me the\\njustice to beheve that my endeavors to procure them re-\\nlief are incessant. There is however more difficulty in\\nsatisfying their wishes than perhaps they are aware.\\nOur resources have been hitherto very limited the situa-\\ntion of our money is no small embarrassment, for which,\\nthough there are remedies, they cannot be the work of\\na moment. Government is not insensible of the merits\\nand sacrifices of the officers, nor, I am persuaded, un-\\nwilling to make a compensation, but it is a truth of\\nwhich a little observation must convince us that it is\\nvery much straitened in the means. Great allowances\\nought to be made on this account for any delay and\\nseeming backwardness which may appear. Some of\\nthe states indeed have done as generously as it is, at\\nthis juncture, in their power and if others have been\\nless expeditious, it ought to be ascribed to some pecuhar\\ncause, which a little time, aided by example, will remove.\\n11", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0185.jp2"}, "186": {"fulltext": "162 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nThe patience and perseverance of the army have been,\\nunder every disadvantage, such as to do them the high-\\nest honor, both at home and abroad and have inspired\\nme with an unlimited confidence in their virtue, which\\nhas consoled me amidst every perplexity and reverse of\\nfortune to which our affairs, in a struggle of this nature,\\nwere necessarily exposed. Now that we have made so\\ngreat a progress to the attainment of the end we have\\nin view, so that we cannot fail without a most shameful\\ndesertion of our own interests, anything hke a change\\nof conduct would imply a very unhappy change of\\nprinciples, and a forgetfulness as well of what we owe\\nto ourselves as to our country. Did 1 suppose it possi-\\nble this could be the case even in a single regiment of\\nthe army, I should be mortified and chagrined beyond\\nexpression. I should feel it as a wound given to my\\nown honor, which I consider as embarked with that of\\nthe army at large. But this I believe to be impossible.\\nAny corps that was about to set an example of this\\nkind, would weigh well the consequences, and no officer\\nof common discernment and sensibility would hazard\\nthem. If they should stand alone in it, independent of\\nother consequences, what would be their feelings on\\nreflecting that they had held themselves out to the\\nworld in a point of light inferior to the rest of the\\narmy I Or if their example should be followed and\\nbecome general, how would they console themselves for\\nhaving been foremost in bringing ruin and disgrace upon\\ntheir country 1 They would remember that the army\\nwould share a double portion of the general infamy and", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0186.jp2"}, "187": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 163\\ndistress and that the character of an American officer\\nwould become as despicable as it is now glorious.\\nI confess the appearances in the present instance are\\ndisagreeable, but I am convinced they seem to me more\\nthan they really do. The Jersey officers have not\\nbeen outdone by any others, in the quaUties either of\\ncitizens or soldiers and I am confident no part of them\\nwould seriously intend anything that would be a stain\\nto their former reputation. The gentlemen cannot be\\nin earnest, they have only reasoned wrong about the\\nmeans of obtaining a good end, and on reconsideration\\nI hope and flatter myself they will renounce what must\\nappear improper. At the opening of a campaign, when\\nunder marching orders, for an important service, their\\nown honors, duty to the pubUc and themselves, a regard\\nto military propriety, will not suffer them to persist\\nin a measure which would be a violation of them all.\\nIt will even wound their delicacy coolly to reflect that\\nthey have hazarded a step which has an air of dicta-\\nting terms to their country, by taking advantage of the\\nnecessity of the moment.\\nThe declaration they have made to the states at so\\ncritical a time, that unless they obtain relief in the short\\nperiod of three days, they must be considered out of\\nthe service, has very much this aspect and the seem-\\ning relaxation of continuing till the state can have a\\nreasonable time to provide other officers, will be thought\\nonly a superficial veil.\\nI am now to request that you will convey my senti-\\nments to the gentlemen concerned, and endeavor to", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0187.jp2"}, "188": {"fulltext": "164 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779-\\nmake them sensible that they are in error. The ser-\\nvice for which the regiment was intended will not\\nadmit of delay it must at all events march on Monday\\nmorning in the first place to the camp, and further\\ndirections will be given when it arrives. I am sure I\\nshall not be mistaken in expecting a prompt and cheer-\\nful obedience.\\nI am, c. G\u00c2\u00ab WASHINGTON.\\nFrom the Captains and Subalterns of the 1st Regirnent\\nof New Jersey to General Washington.\\nElizabethtown, May 8, 1779.\\nSir, General Maxwell has communicated to us the\\nsubstance of a letter from your Excellency of yesterday.\\nIt has made us very unhappy that any act of ours\\nshould give your Excellency pain. But we trust when\\nyou are made acquainted with the circumstances that\\ninduced us to take these measures, that so far from cen-\\nsuring us you will approve our conduct. The reason\\nthat we have not heretofore made your Excellency\\nacquainted with our peculiar hard circumstances were,\\nthat it would be giving you uneasiness without answer-\\ning any valuable end for we are truly sensible of the\\nincessant pains your Excellency has taken for the benefit\\nof your army. You are pleased to say that you cannot\\nbut consider the late step of the officers hasty and im-\\nprudent. That it was not hasty we will readily prove,\\nand whether imprudent, future events, in some measure,", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0188.jp2"}, "189": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 165\\nmust determine, though dire necessity with us admitted\\nno alternative.\\nIt will be proper to inform your Excellency that the\\nofficers of the Jersey Brigade have repeatedly and at\\nalmost every session of the Assembly, since January,\\n1778, memoriahzed them upon the necessities of the\\ntroops, and the reasonableness of their making them\\nsome compensation for their servvices that the mem-\\nbers of the legislature, individually, always assured the\\ngentlemen who waited on them with the memorials,\\nthat something very generous should be done for the\\ntroops, but we have the misfortune to inform your\\nExcellency that not a single resolve was ever entered\\non their Minutes in our favor until within two weeks.\\nSo long ago as last winter we informed the council of\\nour determination to leave the service unless we were\\nproperly provided for and from them we again received\\nassurances that provision should be made for us. At\\nthe beginning of the present session a resolution was\\nsent into them signed by every officer of the brigade, a\\ncopy of which we have enclosed, and so far were they\\nfrom complying with the reasonable requisitions con-\\ntained in it, that they have referred it to Congress.\\nThus are we circumstanced we have lost all confi-\\ndence in our legislature. Reason and experience forbid\\nthat we should have any. Few of us have private\\nfortunes many have families who already are suffering\\neverything that can be received from an ungrateful\\ncountry. Are we then to submit to all the inconve-\\nniences, fatigue, and dangers of a camp life, while our", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0189.jp2"}, "190": {"fulltext": "166 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nwives and children are perishing for want of common\\nnecessaries at home and that without the most distant\\nprospect of reward, for our pay is now only nominal.\\nWe are sensible that your Excellency cannot wish or\\ndesire it from us. We are sorry you should imagine\\nthat we meant to disobey orders it was and still is our\\ndetermination to march with our regiment, and do the\\nduty of officers until the legislature shall have a rea-\\nsonable time to appoint others, but no longer.\\nWe beg leave to assure your Excellency that we\\nhave the highest sense of your abilities and virtues\\nthat executing your orders has ever given us pleasure\\nthat we love the service and we love our country\\nbut when that country is so lost to virtue and justice as\\nto forget to support its servants, it then becomes their\\nduty to retire from the service.\\nWe are, c., by order,\\nJONATHAN FORMAN, 1st Capt.\\nFrom General Washingston to Brigadier General\\nMaxwell.\\nHead Quarters, Middle Brook, May 10th, 1779.\\nSir, The short stay you made at head quarters\\nand my attention being otherwise engrossed, prevented\\nmy entering upon the subject of the letter from the\\nofficers of the 1st Jersey regiment, transmitted in yours\\nof the 8th inst. I am sorry to find the gentlemen per-\\nsist in the principles which dictated the step they have", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0190.jp2"}, "191": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 167\\ntaken, as the more the affair unfolds itseh the more\\nreason I see to disapprove. But in the present view\\nthej have of the matter, and with their present feehngs\\nit is not probable any new arguments that could be\\noffered would have more influence than the former.\\nWhile therefore the gentlemen continue in the execu-\\ntion of their duty, as they declare themselves heartily\\ndisposed to do, I shall only regret that they have taken\\na step of which they must hereafter see the impropriety.\\nThere is one thing to which I cannot forbear calling\\nyour particular attention. I observed in the memorial\\nof which the officers transmitted me a copy, that the\\ngentlemen dwell among other things upon the insuffi-\\nciency of the soldiers pay. This is a doctrine full of\\ndangerous consequences, and which ought not to be\\ncountenanced in any way whatever, neither is it well\\nfounded.\\nThe pay given in other armies is httle more than\\nnominal very low in the first instance, and subject to\\na variety of deductions which reduce it to nothing.\\nThis is the case with the British troops, though I\\nbelieve they receive more than those of any of the\\nEuropean armies. The idea of maintaining the sol-\\ndiers families at home at the public expense is peculiar\\nto us and is incompatible with the finances of any\\ngovernment. Our troops have been uniformly better\\nfed than any others they are at this time very well\\nclad, and I hope will continue to be so. It is important\\nthat any misconception on this point should be rectified.\\nI suppose every officer incapable of encouraging im-", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0191.jp2"}, "192": {"fulltext": "168 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nproper expectations in his men but I must also hope\\nthat every exertion will be made to suppress them.\\nI am, c.,\\nG^ WASHINGTON.\\nFrom the Board of War to Governor Livingston and\\nthe Speaker of the Assembly.\\nWar Office, May 22d, 1779.\\nGentlemen, Congress having directed us to give\\nthe information required by the representation to them\\nfrom the honorable Council and Assembly of your state,\\nwe have the honor of communicating to you every\\nthing on the subject our circumstances as the returns\\nenable us to inform.\\nBy the last return of General Maxwell s brigade\\nthere were in the 3 New Jersey regiments\\nGen I Maxwell s brigade, by return of April last\\nSergeants, 71\\nDrums and Fifes, 50\\nRank and File, 890\\n1011\\nSpencer s regiment, by the return of March last\\nSergeants, 8\\nDrums and Fifes, 6\\nRank and File, 126\\n140\\nForman s regiment, by the return of December last\\nSergeants, _ _ _ _ 5\\nDrum, _ 1\\nRank and File, 62", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0192.jp2"}, "193": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786.\\nSheldon s regiment\\n1 troop of horse,\\nArtillery, 1 company probably,\\nInvaUds, _\\nWanting to complete three regiments,\\n169\\n33\\n30\\n12\\n75\\n1294\\n_\\n365\\n1659\\nComplement of non-commissioned officers\\nand privates for 3 regiments of infantry,\\nby estabhshment of May 27th, 1778, 1659\\nThe present state of the 3 New Jersey regiments is\\nas follows\\nOgden s\\nShrieve s\\nDayton s\\nSergeants.\\n21\\n27\\n23\\nDrums and Fifes. Rank and File.\\n20 283\\n12 317\\n18 290\\n50\\nTotal, 71\\nWanting to complete\\nSergeants. Drums and Fifes.\\nOgden s\u00e2\u0080\u0094 8\\nShrieve s\u00e2\u0080\u0094 2 8,\\nDayton s\u00e2\u0080\u0094 6 2\\n890\\nRank and File.\\n221\\n187\\n214\\nIG 10 622\\nThe men enlisted in Count Pulaski s legion were\\nengaged for one year only. Their time of service is\\nnearly expired, and the men raised in Jersey, from an", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0193.jp2"}, "194": {"fulltext": "170 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\naversion to serving with foreigners, are all deserted.\\nAnd if they were now in the corps, they would not be\\nthe objects of the resolution of Congress of the 15th\\nof March last, as that operates only in cases of men\\nenlisted for three years, or during the war. We have\\nsupposed that all the men of r orman s and Spencer s\\nregiments were enlisted in New Jersey, which can\\nhardly be the case, as the numbers now in these regi-\\nments are the remnants of those collected from the\\nseveral states and these regiments having been\\nrecruited in the United States at large, though perhaps\\nthe greater part of one of them was raised in Jersey,\\nit is scarcely probable that the Jersey men are the only\\nsurvivors of the many who have been in the corps.\\nSheldon s troop and the artillery company have been\\nonly calculated upon conjecture, as we have not any\\ndistinction made in the general return of the army\\nbetween the men enlisted in the several states which\\nbelong to the corps in which this troop and company\\nare now serving. So soon as we receive particular\\nreturns from the commander-in-chief, we shall imme-\\ndiately transmit them agreeably to the direction of the\\nresolution of the 15th March last. But we have no\\nhopes of being speedily enabled to do this, as we do\\nnot suppose the General will make the return to us\\nuntil he has collected the necessary information from\\nthe whole army. We will beg leave to add that we\\nhave always understood that the greatest number of\\nForman s regiment was raised in Maryland.\\nWe have, from a desire to state the matter in every", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0194.jp2"}, "195": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 171\\npoint of view, made the above calculations to shew the\\ndifference between the numbers Jersey will have to\\nraise in either case. But the number last stated as\\nwanting to complete the three regiments is in the\\nopinion of the board the deficiency your state has to\\nsupply. Although by the resolution of the 27th May\\nlast the complement of a battahon was fixed by Con-\\ngress at 553, including non-com d officers, yet it was\\nnot intended hereby to limit the quotas of the state\\nentirely to the completion of their battalions to this\\nestablishment. Congress had in mind the artillery,\\nhorse and additional battalions of infantry, which not\\nbeing attached to any state were to be completed from\\nthe states at large. Lest these corps should be too\\nburthensome on the states, there was only a reduction\\nof the number of men in the battalion, but also of the\\nnumber of battalions. At first Jersey had four battal-\\nions, and the complement of each was 688, non-com d\\nofficers and privates. She now is called upon to raise\\nonly three battalions, and the establishment is only 553.\\nThe artillery, horse, c., stand in the place of the 4th\\nbattalion, and the extra numbers. It is the same thing\\nin the other states in like circumstances, and the officers\\nand men of the corps above mentioned were by the\\nrecommendation of the 15th of March put under the\\ncare of the states wherein they were respectively raised,\\non a persuasion that they ought to be considered as\\npart of the state quotas, though they were not part of\\nthe battalion complements, which they ought not to be,\\nas by making deductions of them from the numbers", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0195.jp2"}, "196": {"fulltext": "L72 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nwhich ought to be in the regiments, the corps will never\\nbe complete, but must decrease with the increase of the\\nextra corps which is not only detrimental to the service\\nand disagreeable to the officers, but not agreeable, as we\\nconceive, I have always understood, to the sense of\\nCongress; who will be obliged, in our opinion, in case\\nof deductions from the regimental complements on\\naccount of the extra corps, to call on the states to raise\\na greater number of battalions.\\nWe have the honor to be, with the greatest respect,\\nyour very obed. servants,\\nRICHARD PETERS,\\nIn behalf of the Board.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston, Honorable\\nCaleb Camp, Esq.\\nFrom General Washington to Governor Livingston.\\nHead Quarters, Middle Brook, June, 1779.\\nDear Sir, General Green has informed me that he\\naddressed your Excellency some time since upon the\\nsubject of wagons, and suggested that it would be\\nnecessary, owing to the difficulties of procuring them\\nin the ordinary way, for the legislature to authorize Col.\\nM. Foreman to impress them in cases of exigency. I\\nwould take the hberty to add that it appears to me\\nindispensably necessary for the several legislatures to\\ngive their earliest attention to this subject, and to adopt\\nmeasures from which supplies of wagons may be", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0196.jp2"}, "197": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 173\\nderived in times of emergency, and if this is not done,\\nthere is every reason to apprehend that the movements\\nof the army will be frequently impeded and sometimes\\nfound impractible. We have already experienced great\\ninconveniences on this head, and from the unhappy\\ndepreciation of our money they will most probably\\nincrease. I most heartily recommend the subject to\\nyour Excellency s consideration, and as you will readily\\nperceive that the success and even security of an army\\nin a variety of cases may depend upon the rapidity\\nwith which it may be able to move, I am persuaded it\\nwill have every proper countenance and support on your\\npart.\\nThe desultory kind of war which the enemy seem\\ndetermined to pursue, is a further cogent reason for the\\nlegislatures interposing with their authority in the\\ncase.\\nI have the honor to be, with sentiments of respect\\nand regard, your Excellency s most obe t serv t,\\nG^ WASHINGTON.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFrom General Washingtoii to Governor Livingston.\\nWest Point, August the 26th, 1779.\\nSir, In a letter which I had the honor of addressing\\nto your Excellency on the 22d of May, I took the\\nliberty to mention the inconveniences which had pre-\\nvailed for want of system in the clothing department,\\nand the necessity there was for an early appointment of", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0197.jp2"}, "198": {"fulltext": "174 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nState or sub- clothiers, agreeable to the ordinance estab-\\nlished by Congress bv their act of the 23d of March,\\nwith which I presumed your Excellency had been made\\nacquainted. I am now under the necessity of troubling\\nyou with a farther address upon the subject of clothing\\nitself.\\nFrom the best information I have been able to\\nobtain, both from returns and particular inquiries, I fear\\nthere is bat too much reason to apprehend that unless\\nthe respective states interpose with their exertions, our\\nsupphes of this essential article will be very deficient,\\nand that the troops may again experience on this\\naccount a part of those distresses which were so\\nseverely and injuriously felt in the past stages of the\\nwar, and wdiich a regard to the interests of the states\\nas well as to the dictates of humanity should prevent if\\nit be practicable. I do not know exactly how it will\\nturn out with respect to woolen clothing, I should hope\\ntolerably well, but if the attention of the state shall\\never go to this, there will be little probability of our\\nhaving an over supply. But the articles to which I\\nwould take the liberty to solicit your Excellency s more\\nparticular attention are blankets, shirts, shoes and hats,\\n(more especially the two first) as our prospect of these\\nis by no means pleasing, and such, indeed, as decides\\nthat the supply from the continental clothiers and agents\\nwill fall far short, or at least stand upon too critical and\\nprecarious a footing. The importance and advantages\\nof good supphes of clothing are evident, and they have\\nbeen most remarkably and happily demonstrated in the", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0198.jp2"}, "199": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 177o TO 1756. 175\\nhealrli of the troops since they have been prettv com-\\ntbrrably provided for in this instance. A circumstance\\not all others the most interestins:.\\nWhile I am on the subject ot clothing. I would also\\nbeg leave to add that the condition of the officers in\\nthis respect, appears to me to require the attention of\\ntheir states. It is really, in many instances, painfully\\ndistressing. The want of necessaries and the means\\nof procuring them at their present exorbitant prices, has\\ncompelled a great many officers ot ijood reputation and\\ncredit to resign their commissions. And if ihev are not\\nrelieved, it must be the case with manv others, as thev\\nwill have no alternative.\\nI have the honor to be. with the hii::hest respect, liis\\nExcellencv s most obed. serv t.\\nl WASHlXirrOX.\\nHis Excollencv. liov r Livingston.\\nFrom Gocernor Livingston to th House 0/ Assembiif.\\nTrvtiton. Soptomlvr *2A1. 17^11.\\nGentlemen. I he Trivy Council have had no agen-\\ncy relative to the state regiments, except in the fol-\\nlowiuii instances\\n1st. That of allottiui: it to the counties of Bergen.\\nEssex. Middlesex, and Monmouth, in the following prv\\nportions. viz.: To Hergen 050 men Essex Post 445\\nmen. and to Monmouth 00 men.\\nC. That of directing the quota raised b% the couutv\\not Sussex, to be stationed in that couiu\\\\.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0199.jp2"}, "200": {"fulltext": "176 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\n3. Of appointing Lieut. Col. Taylor, (after Colonel\\nNeilson and Colonel Frelinghujsen had been succes-\\nsively appointed, and had both refused to accept the\\ncommand,) as an assistant to Colonel Frehnghuysen,\\nfrom the additional duties attending the post at Eliza-\\nbeth-Town, on account of the flags, and his being\\nobliged to visit the other posts, as commandant of the\\nwhole regiment which appointment was made from\\nthe critical exigency of affairs, and in confidence that\\nthe legislature would at their present sitting, provide for\\nhis pay, and allowance as a lieutenant-colonel, and if\\nnot, those officers were to be at liberty to retire, and\\nwhich has eventually appeared to be a fortunate meas-\\nure, as Colonel Frehnghuysen has only by reason of\\nhis ill state of health, been able to take the command.\\nThat eight companies of the regiment are stationed in\\nthe counties of Essex and Middlesex, and seven of\\nthose companies in Essex, as mentioned in the repre-\\nsentation of the honorable House, is neither in conse-\\nquence of any order from the Governor, nor did it come\\nto his knowlege, till he received the said representation;\\nand which, if true, and unless the said companies are\\ndeficient in their number of men, or particularly sickly,\\nappears to him as unequal a distribution as it doth to\\nthe honorable House and for their satisfaction therein,\\nhe will either write to the commanding officer on the\\nsubject, or (if the house prefers that mode of inquiry,)\\nwill order him to attend at this place, for the further\\nexplanation oi his conduct, which from Col. Taylor s\\nknown diameter for prudence and impartiality, the", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0200.jp2"}, "201": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 177\\nGovernor has reason to think will meet their approba-\\ntion. In the mean time the Governor will be ready to\\nprovide copies of all his letters to the officers at the\\ndifferent posts, and their letters to him relative to the\\nstate regiments, to a committee of the House, whenever\\nthe Assembly shall think proper to appoint one for that\\npurpose.\\nWILL. LIVINGSTON.\\nPrivy Council, Sept. 27, 1779.\\nHis Excellency, the Governor, having laid the repre-\\nsentation of the Honorable House of Assembly, relative\\nto the stationing the state regiments, before the Board.\\nThe Council advised his Excellency to answer, which\\nhe accordingly did and the Board do now agree to\\nthe above answers, as far as respects themselves.\\nBy order of the Council,\\nBOWES REED, Sec y.\\nHon ble House of Assembly.\\nFrom Colonel Taylor to Governor Livingston.\\nNorth Branch of Raritan, Sept. 25, 1779.\\nSir, It was my intention to have inclosed a return\\nof the number of officers who have joined the State\\nRegiment from each county and also the deficiencies\\nof each, but not having been able to get the reports of\\nthe several companies soon enough, owing to their\\nseparate stations, and the necessity of my attending the\\nexamination of the students of Queen s College, I have\\n12", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0201.jp2"}, "202": {"fulltext": "178 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nat present omitted making such a return, but shall trans-\\nmit it, together with the state of the regiment, as soon\\nas possible. Enclosed is an account of Doctor Winans,\\nwho has faithfully attended the troops, and also an ac-\\ncount of my own, for lodging, c., which his Excellency\\nthe Governor, and his honorable Privy Council gave\\nCol. Frelinghuysen and myself reason to believe should\\nbe answered when we accepted the command of the\\nregiment. We have not been able to enlist any hght-\\nhorsemen upon the plan proposed by act of Assembly.\\nThere are ten horsemen at Elizabethtown, raised from\\nthe infantry in service at that place. There ought\\nto be at least twelve at that post, and twelve more at\\nthe other different stations. We have one piece of\\nartillery, the men to work it also taken from the mus-\\nketry stationed at that place. The season will soon be\\ntoo far advanced for tents, or I should again make\\napplication for them. The houses in which the troops\\nare quartered, having been long made use of for lodging\\nsoldiers, are become very dirty, and of consequence\\nunhealthy. This doubtless is one reason that our men\\nare so sickly, that not above one-third of them are ca-\\npable of doing duty. This part of the regiment have,\\nand do still labor under many inconveniences, on\\naccount of no sufficient provision having been made\\nfor the sick. In the first place, no medicine has been\\nprovided for them and in the next place I found it\\nimpossible to prevail upon the neighboring surgeon to\\nattend them, and make use of their .own medicine\\nwhich they had purchased for private practice, being\\nfearful that their bills would not be paid. Many of the", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0202.jp2"}, "203": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 179\\nsoldiers growing very sick, I at last persuaded Doctor\\nWiiians to attend them, and supply them with medicine\\nas far as he should think necessary, by giving my word\\nthat his accounts should be paid, for which, as enclosed,\\nI stand answerable. The Doctor s medicine is now\\nexpended, and at present there is no surgeon to admin-\\nister advice or medicine to the troops, who continue very\\nsickly.\\nMany of the men being rendered very weak by\\nsevere sickness, I thought it imprudent to keep them\\nin quarters, both on account of its not being possible\\nto secure necessaries for them, and that attendance\\nwhich men in their situation require and also on ac-\\ncount of our being exposed to the sudden invasion of\\nthe enemy, when many of the men would inevitably\\nfall a sacrifice. I then procured a house for a hospital\\nat a considerable distance from the town which an-\\nswered the purpose for some time, but sickness increas-\\ning rapidly, our hospital was found insufficient to contain\\none half of them. I then sent an officer to Springfield,\\nWestfield, and Connecticut Farms, and to every adja-\\ncent place where I thought there was a probability of\\nsuccess, to endeavor to provide quarters for the sick, but\\nall my attempts proved abortive. After finding it im-\\npossible to secure the sick, to render their situation in\\nany degree comfortable, I permitted them to return\\nhome until they should recover their health. I need\\nnot mention to your excellency the many disadvantages\\nattending this step. I however feel satisfied from a\\nconsciousness of having discharged my duty to my\\ncountry, and the regiment under mv command.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0203.jp2"}, "204": {"fulltext": "180 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nTwo or three boats are much wanted at Ehzabeth-\\ntown as guard boats. They would be a great security\\nto the Post and lessen the fatigue of the soldiers. A\\nnumber of men have been sent into service from each\\ncounty, who are not armed and accoutred as the act\\nrequires. Also many men and boys have been enlisted\\nin the regiment, who are by no means fit for soldiers.\\nWe have stood in great want of a muster-master.\\nHis Excellency without doubt remembers that the\\nGovernor and his hcmorable Privy Council called upon\\nCol. Frelinghuysen and myself to lake command of the\\nstate regiment, agreeably to our commissions, which we\\nconsented to do until the legislature should meet. Col.\\nFrelinghuysen has been prevented from joining the\\nregiment in consequence of sickness, which still con-\\ntinuing, has caused him to resign. His Excellency will\\nalso recollect that I informed him that I was pre-\\nengaged by the trustees of (Queen s College, and that it\\nwas with great difficulty that I was able to leave the\\nbusiness of the College until this vacation. But rather\\nthan that Col. Frelinghuysen should not take the\\ncommand of the regiment, which he would not accept\\nof unless I went with him, I consented to go until the\\nAssembly should meet. His Excellency also informed\\nme, that if Col. Frelinghuysen would agree to command\\nthe regiment without me that then he would have no\\nobjection to my resigning, being a supernumerary. The\\nColonel having resigned, that objection is removed, and\\nthe trustees of Queen s College insisting upon my ful-\\nfilling my engagements, I hope I shall be discharged\\nfrom the regiment as soon as possible. It is certain,", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0204.jp2"}, "205": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 181\\nthe business at Elizabeth-town is too much for one\\nperson to do. There ought to be two fixed officers\\nat that Post, but I cannot be convinced of the necessity\\nof a field officer being stationed at Newark a cap-\\ntain s command is sufficient for that place.\\nI should have done myself the honor of waiting upon\\nyour Excellency in person, but being seized with a\\nsevere fever last Monday night, which still continues,\\nprevents my going to Trenton at present.\\nI shall be much obliged to your Excellency to lay\\nthis before the Assembly as soon as you shall think\\nproper.\\nI remain, wdth great respect, your very humble ser-\\nvant, JOHN TAYLOR,\\n1st Col. New Jersey State Regiment.\\nHis Excellency, Gov r Livingston.\\nFrom General Washington to Governor Livin2:ston.\\nHead Quarters, West Point, Sept. 27th, 1779.\\nDear Sir, Several concurring reports lead so\\nstrongly to a supposition that a French squadron may\\nbe approaching our coast, that I think we cannot with\\npropriety altogether neglect them. If this should take\\nplace it will be incumbent upon us to exert our utmost\\nresources in a co-operation and I shall be under a\\nnecessity of applying to the adjacent states for very\\nconsiderable aids of men and supplies, particularly in\\nthe article of flour, of which our prospects are extremely\\nlimited, and unpromising. In the present uncertainty,", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0205.jp2"}, "206": {"fulltext": "182 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nwithout any official advice of the event, I do not think\\nwe should be justified in adding to our embarrassments\\nby calling out a body of militia beforehand but I\\nthought it my duty to give your Excellency the present\\nintimation, that you may have the goodness to precon-\\ncert such arrangements as will be best adapted to a\\nprompt and effectual compliance with the application I\\nmay have occasion to make. These, as I observed,\\nwill reach to a speedy and ample supply of even pro-\\nvisions, and I may add the means of transportation,\\nwhich will also require particular attention in an emer-\\ngency of this kind.\\nIt will be essential that the men should come out\\nproperly equipped and organized, that there may be no\\ndelay or trouble on this head and that they should be\\nobliged to serve for a term of two or three months after\\nthey join the army.\\nYour Excellency will be sensible how much the\\nhonor and interest of these states must be concerned\\nin a vigorous co-operation, should the event I have sup-\\nposed happen, and I shall place the fullest confidence in\\nthat wisdom and energy which your Excellency s con-\\nduct has afforded such frequent and decisive proofs.\\nWith the most perfect respect and esteem, I have the\\nhonor to be your Excellency s most obd t serv t,\\nG\u00c2\u00ab WASHINGTON.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0206.jp2"}, "207": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 183\\nFrom Enos Kelsey to the Speaker of the Assembly.\\nPrinceton, September 27th, 1779.\\nSir, 1 herewith hand you an estimate of sundry\\nthings now wanted for the officers and soldiers of the\\nJersey brigade, with the prices annexed to tlie same, as\\nnearly as these times of uncertainty will admit of. As\\nI am now on my way to Philadelphia, I mean to call\\non the clothier-general immediately, and procure from\\nhim as many of the articles as possible. Such as I\\ncannot get that way, I intend purchasing, as far as my\\nmoney will extend, which is ,\u00c2\u00a328,539. 5. 0. My whole\\nattention at present, I beheve, ought to be paid to the\\nclothing of the soldiers only. 1 therefore intend at this\\ntime to engage the stockings, which I think can readily\\nbe done, purchase linen for one shirt each, and set them\\na making fast as possible. The coats 1 have some\\nhope of receiving from the clothier-general, as I am\\nwell assured he has a great many on hand. The arti-\\ncles for the officers, I informed you before, cannot be\\nobtained in Philadelphia or Baltimore, agreeably to\\ntheir returns, and as I wish to gratify them in every\\nthing that is reasonable, would propose going to Boston\\nfor them, upon the following conditions, viz. to be\\nfound a horse, and have my expenses paid, and also the\\nexpenses of one other person to go with me, as you\\nmust know it would hardly be possible for me to take\\nso large a sum of money alone, besides I should not\\nchoose to go alone with so considerable a charge, as\\nnear 30 thousand pounds. You can think of the pro-", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0207.jp2"}, "208": {"fulltext": "184 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nposal till my return, and should it appear reasonable,\\nand the house should agree to my going, I will under-\\ntake the journey. If not, I am content to provide for\\nthe officers here, as well as it can be done, although I\\nbelieve my scheme would be a saving to the state of\\nat least 10 thousand pounds.\\nThe following are the estimates\\nFor the Soldiers.\\n5250 yds. Linen, for Shirts. 1500, at 140s. per yd. \u00c2\u00a336,750\\n1443 pair of Hose, 120s. 8,658\\n350 Shoes, 120s. 2,100\\n726 yds. blue cloth to make coats, 400s. 14,520\\n150 yds. scarlet facing, 600s. 4,500\\n400 yds. Osnaburgs, linings of sleeves, 80s. 1,600\\n300 yds. Shalloon, lining of coats, 140s. 2,100\\n\u00c2\u00a370,228\\nFor the\\nOfficers.\\n240 yds. broad cloth.\\n80s. per yd.\\n\u00c2\u00a319,200\\n250 doz. double gilt buttons,\\n16s.\\n2,840\\n200 yds. linen for lining breeches.\\n6s.\\n1,200\\n80 yds. buckram.\\nlis. 5d.\\n900\\nSundry trimmings for 80 suits.\\n320\\n80 pair shoes,\\nlis. 5d.\\n900\\n80 pair boots.\\n50s.\\n4,000\\n80 hats,\\n70s.\\n5,600\\n240 pair of hose,\\nlis. 5d.\\n2,700\\n320 pocket handkerchiefs,\\n70s.\\n2,240\\n\u00c2\u00a340,960\\nI am your ob t and hum e ser t,\\nENOS KELSEY.\\nHonl. Caleb Camp, Speaker of the House of Assembly.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0208.jp2"}, "209": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 185\\nFrom Governor Clinton of New York to Governor\\nLivingston.\\nKingston, October 4th, 1779.\\nSir, It being represented that persons belonging to\\nthis and the neighboring states have without any proper\\nauthority formed themselves into parties, and plunder\\nand commit other outrages upon the inhabitants of\\nLong Island and other places within this state, in the\\npower or possession of the enemy, the Senate and\\nAssembly of this state on the 1st and 2d instant entered\\ninto concurrent resolutions on that subject, a copy of\\nwhich I have now the honor of enclosing to you, and\\nI am to inform your Excellency that agreeably thereto\\nI have issued my proclamation. But you will readily\\nperceive that the measures adopted by this state for\\npreventing those mischievous practices will prove in-\\neffectual unless they are seconded by the co-operation\\nof the adjacent states whose subjects are equally con-\\ncerned. I am therefore to request your Excellency\\nthat such measures may be taken in your state as may\\nbe deemed most effectual for preventing those abuses in\\nfuture.\\nI have only to add, that, exclusive of the distress\\nwhich unfortunate individuals sustain by these practices,\\nI am informed by the principal officers commanding\\nnear the hues, that their parties are thereby often\\nendangered, and the public service essentially injured.\\nI have the honor to be, with the highest respect, your\\nExcellency s most obedient servant,\\nGEO. CLINTON.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0209.jp2"}, "210": {"fulltext": "186 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nResolution of the New York Legislature, enclosed in\\nthe foregoing.\\nState of New York, in Assembly, October 1st, 1779.\\nResolved, if the honorable the Senate concur herein,\\nthat his Excellency, the Governor, be requested forth-\\nwith to issue his proclamation strictly forbidding all\\npersons whomsoever to plunder the inhabitants of Long\\nIsland or of any other place in the power or possession\\nof the enemy within this state, and also strictly forbid-\\nding all persons, subjects of this state, to plunder any\\ninhabitant or inhabitants of any other of the United\\nStates within the power or possession of the enemy,\\nand thereby declaring that if any person shall so offend\\nagainst the law of nations and the rights of war, he,\\nshe, or they so offending shall be punished to the utmost\\nrigor of the law. And that his Excellency be also\\nrequested to write to the executive powers of the states\\nof Connecticut and New Jersey earnestly requesting\\nthem respectively to issue a similar proclamation, and\\nthat his Excellency request the several officers com-\\nmanding at or near the enemy s lines within this state\\nto take and secure all such offenders and cause them to\\nbe sent to the board of commissioners for detecting and\\ndefeating conspiracies in this state.\\nOrdered that Mr. Lott and Mr. Coe carry a copy of\\nthe said resolution to the honorable the Senate for con-\\ncurrence.\\nIn Assembly, October 2d, 1779.\\nA copy of a resolution of the honorable the Senate\\ndehvered by Mr. Floyd, was read, to wit That the", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0210.jp2"}, "211": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 187\\nSenate concur with this House in their resolutions of\\nyesterday that his Excellency, the Governor, be re-\\nquested to issue his proclamation for the purposes in\\nthat resolution mentioned. Ordered that Mr. F.\\nBancker and Mr. Paw^hng wait on his Excellency, the\\nGovernor, with a copy of the resolntion of this House,\\nand of the concurrence of the honorable the Senate.\\nA true copy from the minutes,\\nJOHN McKESSON, Cl k.\\nFrom General Washington to Governor Livingston.\\nHead Quarters, West Point, October 4th, 1779.\\nSir, I have the honor to inclose your Excellency\\nthe copy of a resolution of Congress of the 26th Sept.\\nby which you will perceive they expect the arrival of\\nhis Excellency, Count D Estaing and that I am\\ndirected to pursue measures for co-operating with him,\\nand to call upon the several states for such aid as shall\\nappear to me necessary for this important purpose. In\\ncompUauce with these directions, I have made an esti-\\nmate of the force of militia which will be indispensable\\nin conjunction with the continental troops and have\\napportioned this force to the neighboring states, accord-\\ning to the best judgment I am able to form of their\\nrespective circumstances and abilities. The number\\nI have to request from the state of New Jersey is 2000.\\nIn framing this estimate I assure your Excellency I\\nhave fixed upon the smallest number which appeared to\\nme adequate to the exigency on account of the scanti-", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0211.jp2"}, "212": {"fulltext": "188 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nness of our supplies and I thiuk it my duty explicitly\\nto declare, that the co-operation will altogether depend\\non a full comphance with these requisitions. If I am\\nso happy as to obtain the whole number demanded, a\\ndecisive stroke may be attempted against New York\\nwith a reasonable prospect of success. If the supply\\nfalls short, the disappointment will inevitably produce a\\nfailure in the undertaking. In this case Congress and\\nmy country must excuse a want of enterprise and suc-\\ncess of which the want of means will have been the\\nunfortunate cause. If the honor and interests of the\\nstates suffer from thence, the blame must not be imputed\\nto me. I have taken the hberty to dwell on these points\\nto induce a persuasion that I have not exaggerated in\\nany degree the number of men really necessary, lest\\na supposition of this kind and a regard to the case of\\nthe people should relax the exertions of the state, and\\noccasion a deficiency which would certainly be fatal to\\nthe views of Congress and to the expected co-\\noperation.\\nI am now to add to this request another equally\\nessential, which is, that the most effectual and expedi-\\ntious means be immediately adopted to have the men\\ndrawn out, properly equipped and embodied to serve for\\nthe term of three months from the time they join the\\narmy, unless the particular service on which they are\\ndrawn out should be sooner performed, I beg leave to\\nrecommend Pompton as a proper place for rendezvous.\\nIf the laws of the state now in existence, or the powers\\nvested in your Excellency, are not competent to these", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0212.jp2"}, "213": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 189\\nobjects, permit me to entreat that tlie legislature may be\\ncalled together without loss of time, and that jou will\\nbe pleased to employ your influence to procure laws for\\nthe purpose, framed on such principles as will procure\\nan instant and certain execution.\\nThere are other objects which I beg leave at the\\nsame time to recommend to the most zealous and\\nserious attention of the state. These are the making\\nevery exertion to promote the supplies of the army, in\\nprovisions, particularly in the article of flour, and to\\nfaciUtate the transportation in general of necessaries for\\nthe use of the army. Our prospects with respect to\\nflour are to the last degree embarrassing. We are\\nalready distressed, but when we come to increase the\\ndemand by so large an addition of numbers we may\\nexpect to be obliged to disband the troops for want of\\nsubsistence, unless the utmost care and energy of the\\ndifferent Legislatures are exerted. The difficulties\\ndaily experienced on the score of transportation justify\\nthe equal apprehensions on that account, without a\\nsimilar attention to this part of the public service.\\nThese difficulties were sufficient to deter me from\\nthe plan I mean to pursue, was I not convinced that the\\nmagnitude of the object will call forth all the vigor of\\nthe states, and inspire the people with a disposition to\\nsecond the plans of their governors, and give efficacy\\nto the measures they adopt. I doubt not our resources\\nwill be found fully adequate to the undertaking, if they\\nare properly exerted, and when I consider the delicacy of\\nthe crisis, and the importance of the objects to be ob-", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0213.jp2"}, "214": {"fulltext": "190 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\ntained, I cannot doubt that this will be the case. On\\none side, the reputation of our councils and of our arms,\\nand an immediate removal of the war present them-\\nselves. On the other, disgrace and disappointment,\\nan accumulation of expenses, loss of credit with our\\nallies, and with the world loss of confidence in our-\\nselves the exhausting of our magazine and resources\\nthe precipitated decay of our currency and the con-\\ntinuance of the war. Nor will these evils be confined\\nto ourselves our allies must share in them, and suffer\\nthe mortification of having accomplished nothing to\\ncompensate for withdrawing their operations from a\\nquarter where they had right to expect success, and for\\nexposing their own possessions to hazard in a fruitless\\nattempt to rescue ours.\\nFrom the accounts received we are hourly to look\\nfor the appearance of the French squadron on the\\ncoast.\\nThe emergency is pressing, and all our measures\\nshould be attended with suitable expedition.\\nEvery moment is of infinite value.\\nWith the most perfect rehance on your Excellency s\\nexertions and those of the state, and with the greatest\\nrespect and esteem,\\nI have the honor to be your Excellency s most ob t\\nand li ble servant,\\nG\u00c2\u00ab WASHINGTON.\\nHis Ex ;ellencv, Gov r Livingston.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0214.jp2"}, "215": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 191\\nFrom Willia?n H. Houston to Governor Livingston\\nPhiladelphia, October 5th, 1779.\\nSir, I am sorry that it has not been in my power\\nto command as much time as I should have wished to\\nemploy in giving a distinct account to the legislature of\\nthe most material occurrences in the progress of busi-\\nness since I came to Congress. It is certainly the duty\\nof every person in pubHc trust to make those from\\nwhom he derives his appointment acquainted with the\\nmanner in which he executes it, that they may be able\\nto decide how far he fulfils or deceives their expecta-\\ntations, and to form at any time, a clear estimate of his\\ncharacter. Next to want of fidelity, I look upon the\\nneglect of giving due information to his constituents,\\nthe greatest crime in a public man.\\nThe principal intention of this is to point at a ques-\\ntion which, from accidental circumstances, has acquired\\na magnitude and importance above what, simply con-\\nsidered, it was entitled to. A question which has ex-\\ncited much inveteracy and ill-blood in Congress, and\\nnot a few speculations and suspicions abroad. I mean\\nthe recall or rather the super-session of Mr, Arthur Lee,\\nCommissioner of the United States at the Court of\\nMadrid. I have carefully read over the papers and\\nattended to every feasible means of unbiased informa-\\ntion relative to this question, and I think I have done\\nit with a temper divested of prejudice. The result is\\nthis I take Mr. Arthur Lee to be a man of a jealous,\\nsuspecting, difficult disposition trusty, capable and", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0215.jp2"}, "216": {"fulltext": "192 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nindustrious. Indefatigable above others in procuring\\nand transmitting intelligence accurate and frugal in\\nexpenses and money matters simple, severe, and repub-\\nlican in his manners, so much so, as to be thought by\\nmany sour and inimical. This I take to be his char-\\nacter; and in many essentials I am not afraid to call\\nhim equal to any person Congress ever employed in a\\nsimilar capacity in Europe. The story hawked about\\nthat his indiscretions prevented the Court of Spain\\nfrom treating with him, I cannot think believed by\\nthose who propagate it, as that conduct in the Spanish\\nministry is ascribable to different reasons which must\\nstrike every person at once who has the least know-\\nledge of the state of matters as they respected that\\npower. But admitting he was the best qualified and\\nmost meritorious man on earth, is it not my duty to vote\\nfor removing him, when the funds of Congress, are\\nabsolutely wasted, and the public business not only\\nretarded but stopped by unavailing altercations concern-\\ning an individual I When a general offers up a forlorn\\nhope to save an army, the alternative is dreadful but\\nthe principle is defensible and the practice of it often\\nnecessary. I confess that in a republic, where appro-\\nbation, honor, and praise, more than money and emolu-\\nments, are the reward of faithful services, such things\\nought to be admitted with reluctance and caution yet\\nstill they may not be always avoidable. But further,\\nshould it turn out to be a fact, that France was doubt-\\nful of him, and that Spain hesitated, it mattered not\\nhow good a man he was, one every way inferior, if", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0216.jp2"}, "217": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 193\\nfree from such exception, would have been preferable for\\nthe purpose of treating. The real cause of delay being\\nnow removed, it is to be hoped the gentleman who\\nsucceeds Mr. Lee will be successful. As I would ever\\nwish to be simply just, but at the same time to do what\\nis best, all things considered, I have no other request\\nthan that this state of facts may be remembered another\\nday, when time will throw light upon what is now dark\\nprejudice will be extinct, and the means of judging\\nfairly will come within the reach of all. Into what\\ncourse of conduct, or to what length of crimination,\\nresentment may impel this unfortunate man, I am ex-\\ncused from surmising. Whether, as many have done^\\nhe will adhere to the part he has taken in spite of what\\nhe may think ill-treatment or whether, as many have\\nalso done, he will transfer himself to a situation where\\nhe will expect more attention, does not belong imme-\\ndiately to the present decision at least, I have taken\\nthe hberty to throw it out of the balance. At all\\nevents I am happy this troublesome affair is ended, and\\nI hope it will never rise up to disturb the counsels ot\\nAmerica more. Subjects of contention and animosity\\nare retiring one after another, and unanimity reviving\\nin Congress where it is so essentially necessary. Tri-\\nfles have had their day, and too long a one it has been\\nmatters of moment have a claim to this, and that it may\\nnot only be longer but perpetual, I am persuaded is the\\nardent wish of every honest man.\\nUpon reviewing what I have written, a suspicion\\noccurs that the above representation may imply a re-\\n13", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0217.jp2"}, "218": {"fulltext": "194 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nflection on the conduct of some of my colleagues, which\\nis far from my meaning, as it would be repugnant to\\njustice. The time is not the same, other circumstances\\nalso disagree on the contrary, I must declare that I\\nthink their situation hard and undeserved. The whole\\ntrain of the transaction I can trace minutely. To the\\nquarter from whence the accusations have originated,\\nthe motives which inspired them and the instruments\\nwhich have been employed for their circulation, I am\\nnot a stranger, nor am I surprised at anything thus far.\\nBut that their fellow-citizens should entertain impres-\\nsions unfavorable to those they once thought well of\\nand not call for an investigation of their conduct, or\\nsuspend their opinions till an explanation should be\\nhad, may p^iaps be a matter of some discouragement.\\nIf the gentlemen know what is alledged to their charge,\\nI am astonished they do not apply for an opportunity of\\njustification. Certainly if I should ever be of import-\\nance enough to be found fault with, I should expect the\\nliberty of explaining facts and motives after that it is\\nthe part of an honest man to submit in silence to the\\njudgment of those who have a right to [)ass upon his\\nconduct.\\nI enclose sundry papers marked from number 1 to 5.\\nwhich I have met with since I came to this place, and\\nwhich I have copied for the sight of such gentlemen of\\nthe legislature as may think it worth their trouble to\\nread them. They relate to a matter which was before\\nthe legislature at their last sitting previous to the pres-\\nent. One, if not more of them, is on the files of the", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0218.jp2"}, "219": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 195\\nAssembly, Tliej may be of use on some future occa-\\nsion, but my principal object in copying them is to\\ncommunicate the noble and dignified sentiments of the\\ncommander-in-chief, and to give some idea of the diffi-\\nculties he has to encounter. If ever any man deserved\\ngratitude and confidence he does, and the more espe-\\ncially as his modesty will never allow him to be sated\\nwith the former, nor his goodness of lieart to abuse the\\nlatter. His letter marked No. 2, is an example in its\\nkind.\\nIt is necessary that I give you the trouble conmumi-\\ncating to the House the substance of this lengthened\\nletter. I have no idea they will have patience to go\\nover the whole.\\nI am, with due respect, your obed t and h mble\\nservant,\\nWILLIAM H. HOUSTON.\\nProceedings of the Legislature of Neiv York.\\n\u00c2\u00abtate of New York, in Assembly, Oct. 22, 1779.\\nA letter from the legislature of the state of New\\nJersey, dated the 29tii September last, to the legislature\\nof this state, proposing a general regulation and limita-\\ntion of prices to be taken for every kind and article of\\nlabor, manufacture and trade, was read.\\nOrdered, that the said letter be committed to a Com-\\nmittee of the whole House,\\nState of New York, in Assembly, Oct. 29, 1779.\\nMr. Gordon, from the Committee of the whole House,", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0219.jp2"}, "220": {"fulltext": "196 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nto whom was committed the letter from the legislature\\nof the state of New Jersey, ot the 29th Sept. last, to\\nthe legislature of this state, proposing a general regula-\\ntion of prices to be taken for every kind and article of\\nlabor, manufacture, and trade, reported that the said\\nCommittee had entered into certain resolutions, which\\nbeing read, were agreed to by the House, and are as\\nfollows, (to wit\\nResolved, In case of concurrence by the honorable\\nthe Senate, that Mr. President and Mr. Speaker be di-\\nrected to write to the delegates for this state in Congress\\ntransmitting to them a copy of the letter from the legis-\\nlature of the state of New Jersey, of the 29th of Sept.\\nlast, upon the subject of a regulation of prices, and\\ncopies of the letter from the General Assembly of the\\nstate of Massachusetts Bay, of the 20th Sept. last, upon\\nthe same subject, and of the proceedings of the Senate\\nand Assembly thereon, and in the name of the legisla-\\nture of this state, to instruct the said delegates earnestly\\nto press, (either separately or in conjunction with the\\ndelegates of any other or others of the said United\\nStates,) Congress to pursue such measures as they shall\\nin their wisdom judge proper for regulating the prices\\nof produce, merchandize, and labor; and to assure\\nCongress, that the legislature of this state will by every\\nmeans in their power, carry into execution any other\\nplan which the wisdom of Congress may devise for\\npreventing the farther depreciation, and restoring the\\ncredit of the continental currency.\\nResolved, In case of such concurrence as aforesaid,", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0220.jp2"}, "221": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 197\\nthat his excellency, the Governor, and he is hereby\\nrequested, on receipt of any recommendation from\\nCongress for the purpose of a regulation, immediately\\nto convene the legislature.\\nResolved, In case of such concurrence as aforesaid,\\nthat Mr. President and Mr. Speaker write to his Excel-\\nlency, the President of the Council, and the honorable\\nthe Speaker of the House of Assembly of the State of\\nNew Jersey, acknowledging the receipt of their afore-\\nsaid letter, returning the congratulations therein con-\\ntained, and inclosing them copies of these resolutions,\\nand also copies of the said letter, from the General As-\\nsembly of the state of Massachusetts Bay, and of the\\nproceedings of the legislature thereon.\\nOrdered, that Mr. Hardenburg and Mr. Othoudt\\ncarry a copy of the above resolutions to the Honorable\\nthe Senate.\\nState of New York, in Assembly, Oct. 25, 1779.\\nA copy of a resolution of the Honorable the Senate,\\ndelivered by Mr. Russell, was read, and is in the words\\nfollowing, (to wit:)\\nResolved, That this Senate do agree with the Hon-\\norable the Assembly in the several resolutions entered\\ninto by that Honorable House in consequence of the\\nletter from the legislature of the State of New Jersey*\\nof the 29th September last.\\nTrue copies,\\nJOHN McKESSON, Clerk.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0221.jp2"}, "222": {"fulltext": "198 CORRESPONDENCE OF THENEVV JERSEY [1779.\\nFrom the Legislature of Ntiv York to the Governor\\nand Assembly of New Jersey^ transmitting the fore-\\ngoing Proceedings.\\nKingston, October 25, 1779.\\nGentlemen, We are directed by the legislature of\\nthis state, respectfully to acknowledge the receipt of,\\nand return the congratulations contained in, your letter\\nof the 29tli of September last. Not only the import-\\nance of the subject, but the attention due to the com-\\nmunication of a sister state, required that your letter\\nshould receive our most mature consideration. It was\\naccordingly in each House committed to a Committee\\nof the Whole, and the result was an instruction to our\\ndelegates earnestly to press Congress to recommend to\\nthe several states to pass laws regulating the price of\\nproduce, merchandize, and labor, and to assure Con-\\ngress of the readiness of this state to comply with such\\nrecommendation and a request to the Governor imme-\\ndiately upon the receipt of such recommendation, to\\nconvene the legislature, as you will see from the en-\\nclosed copies of the resolutions which were passed on\\nthe occasion.\\nDuring our present session we received a letter\\nfrom the General Assembly of the state of Massachu-\\nsetts Bay upon the same subject, a copy whereof\\nwe also do ourselves the honor to transmit to you,\\ntogether with copies of the proceedings of the Senate\\nand Assembly thereon.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0222.jp2"}, "223": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 199\\nWe are, gentlemen, with perfect esteem, your most\\nob t serv ts,\\nBy order of the Senate,\\nPIERRE VAN CORTLANDT, Pres t.\\nBy order of the Assembly,\\nEVERT BANCKER, Speaker.\\nHis Excellency, Will. Livingston, Governor of the\\nState of New Jersey, and the Hon. Caleb Camp,\\nSpeaker of the House of Assembly.\\nFro?n Isaac Collins to the Legislative Council.\\nTrenton Printing Office, October 30tli, 1779.\\nGentlemen, The clerk of the Council delivered to\\nme yesterday a resolution of your hon. House, dated\\nTrenton Council chamber, October 29th, 1779, requi-\\nring me immediately to inform the Council who the\\nauthor of the publication inserted in the New Jersey\\nGazette, No. 96, under the signature of Cincinnatus\\nis, and at whose request the same was published.\\nWere I to comply with the requisition contained in\\nthis resolution, without the permission of the author of\\nthe piece alluded to, I conceive I should betray the trust\\nreposed in me, and be far from acting as a faithful\\nguardian of the liberty of the press. I may further\\nsay that I am entirely at a loss to conjecture upon what\\nground this requisition has been made for it is evident\\nthat the piece in question does not contain the most\\ndistant disrespectful allusion to your honorable body.\\nFor the above reasons, gentlemen, I find myself", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0223.jp2"}, "224": {"fulltext": "200 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nunder the disagreeable necessity of declining to comply\\nwith your orders. In any other case not incompatible\\nwith good conscience or the welfare of my country, I\\nshall think myself happy in having it in my power to\\nobUge you.\\nI am, gentlemen, yours very respectfully,\\nISAAC COLLINS.\\nTo the hon. Legislative Council of the state of N. J.\\nHouse of Assembly, October 29th, 1779.\\nThe House of Assembly having taken into conside-\\nration the message from Council of yesterday by Mr.\\nTalman relative to a certain inece published in the\\nNew Jersey Gazette, No. 96, signed Cincinnatus\\nResolved, That this House do not concur in the\\nresolution therein contained.\\nOrdered, that Mr. Smock and Mr Neilson do wait\\non the Council and acquaint them therewith.\\nBy order of the House,\\nM. EWING, Jr., Clerk.\\nFrom William H. Houston to Governor Livingston.\\nPhiladelphia, November 12th, 1779.\\nSir, In my last I was under a misconception relative\\nto the embargo law of the state of Pennsylvania. I\\nfind that by a transient attention to it I accidentally\\nmistook for an act a bill printed in the Pennsylvania\\nPacket for public consideration, and which did not pass.\\nThe embargo now in operation here is not conditional", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0224.jp2"}, "225": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 201\\nbut absolute as ours. It is my duty to notice the mis-\\ntake, lest it should be instrumental in giving impressions\\nunfavorable and unjust.\\nEvery day brings me fresh uneasiness respecting the\\nsupply of the general treasury. The expectation of\\nCount D Estaing s visiiing our coasts in this quarter\\nhas created a flood of expense, and the means of de-\\nfraying it are narrowing fast. If the taxes for the present\\nyear are not fully and punctually paid in, every thing\\nbut hope holds up discouraging prospects. All the states\\nmust see the necessity of exertion, and I dare believe\\nNew Jersey will not be behind the foremost. The\\nclose of this campaign is set down for the era of reform-\\nation in the per centage departments, to say no more,\\nand especially if we are so fortunate as to carry\\nthrough a limitation of prices. Afterwards, it is to be\\nconfided, expenditures will be much less.\\nAs to the payment of the taxes for 1780, 1 mentioned\\nin my last that it was hardly to be imagined any\\nmonthly assessment or collection could be made in our\\nstate, though if it were practicable it has its advantages.\\nIt is rather to be supposed that the legislature will lay\\nthe amount in two or three payments, and collect the\\ntaxes for support of government along with one or all\\nof them. I have before mentioned the case of two\\npayments. If three are preferred, being one million\\ntwelve thousand five hundred pounds, each payment,\\nthey come, at equal intervals, the first of February,\\nMay and August. The legislature may also probably\\nconsider whether taxes are not more easily paid in the", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0225.jp2"}, "226": {"fulltext": "202 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nspring than in the summer, and lay more at that season.\\nThere would also be another advantage in this policy,\\nthe money will probably be more wanted at the time\\nthese taxes are calculated to begin than towards the\\nmiddle or latter end of the year.\\nThere is one clear and obvious principle on which\\nall taxation ought to be rested, and if it could be laid\\nas a ground-w ork, and extend through our tax laws,\\npayment would not only be practicable but light and\\neasy it is that every man be called upon to pay in\\nexact proportion to his ability, all things considered.\\nThe practice of this principle, 1 confess, can never be\\nobtained precisely, but it is a point of perfection to\\nwhich laws may be directed, and to which they may\\ncontinually more and more verge. The nearer an\\nassessment approximates to this, the more just it is.\\nWhy is it not proper to estimate every part of the\\nwhole aggregate estate, be the kind of property what it\\nmay, according as it is of use and emolument to the\\nowner or possessor, and all acquisitions currently arising\\nfrom advantages and opportunities I This maxim is\\npracticed upon in some of the states, and comprehended\\nin the short description of taxing a man according to\\nhis family. The whole debt of the Union does not\\namount to one hundred dollars a head, and if set off\\non the scale of strict justice would not perhaps to the\\npoor be more than the price of three or four days work\\non a taxable. Our state, it would seem, has always\\nbeen in the custom of taxing lands too deeply, and\\nthere are many kinds of property and sources of", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0226.jp2"}, "227": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 203\\nwealth and income which have never paid any thing.\\nI enclose for the perusal of such as are curious, and\\nhave not seen it, the case of the sloop Active, which\\nhas produced a dispute between Congress and the state\\nof Pennsylvania. The nature of this case will be\\nplainly collected from the printed proceedings of the\\ncourt of Admiralty before which it was tried. I men-\\ntion what further is necessary to give an adequate idea\\nof the cause of diiference. In the court of Admiralty\\nthe jury gave one fourth to the insurgents and three\\nfourths to the libellant, and another cruiser in sight at\\nthe time of the capture. From the decision, which is\\nsaid to be wholly on matter of fact, the insurgents\\nappealed. The court of Appeals decreed the whole to\\nthem, and directed the Judge of Admiralty of the state\\nof Pennsylvania to see their sentence executed. The\\nJudge refused, as the law by which the maritime court\\nis established in that state allows an appeal on matters\\nof law only, and does not permit the facts found by a\\njury to be re-examined. Much law ammunition has\\nbeen spent on the occasion, and the diiference is not\\nyet adjusted. Certain it is that by the resolutions of\\nCongress of 1775, an admiralty jurisdiction say, the\\nfacts shall be estabUshed by a jury. Lawyers say there\\nis this distinction between trials by jury and trials\\nby witnesses, that in the former case the facts found\\nare not re-examined, in the latter they are. Our hw\\nfor erecting a court of Admiralty, allows an appeal in\\nall cases whatsoever, but it must be acknowledged that\\nan appeal on matter of fact from the verdict of a jury", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0227.jp2"}, "228": {"fulltext": "204 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nhas not a good sound. And yet juries are too often\\nworse qualified to decide in maritime causes than any\\nother.\\nYou have also a report of the commissioners ap-\\npointed by General Washington in April last to settle a\\ncourse for the exchange of prisoners with the commis-\\nsioners of General Clinton. It has been already pub-\\nlished in newspapers. It is with pleasure I also send\\nan extract from the general orders of the commander-\\nin-chief of 29th July last. The virtues of this amiable\\nman as a citizen are no less conspicuous than his spirit\\nand perseverance as a soldier. To-morrow will be\\npublished, by order of Congress, the news from the\\nsouthward. You will hear it with concern. The\\nraising of the seige of Savannah is not so much to be\\nregretted in itself as the consequent exposure of a large\\nextent of country, the inhabitants of which must una-\\nvoidably suifer before succour can arrive to them. Let\\nns however remember what has so often happened, that\\nconfidence is the road to disappointment, and where our\\nprospects are least promising from thence success often\\ncomes. Nesquam desperandum est de Republica.\\nI am, sir, with due regard, your obed t h ble servant,\\nWILLIAM H. HOUSTON.\\nFrom the Delegates in Congress to Governor Livingston.\\nPhiladelphia, November 22d, 1779.\\nSir, Enclosed you have the result of the delibera-\\ntions of Congress on the representation of the 7th", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0228.jp2"}, "229": {"fulltext": "1779.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 205\\nultimo respecting a general limitation of prices. We\\nbeg leave to say that with attention to the interests of\\nthe union in general and the state in particular, and also\\nto the convenience of the legislature, we have left no\\nmeans untried to give success and dispatch to the\\nbusiness. The legislature, we flatter ourselves, will be\\ndisposed to overlook anj defects in the plan recom-\\nmended by Congress compared with the scope and\\ntenor of their representation, when they reflect that\\ndifferent states as well as individuals, however they may\\ncoincide in the main substance of a measure, vary often\\nin their ideas on particular parts, and also when they\\nare informed that what we have now the pleasure to\\ntransmit has passed with a great degree of unanimity.\\nFor the sake of this and greater expedition, policy dic-\\ntated to concede a little. From appearances we think\\nourselves justified to say that the measure recommended\\nwill in all probability be universally adopted throughout\\nthe union. The date of commencement is more distant\\nthan could have been wished, but when the remoteness\\nof some of the states is considered, as also that many\\nof the legislatures are not sitting, and that the limita-\\ntions ought to take place at the same time every where,\\nit could not well be gainsayed. Other arguments also\\nhave been urged, tending to shew that this will give\\nfuller efficacy to the measure, by giving people an\\nopportunity to provide against losses and disappoint-\\nments to their essential prejudice. The ratio of prices\\nto those current formerly, though by many thought too\\nlarge, is set at a limit which we hope will produce an", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0229.jp2"}, "230": {"fulltext": "206 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\neasy turn to the tide of depreciation, and make a\\nfurther reduction in due time more natural and prac-\\nticable.\\nWe have the honor to be, with all respect, your\\nobed t h ble servants,\\nJNO. WITHERSPOON,\\nNATH. SCUDDER,\\nJOHN FELL,\\nWILLIAM H. HOUSTON.\\nI/.\\nFrom General Washington to Govei nor Livingston.\\nHead Quarters, Morristown Dec. 21st, 1779.\\ngiR^ Notwithstanding the enemy have been for\\nsome time past making demonstrations of sending\\ndetachments from New York, they still continue there\\nwith their whole collected force. On our part, we have\\nlately been obliged to maintain a considerable body of\\ntroops to the southward, and a part of those which\\nremain are daily leaving us from the expiration of their\\nterms of service.\\nThese and many other reasons that must occur to\\nyour Excellency will point out the possibiUty that Sir\\nHenry Clinton may be induced shortly to undertake an\\noperation in this state, and show the propriety of our\\nusing every precaution to defeat his attempts. The\\nbest way indeed to prevent his undertaking any thing,\\nis to be well prepared to receive him. On this principle\\nI am to intreat that a plan may be concerted without\\nloss of time to call otit the whole militia of the state in", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0230.jp2"}, "231": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 207\\nthe speediest manner, should the event I have mentioned\\ntake place. It will also be requisite that they should\\ncome provided each man with ten days or a fortnight s\\nprovisions, to be paid for by the public at the current\\nvalue.\\nThe state of our magazines makes this indispensible,\\nwithout which the men would be an incumberance\\nrather than an assistance.\\nAs soon as the necessary arrangements are made, I\\nshall be glad to be informed of them, that I may know\\nwhat correspondent measures are to be taken on my\\npart.\\nConventional signals to convey the alarm throughout\\nthe state must be one essential part of the plan, and\\nplaces of rendezvous another.\\nYour Excellency I am persuaded will see the neces-\\nsity of the measure, which I have now the honor to\\npropose, and will give it all the support in your power.\\nI have the honor to be, with perfect respect and\\nesteem, your Excellency s most ob tserv t,\\nG\u00c2\u00ab WASHINGTON.\\nHis Excellency, Gov r Livingston.\\ni\\nFrom General Washingto7i to Governor Livingston.\\nHead Quarters, Morristown, February 20th, 1780.\\nSir, Your Excellency will have received, I make\\nno doubt, a copy of an act of Congress of the 9th\\ninstant, ascertaining the quotas of non-commissioned\\nofficers and privates, to be furnished by the respective", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0231.jp2"}, "232": {"fulltext": "208 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nStates for the ensuing campaign, and directing all the\\nmen in any of the additional corps, the guards, artillery,\\nand horse, and the regimented artificers in the depart-\\nments of the duarter-Master-General, and the Commis-\\nsary-General of military stores, as well as those of the\\nbattalions in the state lines, whose terms of service do\\nnot expire before the last of September next, to be\\ncounted as part of the quotas of the states to which\\nthey respectively belong.\\nThe quota of the state of New Jersey is fixed at\\n1620, and I have now the honor to inclose your Excel-\\nlency a special return of the non-commissioned officers\\nand privates in the third battahon, and of those belong-\\ning to her in Lamb s artillery, Spencer and Hay s regi-\\nments. Major Gibb s corps of guards, artillery, artifi-\\ncers, designating in a particular manner, the proportion\\nengaged for the war and by monthly columns, the pe-\\nriods when and in what proportion the services of the\\nrest will expire. Your Excellency will observe by the\\nact, that the men whose engagements expire before the\\nlast of September, as I have already taken the liberty\\nto mention, are not to be counted as part of the 1620\\nand therefore, according to the return inclosed, the\\ndeficiency to be raised is 547. There are however,\\none or two corps besides these I have mentioned, not\\nacting immediately with this part of the army, in which\\nthere may be some men belonging to this state, and I\\nconsider it as an unlucky circumstance, that I have not\\nsuch return of them in my possession as will ascertain\\nthe point and the credit to which the state may|be enti-\\ntled in consequence.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0232.jp2"}, "233": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 209\\nMajor Lee s corps is the one in which it is most\\nlikely that there are some men under his discipline, and\\nI have written to him or the commanding officer of his\\ncorps, to furnish your Excellency, without delay, with a\\nparticular state of them. If it should be the case, I\\nalso expect returns of one or two more other corps in\\nthe course of a few days, when if there are any men\\nin them belonging to the state, I shall take the earliest\\noccasion to communicate it and their number. I have\\nthought it more advisable to transmit the present return\\nthan to delay it till those of every little detached corps\\ncould be collected, as the wants of those, admitting there\\nshould be a few men belonging to the state in some of\\nthem, can make no material difference with respect to\\nthe deficiency to be levied and as the postponing the\\nbusiness on that account would interfere essentially with\\nthe views of Congress, and indeed entirely defeat them,\\nas to the time assigned for the recruits taking the field.\\nAt any rate this must be found too short for those of\\nthose of the more remote states, especially where their\\nlegislatures are to be convened. I would observe,\\nbefore I conclude, that this return bears the fullest num-\\nber of men under every description that the state can\\nhave in her three battalions, and the other corps which\\nit comprehends; and they would most probably be\\nfound, if an actual inspection could take place, to fall a\\ngood deal short of the complement, as there is always\\na material difference between an army on paper, and\\nits real efficient strength.\\nA comparative view between the total of an army as\\n14", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0233.jp2"}, "234": {"fulltext": "210 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nborne upon every general return and the column of\\npresent fit for duty and the absentees that can be satis-\\nfactorily accounted for, demonstrates this beyond\\nquestion.\\nI have the honor to be with the highest respect and\\nesteem, your Excellency s most obed t serv t.\\nGO WASHINGTON.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFrom Chief Justice Symmes to Governor Livingston.\\nMorristown, February 14th, 1780.\\nSir, I beg leave to trouble your Excellency, and the\\nhonorable gentlemen of the legislative Council of the\\nstate, with a subject which has for some time past\\ngiven me much concern.\\nAppUcation has been made to me, as a magistrate of\\nthe state of New Jersey, for a redress of wrongs by\\nsoldiers in the continental army, from this and one other\\nstate, who say that they are aggrieved by being denied\\na discharge, after a term of three years, for which they\\nhad enlisted, had expired. And that they are obHged,\\nwith some aggravating circumstances, to continue\\nyet in the service, which they consider as very discour-\\naging and oppressive.\\nI would by no means, sir, be understood as insinua-\\nting anything to the prejudice of the gentlemen officers\\nof the Jersey or any other line in the American army;\\nno man can be more ready than I am to allow them\\nthe merit which they are so justly entitled to from", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0234.jp2"}, "235": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 211\\nevery citizen of the United States. But, sir, I must\\nsay, and am sorry for the occasion, that I beUeve that\\nthere is some misunderstanding between the officers\\nand their men, which has unhappily worked itself into\\nthe camp, by one means or other. I believe this to be\\none, viz as numbers of the privates now in the service\\nwere not enlisted by any one officer at this time belong-\\ning to the lines, the officer (who enlisted the soldier)\\nupon his resignation or discharge, has on oath turned\\nover the soldier to the officer who succeeded him, as\\nhaving enhsted during the war the present officer be-\\nlieves it to be the case, and is now hardly persuaded\\nthat the fact is otherwise.\\nI know not, sir, what to do in the affair, the matter\\nis of the utmost delicacy; for me to interfere at all may\\nbe attended with some bad consequences. It would\\nseem to call in question that superiority of the officer\\nover the soldier which is vital in an army. To reject\\nthe complaint of the soldier altogether would be un-\\ndoubtedly a denial of that justice which is the right of\\nevery subject, viz., to be heard with respect to the\\nmerits of his cause, where the magistrate is allowed to\\nhave jurisdiction. I am warranted to say, sir, that so\\ngreat is the discontent amongst some of the troops,\\narising from this source, that many have already de-\\nserted, and others say pubhcly in the streets that they\\nwill go over to the enemy, if they are denied that\\njustice which is their due.\\nI beg leave only to add, that it is my full belief that\\nthe matter is by no means unworthy the attention of", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0235.jp2"}, "236": {"fulltext": "212 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [17S0.\\njour honorable House; but that it calls iu au eminent\\nmanner for the speedy direction and inquiry of the\\nlegislature of the state.\\nI have the honor to be, sir, your Excellency s most\\nrespectful and deroted humble servant,\\nJOHN CLEVES SYMMES.\\nHis Excellencv. Governor Livingston.\\nFrom Abraha??i Clark to Caieh Camp, Speaker of the\\nAssembly.\\nPhiladelphia, February 7, 17S0.\\nSir. The convention for regulating prices, have\\nadjourned till April, and I fear the atttempt will prove\\nabortive. Virg:inia seems to hang back no members\\nhave attended from thence, and as far as I can learn\\nnone have been appointed, and their legislature stands\\nadjourned till May. I shudder at the prospect before\\nus a vigorous war to prosecute, while our monev.\\nreduced almost to nothing, is still depreciating with\\nrapidity. The current exchange here between hard\\nmoney and paper is from 4-5 lo oO for one. In the\\nmarket a paper dollar is estimated at present at one\\npenny, and will soon be less than a half-penny in all\\nprobability.\\nCongress have now under consideration the appor-\\ntionment of supphes for the army, to be required of each\\nstate the present year. Our quota at present stands at\\n18,000 hundred weight of beef or pork, 10,000 barrels\\nof flour, 3,758 bushels of salt, 3,500 tons of hay, 30,000", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0236.jp2"}, "237": {"fulltext": "its:. ixEcrrm: f\u00c2\u00bbom 1776 r; 1~tt 21S\\nbe^ lT-L\\ncofn 1- \u00e2\u0080\u00a2_\\nnrm\\nr\\n__T\\n_ ur\\n-i: saV\\n.7 5\\nJ\\nZ^ -4r-\\n-iZ\\nrre 1\\naji i me poce:* m the seT^r^ stale*.\\nseasons in them i\\nThe salt. I fear,\\nzr s^t bn.T ?s the\\nse: at 5 \u00e2\u0080\u00a2i ^uar^, i iire not renee h to oar state. spectauT\\nr i prices b v^ i\\nthan anv ocher article I think w^ \u00c2\u00abaT e\\\\\u00c2\u00ab?baD\u00c2\u00a3e pro-\\nvisions for ii. t create: ate\\ncontracts: orperhapts bj pgonx ring the ms^ :v of\\niron on pabfic accoonL ^\u00c2\u00ab^e mav\\nsail in exchange for iron, and s^^ -i\\ncase our k^lamre ^aB desire to b-\\nins the sak. bj taking npon them the sap -:hi?r", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0237.jp2"}, "238": {"fulltext": "214 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\narticles equivalent in value as estimated, by signifying\\ntheir pleasure thereon, I am persuaded the matter can\\nbe effected.\\nThus far I had wrote before Congress took up the\\nbusiness of supplies this day. They had before gone\\nthrough the quotas, and now took into consideration\\nthe prices as reported by the Committee, and have\\nagreed to the price of flour as above mentioned the\\nnext under consideration was the price of beef, this is\\nnot finished, but will I beheve pass agreeably to report,\\nmany of us would be wilHng to alter some articles, did\\nwe not see that it would derange all we had before\\ndone without any material advantage, so that the prices\\nI have mentioned, though only as reported from a Com-\\nmittee from each state, will, I believe, be agreed to.\\nShould any material alteration take place so as to effect\\nour state, we shall attempt a reconsideration of quotas.\\nI am, with all due respects to the General Assembly,\\nyour obedient and humble servant,\\nABRA. CLARK.\\nCaleb Camp, Esq., Speaker.\\nFrom General Washington to Governor Livingston.\\nHead Quarters, Morristown, February 26th, 1780.\\nDear Sir, I was last night honored with your\\nExcellency s letter of the 22d. I had on the 20th\\ntransmitted you as accurate a return as could then be\\nobtained of the number of men serving in the three\\nbattalions of the state, and in the additional corps. I", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0238.jp2"}, "239": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 215\\nhave since received a return of Major Lee s corps\\ndated the 20th December last, in which I find fifty non-\\ncommissioned officers and privates belonging to the\\nstate. That number is therefore to be deducted from\\nthe deficiency struck in my letter of the 20th.\\nI have the honor to be, with the greatest esteem,\\nyour Excellency s most ob t serv t,\\nGO WASHINGTON.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFrom Samuel Huntington, President of Congress, to\\nGovernor Livingston.\\nPhiladelphia, March 20th, 1780.\\nSir, Your Excellency will receive herewith en-\\nclosed an act of Congress of the 18th instant calling\\nupon the several states to bring in the continental\\ncurrency by monthly taxes or otherwise, as shall best\\nsuit their respective circumstances, in proportion to the\\nquotas assigned to each state, by the resolution of the\\n7th of October 1779, and making provision for other\\nbills to be issued in lieu thereof under the regulations\\nand restrictions mentioned in the act.\\nThis act is the result of much labor and deliberation*\\nas the happiest expedient that could be adopted to\\nextricate these states from the embarrassments of a\\nfluctuating medium, and at the same time in some\\nmeasure afford the necessary means for supporting the\\nensuing campaign.\\nYou will readily perceive the importance of this", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0239.jp2"}, "240": {"fulltext": "216 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nmeasure and the indispensable necessity of unanimity\\nin the states in conforming thereto. It is requested\\nthat there may be no delay in taking this act under\\nconsideration, and that the Assembly, if not sitting,\\nmay be convened as soon as possible for that purpose,\\nand that the laws that may be enacted in pursuance\\nthereof be transmitted to Congress without delay.\\nThe new bills will be struck under the direction of the\\nboard of Treasury and sent to the several states in due\\nproportion. You have also enclosed an act of Con-\\ngress of this day recommending the revision of such\\nlaws as may have been passed making the continental\\nbills a tender in discharge of debts, c.\\nI have the honor to be, with every sentiment of\\nesteem and respect, your Excellency s humble servant,\\nSAM. HUNTINGTON, Pres.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFrom Willmm H. Houston to Governor Livingston.\\nPhiladelphia, May 22d, 1780.\\nSir, I have the honour to enclose for the use of the\\nLegislature a Boston paper of the 8th inst. which I\\nhave this day received by post, containing the act of\\nthe legislature of the state of Massachusetts bay on the\\nproceedings of the 18th March last relative to finance.\\nI think it my duty to communicate every thing on this\\nsubject which comes to my hands, as to me the matter\\nappears of the most indispensable importance but\\nshall not detain further upon it, having already explained", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0240.jp2"}, "241": {"fulltext": "1730.] executivt: from 1776 to 17S6. -217\\nmyself pretrv fallv. I onlv bes leave to observe that if\\nI had not thousht the interest of the state deeply con-\\ncerned. I should not have been so esphcit, especially\\nsince I have heard that a variety of sentiments prevails\\namong those who are cenainly capable of judging.\\nThis has aroused my caution, but upon a careful review\\nof the whole subject, and examination ox all I have\\nread and heard. I must still venture to say that some-\\nthing is necessarv to be done, and that no expedient\\nappears to me so promising and advisable, every cir-\\ncumstance considered, as the one now in question.\\nBy communicating the several acts as I receive them.\\nI do not expect that the Legislature will be so much\\ninfluenced by example as assisted in framing a law on\\nthe subject. It may indeed be matter of encourage-\\nment that the measure is elsewhere adopted, but as one\\nstate cannot be injured bv adopting it before another,\\nbut rather the contrary, there can be no objection to\\ntake early rank in this instance.\\nI have heard it alledged that these resolutions involve\\na breach of faith. Though no such thing appear to\\nme, yet if bv anv construction it is inferred, it will\\nprobably operate to induce the Legislature to leave out\\nthe comparison between specie and the present biUs.\\nand retain only that between the latter and the new\\nbills to be emitted. How far this will be an ettectuai\\nprovision I pretend not to determine, the consequences\\nmay be examined, and it is of the highest moment to\\nweigh them.\\nLest it should escape the recollection of the Legisla-", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0241.jp2"}, "242": {"fulltext": "218 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nture, I take the liberty to mention tiiat tlie embargo act\\ncontinued the 25th of December last in consequence of\\na recommendation of Congress of the 15th of the\\nsame month was limited to the first of April last. The\\nexpected events of this campaign, the present state\\nof provisions, the prospects of the coming crop, far\\nfrom being so favorable as could be wished, all conspire\\nto urge the propriety of reviving and continuing that\\nact. The matter was lately agitated in Congress, but\\nas no instance of exportation was known, except from\\nDelaware, and it was said the embargo was in force in\\nthe other states, a resolution was extended no farther\\nthan Delaware. We did not mention New Jersey,\\nbecause there was no doubt the Legislature on advert-\\ning to the circumstances above mentioned would take\\nthe necessary measures.\\nThe state of Pennsylvania has applied to Congress\\nfor direction with respect to the propriety of receiving\\nthe certificates given in the staff departments in the\\npayment of taxes. As I see the highest probability the\\nmeasure will be approved and recommended, I take the\\nliberty to apprize the Legislature. I see no prospect oj\\nany other answer to the address and representation oJ\\nthe 1 5th of March last, and am of opinion that time\\nneed not be lost in waiting to hear from Congress. Nc\\nmeans in the power of the delegates of the state have\\nbeen omitted to obtain some other mode of discharging\\nthe debts due to the inhabitants, and avoiding the neces-\\nsity of resorting to this expedient, but without effect.\\nThe proceedings of Saturday last you have ere now", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0242.jp2"}, "243": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 219\\nreceived. I doubt not the President has suggested the\\npropriety of secresy, for though these things are noising\\nabroad, they are surmises without information. I speak\\nparticularly of the contents of the letter. The occa-\\nsion is highly interesting, and the improvement of it\\nmay be attended with the most happy consequences.\\nI have the honour to be your Excellency s most obe-\\ndient and humble servant,\\nWILLIAM H. HOUSTON.\\nFrom General Washington to Governor Livingston.\\nHead Quarters, Morristown, June 2d, 1780.\\nSir, By the letter from the honorable the committee\\nof Congress at Morristown, which this accompanies,\\nyour Excellency will find that those gentlemen and\\nmyself after maturely considering the matter, deem it\\nessential to the success of the measures in contempla-\\ntion to be carried on against the enemy, to call on\\nthe states for certain aids of militia in addition to the\\nrequisitions for men already made and that they\\nshould be at the places of rendezvous appointed by me^\\nby the 15th day of next month. The aid requested in\\nthis instance of your state is founded on a principle of\\nappointment common to all the states from New Hamp-\\nshire to Maryland inclusive (the others on account of\\ntheir distance and the operations in the southern quar-\\nter, not being now called on,) and is stated at nine\\nhundred and forty five, rank and file. This number of\\nmilitia, well armed and equipped in every other respect", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0243.jp2"}, "244": {"fulltext": "220 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nfor the field in the best manner circumstances will admit,\\nunder proper officers, I wish to be at Morristown at the\\ntime mentioned by the committee, which appears to me\\na suitable place for their rendezvous, in the first\\ninstance, and from whence they will proceed on my\\norders as occasion may require. It will also be mate-\\nrial, on account of disciplining and organizing the men,\\nas well as on account of pubhc economy, that they\\nshould be formed into full regiments. If this is not\\ndone, it will render our arrangements extremely difficult\\nand irregular, and will add, by greatly increasing the\\nnumber of officers, very considerably to the public\\nexpense. I would beg leave to observe that I think the\\nwhole number of militia requested from your state\\nshould be comprised in two regiments.\\nThis additional aid will not, I trust and earnestly\\nentreat, impede in the smallest degree the filling up the\\nregiments of the state by drafts to their full complement\\nas requested by the honorable the committee in their\\nletters of the 25th ultimo.\\nThis is a point of such great importance, so abso-\\nlutely essential to give the least prospect of success to\\nour operations, and indeed on which they depend, that I\\ncould not forbear mentioning it. If the regiments are\\ncompleted by drafts, it is possible our demand for militia\\nmay be a good deal diminished, but this must be gov-\\nerned by events, and therefore for objects so very inter-\\nesting, so important as those to which w^e at present\\nlook, we should provide whatever may be possibly\\nrequisite.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0244.jp2"}, "245": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 221\\nI have the honor to be, with great respect and\\nesteem, your Excellency s most obe t and hum. serv t,\\nG\u00c2\u00ab WASHINGTON.\\nHis Excellency, Gov r Livingston.\\nFrom William H. Houston to Governor Livingston.\\nPhiladelphia, Sunday June 4th, 1780,\\n12 o clock at noon.\\nSir, A Mr. William Finnic from Williamsburg, in\\nVirginia, is just arrived in town, and brings the follow-\\ning intelligence. That when he was at Baltimore, in\\nMaryland, on his way to this place, a number of letters\\ncame to sundry persons there, from Richmond, the\\ncapitol of Virginia, informing that Charlestown capitu-\\nlated on the 12tli ultimo. The news is mentioned to\\ncome by an express from Governor Rutledge of South\\nCarolina to Congress, who was ordered to call on his\\nroute and dehver dispatches to Governor Nash of North\\nCarolina, and Governor Jefferson of Virginia. This is\\nsupposed to be the reason he has not yet reached Phila-\\ndelphia. No particulars are mentioned. The specula-\\ntors, whose riders travel day and night on such\\noccasions, generally precede the publick expresses.\\nBy a letter of 31st ultimo from General Washington, I\\nfind the capture is credited at head quarters. What to\\nsay against report so confirmed I am at a loss. The\\nprobability certainly is against us. Nothing but official\\ncertainty remains to be expected. If the event has\\ntaken place we may hourly expect this, as the express", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0245.jp2"}, "246": {"fulltext": "^22 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\ncannot be far off, unless some extraordinary accident\\nhas befallen him. I do not like to believe bad news,\\nhut we ought to be prepared for it.\\nThe reflections which first present themselves are,\\nthat no greater stroke has befallen us since the com-\\nmencement of the war, and none which has required\\nmore active, thorough exertions to recover and repair it,\\nthan this will. It is not said on what terms the garri-\\nson capitulated, but in all likelihood they cannot be\\nmore favorable than prisoners of war. Their service is\\nlost to us, probably for the campaign. The finances\\nevidently mending, will be thrown aback, and without\\na speedy execution of the system of 18th March, per-\\nhaps return to wilder disorder than ever. No subject\\nwhatever requires more attention, for money will be\\nmore necessary than ever. The effect upon the army,\\nas well as upon the people, will too probably be dispirit-\\ning, especially at first; but may be directly opposite,\\nafter a little reflection, if the publick movements can\\nall be made to draw together, and no chasm or derange-\\nment happen before their thoughts and views have time\\nto collect and accommodate themselves to the exigency.\\nBold councils are the best in precarious times. I\\nwould submit to the legislature whether if this intelli-\\ngence turns out fact, it would not be best to vest in the\\nGovernor and Privy Council, or a greater quorum if\\nmore proper, powers suited to the cast of the occa-\\nsion. The capture of Charlestown and the arrival\\nof a French fleet, should it happen, both require it.\\nThe utmost reach of the powers of the state will be", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0246.jp2"}, "247": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 223\\nnecessary in a model which can be speedy and effective\\nin execution, either to provide against great evils or to\\nattempt great objects. The legislature of Pennsylvania\\nwhich adjourned last Thursday, before this news ap-\\npeared in any shape, considering the greatness of the\\ncrisis, empowered the Executive to proclaim and estab-\\nlish martial /aw in case of necessity during the recess\\nof the Assembly, for limited periods. The Assembly\\nhas adjourned to September next. A special council\\ncomposed of members of both Houses might be more\\nagreeable to many, but I say nothing of the form,\\nonly have taken the liberty to say thus much concern-\\ning the thing itself A correspondence between such\\nbody and the delegates in Congress for the state, might\\nbe of great use to the state, should the legislature be\\nunanimous in adopting the measure so as to give it\\nweight with the people at large.\\nIt also occurs that early and effectual attention ought\\nto be paid to the state, and preparation of the mihtia.\\nGreat part of the enemy s troops will return to New\\nYork immediately on the reduction of Charlestown,\\nthough if they knew their true interest they would all\\nleave New York and go to the southward. In the\\nevent of their coming back, their disposition to mischief\\nis too well known to believe that they will be pacific\\ntoward New Jersey. It is not a far sought reflection\\nthat this disaster, though great, is not matter of des-\\npondence. Mortals see not futurities, and who can say\\nthat Heaven does not mean this to precede something\\nmore important to us than it is to the enemy. Things\\nmuch more unexpected have happened.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0247.jp2"}, "248": {"fulltext": "224 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nThe enemy must commit themselves on the ocean\\nbefore they can appear at New York. Perhaps it is\\nbest history and experience say, that young nations as\\nwell as men, are less able than those of riper age, to\\nbear that prosperity which is not dashed with some\\nsharpness of misfortune. These things fulfil the end of\\nGod s government, where partial evil is general good.\\nWe pity our suffering brethren, but no man despairs\\nof the republick.\\nI am your Excellency s very obedient servant,\\nWILLIAM H. HOUSTON.\\nFrom William H. Houston to Governor Livingston.\\nPhiladelphia, June 5th, ViSO.\\nSir, You will receive enclosed two resolutions of\\nCongress which have doubtless already gone from the\\nPresident in the ordinary course of communication.\\nBut as papers sometimes miscarry, thought it not amiss\\nto repeat them. That relative to deserters will certainly\\nbe of moment, should any French troops or the troops\\nof any allied or co-operating power, ever be landed on\\nthe American shores for the purpose of giving assistance\\nin the prosecution of the war. The laws relative to\\ndesertion will easily be extended to secure and return\\nthem. This is not only the duty of an ally, but it is\\nour interest in many respects and no objection that I\\nknow of can be taken to it.\\nThe other, relative to the defence of the interior\\nfrontiers against the incursions of the savages is im-", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0248.jp2"}, "249": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 225\\nportant to us. I understood, when lately at Trenton,\\nthat there was a bill before the legislature for embodying\\na number of militia to protect the upper settlements.\\nThat no hesitation may hereafter be made relative to\\nthe allowance of continental pay and rations it would\\nbe well to take the step New York has taken, and\\nobtain the approbation and engagement of Congress\\nor the commander-in-chief, either will be sufficient.\\nEvery one must be convinced of the necessity of sup-\\nporting the settlements over the mountain for if they\\nare obliged to remove, double if not treble the number\\nof men will be necessary to secure the country against\\nimpressions, and after all it will not be so eifectually\\ndone in this as in the other mode.\\nThe post established in Ulster will be of advantage\\nin the general protection, and the legislature will be able\\nto determine in what degree we may be benefited by\\nit. In the resolutions of 4tli April last is mentioned the\\nbody of men to which this of the 1st inst refers.\\nI have the honor to be, with due regard, your Excel-\\nlency s very obedient h ble servant,\\nWILLIAM H. HOUSTON.\\nFrom Ph. Schuyler, Chairman, S^c, to Gov. Livingston.\\nIn Committee of Congress, Morristovvn, June 12th, 1780.\\nSir, We have the honor to enclose you a copy of\\na letter addressed to us by the commander-in-chief.\\nThe contents will advise you to what an alarming crisis\\nour affairs are reduced. The General observes with\\n13", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0249.jp2"}, "250": {"fulltext": "226 CORRESPONDENCE OF. THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\ngreat propriety that this committee need no arguments\\nto evince the danger. Indeed we do not, our own\\nobservations have led to the fullest conviction that\\nunless the force stated in our second letter of the 25th\\nwltimo is drawn into the field with celerity equal to the\\nurgency of the occasion, the period which is to end our\\nliberty and commence the most disgraceful state of\\nslavery which human nature has ever experienced, is\\nnot far distant. But dark and gloomy as the prospect\\nis, America has it in her power to dispel the cloud by\\nthose exertions of which she is abundantly capable, and\\nto which it is her duty to rouse from every consideration\\nwhich can affect the human heart\\nWe are most indubitably possessed of the means\\nwherewith to expel the enemy from every part of the\\ncontinent, but it requires a display of that virtue which\\ndistinguished the citizens of Rome when their state was,\\nas ours now is, on the brink of ruin, and we trust\\nAmericans, impressed with a proper sense of the bless-\\nings of peace, liberty and independence, will follow the\\nbright example, and evince to future ages what great\\nminds are capable of when driven to the extremity of\\ndistress.\\nWe dare not suppose, sir, that efticient measures have\\nnot been adopted by your state to complete your battal-\\nions to the establishment recommended in the letter\\nabove referred to. On the contrary, we believe that\\nthe men are raised or raising, but we have to conjure\\nyou to hasten them on to the army without a moment s\\ndelay. We intreat you likewise to give the most pointed", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0250.jp2"}, "251": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 227\\ndirection to induce an unremitting attention to forward-\\ning the supplies alloted to your state, to be furnished\\nas specified in our letter of the 2d instant.\\nHad the enemy on Wednesday last pursued what we\\ngenerally believed to be their object, our heavy cannon\\nand stores would inevitably have fallen into their hands,\\nas our miUtary force was incompetent to their protection,\\nand the means of conveying them to places more distant\\nfor want of horses and carriages, out of our power.\\nSince writing the above, a second letter from the\\nGeneral has been handed us, a copy whereof we enclose.\\nPrevious to our recommendation to complete the battal-\\nions to 504 rank and file, we had a conference with the\\nGeneral on the subject, in which the matter was thor-\\noughly canvassed and the necessity of the augmentation\\nclearly evinced. The reduction of Charlestown was\\nthen still problematical, we had even hopes that it would\\nhave been saved, and the Maryland and Delaware lines\\nhave returned to this army, which then, with the quota\\nrequested of the states, would have amounted to about\\n25,000 men, the number which Congress had promised\\nour illustrious ally should be brought into the field to\\nco-operate with her troops. It is now believ^ed that\\nCharlestown is reduced, and the troops which defended\\nit prisoners, consequently we shall certainly not have the\\nMaryland and Delaware troops hence those in this\\nquarter will be less by nearly three thousand men than\\nestimated, and we therefore most earnestly intreat that\\nno reduction may be made from the numbers we have\\nstated as necessary.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0251.jp2"}, "252": {"fulltext": "228 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nWe are, with great respect and esteem, your Excel-\\nlency s most ob t and h ble servant,\\nPH. SCHUYLER,\\nChairman of the Committee.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFrom General Washington to a Committee of Congress,\\nenclosed in the foregoing.\\nMorristown, May 25th, 1780.\\nGentlemen, I have attentively considered the cir-\\ncular letter to the different states which you did me the\\nhonor to communicate for my perusal, and I am happy\\nto find that my ideas perfectly correspond with those of\\nthe committee.\\nThe view they have given of our situation is just, full\\nand explicit. The measures they have recommended\\nare well adapted to the emergency, and of indispensable\\nnecessity. I very freely give it as my opinion that\\nunless they are carried into execution in the fullest\\nextent, and with the greatest decision and rapidity, it\\nwill be impossible for us to undertake the intended co-\\noperation with any reasonable prospect of success.\\nThe consequences you have well delineated. The\\nsuccour designed for our benefit will prove a serious\\nmisfortune, and instead of rescuing us from the embar-\\nrassments we experience, and from the danger with\\nwhich we are threatened, will in all probability precipi-\\ntate our ruin. Drained and weakened as we already\\nare, the exertions we shall make, though they may be", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0252.jp2"}, "253": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 229\\ntoo imperfect to secure success, will at any rate be such\\nas to leave us in a state of relaxation and debility, from\\nwhich it will be difficult if not impracticable to recover.\\nThe country exhausted, the people disappointed, the\\nconsequence and reputation of those states in Europe,\\n[impaired] our friends chagrined and discouraged, our\\nenemies deriving new credit, new confidence, new re-\\nsources we have not, nor ought we to wish an alter-\\nnative. The court of France has done so much for us\\nthat we must make a decisive effort on our part. Our\\nsituation demands it tis expected. We have the means\\nof success without some unforeseen accident, and it only\\nremains to employ them. But the conjuncture requires\\nall our wisdom and all our energy. Such is the present\\nstate of this country that the utmost exertion of its\\nresources, though equal, is not more than equal, to the\\nobject, and our measures must be so taken as to call\\nthem into immediate and full effort. There is only one\\nthing I should have been happy the committee had\\nthought proper to take upon a large scale. I mean the\\nsupply of men by draft. Instead of completing the\\ndeficiencies of the quotas assigned by the resolution of\\nCongress of the 9th of February last, it would in my\\napprehension be of the greatest importance that the\\nrespective states should fill their battalions to their com-\\nplement of five hundred and four, rank and file. Con-\\nsidering the different possible dispositions of the enemy,\\nand the different possible operations on our part, we\\nought not to have less than twenty thousand continental\\nefficient troops. The whole number of battalions from", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0253.jp2"}, "254": {"fulltext": "230 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nNew Hampshire to Pennsylvania inclusive, if complete,\\nwould not amount to this force. The total would be\\ntwenty three thousand one hundred and eighty four,\\nrank and file, from which the customary deductions\\nbeing made, there will not remain more than about\\neighteen thousand fit for the service of the field. To\\nthis may be added the remainder of the sixteen regi-\\nments, amounting to about one thousand.\\nUnless the principal part of the force be composed\\nof men regularly organized, and on the continuance of\\nwhose services we can rely, nothing decisive can be\\nattempted. The mihtia are too precarious a depend-\\nence to justify such an attempt, when they form a\\nmaterial part of the plan.\\nMilitia cannot have the necessary habits nor the\\nconsistency, either for an assault or a seige. In em-\\nploying them essentially we should run a risk of being\\nabandoned in the most critical moments. The expense\\nand the consumption of provisions and stores (which\\nwe are bound by every motive to economise) will be\\nvery considerably increased. As we should not be\\nable to keep the same body in the field during the\\nwhole campaign, we should a great part of the time\\nhave a double set of men to pay and feed, those in\\nactual service, those on the march to relieve them, or\\nreturning home when relieved. The operations of\\nhusbandry will suffer in proportion. The mode by a\\ndraft is, I am persuaded, the only efficacious one to\\nobtain them in time. Nor can the period you have\\nappointed for bringing them into the field be delayed", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0254.jp2"}, "255": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 231\\nwithout defeating the object. I have little doubt that\\nat any time, and much less at the present juncture, the\\npowers of government exerted with confidence will be\\nequal to the purpose of drafting. The hopes of the\\npeople, elevated by the prospects before them, will\\ninduce a cheerful compliance with this and with all the\\nother measures of vigor which have been recommended\\nand which the exigency requires.\\nI have entire confidence that the respective legisla-\\ntures will be fully impressed with the importance and\\ndelicacy of the present juncture, and will second the\\nviews of the committee by the most speedy and vigor-\\nous efforts.\\nWith every sentiment of respect and esteem, I have\\nthe honor to be, gentlemen, your most obed t and h ble\\nservant,\\nG WASHINGTON.\\nThe hon ble the Committee of Congress.\\nFrom Samuel Huntington, President of Congress, to\\nGovernor Livingston.\\nPhiladelphia, June 15, 1780.\\nDear Sir, Congress repeat their appUcations to\\nyour state. Tliev would willingly hope that their\\nformer representations have not been ineffectual, and\\nthat the states are pursuing measures to enable our\\narmies to take the field with a force superior to that of\\nthe enemy, and with such ample supplies of provision\\nas will not only maintain them in plenty, but enable the", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0255.jp2"}, "256": {"fulltext": "232 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\ncommander-in-chief, if necessary, on any extraordinary\\noccasion to avail himself of the aid of the militia, but\\nupon these hopes Congress dare not rely. Every mo-\\nment presses. It is necessary they should have the\\nmost explicit assurances not only that their requisitions\\nwill be complied with, but that such compliance will be\\nas immediate as the pubhc wants are urgent. The\\nletter from our committee at head-quarters to you, state\\nthose wants without exaggeration. They state some\\nfacts, and leave to your government to supply others,\\nwhich it would have been improper to commit to paper.\\nThe object of this address is to enforce their requests,\\nand to entreat you not to repose your safety upon the\\nspirit and vigilance of others, while any means within\\nyour own power are left untried. The present occa-\\nsion calls for the united force of America. It gives us\\ngreat consolation that, notwithstanding the great diffi-\\nculties in which we are involved, the resources of the\\nstates, if speedily applied, are sufficient to relieve us\\nfrom them. Every state in the Union is bound by the\\nstrongest obligations to afford us their aid, and we trust\\nthat at this critical emergency, no present ease or con-\\nvenience of individuals will be put in competition with\\nthe lasting happiness of milUons. That the rulers of\\nstates will not hesitate to exert their utmost authority,\\nand that the people have too much understanding to\\nrefuse a temporary submission to such vigorous exertions\\nas are necessary to secure them from continued oppres-\\nsion, and established tyranny.\\nA Common Council involves the power of direction,", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0256.jp2"}, "257": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 233\\nLet not our measures be checked or controled by\\nnegligence, or partial views and interests of separate\\ncommunities while tliev profess to be members of one\\nbody. Too long have the dearest interests of America\\nbeen sacrificed to present ease. Too many of us have\\nslept in false security. Let us awake before the season\\nfor successful exertion is passed. Judge you whether\\nthe loss of Charlestown, and the situation of your grand\\narmy do not call for every spirited effort. The objects\\nwhich claim your immediate attention are clearly\\npointed out by the Requisitions of Congress, and their\\ncommittee at Head-quarters. Let them be complied\\nwith. Enable us to co-operate vigorously with the\\nfleets and army of our ally, and we may reasonably\\nhope, through the blessing of Divine Providence, for a\\nspeedy and happy determination of a controversy which\\nis to give freedom and independence to our country.\\nBy order of Congress,\\nSAM. HUNTINGTON, President.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston,\\nFrom the Committee of Co-operation to Governor Liv-\\ningston.\\nIn Committee of Congress,\\nMorristown, June 19th, 1780. S\\nSir, We enclose you a copy of General Washing-\\nton s letter to us of this day.\\nWe have in our former letters dwelt so forcibly on the\\nseveral matters contained in the general s letter, that it is", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0257.jp2"}, "258": {"fulltext": "234 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nunwelcome, almost unnecessary, for us to say anything\\nmore on them. But when we consider the season for\\noperation wears fast away the small force we now\\nhave in the field, being still fed in a scanty and uncer-\\ntain ninnner the hourly expectation of the fleet and\\narmy of our ally on our coast, and that the commander-\\nin-chief, as well as ourselves, are as yet totally unin-\\nformed what are to be our expectations, on the subject\\nof our former letters be assured, sir, we feel an anx-\\niety congenial with his. You will therefore, we are\\npersuaded, pardon us for being thus solicitous, when we\\nagain entreat you, in the most earnest manner, to use\\nevery exertion in your power to engage your state, to a\\nspeedy and decisive compliance with our former requi-\\nsitions. The two points we would wish to press most\\nforcibly on yours and the minds of the legislature of\\nyour state are, the immediately forwarding your quota\\nof troops necessary to complete your battalions in\\nthe continental army, and the supplies of provisions\\nagreeable to the estimates inclosed you in our letters\\nof the instant. At the same time we would not wish\\nyou to consider any part of our former requisitions as\\nbecome in the least degree unnecessary on the con-\\ntrary, v/e are now strongly convinced that they are\\nalready as small as the important objects in view can\\npossibly admit of. We may mention the two first as\\nthe most immediately and indispensably necessary.\\nFor reinforced as the enemy now are, by the return of\\ntheir troops from the reduction of Charlestown, we\\nmomently expect an attack will be made on our weak", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0258.jp2"}, "259": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 235\\nand almost resistless army. Should this event happen\\nwhilst in this state, we seriously dread the result.\\nFrom the well known indefatigable attention of your\\nstate, to the welfare of the United States, we cannot\\nentertain a doubt of its exertions at this interesting\\nconjuncture and we most earnestly entreat you, to\\ngive us the earliest information of the final determina-\\ntions of your state on the subjects of this and our former\\nletters.\\nWe are, sir, with the highest respect, yr most obed t\\nservts,\\nJNO. MATTHEWS,\\nNATH. PEABODY.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFrom General Washington to the Committee of Co-\\noperation.\\nHead-Quarters, Springfield, June 19th, 1780.\\nGentlemen, I have received information which,\\nthough not official, I deem authentic, that some of the\\nstates have taken up the measure of augmenting their\\nbattalions by a draft on a less extensive footing, than\\nwas urged in your circular letter of the 25th of May.\\nThough I wish to pay in every instance implicit def-\\nerence to the determination of the respective states, I\\nthink it my duty, in the present crisis, once more to\\ndeclare with freedom, that I conceive the measure of\\nfilling our battalions to their full complement, fundamen-\\ntal to a full co-operation upon a large scale. That", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0259.jp2"}, "260": {"fulltext": "236 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nanything short of this, will infallibly compel us to con-\\nfine ourselves to a mere defensive plan, except as to\\nsome little partial indecisive enterprises against remote\\npoints, and will of course disappoint the expectations of\\nour allies, and protract the war. The force which has\\nbeen stated as necessary is as small as can give us\\nany prospect of a decisive effort. If it is not furn-\\nished, we must renounce every hope of this kind. It\\nremains with the states to realize the consequences.\\nI have the honor to be, with the greatest respect and\\nesteem, gentlemen, your obed t ser t,\\nGO WASHINGTON.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFrom General Washington to the Committee of Co-\\noperation.\\nHead Quarters, Springfield, June 20, 1780.\\nGentlemen, From the vast importance of the\\nthings, I hoped I should have been informed before this\\nof the measures which the several states meant to adopt\\nin consequence of our late requisitions, but as I have\\nnot, I am certain you are unadvised yourselves, and have\\nonly to lament with you the delay. This is a point of\\nprimary consequence. We are now arrived at the\\nperiod when we may momently expect the fleet from\\nFrance. For want of information it has been impossi-\\nble for me to digest a system of co-operation. I have\\nno data on which to proceed, and of course were the\\narmament to come, I should find myself in the most", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0260.jp2"}, "261": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 237\\ndelicate, embarrassing, and cruel situation. The French\\ncommanders, from the relation in which I stand, the\\ninstant they reach, our coast will look to me for a plan\\nof the measures to be pursued, and I ought, of right, to\\nhave one prepared. But I cannot even give them con-\\njectures. The interests of the states, the reputation of\\ntheir councils, the justice and gratitude due our allies,\\na regard for my own character, all demand, that I\\nshould, without delay, be enabled to ascertain and\\ninform them what we can or cannot undertake. Be-\\nsides there is a point now to be determined, on which\\nthe success of all our future operations may turn, which\\nfor want of knowing our prospects, I am altogether at\\na loss which course to pursue.\\nTo avoid involving the fleet and army of our allies,\\nin circumstances which, if not seconded by us, would\\nexpose them to material inconvenience and hazard I\\nshall be obliged to suspend a step, the delay of which\\nmay be fatal to our hopes I therefore beg leave to\\nsuggest to the committee the indispensable necessity of\\nwriting again to the different states, urging them to\\ngive immediate and precise information of the measures\\nthey have taken, the success they have had, and the\\nprobable result of them.\\nI have the honor to be with great respect and esteem\\ngentlemen, your most obe t ser t,\\nGO WASHINGTON.\\nHon. Committee of Co-operation.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0261.jp2"}, "262": {"fulltext": "238 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nFrjfm General Washington to the Committee of Co-\\noperation, f^\\nHead-quarters, Rockaway, June 20, 1780.\\nGentlemen, The enemy are now in full force,\\nbending their march towards Morristown, and by my\\nlast advices, had advanced beyond Springfield. They\\nwere vigorously opposed by our advanced corps. But\\nwhat could the valor of a handful do against so infinite\\nsuperiority of numbers The enemy can effect any\\nparticular object they may attempt. Besides the army\\nthey can have no other in this state than our stores.\\nAs we cannot defend them we must endeavor to remove\\nthem. I am so entirely engaged in attention to our\\nmihtary operations, that I must entreat you to write to\\nthe Executive of Pennsylvania and Jersey pressing\\nthem to bring out all the wagons they can to our re-\\nlief. An application has been already made to Pennsyl-\\nvania for two hundred and fifty wagons, these ought\\nto be instantly furnished.\\nBut we do not know what may be the ultimate de-\\nsigns of the enemy all we know is that they are very\\nstrong, and that we are very weak. I beg leave\\nto recommend that the states may be again called upon\\nto redouble their exertions to comply with the demands\\nthat have been already made upon them. It is essen-\\ntial to our immediate safety, to say nothing of the ex-\\npected co-operation. If she means to be free this is\\nthe moment for America to exert herself.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0262.jp2"}, "263": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 239\\nWith every sentiment of esteem, I have tlie honor to\\nbe, gentlemen, your must h ble serv t,\\nG^ WASHINGTON.\\nHon ble Committee of Congress.\\nFrom the Committee of Co-operation to Governor\\nLivingston, enclosing the foregoing.\\nIn Committee of Congress, Morristown, June 23d, 1780.\\nSir, Impressed with the necessity of giving you\\nthe earhest information of every important occurrence,\\nwe therefore inclose you a copy of a letter from the\\ncommander-in-chief this moment received.\\nFrom the accumulated distresses of our army which\\nwe are daily spectators of; from the jeopardy we have\\ntwice seen them in, and from the fatal consequences\\nthat must have resulted from a defeat (which would\\ninevitably have been the consequence, had the enemy\\nat first, and still will be should they even now pursue\\ntheir object.) We are constrained again to call on you\\nin the most pressing manner, to forward your quota\\nof men and supplies agreeably to our estimate of the\\n2d instant, and prevent the total sacrifice of the few\\nbrave and intrepid spirits that at present compose our\\narmy, and avoid the indelible stain that must conse-\\nquently be fixed on these states, should such an event\\ntake place.\\nThat part of the General s letter respecting the state\\nof the stores here, is a matter of such pressing necessity\\nthat we conceive it to be our duty to give the earliest", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0263.jp2"}, "264": {"fulltext": "240 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nattention to it. The situation of the magazines at this\\npoint is truly deplorable, the enemy are certainly push-\\ning at them, and we are in no condition to move them\\nfor want of teams if they do not effect their purpose\\nat this time it is evident they mean to persist until the\\nsituation of our affairs renders it necessary for the\\nremains of our army to move from hence, when there\\nwill be no impediment to the execution of their plan.\\nWe therefore hope, sir, you will enable the officers of\\nthe departments to improve this interval so as to effect\\ntheir removal to a place of greater safety by having the\\nteams which are requested of your state immediately\\nsent forward.\\nWe have the honor to be your Excellency s most\\nob t and h ble serv ts,\\nJNO. MATTHEWS,\\nNATH. PEABODY.\\nFrom the President of Congress to Governor\\nLivingston.\\nPhiladelphia, June 29th, 1780.\\nSir, The urgent necessity of drawing into the\\npublic treasury the ten miUions of dollars mentioned in\\nthe act of the 19th May was so fully pointed out, that\\nCongress exceedingly regret the failure of this neces-\\nsary supply the conjuncture is already arrived when\\nit is become essential not only to the operations of this\\ncampaign, but to the very existence of the army.\\nCongress therefore can no longer delay reiterating", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0264.jp2"}, "265": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 241\\nthe most importunate solicitations that the proportions\\nof each of the states be forwarded immediately. For\\nthis purpose they have dispatched a special messenger,\\nand they trust he will not meet with disappointment.\\nA further sum must also be speedily had or it will be\\nimpossible for the operations to proceed. Congress\\nhave therefore drawn on those states for the remainder\\nof their quotas to the first of March last inclusive, and\\nit is their duty to conjure the several states, if they\\nshould still be unprepared, that they will at all events\\ntransmit their arrears to the period last mentioned to\\nthe continental treasury within thirty days from the\\ndate of the warrants.\\nThe monthly estimates of money heretofore made\\nwere but barely sufficient at that time; their value has\\nsince greatly diminished, and the payment has been\\ndelayed long after it became due. These circumstances\\nhave already involved our affairs in much perplexity\\nand driven to expedients which nothing but the last\\nnecessity could justify. Permanency and arrangement\\nin the public finances must at every hazard be intro-\\nduced and supported.\\nIn this view Congress do again with the most earnest\\nsohcitude press on the several states the necessity of\\nvigorous and decisive measures for carrying into full and\\nimmediate execution their resolutions of the 18th March\\nlast the doing which, at the same time that it places\\npublic credit on the surest basis, will in the course of\\nthe year give all the relief that could possibly result\\nfi-om a further emission equal to the whole that is now\\n16", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0265.jp2"}, "266": {"fulltext": "24 2 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nin circulation. These resolutions Congress are per-\\nsuaded are every day better understood, and that upon\\ngiving them their full effect very much depends the\\nj nal establishment of our liberties.\\nIt is unnecessary that Congress should suggest to the\\nseveral states the expediency of providing by loans\\nagainst any deficiency they may have reason to appre-\\nhend from their taxes.\\nThe blank bills for the several states will be for-\\nwarded as fast as the acts of their Assemblies providing\\nfunds for them are transmitted to Congress.\\nBy order of Congress,\\nSAM. HUNTINGTON. Presid t.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nv/\\nFrom General Washington to Governor Livingston.\\nHead Quarters, Ramapaugb, June 30th, 1780.\\nSir, As the levies required of the states for filling\\ntheir battalions have not yet joined the army, or the\\nFrench fleet arrived, I beg leave to inform you that it\\nwill be unnecessary for the militia which the honorable\\nthe committee of Congress were pleased to call for on\\na late occasion to be at the place appointed for their\\nrendezvous before the 25tli next month. By this time\\nI would willingly hope that things will be in such a\\ntrain as to enable us to commence our operations and\\nto make their aid essential. The present crisis is by\\nfar the most important and delicate that this country\\nhas ever experienced, and it pains me in the extreme", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0266.jp2"}, "267": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 243\\nthat we are so backward in all our measures. I hope\\na moment will not be lost in pushing on the levies to\\nfill the battalions. Our allies would be chagrined were\\nthej to arrive to-day, to find that we have but a handfiil\\nof men in the field, and would doubt, it is more than\\nprobable, whether we had serious intentions to prose-\\ncute measures with vigor. If we do not avail ourselves\\nof their succour by the most decisive and energetic\\nsteps on our part, the aid they so generously bring may\\nprove our ruin, and at best it will be in such case among\\nthe most unfortunate, next to that of absolute ruin, that\\ncould have befallen us. I think it my duty, as often as\\nI have the honor of addressing the states, to forewarn\\nthem that the completion of their battalions to their full\\ncomplement of five hundred and four, rank and file, is\\na measure of indispensable necessity to the intended\\nco-operation, and that without it we cannot even\\nattempt any thing decisive.\\nI have the honor to be, with the greatest respect and\\nesteem, your Excellency s most ob t and h ble servant,\\nG* WASHINGTON.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFro77i the Secretary of the Board of War to the\\nGovernor.\\nWar Office, July 7th, 1780.\\nSir, The board have the honor to inform you that\\nthere are two able fortified four-pounders at Carlisle be-\\nlonging to your state, which were removed thither in", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0267.jp2"}, "268": {"fulltext": "244 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nthe campaign of 1777, when the enemy invaded Penn-\\nsylvania,\u00e2\u0080\u0094 now ready to be deUvered to your Excellen-\\ncy s order.\\nThe carriages belonging to these pieces are not in\\nvery good order, though quite sufficient for their trans-\\nportation to the Jerseys.\\nI have the honor to be, with high respect, your\\nExcellency s most obedient servant.\\nBy order,\\nBEN. STODDERT, Sec y.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFro7n the Committe of Co-operation to Governor\\nLivingston.\\nIn Committee of Congress, Camp Tappan, August 16th, 1780.\\nSir, Inclosed you will receive copy of a letter of\\nthe 15th instant from the Commissary General. Cir-\\ncumstanced as our army at present is, the information\\ncontained in the letter becomes truly alarming. It\\nrequires the utmost attention of the officers, together\\nwith all the necessaries and even comforts of life, to\\nrender the service acceptable to recruits, and as the\\ngreater part of the army at present consist of that class\\nof men, if the time should unhappily arrive when we\\nwill be reduced to the necessity of putting them on\\nhalf allowance of provisions, or probably have none to\\ngive them, the consequence must be that those men,\\nunaccustomed to endure this species of distress, and\\nnot brought to that state of discipline which can give", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0268.jp2"}, "269": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 245\\ntheir officers that control over them they have acquired\\nover the old soldiers, must revolt at the idea of tamely\\nsubmitting to a service when, divested as they are of\\nevery other privilege the soldiers of all armies are\\nentitled to and are furnished with, they cannot receive\\neven the means of subsistence. If reduced to the\\nextremity I have just mentioned, and an irreconcilable\\ndisgust should once take place among these men, and\\ndesertions (or perhaps something worse) begun, the\\ninfection will beyond a doubt pervade the whole army.\\nFor it is not to be expected that the few old soldiers\\nnow remaining will be disposed to go on, enduring the\\ncalamities they have so often experienced, when they\\nfind others equally bound with themselves, and who\\nhave as yet had none of those difficulties to encounter,\\nmanifesting so refractory a spirit at what they will\\nconceive to be trifling, compared with their own suffer-\\nings. Should such an event take place, the train of\\nruinous consequences that will inevitably ensue, must\\nat once strike you so obviously as to render unneces-\\nsary my entering into a detail of them. We do there-\\nfore earnestly request of you, sir, that the officers of\\nyour state appointed to procure and forward the supphes\\nmay be called on in the most urgent manner to give\\ntheir utmost attention to the important business of\\nkeeping the army regularly supplied with your quota of\\nthe articles that have been assigned to your state. As\\nyou must plainly perceive, what embarrassments the\\nleast remission on the part of the states or any of them\\nmust throw us into. For it must be remembered that", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0269.jp2"}, "270": {"fulltext": "246 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nthe monthly supphes are no more than what is barely\\nnecessary for the consumption of the army in the lime.\\nIt is true that the army does not at present amount to\\nthe numbers on which the estimate was made, but as\\nthe men are daily coming we are to suppose that the\\ncomplement of men will be made up by the end of the\\nmonth. But at all events it is incumbent on us to be\\nprovided to answer the largest demands that can be\\nmade on us.\\nIt is not only the immediate supply of the army that\\nthe committee would wish to call your attention, but\\nlikewise the necessity there is of the\\nthe supplies agreeably to the requisitions that\\nhave been heretofore made to prevent future alarms of\\nthis nature, and our giving you further trouble on the\\nsubject.\\nI have the honor to be, with the highest respect, your\\nExcellency s most obedient servant.\\nOn behalf of the Committee,\\nJNO. MATTHEWS,\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFroin General Washington to Governor Livinsston.\\nHead-quarters, Orange-town, August 17, 1780.\\nDear Sir, I have your Exeellency s favor of the\\n4th instant. As soon as I found that Sir Henry Clin-\\nton s return from the eastward had frustrated the enter-\\nprize which I had in contemplation, I directed Colonel\\nSeely to return again to Morristown with the militia,", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0270.jp2"}, "271": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 247\\nand write to the commanding officer of the state de-\\ntachment in Monmouth, to remain there. By a return\\nfrom Colonel Seely, of the 10th instant, his numbers\\nonly amounted to 443 and by a return of the same\\ndate from the commanding officer of the Jersey brigade\\nonly 159 recruits had then joined, and I hear of none\\nsince. These deficiencies in the last are so great and\\noperate so seriously upon our plans, that I am obliged to\\nrepresent to your Excellency the absolute necessity of\\ncalling upon the proper officers, in the respective coun-\\nties, to know how far they have succeeded in procuring\\nthe quotas allotted to them how many men they had\\nsent forward, and whether they have any or what\\nprospects of obtaining the remainder. I advert more\\nparticularly to the levies for the continental battalions.\\nYour Excellency must be sensible that, unless the\\nnumber of men demanded by the Committee of Co-op-\\neration in conjunction with me can be brought into the\\nfield, any attempt against the enemy in New York must\\nbe fruitless, and attended not only with disgrace but\\nwith an immense accumulation of unnecessary expense.\\nOur calculations were founded upon a pretty exact\\nknowledge of the strength of the garrison, and I do\\nassure you our requisitions were as moderate as circum-\\nstances would possibly admit. Should our continental\\nbattalions remain incompleted, the consequence will be\\nthat we must either totally abandon an enterprize upon\\nwhich the hopes of the states and the expectations of\\nour allies are fixed, or we must make up our deficiency\\nby an increased demand of the militia. How distres-", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0271.jp2"}, "272": {"fulltext": "248 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nsing this will be to the people, how incompetent to the\\nend, and how destructive to the slender magazines of\\nevery kind, jour Excellency can as well conceive as I\\ncan describe.\\nI am persuaded I need not make use of further argu-\\nments to induce an exertion to collect and send forward\\nall the men actually raised under the late law, and if\\nthat should be found incompetent to the end of obUging\\nthose counties which are still deficient to provide their\\nquotas to fall without loss of time upon some more effi-\\ncient measures for that purpose.\\nI have just received advice from Newport that the\\ngreater part of a fleet of [victuaUng ships from England\\nto Quebec, had been taken by the Eastern cruizers.\\nSixteen of the prizes had arrived in the different parts.\\nI have the honor to be with the greatest respect and\\nregard, yr Excellency s most ob t serv t,\\nG^ WASHINGTON.\\nHis Excellency, Gov r Livingston.\\nP. S. Six levies only have joined since the return of\\nthe 10th.\\nI have appointed the 1st September for the trial of\\nMoody at this place. If your Excellency knows of any\\nmaterial evidences against him, be pleased to direct\\nthem to attend.\\nFro7n the Committee of Co-operation to Governor\\nLivingston.\\nCamp Tappan, August 19, 1780.\\nSiR^__ VVhen America stood alone against one of the\\nmost powerful nations of the earth, the spirit of liberty", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0272.jp2"}, "273": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 249\\nseemed to animate her sons to the noblest exertions,\\nand each man cheerfully contributed his aid in support\\nof her dearest rights. When the hand of tyranny\\nseemed to bear its greatest weight on the devoted\\ncountry, their virtue and perseverance appeared most\\nconspicuous and rose superior to every difficulty. If\\nthen such patriotism manifested itself throughout all\\nranks and orders of men among us, shall it be said at\\nthis day, this early day of our enfranchisement and in-\\ndependence, that America has grown tired of being free.\\nLet us, sir, but for a moment take a retrospective\\nview of our then situation and compare it with the\\npresent, and draw such deductions from the premises,\\nas every reasonable manor set of men ought to do. In\\nthe early stage of this glorious revolution we stood\\nalone we had neither army, military stores, money, or\\nin short any of those means which were requisite to\\nauthorize assistance. The undertaking was physically\\nagainst us, but Americans abhorred the very idea of\\nslavery therefore, reposing the righteousness of their\\ncause in the hands of the Supreme Disposer of all\\nhuman events, they boldly ventured to defy the ven-\\ngeance of a tyrant, and either preserve their freedom\\ninviolate to themselves and posterity, or perish in the\\nattempt. This was the situation and temper of the\\npeople of this country, in the beginning of this contro-\\nversy. At this day America is in strict alliance with\\none of the first nations of the earth, for magnanimity,\\npower and wealth, and whose affairs are conducted by\\nthe ablest statesmen, with a Prince at their head who", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0273.jp2"}, "274": {"fulltext": "250 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780-\\nhath justly acquired the title of the protector of the\\nrights of mankind. A respectable fleet and army of\\nour ally are already arrived among us, and a considera-\\nble reinforcement is hourly expected, which when\\narrived will give us a decided superiority in these seas\\nthe whole to co-operate with the force of this country,\\nagainst the common enemy. Another powerful nation,\\n(Spain) though not immediately allied with us, yet, in\\nfighting her own, she is daily fighting the battles of\\nAmerica, from whence almost every advantage is de-\\nrived to us that could be produced in a state of alHance.\\nAn army we have now in the field, part of whom\\nare veterans, equal to any the oldest established nations\\ncan boast. Our militia from a five years war, are\\nbecome inured to arms. You have at the head of your\\narmy a general, whose abilities as a soldier, and worth\\nas a citizen, stands confessed even by the enemy of his\\ncountry. Our officers of all ranks are fully equal to\\nthe duties of their respective stations. Military stores\\nare within our reach our money, though not so repu-\\ntable as that of other nations, with proper attention, we\\nhave reason to expect, will shortly emerge from its pre-\\nsent embarrassed state, and become as useful as ever.\\nNow, sir, from a comparative view of our circum-\\nstances at the beginning and at this day, how much\\nmore pleasing and important must the latter appear\\nthan the former, to every dispassionate man. Then\\nshall we leave to future generations to say, shall we at\\npresent commit ourselves to the world to exclaim, that\\nwhen Providence had benignly put into our hands the", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0274.jp2"}, "275": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 251\\nmost essential means of obtaining by one decisive blow\\nthe inestimable prize we have been contending tor, it\\nwas lost disgracefully lost for want of proper exer-\\ntions on our part? That avarice, luxury and dissipa-\\ntion had so enervated the boasted sons of American\\nfreedom, that, rather than forego their present ease and\\nwanton pleasures, they would tamely, cowardly submit\\nto the loss of their country and their liberty, and become\\nthose abject slaves which their generous nature but a\\nfew, very few years before would have revolted at the\\nbare idea of?\\nThese reflections arise, sir, from the extraordinary\\nbackwardness of some states, and great deficiencies of\\nothers, in sending the men into the field that were re-\\nquired of them near three months ago, and ought to\\nhave joined the army fifty days past, and an apprehen-\\nsion that from this torpitude America lias forgot she is\\ncontending for liberty and independence, and that the\\ngood intentions of our generous ally will be totally\\nfrustrated by our unpardonable remissness. Our former\\nletters to the states have been full on this very import-\\nant subject, and we are concerned to be driven to the\\nnecessity of reiteration but our duty to our country,\\nour respect for the reputation of the commander-in-\\nchief of our army, impel us to it, for a knowledge of\\nthe force that has been required of the states for the\\ncampaign, and which was allowed to be adequate to an\\nimportant enterprize, will induce a belief in our coun-\\ntrymen and in the world, that it has been furnished and\\nthey must stand amazed to see our army inactive and", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0275.jp2"}, "276": {"fulltext": "252 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nthings not in that train for operation, which ought in such\\na case to be expected, especially at this advanced season\\nof the year. Again, the force of our ally now with us,\\nand the shortly expected arrival of its second division,\\nmust clearly evince the utility of our army being put in\\na condition to undertake an enterprize which if suc-\\ncessful, must give a deadly wound to our unrelenting\\nand ambitious foe. But what apology can be made,\\nif when the commander-in chief of our army should be\\ncalled on by the commander of the forces of our gen-\\nerous ally, and informed he is ready to undertake with\\nhim whatever measure he shall think proper to point\\nout, he shall be reduced to the cruel necessity of ack-\\nnowledging his inability to engage in any enterprize\\nthat can possibly redound to the honor or reputation of\\nthe arms of either nation. Sir, the reflection is too\\nhumiliating to be dwelt on without the extremest pain\\nnay, horror\\nYou must pardon us, worthy sir, for the freedom with\\nwhich we have now declared our sentiments on this\\ntruly interesting subject. We flattter ourselves great\\nallowances will be made for our situation, when we\\ndaily have before our eyes specimens of that want of\\nenergy in conducting our affairs, which must shortly so\\nfar embarrass us as to render all future exertions inade-\\nquate to the attainment of those great purposes at\\nwhich we aim. America wants not resources we have\\nmen (independent of those necessary for domestic pur-\\nposes) more than sufficient to compose an army capable\\nof answering our most sanguine expectations and our", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0276.jp2"}, "277": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 253\\ncountry teems with provisions of every kind necessary\\nto support them. It requires nothing more than a\\nproper degree of energy to bring them forth to make\\nus a happy people. This, we trust, sir, the state over\\nwhich you preside, will show no reluctance in contribu-\\nting her aid to, by taking such decisive measures as will,\\nwithout loss of time, bring into the field the remainder\\nof your quota of men, that have been required for the\\ncampaign. The articles of provisions, forage and teams\\nare no less important than men, but as the committee\\nhad the honor of addressing you but a few days ago, on\\nthe subject of provisions, and the other articles being\\nso nearly allied with that, we will not intrude it on you\\nat this time.\\nInclosed is a copy of the letter from the commander-\\nin-chief of the 17th inst, to the committee. It will\\nfully show you the state of the army at this time, and\\nhow great a deficiency of men there is to what there\\nought to have been before this day. However we\\nhope, sir, it will be no discouragement to your state to\\nusing their utmost exertions for furnishing the remainder\\nof their troops to join the army as soon as possible and\\nthat the idea of its being probably too late, before a\\nsufficient force can be collected to promise a successful\\ncampaign, will be totally banished for policy as well\\ninterest dictate to us to be always prepared to take\\nadvantage of every favorable conjuncture, and it is\\nimpossible to say how soon such a one will present\\nitself.\\nThe general s letter treats this subject in every other", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0277.jp2"}, "278": {"fulltext": "254 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nrespect so fully as to render it unnecessary to add more\\nthan that we have the honor to be your Excellency s\\nmost obedient and humble servant,\\nIn behalf of the Committee,\\nJNO. MATTHEWS.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFroth General Washington to Governor Livingston.\\nHead-Quarters, near the Liberty Pole,\\nBergen County, August 26th, YtSO.\\nDear Sir, In mine of the 20th instant I desired\\nyour Excellency to discharge the whole of Col. Seely s\\nmilitia except about one hundred for the purpose of a\\nguard at Morristown, and to direct the September class\\nto hold ihemselves in readiness to come out upon the\\nshortest notice. I would only wish you to continue\\nthose orders, but not to call out the classes, except about\\none hundred men for the purpose above mentioned,\\nuntil you hear from me. Our extreme distress for want\\nof provision makes me desirous of lessening the con-\\nsumption as much as possible. Some brigades of the\\narmy have been five days without meat. To endeavor\\nto relieve their wants by stripping the lower parts of the\\ncounty of its cattle, I moved two days ago to this place\\nand yesterday completely foraged Barbadoes and Ber-\\ngen Necks. Scarcely any cattle were found but milch\\ncows and calves of one and two years old, and even\\nthose in no great plenty. When this scanty pittance is\\nconsumed, I know not to what quarter to look, as our", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0278.jp2"}, "279": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 255\\nprospects from the eastward, upon which our principal\\ndependence is placed, are far from being favorable.\\nThe monthly requisition of meat from the state of\\nJersey has been complied with in a very small degree,\\nas the commanding general informs me that he has\\nreceived but seven cattle from Mr. Dunham, the super-\\nintendent since the month of April. I am very far\\nfrom complaining of the general exertions of the state,\\non the contrary, I have every reason to acknowledge\\nthem upon several pressing occasions but your Excel-\\nlency must be sensible that when the support of an\\narmy is made to depend upon certain quantities of pro-\\nvision to be furnished regularly by the different states,\\nthe failure of any one must be more or less felt.\\nI have the honor to be, with very great regard and\\nesteem, your Excellency s most ob t and h ble serv t,\\nGO WASHINGTON.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nP. S. I have received your Excellency s favors of\\nthe 21st and 23d. I do not imagine it will be possible\\nto discover the officer who permitted Heyden to escape,\\nas the description is so exceedingly vague. As money\\ndoes not appear from the deposition to have had any\\noperation, I am led to believe that the thing has hap-\\npened more from an improper knowledge of duty, than\\nfrom any design. I am sorry to hear of your Excel-\\nlency s indisposition.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0279.jp2"}, "280": {"fulltext": "256 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nFrom General Washington to Governor Lwinsrston.\\nHead Quarters, near the Liberty Pole,\\nBergen County, August 27th, 1780.\\nSir, The hon ble the committee of Congress having\\nreturned to Congress, I am under the disagreeable\\nnecessity of informing your Excellency that the army\\nis again reduced to an extremity of distress for want\\nof provisions. The greater part of it had been without\\nmeat from the 21st to the 26th to obtain some rehef I\\nmoved down to this place with a view of stripping the\\nlower parts of the county of the remainder of its\\ncattle, which after a most vigorous exaction is found to\\naftbrd between two and three days supply only, and\\nthose consisting of milch cows and calves of one or\\ntwo years old.\\nWhen this scanty pittance is consumed I know not\\nwhat will be our next resource, as the commissary can\\ngive me no certain information of more than 120 head\\nof cattle expected from Pennsylvania, and about 150\\nfrom Massachusetts, I mean in time to supply our imme-\\ndiate wants.\\nMilitary coercion is no longer of any avail, as\\nnothing further can possibly be collected from the coun-\\ntry in which we are obhged to take a position without\\ndepriving the inhabitants of the last morsel. This\\nmode of subsisting, supposing the desired end could be\\nanswered by it, besides being in the highest degree dis-\\ntressing to individuals is attended with ruin to the morals\\nand discipline of the army during the four days which\\nwe have been obhged to send out small parties to pro-", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0280.jp2"}, "281": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 257\\ncure provision for themselves, the most enormous\\nexcesses have been committed.\\nIt has been no inconsiderable support of our cause to\\nhave had it in our power to contrast the conduct of our\\narmy with that of the enemy, and to convince the\\ninhabitants that while their rights were wantonly viola-\\nted by the British troops, by ours they were respected.\\nThis distinction must unhappily now cease, and we\\nmust assume the odious character of the plunderers\\ninstead of the protectors of the people, the direct con-\\nsequence of which must be to ahenate their minds from\\nthe army and insensibly from the cause.\\nWe have not yet been absolutely without flour, but\\nwe have this day but one day s supply in camp, and I\\nam not certain that there is a single barrel between this\\nplace and Trenton. I shall be obliged therefore to\\ndraw one or two hundred barrels from a small magazine\\nwhich I had endeavored to establish at West Point for\\nthe security of the garrison in case of a sudden inves-\\ntiture.\\nFrom the above state of facts it may be foreseen that\\nthis army cannot possibly remain much longer together\\nunless very vigorous and immediate measures are taken\\nby the states to comply with the requisitions made upon\\nthem.\\nThe Commissary General has neither the means nor\\nthe power of procuring supplies he is only to receive\\nthem from the several agents. Without a speedy\\nchange of circumstances, this dilemma will be involved,\\neither the army must disband, or what is if possible\\n17", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0281.jp2"}, "282": {"fulltext": "258 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nworse, subsist upon the plunder of the people. I would\\nfain flatter myself that a knowledge of our situation\\nwill produce the desired relief, not a rehef of a few\\ndays, as has generally heretofore been the case, but a\\nsupply equal to the establishment of magazines for the\\nwinter. If these are not formed before the roads are\\nbroken up by the weather, we shall certainly experience\\nthe same difficulties and distresses the ensuing winter\\nwhich we did the last. Although the troops have upon\\nevery occasion hitherto borne their wants with unparal-\\nleled patience it will be dangerous to trust too often to\\na repetition of the causes of discontent.\\nI have the honor to be, with great respect, your\\nExcellency s most ob t and h ble serv t,\\nGO WASHINGTON.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFrom the President of Congress to Governor\\nLivingston.\\nPhiladelphia, September 3d, 1780.\\nSir Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed\\nan act of Congress of the 26th ulto. earnestly recom-\\nmending to the several states to take the most speedy\\nand effectual means in their power for drawing in their\\nrespective quotas of the continental bills of credit, to be\\ndestroyed either by taxes or by exchanging for them\\nnew bills emitted pursuant to the resolution of the 18th\\nof March last, at a rate not less than forty for one, that\\nthe whole of the new bills may be issued.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0282.jp2"}, "283": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 259\\nAlso recommending to the several states to raise by\\ntaxes, payable in the new bills above mentioned or\\nspecie, their respective quotas of three million of dollars\\nagreeable to the apportionment of the 7tli of October\\n1779, and pay the same into the treasury of the United\\nStates as soon as possible, the payment to be fully com-\\npleted by the last day of December next, each state to\\nbe allowed interest from the time it is paid to be here-\\nafter adjusted according to a resolution of the 6th of\\nOctober 1779.\\nYou will also observe by this act provision is made\\nfor payment of pubhc debts due in any of the states.\\nCommissary Wadsworth is also the present Commis-\\nsary General of purchases.\\nAnd in order to prevent the possibility of a deprecia-\\ntion in the new bills, it is earnestly recommended to the\\nseveral states not to issue bills of credit for a currency\\non any acount whatever, in such manner as to have in\\ncirculation an amount greater than their respective\\nquotas of the new bills.\\nAnd in order that justice be done to the creditors of\\nthese United States for supphes furnished the army, or\\ntransportation thereof, provision is made by this act that\\nsuch creditors be paid the just value of their debts, to\\nbe ascertained in the manner expressed in the act, and\\nall debts due to the United States are to be justly paid\\nin hke manner.\\nI have the honor to be, with very great respect, your\\nExcellency s most obedient and humble servant,\\nSAM. HUNTINGTON, President.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0283.jp2"}, "284": {"fulltext": "260 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nFrom Abraham Skinner, Commissary of Prisoners, to\\nthe Governor.\\nCommissary of Prisoners Office,\\nHead Quarters, September 9th, 1780.\\nSir, The very peculiar situation of the prisoners of\\nwar belonging to this state who are now in the hands\\nof the enemy, induces me to request that your Excel-\\nlency will give me instructions relative to their situation,\\nor point out some method in which their distresses may\\nbe alleviated and their confinement made sufferable.\\nThe officers who are prisoners on parole on Long\\nIsland have not had the least supply or support from\\nthis office since the spring of the year 1779; since which\\nthey have been at board on Long Island and many of\\nthem are at present destitute of a single farthing, are\\nliable to insult daily from their landlords, who seem\\ntired of supporting them without fee or reward, and if\\ntheir exchange could be effected, they would be detained\\nfor the payment of the debts they have contracted for\\ntheir necessary support.\\nThe citizens and privates of this state, some few\\nexcepted, are confined in sugar-houses and churches in\\na wretched situation, many of them without a shirt or\\nblanket, and no allowance except what they receive\\nfrom the enemy and about 3|^ lbs. of bread, which is\\nissued to them by the continental agent without any\\nauthority from the legislature of the state.\\nTo these distresses may be added, the mortification\\nthe Jersey prisoners feel in seeing their fellow sufferers", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0284.jp2"}, "285": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 261\\nreceive supplies from the neighboring states to which\\nthey belong, when their past services as soldiers and\\ncitizens merit equally as much attention.\\nI am sorry to add that at present there seems to be\\nnot the smallest prospect of exchanging or releasing\\nthose men, and that if they are not timely supported\\nthey must as severely feel the consequences as you can\\npossibly imagine.\\nI shall at all times be happy to render them the ser-\\nvices which my duty as well as inchnation may point\\nout, and to fulfil your Excellency s directions with\\nrespect to the difficulties they labor under.\\nI have the honor to be, with great respect, your\\nExcellency s most ob t h ble servant,\\nABRM. SKINNER,\\nCommiss y of Pris rs H d Q,rs.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFro7Ji a Committee of the Jersey Prisoners of War to\\nGovernor Livingston.\\nLong Island, September 15th, 1780.\\nSir, The officers, prisoners of war, and state pris-\\noners belonging to the state of New Jersey, beg leave\\nto remind your Excellency of our distressing situation.\\nThe petition to the Assembly in May last which we\\nenclosed under cover to your Excellency, we doubt not\\nhas been laid before them we not hearing from them\\nsince inclines us to think a multipUcity of business or\\nsome other cause has prevented them from paying that", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0285.jp2"}, "286": {"fulltext": "262 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1779.\\nattention to us that our urgent necessities required tis\\nsixteen months since we received the last supply, great\\npart of which was disposed of in paying our arrears,\\nwhich has ever been the case during near four years\\ncaptivity, which many of us have experienced to the\\nextreme prejudice of our minds, bodies and estates con-\\nsequently what might appear a tolerable supply at first,\\nwhen our debts are paid, a few necessaries purchased\\nat the most extravagant prices, we generally find our-\\nselves possessed of but a scanty pittance indeed. We\\ntherefore humbly pray your Excellency will act the part\\nof an advocate for us, that we may receive both a\\nliberal and speedy supply, and as we are the immediate\\nsufferers we hope it will not be deemed presumption in\\nus to say we think fifty pounds per man is the least that\\nwill answer to pay our debts and clothe us properly for\\nthe winter season, exclusive of what is due for our\\nboard, which has not been paid since the 20th of May,\\n1779.\\nWe are, with the highest esteem, and most perfect\\nrespect, your Excellency s most ob t and most h ble\\nservants.\\nSigned in behalf of the whole, and at their\\nrequest,\\nHENDRICK VAN BRUNT,\\nJOHN MERCER, 1st Regt.\\nBATEMAN LLOYD, 3d.\\nHis Excellency, the Governor of N. Jersey.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0286.jp2"}, "287": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 263\\nList of the Officers of the State of New Jersey, Prison-\\ners of War.\\nWilliam B. Gifford, Capt. Con.\\nJohn Munn, Lieut, do.\\nBateman Lloyd, do do.\\nAbraham Stout, do. do.\\nJohn do. do.\\nBenjamin Osman, do. do.\\nJona. Holmes, do. do.\\nJames Paul Ens n. do.\\nAnd w Thompson, do. do.\\nOcky Wykoff, Col. Militia.\\nHendrick Van Brunt, Major do.\\nWilliam Ellis, do. do.\\nJames Whitlock, Lieut, do.\\nThomas Little, do. do.\\nTobias Polhimus, do. do.\\nJacob Covenhoven, Capt. do.\\nJohn Cousins, do. do.\\nAnd w Barns, do. do.\\nJohn Parsons, Lieut, do.\\nAaron Chew, do. do.\\nChar e Heavland, do. do.\\nThomas Cook, do. do.\\nJohn Smock, Col. do.\\nBarns Smock, Capt. do.\\nHenry Smock,\\nHay, Major do.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0287.jp2"}, "288": {"fulltext": "264 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nFrom Timothij Pickering, Cluarttr- Master-General.\\nTo the Honorable the Council and General Assembly of the State of\\nNew Jersey\\nUrged by my duty to the public and a regard to my\\nown reputation, I am compelled to address your honor-\\nable Houses on the subject of forage to supply the teams\\nemployed in transporting stores and provisions to the\\narmy. At present every post is destitute the pastures\\nare generally eaten up, and will soon fail altogether.\\nThen, unless some magazines of forage, particularly\\nhay, are formed at the necessary posts in the route\\nchiefly taken by wagons, transportation must wholly\\ncease, the consequences of which I need not des-\\ncribe.\\nBy your leave, I will observe that, the mode of ob-\\ntaining by purchase the quotas of supplies demanded\\nby Congress of the several states, could not fail of\\ninvolving us in the distress we now feel. For had all\\nthe current continental money in the United States\\nbeen brought into the public treasuries at once, it would\\nhave been inadequate at the current prices, to the pur-\\nchase of those supplies only. But if one half or even\\na third part of the money current were to be brought\\ninto the pubhc treasuries in the course of a year it would\\ndistress the people. Accordingly, it has been found ex-\\ntremely difficult to collect the taxes that have been\\nassessed, and if collected, they might have proved capi-\\ntally deficient compared with the necessary public\\nexpenditures.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0288.jp2"}, "289": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 265\\nThe above observation being incontestibly true, we\\nmay thence account for the distress that universally\\npervades our pubhc affairs. Hence it has happened\\nthat not a single magazine, is formed, either of provis-\\nsion or forage, that the army has been so illy supported\\nthat the troops have been near a year without pay\\nthat they have sometimes been starving, and conse-\\nquently licentious, as hunger will bear no restraint\\nhence we must inevitably experience more capital evils,\\nunless the system is speedily changed, and new and\\neffectual mode of obtaining supplies adopted. What\\nthis should be, so far as it may respect the state of New\\nJersey, I earnestly entreat may be considered and\\nspeedily determined by your honorable Houses. But I\\nbeg leave to observe that, the circumstances of the army\\ndemand such measures to be taken, as will be quick\\nand decisive in their operation, to prevent the total\\nstoppage of transportation.\\nThe army itself will subsist as it long has done,\\n(however painful and disagreeable the practice) on sup-\\nplies of forage taken by military authority this is not\\neligible in itself, nor easily applied for the support of the\\nteams employed in transportation. It is also evident\\nthat all attempts to purchase a sufficiency must at pre-\\nsent prove ineffectual, and there seems to be no alter-\\nnative but impressing, in case the inhabitants refuse to\\npart with their forage on such securities as the state can\\ngive. This measure may be disgusting, but if executed\\nby the civil authority will be attended with fewer evils\\nthan impressing by military force.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0289.jp2"}, "290": {"fulltext": "266 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\nI have the honor to be, with very great respect, your\\nmost obedient servant,\\nTIMOTHY PICKERING, Q. M. G.\\nFrom the President of Congress to Governor\\nLivingston.\\nPhiladelphia, Sept. 14th, 1780.\\nSir, Your Excellency will receive herewith en-\\nclosed, an Act of Congress of this date, requesting the\\nseveral states therein mention to furnish fat cattle to\\nsupply the army in proportion therein expressed. Con-\\ngress found themselves under the necessity of requesting\\nthe state of New Jersey to furnish for an immediate\\nsupply, until cattle may arrive from the eastern states,\\n275 head.\\nIf the measures adopted by the Act enclosed should\\nbe complied with, as we trust they will be, there will\\nbe no want in future of supplies for the army this cam-\\npaign. The necessity of the measure is absolutely\\nindispensable, and we believe the state of New Jersey,\\nwhich hath so frequently exerted itself on pressing\\nemergencies, will not be wanting in her endeavors to\\ncomply with the present requisition. Congress would\\nhave exempted that state from the present request,\\ncould they have devised any other means to feed the\\narmy, but as that was not in their power, it is requested\\nin the most urgent terms, that the number of beeves\\nmentioned may be furnished with all possible despatch,\\nas well as to prevent the impending distresses of the", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0290.jp2"}, "291": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 267\\narmy, as the consequential distress that must fall upon\\nthe inhabitants in the vicinity of the army.\\nI have the honor to be, vv^ith every sentiment of res-\\npect, your Excellency s most obedient servant,\\nSAM. HUNTINGTON, President.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFrom Ahrahaiii Clark to Josiah Hornhlower, Speaker of\\nthe AsseiJihly.\\nPhiladelphia, October 31st, 1780.\\nSir, Herewith I enclose a resolution of the 12th\\ninst., granting half pay for life, as well to officers reduced\\nas to others. This is a kind of supplement to the reso-\\nlution of the 3d, directing a reduction of the army.\\nOn this precipitate, and in my opinion, injudicious Act\\nof Congress, it is unnecessary, perhaps improper for me\\nto make any comments it speaks for itself, and in a\\nlanguage which in New Jersey will be better under-\\nstood than relished. The states which had established\\nhalf pay for life to the officers of their lines, aided\\nby New York who entertains similar sentiments, forced\\nthis measure upon us. A measure contrary to the\\ngenius and pohtical ideas of the New England States;\\nand New Jersey.\\nIn opposition to this resolution it was urged that the\\nmeasure was unjust, improper and altogether unneces-\\nsary to be forced upon the states who opposed it, as it\\nwas of no consequence to the United States in what\\nmode any particular state gave satisfaction and rendered", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0291.jp2"}, "292": {"fulltext": "268 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1780.\\njustice to their officers, provided they kept their regi-\\nments properly officered, which there could be no doubt\\nwould be done where the mode of doing it was left to\\nthemselves; whereas, a measure so disgustful would\\nviolate and prevent the exertions so necessary at this\\ntime but no reasons could prevail upon men fixed and\\ndetermined. What is now to be done 1 Will or will\\nnot our legislature remonstrate against this procedure\\nand insist upon an exemption If they mean not to sit\\ndown easy and quiet under this act, the sooner they\\nexplain themselves upon the subject, the better, as I\\nbeheve no reductions have yet been made in the army.\\nAs some persons are of opinion it would be of gene-\\nral utiUty for Congress to repeal that part of the reso-\\nlution of the 18th of March, which admits rendering\\none dollar of the new emission in lieu of 40 of the\\nold it may be proper for the legislature to instruct\\ntheir delegates upon the subject, in case they think the\\nmeasure advisable. This hath not been moved in Con-\\ngress, nor do I know that it will. I do not wish in this\\nto call your attention from more important matters\\nunless you think this a matter of consequence. The\\nsubject I have not considered maturely since the new-\\nemission is passing, where issued, at a depreciation of\\nnear one half, owing as is supposed, to fixing the same\\nat one for forty of the old emission. The expectation\\nof Congress in that act was that the new bills would\\nfix the value of the old, but we find the value of the\\nnew is fixed, and varies with the old. As the laws of\\nour state are conformable to the resolutions of Congress", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0292.jp2"}, "293": {"fulltext": "1780.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 269\\nyour delegates cannot consent to any alteration without\\nyour direction, should the same be moved and become\\never so necessary under the present change of circum-\\nstances. This tie makes any consideration of the sub-\\nject unnecessary in your delegates without your partic-\\nular orders for that purpose.\\nI have the honor to be, sir, with all proper regard,\\nyour obed t and humble servant,\\nABRA. CLARK.\\nHon. Josiah Hornblower, Esq.\\nFrom Judge Paterson to Mr. Stevens.\\nRaritan, December 4th, 1780.\\nSir, On my return from Sussex Court I met with\\nyour letter, which notified me of my being in the dele-\\ngation for Congress. The appointment was unex-\\npected, especially as some of the gentlemen of the\\nLegislature were fully possessed of my sentiments on\\nthe occasion. From the commencement of this con-\\ntest I have held myself bound to serve the public in\\nany station in which iny fellow-citizens might place me,\\nand it is therefore with regret that I find myself under\\nthe necessity of declining the present appointment. I\\nlook upon it, however, as an act of justice to myself, as\\nwell as of respect to your honorable body, to declare\\nthat my non-acceptance of the delegacy is owing to its\\ninterference with my official duty in another line. The\\nbusiness of a criminal nature in this state is at present\\nintricate and extensive, it unavoidably occupies the far", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0293.jp2"}, "294": {"fulltext": "270 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1781.\\ngreater part of my time. I feel its weiglit, and have\\nmore than once been ready to sink under it. Of the\\nbusiness of Congress, its variety, extent and importance\\nI shall forbear to speak. Viewing these offices as I do,\\nI am convinced that no one man can execute them both\\nat the same time if he can acquit himself well in one\\nof them at once, it is full as much as can reasonably be\\nexpected. I am sure I shall count it one of the hap-\\npiest circumstances of my life, if in the execution ot\\nmy present trust alone I can give satisfaction to the\\npublic under which I act.\\nI am, sir, with respect, your ob t and h ble servant,\\nWM. PATERSON.\\nThe Honorable Mr. Stevens.\\nI\\nFrom the President of Cong?-ess to Governor\\nLivingston.\\nIn Congress, January 15th, 1781.\\nSir, A circular address to the respective states of\\nthe 9th day of November last communicated a requi-\\nsition of Congress for the service of the current year.\\nThis act and the system of the 18th of March respect-\\ning our finances include the principal means which\\ntheir present powers have enabled Congress to adopt\\nfor prosecuting the war. Measures so deeply interest-\\ning not only demand the unremitted attention and\\nvigorous support of the Legislatures, but Congress\\nought to be informed of their progress with the utmost\\nprecision both are necessary to the public credit, to the", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0294.jp2"}, "295": {"fulltext": "1781.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 271\\nsuccess of our military operations, to the very existence\\nof our armies. By an act of the 21st of October the state\\nagents are directed to transmit to the commander-in-\\nchief and to the Commissary General respectively,\\nmonthly returns of all suppUes which shall be drawn\\ninto their hands, specifying the articles and the maga-\\nzines where they shall be deposited it is equally\\nincumbent on the state Treasurers to make similar\\nreturns to the board of treasury of all the taxes which\\nshall be brought into their respective offices, and of the\\nissues of the new emissions. These are regulations\\nwhich cannot be dispensed with, and it is recommended\\nto the legislatures to enjoin them under such penalties\\nas will enforce a prompt and punctual obedience.\\nBesides those siippHes for the current year which can-\\nnot be anticipated without the utmost danger, the pay-\\nin arrear to the army demands your most serious con-\\nsideration. The honor of government, and mihtary\\norder and discipline depend on its regular discharge.\\nNor was a fund sufficient for this and other purposes\\nneglected for had the requisitions for taxes prior to the\\nact of the 1 8th of March been productive had the\\nwarrants on the state treasurers for the balances of\\nthose states drawn so long ago as the first of July, been\\nsatisfied, a complaint of this nature could not have\\nexisted.\\nWe are not unapprized of the embarrassments at-\\ntending the collection of taxes from the credit given on\\ncommissaries and quarter-master s certificates for the\\nsupport of the army, but it is manifest that Congress", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0295.jp2"}, "296": {"fulltext": "272 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1781.\\ncould not provide a remedy, It was found expedient\\nto discontinue the emission of paper money, and, from\\nvarious causes public necessities were not relieved by\\nloans, at the same time, though the measure was em-\\nbraced of extinguishing those certificates in the taxes.\\nHence the treasury has been destitute of supply, almost\\nevery resource being cut off at the same instant in vain\\nhave we endeavored to obtain a knowledge of the\\namount of those certificates or how far they have been\\nreduced, and they continue to obstruct every plan\\nwhich hath been devised for restoring public credit and\\nsupporting the war.\\nThis is a subject to which the authority of the legis-\\nlature alone is competent, and it will become their\\nwisdom and their zeal for pubhc service, to give it the\\nfullest investigation. In the mean time an immediate\\nprovision for the pay of the army is indispensably ne-\\ncessary: We need not dwell upon the injustice or the\\nprobable effects of a delay. They are obvious and\\nalarming and we earnestly call upon the several states\\nto devise prompt and efficient means for remitting to\\nthe paymaster-general, on warrants to be issued in his\\nfavor, the respective quotas assigned to them by the\\nenclosed estimate. The necessity of great and spirited\\nexertions becomes every day more evident, while the\\ncruel policy of our enemies raises universal indignation\\nand abhorrence: it admonishes us that no time is to be\\nlost in rescuing our bleeding country from desolation,\\nand establishing its independence on the basis of an\\nhonorable and permanent peace. However great may", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0296.jp2"}, "297": {"fulltext": "1781.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 273\\nbe the burthens which we are called upon to sustain,\\nlet us remember that they are the price of liberty, and\\nthat they have been common to every people w ho have\\ndared to struggle for social happiness against violence\\nand oppression. Let us reflect on our solemn engage-\\nments to devote our lives and our fortunes to the best of\\ncauses and we shall find that we cannot be destitute\\nof resources. Let us review the past miseries of a lin-\\ngering war, and the danger of its further protraction,\\nand we shall seize the golden opportunity of co-opera-\\nting with our generous ally by every possible effort to\\nrender the approaching campaign glorious and decisive.\\nIf we are enabled in this stage of the conflict to defend\\nourselves by annual taxes, can we hesitate to interpose\\nour responsibility or to contribute a portion of our cap-\\nital Will a people whose fortitude and patriotism\\nhave excited the admiration of Europe, languish at the\\nbright dawn of triumph, and endanger the public hap-\\npiness by a selfish parsimony? While Congress enter-\\ntains just sentiments of their constituents, there can be\\nno place for such humiUating apprehensions. On the\\ncontrary, we shall look with confidence for a liberal\\ncompliance with every requisition which the public\\nexigencies dictate. Experience has pointed out the\\ndangers to which we have been exposed by a want of\\npunctuality in former supplies, and we are persuaded\\nthat those dangers will for the future be carefully pre-\\nvented.\\nFor our own part we have left nothing unessayed to\\nrender the operations of the war more vigorous and\\n18", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0297.jp2"}, "298": {"fulltext": "274 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1781.\\nsuccessful. We have applied for naval succours from\\nabroad. If we no longer continue unfortunate in the\\nimportation, we shall not want a competent supply of\\nclothing, arms and ammunition. We are once more\\nattempting a foreign loan of specie we have pointed\\nout and required the aids of men, provisions, and money,\\nwhich in every event must be produced from our own\\ninternal resources we have strenuously urged upon the\\nstates a punctual compliance on their part with those\\nrequisitions, with the states who alone have authority to\\nexecute, with an enlightened people who know how to\\nestimate the blessings for which we contend it remains\\nto give the measures which we have recommended their\\nfiill and seasonable effects.\\nBy order of Congress,\\nSAM. HUNTINGTON, President.\\nHis Excellency, Gov r Livingston.\\nFrom the President of Congress to Governor\\nLivingston.\\nPhiladelphia, February 8, 1781.\\ngiR^ Your Excellency will receive enclosed two^\\njimportant resolves of Congress of the 3d and 7th inst.,\\nireoommending to the respective states as indispensably\\nmecessary that they vest a power in Congress to levy\\nfor the use of the United States, a duty of five per cent.\\n:ad valorem, at the time and place of importation, upon\\n;all .good\u00c2\u00ab, wares and merchandize, of foreign growth\\nand .manufacture, which may be imported into any of", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0298.jp2"}, "299": {"fulltext": "1781.] EXFX UTivE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 275\\nthe said states from any foreign port, island, or planta-\\ntion afrer the first day of May, 1781, except arms, c.\\ntherein expressed. Also a like duty on all prizes and\\nprize goods.\\nThe monies arising from the said duties to be appro-\\npriafled to the discharge of the principal and interest of\\nthe debts already contracted on the faith of the United\\nStates for supporting the present war, and the duties\\ncontinued until the said debts are finally discharged.\\nYou will observe from the tenor of the resolves, that\\nif any one or more of the states immediately pass a law\\nvesting in Congress the power requested, it cannot take\\neffect or operate to any purpose until all the states that\\nare not prevented by the events of the war shall have\\npassed similar laws. That is, at present, all the states\\nexcept South Carolina and Georgia and when all the\\nstates have passed the necessary laws, the money arising\\nfrom the duties is to be applied for their benefit, exclu-\\nsive of the remaining states, unless such states shall\\npass similar laws the first session after the events of the\\nwar will admit of the assembling their legislatures; and\\nCongress have not the least doubt of their complying\\nas soon as circumstances shall put it in their power.\\nThe necessity of the duties and imposts being raised\\nunder one general and uniform direction, is an idea\\nthat will readily suggest itself I am specially directed\\nto urge the necessity of caUing the Assembly, if not\\nalready convened, for the purpose of vesting Congress\\nwith the powers mentioned in the enclosed resolutions.\\nAlthough it may be improbable any person not particu-", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0299.jp2"}, "300": {"fulltext": "276 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1781.\\nlarly acquainted with the daily business in Congress,\\nshould have an adequate conception of the difficulties\\nand embarrassments that arise for want of some certain\\nand permanent fund to support the national credit and\\ncement more efl ectually the common interests of the\\nUnited States, yet I doubt not the wisdom, knowledge,\\nand penetration of the respective legislatures will view\\nthose embarrassments as very great.\\nIt ought to be remembered that loans are not to be\\nobtained without some permanent fund estabhshed, at\\nleast to discharge the annual interest punctually that\\nthe army in the present state of our finances, must be\\nin a great measure immediately supported by the states,\\nseparately and perhaps very unequally and a train of\\nembarrassments, too obvious to need enumeration,\\nmust ensue which have already been felt in a degree\\nand must greatly increase. I have only to add that it\\nwill be of importance to transmit to Congress the Acts\\nthat may be passed in consequence of the enclosed re-\\nsolves as soon as possible,\\nI have the honor to be, with every sentiment of\\nesteem and respect, your Excellency s most obedient\\nand most humble servant,\\nSAM. HUNTINGTON, President.\\nHis Excellency, the Governor of New Jersey.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0300.jp2"}, "301": {"fulltext": "1781.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 277\\nFrom the President of Congress to Gov. Livingston.\\nPhiladelphia, March 23, 1781.\\nSir, Your Excellency will receive herewith en-\\nclosed two acts of Congress of the 16th and 23d inst.,\\ndirecting that all debts liquidated in or contracted for\\nspecie value, shall be paid in specie or other money\\nequivalent, according to the current exchange compared\\nwith specie. Also recommending to the several states\\nto amend their laws making the bills of credit emitted\\nunder the authority of Congress a legal tender, so that\\nsuch bills shall not be a legal tender in any other man-\\nner than at their current value compared with gold and\\nsilver. But what will more particularly claim the at-\\ntention of your legislature as of great importance, is the\\nrequisition for six millions of dollars, that is, one million\\nand an half to be paid quarterly, the first quarterly pay-\\nment to be made on the first day of June next, the\\nquota of each state being apportioned in the enclosed\\nact, and payment to be made on this requisition, as also\\nthe several others therein referred to, in gold or silver,\\nor bills emitted by any of the states whatever, in\\npursuance of the resolutions of the 18th of March,\\n1780.\\nThis assessment is not to be considered as the pro-\\nportion of any state, but being paid, is to be adjusted\\nand settled with interest in future upon equitable\\nprinciples in the manner expressed in the act. It\\nis with reluctance that Congress are compelled to make\\nthis requisition, but the absolute necessity of the case", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0301.jp2"}, "302": {"fulltext": "278 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1781.\\nwill appear so obvious that we presume the respective\\nStates will yield a ready and cheerful compliance there-\\nwith to the utmost of their power.\\nI have the honor to be, with great esteem and res-\\npect, your Excellency s most obed t and most humble\\nservant,\\nSAM. HUNTINGTON, President.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFrom the President of Congress to Governor\\nLivingston.\\nPhiladelphia, May 14th, 1781.\\nSir, The United States in Congress have this day\\nreceived intelligence of so alarming a nature that they\\nthink it their indispensable duty immediately to forward\\nit to you and at the same time to assure you that upon\\na serious review of public affairs they are convinced\\nthat unless the several states immediately and punctu-\\nally comply with the acts and requisitions of Congress,\\nthe worst of consequences must ensue.\\nHad the states paid due attention to the act of 18th\\nMarch 1780, and complied with the requisition of the\\n26th August, the quarter-master would have been in\\ncapacity to do his duty and to have forwarded the sup-\\nplies which the states were called upon to furnish by\\nthe act of the 4th November. But as that has not\\nbeen done, the states must now not only furnish the\\nsupphes, but they must also forward them to the places\\nwhere they are wanted. For this purpose I enclose an", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0302.jp2"}, "303": {"fulltext": "1781.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 279\\nearnest recommendation passed this day upon receipt of\\nthe intelligence above mentioned, and flatter myself\\nthat from the necessity of the case your state will\\nstrain every nerve and exert every power to send\\nforward the supplies and prevent the fatal events which\\nmust otherwise inevitably ensue.\\nI have the honor to be, with the highest respect, sir,\\nyour most obedient, humble servant,\\nSAM. HUNTINGTON, President.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFrotn Abraham Clark to the Chairman of the Joint\\nMeeting.\\nPrinceton, May 24th, 1781.\\nSir, My long and steady attendance in Congress\\nfor sixteen months past, makes it necessary for a relax-\\nation of my mind and restoration of my health, that I\\nretire for some time at least, and if agreeable to the\\nlegislature I wish it may be to the end of my present\\ndelegation, and that my resignation may be accepted,\\nwhich this is intended to solicit.\\nBy my absence there will be but two members\\nremaining, and they mean to attend only one at a time;\\nthis in the course of a few days will deprive this state\\nof a representation unless an appointment of one or\\nmore members speedily take place. I continued of the\\nsame opinion as heretofore, that three members are\\npreferable to five, provided such can be found who will\\ndevote their time to that service, and unless they do I", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0303.jp2"}, "304": {"fulltext": "280 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1781.\\nam clearly of opinion you had better have none, but in\\nthis I do not suppose that one member is to attend\\nalway and the other two alternately, which hath long\\nbeen the case few coilstitutions can bear such constant\\nattendance, some relaxation is necessary.\\nWith all due regard and esteem I have the honor to\\nbe, sir, your obed. and humble servant,\\nABRA. CLARK.\\nThe Hon. John Stevens, Esq., Chairman of the Joint\\nMeeting.\\nFrom General Phil. Dickinson to the Speaker of the\\nAssembly.\\nHermitage, May 25th, VS\\\\.\\nSir, I think it a duty incumbent on me to represent\\nto the hon e the legislature the present wretched, feeble\\ncontemptible and disgraceful state of our military com-\\npanies, praying they would be pleased to take the same\\ninto consideration, and make such an arrangement as\\nwill reflect honor on themselves and give security to\\nthe state.\\nI submit to the honorable legislature whether it\\nwould be improper to form a regiment of artillery, con-\\nsisting of two companies, taken from the different\\nregiments contiguous to Trenton and Princeton, being\\ncentral and places of security, (for the times,) under the\\ncommand of a Col. or Major, as shall be judged most\\nproper; and instead of the Captains and subs, being\\nchosen by the companies, have them appointed by the", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0304.jp2"}, "305": {"fulltext": "1781.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 281\\nhonorable legislature, as very few of the present officers\\nare qualified for such service. I do not mean the least\\nreflection on those gentlemen w^ho hold commissions in\\nthe artillery, but it requires a practical kind of knowl-\\nedge which can only be acquired by study and practice.\\nWe find from experience that artillery give a confidence\\nto troops that possess them, and are essentially necessary\\nin the field. We have dragged a few heavy iron\\npieces through this war, to this day, wretchedly supplied\\nin every respect. Whilst the militia of the neighboring\\nstates appear in the field with an ample supply of brass\\nartillery, the necessary apparatus and camp equipage of\\nevery kind, the militia of New Jersey, whose services\\nin the field have been frequent, and without a comph-\\nment I may say inferior to none on the continent, are\\nentitled to an indulgence which, in their opinion, con-\\ntributes to their honor and security. I mean a proper\\nsupply of field artillery with the appendages.\\nAs this address proceeds from the strongest attach-\\nment to the just and virtuous cause in which we are\\nengaged, and the honor and safety of the state are so\\ndeeply interested in the equipment of our militia, I\\nflatter myself this application will meet a favorable\\nreception from the honorable legislature.\\nI have the honor to be, with great respect, your most\\nobed t ser t,\\nPHILEMON DICKINSON.\\nHon e JosiAH Hornblower, Speaker of the Assembly\\nof the State of New Jersey.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0305.jp2"}, "306": {"fulltext": "282 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1781.\\nFrom Robert Morris to Governor Livingston.\\nPhiladelphia, July 25th, 1781.\\nSir, I had the honor to write you on the 16th inst.\\nenclosing a certified copy of the account of your state\\nas it stands in the treasury books of the United States.\\nI now pray leave to recall your attention to it. It gives\\nme very great pain to learn that there is a pernicious idea\\nprevalent among some of the states that their accounts\\nare not to be adjusted with the continent. Such an idea\\ncannot fail to spread listless langour over all our opera-\\ntions; to suppose this expensive war can be carried on\\nwithout joint and strenuous efforts is beneath the wisdom\\nof those who are called to the high offices of legislation.\\nThose who inculcate maxims which tend to relax their\\nefforts most certainly injure the common cause, what-\\never may be the motives which inspire their conduct.\\nIf once such an opinion is admitted, those states who do\\nleast and charge most, will derive the greatest benefit\\nand endure the smallest evils.\\nYour Excellency must perceive that shameless inac-\\ntivity must take place of that noble emulation which\\nought to pervade and animate the whole Union. It is my\\nparticular duty, sir, while I remind my fellow-citizens\\nof those tasks which it is incumbent on them to per-\\nform, to remove if I can every impediment which lies in\\nthe way, or which may have been raised by disaffection,\\nself-interest or mistake. I take therefore this early\\nopportunity to assure you that all the accounts of the\\nseveral states with the United States shall be speedily", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0306.jp2"}, "307": {"fulltext": "1781.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 283\\nliquidated if I can possibly effect it, and my efforts for\\nthat purpose shall be unceasing. I make this assurance\\nin the most solemn manner, and I entreat the conse-\\nquences of a contrary assertion may be most seriously\\nweighed and considered before it is made or believed.\\nThese accounts naturally divide themselves into two\\nconsiderable branches, viz. those which are previous\\nand those which are subsequent to the Resolutions of\\nCongress of the 18th March 1780. The former must\\nbe adjusted as soon as proper officers can be found and\\nappointed for the purpose, and proper principles estab-\\nlished, so as that they may be liquidated in an equitable\\nmanner. I say, sir, in an equitable manner, for I am\\ndetermined that justice shall be rule of my conduct as\\nfar as the measure of abilities which the Almighty has\\nbeen pleased to bestow shall enable me to distinguish\\nbetween right and wrong. I shall never permit a\\ndoubt that the states will do what is right, neither will\\nI ever believe that any one of them can expect to\\nderive advantage from doing what is wrong. It is by\\nbeing just to individuals, to each other, to the Union, to\\nall, by generous grants of solid revenue, and by adopting\\nenergetic measures to collect that revenue, and not by\\ncomplainings, vauntings or recriminations, that these\\nstates must expect to establish their independence and\\nrise into power, consequence and grandeur. I speak to\\nyour Excellency with freedom, because it is my duty so\\nto speak, and because I am convinced that the language\\nof plain sincerity is the only pi-oper language to the first\\nmagistrate of a free community.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0307.jp2"}, "308": {"fulltext": "284 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1781.\\nThe accounts I have mentioned as subsequent to the\\nresolutions of the 18th March 1780, admit of an immedi-\\nate settlement. The several states have all the necessary\\nmaterials one side of this account consists of demands\\nmade by resolutions of Congress long since forw^arded\\nthe other must consist of the compliances with those\\ndemands. This latter part I am not in capacity to\\nstate, and for that reason I am to request the earliest\\ninformation which the nature of things will permit of\\nthe moneys, supphes, transportation, c., which have\\nbeen paid, advanced or furnished by your state in order\\nthat I may know what remains due. The sooner full\\ninformation can be obtained, the sooner shall we know\\nwhat to rely on and how to do equal justice to those\\nwho have contributed and those who have not, to those\\nwho have contributed at one period and those who\\nhave contributed at another. I enclose you an account\\nof the specific supplies demanded of your state as\\nextracted from the journals of Congress, though without\\nany mention of what has been done in consequence of\\nthose resolutions, because as I have already observed,\\nyour Excellency will be able to discover the balance\\nmuch better than I can,\\nI am further to entreat sir, that I may be favored with\\ncopies of the several acts passed in your state since the\\n18th March 1780 for the collection of taxes and fur-\\nnishing supplies or other aids to the United States, the\\nmanner in which such acts have been executed, the\\ntime which may have been necessary for them to ope-\\nrate, and the consequences of their operation. T must", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0308.jp2"}, "309": {"fulltext": "1781.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 285\\nalso pray to be informed of so much of the internal\\npolicy of your state as relates to the laying, assessing,\\nlevying and collecting of taxes. I beg leave to assure\\nyour Excellency that I am not prompted either by an\\nidle curiosity or by any wish to discover what prudence\\nwould dictate to conceal tis necessary I should be in-\\nformed of these things, and I take the plain, open\\ncandid method of acquiring information.\\nTo palliate or conceal any evils or disorders in our\\nsituation can answer no good purpose they must be\\nknown before they can be cured, we must also knov/\\nwhat resources can be brought forth that we may pro-\\nportion our efforts to our means and our demands to\\nboth. It is necessary we should be in a condition to\\nprosecute the war with care before we can expect to\\nlay down our arms with security, before we can treat\\nof peace honorably, and before we can conclude it with\\nadvantage. I feel myself fittened at every moment\\nand embarrassed in every operation, from my ignorance\\nof our actual state and of what is reasonably to be\\nasked or expected. Yet when I consider our zeal,\\nwealth and numbers, and when I compare them with\\nthose of other countries, I feel a thorough conviction\\nthat we may do much more than we have yet done and\\nwith more care to ourselves than we have yet felt, pro-\\nvided we adopt the proper mode of revenue and expen-\\nditure. Your Excellency s good sense will anticipate\\nmy observation on the necessity of being informed what\\nmoneys are in your treasury, and what sums you expect\\nto have there, as also of the times they must probably", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0309.jp2"}, "310": {"fulltext": "286 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1781.\\nbe brought in. In addition to this I must pray you to\\ncommunicate the several appropriations.\\nA misfortune pecuhar to America requires that I\\nentreat your Excellency to undertake one more task,\\nwhich perhaps is far from being the least difficult. Tis,\\nsir, that you will write very fully as to the amount of\\nthe several paper currencies now circulating in your\\nstate, the probable increase or decrease of each, and\\nthe respective rates of depreciation.\\nHaving now stated the several communications which\\nare most indispensable, let me entreat of your Excel-\\nlency s goodness that they may be made as speedily as\\npossible, to the end I may be early prepared with those\\npropositions which, from a view of all the circumstan-\\nces, may be most likely to extricate us from our present\\ndifficulties. I am also to entreat that you will inform\\nme when your legislature is to meet my reason for\\nmaking this request is, that any proposals to be made\\nto them may arrive in season for their attentive delibe-\\nration.\\nI know that I give you much trouble, but I also know\\nthat it will be pleasing to you because the time and the\\nlabor will be expended in the service of your country.\\nIf, sir, my feeble but honest effiDrts should open to us\\nthe prospect of American glory, if we should be able to\\nlook forward to a period, when, supported by solid reve-\\nnue and resources, this war should have no other dura-\\ntion or extent than the wisdom of Congress might\\nallow when its object should be the honor and not the\\nindependence of our country if with these fair views", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0310.jp2"}, "311": {"fulltext": "1781.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 287\\nthe states should be roused, excited, animated in the\\npursuit, and unitedly determining to be in that happy\\nsituation, find themselves placed there by the very de-\\ntermination if, sir, these things should happen soon,\\nthe reflection that your industry has principally contri-\\nbuted to effect them, would be the rich reward of your\\ntoils, and give to your best feehngs their amplest grati-\\nfication.\\nI have the honor to be, your Excellency s most obe-\\ndient and humble servant,\\nROB^ MORRIS,\\nS. J. of Finance.\\nHis Excellency, the Governor and Commander-in-chief\\nof the state of New Jersey.\\nFrom Robert Morris to Governor Livingston.\\nOffice of Finances, August 22, 1781.\\nSir, I have already in a former letter forwarded to\\nyour Excellency an account of the specific suppHes\\nwhich Congress had demanded from your state. It\\nnow becomes my duty again to press for a compliance\\nwith those demands.\\nThe exigencies of the service require immediate at-\\ntention we are on the eve of the most active operations,\\nand should they be in any wise retarded by the want\\nof necessary supplies, the most unhappy consequences\\nmay follow. Those who may be justly chargeable with\\nneglect will have to answer for it to their country, to\\ntheir allies, to the present generation, and to all pos-", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0311.jp2"}, "312": {"fulltext": "288 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1781.\\nterity. I hope, entreat, expect the utmost possible\\nefforts on the part of your state, and I confide in your\\nExcellency s prudence and vigor to render those efforts\\neffectual. I beg to know most speedily, sir, what sup-\\nplies are collected, and at what places, as also the time\\nand places at which the remainder are to be expected.\\nI cannot express to you my solicitude on this occa-\\nsion.\\nMy declaration to Congress when I entered upon\\nadministration, will prevent the blame of ill accidents\\nfrom lighting upon me, even if I was less attentive than\\nI am but it is impossible not to feel most deeply on\\noccasions where the greatest objects may be impaired\\nor destroyed by indolence or neglect. I must, there-\\nfore, again reiterate my requests, and while I assure you\\nthat nothing but the urgency of our affairs would ren-\\nder me thus importunate, I nmst also assure you, that\\nwhile those affairs continue so urgent, I must continue\\nto importune.\\nWith all possible respect I have the honor to be your\\nExcellency s most obedient and humble servant,\\nROBi^ MORRIS.\\nHis Excellency, the Governor of N, Jersey.\\nFrom Abraham Clark, Delegate to Congress, to the\\nSpeaker of the Asseinhly.\\nPhiladelphia, Oct. 23d, 1781.\\nSir,\u00e2\u0080\u0094 The instructions of the legislature respecting\\nthe western lands, and Indiana claims, c., have been", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0312.jp2"}, "313": {"fulltext": "1781.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 289\\nreceived and attended to. The cession of Virginia and\\nthe Indiana claim, c., are before a Committee who\\nhave not yet reported. The few states at present rep-\\nresented in Congress will render any proceeding in this\\nbusiness difficult if not impracticable a determination\\ncannot be had without a fuller representation.\\nWith regard to a division of the Islands and Bars in\\nDelaware Bay and River, I beg leave, with all due\\ndeference to the opinion of the legislature, to propose to\\nyour consideration, whether it will not be best to apply\\nto the legislatures of Pennsylvania and Delaware for\\nsuch a division previous to any apphcation for the ap-\\npointment of commissioners. A settlement by commis-\\nsioners agreeable to the confederation will be attended\\nwith a large expense, when in all probability the busi-\\nness can be effected by the legislatures with little, if any.\\nMr. McKean assures me the legislature of Delaware\\nwill cheerfully come into the settlement you propose,\\nthey are sensible of the necessity of the measure he\\ninforms me their grant takes in all the islands in Dela-\\nware Bay, but thinks they will notwithstanding divide\\nwith us. I do not remember the bounds of the grant\\nto New Jersey, so far as may respect the islands, and\\nhave never seen those of Pennsylvania and Delaware.\\nWith regard to Pennsylvania, if a settlement can be\\neffected by acts of the legislature, it will be the most\\ncheap and expeditious method, and I cannot yet find\\nthere will be any objection to it here it can at least\\nbe proposed to the legislature; but those applications\\nyour delegates are not empowered to make. I have\\n19", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0313.jp2"}, "314": {"fulltext": "290 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1781.\\nconversed with all my colleagues upon this subject,\\n(except Dr. Witherspoon, who hath just made his ap-\\npearance,) and find we all concur in opinion, but we\\nall are equally at a loss for the meaning of the words,\\nSaving and reserving to all persons their legal and\\nequitable claims; as in the preceding words you claim\\nall such islands and bars as lie between the Jersey shore\\nand the main channel of Delaware Bay and River, with\\nthe rights of soil and jurisdiction. In the grant to\\nNew Jersey both soil and jurisdiction are granted the\\nsoil is become the property of the West Jersey Proprie-\\ntors, that is, all such land as is within the limits those\\nlimits being settled, I suppose no person can have a\\nlegal claim within the same except under the Proprie-\\ntors, and it can hardly be supposed the legislature meant\\nto countenance any claim under Pennsylvania or Dela-\\nware within such bounds, though the words equitable\\nclaims seems to hold up such an idea in favor of long-\\npossession. If this is intended, nothing short of laws\\nin the respective states can be binding commissioners\\ncan have nothing to do with the private rights of indivi-\\nduals in cases like these.\\nIf it should be the pleasure of the legislature to make\\nany proposals to Pennsylvania and Delaware, I think\\nthe same should be pointed out with precision, or at\\nleast such precision pointed out to such as may be em-\\npowered to negotiate the business. Might I give my\\nopinion, I should suppose the main channel a proper\\nboundary as far as the tide flows beyond that, where the\\nmain channel cannot be ascertained, by depth of water:", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0314.jp2"}, "315": {"fulltext": "1781.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 291\\nislands lying nearest shore of either state to belong to\\nsuch state. As this may only respect jurisdiction, the\\nright of soil will require particular attention, in which,\\npossibly, respect will be had to possessions of long stand-\\ning, which had in the first acquiring them the appear-\\nance of legality on their side.\\nI have the honor to be, with all due respect, sir, your\\nobedient and humble servant,\\nABRA. CLARK.\\nThe hon ble the Speaker of Assembly.\\nFrom the President of Congress to Governor\\nLivingston.\\nPhUadelphia, Oct. 31st, 1781.\\nSir, Your Excellency will receive herewith inclosed\\na Proclamation, recommending to the several states\\nthat the thirteenth day of December next, be set apart\\nas a day of Thanksgiving and Prayer.\\nI have the honor to be, with the greatest respect,\\nyour obedient and most humble servant,\\nTHOS. MCKEAN, President.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nPROCLAMATION.\\nWhereas, It hath pleased Almighty God, the Father\\nof Mercies, remarkably to assist and support the United\\nStates of America in their important struggle for lib-\\nerty, against the long-continued efforts of a powerful\\nnation, it is the duty of all ranks to observe and thank-", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0315.jp2"}, "316": {"fulltext": "292 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1781.\\nfully acknowledge the interpositions of his Providence\\nin their behalf: Through the whole of the contest,\\nfrom its first rise to this time, the influence of Divine\\nProvidence may be clearly perceived in many signal\\ninstances, of which we mention but a few\\nIn revealing the counsels of our enemies, when the\\ndiscoveries were seasonable and important, and the\\nmeans seemingly inadequate or fortuitous.\\nIn preserving and even improving the union of the\\nseveral states, on the breach of which our enemies\\nplaced their greatest dependence,\\nIn increasing the number and adding to the zeal and\\nattachment of the friends of liberty,\\nIn granting remarkable deliverances and blessings\\nwith the most signal success, when affairs seemed to\\nhave the most discouraging appearance,\\nIn raising up for us a most powerful and generous\\nally in one of the first of European Powers,\\nIn confounding the counsels of our enemies, and suf-\\nfering them to pursue such measures as have most\\ndirectly contributed to frustrate their own desires and\\nexpectations above all\\nIn making their extreme cruelty to the inhabitants of\\nthose states, when in their power, and their savage de-\\nvastation of property the very means of cementing our\\nUnion, and adding vigor to every effort in opposition to\\nthem and as we cannot help leading the good people\\nof these states to a retrospect on the events which have\\ntaken place since the beginning of the war, so we may\\nrecommend in a particular manner to their observation", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0316.jp2"}, "317": {"fulltext": "1781.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 293\\nthe goodness of God in the year now drawing to a\\nconclusion in which the Confederation of the United\\nStates has been completed,\\nIn which there have been so many instances of\\nprowess and success in our armies, particularly in the\\nsouthern states, where, notwithstanding the difficulties\\nwith which they had to struggle, they have recovered\\nthe whole country which the enemy had overrun, leav-\\ning them only a post or two on or near the sea,\u00e2\u0080\u0094\\nIn which we have been so powerfully and effectually\\nassisted by our alUes, while in all the unjust operations,\\nthe most perfect harmony has subsisted in the alUed\\narmy In which there has been so plentiful a harvest,\\nand so great abundance of the fruits of the earth of\\nevery kind, as not only enable us easily to supply the\\nwants of our army, but gives comfort and happiness to\\nthe whole people,\\nAnd in which, after the success of our allies by sea,\\na general of the first rank with his whole army has\\nbeen captured by the allied forces under the direction\\nof our commander-in-chief\\nIt is therefore recommended to the several states to\\nset apart the thirteenth day of December next, to be\\nreligiously observed as a day of Thanksgiving and\\nPrayer that all the people may assemble on that day\\nwith grateful hearts to celebrate the praises of our glo-\\nrious Benefactor, to confess our manifold sins, to offer\\nup our most fervent supplications to the God of all\\ngrace, that it may please him to pardon our offences,\\nand incline our hearts for the future, to keep all his", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0317.jp2"}, "318": {"fulltext": "294 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1781-\\nlaws, to comfort and relieve all our brethren who are in\\ndistress or captivity, to prosper our husbandmen, and\\ngive strength to all engaged in lawful commerce to\\nimpart wisdom and integrity to our counsellors, judg-\\nment and fortitude to our officers and soldiers to pro-\\ntect and prosper our illustrious ally, and favor our united\\nexertions for the speedy estabhshment of a safe, honor-\\nable, and lasting peace, to bless our seminaries of learn-\\ning, and cause the knowledge of God to cover the\\nearth as the waters cover the seas.\\nDone in Congress the 26th day of October, in the\\nyear of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred\\nand eighty-one, and in the sixth year of the\\nIndependence of America.\\nTHQS MCKEAN, President.\\nAttest, Chs. Thompson, Secretary.\\nFrom Governor Livingston to the Speaktr of the\\nAssembly.\\nTrenton, November 21st, 1781.\\nV Sir, On my being elected to the government in\\nOctober 1780, I informed the then Assembly by letter\\nto the Speaker, after having pointed out how greatly I\\nhad suffered in the payment of my salary by the depre-\\nciation of the money, that I accepted the appointment\\nfor the then ensuing year, in confidence that, whatever\\nthe salary might be, the honorable House would make it\\ngood. As I never received any answer to the terms of\\nthe acceptance, I had reason to conclude that their", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0318.jp2"}, "319": {"fulltext": "1781.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 295\\nsilence evinced their acquiescence and as our legisla-\\ntures are annual, unless every succeeding one thinks\\nitself bound by the engagements of its predecessors, it\\nis certain that all faith in government must necessarily\\nbe annihilated. And indeed had I made no intimation\\nwhatever on the subject, I cannot presume that the\\npresent legislature would think it reasonable that I\\nshould be paid the nominal sum stipulated, without any\\nallowance for the depreciation of the money, which\\nwould in effect amount to a declaration that my services\\nwere not worth above four hundred pounds a year, and\\nthat such salary was a sufficient support for any credit-\\nable family. As I can assure the honorable House that\\nthe augmentation of my fortune was never my object in\\naccepting of any office, so neither ought the House to\\nexpect that, besides a man s time, especially when he\\ndevotes the whole of it to the pubhc service, to the\\nnecessary neglect of his domestic affairs, he should\\nalso exhaust his private patrimony. That the money is\\ndepreciated, sir, is not my fault, but should I be obliged\\nto receive it for what it is not, I should nevertheless bear\\nthe punishment. It is probable that the legislature will\\nfinally keep its faith respecting its redemption, but that\\navails not me nor any other public officer who does not\\nhoard up the money on speculation, but must part with\\nit at its current value. To conclude, sir, I rely on the\\nhonor and justice of the House: I am not sohciting for\\nfavor, only ask for justice. This is due to every man,\\nand that I am persuaded so respectable a body as the\\nrepresentatives of the people of this state will deny to\\nno man.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0319.jp2"}, "320": {"fulltext": "296 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1781.\\nI have the honor to be, with great respect, sir, your\\nmost humble servant,\\nWIL. LIVINGSTON.\\nTo the honorable the Speaker of the General Assembly\\nof the state of New Jersey.\\nFrom the President of Congress to Governor\\nLivingston.\\nPhiladelphia, December 12th, 1781.\\nSir, Although the present aspect of our public\\naffairs is truly favorable, and opens to our view the\\nbrightest prospects of a glorious peace and the unmo-\\nlested possession of the invaluable rights we have nobly\\ndared to contend for, yet a relaxation in our exertions\\nwill not only be disgraceful, but may prove dangerous\\nand even fatal to our liberties. Congress on their part\\nare determined to prevent both the one and the other.\\nBy their act of the 10th instant, a copy of which I have\\nthe honor of inclosing, they call upon the legislature of\\neach state in the most pressing manner to complete the\\nquota of troops assigned to them. The same act also\\ncontains several other requisitions, and the whole of\\nsuch evident magnitude and importance as render it\\nunnecessary to urge any thing more upon the subject.\\nI have the honor, likewise, of transmitting to your\\nExcellency a copy of an act of Congress of the 11th\\ninstant, recommending to the legislature of each state\\nto ascertain their number of white inhabitants, as soon\\nas practicable. A foundation for equal justice on a", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0320.jp2"}, "321": {"fulltext": "1781.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 297\\nvery important occasion being the object they have in\\nview in desiring this information, your Excellency and\\nthe legislature of your state will, do doubt, concur with\\nme in opinion that the business should be accomplished\\nwith all possible accuracy and dispatch.\\nI have the honor to be, with great respect, sir, your\\nExcellency s obedient and very humble servant,\\nJOHN HANSON, Presid t.\\nHis Excellency, the Governor of New Jersey.\\nAddress of Congress to the States.\\nDecember 17th, 1781.\\nThe United States in Congress assembled, to the\\nlegislatures of the states of New Hampshire, Massa-\\nchusetts, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,\\nConnecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,\\nDelaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South\\nCarolina and Georgia.\\nGentlemen, We are happy to observe that the\\npresent year hath been distinguished by the reduction\\nof a powerful British garrison in Virginia, and that our\\narms have also been prosperous in other parts of the\\nUnited States. But to infer that our inexorable foe is\\nsubdued beyond recovery may be attended with ruinous\\nconsequences. These events will yield but momentary\\nadvantages unless supported by vigorous measures in\\nfuture.\\nFrom an assurance that peace is best attained by\\npreparations for war, and that in the cabinet of nego-", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0321.jp2"}, "322": {"fulltext": "298 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1781.\\nciations those arguments carry with them the greatest\\nweight which are enforced not only witli a retrospect of\\nimportant victories, but by a well grounded prospect of\\nfuture successes. We have called upon you for eight\\nmillions of dollars and for your respective deficiency of\\nthe military establishment. Seven years have nearly\\npassed since the sword was first unsheathed. The\\nsums expended in so long a period in a just and neces-\\nsary war must appear moderate, nor can this demand\\nfor pecuniary aid be deemed exorbitant by those who\\ncompute the extent of public exigencies and the propor-\\ntion of the requisition to the abilities of the states.\\nSuppose not that funds exist for our rehef beyond the\\nlimits of these states. As the possessions of the citi-\\nzens constitute our natural resources, and from a sense\\nof their sufficiency the standard of war was erected\\nagainst Great Britain, so on them alone we now rely.\\nBut even if loans were attainable, their amount would\\nbe merely commensurate with our ability and inclina-\\ntion to repay, and by nothing can both be more satisfac-\\ntorily evidenced than by a generous exertion amidst the\\nlanguor of public credit.\\nArguing from the former dilatoriness of supphes, the\\nenemy after having abandoned serious expectations of\\nconquering by arms, anticipate it in imagination from\\nthe dissolution of our public credit. They cannot,\\nhowever, deny the firmness of the basis of this confed-\\nerated country, the fruitfulness of its soil, and the\\nindustry of its people.\\nBut the want of money is not the only source of our", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0322.jp2"}, "323": {"fulltext": "1781.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 299\\ndifficulties, nor do the enemy gather consolation from\\nthe state of finance alone. We are distressed by the\\nthinness of our battahons, so vulnerable does the bold-\\nness of navigation render the very bosom of these states,\\nso dispersed in some parts is the population, and so\\nrapid our enemy in transportation, that they seize and\\nexhaust large districts before their ravages can be\\nchecked. The requisition for the completion of your\\nbattahons is therefore not only reasonable but indispen-\\nsable.\\nTardiness in the collection of our troops has con-\\nstantly encouraged in the enemy a suspicion that\\nAmerican opposition is on the decline. Hence money\\nfrom time to time is poured into the coffers of our\\nenemy, and the lender perhaps is allured by the prospect\\nof receiving it with an usurious interest, from the spoils\\nof confiscation.\\nTo w^hom, then, rather than yourselves, who are\\ncalled to the guardianship and sovereignty of your\\ncountry, can these considerations be addressed Joint\\nlaborers as we are in the work of independence, duty\\nimpels us to admonish you of the crisis. We possess\\nno funds which do not originate with you we can\\ncommand no levies which are not raised under your\\nown acts well shall we acquit ourselves to the world\\nshould peace, towards the acquisition of which so illus-\\ntrious a point hath been gained, now escape our\\nembraces by the inadequacy of our army or our treas-\\nure for an appeal to this exposition of your affairs well\\ndemonstrate our watchfulness of your happiness.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0323.jp2"}, "324": {"fulltext": "300 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1781.\\nWe conjure you to remember what confidence we\\nshall establish in the breast of that great monarch who\\nhas become a party in our political welfare, by a bold,\\nenergetic display of our ability.\\nWe therefore trust in your attention and zeal to avail\\nyourselves at this important crisis of the glorious advan-\\ntages lately obtained by a full compliance with the\\nrequisitions of men and money which we have made to\\nyou, the necessity of which hath been pointed out to\\nus by the maturest consideration on the present circum-\\nstances of these United States.\\nBy order of Congress,\\nJOHN HANSON, Presid t.\\nState of New Jersey.\\nFrom Abraham Clark to the Speaker of Assembly.\\nPhiladelphia, December 17th, 1781.\\nSir, Your favor of the 10th tome, and of the 15th\\nto the Delegates, enclosing your instructions, were re-\\nceived yesterday by Mr. Covenhoven. The instructions\\nwere laid before Congress, and the matters therein urged\\nare referred to a committe, and will be duly attended to.\\nUpon receiving the instructions relative to the islands\\nin the bay and river Delaware, the apphcations we\\nwere directed to make we all understood was for a set-\\ntlement of boundaries agreeable to the confederation\\nand being informed by the delegates of Pennsylvania\\nand Delaware that such an expensive mode of settle-\\nment might be avoided, as their states would gladly", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0324.jp2"}, "325": {"fulltext": "1781.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 301\\ncome into the measure. This occasioned our delay at\\nthat time, and also my letter at the first meeting of the\\nLegislature. Hearing nothing from you for some\\nweeks, we determined to proceed on the business, which\\nI took the liberty to inform you of by letter but in\\ntaking the business up we found ourselves at a loss to\\ndiscover the real wish and intentions of the Legislature,\\nas the applications directed were different from the\\nmode pointed out in the confederation for settling\\nboundaries. This, Mr. Houston engaged to inform you\\nof, we never once conceived a thought that you doubted\\nyour right to the islands contiguous to our shore until\\nmeeting with Mr. Treat a few days ago, he informed\\nme of your doubts in that respect, which are confirmed\\nby your letter of the 10th.\\nWe shall at all times pay due respect and attention\\nto any instructions we may be charged with, at the\\nsame time think it our indispensable duty to advise you\\nof the difficulties that may probably arise in the prose-\\ncution. If a title to the islands and a line of jurisdic-\\ntion is all that the legislature had in view, they will, I\\npresume, be satisfied by Covenhoven that the business\\ncan only be effected by joint concurrence of the states\\nconcerned, without any interference of Congress. It\\nis however suggested that your real designs were to\\nestablish a precedent for Congress to dispose of all\\nunappropriated crown lands in the several states. This\\nI cannot believe was had in contemplation by you, as\\nwe had no intimations of it, but whether true or false\\nwill be a most effectual bar to our obtaining any grant\\nfor the following reasons. Most of the states having", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0325.jp2"}, "326": {"fulltext": "302 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1781.\\nwithin their claims large quantities of unappropriated\\nlands, will not agree that Congress shall exercise such a\\nright unless it be over such lands as shall be ceded, and\\nif our application should be considered as a cession of\\nour claims to the islands, they will, if they do any thing,\\nsell them at full value, in which we shall by your appli-\\ncation lose what we have a just right to by the law of\\nnations, and settle no precedent to our advantage, which\\nyou may be assured will be carefully guarded against.\\nCongress is now represented by only nine states, the\\njealousies that will arise on an appUcation for a grant\\nwill influence most of the states to oppose it on every\\npolitical principle. Seven states are necessary to con-\\ncur in every question of the smallest moment, in all\\nwherein there is any appropriation nine states must\\nconcur. What chance have we then in the present\\ncase 1 None that I can see but the loss of what we\\nhave an indubitable right to, and which we have in our\\npower to hold the peaceable possession of.\\nAs the business before Congress will not at present,\\nand for some days to come admit of a consideration of\\nthis matter, we can readily comply with Mr. Covenho-\\nven s desire to let the matter rest for a few days, till you\\ncan be informed of the above and such other matters\\nrelative thereto as he will be able to communicate.\\nI have the honor to be, with all due respect, sir, your\\nobed t humble serv t,\\nABRA. CLARK.\\nHon e John Mehelm, Esq., Speaker of the Assembly.\\nP. S. I wish this representation might be communi-\\ncated to the Council.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0326.jp2"}, "327": {"fulltext": "1782.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 303\\nCircular.\\nPhiladelphia, January 23d, 1782.\\nSir, Although it may be somewhat out of my\\nprovmce to address your Excellency on a subject not\\nimmediately of a military nature, yet I consider it so\\nnearly connected with, and so essential to, the opera-\\ntions under my direction, that I flatter myself that my\\ninterference will not be deemed impertinent.\\nUpon applying to the superintendent of finances to\\nknow how far I might depend upon him for the pay,\\nfeeding and clothing of the army for the current year,\\nhe very candidly laid open to me the state of our\\nmoneyed affairs and convinced me, that although the\\nassistances we had derived from abroad were consider-\\nable, yet they would be by no means adequate to our\\nexpenses. He informed me further that to make up\\nthe deficiency, the states had been called upon by Con-\\ngress for eight millions of dollars for the service of the\\nyear 1782, and showed me the copy of a circular letter\\nfrom himself to the several legislatures, in which he\\nhad so fully and clearly pointed out the necessity of\\na compliance with the requisition, that it is needless\\nfar me to say more on that head, than that I entirely\\nconcur with him in opinion so far as he has gone into\\nthe matter. But there are other reasons which could\\nnot be so well known to him as to me, as having come\\nunder my observation, and which therefore I shall take\\nthe liberty to mention.\\nYour Excellency cannot but remember the ferment\\ninto which the whole army was thrown twelve months", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0327.jp2"}, "328": {"fulltext": "304 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1782.\\nago for the v/ant of pay and a regular supply of cloth-\\ning and provisions, and with how much difficulty they\\nwere brought into temper by a partial supply of the\\ntwo first and a promise of more regular suppUes of all\\nin future. Those promises the soldiery now begin to\\nclaim, and although now we shall be able to satisfy\\nthem tolerably with respect to clothing, and perfectly\\nwith regard to provisions, (if the financier is enabled\\nto comply with his contracts,) yet there is no prospect\\nof obtaining pay, until a part of the money required\\nof the states can be brought into the public treasury.\\nYou cannot conceive the uneasiness which arises from\\nthe want of so essential an article as money, and the\\nreal difficulties in which the officers in particular, are\\ninvolved on this account. The favorable aspect of our\\naffairs, and the hopes that matters are in a train to\\nafford them relief, contribute to keep them quiet, but I\\ncannot answer for the effects of a disappointment.\\nEnabling the Financier to comply with his contracts\\nis a matter of the utmost consequence, the very exist-\\nence of the army depends upon it. Should he fail in\\nhis payments, the contract ceases, and there is no\\nalternative left but to disband or live upon the seizure\\nof the neighboring property. The saving to the public\\nby feeding an army by contract, is too well known to\\nneed any illustration, and that alone ought to be a\\nsufficient inducement to the states to find the means of\\nadhering to it.\\nIt will perhaps be urged that the sum called for is\\nimmense, and beyond the abihty of the country to", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0328.jp2"}, "329": {"fulltext": "1782.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 305\\npay. There is one plain answer to that objection,\\nshould it be made. It is, if the war is carried on, a\\ncertain expense must be increased, and that such ex-\\npense must be drawn from the people, either by a par-\\ntial, cruel, and I may say, illegal seizure of that pro-\\nperty, which lays most convenient to the army, or by a\\nregular and equitable tax in money or specific articles.\\nMoney, if it can be procured, is to be preferred, because\\nit is neither liable to waste, nor is it expensive in the\\nmode of collection or transportation whereas, I think\\nI may venture to say, that a great proportion of the\\nspecific articles have been wasted, after the people have\\nfurnished them and that the transportation alone of\\nwhat have reached the army, has in numberless instan-\\nces cost more than the value of the articles themselves.\\nTo bring this war to a speedy and happy conclusion,\\nmust be the fervent wish of every lover of his country,\\nand sure I am that no means are so likely to effect\\nthis, as vigorous preparations for another campaign.\\nWhether then we consult our true interests, substantial\\neconomy, or sound policy, we shall find that relaxation\\nand languor are of all things to be avoided. Conduct\\nof that kind on our part, will produce fresh hopes and\\nnew exertions on that of the enemy whereby the war,\\nwhich has already held beyond the general expectation,\\nmay be protracted to such a length, that the people,\\ngroaning under the burden of it, and despairing of suc-\\ncess, may think any change a change for the better.\\nI will close with a request that your Excellency will\\nbe good enough to take the first opportunity of laying\\n20", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0329.jp2"}, "330": {"fulltext": "306 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1782-\\nthese my sentiments before the legislature of your state.\\nFrom the attention they have been pleased to pay to\\nany former requisitions or representations of mine, I am\\nencouraged to hope that the present, which is equally\\nimportant with any I have ever made, will meet with a\\nfavorable reception.\\nI have the honor to be, with great respect, your Ex-\\n.cellency s most obed t and h ble serv t,\\nGO WASHINGTON.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFrom General Washington to Governor Livingston.\\nHead-quarters, Philadelphia, Jan. 31, l i82.\\nSir, I have the honor of transmitting herewith, ac-\\ncurate returns of the number of men now in service\\nfrom your state, in order that measures may be taken\\nfor completing the regiments to the full estabhshment,\\nagreeably to the resolutions of Congress of the 10th of\\nDecember. I cannot omit so favorable an occasion of\\nexpressing to your Excellency my sentiments on this\\nsubject, and of entreating in the most earnest manner,\\nthat there may be a speedy, pointed and effectual com-\\npliance with those requisitions.\\nIt will, I flatter myself, be unnecessary to recapitulate\\nall the arguments I made use of in the circular letter I\\nhad the honor to address to the governors of the seve-\\nral states, at the close of the campaign of 1780, in\\nwhich it must be remembered I took the liberty to urge,\\nfrom the knowledge I had of our affairs and a series of", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0330.jp2"}, "331": {"fulltext": "1782.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 307\\nexperience, the policy, the expediency, the necessity of\\nrecruiting the army, as the only probable means of\\nbringing the war to a speedy and happy conclusion. If\\nthose arguments had any influence at that time, if the\\nconsequent exertions were crowned with success, if the\\npresent crisis exhibits new and more forcible induce-\\nments for still greater efforts, let me point your Excel-\\nlency and the legislature to those considerations, and\\nespecially let me recommend in the warmest terms, that\\nall the fruits of the success which have been obtained\\nthe last campaign may not be thrown away by an in-\\nglorious winter of languor and inactivity.\\nHowever, at this advanced stage of the war it might\\nseem to be an insult on the understanding to suppose a\\nlong train of reasoning necessary, to prove that a res-\\npectable force in the field is essential to the estabhsh-\\nment of our liberties and independence yet as I am\\napprehensive the prosperous issue of the combined ope-\\nration in Virginia, may have (as is too common in such\\ncases) the pernicious tendency of lulHng the country into\\na lethargy of inactivity and security and as I feel my\\nown reputation, as well as the interest, the honor, the\\nglory and happiness of my country intimately concerned\\nin the event, I will ask the indulgence to speak the more\\nfreely on those accounts, and to make some of the ob-\\nservations which the present moment seem to suggest.\\nThat the broken and perplexed state of the enemy s\\naffairs, and the successes of the last campaign on our\\npart, ought to be a powerful incitement to vigourous pre-\\nparations for the next that unless we strenuously exert", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0331.jp2"}, "332": {"fulltext": "308 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1782.\\nourselves to profit by these successes, we shall not only\\nlose all the solid advantages that might be derived from\\nthem, but we shall become contemptible in our own\\neyes, in the eyes of our enemies, in the opinion of pos-\\nterity and even in the estimation of the whole world\\nwhich will consider us as a nation unworthy of pros-\\nperity because we know not how to make a right use\\nof it that although we cannot by the best concerted\\nplans, absolutely command success although the race\\nis not always to the swift, or the battle to the strong,\\nwithout presumptuously waiting for miracles to be\\nwrought in our favor, it is our indispensable duty\\nwith the deepest gratitude to Heaven for the past, and\\nhumble confidence in its smiles on our future operations,\\nto make use of all the means in our power for our de-\\nfence and security. That this period is particularly\\nimportant; because no circumstances since the com-\\nmencement of the war have been so favorable for\\nthe recruiting service as the present, and because it is\\nto be presumed from the increase of population and the\\nbrilHant prospects before us, it is in our power to com-\\nplete the army, before the opening of the campaign\\nthat however flattering these prospects may be, much\\nstill remains to be done, which cannot probably be\\neffected, unless the army is recruited to its establishment\\nand consequently the continuance or termination of\\nthe war seem principally to rest on the vigor and decision\\nof the states in this interesting point. And finally, that\\nit is our first object of policy, under every supposable or\\npossible case, to have a powerful army in the field, for", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0332.jp2"}, "333": {"fulltext": "1782.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 309\\nwe must suppose the enemy are either disposed to\\nprosecute the war or enter into a negotiation for peace.\\nThere is no other alternative; the former position, a\\nrespectable army becomes necessary to counteract the\\nenemy and to prevent the accumulating expenses of a\\nlingering war on the latter, nothing but a decidedly\\nsuperior force can enable us boldly to proclaim our\\nrights, and dictate the law at the pacification. So that\\nwhatever may be the disposition of the enemy, it is\\nevidently our only interest and economy to act libe-\\nrally, and exert ourselves greatly during the present\\nwinter to cut off at once all the expenses of the war by\\nputting a period to it.\\nAnd soon might that day arrive, soon might we hope\\nto enjoy the blessings of peace, if we could see again\\nthe same animation in the cause of our country inspire\\nevery breast the same passion for freedom and military\\nglory impel our youth to the field, the same disinterest-\\ned patriotism pervade every rank of men, as was con-\\nspicuous at the commencement of this glorious revolu-\\ntion. And I am persuaded only some great occasion\\nwas wanting, such as the present moment exhibits, to\\nkindle the latent spark of that patriotic fire into a gen-\\nerous flame to rouse again the unconquerable spirit of\\nliberty, which has sometimes seemed to slumber for\\nawhile, into the full vigor of action.\\nI cannot conclude this letter without expressing my\\nfull expectation that the several states, animated with\\nthe noblest principles, and convinced of the policy of\\ncomplying faithfully with the requisitions, will be only", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0333.jp2"}, "334": {"fulltext": "310 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1782.\\nemulous which shall be foremost in furnishing its\\nquota of men, that the calculation of the numbers\\nwanted to fill the deficiency, may be so ample, as,\\n(allowing for all the casualties and deductions) will be\\nsufficient certainly to complete the battalions that the\\nmeasures for this purpose may be so explicit, pointed\\nand energetic, as will inevitably furnish the recruits in\\nseason and that such checks may be established to\\nprevent imposition in the quality of the men, that no\\nrecruits may be accepted, but those who are in fact\\nable-bodied and effective. Should any of a different\\ndescription be sent to the army they must be rejected,\\nthe expenses thrown away, and the service injured,\\nthough others are required to fill their places for it is\\nonly deceiving ourselves with having a nominal instead\\nof a real force and consuming the pubUc provisions and\\nclothing to no effect, by attempting to impose decrepit\\nor improper men or boys upon us as soldiers.\\nWith the highest respect I have the honor to be, sir,\\nyour Excellency s most obedient, humble servant,\\nG^ WASHINGTON.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFrom General Washington to Governor Livingston.\\nHead-Quarters, Philadelphia, March 5th, 1782.\\nSir, The operations of the next campaign being\\ncontingent, depending in a great degree upon measures\\nwhich are not within my controul, and very much upon\\nthe plans of the enemy and their efforts to carry them", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0334.jp2"}, "335": {"fulltext": "1782.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 311\\ninto execution, it is impossible for me at this time to\\nsay whether any or how many miUtia the states in this\\npart of the continent may be called upon to furnish for\\nthe purposes of the ensuing campaign but as I per-\\nsuade myself it is the wish of every one of them to see\\na vigorous offensive plan prosecuted, with a view of ter-\\nminating the war honorably and speedily it becomes\\nmy duty to inform that, the continental force (admitting\\nthe battalions should be completed) aided by any auxil-\\niary troops that I have any expectations of, is totally\\ninadequate to the first and great object which presents\\nitself to our view and therefore it may be essential to\\nmy future plan that the executive powers of the states\\nshould be (if they are not so already) vested with suffi-\\ncient authority to call forth, properly equipped, such a\\nbody of militia as the exigencies of the service may\\nrequire the demand will not be made but in case of\\nnecessity, and will be postponed as long as possible.\\nThe consequences therefore of the want of such powers,\\nor of the delay occasioned by caUing an Assembly, in\\nsuch an emergency might prove fatal to our operations,\\nand injurious to our cause.\\nI need not add how much it is my wish and desire,\\nand how much the public interest will be promoted by\\nit, that the continental regiments should be completed\\nevery man of which these are deficient will add to the\\ndraughting and doubly to the pubhc expenses while\\nthese troops will not be so competent to the purposes\\nfor which they are wanted, to say nothing of the disad-\\nvantages which agriculturers and manufacturers will", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0335.jp2"}, "336": {"fulltext": "y\\n312 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1782.\\nsustain by having the laborers and artisans called off\\nfrom their work.\\nI would beg leave to suggest that the longer term the\\nmihtia can be drawn out for, the more beneficial and\\nless expensive will their services be and that, in case\\nof a siege, they ought to be engaged during the con-\\ntinuance of it, or until relieved by an equal number, so\\nthat the operating strength may not be diminished at a\\ncritical moment, when it may be most wanted.\\nI have the honor to be, with the greatest respect and\\nesteem, your Excellency s most obedient servant,\\nG^ WASHINGTON.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFrom General Washington to Governor Livingston,\\nHead-Quarters, May 4th, 1782.\\nSir, I find myself arrived at that period at which I\\nhoped to have seen the battaUons of the several states\\ncompleted to their full estabhshment, in conformity to\\nthe requisitions of Congress of December last.\\nFrom the returns of recruits which I have been able\\nto obtain, I am very sorry to observe that my expecta-\\ntions in this respect are almost totally disappointed.\\nAll my accounts from Europe concur in declaring\\nthat the British king and ministry are still determined\\nto prosecute the war. It becomes therefore our decided\\nduty to be prepared for these hostile intentions in what-\\never way they are to be carried into execution, to do\\nwhich our utmost exertions will be called for. You", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0336.jp2"}, "337": {"fulltext": "1782.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 313\\nwill suffer me therefore to intreat that if your state have\\nany expectations from the military operations of this\\nseason, not another moment may be lost in providing\\nfor and carrying into most effectual execution the full\\ncompletion of their battalions. It is scarcely necessary\\nto inform you that on this expectation all my calcula-\\ntions must be formed, and on this event will depend all\\nthe hopes of the ensuing campaign.\\nMy intelligence of the actual aid which we may\\nexpect from our allies, is not so explicit as to lead me to\\ndecide absolutely on the mode of operations for the\\ncampaign, but were our expectations of support from\\nthat quarter ever so promising, yet from the negligence\\nand languor of the states from whence our own exertions\\nare to spring, I am not at this day enabled to give any\\nassurance of our being prepared to co-operate with our\\nallies in any great objects, equal to their expectations or\\nour own ability.\\nI am sorry to acquaint your Excellency that I have\\nthe best authority to inform you that the court of France\\nis much dissatisfied with this want of vigor in the states,\\nand with that disposition which appears willing at\\nleast, if not desirous, to cast all the burden of the\\nAmerican war upon them. Waving the justice and\\nimpolicy of such a temper (which to me appear very\\nconspicuous) how humiUating is the idea of placing\\nupon others our dependence for support beyond that\\npoint which absolute necessity dictates. How discour-\\naging to our aUies, and how dishonorable to ourselves,\\nmust be our want of vigor and utmost exertion at a", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0337.jp2"}, "338": {"fulltext": "314 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1782.\\ntime when if we are not wanting to ourselves our\\nprospects are the fairest that our wishes could extend to.\\nI am sorry to find from the proceedings of the several\\nstates, that their calculations of deficiencies, formed on\\napplication made to the towns who furnish the men, are\\ngreatly different from the returns sent from the army.\\nI forbear to mention many reasons which might be\\nassigned to produce this difference, and which in my\\nopinion originate principally within the states, and will\\ncontent myself with this one observation, that should\\nthe states deceive themselves in this respect and fail to\\nfurnish the expected force in the field, they will not only\\ncast an essential injury on the army, but the unhappy\\nconsequences of a failure in our military operations will\\nreverberate upon themselves, whilst recrimination will\\nhave no effect towards alleviating our protracted mis-\\nfortunes and distress.\\nAlthough money matters are not within the line of\\nmy duty, yet as they are so intimately connected with\\nall military operations, and being lately informed by the\\nfinancier, in answer to some small requisitions on him,\\nthat he has not yet received one penny in money from\\nany one state upon the requisition for the 8,000,000\\ndollars, but that on the contrary some states are devising\\nways to draw from him the small sums he has been\\nable otherwise to obtain, and that he is now but scarcely\\nable to feed the army from hand to mouth I cannot\\nforbear to express my apprehensions from that quarter\\nand to urge with all the warmth of zeal and earnestness\\nthat most pointed and spirited attention of your state to", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0338.jp2"}, "339": {"fulltext": "1782.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 315\\nthe actual raising and collecting their proportion of the\\nmentioned requisition. Upon the present plan of non-\\ncompliance to requisitions for men and supplies, let me\\nseriously ask your Excellency how is it possible to sup-\\nport an army in money or recruits how is it possible for\\nus to continue the war 1 to what a wretched state must\\nwe soon be reduced l how dangerous is it to suffer our\\naffairs to run at hazard and to depend upon contingen-\\ncies. To what do the present measures tend, but to the\\nutter ruin of that cause which we have so long and so\\nnobly supported, and to crush all the fair hopes which the\\npresent moment places before us, were we only to exert\\nthe power and abiUties with which Providence has so\\nbountifully blessed this country. But if the states will\\nnot impose, or do not collect and apply, taxes for the\\nsupport of the war, the sooner we make terms the\\nbetter. The longer we continue a feeble and ineffect-\\nual war, the greater will be our distress at the hour of\\nsubmission. For my own part I am fully convinced\\nthat without the means of execution no officer, who-\\never he may be, who is placed at the head of the\\nmilitary department can be answerable for the success\\nof any plans he may propose or agree to. Upon this\\nsubject I will only add that from past experience and\\npresent prospects I am persuaded that if the states\\nwould furnish the supplies agreeable to late requisitions,\\nand would suffer the pay, clothing and subsistence of\\nthe army to go through one common channel, that two\\nthirds of their former expenses would be saved, and\\nmany partialities, discontents and jealousies which", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0339.jp2"}, "340": {"fulltext": "316 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1782.\\nnow subsist would be removed, and an establishment of\\norder, regularity and harmony in our public affairs\\nwould take place, which cannot arise from the present\\ndisjointed and different systems of finance which are\\nadopted by separate states.\\nWhile acting in my military capacity I am sensible\\nof the impropriety of stepping into the lines of civil\\npolity. My anxiety for th6 general good, and an\\nearnest desire to bring this long protracted war to a\\nhappy issue, when I hope to retire to that peaceful state\\nof domestic pleasure from whence the call of my coun-\\ntry has brought me to take an active part, and to which\\nI most ardently wish a speedy return, I hope will fur-\\nnish my excuse with your Excellency and the legisla-\\nture when I request your pardon for this trespass.\\nIf I should have occasion for the militia of your\\nstate, the call will be sudden, and their movements must\\nbe rapid, otherwise great expense will accrue and dis-\\ngrace and disappointment will ensue. For these\\nreasons I beg leave to recall your Excellency s atten-\\ntion to my letter of the 5th March last, and to pray\\nmost earnestly that every previous arrangement may be\\ntaken to facilitate their march when requested.\\nI have the honor to be, sir, your Excellency s most\\nobedient servant,\\nGO WASHINGTON.\\nHis Excellency, Gov r Livingston.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0340.jp2"}, "341": {"fulltext": "1782.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 317\\nFrom General Washington to Governor Livingston.\\nMay 8th, 1782.\\nSir, Since writing the above I have been furnished\\nwith sundry Enghsh and New York papers containing\\nthe last intelligence from England, with the debates of\\nParliament upon several motions respecting the Ameri-\\ncan war. Lest your Excellency may not have been\\nfavored with so full a sight of these papers as I have\\nbeen, I take the liberty to mention that I have perused\\nthese debates with great care and attention, with a view\\nif possible to penetrate their real design. And upon\\nthe most mature deliberation I am obliged to declare it\\nas my opinion that the measure in all its views, so far as\\nit respects America, is merely delusory, having no\\nserious intent to admit our independence, but is calcu-\\nlated to produce a change of ministers, to quiet tlie\\nminds of their own people, and reconcile them to a\\ncontinuance of the war, and is meant to amuse this\\ncountry with a false idea of peace to draw us off from\\nour connection with France, and to lull us into a state\\nof security and inactivity, which taking place, the min-\\nistry will be left to prosecute the war in other parts of\\nthe world with greater vigor and effect.\\nYour Excellency will permit me on this occasion to\\nobserve that if even the nation and parliament are\\nreally in earnest to obtain peace with America, it will\\nundoubtedly be wisdom in us to meet them with great\\ncaution and circumspection, and by all means to keep\\nour arms firm in our hands, and instead of relaxing one", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0341.jp2"}, "342": {"fulltext": "318 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1782.\\niota in our exertions, rather to spring forward with\\nredoubled vigor, that we may take advantage of every\\nfavorable opportunity, until our wishes are fully obtained.\\nNo nation ever suffered in treaty by preparing even in\\nthe hour of negotiation most vigorously for the field.\\nThe industry which the enemy are using to propa-\\ngate these pacific reports is to me a very suspicious\\ncircumstance, and the eagerness with which the people\\nas I am informed are catching at them, is in my opinion\\nequally dangerous.\\nI am your Excellency s most obed t servant,\\nGO WASHINGTON.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFrom Robert Morris to Governor Livingston.\\nOffice of Finance, July 29th, 1782.\\nSir, Finding that several states are still in the habit\\nof making partial payments to their troops, as well as of\\nexpending monies for the purchase of clothing, it be-\\ncomes my duty to inform you that the requisitions for\\nthe service the current year included both the pay and\\nclothing of the continental army. Any payments\\nwhich the several states may think proper to make, or\\nany expenditures for clothing or the like, cannot be\\nadmitted in deduction from the quota assigned them.\\nIt becomes necessary for many reasons which I will not\\ntrouble your Excellency with the enumeration of, that\\nnothing be received from the states but money. This\\nalone can prevent those intricate accounts which hith-", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0342.jp2"}, "343": {"fulltext": "1782.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 319\\nerto have involved every thing in a labarynth of con-\\nfusion. Had the states compHed vs^ith the requisitions\\nmade on them for the current service in any degree\\nproportionate either to the magnitude and urgency of\\nthe occasion, we should ere this have had the pleasure\\nof knowing that our army enjoyed all the emoluments\\nthey have a right to ask for. I take the liberty to add\\nthat it would be proper to cause accounts to be trans-\\nmitted to the Paymaster General as speedily as possible\\nof what has been advanced for pay, that he may at\\nleast prevent a double credit for the same sums. With\\nrespect to the pay which may have become due anteri-\\norly to the first day of January 1782, it will become a\\npart of that debt from the United States, for the funding\\nof which revenues will be required from the several\\nstates, so soon as Congress shall have digested their re-\\nlutions on that subject.\\nI have on many occasions delivered the sentiments\\ncontained above to several of the states, as circumstan-\\nces called or occasion required, but it appears necessary\\nto make the formal communication to all, and there-\\nfore I must pray your Excellency to excuse my repeti-\\ntions which may have happened.\\nBefore I close this letter I must observe, sir, that of\\nfour millions payable according to the requisitions of\\nCongress, by the first instant, I did not receive forty-\\nthousand dollars. Judge then of the anticipations\\nwhich were necessary to bring us where we are. Judge\\nof the situation in which we are placed and be not\\nsurprised at any consequences which may follow from", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0343.jp2"}, "344": {"fulltext": "320 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1782-\\nthat universal neglect which is alike unaccountable and\\ninexcusable.\\nI have the honor to be, with very great respect, sir,\\nyour Excellency s most obedient and humble servant,\\nROBT MORRIS.\\nHis Excellency, Governor of New Jersey.\\nFrom Robert Morris to Governor Livingston.\\nOffice of Finance, 30th July, 1782.\\ngiR^ I do myself the honor to enclose the extract of a\\nletter received from a confidential correspondent in one\\nof the United States. The evil there mentioned is of\\nso dangerous a nature, that should it prevail in any de-\\ngrees the consequences may be fatal. I know that the\\nselfish spirit there complained of is but too prevalent,\\nand it is not very long since I bore my testimony against\\nit, from a just apprehension that the safety of our country\\nmight be thereby endangered. If it is of consequence\\nthat a war which has cost already so much blood and\\ntreasure be safely and honorably concluded, it must be\\nvigorously prosecuted. If it is to be vigorously prose-\\ncuted, the means must be granted. If the means are\\nto be granted, the several states must contribute speedily\\nand effectually. If one has a right to prefer local to\\ngeneral interests, others have the same right. If one\\nexercise that privilege, so may all, and if all do there is\\nan end of our efforts. Congress had foreseen the dan-\\nger and called on the states to provide for collecting the\\ncontinental separate from the state taxes. Since this", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0344.jp2"}, "345": {"fulltext": "1782.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 321\\nhas not been done perhaps the reasons of the refusal\\nmay account for the facts stated in the extract. I\\nmust pray of your Excellency to provide such remedy\\nto anything of this sort which may exist in your state,\\nas shall be within your power, and that you will urge\\nthe legislature to make that solid provision which can\\nalone prevent it in future.\\nI have the honor to be, sir, your Excellency s most\\nobedient and humble servant,\\nROB T MORRIS.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\n[Extract Enclosed.\\nThe Assembly when they granted a tax for conti-\\nnental purposes, direct the collection through the same\\nchannels in which state taxes are collected this in most\\ninstances makes the same person collector both of the\\nstate and continental tax, and the executions to enforce\\nboth the one and the other, issue from the same person,\\nviz. the treasurer of the state the consequence is that\\na preference will be given to taxes for state purposes\\nand if no urgent necessity requires issuing executions\\nfor state taxes, there will be danger of delaying the ex-\\necution of the continental taxes, and the more popular\\nthe government is, the greater will their danger be\\nincreased and whenever the same person is in arrear\\non different taxes, he will apply all his collections\\nto that which will give him the longest time to col-\\nlect in.\\nI should not have troubled you on this subject, but I\\n21", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0345.jp2"}, "346": {"fulltext": "322 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1782.\\nsee the collectors in this state of the continental taxes\\nare, in general, in arrear on every state tax granted\\nsince 1776, and to my full satisfaction are applying the\\nmonies collected on the continental taxes to the paying\\narrears of their old state tax, by which means you will\\nbe postponed to all the state dues, and be defeated of\\nyaur just expectation, unless some remedy be imme-\\ndiately appUed.\\nFrom Abraham Clark to Joseph Cooper,\\nPhiladelphia, September 16th, 1782.\\nSir, The legislature of Pennsylvania have ap-\\npointed Judge Bryan, Mr. Bingham, and Mr. Gray,\\nCommissioners for dividing the islands and settling the\\njurisdiction of the river Delaware, but have not com-\\npleted their instructions which are now under conside-\\nration. As our legislature will meet this week, they\\nwill, it is presumed, instruct their commissioners which\\nappears necessary, as their appointment does not appear\\nto convey any power more than obtaining information\\nand reporting the same this may also be necessary to\\nundergo a revision. The business may be easily ac-\\ncompHshed if two matters can be agreed to. One is\\na reciprocal jurisdiction on the navigable part of the\\nDelaware this I mentioned to you as in my opinion\\nnecessary, since which I am told the same sentiments\\nprevail here. This is intended to grant jurisdiction\\nto each state over vessels belonging to the same, and", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0346.jp2"}, "347": {"fulltext": "1782.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 323\\nover persons going therefrom to the other, w^hile on the\\nriver. The other matter is the island opposite to Phil-\\nadelphia, which I believe will be strongly insisted upon\\nto belong to them, and I can see no reason for rejecting\\ntheir claim, as it is of importance to them and none to\\nus, unless we should wish to have it purely to injure\\nPennsylvania, without any advantage resulting to New\\nJersey. In this settlement I consider the island as be-\\nlonging to no state, and the convenience of both must\\nbe attended to. No difficulty, I believe, will attend the\\ndivision of the other islands and I suppose some\\nequivalent might be obtained for the island above allu-\\nded to.\\nThese matters I mention to you to obtain instructions\\nthereon from the legislature when they meet, as other-\\nwise we should be at a loss how to conduct.\\nI hope you will communicate this to Dr. Henderson,\\nand consult him previous to any communication to the\\nlegislature.\\nI must inform you that what I have said respecting\\nthe desires or intentions of Pennsylvania, 1 have not\\nlearned from the commissioners, but from other gentle-\\nmen who have conversed with me upon the subject,\\nbut who, I believe, delivered the sentiments of the\\ncommissioners.\\nDelaware had instructed their delegates respecting\\nthe islands and jurisdiction of the Delaware, which\\nupon examination do not appear to convey powers ne-\\ncessary for effecting anything. The proceedings of our\\nlegislature I have communicated to Governor Dickinson", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0347.jp2"}, "348": {"fulltext": "324 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1782.\\nwho promised to lay the same before the legislature of\\nDelaware at their meeting this fall.\\nI am, sir, your humble servant,\\nABRA. CLARK.\\nJoseph Cooper, Esq.\\nFrom Ahraha?n Clark to the Speaker of the Assembly.\\nPhiladelphia, September 26th, 1782.\\nSir, I find myself obliged to mention to your hon-\\norable House, my concern for the present state of the\\nold emissions of paper money, as the public in general,\\nand Nev/ Jersey in particular, may be greatly affected\\nby it. This money I have reason to believe hath been\\npurchased by foreigners as a matter of speculation, and\\nmay one day be demanded of us by the nations to\\nwhich they belong, to redeem as good, upon the suppo-\\nsition it was received as such, the contrary of which\\ncannot perhaps be proved. This is not all New\\nHampshire some how or other collected into their trea-\\nsury five millions of dollars more than their quota to\\nsink Massachusetts and Rhode Island have also a large\\nsurplusage in their states if not in their treasuries.\\nThey request that we receive such surplusage crediting\\nthem either at the rate of forty to one in specie, or at the\\nrate the same passed when received, which might be 70\\nor 75, and charge such sum in specie at that rate upon\\nthe delinquent states. Nothing of this kind, though\\nattempted, hath been done by Congress, perhaps it\\nnever may, but while matters rest as at present, a gen-", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0348.jp2"}, "349": {"fulltext": "1782.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 325\\neral discontent prevails to tiie eastward, so far as to\\nthreaten a stoppage of taxes on that account. I find\\nby the treasury books that New Jersey is credited for\\n6,334,335 dollars, paid in and sunk exclusive of this\\nwere 6,196 dollars counterfeit sent back to the law\\nofficer as also 554f dollars, noted as improper money\\nto be sent back. Thus much I thought proper to\\ninform of, that the legislature may know how much of\\nthe quota of our state remains unsunk, in order that\\nsuch further measures may be pursued as the interest\\nand circumstances of the state may require.\\nI wished to have it in my power to transmit the\\nexact state of the pubhc debts already funded, but as\\nthe accounts now making out are not yet completed, I\\ncan say no more on that subject than that the domestic\\nloans are completed at something upwards of twelve\\nmillions of specie the foreign loans computed at\\ntwenty-eight millions of livres. I must also take the\\nliberty of mentioning a matter which greatly embar-\\nrasses Congress, I mean that relative to the half-pay of\\nofficers. This was engaged by Congress previous to\\nthe final ratification of the confederation, but not\\nagreed to by the number of states, as became necessary\\nfor such a measure after that event took place. The\\nNew England states positively refuse a compHance.\\nThe delegates of New Jersey are also restrained by\\nthe sense of legislature long since expressed. Five\\nstates are sufficient to prevent any appropriations of\\nmoney for that purpose, which requires the concurrence\\nof nine states. In this affair the disagreeing states do", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0349.jp2"}, "350": {"fulltext": "326 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1782.\\ndo not mean to commit such a breach of public faith\\nas to deprive the officers of their just dues all desired\\nis, that the officers may be referred to their respective\\nstates to receive their pay, or such other compensation\\nas the legislature may judge proper, without making\\nthe same a continental charge.\\nEach state taking upon themselves the satisfying their\\nown officers, this will be just in many respects, and I\\nbeheve will give satisfaction to the officers, for it cannot\\nbe supposed the legislatures will refuse justice to their\\nown citizens and by this measure they can secure\\nthe application of their own money. States which\\nhave been multiplying their officers and send little or\\nno money into the public treasury, wishing to draw\\npensions for their citizens from the other states, will of\\ncourse be opposed to this measure. This subject I\\nhope will be duly considered by the legislature, and\\ntheir opinion therein communicated to their delegates.\\nThe representation of the legislature brought by Col.\\nEllis was presented this morning, and referred to the\\nsuperintendent of finance, who I have requested to\\nconsider and report thereon as soon as possible.\\nI have the honor to be, sir, your obedient, hnmble\\nservant,\\nABRA. CLARK.\\nHon ble John Mehelm, Esq., Speaker of the Assembly.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0350.jp2"}, "351": {"fulltext": "1782.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 327\\nFrom Dr. Franklin to Robert Morris.\\nPassy, Dec. 14th, 1782.\\nSir, I received duly your several letters of Sept.\\n25th, 27th, 28th, and 30th, October 1st, 5th, 7th, all by\\nCapt. Barney, and Oct. 27th since. I immediately made\\nthe application so strongly pressed by the Congress for\\na loan of four millions dollars. I annexed to my\\nmemoir the resolves of Congress, with copies and\\nextracts of your several letters and those of Mr. Liv-\\ningston upon the subject, all of which appeared to me\\nextremely well written for enforcing the request. I was\\nat first told that it would be a difficult thing to furnish\\nsuch a sum at present, but it should be considered. It\\nwas much wondered that no letters were brought by\\nthe Washington for M. le Comte de Virgennes, as\\nseveral were come to the Secretary of War, M. de\\nSegur, and to the Marquis de Castries, Secretary of\\nthe Marine and the next time I waited on the minister\\nI was told that nothing could be done till the dis-\\npatches from M. de la Luzerne were received. I\\nenquired of Capt. Barney, who told me he believed M.\\nde Forest had them, who left him to go for Paris by\\nway of Nantes. M. de Forest was a week or ten days\\nbefore he arrived at Paris, and he had not the dis-\\npatches. After a fortnight had thus passed, I sent Capt.\\nBarney down to search for them in his ship he there\\nfound them, and in about eight days more they arrived\\nand were delivered. I have since continually pressed\\nfor a favorable answer. The Marquis de la Fayette", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0351.jp2"}, "352": {"fulltext": "328 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1782.\\nhas likewise been importunate, but we could only learn\\nthat there was yet no decision. The negotiations for\\npeace were going on, and I ascribed the delay partly to\\nthe uncertainty of the event, which might make a less\\nsum sufficient if it succeeded, or a greater necessary if\\nthe war was still to be continued. I believe, too, that\\nthe new loan meditated for this government, but not\\nascertained, might occasion some suspension. But\\nwhatever are the causes, the fact is, that though I un-\\nderstand we are to be aided, I am still ignorant what\\nthe quantum will be or when it can be obtained. I\\nhave detained Capt. Barney, hoping that he might\\ncarry a part of it, but seeing that so very uncertain, the\\ncommissioners for the treaty here urge me to send him\\naway with the prehminary articles, and take some other\\nopportunity of sending money when we get it. Per-\\nhaps we can make use of the AUiance, which is now\\nout upon a cruize.\\nOf the amount of Mr. Adams loan in Holland, I\\nhave no certain account. He thinks it may be between\\n15 and 1,700,000 florins. Mr. Grand has obtained a\\npart of it to pay the interest of the Dutch loan, which\\nis done. But he will acquaint you better the state of\\nhis funds than I can do. He tells me he will restate\\nhis accounts as you desire.\\nThe shipping of the stores from Brest is wholly m\\nthe hands of Mr. Barclay. He will hkewise take care\\nof those which are unloaded out of the three transports\\nat Rochefort that were to have gone with convoy in\\nMay last^ and have ever since been detained there un-", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0352.jp2"}, "353": {"fulltext": "1782.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 329\\naccountably, which I did not know till lately. The\\nfour Jamaica ships brought in by the Alliance will fur-\\nnish him with money for paying charges.\\nThe accounts of goods bought to replace the Fay-\\nette s cargo having been sent you by several opportuni-\\nties, I hope you have them before this time.\\nI am extremely glad to be freed from your money\\naccounts, and the payment of bills. And I hope this\\nwill be the last application I shall be charged with to\\nborrow. In a former letter I requested you to be my\\nattorney, to receive and remit my salary, which I now\\nrepeat. The friends of the Due de Lauzun, who is an\\nofficer in the French army, having occasion to send him\\nsome money, requested me to furnish bills. To oblige\\nthem I gave a draft on you for six thousand livres,\\nwhich I request you will honor, and deduct the same\\nout of my salary. Methinks Mr. Grand should have\\nsome general order to defray the contingent expenses of\\nyour ministers. I am concerned that the resolution of\\nappointing some person to settle all our accounts in\\nEurope has not yet been carried into execution. They\\ncertainly cannot so well be settled in America, and I\\nshall think it hard after I am out of place to be detained\\nhere on that account for years like poor unhappy Deane,\\nwho, by the way, is I think in that respect hardly dealt\\nwith. Settlement of accounts and payment of just\\nbalances is due even between enemies.\\nI know not where the Virginia stores lie I will\\nenquire and acquaint Mr. Barclay with your resolution\\nconcerning them, which I think very prudent. Penet,", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0353.jp2"}, "354": {"fulltext": "330 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1783.\\nwho was employed by that state as an agent to borrow\\nmoney here, is broke and absconded. His creditors are\\nall worrying me with their complaints, who have\\nnothing to do with his affairs. I have long since men-\\ntioned the inconvenience of the attempts of separate\\nstates to borrow money in Europe. They have hurt\\nour credit and produced nothing. We have put faith\\nin every adventurer who pretended to have influence\\nhere, and who when he arrived had none but what\\nour appointment gave him. I congratulate on the\\ntokens of approaching peace. I wish nothing may\\nhappen to prevent it.\\nWith sincere and great esteem I am, sir, your most\\nobedient and most humble servant,\\nB. FRANKLIN.\\nHon ble Robt. Morris, Esq.\\nFrom Robert R. Livingston to Governor Livingston,\\nPhiladelphia, March 18th, 1783.\\nSir, Congress a few days since directed me to\\ntransmit to your Excellency a copy of the provisional\\ntreaty of peace between the United States and Great\\nBritain. I should done it at an earlier day without any\\nparticular direction, had not an order passed in Con-\\ngress for furnishing the Delegates of each state with a\\ncopy, that it might be transmitted through them. Id\\nconformity to the second direction, I have the honor to\\nenclose a copy, though I have no doubt that I have\\nbeen already anticipated by that forwarded by the del-", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0354.jp2"}, "355": {"fulltext": "1783.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 331\\negates of your state. Yet, sir, this letter may not be\\nentirely useless when it assures you that the conclusion\\nof the treaty is very uncertain. My public letters are\\nof such a nature as not to free me from apprehensions\\nthat Britain still seeks rather to divide her enemies\\nthan to be reconciled to them, though this suspicion\\nmay not perhaps be well founded, yet such conduct is\\nso conformable to the general tenor of British councils,\\nto the character of the king and his first minister, that\\nit is at least the part of prudence to be upon our guard\\nagainst it.\\nBut whatever their intentions may be, the peace must\\nstill depend upon so many contingencies that no prepa-\\npation for another campaign should be omitted on our\\npart, none is neglected by our antagonist. They have\\nvoted one hundred and ten thousand seamen for the\\nensuing year. France continues her preparations, and\\nwill not close the war till she can obtain honorable\\nterms for her alUes. But little progress was made in\\ntheir negotiations when my letters were written.\\nCount de Vergennes has thought it prudent to advise\\nCongress of this circumstance, that they might be pre-\\npared for every event. I communicate it to your Ex-\\ncellency with similar views. I doubt not you will\\navail yourself of this information to urge the state in\\nwhich you preside, to take such measures that they may\\nnot be found unprovided in case our hopes of peace\\nshould be frustrated.\\nIt would give me pleasure to learn the measures that\\nhave been adopted, in consequence of the requisition", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0355.jp2"}, "356": {"fulltext": "332 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1783.\\nmade in my letters to your Excellency, or your prede-\\ncessors in office at different periods, relative to my de-\\npartment, and more particularly to receive the accounts\\nso frequently called for of the damage done by the\\nenemy in your state. I have reason to think had it\\nbeen furnished in time, it might have been of singular\\nuse to our ministers, and perhaps have tended to obtain\\nsome relief for the sufferers. It may not yet come too\\nlate to be useful, let me pray your Excellency to take\\nmeasures for furnishing three authentic copies by the\\nearliest opportunity.\\nI have the honor to be, with great respect, your Ex-\\ncellency s most obed t humble servant,\\nROBT. R. LIVINGSTON.\\nHis Excellency, Wm. Livingston.\\nFrom Robert Morris to Governor Livingston.\\nOffice of Finance, June 5th, 1783.\\nSir, Congress having directed a very considerable\\npart of the army to be sent home on furlough, I am\\npressed exceedingly to make a payment of three months\\nwages, and I am very desirous to accomplish it but the\\nwant of money compels me to an anticipation on the\\ntaxes by making this payment in notes. To render this\\nmode tolerably just or useful, the notes must be punc-\\ntually discharged when they fall due, and my depend-\\nance must be on the money to be received of the several\\nstates on the requisitions for the last and present year.\\nI hope the urgency of the case will produce the desired", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0356.jp2"}, "357": {"fulltext": "1783.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 333\\nexertions, and finally enable me to preserve the credit\\nand honor of the federal government.\\nI have the honor to remain your Excellency s most\\nobedient and very humble servant,\\nROBT MORRIS.\\nHis Excellency, the Governor of New Jersey.\\nFrom General Washington to the President of\\nCongress.\\nHead-Quarters, June 7th, 1783.\\ny\\nSir, I have the honor to enclose to your Excel-\\nlency the copy of an address to me from the Generals\\nand officers commanding regiments and corps, together\\nwith my answer to them. These enclosures will ex-\\nplain the distresses which resulted from the measures\\nnow carrying into execution., in consequence of the\\nresolutions of Congress of the 26th of May but the\\nsensibility occasioned by a parting scene under such\\npeculiar circumstances will not admit of description.\\nThe two subjects of complaint with the army, ap-\\npear to be the delay of the three months pay, which\\nhad been expected, and the want of a settlement of ac-\\ncounts. I have thought myself authorized to assure\\nthem Congress had and would attend to their grievan-\\nces, and have made some little variation respecting fur-\\nloughs from what was at first proposed. The Secretary\\nat War will be able to explain the reason and propriety\\nof this alteration.\\nWhile I consider it a tribute of justice on this occa-", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0357.jp2"}, "358": {"fulltext": "334 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1783-\\nsion to mention the temperate and orderly behavior of\\nthe whole army, and particularly the accommodating\\nspirit of the officers, in arranging themselves to the com-\\nmand of the battalions which will be composed of the\\nthree years men, permit me to recall to mind all the\\nformer suflferings and merits, and to recommend the\\nreasonable requests to the early and favourable notice\\nof Congress.\\nI have the honor to be, with the highest respect, your\\nobed t servant,\\nG WASHINGTON.\\nHis Excellency, the President of Congress.\\nGeneral W. Heath, in behalf of the Generals, 8^., to\\nGeneral Washi7igton enclosed in the foregoing.\\nSir, It is difficult for me to express the regret we\\nfeel at being obliged again to solicit your Excellency s\\nattention and patronage. Next to the anguish which\\nthe prospect of our own wretchedness excites in our\\nbreasts, is the pain which arises from a knowledge of\\nyour anxiety on account of those men who have been\\nthe sharers of your fortunes, and have had the honor of\\nbeing your companions through the various vicissitudes\\nof the war, Nothing therefore but necessity could in-\\nduce us to a representation which we know must give\\nyou concern.\\nYour Excellency has so intimate a knowledge of the\\ncondition of the army as to render a particular deUnea-\\ntion unnecessary. As you have been a witness of our", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0358.jp2"}, "359": {"fulltext": "1783.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 335\\nsufferings during a war uncommon in its nature and\\nunparalleled in many circumstances attending it, so jou\\nare now, sir, no less a witness of the unequal burthen\\nwhich has fallen upon us from the want of that provis-\\nion to which, from our assiduous and unremitting servi-\\nces, we conceive we are entitled. Having recently\\nexpressed our sense of what was due to our distress\\nhaving repeated, from your Excellency, the confidence\\nwe had that our accounts would be liquidated, the bal-\\nances ascertained, and adequate funds provided for\\npayment previous to our being dispersed or disbanded\\nhaving seen with pleasure the approbation which Con-\\ngress gave of our reliance, it is with a mixture of as-\\ntonishment and chagrin that we view the late resolve\\nof Congress, by which the soldiers for the war, and a\\nproportionate number of officers are to be furloughed,\\nwithout any one of those important objects being ac-\\ncomplished and to complete the scene of woe, are to\\nbe compelled to leave the army without the means of\\ndefraying the debts we have necessarily incurred in the\\ncourse of service, or even of gratifying those menials in\\nthe pittance which is their due, much less to carry with\\nus that support and comfort to our families of which\\nfrom our long military services they have been deprived.\\nNo less exposed then to the insults of the meanest\\nfollowers of the army, than to the arrests of the sheriff,\\ndeprived of the ability to assist our famiUe^ and with-\\nout an evidence that anything is due to us, for our\\nservices, and consequently without the least prospect of\\nobtaining credit for even a temporary subsistence until\\n^v", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0359.jp2"}, "360": {"fulltext": "336 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1783.\\nwe can get into business. To what quarter can we\\nlook I We take the hberty to say, sir, only to your\\nExcellency and from the sincerity of our hearts, we\\ndo it no less from a persuasion of the efficiency of your\\nfarther efforts in our favor, than from the kind assu-\\nrance you have been pleased to give us of your sup-\\nport.\\nTo your Excellency, then, we make our appeal, and\\nin the most solemn manner, from that abhorrence of\\noppression and injustice which first unsheathed our\\nswords from the remembrance of the common dangers\\nthrough which we have passed, and from the recollec-\\nlection of those astonishing events which have been\\neffected by our united efforts; permit us to solicit your\\nfurther aid, and to entreat that the order of the 2d\\ninstant, founded on the act of Congress of the 26th of\\nMay last, may be suspended or varied in its operations,\\nso far as that no officer or soldier be obliged to receive\\na furlough, until that honorable body can be apprized of\\nthe wretched situation into which the army must be\\nplunged by a conformity to it that your Excellency\\nwill endeavor to prevail on Congress nay that on the\\nprinciples of common justice you will insist, that neither\\nofficer nor soldier be compelled to leave the field until a\\nliquidation of accounts can be effected, till the balances\\nare ascertained, certificates for the sums due given, in-\\ncluding the commutation of half pay to the officers, and\\nthe gratuity of eighty dollars to the soldiers, and till a\\nsupply of money can be furnished sufficient to carry us\\nfrom the field of glory with honor to ourselves, and", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0360.jp2"}, "361": {"fulltext": "1783.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 337\\ncredit to our country. We still wish to believe that\\nthat country to which we have been so long devoted,\\nwill never look with indifference on the distresses of\\nthose of her sons who have so essentially contributed\\nto the estabUshmeut of freedom, the security of pro-\\nperty, and the rearing of an empire.\\nIn the name and behalf of the generals and officers\\ncommanding regiments and corps in the cantonment of\\nHudson River,\\nI have the honor to be your Excellency s most obe-\\ndient and humble servant,\\nW. HEATH, Major General.\\nHis Excellency, Gen. Washington.\\nFrom General Washingto?i to General Heath, en-\\nclosed in the foregoing Letter to the President of\\nCongress.\\nHead-Quarters, June 6th, 1782.\\nSir, Before I make a reply to the subject of the\\naddress of the generals and officers commanding the\\nregiments and corps of the army presented by yourself\\nyesterday, I entreat that those gentlemen will accept\\nmy warmest acknowledgements for the confidence they\\nhave been pleased to repose in me. They may rest\\nassured it shall never be abused, and I beg they will be\\npersuaded that as no man can possibly be better ac-\\nquainted than I am with the past merits and services of\\nthe army, so no one can possibly be more strongly im-\\npressed with their present inehgible situation, feel a\\n22", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0361.jp2"}, "362": {"fulltext": "338 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1783-\\nkeener sensibility at their distresses, or more ardently\\ndesire to alleviate or remove them. But it would be\\nunnecessary perhaps to enter into a detail of w^hat I\\nhave done, and w^hat I am still attempting to do in order\\nto assist in the accompHshment of this interesting pur-\\npose. Let it be sufficient to observe, I do not yet\\ndespair of success, for I am perfectly convinced the\\nstates cannot, without involving themselves in national\\nbankruptcy and ruin, refuse to comply with the requisi-\\nsitions of Congress, who, it must be acknowledged, have\\ndone everything in their power to obtain ample and\\nHcompleat justice for the army, and whose great object in\\nthe present measure undoubtedly was by a reduction\\nof expenses, to enable the financier to make three\\nmonths payment to the army, which, on all hands, has\\nbeen agreed to be absolutely and indispensably neces-\\nsary. To explain this matter I beg leave to insert an\\nextract of a letter from the Superintendent of Finance,\\ndated the 29th ultimo.\\nIt is now above a month since the committee con-\\nferred with me on that subject, and I then told them no\\npayment could be made to the army, but by means of\\na paper anticipation, and unless our expenditures were\\nimmediately and considerable reduced, even that could\\nnot be done. Our expenditures have nevertheless been\\ncontinued, and our revenues lessen, the states grow-\\ning daily more and more remiss in their collections the\\nconsequence is, that I cannot make payment in the\\nmanner first intended, the notes issued for this purpose\\nwould have been payable at two, four, and six months", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0362.jp2"}, "363": {"fulltext": "1783.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 339\\nfrom the dates, but at present they will be at six months,\\nand even that w^ill soon become impracticable, unless\\nour expenses are immediately curtailed. I shall cause\\nsuch notes to be issued for three months pay to the\\narmy, and I must entreat, sir, that every influence be\\nused with the states to absorb them, together with my\\nother engagements, by taxation.\\nThree days ago a messenger was despatched to me\\nto urge the necessity of forwarding these notes with\\nthe greatest possible expedition. Under this state of\\ncircumstances I need scarcely add, the expenses of\\nevery day feeding the army will increase very consid-\\nrably the inability of the public to discharge the debts\\nalready incurred, at least for a considerable time to\\ncome.\\nAlthough the officers of the army very well know my\\nofficial situation that I am only a servant of the pub-\\nlic, and that it is not for me to dispense with orders\\nwhich it is my duty to carry into execution yet as\\nfurloughs in all services are considered as a matter of\\nindulgence and not of compulsion; as Congress, I am\\npersuaded, entertain the best disposition toward the\\narmy, and as I apprehend in a very short time the two\\nprincipal articles of complaint will be removed, until\\nthe further pleasure of Congress can be known I shall\\nnot hesitate to comply with the wishes of the army,\\nunder these reservations only, that officers sufficient to\\nconduct the men who choose to receive furloughs will\\nattend them either on furlough or by detachment. The\\npropriety and necessity of this measure must be obvious", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0363.jp2"}, "364": {"fulltext": "340 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1783.\\nto all it need not therefore be enforced. And with\\nregard to the non-commissioned officers and privates,\\nsuch as from a peculiarity of circumstances wish not to\\nreceive furloughs at this time, will give in their names\\nby 12 o clock to-morrow to the commanding officers of\\ntheir regiment, that, on a report to the adjutant-general,\\nan equal number of men engaged for three years may\\nbe furloughed, which will make the saving of expenses\\nexactly the same to the public.\\nI cannot but hope the notes will soon arrive and\\nthat the settlement of accounts may be compleated by\\nthe assistance of the paymasters in a very few days.\\nIn the meantime I shall have the honor of laying the\\nsentiments of the generals and officers commanding\\nregiments and corps before Congress. They are ex-\\npressed in such a decent, candid and affecting manner,\\nthat I am certain every mark of attention will be paid\\nto them.\\nI have the honor to be your obed t serv t,\\nGO WASHINGTON.\\nMajor-General Heath.\\nFrom Robert Morj-is to Governor Livingston.\\nOffice of Finance, July 11th, 1783.\\nSir, I do myself the honor to inclose to your Ex-\\ncellency a state of the pubhc accounts, balanced on the\\nlast day of June, 1783. A view of these accounts will\\nrender it unnecessary to make many observations.\\nOn the states I am to rely for payment of the antici-", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0364.jp2"}, "365": {"fulltext": "1783.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 341\\npations, amounting, as you will see, to more than a\\nmillion. And you will observe that this great anticipa-\\ntion has been made for that service which all affect to\\nhave so much at heart a payment to the American\\narmy. If they had received no pay daring the year\\n1783, I might have perhaps have been spared the neces-\\nsity of this application, because it is probable that the\\ntaxes, even as they are now collected, might have ab-\\nsorbed such anticipations as I should then have been\\nobhged to make.\\nMuch pains have been taken to inculcate tlie idea\\nthat we have funds in Europe; those funds which we\\nhad there are exhausted, and the general apprehension\\nthat no proper funds here will be provided has cut off\\nall hopes from that quarter.\\nThe question has frequently and industriously been\\nasked, what becomes of the monies which are paid in\\ntaxes I have furnished the means of judging as to\\nthose which reach the public treasury, to every man\\nemployed in the administration of government in the\\nseveral states, for my acounts have been regularly\\ntransmitted. And I would not have mentioned the\\ninsinuation had it not been for the purpose of observing\\nthat it is incumbent on all those who are desirous of\\nforwarding a collection of taxes, to show a fair appro-\\npriation, and not suffer groundless clamors to disturb the\\npublic mind. It has been said that there is no neces-\\nsity of urging the collection of taxes now, because the\\nnotes given to the army are not payable in less than six\\nmonths. This again, is an assertion, whose mischiev-", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0365.jp2"}, "366": {"fulltext": "342 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1783.\\nous operation is levelled at the very vitals of our credit.\\nOne month of that time is already expired with res-\\npect to all those notes which have been already issued.\\nThey are not the only notes in circulation. Notes are\\nnot the only modes of anticipation, which have been\\nadopted and it is a serious fact that unless more rig-\\norous measures take place, the credit of all notes, and\\nof everything else, must be destroyed. But this is not\\nall. Supposing, a moment, that the notes given to our\\narmy were the only object whose credit was to be at-\\ntended to. Can any reasonable man imagine that they\\ncould be of any use if the payment were to depend on\\ntaxes which are not to be collected until the notes were\\ndue 1 I have not been wanting on my part in pointing\\nout from time to time the mischiefs which must ensue\\nfrom neglect. The applications have met with inat-\\ntention which personally I have disregarded, but which\\nI could not but feel from the consequences involved in\\nit. Again, in compliance with the duty I owe to the\\nUnited States, I call for that aid to which they are\\nentitled to. And on this occasion I take leave to ob-\\nserve that the moment is very fast approaching which\\nis to determine whether America is entitled to the\\nappellation of Just, or whether those who have con-\\nstantly aspersed her character are to be beUeved.\\nWith perfect respect I have the honor to be, sir^\\nyour Excellency s most obedient and humble servant,\\nROBT MORRIS.\\nHis Excellency, the Governor of New Jersey.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0366.jp2"}, "367": {"fulltext": "1783.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 343\\nFrom Robert Morris to Governor Livingston.\\nOffice of Finance, July 28th, 1783.\\nSir, Having already transmitted the public accounts\\nfrom the commencement of my administration to the\\nfirst day of this month, I shall not trouble yonr Excel-\\nlency with a repetition of them. But I must pray your\\nindulgence v^^hile I make a few observations. Perhaps\\nthis letter may contain too much of egotism, but your\\ncandor will excuse me when the motive is known. If\\nI have rendered any services to the United States they\\nhave been derived from the generous confidence of my\\ncountrymen. This confidence must not be abused, and\\nif it be lost my utility is at an end.\\nThe accounts will shew to any informed and reflect-\\ning mind that the public monies were economically\\napplied, and if farther proof were necessary I could\\nappeal to the honorable delegates in Congress, who\\nhave every opportunity of investigation. I might also\\nappeal to the clamors against me for opposing claims I\\ncould not properly comply with. Long have I been\\nthe object of enmities derived from that origin. I have\\ntherefore the right to consider such clamors and such\\nenmities as the confession and the evidence of my care\\nand attention.\\nBut, sir, from the same accounts, it will appear that\\non the thirtieth day of June last, my payments had\\nexceeded the amount of my receipts by more than a\\nmilUon of dollars. How indeed could it be otherwise,\\nwhen all the taxes brought into the treasury since 1781", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0367.jp2"}, "368": {"fulltext": "344 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1783.\\ndid not amount to seven hundred and fifty thousand\\ndollars. I have been propelled to this heavy anticipa-\\ntion by an earnest desire to relieve our army by the\\nGeneral s w^arm representations on the subject, and,\\nabove all, by the directions of Congress and their assu-\\nrances of support. The enclosed letter to them will\\nshew my desire to reduce our expences. But while I\\nurge the reduction of expence, it is equally my duty to\\nurge an increase of revenue. If I have been a faithful\\nsteward of what was entrusted to me, if more became\\nnecessary than I ever received, and if urged by that\\nnecessity 1 have anticipated the receipts, surely I am in\\nthe strictest hue of propriety when I loudly call for\\nrelief. Every one must know that the paper I have\\ncirculated will lose its value unless punctually redeemed.\\nThe several receivers are indeed instructed to exchange\\nit. But what can that instruction avail if specie be\\nnot placed in their hands for the purpose and how\\ncan that be effected but by a vigorous collection of\\ntaxes\\nI know that my soHcitude on this subject will be\\ncharged to improper motives, when I urge a reduction\\nof expenses, it will be said that I wish to impair the\\nstrength and lessen the respectability of our country.\\nFar other wishes swell my bosom, but I have been\\ndriven into a conviction that the necessity of strength\\nand the advantages of reputation are not yet sufficiently\\nfelt and understood by all the members of our federal\\nunion.\\nMy present call for taxes has also been anticipated", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0368.jp2"}, "369": {"fulltext": "1783.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 345\\nby a slanderous report that I have speculated on this\\nvery paper which I urge the redemption of. Most\\nsolemnly I declare that I have been never concerned,\\ndirectly or indirectly, in any such speculation. If there\\nbe a man in the world who knows any instance to dis-\\nprove what I say, let him step forth with the accusation.\\nNo, sir, the object is in no wise a personal one to me, I\\nonly advocate the interest and reputation of America.\\nIf, with a view to injure me, the attempt is made to\\nviolate my engagements, the malice will be defeated\\nbut at the same time let it be remembered that the\\ncountry which will not support faithful servants can\\nnever be faithfully served. Guilt and desperation will\\never pant for scenes of tumult and disorder, office will\\never excite envy, and malevolence dehght in slandering\\ntales. Is it then to be wondered at that my foes are\\nnumerous Believe me, sir, if their attempts had only\\neffected me and mine they should have been received\\nin the same silence which has buried many other\\nwrongs. But on the present occasion it becomes my\\nduty to dehneate their baneful influence.\\nPains are taken to cover with infamy all those who\\ndiscount the public paper. The natural effect of this\\nmeasure is to prevent those men from meddling with it\\nwho, from a regard to their own reputations, would do\\nthe business on moderate terms. Hence it follows that\\nthe holders cannot obtain so much for their paper as they\\notherwise might. Hence again an additional clamor,\\nand of course an additional loss to the possessors. On\\nthe basis of the depreciation is founded an argument to", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0369.jp2"}, "370": {"fulltext": "346 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1783.\\nprevent the redemption. By these means the pubHc\\ncredit is totally ruined, and the government becomes\\nchargeable with flagrant injustice. No future anticipa-\\ntions can be made to supply the most urgent w^ants, and\\nin the whole proceeding those are made the victims who\\nconfided in the faith of government.\\nThe attempt therefore, by this slander, to injure me is\\nan injury to those who have received my paper, and in\\nevery instance where they have joined in propagating\\nthe report they have joined their enemies to plunder\\nthemselves. Let me no longer intrude on your Excel-\\nlency s patience than to declare my conviction that the\\nstates might easily fulfil far more extensive engagements\\nthan those which I have made on their account. Not-\\nwithstanding every insinuation, I will continue my\\nefforts for the purpose, and, though base minds should\\nreiterate their charges, I will persist in my duty and\\ndefy their malice.\\nWith perfect respect, I have the honor to be, sir, your\\nExcellency s most obedient and humble servant,\\nROBT. MORRIS.\\nHis Excellency, the Governor of New Jersey.\\nFrom Elias Boudinot to the Chairman of Joint Meeting.\\nPrinceton, October 29th, 1783.\\nSir, My time in the chair of Congress having just\\nexpired, aud the seventh year of my expulsion from my\\nhouse and estate completed (the greater part of which\\nhas been devoted to the public service) whereby my", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0370.jp2"}, "371": {"fulltext": "1783.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 347\\nprivate affairs are become totally deranged, shall I\\nbeg the favour of you, sir, to make known my request in\\nthe most respectful manner, to the honorable the Legis-\\nlature of this state, in their joint meeting, for their per-\\nmission to retire to private life and at the same time to\\nassure them of the deep sense I retain of the honors I\\nhave received from them by the repeated trusts reposed\\nin me. My highest ambition has been to serve my\\ncountry in her distress. This I have endeavoured to do\\nto the utmost of my power, and if at any time I have\\nfailed in so important a duty for want of abilities, it has\\nbeen made up by the most unfeigned integrity. If\\nthose services have been acceptable to my country, I\\nshall receive a most ample reward.\\nSuffer me in the most respectful manner to congrat-\\nulate you, sir, and the legislature, on the accomplishment\\nof the honorable and glorious peace with which my\\nadministration has been honored. I mean not by this\\nrequest to embarass public measures, but as peace is at\\nleast so firmly established, and the serving our country\\nthe highest honor to which any citizen can now aspire,\\nthere can be no doubt of a choice of candidates to fill\\nso distinguished an office.\\nMay the best of heaven s blessings descend on the\\nlegislature, and may all their councils be directed to ac-\\ncomplish the true interests of this happy republic and\\nbe assured that in whatever situation divine Providence\\nmay think proper to place me, I shall never cease to\\npray for their prosperity.\\nI have the honor to be, with great respect and", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0371.jp2"}, "372": {"fulltext": "348 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1783.\\nesteem, your most obedient and very humble ser-\\nvant,\\nELIAS BOUDINOT.\\nHon ble Chairman of the Joint Meeting ot the Legis\\nlature.\\nWilliam Livingston to the Legislature.\\nTrenton, November 8th, 1783.\\nGentlemen, I am very sensibly affected with the\\nhonor conferred on me by the representatives of the\\ngood people of New Jersey, in appointing me to so\\neminent and important an office as that of Governor of\\nthis state. The favorable opinion which they are\\npleased to entertain of my abilities, and the great con-\\nfidence they repose in my integrity by such appoint-\\nment, deserves my warmest acknowledgments. How\\nmuch soever they may happen to find themselves mis-\\ntaken in the first, I assure them that I am determined to\\nmerit the latter and I hope by the more diligent appli-\\ncation and greater industry in promoting the common\\nweal, in some measure to atone for the defect of brighter\\ntalents and more extensive knowledge.\\nWILL. LIVINGSTON.\\nHon ble Legislature of New Jersey.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0372.jp2"}, "373": {"fulltext": "1783.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786, 349\\nFrom the President of Congress to Governor\\nLivingston.\\nAnnapolis, December 23d, 1783.\\nSir, I am directed by Congress to inform your Ex-\\ncellency that the safety, honor and good faith of the\\nUnited States require the immediate attendance of\\nyour delegates in Congress. That there have not\\nbeen during the sitting of Congress at this place\\nmore than seven states represented, viz. Massachu-\\nsets, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Mary-\\nland, Virginia and North Carolina, and most of these\\nby two delegates only, and that the ratification of the\\ndefinitive treaty and several other matters of great\\nnational concern are now pending before Congress\\nwhich require the utmost dispatch, and to which\\nthe assent of at least nine states is necessary.\\nI have the honor to be, with the highest respect, your\\nExcellency s ob t and h ble serv t,\\nTHOMAS MIFFLIN.\\nHis Excellency, the Governor of New Jersey.\\nFrom the President of Congress to Governor\\nLivingston.\\nAnnapolis, December 24th, 1783.\\nSir, I had the honor to write to your Excellency\\non the 23d November informing you that that the defi-\\nnitive treaty had arrived, and that the last article of it", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0373.jp2"}, "374": {"fulltext": "350 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1783.\\ndeclares that it should be ratified and exchanged within\\nsix months from the signature.\\nYesterday I again wrote to your Excellency by order\\nof Congress informing you that only seven states were\\nrepresented in Congress, viz. Massachusetts, Rhode\\nIsland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia\\nand North Carolina, and that the ratification of the\\ndefinitive treaty and several other matters of the great-\\nest consequence were delayed by a want of a represen-\\ntation of nine states. My letter of yesterday was\\nforwarded by the post, but as Congress are strongly im-\\npressed with an apprehension that the time mentioned\\nin the definitive treaty will elapse before a representa-\\ntion of nine states can be obtained, and as such a repre-\\nsentation cannot take place unless New Jersey and\\nConnecticut send on their delegates, they have in-\\nstructed me to write to you by express, and to urge in\\nthe strongest terms the importance of an immediate\\nrepresentation in Congress from the state of New\\nJersey.\\nLet me, therefore, earnestly entreat your Excellency\\nto use your influence on this important point, that the\\nconsequences to be expected from the want of an im-\\nmediate representation of nine states may not be\\nimputable to your state, which on every former occa-\\nsion has exerted herself with so much honor and repu-\\ntation.\\nNew Hampshire has but one member attending, and\\nthere is no probability of a representation of that state\\nin less than six weeks.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0374.jp2"}, "375": {"fulltext": "1784.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 351\\nNew York has no delegates in Congress nor can it\\nbe represented in many weeks.\\nSouth CaroHna has one member attending, one of\\nthe delegates from that state is in ill-health at Philadel-\\nphia, his attendance is uncertain.\\nBy letters from Georgia, we find there is no proba-\\nbihty of a representation from thence this winter.\\nFrom this view of our situation your Excellency will\\nobserve that the ratification of the definitive Treaty in\\nproper time depends upon the immediate exertions of\\nNew Jersey and Connecticut.\\nI should be glad to know from your Excellency by\\nthe return of this express at what time we may expect\\na representation from your state.\\nI have the honor to be, w ith the highest respect and\\nesteem, your Excellency s ob t and h ble servant,\\nTHOMAS MIFFLIN.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nN. B. Near 4 months have elapsed since the defini-\\ntive treaty was signed, and the ratifications are to be\\nexchanged in Paris within six months.\\nFrom Governor Livingston to the Legislature.\\nTrenton, Oct. 24, 1784.\\nGentlemen, My appointment by so respectable a\\nbody as the representatives of this state, to the import-\\nant office of the Chief Magistrate in it, deserves my\\nwarmest gratitude, especially as the repetition of it,\\nafter the experience of some years is the strongest proof", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0375.jp2"}, "376": {"fulltext": "352 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1785.\\nof the favorable opinion which the good people of New\\nJersey must have been pleased to entertain of my fidel-\\nity in the administration of the government, and I can\\nassure them that it is rather the honour derived from\\nthe incontestible testimony of their favorable sentiments\\nconcerning me, and the pleasure I take in serving the\\npublic, than from any pecuniary motives, that I accept\\nof the appointment. Upon this, I wish them to be\\npersuaded, that with respect to integrity and diligence\\n(however they may happen to be disappointed as to my\\ntalents or abilities,) they will not be deceived in their\\nexpectations.\\nWILL. LIVINGSTON.\\nHon ble the Legislative Council and Gen l Assembly of\\nthe State of New Jersey in Joint Meeting.\\nFrom the Secretary of Congress to the Governor.\\nOffice of the Secretary of Congress,\\nAugust 24th, 1785.\\ngiR^ I beg leave to remind your Excellency that all\\nthe calls which Congress have heretofore made on the\\nstates for money or supplies have been on this express\\ncondition, that the sums or supplies assessed should not\\nbe considered as the proportion of any state, but that\\nbeing paid or furnished, they should be placed to their\\nrespective credits, bearing an interest of six per cent.\\nper annum, until the quotas should be finally ascertained\\nand adjusted by the Congress of the United States,\\nagreeably to the eighth of the articles of the confede-", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0376.jp2"}, "377": {"fulltext": "1785.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 353\\nration. And if then it should appear that any state\\nhad assessed more than its just quota, it should continue\\nto receive interest on the surplus, and if less, it should\\nbe charged interest on the deficiency until by a future\\ntax, such deficiency shall be justly adjusted.\\nFrom the progress that is made in settling the ac-\\ncounts between the United States and individual states\\nand private creditors within the same, and the measures\\ntaken to hasten and faciUtate the progress of such\\nsettlement, there is reason to hope, that this great work\\nwill soon be completed. And as almost every state\\nseems to think its advances have exceeded its just pro-\\nportion, it is therefore become necessary and essential\\nto the harmony of the Union that Congress should be\\nfurnished with the means of settling the proportion to\\nbe borne by each state, as well as of the general ex-\\npenses of the war, and the requisitions made since the\\nconclusion thereof, as the sums which may from time to\\ntime be requisite for the common defence and general\\nwelfare. To this end I beg leave to call your attention\\nto sundry acts of Congress on this subject, which you\\nwill find enclosed, viz One passed the 20th of Febru-\\nary, 1782, which is founded on this consideration, that\\nthe states having been variously affected by the war,\\nthe rule of confederation strictly adhered to might not\\nproduce that equal justice which is desirable in this\\nimportant object. One of the 17th February, 1783,\\nwhich calls for a return of the quantity of land in each\\nstate, granted to or surveyed for any person, the number\\nof buildings thereon, distinguishing dwelling houses\\n23", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0377.jp2"}, "378": {"fulltext": "354 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1785.\\nfrom other buildings, and the number of inhabitants,\\ndistinguishing white from black and one of the 18th\\nApril, 1783, recommending an alteration of the eighth\\nof the articles of Confederation and perpetual union,\\nand the adoption of a new rule of ascertaining the\\nquotas of the states. This is comprehended in the act,\\nand is a part of the plan at that time recommended to\\nthe states for restoring and supporting pubHc credit\\nfor obtaining permanent and adequate funds to dis-\\ncharge the interest and principal of the debt contracted\\nand for providing for the future exigencies of the Union.\\nThe necessity of a rule to apportion the common ex-\\npense, and the difficulties, delays and expense in the\\nway of obtaining that pointed out by the Confederation,\\ninduced Congress to recommend that change and the\\nrather as the number of inhabitants, at least of the\\nwhite inhabitants, is required for other purposes of the\\nconfederation. Besides, it was conceived that this rule\\nwould do more justice and produce less discontents\\namong the states, and although not altogether free\\nfrom objections, that it was hable to fewer than any\\nother that could be devised, and therefore that the\\napplication of it to ascertain the quotas of the state,\\nwould supercede the necessity and save the expense and\\ntrouble of making a valuation of the lands with the\\nbuildings and improvements thereon.\\nThe favorable reception this recommendation has\\nmet with induces a belief that this alteration will be\\nfinally adopted. By examining the files in this office I\\nfind that eight states have agreed to it, namely, Massa-", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0378.jp2"}, "379": {"fulltext": "1785.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 355\\nchusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Penn-\\nsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina and\\nit is suggested that other states have adopted it, although\\nthe returns are not lodged in this office. But if all the\\nstates had agreed to adopt it, still it would be necessary\\nfor them to proceed a step further, and to make returns\\nof their respective numbers before Congress can apply\\nthe rule. I must therefore request that your Excellency\\nwould be pleased to bring this subject again under the\\nview of the Legislature of your state, and earnestly\\nrecommend to them, as they have authorized their del-\\negates to subscribe and ratify the alteration recom-\\nmended, to take speedy and effectual measures for\\nnumbering the inhabitants and make a return thereof\\nto Congress. With respect to the other part of the\\nplan contained in the act of the 18th of April, as it is\\nnot the immediate object of this letter, I shall only refer\\nto the address which accompanied it, and which you\\nwill find enclosed, and beg leave to add this single ob-\\nservation, that every day s delay increases the embar-\\nrassments of the Union and experience evinces how\\nwell Congress were founded in the opinion they gave\\non the 12th of February, 1783: That the establish-\\nment of permanent and adequate funds in taxes or\\nduties which shall operate generally and on the whole\\nin just proportion throughout the United States, are\\nindispensably necessary towards doing complete justice\\nto the public creditors, and for restoring public credit.\\nI will not at present detain you farther than to re-\\nquest that your Excellency will be pleased to favour", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0379.jp2"}, "380": {"fulltext": "356 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1785.\\nme with an answer that I may be enabled to make\\nreport and discharge the duty required by the enclosed\\nordinance for regulating the office of Secretary of\\nCongress.\\nWith the greatest respect I have the honor to be\\nyour Excellency s most obedient and humble servant,\\nCHAs THOMSON.\\nHis Excellency, the Governor of the State of New\\nJersey.\\nFrom Benjamin Thoinpson to Governor Livingston.\\nCommissioner s Office, Newark, October 22d, 1785.\\nSir, Congress, since the appointment of commis-\\nsioners to the several states for the purpose of bringing\\nthe public accounts to a final settlement, have in the\\nmost pressing terms repeatedly enjoined it on the com-\\nmissioners to proceed in the various duties assigned\\nthem with the utmost expedition possible. Anxious to\\nfulfill their intentions by a faithful discharge of the\\ntrust committed to my care, and impressed with the im-\\nportance of the business as well to the general interests\\nof the union, as to the particular interests of this state,\\nI have not, I flatter myself, been deficient in diligence\\nor attention towards the accomplishment of this much\\nwished for object.\\nThe extensive claims of the individuals of this state,\\nand the impatience of the claimants to obtain final set-\\ntlements, have hitherto engrossed my whole time and\\napphcation, and rendered me incapable of any cogni-", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0380.jp2"}, "381": {"fulltext": "1785.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 357\\nzance of the general charges of the state. This\\nbusiness, however, from the considerable progress\\nalready made, I have good reason to expect will nearly\\nclose with the present year. It therefore now becomes\\nmy duty to address your Excellency, as the supreme\\nexecutive authority of the state, on the important sub-\\nject of the state charges against the union, whereon I\\nmust earnestly soUcit, that your Excellency will repre-\\nsent to the Legislature at their ensuing meeting the\\nnecessity of speedily adopting some mode of collecting\\nand bringing forward all such accounts of expenditures\\nsupphes and services made and rendered on the part of\\nthis state for account of the United States, as consist-\\nently with the acts and resolutions of Congress may be\\ndeemed proper charges stated under their several\\nheads and accompanied with the necessary vouchers to\\ntheir support, conformably to the rules and directions\\nprescribed by Congress for the settlement of the pubhc\\naccounts. Whatever method, sir, the legislature may\\nfind expedient to collect and bring forward the state\\naccounts for liquidation and settlement, some time I\\npresume must unavoidably elapse before any progress\\ncan be made by the person or persons charged with the\\nbusiness during that period. I hope to compleat my\\ncircuit through the several counties of the state and\\nclose the settlement of individual claims.\\nIn full confidence, sir, that the legislature will on\\ntheir meeting, as soon as may be, take the subject\\nof this address under consideration, and order the\\nthings necessary to be done thereon, I shall hold myself", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0381.jp2"}, "382": {"fulltext": "358 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1785,\\nprepared to meet their appointment and proceed on the\\nbusiness that may be laid before me.\\nI have the honor to be, most respectfully, sir, your\\nmost obedient and most humble servant,\\nBENJN THOMPSON,\\nCommiss r for Acct s of New Jersey,\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFrom Baron Steuben to Governor Livingston.\\nNew York, November 13th, 1785.\\nSir, Having become the purchaser of that part of\\nthe estate of John Zabriskie, lying at the New-bridge,\\nnear Hackensack, and the term of payment being\\narrived, an order from the commissioners of the conti-\\nnental treasury on the treasury of New Jersey lies\\nready for the agent whenever he shall please to call\\nfor it.\\nBefore I take the deeds for this place, I have to request\\nthe favor of your Excellency to represent to the legis-\\nlature, that the only lot of wood belonging to the place\\nwas withheld by the agent at the sale on a doubt of its\\nbeing included in the law because it is at the distance\\nof three quarters of a mile from the house, and there-\\nfore could not, he supposed, be considered as lying at\\nthe New-bridge, though on enquiry I find it was an\\nappendage to the estate, and indeed is the only part of\\nit on which there is a stick of wood and it was be-\\nqueathed to J. Zabriskie by his father along with the\\nhouse and mill the lot consists of about 13 acres, it", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0382.jp2"}, "383": {"fulltext": "1785.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 359\\nwas left unsold with the house and mill, though every\\nother part of J. Zabriskie s estate was sold some years\\nsince, and being now unpossessed, great part of the\\nwood is cut off, and the destruction daily increases. If\\nthe legislature meant to include it in the law, I must\\nrequest that directions may be given to the agent to\\ninclude it in the deed. If otherwise, as it is essential\\nto the other part of the estate, I have to request that I\\nmay be permitted to purchase it at such valuation as\\nmay be thought just.\\nYour Excellency will, I flatter myself, excuse the\\nhberty I take in requesting you to represent this matter\\nto the legislature, and to obtain their decision on it so\\nsoon as the business before them will permit.\\nI have the honor to be, with great respect, sir, your\\nExcellency s most obed t humble servant,\\nSTEUBEN.\\nHis Excellency, Governor Livingston.\\nFrom the Secretary of Congress to Governor\\nLivingston.\\nOffice of Secretary of Congress,\\nNovember 18th, 1785.\\nSir, I am sorry to inform your Excellency that not-\\nwithstanding it seems to be the intention of the con-\\nfederation that all the states should punctually assemble\\nin Congress on the first Monday in November, there\\nare yet but five states represented, namely, Massachu-", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0383.jp2"}, "384": {"fulltext": "360 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1786.\\nsetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland aad South\\nCarolina, and one member attending from Georgia.\\nThe late packets from Europe have, I understood,\\nbrought dispatches which demand the immediate and\\nattentive consideration of Congress. I beg leave to\\ntransmit to your Excellency herewith enclosed a copy\\nof a letter which I have received from the Secretary of\\nforeign affairs, and hope you will be pleased to urge the\\ndelegates from your state to come forward as speedily as\\npossible.\\nWith the greatest respect, I have the honor to be\\nyour Excellency s most obed t and most humble servant,\\nCHAs THOMSON,\\nHis Excellency, the Governor of New Jersey.\\nFrom Patrick Henry to the Governor of New Jersey.\\nRichmond, February 23d, 1786.\\nSir, The General Assembly have appointed Ed-\\nmund Randolph, James Madison, Jun., Walter Jones,\\nSt. George Tucker, Meriwether Smith, David Ross,\\nWilUam Ronald and George Mason, Esquires, Com-\\nmissioners to meet others from the different states in the\\nUnion, at a time and place to be agreed on, for the pur-\\npose of framing such regulations of trade as may be\\njudged necessary to promote the general interest.\\nI have to request your Excellency s attention to this\\nsubject, and that you will be pleased to make such com-\\nmunications of it as may be necessary to forward the\\nviews of this legislature.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0384.jp2"}, "385": {"fulltext": "1786.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 361\\nI am, with great regard, your Excellency s obedient\\nservant,\\nP. HENRY.\\nHis Excellency, the Governor of Nev/ Jersey.\\nFrom the Secretary of Congress to Governor Liv-\\ningston.\\nOffice of Secretary of Congress,\\nMarch 1st, 1786.\\nSir, As many states in the Union continued to be\\nunrepresented in Congress, or to be represented by only\\ntwo members, notwithstanding the many recommenda-\\ntions of Congress for remedying these defects, particu-\\nlarly those of 1st of November, 1783, and the 19th of\\nApril, 1784; and as from the want of a complete\\nrepresentation, the great interests of the Union had\\nfrequently been, and continued to be, neglected or de-\\nlayed, and the confederation itself or the administration\\nthereof might be considered as the cause of evils which\\nsolely resulted from an incomplete representation. Con-\\ngress judging it incumbent upon them to prevent opin-\\nions so derogatory to their honor, and so dangerous to\\nthe public welfare, did on the 17th of August last, pass\\na resolve whereby it became the duty of the Secretary\\nof Congress once in every month to transmit to the\\nLegislatures of the respective states a list of the states\\nrepresented, and of those unrepresented in Congress,\\nand of the members from each state. The object of\\nthis resolution was, that effectual measures might from", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0385.jp2"}, "386": {"fulltext": "362 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW JERSEY [1786.\\ntime to time be taken by such states as were unrepre-\\nsented or represented only by two members, to remedy\\nthese defects.\\nIn the execution of this duty I have had the honor\\nevery month since of transmitting to your Excellency\\na monthly statement of the representation of the states\\nin Congress to be laid before your Legislature. The\\nstatement which accompanies this, and which I have\\nto request the favor of your Excellency to communi-\\ncate to the Legislature, is for the month of February\\nlast. By this and the three other statements transmitted\\nsince the meeting of Congress on the first Monday in\\nNovember last, your Excellency and the Legislature will\\nsee that there has not been for a single day, a number\\nof states assembled sufticient to proceed on the great\\nbusiness of the Union indeed, for half the time, not a\\nnumber sufficient to do more than to adjourn from day\\nto day.\\nWith the greatest respect, I have the honor to be\\nyour Excellency s most obedient and most humble\\nservant,\\nCHA\u00c2\u00ab THOMSON.\\nHis Excellency, the Governor of New Jersey,\\nFrom the Secretary of Congress to the Governor.\\nOffice of Secretary of Congress,\\nApril 22d, 1786.\\nSir, In obedience to the order of Congress I have\\nthe honor to transmit to your Excellency herewith", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0386.jp2"}, "387": {"fulltext": "1786.] EXECUTIVE FROM 1776 TO 1786. 363\\nenclosed copies of the Treaties which the United\\nStates in Congress assembled have, by their commis-\\nsioners, entered into with the Shawanese, Cherokee,\\nChoctaw, and Chickasaw Indian nations.\\nConsidering how much the security, comfort, and\\nhappiness of the frontier settlements depend on being\\nat peace with the neighboring Indians, and how im-\\nportant it is to the whole confederacy, that the savages\\non our borders be impressed with a sacred regard for\\ntreaties, and with a firm, unshaken confidence in our\\njustice, honor, and national faith, solemnly pledged, I\\nhave no doubt but your Excellency will exert the\\nmeans in your power to enforce a due observance of\\nthe several articles of these treaties, so far as they con-\\ncern your state or relate to the conduct of its citizens.\\nI have the honor to be, with great respect, your Ex-\\ncellency s most obedient and most humble servant,\\nCHA^ THOMSON.\\nHis Excellency, the Governor of New Jersey.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0387.jp2"}, "388": {"fulltext": "", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0388.jp2"}, "389": {"fulltext": "INDEX.\\nAndover Furnace. Applications for ils use\\nby the United States, 113, 114.\\nBams. Capt. Andrew, 263.\\nBarton. Lieutenant Wm., 61.\\nBeavers. Col. Joseph, 46.\\nBiddle. Clement, Dep. Qr. Mr. Genl., 11,\\n126, 139.\\nBishop. David, recommended for Major,\\n24.\\nBoard of War. Despatch from, respecting\\nAndover Furnace, 113. Respecting\\nclothing, 134. Transmitting reliu-ns of\\ntroops, 168. Giving information of two\\ncannon at Carlisle, 243.\\nBoudinot. Elisha, letter from, recommend-\\ning officers for Newark Mditia, 58.\\nRecommended for office of Deputy Sur-\\nrogate of Essex, 72. Accepts tempora-\\nrily the Secretaryship of Committee of\\nSafety, 105.\\nBoudinot. Ellas, Letter resigning his seat\\nin Congress, 346.\\nBrearley. Col. David, Letter from, with\\nprisoner, 60.\\nBnien. Caleb, 72.\\nBull. Col. John, Letter from, relating to\\npay of soldiers, 34.\\nBurlington County. Militia of, 70, 91.\\nTroop of horse in, recommended to be\\nraised, 74, 85.\\nChambers. Col. David. 24.\\n;handler. Mrs. of Elizabethtown, 154.\\nCharleston. News of surrender of, 221,\\n227.\\nChew. Chief Justice of Pennsylvania,\\nconfined in Hunterdon coimty.\\nChew. Lieut. Aaron, 263.\\nClark. Abraham, Letters from, on public\\naffairs, 25, 212, 267, 324.\u00e2\u0080\u0094 Desiring to\\nresign, 279. On the Islands, c., iii the\\nDelaware, 289, 300, 322.\\nClark. Elijah, and John Cox, Letter from,\\nrelating to a suspicious vessel, 61.\\nClinton. Gov r, of New York, Letter from,\\nrespecting outrages on Long Island, 185.\\nCondict. Silas, Letter from, accepting ap-\\npointment as one of the Councfl of\\nSaiety, 49.\\nConfederation. Dr. Scudder, one of the\\nDelegates in Congress, asks for authority\\nto sign for New Jersey, c., 119.\\nContinental Congress. Despatch from, re-\\nlating to defence of New York, 6. To\\nSurgeons. c., 13. pay of the army, 14.\\nintercotirse with the enemy, 18. to\\nextraordinary powers vested in Comman-\\nder-in-Chief, c., 21. ordering 500 men\\nto Billingsport, 63. complimenting mi-\\nlitia of New Jersey, 98. requisition for\\n4000 militia, 99. relative to clothing,\\n106. to engrossers. 111. respecting\\nmovements of enemy, 116. in relation\\nto currency and finance, 215, 240, 258,\\n270, 274, 277, 352.\u00e2\u0080\u0094 calling for rein-\\nforcements, c., 231, 297. in relation to\\nsupplies. 266, 278. transmitting thanks-\\ngiving proclamation, 291. address of, to\\nthe states, 297. complaining of non-\\nattendance of members, 249, 359, 361.\\ntransmitting Indian treaties, 362.\\nCollins. Isaac, Letter to Council, respect-\\ning article in the New Jersey Gazette,\\n199.\\nCommittee of Co-operation. Letters from,\\n130, 132, 140, 225, 233, 239, 244, 248.\\nCommittee of Safety. Resolves of, for the\\ndefence of New York, 4.\\nCook. Lieut. Thomas, 263.\\nCousins. Capt. John, 263.\\nCovenhoven. John, 18.\\nCovenhoven. Capt. Jacob, 263.\\nCraig. Captain John, 92.\\nCumberland County. Inhabitants of, hold-\\ning intercourse with the enemy, 89.\\nBusiness in Courts of, 135.\\nCiirlis. John, of Shrewsbury, Accused of\\nparticipation in intercepting a despatch,\\n34. To be appreliended, 56.\\nDeHart. Jolin, Acceptance of Cliief Jas-\\nticeship, 11.\\nDeHart. Col. Wm., 20.\\nDelaware. Divisions of Islands, c., in,\\nbetween N. J. and Penn., 289, 300, 322.\\nDesertere. I.\u00c2\u00abtter from Gen. Washington\\nrespecting them, 23. Action of Congress\\nrelative to, 224.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0389.jp2"}, "390": {"fulltext": "366\\nINDEX.\\nDickiiifson. Gen. Philemon, Letter from,\\nrequesting to be relieved. 30. Accepts\\ncommission as JMajor General. 73.\\nOn puiolie aflairs, 84. On the condition\\nof the militia. 280.\\nDiiyckink. Colonel, Sectired, 54.\\nEgg Harbor. Suspicious vessel off, 61.\\nTlion^ lit to be invested by the enemy, 68.\\nElizabeihtown. Position of affiiirs at, 9,\\n117.\u00e2\u0080\u0094 Prisoiiers at, 78. 91, 98, 153.\\nEllis. Major William. 263.\\nElmer. Jonathan. Lellei from, on retiring\\nfrom Congress, 109, 128.\\nEmbargo, 218.\\nEngro. sers. Complained of. 111,132,133,140.\\nEssex County. 3Iililia of, 81.\\nEwing. 3Iajor, 89.\\nFell. John, Letter from, complaining of\\nnon-attendance of his coUeague.s in Con-\\ngress, 141. On public affiiirs,204.\\nFlower. Col. Benjamin. Letter from, re-\\nresjjecting Andover Furnace, 114.\\nForman. S., 19.\\nForman. (ienl. David, 80, 104.\\nFranklin. Benjamin, Lejter from, to Robert\\nMorris, relative to financial arrangements\\nabroad, 322.\\nFrelinghuysen. Col. Fred., Letter from, on\\npublic alhiirs. 9. Willi prisoners sent to\\nPriiiceliin, y-(. ^Iciilioned. 141, 176.\\nLetter from, respecting services as mem-\\nber of Congress. 155.\\nGiflbrd. Capt. Wm. B.. 263.\\nGloucester County, .^lilitia in ordered to-\\nwards Philadelphia, 100.\\nGrey. Major, 16.\\nHackensack. Suspiciotis persons in, 7.\\nPost-rider between it and New York, 93.\\nHalsey. Luther, 32.\\nHancock. John, President of Congress,\\nLetters from, 6, 13, 14, 18, 21. 63, 98, 99,\\n106. Ill, 116.\\nHanson. John. President of Congress,\\nLetter from, 296.\\nHay. Major, 263.\\nHayes. Major Samuel. 75, 81, 82, 86.\\nHazard. Ebenezer, Li relation to Hacken-\\nsack post-rider. 93.\\nHeard. Gen. Nathaniel. 45. 69, 74.\\nHeath. CJeneral W., Address of. in behalf\\nof ofll-Jers, to General Washmgton, 334.\\nGen. W. s answer. 337.\\nHeavland. Lieut. C harles, 326.\\nHedden. Joseph, Jr., Letter from, with\\nnames of Tory women, 72, 82. On\\nthe condition of Newark. 76. With\\nnames of prisoners in Newark and Eliz-\\nabelhtiiwn. 78. With prisoners from\\nNewark, 83.\\nHenry. Patrick. Letter from, 360.\\nHolmes. John, 19.\\nHolmes. Col. Benjamin, Resigns his com-\\nmission, 129.\\nHolmes. Lieut. Jonathan, 263.\\nHowell. Lewis, 32.\\nHopkiiison. Francis, Letter from, respect-\\ning John Curbs, 56.\\nHunlertloii County. Militia of. 95. Gov-\\nernor Peiin confined in 101. Business in\\nCourts of, 135.\\nHuntington. Samuel, President of Con-\\ngress, Letters from, 215, 231. 240, 258,\\n266, 270, 274, 277, 278.\\nHouston. Wm. H., Letter from, respecting\\nbusiness before Congress, 191, 200. 204,\\n217, 224. Giving information of surren-\\nder of Charleston, 221.\\nJones. Capt. David, Recommended for\\nMajor, 24.\\nKelsey. Enos, With return of clothing,\\nlie wanted for the troops, 183.\\nKennedy. Arcliibald, Application for pa-\\nrole, 12. Apprehensions respecting, 108,\\n153.\\nLee. General, 87.\\nLee. Arthur, Commissioner at Madrid,\\nProceedings in Congress in relation to his\\nrecall, 191.\\nLittle. Lieut. Thomas, 263.\\nLivingston. Governor, Letter from, to Vice\\nPres t of Penn. Council of Safety, rela-\\nting to prisoners, 32. Orders to General\\nWinds, 80. Letter to General Washing-\\nton, 81. Ordering militia to oppose pro-\\ngress of enemy towards Philadelphia,\\n100. -To President of Congress in rela-\\ntion to Gov. Penn and Chief Justice\\nChew of Pennsylvania, 101. Transmit-\\nting lettei-s, 123. Relative to organiza-\\ntion of militia, 175. The insufliciency of\\nhis pay, 294. On liis election as Gov-\\nernor, 348, 351.\\nLivingston. Robert R., Letter from, trans-\\nmitting provisional treaty of peace, 330.\\nLloyd. Lieut. Bateman, 263.\\nLowery. Col., 24.\\nLowery. Captain, 87.\\nMacomb. Mr., Taken prisoner, 86.\\nManly. Captain. 87.\\n3Iaryland. Tories in, 27.\\nMassachusetts. Measures of Legislature of,\\nregulating prices. c., 28.\\nMaxwell. Col. Wm., Letter from, respect-\\ning the clothing of the troops, 103. As\\nGeneral, presenting the grievances of the\\ntroops, 146, 159. In relation to public\\naffiiirs. c., 151.\\nMc( loud. Captain, A prisoner on parole,\\n1.53.\\nMcKean. Thomas, President of Congress,\\nLetter from, 291.\\nMcWhort^r. Rev. Alex r, Letter from,\\ntransmitting names of ofiicers for militia\\nof Newark. 58.\\nMiillin. Thomas, President of Congress,\\nLetter from, 349.\\nMonmouth. Suspicious persons in, 7.\\n3Iorris County. Militia of, 81, 94.\\nMorris. Judge, Letter from, relating to pro-\\nceedings at Susse.x Court, 63.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0390.jp2"}, "391": {"fulltext": "INDEX.\\n36\\nMorris. Robert, Letters trom, on the finan-\\nces and accounts, 282, 318. 320. 332, 340,\\n242. In relation to supplies, 287.\\nMunn. Lieut. John, 263.\\nNewark. Officers of militia recommended,\\n53. Women of, whose husbands were\\nwith the enemy, 72, 82. Ceitain of them\\nremoved, 75. Situation of. June 1777,\\n76. Prisoners at, 78, 84. Uneasiness\\nat, respecting Captain Kennedy, 103.\\nNew Brunswick. Prisoners taken near,\\n54, 57. 60.\\nNewcomb. Brig. Gen. Silas, 89,\\nNew York. Mea,\u00c2\u00abures for defence of, 4, 6.\\nGeneral, commanding at, to Provincial\\nCongress, 7. Governor of, on outrages\\ncommitted on Long Island, 185. Pro-\\nceedings of Legislature upon prices, 195.\\nOfficers. Memorials to Legislature of, be-\\nlonging to Jersey brigade, 143. 156, 157.\\nComments of Gen. Washington on\\ntheir grievances, 161, 166. Memorial (..f,\\nto Gen. Washington, 164. Imprisoned\\non Long Island, 263. Half pay author-\\nized by Congress, 267. Letter of Gene-\\nral Washington to Congress, respecting\\ngrievances, 333. Address of, to Gen.\\nWashinsrton, 334.\\nOsman. Benjamin, 32, 263.\\nFarainus. Persons accused of taking tea\\nfrom, 69.\\nParsons. Lieut. John, 263.\\nPaterson. William, 79. letter from, on\\npublic matters, 86. In relation to pris-\\noners in Morris, c., 107. Declining ap-\\npointment of Delegate to Congress, 269.\\nPaul. James, 263.\\nPenn. Gov., of Pennsylvania, confined in\\nHunterdon County, 101.\\nPennsylvania. Embargo law of, 200.\\nCase of sloop Active in, 203. Division\\nof Islands, c., in Delaware bay and\\nriver, 289, 300, 322.\\nPettit. Charles, Letter from, relating to\\npublic records, 47.. Transmitting forms,\\nc., 67. On public aflhirs. 69. 3Ien-\\ntioned, 88. As Qr. Master Gen., in rela-\\ntion to forage. 123.\\nPickering. Timothy, Quarter Mr. General,\\nLetter from, relative to forage,264.\\nPolhimus. Lieut. Tobias, 263.\\nPrices. Regulation of. Measures of Mas-\\nsachusett-s, 28. Minutes of Commission-\\ners, therefor, 34. Recommended, 133.\\nMeasures of New York respecting. 195.\\nMeasures of Congress, 204. 214. Pro-\\nceedings of Convention for. 212.\\nPrisoners on Long Island. Sufferings of,\\n260.\u00e2\u0080\u0094 Memorial from, 261.\\nPutnam. Gen. Israel, Letter from, with\\nprisoners taken at New Brunswick, 57.\\nRaritan. Prisoners taken on, 59, 88.\\nKumsey. Benjamin, and Wm. Smith. Let-\\nter from, relating to a Mr. Campbell, 50.\\nScott. Capt., 17.\\nSchanck. John, Reconunended for Adju-\\ntant, 24.\\nScudder. Nathaniel, 142. Letter from, on\\npublic affairs, 119, 204.\\nSeely. Col. Silvanus, 91, 246, 254,\\nSergeant. Jonathan D., Letter from, re-\\nquesting to be permitted to resign his seat\\nin Congress, 25.\u00e2\u0080\u0094 3Ientioned, 27.\\nShrieve. Colonel Israel, 16, 31\\nShute. Capt., 17.\\nShute. William, 32.\\nSkinner. Abra m, Commissary of Prison-\\ners. Letter I rom, 260.\\nSmith. Wm., and Benj. Rumsey. letter\\nfrom, relating to a Mr. Cainpbeii, 5o.\\nSmock. Col. John, 263.\\nSmock. Capt. Barns., 263.\\nSmock. Henry. 263.\\nSmyth. John, Treasurer, c., 1, 2, 3.\\nSpencer. Col. Oliver, 22.\\nSpringfield. Enemy at, ^33.\\nSiaten Island. Arrival of the enemy at, 8.\\nAffair on, 95.\\nStevens. John. 3, 269. 280.\\nSteuben. Baron, Letter from, relative to\\npurchase of land in Bergen, 358.\\nStout. I\\\\Jajor Cornelius, Recommended for\\nLieut. Col., 24.\\nStout. Lieut. Abra m., 263.\\nSullivan. James, Letter from, relating to\\nan act of the Lcgislatiu-e of Massachu-\\nsetts for regulating prices, c., 28.\\nSullivan. General, fc5.\\nSuspected Persons in IMonmouth and Hack-\\nensack. 7.\\nSussex ounty. Persons in, enlisting men\\nfor the enemy. 46, 47. Proceedings of\\nCourt held there, 63. Prisoners in, 77.\\nMilitia of, 81.\\nSupplies. Scarcity of, in Bergen, 154, 256,\\nSymmes. Chief Justice John C., 63. Let-\\nters from, respecting prisoners in Sussex\\nCounty, 77. Referring to persons tried\\nin Hunterdon and Cumberland, 135.\\nRelative to complaints of soldiers. 2J0.\\nTaylor. Edward, Complained of, 81.\\nLetter from, 96.\\nTaylor. Major John, Letter from, with\\nprisoners from Raritan, 59. And New\\nBrunswick, 60.\\nTaylor. Col. John, Letter from, in relation\\nto the condition of the militia. 177.\\nTaylor, Col. George, 18. Refuses to take\\nthe required oath, 19.\\nThaidvsgiving proclamation, 291.\\nThompson. Benj., Commissioner of Ac\\ncounts. Letter from, 35o.\\nThompson. Andrew. 263.\\nTreasury of East Jersey. Removal of, 1,\\n2. 3.\\nTucker. Samuel, 1,2. 3.\\nVan Brunt. Major llcndrick, 263.\\nVirginia. Action of, for the regulation of\\ntrade, 360.\\nWade. Francis, 52, 53.", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0391.jp2"}, "392": {"fulltext": "368\\nJNDEX.\\nWashington. C^neral, liCtters from, 23,\\n54, 104. 161, 166, 172, 173, 181. 187. 206,\\n207, 219. 223, 235. 236,238.242.246,254,\\n256, 303, 306. 310, 312, 317, 333, 337.\u00e2\u0080\u0094\\nConduct of. adverted to, 26, 204.\\nWebster. Capt. John. 88.\\nWhitlock. Lieut. James, 263.\\nWilson. James, 34.\\nWilliamson. Brig. Gen. Matthias, Accept-\\nance of commissions, c., 9.\\nWinds. Gen. William, 80.\u00e2\u0080\u0094 On the posi-\\ntion of officers at Elizabethtown, Jnne\\n1778, 117.\\nWitherspoon. Dr., 120. 141, 204.\\nWoodward. Jesse, of Monmouth, His ex-\\namination, 51. Sent to the Coimcil of\\nSafety. 53.\\nWoodbridge. Enemy s landing on Neck,\\n92.\\nWyckoff. Col. Ocky. 263.\\nZabriskie. Col. John, 11, 358.", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0392.jp2"}, "393": {"fulltext": "", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0393.jp2"}, "394": {"fulltext": "", "height": "3224", "width": "1941", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0394.jp2"}, "395": {"fulltext": "", "height": "3206", "width": "1859", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0395.jp2"}, "396": {"fulltext": "", "height": "3279", "width": "1977", "jp2-path": "selectionsfromco00newje_0396.jp2"}}