Light Infantry Camp, Dear General, I was honored with your favour of the 20th inst. the day before yesterday, on the margin of the North river, opposite Fort Washington, and must conclude that I have omitted a word or two in my letter of the 18th inst.; but you Excellency has done me justice in supposing that I would not attempt any thing capital without giving you previous notice, and obtaining your permission. Indeed, in this instance, we could not have effected our designs, but without your Excellency's concurrence, as the boats must have been furnished by your order; and when I said that we had determined to strike the enemy's camp on the north side of King's bridge, I could have no other idea but by your Excellency's approbation. All I regret is, that we had not adopted the plan sooner, or that the enemy had delayed a few days longer. For be assured we should have succeeded to our most sanguine wishes. I intend to reconnoitre Staten Island: if any thing can be attempted there with a fair prospect of success, I shall attend your Excellency on the occasion. 131 ordered by Congress to Philadelphia, you will be pleas I am, dear Sir, your most obedient servant, General WAYNE. The General, who was celebrated for his promptness in the execution of every military or civil duty which his station imposed on him, replied:- Light Infantry Camp, 9th Dec. 1779. Dear General,--In obedience to your's of yesterday, Colonel Febiger, with the Virginia light infantry, will march to-morrow morning at eight o'clock; but, for want of shoes, must carry a great many of his people in wagons. There are a considerable number of our men totally barefoot, and many more will soon be in the same predicament, unless we receive a speedy supply of this ne Inclosed are the proceedings of a general court martial of this corps, on Patrick Obrian. I am told that he is an old offender in this way. Whether, in this in-cessary article. It is true, that some of the regiments stance, it was from the effects of liquor, as the Pennsylvania and Connecticut troops had received some state stores the morning preceding, or from what other cause I cannot say, but some soldiers belonging to these states aided in the mutiny, and they have been punished in a very exemplary manner, i. e. by receiving from three hundred to five hundred lashes per man, which have made all the other bodies exceedingly orderly and quiet. I should be glad of your Excellency's determination on Obrian's sentence, as he has been sometime in confine ment. I did myse'f the honor of sending you Revington's paper of the 20th, by Captain Jones, of Baylor's dragoons, by which it appears that the enemy were not a little elated on the southern affair, and have given a hint to Congress, by which they ought to profit; i. e. that the term for which a great part of your army was enlisted is nearly expired, of which I have some ground to believe Mr. Clinton means to take an advantage this winter, otherwise he will certainly leave the continent. I am your Excellency's most obedient, ANTHONY WAYNE. HEAD QUARTERS, West Point, 27th Nov. 1779. S Dear Sir, I find some embarrassment in deciding on Obrian's sentence. We do not see the multiplying of executions produce the effects for which they were intended; and for many reasons it is not a desirable thing to lose men in examples of this kind, unless in case of the most apparrent necessity. I would be directed in some measure by the consequences which a pardon might occasion; and if these could not be of any consid eration, he may be confined for some time, under the fear of the punishment sentenced him by the court, and then liberated. Fort Stannix still remains in our possession, without any other attack than what you find in the New York papers. I had anticipated the hint which you have taken notice of, by a very full representation on the subject to Congress. I am, dear Sir, your most obedient servant, Brigadier General WAYNE. So soon as Sir Henry Clinton's preparations for a movement had clearly indicated that the south was his main object, General Washington obtained permission of Congress to detach the Virginia line to the aid of the southern army. On this occasion he thus addressed General Wayne:→ HEAD QUARTERS, } and brigades have forwarded a partial supply of clothing, but have totally withheld the shoes; perhaps they have drawn none, or mean to preserve them until the infantry join the line; they also refuse to supply men in the place of those whose term of service have expired, on the presumption of a speedy dissolution of the corps, which idea has also prevented me from being more pres sing, if possible, on the occasion. Address of the officers of the Virginia Light Infantry to Light Infantry Camp, 2 Dear Sir,--The officers of the Virginia line, who have had the honor of being commanded by you in the Light Infantry, beg leave to return you their sincere thanks for the repeated marks of esteem and politeness you have expressed towards them. They entertain the highest veneration and respect for your character, both as a military man and a gentleman. Under these circumstances, we feel the greatest regret, especially at so short a notice, to be separated from a corps we love and a General we honor. Accept, therefore, dear Sir, those sentiments of our esteem, and believe us, after wishing you every future happiness, success, and prosperity, to be, with the most cordial affection and respect. Your most obedient, and most humble servts. At the unanimous request, and in behalf of the Virginia officers in the Light Infantry. CHRISTIAN FEBIGER, Colonel. The honorable Brigadier General WAYNE. Light Infantry Camp, 2 Second River, 9th Dec. 1779. S Dear Sir,--The approbation of my conduct by a corps so respectable as the officers of the Virginia Light Infantry, must inevitably afford the sincerest pleasure. That attention which they are pleased to attribute to politeness, was the effect of their own merit, which will always ensure the esteem of the General who has the honor to command them. Permit me, therefore, to return my most grateful thanks to them and you, Sir for this mark of respect, and believe me to be, with singular esteem. Your most obedient and humble servt, Col. FEBIGER, For himself ANTHONY WAYNE. HEAD QUARTERS, Morristown, Z 15th December, 1779. S Dear Sir,-The troops of the state of Virginia being Dear Sir, Yours of yesterday came to hand late last night. I had received an account, by some gentlemen from General WAYNE. GEO. WASHINGTON. Light Infantry Camp, 2 12th December, 1779. S Dear General,--I have nothing new from the enemy but I hourly expect my Mercury. Was I to hazard an opinion, it would be, that no embarkation will take place until the sun has paid his visit to, and on his return from, the tropic of Capricorn; because seamen always dread the tropical more than the equinoctial storms. Should Sir Henry Clinton possess those talents necessary to constitute a General of so pow. erful an army as he now commands; should he have fortitude to bear the calumny of the world, and tacitly commit his military character to a temporary--, his business is still to keep up the idea of an embarkation until we have hutted, sent off our horses, a great proportion of our officers absent on furlough, and the term of service of a large part of our army expired. I say shall he be the General, he would then make a rapid push in full force for our debilitated camp--where, if he should be unfortunate, he cannot sink lower than he already is; but if successful, his military character will shine with some lustre, and put him in a condition to act in any other quarter, leaving a small garrison at New York, as it would require some time for us to recover our loss, or be in a situation to disturb or put them in danger, whilst he might roam at large with impunity. I forgot to mention the deficiency of field officers with this corps, there being only three on the ground exclu. sive of Major Moore, who was on his way from Philadelphia to camp, where your Excellency did me the honor to call at my quarters. I have detained him ever since, to take charge of the two Pennsylvania Light Companies that were in Colonol Febiger's regiment, which I have annexed to Colonel Butler's until your Excellency's pleasure is known. The shoes have not yet arrived, nor has the Maryland line furnished any men in place of those whose terms of service are expired. Two or three such nights as the last will give an opening for either us or the enemy to strike. 1, therefore, wish the men and shoes, so as to be prepared for either. present seeming embarrassment is owing to the Count, I have directed an equivalent of men from the Maryland troops for those whose time of service have expired and left you. The two Pennsylvania companies may remain in Col. Butler's regiment, where you have placed them, at least for the present. The shoes have not yet reached us, nor is there a single pair in the store. I am not less anxious than you are to have the men speedily furnished with this article, and shall give you notice the moment they arrive. Our preferable to yours. Nothing is left undone to bring situation with respect to provision or flour is nowise forward a proper supply: till this can be effected, you must eke out your quota with as much parsimony as possible. I am, dear Sir, Your obedient and humble servant, GEO. WASHINGTON. Second River, 21st Dec. 1779. Dear General,-Last Saturday a considerable number of transports fell down to Redhook, and on Sunday morning, about ten o'clock, they weighed anchor and fell lower; but whether there were any troops on board, or whether they went further down than the Narrows, the informant cannot tell, as he could not possibly pass to New York on account of the ice. He has since gone over with another to Staten Island, from whom I expect to hear either this night or in the morning. I am just setting off for Bergen: the rivers are all fast as far as Powles Hook. If an attempt against that post should be deemed advisable, we cannot stir for want of clothing, but more particularly for want of shoes, of which article two-thirds of our people are totally destitute, which circumstance almost disqualifies us for either offence or defence in this inclement season. The Brigade Quartermaster is now, and has been absent some days, in order to procure a supply; but I have not learned, as yet, his success. I am sorry to say that our prospects of a competent supply of provisions is very gloomy; which, together with our other wants, renders the situation of the troops extremely distressing. However, it is our duty to cast a veil over the worst, and only show the best side of the picture; and should matters become more desperate, we can, at all events, feed ourselves. Your Excellency's most obedient servant, ANTHONY WAYNE. P. S. Just as I closed this address, I was honored with You will have goodness enough to excuse this free-yours of yesterday, and sincerely regret our mutual dom, and believe me, in every vicissitude of fortune, ready to serve you, with the best service of your Excellency's Most obedient and humble servant, His Excellency, General WASHINGTON. ANTHONY WAYNE. HEAD QUARTERS, Dear Sir,—I have been favoured with your letter of the 18th. Of the objects that claim the enemy's attention, it is difficult to determine which is their choice. Should circumstances prevent them making detachments, or from the prosecution of any remote enterprise which they may have designed, and their whole force be thereby detained in this quarter, such an attempt as you have suggested is by no means improbable. The doing of something would become a matter of necessity. It would appear, however, that much of their privations. Since my writing last, Lieutenant Colonel Major Steward are on their return. There will then Hay has joined us. I understand that Major Hull and be wanting one Lieutenant Colonel from the Massachusett's line, for Colonel Putnam's regiment.-One Lieutenant Colonel from the Connecticut line, for Colonel Meigs, and one field officer from the Pennsylvania line, for the two companies that were with Febiger. Appointments by the Governor. BENJAMIN M'KEEHAN, Esq. to be a Justice of the peace in the district numbered 6, composed of the township of West Pennsboro', in the county of Cumberland. WILLIAM SENSEMAN, Esq. to be a Justice of the peace in the district numbered 8, composed of the townships of East Pennsboro', and Silver Spring, in the county of Cumberland. 1829.] PROCEEDINGS of a provincial CONVENTION. PROCEEDINGS Of the Convention for the Province of Pennsylvania, held at Philadelphia, January 23, 1775, and continued by adjournments to the 28th. At a Provincial Convention for the Province of Pennsylvania, held at Philadelphia, January 23, 1775, and continued by adjournments from day to day, to the 28th:-PRESENT, For the City and Liberties of Philadelphia. John Dickinson, Esq. James Mease, John Nixon, John Cox, John Bayard, Christopher Ludwig, Lambert Cadwalader, Richard Bache, Francis Hassenclever, Thomas Cuthbert, sen. William Jackson, Isaac Melcher, Samuel Penrose, Isaac Coates, William Coates, Blathwaite Jones, Thomas Pryor, Samuel Massey, Robert Towers, Henry Jones, County. Lewis Davis, William Montgomery, Lancaster County. 133 JOSEPH REED, Esq. was chosen President of this Convention. Messrs. JONATHAN B. SMITH, JOHN BENEZET, and FRANCIS JOHNSON, Esqrs, were chosen Secretaries. On motion, Resolved unanimously, That the committee of the city of Philadelphia, and each county committee, shall have one vote in determining every question that may come before this Convention. Resolved unanimously, That this Convention most heartily approve of the conduct and proceedings of the continental congress: That we will faithfully endeavour to carry into execution, the measures of the association entered into, and recommended by them, and that the members of that very respectable body merit our warmest thanks, by their great and disinterested labours for the preservation of the rights and liberties of the British colonies. On motion, Resolved unanimously, That it be, and it is hereby recommended to the several members of this Convention to promote and encourage instructions or advice from their several counties, to their representatives in general assembly, to procure a law prohibiting the future importation of slaves into this province. Resolved unanimously, That in case the trade of the city and liberties of Philadelphia, shall be suspended in consequence of the present struggle, it is the opinion of this Convention that the several counties should, and that the members of this Convention will, exert themselves to afford all the necessary relief and assistance to the inhabitants of the said city and liberties, who will be more immediately affected by such an event. Resolved unanimously, That if any opposition shall be given to any of the committees of this province in carrying the association of the continental congress into execution, the committees of the other counties, in order to preserve the said association inviolate, will give all the weight and assistance in their power to the committee who shall meet with such opposition. Resolved unanimously, That it is the most earnest wish and desire of this Convention to see harmony restored between Great Britain and the colonies: That we will exert our utmost endeavours for the attainment of that most desirable object: That it is the opinion of this body that the commercial opposition pointed out by the continental congress, if faithfully adhered to, will be the means of rescuing this unhappy country from the evils meditated against it. But if the humble and loyal petition of said congress, to his most gracious majesty, should be disregarded, and the British administration, instead of redressing our grievances, should determine by force to effect a submission to the late arbitrary acts of the British parliament, in such a situation we hold it our indispensable duty to resist such force, and at every hazard, to defend the rights and liberties of America. WHEREAS, it has been judged necessary for the preservation of our just rights and liberties, to lay a restraint on our importation, and as the freedom, happiness, and prosperity of a state greatly depend on providing within itself a supply of articles necessary for subsistence, clothing, and defence, a regard for our country, as well as common prudence, call upon us to encourage agriculture, manufactures, and economy.Therefore this Convention do resolve as follows: Resolved unanimously, That from and after the first day of March next, no person or persons should use in his, her, or their families, unless in cases of nécessity, and on no account sell to the butchers, or kill for the market, any sheep under four years old. And where there is a necessity for using any mutton in their fami lies, it is recommended to them to kill such as are the least profitable to keep. Resolved unanimously, That we recommend the setting up of woolen manufactnres in as many different branches as possible; especially coating, flannel, blankets, rugs, or coverlids, hosiery and coarse clothis, both broad and narrow. Resolved unanimously, That we recommend the raising and manufacturing of madder, woad, and such other dye stuffs as may be raised in this province to advantage, and are absolutely necessary in the woollen manufactures. Resolved unanimously, That each person having proper land, should raise a quantity of flax and hemp sufficient, not only for the use of his own family, but also to spare to others on moderate terms. And that it be recommended to the farmers to provide themselves early with a suflicient quantity of seed for the proposed increase of the above articles of hemp and flax. Resolved unanimously, As salt is a daily and almost indispensable necessary of life, and the making of it among ourselves must be esteemed a valuable acquisition; we therefore recommend the making of it in the manner used in England and other countries; and are of opinion it may be done with success, in the interior parts of the province where there are salt springs, as well as on the sea coasts. Resolved unanimously, That salt petre being an ar ticle of great use and consumption, we recommend the making of it, and are further of opinion it may be done to great advantage. Resolved unanimously, That the necessity we may be under for gun powder, especially in the Indian trade, induces us to recommend the manufacturing that article as largely as possible, by such persons who are or may be owners of powder mills in this province. Resolved unanimously, That we recommend the manufacturing of iron into nails and wire, and all other ar ticles necessary for carrying on our manufactures evidently in general use; and which of consequence, should our unhappy differences continue, will be in great de mand. Resolved unanimously, That we are of opinion the making of steel ought to be largely prosecuted, as the demand for this article will be great. Resolved unanimously, That we recommend the making of different kinds of paper, now in use among us, to the several manufacturers: And as the success of this branch depends on a supply of old linen and woollen rags, request the people of this province, in their respective houses, may order the necessary steps to be taken for preserving these, otherwise useles, articles. Resolved unanimously, That as the consumption of glass is greater than the glass-house now established among us can supply, we recommend the setting up other glass-houses; and are of opinion they would turn out to the advantage of the proprietors. Resolved unanimously, That whereas wool combs and cards have, for some time, been manufactured in some of the neighbouring colonies, and are absolutely necessary for carying on the hosiery and clothing business, we do recommend the establishing such a manufactory in this province. Resolved unanimously, That we also recommend the manufacturing of copper into sheets, bottoms and ket ules. Resolved unanimously, That we recommend the erect ing a greater number of fulling mills, and mills for breaking, swingling, and softening hemp and flax. And also the making of grind-stones in this country. Resolved unanimously, That as the brewing of large quantities of malt liquors, within this province, would tend to render the eonsumption of foreign liquors less necessary; it is therefore recommended, that proper attention be given to the cultivation of barley: And that the several brewers, both in city and country, do en courage it, by giving a reasonable and sufficient price for the same. Resolved unanimously, That we recommend to all the inhabitants of this province, and do promise for ourselves in particular, to use our own manufactures, and those of the other colonies, in preference to all others. Resolved unanimously, That for the more speedily and effectually putting these resolves in execution, we do earnestly recommend societies may be established in different parts; and are of opinion that premiums ought to be granted in the several counties to persons who may excel in the several branches of manufactory: And we do further engage, that we in our separate committees will promote them to the utmost of our power. Resolved unanimously, That if any manufacturer or vender of goods and merchandizes in this province, shall take advantage of the necessities of his country, by selling his goods or merchandize at an unusual and extravagant profit, such persons shall be considered as an enemy to his country, and be advertised as such, by the committee of the place where such offender dwells. Resolved unanimously, That we recommend the making tin plates, as an article worthy the attention of the people of this province. Resolved unanimously, That as printing types are now made to a considerable degree of perfection by an ingenious artist in Germantown, it is recommended to the printers to use such types in preference to any which may be hereafter imported. On motion, Resolved unanimously, That the committee of correspondence for the city and liberties of Philadelphia, be a standing committee of correspondence for the several counties here represented: And that if it should at any time hereafter appear to the committee of the city and liberties, that the fituation of pub lick affairs renders a provincial convention necessary, that the said committee of correspondence do give the earliest notice thereof to the committees of the severalcounties. Ordered, That the proceedings of this convention be sent to the press, and printed in English and German, under the direction of the president, and Messrs, Jonathan B. Smith and John Benezet. A true copy, LETTERS FROM WILLIAM PENN. WORMINGHURST, 24th 7th Mo. 88. by this conveniency before, but having yours by Dear Friends,-My ancient love salutes you, I writt Whitpaine I was willing to lett you know I take your genll letter well, and that therein you answear me much. I have three things to add wch if Capt. Blackwell be not in station I desire your notice of and performance accordingly. 1st. yt yr just law be not interrupted about ye murdrous woman, for ye barbarity is crying, tis a naturall justice, yt in ye mixt state we are, I cannot see how it is to be avoided. 2dly. that you suffer not one person to be in the government that is by any act of conversation a scandal to it and good liveing, for over this government must preside, and it concerns you mightily. 3dly. take care that the Kings lettrs yt I order my secretary here, Jon South, to send you, be duely promulgated, and observed wt may be. For the invasions made by ye Ld Baltimore, you shall shortly hear more particularly from the King. Had not I upon my hand, by ye singular providence of god, this great point of liberty of conscience to follow and settle, to which ye King is so throughly disposed, I should make any shift to be with you ye Lord knows it. I shall take my leave. Desiring the Lord to be with you all by his blessed wisdom, 1829.] LETTERS FROM WM. PENN. 135 I am, your affect. Frd and Govr. and in the truth, dare do ye right thing. none knows this but thyselfe, Bror. With my true and dear love to thee and thyn and all honest friends. by this know, that none of my exercises here have come so near me as ye jumbles you have there. I cannot declare the trouble they have given me, but since matters are as they are, I have, I hope, taken the best course I could to quiet things among you, ye lord god almighty give ym a sense of it yt have been ye occasion, yt have sacreficed ye quiet and honour of ye province to their particular humers wherever it lights, and guide you all in ye path of humility, meekness and righteousness. And first know yt I have removed Capt. Blackwell to my own affaires and to be Register genll. of ye Province, wch I hope he will accept of, till I come at least, perswade him wt thou canst, and in his abstract station, the Province will see his abilitys and ye waut of him more. I have putt all my estate in his care and made him Receivr Genll. but because I know not if he will accept of it, having been once Govr, I have consigned goods on board the Tryal of Pennsylvania, J. Atway mr. to thee and thy servt Fuller or either of you; wch after ye supply of my plantation, is to be returned by way of Barbadoes, oe directly, wth ye encrease. Remember two things and give Capt. Blackwell notice of it, I desire yll vizt yt ye wars make goods trebble ye vallue they were, for I assure yll it is wth great difficulty a ship can go hence, the French are so powerful in shipping and pri vateers, and yt as ye channels mouth, next the condi tion of Ireland must needs inhance ye vallue of all sorts of provisions in ye Islands, so yt our calamitys here are your market and gain. Wherefore let ye Province be industrious while they have ye advantage, god has given us a good corn land. Next, I herewith send a Bill of Saml. Carpenters payd with my Son Williams tokens and gifts sent or given him to be layd out according to instructions to Capt. Blackwell. The sallery he should have of me I think it just the Province should pay, since they have the thing desired. I desier thee to press it and to speak to the Comrs of property to do ye same, at least as part of the 6001. they owe me, and if it is pay'd either way pray lett Capt. Blackwell know yt. I would have wt provisions he can raise sent to Barbadoes, and traffick my rents to ye best advantage or sell in proportion to ye rates corn will now bear in Barbadoes, &c. by reason of our distractions here. But in case Capt. Blackwell should refuse to stay upon the encouragements I give him now, I do then hereby empower thee to deal privately with Saml Jenings for the place of Register Genll and in case that of Receivr Genll be thought by him best, lett him have thatt so he will come on our side. he may have ye use of my house at my plantation, and ye gardens, but besides hogs and an increasing stock of cattle to be sould off as they rise I will have nothing more to do with farming, so yt he may use some of the land to his own behoof, and keep my servts for their labour wch is to accommodate him with a better plantation then his own, and either place is worth him about 601. per ann. for I take him to be a shrewd man, a lover Af me and one yt will yoak well in Govermt. and yt and in case Capt. Blackwell stay not, engage him by all means if it is possible. I confess I would have some worthy person have ye other yt he has not of wch I make yee Judge; If thou likest to have the Regr Genlls take it else let some ingenious and well disposed person be recommended to me for it, or in case Capt. Bla. should stay, and after some time decease, take ye same course beforementioned, or if any other vacancy worth S. Jenings's paines presents; lett him have it; for I have long desired his company: And though this is no formal authority, yet this is enough to treat with him and putt him in possession of any such capacity, and I suppose ye Mr. of ye Roles will not refuse ye seale upon ye bear intimation of my minde herein to him. I ho I write as if I were to remain here, yet be assured, my eye as well as my heart is towards you with all speed; and so soon as I am totally enlarged expect my face to be sett yt way lett me recommend peace and virtue, I know thou lovest them therefore press ym and let me prevail with yee as hard as it is to thee to visit T. L. &c. and renew, by Christ's healing way, ancient sweatness and follow, leaving all with ye Lord who is just and good. I have writt already about thy own business, and therefore say nothing of it here, but in ye sense of yt love wch thou hast showed to me and my concerns I shall ever show and approve myselfe Thy assured and affect Friend, WM. PENN. many of thy Irish acquaintance now wish they had taken their lott with thee in Pennsilvania, for Irland is a land of distress at this day. I leaye particulars to those yt are now upon their voyage to you. farewell. Directed, For Robert Turner, in Philadelphia. wth Care and Speed. P. S. to a Letter dated London 10mo. 4th day, 1690, from Wm. Penn to "Wm. Markham, Robt. Turner, &c. "I was cleered at Westminster again ye 28 9mo. & 2 or 300 more." Dr. Friends, LONDON, 4th 12mo. 92-3. Considering how things stand and may stand with you; and the visible necessity the Province is under, as well as my own interest, and my earnest inclinations, that I speedily returne, I have a proposal to make, in wch if you answear me, I shall be able to make my way safe from the Govermt easy to myselfe, just to my Friends here, and this in reason I ought to desire. In consideration therefore of my very great expenses in K. G's time, known in some measure to T. H. and my great losses in this K's time ye one being at least 70001. and ye other above 40001. or 4501. per ann. totally waisted in Ireland as T. H. can inform you, by which means I cannot do wt is requisite to bring me among you with out yt time here wch may injure our joynt interest, or your help to shorten it; I do propose that an hundred persons in town, if able, or town and country, do lend me, free of interest, each of them 1001. for 4 years, or each of them more or less, as able, so yt reach the sum and I will give you my bond to repay it to each of you, in 4 years time, or if not payd in yt time, a sufficient interest for the whole, or wt remains unpayd at 4 years end, from yt time forwards, till payd. shall take it so kindly from you, yt if you gave me more at another time it should not equally please me, and it could not be done more seasonably for yourselves, and ye whole Province, for depend upon it and you have it under my hand god giveing health for it, I will not stay 6 months, no, not 3 months, if can in yt time get passage to remove to you, with family also. I hope to be more worth to you, and a great deal more to ye Province; for ye hour my back is turned of Eng. some hundreds, if not |