1829.] MASTER MARINERS' MEMORIAL. 125 in rem, or against the vessels they navigate: and to pos- absence. His opportunities of information are no better sess no lien thereon for their security. than those of others; he is as little able to protect himWith a view to induce your honorable bodies to re-self-a watery waste separates alike him and them from store them to what, in their belief, was the original position of their professional right, your Memorialists beg leave respectfully to urge:-First, That the general principles of policy which give the lien apply equally to them as to common sailors:-Secondly, That the dangers and hardships from which the lien was designed to rescue the sailors, are equally liable to assail your Memorialists:-And, Thirdly, That no good reason has been or can be given why they should not enjoy it. 1. Every community is interested in the active and unshackled industry of its citizens. To those who toil at home, and whose occasional appeal to the laws of the land do not interrupt their daily business, the ordinary tribunals, and the usual process, however dilatory, are unaccompanied by serious mischiefs. But the seaman labours upon the ocean:-every hour of detention on shore is to him an hour of unproductive idleness:and his skill, so useful to the country at large, requires almost unceasing exercise. It is then, a manifest policy, to afford him a prompt and certain mode of obtaining his just earnings, and to prepare him rapidly for successive adventures and voyages. Hence a whole crew may unite, in admiralty, in a single suit for wages:hence they are at liberty to proceed against the vessel they have navigated or its owners, or its commander: and hence, the general rule and language of this jurisdiction, that their claims are to be determined in the shortest space of time, or "between tide and tide." the theatre on which his destruction is acted; and his As early as the year 1700, and while yet the contest as to the introduction of Civil and Admiralty law in England raged with exasperation, the Court of King's Bench first pronounced a decision on this subject, and in order to preserve the exclusiveness of its own jurisdiction, denied to the master a lien upon his vessel for wages on the bold pretence that his services were rendered under a personal contract, and exclusively upon the credit of the owners. This decision and its reason have been since acquiesced in: nor could those enlightened Judges, LORD MANSFIELD and Sir WM. SCOTT, in 1779 or 1799, when obliged in their respective tribunals to adjudicate the same question, do more than submit to an authority, which was positive and arbitrary; though it might not "have its foundation in policy. And yet, why is the contract of the master to be deemed in its nature and origin more purely personal or more attaching to the credit of the owners, than the contract of the sailors? Both contracts are for marine services, of the same general character, on And why are this reasoning and this rule to find an board the same ship, and during the same voyage.exception in the case of the master mariner? His field While indeed the peremptory mandate of the law of industry is the same-the ruinous consequences of a refuses a lien on the vessel to the master, he must prolonged absence from it are his also-nor can it be necessarily, look solely to the responsibility of deemed less important to preserve in full vigor his pe- those who employ him: but give him the lien, for the culiar ability. Unless he also be hastened to renew his very reasons that it is given to the sailors, or rather reslabors; if his hard earned means of maintenance be jeo-tore it to him, and his reliance will mainly if not solely parded, or be only attainable through the tardy troubles of litigation-of what use is the despatch of mere sailors? Can they act without him? and if they could, why is he whose past experience and virtues lift him to a scene of wider responsibility and greater utility, suddenly to lose the main spring of his industry, the certainty and speed of remuneration? be on that. His contract is ad personam, only because Judges have declared that it shall not be ad rem. The reason thus given from high English authority does not seem to have been quite so conclusive and satisfactory to an equally high American jurisconsult.for one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States,(the late eminent BROCKHOLST LIVINGSTON) The Master's necessities are, indeed, generally speak-while submitting to precedent on the very point, ining, more urgent than those of the Seaman, and unless vokes other grounds, "sufficiently plausible," as a founthe rapid avails of his toils supply his wants, he becomes dation for the rule. What are these? chained to his hearth, sharing with his domestic circle, FIRST. "The inconvenience and expense to which the bitterness of disappointment. Instead of diminish-owners would be subject, if on every dispute with the ing his means and motives to exertion, it is the pro- Master, he could take their vessel out of their hands by vince of judicious and discriminating legislation to in-process in Admiralty." The answers are obvious: The crease them. 2. The hazards of marine service arise not only from the winds and waves. By the fluctuation of commercial capital and credit among those on whom he is dependent, the seaman incurs still greater risk. The owner who is left in the actual or apparent enjoyment of both, may prove abruptly bankrupt-and who, in the general scramble for security, will watch over the interests of the absent, the unwarned, and confiding tars? Who will advance, on their behalf, as the first symptom of insolvency developes itself, and save from ruin, those who are unconsciously guiding and protecting the ship and cargo for the exclusive benefit of other creditors? Were the wages of sailors to depend, in these emergencies, upon a voluntary preference in their favour, equally just as generous;-in other words, were they not provided with the lien upon the vessel in which they are immured, their toils would go wholly unrewarded, and the triumph of their unwearied labors over hostile elements be instantly succeeded by unforeseen mortification and unmerited want. Such would be the fate of the sailor; such is the fate of the master mariner. Singled out from all his companions of the same profession, the law abandons him alone to the casualties of trade and the disadvantages of wages of the master, like those of the sailors, are due and payable only upon certain conditions, after the performance of certain services, or at stipulated periods; and until the owner is in default by failing to meet his engagements, the master could have no lien to enforce. Besides the master-mariners wish no more than to be placed on an equality in this respect with their sailors, and surely, if, "every dispute" now renders it competent to every sailor "to take the vesssel out of the hands" of the owners, a power in the master to do the same would superadd very little further "inconvenience and expense." SECOND. "The lien which he has on the freight which he is to receive, is given as another reason why he (the master) should be debarred of a remedy against the vessel herself." The lien on freight sounds well in theory, but is utterly nugatory in practice. No master mariner, solicitous to remain employed, can venture to impede the anticipated appropriations of freight. In outward voyages only does it become the subject of the captain's collection or control. And when, as it is often the case, in long and laborious enterprises, both ship and cargo belong to the same owner, it is nothing. THIRD. "Being supposedto contract personally with the owners, so it has been thought proper not to per mit him (the master) to look elsewhere for satisfaction." And why not? The common sailor has various remedies; he may sue the owner, or he may sue the master; or he may libel the ship. If the existence of a formal contract precluded, in reason, a resort to the vessel, why are other resources open to every marine workman except to the highest and best. In truth, the contract is one thing, and the security for its performance another.The sailor's bargain is, in its nature and terms and forms, precisely as personal as that of the master; and yet he is empowered to look in all directions, while his officer is restricted to one only "for satisfaction." Where every thing else is similar, ought not the securities be so likewise? Your Memorialists have fruitlessly attempted to discover other reasons than the ones thus noticed for what they cannot but consider an unjust discrimination to their prejudice: and having curiously combatted these reasons, they confidently conclude in the words of an eminent civilian, Arthur Brown, whose views agree with theirs, that as no "stable distinction can ever be found, but in the internal nature of the agreement to be enforced, the master mariner should have the ship for his security as well as the common sailor." Conscious of desiring nothing incompatible with freedom, safety, and energy of commercial business, your Memorialists anticipate, for this appeal to your legislative interference, the cordial co-operation and sanction of every just and generous merchant or ship-owner in their country. They therefore, respectfully pray that an act of congress may be passed giving to masters a lien upon the vessel they navigate for their wages, an alogous in principle and effect to the sixth section of the act passed on the 20th July, 1790, entitled “An Act for the Government and Regulation of Seamen in the Merchant's service," with such amendments and modifications as to the wisdom of your honorable bodies may seem necessary and proper. And they will ever pray, &c. The following resolutions were then offered and adopted unanimously: Resolved, That this meeting approve of the memorial, and that a committee of three be named to procure signatures to it, and hand it over to one of the members of Congress from this place. Whereupon, Captains P. Hays, S. Toby, and Andrew D. Crosby, were appointed. Resolved, That the committee forward copies of said memorial, together with the minutes of this meeting, to the principal sea ports of the U. States, with a circular requesting the master mariners to call meetings for the purpose of co-operating in this undertaking. Ordered, that the proceedings of this meeting be published. Adjourned. [Signed] JOSEPH REYNOLDS, Chairman. E. M. DONNALDSON, THE WEST BRANCH. It has ever been a subject of astonishment and regret to the inhabitants of the West Branch, that the only division of the Pennsylvania Canal, which, if completed, would with absolute certainty, yield an immediate revenue to the commonwealth, has been the most neglected. The revenue of the West Branch will be permanent, supplied from the interminable mineral resources with which our hills and valleys are so richly stored, and not subject to fluctuations incident to an agricultural trade. When we say that the West Branch canal will yield an immediate and permanent revenue, we do not reckon without our host,' our asssertion is supported by incontrovertible facts. The mineral wealth of our country is daily developing, and that which was merely speculation yesterday, is amply demonstrated to-day. Upwards of twenty different coal mines have been opened, and are at present opening, in Clearfield county. In Lycoming there are several coal mines now in active operation, and iron manufactories are springing up upon almost every stream that has a sufficient power to propel the machinery. In Centre more than a thousand tons are annually manufactured and sent to a market by the Susquehanna, and the coal of Clearfield is used in Centre to a considerable extent. Many of the Clearfield coal mines have been opened for years, and, notwithstanding the great expense and danger incident to the river transportation; a vast quantity is annually sent to a sea board market. We have been credibly informed that a single individual, Peter A. Karthaus, Esq. during the last spring freshets, transported one hundred thousand bushels from his own mines to the Baltimore market. And that if a constant communication was afforded by canal or rail road, he would be able to send a million of bushels to the Atlantic market. We will here take the opportunity of remarking that much credit is due Mr. Karthaus for the zeal in the cause of internal improvement, and his untiring exertions to promote West Branch interest, by developing her mineral resourses, and other natural advantages. The coal mines upon the Lycoming creek will also yield abundantly; and a company of enterprising men are at present engaged in opening an extensive mine of superior coal upon the Tango Scootack. And what adds materially to the advantages of the West Branch coal, the fact that it is the only coal yet discovered in the commonwealth that is perfectly bituminous. The coal found upon the Lehigh, and Schuylkill, the Mahonoy, the Shamokin, and the Wyoming, and hence cannot compete with the bituminous; because it cannot be applied to manufacturing purposes. Then suppose we send two millions of bushels of coal per annum, from the various mines upon the West Branch as soon as the canal is completed, we assert, and do so with confidence, that it will yield, independent of the iron trade, and the products of the husbandman, more revenue to the commonwealth than any other collateral branch of the Pennsylvania canal. The weight of 2,000,000 bushels of coal is near 70,000 tons. The toll upon which, from the mines to Northumberland point, will be about one dollar per ton, and from thence to a market, perhaps another dollar; which would make 70,000 to Northumberland, and double that sum to its destination. Then, it may be asked, with all the inducements to prosecute the West Branch improvements to a speedy completion, why is it that they are treated with "cold neglect?" Why is it that forty miles on the North Branch, and but twenty on the West Branch have been put under contract? and we verily believe "there has been something rotten in the state of Denmark." It cannot be because our advantages, and our claims upon the state, were not laid before the legislature. Our representatives ably and faithfully performed their duty, they again and again impressed upon that body the importance of an uninterrupted water communication upon the West Branch; and had it at length granted to them, under many limitations as a matter of courtesy.Under the act, moreover, which they did finally obtain, the canal is only authorised to be constructed to the mouth of Bald Eagle! whereas it ought to be continued at least eighty miles further; and unless provision is hereafter made for connecting it with the coal region of Clearfield county, either by slack water navigation or rail road, it will never benefit that country.-Lycoming Gazette. A brilliant meteor was observed in the sky over this place, after eight o'clock on last Tuesday evening, passing in a south-westerly direction. It illuminated our streets so as to make objects distinctly visible; and the streak which designated its course was perceptible during several minutes. We presume it was the same meteor that was seen, about the same hour, at Carlisle and at Mount Carbon.-Harrisburg Chron. THE SCHWENCKFELDIANS OF MONTGO MERY COUNTY, PA. We received the Edict inserted below from a friend in Easton, Pennsylvania, and give it publicity, together with the few notes subjoined, as a curious document which deserves to be recorded as further illustrating a portion of the history of our country. The Edict, we believe, has never before been published. The copy from which this is transcribed is in the possession of Daniel Wagener, of Easton. posed to have been made by Melchior Wagener, of The translation is supMontgomery county, who died many years ago, and who was himself one of the emigrants to whom the paper refers. EDICT Concerning the re-establishment of the so called We, Frederick, by the Grace of God, King of Prus. sia, Margrave of Brandenberg, Arch-Chamberlain and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, &c. &c. 127 of a prohibitory edict preventing sale, or confiscating in case of emigration. Having determined to depart for ing with friends who commiserated their condition, and America, they proceeded to Amsterdam, where, meetsupplied them with what was necessary to render their voyage as comfortable as possible, they embarked for Philadelphia. It deserves to be mentioned, that a mercant le house in Amsterdam furnished, without charge, the ship that conveyed them hither. After a favour ble the county of Philadelphia. Industrious and economidiately settled in Montgomery, at that time a part of voyage they arrived safely in Philadelphia, and immecal, they soon enjoyed the respect of their neighbours, and at an early period acquiring farms, in the vicinity of Skippack, Flour Town, Kusher upper, and other places, There are, at this time, several churches belonging to these people in Montgomery county. The Edict was issued about three years after their landing in this country, and notwithstanding its promises of aid and protection, not one Schwenckfeldian returned. Seven hundred pounds, or about 3000 dollars. It is probable that some details in relation to these people might prove interesting; we request any one who may possess such information to communicate it. TRAVELLING. It is worthy of being recorded, that when the house in Amsterdam, which generously furnished the ship, or Be it known to all to whom these presents may come, their descendants, were reduced to difficult circum. Whereas we do hold nothing to be more contrary to stances in the year 1790, the Schwenckfeldians in Nature, Reason, and the Principles of the Christian Re-Pennsylvania, in remembrance of past kindness, promptligion, as the forcing of the subjects' conciences, and ly advanced a considerable sum* for their relief.--ED.t to persecute them about any erroneous doctrines which Phil. Monthly Mag. do not concern the fundamental principles of the Christian Religion; so have we most graciously resolved that the so called Schwenckfeldians who were exiled, through an imprudent zeal for Religion, to the irreparable damage of commerce and the country, be recalled into our Sovereing Duchy of Nether-Silesia. We have, therefore, thought fit by these presents to assure all those who profess the said doctrine, upon our Royal the city are not aware of the facility of travelling in this Sunbury, Penn. August 10.-Many of our friends in word, that they shall and may safely return not only section of country, thinking this part of the state too far into our Sovereign Duchy of the Nether-Silesia, but back to have good roads, horses, and coaches, and on also into all our provinces, peaceably to live and trade that account do not visit the beautiful vallies of the Susthere; since we not only do receive them into our spe- quehanna. But we can boast of as rapid and cheap cial protection, but also will give them all necessary travelling as any of our neighbours. supplies for the promotion of their commerce. And all those who, several years ago, were deprived of their daily stages passing through this place twice every day, habitations and estates in our country of Silesia, in case (Sundays excepted, on which day there is but one,)— those estates are not paid for by the new possessors, by the way of Harrisburg to Philadelphia, Baltimore, one by the way of Pottsville to Philadelphia-the other shall be reinstated without any compensation. Such as will settle in our villages shall have farms assigned them, o'clock in the afternoon, to meet the North and West &c.—the return stages passing through about three and care shall be taken to provide them employment-Branch stages at Northumberland.-Persons leaving and those who choose to live in towns, shall, besides several ordinary Free years, have places assigned them gratis, for the building of their houses, for which purposes they need only apply to our Military and [Do mainen] Chambers. * We have two Sunbury at nine o'clock in the morning, get into PhilaPottsville, Orwigsburg, Reading, Pottstown Norristown, & delphia in the afternoon of the next day-passing thro' Germantown. To the eye of the painter or the poet, the country is romantic,being interspersed with hills & dales We do therefore command our superior Colleges of Justice and Finance, as also all mediate Princes, Lords, Magistrates, &c, carefully to observe the same. In wit ness whereof we have signed this present Edict with our own hand, and caused our Royal Seal to be affixed. Done at Selowitz, March 8th, 1742. FREDERICK of Coccey, [SEAL.] The emigrants here referred to, were originally inhabitants of Silesia, and, as we learn from our correpondent, did not exceed one hundred in number. They were distinguished at home, for honesty, sobriety, and industry; and had, by the many excellent traits in their character, attached to them the good wishes and kind offices of those with whom they associated. On hearing of the decree by which their opinions were denounced, they commenced their journey in the beginning of the year 1739, with very little money, and travelled on foot to the Rhine. They were prevented from disposing of their property, chiefly, it is believed, in consequence • We presume this phrase implies immunity from taxation. little rivulets flowing here and there, undisturbed, as they wind their way down the sides of the mountains, seeking the "wide abyss of the ocean." To the capitalist it presents many inducements-abounding with ore, coal, and other minerals, which, when worked, will richly pay the proprietor for his trouble. To the man of pleasure this route also holds forth objects worthy his attention. Accommodations are good; the roads fine, the country picturesque. Many gentlemen, this summer, have taken this route, and express themselves as being highly pleased. Travelling to the Susquehanna, and along its banks, is becoming more general every year, and we are not at all surprised to see the stages frequently filled with passengers, seeking various amusements or business, to employ their time. is pleasant and expeditious-the country, one of the The route passing through Harrisburg and Lancaster richest in the Union-the roads good and accommodations excellent. You have the Susquehanna gliding along near the road, the whole distance to Harrisburg.There you take the celebrated Lancaster turnpike, and pass over the ground at a very rapid rate, arriving at Philadelphia in about two days. Gentlemen visiting this country generally take one line coming, and the Making the real value of Quarters about other going, so as to give both a fair trial. Carriages, gigs, &c. have been passing through here in more abundance than during any preceding season, and we have the prospect of seeing the Susquehanna country, in this direction, one of the fashionable resorts of the citizens of our metropolis.—Susquehanna Empori um. YORK, Aug. 11. We have understood that the premium was awarded to Mr. Charles Nes, of this borough, for the best specimen of domestic wine exhibited to the "Wine Convention" which met on the 1st inst. at Mr. Upp's vineyard. Wines from many of the vineyards in this county, and of various kinds of grape, were exhibited, but no report of the examinations, save of the general result, has reached us. Those who were present at the exhibition express themselves decidedly well pleased with the progress made in the culture of the grape, and the promise thus given that wine will be speedily and permanently added to the staple products of our country. Recorder. Do. Do. 23 cents. do. 5 do. Elevenpenny bitts, 11 Mint of the United States, August 19, 1829. Certain paragraphs relative to the parts of the Spanish dollar, having recently appeared in the public prints, tending to introduce a disturbance into our currency, not warranted by a full view of the facts, some notice of the subject is considered due to the public. The Spanish silver coins now in the United States, taken together, are of an intrinsic value, equal to that at which they pass in ordinary circulation. If a deposite were made for coinage, consisting of Spanish dollars and the several parts thereof, in that proportion of each, which actually prevails, the operation, it is confidently believed, would incur no loss to the depositor. The parts of the Spanish dollar, considered alone, are of less than their nominal value. The quarters may, however, be estimated as intrinsically worth twenty-four cents, within a minute fraction, and the subordinate parts nearly in that proportion. They are diminished in value by use, more conspicuously than coins of a higher denomination, from being more constantly in service, and exposing a much larger surface in proportion to their weight. To this disproportionate reduction, small coins are unavoidably liable. Our own are not exempt from it. Nor does it appear in what manner the purposes of change are to be accomplished, with the desirable uniformity, by metallic money, except on the condition, that the public, for the common benefit, shall acquiesce in the circulation of small coins, at their nominal value, although reduced somewhat below it by the effects of use. Pennsylvania Canal.--In the course of the last week, three feet of water was let into the Canal opposite Duncan's Island, and the work at the Red Hill and Hunter's Falls tested. At both places, it was perfectly water tight. A little more repairing will render the canal fit for navigation from Duncan's Island to Harrisburg. Between Harrisburg and Middletown some repairing is also to be done, but it is not expected that many days will be required to do it. The only heavy work is the raising of the dain at Duncan's Island, which is in competent hands. Altogether, we feel confident that this twentyfour miles of Canal will be navigable in September. The subject, it is known, is now undergoing an inPersons intimately acquainted with the state of the Ju-vestigation, which will probably, at no distant period, niata division of the canal, say it will be fit for naviga- result in the adjustment of it on general principles, by tion from Duncan's Island to Lewistown, in September, the only authority competent to adopt measures, for with the exception of the aqueduct at the mouth of the introducing into the currency, a copious supply of the Juniata, which cannot be completed this season. smaller denominations of our own coin, and to determine the time and manner of withdrawing from circulation, all others which have been made a legal tender. Partial and local proceedings in relation to it, would therefore seem inexpedient at this time. Under-present circumstances, they would probably have no other resuls than to accumulate the coins alluded to, in the hands of individuals, at depressed rates, to be returned upon the community, after a short interval, at their nominal value.--Phil. Gaz. Harrisburg Chron. Iron Manufacture in Venango County.-Extract from a letter received from a highly respectable gentleman at Franklin, Venango County. "The quantity of pig metal manufactured in this county, in the year 1828, was about 1600 tons, of bloom 200 tons, of bar iron 100 tons.-The pig metal, except what was used for making iron, was sold at Pittsburg, Steubenville, and Wheeling, at from 35 to $40 per ton; the blooms at Pittsburg, for $100 per ton, and the bar iron here, at 125 to 140 per ton. "Several new furnaces are erecting; the demand is rapidly increasing. None of the furnaces were properly pushed last year, except one. "With proper management, a furnace will make from 800 to 1000 tons per annum, which can be made at an expense of from 22 to 24 dollars per ton, according to the price of provisions; and with ore, timber, &c. convenient and good, at about 18 to 20 dollars. Under proper management and good materials, a furnace will clear, at present prices, ten thousand dollars per an num." PITTSBURG, August 11. The Canal.-The Packet Boat General Lacock, and the Pittsburg and Blairsville Packet, passed through the river locks,—the former descending and the latter ascending, on the 9th. Yesterday the navigation of the canal may be said to have been formally commenced, though some parts of it have been in profitable use for a considerable time past. A canal boat, ladened with 130 bushels of salt, arrived yesterday from the Kiskeminetas works. Mr. Samuel Marshall, of this city, has obtained a patent for a new method of cutting leather, &c. to be made into boots, whereby those important articles of By an ASSAY of parts of a Spanish dollar made at the dress may be fitted to the human foot with the greatest Mint, it appears that 100 dollars in quarters of the ordinary circula $94 44 8 94 precision. Appointment by the Governor. Printed every SATURDAY MORNING by WILLIAM F. GEDDES, No. 59 Locust Street, Philadelphia; where, and at the PUBLICATION OFFICE, IN FRANKLIN PLACE, second door back of the Post Office, (back room) subscriptions will be thankfully received. Price FIVE DOLLARS per annum, payable $210 00 annually by subscribers residing in or near the city, or wherë there is an agent. Other subscribers pay in advance. THE REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA. DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE. EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD. VOL. IV.-NO. 9. PHILADELPHIA, AUGUST 29, 1829. NO. 87. BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF enclosed is the only one which I possess; I have taken MAJOR GENERAL ANTHONY WAYNE. a good deal of pains, and incurred some risk to deler. (From the Casket.) mine the respective lines of fire as delineated on the plan. ( Continued from page 19.) I have the honor to be, Notwithstanding the arrival of reinforcements from Your Excellency's obedient, England, Sir Henry did not make any grand attempt ANTHONY WAYNE. on the army of Washington, posted on each side of the Hudson; indeed, he durst not venture to attack him whilst in possession of his strong positions on the High Sir Henry, still labouring under an apprehension that lands. He, therefore, resolved to concentrate the York Island, and being desirous to guard against the a combined attack would probably be made on him at greater part of the troops on York Island, for the pur- evil consequences of such an event, as far as practicapose of placing the works at that place in such a con: ble, called the aid of the garrison of Stony and Verdition as to resist the American army, in case it should attack them in the absence of the detachments which plank's Points to his fortifications about New York, On he had contemplated to send southwardly, in aid of his the 21st October, General Wayne addressed the Com mander-in-chief. troops, then carrying on the war in South Carolina and Georgia. With this latter view, Cornwallis was actually Light Infantry Camp, 21st October, 2 embarked with a strong reinforcement, but he was or. 1779, Half past one, P. M. dered to debark as soon as Sir Henry was apprised that About 10 o'clock last evening, I received intelligence a powerful fleet, under Count D'Estaing, with 7000 that a number of flat-bottomed boats and several vessels land troops, was on the American coast. This fact also were moving up Haverstraw bay. The troops were being known to the American commander-in-chief, in ordered to lay on their arms, and several patroles were duced him to relinquish, at least for the time, his inten- detached towards the enemy's lines to observe their tion of laying siege to Stony Point, as will be discover motion, the whole concurring that some capital move ed from the following letter:- was in agitation, but we could not discover whether it Head Quarters, West l’oint. was an embarkation or debarkation. Dear Sir,--1 have your favour of yesterday, enclosing At twelve o'clock, A. M., I put the troops ip motion, a sketch of the bearings and distance of the grounds in order to strike the enemy in fank the moment they contiguous to Stony Point. It is not to our interest to should pass the morass, and endeavour to enter with disturb the enemy at that, or any other detached post, them; but all continued very quiet until daylight, when just now. Under present circumstances, we should en- | I observed them busily employed in embarking their deavour to keep them as much separated as possible, cannon and baggage. About 10 o'clock they began to for if part of my plan, recommended to the Count, can be demolish the parapets and fraising on Verplanks, but carried into execution, we shall put it out of the power of they had not attempted any thing of that sort at Stony the detachments to join the main body. I would, there. Point; they appeared to be waiting for the tide of ebb. fore, wish that the enemy may be lulled into security, I have sent for General Woodford's artillery, and I rather than alarmed. A small time will determine am determined to prevent them from destroying the. whether those posts, or a greater object, shall engage face of their works at Stony Point. They will , proba. our attention. bly, burn and blow up the block-houses. I shall only I am, with great regard, dear Sir, keep a Captain's guard at Stony Point until I hear fur. Your most obedient servant, ther from your Excellency, for be assured the works GEO. WASHINGTON. will be in our possession this night. The moment we General WAINE. enter them, I shall announce it to you by the firing of five cannon, observing the time of half a minute between Heights of Haverstraw, 141h October, 1779. Interim, I am your Excellency's. Dear General,-The appearance of the number of Most obdt. and very humble serv't, ressels in Haverstraw Bay was a little exaggerated.- ANTHONY WAYNE. There is not the least sign of an alteration in the garrisón, except that they are employed in erecting a maga Light Infantry Camp, 220 October, 1779. zine. Had not your Excellency given a hint, a few Dear General,--I received your two favours of the days since, that you wished to lull, rather than alarm 21st, by Dr. Johnston and the express--the first at four the enemy, I should have been tempted, since the arri. in the afternoon, the latter at 11 o'clock last evening. val of the Virginia line, to have asked for the artillery I I did myself the honour to announce to you yestermentioned, which I have ground to believe we should day, the evacuation of Stony and Verplank's Points-have used with effect, or obliged the enemy to move on which occasion I met your idea of caution in taking up in force, and relinquish every other operation, possession of that post, as I apprehended more danger without much injuring us. General Woodford bas taken froni the enemy after the evacuation, than from any post near Smith's tavern, about three miles on my right, enterprise whilst they held those works. At present all and one mile in the rear of the meeting-house. Our is quiel, and their shipping out of view. present position gives us perfect security, excepting Colonel Johnson will inform your Excellency of the against very superior numbers, and in that case we have state of the works; all the blockhouses are destroyed, a safe retreat. You request a sketch of Stony Point, with some of the sing and parapets, but the far Vo:. IV, 17 each gun. |