H
GENEALOGY
974.8
P384,
1776-177°
F*L
-
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
Vrfr
ALLEN COUNTY PUBL'C^IBRAR/
3 1833 01810 4411
I
MINUTES
OF THE
3XJPKEME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
PENNSYLVANIA,
JKGM ITS ORGANIZATION TO THE TERMINATION
OF THE REVOLUTION.
PUBLISHED BY THE STATE
TOL. XL
CONTAINING THE PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCIL OP SAFETY FROM NO-
YEMBER 13TH, 1776, TO 17TH OF MARCH, 1777 ) TOGETHER
WITH A MEMORANDUM FROM' DECEMBER 31st, 1776, TO
march 17th, 1777 ; ALSO the MINUTES of the
supreme executive council from march
4th, 1777, to may 20th, 1779,. both
days included.
■HARRISBURG :
PRINTED BY THEO, FENN & CO'
1852.
H
CONTENTS.
A. . 1209435
^ AcfT for the better supply of the army of Pennsylvania, 711.
Addresses to the people of Pennsylvania by the Supreme Execu-
tive Council, 204, 205 ; to the Assembly of Pennsylvania, 685,
686, 687, 688, 689.
Agents of forfeited estates appointed $ their instructions touching
the same, 479, 480, 587, 599.
Apprentices and servants not to be enlisted without written con-
sent from masters, 243.
Allentown, stores belonging to the State to be delivered at, 579.
Anniversary of Independence to be commemorated, 522.
Able-bodied persons to be compelled to enter service, 55, 59; all
between the age of 15 and 60 to be enrolled, 60.
Armed boats to be stationed at Gloucester Point, 4; their pay, 8 c
Armitage, Shubart, appointed third Lieut in CoL Proctor's regi-
iment, 774.
.: Armstrong, William, appointed paymaster at Mud Island, &e.f
767,
Arms and ammunition to be stff plied and furnished, 33,
-_. _ piate of, 752.
Arnold, General, incidentally mentioned or alluded to, 224, 522}
523, 562, 674, 680, 681, 692, 706, 709, 726, 759.
Arrangement of oncers in the army, 179, 185, 190,
Artillery, stationed at Fort Island, 1.
a regiment to be raised for the defence of Pennsylvania, 116;
136, 142. •
CoL Eyre's battalion furnished with rum, tea, sugar, &e<?
776.
Assembly, application to for borrowing money, 117, 177
it CONTENTS.
Associates' families to be provided for, 22, 23, 28, 82, 33, 40, 41.
43,93, 530; assistance solicited for them, 30; landlords not to
distress their families, 30. .
Assistants to the Council of Safety appointed, 45.
Attack sudden and immediate upon Pennsylvania, anticipated,
227,332.
Attainders of divers traitors, 504, 513, 514, 515, 768.
B.
Baltimore, Hessian officers, as prisoners, taken thither, 77, 104.
129.
Barracks Master General of Pennsylvania appointed, 51 — additional
duties assigned them, 144.
Battalion of Lancaster county, their conduct commendable, 90.
Bedford county, account settled for protecting the frontiers of the
State, 16 — Stockade fort at, 555.
Bread, all that may be found is to be secured, 303 »
Berks county Associators refused to march to join General Wash-
ington's army, 94.
Berkenhout Doctor, suspected of mischievous designs, 567.
his letter to Richard Henry Lee, 569, 570 — farther dispo-
sition of the Doctor's case, 576.
Billingsport in New Jersey, fortifications at, 125, 139, 248, 572,
576, 643, 644.
Board of War appointed, 181 ; directed to apply to Congress for
money, 182, 218.
appear before Council, 21^to furnish the Supreme Execu-
tive Council with arms for the militia, 212, 213.
memorial of Sieur Gerard before the Council, referred to;
553.
Bounty money to enlist soldiers, a loan applied for to Congress, 37.
Brigadier General of the State of Pennsylvania, appointed, 62.
199.
Bridge across the Schuylkill river, expensive, 711.
British take possession of the metropolis of the State, 325.
Brown John, his examination before Supreme Executive Council,
345, 347, 348.
CONTENTS. 7
Boundary line between Pennsylvania and Virginia, 240, 556.
Bucks county, papers and records at, to be taken possession of and
placed in the magazine, 128.
persons appointed to audit and settle accounts of the mili-
tia, 146.
cattle driven off in, 281.
Burglaries, riots, &c, to be prevented in Philadelphia, by patrolesy
42,
Cannon Committee appointed, 7; Collected and mounted in Phila-
delphia, 82.
Cattle Committee of drivers appointed, 244, 253, 281, 310.
Cape May, trading vessels at to be protected, 8.
■ arrived galley stationed at, 556, 557.
Cattle and other stock, ordered to be removed five miles from Dela-
ware river, 4, 253, 310.
Captains of companies appointed, 2, 18, 20, 74.
Chester county militia furnished with arms, 219.
Civil department of State requiring attention, 181.
Clarkson, Matthew, Esqr., appointed Marshall of the Admiralty,
760.
Clothing for the army provided, 1, 772 ; call made upon private
families, in Philadelphia, for blankets, stockings, &c, &c, 18 ;
shoes to be purchases for the army, 56.
Colours taken from the enemy at Trenton, 70. ;
Congress, recommendation of, ^fo the Council of Safety, 34 ; to
borrow money from, 228.
calls out the militia, 203 ; resolution of, to call out an ad-
ditional number of militia, 254.
letters from, inclosing acts relative to persons going within
enemies' lines, &c, 753.
letter requesting militia to take post at Fort Mifflin and
Billingsport, 766.
)mmissioners appoi
330, 348.
Commissary of continental stores at Lancaster, 86,
Commissioners appointed to seize and sell the property of torier
330, 348.
vi CONTENTS.
Commissions granted for letters of marque and reprisals, 2, 21,
Conference with deputies of Massachusetts Bay, touching, 729.
Continental money, dangerous consequences for refusing taking it,
2; those refusing to take to be punished, 70.
counterfeited, 234.
Constitution of the state not satisfactory ; amendment proposed.
220.
Conelly enlarged on giving security, 196, 200.
Convention prisoners, their escort, &c, 63.
Council of Safety, Minutes of, 1, 100, 325, 353; proclamation of;
to exercise general powers, 325, 326, 353.
Continental stores removed from Philadelphia, 21, 44.
Count B'Estaing, 692.
B.
Bays of solemn fasting and humiliation, apnointed by Congress.
175; by the State of Pennsylvania, 176, 369, 438, 627. .
Be Haven Peter, appointed Health officer of port of Philadelphia.
775.
Beserters, from the army, to be advertised, 106.
Bickinson's intercepted letter, 92.
Bunlap's press and type employed to inform the public of affairs.
46.
E.
Easton, Indian treaty at, 96, 98 ; churches at, request leave to
raise contributions to pay debt on churches, 422.
money and papers belonging to the Public loan office in
Philadelphia to be removed to Easton, 305, 306, 307 ; books oi
state library sent to Easton, 309.
Egg-harbor, British fleet arrived at, 253.
Eichelbcrger George, deputy commissary of the United States,
charged with using threatening language to influence election
officers, 700, 701.
Election of president & vice president of the Supreme Executive
Council, 633, 634.
CONTENTS, yii
Embargo laid on the exportation of wheat, rye, corn, &e7 545, 546,
568, 725.
Enemies of the United States committed to prison, 59.
Estates, forfeited ones, advertised to be sold, 745.
Examination of John Brown, 345, 347, 348, 349*
Expresses and their stations, 74.
Executions ordered, Thomas Taylor of Lancaster Co., and The,
Crouch of Berks Co,, for felony and robbery, and Catharine
Fisher of Lancaster Co., for murder, 780,
P.
Felony, seven persons convicted and in goal, discharged, 758.
Field officers nominated and elected, 74, 97 ; arrangement of, 179 3
letter from to the Supreme Executive council, 731.
Floating bridge across the Schuylkill, 56.
Flour, relative to raising price of, 767.
Fireships fitted out for service, 255, 256.
Forestalled, cited to appear before the Supreme Executive council.,
639, 640.
Forestalling, proclamation against, 671.
Forfeited estates advertised to be sold, 745.
Fortifications for defence of Philadelphia, plan of by Gen. Be
Portail, vote of thanks, &c, 776 } adopted and directed to be
executed, 777.
Fort Island, a boom fixed at, 31.
France, fleet from with troops, 532 j Ambassador plenipotentiary
from, public audience in Congress, 548.
Franks David, Commissary of British prisoners, 682.
Free Mason's Lodge, a temporary prison, for disaffected & suspi-
cious persons, inimical to the county, 285, 289, 290, 292„
294, 295, 296, 298, 299.
Freedom of America, who may be suspected as inimical thereto,
38.
Frontiers to be protected, 726, 750.
mil CONTENTS.
(>
German newspapers circulated, 409.
Gerard Sieur, Minister Plenipotentiary from France, 547, 548, 553,
645, 678.
Olocester Point, armed boats to be stationed at, 4.
Guard appointed to protect the powder magazine in Philadelphia,
26.
Gun-factory belonging to the State disposed of, 644.
Gunpowder, regulations touching the keeping of it, 657.
H.
Hale, Thomas, appointed agent for forfeited estates in Philadel-
phia county, 767.
Kartly, Thomas, Colonel, vote of thanks by the Supreme Executive
Council, 640 ; his plan for the defence of the frontiers adopted,
646.
Hand, General, at Pittsburg, asks for armed men to destroy Indian
settlements, 261.
Heidleburg township, in Berks county, guard in, 36.
Henry George, appointed commissary of naval stores, 649.
Hessian prisoners put to shoemaking at Lancaster, 85, 186 ; a guard
placed over them, 94.
Hospital, Pennsylvania, taken up for sick troops, 34.
Holliday, William, appointed paymaster for Bedford county, 637.
Howe, General, advancing towards Princeton, N. J., 39.
Hubley, Adam, elected lieutenant colonel of Pennsylvania troops,
770 ; recommended to board of war as commandant of 11th re-
giment, 778.
Hummelstown, in Dauphin county, gun-factory to be established
at, 314.
Hunter's battalion of Berks county, refuse to march to join General
Washington's army, 94.
Indians practice cruelties upon the frontier settlers, 261, 347, 383r
531, 765.
war to be carried into their country, 726.
'CONTENTS, u
inimical persons towards the United States, suspected and com-
plained of, 190, 261, 264, 265, 267, 269 ; all suspected ones to
be immediately apprehended, 279, 383 ; a large number of arrests,
283, 284 ; committee appointed to make arrests, 286; their re-
port, 288, 289 j numerous arrests after appointment of committee,
in several counties, 290, 307, 308, 344, 345, 402, 460, 472, 473,
504, 513, 514, 515, 516, 517, 518, 519, 525, 529, 556, 6013
602, 603, 604, 610, 611.
Ill treatment towards American prisoners by the British, 6, 56, 657,
658.
Instructions to Captain Rice from the Committee of Safety, 8 ;
from the Supreme Executive Council, touching recruiting officers,
419, 420, 421.
Intercepted communications, 92.
■ J.
Justices of the peace elected by the- freeholders, 228, 759, 760,
770, 774 1 if from neglect to eleet, 231,
K.
Knapsacks, six thousand delivered, 26.
Lancaster, prisoners at to be guarded, 4 ; records and public
papers removed to, 23 ; General Roberdeau removed to 41 ;
powder stored at, 41 ; battalions at marched from, 78 ; the bat-
talion of this county, their conduct commendable, 90; powder
magazine and other military store-houses to be built at, 115, 271?
738 ; petition from, complaining of a want of magistrates, 211 j
militia to be armed, 212,; British prisoners at, threaten to destroy
Lancaster, 236; Supreme Executive Council meet in, 313;
remove again to Philadelphia, 521 ; commissary appointed at,
86.
Lebanon, guards to be stationed at, 417.
Levy, Miss, passing to New York, suspected, 676«
Lieutenants appointed, and other officers, 23, 24, 31, 32, 34, 47*
65, 98, 205, 218.
Loans for, application made to Congress; 12, $7? 115.
CONTENTS.
M.
Magazines and military stores to be guarded, 446*
Marine committee of Congress, 7.
Marque and reprisal, letters of, commissions for granted, 2, 3, 21.
% Maryland, Flying Camp raised in and equipped, 28.
Marshall, Benjamin, appointed ensign of 5th Pennsylvania regi-
ment, 754.
Memorandum, a certain one found in the Council Book, 149,
Metropolis of the State taken possession of by the British, 325-
Militia, some deserters amongst them, 102 ; an additional number
called out, 254.
charged with misconduct,, and a court of inquiry appointed;
775.
Messages to the General Assembly, &c, 711, 734.
Morris, C. So, appointed to have the care of prisoners of war m
Pennsylvania, 5-.
Minutes of Council of Safety, 1-170, 323-353.
— of the Supreme Executive Council, 173-800,
Mud Island, barracks at ordered to be completed^ 725.
Murran, William, appointed ensign in second Pennsylvania bat-
talion, 783.
Newspapers taken hy the Supreme Executive Council, 400, 648.
Navy board appointed, 122, 182 ; memorials of to the Supreme
•Executive Council, 182, 192, 193.
Naval Officers appointed, 199 — naval board empowered to purchase
twelve vessels, fitted out as fireships, 255 y commodore and su-
pernumary officers discharged, 552, 554.
Non-Associators arm3 to be taken from, 36, 37, 79, 108, 1^40; 279.
sore complaint against them, 198.
— militia quartered upon them, 100
CONTENTS xi
O.
Oath of allegiance, persons not taking it required to give shoes,
stockings, blankets, &c, for the use of the army, on certain con-
ditions, 328, 329, 339.
— - — their property to be taken and disposed of, 329, 330 ; com-
missioners appointed for that purpose, 330, 339, 340.
Oath or Affirmation of officers in 'the army and others, required to
be subscribed by them, 415, 416.
Obedience to the militia laws enjoined upon all in the country,
733, T34.
Officers commissioned, 23, 24, 31, 32, 37, 578 ; new orders touch-
ing their appointment, 72- — appointed 98, 116 — arrangements of
as to rank, 179, 180.
Officers of Pennsylvania prisoners with the enemy, shall retain
their rank, &c, 109.
— — —of navy board appointed, 199 ; memorials from to the Su-
preme Executive Council, 183, 192, 193.
Ordnance of Pennsylvania, superintendent of appointed, 143, 144.
Ordinances for the more effectual levying monies, fines, &c, for
substitutes in the militia, 332.
for appointing an additional number of sub-lieutenants,
333 ; to prevent private speculators from engrossing business, to
the detriment of the public good, 337, 338.
P.
Passes granted to various persons, 578, 579, 630, 640, 649, 585,
673, 679, 758, 759, 761, 765, 770, 772, 783.
— not to be granted without security, 757.
Patten Eobert? his grievances set forth in a petition, 188.
Pay masters appointed, 23, 27, 34, 81, 82, 110, 124, 279, 637.
Penn John, Honorable, made prisoner, 264, 265.
Pennsvalley, a post at General Potter's, 646,
Petitions, one from Walter Hall, 214.
xii CONTENTS,
i
Philadelphia, works of defence at, 46; citizens to remove from,
218.
militia of arranged for service, 219 ; ordered to march 224,
231, the enemy approaching it, 253, 298; the British take pos-
session of, 325; measures adopted to regain the city, 404.
Poor persons relieved, 20, 530.
Powdermill, continental one carried on, 88.
burnt at French creek, 184.
Powder magazine, built at Lancaster, 118.
Pottsgrove, provision store at, 423.
Princeton, General Howe advancing towards it, 39. i
Printers engaged in printing certificates for Continental loans, to be
detained, 31.
Prisoners at Lancaster and Reading to be guarded, 5.
of war to be taken in charge by S. C. Morris, 5 ; by Howe
and others, 89; Livingston's letter touching them, 185.
enlarged 263, 290, 291,295, 296, 308, 360, 406.
American held by the British, 564.
Prize money for vessels, how to be distributed, 740.
Proclamations touching General Howe's approaching Philadelphia,
298.
by Committee of Safety, that Howe is in Philadelphia,
325.
touching exportation of victuals, &c, 545.
against forestalling, 671.
laying embargo on vessels, 763.
Q.
Qualifications directed to be taken by the members of the Su-
preme Executive council, 174.
Quakers present a memorial to the Supreme Executive council,
426, 427.
had a hearing before the council, 429.
Quartermaster's appointed for Pennsylvania, 21, 25, 84.
Mitchell's book altered, 707.
R.
Rangers, companies of to be raised, &c, 730, 731.
Rank among officers, how determined, 226.
CONTENTS. xiii
Reading, prisoners at to be guarded, 4.
tories at, imprisoned, 89.
Records and public papers removed to Lancaster, 23.
Recruiting officers appointed, 418, 464, 469.
Resolutions touching the artillery at Fort Island, 1 ; to man and
fit out vessels, 1, 2.
of Congress touching refusing to take continental money,
70.
Reward of $12,000 for capturing and destroying the enemy's ves-
sels, 646.
Rice Patrick, to give bonds, not to take any letters, c£c, to the
city of New York, 701.
Rule touching applications for the remission of fines, &c, 747.
Rum, certain portion allowed to soldiers, 230.
S.
Safety committee, minutes of, 1 — 170, 323.
Saltworks,, in New Jersey, protected by a Pennsylvania regiment,
114, 126, 191.
Salt, in possession of Council of Safety to be distributed, 13, 14, 22.
resolutions concerning, 16, 20, 40, 51.
Schools in Philadelphia re-opened, 38.
Schoolmasters confined in jail at Lancaster, not having taken oath
of allegiance, 652.
Secret committee of Congress, and their doings, 8, 9.
Servants and apprentices not to be enlisted, 243.
Shelly, offers to disclose certain treasonable designs, 307.
Ship General Green, pay of Captain and other officers regulated,
757 y Officers appointed, 765, 766.
Shot, delivered to the marine committee of Congress, 7, 10.
Sick persons & soldiers provided for, 13, 34, 35, 42, 50, 56, 68,
83, 100, 115, 133.
State arms, cut out on printer's metal, by Caleb Lome, 752.
State battalion put into the service, 215.
Standing Stone, ( Huntingdon,) a regiment ordered thither, 531.
xiv CONTENTS.
Stansbury & Smith, suspected of practices tending to alienate, &c,
43.
Story, Samuel, appointed Third Lieut, in Col. Proctor's regiment
776.
Sullivan, General, orders the militia at Coryel's ferry to march for-
ward to meet the enemy in New Jersey, 255. ■
Sunbury, militia, ordered thither, 532.
Supreme Executive Council, minute of, 173.
authorized to borrow money, 739.
Suspected persons as guilty of treason, or to be disaffected, 54, 264-
all such to be immediately apprehended, 279 — numerous arrests,
283, 284, 288, 289, 308, 315, 344, 345, 347, 357, 259, 360,
365, 402, 460, 462, 472, 504, 513, 514, 515, 516, 517, 518,
525,529, 601,602, 603, 606, 610, 611.
T.
Tabellion public, for the English, French and Spanish languages,
200.
Tanners, who are associators to be furnished with hides in prefer-
ence to others, 58.
Tools of the gun factory to be removed from Philadelphia, 48.
Thompson, William General, makes high charges against Thomas
M'Kean, Esq., Chief Justice of State, 659, 660.
Town Major appointed at Philadelphia, 26; escorts prisoners of war
from Philadelphia to Newtown, Bucks county, 30.
at Lancaster, 78.
Tories imprisoned at Reading, 89.
their property seized, &c, 326, 327, 330.
Traitors, act touching them, &c, 746.
George Handy, convicted of treason, ordered to be execu-
ted, 754 -j execution postponed, 764.
Treasonable designs, persons charged with, 12, 307, 566.
Treaty with Indians at Easton, 96 ; presents and goods provided
for them, 108.
Transports, several hundred sailed for New York, 3.
Troops to be raised in Westmoreland, Cumberland, Lancaster and
Northumberland counties, 7, 80.
CONTENTS. sr
V.
Valiey Forge, Washington at, his address to the people of New
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland & "Virginia, 429,
Vendues, abuses of complained of and ordered to be suppressed, 767*
Verner, Frederick, his trial, 561 j farther notice of him, 720.
Vessels not suffered to depart the port of Philadelphia, 23 ; Em-
bargo laid on, 761 ; Proclamations, 763, 779 ; Embargo taken
off, 783.
Victuals and provisions, embargo laid on, &c, 545, 546, 646.
Volunteers, carolled for the army, 26,
W.
WiiKiES of the members of Assembly, &c, fixed by law, 736, 737.
Wagons for continental service, 28, 29, 24, 247, 261, 291, 341,
343, 409, 520, 588, 589, 706, 708, 709, 721, 778.
Wagon-masters, appointed 64 ; empowered to stable and feed their
horses at their convenience, and pay for the same, 63 ; relative to
pay, 761.
Wampum, laid before the Council, 212.
Washington, General, reinforced, 24, 25, 28, 39, 44, 49; he recom-
mends the militia of Pennsylvania to be formed into brigades.?
27, -62; notifies the Supreme Executive Council of a meditated
attack of the British upon Pennsylvania, 227; recommends a list
of recruiting officers, 418 .; he addresses the people of New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland & Virginia, 429 ; letter from
him, 650 ; adopts vigorous measures for covering the frontiers of
Pennsylvania, 723.
Watchmen of Philadelphia permitted to remain on nocturnal duty,
30.
Weitzei Colonel, conduct in calling militia, &c, 706, 707, 708.
Westmoreland county, public records unlawfully removed by M.
Hoofnagle, to Lancaster, 252, 432.
— — furnished with ammunition, 716.
Whiskey, price of regulated, 388 ; law against distilling of, 647.
Wharton, Thomas, death and funeral of, 499«
Wood supplied to the poor in Philadelphia, 70.
Wrecks raised in the river Delaware, 560, 719, 720,
Wrightf s Ferry, militia to meet at, to escort Convention prisoners,
«37.
MINUTES
OF THE
COUNCIL OF SAFETY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Nov'r 13th, 1776^
THO'S WHARTON, Presid't.
David Rittenhouse, Henry Keppele,
John Bayard, Francis Gurney,
Joseph Blewer, Sam'l G. Morris,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, James Cannon,
Geo. Gray, Timothy Matlack.
Frederick Kuhl,
Resolved^ That Major Proctor be directed to parade the Artil-
lery under his Command at Fort Island, on Friday morning next,
when Mr. Blewer & Col. Humpton, at the request of this Board,
will attend in order to review them*
Resolved, That Commodore Seymour be directed to Issue orders
immediately for every Officer of the Fleet to repair on board their
Respective Vessells, to have them manned and fitted in the best
manner possible, and to order the whole Fleet to Rendezvous oppo-
site Messrs. Willing & Morris's Wharf, at 11 o'Clock to-morrow
morning, in order to their being Reviewed.
Resolved, That Col. Matlack be directed to take into his imme-
diate Care the Blankets & other Clothing for our Army ; that he
provide a convenient Store for the purpose, & a Clerk to attend the
same, if necessary.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Jno. Little's acco't for Nails d'd Mr. Brigs,
for Mr. Savage, J31 13 4.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Mr. Wm. Evans £77 8 If, for Blankets &
coarse woolens Purchased in Chester County, for this Council.
VOL. XI. — 1.
2 MINUTES OF THE
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Col. Win. Cook?
or Capt. Miller, for 2000 Dollars, to be charged to Col. Cook, of
12 Battalion. I
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Amos Strattell £1784 7 9 for Block Tin,
Copper & Sulphur.
Resolved, That Messrs. Rittenhouse, Matlack & Cannon, be a
Committee to draw up a memorial to be presented to the Honora-
ble House of Assembly at their next meeting, setting forth the
dangerous Consequence that will attend the refusal of the Conti-
nental Currency.
Resolved, That Robert Levers, Esq'r, be appointed Paymaster
to the 12 Pennsylvania Regiment in the Continental Service, com-
manded by Col. Wm. Cook.
The Council adjourned to 3 o'Clock.
Members met.
David Rittenhouse, Timothy Matlack,
John Bayard, James Cannon,
Geo. Gray, ' Fred. Kuhl,
Francis Gurney, Joseph Blewer,
S. C. Morris, Henry Kippele.
Resolved, That Capt. Blewer & Mr. Sain'l C. Morris be requested
to fitt out the Armed Boat Convention, Capt. Rice, with all Possi-
ble Expedition, and that they be desired to apply to the Marine
Committee for such Stores belonging to Congress as may be wanted
for that purpose.
The Council proceeded to the appointment of Captains in the
Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment, in the Continental Service, Com-
manded by Col. Richard Humpton, when the following Gentlemen
were appointed, vizt : Doct'r Jno. Coates, Wm. Henderson, Sam-
uel Dawson, Adolph Wm. Hedrick, Geo. Calhoun, Wm. McKissack,
Wm. Bradford, jun'r, & John Douglass.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Rob't Smith £3 6 8, for riding Express
for the Convention to give notice to the Militia to march to New
Jersey.
Resolved, That John Simpson, Esq'r, be appointed Paymaster
to the 8th Penn'a Regiment, in the Continental service, commanded
by Col. iEneas McCoy.
Agreeable to a resolve of Congress, the Following Commissions
were granted for Letters of Mark, vizt :
To Thomas Bell, Commander of the Ship Speedwell, of the Bur-
then of Tons, navigated by 25 men, Ten Carriage Guns,
owned by John Maxwell Nesbitt & Co,
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 3
To Robert Collings, Commander of the Sloop Friendship, about
30 Tons Burthen, navigated by Twenty men, 6 Carnage Gunsf
owned by John Wilcocks & Go.
In Council of Safety.
Philab'a, Novem'r 14th, 1776.
present;
SAM'L MORRIS, Chairman.
Owen Biddle, Francis Grurney,
Fred. Kuhl, Henry Rippele,
Jos. Blewer, Sam'l C, Morris.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay the Following Accounts, viz :
Mr- Robert Towers' Acco't for Workmen's Wages, making Cart-
ridges, &ca, i856 6 8.
William Shaw's Acco'fc for cooperage of Powder, &ca., d615 13 9^
J2 1 7 to be charged to this State, the Remainder to Congress.
Bowyer Brooks' Acco't for Oars & repairs for several of the
Armed Boats, & for Building a Guard Boat, £106 Oil.
Thomas Shoemaker, for 1700 Flints delivered Mr. Towers, £$
8 0.
Daniel King's order to Mr, Jos, Turner, for J4 10 0, for Iroa
Hoops, for the Use of the Brass Cannon Foundery.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Robert Jewell £48 14 1, for Wood &ca., for
the Use of the Prisoners in the State Jail, to be charged to Con-
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Joseph Wilson for repairing Arms for the
Armed Boat Congress.
Intelligence was rec'd fey express that several hundred Trans-
ports had sailed from New York, & steered their Cource to the
Southward, & expected to be intended for this City; whereupon,
the Council wrote a Circular Letter to the Commanding Officers of
the Battalion of Militia, earnestly requesting them to march their
respective Battalions to this City Immediately.
Adjourned to 3 o' Clock,
4 MINUTES OF THE
The following members met :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
Owen Biddle, James Cannon,
John Bayard, Henry Keppele, jun'r,
Samuel Morris, Sen'r, Sam'l C. Morris,
Francis Gurney, Fred. Kuhl.
Joseph Blewer,
The Board of Warr was requested to send for Captain Stroh-
bogh & the Company of Artillery under his Command, lately sent
to Fort Montgomery, in New York Government.
Resolved, That Col. Bayard be requested to get ready immedi-
ately as many of his Battalion as are necessary to guard the State
Prisoners to Lancaster & Reading.
The Commodore was ordered not to suffer any sea Vessell to
Pass through the Chevaux-de-Frize.
Ordered, That Commodore Seymour do Immediately station
one of the Armed Boats belonging to this State at or near Glo-
cester Point, and exert their Utmost Vigilance in preventing all shal-
lops from Passing down the river. Wood Boats are to be permitted
to pass and repass.
Met at 3 o'Clock.
THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Presid't,
David Rittenhouse, Sam'l C. Morris,
Owen Biddle, Timothy Matlack,
John Bayard, Fred. Kuhl,
Francis Gurney, Joseph Blewer,
George Gray, John Bull.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Elijah Dow, for
£120 0 0, on Acco't of Work done for this State, to be charged
to his Acco't.
Mr. Robert Towers was directed to Deliver Col. John Dickenson
150 Stand of Arms, & 150 Cartouch Boxes & Bayonet Belts, for
the use of the 1st Battalion of the City & Liberties of Philad'a
Militia, taking his receipt.
Resolved, That Jacob Gerard Dyrohs, William Scull, & Mat-
thew Henderson, be appointed Captains in the Continental Service.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Thomas Dun-
das, £500; & charge the Same to his acco't.
[One and a half blank pages in Council Book.]
Ordered, That the owners of Cattle and other stock near the
river side, make the necessary preperations for removing the same,
at least five miles from the river, on the Shortest notice, as it is
Probable that this board may be under the disagreeable necessity
of giving the most peremptory orders for their removal, and to see
that the same be punctually & suddenly complied with.
,
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 5
In Council of Safety, Novem'r 15th, 177*
present :
THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, Joseph Blewer,
Owen Biddle, Francis Gurney,
John Bayard, Fred. Kuhl,
Geo. Gray, Henry Eippele, jun'r,
Sani'l Morris, Sen'r, Timothy Matlack.
Jno. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, was directed to pay the following
Acco'ts.
Col. Bayard for Expences going to Chester with General Arm-
strong, &c, 57s, & 10s for Expences going to Fort — amo't
M 7 0.
Samuel Wheeler for the Balance of his Acco't, for Work done
for Chevaux de Frize, £441 15 5£, & one acco't amounting to
£77 7 5 J, for Work done for the Brass Cannon Foundery andbore-
ing Mill.
John Williams & Jacob Comly, for Hailing Timber for the
Armed Boat Delaware, £8 11 3.
Jacob Comley for Hailing Cannon from the State House to the
Commons to be proved, £17 15 0.
An order was drawn on Conyngham, Nesbitt, & Co., for Twenty
five Blankets, to be delivered to Col. Gurney, for the use of Col.
Humpton's Regim't.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay David Thomson £19 16 0, for the use of
his wharf from 22 June to 26 Octob'r, is 198 days a 2s.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Mr. Robert Ir-
win for £100, to be charged to his Acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Conyngham Nesbitt & Co., & Maurice Rog-
ers, £208 9 6, for 121 Blankets.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Capt. Wm. Brown 60 Pikes,
45 Cutlasses, 2000 Musket Cartridges, 24 Puping Horns, 24 Bitts,
& 24 Prickers, for the use of the Floating Battery Putnam.
Capt. Wm. Richards was directed to provide for Capt. Wm.
Brown 20 Stand of Irons & Handcuffs for the Putnam Battery.
Mr. Towers, Commissary, was directed to deliver Col. John Bay-
ard One Hundred & Seventy Stand of Arms for the Use of the
2 Batalion of Militia of this City, taking his receipt for the same.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Levi Hollingsworth an order
drawn on this Board by Stephen Ceronie in favour of Cornelius
Stevenson, for £137 Penn'a Currency, dated St. Thomas, 9th June,
1776.
In conformity to a Resolution of the Honorable Congress,
Resolved, That Mr. Samuel C. Morris be appointed to have the
Care of the Prisoners of War within this State, and pay them the
allowance granted them by Congress.
6 MINUTES OF THE
An orderjyas drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Henry MHlerJ
for £103 (r 6, for Printing the Minutes &ea., of the Convention.
Resolved, That Mr. James Dundass, Assistant Superintendanfc
and paymaster for the Works at Billingsport, be allowed 2s 6 p.
day over and above his pay,»in Consideration of Losses that may
attend paying of moneys in such small Sums as his department
must necessarily require.
In Council of Safety, Nov'r. 26th.
PRESENT *.
THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, Timothy MatlacL,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, John Bull,
Fred. Kuhl, Francis Gurney,
Owen Biddle, Sam'l C. Morris.
Joseph Blewer,
• Capt. W'm Richards was directed to deliver Mr. Abraham Mason
as much Sail Cloth as he may have occasion, to make Sails for the
Ship Montgomery. •
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Messrs. Peter
Dehaven & Co., for <£500, to be charged to tbeir acco't.
Col. Matlack was directed to deliver Capt. Rd. Eyers 35 Blan-
kets, for the Seamen on board the Delaware armed Boat
An order was drrawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Mr. Robert
Smith, for five hundred & fifty Pounds, towards Chevaux de Frize
Built at Billingsport.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Owen Biddle for Lines,
&ca., purchased by him for the service of this State, £339 12 10 J.
Ordered, That Mr. Biddle be requested to employ persons to
make up the Linen in his hands, belonging to this State, into shirts.
An order was drawn on Jno. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, in favour of
Lieut. Colonel Geo. Nagle, for 1,000 Dollars, to be charged to
Col. James Irvine, of the 9th Penn'a Regiment.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mary Miller 4s 8, for 7 dinners
for Capt. Shade's Comp'y, Col. Miles' Batt'n.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Col. Richard
Humpton, for 2,000 Dollars, to be charged to his Acc-o't.
Col. John Bull was directed to deliver to George Losh one Tun
of Salt Petre & Ten Hundred wt. of Powder, out of his Store at
Norrington, taking his receipt.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Wm. Levering £27 14 0, for
40 Pick Axes, & 2G Spades, delivered to Col. Bull, for the Fortifi-
cation at Billingsport.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Wm. Levering *18 G 0, for 30 Spades & 12
Pitching Axes, delivered Mr. Towers.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 7
Information being laid before this Board that a Gentleman is
now in this City who is well acquainted with Casting Brass Can-
non,
Resolved, That Mr. Rittenhouse, Mr. Biddle& Col. Matlack, be
a Committee to confer with the Cannon Committee appointed by
Congress, and in Conjunction with them, to concert and execute a
plan for exerting the utmost skill of all our Artists in this Impor-
tant Branch of Business.
In Council of Safety, November 18th, 1776.
PRESENT I
DAVID EITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Timothy Matlack, Joseph Blewer,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, John Bull,
Francis Gurney, Sam'l C. Morris,
Fred. Kuhl, Owen Biddle.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Willing, Morris & Co., for
Cartridge Paper, delivered to Mr. Towers.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay James Oellers £3364 4 0, for 128 Casks of
Powder, delivered to Mr. Towers.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Jeremiah Burrows -£1269 7 6,
for 1692 J Bushels of Salt, @ 15s.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Major Thomas Proctor £59 4
1 J, for boarding of sick Soldiers belonging to the Artillery, & £50
on acco't of recruiting Expences, to be charged to his Acc't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Allison & Wor-
rel, for £50, to be charged to their Acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Emanuel Woodby -£11 10, for Boat Hire.
Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary, was directed to Deliver to the
Marine Committee of Congress 1500 Shot, for 24 pound'rs, 1800
Shot, for 18 pounders, & 500 Bar Shot, for 18 & 24 Pounders,
taking their receipt for the same.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Michael Grove, for riding Ex-
press to Berks County, to order the Militia to hold themselves in
readiness to march to this City, £5 0 0.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay George Ginter for riding Express to Berks
County, t3 order the Militia to march to this City, £6 17 6.
Resolved, That application be made to Congress for an order on
their Treasurer for Forty Thousand Dollars, to be paid to Jno.
Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq'r, on Acco't of the State of Pennsylvania.
Ordered, That Lieut. Col. Gurney & Mr. Morris, wait on the
President with the above resolve, and request an order accordingly..
In Consequence of the foregoing request, Congress sent an order
on Michael Hillegas, Esq'r, for Forty Thousand Dollars, which
Capt. Blewer is desired to deliver to Mr. Nesbitt.
8
MINUTES' OF THE
Mr, Nesbitt was directed to deliver Capt. John Rice 20 Blankets,
for the Use of the Armed Boat Convention.
Resolved , That the pay of the Officers of the Armed Boats, in
the Service of this State, be as follows, to commence from the first
day of October last :
Captain, 32 Dollars.
First Lieutenant, 20 do.
Second Lieutenant, 16 do.
Master, 20 do.
Captain's Cl'k, 12 do.
Boatswain, 15 do.
Gunner, 15 do.
Carpenter, - 15 do.
Steward, 12 do.
Drum & Fife, 8 do.
Privates, 8 do.
Boy, 4 do.
Adjourned to 3 o'Clock.
Met at 3 o'Clock, Nov'r 18th, 1776.
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Owen Biddle, John Bayard,
Francis Gurney, Sam'l C. Morris,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Timothy Matlack,
Fred. Kuhl, Joseph Blewer.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Col. Francis Gurney =£102 1 10,
for Blankets, Mittins, &ca.
Resolved, That the Armed Boat Convention, commanded by Capt.
John Rice, be ordered down to Cape May, to protect the trade of
this State, agreeable to a request from the Secret Committee of
Congress.
The Following Instructions were delivered to Captain Rice :
"In Council of Safety, Novem'r 18th, 1776.
Sir
The Secret Committee of Congress have informed this board that
the Continental Cruiccrs are so employed that they cannot afford
the necessary protection to the Trade of this State ; you are there-
fore ordered to proceed to Cape May. You are not to leave that
Station when any of the Enemie's Vessells arc at the Opposite
Cape, and to use your best endeavours to protect all trading Vessells
belonging to the United States of America, and to the Islands of
Bermuda or Bahamas, or to any Foreign State, except under the
Dominion of the King of Great Britain ; and in case of their being
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 9
in distress, you are to grant them all the Aid and Relief in your
Power, and upon any number of the Enemie's Ships appearing off
the Coast, you are to give Intelligence thereof to Mr. Henry Fisher,
of Lewis Town, with the Course they Steer, and such other Circum-
stances relating to them as are of any importance to us ; or if you
should be able to transmitt the Intelligence by express to us more
expeditiously than Mr. Fisher, you are to do it.
"And you are, at the same time, to use your endeavours to make
Capture of and distress such of the Vessells belonging to the ene-
mies of these States as come in your way ; but if it should appear
to you that the Enemy are coming with a Fleet to invade this State,
you are, in that case, Immediately to return with the Convention to
Fort Island.
" We confide in your discretion to execute the foregoing orders,
so as to answer the Intention of this board, and that you will per-
form such other service as the nature of your Station will require ;
we therefore shall omit any further Instructions. ,
"N. B. If there are any vessels appear with an Ensign hoisted
at the fore top Gallant mast Head, you may conclude it is a trading
Vessel, in the Congress' Service, and you may give her any advice
or assistance Accordingly ; That being their signal to the Light
House. Save your Salt Provisions as much as Possible, & provide
your men with Fresh, if to be had at as low a rate as of the Com-
missary here."
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Capt. Jos.
Blewer for £100, to be charged to his Acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay John Bray for Riding Express to Chester
County, to order the Militia to March to this City £5 5 0, to be
charged to Congress.
Wm. Morris for do. to County, £5 5 0, do.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Mr. Towers' Acco't, £M 4 0.
In Council of Safety, November 20th, 1776.
present :
THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,
Owen Biddle, Francis Gurney,
John Bayard, Sam'l C. Morris,
Joseph Blewer, Fred. Kuhl,
Timothy Matlack, George Gray.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Mr. Wm. C. Brad-
ford for £739 15 0, to be delivered to Isaac Rodgers, Esq'r, of Allen
Town, on Acco't of Pork he has contracted to purchase for this
State, to be charged to Mr. Rodgers.
10 MINUTES OF THE
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Hercules Courtney, for Candles for the Use
of Fort Island, £23 0 4.
George Rumhart for Porterage, Copper, &ca., to State House,
£3 13 3.
Daniel Offley for Iron Work for the Battery Putnam & Chevaux
De Frize, &ca., £U 6 2.
Resolved, That Mr. Wharton & Mr. Blewer be appointed to re-
vise & Fix the Pay of the Fleet of this State.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Lewis Grant s£10 10 0, for Gun Ladle & Powder
Measures, ^glO 10 0, for the Armed Boat Convention.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Augustus Rupple £b 0 0, for going Express
to Bucks County, to order the Militia to March to this City.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Messrs. Peter
Dehaven & Co., for .£500, to be charged to their acco't.
xWr. Towers was directed to deliver to Messrs. Mease & Caldwell
half a Block of Block Tin.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Messrs. Williams,
towards the Armed Boat Delaware, to be charged to their Accounts.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Capt. Joseph
Copperthwaite for Five Hundred Pounds, towards the Continental
Powder Mills erecting in this State, to be charged to his Acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Michael Boyer for riding Express
to Lancaster, York & Carlise, with marching orders to the Militia,
&ca., £$ 10 0, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay to Jonathan Martin for repairing 7 Guns
jei 5 9.
Adjourned to 3 o'Clock, afternoon ; when the following mem-
bers met :
THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, President.
John Bayard, George Gray,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Joseph Blewer,
Sam'l C. Morris, Samuel C. Morris.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Messrs. Willing & Morris for Handkuffs, &
other materials delivered for the Use of the Fleet, £83 1 0.
Mr. Zebulon Hollingsworth, or the person in whose care the
Cannon Shott at the Head of Elk or Christian Creek, belonging to
this State, was directed to deliver to the order of the Marine Com-
mittee of Congress as much Shott as they may have Occasion for,
taking a Receipt for the same.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Frederick Snieder ^5 10 6, for Riding ex-
press to Reading to Countermand the Marching orders for the
Militia, to be charged to Congress; & Leonard Lester to Easton
■£5 0 0 j also Jacob Speight £± 7 6, to Chester County.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. > 11
In Council of Safety, November 21st, 1776.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r. President.
Fred. Kuhl, Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,
John Bayard, Joseph Blewer,
David Rittenhouse, Geo. Gray,
Francis Gurney, Sam'l C.Morris. .
Timothy Matlack,
Jno. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, Treasurer, was directed to pay Amer
Grub £3 15 3, for 1002 feet of Scantling delivered Geo. Ingles, to
be charged to this State.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Jacob Kisling,
£10, for services rendered to the State, in producing a Model for a
Fire-Ship.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to deliver to Pay Martin Pendergast,
for Iron Work for Fire Rafts, &fea., &ca., (2 Acco'ts) £136 17' 5.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Conyngham, Nesbitt, & Co.,
£3,756 0 0, for 30 Casks of Indigo, being part of the Cargo of
Ship Montgomery, bo't by Mr. Wharton & Col. Bayard, to be
charged to their Acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay W'm Taylor £17 1 0, for Boatswains' Calls,
for 8 of the Armed Boats belonging to this State.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Henry Miller £5 10 0, for Printing 1500
Blank Commissions, for Officers of Flying Camp, by order of the
Convention.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Geo. Weiss £5 0 0, for riding Express to
Chester county, to order the Militia to hold themselves in readi-
ness to March at a Short Notice ; to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay W'm Morris 15s. for going express to Ger-
mantown.
Mr. Nesbitt to Pay Geo. Schwartz for 9 Cartouch Boxes, a 9s.;
£-1 1 0, to be charged to Col. Galbreath.
In Council of Safety, Nov'r 22nd, 1776.
PRESENT I
THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Fred. Kuhl,
Joseph Blewer, Sam'l C. Morris,
George Gray, John Bayard.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Bazelee for Work done
for the Galley Delaware Armed Boat, £13 3 6.
12 MINUTES OF THE
An order was drawn or Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Benj'n Eyre,
for £161, to be charged to his Acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Joel Zane £1 19 0, for 2 Iron Potts, for
the Franklin Galley, in October 1775.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Ardt & Capt. Spear £9 7
6, for Three drums for the Flying Camp.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Christian
Shaffer, for One Hundred Pounds, to be charged to his Acco't,
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Christ'n, jun'r, & Charles Marshall £154 15
10, for sundries had for the use of The Fleet.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Mr. John Wharton £50 0 0, for Expences
Conducting Major French to New England, to be charged to Con-
gress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Jos. Ferree, in favour of Wm.
Thompson, for Ten Hundred wt of Salt Petre, to be manufactured
into Gun Powder.
Resolved, That application be made to the Honorable Congress
for the Loan of One Hundred Thousand Dollars, to be paid to
John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, for the use of the State of Pennsylvania,
& that Messrs. Kuhl & Morris wait on the President with the above
request.
The Council adjourned to 3 o'Clock ; when the following mem-
bers met :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, Presid't.
Owen Biddle, Joseph Blewcr,
David Rittenhouse, John Bayard,
George Gray, Timothy Matlack,
Francis Gurney, Sam'l Morris, Sen'r.
Sam'l C. Morris,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Edward Stroud £10 12 6, for
riding Express to Lancaster, York, & Carlisle, to order the Militia
to march to this City, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Dan'l King £31 19 4, for Copper Work,
&ca., delivered to Mr. Towers.
Agreeable to a resolve of this morning, Congress sent down an
order on Michael Hillegas, Esq'r, Continental Treasurer, for One
Hundred Thousand Dollars, which was endorsed by the President
and directed to be paid to John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, & Mr. Wharton
was desired to deliver it to Mr. Nesbitt.
John Biles was committed to the State Prison, he being charged
by Mr. Woodrow, tho younger, & Mr. John Osborne of the Nor-
thern Liberties, upon Oath, that he has been guilty of Treason
against the United States of America.
Ordered, That Mr. John Smith be requested to attend this
board to-morrow morning at nine o'Clock, to answer such Questions
as shall be asked him, respecting certain declarations said to have
been made in his presence by Mr. John Swift, jun'r.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
13
In Council of Safety.
Philad'a, November 23rd, 1776,
Present :
THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, Timothy Matlack,
Owen Biddle, Sam'lC. Morris,
John Bayard, Joseph Blewer,
Fred. Kuhl, Francis Gurney.
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,
The Council being informed that there are many Sick Soldiers
irrived in this City from the American Army, for whom no proper
iccommodations are provided, and as humanity and good Policy
•equire that the best Provision be made for restoring them to
lealth,
Resolved, That Col. Gurney be authorized and required to have
me wing of the Bettering House cleared Immediately for the re-
;eption of such sick and wounded Soldiers.
Resolved, That Messrs. Richards & Towers furnish Mr. Romand,
Engineer, with such materials as he may require to perform on
Experiment, in order to give a Specimen of his Skill in destroying
listant objects by Fire.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Mr. Jesse Jones, one of the
Commissioners of Northampton County, £991, for Bounty Money
or 323 men, directed by Convention to be paid for raising the
frying Camp.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Henry Fraily £6 0 4, for re-
miring Arms belonging to Col. Haller's Battalion.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Daniel King £10 10 10j, for
3rass for Boring Mill; £1 17 0, for Copper Hinges, &sa., for
franklin Armed Boat ; & £12 0 0, for 12 Twinequits delivered to
Nuffield & Delaney.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Jacob Rittenhouse £10 19 2, for 263 lbs. of
Cannon Cartridge Paper.
Resolved, That the Salt now in the Possession of the Council of
Safety be Immediately Sent to the Committee of the several
Counties in the following Proportions, to wit :
Bushels.
More or less as the Quantity in
Store may measure,
Philad'a County -
- 80
Chester
- 80 ^
Bucks -
- 80
Lancaster
- 100
York - - -
- 80
Cumberland -
- 80
Berks -
- 80
Northampton
- 60
Bedford
- 60
Northumberland -
i 60
Westmoreland
- 60J
14 MINUTES OF THE
(The City & Liberties of Philadelphia having had a greater op-
portunity of a Supply than the Counties, are not to have any part
of this Quantity).
The Committees are to sell it to the people at the rate of 15s
1(J Bushel, and in no greater Quantity than half a Bushel to any
one Family ■ They are to make as equal distribution as they can,
according to the necessities of the People, for which purpose they
are to require a decleration of what Quantity they are possessed of,
more than their Just proportion of this necessary Article, at a time
of such very great Scarcity of it.
Mr. Owen Biddle is requested to employ proper persons to send
the Salt to the respective Committees, with a Copy of this resolve
to each, for which Service this board will allow a reasonable Com*
pcnsation. •
At a Special Meeting of the Council of Safety, November 24th,
1776.
PRESENT :
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Timothy Matlack, Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,
Sam'l 0. Morris, Fred. Kuhl,
James Cannon, John Hubley,
John Bull, Henry Keppele.
John Bayard,
A Committee of Congress required an interview with as many
Members of the House of Assembly as are in Town & this Council,
whereupon a number of the Members of Assembly attended, & the
following Resolutions of Congress were laid before the
("Here follows one and a half blank pages in the Council Book.]
In Council of Safety.
Philad'a, Novem'r 25th, 1776.
PRESENT :
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Joseph Blewer, Timothy Matlack,
John Bull, Francis Gurney,
Sam'l C. Morris, Owen Biddle.
John Bayard,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Nicholas Hicks £316 0 2, being
in full for paving & repairing the Barracks.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to John Hazlewood £150, to be
charged to his Account.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 15
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Thomas Nevill £100, to be
charged to his Account for making Gun Carriages.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Samuel Morris, Jun'r, 56500,
to be charged to his Account.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Arthur Donaldson £200, to be
charged to his Account.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Daniel Evans £80 0 0, for
200 Pitching axes delivered to Mr. Towers.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver the Marine Committee of
Congress 800 Swivel Shot, taking a receipt.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Henry Litman £55 6 2, for Iron Work for
Fire Rafts.
Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Board, it is most prudent
to pay Capt. Cochran's company, agreeable to their demand, there-
fore recommend it to the Committee of Congress to pay his accounts
as they Stand, especially considering the readiness with which
they stepped forward at the late call of the Militia, and of the ne-
cessity of an immediate call on them for the common defence.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favor of Capt. George
Calhoon, for 200 Dollars, for recruiting Service, he to be account-
able for it.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Capt. Matthew
Henderson, for 200Dollars, for the recruiting Service, he to be Ac-
countable for it.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay an order drawn by Vanbibber &
Usher, of Baltimore, for £805 0 0, in favor of Mr. John Mease,
for Freight of 23,000 lbs. of Gun Powder from St. Martins' to
Baltimore, & now in the Warehouse of Isaac Vanbibber at that
place.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Owen Biddle, Esq'r, £104 0 0,
for attending the late Committee of Safety 260 days, @8s.
Adjourned to 3 o'Clock ; when the following members met :
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Owen Biddle, Joseph Blewer,
John Bayard, Sam'l C Morris,
Timothy Matlack, George Gray.
Francis Gurney,
In Consequence of a meeting with as many of the Field Officers
of the Battalions of the City & Liberties of Philad'a as could be
convened, it was, upon consideration, agreed on to present a me-
morial to the General Assembly on the Resolves of Congress with
Respect to calling out the militia, and on the present State of the
military Association ; and a Committee of this Board was ordered
to prepare a draft of such memorial, to be delivered to the House
to-morrow morning.
16 MINUTES OF THE
. In Council of Safety, November 26th, 1776.
PRESENT :
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Sam'l. Morris, Sen'r, Sam'l C. Morris
Timothy Matlack, John Bayard,
Joseph Blewer, John Hubley,
James Cannon, Francis Gurney.
Owen Biddie,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Wm. Scott £1 11 6, for
repairing Arms.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay .Mr. Robert Towers his Acco't for Men's
wages, making Cartridges, &ca; &ca, £52 2 6.
Resolved, That Mr. Kuhl & Mr. Keppele be appointed to Audit
& Settle the Accounts of the Commissioners of Bedford County,
for Calling out the Militia for the Protection of the Frontiers of
the State.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Hagan, £2 19 6, for
Sundry Services in Carting for Col. Attle's Batt'n, while at Ches-
ter, & Sundries for Col. Waijer's Batt'n, £1 10 to be charged to
Congress, & £1 9 6, to be charged to this State.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Col. Richard
Humpton, for Two Thousand Dollars, to the purpose of paying
Bounty money for His Regiment, to be Charged to his Acco't.
[Here insert the memorial to Assembly.]
Ordered, That Col. Matlack & Mr. S. C. Morris wait on the
Hon'ble House of Assembly, with the foregoing Memorial.
Adjourned to 3 o; Clock.
Met according to adjournment.
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Owen Biddie, Fred. Kuhl,
Joseph Blewer, Sam'l C. Morris,
Francis Gurney, John Hubley,
Timothy Matlack, James Cannon.
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay an order drawn on this board
by Ross & Ega, in fav'r of Levi Hollingsworth, for Five Hun-
dred Pounds, on Acco't of Cannon Shot cast by them.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Mr. William
Rush, for £250, on acco't of Work done for the State, to be charged
to his Acco't.
Resolved, That the regulations concerning Salt, of the 15th Oc-
tober last, be continued untill the 1st day of January next, and
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 17
that Messrs. George Schlosser, Jacob Schriner, Philip Boem, Wil-
liam Moulder, William Will, Geo. Bartram, Samuel Simpson,
Nathaniel Dennel, Thomas Guthbert, Sen'r, "Richard Dennis, John
Taylor, & Wm. Robeson, be appointed to carry them into execution
and to distribute the Salt imported, in the most Equitable manner^
between the Inhabitants of this and the neighbouring States.
In Council of Safety, November 27th, 1776.
PRESENT :
©AVID KITTENHOUSE, V. R
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Joseph Blewer,
Owen Biddle, Fred. Kuhl,
•John Hubley, Timothy Matlack,
Samuel C. Morris, Francis Gurney.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Bernard!
Dougherty, Esq' r, for £549 1 0, for the Pay of a Company of
Bangers, Commanded by Capt. Baxter, raised in Bedford County,,
for the defence of the Frontiers of this State, against the depreda-
tions of the Indians., agreeable to a resolve of Convention.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of John Flemingj
for Thirty seven pounds ten Shillings, for the purpose of Purchas-
ing Coarse Woolens, &ca, for this State, he to be Accountable.
Resolved, That Peter Grubb, jun'r, & James Lang, be appointed
Captains in the 10th Battalion of Continental Troops raised bj
this State, Commanded by Col. J. Penrose,
Resolved, That the Council will receive applications for Commis-
sions in the 10th Batalion of Continental Troops to be raised bj
this State, under the command of Colonel Joseph Penrose, until
the 2d Day ©f December next, after which they will proceed to the
appointment.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Mr. Benja-
min Loxley, for One hundred Pounds, for carrying on the Cannon
Foundery, charged to his Aeco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Spangler & Wiley £15 5 0, for
riding Express, Horse Hire, -&ca.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Mr. John Dunlap £35 16 0, for Cartridge
Paper, Printing, &ca.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Peter Hardman, £10 12
9, for collecting Arms, &ca., in Chester County.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Wolery Meng for 195 Bayonet scabbards
<d'd to Mr. Towers, £29 5 0.
Agreeable to the resolution of Congress of 23rd Instant, respect-
<£ag the Calling out part of the Militia of this State, an order was
YOh. xi. — 2.
18 MINUTES OF THE
sent down from Congress on Michael Hillegas, Esq'r, Treasurer to
the Continent, dated the 25th Inst., for Thirty five Thousand Dol-
lars, for advancing a Month's pay to each man who shall enrol him-
self to serve 'till the 10th March next, unless sooner discharged.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Lewis Grant ^6420 0, for Cop-
per work for the Floating Battery Putnam.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favor of John Mitchell,
Esqr., for ^61500, to be charged to his Acco't.
Resolved, That Joseph Erwing, Jos. McClelan, be appointed
Captains in the 9th Pen' a Regiment, Commanded by Colonel James
Irvine.
Mr. Nesbitt is John Elmslie £Q 5 0, for Turner's Work . de-
livered to Col. Clement Biddle, to be charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Christopher
Breidenhart, for thirty- seven pounds ten shillings & six pence, for
repairing of Guns for the Militia.
Mr. Kuhl took the order of Congress, & received the sum of
35,000 Dollars, which he deposited with the Council.
Adjourned to 3 o' Clock, when the following Members Met :
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Owen Biddle, Fred. Kuhly
John Hubley, Timothy Matlack,
Sam'l C. Morris, Samuel Morris. Senrr.
Joseph Blewer,
Gentlemen,
In full Confidence of your prudence and Activity, the Council do
hereby appoint and Authorize you, in Consequence of several re-
solves of Congress, to call upon the Housekeepers of this City
and Liberties, for as many Blankets and woolen Stockings as each
Family can spare, for the Use of the American Army, and if any
person shall be so Insensible to the distresses of our Countrymen
now in the service, and to the dictates of Humanity, aa to refuse, or
anywise withold them, you are to make use of proper foree. You
are to pay a reasonable price for the Blankets and stockings so
taken, for which purpose you will be supplied with money by this
Board ; they are to be delivered, as Collected, to Messrs. Mease &
Caldwell.
Resolved, That John Davis be appointed Captain in the Ninth
Pennsylvania Regiment, in the Continental Service, to be com-
manded by Colonel James Irvine.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 19'
la Council of Safety, November 28th, 1776.
present :
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Owen Biddle, Fred. Kuhl,
JohnHubley, Sam '1 Morris, Sen'r,
Joseph Blewer, Timothy Matlack,
Sam'l C. Morris, James Cannon,
John Bayard, Francis G-urney,
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Messrs. Peter
Dehaven & Co., for £500, on Acco't of the Lock Factory, to be
Charged to his Acco't.
Town meeting.
Adjourned to 3 o' Clock.
Met at 3 o'Clock, according to adjournment.
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Owen Biddle, John Eubley,
Joseph Blewer, Fred. Kuhl,
James Cannon, John Bull,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Francis Gurney.
Timothy Matlack,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay the following Accounts : Jacob
lubell, £2 10 0, for going express to Northampton ; Ebenezer
jundy, for 200 Cartouch Boxes, &200 Bayonet Belts, £137 10 0.
Capt. Henry Lott, two acco'ts, amo't £52 11 3, for Arms Pur-
hased in Bucks County, & taken into Service, to be Charged to
oL Hart; also an acco't £5 4 0, for Expences Collecting Arms.
Benjamin Poultney, for Procuring Intrenching Tools, &ca., £10
0.
Col. Kirkbride £3 10 0, for 7 p'r Stockings.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr. James
>undass, for £500, on Acco't of the Fortification at Billingsport?
) be charged to his Acco't. .
Resolved, That the Officers & Men of the Artillery in the* ser-
lice of this State be allowed the same pay and allowance as the
Jfficers & Men in the Continental service, from the next Pay-day.
I Resolved, That Col. Bull be ordered to send the Men that were
Imployed at Billingsport, down to that place to-morrow Morning.
II Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Peter Brown £320 1 3, for
onwork done for this State.
20 MINUTES OF THE
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Jeremiah Baker £253 7, for
Wood delivered at Barracks near this City, to be charged to Con-
gress.
Ordered, That Capt. Joseph Blewer be ordered to apply to the
Marine Committee, for the Cannon which have lately Arrived in
the prize Vessels that they may be mounted on Traveling Car-
riages.
Ordered, That Capt. Joseph Blewer be ordered to make inquiry
after suitable Cannon, to mount upon traveling Carriages, and ap-
ply to the owners for them.
Resolved, That Thomas Bartholomew Bowen be appointed a
Captain in the ninth Pennsylvania Regiment in the Continental
Service, Commanded by Colonel James Irvine.
Ordered, That Mr Robert Towers be directed to deliver the Pub-
lic Arms to the Commanding Officers of Companies of Militia of
the City & Liberties, upon their application, taking receipts for the
same.
Resolved, That the necessities of divers poor persons, women,
children, &c, belonging to the Army, in passing thro' this City, re-
quires the attention of this Board, and therefore the several mem-
bers are required to relieve them as occations may offer, and this
board will pay the Expence.
Resolved, That the Salt to be sent to the several Counties of
this State be sold out to the Militia only who go into actual Ser-
vice at this time, or to their families, in the manner directed in our
resolve of the 23rd Instant, as sent to the Committees.
In Council of Safety, Novem'r 29th, 1776.
PRESENT :
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Samuel Morris, i Fred. Kuhl,
John Hubley, Henry Wynkoop,
Francis Gumey, Sam'l C. Morris,
Joseph Blewer, John Bull.
John Bayard,
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Col. Jas.
Penrose, for 2000 Dollars, towards recruiting expenses for Tenth
Penn'a Regiment, in Continental Service, to be charged to his
acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr. Matthew
Irwin, for ,£1200, for the purpose of purchasing Blankets, &c,
from the Inhabitants of the City & Liberties.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Geo. Hutton & others, for Forty
Dollars, as a reward for apprehending John Denover, a highway
rober.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 21
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Geo. Ginter, for going express to York, Cum-
berland, & Lancaster Counties, to order Militia to March, £11 17
6, charge Congress.
James Barnes, for Glazing at the Hospital on Province Island,
£4 2 6.
Esther Burke, for 10 Weeks' nursing Sick Soldiers, £5 10 0.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Lieut. Col'l
Nagle, for 3000 Dollars, to be charged to Col'l James Irvine of 9th
Regiment.
Mr. Nesbit was directed to pay Icabod Groves for 25 tons Bal-
last, £5.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Fred. Verner £10, for Riding
Express to York, Lancaster. & Cumberland Counties, to counter-
mand marching of Militia.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Pringle £243 15, for 130
Barrels Turpentine, (in Mr. Pringle's Store).
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Capt'n Nathan Gibson £6 5 0, for Powder
Horns, &ca., &ca., to be charged to Col. Paschal] .
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Henry Wynkoop £44 18 8,
for repairing Arms of Col. Kechline's Regiment.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Mr. Wynkoop £1 12 0, for expences for
collecting Arms from Non-associators in Bucks County, & £5 10 0,
for a Riffle ; £5 10 0, to be charged to Colonel Joseph Hart.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Andrew Ashton £4 10 0, for Iron Work for
the Armed Boat Delaware.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Christian Dull ^18 9 9, for
dieting Flying Camp men, to be charged to Congress ; also £3 0 0,
for nursing of Sick men.
Resolved, That Mr. George Bickham be employed as Quarter
Master for this State, with the rank, pay, & Rations of a Captain ;
and that Mr. Biddle is to send, under his care, to the Pennsylvania
Battalion, now Commanded by Major Williams, such a supply of
Clothing as he has in his Possession, that they may Stand in
need of.
Agreeable to resolve of- Congress, a Commission for Letter of
Marque was this day granted to Michael Barstow, Commander of
the Brig Industry, mounting Ten Carriages' Guns, (4 Pounders,)
Burthen about 100 Tons, navigated by Twenty-five men, owned by
Blair McClenachan.
Resolved, That Mathew Brooke, Leonard Stoneburner, and Jacob
Engle, do provide as many Teams as they can Immediately to re-
move the Stores from this City, for which service they are autho-
rized to pay Two shillings & ten pence ^jj mile, for carrying Twenty
Hundred weight from Philad'a, and shall be allowed Fifteen Shil-
lings ^ day each for their own Trouble, while they are employed
in this service.
22 MINUTES OF THE
Resolved, That this Council will provide generously, and in the
least exceptionable manner they can devise, for the Families of the
associators, who shall march into New Jersey to Join General
Washington, Exclusive of their pay, out of such monies as they
have at their disposal, unless the House of Assembly shall, before
that time, make the Interposition of this board Unnecessary.
Adjourned to 3 o'Clock, when the following members met:
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Owen Biddle, Timothy Matlack,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Francis Gurney,
John Hubley, Henry Wynkoop.
Joseph Blewer,
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Colonel Rich-
ard Hampton, for 2000 dollars, for the purpose of paying Bounty
money & recruiting expences for the Eleventh Penn'a Regiment.
In Council of Safety, November 30th; 1776.
PRESENT :
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Owen Biddle, Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,
John Hubley, Joseph Blewer,
Fred. Kuhl, Henry Wynkoop,
Francis Gurney, Sam'l C Morris,
John Bull, James Cannon.
Jno. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, was directed to pay Capt. William
Brown £214 9 9, being the Balance of his acc't for Bounty mo-
ney & recruiting expences, &ca, & Sundry necessaries for the Put-
nam Battery.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Henry Lott, of Bucks
co, Three days Pay for himself, 2 Lieutenants, 2 Sergeauts, one
Drumer, & 16 Privates, they being on March to this City by a late
order of the Council, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Henry Wynkoop, Esq'r, for
arms, &ca, Purchased by him & delivered to the Militia, Balance
£10 10 0, also .£223 16 4£, being the Balance of his acco't as
Treasurer for the Committee of Bucks County for
Ordered, That the proportion of Salt belonging to this State for
the County of Philadelphia, be immediately put into the Hands of
the Colonels or Commanding officers of the Battalions of Militia of
said County, to be sold out on the terms mentioned in our resolves
of the 23rd Instant, to the Militia who go into actual Service
only.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 23
Resolved, That in the present allarming situation of our affairs,
it is Highly expedient that no vessells should be suffered to depart
this Port untill further orders from this board.
The Commodore was directed to stop all vessels from passing
thro' the Chevaux de Frize.
Ordered, That Capt'n William Brown do furnish a Guard for
the Salt Vessels, when applied to by the Salt Committee for that
purpose.
Resolved, That money be sent immediately to the Colonels of
the Militia of Chester, Phila'd, Bucks & Northampton Counties, '&
City of Philadelphia, to Supply the Families of such associators as
go into actual service and may stand in need of the same; and that
each Battalion do Choose two subalterns, substantial Freeholders,
who are to receive from the Colonels of their respective Battalions
the said money and distribute it amongst the said Families, from
time to time, according to their need, in the most discreet manner,
for which money they are to account with this board.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Col'n Timothy Greene the sum
of fifty-two pounds ten shillings, for the attendance of fifers and
Drummers to his Battalion in Lancaster County.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Michael Goodman £4 16 0, k
John Rabson 17s 6, for Porterage of Stores for Mr. Towers.
Adjourned to 3 o' Clock, when the following members met:
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Owen Biddle, Francis Gurney,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, John Hubley,
Fred. Kuhl, James Cannon,
Joseph Blewer, John Bull.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Matthias Woolfert £42 0 0,
for 600 Bushels of Coal, delivered to Major Loxley, for the use of
the Brass Cannon Foundery.
Mr. Richard Dormond was employed by this Council to procure
10 Waggons at the Same rate Mr. Brooks was employed yesterday,
if he procures 10 waggons, & in proportion for any lesser number.
December 2nd, 1776.
Resolved, That Mr. Abraham Hargues be appointed first Lieu-
tenant under Captain Long, in the 10th Battalion, Commanded by
Col. Penrose.
Resolved, That Mr. William Brown be appointed first Lieuten-
ant under Captain Irwin, in the 9th Battalion, Commanded by
Colonel Irwin.
Resolved, That Mr. Joseph Carson be appointed Paymaster to
the Second Battalion of associators of this City.
Wm. Parr, Esq'r, was directed to remove all the Records and
Public Papers in his Possession to Lancaster immediately.
24 MINUTES OF THE
Resolved, That the members of Assembly be requested to nomi-
nate suitable persons for Field Officers to Command the militia in
the Counties of Lancaster, York, Berks, Cumberland, Bedford,,
Westmoreland, and Northumberland, and return their names to-
this Council to be Commissioned.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Messrs. John Barnhill & John
Wilson ^150 0 0, for the purpose of Purchasing Blankets & Stock-
ings from the Inhabitants of this city, to be charged to their acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Hill & Marrot £94 12 8, for a flat Bottom
Boat, Oars, &ca.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Alexander Mackey £71 5 0,.
& £106 17 6, for Waggon Hire, &ca., to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Wm. McMullen £42 2 6, for days' works on
board the armed Boat Convention.
Resolved, That Mr. Joseph Redman, Jun'r, be appointed Sur-
geon, & Mr. Hugh Hodge, Jun'r, Surgeon's mate, to Colonel Bay-
ard's Battalion of Militia of the city of Philadelphia.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Jacob Myers £12 16 10, for Smith's Work
done at Fort Island.
Capt. Newman is permitted to take one or £wo of the Field pieees-
in the State House yard, & proceed with them and his men to the
assistance of G'l Washington.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Major Lewis
Nicola for £150 0 0, on acco't of Repairs of Barracks, 5&ca., to
be Charged to his acco't.
Resolved, That Mr. Isaac Coates & Mr. Conrod Weaver be added
to the Committee appointed to Collect Blankets & Stockings.
Resolved, That Capt. Samuel Williams be appointed Lieut't?/
& Capt. Thomas Read to join General Washington.
Adjourned to 3 o'Clock.
At a Special meeting of the Council of Safety, December 1st, 1776.
present :
David Rittenhouse. John Hubley,
Owen Biddle, James Cannon,
Timothy Matlack, Joseph Blewer,
John Bull, Fred. Kuhl.
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,
Resolved, That Mr. William Richards & Mr. Mathew Clarkson
be appointed to provide every necessary for accommodating the
militia ou their passage from here to Trenton, to have Oars fixed to
each Shallop, and proportion the number of men each can carry.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 25
Dispatched expresses to Chester, Philad'a, Bucks & Northamp-
ton counties, to hasten the march of Militia to reinforce Gen'l
Washington in New Jersey.
Adjourned to 3 o'Clockj when the following members met :
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Owen Biddle, Jos. Blewer,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Fred. Kuhl,
Timothy Matlack, Sam'l C. Morris,
John Bull, James Cannon.
John Hubley,
Resolved, That Major Proctor do send fifty of his Privates with
proper officers, under the Command of Captain Thomas Forrest, to
General Washington, without delay, that they are to take with
them two Brass Field pieces belonging to this State, and Major
Proctor is to lay before this board an estimate of Stores, waggons,
and Camp equipage, necessary for that service, that they may be
supplied without delay.
Resolved, That Mr. John Morris, jun'r, be appointed to act as
Quarter Master of the Militia of this State, now ordered into Ser-
vice, with the Rank, pay and Rations of a Lieutenant Colonel, and
that he make application to the Quarter Master General for orders
to prepare suitable Quarters for the Militia at Trenton, or such
other Place as may be necessary, and that he pay due Obedience to
such orders and Instructions as he may receive from him or the
Deputy Quarter Master General.
In Council of Safety, December 2nd, 1776.
present :
David Rittenhouse, Ty. Matlack,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Fred. Kuhl,
Owen Biddle, John Hubley,
James Cannon, Sam'l C. Morris,
Joseph Blewer, John Bayard.
Resolved, That all Vessells Cleared out at the Naval Office before
this date, be suffered to depart this Port and Pass thro' the Ghevaux
de Frise.
2G MINUTES OF THE
Met at 3 O'Clock.
PRESENT t
TWOS. WHARTON, jun'r, President-
David Rittenhouse, Jos. Blewer,
James Cannon, Fred. Kuhl,
John Hubley, Sam'l Morris, Sen'r.
Timothy Matlack,
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favor of Elijah Dow, for
£35 0 0, to be charged to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favor of Jacob Lush, for
one Ton x>f Salt Petre to manufacture.
Resolved, That no person be permitted to pass over the Ferries
on Delaware and Schuylkil from this City with fire-arms, without
especial orders from this Council.
Resolved, That Mr. John Fromberger, do deliver to Mr. Towers
the 6000 Knap Sacks in his possession.
Resolved, That Major Lewis Nicola be appointed Town Major,
and directed Immediately to .enrol all such persons as are not fit to
march with the militia, in the several wards in the City, as Guards.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Col. John Cad-
walader, for 3,500 Dollars, to be charged to his acco't, being for the
purpose of paying a month's advance to his Battalion of Associators.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Major Sam'l Nicholas 300
Bayonet Belts & Cartoueh Boxes.
Mr. Nesbitt#was directed to pay Gunning Bedford £120 0 ^,
for Carting sundries for Fire Rafts & other services for that purpose.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay John Huddle £93 12 0, for 117 Barrels of
Tarr delivered to Captain Hazlewood.
Resolved, That such of the inhabitants of the several wards in
this City and districts as are not fit to march into the Field, do form
themselves into Companies, in order to Guard the powder Magazine
and Fire Rafts; to Patrol the streets at Knight, and do other duties
that may be found necessary, for which service they are to receive
Continental pay, and that they may enrol themselves immediately
under Lewis Nichola, Esq'r, Town Major.
Delivered Captain Huston 11 Rugs & Blankets.
1 Resolved, That Captain Lang be permitted to enroll so many men
as Volunteers to join his Company, as may be sufficient to augment
said Company to seventy six privates, such Volunteers to enter into
immediate pay, and to serve one month, unless sooner discharged ;
no men to be taken who are already enroled in any of the militia
Battalions of the City & Liberties, or Counties in this State.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this board, that all the shops
in this City be shut up, that the schools be broke up, and the in-
habitants engaged solely in providing for the defence of this City
at this time of extreme danger.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 27
In Council of Safety.
Philad'a., Dec'r 3rd, 1776*
PRESENT :
THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, President.
John Bayard, James Cannon,
David Rittenhouse, Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,
Joseph Blewer, Fred. Kuhl,
John Hubley, Francis Gurney,
Owen Biddle,
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in fav'r of Messrs. Peter
Dehaven & Co., for ^S500, to be charged to their acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Colonel John
Bayard, for 3000 Dollars, for the purpose of paying his Battalion
a Month's Wages, to be charged to his acco't.
An order was drawn in favour of Wm. Parr, Esq'r, for £100.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Matthew Moffatt, ^30 0 0, towards Iron
work done for the Chevaux de Frize.
An order was drawn in fav'r of Major Proctor, for dS500.)
An order was drawn in fav'r of Commodore Seymour, 400 Dol-
lars.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of James Barnes,
£'100, to purchase Blankets, to be charged to his acco't.
General Washington having recommended that the Militia of
the State of Pennsylvania be formed into Brigades, and Officers
appointed to command them • therefore,
Resolved, That the associators of the City & Liberties of Phila-
delphia, be formed into one Brigade under the command of Colonel
John Cadwalader, as eldest Colonel.
An order was drawn Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Christian Shaffer,
for £100, to be charged to his acco't. •
An order was drawn in fav'r of Messrs. Williams, for £150, to-
wards building the Delaware Armed Boat, to be charged to their
acco't.
The officers of the Second Battalion of Militia, having expressed
some dissatisfaction with our appointment of Joseph Carson as
Paymaster; therefore,
Resolved, That Doct'r David Jackson be appointed Paymaster in
his Stead, to the said Battalion, he being recommended to us by
the said Officers.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Catharine Barr 10s for delivering a Gun
left at her House by a deserter.
28 MINUTES OF THE
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, December 3rd.
Ordered, That the Ferryman of this City & Liberties, do im-
mediately take over to Cooper's Ferries all their Boats, and the
two large flat bottom boats belonging to this State, now at Ken-
sington, under the care of Captain Benjamin Eyre, to transport the
Maryland flying Camp across the Delaware to this City.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Richard Chew £4 14 6, for Stone delivered
at the piers at Fort Island.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favor of David Potter,
for £400 0 0, to be charged to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Mr. John Hub-
ley, for the Committee of Lancaster County, for £200, for the use
of poor Associators' Families now in the Flying Camp.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Col Richard Hampton, of
the 11th Pen'a Regiment in Continental Service, such arms & ac-
coutrements as he may want for his Reg't, taking a receipt.
Delivered 5 Blankets for the use of Capt. Copperth wait's Comp'y,
of 1st Batt'n of this City.
Adjourned to 3 o'clock; when the following members met:
THOMAS WHARTON, Jun'r, President.
Owen Biddle, David Rittenhouse,
John Hubley, John Bayard,
Joseph Blewer, Sam'l Morris, sen'r.
James Cannon,
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of ¥m. Bowen,
for £100 0 0, to be charged to his Acco't.
Delivered to Capt'n Tho's Fitzimons 40 Blankets.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Joseph Bergstotter 30s, & Jacob
Stroud £8 0 0, for a Riffle Gun lost on Long Island, to be charged
to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Wm. Smith £37 0 6, for diching, &ca., at
Fort Island.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr. Owen
Biddle, for £1000, to be charged to his Acco't.
Resolved, That the Members in General Assembly for the
Counties of Philadelphia, Chester, Bucks, & Lancaster, be applied
to Immediately, to recommend proper persons in their respective
Counties, to be employed by this board to Hire all the waggons in
their Counties.
Resolved, That this board will furnish any persons who may form
themselves into a Troop of Horse, with a brace of Pistols and a
Broad sword; and it is recommended to the persons so forming a
Troop, immediately to choose their Officers and Prepare to march,
to Join General Washington with all expedition in their Power.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 29
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Edward Wawhap £10 11 0, for Linen &
woolen Cloth, &ea.
An order wag drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Col. Jno. Bay-
ard, for 1500 Dollars, to be charged to his acco't.
Col. Stroud, for a Musket, £1 10 0.
Resolved, That the Militia of Northumberland County who turn out
as Volunteers, do choose proper persons to be recommended to this
Council, to be appointed Field Officers for the Battalion of said
County.
An order was drawn on Jno. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, in favour of
Colonell Cadwalader, for =£500, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Mrs. Savadge £15 0 0, to be charged to Mr.
Thomas Savadge.
The Council being informed that some waggons have lately been
impressed into the public service by mistake, do hereby assure the
Public that it is not their intention to impress any except in cases of
the utmost necessity, they having employed proper persons to give
generous prices to those who engage voluntarily, which, we hope,
will render impressing unnecessary.
Resolved, That Mr. John Schafferbe appointed paymaster of The
First Battalion of Militia of the City & Liberties of Philadelphia.
In Council of Safety, December 4th, 1776.
PRESENT :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, James Cannon,'
Frederick Kuhl, John Bayard,
Timothy Matlack, Jos. Blewer,
Owen Biddle, Francis Gurney.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Captain Sharp
Delany, for £100 0 0, for the purpose of providing for the families
of his Company of Militia while in service, to be charged to his
acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Henry Wawhup for <£8 15 0, for 8| yards of
Clothe, & Sam'l Dickey £15 5 0, for 15£ yds. do.
Capt. Wm. Richards was directed to deliver Mr. Daniel Evans
half a Ton of Iron, for Tire for Gun Carriages, he to be ac-
countable.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Messrs. Robins, Dun, & Hail, ^150 0 0, to
be charged to their acco't.
The Council having found it necessary to call the attention of the
Good people of this City to measures for its Immediate defence, or-
dered that the Shops should be shut up, &c. The readiness with
which this order has been Complied with by all ranks of men, affords
SO MINUTES OF THE
an instance of Public virtue greatly to the Honor of the City; But
as the Associators who are about to March must be supplied with
the necessaries which they may want, it is, therefore, earnestly re-
commended to all persons to give the Associators all the Assistance
of every kind, which may be in their Power, anything in said Re-
solve notwithstanding.
Resolved, That no Landlord or other Creditor ought to distress
the Family of any associator while he is out in the Service of his
Country, and that this Council will take notice of any Complaint
which shall be made against such as shall he found to transgress
this resolution.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in fav'r of James Biddle,
Esq'r, for £15, to defray the Expence of conveying the public
Papers to Reading.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Doct'r Robert
Harris, for £58, for making Powder for Congress, to be charged
to his Acco't.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Doct'r Robert Harris one
Ton of Salt Petre, & Sulphor in proportion, to make into Gun
Powder.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Colonel Arthur
Irwin, of Bucks County, for £375, advance money for his Batta-
lion, to be charged to his Acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Holmes for Wood & other
Necessaries for Prisoners & Officers' Servants at Carlisle, £12
17 2.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Wm. Tod £18 10 0, for Carriage wheels de-
livered to David Pancoast, to Mount Cannon on Carriages, to be
charged to Congress.
The Wardens of this city having represented to the Council the
great Inconvenience which would ensue, if the watchmen were
obliged to March with the Militia, and the board being of opinion
that it is absolutely necessary for the Safety and protection of the
property and Families of the Militia in their absence, as well as of
the inhabitants in General, that the watchmen light the Lamps and
Patroll the streets as usual ; therefore,
Resolved, That the several watchmen in this City be permitted
to remain and do pass as heretofore.
Adjourned to 3 o'Clock; when the following members met :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,
Owen Biddle, Joseph Blewer,
James Cannon, Fred. Kuhl,
John Hubley, John Bull.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Geo. Goodwin, £121 10
11, being the Balance of Pay due to his Company of Militia of the
1st Battalion of the City & Liberties of Philadelphia, when in Ser-
vice last Summer.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 31
A Comm'n was Granted to Stephen Beasley, 2nd Ensign to
Cap't Jno. Wharton's Comp'y of 3 Batt'n of the City & Liberties
of Philad'a.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay George Way for 4 pair of Wheels d'd to
Thomas Nevell, £10 15 0.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Colonel Jacob
Morgan of the 1st Batt'n of the City & Liberties of Philad'a, for
£1500, to advance a month's pay to his Battalion, & charge the
■same to his Acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Anthony Morris, jun'r, £30 18
0, for Beer deliver'd to John Coburn.
The following Resolve of Congress was directed to be put on the
Minutes :
" In Congress, December 4th, 1776.
" Resolved, That it be recommended to the Council of Safety of
Pennsylvania, to detain the Printers engaged in Printing Certifi-
cates for the Continental Loan Offices, and to direct that they Con-
tinue Executing the business in which they are employed.
" Extract from the Minutes,
"CHA'S THOMSON, Sec'y."
Resolved, That David Hall, Francis Wrigley, John Harris, John
George, Henry Miller, & William Smith, Workmen in Hall & Sel-
lers' Printing Office, be detained for the purpose mentioned in the
above Resolves of Congress.
Commissions was granted to Jacob Morgan, Colonel k W.
Coates, Lieutenant Colonel of the 1st Battalion of Associators of
the City & Liberties of Philadelphia.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to receive of Mr. Jacob Schriner
£6&3 17 6, for Salt sold belonging to Stephen & Jos. Shewell &
Jos'a Fisher & Son.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Jacob Parke £53 10 0, for 107
axes delivered to Capt. Bickham.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Jno Morton M 6 0, for Wharfage of the
Floating Battery Arnold, in March last.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Col. Gurney £1Z 0 0, for 52 lb. of Nitre,
lelivered to Mr. Towers.
Mr. Nesbitt to. pay Elias Bottler £9 10 6, for 127 lbs. of Trail
Rope for Cannpn, delivered to Mr. Towers.
Resolved, That Thomas Marie be employed to fix the Boom to
lie Piers at Fort Island, and to be stationed there to have the Care
»fit, to receive orders, and be Subject to the Commanding officer at
hat Station, and he is to employ a sufficient number of handtf?
,nd do this Business without any delay..
Resolved, That Jacob Hinman and John Clew be permitted to
ontinue at the old Ferry, it being expected that Troops from New
rersey will Pass over to this City; and that they may be wanted.
32 MINUTES OF THE
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Wade for drummers &
fifers Wages, £16 10 0.
Resolved, That Mr. Hugh Craig be appointed paymaster to the
11th Penn'a Roginient in Continental Service, Commanded by
Col. Richard Humpton.
In Council of Safety, December 5th, 1776.
present :
THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, President.
Owen Riddle, Fred. Kuhl,
John Hubley, Jos. Blewer,
Samuel Morris, Sen'r, Timothy Matlack,
Francis Gurney, James Cannon.
John Bayard,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Hugh Cunningham 56152 15
0, for 235 pair Shoes d'd to Capt. Bickham, Q'r M'r.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver to Major. Loxley, 30 lbs. Salt
Petre, Ten pounds of Powder, & 6 Quire of Port Fire Paper, for
the use of the State.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Christopher Ludwick £11
5 0, in part for Services done at Camp last Summer, to be charged
to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Rob't Bailey £25, for the sup-
port of families of Poor associatprs families, during their absence
in Camp, of Capt. McElwain's Company of the 3rd Batt'n of this
City, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay David Kennedy £108 8 0, for Cloth deliv-
ered to Capt. Geo. Bickham, Q'r M'r.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. John Hulings, of Col.
Woods' Battalion, for 500 Dollars, for the purpose of recruiting
men.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay James Worrel & Rob't Allison £259 7 5,
being the Balance of their Acco't for Work done at Fort Island,
from 15 July to 17 August.
The Following Commissions were granted for the 2nd Battalion
of the City and Liberties of Philad'a :
Matthew Erwin & Benj'n Harberson, Esq'r, Captains; Cha's
Win. Peal, 1st Lieu't; Haverstick, Ensign; Jos. Red-
man, j'r, Surgeon; & Hugh Hodge, j'r, Surgeon's Mate, & Wm.
Means, 2nd Lieutenant,
Commissions were Granted to the following Gentlemen : John
Eyre, Esq'r, Captain; Wm. Brown, 1st Lieutenant; John Brown
2nd Lieu't ; & Samuel Williams Lieutenant in artillery of Militia,
associated for the defence of the Liberties of America.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 33
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Michael Groves £9 0 0, for riding Express
to call the militia, & hasten their March to join General Washing-
ton, to be charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Col. Francis
Gurney, for 1000 Dollars, for the use of Col'l Humpton's Reg't, t
to be charged to him.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Mr. John Dunlap £150 13 0, for Cartridge
Paper delivered to Mr. Towers.
Resolved, That Mr. Wm. Crespin be imployed to take 50,000
Musket Cartridges to Camp, and distribute them to such of the
Associators as the Commanding Officer may direct.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Messrs. Peter Dehaven & Co.
£500, & charge the same to their acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Rob't Towers, Commissary, £52 18 7£, for
men's Wages, &ca.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. John Fullerton £50, for
the purpose of supplying the families of Associators in Capt. Sem-
ple's Company, in 3rd Batt'n of the City & Liberties of Philad'a,
& charge the same to his Acco't. Also to pay Mr. James Cannon
,£50, for the use of the Families of Associators in Captain Harbe-
son's Company of the 2nd Battalion.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Wm. Fulton J108 10 0, for Cloth delivered
to Capt. Bickham.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver to Major Lewis Nicola 78
Stand of Old Arms & 3 Rounds of Ammunition for each, to mount
Guard in & near this City.
Mr. Thomas Marie was directed to take ten men to Fort Island,
in order to fix the Boom under the direction of Major Thomas
Proctor, & Capt. Richards was directed to supply Mr. Marie with
Tackles & other necessaries for that purpose. Mr. Marie was di-
rected to take the Barge belonging to the Ship Montgomery.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Capt. Jacob Gerrard Dirk 200 Dollars to in-
list men, to be charged to Col. James Irwine, of the 9th Penn'a
Reg't, in Continental Service.
Adjourned to 3 o? Clock.
Members met.
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, Fred. Kuhl,
John Hubley, John Bayard,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, John Bull,
Geo. Gray, James Cannon.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Lawrence Souder, on acco't of
Mr. John Britton, for £100, to be charged to Mr. Britton.
VOL. XL— ^.
34 MINUTES OF THE
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr. James
Dundass, for £500, to be charged to his acco't.
Resolved, That the Pennsylvania Hospital be taken up and em-
ployed for the sick Troops of the Continental Army, in Compliance
with a request of Congress, and that the said Troops be provided
with Medicine and every necessary.
Resolved, That Major William Masters be appointed Paymaster
to the Artillery (Militia) of this State.
Resolved, That Mr. Nathaniel Luff be appointed Surgeon of the
First Battali'on of Militia of the City & Liberties of Philad'a.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Mr. Wm. Mas-
ters, for J650, being for advance money to Artillery Companys, to
be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Matthew Young £20 10 0, for Painting the
Armed Boat Convention, &ca.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Christopher Key £3 0 0, for a pair of Cart
Wheels delivered to Mr. David Pancoast, to be charged to Congress.
Resolved, That Mr. Christopher Marshall be employed to assist
the Physicians in providing for the sick, and that he have authority
to employ proper persons to assist him in procuring Houses for them
to lodge, and such other necessaries as may alleviate their distresses
& render them comfortable.
Resolved, That John Nelson, Esq'r, be appointed Captain of a
Company of Foot in the 9th Penn'a Regiment, Commanded by
Colonel James Irvine, in Continental Service.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in fav'r of Capt. John Nel-
son, of the 9th Penn'a Regiment, Commanded by Col. James Irvine,
for four Hundred Dollars, to be charged to the Colonel.
Resolved, That Mr. Robert Martin be appointed Paymaster
to the Northumberland County Militia, now going into Service.
Capt. Matthew Smith is promoted to a Majority in the 9th Bat-
talion, Commanded by Col. Irvine.
Resolved, That Major Henry Becker of the 10th Battalion, be
promoted to Lieutenant Col. in the 6th Battalion, Commanded by
Ool. Magaw.
In Council of Safety, December 6th, 1776.
present :
Tho's Wharton, jun'r, Fred. Kuhl,
David Rittenhouse, Owen Biddle,
Benj'n Bartholomew, Joseph Blewer,
John Hubley,
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Lieut. Col
Thomas Hartley for 3000 Dollars, for recruiting Service for the
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 35
7th Penn'a Reg't ia Continental Service, to be charged to hig
acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in fav'r of Lt. Col. Francis
Johnson, for 1000 Dollars, for recruiting Service for 5th Reg't,
charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay George Weis £55 11 8, for 7 Dozen & 8 p'r
of Stockings.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Rob't Erwin £300, for the payment of waggon
Hire, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay to Mr. Nicholas Low £75 5 0, for 158 Cutt-
lasses d'd to Mr. Towers.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Benj'n Armitage 16s for dieting 2 Indians,
to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Joseph Ross £Q 16 6, for Swanskin, &ca. de-
livered to Capt. Bickham, Qr. Mr.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Jacob Dies £5 0 0, for going express to hurry
the marching of Militia to Join General Washington.
Capt. G. Resberg, A. D. Q. M. Gen'l, was directed to take up
the Colledge Hall to Store the Medicine sent from Head Quarters.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Kinsel £6 0 0; George
Weis £3 15 0^ Wm. Morris £11 13 0, and John Bray £11 3 0,
for going express to call the Militia to Join Gen. Washington.
Mr. Nesbitt ordered to pay Col. Joseph Penrose fifteen hundred
Dollars, to be charged to Col. Penrose acco't.
An orde rwas drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in fav'r of Mr. Wm. Masters,
for £200, to advance Money to Artillery of the Militia of this
City.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in fav'r of Mr. Thos. Nevil,
for £200, to be charged to him.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in fav'r of Mr. Rob't Jewell,
for 300 Dollars, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Col. Robert Lewis £400, for ad-
vance money to his Battalion of Militia of Philad'a Co., to be
charged to his acco't.
Resolved, That Maj'r Adam Hubley be appointed Major of the
Tenth Pennsylvania Regiment in Continental Service, Commanded
by Colonel Joseph Penrose, in the room of Major Henry Becker,
Promoted,
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Capt. Elijah Davis £69 14 0, for arms Pur-
chased for his Company, & for Drummers & fifers wages £63 6 6,
to be charged to the Captain, & £6 7 6 to this State.
A Commission was granted to Mr. George Evans, Surgeon to the
3 Battalion of Militia of the City & Liberties of Philadelphia.
Resolved, That Major Isaac Melchor, Mr. Thomas Smith and
Captain William Davis, be authorized and empowered, with Mr,
Christopher Marshall and Mr. Thomas Casdrop, to provide and take
care of the Sick Troops daily coming to this City from Camp, and
that they make use of any Empty Houses and Stores, and other
I 20943 5
36 MINUTES OF THE
buildings in this City and the Liberties thereof,- which they may
think convenient for Lodging such Troops ; and that they take to*
their assistance in performing the said Trust, such discreet Per-
sons as to them shall seem meet, and this board will defray every
expence thereof.
December 6th, 1776 >— Met at 3 o'Clock.
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, John Hubley,
Owen Biddle, Francis G-umey,
Benj'n Bartholomew, Joseph Blewer,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, James Cannon.
Fred. Kuhl,
Mr. Nesbittwas directed to pay Colonel Balzer GeehrdEll 7 4y
for repairing arms,- & £85 8 0, for arms taken from non-associa-
tors, to be charged to the Col ; Col. Sebastian Levan £88 2 6, for
arms taken from non-associators, to be charged to Col. Levan.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Major Philip
Marsteller, for £600, he to be accountable to the board for the
same.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Mr. Carson £11 0 0, for one pair of
delivered to David Pancoast.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Col. Andrew
Kechline, £500 advance money for his Battalion, to be charged to
his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Major Philip Marsteller M7 19 4, for Ex-
pences of a Guard at Heidelburg, during the absence of the Militia
last Summer, to preserve the peace of the Town, to be charged to
Congress.
Resolved, That all River Craft be permitted to pass from this
Harbour as Usual, notwithstanding the embargo on sea vessels.
In Council of Safety, December 7th, 1776.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, Presid't.
Timothy Matlack, John Hubley,
Owen Biddle, Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,
Joseph Blewer, Fred. Kuhl.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Wollry Meng for four Blankets,
@ 35s, £l 0 0, Mr. Phillip Hinkle *7 0 0, for 14 pr. Stock-
ings, Jacob Miller 13s for a Blanket.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 37
Elias Edidle £21 0 0, for Cloth & Blanketing d'd to Capt.
Bickham, Q'r M'r.
Resolved, That this Port shall be opened on Monday next, and
all Vessells be allowed to pass and Repass.
Resolved, That application be made to Congress for One Hun-
dred Thousand Dollars, to be applied towards Furnishing the seve-
ral officers with Bounty. Money for enlisting men on the new Es-
tablishment, and other Exigencies of this State, and that Mr. Mor-
ris and Mr. Kuhl wait on the President for that purpose.
- Commissions were filFd up and delivered to Mr. John Hillings
ibr 3rd Lieu't of the 1st Batt'n of the City & Liberties of Philad'a,
John Bartholomew 1 Lieu't, Jeremiah Fisher 2nd Lieu't, & John
Ruper, Ensign, in the 2nd Battalion of the City & Liberties of
Philad'a Militia.
Mr. Nesbitfc was directed to pay
Wm. Thomson &18 3 6, woolen & Linen Cloth, *) delivered to
Wm. Robison, 14 for a Blanket, > Capt. Bickham,
Tho's Ward, £29 9 10, for Cloth, ) Q. M.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr. Wm. Mas-
ters, for £500, to be charged to his acc't, for advance money for
Artillery.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Lieut. Col. Gur-
oey, for 1000 Dollars, for recruiting service- for the 11th Penn'a
Reg't, to be charged to Col. Richard Humpton.
Agreeable to request of this board to Congress, for an order for
one Hundred Thousand Dollars for Recruiting service,
An order drawn on Michael Hillegas, Esq'r. Continental Treas-
urer, was sent down for that sum, which was endorsed by the Pres-
ident & directed to be paid to Jno. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, Treas'r to
this board, & Mr. Wharton was requested to deliver it to Mr. Nesbitt.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Cap'n Daniel Larew, £58 13 6, for arms
taken from non-Associators, to be charged to Col. Jos. Kirkbride,
& £4 10 0 for repairs of Arms. Also, £17 6 for expences Col-
lecting arms.
Commissions were granted to Wingate Newman, Captain; Wm.
Baxter, Cap'n Lieut. ; Nathaniel Wallace, 2nd Lieut. ) & John Sober,
Lieut, fire Worker of artillery in the Militia of the City & Liberties
of Philad'a.
Adjourned to 3 O' Clock afternoon; When the following mem-
bers met :
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. President.
Owen Biddle, Chairman.
Francis Gurney, Sam'l Morris, sen'r,
James Cannon, John Hubley,
John Bull, Jos. Blewer.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favor of Amos Wilkin-
son, for 200 Dollars.
38 MINUTES OF THE
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Geo. Weis £1 0 0, for a Blanket.
Christiana Reese £29 9 3, for Cloth.
Resolved, That the several Schools in this City be opened on
Monday next, and the Education of Youth be carried on as usual.
Doctors Duffield & Delany were requested to furnish the Surgeon
of the 1st Battalion of Philad'a Militia, with such medicines as he
may want.
Major Lewis Nicola, Town Major, was directed to detach a suf-
ficient number of men enrolled under him as City guards, to escort
the Prisoners of war now confined in the State prison, to Newtown,
Bucks County, in order for exchange, by order of General Wash-
ington.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay William
Rush for Horse Hire for Expresses, £2 5 0
Augustine Ruppele, for going express to
Northumberland County to hurry the To be charg-
marching of Militia, 13 15 0 )■ ed to Con-
George Weis, for Riding express to Mary- gress.
land, 6 5 0 |
Geo. Gunther, for Riding express & at-
tending with his Horse, 5 17 6 J
Whereas, The safety and security of every State depends on the
virtuous exertions of individuals in its defence, and as such exer-
tions can never be more reasonable and necessary than where a peo-
ple are wantonly invaded by a powerfull army, for the avowed pur-
pose of enslaving them, which is at present the unhappy situation
of our neighbouring States, and which may hourly be expected in
this; therefore,
Resolved, That no excuse ought to be admitted or deemed suf-
ficient against marching of the Militia at this time, except sickness,
infirmity of Body, age, Religious Scruples, or an absolute order
from authority of this State.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Board, that every person
who is so void of Honor, virtue and Love of his Country, as to re-
fuse his assistance at this time of eminent public danger, may just-
ly be suspected of designs Inimical to the Freedom of America; And,
Where such designs are very apparent from the Conduct of Partic-
ular persons, such persons ought to be confined during the absence
of the Militia, and the Officers of this State to have particular regard
to the above resolve and to act accordingly, with vigour, Prudence
and discretion, Reserving appeals to this Council, or a Committee
thereof, where the same is requested.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 39
At a Special Meeting of the Council of Safety, December 8th,
1776—2 o'Clock, morning.
PRESENT :
DAVID BITTENHOUSE, V. Presid't.
Timothy Matlack, James Cannon,
John Hubley, Francis Gurney,
Fred. Kuhl, Joseph Blewer.
A letter was laid before the board from Col. Bayard to Mr, An-
drew Hodge, dated at Trenton, 2 o'Clock yesterday afternoon, in-
forming that General Howe was advancing at the Head of his
Army towards Head Quarters at Princetown.
Whereupon Commodore Seymour was sent for and directed to
order all the armed Boats to be dispatched to Trenton Immediately,
to assist in removing the Stores & any other service that may be
required.
Adjourned of 9 o'Clock, when the following members met :
DAVID BITTENHOUSE, Vice President.
John Bull, Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,
Timothy Matlack, John Hubley,
James Cannon, Jos. Blewer.
Owen Biddle,
Ordered, That the several Ferries, over Schuylkill, be put in a
condition to give the utmost assistance to the Citizens, and others,
who may have occasion to and repass in this Time of danger.
The Commodore was ordered up with the armed Boats to pro-
ceed to Trentown, and put himself under the directions of Gen'l
Washington, &c.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Lieut' t Hen-
derson & Boyd, for Ten Thousand Dollars, for recruiting service for
12 Penn'a Regiment, to be charged to Colonel Wm. Cook.
Adjourned to 2 o'Clock, afternoon, when the following members
met : *
DAVID BITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Timothy Matlack, Owen Biddle,
Joseph Blewer, James Cannon,
John Hubley, Frederick Kuhl.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt for £500, to be paid to
Christoph'r Marshall and Comp'y, to be charged to their acco't.
, Letters were dispatched to the Colonels or Commanding Officers
of the several Battalions of Militia in this State, informing them of
the movements of the Enemy, ani entreats them to march with
their Battalions to suceour General Washington, & empowering
them to impress Waggons to assist the Inhabitants of the Country
to remove their effects, if not to be had without.
Adjourned to 6 o'Clock.
40 MINUTES OF THE
Met :
THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, President,
Owen Biddle, Joseph Blewer,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, John Bull,
Timothy Matlack, John Hubley,
David Rittenhouse, James Cannon.
Francis Gurney,
December 9th, 1776.
Met:
THOS. WHARTON, Presid't.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
Owen Biddle, John Hubley,
Joseph Blewer, James Cannon.
Timothy Matlack,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt'n Joseph Blewer £150, for
the use of the Poor associators' Families of Southwark.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Mr. Wm. Chrispin £20, to
defray the expence of transport'g Powder to the Army.
Do. was directed to pay Wm. Richards £425, which with 1000
Dollars he rec'd for 500 bushels Salt, bro't to the State of N. Jer-
sey, make £800, to be charg'd to his acco't.
Capt. Geo. Bickham, Q'r M'r, was directed to deliver to L't
Colonel Gurney 150 Suits of New Cloaths for Col. Humpton's
Regrt.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in fav'r of Capt'n Geo. Bick-
ham, Q'r M'r, Blfty Pounds, to purchase Blankets, &c, to be
charged to his acco't.V
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in fav'r of Jacob S. Howell,
for £54 0 0, for services as Secretary to this board to this day.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Mr. Timothy
Barret, for the support of the Poor Associators' Families of Capt'n
Wade's Company of the City of Philad'a, for £12 0 0.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Frederick Schneider £14 0 0,
for attendance on the Council to this time.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Philip Boehni
of Northampton County, for one Thousand Dollars, for the use of
the Militia of that County.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in fav'r of Peter Dehaven
& Co., for £500, to be charged to their acco't.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 41
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Lieut. Win.
Moore of the 2nd Pen'a Reg't in Continental Service, to be charg'd
to Col. DeHaas, for recruiting service.
Resolved, That an order be given to John Bray, or any other
Constable, to impress a Close Carriage with Horses from Jame3
Pemberton, John Pemberton, Israel Pemberton, or Sam'l Emlen,
jun'r, to remove General Roberdeau to Lancaster.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay John Litle for 273 lbs. of nails, £27 6 0,
for the use of the Salt works on Tom's River.
Mr. Robert Towers was directed to send 3 or 4 Tons of Powder
to the Committee of Lancaster, to be stored there.
Resolved, That the regulations lately adopted by this Council
concerning Salt be no longer continued, and that all persons shall be at
Liberty to import that Article, and sell it in such manner and such
prices as they shall find voluntary Purchasers.
Adjourned to 3 o'Clock.
Met at 3 O'Clock.
TH'S WHARTON, j'r, Pies' t.
OwenBiddle, D. Rittenhouse,
John Hubley, Francis G-urney.
Jos. Blewer,
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in fav'r of Capt. Jacob Ge-
rard Dyrk, for 300 Dollars, for recruiting Service, to be charged to
Col. James Irvine.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt'n Michael Hahn £7 6 1,
for expences of a Comp'y of Militia, for Drums, &ca., 1 Ratt'n
York Co.
Wm. Brady £39 9 6, for Cloth, &ca, &ca.
John M'Dowell £2 2 0, for Lead.
Jos. Stride for Painting Gun Carriages, &ca., £Q1 4 0, 2 acco'ts.
Resolved, That the Inhabitants of this City who have Bar Iron
or other Stores necessary for Public or Private use, be freely per-
mitted to sell as usual.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favo'r of Thomas Davis,
for £100, to be charged to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in fav'r of Chris' r Marshall,
Sen'r, for ^100 0 0, to supply the Families of Poor Associators
of Capt'n Bruster's Company.
Resolved, That our Treasury and the Books of that office be
removed to Lancaster, & that a waggon be provided to-morrow mor-
ning early for that purpose.
Resolved, That Mr. Robert Erwine provide John M. Nesbitt,
Esq'r, with the first waggon that comes in for the service of the
42 MINUTES OF THE.
In Council of Safety, December 10th? 1776.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
Owen Biddle, Chairman.
Francis Gurney, Joseph Blewer,
James Cannon, John Hubler. .
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Capt. Jehu Wood of Col.
Ellis, of Glocester County, New Jersey, Seven Stand of arms, to be
charged to him.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Robert Towers £73 1 2i, for
mens' wages, Making Cartridges, &ca, £73 1 2|.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Thomas Oliver £24 0 0, for his wages work-
ing in Labretory.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Wm. Roberts £58 2 7, for Carpenters' Work
at State House.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Capt. George
Bickham, for 5000 Dollars, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Capt. Francis Grice £26 6 0, for Expences
of waggons, &ca.
Capt. Geo. Bickham was directed to pay Wm. McCormick £2
10 0, for bawling 10 Loads of Coal.
Capt. Bickham to pay James Coffie £44 11 1, for work done on
board the Delaware armed Boat.
Resolved, That the Wrardens of this City be empowered to em-
ploy persons to Patrole the Streets, in order to prevent riots, burg-
larys, and other disorders, and that they be directed to pay particu-
lar attention to the security of the Inhabitants,, taking care not to
employ any Persons disaffected to the present established Govern-
ment.
An order was drawn on Capt. Geo. Bickham, in favour of Balser
Spangler, for £169 9 8, lor wagon Hire & other expences, in Con-
veying British Prisoners from Yorktown to Brunswick.
An order was drawn on Capt. Geo. Bickham for Fifty Pounds,
for Losses sustained by him in the service of this State.
Frederick Sneider was authorized to impress four Horses for Ex-
presses.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of John Mitchel,
Esq'r, for £1500, to be charged to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Capt. Geo. Bickham, in fav'r of Lieuts.
Butler, Montgomery, Dunn, & Davis, for forty Pounds, to be
charged to Congress, for riding Express.
An order was drawn on Mr. Geo. Bickham, in fav'r of Doct'r
Jonathan Potts, for £250, to remove and Provide for the sick
soldiers, & charge the same to bis acco't.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 43
Henry Tudor i?10, for a month's Wages as Pilot on board the
Ship Montgomery.
Met at 3 o'Clock, Decem'r 10th, 1776.
OWEN BIDDLE, Chair'n.
F. Gurney, Jos. Blewer,
James Cannon, . John Hubley.
An order was drawn on Mr. Geo. Bickham, in favour of Capt'
Jos. Blewer, for £250, to supply the Families of Militia at Camp,
charge the same to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Bickham, £100, in fav'r of Proctly
Blackston, to supply the Families of Capt. Hugh Lenox Com-
pany, to be charged to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Bickham, in fav'r of Capt. Stephen
Cromzine, for £15 0 0, to be distributed among the Families of
the Poor Associators in his Company, of Berks County.
An order was drawn on Mr. Bickham for Thirty Pounds, for two
month's pay, to be due the 21st Inst.
An order on Mr. Bickham, in fav'r of Capt. Rich'd Brown of
Col. Miles' late Keg't.
Mr. Bickham to pay Tho's Adams £1 5 0, for attendance on this
Council.
Mr. Bickham to pay Mathew Greer 5611 7 6, for Cloth delivered.
Mr. Bickham to pay Thomas McKewn .£39 4 0, for Shoes &
Stockings delivered.
Resolved, That Six Honest and discreet men be appointed by
this board to examine into the causes of the Commitment of Messrs.
William Smith, Joseph Stansburry, and others, and if upon such
examination it shall appear to them that they have been guilty of
any practices tending to alienate the minds of the people from the
present Government of this State, or any thing treasonable against
the same, to certify such practices and things, and confirm the Com-
mitments of the said Persons, or any of them, until discharged by
this Council, or some other authority under the same, but if upon
such examination, there shall not appear reasonable cause of Com-
mitment of such persons to discharge them, or any of them, from
their Confinement, on making and subscribing a decleration of Fi-
delity and Allegiance to this State. In the mean time Mr. Robert
Jewell is directed and authorized to keep Messrs. Wm. Smith,
Joseph Stransburry, & others, in Custody un till so discharged.
The Council being informed by General Washington that he had
given notice to the several Colonels of Bucks County Militia with-
)ut delay to March their men to Head Quarters, and as it appears
;o this board, that the measures taken by the General is essentially
lecessary at this Critical time ; it is therefore
44 MINUTES OF THE
Resolved, That the Colonels or Commanding officers of that
County comply with the General's request without delay, any order
of this board before this nowithstanding.
In Council of Safety, Dec'r 11th, 1776.
PRESENT :
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Owen Biddle, Jos. Blewer,
John Hubley, James Cannon.
Capt. Geo. Bickham to pay Jos. Mcllvaine £66 11 1, for Ex-
pences in removing prisoners of war from Bristol to Reading.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Sam'l Wheeler for Smith's
work £56 16 10.
Robert Fitzgerald £40 2 5, for Blockmaker's work, &ea.
Col. Jos. Penrose of 10th Pen'a Reg't, 2000 Dollars for recruit-
ing service, to be charged to his acco't.
David Pancoast to purchase Wheels, &ca. for Gun Carriages
£150.
Thomas Nevill £200, to be charged to his acco't.
Resolved, That Captains Johnston's & Bethel be appointed to as-
sist Col. Dean & Lieu't Jos. Watkins, in having the Continental
Stores removed, and that they have powers to procure Guards
from the Town Major, and every other power necessary for effectually
performing the service.
Capt. Geo. Bickham was directed to pay Wm. Morris £5 5 0,
Edward Stroud £20 0 0, & John Bray £2 10, for riding express to
the Country & attendance, to be charged to Congress.
Col. Evan Evans of Chester County £2 9 4, for expence of
carrying Baggage from Chester County, & £2 0 5 for Flints & Lead
for the use of his Battalion, to be charged to Congress.
Maj'r Proctor £300, to be charged to his acco't.
Arthur Donaldson £100, to be charged to his acco't.
Bernard Galgher for a Towline for the Floating Battery Putnam,
£19 1 3.
Sam'l Moore £100, for the use of Poor Families of Capt. Fal-
coner's Company of the 3rd Battalion of this City Militia whose
Husbands are at Camp.
Col. James Moore of Chester County £100, to pay a month ad-
vance to his Battalion, to be charged to his acco't.
An order for £188 11 4, on G. Bickham, in favour of John
Redman, for
An order was drawn on Capt. Bickham, for £22 12 6, in fav'r
of Capt. Martin Wirt, for his own & 6 Semens' wages on b'd am-
munition Sloop.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 45
Isaac Yanost £7 10 0, for 60 Guner's Handspikes, d'd Mr. Jno.
Peter Groves £2 5 0, for attendance on the Council.
John Denton £33 16 0, for Breeches, &ca., delivered.
Jost Driesbach £40, to be charged to his acco't as Lieut, in
Capt'n Shade's Company in Col. Miles' Battalion.
Capt. John Redman was directed to pay Daniel Evans £56 9 6,
for Blacksmith's work done; Henry Sanderson £31 18 10, for
Swanskin, Towlinen, &ca; Wm. Grant £12 16 3, for Swanskin,
&ca ; Martin Wirt in the Service, £70, to be charged to his acco't.
James Biddle, Esq'r, for his attendance with the late Commit-
tee of Safety, 148 days a 8s, £59 4.
The following resolution of Assembly was ordered to be inserted
in the Minutes of this Council :
« In Assembly, December 10th, 1776, P. M.
'' On Motion,
" Resolved, That Andrew Caldwell, Joseph March, William
Moore, Joseph Dean, Jonathan Bayard Smith, Thomas Fitzsim-
mons and George Campbell, be appointed assistants to the Council
of Safety, who are desired to enter immediately on that Service,
who with the said Council, are hereby authorized and required to
exercise the same powers the said Council have heretofore Exer-
cised, untill further orders from this House.
" Extract from the Minutes,
"CALEB DAVIS, Cl'k, pro. temp."
Adjourned to 3 o'clock.
Met at 3 o'clock.
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhousb, V. P.
Jos. Blewer, John Hubley,
James Cannon, Sam'l C. Morris,
Francis Gurney, Owen Biddle,
Wm. Moore, Timothy Matlack.
Mr. John Redman to pay Capt. Robert Adams, for Drummers
& Fifer's wages, £10 10 0.
Mr. Redman to pay Capt. Andrew Rab £15 17 6, for Drums,
Fifes, &ca.
To pay Wm Trumbull £6 16, for Cartouch Boxes & Bayonet
belts, delivered to Mr. Towers.
Philip Wert £70, to be charged to his acco't.
Sam'l C. Morris £30, on account of his Wages for attendance
in Council, to be charged to his Account.
46 MINUTES OF THE
Abraham Mason £17 15 2, for making Sails, &ca.? for the
armed Boat Convention.
John Annis £17 2 6, for men's wages for quilting Grape Shot,
Capt. Snively of Col. Potts' s Battalion £36 5 4, for Blankets,
arms, &ca., &ca.
Capt. Lower for expences in collecting arms, &c, &c, £9 '8 9.
Capt. Richard, arms & other expences for the Company, £22-
15 6.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Mr. S C. Morris 50 axes for
Continental Service.
Mr. John Redman was directed to pay Samuel Miller £1240
7 7, being for wages & Rations of a Company of Foot, taken ,
Commanded by Van Swearengin, into pay of this State, by the late
Assembly, from February to 11 August last, in the County of
Westmoreland, for the defence of said County against the depre-
dations threatned by the Indians.
As it is of great Consequence to the people to be informed of
the situation of Public affairs, and there is no Press now in the
City capable of giving such intelligence j therefore
Resolved, That Mr. Dunlap's press and types be employed for
that purpose, and as it is a time of more than usual Danger, this
board will pay the value of them in case they should fall into the
enemy's hands.
General Washington having applied to this board to give Major
General Putnam all the Assistance in our Power toward throwing
up Works of defence for this City, which are absolutely necessary,
and as many of its Inhabitants have not taken up arms to defend
it against the invasion with which it is now threatened, whose indis-
pensable duty it is to Contribute in some way to the Common de-
fence; therefore,
Resolved, That all able bodied men, inhabitants of this City and
environs, do contribute their equal proportion of Labour, either by
themselves or their Substitutes, towards raising the necessary works
of defence j the persons so employed to have the same pay and Rations
as the Militia now in the field, and in case any person shall neglect
or refuse to serve in his turn, the Commanding officer, or such person
as he shall appoint for that purpose, is hereby authorized to Seize
and make sale of the Goods and Chattels of the respective delin-
quents, to the amount of such Sum as shall induce another person
to perform the work in their Stead; And it is recommended to the
General to call forth the inhabitants to this Service by regular rota-
tion, in such manner as may most effectually promote the same.
[Here follows one and a half blank pages in Council Book.]
COUNCIL OF SAFETY, 47
December 12th, 1776.
PRESENT I
THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Presid't.
Owen Biddle, Chairman.
John Hubley, Timothy Matlack,
Jos-. Blewer, Fred. Kuhl,
David Rittenhouse, James Cannon,
Wm. Moore, Sam'l Morris, Sen'r.
Francis Gurney,
Mr. John Redman was directed to pay Mr. Christopher Marshall,
Sen'r, for £112 10 0, to provide for the poor of Capt. Bruster's
Company.
Mr. Redman to pay Philip Boehm & Jacob Utrey £100, for the
poor of Capt. Wills' Company, 1 Batt'n.
Mr. John Redman to pay Jer. Baker £103 13 3, for wood de-
livered at the Barracks.
Mr. Robt. Towers was directed to deliver to Col. Penrose, arms,
accoutrements & amunition for all his men.
Mr. Redman was directed to pay Mr. John Hubley £20, towards
his wages for attendance on Council, to be charged to his acco't.
Messrs. Mease <fe Caldwell were directed to deliver Blankets &
Clothing for all his men.
Resolved, That Col. Penrose take the twenty men of Col. Miles's
Battalion now in Town, & join them to his Battalion for the pre-
sent.
Mr. Redman was directed to pay John Beyeley, for work done
for the Dellewar Galley, £4 12.
Mr. Redman was directed to pay Capt. Stephen Bayard for re-
cruiting Services for 3 Penn'a Reg't, Commanded by Col. Wood.
Mr. Redman was directed to pay James Galbreath for Linen,
Buckskin Breeches, £82 19 6.
Frederick Snyder for a Blanket, £1 0 0
Esther Burke, for nursing sick of Col. Miles Batt'n 2 weeks, £1 2 0
Resolved, That Capt. Joseph Stiles be employed in Superintend-
ing the Elabratory for providing Stores for our Galley's and other
armaments of this State, to assist Mr. Robert Towers.
A Commission was granted to Thomas Philips, first Lieutenant of
the armed Boat Delaware, dated this day.
Mr. Redman was directed to pay Peter Lower £'73 11 0, for arms
taken from Non-associators, to be charged to Col. Thomas Potts, &
to Capt. Shiner £%> 15 0, for Waggon Hire, to be charged to Con-
Mr. Redman to pay Mr. Rob't Jewell 400 Dollars, to be charged
to his acco't.
48 MINUTES OF THE
Mr. Redman to pay Major Nicola £30, for expenees attending
Guards.
Mr. Jno. Redman was directed to pay Capt. Richard Brown, of
Col. Miles' Battalion, for 8 Rifles, £43 10 6
for 24 Waggon Hire, £24 00 0
for his Rations 77 days 2s 3 } «8 -,« q
from 27th August to Nov'r 12th, j *8 l6 *
An order was drawn on Mr. Jno. Redman, in favour of Messrs.
Ross & Ega for £1200, on acc't of Shott cast for this State, to be
charged to his acco't.
Mr. John Redman was directed to pay Mr. James Old for £2000,
to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Redman was directed to pay Col. John Patton £350, to-
wards Cannon Shot Cast by him for this State, to be charged to his
acco't.
In Council of Safety, December 13th, 1776.
present :
THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Presid't.
David Rittenhouse, Owen Biddle,
John Bull, Francis Gurney,
James Cannon, Joseph Blewer,
Wm. Moore, Timothy Matlack.
Resolved, That Peter Dehaven be directed to procure Waggons
to Carry the Tools belonging to the Gunlock Factory, and such
arms as want repair, to some convenient place, not more than 30
miles from Philadelphia, there to erect the Factory.
An order was drawn on Mr. Jno. Redman, in fav'r of Paul
Fooks for £50, to supply Families of Poor Militia of Capt. Boyd's
Comp'y of 2nd Battalion of this City.
Mr. John Redman was directed to pay Mr. Rob't Connolly 400
Dollars, for recruiting service for 4th Penn'a Reg't, to be charged to
the Reg't.
Mr. Redman to pay For arms & Blankets taken from non-asso-
ciators, £90 13 0, to be charged to Col. Potts.
Mr. Redman was directed to pay Tho's Wharton, jun'r, Esq'r,
One Hundred & Thirty Pounds, in part, for Services at this board.
Mr. Redman was directed to pay Col. John Bull 600 Dollars, to
advance a month's pay to his Battalion of Philad'a County.
Mr. Redman to pay Col. Francis Johnson 500 Dollars, for re-
cruiting service for the 5th Penn'a Regiment, to be charged to
Col. Anthony Wayne.
Mr. Redman to pay Col. Rich'd Thomas £2 11 6, for repainDg
Arms.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 49
Mr. Redman to pay Henry Huber £30, towards manufacturing
Powder, to be charged to his acco't.
Lieu't Col. Curry to deliver Henry Huber one Ton of Salt
Petre.
An order was drawn on Mr. Redman, in fav'r of Lieut. Col.
Geo. Nagle for 1000 Dollars, on acco't of Recruiting Service for
9th Pen'a Reg't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Redman, in favour of Capt. Gibs
Jones, 200 Dollars, advance money to his Company of voluntiers.
Mr. Redman was directed to pay Col. Arthur Erwin, of Bucks
County, Two Hundred Pounds, to advance a month's pay to his
Battalion of Militia of Bucks County, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Robert Towers was directed to deliver Col. Arthur Erwin
arms & accoutrements for 66 men, he to be accountable.
Resolved, That the officers of Militia who can raise indiscrimi-
nately, out of any Battalion or Battalions, a number of men to join
General Washington's Army, are hereby fully authorized and em-
powered so to do; and it is recommended to all the said Officers to
use their best endeavours to forward this salutary business, agreeable
to the Resolves of the Honorable House of Assembly of yesterday,
for which purpose they shall be paid all reasonable Expences.
Resolved, That Col. John Bull be empowered to employ a num-
ber of Waggons to remove the Powder and other Military Stores
from the New Powder Mills at French Creek and Norrington
towards Lancaster, there to remain untill further orders, under the
care of such persons as he shall appoint to Guard the same.
An order was drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, Treas'r, in
fav'r of Capt. Sam'l Miller, for ^3000, on acco't of Pay for the
8th Penn'a Regiment, & charge the same to Colonel Eneas McCoy.
Capt, Bickham was directed to deliver Capt. John Jacobs 14
p'r shoes & 14 pTr Stockings.
In Council of Safety, December 14th, 1776.
PRESENT I
DAVID RITTEN HOUSE, V. P.
Owen Biddle, Jos. Blewer,
Wm. Moore, Francis Gurney,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, James Gannon.
Timothy Matlack,
Mr. John Redman was directed to pay Lieut. Peter Shaffner 40
Dollars, in part of Pay due, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Redman was directed to pay Wm. Thomson for Swanskin,
elivered to Capt'n Bickham, £1 6 10.
VOL. XI. — 4.
50 MINUTES OF THE
Jamea Ennis £% 7 6, for riding Express, &c, to be charged to
Congress.
John Kencil, for riding Express to Chester County, to carry
orders to bring in waggons, £5 0 0.
Resolved, That the Stores and Shops in this city be immediately
opened by the owners, and goods sold as usual.
Messrs. Mease & Caldwell were requested to deliver to CapL
Win. Potts Twenty-five Blankets, for the use of his men on board
the armed Boat under his Command.
Mr. Redman was directed to pay Josiah Hewes £&% 10 0, for
9 muskets delivered to Mr. Towers.
George G-enter £8 5 0, for going Express, & attendance on with
a Horse, to be charged to Congress.
Capt. John Jacobs <£100, to bear expences of his Company in
Guarding State Prisoners to Baltimore.
Geo. Genter £8 5 0, for riding Express & attendance, &ca., to-
be charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Redman in fav'r of Jacob Lush for
£50, to be charged to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Redman in fav'r of Doct'r Robt,
Harris for £100, to be charged to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Redman in favour of Col. Evan
Evans for 1000 Dollars, to pay his Battalion of Militia a month's
wages advance, to be charged to his acco't.
Resolved, That Capt. John Redman, Paymaster, do proceed Im-
mediately to the Quarters of the Pennsylvania Regiment now un-
der the Command of Major Enion Williams, and pay off so much
of what is due to the officers & men of said Regiment as the said
Major shall think proper.
Resolved, That Doct'r Thomas Young be appointed to assist
Doct'r Potts in taking care of sick soldiers of the army, for which
he shall have the rank and pay of Senior Surgeon in the Conti-
nental Hospital.
In Council of Safety, December 15th, 1776,
present :
THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
Owen Riddle, Joseph Blewer,
John Bull, Francis Gurney,
Timothy Matlack, Wm. Moore.
James Cannon,
An order was drawn on Messrs. Mease & Caldwell, in fav'r of
Mr. Geo. Strahly, for 15,000 Dollars, to be delivered to the Com-
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. . 51
mifctee of Lancaster County, for the purpose of paying the Militia
now about to March to Camp.
'An order was drawn on Messrs. Jno. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, in favour
of Mr. John Shaffer, Paymaster, for 2000 Dollars, for the pur-
pose of paying a month's wages advance to the 1st Batt'n of Militia
of the City and Liberties of Philad'a, he to be accountable.
An order was drawn on Messrs. Mease & Caldwell, in favour of
Lt. Col. Wm. Dewees, for 300 Dollars, to be charged to Col. Pas-
cliall, to pay a month's advance to his Batt'n of Militia.
An order was drawn on Jno. Nesbitt for two hundred Dollars^
pay'ble to Capt. Jno. McPherson, & charge them to his acco't.
In Council of Safety, December 16th, 1776.
PRESENT :
THOMAS WHARTON, j'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, V. P,
Owen Biddle, Francis G-urney,
Wm. Moore, Joseph Blewer,
James Cannon, John Bull.
Resolved, That Francis Nichols be promoted to the rank of Cap-
tain, and that in Consideration of his sufferings & services, that he
have pay and rank from the time of his late Captain's death, on the
1st day of January last.
Resolved , That Isaac Melchor be appointed Barrack Master
General of this State, with the rank of Colonel.
Capt. John Read, Barrack Master at Fort Island, was directed
to deliver to Cqlonel Melchor One hundred Cords of Wood, for the
use of the Barracks in this City, &ca.
John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, Treasurer, was directed to pay Mrs.
Connely £8 2 6, for 6£ weeks' allowance granted by Congress, at
25s f week, (from 28 Oct'r to 12th Dec'r.)
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Wilson £2 5 0, for dis-
tributing advertisements.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Samuel — a month's
wages as Carpenter on board the armed Boat Commanded by Capt.
Houston, £b 0 0.
Two orders were drawn on Mr. Prichet to deliver Col. Greer 30
►ushels of Salt, & Col. Hunter 30 Bushels of salt, both of Berks
bounty.
Mr. Rob't Eastburn was directed to deliver James Elder one
raggon Load of Salt, for the use of the militia of Cumberland
"ounty.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Stephen Bayard 1000
Mlarsj for recruiting service for Col. Wood's Regiment.
52 MINUTES OF THE
Mr. Nesbitt to pay John McTennet £15 0 0, for Stone delivered
at the Piers at Fort Island.
Hall & Allen £28 0 6, for Iron Work for Piers.
David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, £40, on acco't of His services as mem-
ber of the late Committee & the present Council of Safety.
Messrs. Mease & Caldwell were requested to deliver to Capt.
Joseph Blewer 20 Blankets, for the use of the armed Boat Com-
manded by Capt. Garland.
Resolved, That any person who shall pass Schuylkil on the
Bridge erected at the Middle Ferry, who are not in public service,
shall pay a Toll to Mr. Joseph Ogden equal to the Customary
ferriage, untill further orders from this Council, as it was not the
intention of this Board to injure the revenues of Mr. Ogden, who
is subject to rent and his usual expence.
Whereas, The Committee of Easton have appointed Mr. Abra-
ham Berlin to provide provision, Fire wood, & other necessaries for
the sick Soldiers at Eastown,
Resolved, That this Council will make a reasonable Compensa-
tion to Mr. Abraham Berlin for His Trouble and Fatigue in this
Business.
Resolved, That Mr. Benjamin Paschall, withDoct'r Young, view
the sick Soldiers in the Hospital in and about the City, and take
an account of the names of each, with the Regiment and Company
they belong to, and make a return of it to the Commissary, who ia
to supply all such with Rations as they may think proper, and
point out those who are fit for duty to their respective Corps, and
discharge those whose times are out and have recovered.
Resolved, That Capt. Blewer be authorized to make such an al-
lowance to the Families of those men who are in our naval service
as he finds necessary.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr. Jacob
Shoemaker, for 600 Dollars, to be charged to the Committee of
Easton, for the purpose of providing for the sick Soldiers there.
An order was drawn on Mr. Towers, in favour of Major Geo.
Erwin, for 300 stand of arms & Accoutrements for Col. Porter's
Battalion of Lancaster County.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay James Teas £16 0 3; for Linen
r& woolen delivered to Capt. Bickham.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 53
In Council of Safety, December 17th, 1776.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Ritenhouse, James Cannon-
Timothy Matlack, Owen Biddle,
Joseph Dean, Francis Gurney,
Joseph Blewer, John Bull.
Wm. Moore,
An order was drawn on Jno. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, Treas'r, in fav'r
of Mr. Rob't Irwin, for £300.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Doct'r G. Clarkson £84, for at-
tending sick soldiers, to be charged to Congress, & £12 0 0, for
attending sick soldiers belonging to Major Proctor's Comp'y.
Messrs. Peter Dehaven & Co. £500, to be charged to their acco't.
Mr. Tho's Nevil £200, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Benj'n Poultney £373 5 3?
for Shovels delivered to Capt. Bickham.
Mr. Jacob Shoemaker £71 15 0, for Arms taken from non-As-
sociators in Northampton County, to be charged to Col. Geo. Tay-
lor.
Resolved, That all Waggoners who come to this City in pursu-
ance of the request of this board, in order to Convey the public
Stores to proper Magazines, do, at their arrival in this City, apply
to Mr. Rob't Erwin, Waggon Master General, to be entered for
that service, & that their accounts be settled & paid by Mr. Erwin,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Samuel Snowden£4 15 0, for
Porterage of Cannon, &ca, &ca, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. George Losh was requested to deliver to William Henry,
Esq'r, at Lancaster, such powder as he has made or may make out
of the Salt Petre delivered him by this Council.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favor of Philip Bcehmr
for £15 0 0, for the purpose of providing for the Poor families of
Militia of Capt. Hassenclever's Comp'y of 1st Batt'n of the City
& Liberties of Philad'a.
Mr. JSTesbitt to pay Arch'd Fleming £5 9 3, for Cloth, &ca, d'd
Capt. Bickham.
Thomas Moss, for Boarding & Nursing a sick soldier belonging
to Major Proctor's Artillery, £7 17 If.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of David Dashler,
for 2000 Dollars, to be paid to Peter Rhoads, Esq'r, of Northamp-
ton County, for the purpose of paying a Month's wages advance to
the Militia of said County, to be charged to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Capt. John Da-
vis, for recruiting service of the 9th Penn'a Reg't, to be charged
to Colonel James Irvine.
54 MINUTES OF THE
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay an order drawn by Win. Lyon,
Esq'r, on this Board, in fav'r of Stephen Duncan, for 1600 Dollars,
for the use of the Militia of Cumberland County, to be charged
Mr. Lyons.
Messrs. Mease & Caldwell were requested to deliver 25 Blankets
for the 1st Batt'n Philad'a Militia.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay :
The widow Spring £6 10 0, for Storage of Powder.
John Wiley £2 6 0, for 4 y'ds Swanskin.
Resolved, That it be recommended to General Washington to
issue orders immediately for the Militia of Bucks and Northamp-
ton Counties forthwith to join his Army, and to send out parties to
disarm every Person who does not obey the Summons, and to seize
and treat as Enemies all those who shall attempt to oppose the Ex-
ecution of this measure, and likewise every person in those Coun-
ties who are known or suspected to be enemies to the United
States.
Resolved, That Mr. Henry Stiles be appointed Quarter Master, and
Doct'r Michael Jennings Surgeon, to the 11th Pennsylvania Regi-
ment, Commanded by Col. Richard Humpton.
On Motion,
Resolved, That all the persons who have been promoted to the
rank of Colonels, who had rank or precedence of Colonel Joseph
Wood, before he was promoted from the rank of Major, ought, in
the opinion of this Council, still to take Rank and precedence of
the said Colonel Wood, & that they do take rank accordingly.
Jn Council of Safety, December 18th, 1776.
PRESENT I
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
Owen Biddle, Francis Gurney,
John Bull, Joseph Dean,
Jos. Blewer, Timothy Matlack,
Wm. Lyon, James Cannon.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr. Robert
Erwin, for £300, to be charged to his Acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Rob't Towers £148 1 0,
for men's wages, & Sundry Expences, for working at the Elaboratory,
&ca., &ca.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of John Cox, Esq'r,
One Thousand Pounds, on acco't of Shot, &ca., Cast for this State,
to be charged to his Acco't.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 55
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Major William
Masters, for Fifty Pounds, for the purpose of providing for tbe
poor Families of Militia in Captain Jehu Eyres' Company of Mili-
tia, he to be accountable-.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Gauen M. Gnady £10 6 0, for
arms purchased in Bucks County, from non-associators.
Resolved, That every waggoner who refuses to take his proper
Load, as directed by this Council or Quarter Master General, ought
to be immediately discharged the service, without pay.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Mark M'Caslin Ten Barrels
of Powder, for the use of the Garrison at Fort Island.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Edward Hinderson, a Soldier in
Col. Miles' Riffle Regiment, £4 10.
An order in favor of John Paul passed for £3 0 0, for dieting
Militia ; Mr. Dean.
Two acco'ts pass for dieting Militia, in fav'r of Jacob Cline, -£4
12 0.
Mr. Robert Towers was directed to deliver Capt. Jacob Rudolph,
of 1st Batt'n of Philad'a County, Thirty-five Stand of Arms, tak-
ing his receipt.
Resolved, That the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion of
Philadelphia County Militia be authorized and required to send a
Number of men in different parties, to compell all the able bodied
men within the district to which it belongs to join the said Battalion
immediately, except such as refuse from Religious scruples, or are
excusable on aecount of age or some bodily infirmity; and all offi-
cers & privates are required to give aid & assistance to accomplish
the same. t
Besolved, That Allen Moore be appointed Captain of the Guard
Stationed at the Middle Ferry, on Schuylkill, for the protection of
the Floating Bridge.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Jos. Watkins £100 16 0.
In Council of Safety, December 19th, 1776.
present :
THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, President.
Wm. Moore, David Rittenhouse,
Owen Biddle, James Cannon,
Timothy Matlack, Joseph Blewer.
Joseph Dean,
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Col. Isaac Mel-
chor, Barrack Master General, for Three Hundred Dollars, he to
be accountable,
56 MINUTES OF THE
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Henry Litinan £154 11 2,
for Iron Works for the works at Billingsport.
Resolved, That Mr. Benjamin Paschall be employed to procure
a Thousand pajr of shoes for our Troops, on the best terms he can,
and as speedily as Possible, and the Council will pay for the same,
and allow him a reasonable Compensation for his services.
Resolved, That Capt. Thomas Leech be appointed to take care
of the sick soldiers in and near this City, in the room of Mr. Ben-
jamin Paschall, who is appointed to another service.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Timothy Bar-
ret, Fifty Pounds, for the use of poor associators of Capt.
Wade's Comp'y of 2nd Batt'n of this City, to be charged to his
acco't.
Jno. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, was directed to pay three accounts of
arms taken from non- Associators in Berks County, to be charged
to Col. Hunter of 6th Battalion, vizt.:
One acco't 56 7 6,
One do. 18 6,
One do. 56 7.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Jacob Bright £50, for the purpose of sup-
plying poor families of Militia, 2 Batt'n, of Philad'a, Capt. Smith's
Company, he to be accountable.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Capt. Finley £9 19 0, for repairing arms be-
longing to Col. Hunter's Batt'n, Berks County.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay John Robeson £Q 0 0, for a Riffle.
John Allison, 40 0 0, for a do.
Thomas Darroch, 6 0 0, for a do.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Geo. Weiss £12 12 0, for 18 pair of Shoes
delivered to Capt. Bickham.
Resolved, Ricliff Alberson be appointed Lieutenant to Captain
Allen Moore.
Messrs. Mease & Caldwell were directed to deliver to Capt. Mat-
thew Henderson 35 Blankets.
Resolved, That Lewis Nicola, Esq'r, Town Major, do supply
Capt. Allen Moore with Sixteen trusty men, to Guard the Floating
Bridge over Schuylkill.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY 57
In Council of Safety, December 20th, 1776.
PRESENT :
THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
John Bayard, Timothy Matlack,
Joseph Dean, Joseph Blewer,
Owen Biddle, Francis Gurney.
James Cannon, John Bull.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Ludwick Sb 7 3, for re-
pairing arms, &ca,, <fe also £7 15 0, for Bayonets, &ca.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Matthew Whitehead £430, for Repairing
public arms.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr. Benjamin
Paschall, for 1000 Dollars, for the purpose of purchasing Shoes for
the army, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Elias Botner £20 7 0, for leathering drag
Ropes, Budge Barrels, &ca., for artillery, to be charged to Con-
gress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. John Murray one Thou-
sand Dollars, for recruiting Service for the Penn'a Regiment, he to
be accountable. ,
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Capt. Woelper 18s 3, for 6 Buckets, left at
the Powder.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver to Capt. Crawford, of the
second Battalion of Cumberland County, Commanded by Col. Alli-
son, Sixteen Muskets with Baggonets.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Lieut't George Jenkins, for
bringing in a deserter from New G-ermantown, £2 12.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Capt. George Bickham 1000
Dollars, to be charged to his acco't.
Resolved, That Mr. John Cummings be requested to purchase
such necessaries as the Sick Soldiers in the House of Employment
require, & to exhibit his acco't to this Council.
58 MINUTES OF THE
In Council of Safety, Dec'r21st, 1776.
TRESENT :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
Owen Biddle, Chairman.
Joseph Blewer, William Lyon,
James Cannon, John Bull,
Francis Gurney, Wm. Moore.
Joseph Dean,
Resolved, That it be recommended to the Several Commissaries
in the American Army, to Furnish the Tanners who are associators
with Hides in preference to all others, they paying for the same.
Resolved, That Col. Dean and Col. Gurney, make inquiry what
Quantity and kinds of Stores there are now in this City belonging
to this State, and that such as are not immediately wanted, be de-
livered to Mr. Jedediah Snowden, who is requested to send them
to Lancaster, under the care of the committee of that town.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Mr. Gustavus
Resberg, for £250, to be charged to Capt. Jos. Copperthwaite, for
the use of the Continental Powder Mill.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in fav'r of Lieut. Col.
Francis Gurney, for 500 Dollars, for account of Goods purchased
for the army, & charge the same to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Wm. Thorn,
for £10, for the purpose of supplying the Poor Families of Capt.
Hodges' Company, of the 2nd Battalion of Militia of this City.
Mr. Robert Towers was directed to deliver to Mr. Lattimer 20
Muskets, 19 Bayonets, Bayonet belts, & 13 Cartouch Boxes, for
the Delaware Militia, to be charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Messrs. Peter
Dehaven & Co., for £200, to be charged to their acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Mr. Peter Dehaven £200, for to be delivered
to Lieutenant Col. Dewees, for Building Barracks at French Creek
Powder Mill, to be charged to Col. Dewees.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Capt. Wm. Bidley a month's wages for him-
self & Company, they being stationed as a Guard at the Continen-
tal Powder Mill on French Creek, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Capt. Jno. Porter £4 16 0, for wages for
Drum & fife belonging to his Company of Colonel Bull's Bat-
talion.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Daniel Evens £74 0 3, for Iron
Work for Public Use.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Capt. Thomas Dungan £27 16 11, for Horse
Hire & expences for himself & 12 men.
, COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 59
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Col. Armstrong such arms &
accoutrements as he may want, taking his receipt.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Ab'm Mason for work done by several men
at the Elaboratory, J211 1 6, to be charged to Congress.
John Hudson £3 0 0, for 3 Blankets delivered to Mr. Bickham.
Mr.. Nesbitt was directed to pay Jacob Hartman £Z 5 0, for a
Musket delivered to Capt. Dungan, to be charged to Col. Hill.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay on acco't for work done by sundry persons at
Elaboratory, ^9 11 0.
• Decem'r22d, 1776.
PRESENT I
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, Y. P.
Owen Biddle, Chairman.
Francis Gurney, Ja's Cannon,
John Bull, Joseph Dean.
Joseph Blewer,
Robert Burton, Leatherbury Barker, William Barker, William
Bagwell, Littleton Townsend, William Redding & Cunning-
ham, were committed to the State prison, being Enemies to the
United States. •
Resolved, That all able bodied men of the Townships of Moya-
mensing & Passyunk, those who have religious scruples against bear-
ing arms alone excepted, are ordered to wait on General Putnam at
2 o'Clock to-morrow afternoon, with what arms and accoutrements
they may have in their possession, to receive his orders, and the
officers of the Militia in said Townships are directed to deliver into
the Council a list of all persons as neglect or refuse to comply with
this resolve.
Resolved, That all able bodied men of the Townships of Moya-
mensing & Passyunk, those who have religious scruples against bear-
ing arms alone excepted, be ordered to wait on General Putnam at
2 o'Clock to-morrow afternoon, with the arms & accoutrements
which they have in Possession, to receive his orders, and the Officers
of %he Militia in said Townships are directed to deliver to the Colo-
nel a list of all those who neglect or refuse to comply with this
resolve.
Dan'l Bancroft committed to Goal, he being sent from the Jersey
"by Colonel Griffin, susp'd of a Spy.
60 MINUTES OF THE
la Council of Safety, Decern. 23d, 1776.
PRESENT I
THO. WHARTON, Pres'd.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
Owen Biddle, Joseph Blewer,
Joseph Dean, Wm. Lyon.
James Cannon,
Mr. J. Brown was directed to deliver 40 bushels of Wheat to
Alexander Lewis, for the use of Twenty Teams in the public ser-
vice, he paying for the same.
Mr. Erwin was directed to pay Alexander Lewis £11 5, for his
service as Master of a Brigade of Wagons.
Resolved, That the Constables belonging to the City & Liberties,
be directed immediately to go round the several wards & Districts,
in Conjunction with such persons as Captain Delany shall appoint,
to take lists of all males from sixteen to fifty years of age, and make
returns to this Council, for which they shall be allowed reasonable
wages.
Resolved, That it be recommended to Captain Sharpe Delaney to
send the party under his Command, with the Constables of the City
and Districts, to assist them in making a return to this Council of
the male Inhabitants fit to bear arms. «
The Council ordered J. M. Nesbit, Esq'r, to pay Wm. Clarke
Forty-Two Pounds for 56 days Service.
The Council order'd J. M. Nesbitt to pay Martin Pendergast
Eighty-one Pounds 16s.
The Council order'd J. M. Nesbitt to pay Coll'l Gurney twenty-
two Pounds 2s, on aec't of Goods deliver'd G. Bickman, Q'r M'r.
Drawn an order on Mr. Nesbitt for ^612 for two Rifles, delivr,d
to John McConnell, of Col. Jos. Armstrong's Battalion, Cumber-
land Co.
Mr. Nesbitt order'd to pay Jno. Brown for services in sinking
the Chevaux de Frize at Billingsport, Fifty-four Pounds five shil-
lings & six pence, to be charged to Congress.
Order drawn on Mease & Caldwell to pay Col. Evans one thou-
sand Dollars, to pay a month's advance to his Batt'n.
Order drawn on Mr. Nesbitt to pay G. Bickham, or order, Three
Thousand Dollars, to be charged to his acco't.
Order Drawn on J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, to pay Rob't Towers one
Hundred & Eighty Pounds thirteen Shillings & Nine Pence.
J. M. Nesbitt order'd to pay John Elmslie thirty-two Pounds
Twelve Shillings & Nine pence, for making moulds for 3 4 & 6
Pounders.
J. M. Nesbitt order'd to pay Benjamin Croffts Five Pounds on
acco't for Painting the Galleys.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 61
In Council of Safety, Dec'r 24th, 1776.
PRESENT :
THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Presid't
David Ritten house, V. Pr't.
Joseph Blewer, Francis Gurney,
Joseph Dean, James Cannon,
John Bull, Timothy Matlack.
William Lyon,
J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, order'd to pay Benjamin Town Seventeen
Pounds four Shillings.
Order Drawn on Rob't Towers, Esq'r, in favour of Col. Joseph
Armstrong, 5th Batt'n Cumberland Militia, for fifteen Powder
Horns, fifteen Pouches, fifty Belts, & fifty Canteens, to be Charged
to Col. Armstrong.
' Order Drawn on G. Bickham, in favour of Col. Armstrong, 5th
Batt'n Cumberland Militia, for 20 Blankets, to be charged the
Col.
Order Drawn on Robert Towers to deliver Capt'n Newman three
Hundred Twelve Pound Shott.
Order Drawn on J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, to pay him five Pounds,
for services done at Fort Island.
Order drawn on Col. Biddle to deliver Wm. Marshal 1 Napsack,
to be charged Capt'n Boyd, 2nd Batt'n, P. Militia.
J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, was order'd to pay John Carr (a man that
broke the rim of his Belly) half wages, 'till further orders.
Resolved, That Mr. James Carter be requested to collect all the
old arms in and about this City, belonging to this State, and have
the same repaired and delivered to Mr. Robert Towers.
Messrs. Mease & Cadwell were requested to pay Capt'n Tho's
Manuel, of Maryland Militia, thirty Pounds.
Resolved, That Mr. Robert Erwin, Waggon Master, do pay for
every Waggon with four horses, in service by the order of this
Council, at the rate of Thirty Shillings p'r Day, on a proper Cer-
tificate of the Time of Entry being produced to him.
J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, was order'd to pay Twenty-three Pounds
fifteen shillings, for arms & accoutrements purchased by Robt.
Culberson.
J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, was order'd to pay Twelve Pounds ten
Shillings & six pence for Blankets bought by Robt. Culberson, for
the use of his Company.
Order'd, G. Bickham to pay Wm. Gibbons three Pounds, for
Breakfast for 80 men of Capt'n Jacob Drkt's Company, belonging
to the 1st Batt'n of York County Militia.
J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, was order'd to pay Col'l Richard Thomas
Seventy-five Pounds, for advance money to his Battalion, to be
charged to his acco't.
SS MINUTES OF THE
In Council of Safety, Dec'r 25th, 1776
PRESENT :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, Presid't.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
Owen Biddle, James Cannon,
Joseph Dean, John Bull,
Francis Gurney, William Lyon.
J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, was order'd to pay Geo. Gintner thirteen
Pounds ten Shillings, for attendance &, Riding express, to be charged
to Congress.
Dispatches to Chester County was sent p'r Coll'l Thomas.
Order drawn on J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, to pay Tho's Marie Twenty
Pounds, on ace's for fixing the chain & tilling Piers at Fort
Island.
Ordered Geo. Bickham to pay Wm. Jenkins Eight Pounds two*
k 6d, for victualling two Companys belonging to 4th Batt'n North-
ampton, under Major Vancamp.
The Present Campaigne has convinced us that it may be fre-
quently necessary to call forth the Militia in defence of our Liber-
ties, and that their force may be exerted to the greatest advantage,
it is become highly Proper and necessary that they be formed
into regular Brigades.
There/ore Resolved, That it be recommended to the field officers
of every ten or twelve Battalions of Militia lying contigious to
each other, to form themselves into Brigades as soon as convenient,
and to recommend to this Council three or more persons for each
Brigade, whom they shall esteem best qualified for the Commission
of a Brigadier General, and this Council will grant Commissions
to such of them as shall appear best qualified for the service.
Resolved, That John Cadwallader, Esq'r, be appointed a Briga-
dier General of Militia in this State.
Resolved, That Samuel Miles, Esq'r, be appointed a Brigadier
General of the regular Forces raised for the defence of this State.
Order drawn on Geo. Bickham to pay Capt'n Ja's Morrison
Niue Pounds twelve & six pence, for mileage, to be charged to
Congress.
Order drawn on G. Bickham to pay Capt'n Tho's Whiteside six-
teen Pounds seven & 6d, for mileage, to be charged to Congress.
Order drawn on J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, to pay Thos. Whitely
three Pounds, for taking up a deserter from Coll'l Hand's Regi-
meut.
Order on G. Rickman t« pay Jas. Cannon, Esq'r, thirty Pounds,
oa acco't of services, in Council.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 6a
In Council of Safety, Dec'r 26th, 1776,
PRESENT :
THOMAS WHARTON, Jun'r, Presid't.
Joseph Blewer, Owen Biddle,
Joseph Dean, James Cannon,
John Bull, William Lyon.
Order drawn on G. Bickham to pay Ten Pounds Seven Shillings
& 6d, for Victualling the first Division of 3rd Batt'n of Northamp-
ton Militia, to be charged to Congress.
Commissions fill'd for first Batt'n, Philad'a Militia, Wm. Bowers,
Capt. Will'm Garwood k Jon'n Grice, Lieut'ts Wm. Salter & Wrm,
Rice, Ensigns.
Order on J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, to pay Major Proctor six Hund'd
Dollars to pay his men, now under marching orders.
Order drawn on J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, to pay Everhard McLeish
one Hundred & fifteen Pounds 17s, on acco't of Boarding Soldiers.
.Resolved, That the Waggon masters be impowered to put up
their Horses in such Stables & Shedds as they may find fit to re-
ceive them, and to see them supplied, paying the accustomed Prices
for the same.
Order on G. Bickham to pay Alex'r Alexander three Pounds ten
shillings, for 3 Blankets del'd said Bickham.
Order drawn on G. Bickham to pay Jas. Hamilton Eleven
Pounds Eleven Shillings & 9d, for Cloath deiiver'd said Bickham,
Order on G. Bickham to pay Jas. Hamilton, Five Pounds Eleven
shillings, for Hose & Wastecoats deiiver'd said Bickham.
Order drawn on G. Bickham, Qu'r M'r, to deliver Col. Melchior,
B. ||; G., Forty Blankets, for the use of the Milatary Hospital.
Commission made out for Jno. Rosbrugh as Chaplain to 3rd
Batt'n of Northampton Militia.
Resolved, That Mr. Coats be employed in the North End of the
City to assist Mr. Marshall in taking care of the sick.
Order on J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, to pay Jermiah Simmons twelve
Pounds & six pence.
Order on G. Bickham to pay Capt'n McKee Two Pounds, for ex-
penses and subsistance money for marching his Company (belong-
ing to 5th Batt'n of Cumberland Militia, und'r Col'l Armstrong) to
Philad'a.
Order on G. Bickham to pay Ens'n Jon'n Martin thirty Shill'g,
for marching a detatchment of Capt. M'Kee's Comp'y, Belonging
to 5th Batt'n of Cumberland, to Philad'a.
Order on G. Bickham to pay L't Murphy Thirty-one shillings k
3d., for expences in marching a Detatchment of Men by Philad'a,
belonging to 5th Batt'n of Cumberl'dL
64 MINUTES OF THE
Commissions fill'd for Jno. Sigfret, L't Coll, 3rd Batt'n, North-
ampton.
Commission fil'd for Jno. Righter, 2nd L't 4th Batt'n, Philad'a
County, Geo. Piper, Ens'n, 4th Batt'n, Philad'a County.
Order on Messrs. Mease & Cadwell, to pay Major Gabriel Heis-
tertwo Hundred Dollars, to pay the advance to Col'l Haller's Batt'n,
to be charged to Adam Whiteman, to whom as to the Board, the
Major is to be accountable.
Order on Mease & Caliwell, to pay Wm. Lyon, Esq'r. five Hun-
dred Dollars, to be charged to his acco't.
Resolved, That Mr. Hugh McCormick be app<»nted Waggon-
master for about fifteen Waggons from Cumberland County, to be
propperly Employed, In Transporting Stores from this City, &c, for
which service he shall be Entitled to receive Ten shillings ^ Day
During such service.
In Council of Safety, Dec'r 27th, 1776.
PRESENT I
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, Presid't.
David Rittenouse, V. Presid't.
Wm. Lyon, Owen Biddle,
Jno. Bull, Joseph Dean,
Francis Gurney, James Cannon.
Joseph Blewer,
Order on J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, to pay Jno. Creigh & Ephraim
Steel one Hundred & Twenty-Eight Pounds Eighteen Shillings,
for Expences in Conveying British officers from Carlisle to Bruns-
wick.
Order on J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, to pay Jacob Hankey thirteen
Pounds Sixteen shillings & two pence, for work Deliver'd Robert
Towers.
Resolved, That Colonel John Bull be directed to procure Wag-
gons to remove the public stores from Norriston and French Creek
to Lancaster ; The Powder to be Laid in different Places of security
in the Town & Country adjacent.
Order on J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, to pay Tho's Adams One Hun-
dred fifty-Nine Pounds sixteen shillings & lOd, for military stores
deliver'd Robert Towers.
Order on J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, to pay Augustus Ruppell Eleven
Pounds five shillings, for Riding Express, to be charged Con-
gress.
G. Bickham, Qu'r Mast'r, was order'd to deliver Major Proctor
Twenty Pairs Shoes & twenty pairs Hose, for the use of his
Soldiers.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 65,
Order on G-. Bickham to pay Capt. Rob't Campbel Nine Pounds
Eighteen shillings 10i, for milage for his Comp'y, (to Philad'a)
belonging to 3rd Batt'n, Lancaster County, to be charged to Con-
gress.
Order on J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, to pay Wm. Morris Eight Pounds
fifteen Shillings, for riding Express, to be charged Congress.
An order drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, for six pounds tea
shillings & four pence, 2 Boxes of Candles for the Council.
An order drawn on J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, to pay Wm. Masters
Fifty Pounds, for the use of tlie Families of the Militia now in
Camp.
Order on Mease & Caldwell to pay Col. Evan Evans one thou-
sand Dollars, to be given to the Militia of his Batt'n.
Order drawn on Michael Hillegas, Esq'r, to pay James Wilson,
Esq'r, on acco't of services in Congress, one Hundred & sixty-five
Pounds.
Thomas Lucas is appointed Adjutant to the 11th Regiment, under
Colonel Humpton.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Jacob Shriner one hundred Dol-
lars, for the Associators' wives of Capt. Guyer's Company, £37
10 0.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Lewis G-uion Two Hundred
Pounds, on acco't for Work Done at Fort Island.
Order on J. M. Nesbitt to pay Capt. McG-owan of Col. Miles's,
three Hund'd Dollars, to be
Order on J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, to pay Capt. Conolly three
Hund'd Dollars, for to recruit Col. Cadwallader's Batt'n, to bo
charged to Congress.
Commissions fill'd for Wm. Caruther's Lieuts. for 3rd Batt'n,
Northampton militia, Tho's Horner, Ensign, same Batt'n.
Commissions fill'd for Emanuel Consolves, Lieut., & Jno. Fox,
Ensign, 4th Batt'n Northampton Militia.
In Council of Safety, December 27th, 1777.
Order on G-. Bickham to pay Capt. Thomas Whitesides one
Pound nine shillings & 2d, being an error in his milage acco't, 3rd
Batt'n Lancaster County.
Order on J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, three Hundred Pounds, to pay
Waggon hire.
Order on G. Bickham to pay Samuel Drafce for milage (for hi3
Comp'y, with Field & Staff officers belonging to 4th Batt'n, North-
ampton,) Twenty-Nine Pounds 2s 8. ,
Do. an order on Gr. Bickham to pay Capt. Schoonhoven 18 3 114,
for milage, & to pay Capt'n Mead, on same acco't, 19 7 6, both
belongs to 4th Batt'n Northampton.
VOL. XI. — 5.
66 MINUTES OF THE
December 28th, 1776.
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Francis Gurney, Jas. Cannon,
Jos. Dean, Wm. Lyon.
Jos. Blewer,
An order drawn on John Nesbitt, for one Pound four & six pence,
in favour of Cap. James Ross' Co., for repairing Musketts, to be
charged to Congress.
Order drawn on G. Bickham, to pay Tho's Ogle twenty Shillings,
in full for Hawling baggage to Bristol.
Order on J. M. Nesbitt, to pay Ninety-four Pounds 3s to Wm.
Gray, for sundries delivered a Company of Volunteers under Colo.
Potter, to be charged Congress.
Order on J. M. Nesbitt to pay fifty-five Shillings to Peter Buck,
for repairing arms.
Order on J. M. N to pay thirty Pounds five shillings, a Bal-
lance to Capt. Gray, to be charged to Congress.
Order on J. M. Nesbitt to pay Nineteen Pounds 2s 4 to Joseph
Mathers.
Order on G. Bickham to pay Four Pounds four shillings & 6d, to
Capt'n Jno. Harbeston's Comp'y, belonging to Colo. Smiths7
Batt'n, of York County, for Travelling expences.
Order on Mease & Caldwell to pay Marshall Edwards Four
Hund'd Pounds, to be charged to Col'l Lewis.
Order on J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, to pay Col'l Melchoir, B. M. G.
one Thousand Dollars, to be charged to his acc't.
Order on J. M. Nesbitt to pay Thirty Pounds to pay for the use
of the Poor associators at Camp.
J. M. Nesbitt was order'd to pay the men under Command of
Lieu't Rice, half a month's pay.
G. Bickham, Qu'r M'r to deliver Capt'n Brown, of the Putnam
Battery, fifty pairs Breeches, & to Capt. Farmer, of Col. Miles', 4
Blankets.
J. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, was order'd to pay Col'l Nagle 500 Dol-
lars, for recruiting 9th Batt'n.
Jno. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, was directed to pay Abraham Massan
Seven Pounds Eight Shillings & 6d, for work done for Towers.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
In Council of Safety, December 30th, 1776.
present :
THO'S WHARTON, J'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
Wm. Moore, Samuel Morris, Sen'r,
Owen Biddle, Joseph Dean,
Jos. Blewer, James Cannon,
Wm. Lyon, Francis G-ufney.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in fav'r of John Ord for
thirty Dollars, for the assistance of the poor associators of Lower
Delaware ward.
An order was . Major Thos. Robinson 600 Dollars, for ad-
vance money to Col. Potter's Battalion of Militia of Northumber-
land County, to be charged to the Col.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in fav'r of Capt. Stephen
Bayard for 1000 Dollars, for recruiting service for the 3rd Penn'a
Reg't, to be charged to Col. Wood.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Doct'r Thos. Parke £12 17 6,
for attending Sick Soldiers.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. John Read, Barrack Mas-
ter at Fort Island, for sundry Provisions & expences attending the
ditchers & other workmen at Fort Island, £62 19 7 J.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Cannon, for two Riffles,
Blankets, &ca., for Col. Potter's Batt'n of Northumberland County,
£21 18 0, to be charged to Col. James Potter.
Resolved, That Messrs. Peter Dehaven & John Pugh be appointed
to provide provisions for the Guards at the Continental Powder
mill, and the workmen employed there.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Capt. Court-
ney for 100 Dollars, for Recruiting Service for the Artillery of
this , to be charged to Major Proctor.
John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq'r, was directed to pay Captain Alex-
ander Laughlin, for dieting 28 men of his Company on their
march to join General Washington, £16 17 3.
Captain Carnahans, for dieting 12 men, £14 15 6.
Captain Thos. McKenzie, for dieting 28 men, £16 17 3, all to
be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Thomas Ennis £12 16 0, for
attendance on the Council with a Horse.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Sam'l Holmes £1\ 5 0, for 95 Cutlasses
delv'd.
68 MINUTES OF THE
Mr. Towers also M 10 0, for 30 Bayonet scabbards, M 10 0
delivered to Mr. Towers.
In Council of Safety, December 31st, 1776.
PRESENT I
THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
Wm. Moore, Wm. Lyons,
Francis Gurney, Sam'l Morris,
Owen Biddle, James Cannon.
Joseph Dean,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Dunn & Hale £5 4 0, for 208
feet of oars for the floating Battery Putnam.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Col. Richard Humpton 1000
Dollars, for recruiting service for the 11th Penn'a Reg't, to be
charged to his aceo't.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Lieut. Thomas Boud 300 Dollars, for recruit-
ing service for the fifth Penn'a Reg't, to be charged to Col. AnT
thony Wayne.
Mr. Bickham was directed to pay James Potter £13 7 6, for
expences of his company on their march to join General W.
Resolved, That Messrs. William Masters and William Coates
be authorized to take every measure necessary for the benefit of the
sick of the army in the Northern department of this city, and to
have them properly attended with nurses, and supplied with every-
thing suitable to their different diseases, and this Council will pay
the expences attending the same.
Resolved, That Doct'r Dunlap be authorized to employ another
Mate, and that their pay in future be Twenty-five Dollars^ month.
Mr. Nesbit was directed to pay Mr. Robert Towers, £107 17 6,
for Workmen's wages at the Elaboratory, & Sundry other charges.
An order was drawn on Mr. John Nesbitt, in favour of Lieut.
Colonel Henry Becker, for two thousand Dollars, for the recruiting
service of the 6th Pen'a Reg't, to be charged to his account.
An order was drawn on Mr. John M. Nesbitt, for two thousand
Dollars, payable to John Biddle, jun'r, to be paid by him into the
hands of Adam Whitman, Esq'r, of Reading, to be subject to the
draughts of the Committee of s'd County, for to defray such Ex-
pences as they have incurred by order of this board.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Major Lewis Nicola £50, he to
be accountable.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 69
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay :
Win. McCulloch £3 10 0, for a Musket & Bayonet,") nl;-y .
Wm. Glen, 3 10 0, for a Musket, [ m^ Towers
Wm. McCulloch, 6 10 0, for 2 Muskets, ) Mr- lowers'
Capt. Geo. Bickham was directed to pay the following Accounts,
for Subsistance for Militia, on their march to join General Washing-
ton, Vizt:
Capt. Charles Leoper, ^21 14 6
Capt. John Mitchel, 12 14 1
Capt. Andrew McPherland, 38 5 0
Capt. Rob't Shannon, 20 14 0
Capt. Wm. Swaney, 36 17 2
Major John Davis for milage, 30 Miles, for himself, 2 3 4
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Robert Fitzgerald dgll 2 0, for
sundries for Armed Schooner Delaware, to be charged to this State,
&£5 9 4 for port Fire Stocks, &ca., to be charged to Congress.
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, January 1st, 1777.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
Owen Biddle, James Cannon,
Joseph Blewer, Wm. Moore,
Francis Gurney, John Bull,
Joseph Dean, Wm. Lyon.
John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq'r, Treasurer, was directed to pay
Wm. Roberts ^618 6 6, for making ammunition Boxes, nails, &ca.,
to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Col. Matthew Dill, for 5 days
pay due to four Companies of the 5th Battalion of Militia, when in
service in Septem'r & October last, amounting to £51 7 3, to be
charged to Congress.
A Letter was laid before the board from Mr. James Holmes, a
Second Lieutenant in the Regiment belong to this State, praying
this Council to accept His resignation, as His Health will not admit
his continuance in the service any longer. The Council accept the
resignation of Mr. Holmes, & his is accordingly discharged from the
service of this State.
Besolved, That the overseers of the poor for this City and Liber-
ties, do immediately procure one Hundred Cords of Wood now
70 MINUTES OF THE
standing on the Commons of this City, for the use of the poor afore-
said, and that orders be given to the Wood Cutters to leave Lanes
and Avenues for the Inhabitants to walk in the summer season.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Alex'r Brown 52s, for 2 meals j
victuals for 26 men of the 3rd Battalion of Northampton County |
Militia.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Lieut. Rob't Connolly four Hun-
dred Dollars, for recruiting service for the 4th Penn'a Regiment.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Capt. Geo. Robinson 10s for an axe for the
use of his Company, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Capt. John Jacobs the Balance of his acco't,
for Expences accrued in transporting & Guarding Prisoners to Bal-
timore, the whole amounting to -£165 12 3.
Capt. Geo. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Jack for Milage
for himself, 2 Lieutenants & 6 Privates, 160 Miles, £9 6 0.
By direction of General Washington, Col. Wheadon of the third
Virginia Regiment, deposited with this Council Six Colours, being
part of a number taken on the 26th ultimo, at Trenton, belonging
to the Hessian Regiments.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Messrs. Peter
Dehaven & Co., for £500, to be charged to their acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Richard Wells £31 0 0, for
attendance on the Fleet with his Boat & two hands, for the Month
of December.
The following resolution of Congress was directed to be inserted
on the Minutes of this Council :
" In Congress, December 27th, 1776.
" Resolved, That the Council of Safety of Pennsylvania be re-
quested to take the most vigorous and Speedy measures for punish- i
ing all such as shall refuse Continental Currency, and that the Gen-
eral be directed to give all necessary aid to the Council of Safety
for carrying their measures on this subject into effectual execution.
" By order of Congress.
"Sign'd JOHN HANCOCK, President."
In Consequence of the foregoing resolve of Congress and the I
Intelligence received from several parts of this State, that the dis- |
affected and enemies to the United States of America are pursuing j
the most dangerous schemes to destroy the Credit of the Money ;
issued under the authority of Congress, which wicked and Mischevi- l
ous practises are likely to be attended with the most pernicious Con- j
sequences, unless immediately suppressed by a speedy ana* Vigor- j
ous exertion of the powers invested in this Council; therefore,
Resolved, That if any person or persons from and after the pub- I
lication of this resolve, shall refuse to take Continental Currency j
in payment of any Debt or Contract whatsoever, or for any Goods, |
COUNCIL OF SAFETY 71
Merchandize or Commodity offered for sale, or shall ask a greater
Price for any such Commodity in Continental Currency than in
any other kind of money or specie, in full proof made thereof be-
fore any three members of any County Committee, or any three Field
officers of Militia of this State, the person or persons so .offending
shall for the first offence be considered as a dangerous Member of
Society, and forfeit the Goods offered for sale or Bargained for,
or debt Contracted, to the person to whom the Goods were offered
for Sale or by whom they were bargained for, or from whom such
Debt is due, and shall moreover pay a fine of five pounds to the
State, to be levied immediately by the persons to whom forfeitures
are directed to be paid by thrs resolve, provided such debt or Con-
tract do not exceed that Sum ; but if the debt Due or price of such
goods bargained for or offered to sale exceed the sum of five pounds,
then the person offending as aforesaid, shall, besides the Debt due,
goods Contracted for or offered to sale, forfeit to the full amount of
said Debt, Contract or price agreed on or demanded, one-third part
of such forfeitures to be for the use of the informer, and the re-
maining two-third Parts to the Use of this State, to be paid to the
Committee of the County where the forfeiture is incurred, or where
no such Committee exists, to the three Field officers of the Militia
of the next nearest Battalion, to be by them transmitted to the public
Treasury of this State, after deducting reasonable Costs, such for-
feiture to be levied immediately, by the direction and authority of
the said Committee or Field Officers ; and every person so offending,
shall for the second offence be subject to the aforementioned penal-
ties, and be banished this State, to such place and in such manner,
as this Council shall direct:
Nevertheless, if any person shall think him or herself aggrieved
by the determination of any of the said Committees or Field Offi-
cers, he or she shall be allowed an appeal to this Council, provided
the said appeal be made within six weeks after such determination
made and information thereof given by the said Committee or Field
Officers to the parties in Writing ; A regular record of the pro-
ceedings in every case to be transmitted to this board in four Weeks
after determination.
Resolved, That all persons whose Shops, Stores or Warehouses,
have been heretofore shut up, and have been restrained from carry-
ing on a Commercial Intercourse with the inhabitants of this State,
for refusing Continental Currency, shall be released from such re-
straint and permitted to open their Shops, Stores or Warehouses,
and that persons who are in Confinement for the same offence, be
Immediately discharged from such confinement, to be subject
nevertheless to the penalties described in the foregoing resolution
for future offences.
72 MINUTES OF THE
In Council of Safety, January 2nd, 1777.
present :
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Owen Biddle, Win. Lyon,
Joseph Blewer, Joseph Dean,
Wm. Moore, Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,
John Bull, Francis Gurney.
Resolved, That the widow of John Sherer, deceased, be allowed
half pay from the time of said Sherer' s decease until the first day
of June next, when the Council will give further directions in the
premices.
(N. B. The above mentioned John Sherer belonged to the Con-
gress armed Boat, & died the 8th July, 1776.)
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Capt. John
Hazlewood, for -£50, to be charged to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Capt. Joseph
Blewer, ft>r £100, to be charged to his acco't.
Resolved, That Mr. Moses Young be employed as an assistant
to the Secretary.
Capt. Geo. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Charles Leeper*
^611 5 6, for dieting 11 men of his Company from Cumberland
County, tu be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Henry Funk £21 15 0, for 29
pair of Shoes d'd Capt. Bickham.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay John Elwood 'j£25 10 0, for attendance on
the armed Boats while up the river Delaware, to assist in trans-
porting the Troops across the River and defending the Passes.
Resolved, That all those persous who have been appointed on
the new Establishment to any office in any of the Regiments order-
ed to be raised in this State, and who have not received their Com-
missions, do apply on or before the 10th instant to this Council for
the same; all such who neglect to comply with this resolve may ex-
pect to be superseded, as the public service requires their immedi-
ate attendance.
Resolved, That all the officers who have been in the Continental
Service in any of the Regiments raised in this State, or belonged
to Colonel Miles' or Colonel Atlee's Battalions, and have not been
appointed under the new arrangement of Congress, or in the Regi-
ment of this State, and who intend to continue in service, be re-
quired to send in their names to this Council, with the name of the
Regiment they belonged to, and their rank, on or before the 10th In*
stant, and this Council will proceed immediately to fill up the va-
cancies, and in order that the Merits and Claims of the applicants
may be better known, it is expected that they produce certificates
of their Conduct from some General or Field Officers, which will be
duly attended to in makiDg the new appointments.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 73
pi Mr. Nesbitt to pay Lieut. Isaac Hannah &Stl 13 0, for arms and
accoutrements, to be charged to Col. Tim'y Green.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Standley & Sing £218 1 3, for
290f yards Cloth delivered to Capt. Bickham.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Capt. John
McGowen, for 300 Dollars, for recruiting Service for the Regiments
belonging to this State.
Resolved, That the Committee of Northampton County do im-
mediately take the Ferry at Easton, kept by Lewis Gordon, under
their direction, and cause it to be properly attended, and especially
that all Soldiers and Expresses in the Continental Service be for-
warded over the said Ferry, be solely under the controul and di-
rection of the said Committee of Northampton County.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay the following accounts :
Capt. Stephen Krumrine£12 3 6, for colours, Drums, Fifes, &ca.
2 9 6, for Repairing Arms.
19 4 0, for Arms, to be charged to
Colonel Daniel Hunter, of the 6th Battalion of Berks County.
Col Archibald Thomson £10 0 0 for arms, to be charged to his
acco't, and £5 14 6 for a Drum & expences in Collecting the Bat-
talion.
In Council of Safety, January 3d, 1777.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, Jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
Francis Gurney, Joseph Blewer,
Joseph Dean, James Cannon,
Owen Biddle, Wm. Moore,
John Bull, John Hubley.
Samuel Morris, Sen'r,
Resolved, That Messrs. Rittenhouse & Biddle be a Committee
to engage a person or persons to make an attempt at casting of
Brass Ordinance, for which purpose they are authorized to draw on
the Treasurer for all the necessary Expenses attending that Busi-
ness.
Capt. Geo. Bickham was directed to pay Lieut. Isaac Hannah
£23 7 6, for Expences of part of Capt. Rogers' Comp'y, on their
March to join General Washington, to be charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Colonel Wm.
Cook, for Two Thousand Dollars, for payment of Bounty & wages
for his Regiment, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay an order drawn on* this board by
Col. Samuel Hunter, of Northumberland County, for Five Hundred
Dollars, for payment of Militia in that County (a month's wages)
74 MINUTES OP THE
who are engaged to join General Washington, to be charged to Col.
Hunter.
Captain Geo. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. John Carrothers
£16 17 6, for nine days' subsistence of 15 men, on their march to
Philadelphia, to be charged to Congress. And likewise, Capt. Bick-
ham was directed to pay Lieut. James Oliver £16 1 7, for Nine
days' subsistance & Ferriage of 14 men, to be charged to Congress.
Commodore Seymour was directed to issue all Orders respecting
the Fire Ships, Fire Rafts and Guard Boats, thro' Captain John
Hazlewood, who commands that Department.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay James Currie, for a Firelock de-
livered to Mr. Towers, £2 15 0.
The following persons were sent off as Expresses, to be stationed
at the undermentioned Places, for the purpose of forwarding Dis-
patches to this Board from Head Quarters, viz :
Mr. Watkins ) are to go to the Camp, or where General Wash-
Mr. Barnhill $ ington is. *
Edward Stroud, at Burlington.
Michael Bower, at Bristol.
George Spangler, at Red Lyon.
George Genter, at Jolly Post.
Frederick Wier, at Trenton Ferry, this Side.
George Howes, at Corryell's Ferry.
William Morris, at Bogart's Tavern.
Peter Warner, at the Billet Tavern.
Frederick Lesher, at Armitage's Tavern.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Mr. Benj'n
Poultney, for two Thousand Dollars, to be charged to Capt. Geo.
Bickham.
Capt. Geo. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Elias Dawson £4
11 11, for subsistance for 5 men of his Company, on their March
to Join General Washington, to be charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Capt. Henry
Shade, for 200 Dollars, to be charged to Col. Joseph Penrose.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. James Poe £10 15 3,
for Travelling Expences of his Company, to be charg'd to Congress.
Resolved, That Mr. Wm. Gray be appointed a Captain of a
Company of Foot in the Continental Service, to be placed in some
future Regiment*
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 75
In Council of Safety, January 4th, 1777.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
John Bull, Francis Gurney,
Joseph Dean, Wm. Lyon,
John Hubley, Joseph Blewer,
William Moore, Sam'l Morris, Sen'r.
Capt. Geo. Bickham was directed to pay John Loekrom £10,
for Shoes delivered to Capt. Bickham.
John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, was directed to pay James Oellers £15
12 9, for an anchor for the armed schooner Delaware, £128 5 0,
for 114 Blankets, delivered Capt. Bickham, £595 12 0, for 20
Muskets, 75,000 Flints, & 1016 lbs. Powder, delivered to Mr.
Towers, to be charg'd to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Michael Goodman «£3 15 0, for
Porterage of 20 Hhds. of Rum to Shallop, to be sent to the army
under Gen. Washington, to be charged to Congress.
John Maxwell Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Robert Irwin
one Thousand Dollars, to be charged to his acco't.
Capt. Geo. Bickham was directed to pay Jeremiah Eldridge
£144 14 0, for Mittens & Stockings.
John Riddle £23 16 3, for Blanketing & Cloth.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Charles Woolfall £17 18 10,
for Iron Work for the armed schooner Delaware.
Capt. Geo. Bickham was directed to pay Wandle Zerban £302
12 6, for Shoes delivered to Capt. Bickham.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Stitz, for arms purchased,
£11 18 0, to be charged to Col. Henry Hill.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Thomas Nevill,
for £100, to be charged to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Messrs. Peter
Dehaven & Co, for £500, to be charged to their account.
N. B. The above order was delivered to Mr. Pugh.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay James Ennis £20 0 0, for
Riding Express & attending on this Council with a Horse, to be
charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Capt. Wm.
Wortz, for three hundred Dollars, for recruiting Service-, to be
charged to Coi. Penrose.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay the two following Acco'ts :
To Gudlip Roll for 46 pair Shoes, a 13s, £29 18.
To John Leckkerum for 30 pair Shoes, a 20s, £30.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Joseph Stansbury £5 11 S,
for Glass & delph ware, for Ship Montgomery.
76 MINUTES OF THE
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Lieu't Chambers £3 10 0, for
a Musket, to be charged to Col. Samuel Hunter.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Jacob Shits, of Col.
Hill's Batt'n, £6 0 9, for Wages and Repairs of Drum and fife, to
be charged to the Colonel.
Captain Bickham was directed to pay Captain Reihm £1 8, for
Breakfast of 28 men, to be charged to Congress.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Captain "Wm. Blaine, of
Cumberland County, £55 0 0, for Traveling expences of himself,
LieutenaDt, Ensign, 2 Sergeants, & 15 men, to be charged to Con-
gress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Abraham Mason £1 2 6, for
work for 4 men in the Elaboratory, £7 2 6, to be charged to Con-
gress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Lieu't Morgan -£4 10 0, for
Traveling Expences for Bringing 5 prisoners from Trenton to this
City, to be charged to Congress.
Captain Bickham was directed to pay Jonas Abraham £18 14 0,
for 22 pair of Shoes.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Daniel Murphy ^40 0 0,
for the use of the Armed Boat Eagle, to be charged to his aceo't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed' to pay Thomas Kerling £45, for 10
Guns & Bayonets, @ £\. 10, delivered Robert Towers.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Peter Hoffnagle £26 19
0, for sundry Shoes, Stockings, & Blankets, to be charged to Col.
Geo. Ross, of Lancaster County.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Elias Davison, £2 10 0,
for a Muskett deliver'd to Mr. Towers.
In Council of Safety,
Philadelphia, January 5th, 1777.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
John Bull, Owen Biddle,
Joseph Blewcr, James Cannon,
Joseph Dean, Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,
John Hubley, Wm. Lyon.
Captain Bickham was directed to pay Captain Thomas Clarke7
of Col. James Willson's Batt'n of Cumberland Militia, £37 10,
for Sustenance and Ferriage over Susquehanna of 33 Men, 11 Daya
@2sP.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 77
p ' "^ Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Lewis Farmer
bap . | QQe hundred Pounds, towards defraying the Expences of
Sr' | Conducting the Hessian officers to Baltimore, to be
* ' J charged to his account.
That Capt. Joseph Blewer do furnish Capt. Casdrop with money
to provide for such sick and wounded Militia oT this City as he
may meet on the Road between this and Head Quarters.
Resolved, That Major Benjamin Loxley be requested to exhibit
his accounts to this Council, in order for a Settlement.
In Council of Safety,
Philadelphia, January 6th, 1777.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, Y. P.
William Moore, William Lyon,
Samuel Morris, Sen'r, Benj'n Bartholomew,
Joseph Blewer, George Gray,
John Hubley,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Joseph Carson £\%2 10.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Benjamin Stites £5, for attend-
ance and cure of Joshua G-iffen, belonging to the Brig'r com-
manded by Capt. Montgomery, blown up at Cape May.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Robert Towers, Commis-
sary of Stores, £183 15 5, for arms bought by him with Men's
wages, &c.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay the following accounts :
Michael Sist for building a Chimney, £2 5 0.
John Bray, for going Express on public service, &ca., £12 15 0,
Charge Congress. —
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Rob't Erwin,for
five Hundred Pounds, to be charged to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Col. Isaac Mel-
chor, for One Thousand Dollars, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay John Robnet & David Crawford £2 0 0, for
work on board the Flat to take 20 Hhds. Rum to the Army, to be
charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay James Gardner £Q 0 0, for a
Rifle Gun delivered to Capt. Thomas Clark, to be charged to Col.
James Wilson.
Mr. Rob't Erwin was directed to pay John Dickey £18, David
Patton £16 10, Frederick Humble £16 10, Jacob Reigart £16 10,
Sam'l Wiley £16 10, Robert Sterett £16 10, David Foot £16 10,
78 MINUTES OF THE
James Walker £16 10, John Lusk £16 10 0, John Aries £12
0 0, for waggon hire, & 5s for ferriage.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay the Directors of the Pennsylva-
nia Hospital £90 5.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Wm. Blaine for a Grubing Ax & 2 Mattock
d'd Mr. Towers.'
Resolved, That General Ewingbe requested to order Col. Slough
of Lancaster to march with his Battalion, or such part thereof
as are now in the Town of Lancaster, to this City, without delay.
That Captain Mercer, of Col. Ross' Battalion, in Lancaster, be
likewise ordered to march immediately to this City.
Resolved, That Mr. Christian Wertz be appointed Town Major of
Lancaster.
Resolved, That the Committee of Lancaster direct a sufficient
number of aged or infirm Persons who are unfit to bear the fatigues
of the Campaign, to be enrolled under the Town Major, for the
purpose of Guarding the Prisoners in the Barracks, the Amunition
and Stores in Lancaster, during the absence of the militia.
In Council of Safety, January 7th, 1777.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhotjse, V. P.
Benjamin Bartholomew, Joseph Blewer,
Joseph Dean, Wm. Moore,
Owen Biddle, Fred. Kuhl.
John Hubley,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay David Ware, Shoemaker, £100,
for 100 pair Mens' shoes.
Captain George Bickham was ordered to pay Capt. Samuel Ir-
win of Col. Blain's Battalion in Cumberland Militia, £18 11 0, for
subsistance money on the March from Cumberland to the City, &
Ferriage, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Armstrong for a Gun de-
livered to Colo. Hunter of Northumberland, appraised at £3 10 0.
Capt. Geo. Bickham was directed to pay Fred. Snyder £7 2 6,
for 7 Blankets j Also, to pay Robert McNair £± 13 6, for 5f
yards Cloth @ 1 7s.
Mr. Robert Irwin, Waggon-master Gen*l, was directed to pay
John Bayley £207, for hire of 4 Waggons, from 28 to 32 days,
including his pay as waggon-Master for 32 days @ 15s to be
charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. James Rogers of Col.
Green's Batt'n of Riflemen of Lancaster County £84 5 4, for Guns,
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 79
Powder horns, Shot Pouches, Blankets & Haver Sacks, &c, bought
by said Rogers and appraised by James Johnson and Jas. Rony,
to be charged to Col. Timothy Green.
Capt. Bickham was order'd to pay Samuel Young £31 10, for 28
pair of Shoes, @ 22s 6.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Lieut. Col. Naugle 2,000 Dol-
lars, for recruiting service for the ninth Pennsylvania Reg't, to be
charged to the Colonel.
He was also order'd to pay James Hand £2$ 11 7, for 9£ Cord
of Hickory Wood, a 60s per Cord, and Cordage Is 7.
In Council of Safety, January 8th, 1777.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, Y. P.
Joseph Blewer, Joseph Dean,
John Bull, John Hubley.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay James M' Clean, E?q'r, £68,
being the amo't of two acco'ts, viz: £41 12 6 and £26 7 6, Paid
by Col. John Allison, for Arms taken from non-Associators in An-
trim and Peters .Township, Cumberland County, and put into the
hands of his Battalion, then under marching Orders for Amboy.
These arms were appraised by Tho's Johnson, Fergus Moorehead,
Henry Pawling, Patrick Maxwell, Robert Smith and David Huston,
made payable to said McClean by Col. Allison, to be charged to
his account.
Mr. Nesbitt was ordered to pay Nicholas Spencer ^1 2 6, for
Hawling three Cords of wood.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Rob't Ralston £7 12, for 9|
yds. Cloth a 16s : Also to pay Major Yance £101 17 6, for
travelling expences of two Companies of the 2nd Battalion of York
County, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Y. Payton, assistant in the Con-
tinental Hospital, £14 5, for 1 month's pay and Rations, from the
6th of Decem'r to the 6th of January, to be charg'd to Congress ;
Also, to pay Doctor Bowie £14 5, for 1 month's pay and Rations,
from the 6th Dec'r to the 6th Jan'ry, to be charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on John Maxwell Nesbitt, Erq'r, in favour
of Colonel Isaac Melcher, for 1,000 Dollars, to be charg'd to his
acco't.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay James Mackay £1 8, for 2 Pair
3, a 14s.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Allen and Hall £112 7, for
Blacksmith's work done to the Floating Battery Putnam.
80 MINUTES OF THE
Capt. Bickhara was directed to pay John Wallace £4 10, for 3
Blankets.
Mr. Nesbitt was ordered to pay Robert Jewell, Esq'r, Keeper of
the State Prison, £59 12 7i, being the Balla'ce of his acco't for
dieting State Prisoners, the whole acco't amounting to £267 13 1£,
(of w'h he has received £262 10,) £10 17 2 of w'h to be charged
to this State, the remainder to Congress.
Captain Geo. Bickham was directed to pay David Wallace £5 8,
for 4 Blankets.
An order was drawn on John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq'r, for 2000
Dollars, favor of Capt. Geo. Bickham.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Amos Alexander £10 11 £,
for 40 i y'ds Linnen, @ 3s 7, 2 pair Hose, @ lis 8, and 1 Blanket,
at 32s 6.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Gardner, of the 4th
Battalion of Chester County Militia, £2, for a Rugg bought by him
for one of his Company, to be charged to Col. Evans.
An order was drawn on Jno. Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq'r, for 300
Dollars, in favour of Mr. Barnes, one of the Overseers of the Poor
for the district of Southwark, to be charged to his account.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Robert Bridges £131 19, being
the amo't of two acco'ts, viz : £52 for 40 Hammocks @ 26s, for
the use of the Galley Convention, John Rice, Esq'r, Commander;
and £79 19, for 302 yards of Canvas @ 4s 6, and 6 Barrels of
Turpentine @ 40s, for the use of the Ship Montgomery, Henry
Dougherty, Esq'r, Commander.
Captain Bickham was directed to pay Capt. John Andrew, of
the 5th Batt'n of Cumberland County, £6 9 4 being the Balance,
he having rec'd £11 5 of Com. of Carlisle, the whole amo't, 17 14 4,
for subsistence of one Captain and ten Privates- on their march to
join General Washington, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Patrick McDowell £5, for turn-
ing 200 Bottoms for 3 and 4 lb. Ball, @ 50s, to be charg'd to Con-
gress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt for 4000 Dollars, in favor of
Mr. Robert White, for the purpose of paying a month's Wages to
advance to the Militia of Cumberland County, who enter into actual
Service, to be charged to the Committee of Carlisle.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Boyd £7 5, for 2 Guns &
Cartouch Box, for the use of a Company of the first Batt'n of As-
sociators of Northumberland County, to be charged to Colonel
Hunter.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Charles Clingin £4 7 6, for Hail-
ing Cannon, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was likewise directed to pay Doctor Dulap £40 17
6, for Medicines provided the State Hospital, and two Month's
Wages and Rations for a mate.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 81
Resolved, That Robert Falconer be appointed an Ensign in the
12th Pennsylvania Regiment of Foot, commanded by Col. Wm.
Cook, in the room of John Stone, resigned.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt for a Balla. of £45 5, in
favour of Colonel Philip Cole, for Cash advanc'd the 4th Battalion
of Northumberland County, he to be accountable to Col. Sam'l
Hunter for the same.
Capt Bickham was directed^to pay Capt. James Gibson £Q7, for
retain'd Rations of the 4th Battalion of Cumberland County, to be
charged to Congress.
Captain Bickham was ordered to pay the following acco'ts, viz :
to James Cochran £1 8 9, for 1 Blanket; William Pennel £3
17, for 3 Blankets; Rob't Evans £2 12 6, for 1 Blanket and 2
Pair Shoes; Andrew Wallace £1 10, for 1 Blanket; Philip
Boehm for 2 Pair of Shoes, £2 5; Geo. Woods £8 10, for 10
Pair Shoes.
Captain Bickham was directed to pay James Claypoole £15, for
Expences that may attend making shirts, to be charg'd to his ac-
count.
Resolved, That Alexander Hunter, Esq'r, be appointed pay-
master to the militia of Northumberland County, enrolled to serve
to the Tenth of March next.
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, January 9th, 1777.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
Joseph Blewer, John Hubley,
Joseph Dean, Sam'l Morris, Sen'r.
John Bull,
An order was drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, Treas'r, in fav'r
of Messrs. Christ'r Marshall & Co. for £500, for the purpose of
providing for Sick Soldiers, to be charged to their acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of John Mitchel,
Esq'r, for £1500, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Peter Clark £b 15 0, for a Rifle
delivered to Mr. Towers.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Lewis Nicola,
Esq'r, Town Major, one Thousand Pounds, for the use of the City
Guards, to be charged to his acco't.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay James Douglass £1 10 11,
for 4| yards of Swanskin @ 7s 6, and Robert Giffin for 21 yards
of Linnen @ 3s 6, £S 13 6.
VOL. XI. — 6.
82 MINUTES OF THE
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. James Stuart two Hundred
Dollars, for the use of Poor Associators iu Capt. Moulder's Com-
pany, while in actual Service, to be charged to Mr. Stuart.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Paul Zantzinger £73 6 6,
for pay and Rations of his Campany of Militia, in Colonel Ross'
Battalion of Lancaster County, commencing Nov'r 16, and ending
the 20th, both days inclusive, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Christopher Crawfordf
£25 18 9, for pay and Rations of his Company of Militia in Col.
Ross' Batt'n of Lancaster Co., Commencing the 16th Nov'r, &
ending the 20th, both days inclusive, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Peter Hoofnagle £51 5,
for pay and Rations of his Company of Militia, in Col. Ross'
Batt'n of Lancaster County, commencing the I6th and ending the
20th Nov'r, both days inclusive, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Henry £52 7 1, for
pay and Rations of his Company of Militia, in Col. Ross' Batta-
lion of Lancaster County, Commencing the 16th and ending the
20th Nov'r, both days inclusive, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Andrew Graff £52 12
6, for pay and Rations of his Company of Militia in Col. Ross'
Batt'n of Lancaster Co., Commencing the 16th and ending the
20th Nov'r, both days inclusive, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Wm. Justice £5 10, for a Gun;
Pouch and Horn, to be charged to Col. Jno. Piper, of the 1st
Batt'n of Bedford County Militia.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Wm. Lowry £3 15, for a Rifle
Gun lost in the Service at Trenton, when the Stores of the army
were removing across the Delaware, in Dec'r, to be charged to
Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Ebenezer Lundy £151 1, for
202 Oartouch Boxes and 200 Bayonet Belts delivered to Mr
Tower3.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Andrew Carson £473, for
157 Pair Leather Breeches @ 60s, and 2 pair -Shoes @ 20s,
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt for 2000 Dollars, in favour
of Capt. Geo. Bickham, to be charg'd to his Account.
Resolved, That Edward Cowan be appointed Paymaster to the
1st Battalion of Lancaster County Militia.
Resolved, That Joseph Blewer and Joseph Dean be appointed to
Collect all the Cannon in this city and suburbs, that they may
think suitable for the service of this State, and that they may
employ as many Persons as they think necessary for mounting the
said Cannon on truck & travelling Carriages, as soon as possible.
%
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 83
In Council of Safety, January 10th7 1777,
PRESENT.
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
Davib Ritten house, V. P.
Joseph Blewer, Wm. Moore,
Joseph Dean, John Bull,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r. John Hubley.
Captain Geo. Bickham was directed to pay Captain Boyd for
Milage of his Major, himself, adjutant, 2 Lieut., ensign, four Ser-
geants, & 33 Privates, @ 47 Miles, £10 8 8.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Culberson £2 10, for 2
Blankets for Capt. M. Boyd's Company, to be charged to Colonel
John Hannum, of Chester County.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Col. Philip Cole, £21 2 1 J, for
expences for collecting his Battalion & marching them to this city
to join Gen. Washington.
Resolved, That Mr. Conrod Weaver be appointed to assist Mr.
William Coates, to take care of the Sick in the Northern Liberties,
in the room pf Mr. Wm. Masters.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Col. Joseph
Penrose, for Five Thousand Dollars, for recruiting Service for the
10th Pen'a Reg't, to be charged to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Messrs. Wm.
Coates & Conrod Weaver, for ^6100, for the purpose of, providing
for sick soldiers in the Northern Liberties, they to be accountable.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Mr. Robert
Towers, for £50, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Rob't McKees £14 2 6,
lor 11 Blanketts for the use of his Company, to be charged to Col.
Bartram Gilbraith.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Offner £18 10, for ex-
pences in conveying 5 British officers and 3 servants from Easton
to Brunswick, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Robert Elliott £6 0 0, for a
Gun, to be charged to Col. Piper, of Bedford County.
Mr. Nesbitt was ordered to pay Mr. Philip Boehm Twenty
Pounds, for the use of poor Associators of Capt. Hassencliver's
Comp'y, 1st Batt'n, he to be accountable.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Daniel Grubb & Co. £37 10,
for Labourers' pay and hire of 2 Boats employed by Major Proc-
tor.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay George Palmer £4, for Piloting 2
Vessels between Philad'a and Trenton.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Jacob Hill and Peter Baker
£11 10, for Work and Boat Hire, employed by Major Proctor,
84 MINUTES OF THE
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Frederick Snyder .£12 8, for
attendance of the Council for 31 days a 8s.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Marcus Hulings £26, for a Boat
employ'd in transporting the Baggage of Colonel Cook's Battalion
from Shamokin to Harris' Ferry, which Boat was accidentally stove ;
to be charged to Congress.
Resolved, That Mr. Robert Irwin do pay the Waggoners' Wages
which have been employed in this State, a 30s. p day, deducting 10
s. p day if they receive, public Feed, or in proportion for so much
as they do receive, having a due regard for proper Vouchers of the
time they have been in service, and that he discharge none which
are fit for service, without orders of Council.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt for 300 Dollars, in favor of
Captain John M'Gowen,for recruiting service for the Pennsylvania
Regiment, now commanded by Major Williams, he to be account-
able to the Major.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt for £60, in favor of Lewis
Guyon, towards work done for this State, to be charged to his Ac-
co't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Jacob Myers £4 15, for Work
and Porterage for this State.
In Council of Safety, January 11th, 1777.
present :
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Owen Biddle, William Moore,
John Bull, Samuel Morris, Sen'r.
Joseph Blewcr, Joseph Dean.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Tho's Whiteside £o
4, for Milage of 11 men 70 Miles, (Col. Porter's Batt'n of Lan-
caster County Militia,) to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Tho's Waters £30, for 6 Flat
loads of Stone, for filling up the Piers at Fort Island.
Resolved, That Wilton Atkinson be appointed Quarter Master
to the 12th Pennsylvania Regiment of Foot, Commanded by Col.
"VVm. Cook.
Resoloed, That all Captains or inferior Officers of Militia who
'Produce Accounts to this Board, for expenccs attending the march
of the Militia to this City, shall be qualified to such accounts be-
fore they are passed by the Secretary.
Captain Bickham was directed to pay Robert Smith £20 12 6,
for 37 1 yards Flannel, a lis.
Captain Bickham was directed to pay Colonel James Moor £22
.10 4, and Lieut. Col. Joseph Park -£18 8 6, for Expences in Col-
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 85
lecting the 1st Batt'n of Chester County Militia, including half-pay
of the Colonels for One month and ten days, to be charged to
Congress.
Resolved, That the Paymasters to the several Pennsylvania
Reg'ts do pay to each of the Officers and Men their respective
wages once p month.
Resolved, That all the Officers and men belonging to Miles' and
Atlee's Battalions, who are now in this City or the Suburbs, be
paraded before the Lodge, on Monday morning next, that their ne-
cessities may be enquired into, and Cloathing delivered out to them.
The Senior Officers of that Corps are to see that this resolve be
complied with, and that notice be given to the men & other officers
in due time. And no party or detachment of the said Corps is to
march from this City to Head Quarters or elsewhere, without or-
ders from this Council.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay James Hall £23 12 6, for
27 Pair Shoes, a 17s. 6.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Andrew Graff 29 6 9,
for Blankets. Shoes and Stockings, of 1st Batt'n Lancaster Militia.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Simon and Levy =£377 7 6, for
Guns delivered to the following Colonels, to be charged to their
accounts, Vizt :
20 Rifle Guns deliver'd Capt. Robinson's Co., of the
4th Battalion of Cumberland County, a £6 10s., £130 "00 0
17 Guns deliver'd Robert Elder's Comp'y of the 4th
Battalion Lancaster County, a £6 10s., 110 10 0
21 Rifle Guns delivered Major Davis, Col. Montgom-
ery's Battalion of Lancaster County, a £6 10s., 136 17 6
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, £3 10, in favour of Robert
King, for a musket sold Lieu't Col. Murray, of Col. Potter's Reg't,
for the use of said Reg't, to be charged to Col. Potter.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Samuel Morris £4 3, for
Oatmeal and Barley, purchased by him for the use of the General
Hospital at Bristol, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Thomas Fitzgerald £1 16, for
Hailing Plank for the Floating Battery.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Storer, Steward, of the
Penn'a Hospital, ^104 15 0, for nursing Sick soldiers in the
Hospital, &ca, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Lieu't James Young £!22 0 0,
for 5 Stand of arms Left at Fort Washington, to be charged to
Congress.
Resolved, That John Hubley, Esq'r, be authorized to employ all
the Shoemakers amongst the Hessian Prisoners at Lancaster, in
making of Shoes for this State, for which purpose the sum of two
thousand Pounds shall be advanced to him or his order, for the pur-
chase of leather and other materials for working upon ; and he is to
pay them a small allowance for their labour, for which Service Mr.
Hubley is to have a reasonable compensation.
86 MINUTES OF THE
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. VVni. McAleavy £18
19, for Rations due his Company of the 1st Batten of Militia of
Bedford County, to be charged to Congress.
Capt. Geo. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. John Lee, for sub-
sistance of his Company from Northumberland County, £75 12
4£, to be charged to Congress.
Resolved, That John Hubley, Esq'r, be appointed Commissary
of the Continental Stores, and of the Stores of this State at Lancas-
ter, with the Rank and pay of a Major, And to have full powers
to appoint such Deputies as he may judge necessary.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Clugage & Capt. Par-
ker -£14 19, for travelling Expences for their Companies from Bed-
ford County, to be charged to Congress.
In Council of Safety.
Philad'a, January 12th, 1777.
present :
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Owen Biddle, Joseph Blewer,
Sam'l ?dorris, Sen'r, James Cannon,
Joseph Dean, John Hubley.
Orders were given to Colonel Morgan to have the 2nd Batten ot
Militia in Berks County, which he is to command, to make all neces-
sary preparations, and to hold themselves in readiness to march on
the Shortest notice, and wait until further orders from this Board.
The Council being informed that a number of the Country Mili-
tia are returning to their respective homes, disgusted at the pre-
cipitate orders they received this day, to march when they were not
supplied w'th provisions, and in want of many other necessaries,
which orders were given without the approbation of this Board.
Resolved, That John Hubley, Esq'r, a member of this board, be
directed to endeavour to prevail on such of the Militia to return,
and to assure them that this Council have, and ever will warmly
interest themselves in behalf of their Countrymen, the Militia of
this State, And will exert their authority to the utmost to preserve
to them the rights of Freemen ; and further, that this Council will,
as far as possible, furnish such as shall return, with all proper
equipments, And by no means consent to their being compelled to
join the Continental Army until they are so supplied.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 87
In Council of Safety.
Philad'a, January 13th, 1777
PRESENT I
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
Joseph Dean, William Moore,
Owen Biddle, Chairman, Joseph Blewer,
John Bull, John Hubiey,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, James Cannon.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Robert Fitzgerald £33 4 10,
for work done the Ship Montgomery, and £12 116, for work done
the Galley Convention.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay James McDonald, Commis-
sary to the Northumberland Militia, £300 8 10, for providing the
Militia with provisions, on their march to this City.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Martin Wirt £75 19, being the
BalFe of his acco't, for hire of a Schooner for 77 days, a 30s, and
work done by himself and hands at Chevaux de Frize.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay David Robb £7, for 2 Guns and
one Blanket, for the use of the 2nd Batt'n of Northumberland
county, to be charged to Colonel James Murray.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay the following Person £36 7, to
be charged to Col. James Murray of the 2nd Batt'n of Cumber-
land County, viz :
To Capt. Cookson Long £Q 10, for a Rifle Gun.
To Do. 5 10, for a Gun.
To Do. 11, for 2 Guns, Horn, Pouches and
Charger.
To Do. 6 17, for 1 Gun and Blanket.
To Do. 6 10, for 1 Gun and Blanket from
John Luce.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Samuel Harris £7 4, for work
done the Arms of the Militia of Northumberland County.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Samuel Harris £16 7, for re-
pairs of the arms of the Militia of Northumberland, by order of
Major John Harris.
Capt. Bickham to pay Capt. Thomas Paxton £31 8 6, for
BalFe of his acco't of Subsistence of his Comp'y from Bedford
County, to be charged to Congress. (N. B. Capt. Paxton left
Bills to the amo't of £9 19, at Taverns on the road.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Sam'l Wilson £23 16,
for pay of his Comp'y of the 5th Batt'n of York Co. Militia.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Major John Rogers £20, for his
pay, and Rations for 28 days, (of the 2nd Batt'n of Lancaster
county,) to be charged to Congress.
88 MINUTES OF THE
• An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Benjamin Mar-
shall for £200, for the purpose of assistance of the families of
poor Militia of Capt. Bowers' Company.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Colonel James Murray 67 Dol-
lars, being advance for a Company of men in Northumberland
County.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Lieut. Col. Jameg Murray
£25 6 3, for sundry expences attending this Batt'n of Northum-
berland Co. Militia.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay the officers of the above
Batt'n £42, for subsistence money.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. John Clark £148 19,
for subsistence money, for his Co. of the North'd Co. Militia.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Emanuel Woodly £13 5 0, for
Boat Hire.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Mr. Robert
Irvine for £500, for the payment of Waggon hire, to be charged to
l his account.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt favor of Doctor Harris, for
£150, to be charged to his account.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Alex'r Trindle £27 12,
for subsistence of his Co. from Carlisle to this City, to be charged,
to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John McGinnet £ll 5, for
carrying stone from Fort Island to the Piers.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Lewis Harrington £10, for
10 pair Shoes.
In Council of Safety, January 14th, 1777..
PRESENT :
THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, Owen Biddle,
Joseph Blewer, John Hubley,
Joseph Dean, John Bull.
Win. Moore,
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Capt. Gusta-
vus Resberg for £500, for expences in carrying on the Continental
Powder Mill, to be charged to Col. Biddle & Major Jos. Copperth-
waite.
Messrs. Mease & Caldwell was directed to pay Col. Fred. Wats
£l 8 0, for a Ball'e due him for Blankets delivered to Mr. Towers,
& Rations, to be charged to Con.
Capt. Geo. Bickham was directed to pay Samuel Goudys, for the
subsistence of his Company from Juniata, £G0 0 0, to be charged
to Congress.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 89
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Doctor William Stephens
£3 13 9, for Medicine and Attendance of Thos. Smith, Bifleman
of Capt. Murray's Co., 2nd Batt'n of Pennsylv'a.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Johnson £5 18, for nur-
sing, attendance, and funeral expences of the above Tho's Smith.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Scott £9 7,6, for 7
Blankets and a Waggon Cloth for the use of Capt. Wm. Scott's
Comp'y of Col. Klotz's Batt'n of the Flying Camp, to be charged
to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Hoofnagle £% 9 10,
being cash paid by him to Jacob Dickert for repairing Arms &c. ,
charge to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Thomas Nevell,
for One Hundred pounds, to be charged to his acco't towards Gun
s Carriages making by him.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Captain Wil-
liam Gray, for Two Hundred Dollars, for recruiting service, to be
charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Robt. Towers £258 19 6,
for making Cartridges, Arms Purchased, &ca.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Thomas Holliday, Ensign of
Capt'n. Wm. McAlewy's Comp'y of Bedford Co., £5, being the
Ball'ce of a month's pay, to be charged to Congress.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Colonel Henry Geiger £89
4 6, for charges of apprehending and bringing to Reading Goal
the following persons, who are suspected of being Tories, to whose
acco't this sum is to be charged, viz ; William Thomas, Philip
Mooser, Michael Ohl, Casper Boldof, Michael Buck, Henry Stin-
ninger & Jacob Oswalt.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Nicholas Spring £1 17 6, for
Hailing Wood.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Col. Henry
Geiger, for £75 0 0, for the purpose of purchasing Blankets, &ca.,
for His Battalion, Northampton County, to be charged to his ac-
count.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt, Rider £16, for Exp's
of his Comp'y from the 4th until the 11th Inst, to be charged to
the Colonel, Henry Geiger.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Davis Bevan £14= 12 6, for Ex-
pences going to Lewistown to obtain the release of Prisoners from
the Roebuck Man of War.
Resolved, That Messrs. Josiah Hewes & Andrew Tybout &
Robert Tucking, be appointed to take care of the Prisoners return-
ed from New York, & to provide them with such necessaries as
they may stand in need of, and that they make return to this Coun-
cil of their names, with the Battalions to which they belong, and
also that they do return to Messrs. Mease & Caldwell, such as be-
long to the Continental Army, and to John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq'r,
such as belong to this State, that they may receive their pay.
90 MINUTES OF THE
Resolved, That the officers of the first Battalion of Lancaster
County, and the few men who remained with them when they were
deserted by the greater part of the Battalion on the 12th instant,
deserve the warmest acknowledgments of this Board for their en-
deavors to prevail on their Countrymen to stay, though those en-
deavors proved unsuccessful : and that the conduct of those who
basely deserted, at that time, without applying to this Council, and
waiting for redress, if they thought themselves aggrieved, is highly
reprehensible.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of John Hubley,
Esq'r, for two Thousand Pounds, (agreeable to a Resolve of 11th
Inst,) to be charged to his acco't.
In Council of Safety, January 15th, 1777.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
Joseph Dean, John Bull,
Joseph Blewer, Wm. Moore,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, John Hubley.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Abram Mason £12 7 6, for
work done by Sundry Persons in the Elabratory, to be charged to
Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in fav'r of Messrs. Peter
Dehaven & Co., for five Hundred Pounds, to be charged to their
acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Peter Knight,
£100, to supply the poor families of Capt. Williams' Company, to
be charged to Mr. Knight.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Benjamin Armitage £2 9 4, for
Tavern Expences of Major Proctor's Men, with 2 Waggons of am-
munition, on the 3d & 4th of Dec'r last, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain John McConkey £21
10 7, for arms & accoutrements, &c, furnished his Comp'y of
the County of Bucks, to be charged to Colonel Hart.
Captain Bickham was directed to pay Capt. James Adams £112
5 1, for Expences attending the March of his Co., from Cumber-
land Co., to be charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq'r, in favour
of William Thompson, for £50, towards Manufacturing Powder
for Congress, to be charged to his account.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. James Purdy £117 17
3, for subsistence of his Company of the 4th Batt'nof Cumberland
County Militia, from Juniata to this City, to be charged to Con-
gress.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 91
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Capt. Hedrick,
200 Dollars, for recruiting service of the 11th Reg't of this State,
to be charged to Col. Humpton.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Henry Huber of the 5th
Batt'n of Bucks County Militia £8 18, for Exp's of Drum and
Fife, with wages of a Drill Sergeant, for instruction of his Com-
pany.
Captain Bickham was directed to pay the following Acco'ts, to
be charged to Congress :
To William Rush, for Men & Horses for Expresses since
the 7th Dec'r,
Peter Warner for Do.,
William Morris for Do.,
Peter Parris for Do., to Reading,
Geo. Haas for Do.,
Lewis Fohrer for Do.,
Leonard Lasher for Do.,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Young £75 5, for Knap-
sacks, Havre Sacks, Priming Wires &, Brushes, &c.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Wm. Gray <£! 11, for
Expences attending the bringing Prisoners from Chesnut Hill, to
be charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Captain Francis
Nichols, for 200 Dollars, for the recruiting service, to be charged to
his acco't.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Geo. Losh £9 17 10, for
subsistence of a Company of the 2nd Batt'n of Northampton County.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Fisher £1 12, for sub-
sistence of his Company, of the 3d Battalion of Berks County.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay William Cook £3, for one Gun
for his Company, of the '2nd Batt'n of North' d County, to be
charged to the Colonel.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Thomas Carpenter £3 10 0,
for 4 pair of Shoes, & James Teas for 3 pair of Shoes, £1 15 0, ■&
John Cahey £1 10 0, for 1 Blanket.
£27
10 0
13
12 6
11
0 0
3
15 0
5
0 0
7
10 0
17
15 0
£SQ
2 6
92 MINUTES OF THE
In Council of Safety, January 16th, 1777.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
Joseph Dean, John Bull,
Joseph Blewer, David Rittenhouse,
John Hubley, James Cannon.
Sam,l Morris, Sen'r,
Au order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of John Hart, for
£100 0 0, for the purpose of providing for Sick Soldiers, he to be
accountable.
Mr. Nesbitt 'was directed lo pay Arch'd McCall £120 0 0, for
32 muskets delivered to Mr. Towers.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Emslie £4 3 2, for Shot
Patterns, to be charged to James Old, & £17 8 8, for ditto, deliv-
ered to Mr. Towers, to be charged to Congress.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Alex'r Huston £1 2 6, for
a Blanket.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Captain John
Nelson, of Colonel George Taylor's Battalion of Northampton County,
for One hundred Pounds, to advance his Company a month's pay,
to be charged to Peter Rhodes, Esq'r, he to be accountable to Mr.
Rhodes.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt for 200 Dollars, in favor of
Lieutenant John Stotsbury, for recruiting service for the 11th Reg't,
to be charged to Col. Rich'd Humpton.
Copy of an intercepted Letter, directed to Brigadier General Phil-
emon Dickenson , at the American Gamp.
" Receive no more Continental Money on your Bonds and Mort-
gages. The British Troops having conquered the Jerseys, and your
being in Camp, are sufficient reasons. Be sure you remember this.
It will better for you."
The above is a true copy of an intercepted Let'ter, w'h Letter Col.
John Dickenson has acknowledged before the Council, to have been
written by himself to his Brother the General.'
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 93
In Council of Safety, January 17th, 1777.
PRESENT :
THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Presid't.
John Hubley, Joseph Blewer.
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Wm. Moore,
Owen Biddle, David Rittenhouse,
Wm. Lyons, ■ John Bull,
Joseph Deanj James Cannon.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr. Timothy
Barret, for £20, for the use of poor Families of Capt. Wade's Com-
pany, to be charged to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, favour of Jacob Shriner,
for 100 Dollars, for the use of the poor families of Associators.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Matthias Young £3, for Paint-
ing 2 Flat Bottom'd Boats.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, favour of Captain Blewer,
for £200, he to be accountable.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, favour of Major- Williams,
for 2,000 Dollars, for recruiting service, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Samuel G-owdy £2, Adam Mey-
ers £1 7, and Robert Dawson £2, for 3 Guns lost in Actual Ser-
vice in Col. Watt's Batt'n at Forts Lee and Washington, to be
charged to Congress;
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Col. Jacob
Stroud, for 500 Dollars, for the]use of the 4th Batt'n of Northamp-
ton County Militia, to be charged to acco't of Peter Rhoads, Esq'r,
he to be accountable to Mr. Rhoads.
Resolved, That Mr. Michael Hubley have the rank and pay of
Captain, as Barrack Master of Lancaster County.
Capt. Geo. Bickham was directed to pay Henry Klimer 15s for
a Blanket, & William Porter £3 12 0, for 6 pair of Stockings.
Mr. Robert Dallam, Paymaster to the Flying Camp, was re-
quested to advance Captain Smyser Fifty pounds, to pay some of
his men who have lately returned from their Captivity.
94 MINUTES OF THE
In Council of Safety.
Philad, January 18th, 1777^
PRESENT :
SAVl'L MORRIS, Sen'r, Chair'n.
John Hubley, William Lyon,
Joseph Blewer, Joseph Dean,
John Bull, James Cannon.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Colonel Mel-
cher, for 2,000 Dollars, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Philip Wert ^65 10 0, for Hire
of his Shallop, to assist in sinking Chevaux de Frize.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour Lieut. Robert
Connoly, for 000 Dollars, for recruiting service for the fourth Pen' a
Regiment, to be charged to Colonel L. Cadwalader.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Messrs. Wil-
liam Chrispin, Samuel Taylor, William Allen, Job Harvey, &
Peter Stretch, for the purpose of purchasing Blankets in Chester
County, to be charged to their account.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr. Alex'r
Hunter, Paymaster to the Northumberland County Militia, for one
Hundred Dollars, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay L't Col. Fred. Antes, of 3rd
Batt'n of Philad'a County Militia", £43 10 0, for Drum, Drum
major & Fife major wages, £43 10 0.
Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary of Stores, was directed to deliver
Mr. Johnson of Maryland Three Hundred Stand of Arms, and as
many Cartouch Boxes as he may have occasion for, for the use of
the Maryland Militia.
Mr. Robert Towers was directed to deliver to Mr. Werts 35
Stand of Arms, to keep Guard over the Hessian Prisoners at Lan-
caster.
Whereas, This Council is informed that many of the principal
Associators of Col. Hunter's Battalion of Berks County, refuse to
inarch, to join General Washington's array at this Important
Crisis, when so glorious an opportunity offers of Crushing the
enemy, and thereby have prevented and discouraged the rest, and
proceeded even to dare them to enforce the resolves of this Council
upon them ; therefore
Resolved, That Colonel Hunter be directed forthwith to Collect
all the well affected in his Battalion, and to seize upon the ring-
leaders in this defection, and send them under guard to Philadel-
phia, and that he do execute the Resolve; the resolve of this
Council of the seventh of December last, upon all who refuse to
march without favour or affection, and that they do Collect Blan-
kets and other necessaries for the use of those who are to march,
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 95
paying a reasonable price for the same ; and should any person re-
fuse to deliver such necessaries as they can spare, the Colonel is
directed to take and pay for the same. Those that turn out are to
march the most direct road to Head Quarters.
An order was drawn on Capt. Bickham, in favour of Colonel
Stroud, £57 10, for mileage of three Companies marching to this
City.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. James F. Moore £29 10 9,
for Expences after deserters, &c, by order of Gren'l Washington.
Resolved, That Doct'r Andrew Ledlie, (of Northampton County,)
be appointed Surgeon to the 12th Pensylvania Reg't, Commanded
by Colonel Wm. Cook.
In Council of Safety.
Philad'a., January 19th, 1777,
PRESENT :
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Joseph Blewer, Wm. Lyon,
John Bull, James Cannon,
Joseph Dean,
Jno. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, Treasurer, was directed to pay Col. Bar-
tram Galbreath £146 17 0, for arms taken from non-associators, to
be charged to his acco't.
In Council of Safety, January 20th, 1777,
PRESENT :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Chairm'n.
John Bull, John Hubley,
William Moore, Joseph. Blewer,
Joseph Dean, Owen Biddle,
Wm. Lyon, David Rittenhouse.
An order was drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, Treasurer, was
directed to pay Messrs. Peter Dehaven & Co. ^500, to be charged
to their acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Mr. Robert
Erwin, for ^500, to be charged to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Col. Clement
Biddle, for 5000 Dollars, to be charged to his acco't.
96 MINUTES OF THE
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Capt. Geo.
Bickham, for 2000 Dollars, to be charged to his acco't.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Robert Patton 1000 Dollars,
for Cloathing, &ca., to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. H. Courtney 200 Dollars,
for recruiting Service for artillery, to be charged to Major Proctor.
Capt. Geo. Bickham was directed to pay the following ac-
counts :
James Bickham, £162 6 5£, for Swanskin, &ca.
John Robertson, 20 10 G, for Blankets.
James Willson, 1 10 0, for a Blanket.
Sam'l Weer, 1 15 0, for a Do.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Britton ,£50 11 4, for
Boards, &ca. for use of Magazine, to be charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Robert Bailey
for £25, for the use of the families of poor associators in Capt.
McElwain's Company of the 3d Batt'n, to be charged to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Capt. John
Hazlewood, for 800 Dollars, being the Bounty Money for 80 men.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Larnoe £15 12, for 26
Cartouch Boxes and Bayonet Belts @ 13s, to be charged to the
Coin. Bucks County Militia.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, favor of Captain Bowen, for
1000 Dollars, for the recruiting Service of the 9th Reg't, te be
charg'd to Col'l Nagle.
Resolved, That Colonel Dean and Colonel Bull be appointed to
attend the Treaty to be held with the Indians at Easton, on Mon-
day next, on behalf of this Council j when, they are to advise
and concur with the Committee of Assembly and Congress, in all
such measures as they shall think proper, to preserve peace and
harmony with the Indian Nations.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Win. Lyon,
Esq'r, for 500 Dollars, to be charg'd to his Acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Mary Wirt, the
wife of Lieut. Geo. Wirt, of Col. Miles' Batt'n, £30, in part of his
pay, and to be charg'd to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, favour of Col'l Bartram Gal-
braith, for £310, to be charg'd to Mr. Will'm Attlee, Chairman of
the Committee of Lancaster, to whom he is accountable for the
same.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Dan'l Carpenter *£19
12, for retain'd Rations for 1 Capt. and 10 men, f'm the 10th
Dec'r last.
Capt. Bickham was directed #to pay Sarah Jollie -£5, for 2 Blank-
ets, sold the 15th Ins't.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY, 97
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, January 21st, 1777.
PRESENT :
THOMAS WHARTON, Jun'r. President.
Joseph Dean, John Hubiey,
Joseph Blewer, William Lyon,
John Bull, David Rittenhouse,
William Moore, Saml. Morris, Sen'r,
Geo. Gray, Owen Biddle.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Messrs. Jo-
giah Hewes, for £100, to be charged to their Account.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Thomas Casdorp £35 12 5, for
expences of the Guards in bringing up money from Baltimore, to
be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Thos. Casdorp £8 15, for his expences to
Morristown and back again, seven days, @ 25s, to be charged to
Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Robert Saunderson £149 13 0?
for Arms taken from Tories in New Jersey by Maj'r Hubiey & Ma-
jor Mifflin, & delivered to Mr. Towers. Also £78, for 3 Horses
delivered to John Morris, Esq'r, Q. M, taken from Tories -in Jer-
sey, & taken into public service, to be charged to Mr. Morris.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Col. Wm. Cook & 6 Officers of
his Reg't, vizt : Capts. John Harris, Henry McKinley, Hawkins
Boon, John Brady, Lieutenants Stephen Chambers, Robert King,
for extraordinary expences for recruiting, &ca, Amounting to £368
3 10, to be charged to Congress.
Colonel Ephraim Blain, of the 1st Battalion Cumberland County
Militia, is directed to hold an Election for Field Officers in the said
Battalion, if two-Thirds of the Battalion, now marched and march-
ing to Camp, require the same. That the Colonel be furnished
with Blank Commissions to fill them, according to such directions.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Col. Bartraim Galbraith £66 2
3, for Arms delivered to Mr. Towers.
Capt. Geo. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Joseph Martin
for Subsistance of his Company from Cumberland County to this
City, £1.05 1 3, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Colonel Bartram G-al breath £34
10 6, for Blankets, lost by his Batt'n in Actual Service at Trenton
and Frincetown, to be charged to Congress.
Mr, Nesbitt was directed to pay Col. Galbreatl^£19 14 1, for
Bxp'ja of his Batt'n in Calling out, &c, to be charg'd to Congress.
Captain Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Thos. Beale £72 17,
for subsistence of his Comp'y of Col. Watts' Batt'n of Cumberland
VOL. XI.— 7,
98 MINUTES OF THE
County Militia, to be charg'd to Congress ; likewise £12 7 for
Ferriage.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of John Cox,
Esq'r, for £500, on acco't of Shott cast for this State, to be charged
to his acco't.
John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, Treasurer, was directed to pay Robert
Smith £20 0 0, for the purpose of providing poor families of Col-
onel Savage's Battalion of Rockhill Township, Bucks County, to be
charg'd to him.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Captain William
Gray, for five Hundred Dollars, for recruiting service, to be charged
to his account.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Alexander Ben-
stead, Paymaster, for the 10th Reg't, for 2000 Dollars, for recruiting
service, to be charg'd to Col. Penrose.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr. Tho's.
Savadge, for £500, to be charg'd to his Acco't.
Capt. Geo. Bickham was directed to pay And'w Wimmore £12
17 6, for expences of Horses for Expresses, to be charged to Con-
gress.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Howell £8 3 10, for
his expences as an Express to Head Quarters, charge to Congress.
Resolved } That Mr. Thomas Payne be appointed Secretary to the
Commissioners for the Indian Treaty to be held at Easton on Mon-
day next.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Wilson £2 10, for attend-
ance and distributing advertisements since 20th ult., to be charg'd
to Congress.
Captain Bickham was directed to pay Major John Boggs £5 4,
for subsisting while assisting to raise the Batt'n of Cumberland
County Militia, to be charged to Congress.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Sam'l Davidson £92 4
10, for retain'd Rations of his Company.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Matthias Selers £77
2 4, for subsistence of his Co. of the 1st Batt'n Cumb. Co. Militia,
to be charg'd to Congress.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Wm. Mitchell, of the
5th Batt'n York County Militia £30 1 6, for subsistence of his
Comp'y, to be charg'd to Congress.
Resolved, That the following Persons be appointed in the Penn-
sylvania Reg't, now under the Command of Major Williams :
Jas. Carnaghan, 1st Lieutenant, October 24th, 1776, No. 8.
Thomas Johnston, Do , Jan'ry 21st, 1777.
Joseph Brownlee, 2nd Do., October 24th, 1776, 7.
Luke Broadhead, Do., October 24th, 1776, 8.
James Whitehead, do., January 21st, 1777.
James Wiley, Ensign, January 21, 1777.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 99
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Machan £1 10, for a
Blanket lost in actual Service and apprais'd, to be charg'd to Con-
gress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Alex'r Rannax, of Capt. Cul-
'bertson's Comp'y, £3 15, for a double Blanket lost in actual Ser-
vice, to be charged to Congress.
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, January 22nd, 1777
PRESENT *.
THOMAS WHARTON, Jun'r, President.
Joseph Blewer,
John Hubley,
Joseph Dean,
William Lyon,
William Moore,
Geo. Gray,
John Bull,
John Bayard.
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,
Jno. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, was directed to pay the following Ac
counts :
To Capt. De Turick, £1 3 6, for Subsistence of his Company las
Summer.
Capt. Mouser, 12 11 7, for
do.
Capt. Shaffer, 13 4, for
do.
Capt. Soder, 2 2 8, for
do.
Capt. Will, 1 18 8, for
do.
Capt. Old, 2 4 for
do.
Capt. Mouser, 9 4, for
do.
Capt. Mouser, 3 14 6, for
do.
Capt. Moyer, 1 13 4, for
do.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Alex'r Tod, £722 8, for Sundry
Goods deliver'd the artillery and Naval Armaments of this State,
to be charg'd to the respective Captains.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, favour of Major Williams,
for 1000 Dollars, for the recruiting Service, to be charged to his
Acco't,
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay to Capt. Turbett £'207 18,
for retained Rations of his Company of Col. Watts' Batt'n of Cum-
berland County Militia, charge to Congress.
To Col. Watts £32 7, for Rations due the Field and Staff officers
of his Batt'n, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Robert Towers] £136
5 0, for workmen's wages in the Elaboratory, making mus-
ket Cartridges, arms purchased, &ca., £120 15 0, to be charged to
Congress, & £15 10 0, for his wages from 19th December to Jan-
uary 19th, 31 days, to be charged to this State.
100 MINUTES OF THE
Resolved, That Richard Dellam, Esq'r, Paymaster of the Flying
Camp, be requested to pay the accounts of Subsistence of the Com-
panies of the Flying Camp, before their march, at the rate of ten
Shillings ^ week, and a Dollar ^ man for enlisting, and to keep
a seperate account of all such, that this board may be enabled
hereafter to settle the same with Congress.
Mr. Towers, the Commissary of Stores, was directed to deliver
to Capt. James Crouch of the 4th Batt'n of Lancaster County Mili-
tia, the following Articles, to be charged to Major C. Cox of s'd
Batt'n :
34 Guns.
35 Cartouch Boxes.
15 Canteens.
6 Knapsacks.
Resolved, That Col. Melcher, Barrack Master General, be direc-
ted to Quarter the Militia upon the Non-Associators in this City
and Liberties, and on all Associators who have not served in this
Winter's Campaign, the Council particularly recommend to him in
Quartering them, to proportion the number to the size of the
Mouses and convenience of the Families.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Stewart Duncan £3 5 0, for
wood for Ship Montgomery.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Christian Leary £12 12, for
Boarding of men in March and April last, of Col. Miles' Batt'n.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. John Read £$ 17 6, for
axpences in bringing wood from fort Island.
An address of the Convention of the State of New York, to
their Constituents, being transmitted to the Board by Congress,
with a request to get the same translated into the German Lan-
guage and have a sufficient number printed,
Resolved, That Major John Hubley have the said address Trans-
lated, and get 1500 Copies Struck off in the German Language,
und 1000 Copies in English.
Resolved, That the Committee for taking care of the Sick Sol-
diers who have arrived in this City be, and they are hereby autho-
rized and fully empowered to take into their Possession all the
Arms of the aforesaid sick, also all the Arms of those who iiave
died in this City ; all persons who shall be found secreting any
Arms of the Soldiers aforesaid, or of those who have died in their
Houses, will be severely dealt with by this Board.
Capt. Bickham was directed^to pay John Hufty £\, for fireing
and lodging 3 Companies of the Berks County Militia* to be charged
to Congress
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 301
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, January 23rd, 1777.
PRESENT :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, Pres't.
William Moore, Peter Rhoads,
Joseph Dean, William Lyon,
John Hubley, John Bull.
Joseph Blewer,
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Capt. Biekham,
for 2000 Dollars, to be charged to his Acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Col. John Old,
125 Dollars, for a Month's Wages for one Col. & one Major, to be
charged to Mr. Adam Whitman, in Reading, he to be accountable
to Mr. Whitman.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Sam'l Oliver £4 2 6, for dieting
men of Col. Miles' Battalion, in May last.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favor of Mr. William
Coates, for £200, for Providing for sick soldiers in the Northern
Liberties, to be charged to his Acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Major Lewis
Nicola, for £100, for the use of the City Guard, to be charged to
his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Ensign Lawrence Oats, of Capt.
Mitchel's Comp'y of 5th Batt'n York County Militia, Seven pounds
& ten Shillings, for a Month's wages, he having turned into the
ranks, as there was a greater number of Officers than men; to fee
charged to Jos Donaldson, Esq'r, York Town, Mr. Oats to be ac-
countable to Mr. Donaldson.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay the following accounts, to be
charged to Col. Potter, of Northumberland County :
One acco't for Blankets bo't of Sundry Persons, £21 8 0
One do. for a Gun, Blanket, &c, bo't of Simon Hem-
rod, - - - - 5 2 0
One do. for a Gun bo't of Buchanan Smith, - - 4 0 0
One do. for a Gun bo't of Wm. Blue, - - 4 0 0
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John White, of Capt. McKee's
Comp'y, £2, for a Quilt lost in actual service, to be charged to Con-
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Sam'l Davidson £4, for 3
Blankets, for the use of his Comp'y, to be charg'd to Col. Smith,
of the Bedford County Militia.
102 MINUTES OF THE
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, January 24th, 1777
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, Jun'r, Pres't.
John Bull, Jonathan B. Smith,
Joseph Dean, Andrew Caldwell,
Joseph Blewer, Peter Rhoads,
William Lyon, Samuel C. Morris,
Frederick Kuhl, John Hubley.
Timothy Matlack,
Whereas several of the Militia, after receiving advance Pay,
and drawing Rations, have basely deserted their Officers, and re-
turned home, without rendering their Country the least Service, but
on the Contrary, their ill example will probably produce the most
fatal consequences in the Army, unless such delinquents are speed-
ily punished ; Therefore,
Resolved, That the six weeks for which the militia of the State
are now called forth to serve in defence of their Country, are to
Commence at and shall be accountable from the time they arrive at
Head Quarters; And that such of the Militia as leave their Officers
befoie their time of service is expired, unless they are regularly
discharged, shall be advertised as Deserters, and carried back to the
army, there to remain until properly discharged by the Command-
ing Officer, and this Board will defray all reasonable expences that
may attend securing such Deserters.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Wm. Lyon,
Esq'r, for 1400 Dollars, he to be accountable.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Rob't Irwin, or order, .£500, he to be ac-
countable.
Captain Bickham was directed to pay Major Geo. Stewart a641
2 2, for Subsistence of part of the 5th Batt'n of Lancaster Co.
militia, for 4 weeks & 4 days, being order'd back to Lancaster to
bring the rest of the Batt'n, to be charg'd to Congress.
Mr. "Nesbitt was directed to pay Geo. Stewart, Major of the 5th
Batt'n of Lancaster County militia, £1% 17 6, for Pay Roll of part
of said Batt'n sent back from Phila. to bring the rest, to be charged
to Wm. Atlee, Esq'r, to whom Major Stewart is to be accountable.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 10&
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, January 25th, 1777-
present :
DAVID KITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Chair'n.
Joseph Blewer, Wm. Moore,
John Bull, John Hubley,
Frederick Kuhl, Peter Koads,
Jonathan Bayard Smith, Sam'l C. Morris.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Geo. Mitchell £3 7 6, for 1
Pair of Blankets, taken by Lieut. A ndrew Boyd for the use of his
Oorap'y of the 4th Batt'n Cumberland County militia.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Capt. Benj'n
Eyre, for Two Hundred Pounds, to be charged to his Account.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Nicholson £1 10 0, for a
Blanket left at Princetown.
Capt. G-eo. Bickham was directed to pay the following acco'ts, to
be charged to Congress :
Fred. Wier, £11 5 0, for riding Express to Lancaster, & £26 5
0, for 21 days' Hire of himself & Horse stationed at Trenton, in
order to convey Intelligence from Head Quarters.
G-eorge Gentner, £36 5 0, for 21 day Hire of himself & Horse
stationed at Frankfort, & 10 days' riding Express to other places, &
attending with a Horse.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Jeremiah Holden £21, for Pilot-
age of the Galley Convention to the Capes and back, to be charged
to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Joseph Blewer £100, to be
charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Major James Smith, for arm3 k
Accoutrements taken as Plunder by a P&rty of Rangers under his
Command in New Jersey, £61 0 0.
10* MINUTES OF THE
In Council of Safety, January 27th, 177?".
PRESENT :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Ritteniiouse, V. P.
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Sam'l 0. Morris,
Andrew Caldwell, Wi. Lyon,
Joseph Blewer, Wm. Moore,
Peter Rhoads, Jno. Hubley.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Peter Dehaven
& Co., for £500, to be charg'd to their acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Lieut. Colonel
John Morris, for 4000 Dollars, to be charg'd to Col. Clem't Riddle.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of David Pancoast,
for 500 Dollars, for purchasing Timber for Gun Carriages, to be
charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Sarn'l Cooper ^3, for diet &
Lodging of men, and services done at making a Bridge over Pen-
sawkin, to be charg'd to Congress.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Jas. Agoew £Q0 16 4,
for Subsistence of his Comp'y of the 2nd Batt'n of York Co., to be
charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr, Nesbitt, in favour of Wm. Masters,
Esq'r, 1500 Dollars, for the purpose of paying the militia Artillery
Companies, he to be accountable.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Nelson 16s, for Expences
of escorting 13 Hessian Prisoners from Newtown, to be charg'd to
Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Mercer of the 5th Batt'n
Lancaster County Militia, commanded by Colo. Crawford, £38 15,
for Blankets taken & apprais'd for the use of said Batt'n to be
charg'd to Colo. Crawford.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Wm. Lyon,
Esq'r, for 500 Dollars, to be charged to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Mr. Joseph
Davis for £10, on acco't of wages due him as Eusign in Col. At-
lee's Batt'n, to be charged to him.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Lieut. Conelly
for 500 Dollars, for recruiting service for 4 Pcu'a Reg't, to be
charged to Col. Cadwalader.
Captain Bickham was directed to pay George Hoas -£72 10, for
29 Pair Breeches.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Farmer £14 2, for Ball'e
of his acco't for bringing the Hessian Prisoners to Baltimore, to be
charged to Congress.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 105
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Quicksall £10 0 0, for
Freight of 100 Barrels of Beef to Newport, belonging to this
State, delivered to Mr. Benja. Hogeland.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Jno. Congler £3 6 6, for saw-
ing at piling 9? Cords of wood.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Hugh Frazier £23 19 3, for
Blanketing Bought of him by Colo. Watts, for the use of his
Batt'n, to be charged to Colo. Watts.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay to Captain Furrey £50 0 0,
andtoCapt. Hederick £83 16 0, for subsistance money of their
two Companies^ belonging to the 3rd Battalion (of Militia) of
Berks County, to be charged to Congress. '
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Edward Stroud £44 15, for
his pay as an Express, to be charged to Congress.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay G-eo. Spangler £52 7 6, for
his pay as an Express, to be charged to Congress.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay to John Bray £6 5, for
Horse Hire, to be charg'd to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Benjamin Davis £9 2 3, for
Drums, &ca., for AtleeYBattalion. &c.
Mr. Towers was directed to Deliver Capt. Mercer, of the 5th
Batt'n Lancaster County Militia, commanded by Colo. Crawford,
7 Guns with Bayonets, 12 Cartouch Boxes & 10 Canteens.
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, January 28th, 1777.
PRESENT :
THOMAS WHARTON, Jun'r, Pres't.
David Rittenhoxjse, V. P.
John Hubley, John Bayard,
William Lyon, Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,
William Moore, Andrew Caldwell,
Joseph Blewer, Peter Rhoads.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Coffman £3 2 7, for ex-
pences attending sick Soldiers from Canada, to be charg'd to Con-
gress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. John Harris £4 10, and
Lieut. Stephen Chambers £4 10, for 2 Guns appraised by Robt.
Towers, to be charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Rich'd Dellam,
Esq'r, Paymaster General of the Flying Camp, for 6000 Dollars,
he to be accountable.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Sherman and Lewis £67 18 6, for 2717
Bottoms for round shott, deliver'd Mr. Jos. Stiles at the Elaboratory,
to be charged to Congress.
106 MINUTES OF THE
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Nicholas Hess £76 11 1$, for Iron work
done the Philadelphia Barracks, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Ann Preston £4 4 6, for nur-
sing, attendance, and funeral Expences of Jon'n Jones, a Sergeant in
Capt. Adam Grosher's Company of Maryland Flying Camp, to be
charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay the wife of Peter Clarke 14
Dollars, being 1 month's pay as Gunner on board the Vulture
armed Boat Capt. Hance, he being discharged as not fit for duty.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. James Mercer of the 5th
Battalion of Lancaster County, Commanded by Col'l James Craw-
ford, £52 15 0, being a month's pay for, his Company, to be
charged to William Atlee of Lancaster, he to be accountable to Mr.
Atlee.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Capt. Wm.
Scull for one thousand Dollars, for recruiting service for 11th
Penn'a Reg't, to be charged to Col. Richard Humpton.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Jacob Winey £15 0 0, for
a Medicine chest bo't by Doct. Jennings for the use of the 11th
Penn'a Reg't, to be charged to Congress.
Capt. Geo. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. James Mercer
£7 8 9, for subsistance for his Company of 5th Batt'n Lancaster
County militia, to be charged to Congress.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Colonel John Allison
=£19 3 4, for mileage and subsistence of the Field and Staff Offi-
cers of his Batt'n, to be charg'd to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Robt. Towers £160 8 6, for
Ball'e of his acco't of Expences in making Cartridges, men's wages
in the Elaboratory, and arms purchas'd by him, to be charg'd to
Congress.
Capt. Geo. May, A. May, Jon'o Weib, & Jon'n Weib, Officers
of the late Flying Camp, being brought before this Board & charg'd
with having left the Army before y'e 1st Jan'ry, inst, the day on
w'h the term of the s'd Camp expired, & y't the s'd Capt. G. May
had drawn pay for his Co. & p'd them in full, notwithstanding
his Co. had quitted the service without complying w'th the terms
on w'h they had rec'd a Bounty f'm this State, w'h charges the s'd
Geo. May, &c, have severally confessed, protesting their Ignorance
of their Duty.
Resolved, That the s'd Capt. May refund the sum of twenty
shillings for each of his Men, as a third part of the Bounty Money
they had rec'd ; and that the said Geo. May, and A. May, &c, pay the
expences that have accrued in bringing them before this Board, and
be dissmissed, on being reprimanded for their conduct.
Resolved, That Sam'l Morris, Joseph Blewer, and And'w Cald-
well, be a Committee to Visit the State Prisoners in the New Jail,
enquire & understand the cause of their Commitment, how long
they have been confined, & to release such as in their discretion
they shall judge ought to be released.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 107
In Council of Safety,
Philadelphia, January 29th, 1777.
, present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
William Moore, Sam'l C. Morris,
William Lyon, Peter Rhoads,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Andrew Caldwell,
Joseph Blewer, David Rittenhouse, V. P.
John Hubley,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay D'l Dawson £ll 3 6, for 74! lb
Stove Pipe, at 3s, bought of him by Thomas Savadge, to be charg'd
to Salt Works.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Capt. Bick-
kam, for 3000 dollars, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Thomas Davis £112 18 2 J, be-
ing the Ball'e of his acco't for Building Chevaux de Frize, &c.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Col. John Allison £15 15 0,
for Exp's attending the Instruction of his Batt'n of Cumberland
Co. Militia.
Mr. Rob't Irwin was directed to pay Hugh McCormick £20 5,
for his pay as Waggon Master, from the 26th ult'o until the
22 last, a 1 5s, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Huddell £28 4, for Ex-
pences attending the Building of the Galley Convention.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Mich'l Boyer £30, for his
Wages as an Express, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Gen'l Roberdeau £5, for a Fu-
zee and Bayonet, deliv'd Rob't Towers last June.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Colmore Beans £11 5, for his
attendance in the Continental Hospital from the 6th Dec'r to the
6th Jan'ry, a 7s 6, to be charged to Congress ; And to pay Dan'l
Dougherty £11 5, for his attendance in the Continental Hospital
from the 6th Dec'r to the 6th Jan'ry, a 7s 6, to be charg'd to Con-
gress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay the Field Officers of the 2nd
Batt'n of Bedford County, £207 12 6, for arms and Blankets,
purchas'd by s'd Field Officers for the use of their Batt'n, to be
charged to Col. Smith.
* Mr. Nesbitt to pay Jos. Finaver £18 3 4, for 1096 Straps, de-
livered into the Elaboratory, to be charged to Congress.
;~'Mr. Nesbitt to pay Jos. Finaver £30 18 9, for Tubes and Straps,
deliver' d Benj'n Loxley at the Elaboratory.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Byers £13, for 1 month's
pay of 5 men join'd his 'Co, of the 5th Batt'n of Lancaster Co.
Militia, said Capt. Byers to be accountable to Mr. Wm. Attlee.
108 MINUTES OF THE
Mr. Nesbitt to pay the Committee of Bedford County £19, for
Expences of said Committee, to be charg'd to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Col. Thomas Smith £4=2, for arms taken &
apprais'd in Bedford County, from Non-associators in the District
of the first Batt'n of s'd County, to be charg'd to Colonel Wood.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Bickham ^2000, to be
charged to his account.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Moses Myers £1950 13 6,
for Cloths and Ticklinburgs, bought of Isaac Moses.
Rob't Irwin, Esq'r, was directed to pay Rich'd Deamond £45 15,
for Service done as Waggon Master, f'n 30th Nov'r last, a 15s.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Capt. Wm.
Gray, for 200 Dollars, for the recruiting Service, he to be account-
able.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Capt. James
Parr, of the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment, commanded by Colonel
Hand, 200 Dollars, for the recruiting Service, to be charged to his
acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of William Lyon;
Escj'r, for 500 Dollars, to be charged to his acco't.
In Council of Safety.
Philad'a, January 30th, 1777.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r. President.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
Wm. Moore, Jno. Hubley,
Joseph Blewer, Sam'l C. Morris,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Wm. Lyon,
Andrew Caldwell, John Bayard.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Wm. Roberts £93 0 8, for mak-
ing amunition Boxes, &ca., to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Colonel Humpton Two Thous-
and Dollars, for recruiting service.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Jos. Finaver £18 3 4, for Tin
Strops delivered into the Elaboratory. Also, £30 18 9, for Tin
Tubes, &ca., delivered to Maj'r Loxley, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Lewis Grant £1 15 0, for Gun
Ladles for the Fort.
An order was sent to Hayman Levy, to make up an assortment ot
articles fit for a Treaty with 70 Indians, (exclusive of women &
children,) he accordingly pack'd up the following Goods, for which
a receipt was given by the Secretary : — 9,600 White Wampum,
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 109
20,500 Black Wampum, 30 Moons & 30 Hair Pipes of Conk Shell,
6 Pair arm Bands, 12 Gordiots, 100 Broaches, 37 Pair Ear Bobs,
all of Silver, which w'th 15 Camp Kettles, were this day forwarded
to Cols. Bull & Dean, Commissioners on the part of this Council,
at Easton.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of David Jackson,
for 2,500 Dollars, for the payment of the 2nd Batt'n of Phil's
Militia. '
Resolved, That the Officers of the Troops raised in this State for
the Continental service, who are now prisoners with the Enemy,
shall retain their rank according to their several Commissions, and
be entitled to pay and Rations the same as if they were in actual,
service, and when exchanged, to be provided for.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Tho's Burrees £1 0 0, for hawl-
log plank, &ca., to penawkin Creek Bridge, to be charged to Congress,
In Council of Safety.
Philad'a, January 31st, 1777,
PRESENT :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, Pres't.
John Hubley, David Hit ten house,
Joseph Blewer, Wm. Lyon,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Sam/1 C. Morris.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Adam Louderslayer £1 10, for
2 Week's board and lodging of Lamv't Talbert, of Capt. Hindman's
Oomp'y of Maryland, who fell sick' on the road going towards Camp,
to be charg'd to Congress.
Capt. Geo. Bickham to pay Capt. Stephen Balliet £± 2 2, being
so much not carried out in acco't for expences apprehending disaf-
fected persons in Northampton County, to be charged to Wm .
Thomas, Philip Moses & others.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Arthur Donaldson £32 3 11|?
for Expences attending the raising Chevaux de Erize.
Capt, Bickham was directed to pay Thomas Adams* £6, for at-
tendance on the Council and making out a Duplicate for South
Ward, to be charged to Congress.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay John White 15s for a Blan-
ket, Bav'd Montgomery £3 15, and John Bray .61 12 6, for 4
Blankets.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Wheeler and Wiley £17 1 6P
for Iron work done the Piers on Fort Island.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Geo. Matthews £2 17 0?
for subsistence of his Company, of Col. Ja's Armstrong's Batt'a of
Cumberland Co. Militia,
110 MINUTES OF THE
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Lieut. Colonel
Geo. Nagle, 2,000 Dollars, for the recruiting service of the 9th Penn-
sylvania Reg't, to be charged to his acco't
Resolved, That James Hunter be appointed Paymaster to the
fourth Pennsylvania Regiment, commanded by Colonel Lambert
Cadwalader, and his Com'n was delivered to Col. Cadwalader, dated
this day.
Captain Bickham was directed to pay the following accounts of
Subsistence Money, for the 5th Batt'n of Cumberland County Mili-
tia, to be charged to Congress, vizt :
Capt. Cha's Maclay, £20 4, being for 7 days of his Company.
" Samuel Patton, 20 4, for 9 days.
Lieut. John Rea, 18 14, for 11 days.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Major Latcha
for one month's pay of 2 Companies of Col. Tim'y Green's Batt'n
of Lancaster County, viz : Captains Ropenhever & Stoner — 2 Cap-
tains, 3 Lieut'nants, 5 Serjeants, 4 Drummers & Fifers, 44 Pri-
vates.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Jos. Moulder d617 5 ()?
for expences of Medecines & attendance on two men of his Com-
pany, wounded at the engagement at Princetown.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Lee i221 5 0, for arms &
accoutrements delivered to Col. Hunter of Northumberland County,
to be charged to the Colonel.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Col. Porter of Lancaster County
£50 4 9, for milage of 3 Companies of his Battalion marching to
this City in August last.
An order was drawn on Mr Nesbitt, in favour of Lieut. Colonel
Arch'd Lockry of Col. John Proctor's Battalion of Westmoreland
Militia, for four Hundred pounds, for advanced money and subsis-
tance for said Battalion now on their march to Head Quarters, to
be by him paid to Colonel Proctor, to be charged to John Moore,
Esq'r, to whom Col. Proctor is to be accountable.
Resolved, That Enoch Wright be appointed adjutant to the
Tenth Pennsylvania Regiment, Commanded by Colonel Jos. Pen-
rose.
• Resolved, That Doct'r Dunlap be allowed Two Shillings and six
pence ^ day,4n addition to his former pay, in Consequence of his
being to keep a Horse to transact his Business.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. Ill
In Council of Safety, February 1st, 1777.
PRESENT :
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, John Hubley,
Wm. Moore, Sam'l C. Morris,
Joseph Blewer, Wm. Lyon.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Peter Dehaven £11 5 0,
for 2 muskets delivered to Mr. Towers.
Mr. Dehaven was directed to order one Ton of Powder, now
Under the care of a Mr. Todd, near the white Horse, belonging to
this State, to Lancaster.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Peter Dehaven £36 15 0,
for 3 months' Superintendance of the Gunlock Factory, ending 20
January, & Horse hire for one month, & Mr. James Carter £29 5 0,
for 3 month's Superintending said factory, ending 20th January.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Isaac Powell £6 0 0, for a nest
of Drawers.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Simon Murray & Co. £27 5 8,
for Tin Tubes & Straps for Elaboratory, delivered.
Captain Bickham was directed to pay John Stille £27 10 6, for
making 106 Jackets with sleeves, thread & Buttons.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Wm. Thompson
£27 9, for subsistence of a detatchment of his Company of the
5th Batt'n of Cumberland County Militia.
In Council of Safety, February 3rd, 1777.
PRESENT :
SAM'L MORRIS, Sen'r, Chair'n.
John Bayard, Sam'l C. Morris, '
John Hubley, Wm. Lyon,
Jas. Blewer, Geo. Gray.
Wm. Moore,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Alex'r Boyd £3 10 0,
for horse hire & traveling Expences going to Schrewsberry to
get intelligence of the enemys' movements in November last,
(charged to Congress.)
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Boggs £5 10, for a Rifie
Gun for the use of the 5th Batt'n of. Cumberland County Militia, to
be charg'd to Col'l Armstrong.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Doct'r Jas. Dunlap £53 13 10,
for Sundries for the Fleet, &c.
112 MINUTES OF THE
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Dorington Wilson £8 IS,
for 7 Blankets.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Colonel Mel*
cher, 1,000 Dollars, he to be accountable.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Jacob Myers £21 12, for Black-
smith's Work done at the Shop under his direction.
A Commission was this day delivered to Col. Gurney for Mr,
Henry Stites, as Quarter Master of the 11th Pennsylva'a Reg't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Major William £86 17 6, for
his pay since Oct'r last, £43 15 of w'h to be charg'd to Congress,
& £43 2 6 to this State.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Colonel Omas Mackay £1993
14 6, for arms for the use of his Regiment.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Abram Mason £26 10, for
work done in the Elaboratory, to be charged to Congress.
Resolved, That as several matters of Business and accounts came
before the Council on Saturday, the first Instant, w'h appeared
necessary to be passed, but as during the whole day a Quorum of
Council did not appear at the Board j The Board having at this
time taken the same into consideration, do approve of the said seve-
ral matters and accounts, and now ratify the same.
Resolved, That John Seley be appointed an Ensign in the 12th
Pveg't, commanded by Colonel Wm. Cook.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Geo. Esterly £8 8 6, for Iron
work done the Galley Convention.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Thomas Nevil £200, to be
charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Robert Lumsden £29 10, for
Wood taken from him by force by the Militia, and sworn to before
James Young, Esq'r, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Robert Jewel £219 19 9, for
Diet of sundry Prisoners, £216 1 2 of w'h to be charg'd to Con-
gress, and £3 18 7 to this State, for Major Proctor's men.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Capt. Benj.
Bird, for 1,000 Dollars, for the recruiting service of Colonel Lamb't
Cadwallader's Regiment, to be charg'd to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Lieut. Wm.
Henderson, for 500 Dollars, for the recruiting service of the 4th
Pennsylvania Reg't, to be charged to
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay James Guy £3, for 3 Trips of
a Cart and 3 horses, with Provisions for the Arnold Floating Bat-
tery.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Capt. Jeremiah
Tolbert, 250 Dollars, for the recruiting service, to be charged to
Colonel Irwin of the 7th Reg't.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 113
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, February 4th, 1777.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, William Lyon,
Joseph Blewer, Geo. Gray,
John Hubley, David Rittenhouse.
William Moore,
Captain Bickham was directed to pay Robt. Elder £4 5, for 3
Blankets, and Gillespie £1, for 1 Blanket.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. William Chambers
£49 10 0, for subsistance of his Company of 1st Batt'n Cum-
berland County, to be charged to Congress.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Steels for subsistance
of his Company of 1st Batt'n Cumberland County, £63 0 0, to be
charged to Congress.
John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, was directed to pay John Mitchell,
Esq'r, Fifteen Hundred Pounds, & charge the same to his acco't.
Mr. Robert Towers was directed to deliver to the Hon'ble Ma-
rine Committee of Congress, so much copper as may be necessary
to make a Kettle for the Delaware Frigate, to be charged to Con-
gress.
; -"Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Robert Towers £223 18
10, for men's wages in working in the Elaboratory, making mus-
ket Cartridges, arms Purchased, &ca., to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Peter Steel, the Ball'e of his
Acco't for Iron Work done the Delaware Galley.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Paine Newman £37 3 10, for
Nails deliver'd Capt'n Rice and William.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Major James Dill £3 16 4, for
subsistence of Col. Math'w Dill's 5th Batt'n of York Co.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Catharine Graff £13 6 2, for
subsistence of part of the 5th Batt'n of York Co. Militia.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in fav'r of Cap'n Francis
Nichols, for Five Hundred Dollars, for recruiting service, to be
charged to his acco't.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Col. Joseph Armstrong £18
0 0, for Expences for Bringing out his Battaljon, to be charged to
Congress.
Resolved, That Messrs. William Moore, George Gray & Sam'l
Morris, Sen'r, or any two of them be appointed to examine and
settle the acco't of Capt. George Bickham, for monies received and
expended by order of this Board, and the Goods received and de-
voi. XI. — 8.
114 MINUTES OF THE
i
livered out and remaining in the hands of the said Capt. Bickham I
as Public property, & make report thereof to Council.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Edward McLees .£63 18 1J, |
for Boarding the Sick at the Hospital on Province Island, from |
December 13 to Jan'y 7th, 1777.
In Council of Safety, February 5th, 1777.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President,
David Rittenhouse, Sam'l C. Morris,
Joseph Blewer, George Gray,
John Hubley, Wni Lyon.
Wm. Moore,
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Capt. Connelly,
for 300 Dollars, for the recruiting Service of the 4th Pennsylvania
Keg't, to be charged to Col. Cadwallader.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Litle £9 9 0, for nails, &ca.
for Fort Island.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Sam'l Duncan £2 15 2, for wood
for the Ship Montgomery.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Martin Wirt,
for one Hundred and fifty Pounds, being for the Shallop
bought of him for the use of this State.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Lt. Col. Jas. Johnston £7 13
4, for subsistence of himself, &c, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay James Stuart ^£43 7 3, for Car-
riage of Powder & Lead to Westmoreland County.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. John Jacks £6 0 0, for
Subsistance of 6 men of his Comp'y from Cumberland Co'y to this
City.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Fleming £74 18 2, for Bal-
ance of his acco't for Cloths, &ca., Bo't by order of the Counc '
Two orders were drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Mr. Win.
Henderson and Mr. Alex'r Huston, (Ensigns of the Pennsylv'a
Musquetry, commanded by Col. Attlees,) for 30 Dollars each, on
acco't of their pay.
Resolved, That a Captain and Company of the Pennsylvania
Regiment, with 2 Pieces of Cannon, be sent into New Jersey, for
the protection of the Salt Works erected there at the expense of
this State.
In order to discourage the practice of inventing and propogating
false reports, to the disadvantage of our public affairs,
Resolved, That the acknowledgement signed by John Carnan &
Joseph Emlin, be published in Mr. Town's evening post.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 115
In Council of Safety, February 6th, 1777.
PRESENT :
THOMA^WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, George Gray,
Wm. Lyon, . Andrew Caldwell,
Sain'l C. Morris, Joseph Blewer,
John Bayard, John Hubley.
Jonathan B. Smith,
Resolved, That application be made to the Honorable Congress
for Two Hundred Thousand Dollars, for the purpose of recruiting
and defraying other necessary public expences.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay James Fulton s618 17 6, for
Hailing Cannon, &ca. to State House yard, to be charged to Con«
gress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay James .Simpson lis 7, for sun-
dries for use of Schooner Lydia at Trenton.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay SamT Holmes J43 15, for 50
Cutlasses at 7s 6, deliver' d Rob't Towers.
The following Letter was wrote to Messrs. Josiah Hewes, Andrew
Tybout k Robert Tuckness :
"Sir:
• " You are hereby requested to supply all sick Soldiers coming
from N York or the Camp, who may be going to the Southward or
Westward, with such necessaries and assistance as you may think
requisite to support and enable them to return to their respective
Homes."
' Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Rich'd Dellam, Esq'r, D. P. M'r
Qen'l, Ten Thousand Dollars, to be charg'd to his acco't.
Resolved, That Jacob Meyers, Armourer and Blacksmith at Fort
Island, be allowed nine Pounds ^ month, from the first day of Feb-
ruary Instant.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Andrew Lytle £6 14 3, for a
Rifle lost in actual Service, & Expences in bringing a number of
Sick from Thomson's Mill to Philad'a, to be charg'd to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Robert Magee £lh 15, for his
Expences from Somerset County, being wounded, to be charg'd to
Congress.
Resolved, That a Powder Magazine of the dimentions of 24 feet
by 36,& other Military Store Houses, be built in or near the Borough
of Lancaster, for the use of this State; and that John Hubley, Com-
missary, provide materials, employ Workmen, and see the same
finished with all possible dispatch, and that Major John Hubley
take up on ground Rent, or purchase, such grounds as are necessary
for the said Buildings.
116 MINUTES OF THE
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Major Pereifor
Fraizier, for 1000 Dollars, for the recruiting Service, to be charg'd
to Col. Anthony Wayne.
Resolved, That a Regiment of Artillery be raised for the defence
of this State, to consist of m
One Colonel,
One Lieutenant Colonel,
One Major,
Eight Captains,
Eight first Lieutenants,
Eight second Lieutenants.
Eight Lieutenant Fireworkers,
One Paymaster,
One Quarter Master,
One Surgeon,
One Surgeon's Mate,
One Serjeant Major,
One Drum Major,
One Fife Major,
One Quarter Mast'r Sergeant,
Thirty-two Serjeants.
Thirty-two Corporals,
Eight Drummers,
Eight Fifers,
Twelve Musicians,
Four Hundred and eighty Privates.
Resolved, That Thomas Proctor, Esq'r, be appointed Colonel of
said Regiment.
Resolved, That Mr. John Read, Barrack Master at Fort Island,
be allowed ten Pounds ^ month from the first day of January last.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Doctor Henry Bud £19 3 6,
for Cash advanced to the sick of the 1st & 2nd Batt'ns of Pennsylv'a
Rifle Reg't, & Col. Atlee's, at Easton, to be charg'd to Congress.
Resolved, That James Young and Jacob Shriner, Esquires, two
of the Justices of the Peace for this State, examine before them
certain Persons committed to the Gaol of this City, on suspicion of
having Stolen a Sum of money, &c, of Mr. Stephen Lowry, Com-
missary, and that the said Stephen Lowry make such proof and pro-
duce any Evidences he can before the said Justice, in respect of the
said Money lost by him, and found on the said Prisoners, or any of
them, in order to ascertain the property of the said Money, and
that the said Justices make Report to this Board.
Mr. Jewel was directed to deliver the Hessian & Waldecker
Prisoners in his Custody, to the Order of Colonel Isaac Melcher.
Major Williams, of the Pennsylv'a State Reg't, having this
morning given in his Resignation, was accepted of.
Resolved, That Lewis Farmer be appointed first Major in the
Pennsylvania State Regiment, and Captain Francis Murray 2nd
Major.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 117
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, February 7th, 1777.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
William Lyon, Joseph Marsh,
Timothy Matlack, Geo. Gray,
Joseph Blewer, Sam'l C. Morris,
John Bayard, Andrew Caldwell.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Col. John
Nixon, £2500, to be charged to his aoco't, for paying the Militia.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capts. Roach, McFitrum & Wat-
kins £69 13 0, for wages for working at Chevaux de Frize.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Martin Murphy J23 15 0, for
^xpences attending a Soldier while sick, & funeral Expences.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Dunn and Hale £29 11 3, for
a Barge and Oars, &c, for Capt. Rice.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Eleanor Hart ^8192 13 5, for
Board and Lodging of Men belonging to the Artillery of this State.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of John McFat-
rick, for £1 8 6, being Cash advance to Lieut. Spur as a Spy,
to gain Intelligence, to be charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Lieut. Col.
George Nagle, for 1500 Dollars, for the recruiting Service, to be
charg'd to Colonel Nagle.
Resolved, That application be made to the Honorable House of
Assembly to Borrow the Sum of Ten Thousand Pounds, to be re-
turned out of the first Money tke Council may receive from Con-
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Michael Boyer ^8 15 0, for
distributing Gen'l Washington's Proclamations in New Jersey,
7 days, at 25s.
William Hartshorne, of the State of New Jersey, being sent to
the State (among others) as a Person Inimical to the United States
of America, The Board, taking into Consideration the Memorial
of the s'd Wm. Hartshorne, and a Letter of Mr. Charles Pettit,
dated Haddenfield, February 6th Inst., directed to the said Harts-
horne, are of opinion that the said Wm. Hartshorne be discharged
from his Recognizance to this State, (no proof having appeared
against him to impeach him in any sort,) and that the case of the
said Wm. Hartshorne be refer'd to the Governour & Council of
the State of New Jersey,
118 MINUTESF 0 THE
In Council of Safety.
Philad'a, February 8th, 1777.
present :
" DAVID BITTENHOUSE, V. P.
John Hubley, Chairman,
John Bayard, Joseph Blewer,
Andrew Caldwell, Wm. Lyon,
Sam'l C. Morris, Wm. Moore.
Capt. G. Bickham was directed to pay Nicholas Weaver £23 16 0?
for making 102 Jackets, &ca.
Mr. John Wilcox was directed to pay to Jno. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r,
£150 19 4, being the ballance of his account, as settled this day.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Capt. Wm.
Richards, for .£600, being in part of Balance due him on his acco't
d'd 3rd Inst., to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Dallam was requested to pay Capt. Schmizer, of the Flying
Camp, £50 0 0, and charge the same to his acc't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay an order drawn by Mr. Thomas
Savadge on Messrs. Geo. Clymer, Sam'l Howell, & Owen Biddle,
in fav'r of Mr. Joseph Salter, for £600, & Charge the same to Mr.
Savadge.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay D|niel Offley & Son £57 5 8,
for an Anchor & Comboose, the Galley Commanded by Capt. Hen-
derson.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Jacob Hall £49 7, for sundry
Arms collected in the Middle Ward of German town,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. George Pierce £3 9 9,
for repairing Arms, &ca.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Scphus Bartleson £o 7 10,
for Diet of Militia, to be charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Capt. Geo.
Bickham, for two Hundred pounds, to be charged to his Acco't.
An order was drawn on Nr. Nesbitt, in favour of Colonel John
Proctor, for £300, to be charged to his acco't.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. , 119
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, February 10th, 1777.
PRESENT :
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
John Bayard, William Lyon, «
Joseph Blewer, Jonathan B. Smith,
Andrew Caldwell, John Hubley.
Au order was sent Mr. Towers, to deliver John Pringie & Co.
50 Hand Grenadoes, to be charged to their acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Colonel Hump-
ton, for 2000 Dollars, for the Recruiting service, he to be account-
able.
An order was drawn on Robert Towers to deliver Messrs. Mease
& Caldwell one Block of Tin, they paying for the same.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Capt. Stephen
Bayard, for 1000 Dollars, for recruiting service for 3rd Pen'a.
Reg't, to be charged to Colonel Joseph Wood.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. John Carrothers 4
12, for subsistence and Ferriage of 4 men of his Comp'y of the
1st Batt'n of Cumberland County Militia, to be charged to Con-
gress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Ja's M'Cormick, Gunsmith, £2
11, for repairs of Guns.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to ^>ay James & Drinker £36 14, for
170 Iron Kettles, for the use of Col. Miles' Batt'n while at Mar-
cus Hook.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Daniel Murphy £ [05 13 6, for
his pay and Expences attending his Boat until 7th Feb'y, Inst.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Hand, of the Flying
Camp, £11, for 11 Blankets delivre'd Col. Humpton, to be charged
to Congress.
Capt. Hazlewood was informed that Capt. Dan'l Murphy is this
day reinstated in his former command, agreeable to his Commis-
sion.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Wm. Cowan £13 8 3, for
Sundry Accoutrements deliver'd into the Public Stores at Amboy,
to be charg'd to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Peter Deha-
ven & Co. for £500, to be charged to their Acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Van Campen £1 19, for
3 days' employment to the Camp, and Expences, to be charged to
Congress.
Resolved, That Edward Laskey, Henry Schriver and Peter Sum-
mers, Butchers, be allow'd three Pounds ^ Hund. for the Beef
they have contracted to supply Mr. John Mitchell, Commissary of
120 MINUTES OF THE
the Navy and Artillery of this State, from this date until the 10th
of March.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Charles Leeper 20s,
for Subsistance of one man of his company, from Cumberland
County, to be charged to Congress.
In Council of Safety,
Philad'a, February 11th, 1777.
present :
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Jon'a B. Smith, John Bayard,
Andrew Caldwell, John Hubley,
Sam'l C. Morris, John Bull,
Wm. Lyon, Owen Biddle.
Joseph Blewer,
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Col. Isaac Mcl-
cher for 3000 Dollars, to be charg'd to his acco't.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Chas. Leiper £1, for
subsistence of One man from Cumberland County, of the 3d Batt'n,
to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay pinion Coal £15 2 0, for 5
Guns and one Blanket, to be charged to Col. James Murray of Nor-
thumberland County.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Daniel Grub £64 7 6, for Boat
hire, &ca., for the use of the Garrison at Fort Island.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mordecai McKinney £31 2 6,
for arms, &ca., purchased in Northumberland County.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour John Hart,
£318 0 0, for 106 Sailor's Jackets.
Capt. Geo. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Robert Culbert-
son £9 7 0, for expences in raising his Company & afterwards
countermanded, to be charged to Congress, and Mr. Nesbitt to
pay him £69 7 6, for 15 muskets & Riffles deliv'd to Mr. Towers,
to be charged to Congress.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Charles Leeper £3 0 0,
for Expences in raising his Company, to be charged to Congress.
Capt. Geo. , Bickham was directed to pay Capt. James Carnahan
£3 0 0, for Expences in
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Thomas Ne-
vill, for £200, to be charg'd to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Thomas Nevill i280 5 7, for
Pine and Cedar Boards.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 121
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Robert Towers £146 13 3, for
Men's Wages in working in the Elaboratory, & other incidental
Chapges, to be charged to Congress.
Captain Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Simon Yenersdelen
£2 14, for subsistence of his Co. of Col. Macpherson's Batt'n of
York County Militia, to be charged to Congress.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Geo. Will £1 7, for
Subsistence of his Comp'y to Camp, to be charg'd to Congress.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Capt. Rob't Shannon £11 6
8, for Exp's in raising his Comp'y, and pay of his Lieutenant and
Ensign.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Major Ilubley £16 12 6, for
25 Pair Hose (a\ 13s. 6.
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, February 12th, 1777.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President,
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
Samuel Cad. Morris, Andrew Caldwell,
John Bull, William Lyon,
Joseph Blewer, John Hubley.
Jonathan B. Smith,
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Lieut. Col
George Nagle for £400, for the Recruiting Service, he to be ac-
countable.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Plunket Fleeson a£24 3 5, for
the amo't of his acco't of Drums & Colours, &c, furnish'd Lieut.
Col. Antes.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Capt. Jacob
Hendershat for .£50, towards a month's pay advance for his Com-
pany, to be charged to David Espey, Esq'r, the Capt. to be account-
able to Mr. Espey.
Mr. Towers was order'd to deliver to Capt. Jacob Hendershat,
of Col. Woods' Batt'n from Bedford county, 3 Guns, 7 Shot Bags
<& Powderhorns, and 2 Blankets for the use of his Company.
Jno. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, was directed to pay Sam'l Mifflin, Esq'r,
£453 14 0, for 349 Musket Locks.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Richard Del-
lam, Esq'r, for 5000 Dollars, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Rich'd Dermond, Waggon Mas-
ter, for 14 days' service, a 15s. p day, ^10 10 0, to be charged to
Congress.
122 MINUTES OF THE
Capt. Geo. Bickham was directed to pay James Eggerson £15
0 0, for going express to Northumberland County, 12 days.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay the widow of Thomas Rogers
£5 10 0, for a Gun and Blanket lost on Long Island, Rogers beipg
a Soldier, belonging to Capt. Peeblee's Comp'y.
Captain Morton Garrett this day came before the Board and Re-
signed his Commission as Captain of the Pennsylv'a State Reg't,
which was accepted of. *
Capt."Bickham was directed to pay Philip Mans £3 15, for 10
days' attendance as Constable.
In Council of Safety.
Philad'a., February 13th, 1777.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, . Joseph Blewer,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, John Bull,
Andrew Caldwell, Sam'l C. Morris,
Geo. Gray, William Lyon.
Capt. Geo. Bickham was directed to pay Sam'l Samson £8 15 6.
or 13 y'ds Swanskin.
Mr. tfesbitt was directed to pay Peter Galagher £12 18, for 21]
y'ds Blanketing, for the use of Col. Watts' Batt'n, to be charged
to the Colonel.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Daniel Evins £58 3, for Smith
work done the Gun Carriages, to be charg'd to Congress.
Resolved, That Mr. Jacob Lawes Wiler be appointed paymaster
of the Pennsylvania State Regiment, with the rank of Captain.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Col. Joseph Hart £77 19 6,
for sundry Expences, £4 8 6 of w'h to be charg'd to Congress,
£3 3 to be charg'd to this State, & £70 8 to be charg'd to^CcL
Hartz.
Resolved, That Messrs. Andrew Caldwell, Joseph Blewer, Jo-
seph Marsh, Emanuel Eyres, Paul Cox, & Robert Ritchie, be ap-
pointed to act as a Navy Board, and be authorized to take under
their care all the Ves sells of War, Armed Boats, fire-ships, fire-
Rafts, &ca., Constructed for the defence of this City by Water,
and do furnish them with everything necessary to attack or
repel the Enemy. To provide and to have a general super-
intendance of the Stores necessary for their department; to prepare
and keep in a proper state of defence the Fortifications on Fort Is-
land ; To examine the river Channel, and to Cause Chevaux-de-
Frize to be sunk in such places as they may Judge proper, to ob-
struct the passage of the Enemies' Ships i
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 123
And, That for the above purposes they, or any three of them, have
full power to act, and to draw orders on the Treasurer of this
Board for such sums as may be necessary, subject .always to the di-
rection & control of the Council.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Peter Hoster £6 2 0, for two
Guns and one Blanket.
Capt. G-eo. Bickham was directed to pay Mr. William Evans £41
8 10 J for Blankets, Stockings, &ca.
The following Letter was wrote to James Young & Jacob Scun-
ner, Esq'rs, Vizt :
u Gentlemen :
As it appears That Joseph Atkinson was Privy to the Robery
committed by Nilnet and Mahony, shared the money with them,
and very probably has it in his power to give information concern-
ing the remainder of the money, not yet discovered, which he re-
fuses to do ; You are, therefore, hereby directed and required to
commit the said Joseph Atkinson to Close Confinement in the Com-
mon Jail of this City, until further orders from this Board, or un-
till he be discharged by a due course of Law.
u By order of Council,
"Sign'd THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Pres't."
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Doct'r Beanes -£11 5 0, for a
month's attendance in the General Hospital, &, £13 5 0 to Doct'r
Bowie, for a month's attendance & Lint, to be charged to Con-
gress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Jn'o Jameson £13 16 4, for
2 days' Wages to His Company, when ordered to march to this City
& countermanded, to be charged to Congress.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Major Coomb £75 10 6, for
subsistance of himself, Major Cisna, a Capt. & 23 men of Col.
Wood's Battalion, Bedford County.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Rosbothem £9 5 0, for Riding
Express to Bucks & Northampton Countys, with Letters to the
Colonels of the different Battalions of Militia, to make a return of
the Public Arms, &ca.
124 MINUTES OF THE
la Council of Safety.
Philad'a, February 14th, 1777.
PRESENT :
THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Pres't.
David Rittenhouse; Joseph Blewer,
Wm. Moore, Jon'a B. Smith,
Saua'l C. iMorris, John Bayard, ,
John Bull, Wm. Lyon.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Herculus Courtney d610
18 0, for recruiting expences for Penn'a Artillery.
Mr. Joseph Ferree was directed to deliver Doct'r Wm. Smith
200 lb. Salt Petre. '
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Wm. Lewis ^40 18 0, for 1636
Bottoms for Shott, delivered at the Elaboratory.
Resolved, That Doct'r Abel Morgan be appointed Surgeon of
the Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment, Commanded by Colonel
Rich'd Humpton, in the room of Doct'r Mich'l Jennings, Resigned,
In Council of Safety.
Philad'a, February 15th, 1777.
PRESENT :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, Sam'l C. Morris,
George Gray, Jonathan B. Smith,
John Bull, William Moore,
Joseph Marsh, William Lyon,
Joseph Blewer, John Bayard.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Wm. Shoemaker £7 19 0, for
nursing a sick Soldier, belonging to Col. Haslet's reg't of Delaware
State, to be charged to Congress.
Resolved, That Mr. Andrew Epple be appointed Paymaster to
the 11th Pennsylvania Regiment, in the room of ,
who has never attended his duty, therefore Superceeded.
Resolved, That Mr. Enoch Morgan be appointed Paymaster to
the Sixth Pen'a Regiment, Commanded by Col. Rob't Magaw.
Resolved, That applications for Offices in the Pennsylvania Re-
giments now raising for the Continental Service, will be received
until Monday the 24th Instant, when this Board will certainly pro-
ceed to fill up the Vacancies still remaining.
All Officers already appointed in the above Regiments, who are
not on Command, are required forthwith to repair to their duty.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 125
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Joseph Stiles £175 11 8, for
Work done in the Elaboratory, and his pay from the 30th Nov'rto
the 10th Feb'y inst, to be charged to Congress.
Resolved, Mr. Benjamin Rittenhouse be allowed £350 ^ annum
for superintending the Public Gun lock Manufactory, to commence
the 20th November last.
Whereas, The Honorable Congress has authorized and directed
this Council to erect a Fortification at Billingsport, for the defence
and security of the City and Harbour of Philadelphia, part of
which Work has already been carried on under the direction of this
Board; and as it is necessary that some proper person be appointed
not only to superintend the said Works, but to command such par-
ties, whether regular Soldiers, Militia, or others, as may be em-
ployed to compleat and defend them; therefore,
Resolved, That John Bull, Esq'r, be appointed Colonel Com-
mandant of the Fortifications at Billingsport and Superintendant of
the Works ; and that all Officers, and others, employed in erecting
or defending the same, do pay due obedience to his Commands un-
til the Works are compleated, or further orders given by this
Board, or other proper authority.
Resolved, That Blathwaite Jones, Esq'r, be appointed Chief En-
gineer at Billingsport, with the Rank, Pay, and Rations of a Lieu't
Colonel ; and all Officers and Soldiers under his Command, as well
as Workmen employ'd there, are to obey him as such, until the
Fortifications at that place are compleated, or until it shall be other-
wise ordered by proper authority.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Samuel Smith £13 1, for his
services in collecting Arms, Shoes, Stockings, &c.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Thomas Jones £5 18 3, for
Diet and Lodging, and other Expences attending 2 Sick Soldiers
of Col. Miles' Reg't, to be charg'd to Congress. Also to pay said
Jones £4 11 4, for Expences attending 2 other Sick Soldiers of
said Reg't, to be charged to Congress.
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, February 17th, 1777.
PRESENT :
OWEN BIDDLE, Chairman.
Sam'l Cad. Morris, Andrew Caldwell,
Joseph Blewer, John Bayard,
William Lyon, Joseph Marsh,
William Moore, Geo. Gray.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Brittingham Dickeson's order
of £23 17 6, for Waggon hire, for bringing up Cash from Balti-
more, to be charged to Congress.
126 MINUTES OF THE
Mr. Dellam was directed to pay Major James Smith £26 5, for
his pay for 1 month's and 12 days, as Major, Commanding a Rang-
ing Party.
Mr. Ncsbitfc was directed to pay Col. William Cook £8 10, for
4 Blankets, for the use of the 12th Pennsylv'a Reg't, to be charg'd
to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Henry McKinley ^651,
for Blankets purehas'd by him for his Comp'y of the 12th Penn-
sylv'a Reg't, to be charged to Congress.
Captain Bickham was Order'd to deliver Lieutenant Finlay for
five men of the Pennsylv'a State Reg't, recruited by him, viz : 5
Coats, 5 Jackets, 5 Shirts, 5 Pair Breeches, 5 Pair Shoes & Stock-
ings, 5 Caps, and 5 Blankets.
Resolved, That in Consequence of advice from Thomas Savadge,
at the Pennsylvania Salt Works on Tom's River, of a design of the
Enemy against those works, and of a Letter from Rob't Morris,
Esq'r, one of the members of Congress, recommending it to the at-
tention of this Council, The armed* boat called the Delaware, under
the Command of Richard Eyre, Esq'r, be immediately fitted out
and ordered to proceed, with all expedition, to the said Works, there
to remain for the defence thereof, untill further orders from this
Board.
An order was drawn on Capt. Bickham, in favour of Capt. Her-
cules Courtney, for the anio't of his acco't, £11 12 9, for sundry
Expys for the Artillery..
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, 18th February, 1777
PRESENT :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
John Bull, Joseph Marsh,
Geo. Gray, Jonathan B. Smith,
William Lyon, Owen Biddle,
Sam'l Cad. Morris, Andrew Caldwell.
Joseph B lower,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Colonel Jost Trisbach ,£27 17
7, for his trouble and Expences in forming and attending his Batt'u
of Militia of Northampton County, And expediting the March of
the Companies of the Flying Camp, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Robert Towers ^93 19, for the
amo't of his weekly acco't of the purchase of Arms, &c, and work
done in the Elaboratory, to be charged to Congress.
5 M O* (0WMi
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 127
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Josiah Wood £99, for 300 Pikes
deliver' d Rob't Towers.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Haulers 70 Dollars, to pro-
vide for 4 Indians, on their way to Maryland, to be charged to Con-
gress.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay John Kerlin £11 11 3, for
subsistence of different Parties of the Continental Troops, Flying
Camp and Militia, to be charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of John Kerlin,
for £30, to be charged to John Moore, Esq'r, of Westmoreland
County, to whom Lieut. Col. Lockry is to Account, being Cash
lent s'd Col. Lockry by John Kerlin, for the subsistence of that
Batt'n on their March, the Cash provided the Contractors not be-
ing sufficient,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain John Arndt <£334 18,
for amount of arms & Accoutrements, being private Property, and
lost in actual Service in the two Engagements on Long Island &
Fort Washington, to be charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Dan'l McDon-
ald, for five Pounds, to enable him to return home to, Lake Supe-
riour, he being a disabled Soldier come from Camp, to be charg'd
to Congress.
Capt. Bickham was directed to pay Rowland Pritchett £l 17 6,
for 5 Flax Seed Casks.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Jervis -^11 li 9, for Ex-
pences in bringing Prisoners from Bucks County
In Council of Safety, February 19th, 1777-
PRESENT :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, Andrew Caldwell5
William Moore, John Bull,
Owen Biddle, Joseph Marsh,
Geo. Gray, Peter Rhoads,
Sam'i C. Morris, Wm. Lyon,
Joseph Blewer,
Capt. George Bickham was directed to pay Mr, Claypoole dS20,
for the purpose of providing Shirts, &ca.
Resolved, That Messrs. William Pollard, Samuel Massey,
Thomas Barclay, & William Bradford, be added to the Navy
Board.
An order was drawn in favour of Elias Botner for J7 2 6, on
J. M. Nesbit.
3 28 MINUTES OF THE
\
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Henry Hagenbuck £389
6, for amount of arms & accoutrements of his Company, being
Private Property, and lost in actual Service on Long Island.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver to the order of the Navy
Board 150 three Pound Shott, to be charged to Congress.
Jno. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, was directed to pay John Hart, Esq'r,
-€ L9 17 4, for repairing arms in Bucks County, & £3 0 0, for a
Gun.
Resolved, That Joseph Hart & Henry Wynkoop, Esq'rs, and Mr.
Richard Gibbs, be requested to repair immediately to the House of
Isaac Hicks, Late Clerk of the Court for Bucks County, aud there
take possession of all the public papers & Records that may be in
his Possession; they are also requested to collect together and Ex-
amine all the Books and records that formerly were iu the care of
said Hicks, place thu same in the Office built for the use of said
County to keep their Publick Books and Papers in, making a re-
port to this Board of their proceedings, and in what State they find
said Books and Papers, particularly if any are missing; The Keys
of the Office to be left in the Hands of Henry Wynkoop, Esq'r,
untill further orders.
Resolved, That the public Office in Newtown, in the County of
Bucks, now made use of as a magazine for Powder & other War-
like Stores, be immediately cleared, in order to receive the Books,
records, and Publick Papers belonging to said County ; & Messrs.
Hart, Wynkoop, & Gibbs, are hereby requested to order said Office
cleared, & to deposit said Books, Records, & Papers in the public
Office aforesaid.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Thomas Corgee <£33 3 0, for
Iron work for Gun Carriages for the Ship Montgomery.
In Council of Safety, February 20th, 1777.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, Joseph Blewer,
John Bayard, Andrew Caldwell,
Peter Rhoads, John Bull,
William Moore, George Gray,
Owen Biddle, Sam'l C. Morris.
Jonathan B. Smith,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to John Watson, for dressing the
wounds of men of armed Boats in May last, ^1 4 0.
Captain Bickham was directed to pay And'w Burkart £259 7,
for 247 Pair of Shoes @ 21s.
4,000
do.
6
6,000
do.
4
8,000
do.
3
1,500
do.
2
20
Barr Shot
for 32
80
do.
24
740
do.
18
360
do.
9
100
do.
12
.160
do.
4
COUNCIL OF SAFETY 129
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Ebenezer Lundy £151 16, for
253 Cartouch Boxes delivered Mr. Towers, @ 12s.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Benj. Yard £110 17, for Re-
pairs of arms done for the 2nd Battalion of Philad'a County.
The following is a List of Shot ordered to be cast by Mr. James
Old for the Service this State, vizt :
4,000 Round Shot for 9 pounders,
p'rs.
p'rs.
p'rs.
p'r3.
p'r.
p'r.
P'r.
p'r.
p'r.
p'r.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Peter Rhoads, Esq'r, £3 13 0,
for two Blankets, to be charged to Col. Henry Geiger, of North-
anipton County.
Mr. Robt. Towers was directed to deliver Col. Walton of
Georgia, 204 shot for 18 p'rs, 156 do for 12^'rs, and 200 do.
for 9 p'rs, he paying for ihe same.
Mr. Nesbitt was "directed to pay Elias Botner £4 8 0, for 22
Brag Ropes, delivered to David Pancoast, to be charged to Con-
gress.
Jno. M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, was directed to continue George Smith,
a Seamen that lost his hearing on board the armed Boat Hancock,
Capt. Moore, on half pay, 'till further orders.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Hilton £8 8- 0, for four
Guns delivered to Mr. Towers.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Joseph Watkins ^19 15 4, for
his Wages, &c, as an Express, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Major Lewis Farmer =£9 3 10,
for his Expences in conducting the Hessian Paymaster to Balti-
more, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Mr. James Old or order 400
w't of Gun powder to prove Cannon,
VOL, XI.— 9.
130 MINUTES OF THE
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, February 21st, 1777*
PRESENT I
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, Pres't.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
Owen Biddle, Sam'l C. Morris,
John Bull, William Lyon,
Peter Rhoads, Jonathan, B. Smith.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay William Armstrong £24, for his
wages and expences in removing Stores from Billingsport to
Philad'a and Lancaster, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Elmslie £46 7 6, for turn-
ing, 855 molds for Grape shott, &c, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Frederick Weir £13 5, for his
wages as an Express to York and Cumb ,-rland Counties, with Cir-
cular Letters to the Commanding Officers of the Militia, to make
a return of the Public arms and -accoutrements, to be charged to
Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Doct'r Story Steward, of the
Pennsylvania Hospital, £90 10, for Board, &c, of sick and woun-
ded men, to be charged to Congress. Also, £2 for the Board ol
John Crony, who was hurt by a fall in the Province Ship Mont-
gomery.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Joseph Stile»
for £150, to purchase Flannel for making Cartridges for Field Ar-
tillery, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Lieut. Thos. Boyd £'5 17 6,
for cash paid by him for Belts & repairing Rifles of Capt. Shades'
co., Col. Miles' Regiment.
Moses Young was directed to pay Geo. Weiss £1 10, for his
Expences as an Express, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Alexander Galagher £2 4, for
four pair Stockings.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. William Bodlys £178,
for the pay of his Company of Militia of the 5th Batt'n of Cr„
County, commanded by Col. Richard Thomas, now stationed at the
Powder mills on French Creek, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Simon Murray £11 13 4, for
700 Strops for Bottoms delivered into the Elaboratory, to be charged
to Congress.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 131
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, February 22nd, 1777,
PRESENT :
THOMAS WHARTON, Jun'r President.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
John Bayard, Sam'l Cad. Morris,
Joseph Dean, William Lyon,
Peter Rhoads, William Moore,
Jonathan B. Smith, John Bull.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Isaac Thomson £2, for 2 Blan-
kets.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of John Mitchell
for one thousand five hundred Pounds, he to be accountable.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Col. Will'm
Cook for Three thousand Dollars, for the recruiting service, to be
charged to Colonel Cook.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Major Benezet
for four Thousand Dollars, for the recruing service of the 6th Penn-
sylvania Regiment, to be charged to Lieut. Col. Becker.
Mr Nesbitt was directed to pay William Pennell £8 18 9, for
1788 feet of Oak Scantling for 4 Pounders, deliver' d to Benj.
Loxley.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Messrs. Peter
Dehaven & Co., One thousand Pounds, to be charged to their
acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Col. Lambert
Cadwallader for Four Thousand Dollars, for recruiting service for
the fourth Pen'a Reg't, to be charged to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Messrs. Peter
Dehaven & Co., for One thousand Pounds, to be charged to their
acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Casper Di trick £l 3, for 1
Blanket, & Geo. Shrod £2 4 6, for 2 Blankets, all for the use of
Capt. Mich'l Snyder's comp'y of Col. Geyger's Batt'n of North-
ampton County.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. James Old or his order
Fifteen hundred Pounds for- Cannon Ball, &c, to be charged to his
acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Commodore
Seymour, for One thousand Dollars, for the recruiting Service of the
Naval Armament of this State, to be charged to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Owen Biddle,
Esquire, for twelve hundred and forty-six Pounds 14s 4£, to be
charged to his acco't.
132 MINUTES OF THE
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Abram Mason £40 12 4, for
Workman's wages in the Elaboratory
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favor of Mr. Alex'r Hun-
ter for J!904, towards paying the Militia of Northumberland County.
Resolved. That all able bodied men who will enter into the ser-
vice of this State (during the war) on board of any armed Vessell,
shall receive a bounty of twelve Dollars on their enlistment.
Resolved, That the pay of the officers and privates of the Naval
Armament of this State be as follows, viz :
Commodore, 75 Dollars <p mo.
Captains, 48 Dollars m mo.
First Lieutenants, 30 Dollars ^ mo.
Second Lieutenants, 20 Do. *p mo.
Gunner,
16 do. f do.
Boatswain,
16 do. f do.
Carpenter,
16 do. f do.
Armour,
13 do. f do.
Clerk & Steward,
16 do. $ do.
Cook,
12 do. f do.
Drummer,
10 do. f do.
Fiter,
10 do. f do.
Surgeon of the Ship,
48 Dollars f mo.
Surgeon's Mate,
20 Do. $ mo.
Seamen,
12 do. ^ mo.
Boys,
6 do. ^ do.
Petty Officers, such as Quarter Masters, Gunners' iVIates, Boat-
swains' Mates & Carpenters'
Mates, on board the Ship & Floating
Batteries, 13 Dollars^ mon
th.
The Officers pay to Commence the 15th November, 1776.
The privates to commence
the 1st of February, 1777.
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, February 24th, 1777
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
Owen Biddle, Joseph Dean,
Peter Rkoads, Sam'I C. Morris,
Wm. Lyon, Jou'n Bayard Smith,
Joseph Blewer, John Bull.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Col. Wm. Cook,
£6 10 0, for 4 Blankets, to be charged to Congress. N. B. An
acco't for said sum was passed the 17th Inst, & lost by Col-
Cook
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 133
Mr. Nesbitfc was directed to pay Ebenezer Cowell £31 II 6,
for repairing arms last Summer.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Robert Towers for bis Weekly
Expences for work in Elaboratory, &ca., £100 0 6, to be charged
to CongressT and £15 10 0, for bis Services as Commissary of
Stores from 17 January to 17 February, Inst.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Pope £15 17 11, for sup-
plying a number of Prisoners discharged from New York at Cros-
wix, & £16 5 0 for 26 pair of Shoes, £16 5 0 for Col. Hump-
ton's Reg't, both sums to be charged to Congress.
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, February 25th, 1777.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, Pres't.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
Peter Rhoads, Owen Biddle,
Joseph Dean, . John Bull,
William Lyon, Sam'l Cad. Morris.
Jonathan B. Smith,
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Moses Young,
for two hundred Pounds, to be charged to his acco't.
Moses Young was directed to pay Gabriel Kline £1 11, for sub-
sistence of 31 men of Capt. Geo. Horlacher's Company of the 5th
Batt'n of Bucks Co., to be charged to Congress.
Moses Young was directed to pay Gabriel Kline £2 12, for sub-
sistence of 52 men of Col. Geiger's Batt'n of Northampton County
Militia, to be charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Richard Dal*
lum, Esq'r, for 5,000 Dollars, for the purpose of paying Militia, to
be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Moses Young was directed to pay George Gentner £32 5 0,
for riding express.
Resolved, That every Person, Seamen or Soldier in the service
of this State, who by sickness or otherwise, shall be rendered un-
fit to do his duty, shall be sent to the nearest Hospital, to be taken
care of, and if his case shall by the director or Physician thereof,
be thought Incurable, he shall certifie the same to the navy Board,
or to this or the executive Council of this State, who will order
proper provision to be made for him as soon as may be.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Stiller, work done for Ar-
tillery Carriages, £41 15 0.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in fav'r of Capt. Wm.
Richards, £314 10 2 J, being the Balance of his acco't to 3rd In-
134 MINUTES OF THE
stant, (exclusive of his wages to be hereafter settled,) to be charg-
ed to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Connor 20 Dollars, in
Consideration of his Loss of time and suffering in the Militia Ser-
vice.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Major Lewis
Nicola, for ^61500, to pay the City Guards, to be charged to his
acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Col. Gurney,
for 1000 Dollars, for the recruiting Service, to be charged to Col
Humpton.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Colo. Nagel,
for 1000 Dollars for the recruiting Service, to be charged to his
acco't.
The Paymaster is directed to pay to Captain Rich'd Brown all
arrearages due to the Prisoners of his Cornp'y at the times of
their Deaths or inlistment with the Enemy, on Capt. Brown's giv-
ing Bond for his accounting faithfully to their Widows or Heirs,
for such sums due to them as may be in his handb.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Rich'd Brown £8 5,
for cash advane'd the wives of the Prisoners who were taken on
Long Island.
Mr Nesbitt was directed to pay John Frymost £1 10, for a
Rifle purchas'd from him for the use of the Rifle Batt'n of Pbilad'a,
aud left at Perth Amboy, by order of General fiercer, to be charg'd
to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Thomas Nevill Five Hundred
Pounds, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Moses Young was directed to pay Thomas Peel 12s 6, for a
Blanket, and Thomas Marie £7 10, to purchase 5 Bushels of Salt
for salting the Beef brought from Fort Island to Billingsport, to bo
charged to Congress.
In Council of Safety, February 26th, 1776,
PRESENT :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
Wm. Moore, Samuel Morris, Sen'r
John Bull, ' Sam'l C. Morris,
Joseph Dean, George Gray,
Peter Rhoads, Win. Lyon.
Jonathan B. Smith,
Moses Young was directed to pay Col. Jno. Proctor £io 8 0, |
for 38 pair of Shoes & 6 pair of Stockings, for his Battalion of
Westmoreland Militia.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 135
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Salter & Burr £280 5 3, for
Boards, Plank, Scantling, &ca., ior the use of
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Mr. Alex'r
Benstead, Paymaster of the 10th Pennsylvania Reg't, for 1500
Dollars, for the recruiting Service, to be charged to Col. Penrose.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Messrs. Wm. Crispin, Peter
Stretch, Job Harvy & Capt. Allen £66 8 7, for Expences in Collect-
ing Blankets, &ca., in Chester County.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay William Roberts d6159 1 4, for
making ammunition Boxes, &ca., to be charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Capt. John
Hazlewood, for 300 Dollars, for recruiting Service for the fire
Bafts & Guard Boats, to be charged to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Major Sam'i
Benezet, for 1500 Dollars, for recruiting Service for 6th Penn'a
Regiment, to be charged to Lt. Col. H. Bicker.
Mr. Moses Young was directed to pay Margaret Welsh £56 7 3,
for ferriage of militia & diet of do.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Patrick McDowell iS22 10 0,
for 900 Bottoms for round Shott delivered into the Elaboratory, to
be charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Josiah Hewes
& others, wardens of the City of Philad'a, for £800 0 0, to be
charged to their acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Philip Rodman,
for £3 10, for a Gun taken out of the Factory by mistake.
In Council of Safety, February 27th, 1777.
PRESENT :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, Pres't.
David Rittenhouse, Joseph Dean,
John Bull, Sam'l C. Morris,
William Moore, Jon'a B. Smith,
George Gray, Sam'l Morris, Sen'r,
Peter Rhoads, Wm. Lyon.
Owen Biddle,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mathias Keely i>l50, to to be
charged to his account ; and Abram Moore ^30, to be charged to
his acco't.
N. B. Keely has deliver' d this day 36 new Guns, & Moore 22.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. David Jackson, Paymaster
for the 2nd Batt'n of Philad'a Militia, Twelve Hundred Dollars,
to pay off the said Batt'n, to be charged to Colonel Bayard.
136 MINUTES OF THE
Resolved, That Fergus Purden be appointed Steward of the Pro-
vince Island Hospital, and that he be allowed 26 Dollars *$ month,
and is to render His Accounts, properly attested, every two weeks to
this Board.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John McGinley £62 19 4?, be-
ing the Balance of his Acco't for work done Gun Carriages, to be
charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Robert Jewell £203 10 5J,
for the amo't of his acco't for Diet of Prisoners, to be charged to
Congress.
In Council of Safety.
Philad'a, February 28th, 1777.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, William Lyon,
Joseph Dean, John Bull,
Jon'a B. Smith, Sam'l C. Morris,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, George Gray.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Bates £9 7 6, for 751bs.
Sheet Iron, delivered Jacob Myers.
Resolved, That the Navy Board be empowered to draw on Jno.
M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, Treasurer to this Board, for Such Sums of mo-
ney as may be wanting for that department.
Resolved, That Colonel Bull and Colonel Dean be a Committee
to enquire into the Quantity, Situation and State of the Public Stores,
and make report to this Council, in order that such part thereof as
are not immediately wanted, may be removed to some place or places
of Safety.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Brand £9 18 7£, for Bed
Cords and Twine deliver'd Rob't Towers.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Win. Thomas & Thomas Foulke
£9 0 0, for their trouble & Expence in Collecting Blankets, Stock-
ings, &ca., in Bucks County.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Sam'l Morris,
Sen'r, for £50, in part for his wages for attendance at this Council.
Mr. NCsbitt was directed to pay Ludwig Fohrer £9 19 0, for a
Stove and Pipe.
Resolved, That the Pennsylvania Regiment of Artillery shall be
raised, to serve in any part of the United States during the War,
and that all new recruits in the Pennsylvania State Regiment of
Foot shall be enlisted on the same terms, and that every able
bodied man who shall enlist in either of the said Regiments, shall
be paid a Bounty of Twenty Dollars.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 137
Resolved, That every able Bodied man already engaged in either
of the above regiments for a Limited time, shall, on re-inlisting to
serve during the war, be paid ten Dollars, part of the above Boun-
ty, and the remaining Ten Dollars at the expiration of the time for
which he was first inlisted.
Moses Young was directed to pay Robert Hare and Co. £5 t> 8,
for 2f Barrels of Porter, deliver'd in Nov'r last.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Lieut. Triesback, of Capt. Shade's
Company, £7 0 3, for Tomhawks, Powder Horns, &ca.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Frederick Schnyder £24 10,
for attendance on the Council from the 10th January until 28th
Feb'ry.
In Council of Safety, March 1st, 1777.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, Presid't.
David Rittenhouse, Joseph Dean,
George Gray, Jona. B. Smith,
John Bull, William Lyon,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Samuel C. Morris.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in fav'r of Col. L. Cadwal-
ader, for 1,000 Dollars, for recruiting service for 4th Pen'a Reg't, to
be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Watt £2, for carrying
Sick Soldiers and their Baggage 35 miles, and John Hamilton 10s,
for carrying Sick Soldiers, both of the 4th Batt'n, to be charged to
Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay William Lewis £34 12, for 1,384
Blocks deliver'd Joseph Stiles.
Moses Young was directed to pay James Ennis £14, being the
Ball'e of his acco't, for Horse hire and Expresses, to be charged to
Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay B. Poultney £210 6 0; for 701
Shovels, to be charged to Congress.
Resolved, That Mr. William Webb be appointed Paymaster to
the Navy and Navy Board for this State.
Resolved, That the Gunsmiths be allowed £5 10 Of for every
Good Musket with a Bayonet they deliver at the Factory, from this
day until altered by this Council or some proper authority.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay
justice Rebinhen £29 12 1 J, for wheels, &ca., for Gun Carriages.
John Gruver, 45 0 0. for do.
Joseph Pearson, 93 3 0 for Iron work for Gun Carriages.
138 MINUTES OF THE
In Council of Safety, March 3rd, 1777.
PRESENT :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
David Rittenhouse, V. P.
Samuel Morris, Sen'r, Jona. B. Smith,
Owen Biddle, Sarn'l C. Morris,
Joseph Dean, Wm. Lyon.
John Bull,
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in fav'r of Major Lewis
Farmer, for One Thousand Dollars, for recruiting Service for the
Pen'a State Regiment, to be charged to his acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Major Benezet,
for 1000 Dollars, for the recruiting service of the 6th Pennsylvania
Regiment, to be charg'd to Lieut. Col. Becker.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain's Erwin <fe McClelan,
for Expences in going to Westmoreland to Carry money to differ-
ent persons to pay Militia, £16 10 0, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Thomas Marie <£59 4 0, for wage3
for men working at the Peers near Fort Island.
Resolved, That the Navy board be empowered to take the Pro-
vince Shallop into their Possession immediately, to be employed
for such purposes as they may think proper.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Sam'l Gowdy <£3 0 0, for a Gun
delivered to Mr. Towers in August, 1776.
Moses Young was directed to pay Michael Boyer -£7 10, for his
Wages as an Express to Mr. Rich'd Tea, six days, @ 25s.
Moses Young was directed to pay Geo. Ginther £3 15,
for his Wages as an Express to John Evans, Esquire, 3 days,
@ 25s.
Resolved, That the Sentance of the Court Martial held on Lieu-
tenant John Dean of the Arnold Floating Battery, be referred to
the Navy Board, who are directed to order a hearing of the parties.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 139
la Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, March 4th, 1777.
present :
THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, Pres't.
David Ritten house, V. P.
William Lyon, John Bull,
Samuel Morris, Sen'r, Wm. Moore,
Samuel Cad. Morris, Joseph Dean
Owen Biddle, Frederick Kuhl.
Moses Young was directed to pay Daniel Queen 18s, for Ferriage
and Expences of 4 Horses.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mary Hunter £5 15, for Nurs-
ing and Attendance, and Funeral Expences of Ratchford Duffield,
deceas'd, late a Private in Captain Allbright's Company of Col.
Miles' Battalion, to be charg'd to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Peter Rundes £30, on
acco't of Rifles & accoutrements lost in actual Service at Fort
Washington, to be charged to Colonel William Baxter.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Hood £2 12, for 4 yards of
Blanketing for the use of Col. Watts' Marching Batt'n, to be
charged to the Col'o.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Thomas Cuthbert £3 4 11, for
Sundry expences while acting in a Committee to superintend the
Sale of Salt, and £19 9 for the same purpose.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of James Dundas,
for ^250, to be charged to his account.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Boyd £17 12 6, for
travelling Expences while on Public Business up the Delaware, and
to Shrewsbury last fall, to be charged to Congress.
Moses Young was directed to pay Michael Grove £16, for his
Wages as an Express, to be charged to
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Moses Young,
for £100, to be charged to his account.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Capt. Joseph
Rice, for 1200 Dollars, for the recruiting Service of the Pennsylv'a
Artillery, charge to Col. Proctor.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Dehaven &
Carter, for £500, to be charged to their acco't.
Resolved, That the Teams, &ca, purchased by Colonel Bull, for
the Purpose of Carrying on the Works at Billingsport, be charged
to Congress, and that he be paid the necessary disbursements on
that account.
\ n order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Simon Murray,
£20 19 8. for tin Tubes, &c.
140 MINUTES OF THE
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, March 5th, 1777.
present:
DAVID RITTEN HOUSE, V. P.
Joseph Dean, Sam'l C Morris,
Frederick Kuhl, Owen Biddle,
William Moore, Wm. Lyon.
Samuel Morris, Sen'r,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Jacob Bishop £10 19
6, for the amo'fc of arms taken from Non-Associators in New
Hanover Township, Philadelphia County.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr. Duche-
mon, for £20, for his Services, as an Interpreter to the Polish
Engineer.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Messrs. Peter
Dehaven & Co., for £500, to be charged to their acco't.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Wm. Thomp-
son, for one Hundred Pounds, to be charged to his acco't.
Resolved, That Robert Allison be appointed a first Lieutenant
of a Company of Foot in the Continental Service.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Benjamin Davis £36 0 0, for
a Barrel of Rum, & Doct'r Wm. Smith £10 4 0, for medecinessent
to the Salt Works & Tom's River.
In Council of Safety, March 6th, 1777.
present :
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Owen Biddle, William Lyon,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Samuel C. Morris,
Joseph Dean, Fred. Kuhl.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay James Budden & Co. £109 8 0,
for 1,098 Bushels of Salt.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Doctor Harris,
for £100, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Wm. Bodley for a month
pay for a Company of Guards at French Creek Powder Mills.
Mr. Moses Young was directed to pay Capt. Tho's Heslep £15
0 0, to be charged to this State.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 141
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia, March 7th, 1777.
PRESENT :
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Owen Biddle, Sam'l C. Morris,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Fred. Kuhl,
William Lyon, Jonathan B. Smith.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Robert Towers £154 9 0,
for his last week's account for Workmens' wages in the Elaboratory?
making cartridges, &ca., to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Townsend & John White £7
15 9, for a H'h'd of Brimstone deliver'd to Mr. Towers in June
last.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Shearman £104 0 0, for
4,160 Bottoms for Round Shotfc delivered to Capt. Stiles, to bo
charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Lieut. Rob't
Allison, for 100 Dollars, for the Recruiting service, to be charged
to his acco't.*
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt. in favour of Col. Rich'd
Dallam, for £2,500, to be charged to his acco't.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Edw'd Pote £1 18 4, for 480
musket Ball delivered to Mr. Towers.
In Council of Safety,
Philad'a, March 8th, 1777.
present :
OWEN BIDDLE, Chairman.
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, G-eorge Gray,
Joseph Dean, William Lyon,
Johnathan B. Smith, John Bull.
Sam'l C. Morris,
Mr. Moses Young was directed to pay Samuel Johnson £2 2
6, for dieting Militia on their march to Camp, to be charged to
Congress.
Moses Young was directed to pay Benjamin Mintz £99 4, for
128 Pair of Shoes @ 15s 6.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Moses Youog,
for 1,000 Dollars, to be charged to his acco't.
142 MINUTES OF THE
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Nixon £20 6 8, for Store
Hire for Naval Stores, Beef & Pork.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed Colonel John Bull £100 8 4, &
Colonel Dean £172 13 8, for sundries bought by them for the
Indian Treaty held at Easton, to be charged to Congress.
Mr Nesbitt was directed to pay Daniel Evans £121 8 4, for
Iron Work for Gun Carriages.
In Council of Safety, March 10th, 1777.
PRESENT :
WM. MOORE, Chairman.
Owen Biddle, Sam'l C. Morris,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Wra. Lyon,
Fred. Kuhl, John Bull,
Joseph Dean,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Rob't Towers, Commissary of
Stores, £112 4 (5, for his last week's account for workmens' wages
in the Elaboratory, making Cartridges, &ca., to be charged to Con-
gress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Col John Bull =£97 10 0, for
his services for superintending the works erecting at Billingsport
from 27th Sept'r, 1776, to 2 Decern 'r last, 6Q days, & 12 days' ser-
vice in procuring waggons, to be charged to Congress.
Resolved, That Colonel John Bull employ as many Laborers and
artificers to compleat the Fortifications at Billingsport, according to
the plan adopted by this Board, as he can, not to exceed five Hun-
dred, with an overseer to every Thirty men, for whose service he
is allowed to pay each man j£4s 6 ^ diem, or such a less sum as he
can contract with them for; and that he immediately set about
the said Business, and prosecute it with all the diligence in his
Power.
Resolved, That William Crispin, Esq'r, do immediately provide
provisions for the workmen to be employed at Billingsport, agree-
able to such numbers as Colonel John Bull may direct him.
Resolved, That Major Lewis Farmer march all the officers and
men belonging to the Pennsylvania State Regiment (except the
recruiting Parties) down to Billingsport, and put himself under the
direction of Colonel Bull. I
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Col. Joseph Dean one Thousand
Dollars, for money he advanced to Capt. Caleb North, for recruiting
service for 5th Pen'a Reg't, to be charged to Colonel Johnson.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John McGinley £52 7 0, for
Iron Work for Gun Carriages, delivered to David Pancoast.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 143
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Hubley, Esq'r, £51, for
Sundry Guns, appraised for the use of Capt. M user's Comp'y of
the first Batt'n of Lancaster Co.
In Council of Safety.
Philad'a, March 11th, 1777.
PRESENT :
OWEN BIDDLE, Chairman.
George Gray, Wm. Lyon,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Sam'IC. Morris,
John Bull, Joseph Dean.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Ilaun, a member of assem-
bly for York County, on acco't for scabbards, &ca, £19 17 0, to be
charged to this State; another acco't of Mich'l Eichelberger «£77
12 0, for dieting 10 Emigrants at Yorktown, to be charged to
Congress; also £5 17 6, for Lodging officers' servants, to be charged
to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Colonel Bull ^44 13 3, for
Guard of Stores at Norrington, & Sundrys supplied by Col. Butler
at Wyoming, to the Indians returning from the treaty at Easton,
to be charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Col. Lamb't
Cadwalader, for One Thousand Dollars, for recruiting service for
the fourth Pen'a Reg't, to be charged to his acco't.
Moses Young was directed to pay James McClellan £7 15 4, for
dieting Militia last Summer.
Moses Young was directed to pay Capt. Edw'd Graham £19 13
0, for subsistance of bis Company of Col. Wats' Battalion, to be
charged to Congress.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Captain John
Nelson, for £358 4 2, for pay of his Independent Company, late
annext to Col. Dehaas' Reg't, while at Ticonderoga, to be charged
to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Capt. Henry Shade ^6241 1 3,
for Riffles, &ca, purchased by him for his Company.
Resolved, That Captain Joseph Stiles be appointed superinten-
dant of the Ordinance of this State, and that he be authorized to
take into his charge all the Artillery belonging to this State not
immediately employed, with the Carriages and all appurtenances
belonging to the same.
That he lay before this board a plan of this Buildings necessary
to preserve the said Artillery and Stores ; That he may employ
one assistant and one Clerk under him, and that a regular Account
be kept by him of all such Artillery and Stores, and a report be
J U MINUTES OF THE
made of the Quantity and Condition of the same to thifc Board,
once in every week, or oftener, if required, which are not to be de-
livered out unless by special orders irom the executive Council or
this Board.
Resolved, That Mr. George Ingles be appointed superintendant
of Gun Carriages, and he is bereby authorized to take into his
Charge all the Carriages not already mounted, and the mate-
rials for making of Carriages belonging to this State, where-
ever they may be found; and to provide timber and materials to
make such others as may hereafter be ordered to be made, and em-
ploy workmen for that purpose.
Thajt a proper Yard be procured for Storing all the Gun Timber
belonging to this State, of which an account is to be Kept in a book
for that purpose, to be weekly laid before this board for Inspection,
or oftner, if required.
The Council taking into their consideration the necessity of es-
tablishing some Regulations respecting the State of the Troops
quartered in this City, and especially in regard to the Health of
the Inhabitants, think it very proper the following Resolutions be
adopted.
1st That General Gates, or the Commanding officer for the time
being in this City, be requested to order an officer of each company
at present, or who may hereafter be quartered in this City, to visit
every morning the Houses occupied by the respective Companies,
and see that they are kept clean Such officer neglecting this
duty to be confined & otherwise punished, as the General shall
think proper.
2nd. That the Barrack Master General be directed to order one
of his Assistants, or some other person acquainted with such
Houses as have soldiers in them, to visit them at least three times
a week, & make report to the General or the Town Major, to be
laid before the General every visiting day, of the State in which
they find such Houses, specifying every House, and the Captain's
name, which they may find Dirty, particularly with Human or-
dure, in the House, out-houses, or yard.
3rd. That the Town Major be ordered to visit such Houses as
ofteu as his other duties will permit, as a Check on the Officers
aud Assistants Barrack Masters, and report accordingly to the Gen-
eral and this Council.
4th. That the Town Major furnish the Barrack Master with a
sufficient number of Copies of the above orders, that each Assis-
tant may be provided with one, and Communicate the same to the
officers and men they shall from time to time quarter in this City.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 145
In Council of Safety, March 12th, 1777.
PRESENT :
DAVID MTTENHOUSE, V. P.
Owen Biddle, Sam'l C. Morris,
Sam'l Morris, Sen'r, Joseph Blewer,
George Gray, Wm. Lyon.
Joseph Dean,
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay George Reinhart, for porter-
age of Cannon, Carriages, Plank, &ca., £2Q 9 0, to be charged to
Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Joseph Mather £44 16 5, for
boarding, Cloathing, & Schooling Moses Kirkland, from 8th May,
1776, to 8th March, 1777, to be charged to Congress.
In Council of Safety.
Philadelphia. March 13th, 1777.
present :
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, V. P.
Owen Biddle, Joseph Dean,
Geo. Gray, Samuel Morris, Sen'r,
Sam'l Cad. Morris, Wm. Lyon.
Resolved, That a Smith's Shop be erected at or near the Public
Works now in the Possession of this Board, the Corner of Chest-
nut and Fifth' Streets, and a sufficient Quantity of Iron and Coals
be purchased for that purpose, and that a master workman be en-
gaged to Superintend the same.
And that Joseph Dean be empowered to engage a suitable per-
son, as soon as possible.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay for Drum Snares, Sticks, &ca.,
&ca., £10 11 9.
Moses Young was directed to pay Geo. Putz £6 4, for 8 Pair of
Shoes, a 15s. 6 p Pair.
Moses Young was directed to pay James Galbreath £8 12 2£,
for 36£ yards Coarse Linnen, a 4s. 9.
Moses Young was directed to pay Robert M'Curdy £19 4, for
24 Pairs Shoes, a 16s.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay James Lynch £60 18 6, for
Rammers and Spunge heads, Tomkins & Bottoms, deliver'd Dav'd
Pancoast, to be charged to Congress.
Moses Young was directed to pay John Scott £13 10, for 27
yards Flannel, a 10s. p yard.
VOL. xi. — 10.
146 MINUTES OF THE
Moses Young was directed to pay James Galbreath £50 13 3f
for Coarse Linnen and Linsey.
Moses Young was directed to pay John Ross £14 16 7£, for
19f y'ds white Swanskin, a 13s. 6, and 3 Pair Hose, a 10s.
Moses Young was directed to pay Joseph Ross £16 14 8i, for
89 i y'ds Tow Linnen, a 3s. 9 p yard.
Resolved, That Mr. Jacob S. Howell be allowed thirteen Shil-
lings per day for his Services as Secretary to this Council.
An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr. Jacob S.
Howell, £92 5, being in full for his services as Secretary to this
Council.
Moses Young was directed to pay Frederick Snider £& 10, for
his attendance on the Council from the 1st of March untill the
11th, inclusive, a 10s. p day.
Moses Young was directed to "pay Geo. Ginther £8 15, for his
wages as an Express.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Styner & Cist, £16 5 6, the
amo't of their acco't for Printing done for the Council.
Pennsylvania War Office, ")
21st April, 1777. j
Resolved, That Francis Richardson, Reynold Keene, Colberson
Read, Ja's Biddle & Henry Haller, or any three of them, be appointed
Commissioners for the County of Berks, to audit & Settle the
Accounts of the Militia & flying Camp of the said County, for
Arms & accoutrements purchased by the Officers of those Corps,
and the property of persons lost in actual Service. Also the Ac-
counts of those persons who have been killed, died in the service
of the States, or were made prisoners.
INSTRUCTIONS :
Gentlemen :
As the individuals in your County who have rendered service to
the public & suffer'd losses in Consequence thereof, meet with diffi-
culties in getting their accounts, settled by reason of their great
distance from this City, we therefore have appointed you to audit
& Settle their respective accounts, and that justice may be done
both to the Public & other parties, we request that you will qualify
all persons to their several Accounts ; and where any persons who
have had demands on the public are deceased, that you obtain proper
certificates and other authentic documents, that the persons who
make claim on their behalf are the proper representatives of such
persons ; many frauds have been practiced against the public ; we
would therefore recommend it to you, to scrutinize, with great ex-
actness, the several Accounts that may be laid before you, that
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 147
strict justice may be done to the Public and the claimants. As it is
unreasonable that any persons should give their time and Labour
to the public without reward, you are to be allowed perhaps 12s
p'r Diem for every day's service which you shall perform in this
business.
MEMORANDUM,
AS FOUN35 IN
COUNCIL BOOK, NO. 8,
FROM
DEC. 31, 1776, to MARCH 17, 1777.
Dec'r 31st, 1776.
A Request Sent to the Council of Safety to Supply 1 Serg't, 45
Privates, with necessaries to Return to Camp to-morrow, under the
Command of Colin Coke, Lieut, of the 6th Virginia Reg't, from
their Sick Quarters.
William Edwards, in the House of Bedford Sadler, a Bucket for
the use of the sick.
2 Blankets for Jos. McWilliams & William Jones, in Shields'
House, Sick*
Jan'y, 1st, 1777.
Matthias Rusler, at W'm Smilers's, the Corner of Seventh &
Arch Street, Sick. Advanced 15s, belong'g to Capt. Nelson.
2 Orders for Coffins to Mr. Carpenter, 1 in Taylor's Alley, 1 in
Semple's Store.
John Thatcher, of Col. Weedon's Batt 3d Virg'a, A White
Shirt.
Gave Orders to Mr. Roosen, the Barrack Master, Genres assis't,
for f Cord of Wood to each of the 4 Following Sick Quarters :
Semple's Store, Sproat's Store, Opposite Do., & McElroy, also |
to John Shield's House, for 47 Sick.
Cuthbert Williamson, of Col. Hasilet' Batta'n, a Shirt.
Gave Matthias Sheirey, of Major Hayes' Batta'n of the Flying
Camp, 3s 9. Drew Rations of the Commissary 3 Days for Do.
One Lieu't, 1 Serg't, 6 Privates, of Capt. McCormal's Corop'a.
Col. Wat's Battall'n, in Bedford's House, 2d Street.
150 MINUTES OF THE
Aq order to Jasper Carpenter for a Coffin, at Mr. Smeiler'a
House, the Corner of Seventh & Arch Streets j Matthias Hesland,
a Soldier, Batt'n unknown.
Jan'y 2d, 1777.
Gave to a poor Distress'd Widow of a Soldier, 2s 6.
Gave to Geo. Sine, of €ol. Ash's Bat'n, Peter Trine & Geo.
Shaffer, of Col. Kichline, 5s each. 15.
John Jett, of Capt. Morris's Comp, 8 Virg'a Battalion, a p'r
Shoes <fc Stockings.
Rob't Kelly, the 6th Yirg'a Reg't, p'r Shoes, Stock'gs & Shirt.
P'd for Vegetables 2s 6, six Cups 3s, a Bucket 4s.
John Sears, of Smallwood's Batt'l, P'r Shoes & Shirt.
Mary Traker, Employ'd as Nurse at John Shields*. Also, Mary
Brown, in the Same Station, lives at Jas. Seeman's.
Col. Melchor, Barrack Master Gen'l, Releas'd the Committee of
the 77 Sick return'd Pris'ners, under the Care of Serj't Wilson,
& he i3 accordingly discharg'd from that Service.
Rec'd a Gun, Bajonet, & CartoUch Box, of Chris'n Hosier, of
Col. Swoop's Battallion.
Jan'y 3d, 1777.
Gave John Sears, of Col. Smallwood's Batal'n, 5s, he going, by
permission, to New Town, Maryland, till he gets well.
Gave to John Copper, of Col. Smallwood's Batal'n, Capt. Va-
zey' Comp'y, p'r Lining Breeches, Shoes, Stockings, Shirt & Blan-
ket.
To Charles Spangler, of Capt. Allbright's Comp'y, Col. Miles'
Bat'ln, p'r Stockings.
To Sam'l Shaw, of Col'n Montgomery's Reg't, P'r Shoes.
P'd Unity McKinzie, for Nursing k laying out a Sick Soldier,
7s 6.
Gave 2 distress'd Soldiers, return'd Pris'ners from York, Wil-
liam Crawford, of the 5 Virginia Batt'n, a P'r Shoes j p'd for 2 Q't
Muggs, Sugar 15s.
Tho's Kilpatrick, Col. Montgomery Battalion, a Blanket.
3 Soldiers near Doctor Weed's.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 151
- Jan'y 4th, 1777.
Marg't Tryon, Corner of Shippen Street, applys for a Nurse.
Also, a woman next door to the widow Gash.
Paid, for Indian Meal, 16s.
Charles Spangler, of Col. Miles' Battalion, a shirt & Blanket-
James Ford, of Col. Durgy's Battal., a P'r Stock'gs.
Orders to the Assistant Barrack Master.
3-4 Cord wood in Norris's Alley.
3-4 Do. Shields.
3-4 Do. McElroy.
3-4 Do. to Mr. Sneider's in Front Street.
Rich'd Sims, of 3 Virginia Battall., Shoes & Stock'gs.
William McCullock, Do. Shoes.
Gave 2 poor Soldiers 2s 6.
Drew Rations for Benja. Belcher of Col. Hausaker of the Dutch
Battalion, for 21 days.
Jacob Jeffries of Gen'l Small wood s Battalion.
A Prisoner from New York, sent by order of Major Peter Ad-
ams, and Brought by Lieut. Peal in Chancery Lane, to be particu-
larly taken Care of, is placed at Mr. Shneider's, under Care of
Doctor Weede.
Jan'y 6th, 1777.
An order to Jasper Carpenter for John Amesberger of CoL
McAllister's Batt'n, a Coffin.
Drawn Rations for 10 Days for Rees Jones, of Col. Hall's
Battal'n.
Drawn Rations for 3 men at McElroy's, 1 of Col. Hall's, 1 of
Col. Weedon's, and one of Col. Smallwood's, for 3 Days.
Geo. Greenville, of Col. Smallwood's Batt'n, Recommended to
Lieut. Peel.
Paid for taking 4 Sick Soldiers to Better'g House, 7s. 6.
Return to the Dep'y Quarter Master for 3 Camp Kettles for 20
men of Col. Lawson's Battal. in Pine Street.
Sent 2 sick of the Small Pox to the Bettering House, to D'r
Young's Ward, and p'd for carrying them, 5s.
Drew Rations for 2 men of Col. McDugals Battal. for 9 Days,
John Malloway, John Neil.
Receiv'd from each of the above a Gun, Bayonet, Cartouch Box,
&c.
John Edinburgh, of the 6th Virginia Reg't, Capt. Toll, a shirt
& Blanket.
Leo. Bridger of the 4th Virginia Reg't, a P'r Shoes.
152 MINUTES OF THE
Paid for Balm Sage, &ca, 6s.
To a Soldier's poor sick wife & 2 Children, 17 6, Doct'r Glent-
worth's small Pox Hospital, 2 Doors above Peter Knight's.
John Jett of the 3d Virginia Regim't, Shoes, Stock'gs, Shirts*
Robert Currey of 76th Do. Stock'gs & Shirt.
Jan'y 7th, 1777.
Drawn Rations for 8 Days, for a Sick Soldier belong'g to the
Delaware BattalPn quartered in Norris Alley.
Andrew Beck a p'r of Stockings.
Hannah Smith went to Nurse in Pine Street.
David Burtle of Col. Hall's Battal., a p'r of Stock'gs.
Ordered $ Cord of Wood at Shield's, \ a Cord in Pine Street.
I a Cord at Bedford's, § a Cord in Norris alley.
| a Cord at xMcElroy's.
Drew Rations for 6 Days for 4 of Col. Hands' & 1 of Col.
Montgomery's Bat.
Rec'd a Gun and Bayonet belonging to Ephraim Gundy by the
Hands of Zabulon Woodroff, of Major Hand in the Jersey.
And order to Mr. Carpenter for a coffin, for a soldier who died
en Board of a Shallop coming from Camp at Trenton.
P'd for taking 2 Soldiers to the Hospital in ye Small Pox, 5s.
1 Gave Charles Burnet, late of Col. Hall's Batt'n, Capt* Maccu-
bin, a discharg'd soldier, to return home, 7s 6.
Gave to supply a Poor Soldier with some Necessaries, in the
Small Pox, 2s. 6. } Settled.
Andrew Beck, 7s. 6. $ Mary Orchard, for Nur'g.
Jan'ry 8th, 1777.
Gave Isaac Sterling, of Col. Smallwood's Batalion, one Shirt.
An order to Mr. Carpenter for a Coffin for James Hill, Battal,
Unknown.
A n order to Do. for a Coffin for Edward McGurney, of
in Evan Morgan's house on the Commons.
A Cord of Wood to Shields, Drawn upon the Barrack Mas.
Wm. Bradley of Col. Miles' Battal., a Blanket.
Drew Rations for 3 Days for three Men, two of Col. Miles' & 1
of Col. Smallwood's Battal'n. \
Drew Rations for 8 days for John Hitchcock, his wife & child,
of ye 3d Battal'n, Virg'a.
Paid for Sweep'g 5 Chimneys 5s,
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 153
Brew 6 Gamp Kittles of the Quarter Mast'r.
Sent 1 camp Kettle to McElroy's.
John Hithcock, of 3d Virgin'a Batt'n, a Blanket.
Jan'y 9th, 1777.
Uziah Woods of Col. Atlee's Batt'n, a P'r Stockings.
Gave Samuel Grimes of Col. Montgoin'y's Batt., Shoes &
Shirt.
Gave Isaac Stirling, to Return to Maryland to recover his sick-
ness (belon'g to Gen'l Smallwood's Battal'n,) lis. 3d.
Gave , of Col. Miles' Battal'n,
shirt and stockings.
Gave an order for 4 half cords of fire wood, & An order to the
Commissary for 3 men of the 5th Virginia Batt'n, for 3 Days, Capt,
Tyrel, at McElroy.
Gave John Brown & John Henderson, 2 soldiers in the Work-
house, a Blanket each.
Ordered a load of Wood in Pine Street, Do. at Shields'.
Gave Timothy Kelly, who is under Pass of Gen'l Sullivan to go
to Baltimore, a P'r of Shoes, Stockings & Shirt, and 5s.
Jan'y 10th.
Mary McVey apply s for a Nurse; lives near Mr. Musgraves\
Gave an order for 4 half cords fire wood, &c.
Rec'd a Gun & Cartouch box of Thom-as Shorts, late of CoL
Weiden's Batta'l, (Now deceased), with a Cartouch Box.
Ordered a Load of Wood in 7th Street ; a Load Do. in Chesnut
Gave Mary Kingsland, for taking care of a Sick Woman, a Dis-
tressed Woman drove out of New York, Living in Biddle's Alley,
10s.
Drew Rations for 3 Men for 3 Days, one of Col. Hall's, one of
Col. Smallwood's & one of Col. Weeden's Batt'n, at McElroy's,
Gave Andrew Beck 7s. 6.
Drew an order llth for 4 half cords Fire Wood, which was re-
ceiv'd 3 this Day & the other the 15th ; paid for writing paper 2e.
lOp.
Drew Rations for 2 Men of Col. Miles' Battalion for 3 Days,
McElroy's.
Drew Rations for 8 Men for 4 Days, part of the 4th Virginia Bat-
tall'n.
Lent Hannah Smith, Nurse at McElroy's, a Blanket.
Drew Rations for John Keas, of Capt. Bower's Comp'y, for 5
Days past*
154 MINUTES OF THE
Drew Rations for 3 Men for 5 Days, of Col. Scott's.
Drew Rations for 2 Men 7 Days (to ye 13th) of Col. Mc-
Dugall's.
Gave Mary McVeigh, Nurse at the small Pox Hospital in Vine
Street, 2s. 6d., to buy Sugar.
P'd Susannah Mosson for 3 a Pound of Lint for Doctor Glent-
worth, for Wounded Soldiers, 7s. 6.
Jan'y 13th, 1777.
Drawn Rations for Rees Jones, of Col. Hall's Batt'n, for S
days back.
Do. for Duncan McGinly, 4 Days, a Return'd Pris'ner from New
York.
Do. for 4 Days for 3 men of 5th Virg'a Reg't.
Paid for Molasses for McElroy's 2s. 6.
Paid Mary McVeigh for Necessaries for Small Pox > 3s. 9.
Hospital in Pine Street. 5 Settled.
An order to J. Carpenter for a Coffin for John Coleman, of
the
Gave George Chapman, of Col. Lawson's Batt'n, 4th Virg'a;
Capt. Washington, a Shirt.
Drew Rations for 3 Men of Col. Miles',
1 of Col. Montgomery's,
1 of Col. McGaw's Battal'ns.
Gave John Thatcher a Blanket.
Paid for hailing Wood, &c, ) 3s. 6.
I Settled,,
Jan'y 14th, 1777-
Paid to John Reily, of Col, Montgomrie's Battal, Capt. Miller,
7s 6.
Drew Rations for 2 Men, 3 Days, of Col. Miles' Batt, at Mc~
Elroy's.
Drew Rations for 2 Women, Hester McCormick & Elizb'h
Evans, Wives of 2 Men of Col. Miles' Batt'n, from Nov. 16th to
this Date.
Gave Wm. Nixon, of Col. Smallwood'a Batt'n, a pair Stockings
& Shoes.
An order for a Coffin for Wm. Mills, a Soldier in 6 Virg'a
Reg't.
Gave John Hall, of the 4th Virg'a Batt'n, a p'r Stock'gs.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. I*5
Drew Rations for 3 Men for 2 Days, 1 of Col. Hall's, one of Col.
Haselet's, & 1 of Col. Weeden's.
Order' d 4 Loads of Wood for Sick Quarters, yesterday.
Do. 4 Do. this day.
Rec'd None, applied for by Wm. Derrack.
Gave Hugh Kain, of the 1st Batt'n of Musquettry.
Col. Atlee a p'r Shoes, & to his Wife a Blanket.
Paid for Sundry Expences 10s.
Jan'y 15th, 1777. *
Paid James Guy for hailing a Cord of Wood, 4s, Settled.
Rec'd a Return to the Council of Safety, made by Doctor Young
& Benj'n Paschall, by their order.
Benj'n Paschal, Dec, 16, 425
Doc'r Young, 20, 347
Total, 772 > T ,, m2
From Which to this Day, ^ 400 S
All under the Inspection of the Board*
Drew Rations for a Sick Soldier, his Wife & Child, of the Dela-
ware Batt'n, for 8 Days.
Do. for 1 Man of Col. Miles' & 1 of Col. Smallwopd's Batt'n.
An order for a Coffin for Bedney Talford.
Also Rec'd of Spencer Anderson a Gun & Cartouch Box, of the
Deceas'd.
Drew an order on the Barrack Master for 4 Loads of Wood.
An order for a Coffin for Tho's Buckner, of the 4th Virg'a Regi-
ment.
Mr. Paschall a p'r Shoes & Stockings, for a Soldier of the 1st
Batt, Crawford's Oomp'y — Paid Expences.
Jan'y 17th, 1777.
Gave Duncan McGinly, of Col. Montgomerie's Batt'n, a Re-
turn'd Pris'ner from New York, in order to proceed home, 5s.
Gave Rees Jones, late of Col. Hall's Battl'n, of the Flying
Camp, to go home, 7s 6.
Drew Rations for 2 Men, 3 Days, of Col. Miles' Batt'n.
Bought I a Cord of Wood, deliver'd at the Door, 25s.
Paid for Sawing half a Cord of Wood, Is 6.
Paid for Sweeping Chimney, Is 3.
Receiv'd a Box of Candles, 54 lb, of Mr. Badge.
Rec'd a Musquet of Alex. Birk, marked W. W.
Return'd the above to himself, Feb'y 27th.
156 MINUTES OF THE
Jan'y 18th, 1777,
An order for a Coffin, Marshall of the 6th Virg'a Reg't, Sign'dl
by Capt. Leech. v
Paid for Sweeping a Chimney, Is.
Confirm'd a Return for Rations, for Wm. Singleton, for 6 days
in Capt. Prowell's Company of Carpenters, Drawn by the Serg't
of the Comp'a.
Gave William Nices, of Col. Bull's Batt'n, a prisoner from New
York, 2s 6— Settled with the Treas'r.
Drew Rations for John Sleas, of Capt. Brewster's Co, 7 Days.
Gave to a Soldier, gone to Camp, a p'r of Shoes.
Drew Rations for Mullowny & John Neill, of Col. Miles7
Batt'n, 7 Days.
Drew Rations for 7 days, for Sani'l Singleton, of the 4th Vir-
ginia Reg't.
Rec'd a Waggon Load of Wood from the B. Master.
Paid for Sawing i a Cord of Wood, bought at the Door.
Jan'y 19, 1777.
Drew Rations for a Sick Man of Capt. Hugg's Artillery, 3 daye.
Do. 1 Man.
Jan'y 20th, 1777.
An order to Receive David Burden into the Bettering House, ol
Col. Hall's Batt'n, with the Itch.
2 orders for Coffins to Pine Street Small Pox House, 3d Virg'a
Batt'n. To Jasp'r Carpenter, 1 order for 1 of Col. McGaw's, a
return'd Pris'ner from New York, at Shields's. To Jasper Car-
penter, Came into town last Night.
Agreed with Isabella Redman to Nurse Jeremiah Loe, of Capt,
Francis Proctor's Compa., for 2 Weeks, at 205 ^ Week.
Drew Rations for 2 Men 3 Days, of Col. Miles's Batt'n.
An Order to the assis't Barrack Master for a Load of Wood to
Pine Street Small Pox Hospital.
An Order to the Pennsyl'a Hospital for John Hopwood, of Coh
Rawlin's Batt'n, a Wounded Pris'ner from N. Y.
Sign'd by JACOB SHOEMAKER.
Gave Nurse Traker at Pine Street hospital for Sundries 79 6.
Rec'd of Wm. Bellamy 13 Rifle Guns, belonging to the 3 Vir-
ginia Reg't, Col. Weedon.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 157
Paid for some Coffee for 2 distress' d Prisoners from York,
2s 6.
Paid Mr. Bock, 7s 6.
Paid for Molasses, Is 3.
Drew Rations for John Thatcher & 1 other of 3 Virginia Batt'n,
for 3 Days.
Drew Rations for Wm. Bradley and 1 other of Col. Miles'
Batt'n.
Jan'y 21st.
Paid Tim'y Fisher, for Sawing a Cord of Wood, 5s.
Drew Rations for 3 men 4 days, Geo. Nelson, John Scott and
Traverse Finglad, of Col. Weedon's Batt'n.
Rec'd a Gun and Cartouch Box belonging to a Soldier (Dead) late
of Capt. Lucas's Comp'y of the 4th Virg'a Reg't.
Rec'd of William Bellamy, of the 3d Virgin'a Reg't, 2 Rifle Guns,
5 Pouches & homes, 2 Pouches only.
Jan'y 22d.
Paid Andrew Beck, 7s 6.
Do. Nurse, Mary Thraker, at the Small Pox hospital in Pine
Street, 5s for Necessaries.
Rec'd a Load of Wood from Mr. Masters, 3s 4.
Rec'd Do. Do. 3s 4.
Rec'd 9 Muskets & 6 Bayonets from Barrel's House, & 2 Car-
touch Boxes.
Received 32 Muskets, 12 Bayonets & 14 Cartouch Boxes from
Carpenter's Hall.
Rec'd 3 Muskets, 3 Bayonets, Do. Cartouch Boxes, from Shields.
Rec'd 6 Muskets, 4 Bayonets, 6 Cart'h Boxes, from the House
opposite Burnes' Tavern, of the 4th Virg'a Reg't.
Rec'd 5 Muskets, Do. Cartouch Boxes, 2 Bayonets, from Mc-
Elroys.
Paid Philip Springer for hailing the above Guns from Several
Houses to the office, 7s 6.
Gave an Order to the Bettering house to Receive Wm. Walker^
of the 11th Reg't, now at Mr. Binders.
Note — Mr. Hugh James had an order yesterday Morn'g to Re-
move him but has neglected.
Gave David Burton, late of Col. Hall's Battall'nj to go home to
Virginia, by order (Capt. Leech, Mr. Stillic) 15s.
Paid for Sawing 2 Load of Wood 1£ Cord, 6s.
158 MINUTES OF THE
Jan'y 23d.
Rec'd of Wm. Scott, a Soldier late of Col. Watts* Battall'n of the
Flying Camp, a Rifle Gun.
Drew Rations for 2 Men 3 Days, of Col. Miles' Batt.
Sent an Order to Wm. Peters, to Receive 2 men of Col. Hands'
Battal'n, Capt. Doyle's Co.
Receiv'd | Cord of Wood from Mr. Masters.
Drew Rations from Wm. Crawford of the 5th Virg'a Batt.
Paid Nurse Traker for the Small Pox hospital, 5s.
Rec'd of Mr. Masters f Cord of Wood.
Receiv'd from the Nurse at the Hospital opposite the Sign of
Noah's Ark, one New Musket, Mark'd Pennsylvania, County.
Paid for Sawing the above, 1 J Cord Wood, 6s 3.
Gave Mr. Beck, 2s 6.
Rec'd a Rifle Gun, Pouch & Home, from Sam'l Davis, of Col.
Scott's Batt.
Rec'd from Mr. Masters f Cord Wood.
2 Young men of Gen'l Stevens' Brigade, Sam'l Davis & his Com-
rade having been discharg'd under the Hand of Doct'r James
Holmes from the Bettering house, and not knowing where to lie
or to draw Rations, were Receiv'd under the Care of this Board.
Jan'y 24th, 1777.
Rec'd of Spencer Anderson, a Gun, Cartridge Box & Bayonet,
of 3d Virg'a Batt.
Rec'd of Vester Moss, a Gun and Cartouch Box of the 3d Virg'a
Reg't.
Drew Rations 8 Days for Hetty Noland, widow of Michael No-
land, late of Col. Smallwood's Batt.
Drew Rations for 16 Men of Gen'l Stevens' Brigade, for 3 Days,
en the Bank in Front Street.
Do. for 3 men, 4 Days, of Col. Weedon's Batt'n.
Paid John Wilson, for Putting up Advertisements round the
City, to Secure the arms of Sick or Dead Soldiers, 10s.
Jan'y 25th, 1777.
Drew Rations for Benj'n Betcher, of the German Batt'n, 7 Days.
Drew Rations for Mullowny & Neil, fcr 3 Days, of Col. McDu-
gal's Batt'n.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 159
Drew Rations for 3 men of Col. Weedon's Batt'n, for 2 Days.
Do. for John Sleas, of Capt. Bowers' Co. of Militia, 7 Days.
Do. for Sam'l Singleton, 7 Back & 7 to Come, Rations of the
4th Virg'a Batt'n.
Returned to John Mullowny & John Neil their Guns, &c., they
having a Pass from Gen'l Gates to go to Head Quarters at Morris
Town, & Gave them 10s.
P'd Andrew Beck £3 12 6.
Gave an Order for a Coffin.
Paid Nurse Thraker, of the Small Pox Hospital, 10s.
Gave an Order for Wood, for 4 Men in the Small Pox, in Chests
nut Street, of Col. Weedon's Batt'n.
Gave Hetty Noland, Widow of Michael Noland, Deceas'd, of Col.
Smallwood's Batt'n, 15s, and a p'r of Shoes.
Paid for taking 2 Wheelbarrows of Wood to the Small Pox Hos-
pital in Pine Street, Is 3.
Jan'y 27th, 1777.
Drew Rations for 12 men, 3 Days, of Gen'l Stevens' Brigade in
front Street.
Yesterday, Order to Mr. Carpenter for a Coffin for Jos. Par-
sons, of the 3d Virg'a Reg't.
Do. for James Floyd, of Capt. Ranckin's Co. of New Castle Mi-
litia, Coloured & Seperate Grave.
Rec'd Jos. Parsons', above mentioned, Gun & Cartouch Box.
Rec'd a Gun of Wm. Malton. ), ., .OJir • • -d u
Do. & Cartouch Box of Benj'n. t bo* °f 3* V"%™ ReS *•
Bristol. \ i" the Small Pox.
Do. Do. & Bayonet of Fewel Philberts, Do. Deceas?d.
Rec'd 3 Guns, 4 Bayonets, 8 Cartouch Boxes, from Shields'
House.
Rec'd 1 Gun, Bayonet & Cartouch Box from Do.
Drew A General order for Wood, to be Deliver'd to Mr. John.
Hart.
Drew Rations for 3 Men, 2 Days, of the 3d Yirg'a Reg't.
Do. for 4 Days for Wm. Crawford, of the 5th Do.
Rec'd 3 Guns & 4 Bayonets from Mr. Adcocks, Settled with Mr,
Marshall.
Jan'y 28.
Paid Nurse Traker for Necessaries, 5s.
Drew Rations for 6 men ot the 4th Yirg'a Reg't, & 4 of the 3d
Yirg'a Reg't, in the Small Pox, 6 Days.
160 MINUTES OF THE
Drew Rations for 15 men, 4 Days, to the 29th Inst., of the 3d
Virg'a Batt'n.
Ditto for 3 men, 7 Days, of Do. Batt, to the 3d Feb. Included.
Receiv'd G Guns from the Corner of Cherry Alley.
16 Do. from Front Street.
10 Do. from Mr. Hart's.
3 Do. from Pine Street, the 6th Batt'n.
Drew Rations, 30 Days, for Tho's Turner, of the Delaw'e Batt.
Do. Tho's Bailey, of 4th Virg'a Reg't.
Gave Tho's Turner, a p'r of Shoes & Stockings.
Tho's Bailey, a P'r Shoes.
Paid Hetty Noland, for attending and laying out James Floyd,
of Capt. Rankin's Company of Newcastle Militia, 7s 6.
Jan'y 29th, 1777.
Paid Joseph Stout, for a Bushel of Indian Meal, lis 5.
Drew Rations for Wm. Bradley, Adam Grouse & wife, 3 Days,
Col. Miles's Batt'n.
Drew Rations for Geo. Nelson & Wm. Leech, 3 Days, of the 3d
Virg'a Batt'n.
Gave Nurse Traker 7s 6.
Drew Rations for John Scott and Traverse Finlade, 3 Days, 3d
Virg'a Reg't.
Rec'd f Cord of Wood from the Barracks.
Paid for Sawing | Cord Wood 3s 6.
Drew Rations for John Thatcher, 4 Days, of the 3d Virg'a Reg't.
Rec'd of Geo. Staley a Gun, Bayonet and Cartouch Box, belong'g
to Nath'l McKenny, of the 4th Virg'a Batt'n, Capt. Lucas's Co.
Paid for Sawing £ a Cord Wood 2s 6.
Jan'y 30th, 1777.
Receiv'd 7 Bayonets, 5 Cartouch Boxes, from Sick Quarters in
Front Street.
Rec'd a Gun & Cartouch, from John Tillis.
Rec'd Do. Do. from James Vaughan, all 4 of the 3d
Virg'a Reg't, Col. Weedon.
Gave Nurse Traker at the Small Pox Hospital, 7s 6.
Drew Rations for 4 Days for 11 men of the 4th Virg'a Batt'n.
Rec'd 1£ Cord of Wood from Mr. Masters.
P'd James Roberts for Sawing some Big Logs at the Small Pox
Hospital in Pine Street, Is 3.
Rec'd a Gun, Bayonet, Cartouch Box & Blanket, belonging to
, of the 4th Virg'a Batt'n, Col. Lawson.
COUNCIL OP SAFETY. 161
Jan'y 31st, 1777.
Gave an order for a Coffin for ye James Kennedy, of the 8d Virg'a
JReg't.
Kec'd f Cord of Wood from Mr. Masters, sent to Pine Street.
Drew Rations for 10 Men 4 Days, to the 2d Feb., for 3d Virg'a.
Batt'n.
Gave Thomas Tracy of the Delaware Batt'n, a Pair of Shoes*
Rec'df Cord of Wood from Mr. Masters at the office.
Paid for Hailing some Guns from Several Places, 5s.
Do. for Hailing Some Straw from Mr. Bulls', 10s.
Drew Rations for Tiro's Turner & Tho's Baily, 6 days, to the 3d
of Feb'y Inclusive, 4th Virg'a Batt'n. •
Do. for Wm. Crawford 4 Days, of the '5th Virg'a Batt'n.
Kec'd If Cord Wood from Mr, Masters.
Feb'y 1st, 1777.
Gave an order for a Coffin for Peter Taylor of the 3d Virg'a
Batt'n.
Drew Rations for 3 Days for Wm. Bradley, Adam Grouse' k
wife, of Col. Miles's Batt'n"
Drew Rations for Wm. Wilcox, Eliz McDonald, Sarah Burk,
of Capt. Bell's Comp., 4th Virg'a Batt'n. 4 Days.
Drew Rations for John Kelley, 4 Days, for the fourth Virg'a
Batt'n, Capt. Bell.
Drew Rations for John Thatcher k 5 others, 4 Days, of the 3<i
Virg'n Batt'n.
Drew an order for Wood to the ass't Barr'k Mast'r, for 6 Met*
In the Small Pox, in Chestnut Street.
Settled with Mary Traker, and paid her to the 31st ult.
Gave Mary Traker for Necessaries, 7s 6.
Drew 4 Days' Rations for Sam'l Singleton, of the 4th Virg'a
Eegiment.
tfeVy 3d, 1777.
$)rew Rations for 17 Men, two Days, of the 4th Virg'a Batt'n
Do. for Tho's Dean, for 10 Days Back, Col. Knox's Batt'n.
The above being Blind & Lame, procured him a pass to head
Quarters, & gave him by order 7s 6.
Drew Rations for 10 Men, 4 Days, of the 4thVirg9a Reg't
TOE*, xi.— TL
,
162 MINUTES OF THE
Do. for David Rice, John Thompson & John Horton, 4 DaySj
the 3d Virg'a Batt'n.
Do. 4 Days, for 13 Men of the 3d Virg'a Batt'n,
Do. 4 Days for 6 of the 3d & 7 of the 4th, Do. in the Small
Pox.
Do. 3 Days, Col. Lawson, 2 Men.
Do. 3 Days for Edmund Ingles, of the 4th Virg'a Batt'n.
Do. 30 Days for Charles Graham, Capt. Bell, 4th Virg'a Reg't-
Gave an order for a Coffin for George Kelley, belon'g to Capt,
Courtney's Comp'y of Artillery, ^ Capt. Leech.
Gave an order for a Coffin for ■•- -• , of the Virg'a Reg't,
in the Small Pox Hospital, Pine Street.
Paid for Sawing half Cord of Wood, 2s 6.
Rec'd 2 half Cords of Wood from Mr. Masters.
Feb'y 4th, 1777.
Drew Rations for Win. Bradley, Adam Grouse k wife, 4 Days,
of Col. Miles's Batt.
Rec'd of Edmund Inglish two Guns, Bayonets & Cartouch Boxes;
belonging to Capt. Bell's Comp'y, 4th Tirg'a Reg't.
Paid Michael Striber for hailing Guns from the Bettering House
& other Hospitals, 8s.
Rec'd 2 Cord of Wood from Mr. Masters.
Gave Nurse Traker for Necessaries, 7s 6.
Gave Robert Skinner of Gen'l Smallwood's Batt., a Flannell
Jacket.
Gave to Edmund Inglish, of the 4th Virg'a Reg't, a Blanket
Feb'y 5th, 1777.
Paid Andrew Beck, 3s 9.
Drew 4 Days Rations for Traverse Finglade and 4 others, of ther
4ih Virg'a Batt'n.
Do. for Tho's Turner & Tho's Bailey, 4 Days,
4th Virg'a Reg't.
Paid Thomas Coil for sawing 2 Cord of Wood, at 4s ^ Cord, 8s-
Drew Rations for 2 Men five Days, of Gen'l Stevens' Brigade, 3d
Virg'a Reg't.
Drew Rations for 5 Men 4 Days, of CoL Lawson's Batt'n, en-
ter'd above.
Drew Rations for Wm. Wilcox, Eliz'th McDonald & Sarah
Burk, of Capt. Bell's Comp'a, 4th Virg'a Reg't.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 163
Brew Rations for 36 Back Rations, for Ambrose Gresham, of the
Sixth Virg'a Reg't.
Feb'y 6th.
An order to the Barrack Master for a Load of Wood to Pine
Street.
Drew Rations for 10 Men 4 Days, of the 4th Virg'a Reg't.
Paid Michael Striber for Hawling a Load of Wood into Ches-
nut Street, for 2 Sick men of Capt. Mill's Company, 2s 6.
Paid a Negroe Man for Cleaning Shields' House, £1 2 6.
Rec'd a Gun, Bayonet & Cartouch Box of Robert Burnes, 3d
Virg'a Reg't Capt.
Washington.
Do. Do. Do. of John Cooper, of
Capt. Wallace's Co. 3d Virg'a Reg't.
Drew Rations for. Edmund Inglish 3 Days, of the 4th Virg'a
Reg't.
Gave Nurse Traker at the Small Pox Hospital, 15s*
Feb'y7th, 1777.
Paid Michael Striber for Hailing a Load of Wood to Pine Street,
Drew Rations for 9 men 4 Days, of the third Virg'a Batt'n*
Do. for 3 Men 4 Day3, of the 3d Virg'a Batt'n.
Feb'y 8th, 1777.
Paid Mr. Beck 7s 6.
Paid Mr. Duff, (which was due a month ago,) 10s.
An order for a Coffin for John Potts, a Child of Jesse Potts, in
Capt. Ross's Comply, in the Continental Army.
Drew Rations for 6 of the 3d, & 6 of the 4th Batt'n, for 4
Days, from 7 to 11th included.
Do. for Tho's Turner & Tho's Baily, 4 Days, of the
4th Virg'a Reg't.
P'd for a Scrubbing Brush 5s.
Drew Rations for 18 Men for 4 Days, of the 4th Virg'a Batt'n,
Ditto, for Wm. Bradley, Adam Grouse and wife, 4 days,
of Capt. Miles's Batten.
Ditto, for J~ohn Monroe & John Pritchett, 4 Days, of the
5th Virg'a Batt'n.
164 MINUTES OF THE
Drew Rations for Traverse Finlade and 3 others, till the lStii
Included, of the 3d Virg'a Batt'n.
Rec'd from the Hospital five Muskets, three Bayonets, five Car*
touch Boxes, Two Rifles, Pouches & Horns.
Rec'd from Mr. Masters half a Cord Wood.
Rec'd of Tho's Tracy of the Delaware Reg% a Gun k Bayonet.
Gave Tho's Tracy a P'r of Stockings.
Feb'y 10th, 1777.
Rec'd 4 Guns & Cartouch Boxes of Sick Soldiers in
Rec'd 2 Do. of each, 1 From a Man enlisted in another Core, and
1 belonging to a Deceas'd Soldier.
Drew Rations for 11 men 5 Days, of the 3d Virginia Reg't.
Do. for Conrad Benebeck, 4 Days, of Col. Lawson's,
Capt. Bell's Co.
Do. for Charles Graham of said Core, 4 Days.
Do. for Wm. Wilcox, Eliz'h McDonald, & Sarah
Burk, 4 Days, Capt. Bell's Co., 4th Virg'a Reg't,
from Yesterday.
Do. for 10 men 4 Days, of Capt. Smith's Co., 4tfc
Virg'a Reg't.
Do. for 7 men 4 Days, of the 3d Virg'a Reg't.
Do, for Edmond^English 4 Days, of Capt. Bell's, 4iL
Virg'a.
Paid Mr. Beck to this Day, Included.
Gave Nurse Traker for Necessaries, 10s.
Rec'd 2 Loads of Wood from Mr. Masters.
Feb'y 11th, 1777.
Drew Rations for 7 Men 4 Days, of the 3d Virg'a Batt'ru
Do. 3 Men 4 Days, of the 3d Virg'a Batt'n.
Paid for Hailing Wood to Pine Street, 2s 6,
Feb'y 12th, 1777.
Drew Rations for Wm. Bradley, Adam Grouse & his wife, 3
Days, Col. Miles' Batt'n.
Bo- for Tho's Turner & Tho's Baily 4 Days, 4tb
Virg'a,
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 165
Gave an order for a Coffin for a Soldier in the Hospital in Pine
i Street.
Drew Rations for 6 of the 4th Virg'a Batt'n, & 5 of the 3d
Virg'a Reg't, Pine Street, 3 Days.
Drew Rations for 7 men for 3 Days, of y'e 3d Virg'a Reg't,
Do. for Valentine King 3 Days, of the 3d Virg'a,
Batt'n.
Paid for a Bushell of Indian Meal, 10s.
Ree'd from Mr. Masters, half a Cord of Wood.
Feb'y 13th, 1777.
Drew Rations for 10 men 3 Days, of the 4th Virg'a R't.
Ditto for Wm. Wilcox, Eliz'h McDonald, & Sarak
Banks, 4 Days, of Capt. Bell's Co., 4th Virg'a
Reg't.
Do. for Edmond Ingiish 4 Days, of said Compa.
Settled with Isabella Redman for Nursing &l Boarding.
Do of Capt. Francis Proctor's Co., at 20s 18 week, 3 weeks,
£3 0 0.
Rec'd 2 Load of Wood from Mr. Masters.
Feb'y 14th, 1777.
Drew Rations for 10 men 4 Days, of the 3d Virg'a Reg't.
Rec'd Three Muskets, One Bayonet, 4 Cartouch Boxes, of Benj'a
Tercel, of the 3d Virg'a Reg't.
Gave John Edingburgh, of the 6th Virg'a Reg't, Capt. Toles'
Co., a p'r Stocking.
Gave John & Benj'n Raymond, of Capfc. Miles' Compa. of
Carpenters, to go to Camp, 7s 6.
*Wy 15th, 1777.
Brew Rations for 2 Days for Barnaby Boyde, of Capt. Bell's Co. ,
4th Virg'a Reg't.
Do. for Valentine King 4 Days, of the 3d Virg'a
Reg't.
Do„ for 2 men 2 Days, of the 3d Virg'a Reg't.
Do. for Wm. Bradley, Adam Grouse & Wife, 4 Days,
of Col. Miles's Batt'n.
Do. for 7 Men 4 Days, of the 4th Virg'a Batt'n.
166 MINUTES OF THE
Gave an order for a Coffin for • , of the 4th Virg'a
Reg't, in Pine Street.
Paid Thomas Coil for Sawing 3 Cord Wood, 12s 3.
Drew 4 Days' Rations for 5 men of the 3d, & 5 of the 4th Vir-
ginia Regiments.
Gave the Nurse of the Small Pox Hospital, for Necessaries, 5s.
Feb'y 17th, 1777,
Drew Rations for Tho's Baily & Tho's Turner, of the 4th Virg'a
Reg't, from 16th to 19th.
Paid for Hailing a Load of Wood to Pine Street, 3s 9.
Paid Mr. Beck, 6s 3.
Drew Rations for 6 Men 3 Days, of the 4th Virg'a Reg.
Do. for Lieut. Holmes & 3 Men of the 3d, Do. 3
Days.
Do. for Edmond Inglish 4 Days, Capt. Bell's Co., 4th
Virg'a.
Do. for Wm. Wilcox, &ca., 4 of Capt. Bell's, 4 Days.
Do. for 8 Men 4 days, Capt. Lees Co., 3d Virg'a,
Reg't.
Do. for John Scott 4 Days, 3d Virg'a Batt.
Do. for Charles Graham 7 Days, Capt. Bells' Co., 4th
Virg.
Rec'd from John Harvy & Wm. Gwin, of the 4th Virg'a Batt'n,
two Muskets, 1 Bayonet, 2 Cartouch Boxes.
Rec'd from the Widow Cunningham 1 Musket. Returned the
sd. Musket to the owner, March 18th.
Gave an order for a Coffin for a Soldier of Capt. Courtney's
Compa.
Gave Mary Commel, Nurse in the Small Pox, Pine Street,
7s. 6.
Feb'y 18th, 1777.
Paid Nurse Traker Wages, 'till 15th, in full, £l 10.
Gave Tho's Turner of Col. Haslett's Batt'n, David Hall's Compa.,
a shirt.
Gave Mary Commel, at the Small Pox Hospital, 5s.
Feb'y 19th, 1777.
Gave an order for a Coffin for John Harvey, of the 4th Virg's
Batt'n.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 167
Drew Rations for 4 Days for 3 of Col. Miles' Batt'n, W'm
Bradley.
Do. for 7 men 4 Days, of the 4th Virg'a Reg't.
Gave Thomas Cragan a Rifle Pouch &, Home, (in Lieu of his Re-
ceiv'd by "W'm Bellany) of Capt. Ashby's Co.? of the 3d Virg'a
Batt'n.
Drew Rations for 3 Days, for Tho's Turner & Tho's Baily,
of the 4th Virg'a Batt.
Do. for 9 for 3 Days, at the Small Pox Hospital, Pine
Street, 4th Virg'a Batt'n.
Gave Mary Commel, Nurse at Pine Street, 7s. 6.
Feb'y 20th.
Gave to James Wishart, of the 4th Virg'a Reg't, a shirt and p'r
stockings.
Drew 4 Days Rations for Lieut. Hemes and 3 privates of Capt.
— ■ Co., 3d Virg'a Batt'n.
* Do. for 5 men 4 days, of Col. Stall's Batt'n.
Do. for 4 men & 2 Women of Capt. Bell's
Co., 4th Virg'a Reg't.
Do. for Edmund Inglish, 4 Days, Do. Co. k
Reg't.
Do. for 6 men 4 Days, 4th Virg'a Reg't,
Feb'y 21st.
Ditto for 8 men 4 days, Capt. Lees' Co., 4th
Virg'a Batt'n.
Ditto for 2 Men 2 Days, 3d Virg'a Reg't.
22nd.
Drew Rations for 9 men 4 Days, 6th Virg'a Reg't.
Do. for 3 2 men, 1 woman, 4 days, Col. Miles'
Batt'n.1
Do. for 2 Men 4 Days, 3d Virg'a Reg't.
Gave Mary Commel, Nurse in Pine Street, for Necessaries,
8s. 9d.
Paid John Roberts, Assistant at said Hospital, 5s.
Drew Rations for Ambrose Gresham, 15 Days Back, Serg't in
the 6th Virg'a Reg't.
168 MINUTES OF THE
Feb'y 23d.
Drew an Order for a Coffin for of the 3d Virg'a
Reg't.
Feb. 24th, 1777.
Drew Rations for 6 men 3 Days, 4th Virg'a Reg't,
Ditto. for 5 men 4 Days, Capt. Bell's Co., 4th Virg'a
Reg't.
Ditto for Charles Graham 7 Days, Do. Do.
Do. for Lieut. Hemes & 3 men, 3d Yirg'a Reg't.
Gave Nurse Traker, which she had Expended, 2s. 8.
Do. John Cooper at the House in Pine Street, which he had
expended during Nurse Traker's absence, 2s. 6.
Do. to Mary Commel, Present Nurse, for Necessaries 5s., In
ihe whole 10s. 2.
Feb'y25th.
Drew Rations for 2 Men of the 3d Virg'a Reg't, 4 Days.
Do. for 1 man 6 Days, of the 3d Virg'a Batt'n,
Do. for 2 men 4 days, of the 4th Virg'a Reg't.
Gave Mary Commel, Nurse in the Small Pox, 3s„ 9,
Feb'y 26th, 1777.
Drew Rations for 7 for 3 Days, 4th Virg'a Batt'n
Drew Rations for 3 for 3 Days, Col. Miles' Batt'n.
Paid And'w Beck, 10s.
Drew Rations 8 Men 3 Days, 4th Virg'a Reg't.
Rec'd of John Dean, a Gun, Bayonet & Cartige Box belonging
to J. Simpas, Capt. Booth's Comp'y, Head of Elk.
Paid for Hailing Wood to the office, 7s 6.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY 160
Feb'y 27th, 1777.
Brew Rations for 6 men 3 Days, 4th Virg'a Reg't.
Do. for 5 for 3 Days, of Capt. Bell's Co., Do.
Do. for Charles Graham 4 Days, of Do. Do.
Do. for Lieut. Hemes & 2 Men 4 Days, 3d Virg'a Reg't.
March 1st, 1777.
Drew Rations for 3 men 4 Days, Col. Miles' Batt'n.
Do. for 2 Men 4 Days, of the 3d Virg'a Reg't.
Drew Rations for 1 man 4 Days, Capt. Washington's Co., 3
Virg'a Reg't.
Settled with And'w Beck, and Paid him in full to Yesterday In-
cluded, £& 13 9.
Fd Mary Commel, nurse in Pine Street, 2 Week's Nursing, in
full to this Day, £1 10.
Paid for Sawing half a Cord of Wood at the Office, 2s 6.
Drew Rations for 9 for 4 Days, of the 4th Virg'a Reg't.
March 3d, 1777.
Drew Rations for Cha's Graham 3 Days, of the 4th Virg'a Reg'fc,
Capt. Bell.
Do. for Thomas Turner & Tho's Baily, of the 4th Virg'a
Reg't, 4 Days
Do. for 5 men 3 Days, of the 4th Virg'a Reg't.
Do. for 6 men 4 Days, of Do.
March 5th.
Drew Ration 4 Days for 2 men, 3d Virg'a Batt'n.
Drew Do. for Valentine King, 3d Virg'a Reg't
Paid Andrew Beck in full £1 17 6.
March 7th.
Paid for Saw'g Wood at Pine Street, 2s 6.
170 MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL OP SAFETY.
March 17th.
Gave Wm. Clow, Drummer in Capt. Brown's Co., Col. Hufcch=
inson (New England) Battalion, who is discharged from the Hos-
pital to go home, 15s.
MINUTES
OF THE
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
or THE
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA.
THE SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL,
PHILADELPHIA, Tuesday March, the 4y 1117,
PRESENT I
Thomas Wharton, Junior, Esquire*
John Evans, Esquire.
Jonathan Hoge, Esquire,
George Taylor, Esquire,
John Lowdan, Esquire.
John Proctor, Esquire.
A Quorum of the Supreme Executive Council being assembled «
and information thereof given to the General Assembly,
The General Assembly, by a Member, acquainted the Council
that they are ready to proceed on an election of a President and
Vice-President of the Supreme Executive Council, if the Council
shall think fit to join them, And thereupon It was Agreed,
That the Council are ready to join the General Assembly, and
proceed to the Election of a President and Vice President of this
Council.
Agreed,
That the Council will meet again at the Council Chamber to-
morrow Morning at ten o'CSock, and report the proceedings at the
said Election*
tN COUNCIL, Philadelphia, Wednesday March the 5, 177?,
PRESENT S
Thomas Wharton, Junior, Esquire t
George Bryan, Esquire.
John Evans, Esquire.;
« Jonathan Hoge, Esquire.
George Taylor, Esquire.
John Lowdan, Esquire, and
John Proctor, Esquire.
Mr, Evans Reports 5
That the Council and General Assembly had, by joint BaSo^
duly and fairly elected Thomas Wharton, Junior, Esq-aire, Prefci
174 MINUTES OF THE
dent of this Supreme Executive Council, and also duly and fairly
elected George Bryan, Esquire, Vice President of the same. That
the Speaker, immediately after the Election was declared in. the
House of General Assembly, had Administered to the President
then chosen, the Qualifications required by the Constitution of this
Commonwealth \ and he also Reports,
That the Council, in conjunction with the General Assembly, had
agreed to Publish the said Election at the Court House in this
City this day at twelve 0' Clock, and to proclaim the President ;
thereupon Agreed,
That the Council will proceed to the said Publication and Pro-
clamation accordingly, and meet again in the Council Chamber to-
morrow Morning at ten O'Clock, and report the proceeding.
• The Council Met.
Philadelphia, Thursday March 6th, 1777.
present :
His Excellency THOMAS WHARTON, Esq'r, President. '
The Honorable George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President,
John Evans, Esquire. Jonathan Hoge, Esquire.
George Taylor, Esquire. John Lowdan, Esquire.
John Proctor, Esquire.
Mr. Evans Reports :
That the Election of the President and Vice President had been
Published at the Court House yesterday at Noon ; and that at the
same time the President was proclaimed by the Stile and Title of
" His Excellency Thomas Wharton, Junior, Esquire, President of
the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl-
vania, Captain General and Commander-in-Chief in and over the
same."
His Excellency the President Administered the Qualifications
directed to be taken by the Constitution of this Commonwealth to
George Bryan, Esquire, Vice President, who Administered the said
qualifications to all the Members of Council then Present, Viz. t
to John Evans, Jonathan Hoge, John Lowdan, and John Proctor,
Esq'rs.
The Petition of Timothy Matlack being laid before the Council,
praying to be appointed Secretary to this Council, Agreed That
Timothy Matlack be Secretary of this Council.
Timothy Matlack appeared and took the Affirmation required by
the Constitution to Qualify him for his Office of Secretary of this
Commonwealth. . .
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 175
Ordered, That the Secretary procure drafts of Licences for Pub-
lic House Keepers, and Commissions for the several Officers of Go-
vernment, for the consideration of the Council.
The Council met,
Philadelphia, Friday March 7th, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excellency THOMAS WHARTON, jtra'r, President,
The Hon'ble George BRyaN, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, Jonathan Lowdan, And ~\
George Taylor, John Proctor, !» Esquires,
Jonathan Hoge, )
The Resolve of Congress of December 11, 1776, recommending
in the following words, Vizt:
" Whereas, the just War into which the United States of Ame-
rica have been forced by Great Britain) is likely to be still con-
tinued* by the same violence and injustice which have hitherto
animated the Enemies of American Freedom; And Whereas, it
becomes all Public Bodies, as Well as private Persons, to reverence
the Providence of God* and look up to him as the Supreme Dis-
poser of all events, and the Arbiter of the Fate of Nations; There-
fore the Congress hereby Resolve,
" That it be recommended to all the States, as soon as possible,
to appoint a day of Solemn fasting and humiliation, to implore of
Almighty God the forgiveness of the many Sins prevailing among
all Ranks, and to beg the countenance and assistance of his Provi-
dence in the Prosecution of this just and necessary War, The
Congress do also* in the most earnest manner, recommend to all
the members of the United States, and particularly to the Officers*
Civil and Military, under them, the Exercise of Repentance and
reformation; and further do require of the said Officers of the
Military Department, the strict observation of the Articles of War
in general, and particularly that of the said Articles) which forbids
Profane swearing and all other immoralities ; of Which all such
Officers are desired to take Notice. It is left to each State to issue
out Proclamations, fixing the day that appear most proper for their
Beveral bounds ; * being laid before the Council, and the same being
considered;' thereupon,
" Ordered, That Thursday the third day of April, be appointed
for the said purpose. A Draft of a Proclamation thereof being
laid the Council) was read and approved) and is in the words follow-
ing, Vizt .
176 MINUTES OF THE
" By the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
"A PROCLAMATION,
u Whereat) the Hon*ble the Continental Congress, pointing out
to Public bodies, as well as private persons, the duty of reverene*
ing the Providence of God, and looking up to him as the Supreme
disposer of all events, <fe the Arbiter of the fate of Nations 3 did,
on the 11th day of December last, resolve to recommend to the
several States the appointment of a day of Solemn Fasting and
Humiliation, to implore of Almighty God the forgiveness of the
many Sins prevailing among all Ranks, and by the countenance
and assistance of his Providence, in the prosecution of the most
just and necessary War into which the United States have been
forced by Great Britain, and which is still likely to be continued by
the same violence and injustice that has hitherto animated the Ene-
mies of American Freedom, and did, also, in the most earnest man-
ner, recommend to all the members of the United States, and par;
ticularly to the Officers^ Civil and Military, under them, the exercise
of Repentance and reformation) leaving it to each State to fix on
such day for the same as may be most proper for its bounds :
" We, therefore, do hereby recommend to all the People of this
Commonwealth, to observe and keep Thursday the third day of
April next, as a day of Solemn Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer,
for the purposes before mentioned, of which the inhabitants of this
State are desired to take notice.
" Given in Council, under my hand and the Seal of the State, at
Philadelphia, this Seventh day of March, in the Year, &c, 1777,
"THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, President.
"Attest — T. Matlack, Sec'y.
"GOD SAVE THE COMMONWEALTH."
Whereupon,
Ordered, That the same be Published in all the Papers, English
and German, and that Five Hundred Copies be struck off and for-
warded by the earliest opportunity to the distant parts of the State,
Three Hundred English and Two Hundred German.
Adjourned to Monday next, Three O'Clock, Afternoon-
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 177
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Monday March 10th, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THOMAS WHARTON, jute, Esq'r, President.
The Hon'ble Geore Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, Jonathan Hoge, j Esqu;res
George Taylor, John Lowdan, )
John Proctor, Esq'r, and John Hubley, Esq'r, Counceller elect
for the County of Lancaster, appeared in Council and took the Oaths
required by the Constitution to Qualify him for the said Office, and
thereupon took his seat at the Board.
The Petitions of Mathew Clarkson, Paul Fooks, Steiner & Cist,
Simon Dricebach, divers Officers of the Putnam Galley, & James
Smith, were read and ordered to lie on the Table.
Ordered, That the Secretary purchase Burnes' Justice, and Black-
stone's Commentaries, for the use of the Council.
The Council of Safety representing to this Council That the Sum
of One Hundred Thousand Dollars is immediately wanted for the
Paying of the necessary Current expence of the War, and request
the same may be put into their hands :
Thereupon Ordered, That Mr. Evans and Mr. Hubley wait on
the Honorable House of Assembly, and inform them of the said
Application.
Mr, Evans & Mr. Hubley Report :
That they had waited on the Honorable House of Assembly, and
informed them of the application to this Council from the Council
of Safety for a supply of One Hundred Thousand Dollars, and that
the House were pleased to say they would take the same into their
consideration.
Adjourned to Ten O'Clock to-morrow Morning.
The Council met. b
Philad'a, Tuesday Ma'r 11, 1777, P. M.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
John Evans, John Hubley,. *]
Jonathan Hoge, George Taylor, I Esquires.
John Lowdan, John Proctor, J
Mr. Parker and Mr. Benezet, a Committee of the Hon'ble House
of General Assembly, appeared in Council and informed the Board
vol. xi.— 12.
178 MINUTES OF THE
That the House had taken into consideration the application of the
Council of Safety for a Sum of Money, And as that body must of
necessity continue to act for some time longer, the House recom-
mended to the Supreme Executive Council to apply to Congress
for the Sum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars, to be put into the
hands of the Council of Safety, to be accounted for by them.
Francis Trumble proposing to the Council to give security for
the appearance of a certain Joseph Worra (now a Prisoner in this
City on a charge of having grieviously beaten a certain )
at the next Court of Quarter Session, to be held at, then and there
to answer the said charge.
Ordered, That Mr. Evans take the said Bail, the Principal in
the Sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Pounds, and
A Letter from His Excellency General Washington, to the Coun-
cil of Safety was laid before the Council.
Adjourned to half after Three P. M.
Consideration of the Commissions, Licenses, &ca.
Adjourned to-morrow Morning, 10 O'Clock.
The Council Met,
Philad'a, Wednesday March 12, 1777.
present :
His Excellency THO'S WHARTON, Jun'r, Esq'r President
The Hon'ble John Evans, Jonathan Hoge, "\
George Taylor, John Lowdan, and v Esquires.
John Proctor, John Hubley, J
The Petition of Giles Hicks, praying that some Provision be
made from himself and others, the Orphan Family of William
Hicks, deceased, in the appointment of a Person to the Offices of
Prothonotary, Recorder, &ca., of the County of Bucks, as the same
had been by Richard Penn, Esq'r, under the late Government, was
read and ordered to lie on the Table for Consideration.
The Petition of Wm. Lyon, Esquire, praying to be appointed
Prothonotary of Cumberland County, was read and ordered to lie
on the Table.
The Petition of Wm. Lyon, praying to be appointed Prothono-
tary of the County of Cumberland, having been again read, was
taken into consideration, and thereupon Agreed,
That William Lyon, Esquire, be appointed Prothonotary of the
County of Cumberland, and that he be Commissioned accordingly
Adjourned to half after Three O'Clock afternoon
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 1T9
A Return of the Sheriffs and Coroners elect for the County of
Bucks, being made to the Council, was now read, by which it ap-
pears that John Thompson and Garrat Dungan were duly elected
to 3erve as Sheriffs, and Benjamin Fell and Robert Ransey were
duly elected to serve as Coroners ; and the said John Thompson &
Garrat Dungan attending at the door, were introduced to the Coun-
cil, and offered their service in the Sheriff's office ; and they having
retired,
Ordered, That John Thompson be appointedJHigh Sheriff of the
County of Bucks, and that on his giving the security required by
Law, He be Commissioned accordingly.
Ordered, That Benjamin Fell be appointed Coroner of the Coun-
ty of Bucks, and that on his giving the Security required by Law,
he be Commissioned accordingly.
The Secretary of the Council of Safety, by order of the said
Council, laid before the Board the list and arrangement of the Offi-
cers of the twelve Battalions of this State :
Arrangement of the Field Officers of the Twelve Pennsylvania
Regiments in the Continental Service, Viz :
First Regiment.
Colonel, Edward Hand ; Lieutenant Col., James Ross; Major,
Henry Miller.
Second Regiment.
Colonel, James Trwin j Lieutenant Col., Jonathan Jones; Ma-
jor, William Williams.
TJiird Regiment.
Colonel, Joseph Wood; Lieutenant Colonel, Thomas Craig,
Major, Josiah Harmer.
Fourth Regiment.
Colonel, Lambert Cadwalader ; Lieutenant Col., Wm. Butler ;
Major, Marien La Mar.
Fifth Regiment.
Colonel, Francis Johnson; Lieutenant Col., Percifer Frazier;
Major, Thomas Robison.
Sixth Regiment.
Colonel, Robert Magaw ; Lieutenant Col., Henry Becker ; Ma-
jor, Samuel Benezet.
Seventh Regiment.
Colonel, William Irwin ; Lieutenant Colonel, David Greer; Ma-
jor, Samuel Hay,
180
MINUTES OF THE
Eighth Regiment.
Colonel, Daniel Broadhead; Lieutenant Col., Richard Butler ;
Major, Stephen Bayard.
Ninth Regiment.
Colonel, Ant'y James Morris ; Lieutenant Col., George Nagel ;
Major, Mathew Smith.
Tenth Regiment.
Colonel, James Chambers ; Lieutenant Col., Adam Hubley,
ju'r; Major, Caleb North.
Eleventh Regiment.
Colonel, Richard Humpton ; Lieutenant Col., Francis Gurney ;
Major, Francis Mentzes.
Twelfth Regiment.
Colonel, William Cook; Lieutenant Col., Neigel Gray; Major.
James Crawford.
Rank of the field officers of the twelve Pennsylvania Regiments in
Continental service :
Colonels.
Lieutenant Colonels
1.
Robert Magaw,
1.
George Nagel,
2.
William Irwin,
2.
Francis Gurney,
3.
Edward Hand,
3.
Henry Becker,
4.
James Irwin,
4.
Thomas Craig,
5.
Lambert Cadwalader,
5.
Neigle Gray,
6.
Francis Johnson,
6.
Percifer Frazier,
7.
Anthony James Morris,
7.
David Greer,
8.
Joseph Wood,
8.
Richard Butler,
9.
Richard Humpton,
9.
James Ross,
10.
William Cook,
10.
William Butler,
11.
Daniel Broadhead,
11.
Jonathan Jones,
12.
James Chambers,
12.
Adam Hubley.
Majors.
Captains.
1.
Francis Mentzes,
1.
Patrick Anderson,
2.
James Crawford,
2.
James Marshall,
3.
Mathew Smith,
3.
John Nice,
4.
Henry Miller,
4.
Matthew Scott,
5.
William Williams,
5.
James Francis Moore,
6.
Thomas Robison,
6.
John Spears,
7.
Samuel Benezet,
7.
John Clark,
8.
Josiah Harman,
8.
Robert Gray,
9.
Marien La Mar,
9.
John Robb,
10.
Stephen Bayard,
10.
John Carnagan.
11.
Caleb North,
12.
Samuel Hav.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
181
First Lieutenants.
1. Joseph Findley,
*2. Thomas Johnson,
3. Jacob Mace,
4. Thomas Boyd,
5. Joseph Brownlee,
6. William Moore,
7. George Haffner,
8. Jacob Schneider,
9. George Geiger,
10. James Wiley.
Second Lieutenants
1. James McMichael,
2. John Gregg,
3. Samuel Henry,
4. Ambrose Crane,
1. Peter Boyle,
2. Robert Gregg,
3. James Bickham,
4. John Parks,
5. James Dugan,
5. William Harris,
6. William M'Cracken,
7. John Vanpelt.
Ensigns.
6. Joseph Collier,
7. John Vanwinkle,
8. Patrick Fullerton,
9. Joseph German.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Thursday March 13th, 1777.
PRESENT !
His Excellency THOMAS WHARTON, jun., Esq., President,
John Evans, John Hubley, ~\
Jonathan Hoge, George Taylor, and > Esquires.
John Lowden, John Proctor, )
The Council taking into consideration that the Civil Department
of this Commonwealth requires great attention, and will for some
time fully employ them to discharge the duties thereof, and that it
is also of great importance that a due attention be still paid to the
War which we, are engaged in ; There/ore Resolved, That A Board
of War for the Land Service of the State, consisting of Nine Per-
sons, be appointed, and have full Power and authority to do and
perform all matters and things necessary in the said dejfartment,
subject, nevertheless, to the direction and examan$tion of this
Council from time to time, as we may deem expedient, and saving
to ourselves always the power of appointing officers, agreeable to the
constitution of this Commonwealth; Thereupon Resolved, that
David Rittenhouse, Owen Biddle, William Moore, Joseph Dean,
Samuel Morris, Senior, Samuel Cadwalader, W. Corris, John Bay-
ard, George Gray, and John Bull, Esquires, Be a Board of War,
and that they, or any three of them, be Commissioned and empow-
J 82 MINUTES OP THE
ered to Act agreeable to the foregoing Resolution, the commission
to continue in force untill revoked by this or a future Supreme Ex-
ecutive Council j And a Commission being made out accordingly,
the same was Signed by the President : Thereupon Ordered, That
Mr. Hubley administer to the several members of the Board of
War the qualifications required by the Constitution of this State,
for the faithful discharge of their office.
The Council also taking into consideration the necessity of ap-
pointing a Navy Board : Thereupon Resolved, that a Navy Board,
consisting of Eleven Gentlemen, to be appointed, and liave full
power and authority to do and perform all Matters and things
Relating to the Navy of this State, subject nevertheless to the di-
rections and examinations of this Council, from time to time, as
we may judge expedient, and saving to ourselves always the power
of appointing Officers, agreeable to the Constitution of this Com-
monwealth ; Thereupon Resolved, That Andrew Caldwell, Joseph
Blewer, Joseph Marsh, Emanuel Eyre, Robert Ritchie, Paul Cox,
Samuel Massey, William Bradford, Thomas Fitzsimmons, Samuel
Morris, Jun'r, and Thomas Barclay, be a Navy Board, and that they,
or any three of them, be Commissioned and empowered to Act
agreeable to the foregoing Resolution ; the Commission to continue
in force until revoked by this or any future Supreme Executive
Council ; And a Commission being made out accordingly, the same
was signed by the President; Thereupon,
Ordered, That Mr. Hubley administer to the several Members
of the Navy Board, the qualifications required by the Constitution
of this State, for the faithful discharge of their Office.
" Resolved, That the Board of War be directed to apply to Con-
gress for the Sum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars, to be ac-
counted for by this State/'
The Council met.
Philad'a., Saturday March 15th, 1777. P. M.
present :
The*Ha$ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esquire, Vice President.
John Hubley, John Lowdan, and
IEj
George Taylor, John Procter, ^Esquires.
Jonathan Hoge,
Mr. Fitzsimmons and Mr. Ritchie, from the Navy Board, were
introduced, and presented a Memorial respecting the Oath or Af-
firmation of Office, with the Minutes of the said Board, which was
Bead, viz. :
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 183
" The Honorable the Supreme Executive Council of the Common-
wealth of Pennsylvania :
" Gentlemen :
"By the Minutes of this Board, which we have the Honor to in-
close, you will perceive that Nine Members present have resolved not
to take the oath or affirmation of allegiance tendered to them by a mem-
ber of your Honorable Board. We do not apprehend that the reasons
on which our dissent are founded is expected, but we think it neces-
sary to make known to your honors that we are willing and ready
to take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States, as well as the
Oath of Office \ And that We are extremely desirous of rendering
every service in our power to this State, in any Capacity in which
we can be useful.
" We are, with great Respect, Gentlemen,
" Your most Obed't Humb'le serv'ts,
" ANDREW CALDWELL,
"ROBT. RITCHIE,
"MANUEL EYRE,
"THOMAS BARCLAY,
« THOMAS FITZSIMMONS,
" WM. BRADFORD,
" JOSEPH BLEWER,
" SAMUEL MASSEY,
"PAUL COX,
"JOSEPH MARSH.
"State Navy Board, March 14, 1777."
State Navy Board, March 14, 1777.
PRESENT.
Ten Members.
Mr. Hubley, from the Supreme Executive Council, having
tendered to the Members of this Board the Oath or Affirmation of
Allegiance prescribed by the 40th Section of the Frame of Gov-
ernment formed by the late Convention of this State, it was agreed
to take the sense of the Members on that Subject, and the question
being put, there appeared Against it,
ANDREW CALDWELL,
ROBERT RITCHIE,
MANUEL EYRE,
THOMAS BARCLAY,
JOSEPH MARSH,
THOS. FITZSIMMONS,
WILLIAM BRADFORD,
SAM. MASSEY,
PAUL COX.
To take the Oath or Affirmation,
JOSEPH BLEWER.
184 MINUTES OF THE
" Whereupon :
" Ordered, That a Copy of this Minute be sent to the Council^
with an Address expressive of the attachment of this Board to the
Independence of America, and their readiness to serve this State on
any occasion.
" Extract from the Minutes.
"CORNELS SWEARS, Sec'y.
Divers Evidences respecting the burning of the Powder Mills at
French Creek having Been examined in the presence of Mr. Beck,
one of the Powder Makers, and on the whole there appeared no
proof sufficient to justify The imprisonment of any of the persons
taken on the suspicion of firing the said Mills; thereupon :
Ordered, That Mr. Beck and his Workmen be discharged.
A Remonstrance of Divers Officers of the Tenth Battalion, re-
specting the arrangement of the Officers of that Battalion, was
read in Council.
Ordered, That the said Remonstrance lie on the Table for Con-
sideration.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday March 17, 1777, P. M.
PRESENT I
The Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esquire, Vice President.
John Hubley, John Lowdan, and 'J
George Taylor, John Procter, I Esquires.
Jonathan Hoge, J
A Letter from Henry Fisher, dated Lewis Town, March 14th,
1777, was received from the Board of War, informing that two of
the Enemie's Ships and a Sloop, came into our Road the 11th
Iustant.
Ordered, That the same be laid before Congress.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday March 19th, 1777.
present:
His Excell'y THOMAS WHARTON, jun., Esq'r, President
The Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Hubley, John Lowdan, and ~)
George Taylor, John Procter, > Esquires.
Jonathan Hoge, J
The Remonstrance of the Officers of the Tenth Battalion was
read ; thereupon,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, 135
Ordered, That Mr. Lowdan and Mr. Proctor confer with the
Board of War concerning the Arrangement of Officers against which
the said Remonstrance is made. Mr. Lowdan & Mr. Proctor Re-
port, that they had conferred with the Board of War on the said
Remonstrance, and the Board of War give for reason of their Con-
duct, that they apprehend, from the best information They can ob-
tain, that Captain Shade is not well qualified to act as Major. The
Board taking into consideration the appointment of Judges, there-
upon Agreed That Mr. Hubley and Mr. Taylor attend The Honora-
ble House of Assembly, and request them to fix the Salary of the
Chief Justice and the Assistant Judges of the Supreme Court be-
fore they are appointed. Whereupon Mr. Parker and Mr. Brown,
from the Assembly, attended the council, and informed the Board
that the Honorable House of Assembly had taken into considera-
tion the Salary to be allowed the Judges respectively, And had
Agreed that the Chief Justice be allowed a Sallary at the Rate of
One Thousand Pounds per Annum, and that the Assistant Judges
be allowed at the Rate of Five Hundred Pounds per Annum.
A Letter from His Excellency William Livingston, Esq., Gov-
ernor of the State of New Jersey, relating to the Prisoners, &ca.,
date April 3d, 1777 :
" Dear Sir :
" Our State not having delivered yours from the Prisoners con-
tained in the List enclosed in your favor of the 26th of March,
(which I received but this day,) has affected me with singular con-
cern. The difficulty of knowing how to dispose of them when they
arrived here, has procrastined the Affair and given me great anxiety.
This will,. I hope, apologize for having so long put you to the trou-
ble of keeping them in that durance in which they were consigned
without the Agency of this State, But as G-eneral Forman is now
daily expected, who I am informed, is able to point out their several
delinquencies, or to direct us to persons who can, I have sent Lieu-
tenant Smith with a Guard to receive them from your State, and
sincerely acknowledge our obligation to the Commonwealth of Penn-
sylvania, for securing such a number of Miscreants, at a time when
it was not in our power to apply the same remedy against the Evo-
lutions of their Treason and Rebellion against the United States of
America.
" I am Sir, your most
"Obed. h'bleserv't.
"WIL. LIVINGSTON.
"Hon. Tho's Wharton, Jun., Esq'r, President, Etca."
The same was read and ordered to lie on the Table.
186 MINUTES OF THE
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Thursday March 20th. 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
John Evans, John Hubley, ~)
George Taylor, Jonathan Hoge, V Esquires.
John Lowden, John Proctor, )
On motion,
Ordered, That Mr. Hubley be Authorized to employ as many of
the Hessian Prisoners as he may find occasion for. The Council
taking into consideration the appointment of Judges of the Su-
preme Court of this Commonwealth, and thereupon Agreed that
Joseph Reed, Esquire, be appointed Chief Justice of the said Com-
monwealth.
The Council taking into consideration the appointing Sheriffs &
Coroners of the several Counties, which have sent in the returns
of the Gentlemen, elected to serve in these Offices respectively; And
thereupon,
Order'd, That
[Blank Page in Council Book.]
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Friday March 21st, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y, THO'S WHAKTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble. George Bryan, Esq'r., Vice President.
John Evans, John Hubley, ")
Jonathan Hoge, George Taylor, > Esquires.
John Lowdan, John Proctor, )
Ordered, That Twenty-Six Rifles and two smooth bore Guns,
now in the hands of Colo Lochry's Battalion of Militia, be pur-
chased and put in the hands of the said Archibald Lochry, Lieut,
of the said County, for the use of the Militia of that County.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Archibald Loch-
ry, Esq'r, for the sum of one hundred and seventy-nine Pounds,
Ten Shillings, for the above mentioned Twenty-eight Guns. On
consideration,
Ordered, That Samuel Morris be appointed Register of Philadel-
phia County, and Commissioned accordingly. Dan'l Levan, Jun'r,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 187
Esq'r, Sheriff elect for the County of Berks, now offers Baltzer
Gehr & Daniel Hunter, of the said County, as sureties for the faith-
ful discharge of the Duties of his Office of Sheriff of the said
County, according to Law, which this Council approves. On con-
sideration,
Ordered, That Daniel Levan, Jun'r, be appointed Sheriff of Berks
County, and Commissioned accordingly ; That Sam'l Morris be ap-
pointed as Register of the City of Philadelphia, and Commissioned
accordingly ; That Archibald McLean be appointed Prothonotary
of York County, and Commissioned accordingly; That John Piper
be appointed Lieutenant of the County of Bedford, and Commis-
sioned accordingly ; That John Armstrong as Lieutenant of the
County of Cumberland and Commissioned accordingly ; That
Joseph Hart be appointed as Register of Bucks County, and Com-
missioned accordingly ; That Robert Lovers be appointed Prothono-
tary of Northampton County, and that he be Commissioned accord-
ingly; That James Benezet be appointed Prothonotary of the
County of Bucks, and that he be Commissioned accordingly ; That
Archibald McLochry be appointed Prothonotary of the County of
Westmoreland, and that he be Commissioned accordingly. The Pro-
thonotary's Commission granted to Mr. Lochry for Westmoreland,
is with the express condition that, on General Sinclair's returning
to the County, and requesting to have the Office confirmed to him,
that Colonel Lochry resign, which condition Colo. Lochry agrees
to. On consideration,
Ordered, That Robert Galbraith be appointed prothonotary of
the County of Bedford, and that he be Commissioned accordingly.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Saturday March 22d, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y, THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, John Lowden, and ")
George Taylor, John Proctor. I Esquires.
Jonathan Hoge, J
On consideration,
Ordered, That John Hubley be appointed Prothonotary for the
County of Lancaster, and he be Commissioned accordingly ; That
William McClay be appointed Prothonotary for the County of North-
umberland, and that he be Commissioned accordingly ; That John
Morris, jun'r, Esq'r, be appointed Master of the Rolls for the State
of Pennsylvania, and that he be commissioned accordingly. A Rep-
188 MINUTES OF THE
rcsentation from the Board of War of the small number of which
it now consists, and requesting an additional number of Members,
being now made to the Council ; Thereupon,
Ordered, That
[Blank in Council Book.]
A Circular Letter was written to the Prothonotarys of each
County in the State, requesting them to take the security required
by Law to be given by the Sheriffs respectively.
Ordered, That Benjamin Jacobs (Son of the Speaker) be ap-
pointed Prothonotary of the County of Chester, and that he be com-
missioned accordingly.
John Morris, jun'r, appeared, and took the Qualifications required
by the Constitution to Qualify him to act as Master of the Rolls
for the State of Pennsylvania.
Robert Galbraith appeared, and took the Qualifications required
by the Constitution to Qualify him to act as Clerk of the Orphans'
Court.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Monday March 27, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
John Evans, John Lowdan, and")
Jonathan Hoge, John Proctor. [■ Esquires.
John Hubley, )
Petition of Robert Patton, praying relief from abuse he has suf-
fered by ill-treatment of his family, and insult to his Person, by
General Dehaas, &ca., Viz.:
il To the Honourable the Supreme Executive Council of the State of
Pennsylvania.
11 The Petition of Robert Patton, of Lebanon, in Lancaster Coun-
ty, Humbly Sheweth:
" That your Petitioner is a Freeholder and inhabitant of the said
Town, and a Captain of the Second Battalion of Militia of Lan-
caster County, and during the present dispute with Great Britain,
has, to the utmost of his power, contributed to the support of
the American cause, and served with his company in New Jersey
for seven Weeks, untill discharged by Gen'l Meroer ; That your Pe-
titioner being lately on Business in Virginia, during his absence
Gen. Dehaas sent a Sergeant to his wife, ordering her to remove
out of the House Your Petitioner dwelt in, that he might make a
Store House of it ; That Your Petitioner's Wife not knowing where
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 189
to remove to with her family, refused, altho' a second message was
sent by the Sergeant ; That Your Petitioner, upon his return home,
being informed of the same procedure, incensed at such arbitrary
conduct of the General, in endeavoring tb drive his family out
of his House without the least colour of right, expressed his indig-
nation and resentment in the strongest Terms, in the hearing of
many persons, some of whom acquainted the General with it; That
the same day, To Wit : The Eleventh day of March, instant, The
said Gen'l Dehaas came, with a guard of Soldiers, to your Peti-
tioner's House, entered the same, and arrested Your Petitioner, and
carried him to the Guard House, without being charged with any
offence ; That from the Guard House your Petitioner was after-
wads taken by a Captain to the General, who, upon his acknow-
ledging the words he had spoken of him, ordered your Petitioner
to be put in Irons, which was done as soon as these Irons could be
procured, and Your Petitioner remained in that situation for an
Hour and a half; That Your Petitioner being ordered by the Gen-
eral to be sent to Head Quarters, applied to John Thorn, Esq'r, and
by his influence was admitted to Bail, and accordingly entered into
Bond, with Securities in the Sum of one thousand Pounds, for his
appearance before his Excellency Gen'l Washington, To answer
Whatever charges Gen'l Dehaas should exhibit against him. Your
Petitioner most humbly conceives, that by this arbitrary and
tyranical proceedings of Gen'l Dehaas, not only he is greatly
injured and aggrieved, but the liberties of the inhabitants of this
state endangered, and their civil rights trampled on ; And as he
cannot as yet obtain satisfaction in the ordinary course of Law for
the particular injury done to himself, he thinks it his duty to repre-
sent these matters to Your Honours, being ready to verefy by due
proofs of the facts alledged, that so dangerous and alarming an
attempt to subvert the Civil Authority, and subject the Inhabitants
to Military Law, may not escape unpunished, and he will pray.
"ROBERT PATTON."
The petitioner being duly sworn in Council, deposeth and saith,
That the several matters and things contained in the foregoing
Petition is the Truth and the Whole Truth.
Mar. 24th, 1777.
Being read, Ordered to lie on the Table for consideration.
Mr. Patton was examined in support of his allegation against
General Dehaas.
190 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday March 25, 1777, A. M-
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President,
John Evans, John Hubley, ~\
Jonathan Hoge,' George Taylor, v Esquires.
John Lowdan, John Proctor, j
The Petition of Mr. Lochry, praying to be appointed Clerk of
the Orphans' Court, was read. Mr. John Orndt appeared, and took
the Qualifications required by the constitution to Qualify him to
act as Register and as Recorder of Deeds for the County of
Northampton. Mr. Thomas Tayler appeared, and took the Quali-
fications required by the constitution to Qualify him to act as
Register and as- Recorder of Deeds for the County of Chester.
Ordered, That Mr. George Campbell be appointed Prothonotary
for the County of Philadelphia, and that he Commissioned ac-
cordingly.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday Mar. 26, 1777, A. M .
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
John Evans, John Hubley, "1
John Lowdan, Jonathan Hoge, I Esquires.
George Taylor, John Proctor, J
Jacob Weaver being brought the Council as a disaffected Person,
and a Letter from Col. Francis Johnson, charging him with having
expressed sentiments inimical to the American cause, being read;
Thereupon,
Ordered, That Mr. Weaver give Bond, with one or more secu-
rities, for his appearance before this Board.
The Representations of divers Officers of the 10th Battalion
being read and considered,
Ordered, That the Arrangement of Officers of the Tenth Bat-
talion be adhered to, and the Officers Petitioning attending at the
door, were introduced, and informed of this determination.
Robert Burton, Leatherbury Barker, William Bagwell, William
Millbey, Prisoners from the Delaware State, having given security
to the said State for their appearance at the Geueral Quarter Ses-
sion of the Peace, &ca.; Thereupon,
Ordered, That they be discharged
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 191
Mr. Robert Levers appeared, and took the Qualifications required
by the Constitution of this State to Qualify him to act as Protho-
notary for the County of Northampton, and received his Commis-
sion, dated this 26th of March, 1777.
On motion, agreed that Mr. Robert Levers be appointed Clerk
of the Orphans' Court for the County of Northampton.
On motion, agreed That Mr. Walter Shee be appointed Tonnage
Officer, &ca., agreeable to the Prayer of his Petition.
Archibald McClean, Commission as Prothonotary, Register, and
Recorder of Deeds, dated March 27th, 1777, for the County of
York.
Robert Levers, Commission as Prothonotary of the County of
Northampton, dated March 21st, 1777, and his Commission of
Clerk of the Orphans' Court of the said County, dated March
27th, 1777.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday March 27th, 1777.
PRESENT I
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun., Esq'r, President.
John Evan3, John Hubley, ")
Jonathan Hoge, John Lowdan, v Esquires.
George Taylor, John Proctor, J
Francis Bayley, the Coroner elect for the County of Lancaster,
appeared, and took the Oath required by the Constitution of this
State to qualify him for the said Office.
A Representation from the State Navy Board, acquainting the
Council that Captain Eayres' boat was fitted out for the Protection
of the Salt Works at Tom's River, and waited for Orders, was now
read ; and thereupon,
Ordered, that the State Navy Board give the necessary Orders
to Captain Eayres for the Protection of the Salt Works on Tom's
River.
Mr. Rithchie & Mr. Fitzsimmons, from the Navy Board, attended
the Council, and laid a State of divers Naval affairs before the
Board, Vizt :
" State Navy Board, March 27th, 1777.
" Gentlemen :
" JMly impressed with the weight of Business that in the Com-
mencement of your Office must have been thrown upon you, and
desirous to render what services we could to our Country, we have
not waited for any instructions respecting the duties of this board,
but have, as well as in our power, gone through the Business that
has come before us. Many things, however, has occurred which
192 MINUTES OF THE
/
we think it our duty to lay before you, and we hope you will
with your first convenience take them into your consideration,
and give us such advice and instructions respecting them as you
shall seem proper. One of our first duties was to enquire into the
State of the Vessels and Boats belonging to this Commonwealth,
which we are very- sorry to inform Your Honours, is not in the good
condition we could wish, most of them requiring repairs or altera-
tions and many of them shame; ully deficient in their complement
of Men. From the enquiries we have made into the reasons of
these deficiences, it appears to us that some part might have been
remedied had the Officers exerted themselves as they ought ) but at
this Time it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to get them
manned without your interposition ; for it cannot be expected that
Men will enlist themselves in this Service at the Wages allowed by
the State, When Seamen in the merchants' Service, can get from
Fifteen Pounds to Eighteen Pounds P'r Month, and Landsmen from
Ten To Twelve pounds ; We would, therefore, recommend to your
most serious Consideration, whether it would not be for the Public
good to lay an Embargo, to prevent any Vessels Sailing from this
Port for a few days, or until the Armed Vessels intended for the
Service of the State can be put into a better Condition : with due
Submission to your better Judgments, we apprehend a measure of
this kind would have many good advantages, as well to the general
cause, as to the State in particular. The late Council of Safety of
this State appointed John Hazlewood, Esquire, Commander-in-
Chief of the Fire Vessels, Boats and Rafts belonging to the State,
subject, however, to the Commodore of the Fleet for the time being ;
Captain Hazlewood has lately informed us that, though he is heartily
disposed to render every service in his power to the State, he does
not choose to continue subject To the orders of the present Com-
modore of the Fleet or any of the Captains, who, in case of acci-
dent, may succeed him ; but if it should be thought consistent,
would wish to have the entire direction of that part of the Arma-
ment. How far his desire ought to be complied with, we submit to
you, but we think it great importance that it should be immediately
determined ', and in justice to Capt. Hazlewood, must say he appears
To have great Merit in his department. There are at present some
Officers wanting in the Fleet; we should be glad to know whether
any recommendations for such appointments is expected from us,
and whether the Warrant Officers are to be appointed by the Council.
Some account have been brought to us, and more, we expect may,
of services performed or Contracts made previous to ou^ appoint-
ment. We are apprehensive a great loss may arise to the State if
the settlement of such accounts are thrown upon us, who are totally
unacquainted with the transactions, and have no Books or documents
of the Council to refer to ; o*n that account we conceive it would be
more eligible to appoint a Committee for the purpose of settling all
Accounts previous to our appointment. We find that there is a
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 193
great number of Men at present employed in throwing up works at
Billingsport, which we should not presume to take notice of, but,
as we think, it will very materially effect the defences prepared for
this River, as far as we have been able to learn. These Works are
meant to be upon so extensive a plan, that it will be impossible to
compleat them in time for this Season. The Military people say,
if the whole was complete the Post is not tenable. We pretend to
no judgment in these matters, but as we know this business is
much talked of, we beg leave to recommend it to your Considera-
tion, whether any temporary works erected there could not be easily
turned to the annoyance of the Vessels ) and if so, Whether it
should not be discontinued. These things we have thought it ne-
cessary to represent to you, and we conceive this mode will take up
less of your time than any other. We shall hope for directions in
consequence, as you may think proper, and are, with great respect,
" By order of the Board, Gentlemen,
" Your most Obed't humble Servant,
"WILLIAM BRADFORD, Chairman.
" Hon'ble the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania."
A Petition from Levi Hallingsworth, representing the State of
lithe Salt Works at Turtle G-ut inlet, and offering the same to sale?
J was presented and read ; Thereupon,
Ordered, To lie on the table.
The Council Met.
Phtlad'a, Friday March 28th, 1777.
PRESENT :
His ExcelPy THO'S WHARTON, Jun'r, Esq'r, President.
John Evans, John Hubley, ~\
Johnathan Hoge, George Taylor, v- Esquires.
John Lowdan, John Proctor, J
cil. 1 A Representation from the Navy Board respecting the present
ay, lltuation of the Navy, was laid before the Council, and the same
int. leing considered ; Thereupon, Agreed, That the Navy Board be re-
ested to recommend such Commissioned Officers aa may be ne-
ssary for the approbation of this Council, and that the said Board
i ill3 appoint The Warrant Officers ; That a Committee be appointed
jfc If Settle the Accounts, which may be done out of the Navy Board
d War Office. Agreed, That the Navy Board be requested to at-
VOL. XI.— 13.
194 MINUTES OF THE
tend the Council at 7 0' Clock this Evening, to confer with us on
the subjects of their representations delivered yesterday.
On motion. Agreed, That James Benezet, Esq'r, be appointed
Clerk of the Orphan's Court for the County of Bucks, and that he
be commissioned accordingly.
The Council took into consideration the return of Justices for the
City of Philadelphia, as elected by the Freeholders of several of the
"Wards, &ca. j and thereupon, Jigreed, That James Young, John
Ord, Joseph Redman, sen'r, Isaac Howell, George Henry, Plunket
Fleeson, Benjamin Pascall, and Philip Bcehm, be Commissioned to
Act as Justices of the Peace, &ca, for the said City.
Ordered, That a Dedimus potestatem be issued, impowering
James Young, Esq'r, to Qualify the Magistrates and other Officers
of this City and Liberties.
Ordered, That a Dedimus Potestatem be issued, impowering
James Benezet, Joseph Kirkbridge and Samuel Smith, or any one
or more of them, to Qualify the Magistrates and other Officers in
the County of Bucks.
Mr. Samuel Morris, the Elder, Mr. Owen Biddle, and Mr. Jo-
seph Dean, from the Board of War, attended, and represented the
necessity of increasing the number of Members at that Board, seve-
ral of the Gentlemen appointed to that service having left the
State.
Mr. Fitzimmons, Mr. Bradford, and Mr. Massey, Mr. Coxe, Mr.
Marsh, and Mr. Blewer, of the State Navy Board, attended the
Council.
Return from Mr. Bradford and Mr. Nevill of the state of the
Old Gaol.
Ordered, That it be recommended to the County Commissioners.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Saturday, March 29th, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y .THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
John Evans, John Lowdan, and ")
George Taylor, John Proctor, I Esquires.
Jonathan Hoge, J
Mr. John Simpson appointed Register of Wills and Recorder of
Deeds in the County of Northumberland, produced a certificate of
his having given security for the faithful performance of his trust
in the said Office, and having taken the qualifications directed by
the Constitution, he was Commissioned accordingly.
On motion, agreed, That Jacob Morgan, Esq'r, be appointed Lieu- j
tenant of the City of Philadelphia, and that he be Commissioned to
accordingly.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 195
The Council took into Consideration the returns of justices for
the County of Berks, Lancaster, and Chester, and thereupon,
Ordered, That Henry Christ, Jacob Shoemaker, James Read,
Daniel Heister, Peter Spycker, Jacob Weaver, John Ludwig, Benj'n
Shott, Chris'r Schulfcz, Samuel Ely, Jacob Waggoner, Dan'l Roth-
erwiell, and John Old, Be appointed Justices of the Peace for the
County of Berks, and were Commissioned accordingly.
A Draft in favor of Gibbs Jones on the Treasurer of the State,
was issued for the Sum of Seven Pounds, seventeen Shillings and
six Pence for Candles, purchased for the use of the Council.
Mr. William Stewart, Commission dated October 18th, 1777, Pe-
ter Hoofnagle, Esq'r, attended in Council, and took the Oaths re-
quired by the Constitution to Qualify him for the execution of the
offices of Register and Recorder for the County of Lancaster, and
Received his Commission. Robert Smith attended, in like manner,
and took the Oaths required by the Constitution to qualify him
to act as Sheriff for the County of Chester, and received his Com-
mission.
Colo. Antill laid before the Council a Resolve of Congress.
A Letter was written To Mr. Reed, requesting him to return and
take the Qualifications.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Tuesday April the 1st, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esquire, Vice President.
John Evans, John Hubley, ")
Jonathan Hoge, George Taylor, and C Esquires.
John Lowdan, John Proctor, j
On motion,
Ordered, That A writ be issued for electing a Councellor to re-
present the County of Bedford in this Council, to be returned on the
twelfth of May next, The writ to be directed to Thomas Coulter,
Cornelius M'Cawley and George Ashman, Esq'rs, of that County.
On motion, agreed That Joseph Redman, Sen7r be appointed
Clerk of the Market of this City.
Letter from Mi*. Campbell declining to .take the Oaths.
I
196 MINUTES OF THE
The Council. Met,
Philad'a, Wednesday April 2d, 1717,
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esquire, Vice President.
John Evans, John Lowdan, and ")
George Taylor, John Proctor, 5- Esquires.
John Hubley, )
A representation being made to the Counci 1 that Mrs. Galloway
was apprehensive of her being insulted by the populace on account
of the Conduct of her Husband ; Thereupon Ordered, That the
Sheriffs and Magistrates of the County of Berks exert themselves
for the preventing any insult which may otherwise be offered to
Mrs. Galloway, or injury to her effects.
On motion, agreed that William Atlee, Esq., be appointed one of
the Judges of the Supreme Court of this Commonwealth.
John Connolly, a prisoner confined in the Goal of this City, be
permitted to retire to the Plantation of James Ewing, Esq., giving
security himself in Two Thousand Pounds, and Two Freeholders
in One Thousand Pounds each, this Security being given for his
good behaviour, and that he will continue within five Miles of
the . same, vizt : That John Connolly do not either write to,
speak or Correspond with any person or persons whatsoever,
employed by or under the Authority of the King or Parliament
of Great Britain, nor to or with any person or persons unfriendly
to the United States of America, knowing them to be such,
nor take up Arms, or employ or procure any other person or per-
sons to take up Arms against the said States, or aid or assist the
Enemies thereof in any sort whatsoever, nor do or say any matter
or thing, directly or indirectly, which in any wise is or may be in-
jurious to the said States or any of them : And that the said John
Connolly do confine himself on the Plantation of the above named
James Ewing, and within five iMiles of the said Plantation, situated
in the County of York, and the same whereon the said James Ew-
ing now dwells, and that he, the John Connolly, shall be and appear
before the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth, when
thereto he shall be required, then the above obligation shall be void,
cr otherwise remain in full force and virtue.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. . 197
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Friday April 4th, 1777.
PRESENT :
His ExeelFy THO'S WHARTON, Jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Honorable G-eorge Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, John Hubley, > E ires
George Taylor, John Proctor, 5 4
A Letter from the Hon'ble John Handcock, Esq., President of
Congress, enclosing a Letter from His Excellency General Wash-
ington, containing Intelligence from the Enemy at New York, was
laid before the Council.
Ordered, That a Copy of the Letter from General Washington
be immediately sent to the Board of War.
Ordered, That Expresses be immediately sent to Northumber-
land and Cumberland Counties, with the Sub-Lieutenants' Commis-
sions.
The Continental Boar I of War laid before the Council The ex-
amination of James Molessworth, who was executed as a Spy.
Ordered, That the Secretary write To Richard Tea, Esq'r, and
request his attendance in Council.
On motion, Agreed, That James Reed, Esq'r, be appointed Pro-
thonatory of the County of Berks, and that he be Commissioned
accordingly.
On motion, Agreed, That Walter Shee be appointed Collector of
the duties of Tonnage.
Agreed that a Prothonatory for the County of Chester be chosen
by ballot; and Benjamin Jacobs was elected and appointed Pro-
thonatory of the County of Chester.
Agreed that Jonathan Bayard Smith be appointed Prothonatory
of the City and County of Philadelphia, and that he be Commis-
sioned accordingly.
Mr. Isaac Hazelhurst represented to the Council that a Sum of
Money, the property of Robert & N. Hyde <fe Company, of Man-
chester, had been lodged in his hands by William Wild, and that
lie had given a bond to the Committee of Inspection of Philadel-
phia, to be accountable to this Council for the said Money, and
Prays that the said Bond may be Cancelled.
Colo. Francis Gurney, who was acquainted with that transaction,
being called before the Council and examined, and there appearing
no sufficient reasons for detaining the said Money any longer;
thereupon,
Ordered, That the said Bond be delivered up to Mr. I Hazle-
iiurst.
198 MINUTES OF THE
The Petition of Capt. Blewer, Mr. Milton, Mr. Gardner and Doc-
tor Phile, were read.
On motion, Agreed that a Naval Officer be balloted for ; where-
upon, Doctor Frederick Phile was chosen and appointed Naval
Officer for the Port of Philadelphia.
A General Commission of the Peace for the County of Chester
was issued this day, dated the 31st March, 1777, and the Dedimus
Potestatem for the same County was also made out, dated April
10th, 1777.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Saturday April 5th, 1777.
present:
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, Esq'r President.
John Evans, Jonathan Hoge, ")
George Taylor, John Lowdan, and > Esquires.
John Proctor, )
On motion, Agreed, That Richard Bache, Esq'r, be added to the
Board of War.
Agreed that the Delegates of this State apply to Congress to call
out the Militia of Pennsylvania, that the sense of Congress be
taken on the Number necessary, and for how long time ; And as
the Militia has lately been out, and many of them are disgusted
that the Non Associators of this State have not yet been compell-
ed to contribute any thing towards the Association, or in support of
the American cause, and that some of the Associators have screened
themselves from the service of the last Campaign ; And they com-
plain very heavily that the burthen lays entirely on those who are
willing to go forth : there is also great complaints of some of the
Militia being obliged to go home without their Pay ; the opinion of
Congress is desired whether a Bounty ought not to be given, and
how much.
Frederick Phile appeared and took the Oaths required by the
Constitution of this State, to Qualify him for the Naval Office ;
thereupon,
Ordered, That a Commission be made out to Frederick Phile, as
Naval Officer for the Port and District of Philadelphia.
Mr. Jonathan Bayard Smith acquainted the Council that the
Representatives of this State desired a conference with the Council,
which the Council agreed to, and Mr. Morris, Mr. Robberdeau, Mr.
Jonathan Bayard Smith, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Clymer, were intro-
duced into the Council Chamber. They laid before the Council
the information received by Congress respecting the probability o*
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 199
GenT. Howe's intention of marching across New Jersey to this City.
Gen'l. Armstrong having resigned by Commission as Lieutenant
of the County of Cumberland; Thereupon,
Agreed, That Ephraim Blaine, Esq'r, be appointed and Commis-
sioned as Lieutenant of the said County of Cumberland.
On motion, Agreed, That John Armstrong, Esq'r, be appointed
first Brigadier General for the State of Pennsylvania. Agreed,
That John Cadwallader, Esq'r be appointed second Brigadier Gen-
eral of the State of Pennsylvania. Agreed, That James Potter,
Esq'r be appointed Third Brigadier General of the State of Penn-
sylvania. Agreed, That Samuel Meredith, Esq'r, be appointed
Fourth Brigadier General of the State of Pennsylvania.
Ordered, That the Brigadier Generals be immediately Com-
missioned.
The Board of War informed the Council that the Hundred
Thousand Dollars borrowed of Congress, and put into their hands,
is expended, and that there are many of the Troops prevented
from Marching, and the Recruiting and other Public Business in-
terrupted for want of Money, and therefore, they request a Supply
of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ; thereupon,
Agreed, That the Board of War of this State be empowered to
apply to Congress for the Sum of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars,
for the purpose aforesaid.
Mr. Hubley, Representative in this Council for the County of
Lancaster, presented to the President a resignation of his Seat in
Council; thereupon,
Ordered, That a Writ be immediately made out and directed to
the Sheriff of the County of Lancaster, authorizing and command-
ing him to hold an Election for the choosing a Councellor in the
room of Mr. Hubley ; on motion,
: Agreed, That John Hubley, Esq'r, be appointed Prothonotary of
the County of Lancaster, and that he be Commissioned accord-
ingly-
Agreed, That John Hubley, Esq'r, be appointed Clerk of the
Orphans' Court of the County of Lancaster, and that he be Com-
missioned accordingly. John Hubley, Esq'r, appeared and took
the Qulifications required by the Constitution to Qualify him for
the said Offices : he was Commissioned accordingly.
The Navy Board presented a List of Officers, whom they recom-
mended to be Commissioned on Board the Navy, as follows : Fire
Sloop Etna, Capt. William Clerk ; Fire Brig Volcano, Lieut. Wil-
liam Rogers ; Fire Ship Strombulo, Lieut. James McKnight ; Ar-
nold Battery, 1st Lieut. Thomas Fell .; Effingham, 1st Lieut. James
Kirk Patrick ; Thunder Guard Ship, Capt. Francis Gilbert ; Dragon
Do., Capt Benjamin Thompson ; Lyon Do., Capt. Henry Martin ;
Resolution Do., Capt. William Lyell; Repulse Do., Capt. John
Harrison; Argus Do., Capt. Nathanl. Gait; Viper Do., Capt.
Stephen Beasley.
200 MINUTES OF THE
Agreed, That the Officers recommended by the Navy Board be
appointed & commissioned accordingly.
^ On motion, Agreed, That the Delegates of this State in Congress
[Blank in Council Book.]
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday April 7th, 1777*
Present His Excell'y. THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, Presi-
dent.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, Jonathan Hoge, ) r»
John Lowdan, John Proctor, j ^Ul
On motion, Agreed, That Colo. John Shee be added to the Board
of War.
Messrs. Steiner & Cist laid before the Board their Accounts of
Printing Work done, Amounting to the Sum of One Hundred and
Twenty Four Pounds nine shillings ; and thereupon, An order
was drawn on the Treasurer of the State for the said Sum.
On motion, Agreed, That Paul Fooks, Esq'r, be appointed No-
tary and Tabellion Public for the English, French & Spanish Lan-
guages, and Interpreter of the same.
Walter Shee appeared and took the Oath of office required by
the Constitution to Qualify him for the Office of Collector of the
duty of Tonnage.
On motion, Agreed, that John Creigh be appointed Clerk of the
Orphans' Court of the County of Cumberland, and that he be
Commissioned accordingly.
John Connolly having given Bail for his good behaviour & ap-
pearance before the Council when called upon, was ordered to be
enlarged.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday April 8th, 1777.
PRESENT :
His ExcelFy THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, Jonathan Hoge, > -p
John Lowdan, John Proctor, 5 ^squires-
Paul Fooks appeared and took the Oath of Office required by
the Constitution, to qualify him to act as Notary Public, according
to appointment of this Board.
/ .
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 201
Colo. Coats applied to Council for John Norris, (a Son of William
Norris,) a lad of fifteen Years, taken with Major Stockton, and
now in our Goal, requesting that he may be liberated, on the fath-
er's engaging to see him forth coming when called for. Agreed
that he be liberated accordingly.
Mary Taylor, Wife of John Taylor, of the Township of Ridley,
in the County of Chester, complained to the Council of a violent
assault, committed against her yesterday by Thomas Forrest, (for-
merly a Servant of Alexander Kidd,) he presenting at her a gun,
which she understands was loaded, and that she is afraid he will do
her some bodily hurt; and she being sworn to the said facts, there-
upon,
Ordered, That the said Thomas Forrest be committed to Goal,
untill he finds Security to keep the Peace.
William Dewees, Esq'r, late Sheriff of the City and County of
Philadelphia, laid before the Council an Account of the Fees due
from a number of persons, delivered to the order of the late
Council of Safety.
Ordered, That the same be referred to the Board of War.
On motion, Agreed, That Jacob Plankenhorn be appointed the
Officer for inspecting of Flour for the City & County of Philadel-
phia.
On motion, Agreed, That David Rittenhouse, Owen Biddle,
Joseph Dean, Richard Bache and John Shee, be appointed and
Commissioned to act as a Board of War for this State.
Petition of John Ord praying to be continued Notary Public,
was read ; and thereupon,
Ordered, That John Ord be appointed a Notary Public, and that
he be Commissioned accordingly.
The following orders were drawn on the Treasurer of the State,
Vizt :
An order in favor of Timothy Berrett, for the Sum of Nineteen
Pounds Ten Shillings, for Candlesticks, &c, purchased for the use
of the Council.
An order in favor of Robert Bell, for the Sum of Nineteen
Pounds Ten Shillings, for Books, &ca, purchased for the use of the
Council.
An order in favor of Michael Boyer, for the Sum of Ten
Pounds Ten Shillings, for riding several times as an express for
Council.
Richard Tea, Esq'r, Councellor for the County of Berks, sent in
a Resignation of his Seat; and thereupon,
Ordered, That a Writ be immediately, issued for electing a
Councellor for the County of Berks, in the room of Richard Tea,
Esq'r.
The Petition of John North and Caleb North, Two lads taken
in New Jersey, being laid before the Council, and their case being
taken into Consideration ; thereupon,
202 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That on Account of their Youth they be enlarged, and
the Secretary write to Gov'r Livingston, recommending their case
to his consideration.
On motion, Agreed, That a Commission be given to William
Atlee, Esq'r, to hear and enquire concerning certain charges against
Joseph Richardson, said to be confined in the Goal of Lancaster,
for certain misdemeanor, and to take Bail for his appearance to an-
swer such charge, or otherwise, as to him shall seem just.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Wednesday April 9th, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Honb. George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, Jonathan Hoge, £ EsQuireg
John Lowdan, John Proctor, 5
Joseph Reed, Esq'r, attended the Council, and informed them
that some conditional engagements to Gen'l Washington, which he
had entered into some time ago, were of such a nature that until
some movements of the Enemy were made, and their designs in
some measure known, and for some other reasons, he could not at
present accept the appointment, but that he held himself bound to
do everything in his power for the Interest of his Country, and as
the Council intended an adjournment, he would consider farther of
the matter & fix his resolution on this subject, &ca.
The State Navy Board sent in a recommendation of Two Officers
of the Navy, Viz: Brigantine Convention, first Lieu't Douglas
Spence. Battery Putnam, 2d lieu't George Myers.
Agreed, That the Paymaster of the Pennsylvania Fleet be al-
lowed Captain's Pay.
Ordered, That Lieut. Douglas Spence, and Second Lieut. George
Myers, recommended by the Navy Board, be Commissioned accord-
ingly-
The Secretary of the Board of War laid before the Council a
draft by Congress on John Gibson, Esq'r, Auditor General, in favor
of this Council, for One Hundred Thousand Dollars, date yester-
day.
Ordered, That the same be made payable to John Maxwell Nes-
bitt, Esq'r, Treasurer to the Board of War.
Mr. Clymer, Mr. Robberdeau, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Wilson, at-
tended and laid before the Council a Letter from General Putnam,
dated Yesterday, respecting the motions of the Enemy.
Agreed, That Two Members of the Board of War of this State
be requested to attend the Council.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 203
Mr. Dean and Mr. Shee, from the Board of War, attended, and
the Intelligence received from Congress being communicated to
them ; On consideration,
Agreed, That the Council will this Evening confer with a Com-
mittee of Congress on the measures necessary to be taken on the
present occasion, and that Two Gentlemen of the Board of War,
and Two from the Navy Board, be requested to attend in the said
consultation.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Thursday April 10, 1777.
PRESENT :
His ExoelTy THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
John Evans, Jonathan Hoge, | EsQU3*res
John Lowdan, John Proctor, j ^
Jacob Morgan, Esq'r, having declined to act as Lieutenant of the
City of Philadelphia; thereupon,
Agreed. That James Reed, Esq'r, be appointed Lieutenant of
the City of Philadelphia, and that he be Commissioned accord-
ingly.
Agreed, That James Reed, Esq'r, be appointed Sub-Lieutenant
of the City of Philadelpnia, in the room of George Henry, Esq'r.
Richard Tea, Esq'r, having resigned his Seat in Council ; there-
upon,
Ordered, That a writ be issued to the Sheriff of the County of
Berks, requiring him to hold an Election for choosing a Representa-
tive of the said County in this Council, and make return thereof to
this Council on the 12th of May next.
A Letter of the Eighth instant, from Gcn'l Putnam, at Prinee-
town, was read.
Ordered, That a Copy of said Letter be delivered by the Dele-
gates of Pennsylvania to the Executive Council of the said State.
The following Resolution of Congress was laid before the
Council :
"In Congress, Wednesday April 9th, 1777.
" Resolved, That a Committee of five be appointed to consider
what steps are proper to be taken by Congress, and recommended
by the State of Pennsylvania, for opposing the Enemy if they
should attempt to penetrate through New Jersey, or to Attack Phila-
delphia; That the said Committee be instructed to confer on these
204 MINUTES OF THE
subjects with the Executive Power of the State of Pennsylvania,
and with the General Officers now in Philadelphia.
"The Members chosen, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Clymer, Mr. Lee, Mr.
Clark, and Mr. J. Adams.
" Extracts from the Minutes.
"CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec'y."
On motion,
Ordered, That the following Address to the Public be imme-
diately published and dispersed : ,
"In Council, Philadelphia, April 9th, 1777.
" To the People of Pennsylvania :
" By the intelligence which the Council have this day received
from General Putnam, the Enemy are in motion toward South
Amboy, and it is probable they will once more attempt to pass
through New Jersey, and endeavour to gain possession of Phila-
delphia. The Council think it a duty which they owe to the Pub-
lic, to give them the earliest intelligence of the movements of the
Enemy, that every possible effort may be made effectually to op-
pose them, and prevent the many great inconveniences and disa-
greeable consequences which must arise from the loss of the City,
consequences which will effect not only the People of Philadelphia,
& the State of Pennsylvania, but also the whole Continent of
America. This City has been once saved by the vigorous, manly
efforts of a few brave Associators, who generally stept forward in
the defence of their Country, and it has been repeatedly and justly
observed, and ought to be acknowledged as a signal evidence of the
favour of Divine Providence, that the lives of the Militia, in every
Battle during this just War, has been remarkably spared; confi-
ding, therefore, in the continuance of his blessing who is indeed
the God of Armies, let every Man among us hold himself ready to
march into the field whenever he shall be called upon so to do ; if
the Enemy really intend to make an attack on this State, no time
should be lost; every moment should be employed in putting our-
selve in perfect readiness to repel them.
u The inconveniencies which naturally and unavoidably will arise
from the Militia taking the field, induseth The Council to wait as
long as may be consistent with the Safety of the State, before they
call them to Arms. In Justice to yourselves and posterity, we en-
treat you to be ready, for whenever the time shall come wherein
you must either tamely submit yourselves to the immediate insults
of haughty Tyrants, whose lust and avarice will make a prey of
every thing which human beings, while they retain their senses,
esteem worth possessing, or bravely determine to oppose your ene-
mies in the field. The notice will be short. The call must and
will be sudden, and it is too probable, may happen in a few days.
The Militia of this Sta*te, it is feared, cannot be arranged under the
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 205
Law, in time for the present emergency. Yet, we have not the
least doubt but that the same spirit of Liberty which blazed forth
in the Winter Campaign, will animate every virtuous breast to act
once^more on the same generous principles, which in the depth of
Winter led you forward to a harvest of Glory on the Hills of
Princetown. The cause is the same, and the Prize we contend for
far from losing its lustre, is become more valuable to Us, b^ the
price we have already paid for it. Those who shall go into the
field on the present occasion, will be considered as having taken
their Tour of duty, and will not be called upon again untill the
Whole Militia of the State shall have served in turn, agreeable to
the Spirit of the Militia Law. Congress propose to form a Camp
near the City of Philadelphia, to which the Militia of Pennsylva-
nia will, when called upon, repair. Arms, Tents, and the necessary
Camp Equipage, are provided, and the utmost attention will be
given to the measures necessary to make a Spring Campaign as
agreeable to you as possible. It is your own virtue and firmness,
next to the care and protection of Heaven, that you must depend
for your Liberty and Safety, and a spirited conduct in the time of
danger will fix your character both at home and abroad.
« THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, President" *
On motion, Agreed, That. James Galbraith be appointed Lieute-
nant of the County of Cumberland in the room of Ephraim Blaine,
who declines serving.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State in favor o.f
John Evans, Esq'r, for the Sum of Fifty Pounds Twelve Shillings
ard Six Pence, for Thirty days' attendance, and Mileage forty-five
Miles, at Ten pence p. Mile.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State in favor of
Jonathan Hoge, Esq'r, for the Sum of Sixty-Eight Pounds Seven
Shillings & Six Pence, in full for his attendance as Councellor, and
Mileage one Hundred and Eleven Miles, at Ten pence p Mile.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State in favor of
John Lowdan, Esq'r, for the Sum of Eighty-five Pounds One Shil-
ling and Eight Pence, in full for his attendance as Councellor, and
Mileage one Hundred and Seventy Miles, at Ten pence p Mile.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State in favor of
John Proctor. Esq'r, for the Sum of Ninety Pounds, Twelve Shil-
lings and Six Pence, in full for his attendance as Councellor for
Sixty-Three days, and Mileage for Two hundred and Eighty-four
Miles, at Ten pence *$ Mile.
Mr. Grnnning Bedford and Mr. Thomas Nevil having examined
the Old Goal of this City, and reported to the Council that con-
siderable repairs were necessary ; thereupon,
Ordered, That it be recommended to the Commissioners to have
the necessary repairs made immediately.
206 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday May 6th, 1777.
PRESENT I
tfis Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
John Evans, Jonathan Hoge, j> ™
JohnLowdan, John Proctor, £ ^s(luires-
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State for the Sum
of Fifteen Hundred Pounds, for the purpose of Paying Substitutes
and purchasing Blankets, in favor of Colo. Lacey, to be charged to
Colo. Kirkbride, Lieutenant of the County of Bucks.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday May 7th, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
John Evans, Jonathan Hoge, } ™
John Lowdan, John Proctor, $ ^s(*uires-
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State, for the Sum
of Five Pounds, in favor of John Contzat, for riding Express four
days.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday May 8 th, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
John Evans, Jonathan Hoge, > ™
John Lowdan, John Proctor, 5 ^S(lmres-
James Reed, Esq'r, appeared before His Excellency and took
the Qualifications required by the Constitution to Qualify him to
act aa Prothonotary of Berks County.
A Commission was issued to John Ord, Esq'r, as Notary and
Tabellion Public for this State, dated April 8th, 1777.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 207
The Council met.
Philad'a, Friday May 9th, 1777.
PRESENT I
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
John Evans. Jonathan Hoge, > Esquires.
John Lowdan, John Proctor, $
Six Blank Commissions were sent to the Navy Board.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday May 12th, 1777.
PRESENT I
His ExcelFy THO'S. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
John Evans, Jonathan Hoge, £ EgQuireg
John Lowdan, John Proctor, 5
An order was this day drawn on David Rittenhouse, Esq'r,
Treasurer of the State, for the Sum of Fifteen Hundred Pounds, in
favor of Colo. Coates, to Pay the Militia one Month's advance.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Friday May 16th, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
John Evans, Jonathan Hoge, ) EsQuireg
John Lowdan, John Proctor, j 4
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State for the Sum
of Three Hundred Pounds, in favor of Robert L. Hooper, Junior,
for the purpose of Paying for blankets and procuring Substitutes
in the County of Northampton, to be charged to Colo. Jonn Wetzle,
Lieutenant of the said County.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State for the Sum
of One Thousand Pounds, in favor of Colo. Coates, Lieutenant of
the County of Philadelphia, for the Paying of Substitutes, purchas-
ing of Blankets, and advance of Pay to the Militia, to be accounted
for by him.
208 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday May 20th, 1777.
PRESENT I
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jacob Morgan, Jonathan Hoge, ) EsQuireg
John Proctor, I
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday May 21st, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jacob Morgan, Jonathan Hoge, ) ™
John Proctor, b '\ Es1ulres'
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State, for the Sum
of Eight Hundred Pounds, in favor of Colo. Lacey, to be charged
to Colonel Kirkbride, for the purpose of paying substitutes and pur-
chasing Blankets in Bucks County.
Colo. Bull and Mr. Whitehill, a Committee of the House of As-
sembly, attended the Council, and informed them that the House
of Assembly were now met and ready to proceed to business.
A Certificate of the appointment of Jas. McDowell, a Sub-Lieu-
tenant of the County of Cumberland, in the Room of Rob't McCoy,
deceased, was laid before the Council.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday May 22d, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jacob Morgan, . Jonathan Hoge, Esquires.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State, in favor of
Jacob Morgan, jun'r, Esq'r, for the Sum of Six Hundred Pounds,
to be charged to Colo. Jacob Morgan, Esq'r, Lieutenant of the
County of Berks, to be applied in purchasing of Blankets and Pay-
ing substitutes in the County of Berks.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer, in favor of Jonathan
Hoge, Esq'r, for the Sum of One Thousand Pounds, to be charged
to Colo. James Galbraith, Lieutenant of the County of Cumberland,
to pay for Blankets and procure Substitutes in the said County.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 209
The Council met.
Philad'a, Friday May 23d, 1777.
PRESENT I
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
John EyanSj Jonathan Hoge, Esquires.
The Council met,
Philad'a, Saturday May 24th, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
John Evans, Jacob Morgan, and ? ™g .
Jonathan Hoge, S
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State, in favor of
Colo. Coats, for the Sum of Six Hundred Pounds, to be applied
to purchase Blankets & procure Substitutes in the County of Phila-
delphia.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday May 29th, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
John Proctor, John Bailey, Esquires.
Generals Armstrong and Potter attended in Council.
Generals Armstrong and Potter recommended an application to
the Lieutenants to expedite their proportion of Militia being sent
to the places of Destination. President orders that the several
Lieutenants be written to on this Subject.
VOL. XI. — 14.
Jonathan Hosre, ) ™
John Bailey, £Es(*uires-
210 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday June 2, 177'
PRESENT :
His Exceli'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
John Evans,
John Proctor,
Mr. John Bailey, Councellor Elect for the County of Lancaster,
attended in Council, and took the Qualifications required by the con-
stitution, to qualify him for a Seat in Council; and thereupon took
his Seat accordingly.
Mr. Bayard, the Speaker of the Hon'ble House of Assembly,
Colo. Bull, Mr. McClean, Colo. Moore and Colo. Coats, a Com-
mittee of the House of Assembly, attended in Council, and inform-
ed the Council that the House had been called upon by Congress
to complete the Quotas of Troops which this State were to furnish
to the Continental Army, and requested that the Council will furnish
the House with an Account of the Men furnished by this State in
consequence of the requisition of Congress; thereupon,
Ordered, That the Board of War be requested to make a return
to the Council as soon as possible, of the number of men furnished
by this State to the Continental Army, according to the requisition
of Congress.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday June 3d, 1777
PRESENT :
His Exceli'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
John Evans, John Bailey, ) ™
Jonathan Hoge, John Proctor, \ ^
Colo. Bradford and Captain Bluer, from the Navy Board, atten-
ded and informed the Council that the Bridge over Schuylkill was
now so nearly completed that Waggons may pass over it, and also,
that the Navy Board are in want of Money.
Mr. Parker & Colo. Lallor, a Committee of Assembly, attended
and laid before the Council a Memorial of the Officers of the
Pennsylvania State Regiment, and wherein they complain that by
the appointment of John Bull, Esq'r, to the command of the Penn-
sylvania State Regiment, The said Memorialists are very much ag-
grieved; And also the Memorial of Major Francis McCurry, of the
same Regiment, complaining that Capt. Morrow, an officer of infe-
rior Rank, had been advanced over his head.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 211
A Petition of a number of Freeholders and Inhabitants of the
Borough of Lancaster, addressed to the General Assembly of Rep-
resentatives of the Freemen of Pennsylvania, and to the Hon'ble
the Executive Council for said State, setting forth the great incon-
veniencies which that Borough labor under, from the want of Mag-
istrates and Borough Officers, and praying that the Honorable
House of Assembly and Supreme Executive Council will provide
a remedy, was read.
Mr. Rittenhouse, Mr. Biddle, Colo. Shea, and Colo. Dean, from
the Board of War, attended in Council, and represented that the
Treasury was exhausted, and the demands for it very large; That
they are informed there is in the hands of the Trustees of the Gen-
eral Loan Office near Fifteen Thousand Pounds, which they appre-
hend may be borrowed for the present emergency, to be replaced as
soon as the Money now in the Press is ready to be emitted. And
that the State Battalion and the Battalion of Artillery are found
to be a very great expence to the State, and it appears to them
may and ought to be put into Continental Pay, as part of the
Quota required of this State by Congress. That the Expence of
the Gun Factory and the Cannon Foundery established in this State,,
has been and still continues to be very great, and as the Conti-
nent is now reaping the advantage of these institutions, the Board
of War propose that both of them be delivered into the hands of
Congress.
Ordered, that application be made to the Hon'ble House of As-
sembly, requesting the House will order the Sum of Money now in
the hands of the Trustees of the General Loan Office, be paid into
the hands of the Treasurer of the State, to serve the present emer-
gency, until the money now in the Press is ready to be issued, the
same to be replaced as soon as the Money appropriated by the House
for the Disbursements of Council is ready to be issued.
Ordered, that Mr. Evans and Mr. Hoge lay the foregoing Re-
solve before the Hon'ble House this Afternoon.
It appearing that John Henry, one of the Magistrates appointed
for the Borough of Lancaster is dead, and that Mr. Shafner, Mag-
istrate elect, declines serving in that Office ; thereupon,
Ordered, That Michael Hubly and John Hobson be appointed
Justices of the Peace for the County of Lancaster, and that they be
Commissioned accordingly. ■
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State in favor of
Mr. Beeks, for the sum of Seven Pounds ten Shillings, in full for
six days Express riding.
His Excell'y the President issued a Warrant to any Constable
to assist the Lieutenant, Sub-Lieutenant, and their Officers, in col-
lecting Blankets.
The Council took into Consideration the returns of Justices made
by the Several Districts of Northampton County, & thereupon
appointed 1st Robert Frail ; 2d Peter Texell, the elder; 3d Nicho-
212 MINUTES OF THE
las Depui ; 4th Christopher Waggoner ; 6th Jacob Murray ; (5th
Felix Lyn; 7th John Ardnt; 8th Henry Fullert; 9th Thomas
Sillyman; 10th Thomas Hartman ; 11th Benjamin Dupui; 12th
Samuel Rea; 13th William McNair; 14th Lewis Straehery; 15th
Manuel Gonsoles ; 16th James Vauahan ; 17th David Deshler ;
18th Frederick Lemboch; 19th Matthias Probst; 20th Peter
Moyer; 21st Jacob Horner; 22d Daniel Snyder; 23d Nicholas
Kern; to be Justices of the Peace for the said County of Northamp-
ton, and commissioned accordingly.
Colo. Galbraith having now made application for Arms for
the Militia of the County of Lancaster, now called into Service ;
thereupon,
Ordered, That all the Arms of the County of Lancaster belong-
ing to the State be immediately delivered into the Hands of Col.
Bartram Galbraith, Lieutenant of the same County, for the purpose
of Arming the Militia of that County, which are now called into
Service.
His Excell'y the President laid before the Couneil three Strings
of Wampum, which had been delivered to him some time before by
Thomas Green, a Nominal Indian of the Nation, requesting
that a Flag of the United States might be delivered to him, to take
to the Chiefs of his Nation, to be used by them for their security
& protection, when they may have occasion to visit us, their Breth-
ren, And that His Excell'y had referred him to Congress for an
Answer to his request.
The Council met.
"Philad'a, Wednesday June 4th, 1777-
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, Jun'r, Esq'r, President.
John Evans, John Bailey, ? E ires
Jonathan Hoge, John Proctor. $ 4
Robert Levers, Robert Traill and Peter Trexler, Esq'r, or any
one of them, were appointed to Qualify the Justices of the County
of Northampton, and ordered to be Commissioned for that purpose
accordingly.
The following Resolve of Congress was sent up to the Council,
Viz. :
" In Congress, June 3d, 1777.
" Resolved, That the Board of War be directed To furnish the
Supreme Executive Council of the State of Pennsylvania with such
Arms as may be necessary for the use of such of their Militia as are
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 213
now called into Service, and which cannot otherwise be supplied,
the said State to be accountable. And, That it be strongly recom-
mended to the said Council to make use of the most effectual means,
that the Arms so furnished may be returned to the Commissary
General of Military Stores, or to one of his Deputies. Extract from
the Minutes.
« CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec'y."
An order was drawn on the Continental Board of War, for One
hundred and fifty Stand of Arms, to be delivered to Colo. William
Coats, Lieutenant of the County of Philadelphia, agreeable to the
foregoing Resolve of Congress.
The Hon'ble House of General Assembly sent to the Council,
by their Clerk, the following order, To Wit :
" Gentlemen :
" By virtue of a Resolve of the General Assembly of the Com-
monwealth of Pennsylvania made this day, I hereby order you to
Pay to David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of this State, the
Sum of Twenty Thousand Pounds, which will be replaced in your
hands by the mode prescribed by the said Resolve.
" I am, Gentlemen,
" Your humble Serv't,
"JOHN BAYARD, Speaker.
a In General Assembly, June 4, 1777.
" To Samuel Preston Moore, Amos Strettel, Abram Chapman,
Humphrey Marshall, and Moses Brihton, Esq'rs, Trustees of the
General Loan Office of Pennsylvania."
Colo. Proctor is requested to deliver the said order to Mr. Rit-
tenhouse, and inform him that the Council desire he will apply to
the said Trustees for the said Money as soon as possible, as the
Council will have occasion to draw upon him for several Sums of
Money immediately.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday June 5, 1777.
present :
His ExcelPy THOMAS WHARTON, Jun'r, Esq'r, President.
John Evans, John Baily, > ™
Jonathan Hoge, John Proctor, $ ^s(lmres-
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State in favor of
Ool. Joseph Hart for the Sum of Seven Hundred and Fifty Pounds,
214 MINUTES OF THE
to be charged to Colo. Joseph Kirkbride, Lieutenant of tke County
of Bucks, to be applied in the purchasing Blankets and Arms, and
for paying of Substitutes in said County.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Colo. William
Coates for the Sum of Four Hundred Pounds, to pay the Militia,
&ca, of the County of Philadelphia, for which he is to Account.
The following orders were also drawn on the Treasurer of the
State, Viz : In favor of Michael Boyer, for riding express, the Sum
of Eight Pounds Fifteen Shillings ; In favor of Frederick Weer,
for riding Express, the Sum of Five Pounds ; in favor of George
Friend, for riding Express, the Sum of Ten Pounds ; In favor of
John Bird, for riding Express, the Sum of Twelve Pounds Ten
Shillings ; In favor of Robert Irwin, for Wood, part of which was
used by the Assembly, the Sum of Twenty Pounds ; In favor of
James Smither, for State Seal, lesser Seal of the State, and engra-
ving the same, the Sum of Eight Pounds ; In favor of Adam Beek,
for riding Express, the Sum of Seven Pounds Ten Shillings ) In
favor of George Gentner, for Riding Express, the Sum of Twelve
Pounds Five Shillings.
An order was also drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Bartram
Galbraith, Esq'r, Lieutenant of the County of Lancaster, for the
Sum of Two Thousand Pounds, to be applied in raising the Militia
of that County, and purchasing of Blankets, &ca, for which he is
to Account.
On Motion, agreed unanimously, that Brigad'r Gen'l John Arm-
strong be appointed a Major General, and Commissioned accord-
ingly.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Friday June 6th, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, Jonathan Hoge, > E ires
John Baily, John Proctor. \ "4
The Petition of Walter Hall, Esq'r, was laid before the Council,
Wherein he complains that a certain John Lynch, who is indebted
to him to the Amount of upwards of Five Hundred Pounds, is about
to depart this State without Paying the said Debt, or giving secu-
rity for the same ; and as the courts of Justice are not yet open, he
finds himself under the necessity of applying in this way to the
Council, in hopes that some measures may be adopted to prevent
the said Lynch from departing out of the State, without first giving
security for the Payment of this Debt, or otherwise satisfy him for
the same.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 215
Ordered, That this Petition be laid before the Hori'ble House of
Assembly, and that it be recommended to their consideration the
propriety and expediency of passing a Law to compel persons about
to depart the State to pay their Just Debts, or otherwise to satisfy
their Creditors, by giving security, before a Justice of the Peace, or
otherwise this Law to have force until the Prothonotary's Office in
each County in the State Respectively, shall be opened, and the
Laws in these respects made, have their force and effect.
Doctor Gardner & Mr McClean, a Committee of the Hon'ble
House of G-eneral Assembly, attended in Council, and informed the
Board that the House having received from them some intimation
of the propriety of turning over the State Battalion, and the Bat-
talion of Artillery, had taken that subject into their consideration,
and were disposed to attend to any plan for this purpose which the
Council shall lay before them.
The Council took into their Consideration the returns made by
several of the Districts of the County of Philadelphia j and there-
upon,
Ordered, That a General Commission of the Peace, &ca, be
made out, and that the Names of the following Gentlemen be in-
serted therein, vizt : Samuel Ashmead, George Bryan, James
Young, John Moore, John Ord, Jonathan Paschall, Joseph Redman,
Sen'r., Peter Evans, George Henry, Plunket Fleeson, Isaac Howell,
Benj'n Paschall, Seth Qee, Andrew Knox, John Knowles, David
Todd, Philip Boehm, Zebulon Potts, and John Richards.
The State taking into consideration the State of the Provincial
Land Force, and the following Letter to the Hon'ble House of As-
sembly being read, was Agreed to, signed by the President, and
sent to the Speaker of the House, Vizt :
" In Council.
" Philad'a, June 6th, 1777.
" The House taking into consideration the very great expence
this State has been at, and which is likely to continue, altho' the
utmost economy should be used whilst we are obliged to oppose the
Tyranny of Great Britain, think it our Duty to represent to Your
Hon'ble House, that as the Troops in the Pay of this State have
been, and no doubt will continue to be of General Advantage to the
United States, and as the Hon'ble Congress has allotted Twelve
Regiments to be raised by Pennsylvania, and has called for a return
of the Regiments, in order to know how far we are deficient in the
number required of us, it is our opinion it will be prudent to put
into the Continental Service and Pay, the Battalion now called the
State Battalion, which has been raised chiefly out of the remains of
the Battalion lately under the Command of Colo. Miles and Colo.
Atlee, the Regiments of Artillery under the Command of Colo.
Proctor, and a Company under the Command of Capt. Pugh, raised
216 MINUTES OF THE
for guarding the Powder Mills. The Council of Safety, we under-
stand, were induced to raise these troops in order to provide for the
unfortunate Officers who were released from the Enemy, and that
the said Council might have some Forces under their Command for
the defence of the State, until General Washington should be able
effectually to oppose the Enemy, which time we hope, with the As-
sistance of Providence, is now come. The expence that will attend
the support of the Fleet fitted out for the defence of the River,
should we be obliged to pay it, that of sinking the Chevaux de Frize,
and the incidental expences of the State, will be very heavy. We
therefore recommend to the Hon'ble House to instruct the Dele-
gates of this State to settle this matter in Congress, in such a way
as your Hon'ble House may judge most likely to answer a good
purpose.
"I am, &ca.,
"Hon'ble JOHN BAYARD, Esq'r,
" Speaker of the General Assembly."
Ordered, That the Secretary be directed to write* to Thomas
Taylor, Esq'r, Register 'and Recorder of the County of Chester, to
enquire Whether he has received the Papers and Records belonging
to those Offices, and to inform him that if he has not, the Council
expects he will use the means pointed out by the Law passed for
such purposes, if they be necessary, to gain possession of them, as it
is of great importance to the Public that they be under the direc-
tion of the proper Officers.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday June 9th, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Baily, Jonathan Hoge, > E ire3
John Proctor, S "
Mrs. Stockton, wife of Major Stockton, applied for leave to at-
tend her Husband, who is confined in Goal, and indisposed, and
leave was given her so to do.
Daniel Clymer, Esq'r, attended the Council, -And laid before them
some reasons tending to prove that Joseph Richardson, now confined
in Lancaster Goal on a charge of counterfeiting, &ca, ought to be
admitted to Bail, which he is ready to give. The Council agreed
to take the matter into their consideration, and inform Mr. Clymer
of their determination.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 217
The petition of James Claypoole, praying to be appointed Sheriff
of the County of Philadelphia, the Sheriff elect having declined to
act, was presented and read, and ordered to lie on the Table.
Benjamin Fell, Coroner elect for the County of Bucks, appeared
in Council, and was Qualified according to the direction of the Con-
stitution, and ordered to be Commissioned accordingly.
The Council met.
Philad'a., Tuesday June 10th, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r., Vice President.
Jonathan Hoge, John Proctor, ") ™
t r> *i e r -EiSGUireS.
J no. Bailey, & )
Joseph Kirkbride, Esq'r, Lieutenant of the County of Bucks,
applied for money to pay substitutes, purchase Blankets, &ca., in
the County of Bucks ; thereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State, in favor of
Colo. Kirkbride, for the Sum of One Thousand and Five Hundred
Pounds, for the aforesaid purpose.
An order was also drawn on the Continental Board of War, for
Fifty Stand of Arms, to be delivered to Colonel Joseph Kirk-
bride.
Captain Blewer and Paul Coxe, from the Board of War of this
State, applied in the name of the said Board for a Sum of Money
for the Payment of the Navy ; whereupon.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State in favor of
the Chairman of the Navy Board, to be accounted for by that Board
to John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq'r.
Mr. James McLean and Dr. Gardner, a Committee of General
Assembly, attended in Council and laid before them the following
Minutes of General Assembly, Viz :
"In General Assembly, Monday June 9th, 1777.
" On motion,
" Resolved, That Mr. Parker and Mr. McClean be a Committee to
wait on His Excell'y the President and Executive Council j that
this House is in hopes to get through the business now before them
by the end of this Week; That before the House adjourns, they
are desirous of confering with them upon the State of Public Af-
fairs of this Commonwealth, and if the Council concurs with the
House in their opinion of the expediency of such a conference, de-
218 MINUTES OF THE
sire they would fix a proper time for it, and give notice thereof to
the House."
The said Committee of Assembly also laid before the Council a
plan of removing the Citizens with their effects out of the City, and
requested the opinion and advice of Council ; thereupon,
Ordered, That Colo. Henry be requested to attend the Board this
Afternoon, Three O'clock, to inform the Council of the State of the
Militia of the City.
The Clerk of the General Assembly laid before the Council the
Minutes of the House of the 6th instant, and of this day, by which
it appears that Will'm Henry is appointed Lieutenant of the City
of Philadelphia, and Ephraim Bonham and William Simple are ap-
pointed Sub Lieutenants of the said City.
Ordered, That they be Commissioned acccordingly, their
Commissions to bear date on the day of their respective ap-
pointments.
Ordered, That a dedimus be made out, authorizing and em-
powering James Young and Seth Quee, Esq'r, to administer to
such Officers as have been or may be Commissioned by this Coun-
cil, the Oaths of Affirmation required by the Constitution of this
Commonwealth to Qualify them to perform their Offices respec-
tively.
Application being made by the Board of War of this State for a
Sum of Money put into the hands of their Commissary, and for
other purposes, An order was drawn on the Treasurers of the State
in favor of the Chairman of the said Board of War, for the Sum of
Two Thousand Pounds.
Colo. Morgan, Lieutenant of the County of Berks, attended the
Council, and requested to be furnished with One hundred and Fifty
Stand of Arms ; thereupon,
An order was drawn on the Continental Board of War for One
hundred and fifty Stand of Arms, to be delivered to Jacob Morgan,
Esq'r. Lieutenant of the County of Berks, and also One Thousand
Five Hundred Flints.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State in favor of
the aforesaid Colo. Morgan, for the Sum of Five hundred Pounds.
The Council having taken into consideration the returns of Jus-
tices from the several Districts of the County of Northumberland,
Agreed, That the following Gentlemen be Commissioned as Justi-
ces in the said County, Viz : Samuel Hunter, Thomas Hewitt,
Robert Crawford, John Weitzel, Robert Martin, Michael Troy,
John Livingston, Samuel Allen, John Aurand, William Shaw.
Ordered, That Samuel Hunter and Tho's Hewitt be Commis-
sioned to administer to the Justices of the County of Northum-
berland, the Oaths or affirmations required to be taken by them by
the Constitution of this Commonwealth.
The Townships of Bald Eagle and Munsey not having made-
their returns according to Law, Justices for these Townships not to
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 219
be appointed until legal Elections are held, and returns made for
these Townships; of which the Secretary is desired to acquaint the
Representatives of the County of Northumberland.
Mr. Egar and Mr. Dunwiddee informed the Council that Charles
Lukens, Sheriff elect of the County of York, declines serving in that
Office.
The Council took into consideration the returns of Justices
elected in York County, and Agreed, That the following gentlemen
be appointed Justices of the Peace for the County of York, and
Commissioned accordingly, Viz : David McCannaughy, Richard Mc-
Allister, William McClean, William Scott, William Leas, David
Jameson, Josiah Scott, William Smith, Sam'l Ewin, David Wat-
son* John Chamberlin, Andrew Thompson, John Hinkle, John Har-
bach, Robert Stephenson, Archib'd McClean, James Nailor, Thomas
Douglas, Dan'l Messerly, Benja. Pedan, Joseph Reed, Thomas
Fisher, John Mickle, jun'r.
Ordered, That Archibald McClean, David McCannaughy, and
William Scott, be appointed and Commissioned to administer to the
Justices, &ca, of the County of York, the Oaths or Affirmations
required to be taken by the Constitution of this Commonwealth.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Wednesday June 11th, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, ")
Jonathan Hoge, v Esquires.
John Proctor, J
Colo. William Henry attended the Council, & he was requested
to Summon the Sub-Lieutenants and direct them to exert them-
selvesto Arrange the Militia of the City of Philadelphia, and hold
them in readiness, effectually to oppose the enemy on the shortest
notice.
The Speaker of the Hon'ble House of General Assembly having
informed His Excell'y the President, that the House desired a Con-
ference with the Council, And his Excellency now laying the same
before the Board, Agreed, That the Council will meet the House in
conference this Afternoon at 3 O'Clock.
Benja. Brannon, Esq'r, Sub-Lieutenant of the County of Ches-
ter, informing the Council that there were several Companies of
Artillery Men formed in that County, and requested that they may
be furnished with a Piece of Artillery proper for exercising the
220 MINUTES OF THE
Men, and also a few Pounds of Powder for practising the Firings
with;
Ordered, That Colo. Sam'l Mifflin be requested to deliver to
Colo. Brannon a proper Piece of Artillery for exercising a Company,
and Twelve Pounds of Powder.
On motion, Agreed, That James Young, John Ord, Plunket Flee-
son, Isaac Howell, and Philip Boehm, be appointed Judges of the
City Court, and Commissioned Accordingly.
On Motion, Agreed, That John Haley, Esq'r, be appointed Clerk
of the said Court and Commissioned Accordingly.
The Council being informed of a Dissatisfaction among some of
the People, at the present frame of Government, Agreed that the
following representation bo made to the General Assembly, to wit :
" To the Hon 'lie the Representatives of the Freemen of the Common-
wealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met:
" The Supreme Executive Council of the said Commonwealth beg
leave to represent :
14 That they are sorry to find the present Constitution of this State
so dissatisfactory to any of the well affected Inhabit aits thereof,
and would gladly concur in any suitable and safe measure for the
removal of this uneasiness; That they are of opinion this might be
greatly attained by taking the sence of the Majority of the Elec-
tors throughout the Counties on the important Question, whether
a Convention be holden at some proper time to reconsider the frame
of Government formed by the late Convention ? That to fix the
exact mode of obtaining the mind of the Majority on this subject,
most properly belongs to their Representatives ; That the Council
hope that if some suitable mode of advising & getting the People
at large to declare themselves, and if this were advised and pub-
lished at this time, great ease and relief would be thereby given to
some persons who are dissatisfied as aforesaid ; and that unanimity
in the common cause, so necessary at this time, will be promoted.
" 13y Order of Council.
"THOMAS WHARTON, jun., President.
" Council Chamber, Philad'a June 11th, 1777."
Ordered, That Mr. Hoge deliver the same to the Speaker of the
Hon'ble House of General Assembly.
The Council took into Consideration the returns of Justices for
the County of Westmoreland, and Agreed to appoint the following
Gentlemen for Justices of the said County, Viz : Edward Cook,
John Guthrey, Charles Forman, John More, James Marshall,
Christ'n Trubv, Philip Rogers, Joseph Huston, Robt Adams, James
Bair, Hugh Martin, Jas. McGarraugh, John Beard, Andrew Robb,
Robt, Richy.
Ordered, That they be Commissioned accordingly.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 221
Ordered, That a Dedimus potestatum be issued to Archibald
Locky, Edward Cook, and John More, of the County of Westmore-
land, to administer to the Justices of the said County the Oaths or
Affirmations required to be taken by them by the Constitution of
this Commonwealth.
On motion, Agreed, That the Prothonotaries of the several Coun-
ties be appointed and Commissioned to be Judges of the Court of
Common Pleas in their respective Counties.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday June 12th, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, Jun., Esq'r, President.
Hon'bie George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Baily, "J
Jonathan Hoge, and l> Esquires.
John Proctor, J
Colo. Morgan, Lieutenant of the County of Berks, applied for
One hundred and fifty Knapsacks, Two hundred and fifty Canteens,
One hundred and fifty Cartouch Boxes, for the Militia of Berks
County, and an order was drawn en the Continental Board of War
for the same, to be delivered to him or his order.
Application being made by the Board of War and the Navy
Board, for a sum of Money to each of them ; thereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State in favor of
the Chairman of the Board of War, (or his order,) for the sum of
Two Thousand Pounds, for which that Board is to Account.
An order was also drawn on the Treasurer of the State in favor
of the Chairman of the Navy Board, (or his order,) for the Sum
of Two Thousand Pounds, for which that Board is to account.
William Lyons, Esq'r, Prothonotary of the County of Cumber-
land, appeared in Council, and took the Oaths required by the
Constitution to qualify him for that Office.
Colo. Coats having applied for a Sum of Money to Pay Substi-
tutes, and purchase Blankets, &c. ; thereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State in favor of
Colo. William Coats, for the Sum of Six Hundred and fifty Pounds,
Towards raising the Militia of this County, and for which he is to
be accountable.
222 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Friday June 13th, 1777,
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun., Esq'r, President.
Hon'blc George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Baily, ~)
John Proctor, I Esquires.
Jonathan Hoge, J
Lewis Nicola, Town Major, in the Name of General Mifflin, re-
quested an order to the Constables of different townships to fur-
nish, for the present, One hundred Waggons, and expressed that
the General thinks Two hundred will be necessary.
[For the order of Council on this request, See Minutes of June
14th.]
Agreed, That James Claypoole be appointed She&iff of the
County of Philadelphia.
On motion, agreed, That Will'm Kelly be appointed Sheriff of
the County of Lancaster.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Saturday June 14th, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun., Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, John Proctor, ? ™
Jonathan Hoge, & S
A Circular Letter to the Lieutenants of the Counties of Chester,
Lancaster, and York, Philadelphia, Bucks, Cumberland, Berks,
and Northampton, was this day written, to forward the first Class
of the Militia immediately, and to hold the second Class in readi-
ness to march at the shortest notice. In the several Letters now
written to the Lieu'ts, the Sum of Money sent as mentioned.
Au order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State in favor of
Colo. Robert Smith, Lieutenant of the County of Chester, for the
Sum of One Thousand Pounds, for which he is to account.
An order was also drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John
Weitzel, Esq'r, Lieutenant of the County of Northampton, for the
Sum of One Thousand Pounds, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State in favor of
the Secretary, for the Sum of Oae Thousand Pounds, to be by him
I
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 223
forwarded to Rich'd McCallister, Esq'r, Lieutenant of the County
of York, and the same was ordered to be charged to the said Rich-
ard McAllister.
Gen Mifflin having, by the Town Major, requested that One
hundred Waggons be immediately furnished by the State,
Ordered, That the Lieutenants of the Counties of Philadelphia,
Chester, & Berks, be desired to send, Viz. : Philadelphia, Thirty
Waggons, Chester, Forty Do., Berks, Thirty Do.
The Council taking into their consideration the appointing of
Burgesses, Assistants, and other Officers, for the Borough of Lan-
caster, Agreed that William Bausman & Casper Shaffner be appoint-
ed Burgesses, and that William Bausman shall be called Chief
Burgess within the said Borough ; and Paul Zantzinger, Christ'r
Crawford, Matthias Graaf, Will'm Ross, Adam Reigart, & Ludowick
Stone, Assistants; Peter Rowhigh, Constable, & Peter Shaffner,
town Clerk, of the said Borough of Lancaster.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Saturday June 15, 1777.
present :
HisExcell'y THOS WHARTON, Jan., Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President,
Jonathan Hose, and ) ™
JohnProctorf £%??•*
Order on the Contenental Board of War to Capt. Dougherty, for
Thirty-five stand of Arms & accoutrements, for a Company of
Volunteers, who propose to turn out with two Pieces of Cannon.
His Excell'y reports that the President of Congress had delivered
to him an order on the Continental Board of War for One thousand
stand of Arms, and that he had endorsed the same to Capt. John
Campbell, of the City Guards.
Capt. Moulder applied for Sixty belts, Sixty Knapsacks, Sixty
Cartridge boxes, & Sixty Canteens, and an order was drawn on
the Board of War of this State for the same.
A Company of Artillery offering their service to the Public, and
the Officers of it requesting to be Commissioned; thereupon,
Ordered, That the following Gentlemen be Commissioned as
Officers of the said Company, Viz. : Henry Daugherty, Capt. ; Win-
gate Newman, Capt.; Lieu't James Craig, 1st Lieu't; Alex'd
Henderson, 2d Lieu't; Will'm Greenway, Lieut's fire-worker.
The following resolution of Congress was before the Board, and
read, Viz. :
224 MINUTES OF THE
"In Congress Assembled, Saturday 14th June, 1777.
" Resolved, That Maj'r Gen'l Arnold be authorized to take upon
him the Command of all the Militia now at Bristol, and in every
other part of the River to the Eastward of Philadelphia, which have
been called forth into service by a requisition of the 24th Day of
April last, & that he be authorized to dispose of himself & the Troops
under his Command, in such a manner as he shall Deem best
adapted to promote the Public Service."
Ordered, That a Copy of the foregoing resolution be sent to the
President and Supreme Executive Council of the State of Pennsyl-
vania for their concurrence.
On motion,
Ordered, That the 2d Class of the Militia of the County of
Philadelphia, Chester, Bucks, Lancaster, York, Cumberland, Berks,
& Northampton, be Ordered to march to the places to which the
first Class of the said Counties respectively are ordered; and that
the third Class be got in readiness to march, and also that the 1st
and 2d Class of the City Militia be ordered to march for Bristol, &
that the 3d Class hold themselves in Readiness to march at the
shortest warning.
On motion.
Resolved, That the 1st class of the Militia of the County of
Northumberland, be ordered to march to Bristol, and that the 2d
be got in readiness to march at the shortest notice. As the great
demand for money has drained our Treasury, and a Considerable
Sum is immediately wanted for paying of substitutes and other
purposes, necessary to get the Militia ready for the field, and the
Money ordered to be struck by the General Assembly cannot be
signed in time; thereupon,
Resolved, That Application be made to Congress to lend the
Council the Sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars, to be repaid in a few
days, so as that it may not pass to the General Account of the
State.
The Secretary laid before the Council a Letter which he this Day
received from John Kidd, Esq'r, dated the 31st May, wherein he
expressed that he is obliged to decline the honor of becoming one
of the Executive Council, on account of his state of health.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 225
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday June 17th, 1777.
present :
His ExcelPy THOS. WHARTON, jun., Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, John Proctor, ~) -™
Jonathan Hoge, & j
On motion,
Agreed, That Colo. Bull be appointed Adjutant Gen'l of the
Militia of this State.
On Motion, agreed, That Colo. Walter Stewart be appointed Colo,
t>f the State Regiment in the room of Colo. Bull, who is promoted
to be Adjutant General.
One of the Delegates of this State in Congress, informed the
Council that Congress had ordered twenty Copies of their minutes
to be Delivered to this State.
Ordered, That the^ecretary apply for the said minutes, retain,
them in his hands, to be disposed of as the Council shall direct.
Capt. Montgomery attended the Council with a Message from
Gen'l Mifflin, informing the Council that Gen'l Sullivan had or-
dered the Militia collected at Coryel's Ferry to march forward to-
ward the Enemy in New Jersey, and that is, therefore, necessary to
send a number of the militia to occupy that Post, which is now
entirely vacant.
Jonath'n Bayard Smith, Esq'r, sent in by the Secretary, a draft
of Congress5 signed by the Speaker, on John Gibson, Esq'r, Au-
ditor General, for the Sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars, payable to
the Hon'ble The President & Supreme Executive Council of the
State of Pennsylvania, or their order, it being advanced to said
State, for which it is to be accountable.
Ordered, That the same be made payable to Dav'd Rittenhouse?
Esq'r, Treasurer of the State.
Ordered, That a Draft be made out on Dav'd Rittenhouse,,
Esq'r, Treasurer, in favor of John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq'r, Trea-
surer of the Board of War, for the Sum of Twenty Thousand
Dollars, for which sum he is to account.
An order was also drawn on the Treasurer, in favor of Lewis
Granow, Esq'r, Sub-Lieutenant of the County of Chester, for the
Sum of Four Thousand Dollars, to be charged to Robert Smith,
Esq'r, Lieutenant of the said County, for the purpose of procu-
ring Substitutes, Blankets, &c.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, in
favour of Will' m Henry, Esq'r, Lieutenant of the City of Phik-
n ™
226 MINUTES OF THE
delphia, for the Sum of Five thousand Dollars, for the purpose of
providing Substitutes.
The Council taking into consideration the case of Jos. Richard-
son, now confined in the Gaol of the County of Lancaster, where
he has been for near Four Months, on a charge of Counterfeiting
and uttering the Bills of Credit of New Jersey, &ca, & no applica-
tion having been made to this State respecting him ; thereupon,
Resolved, That the said Jos. Richardson be enlarged, on giving
reasonable bail for his appearance, &ca, to answer the said charge.
An order was drawn on the Continental Board of War for One
Thousand stand of Arms, to be delivered to Colo. Bull, Adjutant
General of the State.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday June 18th, 1777
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice-President.
John Evans, John Proctor, / .-,
Jonathan Hoge, & '^squ.rea.
Application being made by Wrm. Coats, Esq'r, Lieutenant of
the County of Philadelphia, for a further Sum of money ; there-
upon,
An order was drawn in his favor on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r,
Treasurer, for the Sum of Thousand Dollars, to be applied in pro-
curing Substitutes, and purchasing Blankets, &ca.
A letter from Rich'd Peters, Esq'r, Secretary to the Continental
Board of War, enclosing the following Resolves of Congress of the
1st April, was presented by his Excell'y, the President of the Board,
and read, viz :
"By the United States in Congress assembled.
" April 1st, 1777.
" Resolved j That no Officer already appointed, or to be hereafter
.appointed, in the Array of the United States, shall take rank by .
virtue of a Commission antedated, but Rank shall be determined
by the time of appointment, unless otherwise directed by special
resolution of Congress.
14 Resolved, That it be recommended to the Legislatures, and in
their recess to the Executive Powers of the respective States, that
they forthwith transmit to the Board of War exact lists of all offi-
cers appointed by them in the Continental Army, with the date of
their Commissions, and time of appointment."
■'
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, 227
Ordered, That a Copy of said Resolves & Letter be transmitted
to the Board of War, and that the said Board be requested to furnish
this Council with the List of Officers appointed by tnis State, with
the times of their appointment, and the dates of their Commissions,
and an account of all Monies expended on account of Prisoners of
War.
The following Resolve of the General Assembly being laid before
the Council was read, viz. :
" In General Assembly, Tuesday June 10th, 1777.
" General MifHin desired leave to be introduced into the House;
which being done, he informed that he had it in charge from His
ExcelPy Gen^l Washington, to Assure them that it was his firm
opinion that the Enemys Army meditated a sudden & immediate
attack upon some part of this State, and that he, therefore, ear-
nestly requested that the Militia of this State, and particularly of
this City and its neighbourhood, might be ordered to hold them-
selves in readiness to march at a moment's warning to such parts as
may be necessary," It was thereupon,
Ordered, that Dr. Gardner & Mr. M'Clean, be a Committee to
wait on the President and Council, and inform them of the said
intelligence, and request them, in the name of this House, to take
the most speedy k effectual measures to answer the purposes of His
ExcelPy the General's message, & to frustrate the hostile intentions
of the Enemy ; thereupon,
Ordered, That a Copy of the said Resolve be delivered to the
Delegates of this State in Congress, and that they be requested to
transact this business with Congress in the way they shall think
most proper.
Ordered, That application be made to the Board of War for an
estimate of the Expences of levying & clothing the State Battalion
now commanded fey Colo. Stewart, The Regiment of Artillery corn-
man ded by Colo. Proctor, and the Company under Capt. Pugh,
with the state of the said Battalions & Company.
Colo. Kirkbrido applied for a further Sum of Money to procure
Substitutes in the room of such of the Militia as refuse or neglect
to go into service ; thereupon,
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, m
favor of Colo. Kirkbride, for the Sum of Two Thousand Dollars,
for the purpose of procuring Substitutes, &ca.
228 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday June 19, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, John Proctor, > ™
Jonathan Hoge, & S
His Excell'y the President laid before the Council a Letter from
Gen'l Arnold, dated 18 June, 1777, enclosing Copy of a Letter
irom his Excell'y Gen*l Washington, relative to fortifying Delaware
River.
James young, Esq'r, attended in Council, & took the Oath re-
quired by the Constitution to Qualify him to act as a Justice for
the City & County of Philadelphia.
An order was drawn on the Board of War of this State in favor
of Will'm Henry, Esq'r, Lieutenant of the City, for as many
Knapsacks, Canteens, &ca., as he may call for.
Mr. Parker, a member of the Hon'ble House of General Assem-
bly, laid before the Council the following Resolve of the Hon'ble
House, viz :
"In General Assembly, Thursday June 19, 1777.
" On motion,
"Resolved, That the President and Council be Authorized k impow-
ered to borrow from the Congress any sum of Money not exceeding
One Hundred Thousand Dollars, to answer the immediate exigen-
cies of the State, and to be repaid in a very short time, out of the
moneys now issuing by virtue of the Two Hundred Thousand
Pounds Act enacted at the last sitting of this House.
" Extract from the Minutes.
"JOHN MORRIS, jun'r,
" Cl'k of General Assembly/'
On motion, agreed, That a Copy of the Resolve of General As-
sembly, empowering this Council to borrow of Congress the Sum
of One Hundred Thousand Dollars, be delivered to the Delegates
of this State in Congress, and the President is desired to write
to the Hon'ble John Hancock, Esq'r, President of Congress, re-
questing that Congress will lend to this State the Sum of Fifty
Thousand Dollars, in addition to the like Sum already borrowed
of them, to serve the present emergency.
Mr. Proctor reports that Rob't Levers, Esq'r, appeared before
him some time ago, and took the Oaths required by the Constitu-
tion to qualify him to act as Prothonotary of the County of North-
ampton, and Qualify the Magistrates of that County,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 229
The Representatives of the Freemen of the County of York
having informed the Council that Chas. Lukens had declined to
accept the Sheriff's office for that County; thereupon,
Agreed, That Will'm Roan be appointed Sheriff of the County
of York, and that he be commissioned accordingly.
The Council again resuming the consideration of the appoint-
ment of Justices for the County of Cumberland, that the follow-
owiag Gentlemen be the Justices of the said County, and that a
Commission be made out accordingly, to wit: — 1, John Rannels ;
2, James Maxwell ; 3, James Oliver ; 4, John Holmes ; 5, John
Agnew ; 6, John McClay; 7, Sani'l Lyon; 8, Will'm Brown ; 9,
John Haines; 10, Sam'l Royer; 11, John Anderson; 12, John
Creigh; 13, Hugh Laird; 14, And'w McBeath; 15, Tho's Kennedy;
16, Alexa. Laughlin ; 17, Sam'l McClune ; 18, Pat'k Vance ; 19,
Geo. Matthews; 20, Will'm McClure; 21, Sam. Culbertson ;
22, James Armstrong; 23, John Work; 24, John Trendle; 25,
Stephen Duncan; 26, Ephraim Steele; 27, W'm Brown, (Car-
lisle); 28, Rtfb't Peoples; 29, Henry Taylor; 30, Jas. Taylor;
31, Charles Leiper; 32, John Scouler; 33, Matt'w Wilson; 34;
David McClure.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Friday June 20, 1777.
PRESENT I f
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, "J
Jonathan Hoge, and I Esquires,
John Proctor, J
The great inconveniences arising from the Waggoners bringing
their Waggons into the State House Yard, & the noise of the Drumsr
which greatly incommodes, not only the Council, but also the Con-
gress and General Assembly, whenever the Companies or Battal-
ions exercise or Parade in the Yard, & having been observed by
the Council with great concern ; thereupon,
Ordered, That no Drums be admitted into the State House Yard7
& that the Waggoners be forbid to bring their Waggons into the
State House Yard without permission so to do.
Robert Smith, Esq'r, Lieutenant of the County of Chester, ap-
plied for Arms for the Militia of the said County; whereupon,
An order was drawn on Will'm Henry, Esq'r, or Captain Cainp-
ble, in favor of the said Colo. Robert Smith, for Four hundred
Stand of Arms.
230 MINUTES OF THE
The following Resolve of the Gen'l Assembly was laid before the
Board, Viz :
"In General Assembly, Monday June 16, 1777.
" On motion,
" Resolved, That all the Militia men of the State now going into
the Field, be allowed A Gill of Rum or Whiskey each man per
day, over and besides the Rations allowed by Congress, and that
the President & Council take the proper means for s«pplyi#g the
same."
Doct. Robert Wilcox applied for a pass to go to Providence, in
New England.
Ordered, That the Secretary make out and sign a pass for
him.
The Council took into consideration the appointing of a Pro-
thonotary of the County of Chester, in the room of Benja. Jacob,
who declines accepting that Office ; thereupon,
Agreed, That Caleb Davis be appointed Prothonotary of the
County of Chester, & Commissioned accordingly.
The Council met.
Philab'a, Saturday June 21, 1777-
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, John Proctor. ") ™
Jonathan Hoge, & j
An order was drawn on David Rittenbouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, in
favor of Wm. Crispin, for the Sum of Eight Thousand Dpllars, for
the purpose of purchasing Rum or Wisky for the Militia of this
State, agreeable to a Resolve of the Hon'ble House of Assembly,
for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Capt. Campbell, in favor of Rob't Smithy
Esq'r, Lieutenant of the County of Chester, for four hundred Cau-
teens, four hundred Knapsacks, four hundred Priming Wires, four
hundred hrushes, and Four hundred Cartoueb Boxes, for the Militia
of that County.
On motion,
Agreed, That John Beaton be appointed Paymaster of the Ches-
ter County Militia.
An order was drawn on David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, in
favor of Rob't Smith, Esq'r, Lieutenant of the County of Chester,
for the Sum of two Thousand Pounds, to be applied in paying Sub-
stitutes, &ca.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 231
Gen'l Mifflin, Mons. de Coudray, wi'h Nicholas Rogers, who
speaks the French and English Languages, attended the Council,
and laid before the Council a Copy of the report of the Committee
of Congress for viewing the works erected for the defence of our
River, and the resolves of Congress thereon of the 11th June Instant.
Colo. Stewart waited on the Council, & informed them that, hav-
ing received orders to march his Battallion to Billingsport, he had
Paraded his men, and was about to march accordingly, but that he
had received intelligence from the Hon'ble John Hancock, Esq'r,
that a resolution of Congress of yesterday, respecting this Battalion
being taken into Continental Service, which would render an imme-
diate compliance with the orders he had received rather inconveni-
ent; that the said Resolution of Congress had been given in charge
to the Delegates of this State to communicate to the Council, which
would probably alter his Orders.
The Council met.
Philad'a., Tuesday June 24, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jonathan Hoge, & John Proctor, Esquires.
An order of Congress on John Gibson, Esq'r, Auditor General,
in favor of the Council, for Fifty Thousand Dollars, was sent up to
Council, and thereupon, the President endorsed the same, making
it payable to David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of the State.
James Claypoole now offered Blair iMcClenagan & David Cham-
bers as security for his faithful performance of the duty and Office
of Sheriff in the City & County of Philadelphia ; was agreed to by
Council.
The Council resuming the consideration of the orders given to
the Lieutenants of the Counties for marching the Militia,
Agreed, That Philadelphia & Bucks Counties do send the first &
second Class, and hold the third in perfect readiness. That Lan-
caster, Berks, and Northampton, send forward the first Class, and
hold the second in perfect readiness. That Cumberland, York, &
Northumberland, hold the 1st Class in readiness, and that Letters
be written to the Lieutenants of the respective Counties accordingly.
An order was drawn on David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, in
favor of Colo. Benj. Brannon, Sub Lieutenant of the County of
Chester, for the Sum of Two Thousand Dollars, for the purpose of
Paying Substitutes.
332 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday June 25, 1777
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, . John Proctor, > -p
Jonathan Hoge, & j
A curious performance of I. Stewart, of London, the Senators'1
.remembrancer, consisting of Fourteen Copper plates, done on white
satten, and most elegantly framed and gilt, presented to the Public
by Doc't Benja. Franklin, were placed in the Council Chamber.
On motion, Agreed, That the Pay of the Commodore of the
Navy of this State be allowed and paid at the rate One hundred and
Twenty-five Dollars P. Month, inclusive of Rations.
On motion, agreed, That the Pay of Capt. Hadewood, the se
cond in Command in the Navy of this State, be allowed & paid at
the rate of one hundred dollars P. Month, inclusive of Rations.
Mr. Cox and Mr. Eyres, from the Navy Board, having requested
A farther Sum of Money, and the Board of War having also made
<ipplication for Money, An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse,
Esq'r, in favor of John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq'r, the Treasurer of
the Board of War, &ca., for the Sum of Twenty-five Thousand Dol-
lars ; Board of War Twelve thousand Dollars, & Navy Board thir-
teen thousand Dollars.
The Council taking into consideration the intelligence received
by Congress from Gen'l Washington, respecting the movements of
the Enemy, and the extreme inconveniency arising from the march
of the Militia in the time of Harvest, Agreed, That the Lieut's of
the Counties of Lancaster, Berks, & Northampton, be informed that
the Council think it unnecessary for the 1st Class of Militia re-
spectively, to march, but that they hold the first class in the most
perfect readiness to march at the shortest warning. That the Lieu-
tenants of the Counties of Philadelphia and Chester, be informed
that it is unnecessary to march the 2d Class of their respective
Counties, but that the 1st Class be marched, and the 2d Class held
in perfect readiness to march at the shortest notice.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 233
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday June 26, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, John Proctor, ? E ires.
Jonathan Hoge, & 3 l
Coi. Andrew Boyd, Sub-Lieutenant of the County of Chester,
attended. The members of Council met, & requested to be fur-
nished with a Sum of Money for procuring Substitutes, Blankets,
&ca. ; thereupon, An order was drawn on David Rittenhouse, Esq'r,
Treasurer, in favor of Col. Andrew Boyd, Esq'r, for the Sum of
Two Thousand Dollars, for the aforesaid purposes.
On motion, Agreed, That Jamas Loughead be appointed Pay-
master of the Militia of the City & Liberties of Philadelphia.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, in
favor of James Loughead, Paymaster of the City and Liberties
aforesaid, for the Sum of Three Thousand Dollars.
Mr. Bache, Col. Shee, and Col. Dean, of the Board of War, at-
tended Council, & complained of a certain Wm. Sykes, who had
taken an opportunity of bringing off a very considerable quantity
of Goods which had been removed out of the City, from the place
where they had been deposited by order of the Committee appointed
for that purpose, and this at a time when it was generally believed
the Enemy was bending threir force against this city.
Jos. Gamble, WilPm Marshall, Mich'l Dawson, Chevaux de Fri#e
Pilots, informed the Council that they had this day applied to the
Commissioners of Appeal, setting forth their employment as a plea
against their being fined as Non-Associates under the late Law,
&ca., and that the plea was rejected as insufficient.
On motion,
Resolved, That this Council are clearly of opinion that the Pi-
lots employed by the State are not chargeable with any Fines as
Non-Associates, their duty being of such a nature as to make it
highly improper for them to be absent on any occasion whatsoever,
& do recommend to the Commissioners of Appeal to revise their
judgment thereon.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, for
the Sum of Seventeen Pounds Sixteen Shillings & Nine Pence, in
favor of Will'm Trickett, for Books, &ca., purchased for the use of
Council.
234 MINUTES OF THE
The Council Met.
Philad'a. Friday June 27th, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, John Proctor. } ™
t a u s r Esquires.
Jonathan Hoge, & j
Colo. Donaldson of York County brought in a number of plates
said to be found in the possession of a certain James Steward, who
was arrested and committed to York Jail, but has since made his
escape, and apparently designed for the counterfeiting the Conti-
nental Currency, To Wit ; A back and front plate, with impressions
similar to a Continental Thirty Dollar Bill ; A Back &i front plate,
with impressions similar to a Continental Four Dollar Bill ; A back
& front plate of a two-thirds of a Dollar Continental Bill ; and a
blank plate of the same size, together, also, with a Thirty Dollar
Bill & four Dollar Bill, struck from the same plates, and a Bill
struck with the four Dollar plate on one side & the Thirty Dollar
Bill on the other side, with a deposition concerning the same, which
the Committee of the said County of York hath directed him to
deliver to the Council or some other Public bod}7.
Ordered, That the Secretary receive the same, give Colo. Don-
aldson a receipt for them, and Seal them up.
On motion, agreed that Thomas Urie be appointed Sheriff of the
County of Bedford, & that he be immediately Commissioned ac-
cordingly.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of James Loughead,
Paymaster, for the Sum of Two thousand Dollars.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Wm. Henry,
Esq'r, for the Sum of Two thousand Dollars, to Pay Substitutes,
&ca.
Mr. Smith, Mr. Lisle, Mr. Loughead, & Mr. Evans attended the
Council by the direction of this Board, and they being interrogated
respecting the complaint made by them against William Sykes;
thereupon,
Ordered, That the further consideration of the said complaint
be referred to Monday Afternoon.
Ordered, That a Writ be now issued to John Thompson, Esq'r,
Sheriff of the County of Bucks, commanding him to hold an elec*
tion for the chusing of one fit person to represent the said County
in Council, and make return thereof of the said Writ to his Ex-
cellency in Council on or before the Twenty-first day of July
next.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 235
Agreed, That John Griffin be appointed Coroner of the County,
of Westmoreland, & that a Commission for that purpose be issued
accordingly.
Agreed, That Will'm Parker, Colo. John Piper, Sam. Moore,
John Cesna, Chas. Cesna, & John Moore, or any two of them, be
accepted as security for Thomas Urie, Sheriff of the County of
Bedford, for his faithful performance of the said Office.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday July 1st, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jonathan Hoge, & John Proctor, Esquires.
Commission to Caleb Davis, Esq'r, as Clerk of the Quarter Ses-
sions of the peace for the County of Chester, dated this day.
An order was drawn on Colo. Flower, in favor of Colonel
Henry, Lieutenant of the City ot Philadelphia, for Seventy Stand
of Arms.
An order was drawn in favor of Colo. Henry on David Ritten-
house, Esq'r, Treasurer, for the Sum of Eight Thousand Dollars,
to pay substitutes, &ca.
An order was drawn on D'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, in
favor of John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, for the Sum of Six Thousand
dollars. i
An order was drawn in favor of James Loughead, Paymaster of
the Militia, for the sum of one thousand & five hundred dollars.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday July 2d, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, John Proctor, > ^
Jonathan Hoge, & '£ Esquires.
An order was drawn* on David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treas'r, in
favor of John Maxwell, Esq'r, for the Sum of One Thousand Six
hundred Dollars.
236 MINUTES OF THE
The Council taking into consideration the Petition of Simon
Gore, a Militia man of this City, who was wounded at Perth Ani-
boy, last Summer j thereupon
Ordered, That the said Petition be enclosed to James Young,
Esq'r, &• that he be requested to hold an Orphans' Court, agreeable
to the Act to regulate the Militia of the Commonwealth of Penn-
sylvania, for the purpose of relieving the said Simon Gore and
others, according to the said Act.
An order was drawn in favor of Colo. Kirkbride, Lieut, of the
County of Bucks, for the Sum of Three Thousand Dollars, for
which he is to account.
A Letter from Christian Wirtz, Town Major of the Borough of
Lancaster, in the County of Lancaster, dated June 25, 1777, was
read in Council. Among other things Mr. Wirtz represents, that
the British Prisoners threatened the destruction of Lancaster, and
that it alarmed the inhabitants, & proposing for consideration re-
moving of the said Prisoners to some other place ; thereupon,
Ordered, That it be recommended to the Delegates of this State
in Congress, to represent the matter to the Continental Board of
War, & that the said Letter written by Mr. Wirtz be laid before
them.
The Petition of Abigail McKay, now a Prisoner in the Goal of
this City, praying to be enlarged on giving bail, was read ', and
thereupon
Ordered, That she be enlarged on Bail, with more or one suffi-
cient sureties, in the Sum of One Thousand Pounds, conditioned
that she appear at the next Court of Quarter Sessions and answer
the charge which shall be brought against her \ & that in the mean-
time she shall not reside or come nearer to the City of Philadelphia
than the West side of Schuylkill on the Westward, and not nearer
than three Miles of the said City to the Northward, for & during
one Year.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday July 3d, 1777.
present:
His ExcelFy TITO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, John Proctor, > ^
Jonathan Hoge, & '£ Esquires.
Agreed that instructions be given to the delegates of this State I
in Congress, that the Troops lateljr arrived from Carolina may be j
employed to assist the Militia of this State and that of New Jersey I
in completeing the works at Billingsport, unless these Troops can i
render more essential service elsewhere.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 237
The Council met.
Philad'a, Friday July 4, 1777.
present;
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, John Proctor, } -^ .
Jonathan Hoge, & 5
An order was drawn on David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, in
favor of Colo. William Henry, for the Sum of One Thousand Pounds,
for which he has to account.
On motion, agreed, That it be recommended to the Magistrates
of the City to exert themselves in preventing any kind of Riot
happening in the City this Evening; that the Town- Mayor be
ordered to parade with his Guard from eight O'Clock 'till Eleven,
to prevent any disturbance which might otherwise happen this
Evening ; That a Bellman be sent round to give notice to the in-
habitants, that the Council do expressly order all the lights made
use of to illuminate the City this Evening, be extinguished at
Eleven O'Clock. The Wardens are requested to order the Watch-
men to attend at their Stands at 8 O'Clock this Evening, in order
to assist in preventing any riots which may otherwise happen,
James Hopkins, Esq'r, applied to the Board, and Informed that
he had orders from Gen'l Washington to go down the River Dela-
ware on an expedition, and Gen'l Arnold requesting that he may
be supplied a small Vessel & Four Batteaus for the said purpose ;
thereupon
Ordered, That Captain Hazlewood supply the said Jas. Hopkins,
Esq'r, with a small Vessel and four Batteaus, agreeable to the
request of Gen'l Arnold.
On motion,
Ordered, That Will'm Sykes be summoned to attend the Conn-
cil to-morrow Morning at 10 O'Clock, to answer the charge of Jas.
Loughead & others, that he had seized a considerable quantity of
Provisions & other Goods, which had been removed out of the
City by proper Authority, to prevent their falling into the hands of
the Enemy, & that he had brought them into the City again without
having obtained permission so to do of the Committee under whose
direction they were.
It having been represented to the Council that Mr. Hobson had
declined accepting the appointment of the Justice of the Peace in
the Borough of Lancaster ; And on consideration, Agreed That
Will'm Henry, Esq'r, be appointed a Justice of the Peace for the
County of Lancaster, in the room of John Hobson, Esq'r.
Ordered, That a Dedimus Potestatum be issued, authorizing and
empowering John Hubley, Esq'r, to qualify the Chief Burgess of
Lancaster.
238 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Saturday July 5, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, Jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, John Proctor, ) -p^ , •„
Jonathan Hoge, & \ fe "•
Will'm Sykes attended the Council, according to the order of
yesterday, and also Jos. Loughead, Robert Smith, John Lisle & Mr.
Young, and the Council having heard the Parties, it appears that
the said William Sykes had, in contempt of the authority of the
Committee appointed to remove the Provisions and Goods out of the
City, to prevent their falling into the Enemies' hauds, brought back
to the City a large Quantity of Rice & Indigo, which had been re-
moved by them ; whereupon the Council
Ordered ', That Will'm Sykes do return the Rice and Indigo
which now remains unsold, to the place from whence he brought
them, & re-deliver them into the hands of the Committee appointed
to remove the Goods out of the City, to prevent their falling into
the hands of the Enemy, and that he give Security himself in the
Sum of One Thousand Pounds, and Two sufficient Freeholders in
the Sum of five hundred Pounds,yeach, for his good behaviour for
One Year.
Ordered, That the following Advertisement be published in the j
Public Papers, Viz. :
" In Council, Philad'a, July 5, 1777.
" Whereas, The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennrj
sylvania, in Section 30th, Ordains that Justices of the Peace shall)
be elected by the Freeholders of each Ward, District, or Township, |
as the Law shall direct, & that their names shall be returned to thej
President in Council, who shall Comraissionate one or more of theml
for each Ward, District, or Township so returning, for Seven Years:;
" And tvhereds, An act of Assembly intitled ' An Act directing)
the modes & times of electing Justices of the Peace for the City of
Philadelphia, & the several & respective Counties of this Common-
wealth, & for other purposes therein mentioned,' was passed on the
11th of February last :
" And whereas,, By inattention, mis-apprehension, absence oil
great uumbers of Freeholders in the defence of their Country, (thd
Militia of several Counties being then in actual Service, shortness on
the times that had been appointed, neglect & other causes, som(j
Districts, & also some Townships in Counties in which a Townshijj
has been made a District for this purpose,) did not hold the election
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 239
of Justices on the days by the said Act appointed, and it was likely
that like omission would happen in other places, of which the times
for such Elections had not then elapsed:
*' And whereas. On the 15th day of March last past, A Supple-
ment to the said recited Act of Assembly was passed, to remedy all
mistakes & lapses thereby given to the Freeholders in such cases to
make their Election, which time is now also passed :
" And whereas, In & by the said supplement, further provision
was made in the Premises in the words following :
" And whereas, The Freeholders of the several Wards in the
City of Philadelphia have neglected to Elect Justices of the Peace,
as by the said Act was directed, and it may happen that some other
parts of the State may also neglect to elect Justices, at the time in
the said Act, & by this Act directed.
" Be it enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That where any such
neglect has been, or may- be, at the time by the above recited Act,
or by this Act directed, for the election of Justices for any district,
in any or either of the said Counties, the Commissioners and As-
sessors of such County or Counties, or any five of them, (in such
County or Counties where they are directed so to do by the said
Act,) are hereby enjoined & required to appoint a time and place for
Election of Justices of the Peace for such district, and give notice
thereof to the Freeholders who shall hold the said Election, and in
all things relating thereto, act & do agreeable to the directions of
the Act to which this Act is a Supplement j and when they shall
have elected Justices they shall be deemed & taken to be Justices
of the Peace, as is in and by the said Act declared ; And whereas,
notwithstanding the last recited section of the said Supplementary
Act, the Freeholders of some Districts may yet neglect to Elect
Justices of the Peace in manner aforesaid ; Provision by said Sup-
plement is further made, that upon application in Writing by Twenty
or more of the Freeholders of any such District to the President of
this State, it shall be lawful for the President in Council to appoint
& Commissionateone or more Justice or Justices of the Peace, as the
case may require, for any such District which may still neglect to
elect Justices of the Peace; Wherefore, Notice is hereby given to
the Freeholders of any District as aforesaid, wherein no Election
of Justices of the Peace hath been hitherto holden, of the remedy
provided by Law, and of the mode in which they ought to proceed
in order to have justice duly Administered, and it is recommended ,
because of these words in the 3d Section of said Supplement above
transcribed, " in such County & Counties where they are so directed,
to do by the said Act,' Words which seem to confine the appoint-
ment of the time and place of the Election to the Commissioners
& Assessors of the Counties of Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Lan-
caster, Berks, York & Northampton, that in case of the return of
any choice yet to be made of Justices in Cumberland, Bedford,
Northumberland and Westmoreland, that said returns be accom
240 MINUTES OF THE
panied with an application in Writing from Twenty or more of the
Freeholders of the District to the President, to appoint as aforesaid,
in order to make the Commission valid, whatever said recited words
may purport, at the same time the Freeholders may be assured that
their elections and the return thereof shall be regarded as in other
cases.
" N. B. Some Districts have perhaps made Elections regularly,
but their Officers may not have made returns of the Persons Elec-
ted, or having their returns, their returns may have mis-carried or
fallen into the hands of ill-disposed persons, & may have been sup-
pressed ; in such cases new returns are wanted, and it would be
safe to send Duplicates. '
"These lapses and defects prevent a Second Commission of the
Peace for each County from being issued, while they should include
all the vacant Districts for single Commissions, being a great ex-
pence on the Counties.
" Extract from the Minutes,
"TIMOTHY MATLACK, Secret'y."
Ordered, That the resolution of the Hon'ble House of General
Assembly, respecting the boundary Line between the State of Vir-
ginia and this State, be sent by the President to the Delegates of
Virginia in Congress. John Riordon, Comm'r, of the Sloop Su-
sanna, a Danish Flag of Truce, from St. Croix to this City, to carry
the family of the Marcoos from hence to that place, attended the
Council, & represented some Difficulties which he labored under
in consequence of being prevented from going on board the Men of
War now laying at the Capes of Delaware, in order to obtain per-
mission from them to eome up to Wilmington, where Mr. Marcoo &
his family now are. The Council thereupon, recommended to Cap:.
Riordon to apply to the President of Congress for recommendation,
such as he may think proper, to Henry Fisher, and pointing out
what he may judge expedient in this case, or to the President of the
Delaware State, the said recommendation, As the Flag of Truce,
as the matter is now situated, does not relate to this State, and
that a Pass be made out to Capt. Riordon under the lesser Seal, k
signed by His ExcelPy the President.
On motion, agreed, That Maj. Solomon Bush be appointed Depu-
ty Adjutant General of the Militia of this State.
On motion, agreed, That John Haley, Esq'r, be appointed Clerk j
of the Orphans' Court of the County of Philadelphia.
Wra. Kelly, the Sheriff of Lancaster County, offers James An-
derson, Sen'r, and James Anderson, jun'r, of Donegal, as security j
for the faithful performance of his Office, which the Council ap- i
prove.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 241
The Council met. ,
Philad'a, Monday July 7, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jonathan Hoge, & John Proctor, Esquires.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Robert Gal-
braith, Esq'r, for the Sum of Four hundred Dollars, to be by him
delivered to Colo. John Piper, Lieutenant of the County of Bedford,
and for which he is to account.
Ordered, That the Secretary call on WilPm Sykes for the Secu-
rity which he is ordered to give for his good behaviour.
Ordered, That the Sum of One Thousand Pounds be sent by
Rob't G-albraith, Esq'r, to John Hubley, Esq'r, of Lancaster, to be by
him forwarded to Bartram Galbraith, Esq'r, Lieut, of the County
of Lancaster, for the purpose of purchasing Muskets, for which
Sum he is to account.
An order was drawn on David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of the Secretary, for the Sum of One Thousand
Pounds, to be forwarded as aforesaid.
N. B. — The Money was paid the Secretary according to order,
but Mr. Galbraith going out of Town, An order was drawn on the
Treasurer aforesaid, in favor of Will'm Henry, for the like Sum,
and the Secretary paid the Money to him, and exchanged the order
with the Treasurer.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Beck, for
riding express, by order of Maj. General Armstrong, for the Sum
of Thirteen Pounds.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday July 8th, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WARTON, jun., Esq'r, President
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jonathan Hoge, & John Proctor, Esquires,
James Hopkins, Esq'r, applied to the Council for eight men, to-
assist him in the expedition down the Delaware^ ordered by Gen'I
Washington.
VOfc. XI. — 16,
1:42 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That Commodore Seymour furnish James Hopkins,
Esq'r, with eight men from the Fieet.
Ordered, That the Commissary supply James Hopkins, Esq'r,
with the Provisions which he may have occasion for.
An order was drawn on David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Will'm Henry, Esq'r, Lieut, of Philadelphia,
for the Sum of One thousand pounds, for the purpose of paying
Substitutes, & purchasing Blankets, &ca, for which Sum he is to
account.
Gen'l Roberdeau informed the Council that Congress had or-
dered the Virginia & South Carolina Troops now in the City,
to march to Billingsport, to assist in completeing the works to be
erected there.
Orders were drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, for the Sum of Six Pounds fifteen Shillings, in favor of
George Gintner, for riding express; for the Sum of Fifteen Pounds
Two Shillings & Six Pence, in favor of Mich'l Boyer for ditto; k-
for the Sum of Three Pounds Fifteen Shillings, in favor of Edw'd
Stroud, for ditto.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday July 9, 1777*
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jonathan Hoge, & John Proctor, Esquires.
An order was drawn on David Rittenhouse, Esquire, Treasurer
of the State, in favor of John Maxwell Nesbitt, E^q'r, for the
Sum of Two thousand pounds, for which he is to account.
Ordered, That Capt. Stiles be requested to send to this Board
an account of the Artillery with which he has lately supplied the
Militia at Bristol, Trenton, & Coryell's Ferry, to guard the River
Delaware.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer oi
the State, in favor of John Smith, for the Sum of Twelve Pounds, j
for riding express.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, in
favor of Colo. Benja. Brannon, for the Sum of Five hundred Pounds,
to pay Substitutes, to be Charged to Colo. Smith, Lieut, of the
< bounty of Chester, for which he is to account.
The Council taking into consideration the many great inconve-
Diencys arising to the good people of this State from the practice of
enlisting of Servants & Apprentices,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 243
Ordered, Thatt the1 following Proclamation be inserted in the
several Newspapers of this City :
" By the Supreme Executive Council.
" A PROCLAMATION.
u Whereas, great inconveniences hath happened to many persons
in this State by the Continental Officers mistaking a recommenda-
tion of the Hon'ble Congress, addressed to the several States, that
they would permit Servants to be enlisted into the Continental
Service, for an authoritative direction in the premises; And Where-
as, many of the said Officers are also Officers in the Pay of this
State, have thereupon proceeded to enlist bought Servants, under
indenture, to the great damage of their masters.
u And Whereas, the Legislature of the Commonwealth having
had opportunity of perceiving that such inlistments, though dis-
tressing to the Masters, had not promoted the General Service to
any proportionable degree, have declined giving their concurrence
in said measure :
M Jind Whereas, some persons, pretending ignorance, may still
inlist Servants ; these are therefore, strictly to forbid all Recruit-
ing Officers in the Continental Service, and all others, from enlist-
ing Servants or Apprentices within this State, on pain of being
prosecuted with the utmost rigour of the Law.
" THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, President,
" Philad'a, July 9, 1777.
* Attest— Timothy Matlack, Secretary."
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday July 10, 1777.
The Members of Council, Board of War, & Navy Board, went
down to Billingsport with Gren'l Armstrong, Mons'r du Caudray,
I &ca
The Council met.
Philad'a, Friday July 11, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jonathan Hoge, & John Proctor, Esquires.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, in
favor of Will'm Henry, Esq'r, Lieut, of the City of Philadelphia,
244 MINUTES OF THE
for the Sum of Five hundred Pounda, for the purpose of Paying
Substitutes & purchasing Blankets, &ca.
Caleb Davis, Esq'r, Prothonotary of the County of Chester, ap-
peared, & took the Affirmation required by Law to Qualify him for
that Office, and offered Thomas Cheney, Esq'r, as surety, with giv-
ing One Thousand Five Pounds security ; And he having been ap-
pointed Clerk of the Orphans' Court of the said County of Ches-
ter, took the Affirmation required by the Constitution to Qualify
him to act in the said Office.
Will'm Lyon, Esq'r, having informed the Council (by Letter)
that Mr.' Agnew, the late acting Prothonotary of the County of
Cumberland, had refused to deliver up the Seals & papers belong-
ing to the said Office, and requesting the direction of Council there -
on,
Ordered, That the Secretary write to Mr. Lyon, & let him
know the mode of obtaining the Seals & Papers belonging to said
Office, as the Law directs, and that if Mr. Agnew persists, so as to
make the interposition of Council necessary, on receiving attested
Copies of the proceedings thereon, Council will take further order
thereon.
The Committee for driving off Cattle for the City and County
of Philadelphia having represented to the Board that they thought
their number too few, & recommended that the City & County of
Philad'a be divided into five Classes, & that the Gentlemen named
in each Class be appointed to the said duty, Vizt :
First Class. For Oxford, Lower Dublin, Moreland, & By berry
Townships, which comprehends all between Frankford & Poques-
ton Creeks ; Jacob ^ible, Sam'l Potts, Rudolph Neff, James Dun-
gan, Sam'l Neaswinger, John Keen, Sen'r, & Sam'l Swift, Sam'l
Erwin, Casper Fetters, Will'm Tilyer, John Britain, and Benjamin
Watson.
Second Class. This District includes from Frankford to the
bounds of the City; Conrad Baker, John Stillwagon, John Hall,
Isaac Coates, & Jacob Hill.
Third Class. For the City; William Carson, Dean Timmons,
Nathan'l Donnell, Andrew Carson.
Fourth Class. For Southwark, Moyamensing, and Passyunk ;
Edw'd Tew, Rich'd Dennis, James Wbitton, Henry Maag, Samuel
Penrose, George Young, & Jacob Whitman.
Fifth Class. For Kinsess. & Blockley ; Philip Price, Adam
Guyer, & Joshua Ash, jun'r.
On motion, agreed that the said plan be adopted, & the Gentle-
men therein recommended for the respective Districts be appointed
for the said purpose, and have full power to remove all kinds of live
Stock, whenever the approach of the Enemy shall make it neces-
sary so to do.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 245
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday July 14th, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jonathan Hose, ") ™
John Proctor. j Es(luires-
An order was drawn on David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, in
favor of Colo. Joseph Kirkbride, Lieut, of the County of Bucks,
for the Sum of Two thousand five hundred Pounds, for which he is
to account.
An order was drawn in favor of Will'm Crispin, Esq'r, on David
Rittenhouse, Esq'r, for the Sum of Two thousand five hundred
Pounds, for which he is to account. j
N. B. These two orders were drawn when the Secretary was not
present, they are likely to have been dated the 15th instead of
the 14th.
Gen'l Du Coudray laid before the Council a " definite project to
correct the fort of Billingsport," with a plan of the Construction
of it.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday July 15, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jonathan Hose, and } ^
John Proctor, J Esquires.
Colo. Coxe informed the Council that he had, by direction of the
Field Officers, applied to Mr. Butler for Tents for the Militia now
at Billingsport, and was informed by Mr. Butler that he not sup-
ply them.
The Council being informed that there is not any Money in the
Treasury, nor likely to be any until Friday next, & as there is
Money due Col. Proctor's Regiment, now under Marching orders,
& the demand for other purposes being very considerable &
pressing,
Agreed, That application be made to Congress for Sixty Thou-
sand Dollars, to be accounted for to Congress.
246 MINUTES OF THE
Mr. Roberdeau, Mr. Morris, & Mr. Wilson, Delegates of this
State, having attended in Congress, attending the Council, Gen'l
du Coudray's " definite project to correct the fortifications at Bil
lingsport" was laid before them, & they were requested to lay it
before Congress for consideration.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday July 16, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jonathan Hose, and > ™
t i n * r Esquires.
John Proctor, ^ ^
Agreed, That Col. Bull, Adjutant Gen'l of the Militia of this
State, is requested to procure the number of Carts & the Timber
and other materials which may be necessary for carrying on the
fortifications at Billingsport.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, in
favor of Col. Will'm Coats, Lieut, of the County of Philadelphia,
for the Sum of One thousand four hundred Pounds, for the purpose
of paying the Militia, & for which Sum he is to account.
On motion, Agreed, That John Morris, jun'r, Esq'r, be & he is
hereby authorized to appear in the City Court & prosecute in the
name of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The Hon'ble Congress having ordered the Sum of Sixty Thousand
Dollars, to be paid to the President & Council of this State,
Ordered, That the same be made Payable to Dav'd Rittenhouse,
Esq'r, Treasurer, & it was indorsed by the Vice President accord-
ing1}'-
As order was drawn in favor of John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, (as the
Treasurer,) for the Sum of Thirty thousand Dollars, of which Sum
Twenty thousand is intended for the payment of Drafts by the
Board of War, & Ten thousand Dollars for the Payment of the
drafts of the Navy Board.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. -247
The Council met,
Philad'a, Thursday July 17, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, Esq'r, President.
The Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
/ Jonathan Hose, & ~) ™
7 t u -d * r -Esquires. v
John Proctor, \ ?
/An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, in
favor of Col. Will'm Henry, Lieut, of the City of Philadelphia,
fir the sum of Five hundred Pounds, for the purpose of Paying
Substitutes, purchasing Blankets, &ca., for which Sum he is to ac-
count.
The Council being informed by the Hon'ble Navy Board, that
application has been made to them by the Hon'ble Continental
Board of War for Two Fire Ships, to act in conjunction with a
Fleet intended to be sent down the Cape May Channel, and the
Navy Beard requested our advice and direction of therein,
On consideration that the Fire-Ships were intended to annoy the
Enemy in the narrow part of the River, & is considered as a res-
pectable pirt of the defence of this City, the Council cannot con-
sent to pait with them but on the strongest assurance of others
being immediately prepared to supply their place with all possible
espedititn.
The Council taking into consideration the probability of a de-
mand of Waggons being made in the County of Northampton, there-
upon,
Ordered, That where Waggons are necessary for the use of the
Continental ^rmy, that the Waggon master of the said County of
Northampton,^ application to him for that purpose, do furnish
with all possib, expedition the number of Waggons which may be
necessary, any irection which he may have received from this
Council to the cc^trary in anywise notwithstanding.
248 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Friday July 18, 1777.
PRESENT *.
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Fsq'r, Vice President.
Jonathan Hoge, & ? E ireg
John Proctor, $
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer,
for the Sum of Seven Pounds, in favor of Henry Emhard, for riding
express for and by order of Major Gen'l Armstrong.
Gen'l Potter having applied to Council for Boats to bring the
Militia now at Chester from thence to Billingsport; thereupon,
Ordered, That the Navy Board be requested to supply Get!
Potter with as many Boats as may be necessary for the purpose,
when he shall demand them.
Gen'l Armstrong & Gen'l Potter attended the Council on the
general situation of our Military affairs.
The Council taking into consideration the return of Jistices for
the Township of Little Britain, & there appearing some objections
to the appointment of one of the Gentlemen returned,
Ordered That Tuesday the 12th day of August next, he ap-
pointed for the hearing of the parties, at Ten O'Clockin the fore-
noon, in this Chamber, and that notice thereof be given to the In-
spector & Judges who made the return.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Kittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, in
favor of Edw'd Stroud, for the Sum of Ten Pounds, forriding Ex-
press.
Agreed, That Capt. Downy be ordered up from Bilingsport.
The Council met.
/
Philad'a, Monda^uly 21, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, W*, President.
Hon'ble Jonathan Hoge, Esq'r.
Ordered, That Gen'l Armstrong be furni^ with the late Re-
solutions of Congress respecting the FortiP^s intended to be-
erected at Billingsport, & that he be reque^ to give the neces-
sary orders to have the same carried into ^mediate execution.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenb^ Esq'r, Treasurer, in
favor of Wm. Crispin, (Commissary), f "* Sum of Six Thou-
sand Pounds, for which he is to account
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 249
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday, July 22, 1777
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jonathan Hoge, John Proctor, \ E .^
John Evans, & J
The Council being informed that Mr. Thomas Barclay had im-
ported a small Cargo of Salt in Tom's River, in New Jersey, & that
Mr. Barclay had been offered Ten Dollars ^ Bushel for it, at which
price he is willing to sell it to the Council for the use of the People
of this State,
On motion, agreed, That the Secretary be ordered to purchase the
said Cargo of Salt at the said price, on condition that it remain at
the risque of the present Owner for eight days from this time.
An order was drawn on David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, in
favor of John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, for the Sum of Three thousand
Pounds, for which Mr. Nesbitt is to account.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Wednesday July 23, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, Jos. Hart, & ) -n .
Jonathan Hoge, John Proctor, j "
John Thompson, Esq'r, Sheriff of the County of Bucks, made
return of an Election for the choosing a Councellor for the said
County, by which it appears that Joseph Hart, Esq'r, was duly
elected Councellor for the said County of Bucks; And Jos. Hart,
Esq'r, attended, took the Oath required by the Constitution to
Qualify him to act as Councellor, and thereupon took his seat in
Council.
Ordered, That Mr. Benjamin Davis be requested to assist Capt.
Downy in Surveying the Ground near the River Delaware, as far
downward as they may find practicable and advantageous.
Joseph Reed, Esq'r, attended the Council & gave (in writing)
bis reasons for declining to accept the office of Chief Justice.
250 MINUTES OF THE
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Thursday July 24, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y, THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq>, President.
Hon'ble G-eorge Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, ~)
Jonathan Hoge, & V Esquires.
Joseph Hart. J
The Petition of Catherine Murphy <fc Mary Green, setting forth,
That at the City Court holden the Twenty-third instant, they were
sentenced to receive fifteen lashes a piece, on Saturday next, at the
Public Whipping Post, on a Conviction for two several felonies,
and praying for their reasons therein mentioned, that the Council
will free them from the Punishment that is ordered to be imposed
on them, & the Judges of the said Court having recommended the
Petitioners to the Clemency of the Council; thereupon,
Ordered, That Catherine Murphy & Mary Green be pardoned,
so far as relates to the inflicting of the Corporal Punishment ordered
by the City Court.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittcnhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, in
favor of John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, for the Sum of Ten thousand
Dollars, (intended to be subject to the draft of the Board of War.)
The Board of War having informed the Council that the last De-
tachment of Col. Proctor's Regiment was to march this day, in
consequence of which Fort Island would be left without a Guard;
thereupon,
Ordered, That Gen. Potter be requested to send a proper guard
to take care of the Artillery Stores, &ca., on the said Island.
The Council taking into consideration a letter from Gen'l
Washington, dated 9th instant, requesting that a survey may be
made of such parts of the River Delaware, & land adjacent, as m .y
be of Military use, in case the enemy should bend their force thrs
way; And thereupon,
Ordered, That Mr. Nathan Sellers be directed to make a Sur-
vey of the River Delaware, for the purpose aforesaid, from Schuyl-
kill to Christiana Creek.
That Colo. Lalor be directed to make a like survey from Chris-
tiana Creek downward.
That on the East side of the River, Capt. J. Downey be author-
ized to make a like Survey, begiuning at Cooper's Ferry & extending
downward to Salem; And, That Mr. Benja. Davis be appointed
to make a like Survey, beginning at Salem & extending downward ;
and that proper instructions be drawn aud delivered to each of
them.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 251
Ordered, That David Rittenhouse, Esq'r. Treasurer, do supply
Messrs. Sellers, Lollar, Downy & Davis, with what Money shall be
necessary, from time to time, for completeing the Surveys ordered
to be made on the Delaware.
Mr. John Adams, Mr. Sam'l Adams, Colo. Lee, and Colonel Har-
rison, of the Continental Board of War, attended in Council to
consult with them on the means of procuring the earliest intelli-
gence of the approach of the Enemies' Fleet on our Coast, should
they come this way, and laid before them a Letter from His Excell'y
Gen'l Washington, dated instant, recommending this measure;
thereupon,
Ordered, That Capt. Hunn, Benja. Jones, & James Martin, go
immediately down to the Capes for the said purpose, and that in-
structions be given them for their conduct therein ; & An order
was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, in favour of
Capt. Hunn, for ihe Sum of One Hundred Pounds, to hire expres-
ses & Pay such Expenses as may accrue, and for which Sum he is to
account to the Board.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Friday July 25, Ylll,
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THOS. WHA.RTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Hon. George Bryan. Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, ~]
Jonathan Hoge, and J-Esq'rs.
Joseph Hart, J
The Council took into consideration the returns of Justices elect
from several Counties, & thereupon were commissioned accord-
ingly.
Agreed that Rob't Patterson, John Vandergrist, Tho's Long, &
Martin Shipe, be appointed Justices of the Peace for the County
of Bucks; & That Will'm McMullen be appointed a Justice of
Peace for the County of Philadelphia ; And That Thomas Levis,
Tho's Boyd, Rob't Ralston, John Hart, and Rich'd Reiley, be ap-
pointed Justices of the Peace for the County of Chester ; And
That Cha's Shoemaker, Giddy Myer,& Jac'b Morgan, be appointed
Justices of the Peace for the County of Berks, & were Commis-
sioned accordingly ; And That John Read, David Jenkin, & George
Reed be appointed Justices of the Peace for the County of Lan-
caster, & were Commissioned accordingly ; James Whitesides k
Patrick Ewing, appointed August 12th, and the Commission in-
cluding these bears that date; ditto John Hubley, Esq'r.
262 MINUTES OF THE
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, in
favor of Michael Hay, for the Sum of Three Pounds Fifteen Shil-
lings, for riding express.
An order was drawn on David Rifccenhouse, Esqr'r, Treasurer,
in favour of George Gintner, for the Sum of Seven Pounds five
Shillings, for riding express.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Saturday July 26, 1777.
PRESENT :
HisExcell'y, THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, ~)
Jonathan Hoge,& >Esqr's.
Joseph Hart, J
On Motion, Agreed, That it be recommended to the Navy Board
to furnish Gen. Du Coudray with a convenient Boat, whenever he
may call upon them for one.
Gen. Du Coudray attended the Council, & enquired what Ordi-
nances had been provided for the Fortifications at Billingsport;
and thereupon, after enquiry made on this subject,
Order ed. That the Secretary be directed to inform Gen. Du- !
Coudray of the number of Pieces of Ordnance in the State House !
Yard, as returned by Capt. Stiles.
The Council being informed on Oath, that the Public Records j
of the County of Westmoreland had been in an unlawful & Clan-
destine manner, removed & Secreted, and that there is reason to I
suspect that they are removed to, and secreted in the Borough of I
Lancaster, and that Mich'l Hoofnagle, late Deputy Prothonotary!
of the said County, had removed & Secreted the said Records, &ca.;;
thereupon,
Ordered, That John Hubly, Esq'r, of the Borough of Lancaster,'
be authorized & empowered to search for, demand, take, & receive!
the said Books, Records, Papers, & Seals, or such of them as may;
be found : And for the more effectual recovery of the same, that he,
be directed to apply to, and demand of Mich'l Hubley, Esq'r, &'
Will'm Henry, Esq'r, Justices of the Peace for the County of Lan-
caster, for their Special Warrant, enabling the Sheriff of the said)
County, or any Peace Officer, to enter, in the day time, into anyl
dwelling, or other House, within the said County of Lancaster, and
there to make diligent search for the said Records, Books, Papers,j
& Seals, and if the same, or any of them be there found, to bring
them before the said Justices, in order that they may be delivered
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, 253
into the Custody of the said John Hubley ; And That Mich'l Hub-
ley & Will'm Henry, Esq'r, be commanded & empowered to grant
the search Warrant before mentioned, to search any particulrr House
or Houses, as aforesaid, due cause to suspect that the said Records,
Books, Papers, & Seals, or any of them, be concealed therein, be to
you shewn ; And That, as the said Mich'l Hoofnagle is now at
Camp, His ExcelPy Gen. Washington be requested to send the said
Mich'l Hoofnagle to this City immediately, to answer his conduct
herein.
[ Esq'rs.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Sunday July 27, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, John Proctor,
Jonathan Hoge, &
Mr. Wynkoop, from Bucks County, attending, and having repre-
sented that the Committee for driving off Cattle from that County
are too few ; thereupon,
Ordered, That John Vandegrift, Arthur Watts, James Wallace,
Joshua Anderson, & Joseph Thomas, be added to the Committee
for removing Cattle, in the County of Bucks.
Ordered, That the Committee for removing of Cattle be informed
of the arrival of part of the Enemy's Fleet at Egg Harbor, and
reminded of the necessity of holding themselves in readiness to
perform that duty whenever their judgment shall point it out to ba
I necessary.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday July 28, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, John Proctor, ? « ,
Jonathan Hoge &, $ Es(l rs'
Gen'l Wayne & Gen'l Nash attended the Council, & laid before
them the situation of the Army now marching towards this City,
2$4 MINUTES OF THE
A Petition signed by a number of Inhabitants of the Borough of
Bristol, praying a redress of a grievous insult offered to that Bo-
rough by a certain Capt. Sims, was presented & read.
Ordered to lie on the Table.
Caleb Davis, Esq'r, Prothonotary of the County of Chester, com-
plained that Henry Hale Graham, Esq'r, late Prothonotary, had un~
del? divers pretences, neglected to deliver up to him, the said Davis,
the Books, Records, Papers & Seals belonging to the said Office;
Whereupon the Council, taking into consideration the great danger
to which the same are exposed, by reason of the approach of the
Enemy,
Ordered, That a Warrant be made out & directed to the said Ca-
leb Davis, Esq'r, authorizing & empowering him to enter, in day
time, with proper assistants, the dwelling House & Out Houses of
the said Henry Hale Graham, Esq'r, & search for & take possession
of, & secure in some safe place the Books, Records, Papers & Seals
belonging to the said Office, & requiring him to make returns of
what he may do herein to the Council.
On motion, Agreed, That Tho's McKean, Esq'r, be appointed
Chief Justice of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and was or-
dered to be Commissioned Accordingly.
On motion, Agreed, That Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant, Esq'r,
be appointed Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl-
vania.
The Hon'ble Congress, by their Resolve of this date, wherein it
is recommended in the following manner, Viz :
"United States in Congress Assembled, Monday July 28, 1777.
"Resolved, That it be recommended to the Executive Council of
the State of Pennsylvania to call out Four thousand of the Militia,
in addition to those already called forth, & as their service is imme-
diately wanted, that they call forth such as can be soonest collected.
On motion, Agreed, That the City of Philadelphia furnish One
Class of the Militia, Philadelphia County Two Classes, Bucks
County One Class, Chester County One Class, Lancaster County
One Class, York County One Class, Cumberland County One
Class, & Northampton County One Class, & that orders be immedi-
ately issued to the Lieutenants to bring out the said Militia with
all possible expedition. Also, that a detachment of the Artillery of
the City of Philadelphia, equal to three-eighths parts of the whole,
be called into service.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 255
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday July 29, 1777
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, Joseph Hart, } „ ,
Jonathan Hoge, & } ^
Ordered, That a Writ be issued to the Sheriff of the County of
York, for holding an Election for a Councellor for the said County,
& to be returned to the President in Council, on or before the 19th
day of August next.
The Committee appointed to drive off the Stock (in case of the
Enemies approach) from the frontier part of Chester County, rep-
resented to Council that Mr. Ash & Mr. Harvey cannot attend that
duty, &, they request an addition to their number,
On motion, Agreed, That John Pearson, Nicholas Deihl, Isaac
Hendrickson, Isaac Serril, Harvey Lewis, & Ja'c Richards, be ad-
ded to the Committee for driving off the Stock on the Enemies'
approach.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Will'm Henry,
Esq'r, for the Sum of Five Hundred Pounds, for which Sum he is
to account. . '
Ay order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, in
favor of Robert Smith, Esq'r, for the Sum of One thousand five
hundred Pounds, for the purpose of Paying Substitutes, & purcha-
sing Blankets, &ca., & for which Sum he is to account,
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday July 30, 1777.
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice-President.
John Evans, Joseph Hart, ) ™ ,
Jonathan Hoge, & \ ^sq rs"
r The State Navy Board informed the Council that u the Congress
has empowered the Continental Navy Board to purchase twelve
Vessels, to be fitted out as Fire Ships, & that the Continental
Navy Board had applied to them to fit out those Vessels," & ask
the Council to signify their approbation of the measure, and at the
same time informing them that there is combustibles for Four
Eire Ships now ready.
256 MINUTES OF THE
On consideration, agreed, That the Council approve of the State
Navy Board undertaking to fit out the Fire Ships ordered by Con-
gress, & recommend to the Navy Board to take care that there is
no misunderstanding respecting the mode of paying this expence.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Thursday July 31, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, Joseph Hart, ) ™ ,
Jonathan Hoge, & ' j usq rs.
Agreed, That application be made to Congress for the Sum of
One Hundred Thousand Dollars for the Payment of Debts con-
tracted, or which may be contracted for, or by order of Congress,
for the Payment of the Militia, &ca.
An order on Thomas Smith, Esq'r, Committee of the Loan
Office for the State of Pennsylvania, was accordingly sent up to the
Council, & by the President made Payable to Dav'd Rittenhouse,
Esq'r, Treasurer of the State, for the Sum of One Hundred Thou-
sand Dollars.
Ordered, That the Lieutenant of the City & Liberties of Phila-
delphia furnish Colo. Nichola with One Hundred and Fifty Men of
the Militia, to assist the City Guards in the charge of their impor-
tant duty.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo. John Proctor, to be forwarded by Sebas-
tian Levan, Esq'r, to Colo. Jacob Morgan, Lieutenant of the County
of Berks, &
Ordered, That the same be Charged to the said Colo. Jacob Mor-
gan, Lieut, of the County of Berks, which was delivered to Sebas-
tian Levan, Esq'r, for the said Colo. Morgan.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 25*
The Council met.
Philad'a. Friday August 1st, 1777,
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble Oeoege Bryan. Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans,
rs»
Joseph Hart, & ) E ,
John Proctor, j ^
Jonathan Hoge,
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favour of John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, for the Sum of Four
Thousand Pounds, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Dean Timmons, for the sum of Seven Hun-
dred Dollars, and directing the same to be charged to Commodore
Tho's Seymour, agreeable to his order, in favor of the said Dean
Timmons.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of the Secretary, for the Sum of Eighteen Thou-
sand Pounds, to be by him forwarded to the following Lieutenants
& Sub-Lieutenants of the Counties, To Wit : To Col. Rob't Smith,
Lieutenant of the County of Chester, the Sum of Three Thousand
Pounds, to be accounted for by him : To Colo. Joseph Kirkbride;,
Lieutenant of the County of Bucks, the Sum of Three Thousand
Pounds, for which he is to account: To Colo. Bartram Galbraith,
Lieutenant of the County of Lancaster, the Sum of Four Thousand
Pounds, for which he is to account; To Colo. James Gregory, Suh-
Lieutenant of Cumberland, the Sum of Three Thousand Pounds,
for which he is to account; To Colo. Richard McCallister, Lieutenant
of the County of York, the Sum of Three Thousand Pounds, for
which he is to account ; To Colo. John Wetzell, Lieutenant of the
County of Northampton, the Sum of Two Thousand Pounds, for
which Sum he is to account. And the Secretary is directed to for-
ward it accordingly.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Will'm Crispin, Esq'r, Commissary, for the
Sum of Two Thousand Pounds, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo. Will'm Coates, Lieutenant of the
County of Philadelphia, for the Sum of One Thousand Pounds, for
which he is to account.
And the following Orders were drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse,
Esq'r, Treasurer of the State, viz :
In favor of Abraham Bennett, for the Sum of Seven Pounds
ten Shillings, for riding express from Cape May to this City, on
public business.
VOL. XT. — 17.
258 - MINUTES OF THE
V
In favor of James Wilson, for the Sum of Seven Pounds ten
Shillings, for riding express from Cape May to this City, on Public
Business.
In favor of John Hart, Esq'r, for such Sums as he may occa-
sion for, in completeiug the survey from Salem downwards.
Sam'l Morris, Esq'r, Register of Wills for the City & County of
Philadelphia, attended the Council, and represented that he appre-
hended the Records & Papers belonging to the said Office is in
danger from the approach of the Enemy, & prayed the advice &
direction of the Council therein. On consideration,
Ordered, That Samuel Morris, Esq'r, Register of Wills for the
City & County of Philadelphia, be directed, in case of the approach
of the Enemy, to remove at the Public Expenee, all the Records &
Papers belonging to his Office, to a place of Safety.
Esq'
rs«
The Council met.
Philad'a, Saturday Aug't 2d, 177
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Son'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, John Proctor,
Jonathan Hoge, Joseph Hart,
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in iavor of Matthew Welden, for the Sum of Seven
Pounds Ten Shillings, for riding express from Cape May, on public
Business.
On motion,
Agreed, That John Morris, jun'r, Esq'r, be appointed to attend
the next Court of Quarter Sessions at Lancaster & Reading, as At-
torney of this Commonwealth at the said Courts.
An order'was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, for the Sum of Two
Thousand Pounds, for which he is to account
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL,. 259
The Council met.
Philad^a, Monday Aug't 4, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, John Proctor, and } jwrs
Jonathan Hoge, Joseph Hart. \ i*
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Dav'd Hand, for the Sum of Seven Pounds
Ten Shillings, for riding express from Cape May to this City, on
Public Business.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of John Smith, for the Sum of
, for riding express several times on Public Business.
An order was Drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Will'm Coates, Esq'r, for the Sum of Two
thousand Pounds, to Pay Substitutes, & for which he is to account.
Ordered, That the Secretary pay to Will'm Coates, Esq'r, Lieu-
tenant of the County of Philadelphia, the Sum of One Thousand
Pounds, remaining of the Eighteen thousand drawn for in nis favor,
he having sent to Colo. Galbraith the sum of .Three thousand
Pounds, instead of Four thousand Pounds, & that he inform David
Rittenhouse, JBsq'r.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday Aug't 5, 1777,
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President,
John Evans, John Proctor, & 3 _, ,
Jonathan Hoge, Joseph Hart. J m* 1
r,3
260 MINUTES OF THE
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Wednesday Aug. 6, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, John Proctor, & > ™
Jonathan Hoge, Joseph Hart. 5
An order was drawn on David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Sam'l Smith, Esq'r, Sub Lieutenant of the
County of Bucks, for the Sum of Nine hundred Pounds, to be
charged to Colo. Jos. Kirkbride, Lieiutenant of the said County,
for the purpose of Paying Substitutes, purchasing Blankets, &ca.,
for which sum he is to account.
The Petition of upwards of Twenty of the Freeholders of the
Town & Township of Easton, and of Forks Township in the County
of Northampton, setting forth that Rob't Traill & Henry Fullert,
Esq'rs, had declined, & still continue to decline to take the Oaths
necessary to qualify them to act in the Office of Magistrate, & that
great inconveniences unavoidably & daily arise from there being no
Magistrate resident in the said Town of Easton, & also setting forth
that it is necessary that one or more Magistrates should be seated
in the said Town of Easton, &ca., &ca., was read, & the same be-
ing considered ; thereupon,
On motion, Agreed, That Rob't Levers and Abraham Berlin be
appointed & Commissioned as Justices of the Peace for the said
County of Northampton, & that they be Commissioned accordingly,
in the room of the said Rob't Traill & Henry Fullert.
An order was drawn on David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Ja's Loughead, Paymaster of the City Mili-
tia, for the Sum of Two Thousand Dollars, for which he is to ac-
count.
Francis Hopkinson, Esq'r, from the Continental Navy Board, ap-
plied to Council & requested that a Pilot may be put on Board each
of Two Ships intended to be ordered down the Bay by the said
Navy Board; thereupon,
Ordered, That the States Navy Board be directed to furnish the
Continental Navy Board with Two Pilots, either from among the
Chevaux-de-Frize Pilots now in the Pay of this State, or any other
Pilots which they may be able to obtain for the said Purpose.
The Council taking into consideration that there does not re-
main any great necessity of continuing the board of War, & that
strict attention ought to be given to the saving the public money ;
thereupon,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 261
Ordered, That the thanks of the Council be given to the Gen-
tlemen of the Board of War, for their services to the State, & that
they be discharged from further service as a board of War.
Dr. Witherspoon, by a Card, ^presented his Compliments to the
Vice President, & request that Ja's Scott, David Walker, & John
Carson, (who were committed to gaol some time ago, as suspicious
persons,) may be delivered to his Custody ; thereupon,
Ordered, That they be delivered to Doc't Witherspoon's care, to-
be retured when called for.
Ordered, That a writ be issued for imprisoning Lewis Gordon,,
Esq'r, late Prothonotary of the County of Northampton, under the
late Government.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday Aug. 7, 1777.
PRESENT I
His Exceli'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, John Proctor, &
Jonathan Hoge, Joseph Hart,
Esq'rs.
Jacob Hiltaheimer, in behalf of the Quarter Master General, ap-
plied to Council for sixty Waggons, for the service of the Army ;
thereupon.
Ordered, That the Waggon- Master of the Several Counties, each
of them furnish a proportion of that number, according to the
number out of each County, having regard as much as may be to
the conveniency of individuals.
A Letter from Gen'l Hand, dated Fort Pitt, 24th July, 1777,
requesting that orders may be given to the Militia Officers of West-
moreland & Bedford, to furnish him with what Men they can spare,
for the purpose of penetrating the Indian Country & destroying
their settlements, which he apprehends to be necessary to prevent
the continuance of the Cruelties which they have lately practised,
as appears inclosed in the General's letter,
Ordered, That the Letter from Gen'l Hand, dated Fort Pitt,
24th July, 1777, with paper contained therein, be sent to Congress,
for their consideration &; direction thereon.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Col. Coats, Lieut, for the County of Phila-
delphia, for the Sum of One Thousand Pounds, for the purpose of
Paying Substitutes & purchasing Blankets, &ca., for which he is to
account.
262 MINUTES OF THE
An order was drawn on Pav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favour of Mr. John Beaton, Paymaster of the Chester
County Militia, for the Sura of One Thousand Eight hundred
Pounds, for which he is to account. § ■
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Frederick Schneyder, for the Sum Fifty-Two
Pounds Three Shillings and Nine Pence, for his Wages & several
small Articles purchased by him.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esquire, Treasurer
of the State, in favor of Adam Strieker, for the Sum of Eleven
Pounds Two Shillings & three Pence, for riding express.
Ordered, That John Bautlett, a Prisoner in the new Goal, be
enlarged on Parole.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Friday August 8th, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, John Proctor, (^ -p ,
Jonathan Hoge, Joseph Hart, j ^
The Council taking into consideration that there remains many
accounts yet open in consequence of the Contracts made by the
Board of War, which will for some time require the attention of
a Clerk to adjust and settle them, as well as to pay the Balances
which may be yet due ; thereupon
Ordered, That Jacob S. Howell, late Clerk of the Board of War,
be continued to settle the Accounts of that Board, & that Money
be put into his hands from time to time, to pay such Balances as
may appear to be due.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Jacob S. Howell, for the Sum of Two thous-
and Pounds, for which he is to account. .
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 263
The Council met.
Philad'Aj Saturday August 9, 1777.
■DBPfililWT •
PRESENT
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jonathan Hoge, ")
John Proctor, & lEsq'rs.
Joseph Hart, J
An o¥der -was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of WilPm Crispin, for the Sum of Six hundred
Pounds, for which he is to account.
The Continental Board of War having made application to the
Council for a guard, in case it shall be found necessary to remove
the Prisoners from Lancaster; thereupon,
Ordered, That on application of the Commissary of Prisoners?
or his Deputy, the Lieutenant of the County of Lancaster, do fur-
nish the Gruard which may be necessary for the said purpose.
Mr. James Dundass applied for Money to pay off several Con-
tracts with Workmen, for tools, &ca., and an order was drawn on
Jacob S. Howell, in favour of said James Dundass, for the Sum.
of One thousand five hundred pounds, for which he is to account
On motion, agreed, That Mr. John White be appointed paymas-
ter of the Militia of the State of Pennsylvania.
Mr. John Sullivan, a Prisoner on Parole, having prayed an en-
largement of his Bounds j thereupon, Agreed, That he be indulged
with the liberty of the City & County on the West side of Dela-
ware for Six Miles,
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday August 11, 1777,
PRESENT I
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble John Evans, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jonathan Hoge, 1
John Proctor, & lEsq'rs.
Joseph Hart, J
The Petition of Negro Harry, formerly a Slave of Jo'n Humphrey's
setting forth, that he was Manumitted in due form by his said Mas-
ter, & Ann Humphreys, the Widow of his deceased master, is about
to sell him to a person whom, he is apprehensive, will immediately
264 MINUTES OF THE
carry him out of this State to places far remote from his Witness,
& where, it is probable, he may be detained during his life, &ca ;
& that by reason of the Courts of Justice being shut, he can pro-
cure no process whereby his person may be secured till the matter
in dispute can be legally determined ; & therefore prays that meas-
ures may be taken, so as to secure his person from injury till the
Courts of Justice shall be opened, as to this Council may seem
expedient ; and thereupon,
Ordered, That Mrs. Ann Humphreys (Widow of Mr. Jonathan
Humphreys, late of this City,) be written to, requesting that she
will not proceed in selling the aforesaid Negro Harry, until she
shall make it clearly appear that she has a right so to do#
WilPm Mollaston, one of the Pilots engaged in the service of
this State by the late Council of Safety, applied for his discharge
from that duty, in order to go on Board the Delaware Frigate ;
thereupon,
Ordered, That the aforesaid Wm. Mollaston be discharged ac-
cording to his request.
The Council Met.
Ppiilad'a, Tuesday August 12, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
The Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, John Procter, & \ ^ ,
Jonathan Hoge, Joseph Hart, J *•
Mr. Penrose, Mr. Dunlap, Mr. Hall, Mr. Hunter, & other Gen"
tlemen of the Light Horse, waited on the Council & informed that
Benja. Chew, Esq'r, was, in conformity to the order of Council,
made Prisoner, and remained at his own House as a Prisoner ; and
that the Hon'ble John Penn, Esq'r, was also made Prisoner, &
would, at 12 O'Clock this day, be at the House of Will'm Allen,
Esq'r, subject to the orders of the Council ; And the Council there-
upon,
Ordered, That information be given to Congress, that the
Hon'ble John Penn, Esq'r, late Governor of Pennsylvania, & Benja.
Chew, Esq., Chief Justice, Register General of Wills, &ca, & one
of the Governor's Council of the same, have been made Prisoners
agreeable to the recommendation of Congress ,* That both of them
refuse to sign a Parole of any kind ; and that Congress be requested
immediately to order them to be removed out of the State.
. An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Jacob S. Howell, for the Sum Seven thousand
Pounds, for which he is to account.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 2G5
An order was drawn on Jacob S. Howell for the Sum of Five
thousand Pounds, in €avor of Joseph Blewer, Esq'r, Chairman of
the Naval Committee, for which he is to account.
Agreeable to the order of the day, Francis Armstrong of the
Township of Little Britain, in the County of Lancaster, Complain-
ant against James Whitesides, Justice elect of the said Township,
George Ewing of the same place, & John Allison, one of the-Judges
of the Election for the choosing of Justices for the said Township,
appeared and laid before the Council divers depositions and evi-
dences said to be respecting the said Complaint, which having been
duly examined, do not appear to contain any matter immediately
relating either to thWisqualification of the said Whitesides to fill
the Office of a Justice of the Peace, or tending to prove ai*y unfair
proceedings at said Election.
And the Council taking the return of Justices for the Township
of Little Britain, in the County of Lancaster, into their considera-
tion, Agreed, That James Whitesides & Patrick Ewing be appointed
Justices for the County of Lancaster. — [See a Minute of this ap-
pointment, antea pa. 251.]
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday Aug. 13, 1777»
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, J John Proctor, & ~) ™ ,
Jonathan Hoge, Joseph Hart, 3
The Continental Board of War having in writing desired that this
Council will procure an Officer & Six Gentlemen of the Philadel-
phia Light Horse to escort John Penn & Benja. Chew, Esq'rs, as
Prisoners to Fredericksburg, in Yirginia, and direct them to call at
the War Office & receive their instructions as soon as possible, and
the resolutions of Congress respecting the removal of the aforesaid
Gentlemen being read ; thereupon,
Ordered, That the Officers of Light Horse of this City be re-
quested to select from among themselves & their escort an officer &
Six Gentlemen to escort John Penn & Benj'a Chew, Esq'rs, as Pri-
soners to Fredericksburg, in Virginia, & that the escort call at the
Continental War Office & receive their instructions as soon as pos-
sible.
GenT Du Coudray having applied to Council for a House at Fort
Island,
266 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That Gen'l Du Coudray be furnished with the House
on Fort Island which may best his conveniency.
A Letter from Gen'l Potter respecting the promise of the Sub-
Lieutenants of Bucks County to their people, that they shall be
discharged when the time of those that entered first is out.
Ordered, That a Copy of the said Letter be sent to Col. Kirk-
bridge, Lieutenant of the County of Bucks.
Mr. White, lately appointed Paymaster of this State, having de-
clined to accept that appointment, as he chose to enter the Service
in another line,
On motion, Agreed, That Capt. Thos. Dorsey be appointed Pay-
master of the Militia of this State.
An ^rder was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, in
favor of Will'm Crispin, for the Sum Two Thousand Pounds, for
which he is to account.
The Committee of Philadelphia County appointed to drive off
Cattle, &ca, request that Joseph Ash ton & Simon Bennett, of Lower
Dublin, & John Bode and John Stevenson, of Byberry, be added
to that Committee ; & on consideration, Agreed that they be added
to the said Committee accordingly.
On motion, Agreed, That Col. Nicola furnish a proper guard over
John Penn & Beirja. Chew, Esq'rs, to relieve the Gentlemen of the
Light Horse from that duty until the Continental Board of War
shall take charge of them.
An order was drawn on David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Capt. Tho's Dorsey, Paymaster of the Militia
of this State, for the Sum of One Thousand Pounds, for which he
is to account.
Divers depositions relating to abuses offered to several persons
therein named, of the County of York, by Lieut. Reynolds, Lieut.
McCoy, of Capt. Steele's Company, & one Ogilvie, being laid be-
fore the Council & read, thereupon a Warrant was issued* directed
to James Claypoole, Esq'r, Sheriff of the County of Philadelphia,
to apprehend the said Lieut. Reynolds, Lieut. McCoy, and Ogilvie,
& bring them or either of them, before this Council, to answer the
complaints contained in the depositions aforesaid.
On motion, Agreed, That Mr. Marshall Edwards be appointed
Paymaster of the County of Philadelphia Militia.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 267
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Thursday Aug't 13th, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Estj'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, • John Proctor, and? w > ,:
Jonathan Hoge, Joseph Hart, $ • 'y
The Rev'd Doct. Ewing, in behalf of Benja. Chew, Esquire, ap-
peared in the Council, & declared Mr. Chew's willingness now to
sign the Parole offered to him, & requested that he might be per-
mitted to do so, at the same time declaring that Mr. Chew had not
refused to sign the Parole offered to him, from any want of respect
to the Council, but from a desire that the cause of his Arrest might
have been inserted in the Warrant for arresting him, in order that
he might be able to satisfy his friends upon what he is Arrested, &
that it may not be supposed that he stands charged with having
committed any crime against the States, but that he is arrested as
an Officer under the late Government of Pennsylvania.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Peter Dehaven, or his order, for the Sum of
One Thousand Pounds, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Will'm Crispin, for the Sum of four Thous-
and Pounds, for which he is to account.
Lieut. Will'm McCoy, & Ensign John Reynolds, were brought
by the Sheriff before the Council, & on examination, it appearing
that they were the persons charged with being guilty of a riot in
the County of York, on the 2nd of this instant, August, & there-
upon,
Ordered, That the said Will'm McCoy & John Reynolds do give
security for their appearance at the next Court of Quarter Sessions
in the County of York, there to answer the said charge, each of
them himself in the Sum of ^150. & two sufficient securities for
each, in the Sum of ^6150 for such appearance, and that they stand
committed until such security is given.
Whereas, In the course of the examination of the aforesaid
Will'm McCoy & John Reynolds, it appears that Serjeant And'w
Byer, in Capt. Nichols' Company; Ezekiel Sample, in Capt.
Steele's Company; Davis, in Capt. Butler's Company;
Ensign Wilson, of Erwin's Comp'y, Will'm Coyle, or Kyle,
John Hogg, Ensign, & John Magee, Ensign, have been active in
the said Riot; therefore the Council issued a Writ, directed to the
Sheriff of the County of Philadelphia, authorizing him to appre-
268 MINUTES OF THE
hend the said Andrew Byer, Ezekiel Sample, Davis,
Wilson, Coyle, or Kyle, John Hogg, & John Magee, &
bring them, or any of them, before this Council, to answer the
complaints aforesaid.
Doctor Drummond having applied to the Council by Petition,
praying to be enlarged on Parole, the same was now taken into
consideration, & thereupon,
Ordered, That his parole be taken to confine him to his House,
& on the West Side of Delaware, within Two Miles of the same.
The Parole to contain the conditions in other respects contained
in Mr. Smith's Parole, lately taken.
Colo. Bull, Adjutant General, applied to Council for assistance
in removeing the Troops from Billingsport to Fort Island ; there-
upon,
Ordered, That the Navy Board do give the necessary assistance
in removing the Troops from Billingsport to Fort Island.
On motion, ,
Ordered, That Mr. Matthias Bush procure One thousand Knap-
sacks for the use of the Militia of this State, on the best terms they
can be had, for which he shall be allowed One Shilling each as
Commission — the price of materials & making to be charged at the
first cost.
And'w Byers, John Hogg, & Ezekiel Semple, were brought be-
fore the Council & examined. Whereupon, John Hogg & Ezekiel
Semple were discharged, the evidence against them being insuffi-
cient to justify the detaining them. And'w Byers appearing to have
been concerned in the above mentioned riot, was ordered to give
security for his appearance at the next Court of Quarter Sessions
for the aforesaid County of York, to answer the said charge himself,
in the Sum of Fifty Pounds, & one sufficient surety in the like
Sum.
The Council met.
Piiilad'a, Friday August 15, 1777.
present :
His Exccll'y TIIO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Evans, John Proctor, & ) T?SQ»rs
Jonathan Hoge, Joseph Hart, j ^
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Michael Boyer, for the Sum of Twenty-Two
Pounds fourteen Shillings & Six Pence; for riding express.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 269
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Michael Hay, for the Sum of Six Pounds Fif-
teen Shillings, for riding express.
The Petition of Henry Funk & George Kreibel, complaining that
they have been for some days past, confined in the Goal of North-
ampton County, by commitment of Henry Lumbeck, Esq'r, because
they had refused to take the Test of Allegiance directed to be taken
by the Act of Assembly passed the 13th day of June last, & pray-
ing a day might be appointed for the hearing of said complaint,
was read, & thereupon,
Ordered, That the Secretary write to the said Frederick Lem-
boch, jJsq'r, & inform him of the said Petition, and explaining the
Law respecting the foundation on which a Commitment on a suspi-
cion of a Spy is to be founded, & also to desire the said Magistrate
not to extend the said Law in the execution thereof, beyond what
it will justify, & to recommend to the said Magistrate, in case any
difficulty should arise in the discharge of the Petitioners, to take
two other Magistrates to his assistance, & re-consider the case : And
if any difficulty shall prevent the enlargement of the Petitioners,
Tuesday the ninth of September is appointed for hearing of the
Parties.
A Resolve of Congress of this Date, recommend to this Council,
for the reasons therein mentioned, to Arrest & confine Thomas Light-
foot, being read ; thereupon,
Ordered, That Congress be informed that Thomas Lightfoot is
not an inhabitant of this State.
The Council taking into consideration the demand made by Gen-
eral Gates, of Seven Hundred Si Fifty Men to his Assistance in
the Northern Department,
Ordered, That the second Class of the Militia of Bucks County,
<& the second Class of the Militia of Northampton, repair imme-
diately to Peckskiln, & there wait the orders of G-en'l Gates.
On motion, Agreed, That James Hamilton, John Lawrence,
Edward Shippen, jun'r, Joseph Shippen, jun'r, & James Humph-
reys, Esq'r, have the bounds prescribed in their respective Paroles
enlarged to the whole State of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Melchoir, Barrack Master, applied to Council by Letter,
requesting to be supplied with Money for laying in a Stock of Wood
for the Barracks, against the coming Winter; on consideration,
Ordered, That Mr. Melchoir be informed that Council do not
think the application to this Board for Money to purchase a Stock
of Wood is proper or necessary, as it is no part of the Business of
the Council to furnish Wood for the Troops, & therefore decline
supplying the Money he asks for.
270 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Saturday Aug't 16, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHAKTON, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jonathan Hoge, Joseph Hart, ) ™ ,
John Proctor,& $ ^
Colo. Cook applied to the Council for a certified copy of the
Minutes of the Council of Safety, respecting the appointment of
Colo. Johnson, Colo. Humpton, & himself; thereupon,
Ordered, That Mr. J. g. Howell furnish Colo. Cook with the
said Minutes.
On Motion, Agreed, That Will'm Augustus Atlee, Esq'r, of the
Borough of Lancaster, be appointed & commissioned Second Judge,
& that John Evans, Esq'r, of the County of Chester, be appointed
& commissioned Third Judge of the Supreme Court of the Com-
monwealth. Commissions made out & dated this day.
Ordered, That the Navy Board do supply Major Gen'l Arm-
strong on his application, with Boats from time to time, to remove
the Militia from Billingsport, or for other purposes, as he may see
occasion.
The Council met.
Philad'a., Monday Aug't 18, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Esq'rs.
John Baily, John Proctor, &
Jonathan Hoge, Joseph Hart,
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo. Benja. Brannon, Lieut, of the County
of Chester, for the Sum of One Thousand Dollars, for the purpose
of Paying Substitutes & purchasing Blankets, &ca.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Capt. Thos. Dorsey, or his order, for the
Sum of Two Thousand Pounds, to be applied to Pay the Militia,
& for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Jacob S. Howell, in favor of Mr. James
Dundas, for the Sum of Five hundred Pounds, for which he is to
account.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 171
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday Aug't 19, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President,
John Baily, "J
Jonathan Iioge, & lEsq'rs.
John Proctor, J
On motion, Agreed, That Isaac Mackey & Joseph Gardner, of
the County of Chester, Esq'rs, they, or either of them, be appointed
& Authorized, by Dedimus Potestatum, to administer to Thomas
McKean, Esq'r, Chief Justice of the Peace of this State, the
Oaths or Affirmations required to Qualify him for the said Office,
according to the Constitution & Laws of this Commonwealth ; And
also, to administer to John Evans, Esq'r, Third Judge in & for the
said State, the Oaths or Affirmations required to Qualify him for
the said office, according to the Constitution & laws of this Com-
monwealth ; and that Michael Hubley & John Hubley, Esq'r, be
appointed & authorized as aforesaid, to administer the said Oaths or
Affirmations to Will'm Atlee, Esq'r, Second Judge of the said
State.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of John Hubley, Esq'r, for the Sum of One thou-
and Five hundred Pounds, towards defraying the Expences of
building a Powder Magazine & Store Houses at Lancaster, he being
appointed a Commissioner for that purpose by the Council of Safety,
for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of John Hubley, Esq'r, for the Sum of One
thousand Pounds, for the purpose of defraying the expences of the
Militia in & about Lancaster last Winter, when on their March to
this City, to be paid to the Hon'ble Will'm Atlee, Esq'r, & for which
he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of John Hubley, Esq'r, for the Sum of Six hun-
dred & fifty Pounds, to be also paid to the Hon'ble William Atlee^
Esq'r, to purchase Blankets with, & for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Mr. Jacob S. Howell, in favor of Mr.
Isaac Melchor, Barrack Master, for the Sum of Five Hundred
Pounds, for which he is to account.
Hillary Baker, jun'r, was recommended by Six of the Justices
of the County of Philadelphia, to be a Clerk of the Court of Quar>
ter Sessions of the Peace for the said County.
272 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday Aug. 20, 1777
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, John Proctor. } ™ ,
Jonathan Hoge, & )
Peter Dehaven applied to Council for a Still bottom of Copper,
to be used in the Gun Factory, and an order was given to him for
the same j accordingly directed him to go & take the same.
Ordered, That Peter Dehaven call on Rob't Morris, Esq'r, for
the Gun Locks in his hands belonging to this State.
Ordered, That application be made to Congress for their advice
respecting the Militia now coming in, whether the situation of Pub-
lic Affairs will admit of their being discharged or not.
On motion, Agreed, That John Carithers, of East Pennsborough,
in the County of Cumberland, be appointed Lieut, of the said Coun-
ty, & that he be commissioned accordingly.
On motion, Agreed, That Lieut. Col. Will'm Clerke be ap-
pointed Paymaster of the Militia of the County of Cumberland, &
that Philip Marsteller, Esq'r, be appointed Paymaster of the Militia
of the County of Lancaster.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Will'm Crispin, Commissary, for the Sum
of Four Thousand Pounds, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Jacob S. Howell, for the Sum of One Thou-
sand Pounds, for which he is to account.
The Council being informed that Capt. Jos. Watkins had ordered
the Copper belonging to this State to be brought to this City;
thereupon,
Ordered, That Capt. Watkins be ordered to deliver the said
copper to Peter Dehaven without delay.
On motion, Agreed, That the Paymaster of the Militia of this
State be allowed Pay and Rations as a Colonel, with a reasonable
allowance for his expences & loss of time in settling his accounts, if
this shall happen when he is not in Pay.
On motion, Agreed, That the respective County Paymasters of
the Militia be allowed Pay & Rations as a Major, with a reasonable
allowance for his expenses & loss of time in settling his Accounts,
if this shall happen when he's not in Pay.
Colo. Berker, of the Sixth Pennsylvania Battalion in Continental
Service, sent in an arrangement of the Officers of his Battalion, &
recommended John Markland, Philip Sneider, John Foster, and
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 273
Charles Mackenett, to be appointed Ensigns in the said Battalion ;
thereupon,
Ordered, That John Markland, Philip Sneider, John Foster, &
Charles Mackenett, be appointed Ensigns in the Sixth Pennsylva-
nia Battalion in the Continental service, & that the Commissions of
the first named of them bear date this day, & the others in the
order as they stand named, each one day later than the Commission
of him who stand named next before him.
Peter Dehaven, one of the Supervisors of the Factory of Mus-
kets & other Arms, heretofore established at French Creek, in
Chester County, by the late Council of Safety, representing to the
Council that the Committee of Assembly now setting on the ac-
counts of the said Council of Safety, & also of the late Committee
of Safety, do not consider themselves authorized to proceed to ex-
amine & settle the Accounts of said Supervisors later than the 5th
day of March last, the date of the dissolution of the said Council
of Safety; & the same objection being made by the said Commit-
tee of Accounts on the application of Council to them j Council
do hereby request and authorize the Gentlemen of the said Com-
mittee of Accounts, to proceed to examine & Settle the Accounts
of Peter Dehaven and James Carter, Superintendents of said Fac-
tories, and of all other persons employed by or continued in employ
by the late Board of War of this State, inasmuch as their Ac-
counts must, from their circumstances, necessarily be settled for &
during the existence of said Board of War, in connection with
former accounts of said persons under the Committee & Council of
Safety.
The Council Met
Philad'a, Thursday Aug't 21, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, Jun'r, Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, John Proctor. ] ™ ,
Jonathan Hoge, & \ ^ rs*
WilPm Dewees, Esq'r, late Sheriff of the County of Philadel-
phia, applied to Council some time ago, representing that by order
of the Committee of Safety of the 20th of May, 1776, he had de-
livered to Colo. Shee, for the recruiting of his Battalion, Thirty-one
Criminals, and he exhibited an account of the Fines, (due to the
Governor & other Officers,) charges, &ca, from the said Criminals,
amounting to the Sum of Two hundred & Forty-four Pounds, Eleven
vol. xi. — 18.
274 MINUTES OF THE
Shillings, & four Pence, besides the Sum of Six Pounds nine Shil-
lings and Six Pence, due for Turnkey's Fees, which the Council
conceiving to be unreasonable, & that it ought not to be paid, di-
rected Mr. Dewees to make out an Account of the Fees really due
to him, which being now exhibited, Amounting to the Sum of Fifty-
six Pounds Nineteen Shillings & Six Pence, and the same being
examined, was allowed & ordered to be paid. John Hubley, Esq'r,
appeared, & his Account of attendance at the Council being adjus-
ted, an order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the said John
Hubley, for the Sum of One hundred & nineteen pounds, Vizt :
For attendance, days.
From 24 Novem., 1776, to the 12 Decern., inclusive, - 19
From 3 Jan'ry to the 12 Feb'ry, 1777, inclusive, - 41
From 10 March to the 5 April, inclusive, - 27
87 days, @ 25s, £108 15
3 Mileages, 132 Miles each, at 5d each time, 8 5
87
mv
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Thomas Dorsey, (Paymaster,) for the Sum of
Three Thousand Pounds, for the purpose of Paying the Militia.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Edw'd Stroud, for riding express, for the Sum
of Nine Pounds nineteen Shillings & Six Pence.
An order was Drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of John Peck, for riding express, for the Sum of
Four Pounds Eight Shillings & Six Pence.
Ordered, That Archibald McClean be appointed & Commissioned
as Clerk of the Orphans' Court of the County of York.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Friday Aug't 22, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Baily, John Proctor. 7 ™ ,
Jonathan Hoge, & 5 ^ r3,
Caleb Davis, Esq'r, appeared in Council, & took the affirmation
required by the Constitution of this State to Qualify him to act as
one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for the County
of Chester.
' SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 275
On motion, Agreed, That WilPm Henry, Esq'r, be appointed &
empowered to employ Workmen to make Arms for the use of the
Militia of this State.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Jacob S. Howell, for the Sum of Four Thous-
and Pounds, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Jacob S. Howell, in favour of the Chair-
man of the State Navy Board, on his order, for the Sum of Three
Thousand Pounds, for which the said Board is to account.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Saturday Aug. 23, 1777.
PRESENT I
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, John Proctor,
Esq'rs.
Jonathan Hoge, &
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Col. Will'm Coats, Lieut, of the County of
Philadelphia, for the Sum of Two hundred & fifty Pounds, for the
purpose of purchasing & Paying Substitutes.
On motion,
Ordered, That the first & Second Class of the Militia of North-
ampton be ordered to march to Lancaster, & there wait the orders of
Gen'l Washington, any orders to the contrary thereof heretofore
given notwithstanding.
On motion, Agreed, That Col. Henry, Lieut, of the City & Li-
berties of Philadelphia, do immediately complete, in the fullest
manner, the third Class of the City & Liberties of Philadelphia, &
March the same, without loss of time, to Downingstown, in Chester
County, & also that he embody a Detachment, with suitable Officers,
of the Artillery of the City & Liberties of Philadelphia, equal to
three-eights of the whole of said Corps, & send them forthwith,
with suitable Cannon, in the following Divisions, That is to say :
One-half of them to the Borough of Chester, & the other half to
Downingstown, in Chester County, there to receive Gen'l Washing-
ton's orders.
On motion, Agreed, That orders be immediately sent to Colo.
Kirkbride, to send down the rest of the third Class of the Militia of
Bucks County, or as Gen'l Armstrong may otherwise order.
The Navy Board informed the Council by Letter that the Conti-
nental Navy Board had requested that Three of our armed Galleys
& two fire Vessels, may be sent down to the assistance of Capt. Al-
exander, & requested the order of Council thereupon.
276 MINUTES OF THE
On consideration, Agreed, That the request of the Continental
Navy Board be complied with; but that it be recommended to the
State Navy Board to inform the Gentlemen aforesaid, that the
Council think it necessary to observe, that the Galleys are not con-
structed for rough water, & that they hope the Boats will not be
run into unnecessary danger.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday Aug7t 25, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, John Proctor, ) ™ ,
Jonathan Hoge, & j
On motion, Agreed, That John Morris, jun'r, Esquire, be ap-
pointed to attend the next Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace
for the County of Chester, as Attorney of this Commonwealth in
the said Court.
Ordered, That Jonathan B. Smith, Esquire, Prothonotary of the
County of Philadelphia, do bring the Books & Papers belonging to
the said Office to the City of Philadelphia.
On motion, Agreed, That Colo. Dan'l Hunter be appointed Pay-
master of the Militia of the County of Berks.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Mathias Bush, for the Sum of One thousand
Dollars, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Treasurer of the
State, in favor of Thomas Dorsey, Paymaster, for the Sum of Two
Thousand Pounds, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of John Smith, for the Sum of One thousand
five hundred Pounds, to be charged to Colo. Joseph Kirkbride,
Lieut, of the County of Bucks, (to whom said Smith is to deliver
it,) for the purpose of paying Substitutes and purchasing Blankets,
&ca.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 277
The Council met.
Phxlad'a, Tuesday Aug't 26, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President..
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, John Proctor, > ^ ,
Jonathan Hoge, & S ^Sq rS'
Gen'l Potter informed the Council that Col. WilPm Henry had
in his possession four hundred or five hundred stand of Arms more
than is wanted for the third Class of City Militia, and that the
Militia of some of the Counties are in want of Arms, & propose
that these be put into his hands for the purpose of Arming them ;
thereupon,
Ordered, That Colo. Henry be desired to deliver such Arms as
he can spare to Gen'l Armstrong, to be put into the hands of the
Militia.
The Navy Board having represented to Council that Com-
modore Hazlewood's Pay during the time of his attending &
directing the fitting of the Fire Ships & Rafts, & recommending it
to the consideration of the Council to make him a handsome al-
lowance for his extra trouble & great attention to that department ;
thereupon,
Ordered, That Commodore Hazlewood be allowed & paid for his
extra service in fitting out the Fire Ships & Fire Rafts, the Sura
of One Hundred Pounds.
An order was drawn on Jacob S. Howell, in favor of James
Dundas, for the Sum of Five hundred Pounds, for which he is to
account.
Tho's Hale, Deputy Waggon Master General, applied to Council
for Seven Waggons for Gen'l Nash's Brigade, the Quarter Master
not being able to furnish him ; thereupon,
Ordered, That the Justices of the County of Chester, or any of
them, supply the said Mr. Hale with Seven Waggons, & that if
they do not immediately furnish them, that Mr. Hale be empowered
& authorized to impress them.
An order was Drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Thomas Dorsey, Esq'r, Paymaster of the
Militia of the County of Philadelphia, for the Sum of four thousand
Pounds, for which he is to account.
On motion, Agreed, That as it does not suit the conveniency of
Colo. Hunter to continue Paymaster of the County of Berks, Mr.
Henry Spyker be appointed Paymaster of the Militia of the County
of Berks.
278 MINUTES OF THE
Colo. Ayres & Capt. Brown, of the Artillery of this City & Lib-
erties, laid before the Council some inconvenience* which will arise
from ordering out three-eighths parts of the Artillery Militia in the
City, & proposed that instead thereof, two complete Companys of
Militia Artillery Men now go into service.
Application was now made by Colonel Flower, in the name of
Gen. Knox, to borrow the two brass twelve Pounders Field Pieces
belonging to this State, and he offers to leave in exchange for the
present, two brass six Pounders for the use of the Militia ; and
Congress, by their resolve of this date, having recommended it to
Council "to lend the Commander-in-Chief' the said two brass
twelve Pounders ; thereupon,
Ordered, That the Council will lend to the Commander-in-Chief
the Two brass Twelve Pounders belonging to this State, & that they
be delivered to Colo. Flower, on condition that two good brass six
pounders be left in their stead, for the use of the Militia.
On motion, Agreed, That Jas. Irwin, Esq'r, be appointed a Brig-
adier Gen'l of this State.
Ordered, Than an express be sent to French Creek, with orders
to Mr. Dehaven to send down immediately all the Arms in his pos-
session which are fit for service, & an account of the Lead in his
possession.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo. John Weitzel, Lieut, of the County of
Northampton, for the Sum of One Thousand and Five hundred
Pounds, which he is to account for.
Ordered, That application be made to the Board of War, for an
order to their Commissary of Stores to supply the Militia of this
States, thro' Mr. Robert Towers, our Commissary, with such Stores
as they may have occasion for & which he cannot furnish them
with.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Bittenhouse, Esquire, Treasurer
of this State, in favor of Mr. James Sutter, for the Sum of Five
Hundred Pounds, to be by him delivered to Mr. Tho's Savage, &
charged to said Savage as director of Salt-works.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday Aug't 27, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHABTON, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, John Proctor. > ™ ,
Jonathan Hoge, & $ ^S(* rs*
The Congress by a Resolve of yesterday, having recommended
to this Council that " the leaden Spouts in Philadelphia be taken
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 279
down for the use of the Laboratory," & it appearing to this Coun-
cil to be a Salutary & necessary measure ) therefore,
Resolved, ThatEvan Evans, Robert Allison, & James Worrell,
be appointed to take down all such Spouts accordingly, & make a
just valuation thereof.
And in conformity with another Resolve of the same date, found-
ed on evident necessity & sound Policy,
Resolved, That the Colonel or Commanding officer of each Re-
giment of the City Militia, do appoint one or more Officers & a
sufficient number of men in each ward, who shall search the Houses
of all such of the " inhabitants of the City of Philadelphia, who
have not manifested their attachment to the American cause, for
Fire Arms, Swords & Bayonets; That the owners of the Arms so
found be paid for them at an appraised Value, & that they be de-
livered to sueh of the Militia of the State of Pennsylvania who
are at present unarmed & have been called into the field," and that
a Constable attend each party during the said search, in order to
keep the Peace.
And another Resolve of Congress of the same date, " requesting
this State to cause all persons within the same notoriously disaf-
fected, forthwith to be apprehended, disarmed, and secured, till
such time as the State shall think they may be released without
injury to the common cause j" the same was referred t© further
consideration.
N. B. The above mentioned Arms are to be put into the hands
of the Lieut, of the City, for the aforesaid purpose.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Michael Boyer, for the Sum of Fourteen
pounds & fourteen Shillings, for riding express on Public Business.
Mr. Robt. McGee petitioned the Council, praying to receive in
Exchange, One large Copper bottom, one small raised ditto, and
four parts proposed for large still heads for Copper, of equal quality
in substance.
On consideration,
Ordered, That the said Petition be granted, & that the Commis-
sary in whose hands the above mentioned Copper is, do exchange
it accordingly.
Mr. Anthony Butler, agent for the Quarter Master General, ap-
plied to Council & requested to be supplied with forty Waggons &
Twenty-four Artillery Horses.
On consideration,
Ordered, That the Justices of the County of Philadelphia be
required to send down immediately Twenty-five Waggons, & that
the Justices of the County of Chester be required to send down
Twenty-five Waggons, to be Subject to the orders of the Quarter
Master General or his Agents.
On motion, Agreed, That Philip Boehm be appointed Paymas-
ter of the Militia of the County of Northampton.
280 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday Aug't 28, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, John Proctor, ) ™ >
Jonathan Hoge, & Joseph Hart. \ '
Mr. McG-ee acquainted the Council that Mr. WatkiDS, in whose
hands the Copper ordered to be exchanged yesterday, has refused
xo be at the trouble of exchanging it ; therefore,
Ordered, That Capt. Watkins deliver the Copper in hanus be-
longing to this State, to Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Will'm Crispin, Esq'r, for the sum of Three
Thousand Pounds, for which he is to Account.
Mr. Joshua Williams having represented to the Council that
the late Council of Safety had encouraged him to enlist a Company
of Men, & had engaged to give him a Captain's Commission, on
condition that he should do so, and that he has in consequence
thereof, enlisted about Thirty Men to serve during the War, who
are now ready to be marched to Camp; whereupon,
Resolved, That Mr. Joshua Williams be entitled to receive a
Captain's Commission, on his marching to Camp any number of
effective Men not less than Twenty -five, enlisted to -serve three
Years, or during the War; and that a Captain's Commission be
lodged in the hands of Major G-en'l Armstrong, to be delivered to
Mr. Williams, on his producing a Certificate from a Gren'l Officer,
that he has complied with the above condition.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Friday Aug't 29, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, John Proctor, > ™ ,
Jonathan Hoge, & Joseph Hart. 3 ^ r&'
On motion, Agreed, That the Chevaux de Frize Pilots now in
Pay of the State, be discharged.
The Committee appointed to drive off Cattle in the County of
Bucks, having recommended the following persons to be added to
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 281
their assistance, they are appointed to the assistance of the said
Committee accordingly, Viz't :
Of Bensalem. — Benja. Severns, Laurence Johnson and Henry
Bouser. I
Of Bristol Township. — Robt. Patterson & John Barnsley.
Of Bristol Borough. — David Kennedy.
Of falls Township.— ^fho's Harvey, Will'm Kilpatrick & Henry
Pitner.
Of Middletown. — Jonathan Hibbs, Will'm Goslin & James
Gregg.
Of Southampton. — Simon Vanarsdale, Nich's Varnarsdale &
Seth Beans.
Of Northampton. — G-arrat Dungan, Jacob Bennet & Christian
Hegeman.
Of Newtown. — Peter Lefferty & Abram Johnson.
Of Lower Makefield. — Peter Vansant, Cornelius Slack & Cor-
nelius Vansant.
Of Upper Makefield. — Jas. Mathews, Jas. McMear & Jas. Tal-
bot.
Of Wright's Town. — Jas. Barron & Henry McKinstry.
Of Warwick. — Benja. Snodgrass, jun'r, And'w McMicken &
John Ramsay.
Of Warminster. — Tsaac Hoff & Charles Garrison.
Of Warrington. — Will'm Long & Robt. Weir.
Of New Britain. — Sam'l Weir and John Barton.
Of Buckingham. — John Carr, John Sample, Will'm Simpson &
Will'm Bennett.
Of Salesbury. — Barnet Vanhorn, Will'm Neily & Josiah Winter.
Of Plumstead. — Robt. Gibson, John Dunlap & Dav'd Nesbitt.
Of Bedminster. — And'w Armstrong, Robt. McReily & Peter
Stout.
Of Hill Town. — James Armstrong & Henry Lewis.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of John Gill, Esq'r, Sub-Lieutenant of the
County of Bucks, for the Sum of One Thousand Pounds, to be
charged to Colo. Joseph Kirkbridge, Esq'r, Lieutenant of said
County.
Orders were sent to Peter Dehaven, at French Creek, to send
down as many Arms as are fit for service, & to send also as many
Continental Arms as he can do, on an enclosed order from the
Board of War; also to forward the Arms in the hands of John
Baker, of Providence, if not already sent down.
282 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Saturday Aug. 30, 1777.
PRESENT I
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Joseph Hart. \ « ,
Jonathan Hoge, & J ^
Commission to James Benezet, Esq'r, as Justice of the Court of
Common Pleas for the County of Bucks, dated this day.*
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Benj'a. Brannon, Esq'r, for the Sum of One
thousand Dollars, to be charged to Bob't Smith^Esq'r, Lieut, of
the County of Chester, for the purpose of Paying Substitutes &
Purchasing Blankets, &ca., for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Robert Dorsey, Esq'r, Paymaster, for the Sum
of Four Thousand Pounds, to be applied in Paying the Militia of
this State, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Jacob S. Howell, in favor of Mr. Joshua
Williams, for the Sum of Seven Hundred dollars, for the purpose
of Paying Recruits inlisted by him to serve in the Pennsylvania
line, for which Sum he is to account.
The Petition of Stephen Jos. Rouget, praying to obtain " a War
Commission for his Brigatine James, of the Burthen of Eighty
Tons, mounting Ten Carriage Guns of Four Pounders & Eighteen
Swivels, navigated by Eighty Men, now lying in this river, Com-
manded by himself, was read, & Martin Jugiez offering himself as
Surety, &ca.; thereupon,
Ordered, That the said Commission be issued by the Secretary.
The following orders were drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r,
Treasurer of the State, for riding Express, in favor of John Bird,
for the Sum of Two Pounds Ten Shillings j in favor of Jonathan
Grey, for the Sum of Two Pounds Five Shillings; in favor of
Lesher, for the Sum of Two Pounds Five Shillings.
Alexander Ramsey having had incouragement from the Council
of Safety to raise a Company of Men for the Continental Army,
and exerted himself in the attempt, but that he has only raided
twelve Men, now prays that he may be indulged Six weeks longer
to complete his Company, & in the mean time, that he will deliver
over the twelve Men to some Continental officer in Service, who
shall be accountable to Mr. Ramsey for them when demanded ; to
which the Council agreed.
Mr. Ramsey proposes Robert Brackenridge as Second Lieuten-
ant.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 283
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Sunday Aug. 31, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, John Proctor, & > ™ ,
Jonathan Hoge, Joseph Hart. |5
Mr. Rittenhouse, Colo. Bradford, Colo. Delany & Capt. Peel,
attended, in consequence of an invitation from Council, and the
resolutions of Congress of the Twenty-eighth instant was commu-
nicated to them in confidence, & their assistance asked in forming
out a List of persons dangerous to the State, & who ought to be
arrested ; and also in forming a list of Gentlemen proper to be au-
thorized to arrest such dangerous persons; and the several Gentle-
men expressed the utmost readiness in complying with the request
of Council, & the following resolution was thereupon made, Viz't :
Whereas, the Congress of the Thirteen United States of North
America have by their Resolves of the 21st inst., recommended to
the Executive Powers of the several States to apprehend & secure
all persons who have in their General conduct & conversation evi-
denced a disposition inimical to the Cause of America, particularly
Joshua Fisher, Abel James, Jas. Pemberton, Henry Drinker; Israel
Pemberton, John Pemberton, John James, Sam'l Pleasants, Thos.
Wharton, Sen'r, Thomas Fisher, (Son of Joshua,) & Sam'l Fisher
(Son of Joshua,) together with all such papers in their possession
as may be of a Political nature, and that the persons so seized be
confined in such places, & treated in such manner as shall be con-
sistant with their respective Characters, & the security of their Per-
sons j and that the Records & Papers of the Meeting of Sufferings
of the Society of People called Quakers, in the several States, be
forthwith secured, & that such parts of them as may be of a politi-
cal nature, be forthwith transmitted to Congress :
And whereas, it is necessary for the Public safety of this time,
when a British Army is landed in Maryland, with a professed de-
sign of enslaveing this free Country, & is now advanceing towards
this City, as a principal object of hostility, that such dangerous
persons be accordingly secured ; therefore,
Resolved, That a suitable number of the friends to the Public
cause be authorized forthwith to seize & Secure the Persons of the
said xJoshua Fisher, xAbel James, xJames Pemberton, xHenry
Drinker, xlsrael Pemberton, John James, xSam'l Pleasant, xTho's
Wharton, sen'r, xTho's Fisher & Sam'l Fisher, (both Sons of
Joshua,) and also xMyers Fisher, Elijah Brown, xHugh Roberts,,
xGeo. Roberts, Jos. Fox, xJohn Hunt, xSaml Emlen, junv
284 MINUTES OF THE
xAdam Kuhn, D. M , xPhineas Bond, x Will'm Smith, D. D.,
xRev'd Tho's Combe, xSam'l Shoemaker, Cha's Jervis, Will'm
Drewett Smith, Cha's Eddy, xTho's Pike, (Dancing Master,) xOwen
Jones, jun'r, xJerem'h Warder, Will'm Lennott, xEdw'd Penning-
ton, xCaleb Emlen, Will'm Smith, xSam'l Murdock, Alex'd
Stedman, Cha's Stedman, jun'r, xTho's Ashelton Merch, Will'm
Imlay, xTho's Gilpin, xSam'l Jackson, xTho's Afflick & xJohn
Pemberton.
Ordered, That the following instructions be also given : — Early
attention should be given to John Hunt, who lives on the German-
town Road, about five Miles off the City, & to John Pemberton,
Sam'l Emlen & others, leaders in the Society of Quakers, concern-
ing Books & Papers. As to the rest, your own prudence must direct.
Congress recommend it, & we wish to treat Men of reputation with
as much tenderness as the Security of their Persons & Papers will
admit. We desire, therefore, that if the persons whose names in
the list are marked with a Cross x thus, offer to you, by promise
in writing, to remain in their Dwellings, ready to appear on the
demand of Council, & meanwhile to refrain from doing any thing
injurious to the United Free States of North America, by Speak-
ing, Writing or otherwise, & from giving intelligence to the Com-
mander in Chief of the British Forces, or any other Person what-
ever, concerning public Affairs, you dismiss from further confine-
ment of their Persons; but if such engagement, or a promise
equivalent thereto, cannot be obtained, we desire that in such a
case you confine the refusers, together with the others to whose
names the said mark is not prefixed, in some convenient place
under a Guard, with which the Town Major, Colo. Nichola, will
supply you. The Free Masons' Lodge may be perhaps procured.
It would serve as well as any other place for this purpose. You
may perceive that Council would not without necessity commit many
of the persons to the Common Goal, nor even to the State Prison.
Lieut. Colo. Clarke, of Cumberland County, representing to
Council by direction of Gen'l Armstrong, the unfurnished condi-
tion of great numbers of the Militia of this State under the Com-
mand of Gen'l Armstrong, in respect of warm Cloathing & Blank-
ets, without a supply whereof the Men must in the approaching
Season Suffer & Sicken ; The Council, to relieve in some measure
those who are called out in the defence of their Country, & consid-
ering the repeated collections of Blankets made in this City, & the
impossibility of purchasing such goods from Traders at this time,
Resolve, That Gen'l Armstrong employ proper persons to pur-
chase Blankets of all persons disposed to sell, for the use of the
Militia ; they also
Resolve and authorize Gen'l Armstrong, if such purchases seem
impracticable, to make as equal & moderate a levy of Blankets as
circumstances will permit, upon the inhabitants of the County of
Chester in this State, for the use of the Militia, confineing the same
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 285
to persons who refuse to bear Arms or take an active part in the
defence of their bleeding Country, now invaded by a cruel Enemy :
And that Gen'l Armstrong do name & employ proper & discreet
persons to levy & collect the same, first having the Blankets which
may be taken from each person appraised, & a certificate of the
numbers & value delivered to the Owner, and that a List of the
names of persons levied on their townships, number of Blankets
& the valuation, be sent in due time to this Board, so that satisfaction
may be made to all concerned. And Council recommend to G-en'l
Armstrong & his Officers, to keep accounts of the Blankets collect-
ed & purchased as aforesaid, distributed to the Militia, in order that
they may be transferred to succeeding Corps called into service.
Signed by the Vice President.
On motion, Agreed, That John Morris, jun'r, Esq'r, be & he's
hereby appointed & authorized to appear at the next Court of
Quarter Sessions of the Peace for the County of Philadelphia,
there to prosecute in the name of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl-
vania.
James Tilghman, Esq'r, having applied to Council & expressed
a desire to visit his family in Maryland ; thereupon,
Agreed, That Jas. Tilghman, Esq'r, be permitted, under the
Parole lately signedtby him, to visit his family in Maryland, to re-
turn in one Month, or sooner if called for.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday Septem. 1, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, John Proctor, & ) -p »
Jonathan Hoge, Joseph Hart, ]" s(l rs"
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Peter Dehaven, for the Sum of five hundred
Pounds, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'cJ Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Jacob S. Howell, for the Sum of One Thou-
sand & Five hundred Pounds, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Jacob S. Howell, for the Sum of One
Thousand & Five Hundred Pounds, in favor of Jas. Dundas, for
which he is to account.
Mr. John Reed represented to the Council that the Banks of
Fort Island wanted some repair :
286 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That it be recommended to the Navy Board to view
the Banks of Fort Island, & order the necessary repairs to be made
therein.
The Gentlemen of the Navy Board having some time ago repre-
sented the advantages & necessity of having a Floodgate at Fort
Island, made so as to admit the Guard Boats, &ca, in the Winter ;
thereupon, 4
Ordered, That the Navy Board do make such a Flood Gate as
will answer the aforesaid purpose.
Resolved, That the following persons be appointed and authorized
to carry into execution the Resolves of Yesterday, respecting the
Arresting such persons as are deemed inimical to the cause of
American Liberty, Vizt : Will'm Bradford, Sharp Delany, James
Claypoole, Wm. Hsysham, John Purviance, Jos. Blewer, Paul
Cox, Adim Kimmel, Will'm Graham, Wm. Hardy, Cha's W.
Peale, Capt. M. Culloch, Nath. Donnel, Rob't Smith, Wm. Car-
son, Lazarus Pine, Capt. Birney, John Downey, John Galloway,
Wm. Thorpe, John Lisle, James Loughead, James Cannon, Jas.
Carr, Tho's Bradford, together with such other persons as they
shall call to their assistance.
Note. — That the foregoing Resolution (with those before relating
to this Business) was signed by the Hpn'ble George Bryan, Esq'r,
Vice President.
Resolved, That Colo. Nicola, the Town Mayor, do furnish Colo.
Bradford, on application, with a detachment of the City
Guards.
The Justices of the County of Chester having recommended
Caleb Davis, Wm. Blair, & Rich'd Thomas, in order that one of
them may be Commissioned as Clerk of the Peace of the said
County ; and Council taking in consideration the same,
Resolved, That Caleb Davis, Esq'r, be appointed Clerk of the
Peace for the County of Chester.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday Septem. 2, 1777
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jonathan Hoge, Johu Proctor, &? t? Q*r,
John Bailey, Joseph Hart, $ ^
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favour of Bob't Smith, Esq'r, Lieut, of the County
of Chester, for the Sum of Three thousand Dollars, for the pur-
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 287
pose of Paying Substitutes & purchasing Blankets, &ca., for which
he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Tho's Dorsey, Esq'r, Paymaster of the Militia
of the County of Philadelphia, for the Sum of Three thousand
Pounds, for which he is to account.
Ludwig Hautman, a Militia Man from Westmoreland County,
who was badly wounded at Woodbridge, in New Jersey, last
February, and now on his way home in a very weak State, solicited
some assistance to enable him to reach it ; on consideration of his
peculiar circumstance,
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of the said Ludwig Hautman, for the Sum of
Six pounds, to be charged to the State.
Colo. Bradford, Paul Cox, & Capt. Blewer, informed the Council
that among a number of other persons mentioned in the Warrant
of Council of the 31st Ult'o, Alex'd. Stedman, Chas. Stednian, jun'r,
& Dav'd Lenox, were apprehended & confined at the Free Masons'
lodge; on consideration,
Ordered, That the said Alex'd. Stedman, Chas. Stedman, jun'r,
& Dav'd Lenox, be committed to the State Prison.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday Septem. 3, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President..
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r., Vice President.
John Bailey, John Proctor, & 7 ™ ,
Jonathan Hoge, Joseph Hart, j ^ rs'
An order was drawn on David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Joseph Blewer, Esq'r, Chairman of the State
Navy Board, for the Sum of Four thousand Pounds, for which that
Board is to account.
John Reed applied to Council for permission to pass into the
Delaware State, (near Cantweli's Bridge,) which Council have no
objection to, provided that Gen'l Washington has not ordered the
Communication with that Country to be cut off.
Jacob Morgan, Esq'r, Councellor for the County of Berks, ap-
pear'd, took the Oath required by the Constitution of the Com-
monwealth to qualify him to sit in Council, & took his seat
accordingly.
The Gentlemen appointed & authorized to arrest the persona
hereafter named, &ca, made the following report, Yiz :
288 MINUTES OF THE
"Joshua Fisher was so ill that he could not be moved, but gave
his verbal Promise as far as required by our instructions ; no Papers
on Public affairs.
$ Abel James, His Son being very ill, & no papers of public
nature, we allowed him to remain on his Plantation, on his promis-
ing (verbally) to appear on demand of the President, & not in any
manner to speak, Write, or give any Intelligence to the Enemies
of the United free States of America.
"James Pemberton, Prisoner, no papers found of a Public
nature.
" Israel Pemberton.
"Henry Drinker, Prisoner, a number of Papers found of a Pub-
lic nature, belonging to the Monthly meetiDg.
"John Pemberton, Prisoner, a number of Papers in a brown
Bag.
" John James, not to be found, being in the Country.
" Sam'l Pleasants.
"Tho's Wharton, Sen'r, Prisoner, no papers.
" Tho's Fisher, (Son of Joshua) Prisoner, no papers.
" Samuel Fisher, (Son of Joshua) Prisoner, no papers.
" Myers Fisher, Prisoner, no papers.
" Elijah Brown.
" Hugh Roberts, 70 years or upwards, says that he has never in
any manner Spoke, or in any ways shewn himself inimical to the
Liberties and independence of America since the commence'nt of
the disputes; We have his verbal word, agreeable to our instruc-
tions, & we are to wait on him at 2 O'Clock this Afternoon; we
found no papers.
" Geo. Roberts, his Wife very big, & otherwise ill, He has passed
his word as above, & appears at the same hour with his Father, &
we beg the directions of His Excellency & Council.
"Jos. Fox, Prisoners, no papers.
"John Hunt, Prisoner, some papers.
"Sam'l Emlen, jun'r, confined to his Bed; we broke open his
Desk, but found no papers of a public nature.
"Adam Kuhn, D. M., produced the Certificate of his having
taken the Oath to the United States 2d June, is to be forth coming
at 1 O'Clock today.
"Phineas Bond on Parole, no Papers.
" Will'm Smith, D. D.
" Rev'd Tho's Combe, Prisoner, no papers.
" Sam'l Shoemaker has given his Promise not to go from his
House; that he has never had any thing to do in the meetings of
Sufferings, & has disapproved of the proceedings signed by
Pemberton
"Chas. Jervis, Prisoner, no papers.
" Will'm Drewit Smith, Prisoner, no papers.
" Pike, Dancing master, on Parole, no papers.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 289
"Owen Jones, jun'r, Prisoner, no papers.
"Will'm Lenox, jun'r, Prisoner, had a Pocket Book & soms
papers,
6<Edw'd Pennington, Prisoner, some papers.
" Jerem'h Warder, aged & very infirm, having an inflamation, haa
given his verbal Parole, agreeable to our instruction; we found
some Papers.
" Caleb Emlen, not to be found.
" WilPm Smith, (Broker) Prisoner, his Chamber is locked up for
the inspection of his Papers, & the Key in the possession of Cap*,
Smith.
" Chas. Eddy, Prisoner, no papers.
" Sam'l Murdock, on Parole, no papers.
''Alx'd Stedman, Prisoner.
u Cha's Stedman, jun'r, Prisoner.
"Tho's Asheton, (Merchant,) on Parole.
" Wm. Imlay, Prisoner, no papers.
" Thomas Gilpin, Prisoner, no papers.
" Sam'l Jackson, out of Town, no search has been made for Pa-
pers as yet.
"Tho's Afflick, Prisoner, no papers.
" N. B. Caleb Emlen, on being arrested, took the Oath required
by Law, & was thereupon discharged."
Colo- Bradford, Colo. Will. Major Keer, & Mr. Loughead,
reported That they had Arrested Israel Pemberton, John Hunt, &
Sam'l Pleasants, but that they all refused to go from the house of
the said Pemberton's, where they now are, unless they were arrested
by some Civil Officer; thereupon,
Ordered j That Colo. Nicola, Town Mayor, do take a proper
Guard & seize Israel Pemberton, John Hunt, & Sam. Pleasants, &
conduct them to the Free Mason's Lodge, & there confine them un-
der Guard until further Orders.
And Phineas Bond, Esq'r, having by Letter declared his renun-
ciation of the Parole he has signed ; thereupon,
Ordered, That Colo. Nichola do also seize <fc confine him in like
manner, until further orders.
VOL. XI.— 1ft-
290 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday Septem. 4, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq' r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Joseph Hart, &")
Jonathan Hoge, Jacob Morgan, v Esq'rs.
John Proctor, j
The Gentlemen of the Navy Board represented the necessity of
some person or persons having a more immediate care of" the Hospi-
tal on the Province Island ; on consideration,
Ordered, That the Hospital on Province Island be put under
the care & direction of the Navy Board.
Israel Pemberton, John Hunt, & Sam'l Pleasants, attended by
Mr. Lewis and Mr. Robeson, (Attorneys,) & also by Sam'l Rhoads,
jun'r, sent in by the Secretary a request to be heard by the Coun-
cil; To which the Council, by the Secretary, answered That the
Arrest has been made by order of Congress, & that at present the
Council decline hearing them. That the Secretary returned & ia-
formed Council that Mr. Pemberton, on behalf of himself, M'rs
Hunt & Pleasants, observed, no Arrest had been made by the Town
Mayor, & that one of them had not been seen or spoken to by him.
That as Freemen they claimed the right of being heard in their de-
fence before the Council. That nothing on their part should be
gaid but what was decent & proper. That theirs is a case in which
every Freeman in the State is interested, and that this right of be-
jng heard they demanded & insisted on.
To which the Council, by the Secretary, answered, That " Council
has ordered this Arrest in cousequence of a recommendation of
Congress, & they do not at present think proper to hear Mr. Pem-
berton, Mr. Hunt, & Mr. Pleasants. "
A Remonstrance from the aforesaid was presented & read.
An order was Drawn on Dav'd Ritteuhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Will'm Crispin, Esq'r, for the sum of Four
thousand Pounds, for which he is to account.
Colo. Nicola reports, That he has executed the orders of yester-
day, & had conducted Israel Pemberton, John Hunt, Sam'l Plea-
sants, & Phiueas Bond, to the Free Masons' Lodge, & secured them
jnder Guard.
Ordered, That the Prisoners now confined in the Freemasons'
Lodge, be sent to Stanton, iu Augusta County, in the State of Vir-
ginia, agreeable to the Resolve of Congress, there to be secured &
treated in such manuer as shall be eonsistaut with their respective
Characters & the security of their persons.
SUPKEME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 291
Ordered, That Jared Ingersoll, Esq'r, be directed immediately
io depart to the State of Connecticut, in conformity to his Pa-
role.
Ordered, That Thirty Waggons be sent from the upper part of
Bucks County; Forty from the County of Philadelphia ; Thirty
from the County of Northampton, & Twenty-five from the County
of Lancaster, to rendezvous at Philadelphia, & to be subject to the
orders of the Council.
N. B. The Twenty-five from Lancaster Ordered to be sent to
Camp.
Ordered, That the Lieutenants of the respective Counties do
furnish proper guards of Militia for Prisoners, whether Tories or
others, when application shall be made to them for such purposes.
Resolved, That Tho's Ashleton, now a Prisoner at his own
House, on Parole, be indulged with liberty of going at large within
the bounds of the City.
Resolved, That the Militia of this State who are now in the
Field, or who shall hereafter go into the Field & take with them
their Arms or Blankets, & the same be taken by the Enemy or
otherwise, be unavoidably lost, on producing a Certificate of such
Lops, & the time it shall have happened, signed by a Field Officer,
or Commanding Officer of the Battalion to which the losers may at
the time belong, shall have the value thereof paid by the State ;
and for this end the respective Colonels or Commanding Officers of
the Battalions now in the Field, are hereby authorized to have all
such Arms & Blankets justly appraised; And the Lieutenants or
Sub-Lieutenants of the respective Counties, are hereby directed to
appoint a suitable number of proper persons in each County, to
appraise the Arms & Blankets belonging to the Militia who may
hereafter go into the Field.
The Council met.
Phxlad'a, Friday Septem'r 5, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHAKTON, Jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon^ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Joseph Hart, & ")
Jonathan Hoge, Jacob Morgan, C Esq'rs,
John Proctor, J
Ordered, That Will'm Lenox, Esq'r, now confined in G-oal, be
enlarged, on James Craig engaging his Word & honor to see him
forthcoming, when called for by Council, & be answerable for the
good behaviour, in the mean time, of the said Wm, Lenox,
202 MINUTES OF THE"
The Secretary reports that James Craig had pledged Ms H(Wj.
/or the good behaviour of the said WilFrn Lenox, & that he shall
he forthcoming when called upon : and also that he will in form
enter into Bonds for bis good behayiour.
The President laid before the Council a Remonstrance delivered!
to him last Evening, by John Reynell, James Craig, & Owen Jones,
signed by the Gentlemen confined in the Masons' Lodge, which was
read ; and thereupon,
Ordered, That the said remonstrance be laid before Congress, <fc
that application be made to Congress to know whether they had
v.ny objections to such of the aforesaid Gentlemen as shouM now
fake an Oath or Affirmation of allegiance to this State being en~
krged y to which Congress return the following Resolve, Viz7t. :
"In Congress, September 5,- 1777.
bi Resdveiy That the Supreme Executive Coismcil be informed'
that Congress have no objection to the enlargement of such Persons
mow confined in the Lodge, as will swear or affirm allegiance to tbb
Stated
^Extract from the Minutes.
"CHA'S THOMPSON, Se^y."'
Thereupon,.
fiesoived, That susa of the Persons now conSned in 'the Lodge
as shall take & Subscribe the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance re-
quired by Law in this Commonwealth,, or that shall take k> Sub-
scribe the following Oath or Affirmation, to wit? "I do Swear
(or affirm) that I will be faithful & bear true allegiance to the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as a free & independent State/y
shall be thereupon discharged.
An order was drawn on Davrd Rittenhouse, Es^'r, Treasurer of
the Stats, in favor of the Hon'ole George Bryan, Esc/r, for the
Sum of Two Hundred & Fifty Pounds, for Six Months' Service as-
Vice President : Ordered, That the Secretary write to Colo,
Bradford & request him to communicate the last mentioned Ke-
solve to the Gentlemen confined in the Lodge,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, W&
3 Council Met.,
Pkilad'a, Saturday Septem'r 6, 1777
PRESENT :
His Ewsell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble Gegrge Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Joseph Hart, & 1
Jonathan Hoge, k Jacob Morgan, V Esqfrs.
John Proctor, j
An order was drawn on Bav'<i Kiittenhouse, Treasurer of tbe
State, in favor of Ja's Worrell, Evan Evans, & Rob't Allison, for
the Sum of One hundred k forty -eight Pounds Seventeen Shillings
& Six Pence, for taking down the Spouts, &ca, to be charged to
account of Congress.
Congress by tkeir Resolve of the fourth ins'fc, having recom-
mended this Council to give orders that all the Militia of this State
hold themselves in readiness to march at a Moment's warning, &
that they see that their Arms be put in as good condition as possi-
ble, k that the Council call out five thousand Militia from the City
& County of Philadelphia, &, the Counties most adjacent, <&ca.
On consideration,
Ordered, That one Class of the Militia, in addition to those al-
ready in Service, be ordered into Service from the City of Philadel-
phia, & the Counties of Philadelphia, Chester, York, Cumberland,
«& Northumberland.
Ordered, That on the present emergency, when the Enemies*
Army endeavouring to penetrate to this City, may be aided by a
.Fleet in the Delaware, the actual Command of the Naval force be
committed to John Haslewood, Esq9r, as Commodore in this Depart-
ment, on account of the Age k infirmities of Tho's Seymour, Esq'r,
his superior OJBeer, as it is manifest to Council that Commodore
Seymour, in the present State of his Health, cannot be capable of
of that vigour & activity which are essential to the service at this
time of danger, in whiek the most strenuous efforts of the stoutest
will be necessary.
A resolve of Congress of this date, recommending to this Coun-
cil to hear what Israel Pemberton, k divers others therein named,
can alledge to remove the suspicion of their being disaffected or
-dangerous to the United States, being read k considered,
Resolved, That the President do write to Congress & let them
know that the Council has not time to attend to that business, in
the present alarming crisis, k that they were, agreeably to the re-
commendation of Congress, at the moment the said Resolve was
brought into Council, disposing of every thing for the departure of
the Prisoners-
294 MINUTES OF TEE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Sunday Septem. 7, 17 77.
present :
f" His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Joseph Hart, &
Jona'n Hoge, Jacob Morgai
John Proctor,
And completed the Business relating to the calling of the Militia
ordered out yesterday.
as, VEsq'rs.
The Council Met.
Philab'a, Monday Septem. 8, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, Jun'r,. Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Brya>7, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Joseph Hart, &^j
Jonathan Hoge, Jacob Morgan, vEsq'rs.
John Proctor, y
The Council being informed that there is great uncertainty of a
.supply of Wood for the Salt Works now erecting in New Jersey ;
thereupon,
Ordered, That the Hon'ble John Coxe, Esq'r, be requested and
authorised to purchase a Tract of Wood Land, in the neighbourhood
of the Salt Works in New Jersey, belonging to this State, on the
best terms it can be obtained, for the use of the said works.
Jonathan Mifflin, Esq r, D. Q. M. G., having applied to Coun-
cil by Letter for a number of Waggons, & there appearing to be a
necessity of a considerable number for various purposes ; there-
upon,
Resolved, That one hundred Waggons be ordered to be sent in
from Berks County, & one hundred Waggons from the County of
Lan caster.
A Remonstrance from the people confined in the Mason's lodge,
was presented by the Secretary, & read; thereupon, the Secretary
was ordered to acquaint Doct. Hutchinson, one of the Gentlemen
who delivered the said Remonstrance to him,, that Council had re-
ferred their case to Congress.
Resolvedy That John Morris, jun'r, Esq'r, be appointed and au-
thorized to appear at the next Court of Quarter Sessions of the'
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 395
Peace, for the County of Bucks, there to Prosecute in behalf of
this Commonwealth.
Congress, by their resolve of this day, having recommended to
Council to discharge Will'm Imlay, now a Prisoner, on his Parole,
that he will forthwith repair to Kingston, in the State of New York,
& take the Oath of Allegiance to the said State, of which he is a
citizen ; thereupon,
Resolved, That the Council do agree to the discharge of the said
William Imlay accordingly.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday Septem. 9, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Yice President.
John Bailey, Joseph Hart, &") •
John Proctor, Jacob Morgan. !■ Esq'rs.
Jonathan Hoge, J
The Secretary reports, that he waited on Will'm Imlay, and gave
to him the Resolve of yesterday, but that he had not Signed the
Parole offered him by the recommendation of Congress.
Colo. Will'm Bradford now attended the Council & reported,
That he had on Friday Evening last, waited on the Prisoners now
confined at the Masons' Lodge, & shewn to them the Certified Copy
of the Resolve of Council relating to them of the 5th inst, and had
given them a Copy thereof, but that the Prisoners had given him.
no reason to expect a compliance with the terms proposed them.
The following Resolve of Congress was read, to Wit:
" In Congress, Septem. 8, 1777.
" Resolved, That it would be improper for Congress to enter into
any hearing of the Remonstrants or other Prisoners in the Masons'
lodge, they being inhabitants of Pennsylvania, and therefore, as
the Council decline giving them a hearing, for the reasons assigned
in their Letters to Congress, that it be recommended to said
Council, to order the immediate departure of such of the said Pri-
soners as yet refuse to swear or affirm allegiance to the State of
Pennsylvania, to Stanton in Virginia.
" Extract from the Minutes,
"CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec'y."
On consideration,
Resolved, That James Pemberton, Henry Drinker, Israel Pem-
berton, John Pemberton, Sam'l Pleasants, Tho's Wharton, Sen.,
296 MINUTES OF THE
Tho's Fisher, (Son of Joshua,) Sam'l Fisher, (Son of Joshua,)
Myers Fisher, 10 Elijah Brown, 11 John Hunt, 12 Phineas Bond,
13 Rev'd Tho's Coombe, 14 Cha's Jarvis, 15 Will'm Drewitt Smith,
16 Cha's Eddy, 17 Tho's Pike, 18 Owen Jones, iun'r, 19 Edw'd
Pennington, 20 Will'm Smith, Broker, 21 Tho's Gilpin, 22 Tho's
Afflick, apprehended by Council as persons who have uniformly
manifested by their general conduct & conversation a Disposition
highly inimical to the cause of America, imprisoned in the Free
Masons' lodge in this City, they refusing to confine themselves to
their several dwellings, <& thereby making the restraint of their
persons in another manner necessary, & having refused to promise
to refrain from corresponding with the Enemy, & also declined
giving any Assurance of Allegiance to this State, as of right they
ought, do thereby renounce all the priviledges of Citizenship, &
that it appears they consider themselves as subjects of the King of
Great Britain, the Enemy of this, & the other United States of
America, & that they ought to be proceeded with accordingly.
Resolved, That persons of like Character, & in emergencies equal
to the present, when the Enemy is at our Door, have in the other
States been Arrested & Secured upon suspicions arising from their
general behaviour & refusal to acknowledge their Allegiance to
the State of which they were the proper Subjects ; and that such
proceedings may be abundantly justified by the conduct of the
freest Nations & the authority of most judicious Civilians; there-
fore, -»
Resolved, That the persons whose names are mentioned above,
be without further delay removed to Stanton, in Virginia, there to
be treated according to their Characters & Stations, as far as may
be consistent with the securing of their persons.
Also Resolved, That Will'm Imlay, said to be a Subject of the
State of New York, having behaved in like manner as the persons
above mentioned, & in particular declined to give Assurance of
Allegiance to the State of New York, be removed and secured with
the rest.
Ordered, That Colo. Nicola, Town Mayor, secure the Prisoners
above named in the Masons' lodge, & assist in removing them out
of the<»City.
The representation of the Corporation of the rector, Church
Wardens & Vestrymen of the United Episcopal Churches of Christ
Church & St. Peter's Church, in the City of Philadelphia, in the
Province of Pennsylvania, was read.
Will'm Imlay now solicited by the Secretary, that he may be
permitted to sign a Parole agreeable to the Kesolve of Congress,
& that he be enlarged thereupon ; and the Secretary reports that
he has signed the Parole accordingly.
Sam'l Murdoch having petitioned to be enlarged from his present
confinement, & be allowed the bounds of the City in order to take
care of his private affairs ; thereupon,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 297
Ordered, That Sam'l Murdoch be enlarged from his present
confinement in his House, & allowed the bounds of the City, in
order that he may take care of his private Affairs.
Several Accounts of Provisions furnished by George Henry &
James Wilkins to the Westmoreland Militia, being laid before
Council,
Ordered, That the same be examined by Mr. Howell, & paid if
found right, a 2s 6 <$ Ration.
Resolved, That William Scott be appointed paymaster of the
Militia of the County of Bucks.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday Septem. 10, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Joseph Hart, &
Jonathan Hoge, Jacob Morgan, [- Esq'rs.
John Proctor,
■■}
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Jac. S. Howell, for the Sum of One Thousand
Pounds, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Rob't Towers, Esq'r, Commissary of
Stores, in favor of Colo. Lochry, Lieutenant of the County of West-
moreland, for Three hundred weight of Gunpowder & Eight hun-
dred weight of Lead. t
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo. Archibald Lochry, Lieutenant of the
County of Westmoreland, for the Sum of One thousand and five
hundred Pounds, for the purpose of purchasing riffled barrel Guns,
for the use of the Militia of the said County, and for hiring substi-
tutes, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of James Carter, for the Sum of Five hundred
Pounds, to Pay Workmen for repairing Arms, &c, & for which he
is to account.
Resolved, That Will'm Fullerton, Warwick Coats, Rateliffe
Albertson, in the South part of the City & Suburbs, & that Jacob
Miller, Sam Brewster & Israel Castle, in the North part of the City
& suburbs, be appointed to collect & detain all the boats, fiats,
Canoes & Batteaus & other embarkations whatever, in the Dela-
ware near this City, provided that no hindrance be given to the
Temoval of families by Water in Shallops or other Craft, that leave
Town & proceed to & distaee? or to Ferries.
298 MINUTES OF THE
That the Continental Board of War be reminded of the great
number of Prisoners of War now in the New Goal.
Resolved, That Major Casdrop be directed to attend with a Ser-
geant's Guard, at the Bridge over Schuylkill, in order to remove it
when ordered by this Board or the Commanding officer, and that
he remove the Boats from the West Side of Schuylkill.
Resolved, That no person be suffered to go over the West side
of Schuylkill, unless they produce a pass signed by Benj'n Paschall,
Esq'r, orW'ra Heysham, or unless they produe a Certificate of their
having taken and Subscribed an Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance
to this, or the United States of America, but persons bringing pro-
visions to Market are to be permitted to pass & re-pass without
interruption.
Resolved, That the Gentlemen of the Light Horse of this City,
except two who are to attend the prisoners now at the Lodge to
Reading, on their March to Staunton, in Augusta County, in the
State of Virginia, do proceed immediately to Camp on a Tour of
duty, & that the said two Gentlemen join the Corps after they have
discharged the said duty, .as soon as possible.
Intelligence having; been received of the Enemies' motion towards
the Citv, the following Proclamation having been read & proposed
to be published, Vizt. :
"Philad'a, Septem. 10, 1777.
" By the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
"A PROCLAMATION:
" The time is at length come in which the fate of ourselves, our
Wives, Children, & Posterity must be speedily determined; Gen'l
Howe, at the head of a British Army, the only hope, the last resource
of our Enemies' has invaded this State, dismissing his ships & disen-
cumbering himself of his heavy Artillery & baggage, he appears to
have risked all upon the event of a movement which must either de-
liver up to plunder & devastation, this Capital of Pennsylvania &
of America, or forever blast the cruel designs of our implacable
foes. Blessed be God, Providence seems to have left it to ourselves
to determine, whether we shall triumph in victory k rest in free-
dom and peace, or by tamely submitting, or weakly resisting, deliver
ourselves up a prey to an enemy, than whom none more cruel &
perfidious was ever suffered to vex & destroy any people. View
then on the other hand, the freedom & independence, the glory &
the happiness of our rising States, which are set before us as the
reward of our courage. Seriously consider on the other hand, the
wanton ravages, the Rapes, the Butcheries, which have been per-
petrated by these men in the State of New Jersey, & on the froa-
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 299
tiers of New York ; above all consider the mournful prospect of
seeing Americans like the wretched inhabitants of India, stripped of
their freedom, robbed of their property, degraded beneath the
brutes, & left to starve amid plenty, at the will of their lordly
Masters, and let us determine once for all, that we will Die or be
Free.
"The foe are manifestly aiming either by force to conquer, or by
Stratagem & Stolen marches to elude the vigilence of our brave
Commander; Declining a battle with our Countrymen, they have
attempted to steal upon us by surprise. They have been hitherto
defeated, but numbers are absolutely necessary to watch them on
every Quarter at once
" The neighbouring States are hurrying forward their Militia,
& we hope by rising as one Man, & besetting the foe at a distance
from his Fleet, we shall speedily inclose him like a Lion in the
toils.
The Council therefore most humbly beseech and intreat all Per-
sons whatsoever, to exert themselves without delay, to seize this
present opportunity of crushing the foe, now in the bowels of our
Country, by marching forth instantly under their respctive officers,
to the assistance of our great General, that he may be enabled to
environ & demolish the only British army that remains formidable
in America, or in the World. Animated with the hope that Heaven,
as before it has done in all times of difficulty & danger, will again
crown our righteous efforts with success, we look forward to the
prospect of seeing our insulting foe cut off from all means of escape,
& by the goodness of the Almighty, the Lord of Hosts & God of
Battles, wholly delivered into our hands.
" Attest, THO'S WHARTON, jun'r Presid't.
" Timothy Matlack, Secretary.
"GOD SAVE THE PEOPLE."
Resolved, That the foregoing Proclamation be published.
Resolved, That the Lieutenant of the City be ordered to Call out
all the well affected Militia of this State, to meet on the Commons,
near the centre House, to-morrow Morning at 10 0' Clock, with their
Arms, Accoutrements, Muskets & intrenching tools, of all kinds.
Colo. Nichola, Town Major, representing that he could not pro-
cure the horses necessary for the Guards ordered to escort the-
prisoners from the Masons' lodge towards Reading,
A Warrant to impress Six Horses with Saddles was issued, direc-
ted to him.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer, in favor of Mr. Alexa.
Nesbitt & Sam'l Caldwell, Gentlemen of the Light Horse, ordered
to escort the Prisoners on their way to Augusta, for the Sum of
One hundred Pounds, to pay their Expenses, as far as the present
escort may go, & for which they are to account.
300 MINUTES OF THE
Resolved, That the fifth & Sixth Classes of the Militia of this
City, & the Townships & district annexed, be immediately ordered
out.
The Rev'd Tho's Coombe having by the Rev'd Mr. White and
Colo. Cadwallader, requested to be permitted to go to Virginia
under Parole, & from thence to the Island of St. Eustatia, on con-
sideration,
Resolved, That he be enlarged on Parole accordingly.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of the Hon'ble Jacob Morgan, Esq'r, for the
Sum of Five hundred Pounds, to be charged to Jacob Morgan,
Esq'r, Lieutenant of the County of Berks, for which he is to ac-
count.
Mr. Morgan represented to Council that divers of the People of
the County of Berks were desirous of having Tho's Parry appoint-
ed one of the Justices of the Peace of the said county ; there-
upon,
Resolved, That Thomas Parry be appointed one of the Justices
of the Peace of the County of Berks.
Phineas Bond, Esq'r, by Doctor Tho's Bond, & requested to be
permitted to go to Virginia under Parole & from thence to the
West Indies j on consideration,
Resolved, That he be enlarged on Parole Accordingly.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday Septem. 11, 1777
PRESENT I
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President-
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Joseph Hart, & ^
Jonathan Hoge, Jacob Morgan. 5-Esq'rs.
John Proctor, )
An order was given to Mr. Savage on Mr. Crispin for four Bar-
cells of Salt Provisions.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
•the State, in favor of Bartram Galbraith, Esq'r, Lieutenant of
Lancaeter county, for the Sum of Three thousand Pounds, for
which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Tho's Dorsey, Paymaster for the Militia of
the County of Philadelphia, for the Sum of Three thousand Pounds,
for tfhieh he is to account.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 301
An order was drawn on Mr. Towers, in favour of Bartram Gal-
braith, Esq'r, for One thousand Musquet Cartridges, One hundred
Founds of Powder & Two hundred & fifty pounds of Lead.
The two Armies being now engaged, & the event doubtful,
Ordered, That all Shops & Stores be immediately Shut up, ex-
cept those only where workmen are employed in making or
repairing the Public Arms, & that every Man capable of bearing
arms, or repairing Arms repair to his Captains' Quarters at Two
O'Clock this Afternoon.
The Commissioned Officers are hereby Commanded to exert
themselves in the execution of this Order, & order that the Drums
beat to Arms immediately.
Ordered, That Colo. Heister, Colo. Corsey, Colo. Antis, & Colo,
Bean's respective Battalions, do immediately rendezvous at the
Sweed's Ford, & that Colo. Moore, Colo, McVeaugh, rendezvous at
the Falls of Schuylkill, & Colo. Warner's at Derby.
Ordered, That the issuing Commissary supply Provisions to the
Militia at the Sweed's Ford, Schuylkill Falls, & Derby .
As the Enemy is near at hand & this minute engaging our Army
under the Command of his ExcelPy Gen'l Washington,
Ordered, That every able bodied man in the County of Bucks;
turn out with his Arms, accoutrements & blankets, & that those
who cannot furnish themselves with Arms to take with them Axes,
spades, & every other kind of entrenching Tools, & that Colonel
Roberts, Erwin, & Killer, rendezvous at the Sweed's Ford, and that
Colo's Toomb & McElwaine rendezvous at this City.
An or4er was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favour of Colo. Melchior, for the Sum of Five hun-
dred & thirty-eight Pounds, Two Shillings & Seven Pence, ballance
of his Account, to the Twentieth of August, as settled by Caleb
David, Will'm Thorne & Philip Marstiller, a committee of Con-
gress.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favour of Jacob S. Howell, for the Sum of Five hun-
dred Pounds, for which he is to account. /:
The Petition of Thomas Robison, praying to be appointed Pro-
thonatary of the County of Northumberland, and also the Petition
of Cap't David Harris, praying to be appointed Prothonatary of the
said County, were Read. On consideration,
Resolved, That Cap't Dav'd Harris be appointed Prothonatary
of the County of Northumberland, & was Commissioned accord-
ingly.
A Warrant was granted to Joseph Watkins to impress Twenty
Horses for the Artillery.
On consideration of the returns of Justices Elected for the
County of Bedford, and a recommendation by upwards of twenty
Freeholders of Robert Galbraith, for the said Office,
302 MINUTES OF THE
Resolved, That James Mastin, 2d Will'm Parker, 3d Joshua
Milott, 4th Martin Longstreath, 5th Tho's Paxton, 6th Robert
Scott, 7th Robert Galbraith, be appointed Justices of the Peace
for the said County of Bedford.
Ordered, That a Dedinius Potestatum be made out Authorizing
<fe empowering Robert Galbraith, Esq'r, James Martin, & Thomas
Urie, Esq'rs, to Administer the Oaths required by the Constitution
& laws of this Commonwealth, to Qualify the aforesaid Magistrates
& the other Civil Officers appointed or to be appointed in the said
County of Bedford.
Ordered, That the Officers commanding the Militia of the
County of Bucks, now at the Barracks, do immediately send a
guard of Four Men to Robin Hood Ford, over the Schuylkill, four
Men to the upper Ferry, Four Men to the Bridge, & four Men to
Gray's Ferry, to take care of the Artillery placed at those places.
The Council Met.
Piiilad'a, Friday Septem. 12, 1777.
present:
His Exccll'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Joseph Hart, &~\
Jonathan Hoge, Jacob Morgan, y Escp's.
John Proctor, )
A Warrant to Peter Dehaven to impress Waggons to carry of
Gunpowder & Stores from French Creek, & to raise a guard in con-
junction with the Justice's Warrant issued to Rob't Towers, Com-
missary of Stores, to press Waggons in Radnor to remove Lead.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the Stat£, in favor of Will'm Henry, Esq'r, for the Sum of Three
Thousand Pounds, for which he is to account.
Ordered, That the Justices of the County of Chester immedi-
ately send in as many Waggons as can be procured, and that Colo.
Will'm Evans be employed in the County of Chester, & that a
Press Warrant be given him accordingly.
Ordered, That the Bucks County Militia be employed as a guard
to conduct the British Prisoners to Reading, & such others as may
be necessary to be added.
Ordered, That the Third & fourth Class of the Militia of Berks
County, the third & fourth Class of Northampton County, the
third Class of York County, the fourth, Class of Chester, & the
Second Class of Northumberland Counties, be Called into immedi-
ate service.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 303
The Board of War in very pressing terms, request that the
Bakers of the Militia may be employed in bakeing for the Army j
thereupon,
Ordered, That Colo. Henry do permit & encourage the Bakers
in the Militia to enter the Service under Mr. Ludwick.
Ordered, That two more Companies of Artillery be called into
service immediately.
Col. Charles Stewart represented that the Army is in want of
Bread; thereupon,
Ordeerd, That Colo. Cha's Stewart be authorized & empowered
to seize all the hard Bread which can be found in the City, Paying
for the same at the usual price.
Council appoints Tho's Urie & James Martin, Esq'rs, to be Sub-
Lieutenants of Bedford County, in the room & stead of Rich'd
Brown & Abraham Cable, who have declined to take upon them the
Office.
The Council met.
Philad'a., Saturday Septem. 13, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Joseph Hart, &")
Jonathan Hoge, Jacob Morgan. [►Esq'rs.
John Proctor, J
Rob't Galbraith, Esq'r, appeared before Council and took the
Oaths required by Law to qualify him to act as one of the Justices
of the Peace for the County of Bedford, &i as one of the Justices
of the Court of Common Pleas; and also the Oath required to
qualify him to act according to the Powers mentioned & named in
a Dedimus Potestatum dated this day.
Ja's Martin, Esq'r, also appeared & took the Oath required to
qualify him to act according to the powers mentioned in & granted
to him & others, by a Dedimus Potestatum dated this day.
A pass to Ja's Hamilton, Esq'r, to Northampton, &; a protection
for a Waggon with Baggage; and also a Protection for. his Goods,
Houses, Lands, & Effects, were granted.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Joseph Blewer, Esq'r, Chairman of the State
Navy Board, for the Sum of Three thousand Pounds, for which
said Navy Board is to account.
Ordered, That the Committee appointed to collect Boats, do
immediately furnish Mr. Butler with the number of Boats necessary
to bring up the wounded.
304 MINUTES OF THE
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Will'm Dallap, for the Sum of Three Pounds,
•for a Ream of Writing Paper.
A Certificate signed by Jos. Gardner, Esq'r, was laid before the
Council, certifying that Tho's McKean, Esq'r, had taken & sub-
scribed the several Oaths & declaration required by the Laws &
Constitution of this State to Qualify him to act as Chief Justice
of this Commonwealth.
Ordered, That Colo. Proctor be appointed Paymaster of the
Militia of the County of Westmoreland.
An order was drawn on David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo. Proctor, for the Sum of One Hundred
& forty eight Pounds Six Shillings and Eight Pence, Vizt :
For 109 days attendance in Council @ 25s, £136 5 0
For 290 Miles @ lOd, 12 1 8
£148 6 8
Ordered, That the fourth & fifth Classes of the Militia of the
Counties of Philadelphia & Bucks \>q called into immediate ser-
vice.
An order was drawn on tfhe Treasurer in favor of Jonathan Hoge,
Esq'r, for the Sum of One hundred & fifty-eight Pounds Seven
Shillings & Six Pence, for his attendance in Council, Viz :
For 123 days attendance in Council @ 25s, £153 15 0
Mileage on 111 Miles @ lOd, 4 12 6
£158 7 6
Ordered, That the fourth & fifth Classes of the Militia of Buck?
County, & the fourth & fifth Classes of the Militia of Philadelphia
County, & the fifth & Sixth Classes of the City, be immediately
Called into service.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Sunday Septem. 14, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Ilon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Jacob Morgan, ) ™ ,
Joseph Hart, & ' } ^ rs"
A Resolve of the Hon'ble House of General Assembly, dated
Yesterday, desireiDg & empowering this Council to take the most
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 305-
speedy & effectual means to remove the Public Moneys belong'g
to the General Loan Office, to such place as the Council may think
necessary & secure, being read, thereupon
Ordered, That Mr. Lowden & Mr. Hoge be appointed to have
the Money & Papers belonging to the Public Loan Office removed
to Easton, in the County of Northampton, and John Snyder, Hen'y
Bartholomew, was employed with a Waggon to convey it to the said
place.
Ordered, That Colo. Nicola furnish a guard of Two Men to go
with the said Waggoners. These Papers, &ca. are contained in a
case, a Barrel, & an Iron Chest.
Mr. Tilghman and Mr. Reed, by order of Gen'l Washington,
request that the Bridge may be immediately removed ; thereupon
Ordered, That Major Casdorp do immediately & effectually re-
move the Bridge at the Middle Ferry on Schuylkill, & bring it
away into Delaware, & bring over all the Boats of every kind
from the West of Delaware j Two boats are to be removed from
the upper Ferry into the cove below Mr. Morris's, & placed
under a guard, the other Boats to be placed so as to be entirely
out of the reach of the enemy ; but the Orders of the general
officers are to be obeyed on these heads, whether they are to be
exactly ordered as above, or a new arrangement made.
Ordered, That Matt'w Irwin be appointed Quarter Master of the
Militia of this State, & that he Rank as Lieutenant Colonel.
The Treasury nearly exhausted,
Ordered, That application be made to Congress for the Sum of
Two hundred Thousand Dollars, to Pay the Militia & other neces-
sary expences.
An order of Congress on John Gibson, Esq'r, Auditor General,
for the Sum of Two hundred Thousand Dollars, to be paid to the.
Supreme Executive Council, "advanced for the Public use, the said
Council to be accountable."
Ordered, That the Sum of Two hundred Thousand Dollars be
paid into the hands of DavM Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of the
State.
Dav'd Harris, Esq'r, appeared & took the Oath required by the
Constitution, & the Oath required to Qualify him to enter upon the
duty of Protnonotary of the County of Northumberland, & also the
Oath required to Qualify him to enter upon the duty of a Justice
of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esquire, Treasurer
of the State, in favor of Tho's Dorsey, Esq'r, Paymaster of the
Militia for the County of Philadelphia, for the Sum of Four thou-
sand Pounds, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Robert Towers, for the Sum of Sixty-One
VOL. xi.— -20,
306 MINUTES OP THE
Pounds & Seven Shillings, to be charged to account of Jacob S,
Howell.
Note — After Three Waggons are provided for the Council, two
are to be furnished to Mr. Cannon & Mr. Lisle.
Ordered, That all the Boats that are now in Schuylkill be im-
mediately hauled upon the land.
Ordered, That Colo. Flower employ Jas Worrell, Francis Alli-
son & Mr. Evans, Carpenters, or such other workmen as he may
think proper to employ, to take down the Bells of all the public
Buildings in this City, & convey them to a place of safety.
Ordered, That Mr. Lowden & Mr. Hoge be appointed to have
the Money & Papers belonging to the Public Loan Office removed
to Easton, in the County of Northampton, and John Snyder & Henry
Bartholomew was employed with a Waggon to convey it to the said
place.
Ordered, That Colo. Nicola furnish a Guard of Two Men to go
with the said Waggoners. These papers, &ca. are contained in a
Case, a Barrel & an Iron Chest.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday Septem. 15, 1777.
PRESENT *.
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Yice President.
John Bailey, Jacob Morgan, ) -p ,
Joseph Hart, & i
John Halev, Esq'r, lately appointed Clerk of the Orphans' Court7
represented to Council that he had applied to Jas Humphreys, Esq'r,
for the Records & papers belonging to the said Court,
Resolved & Ordered, That John Haley, Esq'r, who has been
appointed Clerk of the Orphan's Court of the City & County of
Philadelphia, do demand of Jas Humphreys, Esq'r, late Clerk
of the late Orphans' Court of the City and County of Philadelphia,
the immediate delivery of all the Records, Papers & Seals to the said
late Office of Clerk to the Orphans' Court, belonging, or which
have been used in the said Office, and that the said John Haley be
empowered to remove the said Records & Papers to a place of safety,
.& in case Mr. Humphreys make any difficulty in the Premises, Mr.
Haley is to report the same to Council without delay, that further
order may be had in the Premises.
An order was drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esq'r, for the Sum
of Twenty Thousand Dollars, in favor of Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r,
Treasurer, for which Mr. Rittenhouse is to be accountable.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 307
The following orders were drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r.
Treasurer of the State, in favor of Fred'k Snyder, for the Sum of
Thirty Pounds Sixteen Shillings & three Pence, for Forty days at-
tendance as doorkeeper, & for Wafers, Nails, & a Map.
In favor of Edw'd Stroud for the Sum of Ten Pounds Four Shil-
lings, for riding Express.
In favor of Mich'l Bowyer for the Sum of Twenty-four Pounds
Twelve Shillings, for Riding Express.
Mr. Lowdan & Mr. Hoge, appointed to remove the Public Monies
& Papers of the Loan Office of this State to some place of security,
Report, That they had applied to Sam'l Preston Moore, Esq'r, one
of the Trustees of the said Loan Office, for the said Monies & Books
& Papers thereto belonging, and that they had received of the said
Mr Moore a large Iron Chest containing Forty-two bundles of
Paper money,, said to be the balance of Principal & Interest re-
maining in the hands of the Trustees of the General Loan Office of
Pennsylvania, as settled by a Committee of Assembly in August
last, Amounting to Thirteen Thousand One Hundred & Thirty-
•Eight Pounds Eighteen Shillings & Two Pence, & the Mortgages
taken by the said Trustees for Money lent out, together with
another bundle of Paper Money said to contain the Ballance of
sundry Mortgages due to the old Loan office & Committed to the
care of the said Mr. Moore, amounting to the Sum of Seven hun-
dred & Seventy-four Pounds & nine Shillings, & ' that the said Mr.
Moore also delivered to them the Keys of said Chest, but the said
Monies had not been counted for want of time.
Mr. Moore acquainted them that the Deeds of the borrowers
lodged in the said Office, were in the posession of Humphrey Mar-
shall of Chester County ; another of the Trustees of said Office, &
the Books of said Office, had already been delivered to the said
Committee.
Ordered, That the said Chest with its said contents, be immedi-
ately sent to East town & committed to the care of Rob't Levers,
Esq'r, of said place.
Some information by affidavit & verbally, being given to Coun-
cil by George Stevenson, Esq'r, of Carlisle, of divers treasonable
& dangerous intentions and designs of levying men & destroying
the Public Stores at York, Lancaster & Carlisle & elsewhere, in
which Will'm Willis, of Newberry, & James Rankin of Manches-
ter, in York County, John Ferree of Lancaster County, Yoemen, &
divers other persons, are said to be actually concerned j and it ap-
pearing that Daniel Shelly, of Shelly Island, in Lancaster County,
Yeoman, hath been actively concerned in the Treasonable designs
aforesaid, & that he is now in Custody on a charge on Oath, as one
of the persons actively concerned in the Treasonable designs afore-
said, & that he is willing & offers to discover & give evidence in
the Premises against the accomplices & all others concerned in the
said Conspiracy & every of them, as he knoweth, so as to convict
308 MINUTES OF THE
his said accomplices ; The Council thereupon after due considera-
tion had, do Promise to the said Dan'l Shelly, that if he shall fairly
reveal &, make known the designs of said persons, & conduct him-
self in the Premises as a witness ought to do, he will thereby merit
his Pardon, for any thing he may have acted or done of a treason-
able nature, & may be assured of receiving it.
The Petition of Jerman Davis, John Bailey, Isaac Johnson,
James Chalfont, Tho's Agnew, Benja. Trego, Jos. Trego, Jas
Chalfont, jun'r, & John Simkins, setting forth that they had been
committed to Prison by Capt. Bailey without any just cause, de-
claring their innocence of any charge which may be alledged against
them as disaffected persons, & praying a hearing,
On Consideration,
Ordered, That the said Prisoners be enlarged on their sign
ing a Promise or Parole that they will do nothing injurious to the
American cause, and appear to answer any charge which may be
made against them.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday Septem. 16, 1777>
present :
His Exoell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Hon. George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Jacob Morgan, > ^ t
Joseph Hart, & 5
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Joseph Blewer, Esq'r, Chairman of the Navy
Board, for the Sum of Three Thousand Pounds, for which the said
Board is to Account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favour of Will'm Crispin, Esq'r, for the sum of Four
Thousand Pounds, for which he is to account.
Ordered, That Maj. Will'm Scott be appointed Paymaster of the
Militia of the County of York, in the room of Michael Hahn, Esq'r,
who is a member of the House of Assembly, whose attendance is
at this time highly necessary.
Mr. Alexa. Nesbitt, one of the Gentlemen of the Light Horse
appointed to escort the Prisoners to Winchester, in Virginia, re-
ports that Isr'l Pemberton, & divers others of them, had obtained
writs of hebeas Corpus, ordering Lewis Nicola to bring the bodies
of said Isr'l Pemberton & others before him on the 17th inst, at
the place in the writ expressed ; and the Hon'ble House of Gene -
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 309
ral Assembly having this day passed an Act entitled " An Act,
&ca.,"
Ordered, That a Writ be issued authorizing and empowering Sam'l
Caldwell & Alexa. Nesbitt to receive the bodies of Isr'l Pemberton,
John Hunt, James Pemberton, John Pemberton, Tho's Wharton,
Edw'd Pennington, Henry Drinker, Tho's Fisher, (son of Joshua)
Sam'l Fisher, (son of Joshua) Myers Fisher, Sam'l Pleasants, Owen
Jones, jun'r, Tho's Gilpin, Cha's Jervis, Tho's Afflick, Will'm
Brewit Smith, Tho's Pike, Will'm Smith, Elijah Brown, & Charles
Eddy, who have been, in consequence of the recommendation of
Congress, Arrested & sent forward towards Winchester in Yirginia,
and them to deliver to Jacob Morgan or John Old, to be forwarded
to the place of their destination.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of James Dundas, for the Sum of Five hundred
Pounds, to be charged to Jac'b S. Howell, and applied to the pay-
ing Workmen, &ca, for which he is to account. This order was
omitted on the 15th, being dated yesterday.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r. Treasurer of
the State, in favour of his Excell'y the President, for the Sum of
Seven Hundred & Fifty Pounds, being one half Year's Salary due
to him.
Ordered, That the Lieutenants or Sub-Lieutenants of County
of Berks & Cumberland, do provide Guards from the Militia that
are called into service, or may hereafter be called, to guard Ammu-
nition, Stores or Prisoners, when necessary, unless a sufficient num-
ber can be hired on reasonable terms, to perform that duty.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday Septem. 17, 1777.
present:
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON", jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Jacob Morgan, > -^ ,
Joseph Hart, & 5 ^S(* rs'
Ordered, That the fifth Class of the Militia of the County of
Chester be immediately sent into the field.
Ordered, That the Books in the Library belonging to the State
be sent immediately to Easton in Northampton County, & com-
mitted to the care of Robert Levers, Esq'r, of the said county, to
whose care a case & a Barrel, containing the Books & Papers of the
late Council of Safety & the Board of War, have already been sent
with the Loan Office Money & Papers.
310 MINUTES OF THE
(N. B. Fourteen Boxes & Two Trunks sent by Philip Mosser
& Jacob Kuhn, accordingly.)
Major Casdrop being called into service in the Militia,
Ordered, That Rich'd Dennis be appointed in his stead, to take
charge of the Boats and Ferry in Schuylkill, & to take care of the
bridge now in the River Delaware.
Ordered, That Capt. Joseph Stiles take charge of Wort & Brooks*
two shallops with Ammunition on board, & remove them to a place
of safety.
Bristol may, at present a place of safety.
The two following orders were drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse,
Esq'r, Treasurer of the State, & ordered to be charged to Jacob S.
Howell, Vizt:
In favor of Rob't Towers for the Sum of Fifty Pounds, for
which he is to account.
In favor of Captain Joseph Stiles for the Sum of One hundred
& fifty Pounds.
Mr. Pearson & others of the Committee appointed to drive off
the Cattle, complain that persons in whose Pastures they are ne-
cessarily put from time to time, threaten to turn them out.
On consideration,
Ordered, That the respective Committees appointed to drive off
the Cattle on the approach of the Enemy, do make use of such
Meadows or Pastures as they may find necessary, k give to the
Owners or Occupiers of such Meadows or Pastures a Certificate of
the Number of the Cattle pastured, & the time they were continued,
this Certificate to be directed to Jacob S. Howell, who will pay the
same price as is allowed by the Continental Army in like cases.
The following Recommendation of the Hon'ble House of As-
sembly being read, vizt:
" In General Assembly, Septem. 16, 1777.
" On motion,
u Ordered, That Benja. Yancampen, Esq'r, be recommended to
His Excell'y the President & Council, to be Commissioned as a
Sub-Lieutenant for the County ot Northampton.
" Extract from the Minutes.
"JOHN MORRIS, Cl'k of General Assembly."
Thereupon,
Ordered, That Benja. Yan Campen be Commissioned accord-
ing^-
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Abram Mason, (sail maker,) for the Sum of
One hundred & forty eight Pounds Eighteen Shillings & Niue Pence,
for work done for the State Laboratory.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 311
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Thursday Septem. 18, 1777.
present :
His ExceU'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President,
The Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Jacob Morgan, > ]7sa>rc,
Joseph Hart, & $>■/'"
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo. Joseph Hart, for the Sum of Fifty-nine
Pounds fourteen Shillings and Six pence, for Arms put into the
liands of the Militia of Bucks County last year, & charge the same
to Jacob S. Howell.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favour of George Spangler, for the Sum of Six
Pounds & ten Shillings, for his Services riding Express on Public
Business.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Saturday Septem. 20, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, "j
Joseph Hart, & v-Esq'rs.
Jacob Morgan. J
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Joseph Blewer, Esq'r, Chairman of the State*
Navy Board, for the Sum of Eight Thousand Dollars, for which
said Board is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of James Carter, Esq'r, for the Sum of Four
Thousand Dollars, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo. Will'm Henry, Lieutenant of the City
of Philadelphia, for the Sum of Four Thousand Dollars, for which
he is to account.
312 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday Septem. 22d, 1777.
present :
HisExcell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, ~)
Joseph Hart, & vEsq'rs.
Jacob Morgan. J
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Tho's Dorsey, Esq'r, Paymaster of the Mili-
tia for the County of Philadelphia, for the Sum of Twelve Thou-
sand Dollars, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Tho's Hewitt, Esq'r, to be delivered by him
to (Jolo. Sam'l Hunter, Lieutenant of the County of Northum-
berland, for the Sum of Two thousand Dollars, & to be charged
to the said Colo. Hunter, for which he is to account.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Tuesday Septem. 23, 1777.
PRESENT I
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Jacob Morgan, ) p, ,
Joseph Hart, <fc 5
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
.the State, in favor of Joseph Blewer, Esq'r, Chairman of the State
Navy Board, for the Sum of Fifteen Thousand Dollars, for which he
is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Will'm Crispin, Esq'r, for the Sum of Twen-
ty Thousand Dollars, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of William Henry, Esq'r, Lieutenant of the Oity
of Philadelphia, for the sum of Fifteen Thousand Dollars, for which
he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Tho's Dorsey, Esq'r, Paymaster of the Militia
of the County of Philadelphia, for the Sum of Twenty Thousand
Dollars, for which he is to account.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 3] 3
Note. — That the President wrote to Colo. Benj'a Flower, to supply
Lieut. Grant with three hundred Riffles, five hundred Pounds of
Powder, & One thousand Two hundred pounds of Lead, for which
the said Grant is to account.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday Octo. 1, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jacob Morgan, Jonathan Hoge, & ) r, ,
John Bailey, John Lowdan, J ^
The Petition of Capt. Jos. Brady's Company of Militia, of the
County of Cumberland, addressed to the Hon'ble House of Assem-
bly, setting forth in effect, that they had drawn Lots in Quotas,
consisting of a Class, for the number .of the Class in which the
Quotas respectively shall stand ranked & be called into service; that
some objections had afterwards arisen to the mode, & praying advice
therein, being read & considered, & it appearing that this mode of
casting Lots is according to the Law for regulating the Militia of
this State, however it may differ from the practice of o^her Compa-
nies; thereupon,
Ordered, That the first & second Class of the said Company, do
immediately March & join General Washington without further de-
lay, and that the third Class March to Carlisle to guard the Stores
there, according to the direction of the Lieut, of the said County.
Ordered, That the fourth & fifth Class of the Militia be called
into service immediately.
Ordered, That Colo. Galbraith, Lieutenant, of the County of
Lancaster, do immediately send the hundred of the Militia of the
County to the Borough of Lancaster, and that he do furnish a guard
for Prisoners, whenever the same may be necessarily required of
him.
Note. — The following orders were drawn Septem, 18th ult'o, &
from the situation of our Public affairs, may probably have been
omitted to be entered in the Minutes of that day.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Adam Poht, for the Sum of Seven Pounds
Seventeen Shillings & Six Pence, for the hire of his Horse, and in
favor of Leonard Lasher, for the Sum of Ten Pounds Two Shillings
k Six Pence, for the hire of his Horse.
An order was drawn on Rob't Towers, in favor of Capt. Watkins,
for Sixty Pounds of Sulphur & ninety thousand Musquet Cartridges,
t ) be charged to Congress.
314 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday October 3, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, Jonathan Hoge. > ™ ,
John Bailey, & S
Mr. Peter Dehaven attended & asked the direction of Council as
to the place the Gun Factory should be now established ; On con-
sideration,
Resolved, That the Gun Factory be established at Hummel' s-
Town, in Derry Township, in this County, for the present; if on re-
viewing it he finds it practicable otherwise, to enquire after a more
convenient place, & exercise his best discretion therein.
Mr. Parker & Mr. Whitehill, the Members' Committee of the
Hon'ble house of Assembly, now in the City, attended the Council
& represented that the Hon'ble House are desirous of having ex-
presses established to pass & repass from Council to the Army, the
expence of which the Hon'ble House are ready to defray.
The Council, sensible of the necessity of this measure, there-
upon,
Resolved, To establish the Expresses to pass & repass from
Council to Camp once in two days.
Resolved, That the Doorkeeper be immediately sent forward to-
Easton, to bring to the Borough, the Papers belonging to Council.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Peter Dehaven, for One hundred & Thirty-
two Pounds, for One hundred & Thirty-two days attendance at the
Gun Factory as director, ending the first instant ; and An order was
drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of the State, in favor
of Peter Dehaven, for which he is to account.
■ v
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 315
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday October 4, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jonathan Hoge, John Lowdan. 1 j* ,
Jacob Morgan, & 3
Council having receiv'd intelligence that Brooks & McKinley,
two Prisoners on their way to Virginia, had made their escape from
the Prison of this County,
Ordered, That Wm. Kelly, the Sheriff, attend the Council im-
mediately, and he attended accordingly, but not being able to give
the necessary information on the subject of the said Prisoners' es-
cape, thereupon Wm. Immel, the Goaler, was sent for & appeared.
On examination of his own confession it appears, That he rose at
3 O'Clock in the Morning, opened the back door & let out a Hes-
sian Baker, & a Servant to assist him in bakeing Bread, according
to his custom ; that he did not again lock the door, but went to bed ;
That he rose early in the Morning & went to Market & left the
Kitchen door unlocked, depending on the Gentry at the door for
the safety of the Prisoners.
Ordered, That the Sheriff, now present, take Will'm Immell into
his Custody, & him safely keep until he shall be further examined
by this Council.
The Sheriff having informed the Council that a certain Caleb
Johnson of this Borough, Dealer, had yesterday received McKin-
ley's Horse from a certain Rob't Spear,
Ordered, That the said Caleb Johnson be immediately arrested
& brought before the Council, & thereupon a Warrant was issued
for that purpose, and Caleb Johnson being brought before the Coun-
cil, & declaring that he had delivered the said Horse to Christian
Foutz, Esq'r, of this Borough, the said Foutz being sent for, report
was made by the Constable that Mr. Foutz was not at home ; the
account that is given by Caleb Johnson not being satisfactory,
Ordered, That Caleb Johnson be committed to Goal until further
examination be had before this Council.
Ordered, That Christian Foutz, Esq'r, be arrested & brought be-
fore this Council, there appearing sufficient reason to suspect that
he was concerned in assisting the said Brooks & McKinley in their
escape from the Prison of this County.
Ordered, That Rob't Spear be arrested & brought before this
Council, to account for his conduct in the aforesaid transaction, re-
specting McKinley's Horse.
316 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That the Secretary do call on Mich'l Hillegas, Esq'r,
Treasurer of the Continental Congress, now in the Borough, & re-
quest him to Pay to the Secretary the Sum of Fifty Thousand Dol-
lars, & take the said Secretary's Receipt for that Sum, as part of
Two hundred thousand Dollars ordered by Congress to be paid to
John Gibson, Esq'r, to this Council, & by them endorsed to Dav'd
Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of the State, for which said Sum this
Council will account to Mr. Rittenhouse, as part of the said order
of Congress.
Mr. Hillegas having sent forward the Money, this order was not
complied with.
Rich'd McAllister, Esq'r, Lieut, of the County of York, having
requested to be supplied by the hands of Mr. Tho's Amor, with a
further Sum of Money, for the purpose of sending out the Militia
of that County j thereupon,
An order was drawn on John Gibson, Esq'r, in favor of the said
Rich'd McAllister, for the Sum of Four thousand Dollars, & for-
warded the same to him by the hands of Mr. Thomas Amor.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday October 6, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, John Proctor, > ™ ,
Jonathan Hoge, k 3 & ■
Robert Spear being before the Council k examined, it does not
appear that he had any knowledge of the design of supplying Me-
Kinley with a Horse to make his escape upon, the Secretary reports
that Mr. Hilligas having sent forward the Money to York Town,
could not comply with the order of Saturday last.
His Excell'y The President reports, that John Gibson, Esq'r?
had paid into his hands the Sum of twenty-eight thousand Eight
hundred k Two Dollars, in part of the last order of Congress on
him for Two hundred Thousand dollars, in favor of this Council, &
that he had deposited the same in the hands of the Secretary.
Ordered, That Fifteen Waggons be ordered from the County of
Northampton, to Trenton or Bristol, to bring away some Indigo &
other public property now lying there under the care of John M.
Nesbitt, Esq'r, The Speaker of the Hon'ble House of General As-
sembly, informed the Council that a Committee was appointed to
confer with Council on the present State of Public Affairs; & desired
to know when they may attend.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 317
Ordered, That the Hon'ble the Speaker be informed that the
Council are now ready to receive the Committee of the House, and
Mr. Bayard, the Speaker, Mr. Parker, Colonel Kirkbride, Doct
Gardner, Colo, Davis, Mr. Cuningham, Mr. McClean, & Mr
Whitehill, a Committee of the Hon'ble House of General Assem-
bly, attended in Council.
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Tuesday October 7, 1777,
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, Jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, Jonathan Hoge, & ) p^ ,
John Bailey, John Lowdan. $ ""
The Council took into consideration the present State of our
public affairs, & Spent the greatest part of the day thereupon j in
the Evening the Committee appointed by the Hon'ble House to
confer with Council, again attended the Council in conference, &
spent some time with the Council.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday October 8, 1777.
PRESENT.
His Bxcell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, Jonathan Hoge, & ? ^ >
John Bailey, John Lowdan. 5
The Council resumed the consideration of the Business under
Consideration with the Committee of the Hon'ble House of Gen
eral Assembly.
Colo. Hart took his seat in Council.
An order was Drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo Clerke, Paymaster of the Militia for the
County of Cumberland, for the Sum of Eight thousand Dollars;
for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Philip Marstiller, Esq'r, Paymaster of the
Militia of Lancaster County, for the Sum of four thousand Dollars,
for which he is to Account,
318 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday Octo'r 9, 1777.
present :
His ExcelFy THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, John Lowdan, &^|
Jacob Morgan, Jos. Hart. ^Esq'rs.
Jonathan Hoge, J
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo. Lollar, for eleven days' service in sur-
veying the ground near the River, for the Sum of Eleven Pounds
for said service.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday October 10, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, John Lowdan, & ")
John Bailey, Jos. Hurt. v Esq'rs.
Jonathan Hoge, )
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittcnhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Will'm Henry, Esq'r, Lieut, of the City of
Philadelphia, for the Sum of Two Thousand dollars, for which he
is to account.
Colo. Boyd, Sub-Lieut, of the County of Chester, now applying
for Ammunition, to be put into the hands of the Militia of that
County, for their immediate defence,
Ordered, That Maj. Wirtz supply Colo. Boyd with Ammunition,
to be by him put into the hands of the Militia of Chester County,
for their immediate defence.
Ordered, That the Militia of the fifth Class of the County of
Chester, be employed in defending the inhabitants from the excur-
sions of the Enemy, &, that the Lieutenant use his utmost endea-
vours to mount fifty of the Militia on Horseback, for the same pur-
pose.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esquire, Treasurer
of the State, in favor of Colo. Boyd, Lieut, of the County of
Chester, for One thousand five hundred dollars, to be charged to
Colo. Smith, for which the said Colo. Smith is to account.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 319
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday October 11, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Jonathan Hoge, & > ™ ,
Jacob Morgan, John Lowdan. $
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Styner & Cist, for the Sum of One hundred
and Seventy five Pounds, to be charged to their account.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Sunday October 12, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jonathan Hoge, ")
Jacob Morgan, & >■ Esq'rs.
John Lowdan. J
And adjourned 'till to-morrow Morning.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday October 13, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Yice President.
John Bailey, Jonathan Hoge, & i «j •>
Jacob Morgan, John Lowdan. $
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo. Will'm Coats, Lieut, of the County of
Philadelphia, for the Sum of One thousand Pounds, for which he
is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Fred'k Snyder, for Two Reams of Paper &
three Boxes, for the Sum of Eight Pounds five Shillings, being
the purchase of the same.
320 MINUTES OF THE
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo. Jos. Kirkbride, for the Sum of Two
Thousand dollars, for which he is to account.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday October 14, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, Jun'r, Esq'r, President
The Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Robt. Whitehill,
Jonathan Hoge, Jonathan D. Serjeant, & J^Esq'rs.
Jacob Morgan, Jac'b Orndt.
That Mr. Cunningham be requested to purchase as many Blan-
kets as he can procure, & for this purpose,
An order was drawn on David Rittenhouse. Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Sam'l Cunningham, Esq'r, for the Sum of
One thousand Dollars, for which he is to account.
John Swiney, a private of Capt. Thompson's Company, in Colo,
Hazen's Regiment, having made his escape, was examined, & per-
mitted to pass to Tyrone Township in York County, to return to
Oarap in fifteen days from this date.
I
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday Octo. .15, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, Rob't Whitehill, ) ™ ,
Jonathan D. Serjeant, Jacob Orndt. $ 8(* rs"
Colo. Miles Attended & requested that Colo. Pipers' family may
be furnished with his Pay, as they were in necessity, & no Pay-
master now on duty, and also requested that some Money may
be advanced to Colo. Atlee's Lady, agreeable to an order from
him.
Ordered, That the Sum of Two hundred Pounds be paid to Colo.
Miles, to be by him paid to Colo. Piper's Lady, & charged to
Colo. Piper, and accordingly,
An order was drawn on JDav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo. Sam'l Miles, for the Sum of Two hun-
dred Pounds, to be charged to Colo Miles,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 321
And an order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasu-
rer of the State, in favor of Colo. Sam'l Miles, for the Sum of
Two hundred Pounds, for the use of, and to be charged to Colo.
Atlee.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of John Morris, junV, Esq'r, for the Sum of
Sixty Pounds, for his services in prosecuting in behalf of the
State at several Courts.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of the Hon'ble John Lowdan, Esq'r, for the
Sum of Fifty Pounds Sixteen Shillings & Eight Pence, for thirty-
five days attendance in Council, & Mileage on one hundred and
seventy miles.
Mich'l Renthart was sent express to Head Quarters.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday October 16, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, Jonat. D, Sergent, & 1
John Bailey, Rob't Whitehill, I Esq Vs.
Jonathan Hoge, J
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo. Tho's Cheny, Sub-Lieutenant of the
County of Chester, for the Sum of Two thousand Dollars, to be
Charged to Colo. Smith, Lieutenant of the said County, for the
purpose of Paying Substitutes & purchasing Blankets, for which
Sum he is to account.
The Secretary laid before the Council a receipt signed by Dav'd
Rittenhouse, dated the 14th ins't, by which it appears the Secre-
tary-had paid
Dollars,
To Rich'd Humphreys, by order of Council, 9,995
Wm. Clarke, Paymaster of Cumberland County Militia, 8,000
Ph'p Marsteller, ditto of Lancaster County Militia, 4,000
The said Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of the State,
the Sum of 6,807
Amounting to the Sum of 28,802
Which is equal to the Sum paid into his hands by His Excell'y
Tho's Wharton, jun'r, Esq'r, President, on the 6th instant.
VOL. XI. — 21.
322 MINUTES, SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday October 17, 1777.
PRESENT I
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jonathan Hoge, John Bailey, I p ,
Jacob Morgan, & )\ '
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Stephen Sutton, for the Sum of Seven Pounds
Ten Shillings, for his service riding express to Head Quarters.
MINUTES
OP THE
COUNCIL OF SAFETY
FOR THE
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA,
\
IN COUNCIL OF SAFETY FOR THE STATE OF PENN-
SYLVANIA :
Friday, October the 17th, 1777.
present :
His Excellency the President, Honorable Vice President, Mr,
Bailey, Mr. Hoge, Colonel Morgan, Mr. Whitehill and Mr. Ser-
geant.
The following Proclamation having been Read and considered ;
Thereupon,
Ordered, That the same be published in the following words.,,
vi'z :
uBy the Council of Safety of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania :
"A PROCLAMATION.
" Whereas, The Representatives of the Freemen of the Com-
monwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, in and by a
certain Act made and passed at Lancaster, the thirteenth day of
this instant5 October, entitled "An Act for constituting a Council
of^afety and vesting the same with the powers therein mentioned/'
have enacted and declared as follows, viz :
" Whereas, The British Troops have penetrated into this State T
and after much devastation and great cruelty in their progress,
have seized the Metropolis : Jind Whereas, in times of such danger
and confusion, the ordinary powers of Government cannot be regu-
larly administered, more especially as the term for which the
present Legislative Body of the Commonwealth have been chosen.
will speedily expire ; whereby evil-minded persons may be encour-
aged by open or secret practices to assist the common Enemy, and
further to distress the good people of this Commonwealth ; For
prevention whereof, it hath become necessary, for a limited time, to
vest St persons with summary and adequate powers to punish offen-
ders and restrain abuses :
" Be it, therefore, enacted, and it is hereby enacted by the Rep-
resentatives of the Freemen of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
in General Assembly met, And by the Authority of the same?
That the members of the Supreme Executive Council of this State,
together with John Bayard, Jonathan Sergeant, Jonathan B,
Smith, David Rittenhouse, Joseph Gardner, Robert Orndt, Curtis
Grubb, James Cannon and William Henry, of Lancaster, Esquires,
326 MINUTES OF THE
be constituted, and they are hereby constituted, a Council of
Safety, with full power to promote and provide for the preservation
of the Commonwealth, by such regulations and ordinances as to them
shall seem necessary, and to proceed against, seize, detain, imprison,
punish, either capitally or otherwise, as the case may require, in a
summary mode, either by themselves or others by them to be
appointed for that purpose, all persons who shall disobey or trans-
gress the same or the laws of this State heretofore made, for the
purpose of restraining or punishing traitors or others, who, from
their General conduct and conversation may be deemed inimical
to the common cause of liberty and the United States of North
America.
" And the said Council of Safety are hereby authorized and em*
powered, by the Authority aforesaid, to take and seize, where it
may be needful, provisions and other necessaries for the Army or
the inhabitants, and to appraise and value the same so taken, and
for this eDd to appoint proper persons under them to take, seize,
and appraise as aforesaid ; And the said Council of Safety shall
in general regulate the prices of such articles as they may think
necessary, and compel a sale thereof, where they shall be wanted,
with full powers also to call to their aid all officers and other per-
sons, civil or military, in the execution of the Premises.
" Jind be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That the
President or Vice President of the Executive Council, and any six
of the said members of the said Council of Safety, shall be a quo-
rum to do business.
"Provided always, That the exercise of the ordinary course of
Justice in the trial and punishment of offenders shall proceed and
take its effects, and that original writs and process in the Law for
debts and demands may be issued and carried on, notwithstanding
this Act or any thing therein contained, and that all other civil
and lawful business and actings be done and performed in the
manner practised at the time of passing this Act, as far as the
present condition of the state will admit, so as that the exercise
of the authority and jurisdiction hertofore given and granted to the
said Council of Safety, or the authority given to the Supream Ex-
ecutive Council by an Act of General Assembly, passed in the
present year, entitled • An Act to empower the Supreme Execu-
tive Council of this Commonwealth to provide for the security
thereof in special cases, where no provision is already made by law/
be not obstructed or questioned.
u Jlnd be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That
the members of the said Executive Council, and the said John
.Bayard, Jonathan Sergeant, Jonathan li. Smith, David Kitten-
house, Joseph Gardner,- Robert Whitehill, Christopher Marshall,
James Smith of Yorktown, Jacob Orndt, Curtis Grubb, James
Cannon, and William Henry of Lancaster, or any other persons
acting under their authority in the premises; or any of them, shall
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 327
not at any time hereafter be liable to any suit, action, or prosecu-
tion, for anything done in pursuance of this Act or the powers
hereby given and granted, but that they and each of them, shall
be collectively and severally indemnified, saved harmless, and dis-
charged of the same, and that all suits, actions and prosecutions
shall be barred, abated and discontinued, by the Court before
whom the proceedings shall be brought.
" And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That. the
Supreme Executive Council of this State, may at any time during
the continuance of the powers and authorities hereby granted, by
Proclamation or other public act, renounce, determine and extin-
guish the same, and every part thereof, and that thereupon the
said powers and every of them, shall cease and become void, and be
no longer exercised and enforced.
U Provided lastly, That the powers hereby given and entrusted to
the said Council of Safety, shall continue and remain in force, (un-
less otherwise sooner determined) to the end of the next sitting of
General Assembly, and no longer.
u We therefore, the Members of the said Council of Safety, being
convened in pursuance of the said Act of General Assembly, do give
this Public notice of our said appointment, hereby Requiring all
manner of Persons, as well officers Civil and Military as others, to
Govern themselves according to the just laws of this Commonwealth,
and the necessary provisions which have or shall be made for the
protection thereof, in this time of Public danger and Calamity.—
We do also most expressly charge and Require, that all persons do
utterly forbear from furnishing the Armies or Fleets of the King
of Great Britain with provisions or other necessaries or aid, and
from transporting or carrying the same provisions or other necessa-
ries aforesaid, to any City, Town or place in the power or possession
of the said Fleet or Armies, most eernestly entreating them to save
us the Irksome task of punishing them with immediate death, as
their crimes deserve. And, we do most solemnly charge and corn-*
mand all Forestallers and Ingrossers of provisions and other neces-
saries, by whose most horrible and pernicious practices and exam-
pies we are threatened with want in the midst of plenty, that they
do wholly cease and abstain from preying on the necessitous, abus-
ing the Publick, and aggravating the distresses of their Country,
lest they be overtaken in their Iniquities, and dealt with according
to their demerits. And it is Recommended to all persons possessed
of Provisions and other necessaries, cautiously to avoid selling the
same to such forestallers and ingrossers, but to dispose of them for
the use of the American Army, or to persons who may be in want
of them for their own immediate use, at a Reasonable price, other-
wise this Council must interpose their Authority to prevent and Re-
dress such abuses. And all the good people of this Commonwealth
are called upon and invited to Join with us in the most speedy and
Vigorous exertions for Rescuing this State from the Tyranny, de-
328 . MINUTES OF THE
Fustation and oppression of her cruel enemies, that we may again
^ee good days, and enjoy the inestimable blessings of liberty and
peace.
Given at Lancaster, the 17th day of October, in the year of our
Lord, 1777."
In Council of Safety,
Lancaster, Octo'r 17th, 1777.
Ordered, That Colonel Bartram Galbraith, Lieutenant of the
County of Lancaster, be empowered to collect all the Blanketts for
the Sick which can be spared by the inhabitants, and that he em-
ploy such persons for this purpose as he may think proper.
Ordered, That John Hobson, Ludwig Lowman and William
Hamilton, Esquires, be appointed to Value on Oath, such blankets
as may be taken and collected in consequence of the foregoing
order.
In Council of Safety.
Saturday, October 18th, 1777.
PRESENT :
Excellency President, Mr. V. President, Colonel Morgan, Mr.
Bailey, Mr/Hoge and Mr. Hart, Mr. J. D, Serjeant, Mr. Grubb,
Mr. Whitehill.
In Council of Safety,
Tuesday, October 21st, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excellency the President, Honb'e Vice President, Col.
Morgan, Col. Hart, Mr. Bailey, Mr. Hoge, Mr. Serjeant and Mr.
Henry.
Ordered, That Colonel Evan Evans, Colonel William Evans, Col.
Thomas, Col. Gibbons, Captain Thomas Levis, Capt. William Brooks,
and Capt. Jacob Rudolph, be authorized and required to collect with-
out delay, from such of the Inhabitants of Chester County as have not
taken the Oaths of Allegancc and abjuration, or who have Aided or
assisted the Enemy, Arms and Accoutrements, blankets, shoes and
stockings, for the use of the Army ; that they appraise the same when
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 329
taken, according to their Quality, allowing at the Rate of three
pounds for a new single blanket, and give certificates for the same
to the owners; That they call to their Aid the Militia of this Com-
monwealth, who are hereby ordered to obey and assist them in the
execution of this Order, and that they deliver the same so taken to
the Order of the Clothier General, or his Agent, with whom they
are to correspond in the discharge of this business.
Ordered, That Colonel Bartram Galbraith, Major Cook, Captain
George Franciscus, and Captain Craig, be appointed for the same
purposes, and with the like instructions & Authority, in the County
of Lancaster.
The following Ordinance being Read and Considered, Viz't :
" Whereas, divers of the inhabitants of this Commonwealth,
not Regarding their duty to the State, but Renouncing their Alle-
giance thereto, and disclaiming the protection thereof, have wicked-
ly joined themselves to our unnatural Enemies, giving to them aid
and assistance by furnishing them with provisions and otherwise,
thereby contributing as far as in them lies, to increase the distresses
of their injured Country; and whereas, it is highly unjust and Re-
pugnant to the practice of all Nations to protect and preserve the
property of their avowed Enemies ; Therefore,
Be it Ordained, Resolved and declared, and by Virtue of the
powers and Authorities to us committed by the Legislature of this
State, it is, by the Council of Safety of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, hereby ordained, Resolved and declared, that all
and every the personal Estate and effects whatsoever of such of
the Inhabitants of this Commonwealth as have, or hereafter shall
abandon their Families or habitations, & Joined the Army of the
King of Great Britain, and of all such as shall Resort to any City,
Town or place within this Commonwealth in possession of the
Troops or Armies of the said King of Great Britain, carrying to
them Provisions, or that shall otherwise afford to them such pro-
visions or intelligence or other Aid, shall be seized upon and safely
Kept by the Commissioners hereinafter Appointed, for the use and
purpose herein after declared, and all sales and alienations thereof,
and of all or any of the Real Estates of such Offenders in the mean
time made by them, or any of them, their, or either Agents, Factors,
or Attornies, are hereby declared to be null and void, to all intents
and purposes whatsoever; And be it further Resolved, ordained
and declared, by the authority aforesaid, that the Commissioners for
the Respective Counties hereinafter appointed, or any or either of
them, shall and may, with all convenient speed after the Publication
of this Ordinance, seize upon and into his or their Custody, aod
make a true and perfect inventory of all the personal Estate and
effects of every such Offender, and dispose of all the perishable-
part thereof, and "at his or their discretion, convey away and Re-
move to places of safety, sell, or otherwise dispose of, where it may
330 MINUTES OF THE
be necessary, all such goods and effects of the- said Offenders as
they shall apprehend to be in danger of falling into the hands of
the Enemy, and the said Monies and Goods so by them taken or
Received, the said Commissioners are Required to Retain and keep
safely, subject to the future disposition of the Legislature of this
Commonwealth, Keeping true Accounts of their proceedings, and
Receiving for their trouble, over and above their Costs and charges,
at the Rate of five ^ centum. And the said Commissioners are
hereby also further directed and enjoined, with all convenient speed
after the making such inventory and sale or sales as aforesaid, to
•deliver, on Oath, to the Treasurer, a true Copy of such Inventory or
account of sales.
And be it further Resolved, Ordained and declared by the au-
thority aforesaid, that the several persons hereinafter named, (or
in their or either of their stead and place, in case they or either of
them shall refuse or be disabled to perform the duties upon them
•enjoined, in and by this Ordinance, such other person or persons as
this Council shall from time to time appoint,) shall be and they
are hereby appointed Commissioners for the purposes aforesaid, to-
Wit:
For the City of Philadelphia, William Will, Sharp Delany,
-Jacob Schriner, Charles Wilson Peale, Robert Smith, (Hatter,)
Samuel Massay.
For the County of Philadelphia, William Antis, Robert Lollar,
'James Stroud, Daniel Hiester, Archibald Thompson.
For the County of Chester, William Evans, William Gibbons,
Thomas Cheney, Isaac Taylor, Thomas Levis, Capt'n William
-Brooke, and Patterson Bell.
For the County of Bucks, Richard Gibbs, Joseph MTlvaine
John Lacey, Samuel Smith, John Crawford, Nicholas Potter.
For the County of Lancaster, William Bauseman, Casper Shaff-
ner, Robert Patton, George Steward, Francis Armstong, James,
Cunningham.
For the County of York, William White, Robert Stevenson, James
Nailor, Matthew Dill, William Chesney, John Ewing.
For the County of Cumberland, George Stevenson, John Boggs,
and Joseph Brady.
• For the County of Berks, Thomas Parry, David Morgan, Peter
Nagle, Henry'Natter, Daniel Ultree Speiker, Joseph Neister.
For the County of Northampton, Conrad Krider, — Keichline,
■ Paul Balliot, Robert Levers, Daniel Depuy.
For the County of Bedford, Robert Galbraith, Thomas Urie,
John Piper.
'For the County of Northumberland, John Kelly, Thomas Hewitt.
For the County of Westmoreland, Colonel John Proctor, Thomas
«»a)braith.
Aud be it lastly resolved, ordained and declared by the authority
foresaid; that the said Commissioners, or any or either of them,
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 331
shall be fully authorised and empowered to search for and seize
the said goods and effects of such offenders, and for this end to send
for, call before them, and examine persons and papers, to use force
and to break open doors in all Cases where the same goods may be
secreted and concealed, to commit such as shall absolutely Resist
their Authority, and to call to their Aid Officers and others, civil
and Military, who are hereby Required and commanded to Aid and
assist them accordingly.
On Motion, agreed, That the foregoing Ordinance be passed and
Published immediately.
In Council of Safety.
Wednesday, October 22d, 1777.
Presentj the Council of Safety, and Mr. Serjeant and Dr. Gard-
ner.
General Armstrong attended and laid before the Council the State
of the Militia, and requested that a further proportion of the Mili-
tia of the State be Ordered into Service.
In Council of Safety.
Thursday, October 23d, 1777.
Present as Yesterday.
Peter Dehaven informed the Council that he was not able to fur-
nish the Gun Factory at Hummels-town with provisions, there be-
ing none to be purchased in that Neighbourhood ; On Considera-
tion,
Ordered, That Colonel Joshaa Elder, Sub-Lieutenant of this
County, be authorized and Required to take effectual measures to
supply the Factory at Hummels Town with Provisions ; And if he
shall find it necessary to seize provisions for this purpose, he is to
give Certificates for the same to the Owners, to be Paid for at such
prices as this Council shall hereafter agree upon and Order.
In Council of Safety.
Friday October 24th, 1777.
Present as Yesterday.
The Council took into consideration " An Ordinance for the more
effectual levying the monies advanced for substitutes in the Militiat
832 MINUTES OF THE
and fines due to the Publick for disobedience to the Militia Laws;"
And having spent some time thereon,
Adjourned to to-Morrow, Usual Hour.
In Council of Safety.
Saturday October 25th, 177 T.
Present as yesterday, and Colonel Bayard.
The Council Resumed the consideration of the Ordinance in-
titled "An Ordinance for the more effectual levying the monies
advanced for Substitutes in the Militia, and fines due to the Pub-
lick for disobedience to the Militia Laws ;" And agreed that the
following Ordinance be passed and Published, Vizt :
u An Ordinance for the more effectual levying the Monies ad-
vanced for Substitutes in the Militia, and fines due to the
Publick, for disobedience to the Militia Laws.
u Whereas, in Consequence of the delinquency of the Personal
service of many Male inhabitants in this State, liable to serve in
the Militia, they have become bound to pay and Re-imburse to this
Commonwealth Sums of Money advanced to Substitutes in their
Room and Stead, and others in like manner delinquent, for whom
no Substitutes had been found, have, become liable to payment of
money equal to a medium of the advances to Substitutes Provided
to serve in the Class of Militia, Respectively, in which such per-
sons has been alotted ; And Whereas, many of the Persons afore-
said, have not yet paid the Sums of Money so due as aforesaid, and
great dimcultys and delays have happened in the Premises, where-
by large and heavy advances of the Publick treasure Remain dis-
persed and useless to the State, and in danger of being lost; for
Remedy whereof, and to prevent like mischiefs in the further Em-
bodying of Militia, who are now drawing out, or may hereafter be
drawn out, for the Publick defence :
u Be it Ordained by the Council of Safety of the Common-
wealth of Pennsylvania, And it is hereby ordained by the au-
thority of the same, That from and after the date of this Ordinance,
the Lieutenant, or one of the Sub-Lieutenants of the County in
which any such person doth or may Reside, shall, after an Oppor-
tunity of appeal has been afforded to such delinquent, and in five
days after demand of the sum of Money due, or which may become
due, by such delinquent as aforesaid, by a Collector Authorized by
3uch Lieutenant or deputy Lieutenant; and upon Refusal of ne-
glect of payment thereof, that such Lieutenant or Sub-Lieutenant
shall issue an order to a proper person, to be appointed by the
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 333
Lieutenant or Sub-Lieutenant, to levy the sum due by such person,
with charges, by distress and sale of the Goods and Chatties of such
Person, and to support and render effectual such order by calling
in the Aid of the Militia, where the same may be necessary :
u Provided ahoays, That any person delinquent as aforesaid,
who may yet be in arrear for any sum of Money as aforesaid, shall
be discharged and Exonerated of the same, in case he shall join
with and serve for two Months in the next class of Militia which
shall be marched in the Public service, and shall notify his inten-
tion so to do to the Lieutenant or Sub-Lieutenant, and become
bound, with sufficient surety, to perform said service or yield such
payment,
u And whereas, Many of the fines by law due to the State from
divers Persons for non-att:ndance on the Musters and days of ex-
ercise under the late Association, have not been as yet collected;
and fines already incurred, or that may hereafter be incurred by the
non-Observance of the Militia Laws of this Commonwealth, ought
to be strictly collected :
u Be it therefore Ordained, by the authority aforesaid. That ail
such fines shall be levied and recovered in the same manner as the
sums due for Substitutes are by this Ordinance ordered to be
levied.
u And be it further Ordained, by the authority aforesaid, That
the Collectors aforesaid shall Retain five per Centum out of all
Monies which they may receive in pursuance of this Ordinance ;
the same in case of Monies due for neglect of personal Service in
the Militia, to be added to and levied with the Respective Sums
and Charges thereon, so due as aforesaid. • ;
" And be it further Ordained, by the authority aforesaid, That
if any person or Persons to whom the Lieutenant or Sub-Lieu-
tenant of any County shall direct an order, Commanding such Per-
son to levy the Money hereinbefore directed to be levied on delin-
quents as aforesaid, shall neglect or refuse to perform the duty to
which he shall be so called and enjoined as aforesaid, that upon
such neglect or refusal, the said Lieutenant or Sub-Lieutenant may
and shall Commit such person to the Common Goal of the County,
there to be kept for and during the space of Sixty days."
Ordered, That Colonel Peter Grubb be directed to attend this
Council on Tuesday next.
Agreed, That the following Ordinance be passed and Published,
Vizt :
" An Ordinance for appointing and authorizing an additional
number of Sub -Lieutenants, to act in the County of Lancaster.
" Whereas, the Inhabitants of the County of Lancaster, from
their great numbers and the disposition of some to oppose or delay
the Operation of the Militia laws of this State, have Rendered the
334 MINUTES OF THE
duties of the Lieutenant and sub-Lieutenants of the said county
not only difficult, but also very extensive and burdensome, whereby
it hath become necessary to appoint a greater number of sub-Lieu-
tenants than is mentioned in the Militia law. It is, therefore.
Ordained by the Council of Safety of the Commonwealth of Penn-
sylvania that Curtis Grubb, Esq'r, William Ross, of the borough
of Lancaster, and Simon Snyder of the said Borough, be appointed,
and they are hereby appointed sub-Lieutenants of the said County
of Lancaster, and that they and each of them shall have, use, and
exercise all the powers and authorities which the sub-Lieutenants
appointed in the Militia Law of this State are authorized and em-
powered to have, use or exercise, and shall be allowed the like pay
for their services as to the Sub-Lieutenants appointed by virtue of
the said Militia law is or hath been allowed.
" By order of the Council of Safety.
"THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President
In Council of Safety.
Sunday 26th October, 1777.
Present as Yesterday.
A letter was written to William Buchanan, Esquire, Commissary
General, on the subject of obtaining a Supply for the Army, and
affixing the Prices of some material Articles ; Wheat 8s 6 ; Rye
8s 6 ; Indian Corn 6s 6 ; Beef 10 dollars, (sinking 5 lb q'r); Pork
Eight dollars f C't.
In Council of Safety.
Tuesday October 28th, 1777
Present as Yesterday.
In Council of Safety.
Wednesday October 29th, 1777
Present as Yesterday.
Several of the Commissioners appointed to collect and appraise
blankets in this Country being now at Camp,
Ordered, That John Jordan, David Watson, David Whitehill,
and David Jenkins, be added to the Committee appointed to Col-
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 335
iect and appraise Blankets in this County for the use of the Army.
Letters were written to General Mifflin and to Colonel Biddle, on
the subject of forage, And the following prices Recommended :
Oats 5s f bushel; spelts 5s f bushel; Hay (first Crop) £7 <§ ton ;
second crop £i 10 "& ton.
In Council of Safety.
Thursday October 30th, 1777.
Present as yesterday, & Col. Curtis Grubb.
Colonel Grubb Represented to the Council that his Furnace is
now in blast for the purpose of Casting Salt-pans, and that the
blast cannot be continued without the assistance of Thomas Ed-
wards, Manager ; David Short, founder ; John Campbell and John
Forster, Colliers; and John Peters, Carpenter; that these Men
being called out in the Militia in the Classes now ordered, must
March without the particular order of this Council ; On Conside-
ration,
Ordered, That the said Thomas Edwards, David Short, John
Campbell, John Forster and John Peters, 'who are employed at
Grubb's furnace in Casting Salt-pans for the making of Salt, be
permitted to continue at the said furnace until the said Salt-pans
be compleated, and that they then proceed to Camp with all expe-
dition, and serve out their Tour in the field.
In Council of Safety.
Friday October 31st, 1777,
Ordered, That Christian Wirtz of this Borough, be appointed
a sub-Lieutenant of the County of Lancaster, in the *Room and
stead of William Ross, who hath declined serving in that Office.
In Council of Safety.
Saturday Novem'r 1st, 1777«
Present as Yesterday.
326 MINUTES OF THE
In Council of Safety.
Monday November 3d, 1777
Present as on Saturday, & David Rittenhouse, s'r.
In Council of Safety.
Tuesday November 4th, 1777.
Present as yesterday, and John Hambright and James Edgar.
In Council of Safety.
Wednesday Nov'r 5th, 1777.
Present as Yesterday.
Ordered, That Mr. Wirtz deliver to John Swanick the Goods,
Cattle and Negroes lately seized as the propercy of his Father, and
that Mr. Bauseman make out a list of the same, and deliver it tc
this Council, in order to having them appraised and security given
for the re-delivery thereof, when called for.
Agreed, That it be Recommended to the Commissary General
and Quarter-Master General, and their Deputy s, to fix the prices of
the following articles, as below is mentioned, Viz't : Wheat 8s 6;
Rye 8s 6; Indian Corn, 6s 6 ^ bushel; Whiskey, full spirit, 8s
6 ^ Gallon ; Hay, best first crop, at £7 10 ^ ton ; second crop,
M f ton.
Agreed, That it be Recommended to the Commissary General,
that he allow for good Pork seven dollars per hundred, and that
he allow for good Beef Ten dollars per hundred, (sinking the fifth
quarter,) agreeable to a former Resolve.
In Council of Safety.
Thursday November 6th, 1777.
Present as Yesterday.
The Council took into consideration the appointing of an ad-
ditional number of Commissioners in the several counties for col-
lecting Arms, Accoutrements, blankets, &ca.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 337
In Council of Safety.
Friday November 7th, 1777.
Present, as Yesterday.
The petition of divers Workmen employed in the State Factory,
was Read; thereupon,
Ordered, That the Removal of the Families of the said Work-
men be a public expence ; and that the prices of the under-men-
tioned Articles in the said Factory, be paid to the Workmen as
mentioned opposite to each of them, agreeable to the recommen-
dation of iWr. Benjamin Rittenhouse, Viz't : Stocking a Musket,
15s; Splicing a Stock, 3s 9 ; Dressing Mounting, 3s 9 ; Sawing
Stocks, Is 3. And that the said Workmen be allowed seven shil-
lings and six pence ^ day, from the time they left off Working at
Philadelphia.
The following Ordinance being Read and Considered, Viz't :
" Whereas, Many persons, regarding only their private Inter-
est by buying up and engrossing divers kinds of Merchandises,
particularly provisions and necessaries for the Army, have greatly
Raised the prices of Goods in general, to the manifest Injury of the
public, and to the distress of the Soldiery :
" And Whereas, The mode of Restraining & punishing engross-
ers by the usual, course of Common law, is at this time of invasion
in a great degree become impracticable, and is withal too slow
and uncertain to prevent such Enormities, which if not Restrained
and corrected must weaken and Ruin our efforts against the enemy :
Be it there/ore Ordained, and it is hereby Ordained by the
Council of Safety of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, That
if any person within this state shall buy up, engross, forestal, or
get into his or her hands, Bar-Iron, Leather, Salt, wheat, Cattle or
ether Merchandise, or Vitual, in greater quantities than such per-
son shall make to appear, to be proper and suitable for his or her
own need and supply, and shall be thereof convicted, in the manner
herein after directed, every such Person shall for the first Offence,
forfeit all the Goods, Merchandise and Vitual so engrossed as afore-
said ; and for the second offence, over and above* like forfeiture, shall
be imprisoned, without bail and Mainprize, for the space of three
months ; and for the third offence, besides like forfeiture and im-
prisonment, shall be adjudged to stand, and shall stand in the Pil-
lory, and forfeit all his or her Goods, as by Common and Statute
Law is directed :
" Provided always, That Millers purchasing wheat, and G-raziers
purchasing lean Cattle, and other persons buying goods for the
purposes of their trade and occupations only, shall not be consider-
ed as engrossers or forestallers j so as such dealers sell not again
the same goods unmanufactured or unimproved by art.
VOL. xi. — 22.
338 MINUTES OF THE
M And be it further ordained, That if any person or persons shall
offend in the premises, it shall and may be lawful for the President
or Vice President, and two Members of the Executive Council, or
for any three justices of the peace for any County, to inquire con-
cerning the same, and thereof to hear and determine, and for that
purpose arrest the accused, and to seize and secure the goods by
him or her engrossed or bought up, and to summon a Grand Jury,
and if the party accused shall traverse the Indictment, to award a
petty Jury, and upon their Verdict to adjudge and execute, accord-
ing to the law of the land and this Act.
" By Order of the Council of Safety."
In Council of Safety.
Lancaster, November 7th, 1777.
"Whereas, the great quantities of Whiskey made and consumed
in this Commonwealth, and the enormous price at which it is sold,
is attended with many inconveniencies and dangers, more especially
that of Raising the price of bread Corn, and if not prevented, of
creating a scarcity of that most necessary article:
a Be it therefore Ordained, and it is hereby ordained by the
Council of Safety of the Commonwealth of Pennnsylvania, That
from and after the first day of December next following, no person
or persons whatsoever, other than guttlers in Camp, licensed and
appointed According to the Articles of War, shall presume to take
or Receive greater or higher prices than at the Rate of eight Shil-
lings and Sixpence, Pennsylvania Currency, by the Gallon, includ-
ing a sufficient Cask, for any Spirituous Liquors distilled from grain
or fruit, commonly called Whiskey, of Merchantable strength and
proof, upon pain of forfeiting the double value of the spirituous
liquors so sold for the first offence, and of treble Value for the
Second and every other Offence, to be Received and Recovered
by an action of debt, to the use of the informer, before one Justice
of the peace, or in any Court where debts of the like Value are
Cognizable :
" Provided always, and it is hereby Ordained by the Authority
aforesaid, That this Ordinance, or any thing herein contained, shall
not extend to the price of Spirituous liquors sold in small quanti-
ties of less than one quart by Retailers of liquor, licensed accord-
ing to law, the prices of which shall be Regulated by the Justices
in Sessions, according to the laws heretofore used or appointed :
" And be it further Ordained by the Authority aforesaid, That if
any person or persons shall deliver, sell, Offer to sell, or expose to
sale, any such spirituous liquors as hereinbefore described, which
shall not be of proper Merchantable strength and goodness, all per-
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 339
sons selling or exposing to sale any such adulterated and unmer-
chantable Spirituous liquors, shall be liable to a forfeiture of eight
Shillings and sixpence, like Money, for every Gallon of such liquors
so delivered, sold, offered or exposed to sale; the same to be Recov
ered of the oifender, to the use of the informer, by action of debt,
in like manner as hereinbefore is directed.
"By Order of the Council of Safety."
On Motion, agreed, That the foregoing ordinances be passed and
published immediately.
In Council of Safety.
Saturday Nov'r 8th, 1777..
Present as yesterday, & also James Smith, Esq'r.
Ordered, That the persons hereinafter named, in the Respective
Counties, be authorized and Required to collect without delay, from
such of the Inhabitants of the said Respective counties as have
not taken the Oath of Allegiance and Abjuration, or who have»m
aided or assisted the enemy, arms and accoutrements, blaokets, Wol ■
len & Linsey Woolsey Cloth, Linnen, shoes and stockings, for the
Army : that they Appraise the same when taken, according to their
quality, allowing at the following rates, Vizt : For a New single
blanket "'three pounds, and in proportion for inferior kinds: For
strong, large, well made shoes, twenty -five shillings p Pair : For
good yarn stockings twenty-two shillings and six pence p pair :
For good, well manufactured Cloth, f wide, 30 shillings p yard :
For good Linsey Woolsey, yarde wide, 15 shillings per yard : For
good y'd wide linnen, for soldiers' shirts, (about an 800)
15 shillings p yard : For good tow linnen 8 shillings p yard ; And
that the same be delivered, when so taken, to the Clothier General
or his Agent, with whom they are to Correspond in the discharge
of this business. Also, that the Commissionors be allowed for
every day which they shall be employed in this business, the sum
of twenty shillings p day, each.
For the County of Chester.
Col. Evan Evans, Capt'n John Gardiner,
Philip Scott, Esq'r, Samuel Holliday,
Elijah McClenaghan, Col'l Wm. Evans,
Capt'n John Ramsay, Capt'n Israel Whellan,
Patterson Bell, Esq'r, John Wilson,
Thomas Boyd, Esq'r, Capt'n Sam'l Vanleer,
Capt'n Benj'n Wallace, Thomas Levis, Esq'r,
William Gibbons, Capt'n Wm. Brookes,
Col'l George Pierce, Capt'n David Coupland,
Capt'n McCay (Concord), Col'l Thomas Taylor,
Major Cromwell Pieroe, Capt'n Allen Cuningham
340 MINUTES OF THE
For the County of Bucks.
Joseph Mcllvaine, Nicholas Patterson,
John Lacey, Junior, John Vanhorn, (Solebury,)
Richard Gibbs, James Benezet,
Samuel Smith, Hugh Adams,
John Crawford, William McHenry.
For the County of Lancaster.
Bartram Galbraith, David Watson,
Christopher Coucher,(of Lebanon, )Stephen Hornberger,
Richard Fence, Col'l Sam'l Jones,
Capt'n Robert Craig, James Watson,
Col'l Cowden, John Jordan,
Christ' r Franciscus, Lodwick Shell.
Col'l John Rogers,
For the County of York.
Joseph Donaldson, John Nesbitt,
George Erwin, Henry Cotton,
Thomas Stockton, Jacob Staley,
Frederick Gelwix, John Andrew,
Thomas Weems, Robert Smith. *
For the County of Cumberland.
J.ohn Boggs, Samuel Williamson,
Abraham Smith, James Purdy,
John Andrew, William Blair.
William McClure,
For the County of Berks.
Henry Christ, Nathan Lewis,
Henry Haller, John Lower,
Thomas Parry, Godfried Ream,
Daniel Utree, Jacob Seltzer,
Philip Millar, Nich's Shaffer.
For the County of Northampton.
Thomas Sellman, John Cambers,
Rob't Lattimore, Peter Trexler, sen'r,
Nich's Karn, Peter Koller,
Abram. Arndt, Jacob Woods.
Henry Alless,
For the County of Philadelphia. o
Matthew Sheuffley, Andrew Knox, c
Dan'l Heister, jun'r, John Hamilton, (Plymotb,)
Col'l John Moore, John Wendtz, Jun'r,
Major Wright, Philip Markley,
William Antis, and
Samuel Dewees, John Brookes. *
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. ZU
In Council of Safety,
Monday Nov'r 10th, 1777.
Present as yesterday (except James Smith, Absent).
In Council of Safety,
Tuesday Novem'r 11th, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excellency the President, Hon'ble Vice President, Colonel
Morgan, Colonel Hart, Mr. Bailey, Mr. Hoge, Mr. Sergeant, Mr-
Henry, Colonel Bayard, and Mr. Rittenhouse.
Orderedj That the Justices of the peace of this State, who shall
attend on the days of Appeal appointed by the Lieutenants of the
Counties respectively, shall be allowed and paid by the Lieutenant
of the County Twenty shillings p. day for every day they shall at-
tend such Appeals.
In Council of Safety.
Wednesday Nov'r 12th, 1777.
Present as Yesterday.
In Council of Safety.
Thursday Novem'r 13th, 1777.
Present as Yesterday.
George Ross, Junior, Dep. Qu'r M., applied to Council for assis-
tance in procuring about one hundred Waggons, which are now very
pressingly demanded of him for the purpose of supplying the Army
with Provisions; thereupon,
Ordered, That a Warrant be issued commanding the assistance
of all Civil Officers to be aiding and assisting in providing and pro-
curing the said Waggons out of the following Townships, to wit .
Earl township, 12 ; Carnarvon, 15; Cocalico, 8; Strassburg, 10;
Leacock, 8 ; Warwick, 8 ; Manheim, 10 ; Rapho, 10 ; Hempfield, 9
— Ninety Waggons.
342 MINUTES OF THE
It being represented to Council, that John James, of the City of
Philadelphia, hath been of late employed and sent out of the City
by the Enemy, upon designs which are inimical to these United
States; thereupon,
Ordered, That the good people of this Commonwealth, as well
officers Civil and Military as others, do exert themselves to seize
and apprehend the said John James, and bring him before this
Council, that he may be dealt with according as to Right and Jus-
tice Appertains.
Council of Safety met.
Friday November 14th, 17'
In Council of Safety.
Saturday November 15th, 1777.
Present as Yesterday.
Ordered, That Ferguson Mcllvaine be appointed Waggon Mas-
ter of the County of Lancaster, and he is authorized and directed
to jaominate and appoint a suitable number of Deputies to make out
a list of the Waggons in the said County.
In Council of Safety.
Sunday November 16th, 1777.
present :
Hon'ble Vice President, Mr. Bayard, Mr. Rittenhouse, Mr. Ser-
jeant, Dr. Gardner, Colo; Hart, Mr. Baily, Mr. Hambright, and
Mr. Urie.
The Council took into consideration the representations made by
the Inhabitants of the County of Westmoreland, Respecting the in-
cursion made into that county by the Indians ; and after some time
spent in deliberation thereon ; agreed, That it be referred for further
consideration, as it appears that General Hand has taken the most
proper measures for defending the frontiers to the Westward.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. S43
In Council of Safety.
Monday November the 17th, 1777.
PRESENT *.
Mr. Vice President, Mr. Bayard, Mr. Serjeant, Doctor Gardiner,
Mr. Marshall, (the first time,) Mr. Arndt, Mr. Urie, and Mr. Ham-
bright. Also, Mr. Baley.
In Council of Safety.
Tuesday November the 18th, 1777.
Present as yesterday, and Mr. Rittenhouse.
Application being made again by Major Ross for a further num-
ber of Waggons to remove stores, &c.
Ordered, That .-a Warrant be issued commanding the assistance
of the civil officers to be aiding and assisting in procuring the said
waggons out of the following Townships, Vizt: — Manheim, 7;
Hempfield, 10; Manor, 10 j Connestogo, 5; Lampeter, 8 ; Mar-
tick, 5; Sadsbury, 12; Denny, 6; London Derry, 6 j Donegal, 6;
Mountjoy, 6 ; Salisbury, 10 — 91.
In Council of Safety*
November 19, 1777.
Present as yesterday \ also, Mr. Whitehill, Mr. President, and
Mr. Rittenhouse.
Ordered, That Mr. Bayard^, Mr. Urie, and Mr. Smith, be a
Committee to confer with the delegates of this State in Congress,
on the subject of the Indian depredations on the frontiers.
Application being made by Colonel Davis for a number of Wag-
gons to remove stores, &c,
Ordered, That a warrant be issued, commanding the assistance
of the civil officers in the counties of Cumberland and York to be
aiding and assisting in procuring the said Waggons out of the fol-
lowing Townships, Vizt :
County of York — Mananghan, 2 j Warrington, 6 j Huntingdon,
6; Reading, 6; Dover, 3; Newberry, 6; Manchester, 6; Hal-
lam, 4 ; Yorktownship, 4 ; Yorktown, 2 ; Hopewell, 2 ; Chance-
ford, 2; Fawn, 4; Shrewsberry, 4; Windsor, 6; Codorus, 6;
Heidleberg, 6 ; Germany, 6 ; Paradise 6 ; Berwick, 4 ; Mount-
joy, 3 j Mountpleasant, 3; Stra-ban, 3; Tyrone, 4 j Manallin, 3 ;
Cumberland, 3 ) Hamiltooban, 3 ; Manheim, 5 — 118.
344 MINUTES OF THE
County of Cumberland. — East pennsborough, 12; Allen, 10;
Middleton, 10 ; West pennsborough, 10 ; Newtown, 10 ; Hopewell,
10; Lurgan, 10; Letterkenny, 10; Guilford, 10; Hamilton, 10;
Peters, 12 ; Antrim, 12—126.
^ In Council cf Safety.
Thursday November 20th, 1777.
Present his Excellency the President, Hon'ble Vice President,
Colonel Morgan, Doctor Gardiner, Mr. Baily, Mr. Sergeant, Mr,
Marshall, Mr. Orndt, Mr. Edgar, Mr. Hambright, Mr. Whitehill
On the application of Mr. John Mease of the Troop of light
Horse of the City of Philadelphia, that 3 Waggons may be em-
ployed by him to Remove his household goods and effects from
Trenton in New Jersey to Lancaster County in this State ; The
Council, in consideration of his spirited services in said Troop, and
other good grounds, grant him their protection in the use of said
three Waggons as aforesaid, and do forbid the impressing of them.
It appearing to Council that a certain Thomas Bulla (Son of
Thomas Bulla) of Sadsbury Township, Chester County, has by
writing endeavoured to discourage people from taking up arms in
defence of this Country, and hath given false and injurious intelli-
gence of Public affairs, and expressed the most violent enmity to
the Cause of the United States, and the measures prosecuting by
them ; Whereupon a warrant was issued to Apprehend the said
Thomas Bulla, and bring him before this Council, to be dealt with
according to Law.
In Council of Safety.
Friday November 21st, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excellency the President, Hon'ble Vice President, Colonel
Morgan, Doctor Gardiner, Mr. Bailey, Mr. Sergeant, Mr. Marshall,
Mr. Orndt, Mr. Edgar, Mr. Hambright, Mr. Mackey, Mr. White-
hill, Mr. Henry.
The following Resolution of Congress, and order of the Board of
War, was produced to Council by Mr. Henry :
" In Congress, November 18th, 1777.
<i Wherkas, Congress is informed that there is now in York-
town a certain John Brown, who after the Enemy took possession
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 345
of Philadelphia, came out of that City, as he says on private busi-
ness, and obtained leave from our General to Pass into the Coun-
try ; that after going through a part of this State he, the said John
Brown, returned to Philadelphia, and is again come out without a
Flag or pass from any General or other Officer in the service of
the United States, pretending that he is charged with a Verbal
message to Congress from General Howe : And WJiereas such con-
duct administers Just grounds of Suspicion that he is employed by
the Enemy for purposes inimical to these States :
"Resolved, That the Board of War cause the said John Brown to
be arrested and sent under guard to the Executive Council of
Pennsylvania, to be dealt with as they in their Wisdom may deem
fit and proper." •
" Ordered j By the Board of War, in Virtue of the above Resolve
of Congress, that the said John Brown be delivered to the care of
and Custody of William Henry, Esquire, one of the Council of the
said State, who is to Conduct the said John Brown to the Hon'ble
the Council, at Lancaster, to bo dealt with agreeable to the said
Resolution of Congress,
"By Order of the Board,
" PvIC HARD PETERS, Secretary..
" War Office, }
York, Nov'r 19th, 1777." $
In Consequence of the foregoing resolution and order, the said
John Brown was brought before Council, and after examination
was committed to the common Jail of the County of Lancaster, for
aiding & assisting the Enemies of this Commonwealth, and forming
Combinations with them for betraying the United States into their
hands.
Ordered, That the examination of John Brown be inserted in
the Minutes of the Council, and is as follows :
The Examination of John Brown, late of Philadelphia :
u Who saith, that he left the City on the 4th of November, in-
stant, in consequence of the application of Mr. Thomas Willing,
who shewed this Examinant a note from General Howe, requesting
to see him, (Mr. Willing,) that Mr. Willing told this examinant
that General Howe desired to accommodate the difference, and pre-
vent the effusion of human blood ; that he and his brother had full
power to treat with Congress, as Congress, or any Men they should
Appoint, provided they would Rescind Independency; that he
(General Howe) desired this to be made known to some Member
of Congress, And Mr. Willing desired this Examinant to be the
Messenger ; that he (General Howe) would put them in the same
State they were in 1763, and give them more priviledges than they
had ever Asked ; that he did not desire us to lay down Our Arm3
316 MINUTES' OF THE ■
nor cease from our preparations 'till matters were accommodated ;
that upon 6uch accommodation he would withdraw his Fleet and
Army, and no Standing Army should be kept up in this Country;
And that the paper Currency should be established : That some of
these Articles, of which the last was one, were added upon Mr. Wil-
ling's Returning to General Howe, in Consequence of this Exami-
nant's hesitating to come out without them, upon which this Exami-
nant undertook the business, aud engaged not to communicate his
business to any person, until he should have first communicated it
to some Member of Congress; that this Examinant passed the
Schuylkill in consequence of a Passport from the Aid-de-Camp of
General Howe; that he passed General Potter in the Evening
without Communicating his business to him, or obtaining a pass
from him, and travelled up to the house of Mr. Robert Morris, at
Manheim, and there waited from Thursday eyefiing to Saturday
Evening following, for the Arrival of Mr. Morris, And when he
Arrived communicated the matter first of all to him ; that Mr.
Morris then called in Mr. Duer, another Member of Congress, and
these were the first persons to whom he revealed the business :
And from Manheim he Returned toLancaster,when he was first called
before this Council, and Bailed by Mr. Morris and Mr. Duer, to go
to York, and that he has communicated this business hitherto only
to Mr. Morris, Mr. Duer, and now to the Members of this Council;
but that he understood the matter had been mentioned by Mr.
Morris and Mr. Duer, or one of them, to other members of Con-
gress at York, and was there freely spoken of; but this Examinant
was not called before the Congress, and that this Examinant had no
Writing, or flag, or public testimonial, Relative to this business,
from General Howe, or others in Philadelphia, except what passed
by Word of Mouth between him and Mr. Willing, as herein before
is mentioned and set forth. And this Examinant further adds,
that he recollects Mr. Willing told him that General Howe assured
him (Mr. Willing) that Great Britain would never give way to the
Independence of North America ; that more men would be out in
the Spring, and they would Harrass our trade, so that we could not
go on. Taken before me,
" JOHN BROWN.
"Tho. Wharton, Jun'r, President."
In Council of Safety.
Saturday Novem'r 22d, 1777.
Present-, his Excellency the President, Hon'ble Vice President,
Mr. Bailey, Colonel Morgan, Mr. Mackey, Mr. Orndt, Mr. Ed-
gar, Mr. Serjeant, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Whitehill, Doctor Gardiner,
Mr. Henry, Mr. Hambrigbt.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 347
Ordered, That John Smith, a prisoner in the Jail of Lancaster,
committed by Mr. Henry, for Seditious Speeches, &c, be discharged,
he having testified Repentance, and the Justice being now satisfied
that he may be set at liberty, on condition of his Marching to Camp
with the Militia, as he offers to do.
In Council of Safety.
Monday Novem'r 24th, 1777.
Present, his Excellency the President, Hon'ble Vice President,
Mr.Mackey, Mr. Bailey, Mr. Urie, Col'l Morgan, Mr. Whitehill,
Mr. Marshall, Col'l Bayard, Mr. Orndt, Doctor Gardiner, Mr. Ser-
jeant.
Ordered, That the Examination of John Brown, taken before
this Council the 21st instant, be published, with remarks thereon,
<fc That Mr. Vice President, and Mr. Serjeant be appointed to make
a draft of Remarks for the consideration of Council.
Ordered, That no person be admitted to converse with Jno. Brown,
cow a prisoner confined in the Jail of thig County, without leave of
some one Member of this Council.
In Council of Safety,
Tuesday Novem'r 25th, 1777.
Present, his Excellency the President, Hon'ble Vice President,
Mr. Orndt, Mr. Bayley, Mr. Mackey, Colonel Morgan, Mr. Urie,
Mr. Bayard, Mr. Sergeant, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Hambright.
Mr. Bayard and Mr. Urie, two of the Committee appointed
19th instant, to confer with the Delegates of this State in Con-
gress on the subject of the depredations of the Indians on the
frontiers, having produced a Letter from the President in closing
a Resolution of Congress, which were Referred to the Hon'ble
House of Assembly for their Consideration,
Ordered, That Ellis Pusey, Wm. Downing Gibbons, and
Brown, do attend this Council at twelve 0' Clock this day.
On application of Mr. William Harris that a Waggon which
may be employed by him to Remove his effeets from Springfield, in
Chester County, to Fredericktown, in Maryland, be not impressed,
Ordered, That said Waggon be not impressed while in this State,
and in the Pay of said Harris.
Ordered, That Mr. Adam Kimmel be impowered to hire two
Waggons for Public service^ or impress them if he find neces-
sary.
348 MINUTES OF THE
Resolved, That Colonel William Dean, Dr. Archibald McClean,
and Colonel George Smith, be added to the Commissioners ap-
pointed for the County of Philadelphia by an Ordinance of this
Council the 21st October last, for seizing and securing the personal
Estates of such persons as have Joined the Enemies of the United
States of America.
The Committee appointed to made a draft of Remarks on the
Examination of John Brown, Reported a draft, which was agreed
to, and is as follows :
" The base Artifices of Tyrants are not less dangerous than their
Arms; of this truth, the present Contest is one among a thousand
examples. The British leaders have proved themselves alike
bloody & deceitful. The faith of publick Proclamations , and even
the words and sacred honour of their Chiefs in person, most solemn-
ly plighted to Individuals for the protection of their property, have
been violated. The misserable wretches starving in the Jails of
New York and Philadelphia, were tempted to enlist with the Ene-
my by assurances that General Washington had Refused to
Exchange them, when, in truth, General Howe had broke the
Cortel which he had settled, and had eluded every offer he had
afterwards made, as fast as they were Complied with on our part.
But above all, the Repeated Attempts of our Enemies to seduce
the people of this Country from their virtuous efforts by the false
Ideas of peace and Reconciliation , which they never meant, are
highly insidious and delusive.
The last year General Sullivan, then a Captive, was sent by
Lord and General Howe from Long Island to Philadelphia, with very
plausible terms, but when a Committee of Congress waited on the
British Commissioners, they Receded from everything they had
told him. The opportunity, however, was very diligently, for the dou-
ble purpose of blasting our negotiations in Europe, by Assurances to
foreign Courts that the Quarrels was settled, and of striving to de-
bauch the minds of the Americans with the pretence that Congress
was Averse to peace y thus at the very instant that their Ernisariea
were buzzing about in this Country, that Congress Refused to lis-
ten Jo the most Reasonable terms of Accommodation, Lord Stor-
moutwas very industriously pledging his honour to- the Court of
France that the Treaty was far Advanced if not finally Ratified,
No sooner was the World undeceived on this head, than the
attempt was Renewed through the means of the unfortunate General
Lee ; but still the Commissioners declined to pledge themselves for
any thing. Nothing appears from them ; nothing in writing is
sent forward, but the Commissioners were left at liberty to Retract
;and deny everything as soon as they had answered the end of
misleading the people here, and A-musing foreign nations. And
now, lo : Mr. John Brown is employed to tell a Ridiculous tale of
peace, and at the same time a large number of Emissaries are let
loose to propagate the story through the State. Still nothing ap-
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 349
pears in writing ; a mere Verbal talk from Mr. Willing, that he
(Mr. Willing) had had a talk with General Howe. Were we a
tribe of Savages, this talk would at least be accompanied with a
belt of Wampum, but to us, not even the slightest token was vouch-
safed. The sole word of John Brown is again to gull us into a
sham treaty, which is again to be spread throughout Europe, to de-
feat our most promising hopes from that Quarter, and again to de-
ceive and mislead our own people, while his Excellency is again
Ready to unsay all that he is pretended to have told Mr. Willing
to tell John Brown, and to laugh at the mischief he has made.
Friends and Countrymen, be not deceived. If Gen'l Howe has
anything to propose to Congress, the way is oped to him thro' the
usual Channels. He can send a flag of truce ; he can write ; he is
under no necessity of sending out an obscure Body like a thief or
a spy, to steal through our Camp, without passports, without Li-
cence. He can send a flag of truce to desire General Washington
to prevent the. cutting of boulting Cloths ; does the settling a
treaty of peace require less ceremony ? No ; but a Message in
writing by a flag of truce, is not so easily evaded. General Howe
might be loth to deny his handwriting, tho' it seems, he has not
hesitated to deny his word. France and Spain, are likely now to
take a decisive part in our Quarrel ; a few months perseverance
will establish our liberty and Independence for ever, if we are not
false to ourselves ; if we are not driven to and fro, and deceived by
every Idle Artifice of our perfidious enemies; trusting to Providence
we may l^ok forward with confidence to the hope of being speedily
and forever delivered from the perfidy and Tyranny of Britain ;
from the bloody and Vindictive Malice of our cruel enemies.
In Council of Safety.
Wednesday Novem'r 26th, 1777.
PRESENT I
His Excellency the President, Mr. Mackey, Colonel Morgan,
Mr. Hambright, Mr. Orndt, Mr. Urie, Colonel Hart, Mr. Bayard,
Mr. Sergeant, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Jonathan B. Smith.
It being Represented to Council, by Major George Ross, D. Q.
Master General, that Jocob Stakes, Christian Bauchman, Peter
Wetmer, Christian Hershey and Benjamin Miller, who were em-
ployed with their Waggons in public service, have not performed
their Agreement,
Ordered, That the said Jacob Stakes, Christian Bauchman,
Peter Wetmer, Christian Hershey and Benjamin Miller, appear
before this Council to-morrow Morning, at Eleven O'Clock, to An-
swer the complaint of Major Ross.
350 MINUTES OF THE
It being Represented to Council that Thomas Edwards, Manager
of Colonel Grubb's Furnace, has gone into the field,
Ordered, That Hugh Lusk, who is now employed as Manager at
Grubb's furnace, in Casting Salt Pans for the making of Salt, be
permitted to continue at the said furnace until the said Salt pans
be completed, and that he then proceed to Camp. with all expedi-
tion, and Serve out his tour in the field.
Whereas, many Farmers and others inhabiting the Neighbour-
hood of Lancaster, have been deterred from supplying the Inhabi-
tants with Wood and provisions, through fear of having their
Waggons impressed j therefore,
Resolved, That no Waggons or Horses by which Wood or Pro-
visions shall be brought to Market in the Borough of Lancaster,
3hall be seized or liable to be impressed, coming to or going from
Market.
In Council of Safety.
Thursday, Novem'r 27th, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excellency the President, Mr. Mackey, Colonel Morgan,
Mr. Hambright, Mr. Orndt, Mr. Urie, Colonel Hart, Mr. Bayard,
Mr. Sergeant, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Jonathan B. Smith.
Resolved, That the Lieutenant and Sub-Lieutenants of Bedford
County be Authorized and impowered to Raise a Company of Men
out of the Militia, to Guard the frontiers of said County, and Escort
Provisions, &c.
In Council of Safety.
Friday Novem'r 28th, 1777,
PRESENT :
His Excellency the President, Mr. Hambright, Mr. Mackey,
Mr. Orndt, Mr. Urie, Colonel Hart, Colo. Morgan, Mr. Serjeant,
Mr. Marshall, Mr. Jonathan B. Smith.
Council having been Repeatedly informed that the troops Raised
by this State, are not so well Cloathed as the other troops in Camp,
Resolved, That Colo. Bayard and James Young, Enquire, be di-
rected to proceed to head Quarters, and confer with his Excellency
General Washington on the subject; these Gentlemen are to notice
as the great inducements to Council to interfere in this instance,
the Reproaches brought on this State by the bad appearance and
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 351
suffering of their troops, and the great discouragement to the Re-
cruiting service. They are also to remind his Excellency that,
by our order, a collection of Cloathing for the Army is now ma-
king in this State, which they hope will be to a considerable effect, and
that we have ordered it into the hands of the Clothier General's Dep-
uty at Camp * But that under the informations Received, and the evil.
consequences they apprehend therefrom to the service in general, the
Council have thought it their duty to direct them to inquire par-
ticularly into the Real circumstances of the Pennsylvania battalions
with Respect to cloathing, and Report thereon to this Council ; And
in the mean time to Represent to his Excellency the most earnest
Request of Council, that as great a proportion of the Cloathing
collected in this State for the Army as may consist with the Gene-
ral Service, be Appropriated to the Battalions Raised therein.
Council being also informed by a letter laid before them this Day
by Commissary Magee, that the Army is in great danger of suffering
for want of Flour, do further direct the said Colonel Bayard &
James Young, Esquire, to make inquiry into that matter, and if they
Sod a scarcity of that Article, or any other provisions, to Arise from
any Circumstances in the power of the Council to prevent, that in.
that case the said Gentlemen be vested with full power and Au-
thority to take such measures as to them shall Appear to be necessary
and effectual : & that they communicate this Resolution to his Ex-
cellency, and in particular Recommend to his consideration the pro-
priety of employing some of the Militia of this State to thresh out
the Grain of such persons as Refuse to do it themselves.
In Council of Safety.
Saturday Novem'r 29th, 1777,
present I
His Excellency the President, Colo. Morgan, Colonel Hart, Mr -
Urie, Mr. Mackey, Mr, Smith, Mr. Orndt, Mr. Marshall, Mr, Scott,
Mr Sergeant, Mr, Hambright, Mr. Rittenhouse.
352 MINUTES OF THE
In Council of Safety.
Monday Decem'r 1st, 1777.
present :
His Excellency the President, Colonel Hart, Mr. Sergeant, Mr,
Smith, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Orndt, Mr. Urie, Mr. Scott, Mr. Henry
On motion,
Ordered, That a certain Doctor Shannon, who is known to have
conducted the Enemy on their way to Philadelphia, be Arrested and
sent under a Guard to this Council.
In Council of Safety.
Tuesday, December 2d, 1777.
Present as Yesterday.
In Council of Safety.
Wednesday Decem'r 3d, 1777<
PRESENT I
His Excellency the President, Mr. Bailey, Colonel Hart, Colonel
Morgan, Mr. Urie, Mr. Scott, Mr. Sergeant, Mr. Marshall, Mr.
Henry.
In Council of Safety.
Thursday Decem'r 4th, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excellency the President, Colonel Hart, Colonel Morgan.
Mr. Bailey, Mr. Scott, Mr. Orndt, Mr. Urie, Mr. Smith, Mr. Mar-
shall, Mr. Sergeant, Mr. Henry.
Ordered, That the Commissioners appointed by an Ordinance of
this Council of the eighth day of November last, to collect Arms,
blankets and cloathing, he empowered to appoint Assistants, and to
use force where it may be necessary; And all Officers, Civil and
Military & others, are required and Commanded to Aid and Assist
them in the execution of the premises, and the said Commissioners
are empowered to allow Reasonable wages to their Assistants dur-
ioer the time thev shall be so emDloved.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 353
The following proclamation of the Supreme Executive Council
of Pennsylvania, for dissolving the Council of Safety, was omitted
in the proceedings of the executive Council, and is found Among
the proceedings of the Council of Safety.
** By the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Penn-
sylvania',.
"A PROCLAMATION.
il Whereas, by an Act of the General Assembly of the Com-
monwealth of Pennsylvania, made and passed at Lancaster, the 13th
October, 1777, entitled "An Act for Constituting a Council of
Safety, and vesting the same with the powers therein mentioned,"
It is Enacted that the Members of the Supreme Executive Council
of this State, together with John Bayard, &c, should be constitu-
ted a Council of Safety, with the powers and for the purposes in and
by the said Act particularly mentioned and declared : And where-
as, in and by the same Act of Assembly it is further enacted, that
the Supreme Executive Council of this State might at any time dur-
ing the powers and Authorities thereby granted by Proclamation or
other publick Act, Renounce, determine and extinguish the same,
and every part thereof; And that, thereupon, the said powers,& every
of them, should cease and become void, and be no longer exercis-
ed or enforced : And vjhereas, by the blessing of Heaven, the
progress of the Enemy hath been Restrained, in so much that the
Elections for Members of Assembly have in most parts of the Com-
monwealth been Regularly held, and the Ordinary powers of Gov-
ernment are at full and free liberty to proceed in their usual course,
whereby the designs of the Legislature in framing the said Act are
now at an end : We, therefore, the said Executive Council, do here-
by make known to all persons whatsoever, that all and every the
powers and Authorities by the said Act granted to the said Council
of Safety, are extinguished and determined, and that the same and
every part thereof, shall from henceforth cease and become void, and
be no longer exercised or enforced.
" Given at Lancaster this 6th day of December, 1777.
M By Order of Council.
"THO'S WHARTON, Presid't.
u Attest— Tim'y Matlack, Sec'y."
^ol. xi.— 22\
MINUTES
OF THE
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
OF THIS
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA..
THE SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday October 13, 1777,
PRESENT :
His Exceil'y THO'S WHARTON* jun'r, Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, Jonathan Hoge, &, ) *» ,
John Bailey, Joseph Hart* J J"^-
Ordered, That John Morris, jun'r, Esq'r, be appointed & au-
thorized to attend the next Courts of Quarter Sessions of the Peace
for the Counties of York & Cumberland, & there prosecute in be-
half of this Commonwealth.
An order was drawn on David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Major ¥/irtz, for the Sum of Fifty-five
Pounds, for a Horse bought for an Express.
Ordered, That Michael Immel be close confined until further
orders from this Council*
• An order was drawn on the Treasurer, in favor of James Old,
Esq'r, for the Sum of One Thousand & five hundred Pounds, pay*
able in Ten days from the date hereof, & to be charged to him.
The Council Met
Lancaster, Monday October 20, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Exceil'y, THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, Jonathan Hoee. & ? r« »
John Bailey, & JEsqra.
Capt. Joshua Williams attended the Council & complained that
he had applied Will'm Lees, Esq'r,, of the County of York, & re-
quested him to hear a complaint against Stephen Foulke, who was
there arrested by Warrant, on information of his having concealed
divers Deserters belonging to Capt. Williams, but that the said
Will'm Lees, Esq'r, possitively refused to hear the said complaint,
358 MINUTES OF THE
<& permitted the said Steph'n Foulke to return home, & had also ini'
prisoned Capt. Williams' evidence, on the the charge of his being a
Deserter, as alledged by the said Steph'n Foulke.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
f.he State, in favor of Benja. Blyth, Esq'r, Sub-Lieutenant of the
County of Cumberland, for the Sum of One thousand Pounds, to be
charged to John Crothers, Esq'r, Lieutenant of the said County, it
being for the purpose of Paying Substitutes & purchasing blankets,
for which he is to account.
Dan'l Levau, jun'r, Sheriff of the County of Berks, laid before
the Council returns of the Election of the said County, & the re-
turns are as follows, to Wit: For Representatives of the said
County, James Reede, Adam Whitman, Benja. Spyker, Sebastian
Levan, Dan'i Hunter, & BaltzerGehr Commissioner, John
K.erlin ; Assessors, John Hartman, Mich'l Forree, John Robinson,
John Egnar, George Kelchner, & Joseph Sands; Sheriffs, Dan'1
Levan, jun'r, & John Rice; Coroners, Philip Kreamer, & James
Whitehead.
Ordered, That Dan'l Levan, jun'r, be appointed & commissioned
to be Sheriff of the County of Berks. Dan'l Levan, jun'r, offers
Isaac Levan, sen'r, & Isaac Levan, jun*r, as sureties for the faithful
performance of the said Office, which is approved of.
The Council met,
Lancaster, Tuesday October 21, 177?.
present t
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President*
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq*r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, Jonathan Hoge, ) -™ >
Joseph Hart, & J , .
Abrara Morrow, Gun Smith, of the County of Cumberland, laid
before the Council a Certificate relating to his having supplied a
number of Arms for the use of the State.
Ordered, That the Lieut, of the said County do attend to the
cetling the said Morrow's accounts, & pay him the Money which shall
appear to be due to him.
Ordered, That the Lieut, of the County of Cumberland do set-
tie with & Pay the inhabitants of that County for such Arms as
they have furnished for the use of the Public & not returned to
the Owners, & receive k keep such Arms for the use of the State.
Ordered, That a Captain's Commission be made out for Mr. Joshua
Williams, agreeable to encouragement given him August 28 last,,
;:nd That a Lieutenant's Commission be made out to Mr. Alxa.
Ramsay* as Lieutenant of the said Company.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 85$
An order Was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Capt. Joshua Williams, for the Sum of Four
hundred Dollars, to be charged to his account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo. Hart, for three Pounds Ten Shillings^
for Seven days' Horse hire on Public Business.
The Petition of John Swan wick, praying that the Cows, Oxen>
Horses, & Negroes, seiz'd as the property of his Father* may be re-
turned to his Mother's farm, she giving ample security that they
shall not be moved from thence, &ca; & that such of his Father's
papers as may relate to his transactions & connections in France,,
England, &ca, & have no connections with politics or the present
War, & that such other Articles as will on examination be found
immediately requisite to his Mother's sustenance & farm, entering
into like engagements as aforesaid, being read & considered j there-
upon,
Ordered, That the Prayer of the Petition be granted, on Security
being given to the value of such Articles as the Petitioner of his
friend may Choose to take into their hands, to be accounted for on
demand.
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Wednesday October 22, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon, George Bryan. Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, John Bailey, & \ ~ ,
Joseph Hart, Jonathan Hoge, j Asq rs'
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo. Isaac Milchoir, for the Sum of One
thousand Pounds, for which he is to account.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday October 23, I???.
PRESENT :
Mis ExcellV THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, John Bailey, k ) v $
Joseph Hart, Jonathan H oge, $ f** rs*
Ordered, That the following Classes of the Militia of this State
be immediately called out, vias't i " Of Philadelphia County the
360 MINUTES OF THE
Seventh & Eight ; of Bucks County the Sixth & Seventh; of Chester
County the Sixth & Seventh j of Lancaster County the sixth & se-
venth j of York County the fourth & fifth j of Cumberland County,
the third & fourth; of Berks County the Sixth & Seventh; of North-
umberland County the third & fourth ; of Northampton County the
fifth & sixth ; and that orders be sent to the several Lieutenants
accordingly; The Eighth of Lancaster also ordered, & others ^condi-
tionally."
The Council cneL
Lancaster, Friday October 24, 1777.
PRESENT :
His ExceJl'y THO'S. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, John Bailey, & ? ™ >
Joseph Hart, Jonathan Hoge, 5 J
Colo. Cheny & Colo. Gibbons, having written to the Council re-
presenting Jonathan Hunter & George Hunter, who are now con-
fined in the Goal of .this County on a Suspicion of their being un-
friendly to this State & attached to the King of Great Britain,
u representing them as illiterate Men, closely attached to their In-
terest, never known to be active in Public Affairs," & that they
" cannot suppose that they have done any thing to aid or abet the
Enemy, but that the Reason of their going to Philadelphia was to
obtain Pay for Cattle & Horses that the Enemy had taken from
them," & that " they are considerable sufferers by the State also;"
On consideration,
Ordered, That Jonathan Hunter & Geo. Hunter, now Confined
in the Goal of this County on a suspicion of their h iving supplied
the Enemy with Provisions, be enlarged, on their producing Cer-
tificates of their having taken the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance
to this State, as required by Law, and giving security in the Sum
of five hundred Pounds for their good behaviour for oue year, & ap-
pearance to answer, &ca, at such time & place as they shall be law-
fully called upon, to answer the said charge against them.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 361.
The Council met.
Lancaster.,
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, John Bailey, & ? ™ ,
Joseph Hart, Jonathan Hoge, 5 '
Ordered, That Jacob Howell be sent to Red Bank with Money
for the Navy Board from the Treasurer.
Ordered, That Mr. Jacob S. Howell be authorized & empowered
to borrow, if he finds it necessary for the immediate use of the
Navy, any Sum of Money not exceeding Ten thousand Dollars,
which this Council will Pay to the Lenders in a very short
time.
Ordered, That Commodore Hazel wood be authorised & em-
powered to seize & take the necessary Provisions for the Fleet
under his Command, where it may be found in this State, giving to
the Owners Certificates for the same, which shall be paid for at
rates hereafter to be fixed by this Council; And all Magistrates &
Civil Officers are hereby required to aid & assist Commodore Hazel-
wood herein.
The Council met,
Lancaster, Tuesday October 28, 1777,
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President..
Hon'ble G-eorgs Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, Jonathan Hoge, ) w t
John Bailey, & ' \ M(* re'
An order was drawn on Bav'd Kitten house, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo. Clarke, Paymaster of the Militia of
Ike County of Cumberland, for the Sum of One thousand One
hundred & Sixty-three Pounds & nineteen Shillings, being the
Amount of the Rations of Rum due to the first Class of Cumber-
land Militia to the Twelfth instant, as signed by Q-en'l Potter.
Whereas, John Temple, of the County of Chester, was some
time ago taken up on suspicion of being an Enemy to the Cause of
America, & Committed to the Goal of this County, but no mitti-
mus has been sent to the Sheriff or Coaler to keep the said John
Temple until he shall be further examined; thereupon,
362 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That a mittimus be now issued & sent to the Goaler,
directing him safely to keep the said John Temple until he shall be
further examined concerning the said charge.
The Council having received information of the four Pound Bills
of Credit of this State, now Current, have (by mistake of the
Printer) on their backs the impression intended for the Bills of
Credit of Forty Shillings, & that a Number of Bills of Credit of
Forty Shillings have on their backs the impression intended for the
backs of the Four Pound Bills; And as the continueing to circu-
late the said Bills may be attended with many disadvantages to the
State; therefore,
Ordered, That a Proclamation be immediately issued requiring
all persons possesed of Bills of Credit, so as aforesaid differing
in the denomination on the back & front, to bring them in to
the Treasurer, & receive from him the value expressed on the front
of the said Bills,
The Council met,
Lancaster, Wednesday October 29, 1777.
present :
His ExcelFy THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'ry President..
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Viee President.
Jacob Morgan, Jonathan Hoge, > ™ ,
John Bailey, & ) ^ rs'
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer ox
the State, in favor of Mich'} Lindt, for repairing the Court House
for the use of the Assembly & Council, for the Sum of ftve pounde
tighteen shillings.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday October 30, 1777-
present :
His ExcelFy THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, Present.
.Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Yice President.
Jacob Morgan, Jonathan Boge, > ™ ,
John Bail?y, & * } ^1 r*
A. return of the General Election of the County of Bedford was-
laid before the Board & read, by which it appears that the following
Gentlemen were duly elected, to Wit ;
0'
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 363
Councell or— Thomas Urie.
Representatives — Harman Husband, Chas. Cisna, Will' in Mc-
Comb, John Burd, John^Stevenson, & John Stewert.
Commissioner — James Martin.
Assesors — Wm. Montgomery, Sam'l Moore, Tho's Ferguson,
Jas. Little, Hugh Orlton, & Dan'l McConnell.
Sheriffs— John Cessna & Francis Clugage.
Coroners — Cornelius Aulay & John Moore.
On Consideration,
Ordered, That John Cessna be appointed Sheriff of the County
of Bedford, & Gideon Richey, Abram Miley, Rob't Bradshaw, &
Beynard Woolfe, being offered to this Council as surety for the
said John Cessna, his performing the Duties of his Office faith-
fully, according to Law.
Ordered, That the said Gideon Richey, Abram Miley, Rob't
Bradshaw, & Reynard Woolfe, or any two of them, be taken & ad-
mitted as surety for the said John Cessna as Sheriff, according to
Law.
Ordered, That Cornelius Auley be appointed Coroner of the
County of Bedford.
The Council met,
Lancaster, Friday October 31, 1777,
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jasob Morgan, Jonathan Hoge, ) -™ ,
John Bailey, & )
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
'the State, in favor of Stephen Sutton, for Eighteen Pounds fifteen
Shillings, for his service for riding Express.
, The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday Novem* 1, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WTHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, t Jonathan Hoge, > v ,
John Bailey, & 5 q ^
The Petition of divers Gunstockers, employed in the State
Factory, praying an increase of their Wages, &ca, was read ;
364 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That Mr. Benja. Rittefchouse & Peter Deliaven take
the Case of the Petitioners into their consideration, & allow them
eueh reasonable Pay as the alteration of times shall appear to
>cender just and necessary, they being fully competent to this
business.
Henry Dehuff, Esq'r, elected chief Burges of the Borough of
Lancaster, appeared before the Council & took the Affirmations re-
quired by Law to qualify him for the execution of the said
Office.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday Novem. 3, 1777,
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Jacob Morgan, Jonathan Hoge, ) ™ ,
re.
John Bailey, &
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Mich'l Reinhart, for the Sum of Thirty-two
Pounds & five Shillings, for riding Express.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday Novem.. 4, 1777
PRESENT :
His Excell'y, THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, John Hambright, & "J
John Bailey, Jas. Edgar, lEsq're-
Jonathan Hoge, J
The Petitition of John Rice, a Prisoner, convicted of Felony,
and adjudged to suffer Corporal Punishment & pay a fine of Thirty
Pounds, was read ; in which Petition it is set forth, that the Pe-
titioner had suffered the Corporal Punishment, but was unable to
Pay the fine, & praying that he maybe enlarged; And Will'm
Henry & Mich'l Hubley having recommended the said petitioner
as an object of Charity, & informed the Council that ho is a
Soldier belonging to one of the Maryland Battalions; there-
upon,
Ordered, That the Petitioner's fine be remitted, <& that he be
delivered to an Officer of the Maryland Battalion to which he
belongs.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 365
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday Novem. 5, 1777.
PRESENT :
Hie Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, John Hambright, &~j
John Bailey, Jas. Edgar, vEsq'rs.
Jonathan Hoge, J
Ordered, That Peter Dehaven deliver to Colo. Galbraith wh&£
Arms are now in his hands fit for service.
The Hon'ble David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of the State,
laid before the Council an order drawn on him by Will'm Bradford, in
favor of Colo. Bayard, for the Sum of Two hundred & fifty
Pounds;
Ordered, That the same be paid, & charged to the Navy Board
of this State.
The Returns of an Election for the County of Northampton be-
ing now made & considered, by which it appears that the following
Gentlemen were duly elected, to Wit :
Councellor — Jacob Arndt.
Representatives — Peter Burkholder, John Ralston, Simon Dries-
back, John Vancampen, & Peter Rhodes.
Sheriff — John Jennings.
Coroner — Jesse Jones.
Ordered, That John Jennings, Esq'r, elect, be appointed Sheriff
for the County of Northampton, and John Jennings offers Dav'd
Deshler and Philip Boehm, Jun'r, as sureties for the faithful per-
formance of the Duties of his Office as Sheriff, & the same are
approved.
The Justices of the County of Cumberland having recommended
George Stephenson, John Agnew & Capt. John Byers, as persons
qualified to act as Clerks of the Peace of the said County,
Ordered, That John Agnew, Esq'r, be appointed Clerk of the
Peace of the County of Cumberland.
Ordered, That Colo. Dyuykinck, now at Easton, be immediately
brought Prisoner to this Borough, here to continue until Congress
shall otherwise order.
366 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday Novem. 6, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President-
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice-President.
Jacob Morgan, John Hambright, & *)
John Bailey, Ja's Edgar, V Esq'rs.
Jonathan Hoge, )
Resolved, That Will'm Bradford be appointed Paymaster of the
Pennsylvania State Navy.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of the Hon'ble Jonathan Hoge, Esq'r, for the
Sum of Sixty-eight Pounds Two Shillings & six pence, for fifty-
three days attendance in Council, & Mileage on forty-five Miles.
Ordered, That Jacob Cauffman's waggons, said to be impressed
while employed in bringing Wood to the Borough, be immediately
discharged.
Felix M'Carkey laid before the Council a receipt from William
Henry, Esq'r, for Six hundred & thirty-eight Stand of Arms>
brought by him from Bethlehem to be tried and repaired.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday Novem. 7, 177T.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, Jun'r, Esq'r, President
John Bailey, John Hambright, & ? p »
Jacob Morgan, Ja's Edgar, 5
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
this State, in favor of Colo. Clarke, Paymaster of the Militia of
the County of Cumberland, for the Sum Two thousand Pounds, to
be charged to the Paymaster of the State Militia.
An order was drawn on Dav'cl Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Mr. Peter Dehaven, or his order, for the Sum
of Five hundred Pounds, to be charged to his account.
The Council taking into consideration the Election of the Coun-
ty of Cumberland, by which it appears that the following Gentle-
men were duly Elected, to Wit :
Representatives — Will'm Duffield, Jas. M'Clean, Will'm Clark,
James Brown, Rob't Whitehill & John Harris.
Sheriffs — James Johnson & Will'm Brown.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 367
Coroners — John Martin & Mathew Laird.
Commissioner — John Andrew.
Assessors — James Lyon, Will'm M'Clune, Will'm Finley, James
M'Kee, James Laird, George Robinson, Mill.
Ordered, That Jas. Johnston be appointed Sheriff, & John Mar-
tin be appointed Coroner for said County of Cumberland, Sam' I
Finley, John Boggs and Thomas Johnston, being offered by the
said James Johnston sureties for his faithful discharge of the
duties of the Office of Sheriff of the County of Cumberland, the
same or any two of them, were approved by the Council.
The Hon'ble James Edgar, Jacob Arndt & the Hon'ble John
Hambright, Esq'r, took the Oaths required by the Constitution to
qualify them respectively to act as Councellors, & took their Seats
in Council accordingly.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo. Will'm Henry, Lieutenant of the City
of Philadelphia, for the Sum of Two thousand Pounds, for the
purpose of Paying Substitutes & purchasing Blankets, for which
lie is to account.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday Novem. 8, 1777.
PRESENT :
His ExcelFy THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Jas. Edgar, & 1
Jacob Morgan, Jacob Arndt, £■ Esq'rs.
John Hambright, J
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Coio. Cunningham, or his order, for the Sum
of Eighteen Pounds, for John Cruikshanks riding express.
The Council taking into consideration the return of the Elections'
for the County of Northumberland, viz :
Councellor — John Hambright.
Representatives — Sam'l Deal, Rob't Fruit, Jas. Murray, Will'm
Irwin, Simon Hemrod k Rob't Fleming.
Sheriffs — Jonathan Lodge & Peter Hosterman.
Coroners — Jas. M'Mahan & Archibald Simpson.
Ordered, That Jonathan Lodge be appointed Sheriff of the said
Oounty of Northumberland, the following Gentlemen being men-
tioned to Council as sureties for Jonathan Lodge, Esq'r, faithful
f>erformance of the duties of the Office of Sheriff of the County of
Northumberland, Viz :
368 MINUTES OF THE
Samuel Hunter,tRob't Martin, Laughlin M'Cartaey, John Simp-
son, Archibald Simpson, John Morrow, WilFm Morrow, Tho's
Hewitt, Walter Clark & John Lowdan, & the Council approve of
them or any two of them.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State, in favor of
the Hon'ble John Bailey, Esq'r, for the Sum of One hundred &
thirty-four Pounds eleven Shillings & Eight Pence, for One hun-
dred & five days attendance, <fe Mileage for Eighty Miles.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State in favor of
Philip Marstiller, Esq'r, Paymaster of the Militia of this County,
for the Sum of Two thousand five hundred Pounds, for which he
is to account.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday Novem. 10, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey James Edgar, &~)
Jacob Morgan, Jac. Arndt, v Esq'rs.
John Ham bright, J
Francis Bailey of this Borough being now appointed Coroner of
the County of Lancaster, appeared & took the Affirmation required
by law to qualify him to act in the said office.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo. Tho's Dorsey, Paymaster General of
the Militia, for the Sum of Three thousand Pounds, for which he is
to account.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday Novem. 11, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Jas. Edgar, & ~)
Jacob Morgan, Jac. Arndt, v Esq'rs.
John Hambright, j
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Dan'l Evans, for the Sum of Thirty-Two
Pounds & seven Shillings, for Iron work done by him for the State.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL., 368
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday Novem 12, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Exeell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, John Hambright, & > ™ ,
James Edgar, Jacob Arndt, 5
The Hon'ble the Continental Congress, having recommended the
setting apart Thursday the Eighteenth day of December next for
Solemn thanksgiving & praise, & this Council having duly weighed
the importance of this duty, do in the following words, recommend
it to the people of this Commonwealth, Viz :
"By the .Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania :
"A PROCLAMATION:
u Whereas, The Hon'ble the Continental Congress have recom-
mended in the following words, to Wit :
" Forasmuch as it is the indispensable duty of all Men to adore
the superintending Providence of Almighty God, to acknowledge
with gratitude their obligations to him for benefits received, <& to
implore such further obligations as they stand in need of; And it
having pleased him in his abundant Mercy, not only to continue to
us the inumerable blessings of his Common Providence, but also to
smile upon us in the prosecution of a just & necessary War, for
the defence & establishment of our unalienable rights & liberties,
particularly in that he hath been pleased in so great a manner to
prosper the means used for the support of our Troops, & to Crown
our Arms with most signal success ; it is therefore, recommended to
the Legislative or Executive Powers of these United States, to set
apart Thursday the Eighteen day of December next, for Solemn
thanksgiving & praise, that at one time & with one voice, the good,
people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts, & conse-
crate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor, & that
together with their sincere acknowledgments and offerings, they
may join the penitent confession of their manifold sins, whereby
they had forfeited every favor, & their humble & earnest supplica-
tion, that it may please God, through the merits of Jesus Christ,,
mercifully to forgive & blot them out of his remembrance ; that it
may please him graciously to afford his blessings on the Government
of these States respectively & prosper the Councils of the whole *
vol* xi.— 24,
370 MINUTES OF THE
to inspire our Commanders both by land & Sea, & all under them,
with that wisdom & fortitude which may render, them fit instru-
ments under the Providence of Almighty G-od, to secure for these
States the greatest of all human blessings, independence & peace ;
that it may please him to prosper the Trade & manufactures of the
people, & the labor of the husbandman, that our land may yet yield
its increase; To take Schools & Seminaries of Education, so neces-
sary for Cultivating the principles of true liberty, virtue and
piety, under his nurtering hand, & to prosper the means of Reli-
gion, for the promotion & enlargement of that Kingdom which
consisteth in righteousness, peace & joy, in the Holy Ghost. And
it is further recommended, that Servile labor, & such recreations as,
tho' at other times innocent, may be unbecoming the purpose of
this appointment, may be omitted on so solemn an occasion. We
therefore, do hereby call upon the good people of this Common-
wealth, to set apart Thursday the Eighteenth day of Depember
next, for the purpose of Solemn thanksgiving and praise.
u By order of Council,
« THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President
" Attest — Timothy Matlack, Secretary.
"GOD SAVE THE COMMONWEALTH."
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday Novem. 13, 1777
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, John Hambright, & ? p >
James Edgar, Jacob Arnt, $ ^ T&
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo. Rob't Smith, Ijieu't of the County pf
Chester, for the Sum of Five hundred Pounds, for the purpose o.
purchasing Blankets, &ca., for which he is to account,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 371
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday Novem. 14, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice-President.
Jacob Morgan, Thomas Urie, & ? -p >'
James Edgar, John Bailey, $
Ordered, That the Pay of the County Waggon Master, be
Twenty-two Shillings & Six Pence 1$ Day, & the Pay of the
Deputy Waggon Masters be Twenty Shillings % day for every day,
in actual Specie.
- Colo. Davis reports that John Temple, now a prisoner in the
'Goal of this County, had given Security to appear & answer, &ca.,
at the Court of Quarter Sessions in the County of Chester, & that
the said -Temple has took the Oath of Allegiance to the State.
(Bond in Colo. Davis's hand.)
Ordered, That John Temple, now in the Goal of this County, be
Enlarged, he having taken the Oath of Allegiance & given Security
for good behaviour, &c. Mr. Matt'w Irwin, Quarter-Master of Mi-
litia, laid before the Council his proceedings in that office, & pro-
posed that the Brigade Quarter- Master be allowed Major's Pay &
Rations, they acting at the same time as Commissaries of Military
Stores.
On consideration,
Ordered, That the Brigade Quarter-Masters, who act as Commis-
saries of Military Stores in the Militia of this State, be allowed
Major's pay & Rations.
The Council taking into consideration the return of the Elec-
tion for the County of York ; and thereupon,
Ordered, That Will'm Rowan be appointed Sheriff of the County
of York, & that Joseph Adlum be appointed Coroner of the said
County of York.
A Return of the General Election for the County of York is as
follows, vizt : Councellor, James Edgar, Esq'r ; Representatives,
Matthew Dill, James Dixon, John Agnew, John Orr, Mich'l Hahn
& Dav'd Dunwoody; Sheriffs, Will'm Rowan & Will'm Scott;
Coroners, Joseph Adlum & David Candler; Commissioner, Will'm
Mitchell; Assessors, John Sample, Jacob Eichelberger, Thomas
Lilly, Will'm Adams, Joseph Chambers & Lewis Williams.
Tho's Urie, Councellor of the County of Bedford, appeared &
took the Oaths required by the Constitution to Qualify him to act
as Councellor, he swearing with an uplifted hand, and took his seat
accordingly. . *
372 MINUTES OF THE
A return of the General Election for the County of Bucks was
laid before the Board & read, by which it appears that the follow-
ing Gentlemen were duly elected, to-Wit : Representatives, John
Keller, Will'ra Cornel, Joseph Kirkbride, Arthur Watts, John
Folwell & Matt'w Greer; Sheriffs, John Thompson & George
Wall; Coroners, Benja, Fell & Rob't Ramsay; Commissioners,
Jas Morgan ; Assessors, John Krewson, John Sample, Benja.
Seigle, Tho's Folwell, Will'm Means & Joseph Thomas.
Ordered, That John Thompson be appointed Sheriff of the
County of Bucks, & that Benja. Fell be appointed Coroner of the
said County of Bucks.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday Novem. 15, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, Thomas Urie, & ] ™ ,
• James Edgar, John Bailey, J ^S(* rs*
Thomas Jordan being recommended by Gen'l Potter, as a suit-
able person for Paymaster of the Militia of the County of Northum-
berland ; thereupon,
Ordered, That Thomas Jordan be appointed Paymaster of the
Militia of the County of Northumberland.
Ordered, That John Lacey be appointed one of the Justices of
the Peace for the County of Bucks, in the room & stead of James
Wallace, (deceased,) And that Andrew Long be appointed one of
the Justices of the said County of Bucks, in addition to the num-
ber of Justices already appointed for the same.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday Novem. 17, 1777
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, John Hambright, & ) ™ ,
Jacob Arndt, Thomas Urie, } ^ rs*
It appearing to this Council, on the oath of Rob't Galbraith,
jKsq'r, & Will'm Parker, Esq'r, that Thomas Smith, Esq'r, late
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 373
Prothonotary of the County of Bedford, hath been duly required
<& summoned by a demand in writing, to deliver up the Seals,
Papers, Books & Records belonging to, or in use in the said Office,
to the said Rob't Galbraith, who hath been appointed by this Coun-
cil to the said Office, which demand the said Thomas Smith hath
refused to comply with ; therefore,
Ordered, That the said Thomas Smith, Esq'r, be Arrested &
Confined in the Goal of the said County of Bedford, according to
Law.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday, Novem. 18, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, John Hambright, & ? ™ » i
Jacob Arndt, Thomas Urie, 5
The Council taking into consideration the return of the Election
for the County of Westmorland, vizt :
A Return of the General Election for the County of Westmor-
land, is as follows, vizt : %
Councellor, Thomas Scott ; Representatives, James Smith, John
Carmichael, Thomas Galbraith, Dav'd Sample, Christ'r Hays &
John Shield, Esquires ; Sheriffs, Will'm Perry & John Giffen ;
Coroners, Will'm Waddell & Sam'l Slone ; Assessors, James
Moore, George Glenn, John Niesbit, Isaac Wilson, Thomas Ficher
<fc James Beard ; Commissioner, George Reading.
Ordered, That Will'm Perry be appointed Sheriff of the said
County, <fe that Will'm Waddell be appointed Coroner of the said
County of Westmorland.
Will'm Perry now appointed Sheriff of the County of West-
morland, offered John Perry & Charles Ferman, Esquires, of the
Said Counties as Sureties, for his due performance of the said Offioe,
which the Council approve of.
m
374 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday, Novem. 19, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Jacob Morgan, > -^ ,
Jacob Arndt, & 5
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of James Davidson, Esq'r, for the Sum of Five
hundred Pounds, to be applied for the use of the Salt Works, & for
which he is to be accountable.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Capt. Thomas Dorsey, Paymaster of Militia,
for the Sum of One Thousand Pounds, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Peter Bollinger, for the Sum of Six Pounds
& Eight Shillings, for services done the Council.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday Novem. 20, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, John Bailey, & > ™ ,
Jacob Arnd, James Edgar, $ ™
James Reed & Rob't Whitehill, Esq'rs, waited on the Council &
acquainted them the Assembly had made a House, & proposed to
proceed to the Choice of a President & Vice President of the Coun-
cil, at such time as should be convenient; whereupon the President
proposed to-morrow forenoon, at 11 O'clock, as a proper time for
Council to join the Assembly in said Business.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 375
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Friday Novem. 21, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Exeell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, John Hambright, ~)
Jacob Arndt, James Edgar, & vEsq'rs.
John Bailey, John Mackey, J
John Mackey, Esq'r, Councellor Elect for the County of Ches-
ter, attended in Council, & having taken the Oath required by the
Constitution to qualify him for said Office, took his seat accord-
His Excellency the President & the Members of Council, joined
the House of Assembly, agreeable to the appointment of yesterday,
in Electing a President & Vice President of the Supreme Executive
Council of this Commonwealth for the ensuing Year.
The Council being again apart, the President reports that Thom-
Wharton, jun'r, Esq'r, was duly Elected President, & George Bry-
an, Esq'r, Vice President, Accordingly.
Will'm Rowon, Esq'r, appointed Sheriff of the County of York,
offered John Finley & Matthew McCall of said County, as sureties
for the due performance of said Office, which the Council approve of.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday Novem. 22, 1777
PRESENT :
His Exeell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Jacob Arndt,
Jacob Morgan, James Edgar, k ^ Esq'rs.
John Mackey, John Hambright,
MMiM
376 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday Novem. 24, 1777,
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Jacob Arndt, & 1
Jacob Morgan, Tho's Urie, lEsq'rs.
John Mackey, J
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Henry Davis, for Three Pounds four Shillings
& Eleven Pence, for two days riding express.
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Tuesday Novem. 25, 1777,
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Hon'ble Gegrge Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Arndt, Jacob Morgan, )
John Bailey, Thomas Urie, & v Esq'rs
Jacob Mackey, John Hambright, )
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Wednesday Novem. 2G, 1777
present :
His Exeell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John McKay, Jacob Arndt, 1
Jacob Morgan, Thomas Urie, & I Esq'rs.
John Hambright, Joseph Hart, J
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo. Tho's Dorsey, Paymaster General of the
Militia, for the Sum of Two thousand Pounds, for which he is to
scoount.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL,. 377
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday Novem. 27, 1777.
PRESENT *.
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq r, President,
Jacob Morgan, John Mackey, ~)
Joseph Hart, Thomas Urie, & lEsq'rs.
Jacob Arndt, John Hambright, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Colo. John
Piper, Lieutenant of the County of Bedford, for the Sum of three
hundred Pounds, for which he is to account.
Application being made by Will'm Perry, Esq'r, Sheriff of West-
moreland County, for the Loan of a Sum of Money to purchase Salt
for the inhabitants of the said County,
Resolved, That an order be drawn on the Treasurer for Five
hundred Pounds for said purpose, provided John Shelds and John
Carmioh^el be security that said Sum be paid into the hands of
Archibald Lochry, Esq'r, Lieutenant of the said County, & that the
Salt when purchased, be equally distributed among such of :the in-
habitants of the County aforesaid, as have taken the Oath or Affir-
mation of Allegiance to the State.
Agreeable to the Foregoing Resolve,
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Will'm Perry, Esq'r, for Five hundred Pounds,
to be charged to Arch'd Lockry, Esq'r, Lieut, of the County of
Westmorland.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday Novem. 28, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
John Hambright, Thomas Urie, ")
John Mackey, Joseph Hart, & l Esq'rs.
Jacob Arndt, Jacob Morgan, J
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Capt. Tho's Dorsey, for the Sura of Four
thousand Pounds, for which he is to account,
378 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday Novem. 29, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jacob Morgan, John Hambright,"}
Tho's Urie, Thomas Scott, & { Eg ,
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, f ^
John Mackey, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Ja's Young,
Esq'r, for the Sum of Eighty Pounds, to be charged to the said
James Young, Esq'r, until it can be transfered.
Thomas Scott, Esq'r, Councellor Elect for the County of West-
morland, attended in Council, & having taken the Oath required
by the Constitution of this State to qualify him to act in said Office,
took his seat accordingly.
John Thompson, Esq'r, appointed Sheriff of the County pf Bucks,
& Benja. Fell, appointed Coroner of the said County; John Thompson
offered Henry Wynkoop, Joseph Sackett, Esq'r, & Gradus Wyn-
koop, Yeoman of this County, as sureties for the due performance
of his Office as Sheriff, which the Council approve of.
Council received from the Assembly an order, setting forth the
appointment of George Stewart, Esq'r, to be Sub-Lieutenant of the
County of Cumberland, of which the Council approve.
Ordered, That a Commission be made out accordingly.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer, in
favor of Mich'l Reinhart, for Twenty Two Pounds Ten Shillings,
for te% days Riding Express.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday December 1, 1777.
PRESENT !
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, & "J
Jacob Arndt, John Hambright, y Esq'rs.
Thomas Urie, J
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Thomas Dorsey, Esq'r, Pay Master General
of the Militia, for the Sum of Four thousand Pounds, for which he
is to account.
SUPREEME XECUTIVE COUNCIL. 379
His Excell'y Thomas Wharton, jun'r, Esq'r, President, laid be-
fore the Council a Letter from Henry Laurens, Esq'r, President of
Congress, inclosing a Copy of the Confederation, which is to be
sent to the different States for their approbation ; and after being
read, was referred to the Hon'ble House of Assembly for their con-
sideration.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Mr. Peter Dehaven, for Five hundred Pounds,
for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of John Burd, for furnishing Two hundred &;
Sixty Two Rations, at One Shilling per Ration, to Colo. Piper's
Battalion, of the second of January last, to be charged to Congress.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday Decern. 3, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Morgan, ")
Thomas Urie, Jacob Ardnt, & v Esq'rs.
Thomas Scott, John Hambright. J
Council received from the Assembly an order, setting forth the
appointment of Tho's Urie, jun'r, & Will'm Halliday, jun'r, Esq'rs,
of the County of Bedford, & Will'm Cochran, Esq'r, of the County
of Westmorland, to be Sub-Lieutenants of the said Counties re-
spectively.
Ordered, That Commissions be made out for them accordingly.
Ordered, That Will'm M. Henry & John Ball, Esq'rs, be ap-
pointed Justices of the Peace for the County of Bucks.
The Council met.
Lancaster Thursday Decern. 4, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, ")
Jacob Morgan, Jacob Arndt, & I Esq'rs.
John Bailey, Thomas Urie, J
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Capt. Joseph Potts, for One thousand Pounds,
380 MINUTES OF THE
to be charged to Colo. Smith, Lieutenant of the County of Chester,
for the purpose of purchasing Blankets, Paying Substitutes, &ea,,
for which Sura he is to account. '
The Council met..
Lancaster, Friday December 5, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, &")
Jacob Morgan, Jacob Arndt. WEsq'rs.
John Bailey, J
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Tho's Dorsey, Esq'r, Paymaster General of
the Militia of the State of Pennsylvania, for the Sum of Four thou-
sand Pounds, for which he is to account.
It being represented to Council, by Will'm Henry, Esq'r, that
the following Men can be usefully employed in making Arms for the
use of the State, viz : Henry Gingerich, John Eberly, Christian
Oberholtzer, Henry Myer, Caspar Halburn, Adam Deterer, Mich'l
DeReiner, & George Radfang; it is therefore,
Ordered, By the Executive Council that the above named Per-
sons be excused from going 10 Camp, provided they continue in the
employ, under the direction of the said Will'm Henry, Esq'r, upon
such terms as he may think reasonable.
Ordered, That John Jordan be appointed Waggon Master of
the County of Lancaster, in the room of Ferdinand M'Elvain, and
he is authorized & directed to nominate a suitable number of Depu-
ties to make out a list of waggons in the said County, & to take or-
der that the Waggons employed from time to time in the pub-
lic service, perform their duty in their turn, & to proceed therein
agreeable to such directions as he shall from time to time receive
from this Council.
1
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 38}.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday Decern. 6, 1777.
PRESENT !
His Exoell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble G-eorge Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
\ Jacob Morgan, Trio's Scott, 1
John Bailey, John Hambright. lEsq'rs.
\ Jacob Arndt, J
Upon representation of Mr. Adam Kimmel, that one of the Wag'
^ons which he had impressed by virtue of a Warrant from this
Council, has been rescued from him by Jacob Keller, George Adam
Fiance, Dav'd Menser, Sam'LBowman& Henry Brental, in defiance
of me said Warrant; thereupon,
Ordered, That the Sheriff apprehend the said persons, & bring
■thern before this Council, and that a warrant issue for that purpose.
On motion,
Ordered, That a Circular Letter be written to the Lieutenants
•of the several Counties, to exert themselves in Collecting the Fines
-due frQm Delinquents, & remit the same to the Treasurer, and
likewise to send forward returns of all the Militia in the several
Counties, who have from time to time turned out in the several
Olasses.
The Council took into consideration the Memorial of Benja.
Wallace, Betting forth that his brother, Mich'l Wallace, had been
f)ut uader\Guard, by order of Col. Boyd, of Pequea, & had been
threatened\to be Marched to Camp for this reason, that he, Mich 'I
Wallace hatt obtained a warrant for a substitute, in the said Colo.
Boyd's Battalion, fqr abuse.
Ordered, 'That the said Mich'l Wallace be discharged from his
confinement. \
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday Decern 8, 1777.
\ present i
His Exoell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jacob Morgan, John Hambright, "]
John BaileJ, Jacob Arndt, & I Esq'rs.
Thomas Scott, Thomas Urie, J
His Exoell'y, the. President, laid before the Council a Letter
from Henry Laurels, Esq'r, inclosing two Resolves of Congress,
382 MINUTES OF THE
one of them recommending it to the Legislatures of the several
States to enact Laws for the Calling in the Old Bills of Credit,
struck under the authority and sanction of the King of Great Bri-
tain, & the other recommending to the Legislatures of this State
to repeal the clause in the Militia Law which permits the hireing
of substitutes.'
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Capt. Ja's Francis Moore, tor One hundred
Pounds, in part of his Account, to be charged to Jacob S. Howell,
to be by him charged to the Commanding Officer of the Regiment
late of this State, and now Commanded by Colonel Stewart.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday Decern. 9, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jacob Morgan, Thomas Urie, "J
John Bailey, Jacob Arndt, & WEsq'rs.
Thomas Scott, John Hambright, J
By virtue of a Warrant issued by this board on the 6th instant,,
Jacob Keller, George , Adam France, David Menser, Samuel
Bowman & Henry Brintall, being Arrested, and a report made to
Council,
Ordered, That Jacob Keller be now brought before the Coun-
cil, and it appearing by his own confession that he had, in contempt
of the Warrant of this Council, taken several Horses from Adam
Kimmel, which had been impressed by order of Council for Public
Service, and George Adam France, Dav'd Menser, Sam\' Bowman
& Henry Brental being now brought in, and it appearing by their
own confession that the said George Adam France, DavM Mensery
Sain'l Bowman & Henry Brental, were concerned with Jacob Kel-
ler, in taking several Horses from Adam Kimmel, in contempt of a
Warrant issued by this Council \ thereupon,
Ordered, That the said Jacob Keller, George Adam France?
Dav'd Menser, Sam'l Bowman & Henry Brental be committed to
the common Goal of this County.
Several letters from the County of Bedford, relating to the
incursions made by the Indians, being now read and considered,
Ordered. That the Lieutenants of the County of Bedford, & of
the County of Westmorland, be authorized and directed to call out
from time to time, such parts of the Militia of the said Counties as
may be necessary for the immediate defence of the Inhabitants
against the Indians, & to take such measures as may most effectu-
ally cover the inhabitants while they are securing their grain, and
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 383
it is recommended to the said Lieut's to confer & correspond with
each other on this Subject as occasion may require, so as to act in
conjunction, as far as may be, for the Public safety.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday Decern. 10, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, Tho's Urie, ")
John Bailey, John Hambright, & I
Jacob Arndt, Tho's Scott.- f
Esq'rs.
James Edgar, j
Esq']
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday Decern. 11, 1777,
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Arndt, Thomas Scott,
John Edgar, Jacob Morgan,
John Hambright, John Bailey.
Thomas Urie,
A Letter from Mr. Joseph Nourse, Deputy Secretary of the Board
of War, inclosing several Resolves of Congress, Several Letters from
Owen Jones, jun'r, to divers persons in Lancaster, & one from Mat-
thias Slough to the said Owen Jones, jun'r, and the depositions of
several persons relating to the conduct of the Quaker Prisoners at
Winchester, k also a resolve of the Board of War for the removing
the said Prisoners to Staunton, in the County of Augusta, in Vir-
ginia.
Ordered, That the same be laid before the Hon'ble House of
Assembly.
Ordered, That application be made to the Board of War for a
number of Arms, to be repaired and put into the hands of the Mi-
litia of the County of Bedford, for their immediate defence against
the incursions of the Indians.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State^ in favor of the Hon'ble John Hambright, Esq'r, for the
384 MINUTES OF THE
Sura of Fifty-eight pounds eight shillings & nine pence, for forty-
five attendance & half Mileage on one hundred & five miles, (he
having removed his Family from his late dwelling to this Borough.)
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday, Decern. 12, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, Jacob Arndt, ^)
John Bailey, Thomas Scott, & I „ ,
James Edgar, John Hambright. [ ^
Tho's Urie, J
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of John Bayard, Esq'r, for the sum of Five
thousand Pounds, to be charged to Will'm Henry, Esq'r, Lieutenant
of the City of Philadelphia, being so much money advanced by John
Philips & Co. to the said Will'm Henry, & by him assigned to the
said Colo. John Bayard.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of George Boss, Esq'r, for Eleven Month's rent
of an office for Public Papers, (according to an Agreement made
with him by Will'm Parr, Esq'r, for the Sum of Thirty-Three
Pounds.
The Council met,
Lancaster, Saturday Decern. 13, 1777,
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Thomas Scott, & \ ^ ,
Thomas Edgar, Thomas Urie, j ^
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Stephen Sutton, for the Sum of Thirty-six
Pounds eighteen Shillings and nine Pence, for riding Express on
Public business.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of John Tyler, (Gunsmith,) for the Sum of
Two Hundred Pouuds, & ordered to be charged to Jacob S. Howell,
to whom the said John Tyler (Gunsmith) is to be accountable.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 385
Ordered, That Mr. John Tyler send what Rifles he has by him
fit for service, immediately forward to this Borough, to the Council.
The General Assembly of Representatives of the Freemen of
Pennsylvania, sent into Council the following Certificate, vizt :
a In General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
Wednesday Dec'r 10, 1777, P. M.
" On motion, Resolved, That this House will now proceed, agrea-
ble to the order of the day, to the Election of Delegates to
serve this State in Congress for the ensuing year, every one of
whom shall have forty Shillings for each days' service.
u Whereupon, The said Election being made by Ballot, Doctor
Benjamin Franklin, Rob't Morris, Dan'l Roberdeau, Jonath'n
Bayard Smith, James Smith, Yorktown, Will'm Clinghan & Jo-
seph Reed, Esq'rs, were Chosen.
" Extract from the Minutes.
"JOHN MORRIS, jun'r, Clerk of General Assembly.'7
Thereupon, Ordered, That a Certificate of the said Election and
appointment bemade out, under the Seal of the Comonwealth,
signed by his ExcelPy the President, & Attested by the Secretary.
Esq'rs.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday Decern. 15, 1777.
present:
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Edgar, Thomas Urie, &
John Hambright, Thomas Scott,
William Henry, Esq'r, informed the Council that very frequent
applications had been made to him for Payment of Waggonhire,
due to the inhabitants of this County for service done last Sum-
mer; thereupon,
Ordered, That application be made to Gen'l Mifflin, requesting
that he will take immediate & effectual measures for the payment
of the said Waggoners.
The Petition of Jacob Keller & Peter Miller, on behalf of Ja-
cob Keller, jun'r, Sam'l Bowman, Jacob Brindle, Dav'd Meinzer,
George Adam Frantz, now prisoners in the Goal of this County,
being read, & the Petitioners heard ; thereupon,
Ordered, That Sam'l Bowman, David Meinzer, & George Adam
Frantz, who appear to have been drawn in to aid & abet Jacob
vol. xi. — 25.
38G MINUTES OF THE
Keller in forcibly taking away two Horses from Adam Kimmel,
which were in the service of Council, thro' a deception, be dis-
charged on taking & Subscribing the Oath or Affirmation of Alle-
giance to the State, and that Jacob Keller, jun'r, & Jacob Brindle,
on their taking & subscribing the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance
to the State, and giving Security for their good behaviour for one
year, themselves each in the Sum of Four hundred Pounds, & one
Sufficent Freeholder in the Sum of Two hundred Pounds, be en-
larged.
Colo. Bayard & Colo. Coats attended the Council in the name of
the Hon'ble House of Assembly, requested a conference with
Council, (either in the Assembly Room or in the Council Cham-
ber, as the Council think fit,) on the situation of the State, with
respect to the Continental Army going into Winter Quarters;
thereupon,
Agreed, That this Council will attend the House in the Assembly
Room.
The Conference with the Hon'ble House of General Assembly
having been had, & it being unanimously agreed to remonstrate to
Congress against the Army going into Cantonments,
Ordered, That the Hon'ble Vice President & J\lr. Scott be ap-
pointed to join with a Committee of the Hon'ble House of Gen-
eral Assembly to draw up the said Remonstrance, to be laid before
the Council & the House to-morrow morning.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday Decern. 16, 1777
PRESENT I
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
James Edgar, Tho's Urie, & > H ,
John Hambright, Tho's Scott. 5 ^s(* rs*
The Council taking into consideration the case of Doctor Shan-
non, who has been arrested as a person unfriendly to the cause of
America, and suspected as being dangerous to liberty ; thereupon,
Ordered, That Doctor Shannon do give security for his appear-
ance at this Board when called upon, to answer such Charge as may
be brought against him, and in the mean time to be of good beha-
viour, himself in the Sum of Two thousand Pounds, & one or
more sufficient Freeholders in the Sum of One thousand Pounds.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 387
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday Decern. 17, 1777.
\
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, &
James Edgar, Tho's Scott. J.Esq'rs.
Tho'sUrie, <
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of WilPm C. Bradford, Paymaster of the Penn-
sylvania Fleet, for the Sum of Three Thousand Pounds, for which
he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Will'in C. Bradford, for the Sum of Four
thousand Pounds, to be delivered to Mr. Will'm Crispin, Commis-
sary to the Pennsylvania Fleet, to be charged to the account of the
said Will'm Crispin, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of the Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice Presi-
dent, for the Sum of Two hundred & Fifty Pounds additional Pay,
voted to him in Assembly the 12th of October last, for half a year,
ending the first day of September last.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday Decern. 19, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Edgar, ~)
Jacob Morgan, Thomas Scott, & vEsq'rs.
John Hambright, Thomas Urie, J
Application being made to Council to fix the Pay of trfe Horse
Men who entered into Service from Chester County,
Ordered, That the Gentlemen who, instead of doing duty in the
Foot Militia, have entered into the service as horsemen, be allowed
over and besides the Pay of Militia, all the expences which they
have actually paid for foreage, when it could not be supplied by the
Commissary.
MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday Decern. 20, 3777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Tho's Scott, & )
James Edgar, Jacob Morgan, }*Esq'r3.
John Hambright, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Philip Mar-
stiller, Paymaster of Militia for this County, for the Sum of Four
thousand Pounds, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Frederick Sneyder, for eighty five days at-
tendance, and for riding express to Easton, & for sundry small ex-
pences paid by him, for the Sum of One hundred Pounds Eight
Shillings & Six Pence.
The recommendation of the Justices of the Peace of the County
of York of three persons as qualified to act as Clerk of the Peace,
heing now read & considered; thereupon,
Ordered, That Arch'd McClean, Esq'r, be appointed Clerk of the
Peace for the County of York.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday Decern. 22, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Ewing, & ~\
Tho's Scott, John Hambright, v Esq'rs.
James Edgar, )
The Council took into consideration the great inconveniences
arising /rom the present irregular mode of providing Waggons for
the Army.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 389
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday Decern. 23, 1777.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Tho's Urie, &~)
James Edgar, Tho's Scott, lEsq'rs.
John Hambright, J
The Council resumed the consideration of the mode of supply-
ing the Army with Waggons.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Peter Dehaven, for the Sum of Two hundred
Pounds, for which he is to account.
Council being informed that there is a quantity of Gun powder,
Salt Petre, & Sulphur, belonging to either this State or to the
Continent, which is at present in the hands of Tho's Himeburg,
near the Yellow Springs, which appears to be insecure ; therefore,
An order was given for the delivery of the same to the Hon'ble
Tho's Urie, Esq'r, to be by him secured, and an order was also
drawn directing Mr. Rob't Towers, to deliver to the said Tho's
Urie such Public Stores as are now in his hands belonging either
to the Continent or to this State.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Mr. Blaithwaite Jones, for the Sum of Two
hundred Pounds, to be charged to Congress, in part Pay for his
services in superintending the Works at Billingsport.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday Decern. 24, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Hambright, Thomas Scott, & ? p ,
James Edgar, Joseph Hart, $ ^ rS'
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Adam Kimmel, for the Sum of Five hundred
& Fifty Pounds Six Shillings & Eleven Pence, for Whiskey, & Car-
riage of it to our Fleet. The following Representation to the Re-
presentatives of the Freemen of the State of Pennsylvania being
390 MINUTES OF THE
read and agreed to, was sent to the Hon'ble House of General As-
sembly now sitting, viz't:
"In Council, Lancaster, Decern. 24, 1777.
" To the Representatives of the Freemen of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania:
"The Council having found great inconvenience and mischief arise
from the want of a Law for regulating Carriages employed in the
Service of the Army ; That such Laws having been found proper &
useful in former times, when Soldiers have been employed & Quar-
tered in Pennsylvania, are become more necessary than ever, from
the great extent & burden of that duty at present ■ That contrary
to the Policy of free States, Quarter Masters, Commissaries, &
other persons of Character, purely Military, have been left through
necessity, to press Waggons & Horses, a practice big with mischief
& oppression, such Officers regarding merely their own convenience
& ease, & burdening chiefly the neighbourhood where they reside,
& forcing into Service Carriages carrying in the Town food & fuel
to the immediate distress of the inhabitants ; That Council have
endeavoured to interpose their influence in extending the burden
of this necessary duty to the People generally, but that want of au-
thority to enforce their Rules by punishing offenders & restraining
the Military Officers aforesaid, have undermined all their efforts,
and must continue to do so, whereby the Waggon Service will be-
come an intolerable grievance to many worthy Farmers, and will
be performed with reluctance & insufficiency ; That the need of a
better reward than Thirty Shillings P. Diem, for the service of a
Team of four Horses & a Waggon, has been fully manifest to
Council ; That they have represented to our Delegates in Congress
that adequate Wages are essentially necessary to the performance
of this important Service, & they have recommended that Forty-
five Shillings or Fifty Shillings Per Diem be hereafter allowed;
Council therefore, are of opinion that a Law on the Subject of Car-
riages & Horses for Continental Service is indispensibly necessary,
& if it should be considered as proper, Council will frame heads of
a Bill for expediting the same.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday Decern. 25, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble Geo. Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, & Tho's Scott, Esq'rs.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 391
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday Decern. 26, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, ? -^ ,
Tho's Scott, & S q
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday Decern. 27, 1777.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Esquire.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Colo. Will'm Coats, Lieu't of the County of
Philadelphia, for the Sum of One Thousand & five hundred Pounds,
for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Will'm Scott, Esq'r, Paymaster of the Militia
of the County of Bucks, for the Sum of Two thousand Pounds, to
be charged to Thomas Dorsey, Esq'r, Paymaster of the State.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday Decern. 29, 1777.
present :
His Excll'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President/
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, ) ™ ,
John Hambright, & \ ^ TS'
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of Marshall Edwards, Esq'r, Paymaster of Phila-
delphia County Militia, for the Sum of One thousand Two hundred
& fifty Pounds, to be charged to Tho's Dorsey, Esq'r, Paymaster
of the Militia of the State.
392 MINUTES OF THE
Colo. Proctor represented to the Council that a considerable
Sum of Money was due to the Militia of the County of Westmor-
land, for services done by them, and that there is a necessity of a
Sum of Money being sent into the said County to purchase Provi-
sions for the Men now in service & that may be called into service
against the Indians j thereupon,
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of John Proctor, Esq'r, Paymaster of the Militia
of the County of Westmoreland, for the Sum of One thousand &
five hundred Pounds, to be applied in Paying the said Militia, & to
be charged to Thomas Dorsey, Esq'r, Paymaster of the State.
An order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of John Proctor, Esq'r, for the Sum of Five
hundred Pounds, to be by him delivered to Colo. Arch'd Lockry,
Lieu't of the County of Westmorland, to procure Provisions for the
Militia, & to be charged to the said Colo. Lockry.
And an order was drawn on David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer
of the State, in favor of Wm. Holliday, for the Sum of Four hun-
dred Pounds, to Pay for Provisions purchased to supply the Militia
of Bedford County, & to continue the Supply, which Sum is to be
charged to Colo. Piper, Lieu't of said County.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday Decern, 80, 1777,
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Esq'rs.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott,
John Hambright, &
An order was drawn on the Treasurer of the State, in favor of
Michael Reinhard, for the Sum of Thirteen Pounds & ten Shillings,
for Riding Express.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 393
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday Decern, 31, 1777=
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble Geoege Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, & ? ™ >
John Hambright, Thomas Urie, $ ^
On Monday last Mich'l Smith, Waggon Master, delivered to
Council Nine Bales of Woollens & five small Bales of Shalloons,
which had been Seized by Colo's Smith & Keiklein, of the County
of Bucks, & sent forward for the purpose of Cloathing of Troops; .
and an order was drawn on Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of
the State, in favor of the said Mich'l Smith, for the Carriage of the
said Goods, for the Suimof Ninety-four Pounds & ten Shillings, to
be charged to account of Cloathing the Troops of this State.
Ordered, That Capt. John Harrison be appointed to the Com-
mand of the Dickinson Arm'd Boat, and that he be commissioned
accordingly.
The Council met.
Thursday January 1, 1778.
PRESENT I
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, & ? ™ >
Tho's Urie, John Bailey, $ q ™*
Joseph Green, of the County of Northumberland, laid before the
Council an Account of Expences in supplying the Militia of that
County with Provisions, on an expedition up the West branch of
Susquehanna River, to defend the frontiers against the Indians,
Amounting to One thousand Four hundred & Sixty Six Pounds Se-
ven Shillings & Six Pence, as he has stated it; but Council not
having before them the vouchers necessary to support the said ac-
count, & it appearing that a considerable Sum of Money will be
wanted in that department, this account is ordered to be rendered
to the Lieu't of the County; And an order was drawn on the Trea-
surer, in favor of Joseph Green, for the Sum of One Thousand &
Six hundred Pounds, to be by him paid into the hands of Samuel
Hunter, Esq'r, Lieutenant of the said County, & to be charged to
the said Hunter.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer, in favor of Jacob S. How-
ell, for the Sum of One hundred Pounds, for which he is to ac-
count.
394 MINUTES OF THE
Mr. Sam'l Caldwell rendered an account of the Expences paid
by him & Mr. A. Nesbitt, in conducting the Quaker Prisoners to
Reading, Amounting to One hundred & Fifty-Nine Pounds Three
Shillings & four Pence ; And an order was drawn on the Treasurer,
in favor of Mr. Sam'l Caldwell, for the Sum of Fifty-Nine Pounds
Three Shillings & four Pence, balance of the aforesaid Account.
Order dated yesterday.
Mr. James Read & Colo. Clarke, a Committee of the Hon'ble
House of General Assembly, attended in Council & laid before them
the Petition of Forty-four respectable Persons of this County, pro-
posing the calling out the whole strength of this State against the
Enemy, and proposed a conference between the Council & General
Assembly.
Ordered, That John Brown be allowed the liberty of the. Goal,
as other Prisoners usually are.
The President & Council having attended in consultation with the
General Assembly, & it being agreed that the proposal made in the
above mentioned Petition be communicated to Congress, A Com-
mitteee was appointed to draft a Letter to Congress for this pur-
pose.
The Council met.
Friday January 2, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, <fc > p ,
Tho's Urie, John Bailey. $ T* rS#
Letter to Congress, drafted by the Committee, was laid before the
Council, approved & sent into the House of Assembly.
An order was drawn on Peter Dehavan & George Fry, directing
them to deliver to Colo. John Shields, of Westmorland County,
Thirty-six Riffle Guns, or such number as are in their possession, to
be delivered to Colo. Arch'd Lochry, Lieut, of the said County;
and also an order was drawn on William Henry of this borough,
for all the Riffles in his possession, to be delivered to Colo. Archi-
bald Lochry, Lieut, of the said County.
Ordered, That the. Board of War be requested to furnish Her-
man Husband, Esq'r, with Two hundred Pounds of Powder & Six
hundred Pounds of Lead, for the use of the Militia of Westmore-
land County, in defending themselves against the Indians, and the
like quantity for the use of the Militia of Bedford, for the said
purpose.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer, in favor of Jacob S.
Howell, for the Sum of Five hundred Pounds, for which he is to
account.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 395
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Philip Boehm,
Esq'r, Paymaster of the Militia of Northampton, for the Sum of
One thousand and five hundred Pounds, for which he is to account.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday January 3d, 1778.
present:
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, & ? i?cnv«
Tho's Urie, John Bailey. 5 *"
Mr. Anderson, Colo. Dill & Colo. Clarke attended in Council, &
laid before them a Resolve of the Hon'ble House of General As-
sembly, (dated December 29, 1777,) authorizing them to open the
Loan Office Chest, &ca., thereupon requested the Key of the said
Chest, which had been put into the hands of Colo. Hart; where-
upon, Colo. Hart, with the concurrence of Council, delivered the
Keys to the said Mr. Anderson, Colo. Dill & £)olo. Clarke.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Tolbert,
for the Sum of Seven Pounds & ten Shillings, for riding express for
General Armstrong.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday January 5, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, & ") y ,
Thomas Urie, Thomas Scott. j "
A Memorial from the Prisoners sent from Philadelphia to Win-
chester in Virginia, was read.
The Council having considered the State of the Militia now in
the field,
Ordered, That the Sixth & Seventh Classes of Militia of York
County ; The Fifth & Sixth Classes of Militia of the County of
Cumberland; and the Fifth Class of Militia of the County of North-
umberland, be immediately sent to Head Quarters.
Ordered, That Congress be informed that the Prisoners now at
Winchester, are considered by this Council as the Prisoners of the
United States, <fc that a considerable expence hath been paid by
this State removeing them to Winchester. f
390 MINUTES OF TEE
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Tuesday January 6, 1778,
PRESENT I
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Tho's Scott, &
Tho's Urie, John Bailey.
John Ham bright,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Colo. Clark.
Paymaster of Cumberland County, for the Sum of Six Thousand
Pounds, to be charged to Thomas Dorsey, Esq'r, Paymaster of the
State.
Ordered, That the Lieutenant of the County of Cumberland, be
directed to enquire for some Block Tin & Lead, which has been
sent to Carlisle & lodged there, & procure One block of the Tin &
a Pig of Lead, & send it to Council by the first opportunity.
lEsq'rs.
(.Esq'rs.
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Wednesday January 7, 1778
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, . John Hambright, &
Tho's Urie, Tho's Scott.
Jos. Hartley,
Major Gen'l Armstrong attended in Council & conferred with
them on the situation of our Army.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Maj. Gen'l
Armstrong, for the sum of One hundred & Fifty Pounds, to be
charged to account of Thomas Dorsey, Esq'r, Paymaster.
Ordered, That Colo. Lacy, take the Command of the Militia of
this State, which may be Stationed between Schuylkill & Delaware,
until further orders.
Ordered, That Colo. Kirkbride be directed to send out Thirty
Light Horse, to be commanded by a Cornet, to do duty in the
Camp under Colo. Lacy. Complaint being made that several
Waggons had been impressed contrary to the assurance given by
Council to the Farmers sending in Wood, Hay, &ca. to this-
Borough,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 397
Ordered, That Colo. Hartley, the Commanding Officer now here,
be directed to attend the Council this Afternoon : & Colo. Hartley
attended, & being informed of the Complaint, assured the Council
that he had not ordered the impressing of the Waggons above
mentioned, & that he would immediately order them' to be dis-
charged.
Capt. Blewer laid before the Council a Receipt signed by Sam'l
Smith, Lieut. Colo. & Commander of Fort Mifflin, for Two hun-
dred & Twenty-four pair of Stockings, One hundred & Twelve pair
of Shoes, One hundred & Ninety Shirts, k Twenty Coats, for the
use of the Party under his Command in the said Garrison.
Ordered, That the same be communicated to the Clothier Gene-
ral, that he may charge the said Cloathing to the said Colo. Smith,
& credit this State therewith.
The Petition of Lambartus Scheline, Setting forth that he has
been confined in the Goal of Berks County, on the common allow-
ance, upwards of Two Years & Three Months, under sentence of
Death for passing of false counterfeit Bills, in the form & simili-
tude of the true genuine Bills, the Currency of Pennsylvania; that
he is upwards of Seventy Years of Age, & that shortly after his
confinement, thro' sickness and distress he has entirely lost his Eye-
sight, & praying a discharge, &ca., now laid before the Council &
read ; And after mature deliberation on his case, it was
Ordered, That the said Lambertus Scheline be Pardoned & dis-
charged from his confinement, on paying the costs of prosecution &
Prison Fees.
Mr. Joseph Carson, to whom the Goods lately brought from
Bucks County belong, requested that he may be supplied with the
Sum of Seven thousand Pounds in Loan Office Certificates, in part
of the Amount of the said Goods ; & it appearing that there is a
considerable sum of Money yet due on the last order of Congress
on the Treasury in favor of this Council, & that the Sum required
by Mr. Carson may be had at the Loan Office in Certificates, toward
the Payment of the said order of Congress; whereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasur3r in favor of the said Jos.
Carson, for the Sum of Seven Thousand Pounds, to be paid to him
in Continental Loan Office Certificates & charged to him.
MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday January 8, 1778-
present:
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, &
John Bailey, Tho's Scott.
Tho's Urie,
The Council taking into consideration a return of Justices made
by the Township of Munsey, in the County of Northumberland ;
thereupon,
Ordered, That Andrew Culbertson & Mordecai M'Kinney be
appointed Justices of the Peace for the County of Northumberland,
& their Commissions were dated this day.
(►Esq'rs.
lEsq'rs.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday January 9, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, John Ham bright,
John Bailey, Tho's Scott, &
Tho's Urie, Jac'b Arndt.
The Council taking into consideration the appointing of a Wag-
gon Master for the State, & Waggon Masters for the respective
Counties, according to Law ; thereupon,
Ordered, That James Young, Esq'r, be appointed Waggon Mas-
ter of the State, & that the following persons be appointed Wag-
gon Masters of their respective Counties : Philadelphia County,
Colo. John Moore ; Chester County, Tho's Boyd, Esq'r; Bucks
County, John Thompson, Esq'r ; Lancaster County, James Bayly;
Berks County, Leonard Reed ; York County, Jos. Jefferys; Cum-
berland County, Matt'w Gregg; Northampton County, Conrad
Kuider ; Bedford County, John Cesna; Northumberland County,
Jas. Mc- ; Westmoreland County, And'w Linn.
The Council agreed unanimously, that there is a necessity of ap-
pointing another Brigadier General ; And thereupon, being voted for
by Ballot, John Lacey, jun., was elected by an unanimous vote to
be Brigadier General.
Ordered, That the seventh & Eight Classes of the Militia of the
County of Northampton be called into the field.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 399
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday Jan'ry 10, 1778..
PRESENT I
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble Geo. Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jac'b Arndt, ")
John Bailey, John Hambright, & v Esq'rs.
Tho's Urie, Tho's Scott. )
Colo. Hart went this day for Newtown.
The Council met,
Lancaster, Monday January 12, 1778.
present :
The Hon'ble GEO. BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Tho's Urie, &
John Hambright, Tho's Scott. y Esq'rs.
Jac'b Arndt,
(.Esq'i
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday January 13, 1773
I Esq'rs.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Tho's Urie, &
John Hambright, Tho's Scott.
Jac. Arndt,
Colo. Bull attended & hinted to Council that about five hundred
Arms fit for service were sent to Colo. Antis', that Arms generally
suffer in removing them from place to place, for want of Boxes
to carry them in.
Colo. Bull exhibited an account of Work done by him at Billings-
port & Red Bank, Amounting to Four hundred & Sixty Seven
Pounds j Three Pounds & of money received by him at several
times, amounting to Two hundred & One Pounds Ten Shillings &
five Pence, & it appears that a balance of Two hundred & Sixty
five Pounds Twelve Shillings & Seven Pence, is due to him
thereon,
400 MINUTES OF THE
An order was drawn on Jacob S. Howell for the Payment of the
said Balance.
Colo. Bull requesting that his pay as Colo. Commandant at Bil-
lingsport & Bed Bank, from the time of his appointment to that
Office on the 15th Feb'ry, 1777, to the i7th June, 1777, & from
the last mentioned date to this day, as Adjutant General of the
Militia of this State j on consideration,
Ordered, That Colo. Bull be allowed " As Colo. Commandant "
at Billingsport & Red Bunk :
4 Mo. & 2 days, @ 85 Dollars ^ Mo., - - - - j ^F!'
As Adjutant General of the Militia of Pennsylvania:
6 Mo. & 26 days @ 100 Dollars f Mo., - - - I 6861
1032*
And orders were drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Colo. John
Bull, for the said Sums of Three hundred & forty-five Dollars &
Two-thirds of a Dollar, & Six hundred & Eighty-six Dollars &
Two-thirds of a Dollar, both of them to be charged to the Pay-
master of the Militia of this State.
The Council taking into consideration the situation of our Mili-
tia now in the Field, <fc the probability of what number may be
called into the Field, were of opinion that an Adjutant General will
not be necessary ; & therefore,
Ordered, That Colo. Bull be informed, in the most respectful
terms, that the Council are of opinion that his Services as Adju-
tant General will not be any longer necessary ; & lest he should
consider it as intended as a dismission of him from the service in
consequence of some disapprobation of his conduct, that he be in-
formed that it is not intended to appoint another Person in his
room.
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Wednesday January 14, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, ~)
Jacob Arndt, v Esq'rs.
Tho's Urie. )
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Jacob S. How-
ell, or his order, for the Sum of Four hundred Pounds, for which
he is to account.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 401
Capt. John Dav'd Woelper, of the German Battalion in Conti-
nental Service, laid before the Council an Account of Four Pounds
& Ten Shillings, paid by him for taking up four deserters, agreeable
to the direction of an Act of General Assembly of this State, pas-
sed Feb'ry 20, 1777 j On consideration,
The Council ordered the same to be paid by the State Treasurer,
& informed Capt. Woelper that they have granted this order from a
desire of avoiding the discouragement of the taking up of Deser-
ters, rather than from the justice of the claim, as they apprehend
he ought to have reimbursed himself out of the pay of the Soldiers
so taken up.
Rob't Levers, Esq'r, of the County of Northampton, having had
orders to send forward a quantity of Indigo to Boston to be sold
there, & the Money laid out in Clothing for the Troops, & he now
representing that it will be necessary to send a number of Wag-
gons to bring the said Clothing back, more than will be necessary
to carry the indigo there,
Ordered That three hundred & Fifty Pounds be put into his
hands to purchase Iron, & send by the said Waggons for the like
purpose, &
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in his favour for the said
Sum of Three hundred & Fifty Pounds, for which he is to ac-
count.
- Council having repeatedly had under their consideration the re-
commendation of the Hon'ble House of General Assembly of the
2d inst., respecting the Recruiting Men to complete one Quota of
the Continental Army, & being fully satisfied that men qualified &
willing to perform this business cannot be found, And that an at-
tempt to carry into execution the plan therein recommended, would
be attended with great inconvenience & loss of time, if not with
fatal Consequences ; therefore,
Resolved, That this Council will write to His Excell'y Gen'l
Washington, lay before him the said recommendation, & request
him to nominate two Officers, who he may think best qualified, in
each Battalion of this State, to Recruit Men for the said Battalions,
who shall repair to the different Counties of this State & attend
immediately to this important duty, and acquaint His Excell'y that
Council will deposit in the hands of the Lieutenant of the respec-
tive Counties a Sum of Money to Pay the bounty ordered by the
Honorable House of Assembly, to whom the said Officers may apply
from time to time for the same, as they shall inlist men.
vol. xi. — 26.
402 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday Jan'ry 15, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, Jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Thomas Urie, ")
Jacob Morgan, John Hambright, & C Esq'rs.
Thomas Scott, Jacob Arndt. )
Jacob Dingee & Rich'd Strode delivered the body of Charles
Dingee, late of the County of Chester, to the order of this Coun-
cil, agreeable to the condition of a Bond by them given, with
Thos's Meeter, to his Excell'y the President, taken by Elias Bou-
dinot, Esquire, Commissioner of Prisoners, when he was attempt-
ing to go into Philadelphia while in the Possession of the Enemy,
contrary to law ; And being there examined, & it appearing that he
hath not taken the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance directed by
the Laws of this State, the same was read & tendered to him, and
he being requested to withdraw & take time to consider of the
same, withdrew accordingly, & after some time, voluntarily returned
& declared he could not take the said Oath or Affirmation ; there-
upon,
Ordered, That the said Charles Dingee be committed to the
Goal of this County, there to remain until he shall take the Oath
or Affirmation aforesaid, <& give further security of his Allegiance
by Two able & sufficient sureties, each bound in the Sum of Five
hundred Pounds.
The Council set.
Lancaster, Friday January 16, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Bailey, Thomas Urie, ~\
Jacob Morgan, John Hambright, & I Esq'rs.
Thomas Scott, Jacob Arndt. J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. John
Hubley, for the Sum of Nine Pounds, for Money paid by him to
an express sent by Council to Northumberland.
The case of W'm Montgomery, now confined in the Goal in the
County of York, being properly within the authority of the Jus-
tices of that County, is referred to them.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 403
The Council having had for some time past the State of the Salt
works belonging to Pennsylvania, erected at Tom's River, & the
necessity of an assistant Director,
Ordered, That Mr. James Davidson be employed to assist in the
direction of the said works, & an order was drawn on the Treasurer
in favour of Mr. James Davidson, for One Thousand Pounds, to
be applied in procuring necessaries for the Salt works, & for which
tie is to account.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday January 19, 1778.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, Tho's Urie.
Jacob Arndt, Tho's Scott. J-Esq'rs,
John Hambright,
}
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday January 20, 1778.
PRESENT I
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jacob Morgan, Thomas Urie & "1
John Hambright, Thomas Scott. vEsq'rs.
Jacob Arndt, J
The Lieutenant of the County of Northumberland having re-
presented that several inhabitants of that County had been lately
killed by the Indians, and that there was reason to apprehend that
a considerable body of them was now meditating a blow against
the frontiers of the said County; thereupon,
Ordered, That the Lieut, of the County of Northumberland
use his best discretion with respect to the Class of Militia now
called out, & apply such part thereof to the defence of the inhabi-
tants as may appear to be necessary ; he giving this Council from
time to time intelligence of his proceedings herein.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Peter Deha-
ven, for the Sum of Five Hundred Pounds, for which he is to ac-
count.
James Dunn, a wounded Militia Man, applied to Council for re-
lief $ thereupon,
404 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That Wm. Henry, Esq'r, Lieut, of Philadelphia, be
requested to supply the said Dunn with such Money as appears to
be necessary for him in his present Situation.
Gen'l Fulsom & Mr. Danae, Members of Congress, two of the
Committee appointed by that Hon'ble Body, to take into' conside-
ration the proposed attack on the City of Philadelphia, attended in
Council &, laid before them the following Resolve of Congress, to
wit :
" In Congress, January 16, 1778.
" Resolved, That Congress highly applaud the rising spirit of the
inhabitants of Pennsylvania to regain the Capital of their State
and drive out our cruel invaders ; That Congress are ready & wil-
ling, with all their power, toco-operate with them for effecting this
Salutary purpose : That to this end the Committee appointed to go
to the Camp, be directed to consult with the President & Council
of the State of Pennsylvania, & with Gen'l Washington, on the
Subject, & if upon consultation the measure shall be deemed prac-
ticable, that they be fully empowered to call on the neighboring
States for such aids as they shall think necessary, & take every
measure which they shall think proper for effecting the end pro-
posed.
" Extract from the Minutes,
" Signed CHA. THOMSON, Scc'y."
The same was read & a free conference had thereupon.
The Act entitled "An Act for the better Supply of the Armies
of the United States of America/' was read, so far as it relates to
the procuring Provisions, in order to shew the measures taken by
this State for the said purpose, & the probability of supplying the
Militia if called.
Council taking into their consideration the Act last above men-
tion'd, observe that there are no Commissioners appointed therein
for the County of Berks, & being fully satisfied of the necessity
of having Commissioners in the said County, for collecting & pur-
chasing Provisions & forage therein for the Army j That the omit-
ting to name in the Act Commissioners for the said County, was
owing to a mistake in the Clerk ; and that very dangerous conse-
quences may arise from the delay thereof until the next meeting
of the General Assembly; thereupon, for the Public Safety & from
the necessity of so doing,
Ordered, That Colo. Valentine Eckhard & John Lasher, of the
County of Berks, be & they are hereby appointed & authorized to
act as Commissioners for purchasing Provisions & Forage for tho
Army in the said County, & to use & exercise like powers & au-
thorities as are given by the said Act to any of the Commissioners
therein named, until the General Assembly shall otherwise order
herein.
(
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 405
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Wednesday January 21, 1778.
PRESENT :
His Excell'yTHO'S WHARTON, Jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jacob Morgan, Thomas Urie, & ^
John Ham bright, , Thomas Scott. J-Esq'rs.
Jacob Arndt, J
Jacob Morgan, Esq'r, went this afternoon for Reading.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Shriver, Sum-
mers & Lasky, for the Sum of Two Thousand Pounds, towards the
Amount of their Bill for supplying the Fleet, to be charged to
Will'm Crispin, Commissary of Provisions for the said Fleet.
The Council taking into consideration the return of Justices for
the Township of Penn, in the County of Northumberland,
Ordered, That BeDJa. Weiser be appointed & commissioned as
a Justice of the Peace for the said County, & was accordingly Com-
missioned, bearing date this day.
A Petition from Mich'l Hubley, Esq'r, Barrack Master of the
Borough of Lancaster, being read & considered,
Ordered, That in consideration of the great increase of the duty
in his department, the Pay & Rations of Mich'l Hubley, Esq'r,
Barrack Master of the Borough of Lancaster, be equal to that of a
Major; that he be allowed Forage for One Horse ; that he be al-
lowed such assistance from time to time as may be necessary ; and
that he be allowed Forage for a Horse from the day of his first ap-
pointment as Barrack Master.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday January 22; 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Thomas Urie, John Hambright; &
Jacob Arndt, Thomas Scott.
i Esq'rs.
I Esq'rs.
406 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
i
Lancaster, Friday January 23, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Thomas Urie, John Hambright, &
Jacob Arndt, Thomas Scott.
The Council taking into consideration the case of John Brown,
now confined in the Goal of this County, after very mature delibe-
ration,
Ordered, That John Brown, now confined in the Gaol of this
County, be enlarged from his present confinement & be permitted
to reside at the Town of Manheim, in the County of Lancaster, &
within five Miles of the same, he giving Bail to be & appear at
such Court within the State before which he shall be called, &
answer such charges as shall be brought against him, within One
Year from this day ; That he shall abide the Judgment of such
Court; And that he shall in the meantime be of good behaviour,
himself to be bound in the Sum of Three Thousand Pounds, & one
Sufficient Freeholder in the like Sum.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday January 24, 1778,
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r. President.
Thomas Urie, Thomas Scott, & ^
Jacob Arndt, Joseph Hart. y Esq'rs.
John Hambright, J
Will'm Scott, Esq'r, Paymaster of the Militia of York County.
laid before Council a Letter from Ric'd McCallister, Esq'r, propo-
sing among other things, that an order be drawn on him in favor
of Mr. Scott, for the Money in his hands, arising from Fines, &ca.
On consideration,
Ordered, That an order be drawn on the Treasurer in favor of
Will'm Scott, Paymaster of the Militia of the County of York,
for the Sum of Four thousand Pounds, to be charged to Tho's
Dorsey, Esq'r, Paymaster of the State ; And that it be recommend-
ed to D. Rittenhouse, Esq'r, to endorce on the order a Certificate
to Rich'd McCallister, Esq'r, Lieut, of said County; that the said
Will'm Scott's Receipt thereon will be allowed as a Sufficient
voucher for the Money paid him in virtue of the said Order.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 407
John Brown having given Bail for his appearance agreeable to
the order of yesterday,
Ordered, That the said John Brown be enlarged from his pre-
sent confinement, he Paying the Fees, &ca.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday January 26, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George £>ryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Urie, & ")
Jacob Arndt, Thomas Scott. j-Esq'rs.
John Hambright, J
Mr. John White Swift attended the Council & informed that he
had become bound with surety to the Gov'r of Maryland, for his
appearance before this Council, in consequence of his having re-
fused to take the Oath of Allegiance required by the Laws of that
State, and that he now attends the Council in consequence of the
said obligation.
The Council met.
m
Lancaster, Tuesday January 27, 1778.
1
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Urie, & *)
Jacob Arndt, Thomas Scott. |> Esq'rs.
John Hambright, J
Council taking into consideration a Letter laid before them by
Capt. Lang, addressed to him from Colo. Francis Johnson, Wherein
among other things, he says that he " still continues so unwell and
infirm that he cannot undertake the duties of his Office,"
Speaking of the Office of Clothier General, &ca; Whereupon,
Ordered, That Jacob S. Howell, be appointed Receiver General
of Clothing, in the room of Colo. Francis Johnson, whose indis-
position of body renders him incapable of performing the duties
of the said Office required by Law.
408 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday January 28, 1778.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y, THO'S WHARTON, Jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, "]
Jacob Morgan, Thomas Scott, & ! ™ *,
John Hambright, James Edgar, ^» sq r .
Thomas Urie, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Tho's Dorsey,
Esq'r, Paymaster of Militia, for the Sum of Five thousand Pounds,
for which he is to account.
An order was also drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
Jacob Morgan, Esq'r, for the Sum of Seven hundred & fifty Pounds,
to be charged to Colo. Isaac Melchior, Barrack Master.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday January 29, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, "J
Jacob Morgan, Thomas Scott, & ! -™ ,
John Hambright, James Edgar, j ^
Thomas Urie, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer 'in favor of Mr. Jos. Brad-
ford, for the Sum of One thousand & five hundred Pounds, to be
charged to Will'm Crispin, Esq'r, Commissary of Provisions for the
Navy, & to be delivered to him by Mr. Bradford.
An order was also drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Will'm Cris-
pin, Esq'r, for the further Sum of One Thousand & five hundred
Pounds, to be charged to his account.
The Council taking into consideration the extravagant price of
Spirituous Liquors, & the extreme difficulty, if not impossibility, of
procuring a supply for our Navy,
Ordered, That the Men of the Navy be allowed One shilling
each Man P Diem, in lieu of their Rations of Rum, until the
General Assembly shall otherwise order herein.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Tyler,
Armourer, for the Sum of Two hundred Pounds, to be charged to
his account.
^ SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 409
A Petition of a number of respectable Germans, praying for some
assistance in establishing & Circulating a German Newspaper, being
now read & considered; thereupon,
Ordered, That Council do take & distribute five hundred Ger-
man Newspapers Weekly, at the same price at which they now pay
to Mr. John Dunlap for the English Paper, and that Mr. Bayley,
printer of this Borough, be informed thereof.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday January 30, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President. /
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, ~]
Jacob Morgan, Thomas Scott, & ! „ ,
John Hambright, James Edgar, \ h^
Thomas Urie, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Ebenezer Co-
well, for the sum of Three hundred Pounds, on account of repair-
ing Muskets, &ca., to be charged to his account.
Application being made by Letter from Colo. Lutterlish, for Two
hundred & Eighty Waggons, for the immediate service of the Army,
thereupon,
Ordered, That the same be furnished by the following Counties,
Viz:
Philadelphia County, 30
Dr. Gardner, Chester do. 60
Bucks do. 50
By Mr. Anderson,
(Assemblyman) Lancaster p do. CO
Order sent by Colo. Berks do. 50
Weitzel, Northampton do. 30
— 280 Waggons.
John Gottlieb Metscher, a suspected person, was brought before
the Council, & Committed by the Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r.
410 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday January 31, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, ") t
Jacob Morgan, Thomas Scott, & I ]?s0»rs
John Hambright, James Edgar, j ^
Thomas Urie, J
A Petition of a respectable number of Militia of the fifth bat-
talion of Cumberland County, representing their exposed situation
& danger from the incursion of the Indians, & praying (in effect,)
that the Classes now ordered into service may be permitted to go
against the Indians, was now read & considered, & thereupon,
Ordered, That agreeable to the order of the 9th of December
last, in the case of the Counties of Bedford & Westmoreland, the
fifth & sixth Classes of the fifth Battalion of Militia of the said
County of Cumberland, now under orders to march to Camp, be em-
ployed in the immediate defence of the inhabitants of the frontiers
of that and the neighboring Counties against the Indians ; and
that the Lieutenant of the said County be empowered to call out
from time to time, such part of the Seventh & Eighth Classes of
the Militia of the said County as shall be absolutely necessary for
the defence of the Frontiers. And it is recommended to the Lieut,
of the County of Cumberland to Correspond with the Lieut's of
Bedford, Westmoreland, & Northumberland, so as to act in con-
junction, as much as may be, for the public safety, and give this
Council the earliest intelligence of his proceedings herein.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday January 2, 1778.
present:
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, "")
James Edgar, Thomas Urie, & I -^ ,
Jacob Morgan, Thomas Scott, i
John Hambright, J
Ordered, That such of the fifth & sixth Classes of the fifth Bat-
talion of the County of Cumberland as are now on their March, do
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 411
proceed on to Camp, as it was not the intention of the order of the
31st of last Month to Stop those already on their March.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Colo. Hugn
Davison, for the Sum of Two hundred Pounds, to be charged to
Colo. John Piper, Lieut, of the County of Bedford, & by Colo.
Davison to be delivered to Colo. Piper.
A Letter from Colo. John Piper, Lieut, of Bedford County, was
read.
, A Petition from divers inhabitants of that County, & a Letter
from Colonel Davison were also read, the whole representing the sit-
uation of that County. And Colo. Piper's Letter informed Coun-
cil that he was about to enlist a number of Men for nine Months;
the same being considered,
Ordered, That a Letter be written to Colo. Piper, informing him
that Council were surprized at his having adopted such a measure,
which he not been authorized to do by this Council, nor was it in
the power of this Council to have done so.
^ Brig'r G-en'l Lacey having been appointed one of the Commis-
sioners for Collecting of Clothing in the County of Bucks, which
his duty as Brig'r G-en'l will so far interfere with the said appoint-
ment as to make it necessary to appoint another Commissioner in
his stead ; thereupon,
Ordered, That John Kerr, of the County of Bucks, be appointed
Commissioner for the Collecting of Cloathing in the said County,
in the room & stead of John Lacey, Esq'r, appointed to be a Brig-
adier General.
(Copy sent by Express.)
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday February 3d, 1778.
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, *")
James Edgar, Thomas Urie, 1 ™ ,
Jacob Morgan, Thomas Scott, & fm<* rs'
John Hambright, John Bailey, J
A Letter from the Board of War of 31st January, with a Re-
solve of Congress of the 30th, respecting the Flag, was read.
412 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday February 4, 1778.
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, *)
James Edgar, Thomas Urie,
Jacob Morgan, Thomas Scott, &
John Hambright, John Bailey, J
j>Esq'rs.
The Council met*
Lancaster, Thursday Feb'ry 5, 1778.
PRESENT I
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President. .
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt,
James Edgar, Thomas Urie, I j* ,
Jacob Morgan, Thomas Scott, & ^sq rS"
John Hambright, John Bailey,
Colo. Joshua Elder informed the Council that he had several ac-
counts of Expenses incurred by divers Classes of the Militia of the
County of Lancaster before the appointment of a Commissary, and
the Council taking the same into consideration; thereupon,
Ordered, That Philip Marsteller, Esq'r, Paymaster of the said
County, do examine the said accounts, & pay the same, so far as they
shall appear to be just & equitable.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday Feb'ry 6, 1778.
present:
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, "j
James Edgar, Thomas Urie, & ! r, ,
Jacob Morgan, Thomas Scott, j ^
John Hambright, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
Tho's Scott, Esq'r, for the Sum of one hundred Pounds, to be
charged to his account.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 413
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday Feb'ry 7, 1778.
Ordered, That the Paymasters of the several Counties examine
the accounts of expences which have occurred in the supply of the
Militia with Provisions, before they could have been supplied by
the Commissaries, & Pay such Sums as shall appear just & equi-
table.
Ordered, That .Will'm Henry, Esq'r, supply Colo. Buchanan's
Battalion of Militia, from Cumberland County, with 12 Axes& 12
Camp Kettles.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday Feb'ry 9, 1778.
Present as on Saturday.
It being represented to Council that John G-otlieb Metscher, now
confined in G-oal as a Suspicious person, has given strong evidence
of his being a friend to the United States; thereupon,
Ordered, That on his taking the Oath or Affirmation of Alle-
giance required by Law, he be discharged.
Ordered, That fifteen coarse Coverlids, which were as Wrappers
round the Cloths lately purchased of Mr. Carson, be sent to the
Hospital.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer, in favor of His Excell'y
Tho's Wharton, jun'r, for the Sum of Seven hundred & fifty
Pounds, for half a Year's Salary as President of this Council.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday Feb'ry 10, 1778,
Present as Yesterday.
414 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday Feb'ry 11, 1778.
present :
Jacob Morgan, Jacob Arndt,
James Edgar, Thomas Urie, & J-Esq'rs.
John Hambright, Thomas Scott,
It, -)
•ie, & VEsq'i
30tt, J
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday Feb'ry 12, 1778.
PRESENT I
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, Jacob Arndt, ")
James Edgar, Thomas Urie, & > Esq'rs.
John Hambright, Thomas Scott, )
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday Feb'ry 13, 1778,
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, Jacob Arndt, 1
James Edgar, Thomas Urie, & W Esq'rs.
John Hambright, Thomas Scott, J
The Hon'ble W. A. Atlee, Esq'r, Commissary of Prisoners, in-
formed the Council that there was a number of Prisoners to be
now. forwarded 'to York Town, & that Capt. Long, with a Company
of the York County Militia, was now in the Borough on their way
home, whose time of Service expired this day ; & that they were
willing to take charge of the Prisoners & conduct them to York-
town, on condition that they draw Rations & receive Pay during
the time they shall be employed in this serviee; thereupon,
Ordered, That Capt. Long & his Company, employed in con-
ducting Prisoners from this Borough to York Town, be continued
in Pay & receive Rations from this day until they shall have per-
formed that Service.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 415
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday February 14, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, Jacob Arndt, ")
James Edgar, Thomas Urie, & V Esq'rs.
John Hambright, Thomas Scott, )
The Resolve of Congress of February the third, 1778, was
now read :
"In Congress, February 3d, 1778.
"Resolved, That every Officer who holds, or shall hereafter hold,
a Commission or Office from Congress, shall take & Subscribe the
following Oath or Affirmation : I, — do acknowledge
the United States of America to be Free, Independent, & Sovereign
States, and declare that the People thereof owe no allegiance or
obedience to George the Third, King of Great Britain ; & I renounce,
refuse, and abjure any allegiance or obedience to him ; & I do
Swear (or affirm) that I will, to the utmost of my power, sup-
port, maintain, & defend the said United States against the said
King George the Third, his heirs & successors, & his & their abet-
tors, assistants, & adherents, & will serve the said United States in
the Office of which I now hold, with fidelity, according
to the best of my skill & understanding, So help me God.
" That all Officers of the Army shall take & subscribe the foregoing
Oath or Affirmation, before the Commander-in-Chief, or any Major
General, or Brigadier General ; That all Officers of the Navy shall
take & Subscribe, before one of the Commissioners of the Navy
Boards, or before a Judge or Justice of the Peace of the State
wherein they respectively reside, or shall receive their Commissions
or Warrants; That all persons holding any Civil office of trust or
profit, under the Congress of these United States, shall take & sub-
scribe the said Oath or Affirmation, before a Judge or Justice of
the Peace of the State wherein they respectively reside; That every
Officer having the disposal, or who is or shall be intrusted with the
charge or distribution of Public Stores, shall, at the time of taking
& Subscribing the foregoing Oath or Affirmation, also take an Oath
or Affirmation of Office in the following words :
" < I, do Swear (or Affirm) that I will faithfully,
truly, & impartially execute the Office of to which I
am appointed, & render a true account when thereunto required,of all
Public Monies by me received or expended, & of all Stores or other
effects to me intrusted, which belong to the United States, & will,
416 MINUTES OF THE
in all respects, discharge the trust reposed in me with justice & in-
tegrity, to the best of my skill <fc understanding.'
" That every Officer taking the foregoing Oaths or Affirmations, or
either of them, shall obtain from the person administering the same,
duplicate certificates specifying the time of his taking it or them, & also
his name & rank or employment; That every Military Officer shall de-
liver or transmit one of the certificates so obtained to the Com-
mander-in-Chief, or the Commander of a Department, or to such
person as by General Orders shall be appointed to receive the same,
& the said commanding Officers shall cause the certificates so re-
ceived to be sent to the Secretary of Congress, & shall keep an
exact list of the names of all Officers whose certificates shall be
received & forwarded, together with their several rank, & the times
of their being qualified; That every Officer in the Navy shall de-
liver or send one of the certificates by him obtained to the Navy
Board most convenient, who are requested to transmit the same, &
also a certificate of their own qualifications to the Marine Com-
mittee, as soon as conveniently may be ; That every other person
employed in any civil department, or Officer as above mentioned ,
shall send or deliver one of the certificates by him obtained to the
Secretary of the State to which he belongs, or to such other person
or persons as the Governor or President of such State shall direct;
And the Governors or Presidents of the several States are hereby
requested to attend to this matter, & to cause. the certificates when
received to be transmitted to the Secretary of Congress ; That each
deponant or affirmant shall retain & keep the other certificate by
him obtained, as a voucher of his having complied with what is
hereby enjoined him.
"Resolved, That every Officer, civil or military, now in Office,
shall take & subscribe the qualification above mentioned, within
Twenty days after notice hereof; & every person hereafter appointed
to any office, by or under the authority of the Congress of the
United States of America, shall take & subscribe the same previous
to his acting in such Office; And every Officer who shall continue
or presume to exercise any Commission, civil or military, under
the authority of the Congress of the United States of America,
without taking the qualification in time and manner above directed,
shall be cashiered & forfeit two {Months' Pay to the use of the
United States of America, & be rendered incapable of serving in the
Army of the said States, & of executing thereafter any Office under
Congress.
" And whereas, many persons employed as Deputy or Assis-
tant Commissaries, or Quarter Masters, or in other civil departments,
are dispersed in various parts of the continent, over whom neither
Congress nor the head of their respective departments can have the
immediate inspection :
" Resolved, That it be recommended to the Legislature & Execu-
tive authority of every State to take effectual measures for prevent-
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 417
Ing any person within their State from exerciseiDg any Office in the
civil department of the Army, or in any other civil department
under Congress, who shall not, when thereunto required by any
Magistrate, produce a legal appointment to that office, & a certifi-
cate of his having taking the foregoing Oaths or affirmations,
or who shall neglect or refuse to take & Subscribe the said oaths or
affirmations within the time above limited.
" Resolved, That the resolutions passed the 21st day of October,
1776, prescribing the form of an oath or affirmation, & directing
the same to be subscribed by Officers holding Commissions or
Offices from Congress, be & they are hereby repealed.
u Extract from the Minutes.
"CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary."
Thereupon,
Ordered, That said Resolution be published in the News Papers;
and all persons whom they do or may concern, are to take notice of
the same & act accordingly.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer, in favor of Jacob Hoster-
man, for the Sum of Eighteen Pounds, for riding express.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday February 16; 1778.
PRESENT :
His ExcelPy THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, Jacob Arndt, 1
James Edgar, Thomas Urie, & lEsq'rs.
John Hambright, Thomas Scott, J
Philip Marsteller, Esq'r, having represented that the Guards at
Lebanon were in a condition that required augmentation; there-
upon,
Ordered, That the first Class of Colo. Greena wait's battalion of
Militia be called out to serve as guards at Lebanon.
TOL. XI.— 27,
418 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday February 17, 1778.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jacob Morgan, Jacob Arndt, ~\
James Edgar, Thomas Urie, & v Esq'rs.
John Hambright, Thomas Scott, )
Council having written to His Excell'y Gen'l Washington & re-
quested him to recommend some proper persons to recruit the Bat-
talion of this State in the Continental Army, & a list being accord-
ingly recommended by him,
Ordered, That they be sent to the Counties as follows, Yiz't. :
York County 150, Lieu. Campbell.
Cumberland County 150, Capt, Matt'w Scott, (13 Batt'n ;) 150
Lieu't Wm. Brown; 150 Lieu't Gab'l Peterson; 150 Adjutant
Crawford j 156 Lieu't Ja's Williamson.
(BfiJ"Capt. Will'm Alexander's Instructions dated 23d April.)
Northumberland County 150, Lieutenant Hooper; 150 Capt.
Alexa. Patterson; 150 Capt. Oldham.
Lancaster County 150, Lieu. Benja. Carpenter; 150 Lieu. David
Ziegler; 150 Capt. Bull.
Chester County 150, Lieu. Ja's Armstrong; 15 Lieu. John
Marshall, (13th;) 150 Lieu. Wm. Henderson.
Bucks County 150, Lieu. John Stoy : 150 Lieu. Ch's McHenry ;
150 Captain Sam'l Tolbert.
Berks County 150, Capt. Edw'd Scull.
Northampton County 150, Lieu. John Boyd ; 600 Capt. John
Grant; 600 Capt. Will'm Wilson.
Mr. Jacob S. Howell, receiver General of Cloathing, reports that
he had delivered to the Clothier General of the United States, the
following Articles of Cloathing, Viz't.:
322 Coats, 322 Vests, 198 P'r Bucksin Breeches, 48 pair of
Overalls, 62 P'r of Stockings, 413 P'r of Shoes, 136 Wool Hats.
Ordered, That the Clothier General be requested to forward the
said Clothing to his Excell'y Gen'l Washington, for the use of the
3d, 6th, 9th, & 12th Pennsylvania Battalions, in such proportion
as his Excell'y shall order.
'SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.. 419
The Council met*
Lancaster, Wednesday Feb'ry 18, 1778.,
PRESENT :
His ExcelFy THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.,
Jacob Morgan, Jacob Arndt ~\
James Edgar, Thomas Urie,<& y Esq'rs.
John Ham bright, Thomas Scott, )
Colo, Coats, Lieu't of the County of Philadelphia, being now a
Prisoner with the Enemy,
Ordered, That Colo. x\rchfd Thompson, Sub-Lieu' t of the County
of Philadelphia, be authorised & empowered to act in the behalf of
the said Colo Coats as Lieutenant, & to exert himself in recover-
ing the Substitution Money in that County, which greatly is
wanted for the Recruiting Service.
The following orders were drawn on the Treasurer for the Re-
cruiting Service, to be accounted for by the respective gentlemen.
Viz't.:
In favor of Capt, Wm. Wilson, for the Sum of Six hundred Dol-
lars.
Of Capt. John Grant, for the Sum of Six hundred Dollars.
Of Lieu. Boyd, for the Sum of Six hundred Dollars.
Of the following Officers for the Sum of One hundred & fifty
Dollars each, Vis't. :
Lieu. Campbell, Lieu. Will'm Brown, Lieu. Gah^l Peterson, Ad-
jutant Crawford, Lieu. Ja's Williamson, Lieu. Rob't Hooper, Capt.
Alexa. Patterson, Capt. Oldham, Lieu. Benja. Carpenter, Lieu.
Dav'd Zigler, Lieu. Ja's Armstrong, Lieu. Will'm Henderson,
Lieu. John Stoy, (see 21st ins.) Lieu. Cha's MeHenry, Capt.
SamTTolbert, Capt. Edw'd Scull, Lieu. John Marshall, (13,)
Capt. Matt'w Scott, Capt. Bull, and that the following orders be
given them:
"In Council, Lancaster Feb'ry 14, 1778,
« Sir :—
" You being appointed to Recruit in the County of , in order
to fill up the Quota of this State in the Continental Army, You wilt
proceed immediately to that place & use the utmost diligence in &
attention to this great & important duty, in the discharge of which
you are to attend to the regulations established by Congress :
Among which it is ordered that every recruit shall have the liberty
of chusing in what Battalion, Troop, or Company he will serve; &
if the Company he shall chuse to serve in be full, he shall serve in
such other Company as he shall chuse. To each Recruit, on
his taking the Oath or Affirmation directed to be taken by Con-
gress, that he will serve for three Yeirs, or during the War, you.
420 MINUTES OF THE
are to Pay down Sixty Dollars, & Forty Dollars, part of the bounty
of One hundred dollars Ordered by the General Assembly of this
State, taking a Receipt for the same, expressing the Payment of
the Twenty Dollars ordered by Congress ; the remaining Sixty Dol-
lars is to be paid on the Recruit passing muster, at such place
shall be appointed by His Excell'y Gen'l Washington, or by this
Council. You are to apply to Lieu't of the said County, who
will advance to you hundred Dollars, and on the expenditure
of this Sum, you are to apply to him again for such further Sum as
may from time to time be necessary, & deliver to him Certificates,
signed by the Justice before whom the Recruits which you shall
have enlisted shall have been qualified, containing a description of
each such Recruit, & the time of his enlistment, <& retaining a du-
plicate of such Certificates in your own hands. Instructions will be
given to the Lieutenant of the County on this subject, as well as
orders to him to give you such assistance as may be necessary from
the Militia on any occasion. It will probably be in your power to
secure a number of Deserters, & you will be allowed five Dollars for
each Deserter which you shall apprehend, & for this end you are to
make dilligent search after them, & deliver to the persons appointed
to receive the Recruits. You must be particularly careful not to
advance any bounty Money to Deserters, if they should offer to en-
list again. You are also to be careful not to enlist any person who
is by any means rendered incapable of doing Millitary duty. Eight
Dollars will be paid you for every Recruit you shall enlist. You
will see the propriety & necessity of transmitting to this Council a
Monthly return of your proceedings, or oftner if 'necessary ; & also
to transmit to His Excell'y Gen'l Washington an account of your
proceedings from time to time, as often as may be necessary, in
order that the Recruits may be sent for by proper Officers. It
would be unnecessary to remind you that the people of the State
have a right to be treated with decency & respect, but that it can-
not be doubted that more success in a free Country is to be ex-
pected in the business you are engaged in from a strict propriety
of behaviour, than from any unfair or indirect practices/'
" In Council, Lancaster Feb'ry 14, 1778.
"Sir:—
" Capt. , of the Pennsylvania Regi-
ment, is appointed to recruit in your County for the Continental
Army. He is ordered to call on you for money. You will please
to Pay him the Sum of Six hundred Dollars, with which he is to
enter upon this Duty. Council have directed him to apply to you
from time to time, for such further Sums as the service shall re-
quire, & at the same time he is to lay before you a Certificate of
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 42L
the time of enlistment & qualification, & a description of the person
of each Recruit which he shall enlist, signed by the justice before
whom he shall have been attested. He is to pay to each Recruit,
on his being attested, the Twenty Dollars bounty ordered by Con-
gress, & Forty Dollars, part of the One hundred Dollars ordered by
this State. The remainder is to be paid on their passing Muster, at
such place as shall be appointed by G'l Washington or this Council.
From this you will be enabled to judge of the necessity of further sup-
plies of Money, from time to time, which be in some degree left to
your judgment & prudence, not exceeding the Sum above mentioned
at any one time. If any assistance from the Militia shall be
wanted to prevent the ill consequences of any disturbances which
may happen in the prosecution of this business, you are to give him
every countenance which is consistant with the rights & liberties of
the People, taking care at same time that no insult or injury is offered
to any person. The great importance of filling up the Continental
Army with all possible expedition, we hope, will induce you to
exert 'yourself, so as that the Recruiting Service may not be at a
Stand for want of Money. The General Assembly have depended
upon the collecting of the Substitution Money for this purpose..
This you know must rest on your dilligence & attention, & you
will be accountable for the Consequences of a deficiency or delay.
" The Delegates of Pennsylvania having forwarded to Council by
Will'm Rowan, Esq'r, a Sum of Money for the purchase of Provi-
sions, Forage, &ca, & The same being counted by the Secretary,
there appears toXe the Sum of One hundred & Thirty-nine Thou-
sand Dollars, agreeably to the Sum mentioned in their Letters.
" Capt. Sam'l Dean, of the 11th P. B., to go to Bucks County,
and an order was drawn on the Treasurer, in his favor, for one
Hundred & Fifty Dollars, as entered the 20th ins."
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday Feb'ry 19, 1792.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jacob Morgan, Jacob Arndt, "J
James Edgar, Thomas Urie, & i-Esq'rs.
John Hambright, Thomas Scott, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of James Bick-
ham, Lieu't of the 13th Pennsylvania Regiment, to be charged to
Colo. Walter Stewart, for Three hundred Dollars, Recruiting
Service.
422 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That the Sum of Eighteen Thousand Dollars be delivered
to the Hon'ble Jacob Arndt, Esq'r, to be by him delivered to John
Arndt & Dav'd Deshler, EsqVs, Commissioners appointed by Law
to purchase Provisions, & that a Receipt for the same be taken as
of David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer.
The Petition of the Elders & Trustees of the Lutheran Reformed
German Congregation at Easton, in the County of Northampton,
setting forth that they are indebted near the Sum of Pour hundred
Pounds more than has been raised for the building the Church be-
longing to the said Congregation, & Praying this- Council " to grant
a Licence to Mr. Philip Hellick to ask the Charitable contribution
of the well disposed, within this- State, towards the discharge of the
said Debt, was now read. The Council taking the said Petition
into consideration, and b^ing disposed to countenance the same,
Ordered, That the Secretary do Certify that the said application'
has been made to this Council.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Will' m Rowan ■>
Esq'r, for his service, with that of his servant, in bringing 139,000
Dollars from York Town to this Borough, for the Sum of Nine-
Pounds & Ten Shillings.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Peter
Dehaven, for the sum of Five hundred Pounds, for which- he is to
account.
Ordered, That Rob't Traill, Esq^r, be appointed Storekeeper to
inspect, receive, store & take care of the Provisions collected in
the County of Northampton, and to issue the sSme upon the or-
ders of the Board of War.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday February 20, 1778.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jacob Morgan, Jacob Arndt, "J
James Edgar, Thomas Urie, j-Esq'rs.
John Ham bright, Thomas Scott, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Jacob S-
iiowcll, for the Sum of Two hundred Pounds, for which he is to
account.
The Council taking into consideration the necessity there is of
supplying the Citizens of the County of Bedford with Arms to
defend themselTes against the Indians,
Ordered, That Will'm Henry, Esq'r, be directed to supply the
Hon'ble Tho's Urie, Esq'r, with One hundred Riffles, to be by him
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 423
sent to the Lieut, of the County of Bedford, for the purpose of
arming the people of the said County.
Ordered, That the sum of Eighteen Thousand Dollars be sent
to Mr. Tho's Edwards, one of the Commissioners for the purchase
of Provisions in the County of Laneaster, & the same was accor-
dingly sent by Mr. Christ'r Tren of this Borough.
Ordered, That Mr John Mitchell be appointed Storekeeper to
inspect, receive, store and take care of the Provisions to be stored
at Pottsgrove by order of Congress, & to issue the same by order
of the Board of War; and also the following Gentlemen for the
like service, in the place against their names respectively mentioned^
Vizt:
Colo. Will'm Will, at Borough of Lancaster; Colo. Jos. Cop-
perthwaite, at Heading; Capt. Elijah Weed, at Downings Town.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. Sam'I
Dean, of the 11th Pennsylvania Reg't, for the Recruiting service,
to be charged accordingly.
Ordered, That the Sum of Twenty four Thousand Dollars be
sent by Hon'ble Jacob Morgan, E3q'r? to Mr. John Lesher & Val-
entine Eckhart, Esq'r, Commissioners for purchasing of Provisions
in the County of Berks.
Ordered, That the Sum of Four thousand Dollars be sent to
Will'm Gray k John Little, to purchase Provisions within the
County of Northumberland, and that the same be sent by the
hands of Capt. John Grant.
Ordered, That the Sum of Eighteen Thousand Dollars be sent
to Dav'd Watson of this County, one of the Commissioners for
purchasing Provisions, the same to be sealed up and directed to
him, and forwarded by Mr. John Burke.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday Feb'ry 21, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
James Edgar, Thomas Urie, & ")
John Hambright, Thomas Scott, VEsq'rs.
Jacob Arndt, J
The Hon'ble John Hambright, Esq'r, reports, That he had com"
mitted the Sum of Four thousand Dollars ordered to be sent to the
County of Northumberland, to purchase Provisions with, sealed up
& directed to Will'm Gray & John Little, Commissioners of the said
County, to the care of Capt. Will'm Wilson & Capt. John Grant,
424 MINUTES OF THE
And Mr. John Burke attended the Council, & received, Sealed up,.
& directed to Dav'd Watson, Esq'r, Commissioner for the purcha-
sing of Provisions in the County of Lancaster, the Sum of Eighteen
Thousand Dollars, as ordered yesterday.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. Tho's
Dorsey, Paymaster of Militia, for the Sum of Six Thousand Dollars,
for which he is to account.
Lieu't John Cobeas of the 2d Pennsylvania Regiment, attended
the Council ft represented that he was appointed by the Colo, of
this Regiment to recruit in the room of Capt. Stoy, who was absent,
& Capt. Tolbert being present, represented that he was the oldest
first Lieutenant of the said Regiment.
On consideration,
Ordered, That an order be drawn on the Treasurer in his favor,
for the Sum of One hundred & fifty Dollars, & that he be furnished
with an order on the Lieu't of the County of Berks for Money, in
the like manner as hath been done in the case of other Recruiting
Officers ; and that the order drawn in favor of Capt. Stoy, on the
18th instant, be retained.
Ordered, That the Sum of Six thousand Dollars be sent to
Tho's Heslip & Sam'l Culbertson, Esq'rs, Commissioners for the
purchasing of Provisions in the County of Chester, and that the same
be Sealed up, directed to them, & forwarded by Capt. Stephen
Cochran ; which was done accordingly.
James M'Lenc and James Reed, Esq'rs, a Committee from the
Hon'ble House of General Assembly, attended in Council & in-
formed the Council that the House was now met, & desired to
know if the Council had any business to lay before the House.
The Council informed the Committee of their having appointed
Jacob S. Howell to be Receiver General of Cloathing in the room
of Colo. Francis Johnson, and delivered to them a Copy of his said
appointment.
Ordered, That the Sum of Ten thousand Dollars, to Peter Evans
and Colo. John Moore, Commissioners for purchasing Provisions
in Philadelphia County, & the Sum of Six thousand to And'w
Kichlien & Jos Green, Commissioners for the said purpose in the
County of Bucks, be sealed up, directed & forwarded by Mr. Jas
Cummins, & was forwarded accordingly.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 425
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday February 23, 1778,
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Urie, & ) j£sa>rs
John Hambright, Thomas Scott, ) °
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
George Bryan, Vice President, for the Sum of Fifty Pounds on ac-
count of his salary.
The Hon'ble House of General Assembly, by a Committee, ac-
quainted the Council that they apprehend that the board of War
had given orders to their Superintendants of Provisions, &ca., which
the House conceived to be a violation of the laws of the State, &
requested that the Council will join them in a free conference on
this subject,
Ordered , That the Hon'ble House of General Assembly be in-
formed, that the Council will confer with them in the Assembly
room, at four O'Clock this Afternoon.
♦His Excell'y the President & the Council having conferred with
the Hon'ble House of Representatives, agreeable to the order of the
day, & the House requesting to be furnished with the following pa-
pers relating to the subject of conference, Vizt. :
" The instructions of the Board of War to their Superintendants
of Provisions.
li The plan laid down by the Superintendants for the purchase^
&ca., of Provisions.
"The instructions for the Millers, dated lith Jan'ry, 1778.
" A Letter from the Superintendants to the Board of War, dated
Feb'ry 11, 1778.
" A Letter dated Feb'ry 12, 1778, Signed, R. S. Hooper, Deputy
Q'r General, to the Purchasers under the Superintendants;" there-
upon,
Ordered, That a Letter be written to the Hon'ble J. B. Smith,
Esq'r, requesting that he will procure Copies of the said Papers,
and forward them by express to this Board immediately.
426 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday February 24, 1778
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, &~\
John Hambright, James Edgar, > Esq'rs.
Thomas Urie, J
The following- Address was read, to Wit :
" To the President & Council, notv sitting at Lancaster:
11 These may show that We, the Subscribers, being appointed on
behalf of the Westerly quarterly Meeting of the People called
Quakers, in order to lay before you various deeply distressing cases
& circumstances that nearly effect us as a Religious Society, request
an admittance, to be heard by you for the purpose abovesaid, which
favor will be acknowledged by Your real friends.
(Signed,) " WARNER MIFFLIN,
"JOSEPH HUSBAND,
"JAMES JACKSON, «
"ABR'M GIBBONS,
" W'M JACKSON, jun'r,
« JACOB LINDLEY.
" Lancaster, the 23d of the 2nd Month, 1778."
Ordered, That the Subscribers of the said request be informed
that the Council are willing to attend to their representation, to be
made in WTriting, & are disposed to hear them on such matters as
may be contained therein, so far as is within the cognizance of
Council.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Christ'n Zorn,
for Twelve Pounds Seven Shillings & Six Pence, for riding ex-
press.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Tho's Lieper,
James Hunter, Will'm Hall, & John Dunlap, for the Sum of Six-
teen Pounds Ten Shillings, for their expences in takeing the Paroles
of John Penn, James Hamilton & Joseph Shippen, Esq'rs, by
order of Council.
The following representation was read, Viz :
" Lancaster, 24th 2 mo., 1778.
u To the President & Council, now sitting at Lancaster :
11 We the Subscribers, are desirous to lay before you, i First/ the
case of a number of our Friends, now under confinement at Win-
chester in Virginia, by the Authority of your body, as We apprehend,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. " 427
whose release we strongly desire, or if that cannot be obtained, that
three or more of them, on behalf of the rest, may be heard in
their own vindication, either before Council or Congress, as you
may direct. Secondly, That you would weightely consider the
situation of four of our Friends, closely confined in the common
Goal of this Borough. Thirdly, That you would interpose for
our relief in case of exorbitant Fines, taken from us, because of
our Conscience sake, we cannot yield our personal service in War.
Fourthly, We desire redress of grievance in a certain Law, com-
mon! v called the Test Law.
(Signed,) "WARNER MIFFLIN,
"JOSEPH HUSBAND,
"JAMES JACKSON,
"AB'M GIBBONS,
"WILL'M JACKSON, jun'r,
"JACOB LINDLEY.
" Lancaster 24th 2 mo., 1778."
And the Subscribers of the said representation having requested
to be heard in Council on the several subjects mentioned therein,
were accordingly admitted & heard. The Council in the course of
a conference with these People, which continued several hours, in-
formed them That the Council had it in contemplation to represent
the case of the said Prisoners at Winchester to the Hon'ble House
of General Assembly, & that they judged it was probable the
House would take the same into their consideration; That the
Arrest of the said Prisoners, & their removal to Virginia, was at
the request & under the direction of Congress, before whom that
matter at present wholly lies ; That as to the other matters con-
tained therein, they are not any of them within the power or au-
thority of the Council ; They appear to be cases wherein the law
is executed ; & that Council are not vested with any authority to
alter them in any case whatever; That if any person be confined
contrary to Law, their case may be laid before the Judges, or one
of them, whose duty it is to hear them ; And that if it is appre-
hended that the Law in any instance is grievous or oppressive, the
Legislative authority may be applied to for alteration or amend-
ments in such instance.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. Marshall,
for the Sum of Three hundred Dollars, for the recruiting service,,
for which he is to account. Order dated yesterday.
423 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday February 25, 1778.
present :
His Exceil'y THO'S. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, ~\
John Harnbright, James Edgar, & >■ Esq'rs.
Thomas Urie, Jacob Morgan, )
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. Willis,
for the Sum of eight Dollars, in part of his expences in forwarding
dispatches to the Commissioners for purchasing of Provisions, and
to the Waggon Masters, of the Counties of Bucks & Philadelphia.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Colo. Is'c Mel-
ehior, Barrack Master, for the Sum or Two Thousand Dollars, for
which he is to account.
Leonard Reed, appointed to be Waggon Master of the County of
Berks, having resigned ; thereupon,
Ordered, That Colo. Henry Haller be appointed Waggon Mas-
ter of the County of Berks, in the room of Leonard Reed, who has
resigned.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Jacob S.
Howell, for the Sum of One Thousand Pounds, for which he is to
account.
And an order was drawn on Jacob S. Howell for the Sum of
One thousand Pounds, in favor of Jas Dundas, Paymaster of the
People employed at Billingsport, for which he is to acco't.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday Feb'ry 26, 1773.
present :
His Exceil'y THO'S. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, ~)
John Hambright, James Edgar, & V Esq'rs.
Thomas Urie, Jacob Morgan, )
His Exceil'y Gen'l Washington having enclosed to His Exceil'y
the President, an Address to the inhabitants of New Jersey, Penn-
sylvania, Delaware, Maryland & Virginia, requesting that the same
may be published, & submiting to the consideration of Council
whether it may not serve to encrease its effects, if it were ushered
into the Papers of this State with a recommendation from His
Exceil'y the President.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 429
On consideration,
Ordered, That the following Proclamation be published, with
His Excell'y Gen'l Washington's address above said :
" By the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
" A PROCLAMATION :
" Whereas, His Excell'y Gen'l Washington hath thought proper
to address the inhabitants of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware,
Maryland & Virginia, recommending it to them to put up <& feed
immediately as many of their Stock Cattle as they can spare for
the supply of the Army, in the Months of May, June & July next,
as in the said address hereunto subjoined doth more at large ap-
pear :
" We, the Supreme Executive Council, being desirous to promote
a measure so essentially necessary at this time, do earnestly recom-
mend it to the good people of this State, to exert themselves in an-
swering the purposes of His Excell'ys address, as all circumstances
seem happily to conspire in rendering the approaching Campaign
decisive, & the fruit of our toil is not only in view, but even within
reach ; we hope all those who wish well to their Country, & have
it in their power to contribute anything to the support of our
Army, in the way recommended by the General, will exert them-
selves on this occasion. We can have no doubt of the virtuous in-
tentions of the good people of this State, in a cause so righteous
as the present contest with Great Britain most certainly is, & there-
fore, firmly rely on their exertions to afford the relief required in
due time.
" " By Order of the Council,
"(Signed) THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
" (Attest) — T. Matlack, Secretary.
" Lancaster, Feb'ry 27, 1778."
" To the Inhabitants of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware,
Maryland and Virginia :
" Friends, Countrymen and Fellow Citizens :
"After three Campaigns, during which the brave Subjects of these
States have contended, not unsuccessfully, with one of the most
powerful kingdoms upon earth, we now find ourselves at least upon
a level with our opponents ; & there is the best reason to believe
that efforts adequate to the abilities of this Country would enable
us speedily to conclude the War, & to secure the invaluable blessh
iings of Peace, Liberty & Safety. With this view, it is in contain-
430 MINUTES OF THE
plation at the opening of the next Campaign, to assemble a force
sufficient not barely to cover the Country from a repetition of those
depredations which it hath already suffered, but also to operate of-
fensively, & strike some decisive blow. In the prosecution of this
object, it is to be feared, that so large an Army must suffer for
want of Provisions. The distance between this & the Eastern
States, whence considerable supplies of Flesh have been hitherto
drawn,, will necessarily render those supplies extremely precarious ;
And unless the virtuous Yeomanry of the States of New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland & Virginia, will exert them-
selves to prepare Cattle for the use of the Army during the Months
of May, June & July next, great difficulties may arise in the course
of the Campaign. It is therefore recommended to the inhabitants of
those States, to put up & feed immediately as many of their Stock
Cattle as they can spare, so as they may be driven to this Army
within that period. A bountiful price will be given, and the pro-
prietors may assure themselves that they will render a most essen-
tial service to the illustrious cause of their Country, & contribute
in a great degree to shorten this bloody contest. But should there
be any so insensible to the common interest as not to exert them-
selves upon these generous principles, the private interest of
those whose situation makes them liable to become immediate Sub-
jects to the enemy's incursions, should prompt them at least to a
a measure which is calculated to save their property from plunder,
their families from insult, & their own persons from abuse, hopeless
confinement, or perhaps a violent death.
(Signed) " G. WASHINGTON.
" Head Quarters, Valley Forge, ")
" February 28, 1778." }
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday February 27, 1778.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, 1
John Hambright, James Edgar, & lEsq'rs.
Thomas Urje, Jacob Morgan, J
The Justices of the Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace for
the County of Westmoreland having recommended Archibald
Lochry, Esq'r, to be a person qualified to act as Clerk of the said
Court; thereupon,
Ordered, That the said Archibald Lochry, Esq'r, be appointed
Clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace for the said
County of Westmoreland.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, 431
The following representation ' to the Hon'ble House of Repre-
sentatives having been now read and considered, Vizt :
" Lancaster, February 26th, 1778.
b
" To the Honorable the House of Representatives of the Freemen of
the State of Pennsylvania :
u The Supreme Executive Council of the said State represent:
" That from the excessive price of all the necessaries of life, and
other circumstances attending the present situation of this State,
the salaries and fees heretofore established, or allowed to the re-
spective Civil Officers of this State, is found not to be now a
reasonable compensation for the duties of such Officers, whereby
the execution of the laws hath been greatly impeded, and in some
cases rendered impracticable to be executed, and, therefore, claims
the serious attention of the Legislature; That after having made
enquiry for proper persons to engage in the recruiting service, upon
the encouragement given by your Honourable House, the Council
was obliged to apply to His Excellency General Washington, to
recommend Officers of the Army for this purpose. The gentlemen
named by him have entered upon the business under great disad-
vantages, confiding that their case will be considered by the Gene-
ral Assembly, and such further compensation allowed them as the
House, in their wisdom, shall judge to be reasonable and adequate
to the expense of this duty; And we have assured them that
Council would endeavour to obtain the attention of the Honorable
House to this matter; That it appears to Council to be worthy of
the consideration of your Honorable House, whether the exempting
from militia duty for a certain time each man who shall take up a
Deserter from the Continental Army and deliver him to some
proper officer, may not be attended with considerable success in fill-
ing up a Quota of Troops in the Army, and preventing of de-
sertion ; That the case of those Prisoners arrested as dangerous
and disaffected persons, agreeable to the recommendation, and under
this authority sent into the State of Virginia as a place of more
security than this State was at that time supposed to bej appears to
require your serious attention ; not only as it relates to these gen-
tlemen in particular, but also to a great number of others who have
refused or neglected to give the assurance of allegiance to the State
which is required by law; And that there are several persons con-
fined in the Goals of this State for refusing to give assurance of
allegiance, who cannot, as the law now stands, be sent into the
State to which they belong, although they may be able and willing
to give security for their immediate return there, and to submit
themselves to the Laws of such State.
N. B. — A Memorial from these people addressed to the Council?
is sent herewith.
432 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, The same be presented* to the Hon'ble House of Gen-
eral Assembly, together with the remonstrance received from the
Prisoners sent from this State into the State of Virginia, under the
authority of Congress.
The Council taking into consideration the return of Justices from
the several Townships in the County of Bedford,
Ordered, That Henry Rhodes, Will'm Tyshur, James Wells,
Francis More & David Jones, be appointed Justices of the Peace for
the said County of Bedford, & that they be Commissioned accord-
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday February 28, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, "\
John Hambright, James Edgar, & vEsq'rs.
Thomas Urie, Jacob Morgan, J
Lieutenant John Cobea having laid before Council a Certifi-
cate signed by Will'm Henry, Esq'r, that Peter Magee, Amos
Tharp & Dan'l Ramsdale, have voluntarily inlisted with him, and
were sworn before the said Will'm Henry, Esq'r, and requested a
further supply of Money ; thereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieut. John
Cobea, for the Sum of One hundred and Fifty Dollars, for which he
is to account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr, John Dun-
lap, for the Sum of Three hundred & two Pounds, Two Shillings. &
Six Pence, for Printing Work done by him.
Archibald Lochry, Esq'r, Prothonotary of the County of West-
morland, having made Oath, that on or about the 16th day of this
instant, Feb'ry, agreeable to an Act of General Assembly of Penn-
sylvania, he had demanded in Writing of Mich'l Hoofnagle, Esq'r,
late Prothonotary of the County of Westmorland, all the Books,
Papers, Records & Seals belonging to the Prothonotary's Office, of
& for the said County, and that the said Mich'l Hoofnagle then did,
and hitherto hath refused & neglected to deliver the same or any
part thereof; thereupon,
Ordered, That the said Mich'l Hoofnagle, Esq'r, be Arrested &
confined according to Law, and that the Sheriff of the County of
Cumberland be authorized & directed to aid & assist the said Archi-
bald Lochry, Esq'r, in the searching for, & procuring the said
Books, Papers, &ca., and if necessary, to break open in the day
time, any House or Houses where the same may suspected to be.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 433
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Monday March 2, 1778-
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, Jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, ~\
John Hambright, James Edgar, & > Esq'rs.
Thomas Urie, Jacob Morgan, )
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Christ'n
Wirtz, Town Major, for the Sum of Three hundred & Eighty-nine
Pounds Two Shillings & Seven Pence, Money advanced by him, &
bis Pay, &ca.
The Council met,
Lancaster, Tuesday March 3, 1778.
present :
His ExcelFy THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, ~)
John Hambright, James Edgar, & i- Esq'rs.
Thomas Urie, Jacob Morgan, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'bie
Tho's Urie, Esq'r, for the Sum of One hundred Pounds, to be
charged to him.
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Wednesday March 4, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, *)
John Hambright, James Edgar, & >• Esq'rs.
Thomas Urie, Jacob Morgan, J
Some difficulties having arisen with respect to the Pay of the
Commissioners appointed by the Council of Safety to purchase
Cloathing, & the same being now considered,
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Council, that the allow-
ance ordered by the Council of Safety, made to the Commissioners
appoint^, by them for collecting of Cloathing, be paid by the
toi. xi.— 28.
434 MINUTES OF THE
Clothier General of the United States; & if he shall judge that
any charge made for this service is too high, it is recommended
to him not to Pay the same, unless the Party shall qualify to the
truth of his account.
The Hon'ble House of Assembly having been informed that the
Council had received the Resolves of Congress respecting the
Magazines to be laid up for the Army;
The orders of the board of War to their Superintendants ;
The orders issued by the Superintendants to the Militia; & divers
other Papers relating to this business, the whole No. 1 @ 9 in-
clusive ;
A Committee of the House attended in Council to confer on this
important business. This Committee consisted of Mr. Bayard,
(the Speaker of the House,) Mr. Knox, Mr. Lollur, Mr. Lowman,
Mr. McLene, Mr. Whitehil], Mr. Lowry & Mr. Ralston.
And the said Papers from No. 1 @ 9 inclusive, were read, & the
same being taken into consideration, & some time being spent there-
on,
Agreed, That a Representation of the situation of the business
of establishing the Magazines be drawn up & laid before the
House of Assembly, & with their approbation presented to the
Hon'ble Congress.
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Thursday March 5, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, 1
John Hambright, James Edgar, & lEsq'rs.
Thomas Urie, Jacob Morgan, J
The Committee of General Assembly again met in conference
on the business of establishing Magazines, and the following repre-
sentation was read, Viz't. :
[Blank in Council Book.]
And after a second reading, Agreed :
That the said Representation be laid before the Hon'ble House
of General Assembly, & that the same be forwarded to Congress,
with the approbation of the House, be signed by the President &
the Speaker of the House.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 435
*
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday March 6, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THQ'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, ")
John Hambright, James Edgar, & v Esq'rs.
Thomas Urie, Jacob Morgan, )
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Peter Dehaven,
for the Sum of Five Hundred Pounds, for which he is to ac-
count.
A Letter from His Excell'y the President of Congress, dated.
March 1st, 1778, enclosing Resolves of Congress of 26th of Feb'ry,
respecting Prisoners & Quota of Troops, and return of deficiencies
in the Quotas of the several States of the Continental Army j
A Letter from the Committee of Congress at Camp, proposing
that this State furnish 250 Horses for the Army ;
Ordered, That the same be laid before the Hon'ble House of
G-eneral Assembly.
A Committee of the Hon'ble House of General Assembly in-
formed the Council that James McLene &R. Whitehill, Esq'rs, are
appointed by the House to attend the Congress at Yorktown, &ca,
Ordered, That the Hon'ble Tho's Scott, Esq, be appointed to
attend on Congress, io conjunction with the Committee of the
Hon'ble House of G-eneral Assembly, to present the joint represen-
tation of Council & General Assembly respecting the establishing
of Magazines for the Army, and to confer with the Delegates of
Pennsylvania in Congress, & such others as Congress may appoint
on this business j and also on the Subject of the Prisoners now in
Virginia, and others, mentioned in the address of this day, which
last mentioned Address is as follows, Viz't. :
[Blank in Council Book.]
436 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday March 7, 1778
present :
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, ")
John Hambright, James Edgar, & (- Esq'rs.
Thomas Urie, Jacob Morgan. J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Colo. Adam
Hubley, for One Thousand Dollars, for the recruiting Service, for
which he is to account.
Ordered, That Mr. Hambright procure as maay Saddles as he
oan get made in this Borough, until further orders, on the best
terms he is able.
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Monday March 9, 1778-
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, ~\
John Hambright, James Edgar, & V Esq'rs.
Thomas Urie, Jacob Morgan. )
Letter from Gen'l Washington, dated 7th inst., respecting Wag
gonH, were read and considered ;
Ordered^ That extracts from the joint Representations of the
Council & Gen'l Assembly to Congress of the 6th instant & of a
Letter of the — instant, in reply to his Letter, & such remarks as
may further explain these extracts.
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Tuesday March 10, 1778„
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, ~)
John Hambright, James Edgar, & I Esq'rs.
Thomas Urie, Jacob Morgan. J
The Council having consulted with the members of General As-
sembly,
Ordered, That blank in Council book
:} & iEsq'rs.
in. J
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 437
The Council met.
Lancaster, "Wednesday March 11, 1778.
present :
His ExcelTy THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott,
John Hambright, James Edgar,
Thomas Urie, Jacob Morgan.
Letter from Henry Laurens, Esq'r, inclosing Six blank Commis-
sions for private Shipfl of War.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. Thomas
Dorsey, Paymaster of Militia, for the Sum of Three thousand Dol-
lars, for which he is to account. (Paid Postage 7s 6, Ex. 7 letters.)
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mich'l Muh-
lenberg, for the Sum of Seventy-five Pounds, in part of his account
for carrying the Quaker Prisoners to Winchester, in Virginia, and
to be charged to his account until the same can be settled, and be
finally charged to Congress.
The Clerk of the House presented to Council a minute of Gene-
ral Assembly of yesterday, appointing Rob't Wilson, Esq'r, a Sub-
Lieutenant of the County of Chester, in the room and stead of
Colo. Tho's Strawbridge, & the same being read,
Ordered, That the said Rob't Wilsott be Commissioned accord-
ingly.
Rob't Trail, Esq'r, having declined to accept of the Oflice of
Store-keeper for the County of Northampton ; thereupon,
Ordered, That Mr. Cha's Desler be appointed Store-keeper for
the County of Northampton, to receive, inspect, store and take of
the Provisions to be Stored in the -County of Northampton, by or-
der of Congress, & to issue the same by order of the board of War;
paid 14s 6.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday March 12, 1778.
PRESENT :
His Excelly THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott,
John Hambright, James Edgar, & J-Esq'rs,
Thomas Urie, Jacob Morgan.
I
438 MINUTES OF THE
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Friday March 13, 1778.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Tho's Scott, ~)
John Harnbright, James Edgar, & vEsq'rs.
Thomas Urie, Jacob Morgan. J
Hon'ble T's Scott, Esq'r, having receive^ Forty thousand Dol-
lars on a Warrant of Congress, dated the 10th ins., drawn in favor
of this Council, & paid the same to the Treasurer of this State,
now laid the Treasurer's receipt for the said 40,000 Dollars before
the Council.
James Patton, Deputy Waggon Master for the township of Con-
estoga, represented to Council that divers persons in the said Town-
ship who were duly summoned according to Law, to attend with
their Waggons for the service of their Army, had neglected, & still
continued to neglect to attend ; and that on application by him
made to Colo. Michael Haberstick, for assistance from the Militia,
that he had not been supplied therewith ; thereupon,
Ordered, That Col. Michael Haberstick be commanded forth-
with to furnish a sufficient Guard to the said James Patton, to bring
in the said delinquents.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Colo. Jacob
Morgan, for the Sum of Three Pounds, paid by him for an express,
to be charged to Congress.
The Council taking into consideration the resolve of Congress
for recommending a Fast ; & thereupon,
Ordered, That the following Proclamation be Published :
" Lancaster, March 18.
By the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
"A PROCLAxMATION :
u Whereas, The Congress of the United States of America, by
their Resolve of the Seventh day of March instant, have recom-
mended in the following words, Vizt :
" ' Whereas Almighty God, in the righteous dispensation of his
Providence, hath permitted the continuation of a cruel & desolating
war in our land ; & it being at all times the duty of a people to
acknowledge God in all his ways, & more especially to humble
themselves before him when evident tokens of his displeasure are
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 439
manifested, to acknowledge his righteous government, confess &
forsake their evil ways & implore his Mercy :'
" Resolved^ That it be recommended to the United States of
America to set apart Wednesday, the Twenty-Second day of April
next, to be observed as a day of Fasting, Humiliation, & Prayer;
that at one time and with one voice, the inhabitants may acknowl-
edge the, righteous dispensation of divine Providence, & confess
their iniquities & transgressions, for which the land mourneth; that
they may implore the mercy & forgiveness of God, & beseech
him that vice, profaneness, extortion, & every evil, may be
done away, & that we may be a reformed & happy people; that
they may unite in humble & earnest Supplication, that it may
please Almighty God to Guard & defend us against our enemies and
giv$ vigour and success to our military operations by Sea & land ;
that it may please him to bless the civil rulers & people, strengthen
<k perpetuate our Union, & in his own good time establish in the
peaceable enjoyment of our rights & liberties; that it may please
him to bless our Schools & Seminaries of learning, & to make
them nurseries of true piety, virtue & useful knowledge1; that it
may please him to cause the earth to yield its increase, & to crown
the year with his goodness. And it is recommended to the inhabi-
tants of the United States, to abstain on that day from labor &
recreation.''
uAnd Whereas, it hath pleased God to suffer the enemy to take
possession of our Capital, & the distresses attending on War have
fallen heavy on the State, whereby it is become peculiarly neces-
sary for the inhabitants to humble themselves before him who
governs the Universe & turneth the hearts of men as he pleaseth.
And therefore, as well as in due respect to the said recommenda-
tion of Congress, We do hereby most earnestly recommend to the
good people of this Commonwealth to set apart Wednesday, the
Twenty-Second day of April next, for the pious purposes mentioned
la the said resolve, & that they abstain on that day from labor &
recreation.
K Given at Lancaster this thirteenth day of March, in the Year of
our Lord One thousand Seven hundred & Seventy-Eight.
" By order of Council,
"THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, President.
" Attest Timothy Matlack, Secretary."
440 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday March 14, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, ~)
John Hambright, James Edgar, & tEsq'rs.
Thomas Urie, Jacob Morgan, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Thomas Bar-
tholomew Bowen, of the 9th Penn'a Reg't, for the Sum of Six
hundred Dollars, for the Recruiting Service.
•
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Monday March 16, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Urie,
Jacob Morgan, John Hambright, & ^-Esq'rs.
James Edgar, Thomas Scott,
}
Ordered, That Major Watkins be directed to send a Block of Tin,
& about three times its weight of Lead, to Mr. J. S. Howell, Re-
ceiver General of Cloathing, to make Buttons of for Soldiers'
Cloathing.
Mr. Will'm Crispin, Commissary, having written to the Presi-
dent & Council in the following words, Vizt : *
" To the President & Council at Lancaster.
''Dear Sir :
" I jpought of Mr. Irwin 21 hhds. Rum, before we left Phila.,
amounting to 2396 Gal's, at 35s P Gallon ; he has called on me
for the money, which I had not ; he desired a draught for the
amount, which is £4193, which please to give an order to Mr. Rit-
tenhouse, who will charge me with it. I am yours to serve,
" (Signed) WM. CRISPIN.
« Trenton, Jan'y 20, 1778."
And the same was underwritten thus, u Please pay the above
•contents to Mr. John Dunlap, or Order.
"(Signed,) MATH'W IRWIN/'
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 441
And an order was drawn on the same, in the following Words,
Vizt :
• " In Council.
" Lancaster, Mar. 16, 1778.
" Sir :
" Pay to Mr. John Dunlap the Amount of the within order, &
charge the same to Mr. Will'm Crispin, Commissary
" (Signed) THO'S WHARTON, jun'r.
<*To Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer/'
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Tuesday March 17, 1778.
PRESENT I
His ExcelFy THO'S WHARTON, Jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Urie, 1
Jacob Morgan, John Hambright, & VEsq'rs.
James Edgar, Thomas Scott. J
The Clerk of General Assembly sent in to the Council the fol-
lowing Resolve, Vizt :
"In General Assembly, Monday Mar. 16, 1778, P. M.
" On motion,
" Resolved, That the Wages of each Member of the Hon'ble
the Executive Council of this State, during the time he shall at-
tend the Public Service, shal* be Thirty Shillings Sjp Diem; And
that they be allowed Ten Pence for each Mile, for their travelling
charges.
" Extract from the Minutes,
" Signed, JOHN MORRIS, jr.,
" Cl'k of the Gen'l Ass'y."
Ordered, That the Commissaries for the Navy Department, who
have heretofore been employed, be allowed three ^ centum on the
amount of their Purchases, in full for their services in buying and
issuing Provisions & Liquors.
442 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday March 18, 1778.
present :
His ExcelFy THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President,
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, & "]
James Edgar, Thomas Scott. J>Esq'rs.
Tho's Urie, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Wm. C. Brad-
ford, Pay Master of the Navy, for the Sum of Fifty Pounds, for
which he is to account.
Col. Gibson, Commanding Officer at this Station, informed the
Council that he had orders from His ExcelFy General Washington,
to march the Troops under his Command to Camp with all expe-
dition; thereupon,
Ordered, That the eighth Class of Militia of the County of
York, be immediately called into service & sent to this Borough.
The Council being informed That John Hubley, Esq'r, has re-
ceived orders from the Board of War to remove the Powder and
other Ammunition from this Borough over the Susquehanna ; and
as the necessity of keeping a supply of Cartridges for the Guards,
&ca, is evident ; therefore,
Ordered, That John Hubley, Esq'r, be directed to supply Ma-
jor Wirtz with as much Gunpowder as will fill Twenty thousand
Cartridges; & that Maj. Wirtz make up that number of Cartrid-
ges for the Guards of this Borough.
Ordered, That Bart'm Galbraith, Esq'r, Lieut, of this County,
be directed to furnish a guard of 200 Militia, to serve in this Bo-
rough, to guard the Prisoners & other purposes.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday March 19, 1778.
PRESENT *.
His ExcelFy THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, & ^
James Edgar, Tho's Scott. [►Esq'rs.
Tho's Urie, J
Mr. James Patton, Deputy Waggon Master of this County, at-
tended the Council & informed that Colo. Haberstick has not fur-
nished him with the Guard ordered by Council ; thereupon,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 443
Ordered, That the Secretary write to Col. Haberstick & desire his
immediate* attendance, to assign the reason why he hath not fur-
nished the said Guard.
Mr. Peter Dehaven being upon business to Camp, & informing
Council that the piece of ground on which the Powder Mills were
erected may suffer for want of care; thereupon,
Ordered, That Mr. Peter Dehaven be directed to let, for this
season, the piece of Ground on which the Powder Mills stood, on
the best terms he can, reserving nevertheless, a right to rebuild the
Mills if it shall be found necessary.
The Council met.
Lancaster Friday March 20, 1778.
PRESENT.
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, & ~\
James Edgar, Tho's Scott, I Esq'rs.
Tho's Urie, J
ACommiitee o/the Hon'ble House of General Assembly attended
in Council, & desired to be informed at whose expence the Public
buildings in this Borough & elsewhere has been erected, and they
were referred to the Minutes of the Council of Safety.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday March 21, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, &
James Edgar, Tho's Scott,
Tho's Urie,
The application of Twenty-three inhabitants of the Town of
York, in the County of York, praying that Jacob Eichelberger,
(who was elected with Will'm Leas, Esq'r, on the 10th March
last;) & also Mich'l Kahn, of the Town of York aforesaid, may be
appointed & Commissioned to be Justices of the Peace for the said
County of York, being now read & considered ; thereupon,
Ordered, That Jacob Eichelberger be appointed & Commissioned
to be a Jus:ice of the Peace for the County of York.
J. Esq'rs.
444 MINUTES OF THE
There appearing to be no Money in the hands of the Lieutenant
of the County of Cumberland, & the Recruiting Parties in that
County being in want of Money, An order was drawn on the Trea-
surer, in favor of Colo. Will'm Clark, for the Sum of Three Thou-
sand Dollars, to be delivered to Col. John Caruthers, Lieutenant
of the County of Cumberland, to be by him paid into the hands of
the Officers recruiting for the Battalions of this State. Mich'I
Kuhns was proposed by Col. Clarke to forward this Money by.
The following orders were drawn on the Treasurer, Viz't. :
In favor of Mr. John Beaton, Paymaster of the Militia of Ches-
ter County, for the Sum of Three Thousand Pounds, to be charged
to Tho's Dorsey, Pay-master of Militia.
In favor of Col. Will'm Clark, Paymaster of the Militia of Cum-
berland County, for the Sum of One thousand Pounds, to be
charged to Tho's Dorsey, Paymaster of Militia.
In favor of Colo. Rich'd McCallister, for the Sum of Three
Thousand Pounds, the same to be by him delivered to Mr Will'm
Scott, Paymaster of the Militia of York County, to be charged to
Tho's Dorsey, Paymaster of Militia.
Col. Rich'd M'Callister paid to the Secretary the Sum of 2833
Dollars, Bills of Credit of New York, which he received of the
Council last Spring, & hath not been able to pass, & has therefore
returned them.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday March 23, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Jonn Hambright, &")
James Edgar, Tho's Scott, >Esq'rs.
, Tho's Urie, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Col. Samuel
Atlee, for the Sum of Five hundred Pounds, to be charged to
him.
An order was drawn on Will'm Henry, Esq'r, in favor of Col.
Sam'l Hays, Sub Lieut, of the County of Westmorland, for Eighty
Riffles, to be put into the hands of Arch'd Lochry, Esq'r, Lieut,
of the said County, for the use of the Militia.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Burgh,
for the Sum of Three Pounds, for riding express with Money to
Colo. Watson, Commissary, for purchasing Provisions, &ca., to be
charged to Congress.
Col. Hubley having recommended to the Council Lieu. John
Steel as an Officer well qualified for, and proper to be employed in the
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 445
Kecruiting Service, & desired that he may be furnished with Money
for this Purpose, to recruit in this County or York County ; (Or-
der to Recruit in Lancaster;) Thereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieu. John
Steel, of the — th Penns'a Reg't, for the Sum of Six hundred Dol-
lars, for the recruiting Service.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
Tho's Scott, Esq'r, for the Sum of One Hundred & Thirty-twG
Pounds Sixteen Shillings & Eight Pence, Balance due for his at-
tendance in Council 210 days, a 35s. & Mileage 274 Miles going &
same distance coming, equal to 548 Miles, a lOd. each.
Ordered, That Philip Kreamer be appointed Coroner of the
County of Berks.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Christ'r Hays,
Esq'r, Sub-Lieut, of Westmorland County, for the Sum of Fifty
Pounds, to be charged to Arch'd Lochry, Esq'r, the Lieut, of the
said County.
An order was drawn on the Town Major in favor of Colonel
And'w Boyd, Sub-Lieut, of Chester County, for 2000 Musket Cart-
ridges.
It being represented to Council that the People of the County
of Chester continued to carry provisions into the City of Philadel-
phia, and that
[Blank in Council Book.]
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
John Hambright, Esq'r, for the Sum of One hundred & Ninety-
nine Pounds & ten Shillings, balance due to him for 147 days' at-
tendance in Council, & Mileage.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Tho's Heslip,
Esq'r, One of the Commissioners for purchasing Flour in the
County of Chester, for the Sum of Nine thousand Dollars, for
which he is to account.
The Council met.
Lancaster-, Tuesday March 24, 1778,
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, Jun'r, Esq'r, President
Joseph Hart, Thomas Urie, & ) ™ ,
James Edgar, John Hambright, J s(* rs'
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
John Hambright, Esq'r, for the Sum of One thousand & five hun-
dred Pounds, to purchase Horses with for the purpose of mount-
ing the Cavalry, agreeable to the request of a Committee of Con-
gress, at Head Quarters ; for which Sum he is to account.
446 MINUTES OF THE
Congress by their Resolve of 19th instant, having
Resolved, That the Government of the State of Pennsylvania
be requested to Station five hundred Militia at the following places
in this State, under active & prudent Officers, Yizt : Two hun-
dred men at Easton, One hundred at Bethlehem, and Two hundred
at Reading, for the defence of the Magazines of Military & other
Stores & Provisions at these places ; & to keep the communication
Secure from any sudden incursions of the Enemy, until the board
of War or Gen'l Washington, shall think it expedient to discharge
the said Militia; Thereupon, . >
Ordered, That three hundred of the Militia of the County of
Northampton be ordered for Guards at Bethlehem & Easton, &
200 Militia of the County of Berks for guards at Reading.
The Council having received information that Henry Sckiles,
who &ca., and Tho's Boyd, James Wilson, John Hastings & Cha's
Caldwell, who, &ca., have not yet been taken, &ca. ; thereupon,
Ordered, That a reward of Two hundred Dollars be offered by
Proclamation, for each & every of the said Henry Skeles, &ca.
The following being approved was ordered to be Published in
due form :
" By the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonicealtk of
Pennsylvania:
"A PROCLAMATION:
%
" Whereas, A certain Benjamin Hammon was lately most
cruelly & barbarously murdered, in the County of Chester, in this
Commonwealth :
"And Whereas, an inquisition taken on the body of the said
Benjamin Hammon, & by depositions taken before sundry Justices
of the said Commonwealth, there is great reason to believe that a
certain Henry Skyles, late of the County of Lancaster, in the said
Commonwealth, Yeoman, did feloniously kill and murder the said
Benjamin Hammon, & that Thomas Boyd, Jas Willson, John
Hastings, , and Charles Caldwell, of the said County
of Lancaster, Yeomen, together with others who have surrendered
themselves, were feloniously 'present, comforting, abetting & aid-
ing the said Henry Skyles, to do & commit the said murder :
" And Whereas, it is at all times, but more especially in the
present situation of our affairs, of the utmost consequence to the
peace of the Commonwealth, that the perpetrators of such attrocious
offences should be brought to condign & exemplary punishment,
and the endeavours hitherto used for apprehending & securing the
Baid offenders have proved ineffectual :
" We have therefore thought fit to issue this Proclamation, hereby
offering & promising a Reward of Two hundred Dollars, to be paid
out of the Public Treasury of this Commonwealth, to such person
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 447
or persons who shall apprehend the said Henry Skyles, & deliver him
into the Custody of the Keeper of the Goal of either of the Counties
of Lancaster, Berks or York, in this Commonwealth ; And also,
hereby offering & promising a like reward of Two hundred Dollars,
for each & every of them the said Thomas Boyd, James Wilson,
John Hastings, , & Charles Caldwell, to be paid as
aforesaid, to such person or persons who shall apprehend & secure
them, or any of them, in either or any of the gaols aforesaid.
" And we do hereby strictly charge & command all Judges, Jus-
tices, Sheriffs, Constables & other Officers, & all other the Citizens
of this Commonwealth, to make diligent search & pursuit after
the said Henry Skyles, Thomas Boyd, James Wilson, John Has-
tings, , <fe Charles Caldwell, & to use their utmost
endeavours to apprehend & secure them, that they may be pro-
ceeded against according to Law.
" Given under the Seal of the said Commonwealth, at Lancaster,
the Twenty-fourth day of March, in the Year of our Lord One
thousand Seven hundred & Seventy-eight.
"(Signed,) THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, Pres'fc.
" Attest— T. Matlack, Secret'y."
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday March 25, 1778.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Tho's Urie, & > ~, ,
James Edgar, John Hambright, S
The Council taking into consideration the State of the. Militia
bow in the Field,
Ordered, That the Seventh & Eighth Classes of the Militia of
Cumberland, the first Class of Philadelphia County, be called into
service immediately, & sent to Gen'l Lacy's Camp.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Col. Clarke,
for the Sum of Two thousand Pounds, to be charged to Capt. Tho.
Dorsey, Paymaster of the Militia.
Mr. Adam Reigart informed the Council that he had begun to
purchase Horses, agreeable to his orders, & desired to know where
they were to be sent to for the present.
Ordered j That Mr. Reigart be directed to apply to Mr. Ross,
deputy Q'r M'r, for an apartment of the Continental stables in
this Borough, & forage for the Horses which he shall procure;
And that Mr. Reigart appoint a Trusty person to take care of
them.
448 MINUTES OF THE
Mr. Marshall Edwards, late Paymaster of the Militia of the
County of Philadelphia,
Ordered, That Colo. Rob't Lollar be appointed Paymaster of the
Militia of Philadelphia County.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Colo. John
Shields, for the Sum of Thirty-five Pounds, for the Carriage of 72
Riffles from Shippensburgh to Westmorland.
tj Esq'r*.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday March 26, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jos. Hart, Tho's Urie, &
James Edgar, John Hambright,
The Hon'ble John Hambright, Esq'r, being now about to go
into the County of Northumberland, & its being doubtful whether
Mr. Wm. Gray & Mr. John Little, Commissioners for the pur-
chasing of Provisions in that County, have been able or will be
able to lay out any considerable Sum of the Four thousand Dollars
sent to them for that purpose ; therefore,
Ordered, That the Hon'ble John Hambright, Esq'r, be requested
to call on the said Will'm Gray & John Little, & enquired what
they have done in said business; k he is hereby authorized to receive
from th(&m, & each of them, what Monies may remain in their
hands.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Philip Mars-
teller, Esq'r, for the Sum of Four thousand Pounds, for paying the
Militia with, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Will'm C.
Bradford, for the Sum of Three thousand Pounds, to be by him
delivered to Will'm Crispin, Commissary of the State Fleet, and
to be charged to the said William Crispin.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Will'm Co
Bradford, Paymaster of the State Fleet, for the Sum of Four Thou-
sand Pounds, for which he is to account.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. m
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday March 27, 1778.
present :
His ExcelFy THO'S WHARTON, jira'r, Esq'r, President
Joseph Hart, James Edgar, & \ ™ ,
Jonat'n Hogc, Tho's Urie, j ™
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of James Young,
Esq'r, Waggon Master of the State, for the Sum of Seven hundred
<& fifty Pounds, for which he is to account,
Mr. Young & Mr, Bailey, th« Waggon Master of Lancaster
County, having now represented to Council that the Pay of the
Officers in the Waggon department is so low that they are not able
to procure suitable persons to execute the law, <fe that many of
those who huve acted hitherto are under the necessity of resigning;
thereupon,
Ordered, Tkat this Council will represent to the Hon'ble House
-of General Assembly the low Pay allowed to the Officers under the
Waggon Law, <& will use their influence with the House to induce
them to make the same more adequate to the duty.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Shriver, Sum-
mers, <fe Lasky, for the Sum of Eight hundred & fourteen Pounds
five Shillings & one Penny, for Provisions furnished to the Fleet, &
•charge the same to Witi'm Crispin, Commissary of the Fleet.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday March 28, 1778
present:
His Eseeiry THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jos. Hart, James Edgar, & ? ™ >
Jonathan Hoge, Tho's Urie, J &sq rS'
The Hon'ble the Speaker of the Hon'ble Bouse of General As-
sembly presented in Council the following order, to Wit:
"In General Assembly, Pennsylvania, March 28, 1778.
"OentleHten :—
<; Pay to David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of this State, or to
Ids order, the Sum of Thirty Thousand Pounds, in Bills of Credit,
VO&. XI. — 10«
450 MINUTE? OF THE
issued by Congress, or by this Commonwealth, for the rase of thh
State.
"(Signed) JOHN BAYARD, Speaker.
"To John Thome & John Agnew, Eaq'rs, Trustees of the Gene-
ial Loin Office of the State of Pennsylvania/*
*
Ordered, That the same be delivered to the Treasurer.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Henry Spyker7
Esq'r, Paymaster of the Militia of Berks County, for the Sum of
Five thousand Pounds, to be charged to Capt. Tho's Borsey, Pay
M'r of Militia.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Arndt
& DavM Deshler, Esq'rs, Commissioners appointed by Law to pur-
chase Provisions, &ca, in Northampton County, for the use of the
Army, they to be accountable.
The Hon'ble House of General Assembly having this day ap-
pointed Capt. John Trevis to be one of the Sub-Lieutenants of the
County of York, in the room & stead of James McCandless7
Ordered, That he be Commissioned accordingly.
The Sum of Thirty-five thousand Dollars was this day paid into
the hands of the Treasurer of the State, being what n-ow remains
undistributed of the Sum of One Hundred & Thirty-nine Thou-
sand Dollars sent to Council by Congress, for the purchase of Pro-
visions, &ca7 as appears by the Receipt of the said Treasurer. '
The Council met.
Lancaster Monday March 30,- 1778.
PRESENT :
. His ExcelFy THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jos. Hart, Jacob Arndt, & Jj Esa'rs
Jonathan Hoge, Tho's Urre. 3
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Stephen Sut-
ton, for the Sum of Thirteen Pounds Ten Shillings, for riding ex-
press, by order of the Council*.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. Benj'c
Bartholomew, (of the 5th Penns'a Batt'n,) for the Sum of Three
Hundred & Forty-eight Dollars, for ishe Recruiting Service, for
which he is to account.
The Hon'ble John Bailey, Esq'r, having by his Letter of the
23d instant, resigned bis Seat as Counsellor for the County of Lan-
caster; thereupon,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, 451
Ordered, That a Writ be issued to the Sheriff of the said Coun-
ty, to hold an election of a Councellor for the said Couuty of Lan-
caster, in the room & stead of the said John Bailey, Esq'r, & make
return thereof on or before Tuesday the 28th day of April next.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday March 31, 1778.
PRESENT :
HisExeelfy THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President*
Jos. Hart, Jacob Arndt, & \ J.' ,
Jonathan Hoge, Tho's Urie. j B *
The following orders were drawn on the Treasurer in favor of
Tho's Urie, Esq'r, Vizt :
For the Sum of One hundred & Fifty-six Pounds Eighteen
Shillings & four Pence, being the balance due to him for 140 days
attendance in Council, & Mileage, 143 Miles.
For the Sum of Ninety-Seven Pounds & ten Shillings for the
Carriage of 164 Riffles from this place to Bedford, to be charged
to John Piper, Esq'r, Lieut, of the County of Bedford.
For the Sum of Eight Pounds fifteen Shillings & Six Pence, for
his extra expences on thirteen days journey on Public Service by
order of Council. And also,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Ralston,
Esq'r, for the sum of One Thousand & five hundred Pounds, to be
by him delivered to Abraham Lavan, for the purpose of purchasing
Horses to mount the Cavalry, agreeable to a request of the Com-
mittee from Congress, at Camp, to be charged to Mr. Levan.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Peter Burk-
holdcr, Esq'r, for the Sum of Three Thousand Pounds, to be by
him delivered to Mr. Philip Boehm, Paymaster of the Militia of
Northampton County, to be charged to Capt. Thomas Dorsey, Pay
Master of the State Militia.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Adam
Reigart, for the Sum of Two Thousand Pounds to purchase Horses
with, agreeable to the request of the Committee of Congress at
Camp, for which he is to account.
And the following orders were drawn on the Treasurer, Viz't :
In favor of Rob't Curry, for taking up a Deserter, & his expen-
ces, for £4 13 3, (Butler's Co., 3d Penns'a Reg't.)
In favor of Will'm Clark, Esq'r, Paymaster of Cumberland
Militia, for the Sum of One Thousand Pounds, to be charged to
€apt. T. Dorsey, Paymaster of the State.
In favor of Will'm C. Bradford, for the Sum of Two thousand
Pounds, for Paying the Fleet, for which he is to account.
452 MINUTES OF THE
In favor of Capt. Joseph Irwin, of the 9th Penna'a Reg't, for
the Sum of Eight hundred & twelve Dollars, for the purpose of Re-
cruiting, for which he is to account.
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Wednesday April 1, 1778
present : ~
Hi* Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jos. Hart, Jonat'n Hoge, & ? ™ >
Jacob Morgan, Jac. Arndt. $ ^sq r8*
The following Resolves of the Hon'ble House of General Assem-
bly being read, Viz't :
"In General Assembly, April 1, 1778, P, M
" A Letter from Tho's Hartley, Esq'r, Colonel of one of the
Congress Regiments, to the Speaker, desiring leave to inlist for his
Regiment within this State, & to be furnished with the bounty
granted by this State for Recruits, & inclosing a resolve of Con-
gress, that the men so inlisted should be considered a a part of the
quota of this State, was read, & it was thereupon
" Resolved, That the said Col. Hartley be permitted to enlist with-
in this State, k that the men so by him recruited, be entitled to
the bounty lately granted by this State for Soldiers inlisted for the
Regiments of this State."
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Tho's Hartley,
Esq'r, Colo of the Congress Reg't, for the Sum of Five
Thousand Dollars, for the Recruiting Service, for which he is to
account.
On consideration,
Ordered, That the first Class of the Militia of the County of
Bucks be immediately called into service, & sent to Gen'l Lacy's
Camp.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Colo. Will'm
Clark, Pay Master of Militia for Cumberland County, for the Sum
of Six Hundred Pounds, to be charged to Capt. Tho. Dorsey, Pay
Master of Militia.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. Matthew
Scott, of the 13th Penns'a Reg't, for the Sum of Eight hundred &
twelve Dollars, for the Recruiting Service, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Colonel Fred'k
Antis, or to his order, the Sum of One thousand and Five hundred
Pounds, to be delivered to Col. Weiss of Philadelphia County, to
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 453
purchase Horses with, agreeable to the request Committee of the
from Congress at Camp, for which Colo. Weiss is to account.
The Council taking into consideration the case of John Brown,
now under Parole at Manheim; thereupon,
Ordered, That John Brown, now on Parole at Manheim, be di-
rected to attend in this Borough, & that he be here discharged from
the same.
On consideration,
Ordered, That Fred'k Watt, John Stuart, Alexa. Murry, jun'r,
& Church Coxe, be appointed Justices of the Peace for the County
of Cumberland.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Tho's,Jor
dan, Pay M'r of Militia in the County of Northumberland, for the
Sum of Five thousand Pounds, to be charged to Capt. Thomas Dor-
sev, Pay Master of Militia.
The Hon'ble House of General Assembly having this day ap-
pointed George Wall, Esq'r, to be Sub-Lieutenant of the County
of Bucks ;
Ordered, That the said George Wall, Esq?r, be Commissioned
accordingly.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday April 2d, 1778.
present :
His Exceil'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jos. Hait, Jonat'n Hoge, & > ™ ,
Jacob Morgan, Jac'b Arndt, $
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Peter De
haven, for the Sum of One thousand Pounds, for which he is to
acco't.
It having been reported that Rich'd Backhouse, of Easton, a Dep-
uty under R. L. Hooper, D. Q. M., has lately sent to Boston a
Brigade of Waggons, which it is suspected were Public Waggons,
drawing Public Forage, & that they have been employed in bring-
ing Merchandize from Boston on some private account ; whereupon^
Ordered, Tho's Silliman, Sam'l Rea, Esq'rs, of the County of
Northampton, be required to Summons such persons as may be
probably acquainted with the said transaction, & fully examine
them on Oath concerning it, & to take the necessary measures for
securing all persons which may be concerned in carrying on this or
any other public fraud, and make Report of their proceedings here-
in, as well to do justice to the United States as to the Character of
Mr, Backhouse, if the report shall appear to have been without
foundation.
454 MINUTES OF THE
The Hon'ble House of General Assembly having entered into' the
f.hree following Resolves :
"In General Assembly, April 1, 1778, A. M.
" Whereas, It is absolutely necessary that the quota of this
State towards the Continental Army should be raised with the ut-
most expedition, And that all means should be used for attaining
that important end,
1. "Resolved, That the Sum of Sixteen Dollars, lately resolved
by this House to be paid to the recruiting Officer for each Soldier
he shall inlist, shall also be paid to any person within this State, who
shall procure an able-bodied recruit to inlist in any regiment belong-
ing to this State, which said Sum shall be paid to the said person
by the Lieutenant or nearest Sub- Lieutenant of the County, upon
his delivering the said Ilecruit to him, together with an attestation
of such inlistment, under the hand & Seal of some Justice of the
County.
2d. " Resolved, That it.be recommended to the Supreme Execu-
tive Council to call upon the Lieutenants & Sub Lieutenants of the
several Counties of this State, for fair & exact lists, distinguishing
battalions & Companies, of all the Officers & Soldiers within this
State, which shall be delivered in, on or before the first day of May
next.
3d. " Resolved, That it be recommended to the said Supreme
Executive Council, to endeavour to procure the most exact & accu-
rate accounts of what will be the deficiency of the quota of this
State on the said first day of May next ; and that thereupon, & as
soon as the said deficiency shall be known, theCouncil will fix, ascer-
tain & allot to each of the said battalions the quota, proportion, or-
number of men required of it for completing the Troops of this
State ; and as soon as the said requisition and allotment are made
known to the Commanding Officer of the Battalion, the Field Offi-
cers thereof shall meet together & allot, fix & ascertain the number
of men required of each Company of the said battalion , and the
same being notified to the Commanding Officer of each Company,
the Officers thereof shall procure by draught, lot, or any other
means whatsoever, the number of Men required of the said Com-
pany ; And the said men shall be delivered by the Commanding
Officers of the Companies respectively, to the Lieutenant or nearest
Sub-Lieutenant of the County, within ten days after such requisition
made to the Company, who shall give a Certificate of their being
received ; and the said Lieutenant or Sub-Lieutenant shall deliver
the same men to the nearest recruiting Officer, who shall also give
a Certificate of their receipt. And the said men so draughted or
otherwise procured, shall serve as Soldiers in the Continental Army
for the space of uiue months, or during the Campaign, unless sooner
discharged.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 455
4th. "Resolved, That every Militia Man who shall voluntarily
inlist himself without draughting or lot, in pursuance of these Re-
solves, shall be exempted from all Taxes for one Year after his
time of Service elapsed;" Thereupon,
Ordered, That the Lieutenants of the several Counties be re-
quired immediately to make the returns to this Council as ordered
by the above 2nd Resolve, & that he take care to have them made
on or before the said first day of May.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer, in favor of Colo. John
Bird, for the Sum of One Thousand & five hundred Pounds, to be
by him forwarded to Mr. James Ramsay, of Bedford County, to
Purchase Horses, agreeable to the request of the Committee of
Congress.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Colo. Rob't
Culbertson, of Cumberland County, for the Sum of Two Thousand
Pounds, to purchase Horses with to mount the Cavalry, agreeable to
the request of the Committee of Congress at Camp.
The Hon'ble House of Assembly having nominated Thomas
Levis, Esq'r, to be a Sub-Lieutenant of the County of Chester,
Ordered, That he be commissioned accordingly.
An order was drawn on the Tresurer in favor of Stephen Coch-
ran, "Esq'r, for the Suin of Two thousand Pounds, to be by him
paid to Mr. Sam'l Futhey, of the County of Chester, to purchase
Horses with to mount the Cavalry, agreeable to the request of the
Committee of Congress, lately at Camp.
The Hon'ble House of Assembly having appointed George Read-
ing, Esq'r, to be a Sub-Lieutenant of the County of Westmorland,
in the room and stead of James Pollock, who is superceeded be-
cause he hath not taken the Oath of Allegiance to tj^s State,
Ordered-, That he be Commissioned accordingly.
i
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday April 3, 1778.
PRESENT :
His EecelFy THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jos. Hart, Jona'n Hoge, & ? -p »
Jacob Morgan, Jac. Arndt, $ *S°
The following Resolve of the Hon'ble House of General Assem-
bly of yesterday being read, in the following words, Viz :
"In GenT Assembly, April 2d, 1778, A. M.
u Resolved, That the Hon'ble tytyr . Speaker, Colo. Knox, Doct.
Caxdner, Colo. Clark h Mr. McLene, be a Committee to confer with
456 MINUTES OF THE
the Council on the best means of reducing three Reg'ts belonging
to the quota of this State, & also to resolve & determine in conjunc-
tion with Council, which Regiments and what officers shall be so
Teduced;& that they make report of their proceedings to this House
at their next Sitting."
The Hon'ble the Speaker of the House, Colo. King, Col Clark,
k Mr. McLene, of the Committee mentioned in the foregoing Re-
solve of the Hon'ble House, & also the Hon'ble Joseph Reed,
Esq'r, one of a Committee of Congress lately at Camp, attended
In Council.
The present State of the Thirteen Battalions belonging to this
Commonwealth, now being read before the Council & Gentlemen
in conference & in the Continental Service, the circumstances at-
tending them respectively, carefully attended to by them; and after
a. full discussion of the difficulties arising from the various modes
proposed for reducing the three Regiments, agreeable to the Reso-
lution of Congress,
Ordered, That the 13th, 12th & 11th be joined with some other
of the Regiments.
That as the State of the Second & third Battalions require con-
siderable alterations to be made, the 13th Battalion be incorpora-
ted with the Second, & that Colo. Walter Stewart take the Com-
mand in the room of Colo. Becker.
That the Twelfth Battalion be incorporated with the third Bat-
talion.
That the Eleventh Battalion be incorporated with the tenth, be-
ing the next youngest Battalion; and that Colo. Humphreys take
the Command in »he room of Colo. Nagle.
That the arrangement of the other Officers be submitted to the
direction of the Committee of the Hon'ble Congress, lately sent to
Camp, as they will be possessed of the best information whereon to
found a judgment herein. At the same time, it is recommended
to them to regard the date of Commissions where there is equal
merit; but as the reason on which the rule adopted in such cases in
j>lder Countries is founded, does not fully extend to a service so
new as that of the United States of America is, where there are de-
ficiencies in the conduct of any Officer, and it appears to be for the
interest of the Service to remove him & to advance others in con-
sideration of merit,, that the interest of the service be allowed its.
due weight, *
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 457
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday April 4, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President,
Joseph Hart, Jonathan Hoge, &")
Jacob Morgan, James Edgar, J-Esq'rs.
Jacob Arndt, \
Colo. Broadhead attended the Council & represented the neces-
sity of Bayonets in his Battalion, & the great difficulty of pro-
curing workmen to make them ; On consideration,
Ordered, That if it shall happen to be the Tour of duty in the
Militia, of any Workman which shall be employed in making Bayo-
nets & Belts for Colonel Broadhead's Brigade, he shall continue in
that employment, & be allowed Rations & Pay as if actually
in the field, & that it be considered as a performance of his Tour of
duty for such time as he shall be actually employed in making such
Bayonets & Beits ; and that the Lieutenants & Sub-Lieutenants of
the County are hereby directed to take care that this Resolve be
faithfully executed,- without abuses of any kind.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Jacob S.
Howell, for the Sum of Five Hundred Pounds, for which he is to
account.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday April 6, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jos. Hart, James Edgar, & ) ™ ,
Jonat'n Hoge, Jacob Arndt, 5 m(f rs'
The Hon'ble Jacob Morgan, Esq'r, /having resigned his Seat in
Council; thereupon,
Ordered, That a Writ be issued to the Sheriff of the County of
Berks, commanding him to hold ah Election for chusing a Coun-
cilor for the said County, agreeable to the Constitution, & make
return thereof on or before Tuesday the 6th of May next.
A Letter from His Excell'y Gen'l Washington, inclosing one
from Mrs. Mary Pemberton to him, requesting a Protection for one
or more Waggons, & for the persons who may be employed to go
with them to Winchester, to carry necessaries for the Prisoners
sent there from this State ; On consideration,
458 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That a Protection be granted for Two Waggons & the
necessary persons to take care of them, & conduct them to this
borough, on their way to the said Prisoners. fc
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday April 7, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r,*Esq'r, President.
Jos. Hart, James Edgar, &
Janat'n Hoge, Jacob Arndt, C v >
,&e, Jacob Ar
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Conrad &
John Marks, for the Sum of One hundred & One Pounds & four
Pence, balance due to them for Thirty days Stage Waggon hire in
conducting the Prisoners to Virginia, at Four Pounds Ten Shillings
^P day, they having received of George Ross, Esq'r, the Sum of
Thirty-three Pounds Nineteen Shillings & Eight Pence, in part ;
And,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of George Ross,
jun'r, for the Sum of Thirty- three Pounds Nineteen Shillings &
Eight Pence, advanced by him as aforesaid j this last order being
interwoven in the former one.
Mr. Benja. Rittenhouse, Superintendent of the Gun Lock Facto-
ry, having represented to the Council that the Pay allowed him is
insufficient for the maintainance of his Family, & prayed that his
Salary may be increased,
On consideration,
Ordered, That Mr. Benja. Rittenhouse be allowed, for Superin-
tending the Gun Lock Factory, the Sum of Five hundred Pounds
"$ Ann., to Commence from the 15th Feb'ry last.
Petitions of divers Volunteers who went from Antrim & Peters'
Township into service in November last, setting forth,
That in consequence of the invitation of the President & Gen'l
Armstrong, & that they have served at Camp in expectation that
it would have been considered as a tour of duty done by them, but
that the Lieutenant of the County is now about to order them to be
fined for not turning out in their Classes respectively, being read ;
on consideration,
Ordered, That agreeable to the order of Council to the Lieuten-
ants of the several Counties dated the. 23d day of October last, all
persons who had not gone out in their turn in the Classes called
before that time, & who turned out & served two months according
to the said order, such service shall be considered as a full compen-
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 459
sation for their former neglect, & that all persons whose turn it was
iiot then to go into the field, & who notwithstanding, went out vol-
untarily & served a tour out of their turn, be exempted from their
then next tour of duty ; But Council hath not any legal authority
to extend this exemption to those who refused to go in their turn
under the Officers which had been duly chosen by the People, &
Commissioned accordingly.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Colo. Dan'l
Broadhead, for the Sum of Three Thousand Seven hundred & Six
& One-third Dollars, to be by him delivered to sundry Officers of
Colo, Stewart's Batt'n, who have been recruiting, to be charged to
Col. Walter Stewart.
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Wednesday April 8, 1778,
PRESENT :
Hi3 Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jos. Hart, James Edgar, & ? -p >
Jonat'n Hoge, Jacob Arndt, $ *"
Ordered, That Five hundred weight of Lead be delivered by
John Hubley, Esq'r, Store-keeper, to Major Wertz, for the pur-
pose of makiug Cartridges, agreeable to a resolve of Congress.
Mr. John Brown attended the Council, agreeable to the order of
the first instant, & was discharged from the Parole under which,
for some time past, he has been enlarged, And the surety of good
behaviour given by him is not to extend to his conduct from this
date.
Colo. Joseph Hart having attended in Council 84
days, last ending the 15th of October, @ 25s ^
dav, - - - -•'.;.- £!0b 0 0
Mileage on 20 Miles, - ... . . 16 8
From the 15th of October to the 1st April inst.,
187 days @ 35s, - . - ' - - 292 5 0
Mileage on 70 Miles, - - - - 5 16 8
^403 18 4
An order was drawn in his favor for the Sum of Four hundred
& three Pounds Eighteen Shillings & four Pence, for his Pay to
1st ins.
A Resolve of Congress of the 19th March last, being now read
in Council, as follows :
460 MINUTES OF THE
"In Congress, March 19th, 1778.
" Resolved, That it be recommended to each State to appoint
some suitable person or persons to get made, with all possible dis-
patch, as many complete sets of accoutrements & spare bayonet
Sheaths as shall be sufficient for their respective quota of Troops ;
The Cartridge Boxes to be made to hold at least Twenty-nine
rounds of Cartridges, when made up with ounce Balls, & the cover
of good substantial leather, with a small cover or flap under it, that
the Ammunition may be most effectually guarded against rain j &
to prevent impositions from the workmen, that proper inspectors be
appointed to examine & receive the accoutrements, with orders to
reject such as are bad *& insufficient; & that the accoutrements so
provided be sent forward with the Troops, or as soon after as possi-
ble ; That in case in any State they have quantities of Tin, instead
of the Cartouch Boxes, an equal number of Tin Cartridge Cannis-
ters be furnished, agreeable to a pattern or description to be sent
by the board of War.''
Ordered, That William Henry, Esq'r, be appointed to procure
the accoutrements to be made agreeable to the foregoing Resolve
of Congress.
The Resolve of Congress of the 16th March last, " That the
board of War be directed to deliver over to the order of the Presi-
dent & Council of Pennsylvania, the Prisoners sent from this State
to Virginia," being now read, & the law for the further security of
the Government taken into consideration, as far as the same may
affect the said Prisoners ; thereupon,
Ordered, That the said Prisoners, to Wit : Israel Pember-
ton, John Hunt, James Pemberton, John Pemberton, Thomas
Wharton, Edward Pennington, Henry Drinker, Thomas Gilpin,
Charles Jervis, Thomas Fisher, Samuel Pleasants, Thomas Af-
flick, Elijah Brown, Owen Jones, jun'r, Samuel Fisher, Wil-
liam Smith, Miers Fisher, Charles Eddy, & William Drewitt
Smith, be brought to Shippensburgh in this State, & there en-
larged ) That they be informed of the Law passed for the fur-
ther security of the Government, by giving to Mr. Israel Pem-
berton, or some one of the said Prisoners a printed Copy of the
said Law for the inspection of the whole ; That Mr. Francis Bailey
& Capt. Lang be appointed to apply to the Board of War for, &
receive from them an order for the delivery of the Prisoners sent
from this State to Virginia, & that the Board of War be requested
to give orders for such assistance in procuring Waggons to bring
the Prisoners into this State as may be necessary ; That the said
Francis Bailey & Capt. Lang receive & conduct the said Prisoners
to Shippensburgh in this State, & there set them at liberty ; and
that on their journey they be treated with the respect due to their
Characters.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 461
Ordered, That the Lieutenants of the Counties through which
the aforesaid Prisoners may pass, do give the necessary assist-
ance to Mr. Bayley & Capt. Lang, by furnishing Waggons, or other
assistance which they may stand in need of.
Ordered, That the whole expence of arresting & confining the
Prisoners sent to Virginia, the expences of their journey, & all other
incidental charges, be paid by the said Prisoners.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Francis Bailey,
& Capt. James Lang, for the Sum of One hundred and fifty Pounds,
for which they are to account.
The Hon'ble Jonathan B. Smith, Esq'r, Delegate of this State
in Congress, having inclosed to this Council a. draft in the follow-
. ing words, Vizt :
" Dollars 50,000. " Yorktown, Mar. 30, 1778.
" Sir :
" Pay to the Hon'ble the President & Council of the State of Penn-
sylvania, or order, the Sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars, it being to
be by them put into the hands of proper persons, for the purpose
of purchasing Horses in said State for the use of the Army of the
United States, & to be paid out of such Money as you have or may
receive in consequence of issues of Loan Office Certificates, the
said State to be accountable.
" I am Sir,
" Your very humble Servant,
" (Signed) HENRY LAURENS, President.
u To Thomas Smith, Esq'r, Commissi of the Continental
Loan Office for the State of Pennsylvania. "
And underwritten, "March 30, 1778, Passed in Treasury Office."
" (Signed) WM. GOVETT, Aud'r G'l."
Ordered, That the foregoing draft be made payable to David
Eittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday April* 9th, 1778,
PRESENT :
His Excell'y, THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President,
Jos. Hart, James Edgar, <& > «* ,
Jonat'n Hoge, Jacob Arndt. \ ^ m
462 MINUTES OF THE
The Council Ynet.
Lancaster, Friday April 10, 1?7£.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Edgar, & ) ™ »
Jonathan Hoge, Jacob Arndt. } *
The recommendation by four of the Justices & the Sheriff of the
County of Northampton, of Robert Clarke, convicted of Felony in
the said County, as a fit object of Mercy, & interceding for the
remission of his fine and corporal punishment, was read, & the rea-
sons whereon the same is founded being considered ; whereupon,
Ordered, That the fine & corporal punishment adjudged by the
Court of the County of Northampton, to be inflicted on a certain
Robert Clarke, be remitted.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Joseph
Carson, for the Sum of Nine thousand & forty-three Pounds and
Ten Shillings, the balance due to him for a quantity of Woollen?
seized by this Council in the Great Swamp in the County of Bucks,
& applied to the Cloathing of the Continental Troops, agreeable to a
resolve of Congress for that purpose j the said Sum, together with
the Sum of Seven Thousand Pounds drawn in favor of the said
Carson of the 7th January last, be charged to James Meas, Esq'r,
Clothier General of the United States.
Mr. James Futhy having delivered into the Continental Stable,
Eleven Horses purchased by him,
Ordered) That the Secretary give Mr. Futhy a Certificate of
the same.
An Address from the Wives & near friends of the Prisoners in
Virginia being read & considered j thereupon*
Ordered, That the Prisoners now in Virginia be brought to this
Borough, instead of being enlarged at Shippensburgh.
The beard of War having sent to Council an order to Jos. Holmes,
Esq'r, to deliver over to the order of the President^ Council of this
State all Prisoners of this State now under his care; thereupon,
Ordered, That an order be endorsed thereon for the delivery of
the said Prisoners to Mr. Francis & Capt. Lang.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of David Watson,
Esq'r, for the Sum of One thousand & five hundred Dollars, for the
purpose of purchasing Horses in the County of York, for the Con-
tinental Cavalry.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Sara. Fu-
thy, for the Sum of One thousand & five hundred Dollars, to be
paid in Loan Office Certificates, for the like purpose, in the County
of Chester. /
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 46S
The Council Met.
■ #
Lancaster, Saturday April 11, 1778.
present:
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jos. Hart, James Edgar, & > -^V,
Jonat'n Hoge, Jacob Arndt. 3 &
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Tho's Dorsey,
Paymaster of Militia, for the Sum of Fifteen thousand Dollars, for
which he is to account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Colo. Steph'n
Bayard, for the Sum of One Hundred & Twenty Dollars, for the
recruiting Service, for which he is to account.
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Monday April 13, If ?&
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Edgar, & ? ™ «
Jonathan Hoge, Jacob Arndt. J .'"
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Col. Steph'n
Bayard, for the Sum of One thousand four hundred and Forty Dol-
lars, for the recruiting Service, & for which he is to account.
A Letter from Mr. Trio's Savage being read and considered,
Ordered, That Mr. Tho's Savage be directed to lay before the
Council the State of his accounts, in order that a judgment may be
formed of what is proper to be further done in this business*
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt, Sutter.,
for the Sum of Ten pounds, to be charged to Mr, Thomas Savage.
ite MINUTES OF THE
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Tuesday April 14, 1778
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jos. Hart James Edgar, & [ ™ ,
Jonat'n Hoge, Jacob Arndt, ( s(l r •
Francis Bryan, a Private belonging to the Chatham Galley,
having lost his Arm in the Service, made application to the Council
for a present supply of Money, (& producing a furlow for one
Month j)
On consideration,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the' said Fran-
cis Bryan, for the Sum of Five Pounds, to be charged to William
0. Bradford, Paymaster of the Fleet.
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Wednesday April 15, 1778,.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jos. Hart, James Edgar, & ) ^ ,
Jonat'n Hoge, Jacob Arndt, 5 ^ r8'
Gen'l Wayne having recommended divers officers to be sent on
the Recruiting Service, (for which see 21st instant.)
Capt. Jacob Weaver of the 10th Pennsylvania Battalion.
Lieut. Killer of the 10th Pennsylvania Battalion, sent into Lan-
caster County, with orders on the Lieutenant of the County.
Lieut. McOlellan, of the 1st Pennsylvania Battalion.
Capt. Miller of the 7th Pennsylvania Battalion, sent into the
County of Cumberland, with orders on the Lieutenant of the said
County.
The following orders were drawn on the Treasurer, Viz :
In favor of Capt. Weaver, for the Sum of One hundred & fifty
Dollars.
In favor of Lieut. Killer, for the Sum of One hundred & fifty
Dollars.
In favor of Capt. Miller, for the Sum of One hundred & fifty
Dollars.
In favor of Lieut. McClellan, for the Sum of One hundred &
fifty Dollars.
For which said Suras respectively, the aforesaid Gentlemen, in
whose favor the orders were drawn, are to account.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 465
Capfc. Tho's Gourly, of the 9th Pennsylvania Regiment, having
requested by Colo. Butler to undertake the Recruiting Service,
attended the Council & received Recruiting orders for the County
of York, with the general instructions to call on the Lieut, of the
said County for Money.
Major Gen'l Green having represented to the Council, on the 13th
instant, that there may probably be cases of great necessity for
Waggons for the Army, which cannot be supplied by the mode di-
rected by the Waggon Law; and that great difficulties have arisen
in procuring Waggon Masters & Teamsters, in consequence of the
demands made upon them for their services in the Militia, or Pay-
ment Substitution Money, in lieu of such Service ; and the same
being taken into consideration, this Council are of opinion, That
whenever, <feca. (See the 18th instant.)
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday April 16, 1778,
present: i •
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President,
Jos. Hart, James Edgar, & ) ™ ,
Jonat'n Hoge, Jac. Arndt, j ^ TS'
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday April 17, 1778.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jos, Hart, James Edgar, & ) -^ ,
Jonat'n Hoge, Jac. Arndt. \ £(* rs*
A Certificate signed by WilPm Crispin, Commissary, setting
forth that he had took by force 121 Gallons of Jamaica Spirits for
the use of the Fleet, on the 20th November, being laid before the
Council, and it appearing to have been very old Spirit, for which
he could have had Five Pounds P Gallon. ; whereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Elias Boyee,
for the Sum of Six hundred & five Pounds, to be charged to Will'm
Crispin, Commissary.
The Hon'ble Jonathan B. Smith, Esq'r, Delegate of this State-
in Congress, inclosed to the President an order in the following-
words, Viz :
VOL, xi. — 30.
466 MINUTES OF THE
" For 20,000 Dollars.
« York Town, 15 April, 1778.
'-'Sir:
Ff Pay to the President & Council of the State of Pennsylvania,
or his order, the Sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars, to be by them
put into the hands of proper persons for the purpose of purchasing
Horses in said State, for the use of the Army of the United States,
and the State to be accountable.
" I am Sir,
" Your very humble Serv"'t,
" (Signed,) HENRY LAURENS, President,
" To Thomas Smith, Esq'r, Commissary of the Continental Loan
il Office, in the State of Pennsylvania."
Underwritten thus, " Entered in the Treasury Office, 15th April
1778.
" (Signed) JOHN GIBSON, Aud'r Gen'l."
Ordered, That the aforesaid draft be made payable to Dav'd Rit-
tenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of this State.
& -i
:ay, V-Esq']
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday April 18, 1778.
s
PRESENT I
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, &
Jonathan Hoge, Mackay,
James Edgar,
Henry Spyker, Pay Master of Militia of the County of Berks,
applied to Council for Money to pay the Militia of that County, k
the Treasury being very low, On Consideration,
Ordered, That a draft be given to Mr. Spyker, on Colo. Jacob
Morgan, Lieut, of the said County of Berks, for the Sum of Six
Thousand Pounds, and accordingly,
An order was drawn on Colo. Jacob Morgan, Lieutenant of the
County of Berks, in favor of Henry Spyker, for the Sum of Six
Thousand Pounds to Pay the Militia,- for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Christ' n
Lower, one of the Commissioners for purchasing of Horses in the
County of Northampton, for the Sum of Two thousand Five hun-
dred Pounds to pay the Militia, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Fred'k Snei-
der, Doorkeeper, for the Sum of One hundred & thirty-one Pounds
One Shilling & Six Pence, being the Amount of his account for
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 467
sundry small expeuces paid by him, and for his attendance 123
days, ending the 16th instant.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Robert Craig,
one of the Commissioners of Lancaster County, for purchasing
Cloathing, for the Sum of Two thousand Pounds, for which the said
Craig is to account.
It having been represented to this Council that a considerable
number of the Militia of the County of Chester, heretofore called
in their respective Classes, from various circumstances have not
performed their Tour of duty, nor as yet paid their Substitution
Money, & the same being now considered ; thereupon,
Ordered, That such of the Militia of the County of Chester as
have not performed their Tour of duty, or paid their Substitution
Money, be now called into service, & that the serving two Months
under the present call, shall be accepted in lieu of their former
service.
Major Gen'l Green having on the 13th instant represented to
the Council that there may probably be cases of great & immediate
necessity for Waggons for the use of the Army, which cannot be
supplied in the mode pointed out by the Waggon Law, so as to an-
swer such emergency ; & he expressing an earnest desire of acting
in the discharge of his duty as Quarter Master Gen'l in perfect
harmony with this State, & of conforming to the Laws of it, pro-
posed that some further authority be given by Law to him & his
deputies in extra cases. The Subject being duly considered, this
Council are of opinion, That whenever a Sudden & extraordinary
emergency shall make the impressing of Waggons by a Military
force absolutely necessary, that necessity must, from the nature of
things, justify the impressing by force of Arms, but that it would
be improper to trust such powers in the Military by Law: And
Maj. Gen'l Green having represented to Council That great diffi-
culties had arisen in the procuring of Waggon Masters & Team-
sters, in consequence of the demands made on them for their ser-
vice in the Militia, or for Payment of Substitution Money in lieu
of such Service ; On consideration the Council are of opinion, That
Waggon Masters & Waggon drivers, actually enlisted in the Conti-
nental service for a reasonable time, are not liable to serve in the
Militia during the time of their continuing in such service, nor sub-
ject to the Payment of Substitution Money : And that an enlist-
ment in either of these services for Six Months, or longer time,
ought to be considered by the Lieutenants & Sub-Lieutenants of the
respective Counties of this State, as a good and sufficient cause to
forbear levying the Substitution Money in such cases.
9
m MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday April 20, 1778
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, & ~)
Jonat'n Hoge, Mackay, I Esq'rs.
James Edgar, J
Two Letters from Mr. Benja. Fishbourne, A. D. C, to Gen'E
Wayne, of 12th & 16th of April ins't., mentioning that Capt.
Joshua Williams is appointed to the recruiting Service in the place
of Lieu't Henderson ; that Capt. Joseph Irwin & Lieu't Vanleery
of the 9th Pennsylvania Battalion, were appointed also to the re-
cruiting service, & that Colo. Butler had sent out other Officers to
recruit, requesting they may be supplied by Council with Money
for that purpose.
Ordered, That these Gentlemen be furnished with recruiting or-
ders & drafts for such Monies as shall be necessary.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday A.pril 21, 1778.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Ardnt, & ~)
Jonat'n Hoge, — — Mackay, I Esq'rs.
James Edgar, J
The Council resuming the consideration of the case of the Pr:
soners which are ordered to this Borough from Winchester, agree-
able to the request of Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Pemberton, Mrs. PleasantsT
and Mrs. Drinker, & the same being fully considered ; thereupon,
Ordered, That on their arrival here, it shall be at the election
of the said Prisoners to be set at liberty in this Borough, or at
Pottsgrove in the County of Philadelphia.
A Letter from the Board of War :
Ordered, That the following officers recruit in the County
against their names respectively set, Vizt :
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 463
Capt. Mich'l Hoofnagle, of the 8th Penns'a Battalion, Lancaster Co.
Capt. John Bankson, 2nd - do.
Lieut. James Forbes, 5th ... do.
Lieut. Henry Piercy, 2nd - - do.
Capt. John Harris, 11th - - - Northumber-
land do.
Capt Nehemiah Stokely, 8th - - - York County.
Lieut. James McCulloch, 5th ... do.
Lieut. Thomas Campbell, 4th - do.
Lieut. Samuel Gray, 4th ... do.
Capt. Thomas Buchanan, 1st - Cumberland co.
Lieut. Thomas M'Coy, 7th do.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the eleven for-
going Gentlemen, for the Sum of one hundred & fifty Dollars each.
for the recruiting Service, & for which they are to account.
The following orders were also drawn on the Treasurer, Vizt :
In favor of Capt. Joseph Irwin, for the Sum of Three hundred
Dollars, for the recruiting Service in the County of Cumberland,
for himself & his Lieut., William Vanleer.
In favor of Capt. Joshua Williams, for the Sum of three hun-
dred Dollars, for the recruiting service, for which he is to account.
(He Recruits in the County of York.)
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday April 23, 1778.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, & 1
Jonat'n Hoge, Mackay, i-Esq'rs.
James Edgar, J
The case of James Hamilton, Esq'r, being taken into considera-
tion ) after mature deliberation,
Ordered, That the Parole signed by James Hamilton, Esq'r, he
delivered up to him, & that he be fully discharged from all qon-
finement.
Peter Sommers laid before the Council an order drawn by Will'm
C. Bradford, in favor of Henry Shriver, for the Sum of One hun-
dred & Sixty-seven Pounds & five Shillings, to be charged to the
said Will'm C. Bradford.
And an order was drawn by William Crispin, Commissary of
the State Fleet, in favor of Lasky & Shriver, for the Sum of Eleven
hundred & twenty-eight Pounds Seventeen Shillings & Six Pence.
470 MINUTES OF THE
for sundry Cattle delivered for the use of the Fleet, the said Sum
to be charged to the said WilPm Crispin. These orders not being
endorsed to Mr. Sommers, & therefore not payable to him, the
Council found a difficulty in granting an order on the Treasury ;
but Capt. Joseph Blewer having represented that the Money had
been long due, & that Sommers was in Partnership with Lasky &
Shriver ; on consideration,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Captain Joseph
Blewer, for the Sum of One hundred & Sixty-Seven Pounds five
Shillings, to be charged to Will'm C. Bradford, Paymaster of the
Fleet.
Also an order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt.
Joseph Blewer, for the Sum of of One Thousand One hundred &
Twenty Eight Pounds, Seventeen Shillings & Six Pence, the same
to be charged to Will'm Crispin, Commissary.
Petition of John Young, (convicted in the County of Bedford,
of having stolen 2 lbs. of lead, & sentenced to receive Seven lashes,)
Praying that his Punishment may be remitted, & the recommen-
dation of him as an object of mercy by several Justices of the said
County, (and offering himself a Soldier in the Continental Army,)
was read ; Thereupon,
Ordered, That the Corparal Punishment of the said John Young
be remitted, he entering into the Continental Army, to serve three
Years or during the present war.
The two following orders were drawn on the Treasurer, for the
recruiting Service, Vizt :
In favor of Philip Gibbons, Lieut, in the Sixth Pennsylvania
Reg't, for One hundred k fifty Dollars, for which he is to account.
In favor of Capt. Jacob Monser of the sixth Pennsylv'a Reg't, for
One. hundred & fifty Dollars, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
George Bryan, Esq'r, for the Sum of Four hundred & Fifty Pounds,
balance of his half year's salary, due the first of March last.
Capt. Joseph Blewer of the Navy board, attended the Council,
and informed that it was intended to have sunk the Gondolas, &ca.7
on Tuesday last, near Trenton, & therefore, there cannot be any
further use in continuing the Men belonging to them at Trenton,
and that there is about twenty sick k wounded belonging to the
Boats, which require care k attention ; That the Ammunition,
Sails, Arms, Stores, belonging to the Boats, are at Pitts-town in
New Jersey, and require some guards to be kept over them ; That
the Cannon k shot are sunk in different places in New Jersey ;
That about 7G pieces of Canvas k some Oznabrigs, which were on
board the Store Sloop, was at Northampton, under the care of Capt.
Joseph Stiles.
Ordered, That all the linens in possession of Capt. Joseph
Stiles at Northampton, suitable for the purpose, be made up into
Shirts for the Soldiers ; k that he be requested to get them made
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 471
as expeditiously a3 possibly, & acquaint this Council of his pro-
gress therein.
On consideration of the state of the Navy, made by Captain
Blewer,
Ordered, That the men belonging to the Navy be ordered up to
this borough, under the direction of such Officers as the Navy
Board, to whom they are best known, may judge most proper, &
that two Months' Pay, over & besides what is due to them, be
paid to the remaining Officers & then discharged, as there appears not
to be any further service for them at present; That a small guard
be left at Pitts Town until the Stores be removed ; That the Sick
be ordered to this Borough, by way of Reading; That the Am-
munition & most valuable Stores be removed from Pitts town to
Eastern, in the County of Northampton, & the remainder com-
mitted to the care of Mr. Moore Furman ; That the Waggon Mas-
ter of the County of Bucks, furnish Waggons to the State Navy
Board for the removal of the Sick & baggage from Trenton to this*
borough ; That the Waggon Master of the County of Northamp-
ton furnish Waggons to the State Navy Board for the removal of
the Stores from Pitts town, in New Jersey, to Easton, in this
State.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday April 24, 1778.
n
PRESENT I
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Yice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, &
Jonat'n Hoge, < Mackay, J^Esq'rs.
James Edgar,
The Council taking into consideration the rations to be allowed
to Commodore Hazlewood, agreeable to their Letter to him of the
8th of January, 1778 ;
Ordered, That Commodore Hazlewood be allowed Six Rations
^ Diem, from the time of his appointment.
A petition of divers inhabitants of the Township of Bern, in the
County of Berks, setting forth that the Justices appointed in the
said Township have declined to act, & praying that Mich'l Linden-
muth & Gabriel Heister may be appointed in their stead ; being
read & considered,
Ordered, That Michael Lindenmuth and Gabriel Hiester be ap-
pointed Justices of the Peace for the County of Berks, & were
Commissioned accordingly.
472 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday April 25, 1778.
PRESENT I
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, & ? -n »
Jonathan Hoge, Mackay, 5
The case of divers persons sent by Gen'l Lacey to this place as
dangerous persons, against whom it had been made appear that
they have supplied Provisions to the Enemy or to persons within
the City, now in possession of the Enemy, & that they had been
adjudged by a Court Martial to Six months' imprisonment; On
consideration,
Ordered, That James McGill, WilPm Morgan, John Wiggons,
Jacob Crusel, James MoCarty, Abram Vankirk, and David Wil-
liams, be committed to the Goal of this County, until further orders
from this Council.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday April 27, 1778
PRESENT '.
His Excell'y THOS. WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Esq'rs.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, &
Jonat'n Hoge, Mackay.
Capt. Lang & Mr. Bayly report, That they had received from
Alex'a White, Esq'r, who acted for & in behalf of Joseph Holmes,
Esq'r, Deputy Commissary of Prisoners, the following persons,
agreeable to the orders of this Council, Vizt : 1 Israel Pemberton,
2 James Pemberton, 3 John Pemberton, 4 Henry Drinker, 5 Sam-
uel Pleasants, 6 Will'm Smith, 7 Edw'd Pennington, 8 Tho's
Wharton, 9 Owen Jones, 10 Charles Eddy, 11 Charles Jervis, 12
Elijah Brown, 13 Thomas Fisher, 14 Sam'l It. Fisher, and 15
Myers Fisher; and that the said Gentlemen were now in this bo-
rough, agreeable to the order of Council.
They also report that they had received at the same time the
three following persons, Vizt : William Rodan, formerly of Phila-
delphia, Waterman, Thomas Patterson, formerly a servant of Mr.
Dav'd Sproat of Philadelphia, & Jacobus Quigg, late of New
Jersey, who had been sent to Virginia with the aforesaid Prisoners,
and that they had been informed by Alex'a White, Esq'r, that
Thomas Gilpin & John Hunt were dead.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 473
Thomas Aiflick, one of the Prisoners sent to Virginia, having
obtained leave to come to this borough, in consideration of the
dangerous illness of his Wife, being also arrived here,
Ordered, That John Rodan, Tho's Patterson & Jacobus Quigg,
be sent to Goal until further examined.
The case of the Prisoners brought from Virginia, & now in this
borough, being considered ; thereupon,
Ordered, That they be immediately sent to Pottsgrove in the
County of Philadelphia, & there discharged from confinement; and
that they be furnished with a copy of the order, which shall be
deemed a discharge.
N6te, under the Certified Copy of this Resolve, given to the
respective Gentlemen, the following Certificate was inserted &
signed by the Secretary, Vizt :
(A. B.,) of the City of Philadelphia, Gentleman, one of the
Prisoners referred to by the above order of Council, is hereby
permitted, with his Horses, Servants & Baggage, to pass unmoles-
ted into the County of Philadelphia, agreeable to the said order,
which is to be respected as their discharge.
Mr. John Pemberton's tender conscience being hurt by the words,
ie agreeable to the said order, &ca.," the Secretary inserted in his
Certificate the following, " and he is there to be considered as dis-
charged."
A pass to Philadelphia for Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Pemberton, Mrs.
Phasants & Mrs. Drinker, & for Israel Morris, who attended them,
being requested ;
On consideration,
Ordered, That a Pass be granted to the aforesaid persons, with
their servant, to return to Head Quarters, & from thence to Phila-
delphia, if Gen'l Washington shall think it proper for them so
to do.
The following orders were drawn, Viz't :
In favor of " Mr. Will'm Hart, or his order, for the Sum of One
thousand Pounds, for the purpose of purchasing Horses for the use
of the Army, and inform Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer there-
with, that he may charge Mr. Hart with that Sum, & Credit the
same to Col. Joseph Kirkbride, Lieut, of the County of Bucks."
This order directed Col. George Wall, jun'r, Sub-Lieut, of the
County of Bucks, and an order on the same Gentleman in favor of
" Mr. Jos. Greer, one of the Commissioners of Bucks County, for
purchasing provisions, &ca. for the Sum of Two hundred Pounds,
and inform Dav'd Rittenhouse, Treasurer of the State, therewith;"
in order that he may charge the same to Mr. Greer, & Credit Colo-
nel Joseph Kirkbride, Lieutenant of Bucks County.
The following orders were drawn on the Treasurer, Viz't :
In favor of Capt. George Grant, of the first Penns'a Bat-
talion, for the Sum of Three hundred & Sixty Dollars, for the re-
cruiting Service, for which he is to account.
474 MINUTES OF THE
In favor of Captain George Grant, of the 9th Penns'a Battalion,
for the Sum of Four hundred & Eighty Dollars, for the Recruiting
Service, for which he is to account.
In favor of Capt. Matt'w Scott, of the 13th Penns'a Battalion,
for the Sum of Three hundred Dollars, for the recruiting Service,
for which he is to account.
"In the present important crisis of public affairs, & according to
the late call of Cougress, the Supreme Executive Council of this
State do hereby strictly charge all Officers employed in recruiting
the Continental Battalions of this State, to make the most strenu-
ous exertions, & redouble their endeavours to complete the same
without loss of time.
"And Council recommend to the Lieutenants and Sub-Lieuten-
ants, & all other Officers of the Militia, to use their utmost efforts
to prepare for the immediate march of four Classes, the next in
turn, upon any emergency.
" By order of Council.
(Signed) " T. MATLACK, Secretary."
The Council met. %
Lancaster, Tuesday April 28, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jos. Hart, Jacob Arndt, & > ■„ ,
Jonat'n Hoge, Mackay, $ 7*
The several cases of Will'm Kodan, Jacobus Quick & Tho's
Patterson, brought by Capt. Lang & Mr. Bailey from Winchester,
being taken into consideration,
Ordered, That Will'm Rodan be sent under Parole to the
County of Chester & there discharged ; That Tho's Patterson be
discharged in this Borough j And that Jacobus Quick be sent un-
der Parole to His Excell'y Gov. Livingston of New Jersey, tbere
to answer such charge as may be laid against him.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. Thomas
Bull for the Sum of Seven hundred & Eighty Dollars, for the
recruiting service, for which he is to account. And an order was
drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieut. Arch'd Campble for the
Sum of Five hundred & forty Dollars, for the Recruiting service,
& for which he is to account.
Mr. Sam'l Futhey brought up Ten Horses, bought by him for
the use of the Continent.
Ordered, That they be delivered to
[Blank in Council Book.]
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 475
The Council met,
Lancaster, Wednesday April 29, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Jos. Hart, Jacob Arndt, & > ™ ,
Jonat'n Hoge, Mackay, 5
The three following orders were drawn on the Treasurer in favor
of Capt. Joseph Blewer, Vizt : — One for the Sum of Two thousand
Pounds <fe one for the Sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars, in Conti-
nental Loan Office Certificates, both to be charged to Will'm Cris-
pin, Commissary of the State Fleet ; And one for the Sum of
Three thousand Pounds, to be charged to Will'm C. Bradford,
Paymaster of the State Fleet.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Colo. Robert
Lollar, Paymaster of Militia for the County of Philadelphia, for
the Sum of Seven thousand Pounds, to be charged to Thomas Dor-
sey, Paymaster of Militia.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Captain Mich'l
Hoofnagle, for the Sum of Four hundred Dollars, for the recruit-
ing Service, for which he is to account.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday, April 30, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jacob Arndt, & > ™ ,
Jonat'n Hoge, Mackay, $ ^s<1 rS'
An order was drawn on the Treasurer for the Sum of three hun~
dred & Fifty Pounds, in favor of Jac. S. Howell, for which he is
to account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Major Gen'l
Armstrong, for the Sum of One hundred Pounds, to be charged to
Thomas Dorsey, Esq'r, Paymaster of Militia.
476 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday JVIay 1st, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jacob Arndt, & ? -p »
Jonat'n Hoge, — ■ — Mackey, 3 ^
Lieut. John Rudolph applied to Council, agreeable to the order
of Gen'l Washington, for the Horses now in this Borough belouging
to the Continent j And the orders were drawn directing Mr. Adam
Reigart & Mr. George Ross, to deliver to Lieut. John Rudolph the
Horses put into their hands by Commissioners appointed to pur-
chase Horses for the Continent, & directing them to make return of
one Receipt for the same.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Col. Samuel Smith,
for the Sum of Thirteen Pounds & Ten Shillings, to be charged to
Congress, as expence in collecting Cloathing for the Troops, (being
the expences of procuring the Cloth seized in the great Swamp, be-
longing to Mr. Joseph Carson.)
The Hon'ble Vice President reports, That he had received from
Mr. James Bryson, of this Borough, on the Thirtieth day of April
last, Five hundred & Ninety-one Tickets in the United States Lot-
tery, agreeable to a Resolve of the Treasury Board of the Eighth
day of January last, & that he had delivered them to His Excell'y
the President; the Numbers are as follows, Vizt :
" Thirty thousand Nine hundred & Sixteen, to Thirty thousand
Nine hundred & Ninety- six, both numbers inclusive, are Eighty-one
Tickets.
" Thirty-one thousand and Six to Thirty-one thousand & Sixty-
eight, both numbers included, are Sixty-three Tickets.
" Thirty-one Thousand one hundred & Sixty-eight to Thirty-one
Thousand One hundred & Seventy-six, both numbers included, are
nine Tickets.
" Thirty-one thousand One hundred and Eighty-Six to Thirty-one
Thousand Two hundred & three, both numbers included, are eigh-
teen Tickets.
" Thirty-one thousand two hundred & Seventy-six to Thirty-one
thousand three hundred & Twenty-nine, both numbers included,
are fifty-four Tickets.
" Thirty-one Thousand Three hundred & fifty-seven to Thirty-
one Thousand four hundred and Ninety-one, both numbers included,
are One hundred and Thirty-five Tickets."
The above mentioned Tickets are signed by John Purviance, ft
the following Tickets are signed by Owen Biddle, Vizt. :
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 477
" Sixty-four thousand Nine hundred & Eighty-one to Sixty-five
Thousand One hundred & Sixty, both numbers included, are One
hundred & Eighty Tickets.
" Eight Tickets number Sixty-five thousand two hundred & Sev-
en to Sixty-five thousand two hundred & fourteen, both included.
" Sixty-five thousand two hundred & Twenty-four fro Sixty-five
thousand two hundred & fifty, both included, are Twenty-seven
Tickets,;" thereupon,
Ordered, That the said Lottery Tickets be sent to the Board of
Treasury, under the Seal of the State, agreeable to the order of the
said Board of the Eighth day of January last.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday May 2d, 1778,
present :
His ExcelFy THOMAS WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, & } ™ ,
Jonathan Hoge, — — — Mackay, $
Lieut. James Armour being appointed to the recruiting service
by Gen'l Wayne, & recommended to Council, Recruiting Orders
were given him for the County of Lancaster ; And an order was
drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the said Lieut, James Armour,
for the Sum of Four hundred Dollars, for the Recruiting Service,
for which he is to account.
A'Letter from John Proctor, Esq'r, of the County of Westmore-
land, earnestly desiring to be supplied with a Sum of Money to be
sent to him by Mr. George Henry, being read,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr George
Henry, of the County of Westmoreland, for the Sum of Three
Thousand & five hundred Pounds, to be paid by the said Henry to
John Proctor, Esq'r, of the County of Westmorland, for which
he is to account.
A Letter from John Gourla of Hanna's town (in Westmorland
County,) requesting to be supplied with Money to purchase Horses
for the use of the Cavalry, being read, thereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. George
Henry, for the Sum of One thousand & five hundred Pounds, to
be paid by him to Colo. Archib'd Lochry, & to be charged to John
Gourla, One of the Commissioners for purchaseing Horses in West-
morland County, agreeable to his Letter of 25th instant.
Ordered, That the Lieut, of the County of Cumberland, on ap-
plication, furnish One hundred Militia for the defence of the Fron-
478 MINUTES OF THE
tiers against the Indians or Tories, to act in conjunction with the
other forces, or separately, as the case may require.
Ordered, That the Lieut, of the County of Northumberland do
furnish One hundred Militia for the defence of the Frontiers
against the Indians or Tories, as the occasion may require.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday May 4, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHAkTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Mackay. ) -™ ,
Jacob Arndt, & ) "
The Secretary laid before the Council a Letter from Ja's Hamil-
ton, Esq'r, requesting a Pass for "himself" & four Servants,
namely " Matthias Sandham" his Butler, Two Mullatto Men,
"Jonathan & Luke" "the one Footman, the other Coachman, &
one Negro Woman Cook, called Fanny; and also a protection for
one baggage Waggon & its driver, to go to Philadelphia & return"
to Northampton.
Th^e same being taken into consideration, & it appearing that
Mr. Hamilton has a dangerous disorder in his Nose, which it is
supposed renders the advice & assistance of a Physician now in
Philadelphia, absolutely necessary in the case; thereupon,
Ordered, That a Pass for James Hamilton, Esq'r, & one Ser-
vant, to go into Philadelphia, there to remain not exceeding two
Weeks, & that the same be made out and sent to Robert Levers,
Esquire, of Easton, to be delivered to Mr. Hamilton on his taking
the Oath of Allegiance to this State, according to Law, & produ-
cing to Mr. Levers a Certificate of his having done so.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday May 5, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Mackay.
^Esq'
Jacob Arndt, &
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Caleb Davis,
for the Sum of Fifteen Pounds, for six days riding to G'l Potter's
Camp& thro' the neighborhood of Derby & Chester, in. order to
gain intelligence.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, 479
I
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday May 6, 1778.
PRESENT I
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice-President.
James Edgar, Jacob Arndt, & ) -p j
Joseph Hart, Mackay. j J I "
The Council taking into consideration the appointing of Com-
missioners, agreeable to the Act of Attainder, &ca,
Ordered, That the following persons be appointed, to Wit :
For the City of Philadelphia— Will'm Will, Sharp Delany, Jacob
Strainer, Charles Wilson Peale, Robert Smith, (Hatter,) & Sam'l
Massey.
For the County of Philadelphia — Will'm Antis, Dan'l Heister,
& Archibald Thompson.
For the County of Chester — Will'm Evans, Thomas Cheney,
Tho's Levis, Patterson Bell & John Hannums.
For the County of Bucks— George Wall jun'r, Rich'd Gibbs,
John Crawford & Benja. Siegle.
For the County of Lancaster — Everhart Michael, Philip Green-
wait, George Stewart & Francis Armstrong.
For the County of York — -Robt. Stephenson, James Nailor,
William Chesney, Tho's Stockton & Tho's Lilly,
For the County of Cumberland — George Stevenson, John Boggs
& Jos. Brady.
For the County of Northampton — Sam'l Ray, Jacob Miller,
Stephen Balliott, Robt. Levers, Conrad Kreider & Will'm MoNair.
For the County of Berks — Henry Haller, Tho's Parry & Dav'd
Morgan.
For the County of Bedford— Robt. Galbraith, Tho's Urie &
John Piper.
For the County of Northumberland — John Kelly & Tho's
Hewitt.
For the County of Westmorland — Colo. John Proctor & Tho's
Galbraith.
Ordered, That the Secretary do immediately write to the said
Commissioners, & inclose the following instructions, Vizt :
" Instructions to the Agents for Forfeited Estates.
" First, You are to provide a suitable Book, wherein you are to
enter the names of the several persons that are or may in future be
attainted, & whose Estates lays. in this State, within your County.
" Secondly, Taking the said names Alphabetically, you are to in-
sert in the same Book, after each name, the several Estates whereof
480 MINUTES OF THE '
the former Owners were respectively seized or possessed, describing
the County, Township, & Street, (if in the City of Philadelphia,
Southwark, or the Northern Liberties), the Quantity of land, & na-
ture of the Estate, whether Fee-Simple for life, of themselves or
others, Lease-hold., Ground rents, or of whatever Quality soever
the Estate may be.
u Thirdly , You are to prepare advertisements of the following
Tenor :
" { Whereas, the Estates or (A, B, C, D, &c.,) late of the County
of , having been, in due course of Law, forfeited & seized
to the use of this State, We, the Subscribers, Agents for the said
County, do hereby give notice that the Estates of the said A, B, C,
D, &ca, consisting of the Tracts and parcels of Land following.
Vizt : (Here insert a short description of the Premises, mentioning
the Houses & Quantity of Land, in what Township, Ward, or
Street situate, and if the Estate be for life or years let it be men-
tioned.) All which will be sold by Public Vendue, at the Court
House at , on the — day of — (not less than
Thirty Days from the Publication of the Advertisement in some
News Paper of this State, & also in the County,) & continuing the
sales from day to day, till the whole be disposed of/
" The terms of sale will be according to Law, as follows, to wit :
" One-fourth part of the purchase Money to be paid in Ten days
after Sale, or the premises again revert to the State, and the Bid-
der liable to forfeit the said One-fourth of the Purchase Money.
The remainder thereof to be paid in one Month, and on a Certificate
being produced from the Agents or either of them, of full Payment
of the Purchase Money, a Deed will be given, as by Law directed,
" And we, the said Agents, do also, pursuant to Law, hereby
notify the Claimants of the said Premises, or any of them, & Cre-
ditors of the said A, B, C, D, &ca., to exhibit their claims & de-
mands to the Judges of the Supreme Court, within the time limited
by Law, or they will be forever barred from the Recovery thereof,
" Fourthly, All reasonable charges of Clerkship & expences for
ascertaining the property of the estates be defrayed by the State.,T
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Hugh De Ha-
ven, for the Sum of Five hundred Pounds, to be charged to Mr.
Peter De Haven, father of the said Hugh.
The case of Anthony Denormandie, of Bristol, sent here by His
Kxcell'y Gen'l Washington, from an information said to be laid
against him by Colo. .Tas. Kirkbride, but no charge sent against
him ; on consideration,
Ordered, That on Ant'y Denormandie giving Bail in the Sum
of Five hundred Pounds with surety, for his appearing before this
Council, to answer such charge as may be made against him within
six months, if thereto required, & in the mean time be of good
behaviour, he be enlarged & ordered to return to Bristol, by the
way of Po^tsgrove.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 481
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday May 7, 1778.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
James Edgar, Jacob Arndt, & \ j? S
Joseph Hart, Murray, j ^
Divers complaints having been made that the High Roads in
very many places in this State have been long much neglected, and-
are in a ruinous condition, to the great injury of the Public, & the
same being considered,
Ordered, That the Supervisors of the Roads & High ways foe
required, by public notice in the newspapers, without loss of time,
to repair and amend the Roads ; and all Magistrates and others be
enjoined to exert themselves in making presentments of defects &
nusances in the Premises to the Quarter Sessions of the Peace of
the respective Counties, or to prosecute & otherwise proceed against
all deficient Townships & Supervisors according to Law, that they
may be punished, in such manner as their neglect shall require.
The Council resumed the consideration of Mich'l Mulenburgh's
Accounts, wherein he charges 54 days' service in carrying the
Prisoners with their Baggage to Winchester in Virginia, & the
same appearing an extravagant & unreasonable charge,
Ordered, That he be allowed the sum of One hundred & Thirty-
five Pounds, for the said Journey ; and accordingly, An order was
drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mich'l Mulenburgh for the
Sum of Sixty Pounds, in full of the said service, (the Sum of Seventy
five Pounds having been paid to him on the 24-th of March last.)
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday May 8, 1778.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
James Edgar, Jacob Arndt, & ) p »
Joseph Hart, Murray, } ^sq rs°
The Council taking into consideration the Act entitled " An Act
for the attainder of divers Traitors, if they render not themselves
by a certain day, & for vesting their Estates in this Commonwealth?
VOL. XI. — 31.
482 MINUTES OF THE
and for more effectually discovering the same, & for ascertaining &
satisfying the lawful debts & claims thereupon ;"' & after de-
liberation,
Ordered, That the Minutes of the proceedings of this Council,
in pursuance of the Authority of the Act entitled " An Act for
the attainder of divers Traitors, if they render not themselves by a
certain day, & for vesting their Estates in this Commonwealth, and
for more effectually discovering the same, & for ascertaining & satis-
fying the lawful debts & claims thereupon," be kept in a Book for
that especial purpose, seperate from the Minutes or proceedings of
Council in more common & ordinary occasions, & that the Secre-
tary do take care to have them entered with the utmost regularity <fe
exactness.
[This order seems to have been very imperfectly complied with.
In transcribing the Minutes, therefore, I have thought it best to in-
corporate the proceedings respecting Forfeited Estates with the
general proceedings of the Board.]
The Council taking into consideration the Act of General Assem-
bly entitled " An Act for the attainder of divers Traitors, if they
render not themselves by a certain day, & for vesting their Estates
in this Commonwealth, & for more effectually discovering the
same, & for ascertaining & satisfying the lawful Debts & claims
thereupon;" & also considering the general report, (ft other evi-
dence before the Council, relating to divers persons who have, as it
is said, joined the Enemy; & thereupon,
Ordered, That a Proclamation be issued under the State Seal,
requiring the following named persons, late & heretofore inhabi-
tants of this State, That is to say:
Enoch Story, late Merchant; Samuel Garrigues, the elder, late
Clerk of the Market, & Trader; James Stevenson, late Baker'
Abram Carlisle, House Carpenter; Peter Deshong, Miller; Alex-
ander Bar tram, Trader; Christian Hook, Attorney at Law; Peter
Miller, Scrivener ; Lodowick Kerker, Butcher ; Philip Marching-
ton, Trader; Edward Hanlon, Cooper & Vintner; Alfred Cliffton,
Gentleman ; '& Arthur Thomas, Breeches-maker ; all now or late
of the City of Philadelphia; And Thomas Livezey, late of the
Township of Roxborough, Miller; John Roberts, late of the
Township of Lower Merion, Miller; Rob't Iredale, the Younger,
& Thomas Iredale, both late of the Township of Horsham,
Laborers; Joshua Knight, late of the Township of AbingtonP
Blacksmith; John Knight, Tanner; Isaac Knight, Husband-
man ; Albinson Walton, late of the Township of Biberry, Hus-
bandman ; John Smith, late Guager of the Port of Philadelphia ;
& Henry Hugh Ferguson, Commissary of Prisoners for Gen'I
Howe ; all late of the County of Philadelphia : And Samuel Biles,
Ksq'r, late Sheriff of the County of Bucks; Walter Willctt, late of
the Township of Southampton, Husbandman ; Richard Hovenden,
late of fcbe Township of Newtown, Trader; & William Molan'd, late
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 483
xf the Township of Warminster, Husbandman ; all lately of the
County of Bucks : And Henry Skyles, Thomas Bulla & David Daw-
son, Husbandman ; Jacob James, late of the Township of Goshen,
Innkeeper ; Joseph Thomas, (heretofore Sub-Sheriff,) Yeoman ; Na-
thaniel Vernon, junior, laborer 'r& John Swanwick, late of the Cus-
tom House, Philadelphia, all late of the County of Chester : And
John Rankin and Evan Griffith, Husbandman; William Love, late
of the Township of York; John Wilson, late of the Township of
Huntingdon ; And James Bracken, late of the Township of Tyronne;
all late of the County of York : And William Thomas, James Pugh,
Samuel Koster, John Kostcr, Joshua Thomas, Hugh Pugh, and
Joseph Sutton, Husbandmen; John Holder, Miller; Henry Oswalt,
House Carpenter; Jacob Holder & George Holder, Laborers; &Owen
Roberts, Saw mill man, all late of the County of Northamp-
ton :* And Michael Witman, Innkeeper; Matthew McHugh of
Lebanon, Inkeeper; George Reine; of Earle Township, Miller; John
Reine, & Ingleholt Holtzinger, Husbandman, all late of the County
of Lancaster 1 And Francis Sanderson, heretofore of the Borough of
Lancaster, & late of Baltimore, in the State of Maryland, Copper-
smith ; (the said Francis Sanderson having a Real Estate in this
Commonwealth ;) io render themselves respectively to some or one
of the Justices of the Supreme Court, or of the Justices of the
Peace of one of the Counties within this State, on or before Thurs-
day the Twenty-fifth day of June next, ensuing; & also abide their
legal trial, for having severally adhered to & knowingly & willingly
aided <fc assisted the Enemies of this State, and of the United States
•of America, by having joined their Armies at Philadelphia, in the
County of Philadelphia, within this State, on pain that every of
them stand & be attainted of High Treason, to all intents <fe pur-
poses, & shall suffer such pains & penalties, & undergo all such for-
feitures as persons attainted of High Treason ought to do.
And a Proclamation in due form being prepared accordingly and
read, thereupon,
Ordered, That the same be Sealed with the State Seal, Signed
by His Excell'y The President & attested by the Secretary ; And
the same was signed accordingly.
Ordered, That the said Proclamation be Published m Mr. John
Dunlap's News Paper,,
44 Pennsylvania-, ss*
(i A PROCLAMATION :
By the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Penn-
sylvania :
a Whereas, the following named persons, late & heretofore in-
habitants of this State ; That is to say — -Enoch Story, late Mer-
chant ; Samuel Garrigues, the elder, late Clerk of the Market &
Trader j James Stevenson, late Baker ; Abraham Carlisle, House
484 MINUTES OF THE
Carpenter; Peter Deshong, Miller; Alexander Bartram, Trader;
Christian Hook, Attorney at Law; Peter Miller, Scrivener; Lodo-
wick Kerker, Butcher; Philip Marshington, Trader; Edward Han-
Ion, Cooper & Vintner ; Alfred Cliffton, Gentleman ; and Arthur
Thomas, Breeches-maker, all now or late of the City of Philadel-
phia: Thomas Livezley, late of the Township of Roxborough,
Miller ; Robert Iredale, the Younger, & Thomas Iredale, both late
of the Township of Horsham, Laborers ; Joshua Knight, late of the
Township of Abington, Blacksmith; John Knight, Tanner; Isaac
Knight, Husbandman ; Albinson Walton, late of the Township of
Biberry, Husbandman; John Smith, late Gauger of the Port of
Philadelphia ; & Henry Hugh Ferguson, Commissary of Prisoners
for General Howe, all late of the County of Philadelphia : & Sam-
uel Biles, Esq'r, late Sheriff of the County of Bucks; Walter Wil-
let, late of the Township of Southampton, Husbandman , Ricli^d
Hovendon, late of the Township of Newtown, Trader; William
Moland, late of the Township of Warminster, Husbandman ; all late
of the County of Bucks : & Henry Skyles, Thomas Bulla, & David
Dawson, Husbandman ; Jacob James, late of the Township of Go-
hen, Inn-keeper; Joseph Thomas, (heretofore Sub-Sheriff,) Yeoman;
Nathaniel Vernon, junior, Laborer ; John Swan wick* late of the Cus-
tom House, Philadelphia, all late of the County of Chester: &
John Rankin & Evan Griffith, Husbandmen ; William Love, of
the Township of lTork ; John Watson, late of the Township of Hun-
tingdon ; & James Br akin, late of the Township of Tyrone, all of
the County of York : & William Thomas, James Pugh, Samuel
Koster, John Koster, Joshua Thomas, Hugh Pugh, & Joseph Sut-
ton, Husbandmen; John Holder, Miller; Henry Oswalt, House
Carpenter; Jacob Holder & George Holder, Laborers; & Owen
Huberts, Saw-mill man, all late of the County of Northampton : &
Michael Witman, Inn-keeper; Matthew McHugh, of Lebanon,
Inn-keeper; George Reine, of Earl Township, Miller; John Heine,
& Ingleholt Holtzinger, Husbandmen, all of the County of Lancas-
ter : & Francis Sanderson, heretofore of the Borough of Lancaster,
& late of Baltimore, in the State of Maryland, Coppersmith ; &
John Roberts, late of the Township of Lower Merrion, Miller ;
have severally adhered to & knowingly & willingly aided & assisted
the Enemies of this State & of the United States of America, by
having joined their Armies at Philadelphia, in the Couuty of Phila-
delphia, within this State.
We the Supreme Executive Council aforesaid, by virtue of cer-
tain powers & authorities to us given by an Act of General Assem-
bly, entitled " An Act for the attainder of divers Traitors, if they
render not themselves by a certain da}', & for vesting their Estates
in this Commonwealth, and for more effectually discovering the
same, & for ascertaining & satisfying the lawful debts & claims
thereupon," do heieby strictly charge & require the said Enoch
Story, Samuel Garrigues the elder, James Stevenson, Abraham
Carlisle, Peter Deshong, Alexander Bartram; Christian Hook, Pe-
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 485
ter Miller, Lodowick Kerker, Philip Marshinton, Edward Hanlon,
Alfred ChifFton, Arthur Thomas, Thomas Livezley, Robert Iredale
the younger, Thomas Iredale, Joshua Knight,, John Knight, Isaac
Knight, Albinson Walton, John Smith, Henry Hugh Ferguson,
Samuel Biles, Walter Willett, Richard Hovenden, William Moland,
Henry Skyles, Thomas Bulla, David Dawson, Jacob James, Joseph
Thomas, Nathaniel Yernon, junior, John Swanwick, John Rankin,
Evan Griffith, William Love, John Wilson, James Brakin, William
Thomas, James Pugh, Samuel Koster, John Koster, Joshua Tho-
mas, Hugh Pugh, Joseph Sutton, John Holder, Henry Oswalt,
Jacob Holder, George Holder, Owen Roberts, Michael Wijmian,
Matthew Mcllugh, George Reine, John Reine, Ingleholt Holt-
zinger, Francis Sanderson, (the said Francis Sanderson having a
real Estate in this Common- Wealth,) & John Roberts, to render
themselves respectively to some or one of the Justices of the Su-
preme Court, or of the Justices of the Peace of one of the Counties
within this State, on or before Thursday the Twenty-fifth day of
June next ensuing, & also abide their legal trial, for such their
Treasons, on pain that every of them, the said Enoch Story, Samuel
Garrigues, the elder, James Stevenson, Abraham Carlisle, Peter
Deshong, Alexander Bartram, Christian Hook, Peter Miller, Lodo-
wick Kerker, Philip Marshington, Edward Hanlon, Alfred Cliffton,
Arthur Thomas, Thomas Livezley, Robert Iredale, the Younger,
Thomas Iredale, Joshua Knight, John Knight, Isaac Knight, Al-
binson Walton, John Smith, Henry Hugh Ferguson, Samuel Biles,
Walter Willett, Richard Hovenden, William Moland, H-enry Skyles,
Thomas Bulla, David Dawson, Jacob James, Joseph Thomas, Na-
thaniel Vernon, junior, John Swanwick, John Rankin, Evan Grif-
fith, William Love, John Wilson, James Brakin, William Thomas,
James Pugh, Samuel Koster, John Koster, Joshua Thomas, Hugh
Pugh, Joseph Sutton, John Holder, Henry Oswalt, Jacob Holder,
George Holder, Owen Roberts, Michael Witman, Matthew McHugh,
George Reine, John Reine, Ingleholt Holtzinger, Francis Sander-
son & John Roberts, not rendering himself as aforesaid, or not abid-
ing the trial aforesaid, shall, from & after the said Thursday the
Twenty-fifth day of June next, stand & be attainted of High Trea-
son to all intents & purposes, & shall suffer such pains & penalties,
& undergo all such forfeitures as persons attainted of High Treason
ought to do. *
w And all the faithful subjects of this State are to take notice of
this Proclamation, and govern themselves accordingly.
u Given by order of the Council under thejiand of His ExcelPy the
President, and the Seal of the State, at Lancaster, this Eighth
day of May, in the year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred
& Seventy eight.
" Signed, THOMAS WHARTON, junior, President.
; " Attested by order of the Council, — T. Matlack, Secretary.
" GOD SAVE THE COMMONWEALTH*."
486 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday May 9, 1778,
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
James Edgar, Jacob Arndt, & > ™ ,
Joseph Hart, Mackay, $ ^
Colo. George Morgan having represented that his Lady, Mrs-
Mary Morgan, had left her infant at the breast in the City of
Philadelphia, and that the person to whose care it had been intrust-
ed, was about to leave this Country, & therefore, earnestly solicits
a Pass for his Lady to go into the City to bring out their Child.
Ou consideration of so affecting a case,
Ordered, That a Pass be made out for Mrs. Morgan, Wife of
Colo. George Morgan, to go into the City of Philadelphia to bring
out her child.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday May 11, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, James Edgar, & ~\
Jacob Arndt, Jonathan Hoge, lEsq'rs.
Mackay, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Colo. Will'm
Will, Store-keeper for the Continental Magazine in this Borough,
for the Sum of One hundred Pounds, for which sum he is to ac-
count.
Lieut. Colo. Blaithwaite Jones attended the Council, & requested
a sum of Money in part of his Pay. The Council taking the same
into consideration, and it appearing that he was appointed by tha
late Council of Safety, on the 15th day of February, 1777, as an
Engineer for the fortifications at Billingsport, to continue until the
same shall be completed, or until otherwise ordered by proper Au-
thority, »
Ordered, That Lieut. Col. Blaithwaite Jones be allowed Pay until
this day, & that as the service to which he was appointed hath
ceased, that he be discharged.
That Col. Jones be informed at the same time, that this Council
is disposed to employ him in such department as may require hie
abilities; all occasion shall offer.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 487
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday May 12, 1778.
PRESENT I
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President
Joseph Hart, James Edgar, &1
Jacob Arndt, Jonathan Hoge, VEsq'rs.
— — Mackay, J
It appearing that Lieu. Edw'd Randolph, of the 4th Pennsylva-
nia Regiment, had inlisted a number of men, as Certified by Capt..
Edw'd Scull ; thereupon,
Two orders were drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieu. Edw'd
Randolph, the one for the Sum of Four hundred & Twenty Dollars,
the other for One hundred & Eighty Dollars, both to be charged to
Capt. Edw'd Scull, of the 4th Pennsylvania Regiment.
Two Letters from the Hon'ble Henry Laurens, Esq'r, President
of Congress, one of the 8th, the other of the 11th instant, inclosing
the York Town Gazette, containing such parts of the Treaty with
France as are necessary & proper to be made Public ; a Proclama-
tion issued by Congress on the 9th instant; and " An Address of
the Congress to the United States of America," and a Resolve of
the 9th instant, recommending to Ministers of the Gospel of all de-
nominations, to read the same in the places of religious worship.
The Address of the Congress to the United States, & the resolve
of the 9th inst., being read,
Ordered, That the same be immediately re-printed and forward-
ed to the Ministers of the Gospel of all denominations, for the pur-
pose recommended by Congress, which the Council doth highly
approve of.
Ordered, That five hundred Copies in German be struck off k
forwarded in like manner.
• N. B— The President gave an order to the Q'r M'r for a Horse
for Count Mountfort, for a few days, the Count's Horse having
fallen lame.
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Wednesday May 13, 1778.
| present:
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Col. Blaitb*
waite Jones, for the Sum of Two hundred Pounds, part Pay as En-
gineer at Billingsport. to be charged to Congress.
483 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday May 14, 1778.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y THO'S WHARTON, jun'r, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart^ James Edgar, &"")
Jonathan Hoge, Jacob Arndt, vEsq'rs.
Mackay, J
The following orders were drawn on the Treasurer, Vizt. :
In favor of Rob't Lollar, Esq'r, Pay Master of Militia for the
County of Philadelphia, for the Sum of Five thousand & Nine hun-
dred Dollars, (in loan Office Certificates,) for Paying the Militia, &
to be charged to Thomas Dorsey, Esq'r, Pay Master of Militia. ■
In favor of Capt. Rob't Gamble, for the Sum of Two hundred
Dollars, due to Mich'l Bowyer for apprehending a certain Charles
Caldwell, pursuant to a Proclamation of this Council; the said
Mich'l Bowyer having by his order authorized the said Capt.
Rob't Gamble to receive the same.
In favor of Mr, Philip Boehm, of Northampton County, for the
Sum of Two hundred & fifty-one Pounds, nine Shillings & four
Pence half Penny, being the Balance due to Mr. Ebenezer Cowell;
And in favor of Mr. Philip Boehm, Paymaster of Militia of
Northampton County, for the Sum of Three thousand Pounds, for
the purpose of Paying the said Militia, to be charged to Capt.
Tho's Dorsey, Paymaster of Militia.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday May 15, 1778,
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, & ~]
Jonat'n Hoge, Mackay. I Esq'rs.
James Edgar, J
Col. Thos. Hartley having represented to Council that the Money
advanced to him for the Recruiting Service is already exhausted,
and requesting that a further Sum may be paid to Capt. George
Bush for that service, for which he (Col. Hartley) will be accounta-
ble; thereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. George
Bush, for the Sum of Two thousand Pounds, to be charged Up Colo.
Thomas Hartley.
A certificate signed by Rob't Lollar, James Anderson & Will'ni
Clarke, Esq'rs, of the Committee of Accounts, certifying that the
Sum of Seven Hundred & Seventy-one Pounds fourteen Shillings
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 459
& One Penny was due to Mr. John Tyler, for repairing of Arms ;
thereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. John
Tyler, for the said Sum of Seven hundred & Seventy-one Pounds
fourteen Shillings & one Penny.
The Council met.
Lancaster Saturday May 16, 1778.
PRESENT I
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jacob Arndt, & ~)
Jonat'n Hoge, — : Mackay, S-Esq'rs.
James Edgar, J
Ordered, That the Parole of James Tilghman, Esq'r, be sent to
his Son Colo. Tench Tilghman, at Camp, with a request that he will
forward it to his father by the first opportunity, & acquaint him
that he is discharged from his said Parole, & at liberty to act as he
shall judge best.
Ordered, That the Secretary be directed to write to James
Tilghman, Esq'r, by the next Post, & inform him of the aforesaid
order of Council, & of his discharge ; and the same was forwarded
accordingly.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Adam
Reigart, for the Sum of Two Thousand Pounds, to purchase Horses
with, & for which he is to account.
A Letter from John Carothers, Esq'r, Lieu, of the County of
Cumberland, informing that several persons have lately been killed
by the Indians on the Bald Eagle & Juniata, &c.
Ordered, That the Board of War be requested to furnish John
Carothers, Esq'r, Lieu, of .the County of Cumberland, with Riffles
& Ammunition. ,
Lieutenant John Boyd, of the 12th Penns'a Battalion, having enlis-
ted a number of Recruits, An order was drawn on the Treasurer in
favor of Lieu. John Boyd, of the 12th Penns'a Battalion, or his
order, for the Sum of Nine hundred and Sixty Dollars, for the Re-
cruiting Service, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
James Edgar, Esq'r, for the Sum of One Thousand Pounds, for
the purpose of purchasing Horses in the County of York, to be
charged to David Watson, Esq'r, Commissioner for purchasing
Horses in the said County.
From the situation of the Western frontiers, it appears to be ne-
cessary to supply the County of Northumberland with Arms, and
490 MINUTES OF THE
there being Thirty-One Riffles in the hands of John Butler, one of
the Armourers,
Ordered. That John Tyler, Armourer, do send a Waggon load
of Arms in repair, to Col. Jacob Morgan, Lieutenant of the County
of Berks, among which the Thirty-one Riffles are to be a part, k
packed separate from the rest, & to be by Col. Morgan forwarded
to Sam'l Hunter, Esq'r, Lieu, of the County of Northumberland,
for the use of the Militia.
The Council taking into consideration the Sentence passed by
the Judges of the Court of Oyer & Terminer & General Goal de-
livery for the County of York, (in this Common Wealth,) held at
York, on Tuesday the Twenty-first 'day of April last past, upon
Joseph Bone, late of Cumberland Township, in the said County of
York, Yeoman ; he the said Joseph Bone being convicted at the
said Court of Felony & Burglary, to Wit :
" That the said Joseph Bone be taken to the Goal of the said
Commonwealth, in the said County of York, from whence he came,
& from thence to the place of Execution, & there to be hanged by
the neck until he be dead."
Ordered, That a Warrant under the less Seal of the State, signed
by the Hon'ble Vice President, and attested by the Secretary, be
now issued for execution of the said sentence, on Wednesday the
27th day of May instant, between the hours of Ten O'Clock in the
forenoon & Two O'Clock in the Afternoon of the said day, at the
usual place of Execution.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of William Wil-
son, of the first Penns'a Battalion, for the Sum of Four hundred
& Twenty Dollars, for the Recruiting Service, for which Sum he
is to account.
Ordered, That Joseph Shippen, jun'r, of Kennet Township,
Esq'r, be discharged from his Parole, & be at liberty to act as he
6hall judge best.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday May 18, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Edgar, ~)
Jonathan Hoge, Jacob Arndt, & > Esq'rs.
Mackay, John Hambright. J
Letters from His Excell'y Gen'l Washington, of 14th instant;
from Colo. Hunter of the same date ; from Charles Petit, A Q. M
G., of 16th met.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 491
Tho's Hewitt, Esq'r, attended the Council, & represented that
the County of Northumberland is in great distress from the want
of Arms, Ammunition, and Provisions.
Ordered, That a Copy of Colo. Hunter's Letter be forwarded to
Congress by Mr. Hewitt, & that information be given to Congress
of the number of Riffles procured to be forwarded to Cumberland
& Northampton Counties.
His Excell'y Gen'l Washington having represented the necessity
for a supply of Arms for Gen'l Wayne's Division, & requested
that about Three hundred stand, fitted with Bayonets, belonging to
the State, be sent to him. It has been represented to the Gene-
ral that these Arms had been fitted with Continental Bayonets,
which appears to have been a mistake. From the situation of the
Frontiers, attacked by the Indians, Riffles are greatly wanted, &
Will'm Henry, Esq'r, having about One hundred & Twelve Riffles
belonging to the Continent which he appears willing to supply this
State with ; thereupon,
Ordered, That three hundred Musquets & Bayonets belonging
to this State, be sent to His Excell'y Gen'l Washington, for the
Pennsylvania Troops in Gen'l Wayne's division.
Ordered, That forty-eight Riffles be sent to John Carothers,
Esq'r, Lieu.' of Cumberland County, & that an order be drawn on
Mr. Henry, in favor of Jonathan Hoge, Esq'r, for the same.
Ordered, That Seventy Riffles be sent to Colo. James Hunter,
Lieu, of the County of Northumberland, & that an order be drawn in
favor of John Hambright, Esq'r.
Ordered, That the load of Arms ordered from Northampton be
forwarded by Colo. Morgan to Colo. Gibbons, near Harris's Ferry,
to be by him forwarded to Colo. S. Hunter, Lieu, of Northampton
County.
Colo. Knox, Mr. McLean, & Mr. Irwin, a Committee from the
Hon'ble House of Assembly, attended in the Council Chamber, &
laid before the Council a Petition from the Township of Peters, in
the County of Cumberland, praying, in effect, Protection from the
Indian Ravages. A free conference was had upon the situation of
the Western frontiers ; and thereupon,
Agreed, That a just representation from Council and Assembly,
be sent to Congress on this important Subject.
492 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster Tuesday May 19, 1778
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President,
Joseph Hart, James Edgar, ")
Jonathan Hoge, Jacob Arndt, & t Esq'rs.
Mackay, John Hambridght, J
Colo. Smith applied to the Council by written order of Gen'l
Green of April 26th, for the Horses purchased for the Dragoon
Service ; thereupon,
Ordered, That the Horses purchased for the Dragoon Service be
delivered to Capt. Smith.
The Secretary reported that the Post which heretofore was sent
near Chester Town did not now Travel that Road, & therefore, the
Letter ordered to be sent James Tilghman, Esq'r, could not be for-
warded by Post; thereupon,
Ordered, That an express be procured & sent with the order of
Council for the discharge of James Tilghman, Esq'r.
Ordered, That four hundred Copies of the Proclamation issued
by this Council on the 8th instant, be printed, & Copies thereof
sent to the Sheriff of the respective Counties where the Persons
therein named have heretofore resided, with orders to read, or
cause to be read, the said Proclamation in the respective County
Towns were the same can with safety be done, & in cases where
that cannot be done, that the same be done in some public place as
near the County Town as the Sheriff shall judge to be safe so to
do ; & that he set up, or cause to be set up, one Copy of each of at
least ten different places where he shall judge the same shall be
most publickly known, so far as the same shall be found to be prac-
ticable.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday May 20, 1778.
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Josep Hart, James Edgar, ")
Jonathan Hoge, Jacob Arndt, > Esq'rs.
Mackay, John Hambridght, )
Colo. Butler, of the 9th Penns'a Battalion, having recommended
Lieu. William Vanleer for the Recruiting service, he chusing to
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 493
go into Cumberland, Orders were given him accordingly j and an
order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieu. Will'm Van-
leer, for the Sum of One Hundred & fifty Dollars, for the Recruit-
ing service, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Henry Spiker,
Pay Master for the County of Berks, for the Sum of Five thousand
Pounds, to Pay the Militia with, the said sum to be charged to
Thomas Dorsey, Pay Master of Militia.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Philip Marstil-
ler, Esq'r, Pay Master of the County of Lancaster, for the Sum of
Two thousand Pounds, to be charged to Captain Thomas Dorsey,
Pay Master General.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of William Scott,
Esq'r, Pay Master of Militia of the County of York, for the Sum
of Pour Thousand Pounds, to be charged to Colo. Tho's Dorsey,
Pay Master of Militia.
Letter from the board of War, respecting assistance of 200 Men
from the Continental Army, supply of Riffles, Ammunition & Pro-'
visions.
John Burd, Esq'r, informed the Council that John Ramsay, ap-
pointed to purchase Horses in the County of Bedford, had pur-
chased Ten Horses, & was very desirous of having them removed
to a place of Satety ; thereupon,
Ordered, That John Ramsay, of the County of Bedford, be di-
rected to deliver the Horses purchased for the Army by him to the
Deputy Assistant Quarter Master most convenient to him, to be
forwarded to Camp immediately ; taking two Receipts for the same,
& forwarding one of them to this Council.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday, May 21, 1778.
PRESENT I
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Edgar, )
Jonathan Hoge, Jacob Arndt, & C Esq'rs.
Mackay, John Hambright, )
Letter from the Board of War.
On motion, the Council now take into consideration the issuing
of a Proclamation under the State Seal, requiring divers persons,
who, it is said, have joined the Armies of the Enemy, to render
themselves, and abide their legal trial for such their Treasons, &ca.,
according to Law ; and thereupon,
Ordered, That a Proclamation be now issued under the State
Seal, requiring the following named persons, late & heretofore inhabi-
494 MINUTES OF THE
tantg of this State, that is to say : Abel James, Merchant; James
Humphreys, the Elder, Esq'r; James Humphreys, the Younger,
Printer; Henry Lisle, John Hart, Charmless Hart, David Sproat,
Thomas Story, Malcolm Ross, William Price, Thomas Roker, &
Tench Coxe, Merchants; Abel Evans, Esq'r, Attorney at Law;
Benjamin Titley & Peter Howard, Traders ; Coleman Fisher, (Son
of William Fisher, Esq'r,) William Cliifton, Gentleman ; James
Stevens, late Baker ; Bowyer Brookes, Ship Carpenter ; John Al-
len, Carpenter & Tallow Chandler; William Austin, Yeoman, late
keeper of the New Jersey Ferry ; Kenneth McCullough, Yeoman ;
Charles Stedman, the Younger, Esq'r, Attorney at Law; John
Shepperd, Stablekeeper ; James Delaplane, late Barber ; Robert
Currie, leather Breeches Maker; Thomas Badge & William Comp-
ton, Tallow Chandlers; Peter Sutter, Hatter; James Riddle, Tav-
ern-keeper ; John Parvock, Yeoman ; John Young, heretofore of
Graeme Parke, Gentleman; & Ozwald Eve, late of the Northern
Liberties of the City of Philadelphia, Merch't & Gunpowder ma-
ker; all now or late of the City of Philadelphia: And David
Potts, of Pottsgrove, Merchant, (Son of John Potts ;) & Christo-
pher Saur, the Elder, & Christopher Saur, the Younger, Printers;
Joseph Shoemaker, & Abraham Pastorius, Tanners ; Andrew
Hathe, Innkeeper ; Melchoir Ming, Carter <fe Baker, & Jacob Meng,
all now or late of Germantown Township : And Peter Robeson, &
Jonathan Robeson, the Younger, Millers, (sons of Jonathan Robe-
son,) now or late of the Township of White Marsh; And Abraham
Iredell, Surveyor; James Davis, William Christy, Mason ; & John
Roberts, Laborer; all now or late of the Township of Hersham :
And John Roberts, Blacksmith ; Nathan Carver, Wheelwright ;
and Israel Evans, Blacksmith ; all now or late of upper Dublin
Township: And John Huntsman, miller ; Robert Cunrad, Mason;
Enoch Supplee, farmer; & William Evans, Carpenter; all now
or late of the Township of Norrington : Nicholas Knight, Lime-
burner; John Parker, John Lisle, & Robert Lisle, laborers; all
now or late of the Township of Plymouth : And Jacob Richardson,
Carpenter, of Upper Merion Township; And Stephen Stiger, Yeo-
man ; now or late of the Township of Whitpain : And William
McMurtrey, Merchant; and Edward Stiles, Mariner & Merchant ;
both now or late of the Township of Oxford ; all late or now
of the County of Philadelphia : And John Bulla, now or
Jate of the Township of Newlin ; Curtis Lewis, Blacksmith ;
now or late of the Township ot East Cain ; Timothy Hurst, Gen-
tleman; and Richard Swanwick, now or late of the Custom House,
Philadelphia; all now or late of the County of Chester: And Caleb
Pyle, of the Township of West Malborough ; Isaac Green, the
younger, now or late of the Township of East Cain, Husbandman,
& William Armstrong, Shoemaker, both now or late of the Town-
ship of Sadsbury; all now or late of the said County of Chester ;
And Henry Skyes, Yeoman, now or late of the County of Lancas-
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 495
tar t And Alexander Irwin, Carter, now or late of East Pennsbo-
rough Township, in the County of Cumberland : And Joseph
Romiets, Yeoman, now or late of the County of Northampton :
And Daniel Coxe, heretofore of Trenton, in the State of New Jer-
sey, Esq'r : And James Chalmers, formerly of the City of Phila-
delphia, Merchant, late of Kent County, Maryland, Yeoman : And
Francis Armstrong, Dealer in Horses, now or late of the Township
of Sadsbury, in the County of Chester ; to render themselves re-
spectively to some or one of the Justices of the Supreme Court, or
of the Justices of the Peace of one of the Counties within this
State, on or before Monday the Sixth day of July next ensuing, &
also abide their legal tryai for such their Treasons, on pain that
every of them not rendering himself as aforesaid, and abideing the
trial aforesaid, shall from & after the said Sixth day cf July next,
stand & be attainted of High Treason, to all intents & purposes, &
shall suffer such pains & penalties, & undergo all such forfeitures
as persons attaiuted of High Treason ought to do,
And a Proclamation in due form being accordingly prepared &
read,
Ordered, That the same be sealed with the State Seal, signed by
the Honorable Vice President & attested by the Secretary; 'And
that the same be Published in Mr. John Dunlap's General Adver-
tiser, on Wednesday next.
Ordered, That four hundred Copies of the before mentioned Pro-
clamation be printed, & Copies thereof sent to the Sheriff of the
respective Counties of this State, where the persons therein named
have heretofore resided, with orders to read, or cause the same to
be read, in the respective County Towns where it can with safety
be done; <fe in cases where that cannot be done, that the same be
done in some public place, as near the County Town as the Sheriff
shall judge to be safe so to do, & that he set up or cause to be set
up, one Copy at each of at least Ten different places, where he shall
judge the same shall be most publicly known, so far as the same
shall be found to be practicable.
The Council Met
Lancaster, Friday May 22, 1778,
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRY^AN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hartj James Edgar, "]
Jonathan Hoge, Jacob Arndt, & vEsq'rs.
— Mackay, John Hambright. J
Oapt. Tho's Biles, of the late third, now fourth Battalion, Com-
manded by Colo. L. Caldwalader, who has been Prisoner with the
49§ MINUTES OF THE •
Enemy, applied to the Council for a Certificate of his Rank ; & the
same being considered, thereupon,
Ordered, That a Copy of the Minute of the Committee of Safe-
ty of the 5th January, 1766, be Certified by the Secretary & deliv-
ered to Capt. Biles, & to such other Officers as shall apply for it.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Colo. "William
Clark, Paymaster of Cumberland Militia, for the Sum of Four
thousand Pounds, for paying of the Militia, & for which Sum he is
to account.
Bartram Galbraith, Esq'r, Lieu, of the County of Lancaster, now
represented to Council that complaint is made by the people to
whom Money is due from the Continent for Waggon Service; of
the great hardship of having their effects distrained for Militia
fines, while the said Waggon Service remains unpaid j
On consideration,
Ordered, That the Certificates of the Deputy Quarter Master be
received in Payment of Militia fines, from those persons to whom
such Certificates have been given, but not from any persons who
may have obtained assignments of such Certificates, except only in
cases where divers persons, each having such Certificate, Pay their
fines by the Certificates of some one of .such persons.
Colo. Boyd, one of the Sub-Lieutenants of the County of Ches-
ter, representing to Council that many of the inhabitants of divers of
the Townships in the South Easterly parts of that County, being dis-
affected from the cause of liberty & the United States, do with force
& Arms, in a riotous & seditious manner, commit Treason & felony,
& oppose the execution of the Laws ;
On consideration,
Ordered, That the Lieut, of said County . of Chester, do se-
lect a party of seventy-five Men, including a Captain, two Lieu-
tenauts & one Ensign, and proper Non-Commissioned Officers from
the Classes of the Militia of the said County, this day" ordered to
be drawn out & embodied for actual service ; the said party to be
employed in apprehending such offenders, & in supporting the due
execution of the Laws of this State, for the space of two Months,
or 'til further orders \ &that Col. Boyd do take necessary measures
to victual & supply the said party in such sort as the Militia in the
Continental Service & Pay are provided. And it is recommended
to Colo. Boyd, to whose prudence & direction the said party is
committed, to be careful to give such orders & cautions to the Of-
ficers & Privates as may best prevent any irregularities or just
ground of complaint from the inhabitants, so that nothing be done
by them by way of Punishment, but of Arrest in order to Punish-
ment, reserving the guilty for hearing & trial, in due time & place,
& remembering that a contrary conduct in the Militia will reflect
discredit on Council, & on the cause of Freedom.
Ordered, That the first & second Classes of the Militia of Ches-
ter County be called into service, & join the Militia Camp now or
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 497
fate under the command of General Lacy. And it being repre-
sented to this Council, that from divers circumstances of the Mi-
litia of some parts of the County of Chester, .had not been duly
notified to serve, agreeable to the orders of Council heretofore is-
sued,
Ordered^ Th^four Classes of such of the Militia of the Coun-
ty of Chester aiWave not been duly notified to serve according to
the orders heretofore issued, be now called into service & join the
Militia Camp now or late under the Command of Gen'i Lacy:
These four Classes to be next in order to those in the respective
places which have been called into service <fe duly notified.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Will'm Henry,
Esq'r, for the. Sum of Forty-one ■ pounds & fourteen Shillings,
amount of Expences accrued by illuminating this Borough on the
annunciation of the Treaties signed between France & the United
States of America.
Two orders from the board of War, on Colo. Benja. Flower,
One for " one ton of Lead & half Ton of Riffle & Musket Powder,
in such proportions as this Council shall direct, to be issued for
the defence of the frontiers of this State." " A duplicate of this
order is given, one of which be transmitted to you by Gren'i Ro-
bourdeau in behalf of the Council of this*State, whose order is to
be complied with, if you should not before that time receive the
Orders of Council. - ..
" (Signed) TIM PICKERING."
The other to " deliver to the order of the Hon'ble Council of
Pennsylvania, Two thousand Flints.
" (Signed) RICH'D PETERS."
Ordered, That the said Flints be delivered to John Carothersr
Esq'r, Lieutenant of the County of Cumberland, for the use of the
Militia of Cumberland, Westmoreland, and Northumberland Coun-
ties, each one-fourth part.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday May 23d, 1778,
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, James Edgar, &1
Jonat'a Hoge, Jacob Arndt, I Esq'rs,
— — Mack ay, J
The Petition of Sam'l Johnson, of York Town, in the County of
York, Esq'r, (who had heretofore held Offices of trust under the
voi. xi.— #2.
498 MINUTES OF THE
authority of the King of Great Britain, & declines to take the O&tfe
of Allegiance required by Law,) praying leave to sell & Convey his
Estate Real, agreeable to a power for that purpose mentioned in
the Act of Assembly, within such time & in such manner as thig
Council shall think proper to permit; and also to give him leave to
retire out of this State, &c, being read; on consolation, -
Ordered, That a Permit be made out to SanTTJohnson, Esq'r,
to sell his Estate Real, according to his Petition and the Law in
such case made and provided : And the Permit being prepared &
read; thereupon,
Ordered, That the great Seal of the State be affixed to the said
Permit, & that it be signed by the Hon'ble the Vice President, and
attested by the Secretary, and the same was executed accordingly.
Col. Curtis Grubb, now representing that the Guard at Lebanon
is insufficient ; thereupon,
Ordered, That the Lieu, of the County of Lancaster do furnish
a Guard, not exceeding One hundred Men, to be stationed at Le-
banon, for the Security of the Continental Stores in that Town.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. WilPm
Hart, or his order, for the Sum of One thousand Pounds, to pur-
chase Horses with for the Continental Army, & for which Sum Un-
said Hart is to account.
The Council being informed that His Excell'y Tho's Wharton,
Jun'r, Esq'r, President of this Council, departed this life early this
Morning, And James McLene & Will'm Duffield, Esq'rs, a Com-
mittee from the Hon'ble House, attended the Council & proposed
that one or more members of the Council be appointed to Join a
Committee of the House in superintending & directing the funeral
of his Excellency ;
On Consideration,
Ordered, That Colo. Hart Join a Committee of the lion'ble
House of Assembly, & with them conduct the Funeral of His Ex-
cellency the President.
Sunday, May the 24, 177S.
The Council met, in order to attend the funeral of His Excell'y
Tho's Wharton, Jun'r, Esq'r, President, & set out in due form.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 499
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday May 25, 1778.
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEO&GE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jacob Arndt, & }
Mackay, Tho's Scott, V Esq'rs.
James Edgar, )
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
Jacob Morgan, Esq'r, or his order, for the Sura of Three hundred
and One Pounds & five Shillings, for his atttendance in Council
One hundred & Eighty days, & Mileage on 56 Miles, & on 31 Miles,
(42 days, @ 25s., 138 days, @ 35s.)
The Hon'ble Colo. Hart reports, That the following orders was
adopted, the Committee appointed to Superintend the funeral of
Tho's Wharton, jun'r, Esq'r, President, To Wit :
" That the body be inclosed in a double Coffin, & intered in the
Evangelical Trinity Church in this borough, the Elders & Vestry of
that Church having politely requested that it might be there
interred."
And that the Procession be as follows :
M The Military under the Conduct of Colo. Gibson.
il Physicians.
" The Corpse, covered with the Pall.
" The Pall supported by Six Members of the Council.
" His Excellencies Three Sons and his Brother.
" The Hon'ble Vice President, attended by the Secretary, on his
left hand.
" The remaining Members of the Council.
"The State Treasurer and the Judges of the Supreme* Court.
" The Delegates of the State in Congress, who may be in the
Borough.
" The Hon'ble the Speaker of the House of General Assembly.
" The Clerk of the House on his left hand.
" Members of the House of General Assembly.
"Door-keeper of the Council, and of House of Assembly.
"Corporation of the Borough, and the Magistrates of the
County.
" Coroner and Prothonotary of the County.
" Gentlemen of the Law.
" Officers of the Army and of the Navy.
"Citizens."
" And that the funeral was conducted with great decorum, and
that the Military in particular, had been very attentive to Pay the
Honors due to His Excellence's Character & Station."
500 MINUTES OF THE
The order of the Military was as follows, To Wit :
1 Two Serjeants, with Arms reversed.
' Lieutentant and Ensign.
1 Band of Music.
1 Fifes and Drums.
' Soldiers in four Divisions ; Ten deep ; Arms reversed.
•'Captain of the Company."
On the Corpse being brought out & placed on the Bier, a sig-
nal was given, & the Artillery on the Common began to fire Minute
Guns, (which they continued to do during the Procession, firing
44 Guns ;) when the Grave was closed, three Volleys were fired, &
the Party retired, " The attention paid by Colo. George Gibson,
Lieut. Stephen Bayard, & Major James Ross, of the Continental
Army, on this occasion, do them Honor; And the Gentlemen of
the Borough, in their Military Character, made a very handsome
appearance; and the whole was conducted with the most exact de-
corum."
Ordered, That the Funeral Procession of His Excellency, The
President, be published in the English & German papers.
Daniel Levan, jun'r, Esq'r, Sheriff of the County of Berks, hav-
ing now made return of the Writ issued by this Council for holding
an Election fpr the chusing a Councellor for the said County of
Berks, and the same being read, it appears that James Read, Esq'r,
was elected Councellor; And the said James Read, Esq'r, appearing
k proposing to take his seat in Council, The Council proposing to
take the said return into their consideration, Mr. Read withdrew.
And the nineteenth Section of the second Chapter of the " Plan or
Frame of Government" being read, it appears that " No member
of the General Assembly or Delegate in Congress, shall be chosen
a member of the Council;" Whereupon, It is unanimously the
opinion of this Council, That as James Read, Esq'r, at the time of
the holding the said Election was and still is a Member of the Gen-
eral Assembly, the said Election & return are void, as being directly
contrary to the express words of the Constitution in such ease ;
On consideration,
Ordered, That a writ be now issued to the Sheriff of the County
of Berks, commanding & authorizing him to hold an Election tor
the chusing of a Councellor for the said County, agreeable to the
frame of Government, and to make return thereof to this Council
on or before Thursday, the 25th day of June next.
The following order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Ste-
phen Cochran, Esq'r, for the Sum of Eight hundred Dollars, to pur-
chase Horses with for the Continent; this Sum to be charged to
Samuel Futhey, & to be delivered to him by Mr Cochran.
An order was drawn ou the Treasurer in favor of Andrew Kich
lein, Commissioner in the County of Bucks, for purchasing Provi-
sions for the Army, for the Sum of Eight Thousand Dollars, for
whioh he is to account.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 601
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday May 26, 3778.
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGIA BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President
Jos. Hart, Jacob Arndt, &
Mackay, Tho's Scott.
{.Esq'
James Edgar, J
The Clerk of the Hon'ble House of General Assembly laid be-
fore the Council a Resolve of the House for continuing the officers
of the State Navy in Pay until the next sitting of Assembly.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday May 27, 1778.
present:
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jona, Hoge, &
Mackay, John Hambright. WEsq'rs.
}
James Edgar,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of -Peter Dehaven,
for the Sum of Five hundred Pounds, for which Mr. Dehaven is
to account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
Jacob Arndt, Esq'r, for the Sum of One Thousand Pounds, to be
hy him forwarded to John Arndt &> Dav'd Deshler, Esq'rs, Com-
missioners for purchasing Provisions in the County of Northamp-
ton, & to be charged to the said John Arndt & David Deshler.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of William Guy,
or his order, for the Sum of Thirty-four Pounds, for twelve days"
service with his Waggon, in bringing the Baggage of the Galley
men from Trenton to this borough, treven days of which time he
received no Rations for himself or Horses.
The Petition of Lawrence Gremes, John Moore, James Welsh &
James Wallace, convicted of Felony in the County of York, setting
forth that they have suffered the Capital Punishment adjudged
in their case, & praying their fines may be remitted, offering to en-
list in the Continental Army, being read & considered ; thereupon,
Ordered, That the said Lawrence Gremes, John More, James
Welsh & James Wallace, have their fines remitted, & be discharged
on their enlisting in the Continental Army, to serve during the
present War ; Such fines to be considered as their bounty Money.
502 MINUTES OF THE
Mr. Peter Dehaven applied to the Council for an increase of his
Pay, the same being inadequate to his service ; thereupon,
Ordered, That Peter Dehaven's Pay be put on the same footing
with that of Mr. Benja. Rittenhouse.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday May 28, 1778.
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEO. BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, \
Mackay, John Hambright, & ! ™ ,
n TTncrp. Thrum as Sr»nt,t.. i *■
Jonathan Hoge, Thomas Scott.
James Edgar, j
Matthew Smith, Esq'r, elected to represent in this Council the
County of Lancaster, appeared, & being duly qualified, took his seat
in Council accordingly.
A return of an Election for the Chusing Members of Assem-
bly, Sheriffs, Coroners & Commissioners for the County of Phila-
delphia, held the 14th day of October last, being now read, it ap-
pears that James Claypoole & John Moor were chosen & returned
for the Office of Sheriff.
Robert Jewell & Christian Hawn were chosen & returned for the
Office of Coroner; and that Robert Curry was chosen Commis-
sioner ;
On Consideration,
Ordered, That James Claypoole be appointed and Commissioned
Sheriff of the County of Philadelphia; and that Robert Jewell be
appointed & Commissioned to be Coroner of the said County of
Philadelphia.
The Petition of the Rev'd Alexander Murray, Missionary of the
Society for the propagating of the Gospel in foreign parts, praying
that he may be permitted to sell his real Estate in this State, &ca;
being read, & the same being considered ;
Ordered, That a permit be made out to the Rev'd Alexander
Murray, to sell & convey his estate real, according to his Petition
& the Law in such case made & provided: And the permit being
prepared & read ; thereupon,
Ordered, That the great Seal of the State be affixed to the said
Permit, & that it be Signed by the Hon'ble the Vice President
<fc attested by the Secretary; and the same was executed accord-
ingly.
And it having been represented to this Council, that the said
Aiex'a Murray hath real Estate iu the Counties of Philadelphia,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 503
Berks, Bedford, & Northumberland, where his presence may be
necessary in order to sell & convey his said real Estate ;
On Consideration,
Ordered, That a Pass be made out, permitting the said Alex'a
Murray to travel into the said Counties of Philadelphia, Berks,
Northumberland, & Bedford, for the purpose of selling & Convey-
ing his Estate, agreeable to the permission Given to him by this
Council.
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Friday May 29, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, \
Mackay, John Hambright, & I -g ,
Jonathan Hoge, Thomas Scott, | ^
James Edgar, J
The following orders were drawn on the Treasurer in favor of
the Hon'ble John Hambright, Esq'r, or his order; One for the
Sum of One Thousand & five hundred Dollars, & one for the Sum
of Two Thousand & Five hundred Dollars, which said Sums of
Money are to be forwarded by him to Colo. Sam'l Hunter, Lieu't
of the County of Northumberland, to purchase Provisions with for
the Militia: And the said Sums are to be charged to the said Sam'l
Hunter.
Joseph Walker laid before the Council a Receipt from Samuel
Sarjant, Storekeeper to the Continent, for 4 Guns, 3 Bayonets, 2
Belts, 4 Cartouch B^xes, 1 Drum, 24 Knapsacks, & 19 Canteens,
belonging to this State, which Mr. Walker brought from Philadel-
phia, & laid an account of expences in carrying them, &ca, amount-
ing to =£15 )
On Consideration,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the said Joseph
Walker, for the Sum of Five Pounds, for his Trouble & expence
in securing & conveying the said Arms to Carlisle.
Ordered, That Timothy Matlack, our Secretary, be appointed
Keeper of the Register of the names of all such persons attainted,
or to be attainted of High Treason, by Virtue of the Act entitled
" An Act for the attainder of divers Traitors, if they render not
themselves by a certain day, & for vesting their Estates in this
Common Wealth ; & for more effectually discovering the same &
for ascertaining & satisfying the lawful debts & Claims thereupon,"
& of all real & personal Estates & interest, by the said act or other-
604 MINUTES OF THE
wise vested in this State, by reason of such attainder, & by whom
such Estates were respectively forfeited, and what Interest every
such person had in any of the Premises on the fourth day of July,
in the year of our Lord, One thousand seven hundred & seventy-
six, or at any time afterwards, & by what Tenures the same were
respectively h olden, & of all incumbrances to which the said Es-
tates were Subject before, & upon the same days, & other purposes
expressed in the said Act.
Ordered, That the following named Persons be appointed Agents,
according to An Act of General Assembly, entitled u An Act for
the attainder of divers Traitors, if they render not themselves by
a certain day, & for vesting their Estates in this Common-Wealth,
and for effectually discovering the same, & for ascertaining & sat-
isfying the lawful debts & claims ; thereupon/' to Wit : For the
City of Philadelphia, William Will, Jacob Shriner, Charles Wil-
son Peale, Robert Smith (Hatter,) & Samuel Masscy. For the
county of Philadelphia, William Antis, Daniel Heister, Si Archi-
bald Thompson. For the County of Chester, William Evans,
Thomas Cheney, Thomas Levis, Patterson Bell, & John Hannum.
For the County of Bucks, George Wain, Jun'r, Richard Gibbs,
John Crawford, & Benjamin Soigle. For the County of Lancaster,
Everhart Michael, Philip Greenwalt, George Stewart, & Francis
Armstrong. For the County of York, Robert Stephenson, James
Nailor, William Chesney, TJto's Stockton, & Thomas Lilly.
For the County of Cumberland, George Stevenson, John Boggs,
k Joseph Brady. For the County of Northampton Samuel Ray,
Jacob Miller, Stephen Balliott, Rob't Levers & William McNair.
For the County of Berks, Henry Haller, Thomas Parry & David
Morgan. For the County of Bedford, Rob't Galbraith, Thomas
Urie, 8f John Piper. For the County of Northumberland, John
Kelly, & Thomas Hewitt. For the County of Westmorland,
Col. John Proctor, <£• Thomas Galbraith.
Ordered, That two hundred copies of the said Act be printed
for the use of the said Commissioners. The Instruction to be
given to the above mentioned Agents being drafted, was now read
<& approved, & are as follows, Vizt :
u Instructions to the Agents appointed by Virtue of the Act
entitled i An Act for the attainder of divers Traitors, if they
render not themselves by a certain day, & for vesting their Estates
in this Common- Wealth, fy for more effectually discovering the
same, and for ascertaining & satisfying the lawful debts & claims
thereupon':
First. tl You are to repair to some Judge of the Supreme Court,
Justice of the Common Pleas, or Justice of the Peace, in & for
your County, take & subscribe, unless you have already done
so, the Oath of Allegiance & fidelity, described by an Act of As-
sembly enacted the 13th day of Juue last, entitled ' An Act obli-
ging the male white inhabitants of this State to give assurance*
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 505
of Allegiance to the same, & for other purposes therein mentioned ;"
and also the oath of Office, directed in the Act of Assembly, from
whence your present powers are derived : you are to procure & keep
safely by you certificates under the hand & Seal of such Judge or
Justice of your having thus qualified yourself to act ; And you
are to have the same entered by such Judge or Justice in his Re-
cord or book. Duplicates of these certificates should be carefully
sent to the Secretary of this Council, who is keeper of the Reg-
ister, to be filed with him for the greater caution.
Secondly. i( You are to enquire into all such Estates, both real
& personal, as are vested or intended to be vested in the State by
the said Act, & make returns thereof to this Council, mentioning
in the said return the quantity, quality & condition, as near as may
be, of such real Estates, & in whose occupation or possession the
same may be, & all incumbrances & other circumstances relating
thereto. Great attention should be given to furnish to Council all
the information that comes to the knowledge of the agents, con-
cerning the real Estates vested by this Act in the State, such as
the nature of the Estate ; whether freehold j leasehold ; the term,
whether for ever, for life or lives, or for years; the ground rents,
rent charges, Chief-rents or quit-rents, & what arrears may be due;
the claims, if any, made on such Estates by persons out of posses-
sion, & by Widows for dower; of the manner in which the late
feoffee or Tenant became seized or possessed, whether by descent,
will or purchase, with the date & other particulars of the Will or
deed, and the recording. That early, exact & particular returns of
the circumstances of each Estate be made to Council by careful
messengers, in order that the keeper of the Register may be able
to keep a Register of every thing, <fc transmit duplicates of the
same to the Supreme Court & to the Sheriff, as the Act directs.
Thirdly. " You are to have all such personal Estates appraised
by two freeholders, on oath or affirmation, according to law, & to
make exact inventories thereof, under the hands & Seals of the
appraisers, signed also by yourself, & returned to this Council; you
are to be very careful not to suffer the effects of one Estate to be
intermixed with those of another ; as these Estates may be subject
to claims of debt, & for other reasons; you are to make the enquiry
after such Estates upon Oath. This power seems to be reserved
to the Council.
Fourthly. " You are to lease the real Estate, respectively, on
the best terms you can obtain, for one year, taking special care that
they are not injured by the Tenants or others. The personal Es-
tates are to be*sold after the day assigned for surrender elapses,
(without such surrender,) giving ten days notice at least, in the man-
ner of Sheriffs, & Certificates of such sale given to each purchaser,
under hand & seal, (if desired,) that he may be able to support his
title to the Goods purchased by a further Certificate, to be there-
after issued by the President or Vice President & Council, when
the same may be demanded.
5ii MINUTES OF THE
Fifthly. "You are not to adjust the reward for discovering of
forfeited Estates, but refer it to this Council.''
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday June 3d, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Edgar, Y
Mackay, Jacob Am dt, (-™ ,
Smith, John Hambright, & j °
Jonathan Hoge, Thomas Scott. J
Colo. Buchanan, from the County of Cumberland, attending in
the Council, & representing that the Militia of that County are in
great want of Riffles for their defence against the Indians, who are
now ravageing the frontiers j and it appearing that Will'ni Henry,
Esq'r, has about fifty Riffles in his possession,
Ordered, That William Henry, Esq'r, be requested to deliver to
Colo. Arthur Buchanan, fifty Riffles, to be by him delivered to
John Caruthers, Esq'r, Lieut, of the County of Cumberland, or'
his order, for the defence of the Frontiers.
Ordered, That Will'm Henry, Esq'r, be requested to deliver to
Colonel Arthur Buchanan, Fifty Muskets, of the Guns belonging
to this State, to be by him delivered to John Caruthers, Esq'r,
Lieut, of the County of Cumberland, or his order, for the defence
of the frontiers.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday June 4, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Edgar, ^
Mac.kay, Jacob Arndt, '. -^ ,
Smith, John Hambright, & f ^ m
Jonathan Hoge, Thomas Scott. — J
The following orders were drawn on the Treasurer, Vizt :
In faror of Michael JJubley, Esq'r, for the sum of sixty-four
pounds & two shillings, for Wood supplied for this Council & the
House of Assembly.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 507
In favor of Frederick Snyder, for the Sum of Fifty Pounds &
ten shillings, for his attendance at the Door, to the third instant
inclusive, <fc sundry small expences.
A Copy of a Resolve of Congress of the 28th May last,
"That all further purchases of Cloathing on account of the United
States by the Clothier General, his deputies, or agents, be forth-
with suspended," being laid before the Council by Jacob S. Howell,
& the same being considered ; thereupon,
Ordered, That the Commissioners appointed to purchase Cloath-
ing in this State be ordered immediately to cease from further
purchases, & report their proceedings to Council.
Colo. Hannum & Colo. Cheney having represented that they
are very confident that the guard of Men ordered on the 22nd
ultimo, is necessary for the purpose of Collecting the fines due for
non-service in the Classes of Militia called out by order of Council
in the County of Chester, and as the difficulties attending that duty
is evidently greatly lessened by the preparations made by the Enemy
for leaving the City of Philadelphia;
On Consideration,
Ordered, That the Party directed by the order of the 22nd of
last Month, to be drawn out of the Classes then ordered into the
field, do proceed to Camp with the Classes from which they were
ordered to be taken.
On the representation of Colo. John Hannums of the ravages
made by the Enemy in their March thro' Chester County, & of the
great quantities of Provisions, Forage, &ca, which have been fur-
nished by the people of that County for the use of the Army, for
which they have received Certificates only, & the great difficulties
the people are under in raising the substitute, Money, & Militia
Fines due from them ;
Ordered, That good & sufficient Certificates from the known
Commissioners, Deputy Quarter Masters, or Commissaries, be re-
ceived in payment of Substitute Money & Militia fines, from those
persons to whom such Certificates have been Given ; but not from
any persons who may have obtained assignments of such Certifi-
cates, except only in such cases where divers persons, each having
such Certificates, pay their fines by some one of such Cer-
tificates.
John McMekin, Constable of the Township of East Fallowfield,
in the County of Chester, laid before the Council an account of
expences in bringing to the Goal of this County from the County
of Chester, James Chalfin & Evan Chalfin, charged with having
taken prisoner one of the inhabitants of the said County, & attempt-
ing to carry him to the Enemy, amounting to the Sum of Eleven
Pounds & Sixpence.
And an order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Mc-
Mekin, for the Sum of Eleven Pounds & Sixpence, for the afore-
said expences.
508 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday Jane 5, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Edgar, "\
Mackay, Jacob Arndt, I ™ ,
Smith, John Hambright, & \ ^
Jonathan Hoge, Thomas Scott, J
Colo. Hart reports, That there is in the hands of the Widow of
James Wallace, late of Bucks County, a few pounds of Gunpowder,
put into the hands of said Wallace by the Committee of Safety to
exchange for salt petre, & she represents that it is likely it may be
wanted by the Militia of that County;
On Consideration,
Ordered^ That the Gunpowder belonging to the State, now in
the hands of the Widow Wallace, be delivered into the hands of
Col William Roberts, for the use of the Militia.
Divers Letters from Col. Hunter, representing the distress of the
people of the County of Northumberland, being read,
Ordered, That Mr. Snftth & Mr. Scott be appointed to wait on
the board of War, & represent at that board the necessity of a sup-
ply of Arms & ammunition forHhe frontier Counties.
Capt. John Marshall having reported that he had inlisted One
hundred & Forty Men, and that he was in great want of Money;
thereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. John
Marshall, for the Sum of Two Thousand Dollars, for which sum
Capt. Marshall is to account.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Saturday June 6, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esquire, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jona'n Hoge, ) p t
Mackay, John Hambright, $ ^
Will'm Pollard & Company having supplied the Commissary of
the State Fleet with Nine Hhds of Jamaica Spirits, <& the price not
being adjusted,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Will'm Pol-
lard & Company, for the sum of Three Thousand pounds, in part
for the said Spirits, to be charged to Will'm Crispin, Commissary.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 509
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of WilFm Scott,
paymaster of Militia of the County of Bucks, for the Sum of Two
Thousand Pounds, to be charged to Tho's Dorsey, Paymaster of
Militia, i
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday June 8, 1777.
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jacob Arndt, &
Mackay, Tho's Scott. ^.Esq'rs.
}
Jonat'n Hoge,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Timothy Mat-
Jack, or his order, for the Sum of Three hundred Pounds, to be
charged to his account.
The Rev'd James Davidson laid before the Council an account
of the expenditures of the sum of One Thousand & five hundred
Pounds, ordered to be paid into his hands for the use of the Salt
Works at Tom's River, in New Jersey ; by which account it ap-
pears that there remains in his hands the Sum of Thirty-three Pounds
Nineteen Shillings & Eight Pence, & also a Roan Horse, purchased
for the sum of One hundred & fifteen Pounds and Ten Shillings.
Ordered, That the said Sum of Thirty-three Pounds & Nineteen
Shillings & Eight Pence be paid into the hands of the Treasurer, &
that the Horse be delivered to the Secretary.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday June 9, 1778.
■ present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jacob Arndt, &")
Mackay, Tho's Scott. v Esq'rs.
Jon'a Hoge, J
A Letter from the board of War, enclosing Resolves of Congress
of the 8th instant, for raising a Company of Men for defending the
Frontier of Northumberland County.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Col. Will'm
Clark, Pay Master of Militia in Cumberland County, for the Sum
of Six hundred Pounds, to: be charged to Tho's Dorsey, Pay M'r of
Militia.
§10 MINUTES OF THE
The Hon'ble Will'm Atlee*applied to the Council for the remov-
ing the Galley men from the Barracks, that the Hessians may be
there secured.
Ordered, That the Lieut, of the County of Lancaster, do supply
two hundred Militia for a Guard in this Borough, & that he do ex-
ert himself to procure them as soon as Possible.
The guard at Middletown are to be considered as a part of the
said two hundred Men.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Wednesday June 10, 1778.
PRESENT I
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jacob Arndt, &^
Mackay, Thomas Scott, V Esq'rs.
Jonat'n Hoge, )
Capt Bankson laid before the Council a Roll of Twelve Men
mustered by Will'm Henry, Esq'r, & represented that he was un-
der very great necessity of Money to pay them the remainder of
their bourny, as he had not been able to obtain it of Colo. Galbraith;
And thereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Captain John
Bankson, for the Sum of Seven hundred Dollars, for the recruiting
service, for which Sum he is to account.
Ordered, That Colo. Sam. Hunter do appoint proper persons to
raise a Company of Men for the defence of the County of Northum-
berland, agreeable to the Resolve of Congress of the 8th inst., &
that Commissions be issued to the Officers of the said Company as
soon as Colo. Hunter shall have reported their success, agreeable
to the said resolve of Congress.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Thursday June 11, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jacob Arndt, &
Mackay, Thomas Scott, J. Esq'rs.
*!
Jonat'n Hoge,
Morris Lisk, one of the men belonging to the Bull dog Galley,,
having obtained a Furlow, & being in great necessity for a small
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 511
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the said Mor-
ris Lisk, for the Sum of Six Pounds, part of his Pay ; the same to
be charged to WilPm C. Bradford, Pay Master of the State Fleet.
James Claypoole proposed John Ord, Esq'r, & Doctor Frederick
Phyle, as security for the due performance of his Office as Sheriff
of the County of Philadelphia, & they were approved.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday June 12, 17?
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jacob Arndt, &")
Mackay, Tho's Scott, lEsq'rs.
Jonat'n Hoge, J
Petition of divers field officers of the Pennsylvania Regim't
respecting Cloathing, was read, & the return of the C loathing now
wanted, considered j thereupon,
Ordered, That the return of Cloathing wanted, sent in by the
field Officers of the Pennsylvania Battalions, be sent to Mr. Jacob
S. Howell, to whom this business is committed.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer on favor of Lieut. John
Boyd, for the Sum of six hundred Dollars, for the Recruiting ser-
vice, for which he is to account.
Capt. Andrew Boyd, having offered a Reward of two hundred
Dollars for apprehending each of James Fitzpatrick and Mordecai
Dougherty, who were concerned in seizing & carrying off a certain
Joseph Lucky; the same being approved of by this Council, the
Secretary is to inform him of such approbation.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Proctor,
Esq'r, Pay Master of Militia of the County of Westmorland, for
the Sum of one thousand & Five hundred Pounds, for Paying the
Militia of the said County, to be charged to Tho's Dorsey, Pay
Master of Militia,
512 ' MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday June 13, 1778*
* PRESENT :
Hon'blc George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, &
Mackay, Tho's Scott. I Esq'rs.
}
Jonat'n Hoge,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. George
Schlosser, for the Sum of One Thousand Pounds, Money advanced
by him to David De3hler & John Arndt, Esq'rs, Commissioners
for purchasing Provisions in Northampton County, to be charged
to the said Commissioners ; and an order was drawn on the Trea-
surer in favor of Jacob Frank, for the Sum of six hundred & thir-
ty Pounds, money advanced by him to Dav'd Deshler & John
Arndt, Esq'rs, Commissioners for purchasing Provisions in North-
ampton County, to be charged to the said Commissioners.
James Claypoole, Esq'r, appeared & took the Oaths required by
Law to qualify him for the execution of the Office of Sheriff of
the County of Philadelphia.
The Council met.
Lancaster, Monday June 15, 1778,
PRESENT :
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Mackay, John Hambright, &
Mati'w Smith, Tho's Scott. J- Esq'rs.
Jacob Arndt, j
Divers depositions relating to a Robbery committed on the pro-
perty of Garrat Vansant, of Middletown, in the County of Bucks,
<fc to the abuse to Ensign Garrat Vansant, jun'r, & the plundering
of effects in his possession ; both by persons of the State of New
Jersey ;
Ordered, That application be made to his Excell'y Gen'l Living-
ston, to take the measures necessary for seizing and delivering over
t.q trial, the- Persons charged with the aforesaid Crimes.
On motion, the Council now take into Consideration the issuing
of a Proclamation under the State Seal, requiring divers persons,
who it is said have Joined the Armies of the Enemy, to render
themselves & abide their legal trial for their Treasons, &ca, accord-
ing to Law; and therefore,
Ordered, That the following Proclamotion be now issued under
iKo SfatP SphI Vik'I i!
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 513
4i Pennsylvania, ss :
"A PROCLAMATION.
u By the Supreme Executive Council of the Common Wealth of
Pennsylvania „•
" Whereas, The following named persons, late & heretofore in-
habitants of this State, that is to say :— James Inglis, Trader ; Ro-
bert Coupar, Trader; Carpenter Wharton, late Commissary; John
Chevalier, Merchant; James Club, Mariner; Benja. Towne, Prin-
ter; James Smyther, Engraver; Joel Evans, Merchant; Anthony
Yeldall, Surgeon; William Morris, Mariner, late Constable; John
Cunningham, Inn-keeper; William Taylor, Silver Smith; Frede-
rick Verner, Yeoman; Anthony Thomas, Jun, Hatter; Samuel
Garrigues, Jun'r, Trader ; Joseph Stansbury, dealer in Earthen-
ware ; John Bray, School-master., late Constable ; Ross Curry.,
Gentleman, late Lieutenant in the Service of the American States ;
John Johnson, Coachmaker; John Airey, late of the Post Office;
John Hales, Stable-Keeper ; Dunnin Irwin, Trader; John Pike,
Dancing Master ; John Palmer, Mason ; James Craig, Ropemakei
& Merchant; John Henderson, Mariner ; Benjamin Davis, hatter;
George Spangler, Trader ; James Fisher, Trader ; Hugh Henry,
Peruke-maker; Jacob Mayer, Peruke-maker; Isaac Wharton, mer-
chant ; Benjamin Gibbs, Merchant ; James Gregson, and Thomas
Bramhall, Button-Makers; Samuel Jeffreys, Watch Maker; Mi-
chael Cannon, Merchant; Robert Looseley, Shoe-maker; Henry
Jounken, Trader; Henry Welfing, Shoe-maker; & Robert Dove,
Leather-Cutter; all now or late of the City of Philadelphia; &
William Williams, Ship wright; Lawrence Fegan, Tavern-keeper;
John Brown, distiller; k William Taylor, ship-wright; all now or
late of the Northern liberties Township: And David Gregory,
Mariner; John Tolley, Mariner; David Thompson & Charles Mo-
ran, Ship-wright ; all now or late of the district of Southwork :
And John Buckingham, Laborer, now or late of the Township of
Blockley : And Joseph Bolton, Joiner ; & John Butcher, Husband-
man, both now or late of the Township of Blockley : And Peter
Sour, Printer, now or late of German Town Township : And Ste-
phen Styer, Yeoman, now or late of the Township of Whitpaine;
all now or late of the County of Philadelphia : And Joel Bry-
an, Husbandman, now or late of the Township of Haycock;
And George Burns, Weaver; Joseph Doan, Laborer; Isaac Mit-
chener, Laborer ; & John Rodgers, Laborer, all now or late of the
Township of Plum stead ; Hugh Lindon, School-master; Robert
Coley, jun., Saddler; William Fell, Weaver; John Hill, Lime-
burner ; & Dennis Easton, Laborer, all now or late of the Town-
ship of Buckingham ; Henry Dennis, Shipwright ; John Dennis,
vol. xi. — 33.
5ty MINUTES OF THE
Wheelwright; John Howell, Laborer; Mordecai Balderstoner
Weaver; Uriah Lindy, Laborer; William Brown, Cooper; Jere-
miah Hendrickson, Laborer; James M'Mullen, Laborer; Thomas
Featherly, Miller; William Skilton, Laborer; Levy Kennett,
Laborer; John Cable, Laborer; & Ephraim Williams, Laborer;
ail now or late of the Township of Solsbury; and Joseph Canby,
Laborer; Thomas Canby, Blacksmith; Samuel Burrows, Laborer;
John Harvey, Laborer; & George Boatman, Laborer; all now or
late of the Township of Upper Makefield ; And Peter Price, La-
borer, now or late of the Township of Middletown j And Thomas
Martin, Cooper; John Stackhouse, Benjamin Brown, Joseph Doble,
James Giimore & Hsnry Hill, Husbandman; all now or late of the
Township ot Falls, And Alexander Rickey, Laborer, now or late
of the Township of Lower Makefield ; Andrew De Normandie,
Practitioner in Medicine ; Benjamin Brown, Carpenter; William
Oe Normandie, laborer; John Gosling, Shoemaker ; Arthur Camp-
bell, Laborer ; John Stackhouse, Husbandman ; John Poor, John
Eiwood & William Davis, Watermen; all now or late of the Town-
ship of Bristol ; And Joseph Swift, Gentleman, Lieutenant in
the Kings Army, now or late of the Township of Bensalem j
Samuel Chapman & Amos Chapman, Husbandmen; Abram Chap-
man, Cooper ; David Chapman, Miller ; & Abraham Clark, Tay-
lor; all now or late of the Township of Wrightstown ; all now or
late of the County of Bucks : And John Briggs, Husbandman,
now or late of the Township of Wiliis Town ; George Davis, Hus-
bandman, now or late of the Township of Springfield-; John Tay-
lor, Tavern-keeper ; John Moulder, Waterman ; John Talbot,
Wheelwright; & Thomas Barton, Sawyer; all now or late of the
Township of Chichester: And Jesse Bean, junior ; Jacob Tregoe,
Blacksmith; Caleb Haines, Weaver; & Joshua Thompson, Taylor;
ail now or late of the Township of Goshen : And Jacob Buffing-
ton, Carpenter; & William Stroud, Saddler; both now or late of
the Township of West Bradford ; Joseph Malin, Wheelright ; &
filisha Malin, joiner ; both now or late of the Township of East
Whiteland ; Edward Grissil, Laborer ; & John Wilson, Taylor ;
both now or late of the Township of Thornbury ; Will'm Milson,
Taylor; Isaac Bullock, Laborer; Benjamin James, Cooper; &
John Burnet, jun'r, Laborer; all now or late of the Township of
Concord: And Samuel Hart, Laborer; & Abijah Park, Mason;
both now or late of the Township of East Bradford ; Jacob Cypher,
Miller, now or late of the Township of Tredyflin ; Samuel Bell,
Carpenter, now or late of the Township of Easton ; William Mad-
dock, Tavern-keeper ; William Dunn, Laborer ; Joseph Edwards,
Mason; George Dunn, Taylor; James Malin, Laborer ; & Gideon
Vernon, Husbandman ; all now or late of the Township of
Providence: And Christopher Wilson, Husbandman; & John
Taylor, Grazier ; both now or late of the Township of .Ridley :
Benjamin Miller, Saddler, now or late of the Township of
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 515
ISast Cain ; Joshua Proctor, Laborer, now or late of the Town-
ship of Newtown ; Aaron Ashbridge, Waterman ; Joseph Gill,
Malster; Elias Wernon, Taylor; ail now or late of the Town-
ship of Chester: And Daniel Rogers, Carpenter; now or
late of the Township of Egmont : And John Supplee, William
Caldwell <& James Hart, Husbandmen; John Musgrove, Tra-
der; and William Andrews, Fuller; all now or late of the Town-
ship of Darby : And William Smith of Tinuicum Island ; & Wil-
liam Anderson, Laborer; both now or late of the Township of
Kidley ; Henry Effinger, Junior, Hugh Oeain, William Kennedy,
Darby Ocain, & James McClarin, Laborers; & Isaiah Worrell,
Miller ; All now or late of the Township of Springfield : And
Isaac Burk, Abraham Falkenton, Thomas Burns, William Clarke,
4 George Good, Laborers ; and William Henry, Taylor; all now
or late of the Township of Providence : And George Dunn, & Da-
vid Maris, Taylors; & William Bell, Laborer; all now or late of
the Township of Newtown; and Robert Kissack, Weaver; James
Brown, Wheelwright; James German & Enoch German, Cord-
wainers; & Michael Crickley, Laborer; all now or late of the
Township of Haverford, all now or late of the County of Chester;
And John Spearing, Shoemaker; now or late of the Township of
Eastman; John Stackhouse, Moses Morgan, Moses Wood, Abra-
ham Long, Robert Stackhouse, Peter Snyder, John Raymel, John
Ink, David Young, John Vaughan, Lawrence Marr, <& Peter
Hardy, Husbandmen ; all now or late of the Township of Mount
Bethel : And James Lawson, & Edward McMichael, Husbandmen ;
both now or late of the Township of Lower Smithfield ; & James
Allen, Esq'r, now or late of Northampton Village ; all now or late
of the County of Northampton : And William Willis, Miller, &
Hichard Willis, Gunsmith; both now or late of the County of
York : And John Wilson, Wheelwright, & Husbandman ; and
Andrew Fursuer, Laborer; both now or late of the Township of
Allen; Lawrence Kelly, Cooper ; William Curias, Laborer; John
M. Cart, Distiller So Laborer; & Francis Irwin, Carter; all now
or late of the Township of East Pennsborough; all now or late of
the County of Cumberland 5 And George Croghan, & Alexander
McKee, formerly Indian Traders ; Simon Girty, Indian Interpre-
ter; James Girty, Laborer; & Matthew Elliott, Indian Trader J
all now or late of the County of Westmoreland : And Malin
Dunn, Taylor ; now or late of the Township of Providence ; have
severally adhered to, & knowingly & willingly aided k assisted the
Enemies of the State & of the United States of America by hav-
ing joined their Armies at Philadelphia, in the County of Phila-
delphia, within this State. We the Supreme Executive Council
aforesaid, by virtue of certain powers <& authorities to us given by
An Act of General Assembly entitled " An Act for the attainder
of divers Traitors, if they render not themselves by a certain day,
n& for vesting their Estates in this Commonwealth j & for more
516 MINUTES OF THE
effectually discovering the same, & for ascertaining & satisfying
the lawful debts & claims thereupon j" Do hereby strictly charge
& require the said James Inglis. Robert Couper, Carpenter Whar-
ton, John Chevalier, James Club, Benjamin Towne, James Smither,
Joel Evans, Anthony Yeldall, William Morris, John Cunningham,
William Taylor, Frederick Werner, Arthur Thomas, Samuel Gar-
rigues, Joseph Stansburg, John Bray, Ross Curry, John Johnson?
John Airey, John Hales, Dunnin Irwin, John Pike, John Palmer,
James Craigh, John Henderson, Benjamin Davis, George Spangler,
James Fisher, Hugh Henry, Jacob Mayer, Isaac Wharton, Benja-
min Gibbs, James Gregsou, Thomas Bramball, Samuel Jeffreys?
Michael Connor, Robert Looseley, Henry Jounken, Henry Wei-
fling, Robert Dove, William Williams, Lawrence Fegan, John
Brown, William Taylor, David Gregory, John Tolley, David
Thompson, Charles Moran, John Buckingham, Joseph Bolton,
John Butcher, Peter Saur, Stephen Styer, Joel Bryan, George
Burns, Joseph Dean, Isaac Mitchener, John Rodgers, Hugh Lin-
don, Robert Coley, William Fell, John Hill, Dennis Easton, Henry
Dennis, John Deunis, John Howell, Mordecai Bolderstone, Uriah
Lindy, William Brown, Jeremiah Hendrickson, James McMullen,
Thomas Featherby, Wrilliam Skelton, Levy Kennett, John Cable,
Ephraim Williams, Joseph Canby, Thomas Canby, Samuel Bur-
rows, John Harvey, George Boatman, Peter Price, Thomas
Martin, John Stackhouse, Benjamin Brown, Joseph Doble,
James Gilmore, Henry Hill, Alexander Reikey, Andrew De
Normandie, Benjamin Brown, William De Normandie, John Gos-
ling, Arthur Campbell, John Stackhouse, John Poor, John Elwood,
William Davis, Joseph Swift, Samuel Chapman, Amos Chapman,
Abram Chapman, David Chapman, Abraham Clark, John Briggs.
George Davis, John Taylor, John Moulder, John Talbot, Thomas
Barton, Jesse Bean, Jacob Tregoe, Caleb Haines, Joshua Thomp-
son, Jacob Buffington, William Stroud, Joseph Malin, Elisha Ma-
lin, Edward Grissel, John WTilson, William Millson, Isaac Bullock,
Benjamin James, John Burnet, Samuel Hart, Abiah Parke, Jacob
Cypher, Samuel Bell, William Maddock, W7illiam Dunn, Joseph
Edwards, George Dunn, James Malin, Gideon Yernon, Christopher
Wilson, John Taylor, Benjamin Miller, Joshua Proctor, Aaron
Ashbridge, Joseph Gill, Elias Vernon, Daniel Register, John
Supplee, William Caldwell, James Hartnet, John Musgrove, Wil-
liam Andrews, William Smith, William Anderson, Henry Effinger,
Hugh O'Cain, William Kennedy, Darby O'Cain, James McClarin,
Isaiah Worrell, Isaac Burk, Abraham Falkenton, Thomas Burns,
William Clark, George Good, William Henry, George Dunn, David
Maris, William Bell, Robert Kissack, James Brown, James Ger-
man, Enoch German, Michael Crickley, John Spering, John Stack-
house, Moses Morgan, Mo.-ts Wood, Abraham Long, Robert Stack-
Louse, Peter Snyder, John Rymel, John Irish, David Young, John
Vaughan, Lawrence Marr, Peter Hardy, James Lawson, Edward
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 517
McMichael, James Allen, William Willis, Richard Willis, John
Wilson, Andrew Fursuer, Lawrence Kilby, William tDurlan, John
McCart, Francis Irwin, George Groghan, Alexander M'Kee, Simon
Girty, James Girty, Matthew Elliott & Malin Dunn, to render
themselves respectively to some or one of the Justices of the Su-
preme Court, or of the Justices of the Peace of one of the Coun-
ties within this State, on or before the third day of August next
ensuing, & also abide their legal trial for such their Treasons,
on pain that every of them, the said James Inglis, Robert
Coupar, Carpenter Wharton, John Chevalier, James Club, Ben-
jamin Towne, James Smither, Joel Evans, Anthony Yeldall,
William Morris, John Cunningham, William Taylor, Frederick
Verner, Arthur Thomas, Samuel Garrigues, Joseph Stansbury,
John Bray, Ross Curry, John Johnson, John Airey, John Hales,
Dunnin Irwin, John Pike, John Palmer, James Craig, John Hen-
derson, Benjamin Davis, George Spangler, James Fisher, Hugh
Henry, Jacob Mayer, Isaac Wharton, Benjamin Gibbs, James
Gregson, Thomas Bramhall, Samuel Jeffreys, Michael Connor,
Robert Loosley, Henry Jounken, Henry Welfling, Robert Dove,
William Williams, Lawrence Fegan, John Brown, William Taylor,
David Gregory, John Tolley, David Thompson, Charles Moran,
John Buckingham, Joseph Bolton, John Butcher, Peter Saur, Ste-
phen Styer, Joel Bryan, George Burns, Joseph Doan, Isaac Mitch-
eher., John Rodgers, Hugh Lindon, Rob't Coley, William Fell,
John Hill, Dennis Easton, Henry Dennis, John Dennis, John
Howell, Mordecai Balderstone, Uriah Lindy, William Brown, Jere-
miah Hendrickson, James Mc Mullen, Thomas Featherby, William
Skelton, Levi Kennett, John Cable, Ephraim Williams, Joseph
Canby, Thomas Canby, Samuel Burrowes, John Harvey, George
Boatman, Peter Price, Thomas Martin, John Stackhouse, Benjamin
Brown, Joseph Doble, James Gilmore, Henry Hill, Alexander
Rickey, Andrew De Normandie, Benjamin Brown, William DeNor-
mandie, John Gosling, Arthur Campbell, John Stackhouse, John
Poor, John Ellwood, William Davis, Joseph Swift, Samuel Chap-
man, Amos Chapman, Abraham Chapman, David Chapman, Abram
Clark, John Briggs, George Davis, John Taylor, John Moulder,
John Talbot, Thomas Barton, Jesse Bean, Jacob Tregoe, Caleb
Haines, Joshua Thompson, Jacob Buffington, William Stroud, Jo-
seph Malin, Elisha Malin, Edward Grissel, John Wilson, William
Millson, Isaac Bullock, Benjamin James, John Burnet, Samuel
Hart, Abiah Parke, Jacob Cypher, Samuel Bell, William Maddock,
William Dunn, Joseph Edwards, George Dunn, James Malin, Gid-
eon Vernon, Christopher Wilson, John Taylor, Benjamin Miller,
Joshua Proctor, Aaron Ashbridge, Joseph Gill, Elias Vernon, Dan-
iel Register, John Suplee, William Caldwell, James Hartnet, John
Musgrove, William Andrews, William Smith, William Anderson,
Henry Effinger, Hugh O'Cain, William Kennedy, Darby O'Cain,
James McClarin, Isaiah Worrell, Isaac Burk, Abraham Falkenton,
518 MINUTES OF THE
Thomas Burns, William Clark, George Good, William Henry, George
Dunn, David Maris, Will'm Bell, Robert Kissack, James Brown.
James Gorman, Enoch Gorman, Michael Crickly, John Spering,
John Stackhouse, Moses Morgan, Moses Wood, Abraham Long,
Robert Stackhouse, Peter Snyder, John Rymel, John Ink, David
Young, John Vaughan, Lawrence Marr, Peter Hardy, James Lawson,
Edward McMichael, James Allen, William Willis, Robert Willis,
John Wilson, Andrew Fursuer, Lawrence Kilby, William Cur-
Ian, John McCart, Francis Irwin, George Croghan, Alexander Mc-
Kee, Simon Girty, James Girty, Matthew Elliott & Malin Dunn ;
not rendering himself as aforesaid, & abiding the trial aforesaid, shall,
from and after the said first day of August, stand & be attainted of
High Treason, to all intents & purposes. ■& shall suifer such^pains. &
penalties, & undergo all such forfeitures as persons attainted of High
Treason ought to do. And all the faithful subjects of this State are to
tahe notice of this Proclamation, & govern themselves accordingly.
'•' Given by order of the Council, under the hand of the Hon'hle
GEORGE BRYAN, Esquire, Vice President, & the Seal of
the State at Lancaster, this fifteenth day of Jane, in the Year
of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred & Seventy-eight.
" Attested by order of the Council.
" (Signed) — T. Matlack, Sec'y.
"GOD SAVE THE COMMONWEALTH."
The Council met.
Lancaster, Tuesday June 16, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Mackay, John Hambright, &")
Matt'w Smith, Tho's Scott, V Esq'rs.
Jacob Arndt, )
The Council Met.
Lancaster, Wednesday June 17, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Mackay, John Hambright, &
Matt'w Smith, Tho's Scott, [►Esq'rs.
Jacob Arndt, J
A Representation from Henry Wynkoop, Esq'r, setting forth
that divers traiteraus & Violent persons make frequent excursions
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 5tt
Into the County of Bucks, & commit most notorious Robberies.
&G2l, to the great distress of the inhabitants; & the same being con-
sidered,
Ordered That a reward of Two hundred Dollars be Offered to
any person or persons who shall detect & arrest any person owing
allegiance to this State, or to any of the United States, who hath
been or shall be guilty of any Burglary"or of any Robbery, by
putting in fear, in any of the Counties of Philadelphia, Bucks or
Chester; And that a Proclamation under the Seal of the State.
Signed by the Hon'ble Vice President, and attested by the Secre-
tary, be issued accordingly.
The Council met. .«
*
Lancaster, Thursday June 18, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE B^RYAN, Esq'r, Vice President,
Mackay, John Hambright, & 1
Matt'w Smith, Tho's Scott, V Esq'rs.
Jacob Arndt, )
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Ebexiezer
€owell, for the Sum of One hundred Pounds, for the use of the Gun
Factory under his direction, for which Sum he is to account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
Jacob Arndt, Esq'r, for the Sum of One thousand & Two hundred
Pounds, to be charged to John Arndt, Esq'r, to be applied in pay-
ing for Provisions purchased for Congress.
Colo. Broadhead attended the Council & represented that the 8th
Pennsylvania Regiment is now on a March to the Westward, & re-
quested, that in consideration of the Great difficulty in sending
Gloathing afterthem, the Officers may be furnished with their Regi-
mentals; thereupon,
Ordered, That Jacob S. Howell do supply the Officers of the
Eighth Pennsylvania Battalion with their Regimentals, as far as it
is in his power to do.
520 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Lancaster, Friday June 19, 1778-
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Mackay, John Hambright, &
}
Matt'w Smith, Thomas Scott, J-Esq'rs.
Jacob Arndt,
Intelligence from His Excell'y Gen*l Washington, of the evacu-
ation of the City of Philadelphia by the Enemy, was received afc
Eleven O'Clock.
Ordered, That a Writ be issued for the holding of an Election
for chusing a Councellor for the County of Philadelphia.
The Council met,
Lancaster, Saturday June 20, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Mackay, John Hambright, &
Matt'w Smith, Thomas Scott,
Jacob Arndt,
1
^Esq'rs.
Oapt. Hugh Montgomery applied to Council for Ten Waggons
for the accommodations of the Officers & Men belonging to the State
Fleet, now going to Philadelphia ; And,
An order was drawn and signed by the Hon'ble Vice President,
directed the Waggon Master of the County of Lancaster, request-
ing him to furnish Capt. Montgomery with Ten Waggons.
Doct. Frederick Phyle exhibited an account of service done by
him for the State as a Physician, amounting to the Sum of Thirty-
one Pounds, for which Sum
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the said Doct.
Phyle.
An order was also drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Doct.
Frederick Phyle, for the Sum of Ten Pounds Fourteen Shillings &
Six Pence, for Provisions purchased by him for the use of the Men
belonging to the State Fleet.
A Representation from the inhabitants of Cumberland County,
for a supply of Arms & Ammunition, being made,
Ordered, That an application be made to the Board of War for
5 tt>3. of Gun powder, 12 lbs. of Lead & 100 Riffles, to be put into
the hands of John Carothers, Esq'r, to be distributed by him as oc-
casion may require.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 521
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Ludwig Lau-
flian, or his order, for the Sum of Three Pounds seven shillings &
six pence, for writing Paper supplied the Council.
Capt. Lang, one of the Collectors of Cloathing in the County of
Lancaster, represents that there are many difficulties in getting the
Cloathing made up in this Borough, & that the demands of the
Tradesmen employed in making them, are enormous in their de-
mands, & proposes to remove to Philadelphia, if the Council think
it proper; thereupon,
Ordered, That Capt. Lang be directed to remove to Philadel-
phia such part of the Cloathing to be made up under his direction,
us he shall find necessary.
\n order was drawn (dated yesterday) on the Treasurer in favor
of the Hon'ble Thomas Scott, Esq'r, for the Sum of Seventy-six
Pounds Nine Shillings & Nine Pence, for his attendance in Council
29 days, Mileage on 274 Miles, & including also his expences to
York Town on Public business, Amounting to £2 18 1.
(N. B. This order includes his Wages of this day.)
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Hugh Mont-
gomery, or his order, for the Sum of One thousand Pounds, to be
paid to the Officers & Men belonging to the State Fleet, & charged
to William C. Bradford, Paymaster of the State Fleet.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
Thomas Scott, Esq'r, for the Sum of Three Thousand Pounds, to
be by him delivered to Colo. John Proctor, Paymaster of Militia
of the County of Westmoreland, & Charged by the Treasurer to
Thomas Dorsey, Pay-Master of Militia.
The Council now intending to remove to the City of Philadel-
phia, & the publishing of a Newspaper at the Public expence, of
course not absolutely necessary,
Ordered, That Mr. Dunlap be informed that the Council decline
taking any more of his papers on the Public account ; & that Mr.
Bailey be informed that the Council decline taking any more of his
Papers after next Week.
An order Was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
William Mackey, Esq'r, for the Sum of Two hundred Dollars, to
be charged to his Account.
The Officers of the State Fleet represented that they had been
at a very considerable expence in removing themselves & families
from Trenton to this* Borough, & that they had not been supplied
with their Rations on the Road, by which their expences had been
extravagantly high, & such as they were not able to bear;
On Consideration,
Ordered, That tfife Officers of the State Fleet who were ordered
nap to Lancaster, be allowed for their extra expences on the road?
two Dollars a day each, besides their back Rations.
522 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Friday June 26. 1778.
present :
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Matt'w Smith, Joseph Hart, & ")
Jona. Hoge, Jacob Arndt. * Esq'rs.
James Edgar, )
First meeting in the City after the evacuation by the Enemy.
Brig. Gen'l Lacy attended the Council & represented the state of
the Militia now in the field as being very low, and the number
very inconsiderable, and that there remains about 150 Stand of
Arms in his possession.
Ordered, That the arms now in the hands of Gen'l Lacy be re-
moved to the city, & report thereof made to this Council ; except
only that 50 stand remain in the County of Bucks, under the care
& direction of Gen'l Lacy.
Memorial of Mrs. Eliza Ferguson, of Groeme Park, was presen-
ted & read.
Petition of divers inhabitants of the County of Northumberland,
was read ; Prayer in effect granted a few days ago.
Council took into consideration the state of the Magistracy in
this City.
The Council took into consideration the propriety of commemo-
rating the Anniversary of Independency, now approaching.
Ordered, That Provision be made for a decent entertainment on
the 4th of July next, at some suitable place.
Ordered, That Colo. Smith & the Secretary wait on Gen'l Ar-
nold, & enquire what is his intention in ordering the Shops in this
City to be shut, & report to the Council to-morrow morning.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Saturday June 27, 1778.
PRESENT I
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Matt'w Smith, Joseph Hart, &
Jona. Hoge, Jacob Arndt. ^Esq'rti
James Edgar, *>
Mr. Smith & the Secretary report, That they had waited on
Gen'l Arnold, agreeable to the order of yesterday, & that the
General had sent to the Council the following Paper, which con-
tain a general view of his conduct, Vizt :
}
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 523
"Instructions from His Excell'y Gen'l Washington, dated 18th
June, 1778."
"A Proclamation issued in the City by Maj. Gen'l Arnold, on
the 19th June instant, containing a resolve of CoDgress of the 4th
instant."
" A letter from the board of war to Gen'l Arnold, &ca, 23d
June instant;" and
" A Permission to the Retailers to open their Shops, dated 26th
instant;" & Published this day in hand Bills.
(The Secretary informed the Council that he had in charge
Maj. Gen'l Arnold's Compliments to the Council, with an invita-
tion to the Council to dine with the General on Monday next.)
That they had mentioned to the General the difficulties made
by the Clothier General of the United States, in supplying the
Troops of this State in the Continental Army with Clothing, &ca„
& desired to be informed what was his intention with respect to
the disposal of the procured in the City, & mentioned to the Gene-
ral the Memorial lately presented by the Officers of the Troops of
this State on the subject of Cloathing ; to which he replied, that
he would give orders to the Cloathier General to wait on the Coun-
cil & explain his conduct on this subject. The General also re-
marked, that he had not been informed of any Committee having
been appointed by Congress in pursuance of their Resolve of the
4th instant.
N. B. That the Resolve of Congress of the 4th instant has not
been received by Council.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Peter Dehaven
or his order, for the Sum of One Thousand Pounds, for the use of
the Gun Factory.
On Consideration,
* Ordered, That a | Warrant (under the less Seal) be issued for
apprehending & bringing before this Council the bodies of all those
persons named in the law for the attainder of divers Traitors.
&ca., to be dealt with according to Law,
On Consideration,
Ordered, That a Warrant under the less Seal be issued for ap-
prehending &, bringing before this Council all those persons within
the City & County of Philadelphia, (named in the first Proclama-
tion,) to be dealt with accordingly to Law.
524 MINUTES OP TEiB
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday June 29, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President,
Mackay, John Hambright, & ")
Matt'w Smith, Jac. Arndt, V Esq'rs.
James Edgar, J
A Certificate of the Election, being held according to Law in
Fannet Township, in the County of Cumberland, for chusing two
persons to be returned for Magistrates, & that David Elder &
Noah Abraham were duly elected & returned, but the return had
twice miscarried ; On consideration,
Ordered, That David Elder & Noah Abraham be appointed Jus-
tices of the Peace for the County of Cumberland, & that they be
commissioned accordingly.
The Council taking into Consideration the great necessity of re-
pairing the Butchers' Market House, the Stalls, c&ca., having been
destroyed by the British Army,
Ordered, That proper persons be appointed to agree with such of
the Butchers & others who may have Occasion for Stalls in the
Butchers' Market House, to have the same repaired, upon such
general plan as the persons so to be appointed may order ; such
Butchers & others paying the expence & deducting the same out
of the growing Rent.
Petition & Remonstrance from the 7th Pennsylvania Battalion
of the County of Chester, were read, and the Hon'ble John Bayard,
Esq'r, Speaker of the House of Assembly, attended the Council &
iuformed that divers persons of Considerati|n were desirous that,
the House should be called earlier than the day to which they
stand adjourned ; on consideration,
Ordered, That Writs be now issued for calling the General As-
sembly to meet in this City on Tuesday the fourth day of August
next ensuing.
Petition of divers inhabitants of Fannet Township, praying for
Arms, was read.
On consideration,
Ordered, That William Henry, Esq'r, be directed to deliver to
John Carothers, Esq'r, Lieut, of the County of Cumberland, two
hundred Muskets, to be by him put into the hands of such persons
as he shall Judge proper.
Ordered, That two hundred copies of the Resolve of Congress
for suspending or repealing the Regulating Law, be printed & put
up in the City, with a Nota Bene, That " The General Assembly
of Pennsylvania have suspended the Operation of the Act for regu-
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. teb
lating the prices of Goods in this State until their next raeet-
mg.
Received of Robert Levers, Esq'r, the sum of Fifty-eight Pounds
and seventeen shillings, for one Marriage Licence & Thirty-two
Tavern Licences.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Tuesday June 30, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jacob Arndt, "j
-Mackay, James Edgar, & !-p ,
Jonathan Hoge, John Hambright, ( ^
Matt'w Smith, J
The Sheriff of the county of Northampton being deceased, &
the necessity of appointing another in his stead being considered ;
On motion,
Ordered, That John Segfried, Esq'r, be appointed Sheriff of
the County of Northampton, & that he be commissioned accor-
dingly.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Ebenezer
Cowell or his order, for the sum of six hundred Pounds, for the
Gun Factory, for which sum he is to account.
Ordered, That the several Persons in this City heretofore held
upon Parole, be now discharged from their Parole, excepting only
The Rev'd Thomas Coombe, jun'r, & Phineas Bond, Esq'r. (Copy
of this order sent to Edward Shippen, jun'r, Esq'r, John Lawrence,
Esq'r, James Humphreys, Esq'r, William Smith, D. D., Captain
Henry Gurney, Thomas Asheton, & Samuel Murdock, written on
their several Paroles.)
Ordered, That the Hon'ble Jacob Arndt, & Peter Buckholder.
Esq'r, be received as security for John Segfried, Esq'r, Sheriff of
the county of Northampton, for his faithful performance of his
said office.
The Hon'ble James Read, Esq'r, Oouncellor for the County of
Berks, appeared & took the Oaths required by the Constitution,
and took his seat in Council.
By a return of Goods found in the City on the evacuation of
the Enemy, made by order of Gen'l Arnold, it appears that there
is in the hands of Mr. Heyman Levy the property of the En-
emy.
Ordered, That the Commissioners be directed to enquire con-
cerning the Goods in the hands of Mr. Heyman Levy belonging
to the Enemy,
\
52*5 MINUTES OF THE
The Council Met.
Philadelphia, Wednesday July 1, 1778,
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE £RYAN, EsqV, Yice President.
Joseph Hart, James Edger, ""}
-— Mackay, James Read, ! ™ ,
Matt'w Smith, Jacob Arndt, & f *
Jonat'n Hoge, John Hambright.J
In pursuance of an Act of General Assembly, giving to this Coun-
cil certain powers relating to the City, &ca., Joseph Redman, Esq'r,
Clerk of the Market, being called before the- Council, was now di-
rected to have the Market House thoroughly cleansed & repaired,
& let for such reasonable time as shall be found practicable, to per«
sons who will advance the Money, the Pay the expence.
The Council met. ^
Philadelphia, Thursday July 2, 1778,
present :
llon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Edgar, ~]
Mackay, James Read, & S » ,
Matt'w Smith, John Hambright. f^ rs'
Jonathan Hoge, J
Capt. James Carnahan, of the 13th Pennsylvania Regiment,
represented that he had enlisted two Recruits & advanced them
some Money ; that he was under Marching Orders for Pittsburgh,
agreeable to the request of Gen'l Mcintosh, & therefore requested
that he might be repaid his Money the Bounty allowed for enlist-
ing the said two Men; On Consideration,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer, in favor of Capt. James
Carnahan, of the 13th Pennsylvania Reg't, for the Sum of Eighty-
eight Dollars, to be charged to Colo. Walker Stewart.
Petition of Dan'l Levan, Jun'r, praying to be appointed Protho-
notary of the County of Berks, was read.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 52T
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday July 6, 1778.
PRESENT !
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
James Read, John Hambright, &1
Mackey, Jona. Hoge. vEsq'rs.
James Edgar, J
The Council took into Consideration the great necessity of open-
ing the Courts of Justice in this County.
Ordered, That a Commission be immediately issued, appointing
Jonathan Bayard Smith, Esq'r, to be Prothonotary of the County
of Philadelphia, and also a Commission appointing him to be one
of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for the said
County.
Capt. Montgomery attended the Council & informed that he had
brought down from Trenton one of the Galleys, k asked to be in-
formed whether she should be immediately repaired.
On consideration,
Ordered, Capt. Montgomery do apply to one of Mr. Ayres's,
k have the necessary repairs done to the Armed Galley under his
command.
On application,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. John
Bankson, of the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment, for the Sum of Pour
hundred & fifty Dollars, for the recruiting Service, for which sum
he is to account.
The Rev'd Mr. Thomas Coombe, Jun'r, attended in Council, &
informed that he declines to take the Oath of Allegiance to the
State, and he now requests that he may be permitted to pass out
of this State on his way to New York, there to take passage for
Europe; thereupon,
Ordered, That a Pass under the less Seal be granted to the
Rev'd Thomas Coombe, jun'r, to leave this State.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Tuesday June 7, 1778-
• PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
James Read, John Hambright, &
Mackay, Jon'a Hoge. lEsq'rs,
James Edgar,
Petition of Jacob Packman was read;
Ordered, To lie on the Table,
Wi
528 MINUTES OF THE
Petitions of divers inhabitants of this City was presented by
Thomas Hale & Nicholas Weaver, and read.
On consideration.
Ordered, That the Sentiments of Council on this Petition be
expressed in Writing & handed to Mr. Hale & Mr. Wreaver.
Colo. Nicola, the Town Major, applied to Council & requested
that he might be furnished with Rations.
On consideration,
Ordered, That Mr. Crispin be directed to furnish Colo. Nicola
with Rations.
The Council met,
Philadelphia, Wednesday July 8, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Mack ay, James Read, &'
John Ham bright, James Edgar. J^Esq'rs.
Jon'a Hoge, J
A Letter from Robert Levers, Esq'r, of the 6th instant, inclos-
ing a deposition respecting the depredations committed at & near
Wyoming, by the Indians & Tories.
Ordered, That a Copy of the deposition of Mr. Alexander Pat-
terson be made out & sent to Congress.
A Letter from Samuel Hunter, Esq'r, of the 4th instant, also
relating to the ravages of the Indians.
The Council took into consideration the return of an Election of
Justices for Augusta Township, in the County of Northumberland,
including the Town of Sunbury.
Ordered, That Thomond Ball, & David McKinney, & Wilton
Atkinson, be appointed & Commissioned to be Justices of the Peace
for the County of Northumberland.
Capt. Williams Alexander, of the 7th Pennsylvania Regiment,
laid before the Council a sketch of his account in the Recruiting
Service; and thereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. William
Alexander, of the 7th Pennsylvania Regimn't, for the Sum of Five
hundred & twenty Dollars, for the Recruiting Service, for which
sum he is to account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of William Pol-
lord & Company, for the sum of Two thousand eight hundred
and Thirty-seven Pounds & Ten Shillings, balance of an account
for Spirits seized for the use of the State Fleet. The said sum to
be charged to William Crispin, Commissary of the State Fleet.
«
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 529
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Thursday July 9, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Mackay, James Read, &
John Hambright, James Edgar, j* Esq'rs.
Jona. Hoge,
Ordered, That the Secretary write to the Commissioners ap-
pointed under the Ordonance of the Council of Safety, to seize the
personal Estate of Persons who have gone over to the Enemy, di-
recting them to make complete returns to the Secretary's Office of
all the effects seized by them, & an accounf-of sales where they have
been sold, & that this be done without delay.
The following orders were drawn on the Treasurer for the Re-
cruiting Service, Vizt : In favor of Lieut. Miller, of the 7th Penn-
sylvania Reg't, for the Sum of One hundred Dollars, to be charged
to him ; and in favor of Lieut. Abraham Lewis, of the 4th Pennsyl-
vania Reg't, for the sum of One hundred Dollars, to be charged to
him.
Robert Mackey, a Mariner, represented to Council, that he had
brought off from the Vigilant an armed Boat, which now in the
Possession of the State Navy Board.
Ordered, That Major Benjamin Eyre, taking one other Judicious
person to his assistance, do Value the said Boat & make return to
this Council.
Mr. Blewer, Mr. Eyre & Commodore Hazlewood attended the
Council, & informed that the Armed Boats belonging to the State
are now afloat & getting ready for service.
Ordered, That the Convention Brig be fitted out as soon as
possible, & go down into the Bay, and as many of the Armed Boats
as can be manned, be also repaired with all expedition & put into
service.
TOL. XI. — 34.
530- MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Friday July 10? 1778
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Mackay, James Read, & ")
John Hambright, James Edgar, s-EsqVs.
Jona. Hoge, )
Ordered, That application be made to the board of War for a
■supply of Ammunition for the Militia of Northampton County, &
that Mr. Hambright & Mr. Hoge wait on the board of War on this
important occasion, & press them for an immediate supply.
Petition of Colo. Thomas Hartley was read ; &
Ordered, That the Petition of Colo. Hartley do lie on the Table.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieut. John
Boyd, of the 12th Pennsylvania Reg't, for the sum of three hun-
dred & Sixty Dollars, for the Recruiting service, to be charged to
him.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Saturday July 11, 1778,
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN Esq'r, Vice President.
Mackay, Jonathan Hoge, & ) ™ »
John Hambright, James Read, j ^
Capt. Hugh Montgomery recommended Catharine Murphy, Ma-
ry Roan & Lydia Leonard, Wives of Privates on board the Gallies,
as being in great distress for want of Provisions ; thereupon,
Ordered, That it. be recommended to the Navy Board to give
the said three Women such temporary relief as their immediate
necessity may require, until some regulations can be adopted re-
specting them.
Ordered, That a representation of the situation of our distressed
frontiers be now made to Congress, & their attention to the relief
}f them solicited & earnestly pressed for .
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 5S1
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday July 13, 1778,
present i
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jonathan Hoge, &
— Mackay, James Read,
Esq'rs.
A Letter from Col. Morgan, Lieut, of the County of Berks, in-
closing a Letter from Col. D. Hunter, to several Colonels of the
Berks County Militia, requesting immediate assistance.
Ordered, That a Copy of the said Letter from Col. Hunter be
laid, before Congress.
An indecent & affronting application having been made by Charles
Thompson1, Secretary of Congress, to the Hon'ble George Bryan,
Esq'r, Vice President, demanding possession of a House which he
says Colo. Proctor unjustly detains from him, & insisting
[Blank in Council Book.]
The Council met
Philadelphia, Tuesday July 14, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice Presid't.
Mackay, Jacob Arndt, and^)
Jos. Hart, John Hambright, V Esq'rs.
Jona. Hoge, J
The following draught of a Circular letter was read in Council
and agreed to, Vizt. :
"In Council, Philad'a, July 14th, 1778.
" Sir,
" The attack which has been made by the Indians and others,
on the Frontiers of this State, having been laid before the Congress,
and a consultation held between the Board of War and Council,
they have agreed upon the following arrangements for defence, to
wit:
" A detachment of Col. Hartley's Regiment to march from New
Jersey to Easton, there to join Col. Kowatz, who has under his
command a small number of horse. The remainder of Col. Hart-
ley's Reg't, now in Philad'a, to march immediately to Sunbury and
join the Two Companies lately raised at Wioming. Col. Broad-
head's Regiment, now on their march to Pittsburgh, to be ordered
to the Standing Stone, But it is necessary to add to these Conti-
532 MINUTES OF THE
nental troops a considerable body of Militia. Council have therefore
determined to order to Sunbury three hundred Militia from the
County of Northumberland, four hundred from the County of Lan-
caster & one hundred and fifty from the County of Berks ; to the
Standing Stone, tWree hundred from the County of Cumberland,
and two hundred from the County of York ; to Easton, from the
County of Northampton three hundred men, & from the County of
Berks one hundred and fifty men.
"You are, therefore, to exert yourself to get into the field three
hundred men of the militia of your county, and march them im-
mediately to . For this purpose you are to order out
the first, second, third, & even fourth class, if it be necessary to
make up this number — the men must be had. It is expected that
there are guns sufficient in you hands to arm them. Ammuni-
tion and provisions will be supplied to you by order of the Board
of War.
" The arrival of a powerful fleet from France, having a considera-
ble number of troops on board, with orders to act in conjunction
with the Continental army, & now actually blocking up the British
fleet in the harbor of New York, has induced the Congress to de-
termine to make a vigorous effort to destroy the whole British fleet
now in that City, & there appears to be a reasonable ground to hope
for success in the attempt. This determination makes it highly
improper to detach any part of the main army for the defence of
the frontiers. If the attempt to reduce the whole British force
should be crowned with success, it will undoubtedly be attended
with the most salutary effects in removing the Enemy from the
frontiers, as it cannot be doubted but that they must see the im-
possibility of their continuing, with any hope of success, their
attack on us, when we shall be able to employ our whole force
against them, and we are confident that the blow given by the In-
dians will be severely revenged before the War with them is
closed/'
Council being now informed that Congress had issued an order
on their Treasurer in favor of this State, for the sum of One Hun-
dred Thousand Dollars, on account of the cloathing purchased by
this State,
Ordered, That the Sum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars,
lately ordered by Congress to be paid to this Council, or their
Council be paid to David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of the
State.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 533
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Thursday July 16, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Read, ~)
Jonathan Hoge, Jacob Arndt, & t Esq'rs.
Mackay, John Hambright, J
The Council taking into consideration the necessity of some
General Officer being appointed to take the Command of the Mi-
litia now ordered into service on the Susquehanna ; thereupon,
Ordered, That Brig'r Gen'l Lacy be appointed to the Command
of the Militia called into service on the River Susquehanna.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Friday July 17, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, & ")
Mackay, John^Hambright, v Esq'rs.
Jona. Hoge, j
Col. Sharp Delany reported to Council, that a quantity of Drugs
had been put into his hands by the Council of Safety, for which he
is to account; That a part of these had been sold, & the Money
arising therefrom is now in his hands ; thereupon,
Ordered, That the Money in the hands of Sharp Delany, arising
from the sale of Drugs put into his hands by the Council of Safety,
be paid by him to David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, the State Treasurer.
Colo. Hartley having applied to Council for a further sum of
Money, for the Recruiting service, & on his leaving the City, re-
quested in Writing, that the order for the same be delivered to
Capt. Stoddard ; thereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. Benja-
min Stoddard, for the Sum of Three Thousand Dollars, for the re-
cruiting service, to be charged to Colo. Thomas Hartley.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
John Hambright, Esq'r, for the Sum of five hundred Dollars, to
be charged to his account.
Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, being now in the City, & the order of
Congress mentioned in the Minutes of the 14th instant being come
to hand, in the following words, to Wit :
534 MINUTES OF THE
" Treasury Office, June 23, 1778.
" The board of Treasury having considered a Letter of the 5th
inst., from George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President of the State of
Pennsylvania, to the Delegates of that State, referred to them by
Congress,
"Resolved, That One hundred Thousand Dollars of the War-
rant for Three hundred Thousand Dollars, issued the 12th day of
February last, in favor of "the Delegates of Pennsylvania, to be by
them transmitted to the President of the said State, for the purchase
of Flour, &ca, be applied for the purpose of Paying for the Cloath-
ing mentioned in the Vice President's Letter aforesaid.
"Extract from the Minutes.
"EDWARD FOX, Cl'k."
Ordered, That the said order be made payable to Dav'd Ritten-
house, Esq'r, Treasurer of the State.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieut. Wil-
liam Brown, of the 9th Pennsylvania Battalion, for the Sum of
Six hundred Dollars, for the Recruiting Service, to be charged to
his Account; And
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. Matt'w
Scott, of the 13th Penns'a Reg't, for the Sum of Five hundred k
Fifty Dollars, for the Recruiting Service, to be charged to his ac-
count.
, The Council met.
Philadelphia, Saturday July 18, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, &
Mackay, John Hambright, J- Esq'rs.
Jona. Hoge,
Jonathan Bayard Smith, Esq'r, applied to the Council and re-
quested, That orders may be issued for a sufficient number of Wag-
gons to bring the Records, Papers, &ca., belonging to the Prothono-
tary's Office for the county of Philadelphia, from Reading to this
City.
On Consideration,
Ordered, That Mr. Robert Allison be directed to secure the
plank, scantling, &ca., left by the Enemy on the lines & in the
Redoubts, & remove them to places of Safety j And that he pro-
vide suitable materials for repairing the Court Room in the State
House, & draw a plan of the necessary repairs.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 535
Ordered, That the Trees which form the Abattees on the lines
Bear the City, be cut up & removed, under the direction of the Over-
seers of the Poor, to the House of employment, for the use of the
Poor ; And that an account of the quantity be taken k returned
to this Council.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday July 20, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jonathan Hoge, & 1 ]?ga>rg
— Mackay, Jacob Arndt, } ^
A letter from James Smith, Esq'r, of Yorktown, enclosing a de-
position relating to the Indians.
Ordered to be laid before Congress.
A Note from Thomas Levis, Esq'r, informing that John Taylor,
a man of good Character, had been called on by Proclamation to
appear & take his trial, instead of John Slater ; & also, that Lewis
Tremble^ a farmer in the Township of Ridley, went to the Enemy
while they were at Philadelphia.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Tuesday July 21, 1778.
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jonathan Hoge, & ) 4* ,
Mackay, Jacob Arndt, 5
The Council Room in the State House being now cleansed, & in
order for the reception of Council, except only that there are no
Chairs therein,
Ordered, That the Secretary procure eighteen Windsor Chairs
for the Council Room.
The Hon'ble Joseph Reed, Esq'r, returned by the Sheriff of the
County of Philadelphia as having been duly elected Councellor
for the said County, attended the Council & represented, That he
is now one of a Committee of Congress for arranging the Army,
which Committee has sat for several Months past, & have gone far
into business, which appears to be of great importance, and that as
536 MINUTES OF THE
a considerable part of it has necessarily fallen on him, it will be
improper for him at present to retire from the Committee, & there-
fore, begs the Council may not consider him as inattentive to his
duty to the Public, if he shall not attend the Council until the said
arrangement is completed ; At the same time declaring his readi-
ness to accept such Post as his County may think proper to call
him to, for the service of the Public, as soon as it is in his power
so to do.
It appearing that John Williams, of the Northern Liberty Town-
ship, & Jacob Bright, of the City of Philadelphia. Merchant, two
of the Commissioners for Taxes & Levies for the. County of Phila-
delphia, who should have continued in office, for want of a new
choice in October last, have been made Prisoners by the British
Army, lately possessed of the said City ; that the said John Wil-
liams was carried away by the said Army ; that the said Jacob
Bright is now at his place of abode, but is considered as a Prisoner
under Parole ; & that both of these Commissioners are disqualified
from acting : Council considering that Isaac Snowden, the third
Commissioner, cannot alone, in the present case, if in any, with the
Assessors, (who also continue for want of an Election as aforesaid.)
nominate & fill up the vacancy caused as aforesaid, do thereupon,
by virtue of the power vested in them by the Twentieth section of
the Constitution, supply the vacancy caused by the disqualification
of John Williams & Jacob Bright, as aforesaid, by appointing Ed-
ward Bartholomew & William Antis of said County to the office
of Commissioners of the County of Philadelphia, until the said
office can be filled in the time and manner directed by Law & the
Constitution.
N. B. Edw'd Bartholomew & William Antis were highest in
vote as Commissioners at the Election for chusing a Councellor
for the County of Philadelphia.
Ordered, 'J hat the Bridge laid by the Navy board over the
Kiver Schuylkill at the middle ferry, be immediately repaired &
removed to its place again, & that the bridge now there be removed
to Gray's ferry.
Ordered, That Major Casdrop be appointed to superintend &
direct the removal of the said bridge.
SUPREME EXECUTItE COUNCIL. 53'
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Wednesday July 22d, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jona. Hoge, Jacob Arndt, & > ™ ,
James Read, Mackay, J ^ rS-
The Petition of the Hon'ble George Taylor, Esq'r, setting forth
his claim to the lajids & works known by the name of Durham fur-
nace, & that the same had been seized by Mr. George Wall, one of
the Agents appointed for seizing forfeited Estates, & put under the
care of a certain James Morgan, was read. A notification signed
by the said George Wall, & directed to Mr. Moses Yeaman, a Ten-
ant under the said George Taylor, forbiding him to take & carry
away any more Stamped metal from the said Furnace, & the writ-
ten agreement signed by the said Joseph Galloway, under which he
claims the possession of the said Furnace, were also read ; And the
same being considered,
Ordered, That Mr. George Wall be directed to pay due respect
to the written agreement between Joseph Galloway, Esq'r, & the
Hon'ble George Taylor, Esq'r, for the lands & works known by the
name of Durham furnace, & that he do not disturb Mr. Taylor in
the peaceable possession & enjoyment thereof, agreeable to the
terms of the said agreement. And as the said George Taylor has
represented that he has a quantity of Wood cut, & ore raised, at a
considerable expence, it appears to the Council to be just & equita-
ble that he should have a Lease of the Premises for so long as the
Council or their Agents are authorized by Law to let the same in
preference to any other, on such reasonable terms as may appear
to be just. The Council, therefore, recommend it to Mr. Wall to
treat with the said George Taylor, relating to the Premises, & agree
with him on equitable & reasonable terms ; Such lease not to ex-
tend beyond the 1st day of April, 1780.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Thursday July 23, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Joseph Read, & ? ™ ,
Jacob Arndt, Jonathan Hoge, $ q K'
On representation by Col. Thomson & Col. Antes, two of the
Agents for seizing forfeited Estates, that the said duty is too great
538 MIN1TES OF THE
& extensive to be executed by them alone, Colo. Heister having
declined to serve;
On consideration,
Ordered, That Col. John Moore, Capt. Joseph Blewer & Mr.
George Smith, be appointed Agents for the seizing and disposing of
the forfeited Estates, according to Law, in addition to the Agents
already appointed for the County of Philadelphia.
The Council taking into consideration the necessity of appoint-
ing Wardens of the Port of Philadelphia,
Ordered, That Luke Morris, Esq'r, Samuel Mifflin, Esq'r, Sam'l
Howell, Esq'r, Capt. Joseph Stiles, Capt. Will'm Heysham, Com-
modore And'w Caldwell, Esq'r, & Capt. Nathaniel Falconer, be
appointed Wardens of the Port of Philadelphia.
Council considering an application from Colo. Nicola, Town Ma-
jor, to have the value of his retained Rations determined,
Ordered, that the retained Rations of Col. Nicola, as Town Ma-
jor, be estimated at Two Shillings & Six Pence ^ Ration, accord-
ing to the regulation of Rations ordered by Congress.
The Board of War having given an order on their Commissary
General of Military Stores for a supply of Lead, Powder, & flints,
to the order of Council.
Ordered, That the Ammunition for the Militia sent to Standing
Stone, at the Rate of Thirty rounds Per Man, & half a Ton of
Powder & a proportion of Lead, & a reasonable quantity of Flints,
be delivered to Colo. John Carothers, Lieut, of the county of Cum-
berland ; That the Ammunition for the Militia sent to Sunbury, &
one-third of the Ton of Gunpowder & a proportion of Lead, with
a proper number of flints, be delivered to Colo. Bartram Galbraith,
Lieu, of the County of Lancaster ; That the other Two-thirds of
the said Ton of Gunpowder & proportion of Lead, be delivered to
the Lieutenants of the Counties of Berks & Northampton, an equal
quantity to each; That the Ammunition for the Militia order to
Easton, be delivered to Colo. John Weitzel. Lieutenant of the
County of Northampton.
Petition of John Whitehead, Esq'r, praying to be appointed
Prothonotary of the County of Berks, was read.
Ordered , to lie on the Table. /
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 539
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Friday July 24, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Joseph Read, & ) ™ ,
Jacob Arndt, Jonathan Hoge, $ *
Ordered, That two or three of the Barges or Guard Boats, pro-
perly equipped & manned, be immediately sent into Delaware bay
to watch the Cruisers of the Enemy, procure & transmit intelli-
gence, & seize upon any of their Merchant Vessels which may be
found there ; And that as many of the Gallys be furnished with
Cannon, & fitted out as can be manned, sent down the River, & em-
ployed in watching & guarding the same against the Enemy, or any
disorderly persons disturbing the Navigation ; That the Galley
rigged as a Brig be repaired & fitted out with all expedition, under
the Command of a proper Officer, & employed in defending & pro-
tecting the Navigation of Delaware Bay.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Saturday July 25, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Joseph Read, & ? -p* > .
Jacob Arndt, Jonathan Hoge, $
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Rob't Ali-
son, House Carpenter, for the Sum of One hundred & fifty Pounds,
for which sum he is to account.
The Secretary informed the Council that Thomas Clark, Carpen-
ter, now in this City, is reported to have joined the Enemy in New
Jersey, & to have landed with them at the head of Elk, march-
ed with them to this City, & that he went over the Delaware with
them on their Retreat. That these facts are spoken of by the in-
habitants of this City as certain & acknowledged.
On consideration,
Ordered, That the aforesaid Thomas Clark be arrested by the
Sheriff, &ca. of the County, & bring him before this Council to
answer the said charge, & to be dealt with according to Law.
Upon reading & considering two acts of Congress, one of the
fourth of June last, in the following words, to-wit :
M Resolved, That should the City of Philadelphia be evacuated by
the Enemy, it will be expedient & proper for the Commander-in
540 MINUTES OF THE
Chief to take effectual care that no insult, plunder or injury of any
kind, may be offered to the inhabitants of the said City; That in
order to prevent public or private injury from the operations of ill
disposed persons, the General be directed to take early & proper
care to prevent the removal, transfer, or Sale of any Goods, Wares
or Merchandizes, in possession of the inhabitants of the said City,
until the property of the same shall be ascertained by a joint Com-
mittee, consisting of persons appointed by Congress & of persons
appointed by the Supreme Executive Council of the State of Penn-
rsylvania, to- Wit : so far as to determine whether any or what part
thereof may belong to the King of Great Britain, or to any of his
Subjects. "
And another Act of Congress, dated the 23d instant, in the
following words, to- Wit :
" Resolved, That Mr. Duer, Mr. Harvie, Mr. Holton & Mr,
Drayton, in conjunction with the Committee appointed or to be ap-
pointed by the Supreme Executive Council of the State of Penn-
sylvania, be authorized to ascertain the property of the Goods,
Wares & Merchandize in possession of the inhabitants of the City
of Philadelphia at the time it was evacuated by the Enemy, Viz :
so far as to determine whether any or what part may belong to the
King of Great Britain or to. any of his Subjects, agreeable to the
resolution of the 4th June last. Extract from the Minutes.
(<« Signed,) CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary."
Council agree that the Hon'ble Vice President, Mr. Hart, Mr.
Read & Mr. Hoge, be a Committee of this Council to meet with
Mr. Duer, Mr. Harvie, Mr. Holton & Mr. Drayton, for the pur-
poses set forth in said Act of Congress. At the same time, they can-
not but remark, that the Clothier General & other Officers of Con-
gress, about four Weeks sinse, & soon after the evacuation of said
City, which happened on the Eighteenth day of June last, did
purchase from divers inhabitants of the City of Philadelphia,
possessors of Merchandize mentioned in the said Acts of Congress,
large quantities thereof, at a price deemed to be equivalent to the
cost of the same; that Gen'l Arnold, commanding the Continental
Troops in said City, did soon after said purchase, publish a permis-
sion to the persons possessed of said goods, on certain terms to trans-
fer & sell the said Merchandizes ; that since that publication, very
considerable quantities of the Merchandizes aforesaid, have sold &
delivered to a very considerable number of buyers & consumers,
greatly in need of the same ; that it appears to Council to be now
very late k very difficult to go into a particular discussion of the
property of the goods in question ; yet as there may be quantities of
Stores & Merchandize concealed in said City, which were the prop-
erty of the King of Great Britain, & which would fall to the United
States of North America, & also goods which were the private
property of his Subjects devolving to this State, & as Congress may
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 541
be possessed of information concerning the same, the Committee
of Council are instructed to pursue, in conjunction with the said
Committee of Congress, all prudent & legal measures to attain the
ends proposed by Congress in their said Acts above recited.
The Council taking into Consideration the report of the proceed-
ings of a Court Martial held at Trenton, May 19th, 1778, wherein
John Gilfroy, boatswain of the late Ship Montgomery, being found
guilty of Mutiny & deserting to the Enemy, was adjudged to be
worthy of Death,
Ordered, That John Gilfroy, late boatswain of the Ship Mont-
gomery, now under sentence of Death for Mutiny & deserting to
the Enemy, be pardoned, this being the first conviction of an offence
of this kind in the State Fleet.
Ordered, That Commodore Hazelwood be authorized to issue a
Proclamation offering full Pardon to all deserters from the State
Fleet who shall return to their duty, & deliver themselves up to
him or some one of the Officers of the said Fleet, on before the first
day of September next.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday July 27, 1778,
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BEY AN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, James Edgar, &
Mackay, Jac'b Arndt,
tr, &")
t, j-Esq'rs.
Jo'n Hoge,
Petition of divers inhabitants of Northumberland County was
read.
Ordered, That the said Petition be laid before the Board of
War.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Jacob S.
Howell, Receiver General of Cloating, for the Sum of Three thousand
Pounds, to be charged to his account ; &
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor Colo. Dav'd
Kennedy, for the Sum of Three thousand Pounds, to pay for Cloath-
ing purchased by him for the United States.
An order was also drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieut.
James McCullough, of the 5th Pennsylvania Regiment, for the
Sum of Six hundred & fifty Dollars, for the Recruiting Service, to
be charged to his account.
An order was also drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Carr,
one of the Commissioners for purchasing of C loathing for Con-
gress in the County of Bucks, for the Sum of Seven hundred &
Fifty Pounds, to be charged to his account.
542 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Wednesday July 29, 1778
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, James Read, &
Mackay, Jac. Arodt
d,&l
, vEsq'rs,
James Edgar,
Request of Colo. Cox, A. Q. M. G., to lend to Mr. Alison 6
spades, 3 Shovels, & 3 Pick Axes, to be accounted for.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Thursday July 30, 1778
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, James Read, &
Mackay, Jac. Arndt, [► Esq'rs.
oes Read, &~)
i. Arndt, L
James Edgar,
'J 'he Council taking into Consideration the necessity of ap-
pointing a Justice of the Peace in the neighbourhood of Vincent
Township, in the county of Chester,
Ordered, That William Evans be appointed one of the Justices
of the Peace for the County of Chester, & Commissioned accord-
ingly.
Thomas Clark, arrested by Warrant issued by this Council, was
brought before the Council ;
On Consideration,
Ordered j That the said Thomas Clark be Committed to the Cus-
tody of the Sheriff of the County for further examination.
The Council taking into Consideration the necessity of appoint-
ing a Prothonotary of the County of Berks,
Ordered, That Daniel Levan, jun'r, Esq'r, be appointed Pro-
thonotary of the County of Berks, & one of the Justices of the
Court of Common Pleas, & that he be Commissioned accord-
ingly-
Lieut. James McCulloch, of the 5th Pennsylvania Regiment,
having represented that he has enlisted three Men, & that he is
now on his way to Camp <fe requested to be supplied with Money to
pay them the Bounty,
An order was thereupon drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieut
James McCulloch, of the 5th Pennsylvania Reg't, for the Sum
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 543
of Four hundred & Eight Dollars, for the Recruiting service, to be
charged to his account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Beaton,
Paymaster of Militia for the County of Chester, for the Sum of
Four thousand Pounds, & charge the same to Thomas Dorsey, Pay-
master of Militia. •
Mr. Andrew Bunner, in behalf of the owners of the Privateer
Sloop "Gerrard," represented to Council that the said Sloop was
detained from a Cruize against the Enemy for want of four or five
hundred weight of Powder, & requested an order for that quantity
on Wm. Henry, Esq'r, to be replaced as soon as possible.
On consideration,
Ordered, That Wm. Henry, Esq'r, Lieu, of the City of Phila-
delphia, do deliver to Mr. Andrew Bunner, or his order, four or
live hundred weight of Gunpowder, for the use of the Privateer
Sloop " Gerrard," to be re-paid by him as soon as possible.
[This order was returned'.]
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Friday July 31, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, James Read, &~)
Mackay, Jac. Arndt, v Esq'rs*
James Edgar, j
The Council taking into consideration the Act entitled "An Act
to prevent infectious diseases being brought into this Province ?*
On consideration,
Ordered, That Doct. Benj'a Rush & Doct. James Hutchinson, be
appointed the Physicians to assist & advise the health officer when
he shall visit Ships coming into any of the Ports of this State.
Ordered, That Doct. James Hutchinson be appointed Surgeon
of the State Fleet.
The Navy Board informed the Council that the armed Brig is
nearly ready for Service, & recommended Capt. Tho's Houston
to be the Captain of the said Brig. The appointment of a Captain
to the Armed Brig being put to Vote, a majority of Six against one
was appointing Capt. Richard Eyre ; & thereupon,,
Ordered, That Capt. Richard Eyre be appointed Commander of
the Armed Brig Convention, belonging to this State, & Commis-
sioned accordingly.
Council having received information that a Ship called the Albion,
which was sunk in the River Delaware & seized by the Navy board
of this State, on or about the 27th day of June, That a Libel had beeu
544 MINUTES OF THE
filed in the Court of Admiralty by Dav'd Beverage of this City,
Merchant, in behalf of himself & others, Claiming the property of
said Ship &; her Cargo, & had given security in the said Court for
the value thereof, & received the same into 'his possession ; The
Council considering the importance of the trial, and the great weight
of business which now falls on the Attorney General, which renders
assistance herein absolutely necessary,
Ordered, That Jacob Rush, Esq'r, be employed to assist the At-
torney General in the trial before the Court of Admiralty respect-
ing the Ship Albion, & that the Secretary be directed to pay him
the Sum of One hundred Dollars, as a Fee for his Services therein 3
■ And an order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Secre-
tary, for the Sum of One hundred Dollars, to be paid by him as the
Fee above mentioned.
On application,
Ordered, That the Navy board furnish Mr. James Carson & Jos.
M'Culloch with three hundred weight of Gunpowder. & half a ton
of round & grape shot, to be re-paid by them as soon as possible.
The Petition of Rob't Lumsden, of this City, praying to be ap-
pointed Wharfinger & Weighmaster of Hay at the Draw Bridge in
this City, was read, & information being also given that Joshua
Humphreys solicited those offices,
On consideration,
Ordered, That Robert Lumsden be appointed Wharfinger &
Weighmaster of hay, &ca., at the Drawbridge in this City.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Saturday Augs't 1, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, James Read, & 1
Mackay, Jac. Arndt, LEsq'rs.
Jas. Edgar, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Rob't Craig,
one of the Commissioners for purchasing Cloathing for the use of
the Continental Army, or his order, for the Sum of Ten thousand
Pounds, to be charged to his account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. James
Lang, one of the Commissioners for purchasing of Cloathing for
the Use of the Continental Army, or his order, for the Sum of Five
thousand Pounds, to be charged to his account.
Ordered, That William Henry, Esq'r, Lieu, of the City of Phila-
delphia, do deliver to Henry Buuner or his order, thirty dozen
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 545
Musket Cartridges, to be re-paid by the owners of the Privateer
Sloop Gerrard, as soon as possible.
The Council taking into consideration the necessity of laying an
Embargo on Provisions, as well to prevent the supplying of the
Enemy, as to secure a full supply for the Continental Army,
Ordered, That a Proclamation be issued for laying an Embargo
to prevent the exportation of Provisions from, this State to any
place,
11 By the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania:
" A PROCLAMATION.
" Whereas, The exportation of Victuals & Provisions from the
United States of North America hath occasioned much difficulty in
procuring supplies for the American Armies, & by the Capture of
divers Vessels employed in such exportation, the forces of the Ene-
my have relieved from distresses otherwise likely to embarrass
their operations for remedy, whereof, the Council do hereby an
embargo on the exportation of Wheat, flour, rye, oats, spelts, bar-
ley, Indian Corn, beef, pork, or other Victuals, whether alive or
dead, from this State to any parts or place beyond sea, & for that
purpose do forbid the clearing out and dispatch, & the Sailing of
any Ship or other Vessel on which any such Goods & Victuals
shall be laden, of which the Naval Officer, & the Commodore of the
State Fleet, are required to take notice & govern themselves accord-
ingly : Provided always, That the embargo shall be continued
for Thirty days from the date of these Presents & no longer, &
that the necessary Stores & Victuals during their voiages, as well
for Ships of War as Merchant Vessels, shall not be hereby re-
strained.
" Given by order of the Council, under the hand of the Honorable
George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President, & the Seal of the State, at
Philadelphia, the first day of August, in the year of our Lord
One thousand Seven hundred & Seventy-eight.
(Signed)—" GEO. BRYAN, Vice President
" Attest— T'y Matlack, Sec'y."
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieut. Patrick
Fuilerton, for the Sum of Two thousand Dollars, for the recruit-
ing Service, to be charged to his account.
YOL, XI,— 35,
546 MINUTES OF THE
The Council Met.
Philadelphia, Monday August 3, 1778.
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jonathan Hoge, & ) ™ ,
Mackay, JacoJ) Arndt, 5
Ordered, That Thomas Humberge do bring down the Gunpow-
der now in his possession, & deliver it to Capt. Joseph Stiles, of
this City, for the use of the State.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Peter De-
haven, for the Sum of Two thousand Pounds, for the use of the
Gun Factory.
And an order was drawn on Will'm Henry, Esq'r, of Lancaster,
for Two hundred Gun Locks, to be taken from the insufficient
Dutch Arms belonging to the State in his possession.
The Council considering the dangerous tendency of Precedents of
assumed Power in cases which may appear to be justifiable from
necessity •
Ordered, That a solemn Protest against the proceedings of Con-
gress on the 8th day of June last, for laying an embargo on Pro-
visions to prevent the exportation thereof, be entered on our Min-
utes, that the said proceeding may not be hereafter drawn into a
Precedent, in favor of any claim of right hereafter to be set up to
use & exercise the power & authority to lay embargoes in this State.
And the following being Prepared and read, the same was ap-
proved & ordered to be inserted as their protest :
[Blank in Council Book.]
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieut. James
McCulloch, of the 5th Pennsylvania Keg't, or his order, for the
Sum of One hundred & Fifty Dollars, for the recruiting service, to
be charged to his account.
Ordered, That Mr. Lod Sprogell, Muster Master, do imme-
diately muster the Men belonging to the State Fleet, & make re-
turn thereof to Council without delay.
Ordered, That the full Rations of Mr. Sprogell, Muster Master,
be furnished to him by Mr. Crispin, Commissary of the State
Fleet. (These Rations are not be drawn farther back than to the
18th of June.)
On consideration,
Ordered, That Mr. Gunning Bedford be appointed Measurer of
Wheat & other Corn & of Salt, in the City of Philadelphia.
On consideration of the recommendation of the Justices of the
Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace for the County of Phila-
delphia,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 547
Ordered, That Hillary Baker, jun'r, be appointed & Commis-
sioned to be Clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace
for the County of Philadelphia.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Tuesday August 4, 177:
PRESENT !
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, James Edgar, & 1
Mackay, Jac. Arndt, I Esq'rs.
Jona. Hoge, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Dav?d Decider
■& John Arndt, Esq'rs, Commissioners for purchasing Wheat, <fcca,
in the County of Northampton, for the Sum of Two thousand and
five hundred Pounds, for which they are to account.
Ordered, That Col. George Stewart, of Earl Township, be re-
quired to attend this Council on Thursday the fifth day of Septem-
ber next, at nine o'Clock in the forenoon, to answer the Charge of
misbehaviour in his Office, as Agent for seizing of forfeited Estates,
in the Sale of Goods lately belonging to Michael Wittman ; And
that a Copy of this Minute be forwarded to him, be considered as a
summons for his appearance.
Ordered, That Advertisements be put up at or near Ephrata, giv-
ing public notice of the foregoing order, requiring the evidences in
the aforesaid* case to appear in Council on the day appointed for
hearing the same, or otherwise to make deposition before some Jus-
tice or Justices of the Peace for the County of Lancaster, of such
evidence as they may be able to give in the Premises, giving notice
in writing to the said George Stewart, of the time & place of taking
such depositions, at least five days before the taking of the same, such
depositions to be carefully forwarded to Council by the Justice or
Justices before whom they shall be taken.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Wednesday Aug't 5, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, James Edger, <&'
Mackay, Jac. Arndt, I Esq'rs.
Jona. Hoge,
}
543 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Thursday August 6, 1778,
PRESENT I
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, James Edgar, &
Mackay, Jac. Arndt,
;, VEsq'i
Jona. Hoge,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieut. Stephen
Stephenon, of the 9th Pennsylvania Reg't, for the Sum of Six
hundred Dollars, for the Recruiting service, for which he is to account.
Hon'ble Rob't Morris & Hon'ble Dan'l Roberdeau attended in
Council, & informed the Council That they were directed by Con-
gress to inform the Council that the Ambassador Plenipotentiary
of his Most Christian Majesty was to receive his first Public au-
dience in Congress this day at 12 o'clock, & that the doors of Con-
gress would be open to the Vice President & Council, if they shall
think proper to attend.
On consideration,
Agreed, That the Council will attend the Public Audience in
Congress of the Ambassador Plenipotentiary from the Court of
France,
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Friday August 7, 1778
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Mackay, ~)
Jonathan Hoge, Jacob Arndt, <fe WEsq'rs.
James Edgar, Smith, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieut. Will'm
Vanleer, of the 9th Pennsylvania Reg't, for the Sum of Two hun-
dred and Seventy-five Dollars, for the recruiting Service, to be
cbarged to his account.
Colo. Knox & Colo. Clark, a Committee from the Hon'ble
House of General Assembly, attended in Council, & informed that
they had in charge from the House to acquaint the Council That a
Quorum of the House was now met & ready to enter upon busi-
ness, & desired to know if the Council had any business to lay
before the house; to which the Hon'ble Vice President replied,
that the Council were glad to hear that a House was met, & that
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 540
the business on which they had been called should be laid before
the House.
An Account, of which the following is a Copy, was laid before
the Council, Vizt :
" Trenton, 20th Jan'y, 1778.,
" William Crispin, Esq'r,
" To Rob't Paisley, Dr.
« To 6 hhds. Spirits, - - 117
116
112
113
" March 1, to 2 ditto, - - 122
117
918 G'ns, @ 105s, £4819 10
" The within Account is just.
" WM. CRISPIN, C. S. F.
" August 4, 1778."
On consideration,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Robert
Paisley, or his order, for the Sum of Four thousand five hundred
& Ninety Pounds, for the above Six hhds. of Spirits, the said Sum
to be charged to the account of William Crispin, Commissary of
the State Fleet.
Peter Thompson, Jacob Barge, & — Musgrove, three of
the Warders of the City of Philadelphia, attended in Council, <&
represented that they were in great distress for want of Money to
pay the Debts contracted by them to purchase the necessary Sup-
ply of Oil, & to pay the Watchmen ; That the situation of the
Taxes will not admit of the necessary collection in time for the said
purpose, & therefore, pray that a Sum of Money be put into their
hands for these emmergencies, to be repaid as soon as may be ; That
the Sum of Fifteen hundred Pounds will probably answer these
purposes.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Patrick Fuller-
ton, Lieu, in the 13th Pennsylvania Reg't, or his order, for the
Sum of Six hundred & Eighty Dollars, for the Recruiting Service,
to be charged to his account.
Messrs. Blewer & Cox, from the State Navy Board, represent,
that the Brig. Convention, Commanded by Capt. Rich'd Eyre, is
nearly fitted for Sea, desire further instructions concerning that
Vessel; Whereupon,
Council considering that the danger of the Enemy's return into
this River is greatly lessened by various Circumstances, & there is
reason to expect that the said Brig, may greatly annoy the Enemy by
Cruizing upon the Coast, do recommend that the Navy Board fit
550 MINUTES OF THE
out the said Brig, for this purpose, as expeditiously as possible, &
engage Volunteers to Man her, on the best terms in their power>
giving orders to Capt. Eyre to Cruize Six Weeks between the
Cape of Virginia & Long Island, & then return for further orders.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Saturday August 8, 1778,
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Mackay, 1
Jonathan Hoge, Jacob Arndt, & V Esq'rs.
James Edgar, Smith, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Robert
Allison, for the Sum of Six hundred Pounds, for the purpose of
paying the workmen employed in taking up the Plank at the re*
doubt, for which he is to account.
Capt. John Pearson & Lieu. Will' id Thomson, of the 9th Penn-
sylvania Reg't, being sent on the Recruiting Service by Richard
Butler, Esq'r, Colo, of the said Regiment, attended, & desired to
be supplied with Money and Recruiting instructions.
Ordered, That they be furnished with Money & Recruiting In-
structions,
And the following orders were drawn, Vizt : One in favor of
Capt. John Pearson for the Sum of Six hundred Dollars, & One
other in favor of Lieu. Win. Thomson, for the Sum of Six Hundred
Dollars, for the Recruiting Service, for which they are to ac-
count.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday Aug't 10, 1778,
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Mackay, James Edgar, & 1
Smith, Jac. Arndt, l Esq'rs.
Jona. Hogo, J
Ordered, That a Dcdimus Potestatem be made out, authorizing
James Read, Jacob Morgan & Henry Huller, Esq'rs, of the County
of Berks, or either of them, to administer to all & every person in
the said County named in any Commission issued or granted, or to
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 551
be Issued or to be granted, the Oaths or Affirmations required, to
qualify them respectively for their Offices, & the trust reposed ia
them by virtue of such Commissions.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Tuesday Aug't 11, 1773,
present :
Mackay, James Edgar, &
Smith, Jacob Arndt, \- Esq'rs.
Jonathan Hoge,
r,&)
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Wednesday Aug't 12, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
— Mackay, James Edgar, &")
— — — Smith, Jacob Arndt, v Esq'rs.
Jona. Hoge, J
A Committee from the Hon'ble House of General Assembly at-
tended, & informed the Council that the House were desirous of a
conference with Council on the subject of the State Navy, and
of the defence of the River Delaware.
Ordered, That the Council will meet the House in conference
this Afternoon at three 0' Clock.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Samuel Cun-
ningham, Esq'r, one of the Commissioners for purchasing Cloath-
ing for Chester County, for the Sum of One Thousand Two hun-
dred Pounds, for the purchasing of Cloathing, for which he is to
account.
552 MINUTES OF THE
The Council Met.
Philadelphia, Thursday Aug't 13, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Mackay, James Edgar, &
Smith, Jacob Arndt, lEsq'rs.
(.Esq']
Jona. Hoge,
The Hon'ble Rob't Morris, Esq'r, represented that a number of
Arms & G unlocks ordered by the former Council of Safety, were
arrived from the West Indies in a Vessel belonging to him.
Ordered, That the Arms which are now arrived from the West
Indies, in a Vessel belonging to the Hon'ble Rob't Morris, Esq'r,
be put into the hands of Capt. Stiles, Commissary of Military
Stores.
The Council took into consideration the State of the Navy, agree-
able to the request of the House signified in the course of the con-
ference yesterday, & having spent some time thereupon, adjourned.
The Council Met.
Philadelphia, Friday August 14, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Mackay, James Edgar, & ")
Smith, Jacob Arndt, > Esq'rs.
Jona. Hoge, )
The Council having considered the enquiries of the Hon'ble
House of Assembly concerning the State Navy, propose that the
Commodore & supernumerary Officers of the State Navy be all dis-
charged | that the Galleys, except two or three, be all disarmed <fc
the Vessels laid up or sold ; That the Guard boats, except two or
three, be all sold; That the Brig. Convention, now ready for Sea,
be sent out on a Cruise for Six weeks, manned by Volunteers, on
the terms of a Priveteer ; That the Navy Board having failed in
getting out the said Brig, in Seven Weeks, elapsed since the de-
parture of the Enemy, be dismissed, & that Capt. Blewer, or other
proper person, be employed to dispatch said Brig, immediately, or
else that the said Brig, be sold without loss of time; The Cannon,
Ammunition, Fire Arms and other Weapons, be secured in the
State Stores.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 553
On Consideration,
Ordered, That Tho's Dorsey, Paymaster of the Militia, be dis-
charged on the first day of September next, and that he be directed
in the mean time to settle his accounts.
On consideration,
Ordered, That as there is no further necessity for a Barrack
Master General in this State, Colonel Melchior be discharged from
that Office.
Ordered, That application be made to the Board of War to give
the necessary orders to the Muster Master to Muster the Militia of
this State who are called into service, to the Westward & North-
ward.
The Council met
Philadelphia, Saturday August 15, 1778.
present :
Hobble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
- Mackay, Smith, > E g,
Jonathan Hoge, & $
Divers Letters from Colo. Hartley, dated at Sunbury, August
the 9th & 10th, were read.
Ordered, That the same be laid before the Board of War, & that
CJol. Smith & Mr. Hoge attend that Board1, and enquire whether
Colo. Hartley is ordered to the Westward, & to confer with the
Board on the situation of the Forces on the frontiers.
The order of Congress of the 14th instant, relating to Mr. Wil-
liam Straker, lately made Prisoner by the Count D'Estaing's Squad-
ron, was read, to wit :
" In Congress, August 14, 1778.
" The Board of War, to whom was referred the memorial of the
Hon'ble Sieur Gerard, relative to Mr. William Straker, having
made report thereon, & the same being read,
" Ordered*, That the said report & papers referred to, relative to
Mr. Straker, be referred to the Government of the State of Penn-
sylvania, to determine whether they will consider Mr. Will'm Stra-
ker, lately made Prisoner by the Count D'Estaing's Squadron, as a
Citizen of the State of Pennsylvania, & if the said Government shall
determine to consider & receive the said Will'm Straker as a Citi-
zen of their State, that they be desired to transmit a Certificate of
their determination to the Sieur. Gerard, Minister Plenepotentiary
-of his Christian Majesty.
" N. B. — Copy of the proceedings to be kept."
554 MINUTES OF THE
On Consideration of the Case of Mr. William Straker, not only
from the evidence now laid before them, but from his known resi-
dence & his past conduct in this Country, the Council are unani-
mously of opinion that he is a Citizen of this State, & ought to be
considered & treated as such.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday Aug't 17, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jonathan Hoge,")
Mackay, James Edgar, & lEsq'rs.
Smith, Jacob Arndt, J
The following Resolves of the Hon'ble House of General Assem-
bly of the 15th instant, were read, Vizt. :
" In General Assembly of Pennsylvania.
" Saturday August 15, 1778, P. M.
"Resolved 1st, That this House do recommend to the Hon'ble
the Vice President & Council, to discharge, on or before the Twentieth
day of this instant, August, from & out of the Pay of this State7
the Commodore & all other the Officers & Men belonging to the
Fleet or Navy of this Commonwealth, except such as they shall
deem necessary to Officer & Man a number of Gallies, not exceeding
three, & a number of Guard boats, not exceeding three, without pay-
ing any regard to rank or seniority,
"Resolve 2d, That it be recommended to the Hon'ble the Vice
President & Council, to set such & so many of the Guard boats as
they may think proper.
'* Resolve 3d, That it be recommended to the Hon'ble the Vice
President & Council, to appoint Capt. Thomas Houstons to be Cap-
tain of the Brig. Convention, & Colo. Robert Knox & Capt. Joseph
Blewer to fit out, Man & send the said Brig, upon a Cruize against
the Enemies of the United States, & upon such terms as Privateers
are usually sent.
" Resolve 4th, That it be recommended to the Hon'ble the Vice
President & Council, to dismiss the Navy Board of this Common-
wealth.
u Resolve 5th, That the Gallies, Guard boats not sold, Cannon,
t Ammunition, Weapons & implements of Warr riggle tackle & fur-
niture, be properly secured & preserved-
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 555
" Resolve 6th, That the thanks of the House be given to the
members of the State Navy Board, & to the Officers & Men of the
Navy, for their Services in the Public cause.
" On motion,
"Resolved, That it be recommended to the Hon'ble the Vice
President & Council, to take proper measures for preserving & se-
curing as much of the Wrecks, Cargoes, Furniture and apparel of
the Vessels sunk or left in the different parts of the River Dela-
ware, as may be possible/'
Ordered, That in Consideration of the recommendation of the
Hon'ble House of General Assembly, That Capt. Thomas Houston
be appointed & Commissioned to be Captain of the Armed Brig.
Convention, And that Col. Robert Knox & Capt. Joseph Blewer
be appointed to fit out, Man & send the said Brig, upon a Cruize
against the Enemies of the United States, upon such terms as Pri-
vateers are usually sent.
Ordered, That in pursuance of the third, fourth & sixth Resolves
of the Hon'ble House of General Assembly, & for the reasons as-
signed by the House, the Navy Board of this Commonwealth be
dismissed, & that they be furnished with a Copy of the said Re-
solves.
In Consequence of Col. Richard Butler's recommendation of
Capt. Jos. McClellan, of the 9th Pennsylvania Reg't, as a suita-
ble Person to Recruit,
Ordered, That the said Capt. Jos. McClellan be furnished with
Recruiting instructions, & that he be directed to call on Colo. Rob't
Smith, Eieut of the County of Chester, for Money for that purpose.
Thomas Smith, Esq'r, of the County of Bedford, attended in
■Council, & represented that the Board of War had under their con-
sideration the building of a Stockade Fort at the Town of Bedford,
& that the said Board was desirous of being informed of the Sen-
timents of this Council respecting the propriety & necessity of it.
On consideration of the advantages to be derived from such a for-
tification in the keeping open the Communication with Pittsburgh,
especially while an expedition to the Westward is on foot, Coun-
cil are of opinion that the erecting of such a fort will be very
proper.
Garret Davis, a disabled Seaman, Solicited his half Pay, due to
him from the first of August last, agreeable to the order of the
Council of Safety, & it appearing by a Letter from J. M. Nesbitt,
Esq'r, that the same is due to him on the first instant,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Secretary,
for Sixteen Pounds & Ten Shillings, being eleven Months half
Pay due to Garret Davis, to be by the Secretary applied in such
manner as the most effectually to relieve him from his present
distress.
556 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Tuesday Aug't 18, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r,' Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jona. Hoge, & > E ,fjj
Mackay, James Edgar. $
A Letter from the Hon'ble Thomas Scott, dated Westmorland.
Aug't 1st, 1778, was read, &; the same containing some informa-
tion relating to the boundaries between the State of Virginia & of
this State,
Ordered, That the same be laid before the House of Gen'l As-
sembly.
Resolve of Congress of the 14th instant, requesting that one
the armed Galley's may be stationed near the mouth of the Cape
May Channel, was read.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieut. Arch'd
Campbell, of the Sixth Pennsylvania Reg't, for the Sum of Eight
hundred Dollars, for the Recruiting Service, for which he is to be
accountable.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Colo. Bob't
Knox & Capt. Joseph Blewer, for the Sum of One thousand
Pounds, for the purpose of fitting out for Sea the armed Brig Con-
vention, for which they are to be accountable.
An order was drawn on the Hon'ble Board of War for the fol-
lowing Articles, vizt : 50 Rounds of Cartridges for eight Guns,
two Pounds each ; 2 Kegs of Powder, one of them fine ; one ream
of Cartridge Paper; 1006 Musquet Cartridges ; 500 Pistol Cart-
ridges; Twenty-five Musquets with Bayonets; & two four Poun-
ders, to be delivered to Col. Rob't Knox & Capt. Jos. Blewer, for
the use of the Armed Brig Convention, belonging to this State.
It being represented by Rob't Galbraith, Esq'r, & others of the
County of Bedford, that there are in the Goal of the said County
divers persons said to have been guilty of treasonable practices, h
one man said to have committed Murder ;
A list of the persons said to have been guilty of treasonable
practices was laid before the Council, and on consideration of the
many important trials which will probably come before the Su-
preme Court, k of the danger there ma}r of the said Traitors being
rescued, as well as other difficulties which the people of the Coun-
ty of Bedford now lie under, which render a speedy trial of the
said offenders highly necessary,
Ordered, That John Armstrong of the County of Cumberland,
Esq'r, Barnard Dougherty & Jas. Martin of the County of Bed-
ford, Esq'rs, Archibald MeClean of the County of York, Esq'r,
& John Hublcy of the County of Lancaster, Esq'r, be appointed
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 557
4 Commissioned to enquire, on the Oath of good & lawful men of
the said County of Bedford, fcf & concerning the said offences, &
to determine the same according to law, &ca.
Ordered, That a Dedimus Potestatum be made out, authorizing
& empowering Robt. G-albraith & John Piper of the County of
Bedford, Esq'rs, or either of them, to administer to the aforesaid
John Armstrong, Bernard Dougherty, James Martin, Archibald
McClean & John Hubley, Esq'rs, respectively, the Oaths or Affir-
mation required to be taken to qualify them for the Office <fe trust
reposed in them by the Commission so to be issued.
The Council Met,
Philadelphia, Wednesday Aug't 19, 1778,
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, James Edgar, ")
■ Mackay, Jacob Arndt, & [ ™ ,
Jonathan Hoge, Thomas Urie. \ "
Smith, J
Council having received information that there are seven Store-
Ships belonging to the Enemy in the Bay of Delaware,
Ordered, That the Navy Board do immediately send two of the
Galleys now in repair, most fit for the purpose, into the Delaware
Bay, to annoy the Enemy, and at the same time to give orders to
the Commanders of the said Galleys to exert themselves to pre-
vent the exportation of provisions, either thro' the Cape May Chan-
nel or the Delaware.
The Council being informed that a quantity of Indigo belonging
to the State, purchased by the Council of Safety, is lodged in the
hands of Robt. Levers, Esq'r, at Easton,
Ordered, That the Secretary do write to Robt. Levers, Esq'r, k
direct him to send the said indigo down to this City by the first
opportunity.
CqL Knox & Capt. Blewer attended the Council and requested
an order for Twenty-five Muskets & Twenty-five Men from the
Galleys, to go on board the Brig Convention.
Ordered, That Commodore Hazlewood do furnish from the Gai-
ly" s Twenty-five able Men to go on board the Armed Arig Conven-
tion.'
Col. Knox & Capt. Blewer recommended Thomas Philips first
Lieutenant, & James Simpson Second Lieutenant of the Armed
Brig Convention.
558 MINUTES OF THE
On consideration,
Ordered, That Thomas Philips be appointed first Lieut, of the
Armed Brig Convention, & that James Simpson be appointed 2d
Lieut, of the said Armed Brig.
On consideration of the conduct & character of the Agents for
forfeited Estates in Bucks County, Richard Gibbs, Esq'r, having
resigned, & the necessity that the most vigorous measures be taken
within the said County to secure the Estates of Traitors belonging
to thisState; it was
Resolved, That John Lacey, jun'r, Esq'r, and George Wall,
jun'r, Esq'r, be appointed Agents & Factors for forfeited Estates
within said County, & that the former appointments of Agents
and Factors for that purpose within the County of Bucks be super-
ceded, And the Secretary is directed to prepare instructions & trans-
mit the same with this Minute, to the Agents now appointed.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Thursday August 20, 1778.
present:
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Edgar, ^
Mackay, Jacob Arndt, & J -p, ,
Jon. Hoge, Thomas Urie, f ^
Smith, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Jjieut. Wil-
liam Thompson, of the 9th Pennsylvania Reg' t, for the Sum of Six
hundred Dollars, for the Recruiting Service, to be charged to him.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Francis Trum-
ble, for 19 Windsor Chairs, for the Sum of Sixty-four Pounds
Two Shillings & Six Pence.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Jacob Stein-
mitz, for the Sum of One Hundred & nine Pounds Two Shillings
k Six Pence, for Bricks furnished by him for repairs to be done at
the State House.
" Conference with Committee of the House."
"A Committee of theJHon'ble House of General Assembly at-
tended in Council by order of the House, to confer with Council
upon the expediency or necessity of fortifying the River Delaware,
& after spending several hours thereupon, It was agreed, That it
will be proper, before any determination be had on the said Subject,
to Ask of Congress a Conference with a Committee of their House
upon the important business; And a Letter was accordingly writ-
ten to the Hon'ble President of Congress acquainting him with the
opinion of the conference herein. "
s
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 559
The Congress met.
Philadelphia, Friday August 21, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Edgar, ^j
Mackay, Jacob Arndt, & J tf ,
Jona. Hoge, Thomas Urie. \ *
• Smith, J
Mr. Arthur Donaldson having represented to Council that he
found himself under difficulties in procuring necessary supplies for
the raising the Wrecks in the River ; thereupon,
Ordered, That the Navy board & the Commissary of Stores, do
from time to time furnish Mr. Arthur Donaldson with such Stores
& other assistance as he may have occasion for in his attempts to
raise the Wrecks in the River Delaware : It is probable that the
Gallies and Boats may be wanted in this Service, & in case they
are, Mr. Donaldson is to have their assistance.
Jacob Barge & Reuben Haines, two of the Wardens of the City,
attended the Council & represented that, from the situation of pub-
lic Affairs no Lamp & Watch Tax has been Collected for Two
Years past, and that the Wardens have contracted considerable
debts in supplying the Lamps with Oil, paying Watchmen, &ca, &
that the stock of Oil is now entirely expended, in consequence
whereof the Lamps cannot be lighted, nor have they been lighted
for sometime past; That a Tax for the raising of Money for this
purpose cannot be collected in any short time, & therefore, request
the Council to lend them One Thousand & five hundred Pounds, to
pay the Debts contracted with private persons, & furnish a present
supply of Oil, the said sum to be repaid as early as possible.
On consideration,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Jacob Barge,
one of the City Wardens or his order, for the Sum of Five hundred
Pounds, to purchase a present supply of Oil for the City Lamps,
to be charged to the City Wardens, & to be repaid by them as
soon as possible.
On application,
Ordered, That Mr. Allison do furnish John Mitchell, Esq'r, D.
Q. M. G., with a Waggon load or two of the Pickets taken up from
the Redoubts, for the purpose of repairing a breach in the bank of
the State Island.
Ensign Philip Snyder, of the 6th Pennsylvania Reg't, being ap-
pointed by Major Gen'l Wayne & sent on the Recruiting Service,
thereupon Recruiting orders were given him, And an order was
drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Ens. Philip Snyder, of the 6th
560 MINUTES OF THE
Pennsylvania Reg't, or his order, for the Sum of Six hundred dol-
lars, for the recruiting Service, to be charged to his account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of William Cris-
pin, Commissary of the State Fleet, or his order, for the Sum of
Five hundred Pounds, to be charged to his account.
The Resolve of the Hon'ble House of General Assembly of the
17th instant, recommending to this Council " to retain & employ
in the Public Service such able Council as they may think neces-
sary, to, Assist the Attorney General in the prosecution of Public
offenders, & that they make a proper compensation for their ser-
vices/ ' being read, & the same being considered,
Ordered, That the Hon'ble Joseph Reed, Esq'r, be applied to
& retained to Assist the Attorney General for the present year, &
that the Sum of Two thousand Pounds be allowed him for his ser-
vice for one year.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Saturday Aug't 22, 1778,
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Edgar, "j
Mackay, Jacob Arndt, & I ™ 7
Jon'a Hoge, Thomas Urie, | "^
Smith, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieut. Piercy^
of the 2d Pennsylvania Reg't, for the sum of Six hundred dollars,
for the recruiting service, & to be charged to his 'account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Captain Joseph
Pearson, of the 9th Pennsylvania Reg't, or his order, for the Sum
of One Thousand Dollars, for the Recruiting Service, to be charged
to his account.
Mrs. Frances Raddon, wife of Capt. Raddon, having requested
of the Secretary a Pass to New York, & represented that she was
Pregnant & near the time of delivery, that she was very desirous
to be with her husband, on whom she depends for her support, &
that she has no intention of returning to this City ;
On consideration;
Ordered, That a Pass under the State seal be made out, signed
by the President & attested by the Secretary, permitting the said
Frances Raddon to pass on her way to New York, & recommending
her to the Officer Commanding the Troops next to the Enemy.
On consideration of the proposal of Arthur Donaldson for raising
the Wrecks in the River Delaware,
Ordered, That Mr. Arthur Donaldson be employed to engage
proper persons to raise the wrecks iu the River Delaware, & that
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 561
he oversee & direct them therein, for widen" service he shall be al-
lowed the Sum of Three Pounds ^ diem.
The Council now took into consideration the Resolve of Congress
of the 15th instant, with the Papers therewith enclosed, relating to
the case of Frederick Verner, under sentence of death, passed by a
Court Martial, on which the opinion of the Hon'ble Thomas Mc-
Kean, Esq'r, Chief Justice of this State, has been given in the
following words, vizt :
iC I have perused k considered the proceedings of a General Court
Martial, held in the city of Philadelphia by order of Major General
Arnold, on the 29th day of July now last past, upon Frederick Ver-
ner, and also the Extract of a Letter from the said General to Con-
gress, dated the 15th instant, which have been referred to me by
the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl-
vania, & upon the whole, beg leave to advise in favor of life ; that
the said Frederick Verner should be tried by the Laws of Pennsyl-
vania for treason, & that he be detained in safe Custody until the
next Court of Oyer & Terminer & General Goal Delivery to be
holden at Philadelphia for the City & County of Philadelphia, then
to be tried, & in the mean time, that the several witnesses be bound
over to give evidence at the said Court, <fe that Maj. Gen'l Arnold
be desired to send for Capt. Allen McLean, or any other person now
in the Army in the State of New York, who can give evidence
against the Prisoner, for the purpose aforesaid.
« THO'S MoKBAN.
Philad'a, Aug>t22, 1778."
c.
Which opinion this Council do approve, and thereupon it is
Ordered, That the said opinion be Communicated to Congress,
& that the Congress be informed that the Council do approve of
the same.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday August 24, 1778,
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President,
Joseph Hart, James Edgar, ^
— r — - Mackay) Jacob Arndt, & I w ,
Jona. Hoge, Thomas Urie, fm%*&
Tt— » — — Smith, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Col. Robert
Knox &Capt. Joseph Blewer, or their order, for the Sum of One
thousand Pounds, for which they are to account,
VOL xi.— 36.
562 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That Col. Henry deliver to Col. Knox & Capt. Blewer
Twenty Cartridge Boxes, for the Brig Convention.
The Petition of John Samsfield, a disabled Galley man, praying
to be discharged, was read, and the same being signed by Capt.
Isaac Roach of the Galleys,
Ordered, That the
The Hon'ble Tho's M'Kean, Esq'r, represented to Council that
application had been made to him in behalf of a certain Charles
Dingee, now confined in the Goal of the County of Lancaster, re-
questing that he may be removed to the Goal of the County of
Chester, in which County his friends reside.
On consideration that the said Charles Dingee was committed to
the Goal of the County of Lancaster as a place of greater security
than that of the Countyof Chester at the time of his commitment,
Ordered, That the Sheriff of the County of Chester be author-
ized & empowered to remove the said Charles Dingee from the Goal
of the County of Lancaster to the Goal of the County of Chester,
at the expence of him, the said Charles Dingee.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieu. Will'm
Thompson, of the 9th Penns'a Reg't, or his order, for the Sum of
Six hundred Dollars, for the recruiting service, for which Sum he
is to account.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Tuesday August 25, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Edgar,
Mackay, Jacob Arndt, &
Jona. Hoge, Thomas Urie, f" ^
Smith, J
Ordered, That the Hon'ble Vice President, Col. Hart& Colonel
Smith, be a Committee to meet the Committee of Congress & of the
House of Assembly in conference, on the subject of fortifying the
Kiver Delaware.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 5b3
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Wednesday August 26, 1778.
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq,'r Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Edgar, ~J
— — M&ckay, Jacob Arndt, & vEsq'rs.
Smith, Tho's Urie. J
Recruiting orders were issued to ensign Robert Rice, for recruit-
ing, by recommendation of Col. Hampton, and an order was drawn
on the Treasurer in favor of Ens. Robert Rice, or his order, for the
Sum of Six hundred Dollars, for the recruiting service, to be charged
to his account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Francis
Bayley, for the sum of Five hundred & Fifty pounds, in part of
his account.
An order was drawn on the 'Treasurer in favor of Mr. Matt'w
Boyd, one of the Commissioners for purchasing Cloathing in the
County of Chester, for the Sum of Four hundred Pounds, to be
charged to his aeco't.
The Secretary reported, That application was now made for com-
missions for private Ships of War more than are in his possession ;
therefore,
Ordered, That application be made to the President of Congress
for twelve blank commissions for private Ships of War.
Ordered, That recruiting instructions be made out for Capt.
Samuel Craig & Lieu. Edw'd Crawford, of the first Pennsylvania
Reg't.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Captain Sam'l
Craig, for six hundred dollars, for the recruiting service, for which
lie is to account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieu. Edw'd
Crawford, for six hundred dollars, for the recruiting service, for
which he is to account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieu. Arch'd
Campbell, of the 6th Pennsylvania Reg't, for the Sum of Six hun-
dred Dollars, for the recruiting Service, for which he is to ac-
count.
Council Chamber.
Philadelphia, Saturday August 29, 1778.
Capt. McAffee proposed to make examination for Goods in the
possession of Fitz, who had robbed him; & ammunition for defence,
564 MINUTES OF THE
& gave the following account, to-wit : That about 11 O'Clock s
Gun was fired at the Window, but struck below the Window, he
had not two rounds of Ammunition at this time in his possession 5
his nearest neighbours refused to assist him in guarding him.
Ordered, That Capt. Stiles, Commissary of Military Stores, do
deliver to Capt. McAffee Ammunition &4 Militia Men.
The following orders were drawn on the Treasurer, Vizt : One
in favor of Robert Allison, for the Sum of Eight hundred Pounds;
One in favor of John Parker, for the Sum of Forty Pounds, both on
account of repairs, &c. done to the State House ; & one other in
favor of Arthur Donaldson, for the Sum of Five hundred Pounds,
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday August 31, 1778.
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Mackay, James Edgar,
Smith, Jacob Arndt, V Esq'rs*
ylon'n Hoge,
Petitions of John Knowles, Alexa. Murray & William Moland;
were read, Praying, That as they had been made Prisoners by the
British Troops, & were now upon their Parole, Abraham Iredell
and others might be sent into New York to be exchanged for them7
whereby they may be restored to their liberty.
Accounts of John Eyre & of Jacob Miller, for Lumber & plank
that was taken from them & used by the Enemy in building a Fort,
& afterwards taken & used by the State for jthe same purpose, was
laid before Council.
Ordered, That application be made to the President of Congress
for Twenty-four blank Commissions for private Ships of War : (the
12 ordered on the 27th not being furnished us.)
Samuel Morris the elder, Esq'r, & eighteen other Citizens of repu-
tation, attended the Council, & the said Sam'l Morris, in the name of
the rest, addressed the Hon'ble Vice President, & requested That
the Council would compassionate the case of the four unhappy
Prisoners, Criminals^pow under Sentence of Death, & spare the
lives of the said Criminals, or some of them, they all appearing to
be very penitent & sensible of their great offence, as well as of the
justice of the sentence pronounced against them. -The Hon'ble
Vice President remarked the imposibility of suporting an armed,
without making examples of offenders in this way, & that whatever
the feelings the members of Council may have as Men, it must be
remembered that the Council are to consider themselves as being
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 565
bound by their Station to perform some of the arduous duties of
Magistrates, And remarked that it would be proper for the Gentle-
men who meant to solicit Mercy for the Prisoners to do it in wri-
ting, in order that it may appear at a future day. They then re-
tired.
Appointment of the Captains of the Galleys & Guard Boats ;
(Captains to return their Lieut's from among the Lieut's now in
service.)
Application of the Rev'd S. Barton for a Pass into t$ie City
of New York.
Ordered, That a Pass for the said S. Barton & his wife to the
City of New York, be made out.
Ap. of Rev'd Mr. A. Murray for time, &ca., referred.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Tuesday Septem. 1, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
*te* Mackay, James Edgar,
Smith, Jacob Arndt, & J- Esq'rs.
ar, )
it, & t
•ie, )
Jona. Hoge, Thomas Urie,
John Knowles, Esq'r, attended the Council & represented that
he had been made a Prisoner by the Enemy & carried by them to
the city of New York, that he had been permitted on Parole to re-
turn to this City & to use his endeavours to obtain Abraham Ire-
dale, of Horseham, in the County of Philadelphia, to be delivered
in Exchange for him, the said John Knowles otherwise to return
again to the City of New York.
On consideration, Council consent to exchange Abraham Iredale
aforesaid, for John Knowles, Esq'r, now under Parole, to the
Enemy, and it is
Ordered, That neither the said Abraham Iredale nor his bail
shall be sued for default of his appearance in the next Court of
Oyer & Terminer, to answer the charge of Treason made against
him.
Petition of Negro Ralph, (formerly the property of John Ran-
ken,) was read.
Ordered, That the said Petition lie on the table.
The Petition of a considerable number of respectable Citizens
Praying, in effect, that Council will remit the punishment of death
under which Samuel Lyons, Samuel Ford, Joseph Wilson & John
Lawrence, now lie, was read.
Mem. Benja. Walton of Bucks County, & Casper Guyer of Phila-
delphia, are still in confinement.
566 MINUTES OF THE
A Letter from Benja. Blyth to the Hon'ble Tho's McKean, Es-
quire, Chief Justice, was read, & the same representing that
Maclay, Esq'r, one of the Justices for the County of Cumberland
had negligently suffered a certain Connelius Hutcheson. charged
with High Treason, to make his escape ; thereupon,
Ordered, That it be recommended to the Hon'ble Tho's Mc-
Kean, Esq'r, Chief Justice, to make further enquiry into the said
charge, & proceed therein according to Law.
Edwird Burd, Esq'r, appointed Prothonotary of the Supreme
Court, &ca.
Death Warrants for Lyons, Ford, Wilson & Lawrence, Delivered
to Commodore Hazelwood, directed to Commodore John Hazel-
wood, or in his absence to the Officer Commanding.
The C^ncil resumed the consideration of the Case of the F our
Men under sentence of Death, & for the execution of whom War-
rants have been issued :
Question. — " Shall Ford be spared ?" Negative.
u Shall Lawrence be spared ?" Affirmative.
" Shall Wilson be spared ?" Affirmative.
" Shall Lyons be spared ?" Negative,
and thereupon,
Ordered, That Joseph Wilson & John Lawrence, now under sen-
tence of Death, & for the execution of whom Warrants have been
issued, be reprieved for fifteen days.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Wednesday September 2d, 1778.
I PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Mackay, Jacob Arndt, ")
Smith, Thomas Urie, &
Jona. Hoge, Joseph Hart, ( l
James Edgar, J
A Warrant uuder the less Seal was issued, Commanding Robert
J. 'well, Esq'r, Keeper of the Prison of the United States in this
City, commanding him to deliver Samuel Ford, Samuel Lyons,
Joseph Wilson & John Lawrence, now under sentence of death,
&c , to Commodore John Ilazlowood, or in his absence to the offi-
cer commanding, to be dealt with as this Council shall order.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 567
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Thursday Septera. 3, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Eeq'r, Vice President.
Mackay, James Edgar, 1
r
Smith, Thomas Urie, & ^Esq|rs.
Jona Hoge, Joseph Hart, J
There having been many circumstances which render it highly
probable that a certain Berkenhout, Doct. of Physic, a sub-
ject of Great Britain, & in the employ of the British Ministry, is
now in this City, probably on some mischiefous design. $
On consideration, a Warrant under the State Seal was issued,
authorizing Col. Lewis Nicola, town Major, to seize the said Doc-
tor Berkenhout <& his papers, & bring him &; them before this
Council.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Ebenezer
Cowell, (Armourer,) or his order, for the Sum of Eight hundred
Dollars, for which Sum he is to account.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Friday September 4, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Mackay, James Edgar, ~\
rie, & >•
Smith, Thomas Urie, & > Esq'rs.
Jona. Hoge, Joseph Hart, )
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieu. Will'ni
Thompson, of the 9th Pennsylvania Reg't, for the Sum of Six hun-
dred Dollars, for the recruiting service, to be charged to his account,
On Application,
Ordered, That a Pass into the City of New York be granted to
Elizabeth Shugart, wife of Lieu. Zachary Shugart, of the Pennsyl-
vania flying camp, now a prisoner on Long Island.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Thomas Jor-
dan, paymaster of Militia for the County of Northumberland, for
the Sum of Three Thousand Pounds, for which he is to account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Philip Boehm,
jun'r, paymaster of Militia for the County of Northampton, for
the Sum of Two Thousand & five hundred Pounds, for which he is
to account.
568 MINUTES OF THE
Petition of Ignatius Labatte & Philip Angle, inhabitants of Fort
Pitt, praying a pass with a Batteau laden with fur, to New Orleans*
was read ; & thereupon,
Ordered, That a pass be accordingly granted.
A Resolve of the Hon'blc House of General Assembly was read^
in the following words, to-Wit :
"In General Assembly, Friday Septem. 4, 1778, A. M.
11 Resolved, That the Vice President & Council be authorized,
impowered & required to take the most effectual measures for pre-
venting the exportation of provisions from this State, until a law
shall be enacted, or other regulations made by this Assembly. On
consideration,
Ordered, That agreeable to the Resolve of the Hcn'ble House
of General Assembly, the Embargo on provisions be continued for
& during fifteen days from this date, & that a Proclamation be is-
sued for that purpose accordingly.
The Resolve of Congress of yesterday being read, to wit :
" In Congress, September 3d, 1778.
"Whereas, Gen'l Washington has required that the Continental
Troops in Philadelphia be sent to join the main Army, & that they
they be replaced by the City Militia :
" Resolved, That the Supreme Executive Council of the State of
Pennsylvania be requested to call out immediately three hundred
of the Militia of the State, to serve as Guards in the City of Phila-
delphia, & perform such other Military Services as shall be required
of them.
''Resolved, That the Artillery Reg't raised in Pennsylvania, Com-
manded by Col. Tho's Proctor, be considered as part of the quota
of Troops to be furnished by that State, which is to be Credited
for the Men now in the Regiment, & also for any which shall be
hereafter recruited therein, & that the Government of the said State
be requested to furnish Col. Proctor with the State bounty, to
enable him to fill up the Regiment to its compliment of Men.
u Extract from the Minutes,
"OHA. THOMSON, Sec'y."
Ordered, That the seventh Class of the Militia of the City of
Philadelphia be now called into service.
Col. Samuel Atlee having represented that there was a consider-
able Sum of Money due to him for his Pay, &ca.; on Considera-
tion that there may be a necessity of his advancing some Money^
to his inferior Officers,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Col. Sanrl
Atlee, for the Sum of Seven hundred & fifty Pounds, for which he
is to account.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 569
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of William Henry ,
Esq., Armourer, or his order, for the Sum of Ten thousand & nine
hundred Pounds, to be charged to, his account.
Application for William Stringer, Clerk, for permission to retire
to England.
Application for Mrs. Robinson.
The Council Met.
Philadelphia, Saturday Septem. 5, 1778.
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
*. Mackay, James Edgar,
Smith, Thomas Urie, & ^-Esq'rs.
ir' 1
ie, & v
h J
Jona. Hoge, Joseph Hart3
A Letter from Col. Will'm Irvine, of the 7th Pennsylvania Reg't,
recommending Capt. Bratton & Lieut Russel & Millegan to go on
the recruiting Service, and thereupon Recruiting orders were ac-
cordingly given them as follows :
To Capt. Will'm Bratton to Lancaster County, with orders to
the Lieutenant of the said County, to Supply him with Money from
time to time, as he, may have occasion ; and to Lieu. James Mille-
gan to York Town, with orders to the Lieu, of the County of York
to furnish him with Money for this service, and Lieu. Alex'a Rus~
sellj to Carlisle, with orders on the Lieu, of Cumberland County.
Lien Millegan to have orders to call on the Lieutenants of York
& Cumberland. Lieu. Russel orders to the Lieutenant of the
County of Lancaster.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Cap't John
Pearson, of the 9th Pennsylvania Reg't, or his order, for the Sum
of One Thousand Dollars, for the Recruiting service, for which he
is to acco't.
Colo. Hart & Mr. Read reports, That on examining the papers
of Doctor Berkenhout, they found a letter which he (the Doctor)
acknowledges he had written the Evening before his arrest, with
intention of sending it to Richard Henry Lee, Esq'r, of which the
following is a Copy :
" Sir :
"The important business in which you are engaged will not per-
mit you to favour me with as much of your conversation as I am
inclined to wish, for I presume therefore, to trouble you with the
following reflexions on paper ; they appear to me of consequence
sufficient to deserve a moment's attention.
570 MINUTES OF THE
* America will most assuredly never relinquish the independence
she hath so nobly acquired; this Independence the Commissioners
have no power to grant j it is therefore, evident that no treaty of
pacification can possibly commence. Reflecting on this situation of
affairs ; most ardently solicitous to prevent the further effusion of
blood, and impatient to behold the peaceful establishment of this
delightful asylum of liberty, I presume to offer myself a voluntary
negotiator between the two contending powers. You start at my
presumption, but I am sure your candour will suffer me to proceed.
If I were to return immediately to England, I am confident that I
could command the eager attention of the Ministry ; that I could
convince them of a thousand errors into which they have been led,
relative to the general disposition of the People of America, the
Power of the State, the inflexibility and sagacity obvious in every
department, & many other particulars, sufficient to convince Great
Britain that every idea of subjugating America is futile and ridi-
culous.
" This information I might give the British Ministry, without any
countenance or assistance from Congress or any of its members ;
but to render my success indisputable, I could wish that I might be
enabled to delineate the outlines of such a Treaty of peace £ com-
merce as America would probably approve ; I say probably approve,
because I do not expect that Congress will give me the least degree
of authority. I would presume to request a mere sketch or outlines
of essential Articles on a slip of Paper, not signed, & intended only
to assist my memory."
(Dr. Berkenhout's essay of a letter to R. H. Lee, Esq'r).
T. M.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
Matt'w Smith, Esq'r, for the Sum of one hundred Pounds, to be
charged to his acco't.
Ordered, That the Petition of Negro Ralph, late a slave of John
•Rankin, late of the County of York, be referred to the general As-
sembly, together with his Papers of proof that he is a freeman.
Ordered, That this Council will on Monday next go down to
Billings Port, finally to determine respecting the fortifications to be
erected on the river Delaware.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Lieut. Arch'd
Campbell, of the 6th Pennsylvania Reg't, or his order, for the
Sum of Six hundred Dollars, for the Recruiting service, to be
chargM to his account.
Colo. George Stewart, of the County of Lancaster, attended the
Council, agreeable to the notice sent him, And the wife of Mich'l
Whitman attended also, but she, on examination, appearing to have
been absent at the time of holding the vendue for the Sale of her
Husband's effects, And no other person appearing to give evidence
in support of a charge made against the said Col. George Stewart
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 571
of his Having acted improperly in the Sale of the said Mich'l
Whitman's effects, the said charge is therefore dismissed.
Doc. Gardner, Mr. Gronow, & Col. Dill, a Committee of the
Hon'ble House of General Assembly, attended in Council & in-
formed the Council That divers Members of the House being ac-
quainted with the circumstances of Ralph, late the Slave of John
Rankin, which induce the House to think him unworthy of the
notice of the House, he having been supposed guilty of a Burglary
within the County of Chester, from whence he was sold, to avoid
his being punished, & that the manumission is dated while Mr.
Rankin was in the City of Philadelphia, and therefore the House
recommend that he be not now Sold, but that he be hired out for
the present.
Ordered, that This Council will, on Monday next, go down to
Billingsport, to view the State of that ground.
The Council met.
' Philadelphia, Tuesday Septem. 8, 1778.
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, — Smith,
Mackay, James Edgar, &
Jona. Hoge, Thomas Urie, ( ^
James Read, . J
Joseph Blewer attended the Council & represented that his Son,
who was taken Prisoner at the Battle of German Town, is now in
New York, & in a low state of Health, which induces Mrs. Blewer
to solicit a Pass into that City to visit her son. On consideration,
Ordered, That a Pass be made out for Mrs. Blewer, to permit
her to pass into New York.
On Application,
Ordered, That a Pass be made out for Miss Miller, &
— , to go into the City of New York, not to be permit-
ted to return.
Petition of Doctor John Abram Denormandie, praying leave to
sell, convey, & confirm his estate real, according to an Act of As-
sembly in such case made & provided,
Ordered, That permission under the great Seal of the State, &
signed by the Vice President, be made out to Dr. John Abram De-
normandie, to sell and convey his estate, according to the Act of
General Assembly in that case made & provided.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
James Edgar, Esq'r, for the Sum of One hundred Pounds, to be
charged to his account.
572 MINUTES OF THE
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Henry
Spicker, Paymaster of the Militia of the County of Berks, for the
Sum of Five Thousand Pounds, to be charged to his account.
Recruiting Orders were issued to Lieut. John Stoy, of the 2d
Pennsylvania Reg't, recommended by Cdi. Stewart to recruit in
Philadelphia County, & An order was drawn on the Treasurer in
favor of Lieu. John Stoy, of the 2d Pennsylvania Reg't, or his
order, for the Sum of Six hundred, to be charged to his acco't,
for the recruiting service.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of William Cris-
pin, Esq'r, Commissary of the State Fleet, or his order, for the Sum
of One thousand Pounds, for which he is to account.
On Consideration of the State of the River defence,
Ordered, That four Pieces of heavy Artillery be placed on the
Fortifications at Billingsport, & two Pieces of heavy Artillery be
placed on the Fortifications at Mud Island.
The Council Met.
Philadelphia, Wednesday September 9, 1778.
present :
Jos. Hart, Smith,
Mackay, James Edgar,
Jonathan Hoge, Thomas Urie, [ 4
James Read, J
The Council Met.
Philadelphia, Thursday September 10, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jona. Hoge, &
Mackey, James Read, \ Esq'rs.
James Edgar,
On consideration of the returns & petitions from the County of
Bedford respecting Justices of the Peace,
Ordered, That John Hams, Thomas Wilson, Samuel Thompson
& Matthew Dean, be appointed & Commissioned to be Justices of
the Peace for the County of Bedford. Commissions to each deliv-
ered to Mr. Cessna, Member of Assembly for Bedford.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. John
Eyer, or his order, for the Sum of Five hundred & fifty Pounds, on
account of work done to the Galleys.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 573
Capt. Harman Stout, of the 10th Pennsylvania Reg't, laid before
the Council orders from Col. Rich'd Humpton, to enter upon the
recruiting Service in the City of Philadelphia, & to apply to the
Council for instructions &> money for that Service, and thereupon,
instructions were accordingly given him ; and
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt Harman
Stout, of the 10th Pennsylvania Reg't, or his order, for the Sum of
Sis hundred Dollars, for the recruiting Service, and for which Capt,
Stout is to account.
The following orders were drawn on the Treasurer, Viz. :
In favor of Lieut. Will'm Thompson, of the 9th Pennsylvania
Reg't, or his order, for the Sum of Six hundred Dollars, to be
charged to his account:
In favor of Ens. Rob't Rice, of the 10th Pennsylvania Reg't, or
his order, for the Sum of Six hundred Dollars, for the recruiting
Service, to be charged to his account.
In favor of Lieut. James McCulloch, of the 5th Pennsylvania
Reg't, or his order, for the Sum of Seven hundred Dollars, for the
recruiting Service, to be charged to his account.
In favor of Lieut. James Forbes, of the 5th Pennsylvania Reg't,
or his order, for the Sum of One thousand Dollars, for the recruit-
ing Service, to be charged to his account. e
The Sheriff of the County of Philadelphia attended & request-
ed that a guard may be appointed to conduct several Prisoners from
Lancaster to this City ; thereupon,
Ordered, That the Lieutenant of the City of Philadelphia do
furnish a guard', not exceeding twelve Men, to conduct Prisoners
(under the direction of the Sheriff of the County) from the Borough
of Lancaster to the City of Philadelphia.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Friday Sept. 11, 1778
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jon'a Hoge, &
Mackay, James Read, ^Esq'ra.
,*1
James Edgar,
•John Moyes laid before the Council an account of his attendance
at Billingsport, to take care of the Signal Gun, from Decem'r 4,
1776, to March 17, 1777, is 103 days @ 12s f day ; & there-
upon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Moyes,
or his order, for the Sum of Sixty-one Pounds & Sixteen Shillings,
for his attendance on the Signal Gun at Billingsport 103 days.
574 MINUTES OF THE
John Adams, Pilot, laid before the Council his account for at-
tending at the Light House Seven Months, Amounting to the Sum
of One hundred & twelve Pounds, in which he Credits the State
with the Sum of Forty-two Pounds received of Major Henry Fisher;
and thereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Adams,
for the Sum of Seventy Pounds, ballance due on his account. ,
Mr. M'Lean, Mr. Ralston & Mr. , a Committee from
the Hon'ble House of General Assembly, attended in Council, &
represented that the House had received information that a sum-
mons had been issued by two Justices of the Peace, commanding
all persons above the age of eighteen years to appear at a day &
place therein named, & take the oath of Allegiance to the State,
which the House conceived to be a case of great importance, &
therefore requested the advice of the Council therein.
Bartram Galbraith, Esq'r, Lieu, of the County of Lancaster, re-
ports to Council, That in consequence of orders received from this
Council, he had received from the Quarter Master General Certifi-
cates in pay of Substitutes, Money, due for the Militia of the said
County, and prayed that an order be issued to the Treasurer to re-
ceive the said Certificates in discharge of such Monies as may be
due from the said Bartram Galbraith to the State.
On consideration,
Ordered, That it be recommended to David Rittenhouse, Esq'r,
State Treasurer, to receive of Bartram Galbraith, Esq'r, Lieut, of
the County of Lancaster, Quarter Master General's Certificates, in
discharge of such Sums as hath been paid into his hands by the
Militia of that County, so far as the said Bartram Galbraith hath
received such Certificates in payment of substitute Money.
Ordered, That written application be made to the Board of War,
reminding them that application had been made by Col. Smith, ac-
quainting them that the time of the Militia now in Service was near
expiring, & requesting to know whether the Board of War thought
proper to call for any number of Militia to supply their places.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Saturday September 12, 1778.
present:
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jon'a Hoge, &'
Mackay, James Read, lEsq'rs.
'• 1
James Edgar,
The following two orders were drawn on the Treasurer in favor
of Major Christian Wirtz; Viz't :
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 575
One for the Sum of Two hundred & Seventy Pounds & Ten
Shillings, for his Pay from the Sixth of January last 'till Septem-
ber the Sixth ins.; at 50 Dollars ^ M., - - - £150 00
For a Ream of Writing Paper, - 8 00
For his rations not drawn during the same time, 900 Ra-
tions @ 2s 6, - - - - - - 112 10
£270 10
The other for the Sum of Fifty-one Pounds & ten Shillings, for
making up Sixteen Thousand Musket Cartridges, casting the Bull-
ets, & for Paper & twine, to be charged to Congress, the same being
for the use of the Guards stationed at Lancaster <& delivered to
Ludwig Lowman, D. C.
Information being now obtained that His Excellency the late
President had, in behalf of this Council, some time ago, purchased
of John Maxwell Nesbitt, one-fourth part of a Cargo of Linens
imported into Maryland, which by reason of the said President's
Death or from some other cause, had not before this present time came
to the knowledge of the Council, but with two-fourth parts of the
same Cargo purchased by Mess. Meas & Caldwell, for the use of
the Continent, have remained at the place where they were landed j
and thereupon,
Ordered, That Jacob S. Howell, do immediately take the neces-
sary measures, in conjunction with Mr. James Meas, to have the
Linens purchased by his Excell'y the late President, of John Max-
well Nesbitt, Esquire, brought from Maryland, where they now are,
to this City.
The Council having now determined to employ Colonel John
Bull to direct the Workmen, & to complete the works ordered by
this Council at Billingsport & Mud Island, It now Agreed, That
Colo. Bull be allowed for the aforesaid service the Sum of Three
Pounds *<$) Diem, & forage at Billingsport for one horse.
Col. Bull having recommended Mr. WilFm Armstrong as Pay-
master & Steward at Billingsport & Mud Island,
Ordered, That Mr. Will'm Armstrong be appointed Paymaster
& Steward at Billingsport & Mud Island, & that his pay be Twen-
ty-five Shillings ^ diem.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. Will'm
Oldham, of the 5th Pennsylvania Reg't, or his order, for the Sum
of One thousand & five hundred Dollars, for the recruiting Service,
to be charged to his acco't.
Ordered, That Mr. Rob't Alison be directed to deliver to Col.
Bull such of the Plank & other Timber, Spikes, <£ca., taken from
the Redoubts of the Enemy, as he may have occasion, for to com-
plete the works ordered to be erected at Billingsport & Mud Island,
& also one or two of the Guard Houses, for Barracks.
576 MINUTES OF THE
Col. John Proctor, Paymaster of Militia for the County of "West-
morland, having requested that a Sum of Money may be sent to
him to Pay the Militia of that County with, & Moses Watson, of
the said County, being now here for the purpose of carrying the
Money to Col. Proctor;
(This draft in favor of Mr. Moses Ward, was returned to the
Council tftipaid on the 9th of January, 1779, as appears by the
Minutes of Council of that day;)
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Moses
Ward, for the Sum of Two thousand Pounds, to be by him deliv-
ered to Col. John Proctor, Paymaster of Militia for the County
of Westmoreland, to be charged to the said John Proctor.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Ensign WilFm
Snyder, of the 6th Pennsylvania Reg't, or his order, for the Sum of
Eight Hundred Dollars, for the recruiting service, to be charged to
his account.
Ordered , That Mr. Will'm Crispin be directed to supply the
Workmen at Billingsport & Mud Island with provisions.
Ordered, That Dr. Berkenhout be sent within the Enemies'
lines near the City of New York, and that he be escorted by some
suitable person, who shall have in charge to prevent the Doctor from
receiving any Letters for that City.
Ordered, That the following Gentlemen be appointed Officers of
the Chatham & Hancock Galleys in the service of this State, Vizt :
George Meyers, first Lieutenant; & John McClance, second Lieu-
tenant of the Chatham Galley ; And Nicholas Fitzsimmons, first
Lieutenant ; and Joseph Quality, second Lieutenant of the Han-
cock Galley ; And That commissions be made out accordingly.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday September 14, 1778.
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Mackay, James Read, &
Jona. Hoge, Thomas Urie, y Esq'rs.
James Edgar, J
The Petition of Matthew Clarkson, praying to be re-appointed
Marshall of the Admiralty, was read & ordered to lie on the
Table.
On consideration,
Ordered, That Col. Knox & Capt. Blewer be directed to sell
the State Shallop, late commanded by Capt. Wade, as she now lies
half full of Water, for the best price which can be had for her.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 577'
Ordered, That Capt. Hazlewood be directed to obey the War-
rant of the Hon'ble Chief Justice in conducting Fitzpatrick from
this City to the Borough of Chester, & also iu conducting suck
other Prisoners as the Chief Justice shall order to be removed.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Col. WilPm
Clark, for the Sum of five Thousand Pounds, for the purpose of
paying the Militia of the County of Cumberland, to be charged to
bis account.
Ordered, That the Secretary apply to Commodore Hazlewood to
procure an exact account of the Vessels, Boats, Cannon, Sails,,
Stores, & other furniture of the State Fleet, & lodge the same with
the Secretary, distinguishing such part thereof as may be neces->
sary for the Three Galleys commanded by Captains Boys, Garland,
& Roads, & the Three Guard Boats, commanded by Captains Hazle-
wood, Beazeley, & Martin.
' An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Captain John
Pearson, of the 9th Pennsylvania Reg't, for the Sum of Two
Thousand Dollars, for the recruiting Service, for which he is to
account.
Lieu. Jacob Vanderslier, of the 9th Pennsylvania Reg't, laid
before the Council instructions for his entering on the Recruiting
service, given him by the Lieu. Colonel of the said Regiment;
And thereupon, Recruiting instructions were issued to him in the
County of Berks, with orders to the Lieutenant of the County of
Berks for Money.
The Council met*
Philadelphia, Tuesday Septem. 15, 1778
PRESENT J
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Mackay, James Read, &
lead, &1
Urie, I
Jona. Hoge, Thomas Urie, [►Esq'rs*
James Edgar, . "
Ordered, That Passes be made out for Miss Miller & Mary
Campbell, seperately, to go into New York, not to return.
^OL, xi, — 8?.
*>78 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Wednesday Septem. 16, 1778,
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Mackay, James Read, &")
Jona. Hoge, Thomas Urie, tEsq'rs.
James Edgar, ^ J
On consideration,
Ordered, That the Hancock Galley be immediately put under
the command of Capt. Garland, & that the Chatham Galley be
immediately put under the command of Capt. Roach.
Petition of John Tittermary, praying a Pass to New York to re-
cover a Debt due to him from the Q'r M'r General, was read,
Ordered, That a Pass be granted to John Tittermary to go to
the City of New York.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Major Will'm
Armstrong, Paymaster & Steward at Billingsport & Mud Island,
or his order, for the Sum of Five Hundred Pounds, to be charged
to his account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Will'm Scott,
Pay Master of the Militia of the County of York, or his order, for
the Sum of Four Thousand Pounds, to be charged to his ac-
count.
The following Officers being recommended by the commanding
Officers of the respective Regiments, as proper persons for the re-
cruiting service, Vizt : Capt. James Wilson, Berks; Lieu. John
Hughes, Cumberland ; Lieu. John Dougherty, Northumberland ",
Lieu. Benj. Lyon, & Ensign Collier goes to Cumberland, & is to
draw his Money from Colo. Galbraith ; Ensign Joseph Collier,
Lancaster ; all of the first Pennsylvania Reg't ; & Recruiting or-
ders were given them for the Counties annexed to their names
respectively, and also Lieu. Sam'l Brad}'-, of the 8th Pennsylvania
Reg't, for Cumberland County. %
The following orders were 'drawn on the Treasurer for the Re-
cruiting service, vizt :
In favor of Lieu. John Hughes, of the 1st Pennsylvania Reg't,
for the Sum of Six hundred Dollars.
In favor of Lieu. Samuel Brady, of the 1st Pennsylvania Reg't,
for the Sum of Six hundred Dollars.
In favor of Lieu. John Dougherty, of the 1st Pennsylvania
Reg't, for the Sum of Six hundred Dollars, (and his recruiting or-
ders direct him to call on Col. Morgan, Lieu, of Berks County, for
a further supply.)
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. §7^
If favor of Lieu. Benja. Lyon, of the 1st Pennsylvania Reg't,
vor his order, for the Sura of Six hundred Dollars.
In favor of Jos. Collier, of the 1st Pennsylvania Meg't, or Ms
<order, for the Sum of Six hundred Dollars, for the recruiting service,
to be charged to their respective accounts.
Also, in favor of Cant. Barnes Wilson, of the 1st Pennsylvania
"Reg't, or his order, for the Sum of Four hundred Dollars, to he
"charged to his account.
In favor of Lieu. Arch'd Campbell, of the 6th Pennsylvania
Heg % or his order, for the Sum ©f Eight hundred Dollars, for the
'recruiting service, t© he charged to his account.
Passes granted to Sarah Bonsai!, Wife of Eich'd Bonsall, &
Mary Johnson* '
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Thursday September 17, 1778«
PRESENT :
Hon'bie GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President/
■■ Mackay, James Read, J
Jonathan Hoge, Thomas Urie, 4d \ Esq'rs.
James Edgar, lacob Arndt, I
Ordered, That Passes be made out for the Rev'd Alexander
Murray & his Wife, & the Eev'd Tho's Barton & his Wife, and
-also a Pass into New York for Ann Enderten«& her Children.
Col. — -r~t: •'■ mentions that Capt. Stiles informed him
that two Shallop load of T-ools<& Stores, belonging to the State, had
been delivered at Adlentown, m that he understood that the Con-
tinental Quarter Master had received them as Continental.
Stores. <$ur.
Petition of George Douglass, fraying ia effect, to be .permitted
to go to Scotland, was read ;
And on consideration,
Ordered, That the Petition of George Douglass be not granted.
The Council resumed the Consideration of the case of Lieu.
-Joseph Wilson -■& John Lawrence, now under sentence of Beathy
«<jfc reprieved «ntil this day.; and thereupon,
Ordered, That the Execution of the Sentence of ©eath passed/
upon Lieu. Joseph Wilson & upon John Lawrence, be suspended
vfor fifteen days from this date.
The Petition ef Eve Joder <& Esther Black man, referred to this
^Council by the order of the Hon'bie House of General Assembly,
was now read ; & the same being considered,
Ordered, That John Ralston & Peter Roads, Esq'rs, & Doetor
— — 0- Linn, of the County of Northampton, fee directed to mak©
580 MINUTES OF THE
enquiry into the circumstances of the said Eve Joder & Esther
Blackman, & make report thereof to this Council, & that a Letter
be wrote to them for this purpose.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Friday Septem. 18, 1778-
PRESENT :
Hon'bie GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Viee President
Mackay, James Read,
!- T
ie, & v.
Jonathan Hoge7 Thomas Urie, & yEso/rs.
James Edgar, Jacob Arndt,
The Hon'ble Vice President laid before the Council a draft of
Congress, in the following words, Yizt :
" For 52,000 Dollars.
" Philadelphia, Septem. 10,, 1778,
« Sir ;
" Pay to the Hon'ble the delegates of the State of Pennsylva-
nia, or their order, the Sum of Fifty-two Thousand Dollars, it
being to be by them delivered to the President & Council of that
State, for the Payment of Cloathing purchased for the Army, The
said State to be accountable.
" I Am, sir, Your very humble serv't,
(" Signed,) HENRY LAWRENS, President.
41 To Michael Hillegas, Esq'r, Continental Treasurer."
And the said draft was indorsed in the following words ;
*'Pay the Contents to the order of the Hon'ble Vice President
& Council of the State of Pennsylvania, for the pur]>oses therein*
mentioned,
("Signed by)
" ROBERT MORRIS,
"DANIEL ROBERDEAt',
"WM. CLINGAN."
He also laid before Council a Resolve of Congress, in the follow-
ing words, Vizt \
" In Congress, September 17, 1778*
" Resolved, That Forty-eight Thousand Dollars, the residue o*
a Warrant for 300,000 Dollars, issued the 12th day of Feb'y lastr
IB favor of the Delegates of the State of Pennsylvania, be bow
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 58i
paid to the said Delegates, to be by them transmitted to the Presi-
dent <& Council of the said State, & for which the said State is to
he accountable.
" Extract from the Minutes.
"CHAS. THOMSON, Sec'y."
And the said order was endorsed in the following words, Vtet :
" Pay the within mentioned Sum to the order of the Hon'ble
Vice President & Council, of the State of Pennsylvania.
" ROBERT MORRIS,
"DANIEL ROBERDEAU,
" WILL'M CLXNGAN.
"To Mxch'l HiLLEaAS, Esquire, Continental Treasurer."
Ordered, That the before mentioned draft of Congress of the
lOth instant, & the order of Congress of the 17th instant, the first
for 48,000 Dollars, & the latter for the Sum of 52,000 Dollars, be
ordered to be paid to Bav'd Rittenbouse, Esq'r, Treasurer of the
State.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Holstone,
or his order, for the Sum of Eighty-three Pounds, for 83 bushels
of Lime, for repairs to be done to the State Bouse.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Parker,
Bricklayer, or his order, for the Sum of Forty Pounds, to be
Charged to his account*
The Council having received information that the Seventh Glass
of Militia lately called into service, will fall greatly short of the
number of Men required for guards in this City ; therefore,
Ordered* That the eighth Class of the Militia of the City of
Philadelphia be called into service as soon as possible, His Excell'y
Gen'l Washington having again requested that the regular Troops
bow in the City be sent forward to Camp.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Saturday September 19, 1778.
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Mackay, Thomas Urie, &
VEsq'rB.
Jona. Hoge, Jacob Arndt,
James Edgar,
On consideration,
Ordered, That John Armstrong, of the County of Cumberland,
Esq'r, Bernard Dougherty & James Martin, both of the County of
582 MINUTES OF TME
Bedford, Esq'rs, Archibald McClean, of the County of York,Escfjv
& John Hubley of the County of Lansaster, Esq'r, be appointed k
commissioned to try & determine, according to Law & the custom
of this Commonwealth, a certain Henry Bunthunt, alias Henry
Bunter, now confined in the Goal of the County of Bedford, La-
borer, charged with having killed & murdered a certain I)aniei
Wencil, Son of a certain John Wencil, of the said County of Bed-
ford.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of William
C. Bradford, Pay-master of the Fleet, or his order, for the Sum of
three Hundred Pounds, to be charged to his account.
Passes to Ann Rankin, Wife of James Rankin, & to Mary Box-
bury,,
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday September 21, 1778.
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Edgar, ^
Mackay,. James Bead, &
Jon a. Hoge, Jacob Arndfc, f ™
Thomas Urie, J
Capt. Will'm Craig, of the 3d Pennsylvania Reg't, laid before-
•the Council orders fi?om Brig'r Gen'l Wayne, for his entering on
the recruiting service, & thereupon recruiting Orders were given
to Capt. William Craig, of the Sd Pennsylvania Reg't, to draw on
Lieut. John Wentaell of the County of Northampton, for Money.
Ordered, That Mary McBean have a pass into the City of New
York.
A Transcript of the Record of the Court of Oyer & Terminer
and General goal delivery held at Chester, in & for the County of
Chester, on Tuesday the fifteenth day of September, in the year of
our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred & Seventy eight, being
uow read, it appears that James Fitzpatriek, late of the County of
Chester, Blacksmith, was convicted, on his own confession, of Bur-
glary & larceny, & thereupon the Justices of the said Court
passed sentence that the said James Fitzpatriek be banged by the
neck 'till he be dead; And the said Record being now considered,
it is
Ordered, That the Sentence of death passed upon James Fitz-
patriek aforesaid, be executed on Saturday the 21st of this present
Month, between the Hours of 10 o'clock in the forenoon <fe 2
o'clock in the afternoon, at the usual place of Execution ; That a
Warrant under the less Seal of the State, for the said purpose, be
now issued, and the same was accordingly issued.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 583
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Tuesday September 22d, 1778-
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President
Joseph Hart, James Edgar, ")
Mackay, James Read & ! ■& ,
Jona. Hoge, Jacob Arndt, f "
Thomas Urie, J
The following orders were drawn on the Treasurer, agreeable to
Certificates signed by the Committee of the Hon'ble House of
General Assembly, & laid before the Council, viz : One in favor
of Henry Haller, one of the Commissioners for purchasing of
^Cloathing, or his order, for the Sum of Ten Thousand five Hun-
dred & Seven Pounds & fifteen Shillings, to be charged to his ac-
count; One in favor of Robt. Craig, one of the said Commissioners,
or his order, for the Sum of Nine Thousand three hundred &
twelve Pounds one Shilling & two Pence, to be charged to his ac-
count; One in favor of James Johnston, one of the said Commis-
sioners, or his order, for the Sum of Two Thousand five hundred
& Eighty-eight Pounds, to be charged to his account; and one in
favor of the said James Johnston for the Sum of One thousand
Three hundred & forty-eight Pounds, to be by him delivered to
William Chambers, one of the said commissioners, & the same to
be charged to the said Win Chambers.
The Council took into consideration the Petition of Maurice
Lisk, a Private belonging to the Bull-dog Galley, setting forth that
be is incapable of performing the duties required of him as a pri-
vate of the said Galley ; thereupon,
Ordered, That the said Maurice Lisk be discharged from further
service on board said Galley.
The Petition of Joseph Green, convicted of having gone into the
City of Philadelphia while in the possession of the British Army,
&fi)ed Fifty Pounds, praying in effect to have the said fine remitted,
was read & considered j thereupon,
Ordered, That the fine laid by the Court of Quarter Sessions of
the Peace for the County of Bucks, on Joseph Green, for having
gone into the City of Philadelphia while in the possession of the
British Army, be remitted, as to such part thereof as is due to tjie
State.
The Secretary reports that Rob't Levers, Esq'r, had sent down
twenty Casks of Indigo, belonging to the State, & that the same
is now in his hands.
Ordered, That the Secretary do apply to Mr. Thomas Lawrence
to sell the same, & to contract with him on the best terms he caa
as to the Commissions to be paid for selling the same.
584 MINUTES OF THE
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Rob*t Allison,
or his order> for the Sum of Five hundred Pounds, to be charged
to his acco't.
Council having received information that James Fitzpatrick, now
in the Goal of Chester, under sentence of Death, is making very
violent efforts to make his escape, & there is reason to fear that he-
may effect the same ;
On consideration,
Ordered, That the said James Fitzpatrick be brought to this
City, and confined in the new Goal, and that
[Blank in Council Book.]
Pass to Cath. Beck & Mary French.
N. B. Dr. Bcrkcnhout says that a Mr. Wren, a dissenting Min-
ister, at Portsmouth, deserves well of America for his kindness to
prisoners in England.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Thursday Septem. 24, 1778-
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Edgar, ^|
Mackay, James Read, & ! „ t
Jona. Hoge, Jacob Arndt, [ *
Thomas Urie, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieut. Wm.
Thompson, of the 9th Pennsylvania Reg't, or his order, for the
Sum of Six hundred Dollars, for the recruiting Service, to be
charged to his account.
Ordered, That passes to New York be made out to Rach'l
Burket & 3 Children, Lindsay & 3 Children, & Mary Haw-
thorne, not to return; Also, to Ruth Maxwell, conditionally.
On Motion,
Ordered, That the Treasurer Pay to the Hon'ble George Bry-
an, Esq'r, Vice President, or his order, the Sum of Five hundred
Pounds, in part of his Salary.
4
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 585
The Council met. »
Philadelphia, Friday Septem. 25, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jona. Hoge, James Arndt, & }
Joseph liart, Mackay, > Esq'rs.
James Edgar, y
An order was drawn on Commodore John Hazlewood, to delicer
to the Navy board of Congress, for Public Service, 6 Swivel Guns
& two Cohorns, & Iron Shot in a quantity which the said board
may judge to be Sufficient.
A Memorial from John Morris, Jun'r, Clerk of Assembly, set-
ting forth that he has orders from the General Assembly to procure
300 printed Copies of the Acts of the first & second sittings of
the first General Assembly of this Commonwealth, but having no
directions to prefix the declaration of Independence and the Consti-
tution, prays the advice of Council therein ; whereupon Council
recommend & instruct Mr. Morris to prefix said pieces to the
Copies Aforesaid, as a proper introduction thereto ; And he is also
desired to get An impression of at least 300 Copies of the Laws
now in force, enacted by the last Assembly of the State of Penn-
sylvania, the same being, it is apprehended, out of Print, & not Suf-
ficiently known.
Ordered, That a Dedimus Potestatem be issued, authorizing &
appointing the Hon'ble William Augustus Atlee, Esq'r, William
Henry, Esq'r, & John Hubley, Esq'r, & either of them, to admin-
ister the Oaths or Affirmation, required by Law to qualify the re-
spective Borough Officers elect of the Borough of Lancaster, & also
all other the Officers Commissioned by this Council, saving always
the administration of such oaths and affirmations as the laws of
this State have directed to be otherwise taken.
Ordered, That Commodore Hazlewood be instructed to procure
a quantity of Wood, necessary for the Gallies and Guard boats, on
the best terms he can, either at Morris's River or elsewhere, on
Delaware, & that he give orders (o a prudent Officer to purchase
the same.
Passes ordered: — Ann Wall, Wife of a British Soldier; Mary
Smith, a Glazier's Wife; Catharine Trott, a Hessian Officer's
Wife.
Ordered, That a Warrant be issued to remove the body of
James Fitzpatrick from the Goal of the City of Philadelphia to the
Goal of the County of Chester.
586 MINUTES OF THE
The* Council Met.
Philadelphia, Saturday September 26, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jon'a Hoge, Jacob Arndt, &")
Joseph Hart, Mackey, tEsq'rs.
James Edgar, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer m favor of William Cris-
pin, Commissary, or his order, for the Sum of Five Hundred
Pounds, & charge the same to his account.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday September 28, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Mackey, 1
Jon'a Hoge, James Read, & J Esq'rs.
James Edgar, Thomas Urie, j
Jacob Arndt, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of *Tho's Nevill,
or his order, for the Sum of One hundred Pounds, for which he is
to account.
The recommendation of the Justices of the County of North-
ampton of Stephen Kitchen, convicted of Felony in the said
County of Northampton ; and also the said Justices' recommenda-
tion of James Webster, Convicted of Felony, was read ; and
On Consideration,
Ordered, That the Execution of the Sentence of the Court of
Quarter Sessions of the Peace for the County of Northampton,
against James Webster & against Stephen Kitchen, be suspended
for & during twenty-one days from this day, in order that a more
full account of the Charge against them, & the punishment ordered,
may be bad. *
Passes to New York for Ann Spruce & 2 Children ; 44th Regi-
ment of Marines; Mary Cox, Wife of Capt Cox.
•He is employed in making Gun Carriages.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 587
The Council met.
Philadelphia Tuesday September 29, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Mackay, "*)
Jon'a Hoge, James Read, & J ™ ,
James Edgar, Thomas Urie, f ^
Jacob Arndt, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
James Edgar, Esq'r, or his order, for the Sum of One thousand
Pounds, to be charged to Mr. William Morrison, Commissioner of
Cloathing for the County of York, for which sum the said William
Morrison is to account, the same to be deliv'ed to him by the
Hon'ble James Edgar, Esq'r.
Lieu. Henry Piercy, of the 2d Pennsylvania Reg't, having been
some time in the Recruiting Service, & a Considerable Sum appear-
ing to be due to him, recruiting instructions was given to him to
enter on that Service in the County of Chester, to receive from the
Lieutenant of the said County of Chester the Sum of Two Thou-
sand Dollars, for whijh Sum he is to account.
The Secretary laid before the Council a Letter fqpm the board of
War, requesting the loan of the Plan of the Delaware, in the hands
of Mr. Rittenhouse, for a day or two, in order that Colo. Lamey
may take a Copy of such part of it as may be useful in executing
Gen'l Washington's orders to him.
Ordered^ That the Secretary apply to Mr. Rittenhouse & pro-
cure from him the Draft of the River Delaware, & lend it to the
board of War for a few days, in order that Colo. Lamey may take
a copy of such parts of it as may be useful in executing the orders
of his Excell'y Gen'l Washington.
The Council being informed by the Attorney General that the
Estate of Traitors, held in right of their Wives during Coverture,
& by courtesy, is forfeited by Acts of Treason ; thereupon,
Ordered j That the Agents for seizing of forfeited Estates, be in-
structed to seize such Estates, in the respective Counties, as belong
to Traitors in right of their Wives, the same being deemed to be
forfeited to the State, so,far as such Traitors have Title during Co-
verture, or in right of Courtesy.
S8S A MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Wednesday Septem. 30, 1778.
present :
Hon'blc GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Mackay, 71
Jon'a Hoge, James Read, & J ™ ,
James Edgar, Thomas Urie, | • *
Jacob Arndt, J
Philp Boehm, Esq'r. attended the Council, & represented that he
had accepted the Commission of the Peace for the County of
Philadelphia, & the Commission appointing him one of the Jus-
tices of the City Court, from a desire to render his Country the as-
sistance which it was in his power to give during a time of diffi-
culty j but he now finds that his health is so greatly impaired as to
render it impossible for him to discharge the duties thereof, <&
therefore he now resigns his said Offices.
James Young, Esq'r, attended & laid before the Council the re-
quisitions from the Quarter Master General's department for 800
Waggons, & expressed his apprehensions that it would be extreme-
ly difficult to obtain them.
An order was drawn en the Treasurer in favor of William C.
Bradford, Paymaster of the State Fleet, or his order, for the Sum
of Three thousand Pounds, to be charged to his account.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Thursday October 1, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Mackay,
Jona. Hoge, James Read, &
James Edgar, Thomas Urie,
Jacob Arndt,
Esq'rs.
The Council resumed the consideration of the demand made by
the Quarter Master General of Eight hundred Waggons, besides
what are now employed for the United States, and observing with
astonishment, that it is but a few Weeks since a like demand was
made for 800 Wajrgons, which were impressed with great severity
& irregularity, & that the whole Waggon Service to the Westward
falls on this State, at a time when the Country is drained of Horses,
and our Waggons very generally disabled, distroyed, or carried off
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 489
by the Enemy j and considering also, tbat the Waggons of this
State are taken into other States at a great distance 5 & thereupon
Ordered, That the Delegates of Pennsylvania be instructed to
remonstrate to Congress against the drawing out so great a num-
ber of Waggons & Horses, & thereby throwing so great an over
proportion of this heavy <fc distressing service on Pennsylvania.
Robert Wilson, of Chester County, layed before Council a peti-
tion addressed by him to the Hon'ble Congress, praying reimburse-
ment for a Waggon and four Horses, taken by the Enemy on hie
return from the Military Service, & informed Council, that he un-
derstood that objection had been made thereto in Congress, as though
the Petitioner were entitled to recompence of his loss from this
State, & might already have been relieved, or would be relieved,
out of the Monies of Pennsylvania, & prayed the advice of this
Board in the Premises.
Council thereupon declares, that as the inhabitants of this State
have been exceedingly distressed by furnishing a great over pro-
portion of Carriages for the Service of the United States at an un-
der rate, it would be highly unreasonable that this State should
sustain the damages arising by the Loss of them, <& that 110 such
idea was ever entertained as the said objection states, and Conse-
quently no Fund provided for the purpose,
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Friday October 2, 1778*
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President
Joseph Hart, — — - Mackay, "j
Jona. Hoge, James Read, & I -n »
James Edgar, Thomas Urie, [ S(* rs*
Jacob Arndty , J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Matt'w
Boyd, one of the Commissioners for purchasing of Cloathing for
Congress in the County of Chester, or his order, for the Sum of
Five Thousand & two hundred Pounds, to be charged to the ac-
count of the said Robert Boyd.
Information was now received that Thomas Boyd, Waggon Ma0-
ter of the County of Chester, is lately deceased; and thereupon,
Ordered, That Colo. Andrew Boyd, of Sadsbury, be appointed
Waggon Master of the County of Chester.
m MINUTES OP THE
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Saturday October 3d, 1778.
present :
Hon'blc GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, ■ Mackay, "|
Jona. Hoge, James Read, & i ™ ,
James Edgar, Thomas Urie, f *
Jacob Arndt, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Parker,
Bricklayer, for the Sum of Fifty Pounds, to be charged to account
of the said Parker.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday October 5, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President
Jona. Hoge, James Read, & "}
Mackay, Tho's Urie, lEsq'rs.
James Edgar, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Tho's Cobourn,*
or his order, for the Sum of Eleven Pounds & Ten Shillings, for
attending the Flag at Chester, from the 4th of July, 1777, to the
13th of September, 1777.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Major William
Armstrong, Paymaster at Billingsport, or his order, for the Sum of
Five Hundred Pounds3 to be charged to his account.
Ordered^ That it be recommended to Capt. Stiles to take pos~
session of the old Workhouse, for the purpose of Casting Ball, &ca.f
as soon as the guard now there shall be removed, and that he take
•possession of, & fit up the long room in the State House for a Maga-
Bine of small Arms.
Petition of John Linington, Praying to be appointed Measurer of
Salt, Wheat, &ca., was read, & ordered to lie on the Table. #
• There is in the hands of Mr. Cobourn a Flags Spy Glass, Powder-horn,
Ram-rod, Worms, Priming Wire & Bitt.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 591
The Council Met.
- Philadelphia, Tuesday October 6, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jona. Hoge, James Read, &
TMackay, Tho's Urie9 l-Esq'rs.
I Esq'i
James Edgar,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Sam'l Dewees,
Esq'r, or his order, for the Sum of Three hundred & Forty-Seven
Pounds Seventeen Shillings & Ten Pence, money due to Robert
Stewart, one of the Commissioners for purchasing Cloathing in
Bucks County for Congress, to be charged to account of the said
Robert Stewart.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of William Cris-
pin, Commissary, or his order, for the sum of One Thousand
bounds, to be charged to his account.
Recruiting orders were given to Lieut. John Hambright, of the
10th Pennsylvania Reg't, to recruit in the County of Lancaster, &,
to call on the Lieut, of the said County for Cash for that service.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieuten't
Philip Gibbons of the 6th Pennsylvania Reg't, or his order, for
the Sum of Three hundred & fifty Dollars, for the recruiting ser-
vice, to be charged to his account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Will'm C-
Bradford, Pay-Master of the State Fleet, or his order, for the Snrai
of Three hundred Pounds, to be charged to his account.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Wednesday October 7, 1778.
present:
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
James Edgar, Esq'r, for the Sum of Four Hundred & Twenty-five
Pounds & Ten Shillings, balance due to him for, his attendance in
Council Two hundred & Eighty-four days, & Mileage twice on
seventy-four Miles, Vizt :
• 252 days a 35s, £441 00
32 days a 45s, % 72 00
74 days twice 296 Miles a lOd. 12 10
625 10
Draft for 100 00
Balance. ^425 10
592 MINUTES OF THE
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
John Mackay, Esq'r, or his order, for the Sum of Two Hundred
and Sixty-eight Pounds Eighteen shillings & four Pence, balance
due to him for his attendance in Council One hundred and eighty-
three days, & Mileage once to Lancaster Thirty-six Miles, & to
Philadelphia Fifty Miles, to Wit ;
150 days a 35s, ■ £262 10 0
33 days a 45s, 74 5 0
172 Miles a lOd. 7 84
343 18 4
Draft for 200 Dollars in June, 75 00 0
Balance. £268 18 4
Capfc. Houston attended in Council & represented that he had
performed the Cruise in the Brig Convention, according to the orders -
of Council, <fe that he had taken several Prizes, which are not con-
demned.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of George Graff,
one of the Commissioners for purchasing of Cloathing in the
County of Northampton, for Congress, for the Sum of Three hun-
dred & Ninety-four Pounds Nineteen Shillings <& Eight Pence,
agreeable to the Certificate given him by the Committee of General
Assembly.
The Council Met.
Philadelphia, Thursday October 8, 1778
present ;
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Friday October 9, 1778,
PRESENT ;
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, & ")
Jona. Hoge, Thomas Urie, > Esq*rs.
James Read, j
Col. Knox & Capt. Blewer attended the Council, & laid before
them an account of the expenditure in fitting out the Brig Con-
vention, of the Sum of £2,300 put into their hands, & they paid
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 598
into the hands of the Secretary the Sum of 58147 13 11, which is
the balance of the account as rendered by them.
Ordered, That the account rendered by Col. Knox & Capt.
Blewer, be put into the hands of the Committee of Assembly for
settling of Accounts, as soon as the Gentlemen above named shall
render their Vouchers.
Mr. Benjamin Rittenhouse & Peter Dehaven attended the Coun-
cil, & represented that the Pay allowed to the Clerk of the (3run
Factory, Gun Stockers, &ca, is insufficient, fc> request the attention
of Council to this business.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Peter Deha-
ven, or his order, for the Sum of Five hundred Pounds, to be
charged to his account.
Ordered, That a Pass to New York be given to Dav'd Shaffer,
the younger, on business of importance to himself, he being a good
Whig.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieu. Cha's
McHenry, of the 5th Pennsylvania Reg't, or his order, for the
Sum of Four hundred & fifty Dollars, for the recruiting service, for
which Sum he is to account.
The Council met. s
Philadelphia, Saturday October 10, 1778,
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, • Jacob Arndt, &1
Jon'a Hoge, Thomas Urie, t Esq'rs.
James Read, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Carr, one
•of the Commissioners for purchasing of Cloathing for Congress, in
the County of Bucks, or his order, for the Sum of Two hundred &
fifteen Pounds Seventeen Shillings & one Penny, agreeable to a
Certificate signed by the Committee of Assembly.
Application was made to Council for permission to Mrs. Marg't
Be Lancy to visit her father, the Hon'ble William Allen, Esq'r, of
the City of Philadelphia.
Ordered, That a permit be made out for Mrs. Marg't De Lancy
to come into Philadelphia with her small Children, & to reside there
if she shall think proper.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Col. Dav'd
Kennedy, one of the Commissioners for purchasing of Cloathmg in
the County of York for Congress, or his order, for the Sum of Two
thousand five hundred & fifty Pounds, to be charged to his ac-
count.
vol. xi. — 38.
e, i-Esq'rs.
594 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday October 12, 1778-,
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt,
Jon'a Hoge, Thomas Urie,
James Read,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Will'm Cris-
pin, Commissary, or his order, for the Sum of One thousand Pounds,
to be charged to his account. .
A Letter from the Hon'ble Joseph Reed, Esq'r, wherein he re-
signs his seat in Congress as a Delegate of the State of Pennsyl-
vania.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
Jon'a Hoge, Esq'r, or his order, for the Sum of Four hundred &
fifteen Pounds & five Shillings, for his attendance in Council, Viz't :
For a deficiency of 10s P iay on 53 days attendance be-
fore the meeting of Council in March, 1776, for which
he had a draft for 15s p day instead of 25s p day, £26 10
For a deficiency in his draft in November last of 10s p
day on 26 days, 13 00
For his attendance in Council 149 days, a 35s, 260 15
42 days, a 45s, 94 10
Mileage Three times from Lancaster, a 45 Miles, once
from Philadelphia, 111, equal to 492 Miles, a lOd, 20 10
£415 5
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Frederick Snei-
der, Door-keeper, or his order, for the Sum of One hundred &:
Thirty-three Pounds Seventeen Shillings & three Pence, for his at-
tendance at the Door 128 days, ending this day, a 20s, &■ for sun-
dry small expences paid by him.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Wednesday October 14, 1778
PRESENT :
Hon'ble Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, & ? v ,
Jonathan Hoge, Thomas Urie, £ q ™
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 595
The Council met.
#
Philadelphia, Thursday October 15, 1778.
PRESENT.
Hon'ble Joseph Hart Jacob Arndt, & \ jjgQ>rg
Jonathan Hoge, Thomas Urie? J ^
, The Council met.
Philadelphia, Friday October 16, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Mackay, Jacob Arndt, & ) ™ ,
Joseph Hart, Tho's Urie, j M<1 rs'
The Council being informed that the British Commissioners have
an intention of sending a Flag to this State by water, & as it may
be attended with many disadvantages to permit the Vessel which
may bring the Flag to come up to this City,
Ordered ', That Commodore Hazlewood do immediately send two
Gallies down the River as far as the Town of Newcastle upon De-
laware, & there stop & detain such Vessel as may appear with a
Flag, until further orders, & that he thereupon send one of the Gal-
lies or a guard boat up to give inforiliation to Council of his pro-
ceeding herein.
Permission to Mrs. Yard to return to Philadelphia,
Mrs. Yorke & Mr. Sewell the Younger.
The Council met,
Philadelphia, Saturday October 17, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Mackay, Jacob Arndt, & ) -^ ,
Joseph Hart, Tho's Urie, } ^ rs*
Returns of the Election for the Counties of Philadelphia, Bucks
& Berks, Vizt :
For the County of Philadelphia — Councellor, Joseph Reed;
Esq'r ; Sheriffs, James Claypoole & Christopher Ludwig ) Coro-
ners, Robert Jewell & William Moulder.
For the County of Bucks—
596 MINUTES OF THE
For the County of Berks — Councellor, James Read, Esq'r, Sher-
iffs, Henry Haffa & Philip Creamer; Coroners, James Whitehead
& John Spohn.
Robt. Smith, Esq'r, Sheriff of the County of Chester, presented
a return of the Election of the said County ; and Col. Taylor &
others also presented a return of the Election of the said County of
Chester, in opposition to the return given in by the Sheriff.
The Council taking into Consideration the return of Sheriffs &
Coroners for the County of Bucks,
Ordered, That John Thompson, Esq'r, be appointed Sheriff of
the County of Bucks, and Will'm Hart, Coroner ; and that they
respectively be Commissioned accordingly.
John Thompson, Esq'r, offering to the Council John Wilkinson
& Gerardus Wynkoop as Securities for the faithful performance of
his duty as Sheriff, the same are approved of.
Caleb Davis, Esq'r, Prothonotary of the County of Chester, ap-
peared in Council & informed that Charles Dilworth, one of the
Sheriffs Elect, now attended & prayed to be Commissioned as
Sheriff of the said County; & that he, the said Dillworth, offered
Col. John Hannum & Col. Taylor as security for the faithful dis-
charge of the Office of Sheriff; & the said Davis, as Prothonotary,
informed the Council the said Surety was in his opinion good &
sufficient.
Council received a Resolve of Congress, dated the 16th inst., re-
lating to an attempt of the Commissioners of the King of Great
Britain to spread seditious Papers under the sanction of a Flag ; &
the same being read,
Ordered, That agreeable to^ Resolve of Congress of the 16th
instant, Commodore Hazlewood be directed to send immediate
orders to the officer commanding the Gallies now down the River,
to take up & secure in safe & close custody all & every person &
peisons who, under the saction of a Flag, or otherwise, may be con-
sidered or engaged to bring certain Seditious papers, under the
name and title of Manifestoes, & to bring them, with their Vessels,
to this City, and report the same to Council.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday October 19, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Tho's Urie, & ")
John Mackay, John Hanibright, i-Esq/rs.
Jacob Arndt, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieu. Herman
.Stout, of the 10th Pennsylvania Reg't, or his order, for the Sum
SUPREME EXECUTVE COUINCIL. 597
of Six Hundred Dollars, for the Recruiting Service, to be charged
to his account.
Return of the Elections for the County of Northampton being
read,
On consideration,
Ordered, That Jonas Hartzel, Esquire, be appointed Sheriff of
the County of Northampton, & that he be Commissiomed accord-
ingly. James Hartzel, Esq'r, proposes Peter Sipe 6c Jacob Hart-
zel, as Sureties for the faithful performance of his office as Sheriff
of the said County ; <fc the Council approve of the same.
Ordered, That Philip Boehm be appointed Coroner of the County
of Northampton, & Commissioned accordingly.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer, in favor of Mr. Thomas
Nevill, or his order, for the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds, to be
charged to his account.
The intelligence from the City of New York, lately received,
leaving no room to doubt that they are about to make some
important movement,
Ordered \ That Major Gen'l Armstrong be directed to repair im-
mediately to this City, to take upon him the Command of the
Militia, in case of an invasion.
Ordered, That the Lieutenants of the Counties of Philadelphia,
Chester, Bucks, <fe Lancaster, & of the City of Philadelphia, be or-
dered to hold the Militia of their respective Counties in readiness
to March at the Shortest notice, Viz :
Philadelphia County 3 ; Bucks 3 ; Chester 3 ; Lancaster 2 ) Berks
2 ', Philadelphia city 2.
Ordered, That the Lieutenant of the County of Northampton
>be empowered & ordered to draw out two Classes of the Militia of
ihe said County, in case of attack by the Indians.
Ordered, That the Treasurer be directed to send William Henrjr,
Esq'r, of Lancaster, the Quarter Master's Certificates paid into the
Treasury by Colo. Bartram Galbraith, and that Mr. Henry be re-
quested to call on the Deputy Quarter Master in that Burrough
for Payment thereof; the Money, when received, to be by him
paid into the Treasury ; And if any dilEculty should arise in con-
sequence of the said certificates being assigned toColonel Galbraith,
that Mr. Henry call on Colo. Galbraith for hig assistance in recov-
ering the same.
598 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Tuesday October 20, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Urie, & ~)
John Mackay, John Hambright, lEsq'rs.
Jacob Arndt, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of WilPm Arm-
strong, Paymaster at Billingsport, or his order, for the Sum of Five
Hundred Pounds, to be charged to his account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favour of William Lit-
tle, for the Sum of Four Pounds Seven Shillings & Six Pence, for
work done on board the Brig Convention.
The Council Met.
Philadelphia, Tuesday October 20, 1778, P. M.
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Thos. Urie, &
John Mackay, John Hambri|
Jacob Arndt,
The return of the Sheriffs elect for Berks County being read k
considered, Henry Haffa is appointed Sheriff of said County for the
ensuing Year. Henry Haffa offers for his securities for the faithful
performance of the Office of Sheriff of the County of Berks, Jacob
Shoemaker, Esq'r, & Daniel Hunter, of Oley, Husbandman ; and
they are approved of by Council.
The return of the Coroners elect for Berks County being read
and considered, James Whitehead, Esq's, is appointed Coroner of
said County for the ensuing year.
:ight, yEsq'rs.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 599
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Wednesday October 21, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President:
Jos. Hart, Tho's Urie, & ")
John Mackay, John Hambright, (■ Esq'rs.
Jacob Arndt, j
Return of Election for the County of York by the Sheriff, & an-
other by several of the Judges.
On Consideration,
Ordered, That James Claypoole, Esq'r, be appointed Sheriff of
the City & County of Philadelphia, and that Robert Jewell be ap-
pointed Coroner of the said City & County, and that they respec-
tively be Commissioned accordingly.
On Consideration,
Ordered, That William Rowan, Esq'r, be appointed Sheriff of
the County of York, & that he be Commissioned accordingly.
William Rowan offers John Finiey & Matthew McCall as sure-
ties for his faithful performance of the duties of his Office as Sheriff
of the County of York, & the same are approved of.
The Council took into Consideration the Election for Justices in
the district of New Providence, Limerick, Perkiomen, and Skippack
Townships j and thereupon,
Ordered, That David Kennedy be appointed a Justice of the
Peace for the County of Philadelphia.
Everharfc Michael, one of the Agents for Seizing of forfeited Es-
tates, being lately deceased ;
On Consideration,
Ordered, That Charles Hall, of the Borough of Lancaster, Silver-
smith, be appointed one of the Agents for Seizing of forfeited Es-
tates in the County of Lancaster.
A Pass to Mrs. Ross & her Children, Mrs. — ,
Mrs. Anne Grimes.
600 MINUTES OF THI
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Thursday October 22, 1778.
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Tho's Urie, & "1
John Mackay, John Hambright, V-Esq'rs.
Jacob Arndt, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Philip Boehm,
Paymaster of Militia of the County of Northampton, or his order,
for the Sum of Three thousand Pounds, for the purpose of Paying
the Militia, & to be charged to his account.
Ordered, That Friday the Sixth day of November next, be ap-
pointed to hear the Claims of the parties concerned in taking James
Fitzpatrick, the noted Robber lately executed at Chester.
That the reward of One thousand Dollars may be paid, accord-
ing to the Proclamation of the Council in that ease.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Friday October 23, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Yice President.
Jos. Hart, Tho's Urie, & \
John Mackay, John Hambright, > Esq'rs*
Jacob Arndt, )
The Council took into consideration the Case of John Roberts
and Abram Carlisle, now under sentence of death, & the transcripts
of their Conviction being read, & also divers Petitions on their be-
half being read & considered, Viz :
u Philadelphia County ss.
" Be it remembered. That at a Court of Oyer & Terminer & Gen-
eral Goal delivery, held at Philadelphia, for the County of Phila-
delphia, the Twenty-first day of September, in the Year of our
Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight, before the
Hon'ble Thomas McKean, William Augustus Atlee & John Evans,
Esq'rs, Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of Pennsylva-
nia, & Justices assigned by Letters Patent of the President and
Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, under the great Seal
of the said State, made to them, the aforesaid Justices, or any two
of them, to enquire fully, by the Oath #• Affirmation of good §~ law-
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 601
ful Men of the County aforesaid, by whom the truth of the matter
might be the better known, of Treasons, Murders, #• such other
Crimes as by the Laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are
made Capital or felonies of Death, & to hear and determine the
said treasons, & other the Premises, according to Law, & to deliver
the Goal of the said County of all the Prisoners in the same Goal,
being by the Oath of James Young, Esq'r, John Moore, Esq'r,
Plunket Fleeson, Esq'r, Seth Quee, Esq'r, James Hunter, Esq'r,
Robert Curry, Jacob Laughlan, David Snyder, Rudolph Heff, Wil-
liam Ball, Joseph Dean, Francis Hassenclever, John Purviance,
Renja. Loxley, John Dorsey, & Thomas Cuthbert, & by the Solemn
Affirmation of Zebulon Potts, Esq'r, & Thomas Pryor, good & law-
ful Men of the County aforesaid, impannelled, sworn, affirmed and
charged to enquire for the said Commonwealth, & the Body of the
said County:
"Xt is presented, That John Roberts, late of the County of Phila-
delphia, Miller, being an inhabitant of & belonging to & residing
within the State of Pennsylvania, and under the protection of its
Laws, & owing Allegiance to the same State, as a false Traitor
against the same, not having the fear of God before his Eyes, but
being moved & seduced by the instigation of the Devil, the fidelity
which to the same State he owed, wholly withdrawing, & with all
his might intending the Peace and tranquility of this Common-
wealth of Pennsylvania to disturb, & War & Rebellion against the
same to raise & move, & the Government & Independence thereof,
as by Law established, to subvert, & to raise again & restore the
Government & Tyranny of the King of Great Britain within the
same Commonwealth, on the first day of January, in the Year of
our Lord one thousand seven hundred & Seventy-eight, & at divers
days & times, as well before as after, at the City of Philadelphia,
in the County aforesaid, maliciously & traiterously, with a great
number of Traitors & Rebels, whose names are as yet unknown to
the Jurors, being armed & arrayed in a hostile manner, with force
& Arms, did falsely & traiterously assemble & join himself against
this Commonwealth, & then &> there with force & Arms, did falsly
& traiterously, & in a Warlike & hostile manner, array & dispose
himself against this Commonwealth, & then and there, with force
and Arms, in pursuance and execution of such his wicked & traiterous
intentions and purposes aforesaid, did falsly and traiterously pre-
pare, order, wage and levy a public and cruel war against this Com-
monwealth, then and there committing and perpetrating a miserable
and Cruel slaughter of and amongst the faithful and Leige subjects
and inhabitants thereof, and then and there did, with force and
Arms, falsly and traiterously aid and assist the King of Britain,
being an Enemy at open War against this State, by joining his
Armias, to Wit ; his army under the Command of Gen'l Sir Wil-
liam Howe, then actually invading this State, and by serving the
same Army as a Guide, and by inlisting and by procuring and per-
602 MINUTES OF THE
suading others to enlist for that purpose, and then and there ma-
liciously and traiterously. with divers other Traitors, to the Jurors
unknown, with force and Arms did combine, plot and conspire to
betray this State, and the United States of America, into the hands
and power of the King of Great Britain, being an Enemy, at open
War against the same, and then and there did with force and Arms
maliciously and traiterously give and send intelligence to the same
Enemies for that purpose, against the duty of his allegiance, against
the form of the Act of Assembly in such case made and provided,
and against the Peace and Dignity of the Commonwealth of Penn-
sylvania :
" Whereupon, the Sheriff of the County aforesaid, is Com-
manded that he take the said John Roberts, if he may be found
in his Bailiwick, & him Safely keep, to answer to the Treason
whereof he stands indicted ; And afterwards, to Wit : at the same
delivery of the Goal of the County aforesaid, before the said Jus-
tices of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, on the Thirtieth
day of September, in the Year aforesaid, here cometh the said John
Roberts, under the Custody of James Claypoole, Esq'r, Sheriff of
the County aforesaid, (in whose Custody in the Goal of the Coun-
ty aforesaid, for the Cause aforesaid, he had been before Commit-
ted,) being brought to the Bar here in his proper person, by the said
Sheriff, to whom he is here alqp Committed ; And forthwith being
demanded concerning the Premises in the said Indictment, how he
will acquit himself thereof; he saith that he is not guilty thereof,
& thereof for good & Evil he puts himself upon the Country ; And
Jonathan Dickinson Serjeant, who prosecutes for the Commonwealth
aforesaid, in this behalf, doth the like ; therefore let a Jury there-
upon come here immediately, before the said Justices of the said
Supreme Court, by whom the truth of the matter may be the better
known, and who are of no affinity to the said John Roberts, to re-
cognize upon their Oath whether the said John Roberts be guilty
of the Treason in the Indictment aforesaid above specified, or not
guilty; because, as well the said Jonathan Dickinson Serjeant, who
prosecutes for the said Commonwealth in this behalf, as the said
John Roberts, have put themselves upon that Jury; And the Jurers
of the said Jury, by the said Sheriff for this purpose impanelled and
returned, to Wit: William Adcock, Isaac Powell, David Pancoast,
John Steinmeitz, Andrew Forsyth, Andrew Burkhard, John McNeal,
William Rigden, John Drinker, James Hood, James Barns & Thomas
Corgee, being called, come, who being elected, tried, sworn & affirm-
ed to speak the truth of & concerning the Premises, upon their
Oaths & Affirmations respectively, do Say : That the said John
Roberts is guilty of the Treason aforesaid on him above charged,
in form aforesaid, as by the Indictment aforesaid is above supposed
against him, <fc that the said John Roberts, at the time of the com-
mitting of the said Treason, or at any time since to this time, had
not nor hath any Goods or Chatties, Lands dr Tenements, to the
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 603
knowledge of the said Jurors ; And upon this it is forthwith de-
manded of the said John Roberts if he hath or knoweth any thing
to say, wherefore the said Justices here ought not, upon the Premi-
ses & verdict aforesaid, to proceed to judgment; who nothing further
saith unless as he before had said ; Whereupon, all & singular the
Premises, being seen, & by the said Justices here fully understood,
It is considered by the Court here that the said John Roberts be
hanged by the Neck 'till he be dead !
li A true Transcript of the Record.
(Signed.)— "EDW. BURD, CI. Cur."
"Philadelphia County, ss.
" Be it remembered, That at a Court of Oyer & Terminer &
General Goal delivery, held at Philadelphia for the County of
Philadelphia, the Twenty-first day of September, in the Year of
our Lord, One Thousand Seven hundred & Seventy-eight, before
the Hon'ble Thomas M'Kean, William Augustus Atlee & John
Evans, Esq'rs, Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of Penn-
sylvania, & Justices assigned by Letters Patent of the President &
Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, under the great Seal
of the said State, made to them, the aforesaid Justices, or any two
of them, to enquire fully, by the Oath & Affirmation of good &
lawful Men of the County aforesaid, by whom the truth of the
Matter might be the better known, of all Treasons, Murders, and
such other Crimes as by the Laws of the Commonwealth of Penn-
sylvania are made Capital, or Felonies of Death, and to hear and
determine the said Treasons, and other the Premises, according to
Law, and to deliver the Goal of the said County of all the Pri-
soners in the said Goal j being by the Oath of James Young, Esq'r,
John Moore, Esq'r, Plunket Fleeson, Esq'r, Seth Quee, Esq'r,
James Hunter, Rob't Curry, Jacob Laughlin, David Snyder, Ru-
dolph Neff, William Ball, Joseph Dean, Francis Hassenclever, John
Purviance, Benjamin Loxley, John Dorsey, & Thomas Cuthbert', and
by the solemn Affirmation of Zebulon Potts, Esq'r, & Thomas Pry-
or, good & lawful Men of the County aforesaid, impanelled, sworn,
affirmed & charged to enquire for the said Commonwealth & the
body of the said County : It is presented, That Abraham Carlisle",
late of the City of Philadelphia, in the County of Philadelphia,
Carpenter, being an inhabitant of, & belonging to & residing with-
in the State of Pennsylvania, & under the protection of the Laws,
& owing Allegiance to the same State, as a false Traitor against
the same, not having the fear of God before his eyes, but being
moved & seduced by the instigation of the Devil, the fidelity which
to the same State he owed wholly withdrawing, & with all his
might intending the peace & tranquility of this Commonwealth of
604 MINUTES OF THE
Pennsylvania to disturb, & War & Rebellion against the same to
1 raise & move, & the Government & Independence thereof, as by
law established, to subvert & to raise again & restore the Govern-
ment and Tyranny of the King of Great Britain within the same
Commonwealth, on the first day of January, in the Year of our
Lord One Thousand Seven hundred & Seventy-Eight, & at divers
days & times, as well before as after, at the City of Philadelphia, in
the County aforesaid, with force & Arms, did falsly & traiterously
take a Commission or Commissions from the King of Great Britain,
& then & there, with force & Arms, did falsly & traiterously, also
take a Commission or Commissions from Gen'l Sir William Howe,
then & there acting under the said King of Great Britain, & under
the authority of the same King, to-Wit : a Commission to watch
over & guard the Gates of the City of Philadelphia, by the said Sir
William Howe erected & set up, for the end & purpose of keeping
& maintaining the possession of the said City, & ot shutting out &
excluding the faithful & liege inhabitants & Subjects of this State
& of the United States, from the same City, & then & there also
maliciously & traiterously, with a great multitude of Traitors &
Rebels against the said Commonwealth, (whose names are as yet
unknown to the Jurors,) being armed <Sc arrayed in a Hostile man-
ner, with force and Arms, did falsly & traiterously assemble & join
himself against this Commonwealth, fy then $• there, with force 8f
Arms, did falsly $• traiterously, <$• in a Warlike #• Hostile manner,
array $• dispose himself against the said Commonwealth, fy then
4* there, in pursuance and execution of such his wicked $• traiter-
ously intentions fy purposes aforesaid, did falsly #• traiterously pre-
pare, order, wage and levy a public and cruel War against the said
Commonwealth, then and there committing and perpretrating a
miserable and cruel Slaughter of and amongst the faithful and liege
inhabitants thereof, and then and there did, with force and Arms,
falsly and traiterously aid and assist the King of Great Britain,
being an Enemy, at open War against this State ; by joining his Ar-
mies, to-Wit : His Army under the Command of Gen'l Sir Wil-
liam Howe, then actually invading this State, and then and there
maliciously and traiterously, (with divers other Traitors, to the
Jurors aforesaid unknown,) with force and Arms did combine, plot
and conspire to betray this State and the United States of America
mto the hands and power of the King of Great Britain, being a
foreign Enemy to this State and the United States of America, at
open War against the same, and then and there did, with force and
Arms, maliciously and traiterously did give and send intelligence
to the same Enemies for that purpose, against the duty of his Alle-
giance, against the form of the Act of Assembly in such case made
and provided, and against the Peace and Dignity of the Common-
wealth of Pennsylvania.
" Whereupon, the Sheriff of the County aforesaid, is commanded
that he take the said Abraham Carlisle, if he may be found in his
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 605
Bailiwick, <So him safely keep, to answer to the Treasons whereof he
stands indicted ; And afterwards, to Wit : at the same delivery of
the Gaol of the County aforesaid, before the said Justices of the
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, on the Twenty-fifth day of Sep-
tember, in the Year aforesaid, here cometh the said Abraham Car-
lisle, ufider the Custody of James Claypoole, Esq'r, Sheriff of the
County >foresaid, (in whose Custody, in the Gaol of the County
aforesaid, for the cause aforesaid, he had been before Committed,)
being brought to the Bar here in his proper person, by the said
Sheriff, to whom he is here also Committed; And forthwith being
demanded concerning the Premisses in the said Indictment above
specified & charged upon him, how he will acquit himself thereof:
he saith, l that he is not guilty thereof, & thereof for Good & evil,
he puts himself upon the Country.' And Jonathan Dickinson, Ser-
geant, who prosecutes for the said Commonwealth in this behalf, doth
the like. Therefore, let a Jury thereupon come here immediately be-
fore the said Justices of the said Supreme Court, by whom the truth
of the matter may be better known, & who are of no affinity to
the said Abraham Carlisle, to recognize upon their Oath, whether
the said Abraham Carlisle be guilty of the Treason in the Indicts
ment aforesaid above specified, or not guilty, because as well the
said Jonathan Dickinson, Sergeant, who prosecutes for the said
Commonwealth in this behalf, as the said Abraham Carlisle, have
put themselves upon the said Jury. And the Jurors of the said
Jury by the said Sheriff for this purpose impanelled & returned, to
Wit : John Palmer, John Lynn, Isaac Powell, Cadwalader Dickin-
son, Philip Clumberg, Thomas Shields, Jacob Urie, David Kees,
Thomas Goucher, Thomas Palmer, John Drinker, & Matthew
Jackson, being called, come, who being elected, tried, sworn &
affirmed to speak the truth of & concerning the Premises, upon
their Oath & Affirmation, respectively do say : ' That the said
Abraham Carlisle is guilty of the Treason aforesaid on him above
charged, in form aforesaid, as by the Indictment aforesaid is above
supposed against him; And that the said Abraham Carlisle, at the
time come the committing the said Treason, or at any time since
to this time, had not nor hath any Goods or Chatties, Lands or
Tenements, to the knowledge of the said Jurors.' And upon this
it is forthwith demanded of the said Abraham Carlisle, if he hath
or knoweth any to say, wherefore the said Justices here ought not,
upon the Premises and Verdict aforesaid, proceed to Judgment ;
who nothing further saith, Unless as he before had said. Where-
upon, all & singular, the Premises being seen, & by the said Jus-
tices here fully understood, It is considered by the Court here that
the said Abraham Carlisle be hanged by the Neck 'till he be
dead.
" A true Transcript of the Record.
(" Signed,)
"ED'W BURD,C1, Cur."
606 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That John Roberts <fe Abram Carlisle be, agreeable to
the sentence of the Court, executed on Wednesday the fourth day
of November next, & that a Warrant be issued for this purpose ac-
cordingly.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Saturday October 24, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Yice President.
Jos. Hart, Tho's Urie, & \ « »H
John Mackay, John Hambright, j ^
The Council took into consideration the return of the election for
the County of Lancaster :
On consideration,
Ordered, That William Kelley, Esq'r, be appointed Sheriff of
the County of Lancaster, & that Jacob Bailey be appointed Coroner
of the said County, and that they respectively be Commissioned
accordingly.
William Kelly proposes James Anderson & James Anderson,
jun., as Sureties for his faithful performance of the duties of his
Office as Sheriff of the County of Lancaster, <fc the same are ap-
proved of by Council.
An order was drawn on Capt. Joseph Stiles in favor of Mr. Peter
Dehaven, for One Hundred Gun Locks, for which he is to ac-
count.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Frederick
Sneider, Door-keeper, for the Sum of One hundred & Thirty-five
Pounds four Shillings & Six Pence, for nine Cords of best Hickory
Wood, for the use of the Council, at fourteen Pounds P Cord, and
other expences of Cording, measuring, & hauling the same.
The Council Met.
Philadelphia, Monday October 26, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Mackay, Thomas TJrie, & ")
Jos. Hart, John Hambright, I Esq'rs.
Jacob Arndt, J
William Rush, Tho's Franklin, Col. Jos. Copperthwaite, Rob'fc
Parrish, & Jos. Morse, attended the Council & presented and read
. SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 607
the Petition of divers inhabitants of the City & County of Phila-
delphia, in behalf of Abraham Carlisle, now under Sentence of
Death for High Treason, Praying that Council will be pleased to
suspend the execution of the Sentence until a meeting of the As-
sembly, &ca.
Passes to New York — Mrs. Chalmers & Mrs. (R.) Willing.
On Consideration,
Ordered, That Jacob S. Howell be directed to send the Cloath-
ing now in his Possession to the Camp of his Excell'y Gen'l Wash-
ington, that the same may be there distributed , where the wants of
the whole of the Militia & of each individual is known, & that
none be delivered in this City excepting to Recruits going to Camp
The Council Met.
Philadelphia, Tuesday October 27, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Mackay, Thomas Urie, & "")
Jos. Hart, John Hambright, tEsq'rs,
Jacob Arndt, J
The three following orders were drawn on the Treasurer, Viz :
One in favor of Peter Dehaven, or his order, for the sum of Five
hundred Pounds, to be charged to his account.
One in favor of Commodore John Hazlewood, or his order, for
the sum of Two hundred & Eighty-Seven Pounds & ten Shillings,
for the purchasing of Wood for Council & the House of Assembly j
and
One in favor of William Allison, or his order, for the sum of
Two hundred Pounds, to be charged to his account.
Divers Petitions in favor of John Roberts were read.
The Council taking into consideration that Gunning Bedford,
lately appointed Measurer of Grain & Salt in the Port of Philadel-
phia, hath not taken the Oath of Allegiance to the State within the
time appointed for that purpose by Law, & that he is therefore not
capable of holding the said Office ; thereupon,
Ordered, That Capt. William Greenway be appointed Measurer
of Wheat & other Grain, & Salt, in the Port of Philadelphia, &
that he be Commissioned accordingly, to Continue until otherwise
ordered by this Council.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of James Dundas,
or his order* for the sum of Five Hundred Pounds, to Pay off the
Workmen employed last year at Billingsport, and to be charged to
his account.
608 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Wednesday Octo. 28, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Mackay, Thomas Urie, &, "J
Jos. Hart, John Hambright, lEsq'rs.
Jacob Arndt, J
A return of the Election for the County of Bedford, to Wit :
Sheriffs — Thomas Coulter & Francis Clugage.
Coroners — Cornelius McAuley & Kobert Eliot.
On Consideration,
Ordered, That Thomas Coulter be appointed Sheriff of the
County of Bedford, & that he be Commissioned accordingly.
Ordered, That Cornelius McAuley be appointed Coroner of the
County of Bedford, & that he be Commissioned accordingly.
A Record of conviction of Henry Bunthurst, alias Bunter, of
the Murder of Dan'l Wensel. before a special Court of Oyer and
Terminer, held at Bedford for the County of Bedford, the 21st day
of September, 1778, was read.
Thomas Coulter offers Henry Rhoads, Gideon Richey, and Hen-
ry Didier, of the County of Bedford, as sureties for his faithful
performance of the duties of his Office, & the same are approved
of.
Col. George Smith, one of the Agents for seizing the forfeited
Estates in the County of Philadelphia, reports that John Freeze,
of the County of Bucks, has discovered a Horse belonging to John
Wright of Philadelphia County, & that the Horse was sold for.
Seventy One Pounds.
On consideration,
Ordered, That Col. George Smith be directed to Pay to John
Freeze the One fourth part of the value of the Horse belonging to
John Wright, discovered by the said Freeze.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Thursday October 29, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Mackay, Thomas Urie, & ")
Jos. Hart, John Hambright, vEsq'rs.
Jacob Arndt, J
& also, Thomas Scott, Esq'r, now returned for Westmorland
County.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 609
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Major Will'm
Armstrong, Pay-master at Billingsport, or order, for the Sum of
Five hundred Pounds, to be charged in his account.
On consideration,
Ordered, That Henry Bunthunt, alias Bunter, now under sen-
tence of Death, be executed on Saturday the fourteenth day of
November next, at the usual place of execution, between the hours
of Ten o'clock in the forenoon <fe Two of the Clock in the afternoon,
& that a Warrant be issued to the Sheriff of the county of Bed-
ford for the said purpose.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Philip Gibbous,
of the 6th Pennsylvania Reg't, or his order, for the Sum of three
jundred Dollars, for the Recruiting Service,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer m favor of Capt. John
Pearson, of the 9th Pennsylvania Reg't, or his order, for the Sum
of two Thousand Dollars, for the Recruiting Service, to be charged
to his account
The return of the Election for the County of Cumberland was
read*
On consideration,
Ordered, That James Johnson be appointed sheriff of the county
of Cumberland, & that he be commissioned accordingly.
James Johnson, Esq'r, offers John Boggs, Sam'l Finley, and
John Johnson, of the County of Cumberland, as sureties for the
faithful performance of his ofiace as sheriff of the said county., j&
the same is approved of.
Ordered, That WilPm Rippey be appointed Coroner of the
County of Cumberland, <§s that he be Commissioned accordingly
The -Council met.
Philadelphia, Friday October 30, 1778.
present ':
Hon'fele GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Mackay. Thomas Urie, 1
Joseph Hart, John H ambright, •& lEsq^rs.
Jacob Atradt, Thomas Scott, J
The Petitions of Stephen Kitchin, a lad of Nineteen' years of
Age, convicted of theft in the County of Northampton, & sentenced
to be Whipped, & of James Webster, of the said county, also con-
victed & sentenced by the said court, were read ; &
On consideration,
Ordered, That the sentence of the Court of Quarter Sessions of
the Peace for the county of Northampton against Stephen Kitchen
be remitted, so far&s relates to the Corporal Punishment,
610 MINUTES OF THE
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Leonard Lash-
er, for the Sum of Twelve Pounds fy ten shillings, for riding Ex-
press.
The following Proclamation for Traitors to appear and take their
Trial, was issued, Vizt :
11 Pennsylvania ss.
"A PROCLAMATION.
" By the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
" Whereas, The following named persons, late and heretofore in-
habitants of this State, that is to say : William Ross, Cordwainer,
in Walnut Street; Robert White, Merchant and Mariner; Rich'd
Palmer, Cabinet-maker; William Marshall, Pilot; John Burd,
Butcher ; John Colston, Stocking- weaver ; William Evans and Jo-
seph Evans, Carpenters; Alexander Smith, Blacksmith; James
Warrell, Brewer: Dav'd Jones, Tavern-keeper and Constable;
Hudson Burr, Hatter; John Burkett, Waterman; William Drewitt
Smith, Druggist; and Alexa. Stedman, Esq'r, all now or late of
the City of Philadelphia : And Thomas Green and Thomas Silkod,
Yeomen, both now or late of the Township of Hatfield ; and John
Loughborough, Blacksmith; Joseph Comely, Yeoman ; and John
Burke, Taylor; all now or late of the Manor of Mooreland, all now
or late of the County of Philadelphia : And Uriah Hughes, junior,
Yeoman ; now or late of the Township of Buckingham ; k David
Burge, Blacksmith; & Courtland Todd, Miller; both now or late
of the Township of Solebury; & Joseph Kennard, Laborer; now
or late of the Township; & Isaac Hutchinson, Thomas Hutchinson,
& Marmaduke Hutchinson, Yeomen ; all now or late of the Town-
ship of Newbritain ; And Edward Jones & Jonathan Jones, Yeo-
men ; and Enoch Morris, Wheelwright ; all now or late of the Town-
ship of Hilltown ; And John Dennis, Joiner; now or late of the
Township of Richland; & Peter Perlee, Yeoman; now or late of the
Township of Durham ; Jesse Jones, Laborer ; now or late of the
Township of Bensalem ; & Jonathan Sha^v, late Ensign in the Amer-
ican Army, all now or late of the County of Bucks : And John
Campbell, William Campbell, James Little, Edward Gibbons &
James Delong, Yeomen; all now or late of Emmerson's Valley: &
Andrew Smith and Robert Nixon, Yeomen ; both now or late of the
Township of Lack, and Joseph King, Yreoman;'& William Wright,
Dyer; both now or late of the Township of Path Valley : & Domi-
nick McNeal and John Stillwell, Yeomen ; both now or late of the
Township of Tuscorara; all now or late of the County of Cumber-
land : And Richard Weston, Yeoman ; now or late of the Township
of Trunkston, <& Jacob Hare, Michael Hare & Samuel Barrow* Yeo-
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 611
Snen ) all now or late of the Township of Barree; all now or late of
the County of Bedford : And George Fields, Daniel Fields, Gilbert
Fields, Isaac Dolston, Matthew Dolston, Isaac Dolston, junior, Mor-
ris Furner, Edward Furner, George Weitner, Henry Staaks, Pat-
rick Hill & Matthew Russell, Yeomen 5 all now or late of the Town*
ship of Wioming; all now or late of the County of Northumberland :
have severally adhered to, & knowingly & willingly aided & assisted
the Enemies of this State, & of the United States of America, by
having joined their Armies within this State.
Arid Whereas, The following named Persons, inhabitants of others
of the United States of America, who have Real Estates within this
Commonwealth; that is to say: Peter Campbell, Gentleman, &
Isaac Allen, Attorney at Law, both now or late of Trenton, in the
State of New Jersey; & Andrew Elliott, Esq'r, now or late of New
York ; have severally adhered to, & knowingly and willingly aided
& assisted the Enemies of this State, & of the United States of
America, by having joined their Armies at the City of New York,
at the State of New York:
We, the Supreme Executive Council aforesaid, by virtue of cer-
tain powers & authorities to us given by an Act of General Assem-
bly entitled " An Act for the attainder of divers Traitors, if they,
render not themselves by a certain day, & for vesting their Estates
in this Commonwealth, & for more effectually discovering the same,
& for ascertaining and satisfying the lawful Debts & claims" there-
upon, Do hereby strictly charge & require the said William Ross,
Robert White, Richard Palmer, William Marshall, John Burd, John
Colston, William Evans, John Evans, Alexander Stedman, Thomas
Green, Thomas Silkod, John Loughborough, Joseph Comely, John
Burke, Uriah Hughes, Junior, David Burge, Courtland Todd, Jo-
seph Kennard, Isaac Hutchinson, Thomas Hutchinson, Marmaduke
Hutchinson, Edward Jones, Jonathan Jones, Enoch Morris, John
Dennis, Peter Perlie, Jesse Jones, Jonathan Strow, John Campbell,
William Campbell, James Little, Henry Magee, Edward Gibbons,
James Delong, Andrew Smith, Robert Nixon, Joseph King, Wil-
liam Wright, Dominick McNeal, John Stiilwell, Richard Weston,
John Hare, Michael Hare, Samuel Barrow, George Fields, Daniel
Fields, Gilbert Fields, Isaac Dolston, Matthew Dolston, Isaac Dol-
ston, jun'r, Morris Furner, Edward Furner, Henry Weitner, Henry
Staaks, Patrick Hill, Matthew Russell, Peter Campbell, Isaac Al-
len & Andrew Elliott, to render themselves respectively to some
or one of the Justices of the Supreme Court, or of the Justices of
the Peace of one of the Counties within this State, on or before
Tuesday the fifteenth day of December next ensuing, & also abide
their legal trial for such their Treasons, on pain that every of them,
the said William Ross, Robert White, Richard Palmer, William
Marshall, John Burd, John Colston, William Evans, John Evans,
Alexander Smith, James Warrell, David Jonas, Hudson Burr,
John Burkett9 William Drewitt Smithy Alexander Stedman^
612 MINUTES OF THE
Thomas Green, Thomas Silkod, John Loughborough, Joseph
Comely, John Burke, Uriah Hughes, junior, David Burge, Court*
land Todd^Joseph Kennard, Isaac Hutchinson, Thomas Hutchin-
son, Marmaduke Hutchinson, Edward Jones, Jonathan Jones,
Enoch Morris, John Dennis, Peter Perlie, Jesse Jones, Jonathan
Shaw, John Campbell, William Campbell, James Little, Henry
Magee, Edward Gibbons, James Delong, Andrew Smith, Robert
Nixon, Joseph King, William Wright, Dominick McNeal, John
Stillwell, Richard Weston, Jacob Hare, Michael Hare, Samuel
Barrow, George Fields, Daniel Fields, Gilbert Fields, Isaac Dol-
ston, Matthew Dolston, Isaac Dolston, junior, Morris Furner, Ed-
ward Furner, Henry Weitner, Henry Staaks, Patrick Hill, Matt'w
Russell, Peter Campbell, Isaac Allen, & Andrew Elliott, not ren-
dering himself as aforesaid, & abiding the trial aforesaid, shall
from and after the said fifteenth day of December next, stand & be
attainted of High Treason, to all intents & purposes, & shall suffer
such pains & penalties, & undergo all such forfeitures, as persons at-
tainted of High Treason ought to do.
And all the faithful subjects of this State are to take notice of this
Proclamation, & govern themselves accordingly.
,( Given by order of the Council, under the hand of the Hon'ble
GEORGE BRYAN, Esquire, Vice President, & the Seal of
the State at Philadelphia, this thirtieth day of October, in the
Year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred k Seventy-eight
" Attested by order of the Council.
T'y Matlack, Sec'y.
« (Signed)— GEORGE BRYAN, Vice President."
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Saturday October 31, 1778.
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Mackay, Thomas Urie, 1
Joseph Hart, 'John Hambright, & lEsq'rs,
Jacob Arndt, Thomas Scott, J
The Petition of Charles Edwards, convicted of Theft at the
Court of , praying a remission of the Corpora!
Punishment ordered by the said Court :
On Consideration,
Ordered, That the execution of the Sentence of the Court against
Cha's Edwards, be suspended until the first day of December
next.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 613
The following two orders were drawn on the Treasurer, Viz :
In favor of John Klotz, for the Sum of Forty-three Pounds &;
Six Shillings, for riding express.
In favor of the Widow of William Hammond, for the Sum of
eight Pounds thirteen Shillings & four Pence, for her Husband's
service in attending the Alarm Gun.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday November 2d, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Mackay, Thomas Urie, ~)
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, & V- Esq'rs.
Jacob Arndt, Thomas Scott, J
The Petition of John Roberts was read.
The Petition of the wife of John Roberts, his Children & rela-
tives, was read; the Petitioners being many of them present.
The Petition of the Wife of Abram Carlisle & others in his be-
half, was read; she being present with her son, & others.
A Letter from Meriwether Smith & Richard Henry Lee, Esq'rs,
inclosing a Letter from John Campbell, dated October 16, 1778.
The Council took into consideration the cases of John Roberts
and Abram Carlisle.
Petition of divers Freeholders was read; and also the Notes
taken by the Chief Justice on their respective trials, (many others
having been before read.)
Notes of the Chief Justice on each of the said Cases were
read.
Samuel Wallis, of Northumberland, attended and offered to
Council some facts relative to the Credit in which John Roberts
was at Gen'l Howe's Head Quarters; and
On Consideration,
He was ordered to draw up in Writing what he has to offer, and
affirm to the truth thereof before a Justice of the Peace.
614 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Tuesday Novem. 3, 1778-
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Mackay, Thomas Urie, ")
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, & t Esq'rs
Jacob Arndt, Thomas Scott, J
Major Gen'l Armstrong & Brig'r Gen'l Lacey attended the
Council, and a conference was had on the present situation of the
State with respect to Military affairs.
James Claypoole, Esq'r, offered to the Council Blair M'Clena-
ghan & David Chambers, both of this City, as sureties for his
faithful performance of the duties of his office as Sheriff of the
City and County of Philadelphia, & the same were approved of.
Ordered , That Wm. Allison be directed to request of the As-
sistant Quarter Master General, for four Spades & four Shovels,
for the use of the State, to be returned to him, or accounted for by
the State.
A Letter from Brig'r Gen'l, John Lacy was read, wherein he re-
signs the office of Agent for seizing of forfeited Estates for the
County of Bucks, in consequence of his being elected one of the
representatives of the said County to serve in General Assembly.
The Council resumed the consideration of the cases of John
Roberts and Abraham Carlisle ; And after solemn consideration,
and the Question being put, shall a Reprieve be granted to John
Roberts and Abram Carlisle, or either of them ? The same was
carried in the Negative.
Application was made to Council for a small quantity of Plank,
to repair a Bridge on Richmond, or Point no point Road, near
Kensington.
Ordered, That Wm. Allison be directed to* deliver to David Blyth
and John Shults, as much Plank as will repair the Bridge above
Kensington, on Richmond Road.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Wednesday Novem. 4, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Tho's Scott, & ")
John Mackay, Matt'w Smith. I Esq'rs.
Tho's Urie, )
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 615
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Thursday November 5, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, *\
John Mackay, Watthew Smith & > Esq'rs.
Thomas Urie, John Hambright, )
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Will'm Cris-
pin, Commissary of the State Fleet, or his order, for the Sum of
Two Thousand Pounds, to be charged to his account ; Also an or-
der on the Treasurer in favor of Thomas Nevil, for the Sum of
One hundred Pounds, to be charged to his account.
William Marshall of the City of Philadelphia, Pilot, named in
the Proclamation the thirtieth day of October last, and required
to render himself and abide his legal trial, &ca, attended in Coun-
cil, and on examination, it appeared that the name of the said
Wm. Marshall was inserted in the said Proclamation thro' the mis-
information of one of the Agents for seizing of forfeited Estates
in the City of Philadelphia; and there did not appear any reason
to believe that he had adhered to, or in anywise aided and assisted
tlie Enemies of this Sate, or of the United States of Anferica.
The Council having a just regard to the preservation of the good
Character of a Citizen of the State, both for the present and in
future,
Ordered, That a certificate be made out under the less Seal of
the State, Signed by the Hon'ble Vice President, and attested by
the Secretary, setting forth the aforesaid case, and that the same
be delivered to the said William Marshall j And that a Nole Pro-
sequi be issued in his case.
Ordered, That the foregoing Minutes be Published in Mr. Dun-
lap's Paper.
Ordered, That the Sum of Two Hundred & Fifty Dollars be
paid to the Hon'ble Geo. Bryan, Esq'r, or his order, for the Sum
of One Hundred & Fifty Pounds.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
Thomas Urie, Esq'r, or his order, for the Sum of One Hundred and
Ifty Pounds, in part of his Wages.
616 MINUTES OF THE
The Council Met.
Philadelphia, Friday November 6, 177&-
present :
Hobble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Mathew Smith, 1
John Mackay, John Hambright, & ( ™ ,
Thomas Urie, James McLean, f iS^ rS*
Thomas Scott, J
Ab order was drawn on the Treasurer m favor of Jac'b Stine-
mitz, or his order, for the Sum of One hundred & Twenty-four
Pounds Six Shillings & Three Pence, for Bricks.
Henry Rhoads, Esq'r, one of the Justices of the Peace fos the
County of Bedford, sent into Council a resignation in Writing, of
his Office of a Justice of the Peace for the said County, & the same
is accepted accordingly.
Agreeable to the order of the day, Capt. McFee & Rachel "Wal-
ker, attended the Council, & put in their claim to the Reward of
One thousand Dollars, oiFered by this Council on the thirteenth
July last, to the person or persons who should take and secure
James Fitzpatrick, Blacksmith, a noted Robber. And the Clai-
mants being heard & their claims considered; thereupon,
Ordered, That the Sum of Five hundred Dollars be paid to
Rach'l Walker, & Five Hundred Dollars be paid to Capt.
Robert McAffee, being in the whole the Sum of One thou-
sand Dollars, offered by this Council as a reward for seizing James
Fitzpatrick, Blacksmith, the Robber lately executed at Chester j
k An order was drawn on the Treasurer for the said sum accord-
ingly.
Examination of the Claims of Capt. McAffee & Mrs. Walker to
the Reward for taking Capt. Fitz Patrick, August 23, 1778.
Rachael Walker. — " She was up Stairs; heard screaming, came
down ; a boy told her Capt. Fitz was there ; Capt. Fitz asked her
how she did, & expressed his sorrow at the disturbance ; Fitz told
McAffee to prepare for a march ; laid down his sword & Pistol, &
raising his foot to the Bedstead, in order to put up at heels a pair
of Pumps taken from Capt. McFee j She winked at McFee to seize
Fitz; he seemed to decline; She winked again, & on seeing
McFee's motion as if to seize Fits, she also sprang forward & seised
Fitz; but whether before or at the same time that McFee seized
him, is not certain, but there could have scarely been a moment dif-
ference ; Fitz seized a Pistol, which she griped in his hand ft pro
vented him from firing it;. That she afterwards took the Pistol £
stood Centry at the door."
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 617
Capt. McFee says, " he is not certain at what time the Young
Woman seized Fitz, but that the persons present said he had seized
him first, & had several turns with him on the floor before any per-
sons interferred ; Since the time, has had two Oat Stacks burned, &
that the same time destroyed the Pans, &ca, in the Milk House,
Out the manes & tails of his Horses, but not wounded." With-
drew.
Council ordered the Secretary to ask Captain McFee if he had
obtained from his Father & Mother a renunciation of claim to any
part of the reward for apprehending Capt. Fitz :
And the Secretary having proposed to him the said Question,
Capt. McFee replied, " there is no occasion ; they have made no
claim, <fe there can be no reason for their renouncing a claim
which they have not made, no more than that every other Person
should make a renunciation ."
Edward Biddle & Samuel Meredith, Esq'rs, a Committee of Gen-
eral Assembly, attended in Council, & informed the Council That
the House of General Assembly was now met, had chosen their
Speaker, & were ready for any business which the Council may
have to lay before the House.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
John Hambright, Esq'r, or his order, for the Sum of Five hun-
dred Dollars, to be charged to his account. ■
Esq'rs.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Saturday Novem. % 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Matthew Smith,
John Mackay, John Hambright, &
Tho's Urie, James McLean,
Thomas Scott,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. Nehemiah
Stokely, of the eighth* Pennsylvania Regiment, or his order, for
the Sum of One Thousand & Six hundred Dollars, for the Recruit-
ing Service for the said Regiment, & to be charged to his ac-
count.
Ordered, That the Classes of Militia of the several Battalions
near the City of Philadelphia, who from the vicinity of the Enemy
could not be called into service in their turn, be now ordered into
service to do duty as City Guards; & that the Lieutenant of the
County of Philadelphia be directed to exert himself to the utmost
to have them ready for duty by Saturday next.
618 MINUTES OF THE
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Thomas Jor-
dan, Pay-master of the Militia of the county of Northumberland,
or his order, for the Sum of Eight Thousand Dollars, to be applied
by him in paying the Militia of the said County, & charged the
same to his account.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday November 9, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
s John Mackay, Thos. Urie, & "J
Jacob Arndt, James M'Clean, lEsq'rs.
Thos. Scott, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Major Will'm
Armstrong, Pay-master at Billingsport, for the sum of One hun-
dred & fifty Pounds, to be charged to his account.
The Hon'ble James M'Clean, Esq'r, elected Councellor for the
County of Cumberland, & the Hon'ble Matthew Smith, Esq'r,
elected Councellor for the County of Lancaster, respectively took
the Oaths required by the Constitution to qualify them to act as
Councellors.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Major Gen'l John
Armstrong, of the Militia of this State, or his order, for the sum
of Four hundred & thirty-one Pounds & twelve shillings, balance
due to him for his Pay & Rations to the 5th of March, 1778, and
to be charged to Congress.
Representation of Charles Campbell, late Sub-Lieutenant of the
County of Westmorland, praying the Payment of a bill drawn
by him on Council, & a consideration of his case, was read ; and
thereupon,
Ordered , That the representation of the case of Charles Camp-
bell be referred to the Hon'ble House of General Assembly.
A Message to the Hon'ble House of Assembly being read,
. Ordered, That the same be signed by the Hon'ble Vice Presi-
dent.
i
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 619
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Tuesday Novem. 10, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Mackay, Thomas Urie, &^J
Jacob Arndt, James McLean, V-Esq'rs.
Thos. Scott, J
A Letter from the Marine Committee of Congress, dated the
17th inst., was read; and on consideration,
Ordered, That Capt. Wade in the State Sloop, do comply with
the directions of the Marine Committee of Congress, by preceeding
the French Frigate Chimere down the Bay of Delaware, for the
purpose of reconnoitering.
Gen'l Lacey & Col. Knox, a Committee of the Hon'ble House
of General Assembly, attended in Council & laid before Council a
Letter from Gen'l Wayne, to the Hon'ble House of Assembly, in-
closing divers Letters from the Officers of the Army, & the same
were read.
Josiah Wood produced an account for making Six Hundred
Shovels for the use of the Army, & three hundred handles for
Shovels, & a Certificate in support of the said account, signed by
Colo. John Bull; and thereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Josiah Wood,
for the Sum of Two hundred and Seventy Pounds, for shovels made
by him for the State of Pennsylvania.
The Council resumed the consideration of the return of the
Election for Justices of the Peace for the Northern liberties of
the City of Philadelphia; and thereupon,
Ordered, That Henry Negle & Joseph Copperthwaite be ap-
pointed & Commissioned to be Justices of the Peace for the Coun-
ty of Philadelphia.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Thursday November 12, 1778,
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Matthew Smith, £ -^a^ra *
John Mackay, James M'Lean
lf I Esq'rs.
Representation of Capt. Houston respecting the Prize sloop Ac-
tive was read.
620 MINUTES OF THE
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieu. Col,
North, or his order, for the sum of One hundred & Thirty-
Six Dollars, bounty due to Ensign George Knox for enlisting John
Kennedy into the 9th Pennsylvania Regiment.
An account of Expences & Pay due for attending the Light
House, was laid before the Council by Eleanor Hitchcock, Widow
of John Hitchcock, deceased, Amounting to the sum of Forty-Six
Pounds twelve Shillings & six Pence.
Ordered, That it be recommended to the Officer appointed to
collect the duty of Tonnage for the support of the Light House,
&ca., to settle the account of the Widow of John Hitchcock, and
pay her the Balance due to her.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Thomas Shep-
erd, or his order, for the Sum of Twenty Two Pounds & Ten Shil-
lings, for 30 bushels of Lime, for the use of the House of Office,
& some repairs in the State House.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Friday November 13, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEO. BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James M'Lean, ")
John Mackay, Thomas Urie, & V Esq'rs.
Matthew Smith, Jacob Arndt, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Arthur
Donaldson, for the sum of Five hundred pounds, to be charged to
his acco't.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
James Read, Esq'r, for his attendance in Council 83 days, fy Mile-
age on 56 Miles twice.
From 29 August to 1st August, & from 25 August to
the 3d September, 44 days a 35s. - - 77 00 0
From 3d Sept. to Octo. 12th, (all inclusive) 39 days a
45s. 87 15 0
Mileage twice on 56 Miles a lOd - - - - 9 6 8
(Error 10s. too much.) £174 11 8
The Council took into consideration the returns of Elections of
the Justices of the Peace for the Town of Bedford, & the Township
of ^Bedford, & for £he Township of Dublin ; & thereupon,
Ordered, That David Espy & Sam'l Davidson be appointed Jus-
tices cf the Peace for the County of Bedford, & for the Township
of the Town of Bedford ; And that William Todd be appointed a
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 621
Justice of the Peace for the said County of Bedford, & for the
Township of Bedford, And that James Coyle & James Carmichael
be appointed Justices of the Peace for the County of Bedford & for
the Township of Dublin, & that they be Commissioned acccord-
ingly.
The Council also took into consideration the return of the Elec-
tion of Justices of the Peace for the Township of Peters, in the
County of Cumberland ; & thereupon,
Ordered, That William McDowell be appointed a Justice of the
Peace for the County of Cumberland, & that he be Commissioned
accordingly.
On consideration,
Ordered, That the Secretary do attend the Hon'ble House of
General Assembly, & acquaint the House that the Council are in-
formed that a hearing on the return of the Election for the County
of Chester is to be had in the House to-morrow, in the forenoon, &
as the determination of the Election for Sheriffs will depend on the
same evidence as that of the representatives in General Assembly,
they propose to the Hon'ble House that the Council be admitted to
attend the hearing, & to take such notes of the proceedings as they
may judge to be necessary to assist them in their determination, con-
cerning the Election of Sheriffs for the said County of Chester.
A Letter from Col. Heartley, dated 9th instant, was read, &
Ordered, That the same be laid before the Hon'ble House of
Assembly.
The Secretary reports that he had delivered the Message to the
Hon'ble House according to order, & that the Speaker was pleased
to say, That the House will take into consideration the message
from Council.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of James Loug-
head, paymaster of the City Militia, for the Sum of One Thousand
& five hundred Pounds, to pay the Militia now to be discharged, &
to charge the same to account of the said James Loughead.
The Clerk of the Hon'ble House of General Assembly attended
in Council, & returned Colo. Hartley's Letter, and he informed
Council, That the House was ready to join a Committee of Council
to assist in representing to Congress the situation of the frontier
Counties.
The Clerk of the House again attended & informed the Council^
That the House of Assembly had taken into consideration the ver-
bal Message from Council, & that the House are disposed to ac-
commodate the Council within the Bar at the hearing of the case
of the Chester County Election, & that the hearing was, on motion,
put off 'till Thursday next.
Ordered That the Secretary inform the House, That Council
propose to apply to Congress, thro' the Delegates of the State, for
the March of some of the Confederate Troops, & that if any diffi-
culty arise in the case, Council was inform the House and ask their
assistance.
622 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That the Quarter Master General be requested to fur-
nish Fred'k Sneider with a pitching Axe» to be accounted for by
the State.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Saturday November 14, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James McLean, ")
John Mackay, Thomas Urie, & lEsq'rs.
Matthew Smith, Jacob Arndt, J
The Secretary reports, That he had delivered Colo. Hartley's
Letter to Gen'l Roberdeau, to be by him laid before Congress, agreea-
ble to order.
The following Resolve of the Hon'ble House of General Assem-
bly of this day, handed in by the Clerk of the House, was read; ami
on consideration,
Ordered, That the Naval Officer be directed not to clear out any
Vessel having on board for exportation any of the Articles in the
embargo Law, for & during five days from this date, or until further
orders.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday November 16, 1778,
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James McLean,
John Mackay, Thomas Urie, & J»Esq'rs»
Matthew Smith, Jacob Arndt,
jean, 1
ie, & \
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 623
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Tuesday Novem. 17, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, * James McLean, \
John Mackay, Thomas Urie, & V Esq'rs.
Matthew Smith, Jacob Arndt, )
The Clerk of the House attended in Council, & informed that
the House was now met & ready to proceed on the enquiry into the
Election for Representatives for the County of Chester.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Henry Keppele,
jun, or his order, for the Sum of Three hundred & fifteen Pounds
Seven Shillings & Six Pence, for
[Blank in Council Book.]
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Saturday Novem. 21, 1778*
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Urie, ^|
John Mackay, Thomas Scott, & ! -p >
Matt'w Smith, James McLean, f ^ rSs
Jacob Arndt, J
James Ewing, Esq'r, returned as Councellor by the Sheriff of
York County, having taken the Oath of Office, & the Oath required
in the Constitution to be taken by all Officers, took his seat at the
board.
The Hon'ble Vice President & the Council having attended in
the House of Assembly, & heard the Council learned in the Law
on the Chester County contested Election, so far as the same has
been heard before the House, to Wit :
[Blank in Council Book.]
The Council are unanimously of opinion, that the same ought
not to have been questioned.
Ordered, That this Afternoon at three 0' Clock, the parties in-
teresting themselves
[Blank in Council Book.]
624 MINUTES OF THE
It appearing by the Records that John Ellwood, late of Bucks
County, Pilot, is convict of High Treason at a Court of Oyer &
Terminer, holden on the Twentieth day of October last, & sentenced
to be hanged by the Neck 'till he is dead; it is
Ordered, That a Warrant for the Execution of said sentence on
Wednesday the Second day of December next, between the hours of
Ten of the Clock in the forenoon, & two of the Clock in the After-
noon of the same day, be issued.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Robert Alli-
son, or his order, for the Sum of Six hundred Pounds, to be charged
to his account.
William Denny, David Denny, & John Culbertson, all of the
County of Chester, were offered as Sureties for Robert Smith, Es-
quire,— - his faithful performance of the Duties of his Office as
Sheriff ot the said County of Chester, & the same were approved of •
Three O'clock, Afternoon, The Council met.
PRESENT :
As in the forenoon.
The Council resumed the Consideration of the returns of the
Election for the County of Chester; and thereupon,
Ordered, That Robert Smith, Esq'r, be appointed Sheriff of the
County of Chester, & that he be Commissioned accordingly.
Ordered, That David DeDny, Gent., be appointed & Commis-
sioned to be Coroner of the County of Chester.
On Consideration,
Ordered, That James Moore, Evan Evans, Patterson Bell, k
Philip Scott, Esquires, be Commissioned by Dedimus Potestatum ;
that they or one of them do adminaster to Robert Smith, Esq'r.
Sheriff of the County of Chester, & to David Denny, Gent., Coro-
ner of the said County, the Oaths or Affirmations of allegiance re-
quired by Law to qualify them respectively for the discharge of
their said Offices.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday November 23, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, & "J
John Mackay, Thomas Urie, I Esq'rs.
James McLean, J
Depositions of Joseph Master & of Devanport Mariott, respect-
ing John Ellwood; were read.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 625
The Council taking into Consideration the ease of Joseph Wilson
& John Lawrence, now under Sentence of Death :
Ordered, That Joseph Wilson & John Lawrence, now under
Sentence of Death, be Pardoned, & that a Pardon be issued accord-
ingly.
The Council taking into Consideration the case of Charles Wil-
liams, convicted of Felony at the City Court, & now under sentence
to receive twenty-one Lashes & pay a fine of ; and it
appearing that a certain hath since confessed that she
was guilty of the Felony whereof the said Charles Edwards was so
convicted, which, with some other circumstances, rendering it in some
degree uncertain whether or not the said Charles Williams had
been guilty of the said Felony ; & thereupon,
Ordered, That the sentence of the City Court against Charles
Edwards, so far as relates to the corporal Punishment & fine, be
remitted.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Tuesday November, 24, 1778.
James Read, "")
Jacob Arndt, I ™ >
Tho'sUrie,& rEsqr3'
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEO. BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart,
John Mackay,
James M'Lean,
Smith, — - Smith, j
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieu. Philip
Wilson, of the 6lh Pennsylvania Reg't, or his order, for the Sum
of three hundred Dollars, to be charged to his account.
Joseph Reed, Esq'r, elected Councellor for the County of Phila-
delphia, appeared in Council, & having taken the Oaths required
by the Constitution, took his seat in Council.
Wis. XI: — 40.
626 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Wednesday November 25, 1778?,
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos Hart, Jacob Arndt,
Jos Hart, Jacob Arndt, ~)
John Maekay, Thomas Urie, & I Esq'
James M'Lean, Smith, J
rs.
On consideration,
Ordered, That a Message be sent to the Hon'ble House of Gen-
eral Assembly, proposing to chuse a President, & the appointing a
Committee of the House to confer with a Committee of this
Council, to agree upon the time& place of chusing the said Officer;
and the same was done & adopted as follows :
[Blank in Council Book.]
The House having appointed a Committee according, This Coun-
cil appoint Joseph Read, Esq'r, Joseph Hart, Esq'r, & — ■
Smith, Esq'r.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of James Loug-
head, Pay-master of the Militia for the City of Philadelphia, for
the Sum of Two Thousand Pounds, to be charged to his account.
Ordered, That it be recommended to Col. William Henry to
supply the Militia now called into service from the County with
Arms, from those which have been lately in the hands of the City
Militia.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Thursday November 26, 1778-
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Maekay, s James M'Lean, }
Joseph Hart, Thomas Urie, & > Esq'rs.
Smith, Thomas Scott, )
A Letter from Colo. Hartley.
A Letter from the board of War, inclosing copy of a Letter
from his Excell'y Gen'l Washington, requesting a guard of 400
or 500 Men, to conduct the convention Prisoners thro' this State
on their way to the Southward, was read ; & thereupon,
Ordered, That the first Class of Militia of the County of Bucks
be immediately called into service, & that they March with all pos-
sible expedition to Easton, to guard the Convention Prisoners from
thence to the southward.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 627
Ordered, That one Class of Militia of all those Battalions of the
County of Philadelphia from which there is now no detachments
in service, be immediately called into service, & that they March
with all possible expedition to Easton, to guard the Convention
Prisoners from thence to the southward.
The Resolve of Congress of the 17th ins., November, recom-
mending to the Legislature or Executive authority of each of the
United States to appoint Wednesday the 30th day of December
next to be observed as a day of Public thanksgiving & praise, be-
ing read, & the same being considered,
Ordered, That it be recommended to the good People of this
State to set apart Wednesday the said Thirtieth day of December
next, for the purpose aforesaid, and that a Proclamation be accord-
ingly issued.
u Pennsylvania, ss s
u By the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania :
"A PROCLAMATION:
11 Whereas, it hath pleased Almighty God, through the course
of the present year, to bestow great & manifold mercies on the
people of these United States, & it being the indispensible duty of
all Men gratefully to acknowledge their obligations to him for
benefits received ; And the Congress having recommended to the
Legislative or Executive authority of each of the said States, to ap-
point Wednesday the thirtieth day of December next, to be ob-
served as a day of Public Thanksgiving & Praise, that all the
people may, with united hearts, on that day express a just sense of
his unmerited favors, particularly in that it hath pleased him, by
his overruling Providence, to support us in a just & necessary War
for the defence of our rights & liberties, by affording us reasonable
supplies for our Armies j by disposing the heart of a powerful
Monarch to enter into an alliance with us, 6z aid our cause • by de-
feating the Councils & evil designs of our Enemies, and giving us
Victory over their Troops j &. by the continuance of that union
among these States, which, by his blessing, will be their future
strength & glory :
u And fPhereas, Congress hath further recommended, That to-
gether with devout Thanksgiving may be joined a penitent con-
fession of our Sins, & humble Supplication for pardon, through the
merits of our Saviour, so that under the smiles of Heaven, our pub-
lic Councils may be directed, our Arms by land and Sea prospered.
our liberty & independence secured, our Schools & Seminaries of
learning nourish, our trade be revived, our Husbandry and Manu-
factures increased, & the hearts of all impressed with undissembled
628 .MINUTES OF THE
piety, with benevolence & seal for the public good : And also re-
commended that recreations unsuitable to the purpose of such a
Solemnity may be oaiitted on that day ; therefore,
" This Council do hereby recommend to the good people of the
State to set apart Wednesday, the said thirtieth day of December
sext, for the purpose aforesaid.
" Given by order of the Council, under the hand of the Hon'ble
GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President, & the Seal of the
State, at Philadelphia, this Twenty-Sixth day of November, in
the Year of our Lord One thousand Seveu hundred & Seventy-
eight.
" (Signed)— GEORGE BRYAN, Vice President.
** Attest — -Timothy Matlacx, Sec'y,"
The Council met,
Philadelphia, Friday November 27, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Eaq'r, Vice President.
Jaines Read, James Readr ""|
Jos. Hart, Jacob Arndt, j,
John Maekay, Thomas Urie, & J-Eso/rs.
Smith, Thomas Scott, |
James McLean, J
A Resolve of the Hon^ble House of General Assembly of the
26th instant, appointing David Espie, Esq.'r, to be Register and
Recorder of the County of Bedford, was read ; And thereupon,
Ordered, That Commissions be issued to David Espie, Esq'rr
appointing him to be Register and Recorder of the County of Bed-
ford, according to the Resolve of General Assembly aforesaid.
On Consideration,
Ordered, That Barnard Dougherty,. John Piper7 aisd P?.vicU
.Esquires, be Commissioned by Dediuaus Protestatum to admini>ter
to all & every person in the County of Bedford named in Commis-
sion or Commissions issued, or to be issued by this Council, the
Oaths or Affirmations required to qualify them respectively for
their Offices, & the trust reposed in them by Virtue of such Com-
mission Sw
On motion,
Ordered, Thai a Message be sent to the Hon'ble House of Gene-
ral Assembly, proposing that a Committee be appointed by the
Hon'ble House, to confer with a Committee of Council, respecting
some Public expression of their approbation of the spirited Con-
ctuct of Colo. Hartley, & hia Corps under his Command; And th&fc
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, -«2ft
Qen'l Reed & Colo. Smith, be a Committee to meet the Committer
of the House on this Subject.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Henry Spyker,
Paymaster of Militia of the County of Berks, or his order, for the
Sum of Three thousand Pounds, to be charged to account of the
said Henry Spyker.
A Letter from the State of Massachusets bay, inclosing Copy of
a Law for preventing the return of Tories, dhca.
Ordered, That the same fee laid before the Hon'ble House of
General Assembly.
The Council met. |
Philadelphia, Saturday Novem. 28, 1778.
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President
Jos. Hart, Jacob Arndt,
John Mackay, James Read,
Smith, Tho's Urie, & ,
Jas. M'Le'aa, Thomas Scott, J
1
Esq'rs.
An application from Mrs. Sliz'a Ferguson, for permission to go
into the City of New York to take leave, of her husband & to re-
turn, was read Ml considered", & thereupon,
Ordered} That Mrs. Eliza Ferguson be not permitted to go into
the City of Mew York.
Petition of J. M. Nesbitt & Thomas Fitzsimiaons, praying to be
admitted to Ship on board the Sloop Eliza & Mary, John Light-
burne, Commander, bound from this Port to Bermuda, 8 bbls. of
Bread, One barrel of Flour, One barrel Pease, four barrels BeefT
•& two barrels Pork, as Stores for the Brig Neptune, lately built at
A now lying in Bermuda, & intending a Voyage to the West In-
dies for a Cargo of Salt, to be brought to this Port, was read.
On consideration,
Ordered, That it be recommended to the Naval OMoer to clear
out the said Provisions as necessary Stores for a Vessel trading to
this State.
The two following orders were drawn on the Treasurer, Vis :
One in favor of the Hon'ble Tho's Scott, Esq'r, for the Sum of
One Hundred Pounds, to be charged to his account, & the other in
favor of Will'm Armstrong, Pay-master of Billingsport, for the Sum
of Seven hundred & fifty Pounds, to be charged to his account.
Address to the Hon'ble House concerning the Gallies, was now-
sent into the House*
630 MINUTES OF THE
Bernard Dougherty & Thomas Smith, both of the County Bed-
ford, Esq'rs, offered themselves as Sureties to the State that David
Espie shall duly & faithfully execute the several Offices which he
holds in & for the County of Bedford; &
On consideration,
The said Sureties were approved of.
Petition of George Gallaspie was read, praying to be admitted
to go to New York, from thence to England, & to return again, k
the same was rejected, he having not taken the Oath of Allegiance
to the State.
Saturday Evening November 2&, 1778.
present :
'Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Ja's McLean, & ) -™ ,
John Mackay, Thomas Scott, $ "
Hon'ble Thomas McKean & the Hon'ble William Augustus At-
3ce, Esquires, laid before the Council An Act of General Assembly
for the relief of Reynold Keen; & the difficulties they were under,
by Attorneys appearing k offering to surrender the body of the said
Keen for trial, according to the said Act : And after cenferriag for
several hours thereupon, it was agreed to meet to-morrow Morning,
8 O'Clock.
( f allowance two Months past — five or Six Transports filled
with Soldiers — not a great number of Soldiers at New York, per-
haps 3000, chiefly British & new levies — 3 battalions of New levies
marched down from King's bridge on Friday week last — All the
Men of War have 4 Mo. Provision on board, at f allowance —
'Fleet came down to the Hook with a great deal of Merchandize on
board & put back again — Com'rs to sail next Tuesday on board
Roebuck.)
Petition of Joseph Carson, praying the loan of Two CannoD,
four Pounders, & three hundred weight of Cannon Powder, for the
use of the Privateer called the Addition :
On consideration,
Ordered, That two four Pounders, Cannon belonging to the
State, be sent to Joseph Carson & Company, & also three hundred
weight of Cannon Powder; and that Captain Stiles do deliver and
take a Receipt for the same.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 631
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday November 30, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Thomas Urie, 1
John Maekay, James Read, & V Esq'rs.
James McLean, Thomas Scott, )
A Letter from the Board of War.
On consideration,
Ordered, That Col. Will'm Henry, Lieu, of the City of Phila-
delphia, do send Three hundred stand of Arms & accoutrements
to Sherard's Ferry, to arm the militia of the County of Philadel-
phia & Bucks, now ordered there ; the same to be delivered out to
the respective militia of the said Counties in proportion 'to the
numbers from each County. And it is recommended to Col.
Henry to apply to the board of War for an order to the Quarter-
master for waggons to carry the said Arms; & also for ammuni-
tion for the said militia, to be forwarded without delay to Sherard's
Ferry.
The Council took into consideration the case of John Ellwood,
now under sentence of death, & ordered to be executed on Wed-
nesday next ; & it being doubtful whether or not the said John
Ellwood hath for some years past been subject to fits of insanity ;
Therefore,
Ordered, That the said John Elwood be reprieved until Sat-
urday the Second day of January next ; & that a Reprieve under
the less Seal be accordingly issued.
A Transcript of tbe conviction of Abijah Wright, of Felony
& Burglary, as set forth in the said Transcript, was read ; to wit :
"At a Court of Oyer & Terminer & General Goal delivery held
at Philadelphia, for the County of Philadelphia, the twentieth day
of September, in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven
hundred and Seventy-eight, It was presented, That Abijah Wright,
late of the County of Philadelphia, Laborer, had with force and
Arms, at Whitpain, in the County aforesaid, the dwelling House
of Andrew Knox, Esq., there situated, feloniously and burglari-
ously did break and enter, with an intent nim, the said Andrew
Knox, then and there being, feloniously to kill and murder, &ca.,
•&ca: It was, therefore, considered by the Court that the said
Abijah Wright be hanged by the Neck 'til he be dead.
"EDW. BURD, CI. Cur."
And on deliberate consideration,
Ordered, That the Sentence of the Supreme Court against Abi-
jah Wright, be executed against him on Saturday next, at the
632 MINUTES OF THE
usual place, between the hours of ten O'Clock in the forenoon and
two O'Clock in the Afternoon of the said day.
The Committee of Council appointed to confer with a Commit-
tee of the Hon'ble House of General Assembly, upon the time
and place of electing, by the joint ballot of the members of the
House and of Council, a President and Vice President of this
Council, report :
That having conferred with the Committee of the House upon
the subject committed to them, It is agreed, That the Hon'ble
House of G-eneral Assembly will meet in the Council Chamber
to-morrow Morning at Eleven O'Clock, and proceed to the Election
of a President and Vice President, agreeable to the Constitution ;
That after the Election is finished, the Council and Assembly pro-
ceed to the Court House and there make Proclamation of the Presi-
dent and Vice President so chosen ; That after Proclamation being
made, that the Council and Assembly do dine together at the City
Tavern.
And the Committee submit to the Council the Order of Proces-
sion.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Tuesday December 1, 1778.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esqrr, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jas. McLean,^),
John Mackay, Jas. Read. ! -™ ,
Jas. Reed, Tho's Urie, & [ '
Smith, Thomas Scott, J
The Clerk of the Hon'ble House attended, & informed that the
House was now ready to proceed to the Election of a President &
Vice President ; and thereupon,
Ordered, That the Secretary of the Council do attend the
Hon'ble House, & inform the House that the Council is now ready
to receive the House in the Council Chamber, & to proceed to the
Election of a President and Vice President of the Council.
The Hon'ble the Speaker of the House & the General Assembly
attended in Council, & thereupon the Secretary of the Council &
the Clerk of the House proceeded to take the Votes- for President,
& the Votes were as follows, Vizt :
For Joseph Reed, Esq'r, Sixty-one Votes.
For George Bryan, Esq'r, One Vote.
For James Retid, Esq'r, One Vote.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
The General Assembly & Council then proceeded to chuse a
Vice President, & the votes were as follows, Vizt :
For George Bryan, Esq'r, Sixty-two Votes.
For Joseph Hart, Esq'r, One Vote.
And thereupon it was declared, That Joseph Reed, Esq'r, was
then duly chosen to be President, <fe George Bryan, Esq'r, was
then duly chosen Vice President:
And the following declaration of the said Election being read, was
signed by the Hon'«ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President, & the
Members of the Council then present ; & the same was also signed
by the Hon'ble John Bayard, Esquire, Speaker of the House of
General Assembly, & by the Members of the House of General
Assembly then . present, to Wit : by
GEORGE BRYAN,
Vice President.
Jos. Reed,
Joseph Hart,
John Mackay,
Matt'w Smith,
Jas. McLane,
James Read,
Jacob Arndt,
T. Urie,
Tho's Scott,
Barnard Dougherty,
Thomas Smith,
George Woods,
Hugh Davison,
his
John M Burd,
mark.
Samuel Dale,
Simon Stimrod,
Stephen Chambers,
John Shields,
Rob't Morris,
Michael Shubert,
Tho. Mifflin,
Sam'l Meredith,
Geo. Clymer,
Dan'l Heister, jun'r,
Robert Loiter,
Robert Knox,
Isaac Warner,
Arc'd Thomson,
JOHN BAYARD, Speaker.
Sam'l Smith,
John Lacey, jun'r,
William Scott,
Arthur Watts,
John Fulton,
Pat. Anderson,
Jno. Culbertson,
Stephen Cochran,
John Gilcreest,
John Smilie,
Jas, Anderson,
Wm. Brown,
Sam'l Edie,
Tho. Lilley,
Michael Schmyson,
Jonathan Hoge,
John Harris,
Stephen Duncan,
Jo Dunlap,
Patrick Maxwell,
Jno. Allison,
Jon'n Potts,
Daniel Hunter,
E. Biddle,
Mark Bird,
Sebastian Levan,
Peter Rhoads,
John Van Cam pen,
Wm. McFarnen,
Christopher Wagner,
John Ralston,
Henry Rhoads.
Gerrardus Wynkoop,
And the said Declaration was in the following words, to wit
634 MINUTES OF THE
u To all People to whom these Presents shall come or may concern :
u The General Assembly fy Supreme Executive Council of the.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, send Greeting :
" Know ye, That We, the Representatives of the Freemen of
Pennsylvania- Wealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met,
in the State House at Philadelphia, together with the Vice Presi-
dent & other Members of the Supreme Executive Council of the
said Commonwealth, in the same place convened, to elect a Presi-
dent & Vice President of the said Commonwealth, have, agreeable
to the direction of the Nineteenth Section of the Constitution of
the said Commonwealth, duly & fairly elected & chosen by ballot,
His Excellency Joseph Reed, Esq'r, President of the said Supreme
Executive Council, & the Honorable George Bryan, Esquire, Vice
President. And to the end that due regard & Obedience may be
Paid to them in the Execution of their respective Offices, on all
occasions, We do hereby make known & declare that the said
Joseph Reed, Esquire is the President, & the said George Bryan,
Esq'r, is the Vice President of the said Supreme Executive
Council.
• " In Testimony whereof, We have hereunto set our hands &
Seals, the first day of December, in the Third Year of the Common-
wealth of Pennsylvania, & in the Year of Our Lord One thousand
Seven hundred & Seventy-eight.
Agreed unanimously, That the said declaration of the election
of the President & Vice President of the Supreme Executive
Council, be Publicly read at the Court House in the City of Phila-
delphia, by the Secretary of the Council, do then Proclaim the
President, in the following words : " And the said Joseph Reed,
Esq'r, is hereby proclaimed to be Captain General & Commander-
in-Chief in & over the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."
Agreed, That the order of the Procession to the Court House be
as follows, to Wit :
[Blank in Council Book.]
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Wednesday Decern. 2, 1778.
present : •
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, James McLean, &
John Mackay, Tho's Urie,
The Secretary reports, that the Declaration of the Election of
the President <fe the Vice President, was read at the Court House
Esq'rs.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 635
yesterday, & the President proclaimed, according to order of the
Council.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Joseph Stiles,
Commissary of Military Stores, or his order, for the Sum of Three
hundred Dollars, to be charged to his account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
Tho's Urie, Esq'r, for the Sum of One hundred & One Pounds
Eight Shillings & four Pence, balance due to him for his attendance
in Council & mileage, Vizt :
Attendance in Council from 17th Aug. 1778, to Septem
3d, both included, 18 days @ 35s, £ 31 10 0
From 3d Septem. to this day, included, 90 days, at 45s, 202 10 0
Mileage on 209-209 miles, is 418 miles, @ lOd, 17 8 4
£251 8 4
Draft for 150 0 0
Balance, £101 8 4
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Thursday, Decern. 3, 1778.
present : . ;
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James McLean, ) *» ,
John Mackay, & J
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Friday Decern. 4, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esquire, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Mackay, James Reed, ")
Joseph Hart,* Jacob Arndt, & ( p ,
James McLean, Thomas Scott, psq rs"
Matt'w Smith, J
A Letter from Colo. Wall was read.
The Petition of the Wife, Children, near Relatives and Neigh-
bors of Abijah Wright, now under sentence of Death, was read.
636 MINUTES OF THE
A letter from the Hon'ble the President of Congress, inclosing
resolves of Congress of the 24th of Novem. # of the 30th of No-
vember.
The Letter from Col. Wall, representing that about One hundred
Militia only of the class last ordered out of Bucks County, pro-
duced only about One hundred Men, being considered,
Ordered, That the third #■ fourth class of the Militia of the
County of Bucks be immediately ordered into service to conduct
the convention Troops thro' this State to the Southward.
Ordered, That two classes of the Militia of the County of Phila-
delphia, (except only of the Battalions which have sent Classes to
do duty in Philadelphia,) be ordered into service immediately to
convention Troops thro' this State to the Southward.
'Ordered, That Col. Bull be allowed £50 in full of his Ration
Account.
Ordered, That the State Commissary of Provisions do supply
Tations to John Moys and two other Men, left at Billingsport, to
take care of the cannon.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Saturday December 5, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Mackay, Matthew Smith, ")
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, fy V Esq'rs.
James M'Lean, Thomas Scott, )
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Thomas Nevil,
or his order, for the sum of Two hundred Pounds, to be charged
to his account.
Petition of Capt. Lightbourne praying to be permitted to carry
out with him Provisions for a Circuitous Voyage sufficient .for
Twenty-five Men, which he has on board his Vessel, & that the
Council will supply him with 100 Two Pound Shot & One hundred
Swivel Shot, being read & considered,
Ordered, That it be recommended to the Naval Officer to per-
mit Capt. Lightbourne to clear out the following quantity of Pro-
visions for his intended Voyage, Viz : 10 barrels of Bread, 10
barrels of Flour, 10 barrels of Meat, and 2 barrels of Pease.
Ordered, That Joseph Stiles, Commissary of Military Stores, do
furnish Capt. Lightbourne with One hundred Two Pound Shot k
One hundred Swivel Shot, Captain Lightbourne paying the value
for the same.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. (>37
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Col. John
Bull, or his order, for the Sum of Four hundred and Seven
Pounds & fifteen shillings, balance due to him.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
George Bryan, Esq'r, or his order, for the Sum of Four hundred
& Seventy-five Pounds, balance due to him to the third day of the
present month.
Petition of Lewis Nicola, Town Major, praying some allowance
of Wood, was read ; & on consideration,
Ordered, That the State Commissary supply Col. Nicola,
Town Major, with four Cord of Wood.
Petition of William Low, a langishing Prisoner in the gaol of
the County of York, praying that his fine may be remitted, was
read, and the same being recommended by divers Justices of the
Peace & other Freemen of the said County,
Ordered, That the fine adjudged by the Court of Quarter Ses-
sions of the Peace of the County of York, to be paid by Win.
Lou, convicted of felony, be remitted.
On consideration,
Ordered, That William Holliday, of the County of Bedford, be
appointed Pay-master of Militia for the County of Bedford.
At. a Special Council, held the 6th Decern., 1778.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esqr, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esqr, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Thos Scott, & ~\
John Mackey, Matt. Smith. [• Esq'rs,
James McLene, J
The President laid before the board a Copy of a Letter from
the Board of War of this date, to Col. Blond, and also a Letter
from that Board to the President respecting the escort of the Con-
vention Prisoner, Whereupon,
Resolved, That the Lieu, of York County be directed to call out
one Class of the Militia of said County, to meet the said Pris-
oners at Wright's Ferry, on the Susquehanna, & escort them from
thence to the borders of this State ; and if there are not a sufficient
number of Arms in said County, application be made to Mr. Henry 7
at Lancaster, or any other Person having the care of Arms belong-
ing to this State, to furnish the necessary quantity for which the
Lieu of the County is to give Receipts, & to be accountable, unless
lost by unavoidable accident.
638 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday Decern. 7, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, E&qr, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esqr, Vice President.
John Mackey, James Reed, ")
Matt w Smith, Jacob Arndt, & V Esqr's.
James McLene, Thomas Scott. )
On consideration,
Ordered, That Jonathan Lodge be commissioned to be Sheriff
of the County of Northumberland & that be commis-
sioned to be Coroner of the said County.
Ordered, That William Perry be appointed & Commissioned to
be Sheriff, and William Waddell be appointed <fe Commissioned to
be Coroner of the County of Westmorland.
Application of James Ash & Co. by Letter, for 50 lbs. of Gun
Powder.
Ordered, That Capt. Joseph Stiles, Commissary ot Military
Stores, do supply James Ash & Co. with 50 lbs. of Gun Powder,
they paying a reasonable price for the same.
Ordered, That on Friday next, at two O'Clock in the Afternoon,
the following Vessels, belong the State, be sold at the Coffee House,
by Public Vendue, for Cash only, Vizt :
Ten Gallies, Nine armed Boats, The Brig. Convention, The
Sloop Speedwell, Sally, Industry, & Black Duck. & the Schooner
Lydia.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Tuesday December 8, 1778.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Mackay, Tho's Scott, & ~)
James McLene, Matth'w Smith, lEsq'rs.
Jacob Arndt, J
The following three orders were drawn on the Treasurer, for
riding express, Vizt :
In favor of Matthias Snyder, for the Sum of Ten Pounds.
In favor of John Klotz, for the Sum of fourteen Pounds two
Shillings & Six pence.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 639
And in favor of John Klotz, for the further Sura of Sixteen
Pounds twelve Shilling & Six pence.
An order was also drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Col.
Robert Lollar, or his order, for the Sum of Three hundred and
fifty Pounds, to be by him advanced to such of the Militia now
under orders to March, as stand in need of it.
Ordered, That the Lieutenants of the County of Philadelphia dc
Bucks, be authorized to pay the Tavern-keepers seven Shillings &
>ix Pence Per day for Victualling the Militia on their March from
their Homes to Sherrard's Ferry ; And also be authrized to provide
Waggons to carry the baggage of the escort to Sherrard's Ferry?
there to be discharged.
Ordered, That two hundred stand of Arms & fifty Camp Ket-
tles be immediately forwarded to Sherrard's Ferry, for the use of
the Philadelphia & Bucks County Militia, under the care of Fred-
erick Hagner, & proper Receipts taken of the Captains to whom
they shall be delivered.
Ordered, That it be recommended to Colo. Henry to forward
about four hundred Dozen Musket Cartridges, for the use of the
Pennsylvania escort.
Ordered, That the Muster master be directed to proceed to
Wright's Ferry, or such other Ferry on Susquehanna which the
Troops may cross, & there muster the Militia ordered into service
to escort the Convention Troops thro' this State.
On Consideration,
Ordered, That Jonathan Lodge, Esquire, be appointed & Com-
missioned to be the Sheriff of the County of Northumberland, &
that Thomas Robinson be appointed & Commissioned Coroner of
the County of Northumberland.
Ordered, That notice be laid on the Coffee House Books, request-
ing the Petitioners to the House of General Assembly against
Forestalled, to attend the Council on Thursday Morning at
Eleven O'Clock, & give Council such information on this Subject
as is in their power.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Wednesday Decern. 9, 1778
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George B&yan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Mackay, Jacob Arndt, &"]
Matt'w Smith, Tho's Scott, lEsq'rs.
James M'Lean, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of William 0.
Bradford, Paymaster of the State Navy, or his order, for the Sum
640 MINUTES OF THE
of Four thousand Pounds, to pay off the Officers & Men belonging
to the State Fleet, to be charged to account of the said Paymaster.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of William Crispin,
Comniissaiy of the State Fleet, or his order, for the Sum of Three
thousand Pounds, to be charged to his account.
Petition of Hannah Fairlamb, praying to be permitted to go into
New York to see her Husband, was read ; & thereupon,
Ordered, That a Pass into New York be granted to Hannah
Fairlamb, to Visit her husband & return to this State again.
Esq'rs.
■ The Council met.
Philadelphia, Thursday Decern. 10, 1778,
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
John Mackay, James McLene, &
Matt'w Smith, Jas. Reed,
Capt. Heysham, John Barnhill, & Peter Ozeas, attended the
Council, in consequence of notice to the Petitioners against fore-
stallers to attend in Council, And the resolve of the Hon'ble House
of General Assembly of the 5th instant, recommending to the se-
rious attention of Council the Petition of sundry inhabitants of
the City of Philadelphia, presented to the House, & praying in effect
their interposition to prevent forestalling, was read. The said Pe-
tition was also read. On Consideration,
Ordered, That Willani Heysham, George Schlosser, & Will'm.
Hollingshead, be appointed & requested to make inquiry in all that
part of the City from Market Street Northward, including the
North Side of Market Street, concerning the engrossing of Flour &
other necessaries of Life, k make report as soon as may be, to this
Council, of such facts as have come or shall come to then know-
ledge, concerning the same j And that Nathan Boys, Jediah Snow-
den, & Robert Bridges, be appointed to the same, from Market Street
Southward, including the South Side of Market Street; k Colo-
William Coats, Frederick Kull, k Emanuel Eyre, for the North-
ern Liberties.
On motion,
Ordered, That the unanimous thanks of the Council be given
to Col. Thomas Hartly, for the brave k prudent Conduct in cover-
ing the North Western frontiers of this State, & repelling the
Savages k other Enemies ; And that he be requested to inform th^
Officers & Men who have been under his command, that this Coun-
cil is highly sensible of the difficulties & hardships of the duty
which they have performed, k the courage & zeal which they have
shown during the last Campaign.
Ordered, That the forgoing order be Published*
}
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. Ul
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Friday December II, 1778.
PRESENT :
His Exceli'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
James McLene, Jacob Arndt, &
Matt'w Smith, Thomas Scott, [-Esq'rs.
John Mackay,
On consideration,
Ordered, That Mr. George Henry be appointed to superintend
&, Conduct the Sales of the Vessels, Gallies & Gun Boats, with
their apparrel & furniture, (Guns excepted,) he to be accountable
for the Nett proceeds of the sales,, and that he be allowed the same
Commissions as the Marshall of the. Admiralty in like cases.
Petition of Peter Dehaven, Benj. Rittenhouse & Hugh Dehaven,
respecting the Gun Factory, was read.
Ordered, That Mr. Dehaven be directed to make out & deliver
an Inventory of the Factory.
Petition of Richard Footman, m behalf of James Warren, Brew-
er, was read & ordered to lie on the Table.
Report of Dr. Hutchinson, of the Stateof the Navy Hospital, was
was read ; and thereupon,
Ordered, That Dr„ Hutchinson be directed to make out, & de-
liver to the Secretary, an estimate of a Medicine Chest for the Navy.
William Streaker, late of the Island of Barbadoes, but now an
inhabitant of the State, having presented a Memorial setting forth
that he had taken the Oath of Allegiance to this State, and con-
siders himself a Subject & resident thereof; but that having property
in the Island of Barbadoes, he proposes to go to the West Indies
in order to secure <& transport the same to this Country, of which
he thought it his duty to acquaint the Board, to prevent any future '
questions or disputes on his return ;
Ordered, That the said Memorial be iled among the Papers of
the Board, & that the Secretary give him a copy of this Minute, if
requested.
A Transcript of the Conviction before the Court of Oyer and
Terminer & General Goal delivery, held at Philadelphia on the 9 th
day of November last, of James 6' Bryan &John Beard, alias dictus
James Beard, of Felony & Robbery, was read & considered ; and
thereupon,
Ordered, That the sentence of the Court of Oyer & Terminer,
& General Goal delivery, against James O'Bryan & John Beard,
alias dictus James Beard, be executed upon them, the said James
VOL. XL 41.
642 ' MINUTES OF THE
Bryan & John Beard, on Saturday the Nineteenth day of this pres-
ent month, & that a Warrant he made out under the less Seal of
the State, & Signed by his Excellency the President, & attested by
the Secretary, for this purpose, & that it be delivered to the Sheriff
of the City & County of Philadelphia.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Saturday Decern, 12, 1778,.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Mackay, Jacob Arndt, &")
Ja's McLene, Tho's Scott, I Esq'rs.
Ja's Read, J
A Letter from Capt. Joseph Wade was read ; and
On Consideration,
Ordered, That agreeable to the request of Captain Joseph
Wade, his resignation of his Office & employment in the State Ser-
vice, be received.
Application of James Ash & Comp'y, for 100 lbs. of Gunpowder.
Ordered, That Joseph Stiles, Commissary of Military Stores, be
directed to supply James Ash & Comp'y, with One hundred weight
of Gunpowder, for the Letter-of-Marque schooner Rebecca, they
paying him the Value thereof.
Petition of Marlon Carvel, convicted of having gone into the city
of Philadelphia, & praying to have his]fiue remitted was read, & a
Certificate in his favor, signed by John Vandeygriffc, Esq'r, was
read; &
On Consideration,
Ordered, That the fine adjudged to be paid to the State by Mar-
lon Carvel, for his having gone into the City of Philadelphia while
in the possession of the Enemy, be remitted.
On motion,
Ordered, That a Pass into New York be granted to Mary Wil-
son, not to return again.
Ordered, That the execution of the Sentence of the Court against
Mary Miller, so far as relates to the Corporal punishment, be re-
spited for ten days, & until further orders from this Council.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
James McLene, Esq'r, or his order, for the Sum of Ninety-Eight
Pounds Sixteen Shillings & Eight Pence, for his attendance in
Council Thirty-Eight days, & Mileage on 160 Miles.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 643
Ordered, That the March of the Militia of the County of York,
intended to guard the Convention Troops, be countermanded.
The Council met.
*>
Philadelphia, Monday Decern. 14, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Mackay, Thomas Scott, > -, ,
Jacob Arndt, & 3
On Consideration,
Ordered, That Mr. George Henry be directed not to sell the best
Galley for a less Sum than five hundred Pounds, & the others at a
price proportioned to their value. No one to be sold for less thaa
Three hundred Pounds. The best Galley to be first exposed to
Sale.
Ordered, That all the Guns under Six Pounders be Sold, to
be put up in pairs ; And in case the Sales cannot be conducted
agreeable to this direction, they are to be bought in for the State, & a
further day appointed for the Sale.
A Letter from Capt. Tho's Hazlewood, requesting a Furlow, to
make a voyage to the West Indies j
On consideration,
Ordered, That Capt. Tho's Hazlewood be allowed to make a
Voyage to the West Indies, on his own private Business, & to re-
tain his Rank in the service of the State ; but he is not to receive*
Pay or draw Rations until he shall again enter into actual service.
The Council Met,
Philadelphia, Tuesday Decern. 15, 1778
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Mackay, Jacob Arndt, & } « ,
Ja's Read, Tho's Scott, J ^ rs>
The Council took into consideration the report of Colonel Bull Is
Jacob S. Howell, upon the Pay of the Persons employed on the
Fortifications at Billingsport & Red Bank, for the Year 1777 j k
thereupon,
Ordered, That the Pay of the Persons employed at Billiogspor*
& Red Bank, for the Year 1777, be as follows, Viz :
644 MINUTES OF THE
The Master Carpenters Twenty-Two Shillings & Six Pence Per
day; Master Bricklayers the same; Pay-masters of Artificers the
same ; Commissary of Utensils Sixteen Shillings Per day ; Clerk
to the Pay-masters the same ; Overseers of Laborers Thirteen Shil
lings Per day. ,
The Council met.,
Philadelphia, Wednesday Decern. 16, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, Prrsident,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, 1
John Mackay, Thomas Scott, & t Esq'rs.
James Reed, Matt'w Smith, J
The Council taking into consideration returns of Election of Jus-
tices of the Peace for the district of Germantown, Roxbury, &
Springfield Township, & for the district of Upper Hanover, Marl-
borough & Upper Salford Townships, The former having returned
John Miller & John Howell, & the latter having returned Michael
Croll & Peter Hillegas :
Ordered, That John Miller & Mich'l Croll, be appointed & Com-
missioned to be Justices of the Peace for the County of Philadel-
phia.
Resolves of the Hon'ble House of Assembly of the 5th Decem-
ber, 1778, was this day read in Council.
Ordered, That Sarah Whitebread, (Wife of Geo. Whitebread,)
be furnished with a Pass to New York, to endeavour to obtain her
Two Sons, now in New York, one 11, the other 13 years of Age.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Thursday Decern. 17, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH READ, Esq'r, President.
Jos. Hart, Jas. Read, & > v ,
John Mackay, Tho's Scott, 5 ^ rs'
Order ah That Mr. George Henry dispose, by Auction, of the
Tools, Implements & stock of the Gun factory, belonging to this
State, preserving the finished and unfinished Arms of all such Ar-
ticles as, upon conference with Mr. Dav'd Rittenhouse, may be
thought necessary for the use of the State.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 645
Ordered, That the Secretary acquaint Messrs. Alexa. Wilcocks
k William McMurtrie, that it having been suggested to the Board
that they are possessed of property belonging to British subjects.
or otherwise liable to the just claim of the State, The Public offi-
cers of the State will be ordered to take tiie proper steps for secu-
ring the same for the benefit of the State, unless the parties con-
cerned can shew the Board sufficient reason to the contrary.
The Council Met.
Philadelphia, Friday Decern. 18, 1778.
present :
His ExcelFy JOSEPH READ, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan. Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Read, ~\
John Mackay, Jacob Arndt, & j-Esq'rs.
Matt'w Smith, Thomas Scott, )
John Nixon, John Maxwell Nesbifct, & Benjamin Fuller, nomi-
nated & appointed by Act of General Assembly to settle the Ac-
counts of the late Committee & Council of Safety, attended in
Council, & they & each of them were sworn on the Holy Evan-
gelists of Almighty God, that they " well & faithfully execute the
Office & trust of an Auditor for settling the Accounts of the late
Committee & Council of Safety, to the best of their Judgment,
skill & Abilities-"
On consideration,
Ordered, That Capt. James Lang do deliver over to Jacob S.
Howell, as soon as may be, all the Cloathing belonging to the State
now in his hands, the said Lang's possesion, taking a Receipt for the
same ; And that the said Lang do immediately lay before the Council
his Accounts, prepared for a final Settlement.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Captain James
Lang, for the Sum of Three Thousand Pounds, for the Cloathing
department, for which Sum the said Lang is to account. ,
On consideration,
Ordered, That the Execution of the Sentence of the Court of
Oyer & Terminer & General ^Goal delivery, upon the body of James
Bryan, be respitted for fifteen days, & that a Warrant under the
less Seal, be issued for the purpose accordingly.
Thomas Fitzsimmons laid before the Council a Certificate signed
by the tlon'ble the Sieur Gerard, Minister Plenipotentiary of His
most Christian Majesty, that the Ship Mary & Elizabeth, belong-
ing to Mr. Fitzsimmons & Company, was laden with biscuit & Flour
for the use of the Fleet of His most Christian Majesty, and prayed
that the said Ship may be cleared out at the Naval Office.
W6 MINUTES OF THE
On Consideration,
Ordered, That a Proclamation, under the Seal of the State, be
issued agreeable to an Act of General Assembly entitled iC An Act
to prohibit the exportation of Provisions from the State of Penn-
sylvania for a limited time," to suspend the operation thereof so
far as to admit the exportation of any of the Articles within the
description of the said Act, for the use of the Fleet of his most Chris-
tian Majesty.
A letter' from Robert Galbraitb, Esq'r, resigning bis Offices of
Prothonotary, Clerk of the Peace, Clerk of the Orphans' Court,
Recorder of Deeds, & Register for the Probate of Wills, and also
the Commission of the Peace for the County of Bedford.
Ordered, That David Espy be appointed & Commissioned to be
Prothonotary, Recorder of Deeds & Register for the Probate of
Wills, for the County of Bedford, k one of the Justices of the
Court of Common Pleas for the said County,
Ordered, That David Espy be appointed & Commissioned to be
Clerk of the Orphan Court of the County of Bedford.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Saturday Decern. 19, 1778*
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Matth'w Smith, & £ ™ ,
John Mackay, Tho's Scott, ^ J^
The Plan of defence of the North Western frontiers of this
Place, laid down by Col. Hartley, was now read & considered ; and
thereupon,
Ordered, That the plan <fc Arrangement for the defence of the
North Western frontiers of this State, laid down by Col. Hartley,
& dated December 1st, 1778, is approved by this Council ; And
that Col. Sam'l Hunter. Lieut, of the County of Northumberland,
be directed to supply the Post at General Potter's, in Penn's Val-
ley, with two Officers <fc Twenty Men, until further orders; And in
case any other Officer should succeed^Colo. Hartley in command, it
is recommended that Col. Hartley's plan be pursued, as far as cir-
cumstances will admit.
A Letter from the Marine Committee read, enclosing an engage-
ment on the part of the Minister of France, to Pay Twelve Thou-
sand Dollars as a reward to any Vessel capturing or destroying any
Vessel of the Enemy laden with Masts or Spars, & bound for New
York, Halifax, or Newport.
Ordered, That the same be filed.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 647
A Certificate from Col. Nicola was read, that Lieuts. Honeyraan,
Pugh, & Wood, of the Pennsylvania line, have been regularly
transferred to the Corps of Invalids ;
Ordered, That Mr. Howelldeliver them Cloathing proportioned
in quality & quantity to other Officers of the same Bank in the line
of the State.
Petition from Henry Sherer, & other Taylors, who have demands
for work done for Colo. Moylan's Regiment of Light Dragoons.
Ordered, That it be returned as not laying before the board.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Monday Decern. 21, 1778.
PRESENT :
■ His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jac. Arndt, & 1
John Mackay, Tho's Scott, t Esq'rs.
Matt'w Smith, J
On consideration,
Ordered, That the Attorney General be directed to concur in
any measures which, in conference with the other Council concern-
ed, he shall think proper, to obtain a re-consideration of the cause
of the Slo. Active, wherein the State is concerned.
A Letter from Gov'r Johnson of Maryland, inclosing an Act of
Assembly of that State against the distillers of Wiskey, &ca.f
was read; and immediately- thereupon, a Copy of the Law of this
State for the like purpose was forwarded to Gov. Johnson.
Ead. Die, P. M.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President
Joseph Hart, & ~) ^ ,
John Mackay, $ ? "'
Ordered, That Col. Nicola be directed to Muster the Militia of
the County of Philadelphia, under the Command of Col. Dean, k
report to this Council.
»>48 MNUTE3 OF THE
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Tuesday Decern. 22, 177 &
I
PRESENT !
Bis Excell'y JOS. REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jac. Arndt, &
John Maekay, Tho's Scott, J-Esqrrs.
Matfw Smith,
On consideration.
Ordered, That in addition to the News Papers sow taken of
Dunlap of this city & of Mr. Collins of Burlington, the following
News Papers be taken, Yiz : — Mr. Purdy's, of Williamsburg, in
Virginia ; Miss Goddard's, of Baltimore, in Maryland; Mr. Lou-
don's, at Fishkill, in the State of New York ; — , at
New Haven, — — ; , at Providence ; Miss-
Edes & Gills, <fc Powers, & Willis's of Boston ; and that the Sec-
retary do write to the said Printers respectively, & request them to
send their Papers Weekly.
Ordered, That there be printed Three Hundred Copies of the
Passports which are to be given to Ships & Barques, according to
the 27th Article of the Treaty of Amity & Commerce, done at
Paris,, the sixth day of February, One Thousand Seven Hundred k.
seventy-eight ; And that the same be issued under the less Seal
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and signed by the Presi-
dent or Yice President, and countersigned by the Secretary.
The Secretary reports, That there are now no Commissions for
private ships of War in his hands, 4" laid before the Council Twen-
ty-two Bonds, iaken on the issuing a like number of Commissions.
Two Commission's filled up on applications & not called for, which
completed the Twenty-four Commissions received on the 31st Au-
gust, 1778, from fche Hon'ble Henry Laurens, Esq'r, late President
of Congress; -and also two Bonds, taken on the issuing of a like-
number of Commissions, part of a former number received by
Council, & that there had been One Commission sent to the State
Navy Board, which that Board had not accounted for; And there-
upon,
Ordered, That the same be sent to the Hon'ble John Jay, Esq'r,
President of Congress.
Plunket Flee3on, Esq'r, attended in Council, k administered to
the following named persons the Oath of Allegiance k fidelity re-
quired to be taken by the Aet of General Assembly, passed tf <t
tifth day of this instant, December, entitled " A further supp! •
went to the Act entitled ' An Act for the further security of Gk»V-
vruineut/" Viz't : His Excell'y Joseph Reed, Esq'r, Pre*' If i%J
SUPREME EXECUTVE COUINCIL. 649
Tlie Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President; Hon'ble Joseph
Hart, John Maekay, Matt'w Smith, James Read, Jacob Arndt &
Thomas Scott, Esq'rs, Members of Council.
And he also administered the Affirmation of the allegiance &
tidelity aforesaid, to Timothy Matlack, Esquire, Secretary of the
Council.
Passes to New York ordered for Sarah Williamson, Wife of Jesse
Williamson, to return again. James, a Lad of 14 Years of Age,,
belonging to that City. Mary Ginn, Wife of Capt. Ginn, com-
manding a Merchant Ship in the Enemy's Service, not to return.
Ordered, That Mr. George Henry be and he is hereby appoint-
ed Commissary of Naval Stores of this State, & that he be autho-
rized to take into his care and Custody the Vessels of every kind
not in Commission, Guns, Arms & other Naval Stores, the whole
to be collected together as much as Possible, & all the Offiers of
the State & others, are hereby required to deliver up to the said
Commissary the several articles herein mentioned, as they will
answer the contrary at their Peril ; And for his trouble herein, this
board so agree to allow him eight Dollars per day, exclusive of the
necessary expences attending the safe keeping and preservation of
the Stores.
}
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Wednesday Dec'r 28, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Read,
John Mackay, Jacob Arndt, & }. Esq'rs.
Matt'w Smith, Thomas Scott,
The two following orders were drawn on the Treasurer, Viz :
In favor of Ebenezer Cowell, or his order, for the Sum of Five
hundred Pounds, to be charged to his account.
In favor of John Parker, or his order, for the Sum of Fifty
Pounds, to be charged to his account.
Ordered, That the Secretary prepare a Circular Letter to each
of the absent Delegates in Congress, acquainting them that since
the late appointment the State has seldom been represented by more
than two, & frequently only by one, which is attended with great
inconvenience to the Continent in General & prejudice of this State
in particular, & to desire they would with all convenient dispatch
to repair to Congress and agree among themselves, so that in future
a certain day not less than three, may always attend.
660 MINUTES OF THE
A Letter from His Excell'y Gen'l Washington, dated Middle-
brook, December 17, 1778, was read, stating sundry inconvenien-
cies arising from the intercourse as at present carried on with the
City of Mew York, & proposing that Flag boats shall go only at
stated periods, (unless in extraordinary Cases,) & desiring the con-
currence of this board thereon.
Resolved, That the President do acquaint the General that the
board approve the said proposition, & as soon as he has fixed on the
stated time of permission, will grant passes conformably.
A Petition from Peregrine Jones, late Clerk to the Gun Factory,
was read, praying an allowance beyond his Pay, to enable him to
remove into the Country.
Resolved, That the Prayer of his Petition cannot be granted.
A Petition from Henry Myers, praying remission of his Fine,
was read, and
Ordered, To lay upon the table till inquiry be made into his
ability of Estate.
A Petition from Thomas Fell, Thomas Philips, William Rozen, &
Alexander Campbell, Officers lately discharged from the State Navy,
praying the same allowance as dismissed Continental Officers, & that
they may receive their Prize Money out of the Wreck of the Au-
gusta & Merlin.
Resolved, That the Secretary acquaiut them by Letter That
Council desire they would lay before them a state of the transac-
tions respecting the said Wrecks,*;by whom the said property was
taken, & in whose hands the same now is, no part thereof having
been yet accounted for to the Public, as appears to this board.
Philip Weiss of Arch Street, &l John Philips, of Letitia Court,
formerly a Ginger-bread baker, having been represented to this
board as guilty of forestalling & enhancing the Price of flour,
Ordered, That the Secretary acquaint James Young, Esquire, or
some other Magistrate of the City, therewith, in order that they be
brought to Justice.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Thursday Decern. 24, 1778.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon. George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, • James Reed, ~)
John Mackay, Jacob Arndt, <fe vEsq'rs.
Matt'w Smith, Thomas Scott, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of William Cris-
pin, Commissary of the State Fleet, or his order, for the Sum of
Five Thousand Pounds, to be charged to his Account.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 651
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Sam'l Harris,
Esq'r, or his order, for the sum of Sixty-two Pounds fifteen Shil-
lings & three Pence, for repairing Arms for the Militia in service
in the Army of Northumberland.
An order was also drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
John Mack ay, Esq'r, or his order, for the sum of Three Hundred
Dollars, to be charged to his account.
A Certificate that the Sloop Mars is laden with Provisions for
the use of the French fleet, signed by the Hon'ble the Sieur Ge-
rard, was read in Council, & thereupon •
Ordered, That the Naval Officer be directed to clear out the
Sloop Mars, belonging to Mr. Nesbitt.
Ordered, That Col. Lewis Farmer be appointed to purchase Rum
& other Articles, for the use of the Quota of Troops of this State
in the Continental Army, & to forward the same to the Army,
agreeable to a Resolve of the House of Assembly, and that he be
allowed two ^ Cent for this service.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Saturday Decern 26, 1778.
PRESENT :
His ExcelPy JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Elart, &
Thomas Scott,
t;&}Esq'rS.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Monday Decern. 28, 1778
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos, PLirt, John Hambright, & > ™ ,
John Mackay, Jacob Arndt, £ B^TS
652 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday Decern. 29, 1778.
I Esq']
PRESENT I
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice-President.
Joseph Hart, James Read,
John Mackay, Jacob Arndt, & J* Esq'rs.
Matt'w Smith, John Hambright,
Mtjor Jacob Arndt, Esq'rs account of attendance in Council,
October 1777 :
Attendance in Council of Safety 14th & 15th October,
@ 25s £2 10 0
Attendance in Council from 5th November to the 13th
December, included, 39 days @ 35s.
Mileage on 80 Miles @ lOd.
Attendance in Council from the 9th January to the
19th February, 42 days @ 35s.
Mileage on 80 Miles @ lOd.
Attendance in Council from 27th March to the 1st July,
97 days @ 35s.
Mileage to Lancaster, 80 Miles, @ lOd.
Mileage from Philadelphia home, 60 Miles, -
Attendance from 13th July to 2d Septem., 52 days
Mileage on 60 Miles @ lOd. - - -
Attendance from 17 Deum. to 29 Deum., 104 days @
45s.
Mileage on 60 Miles @ Is. 6
68
5 0
6
13 4
73
10 0
6
13 4
169
15 0
3
6 8
2
10 0
91
0 0
5
0 0
234
0 0
9
0 0
672 3 4
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
Jacob Arndt, Esq'r, or his order, for the sum of Six hundred and
Seventy-two PouDds three Shillings & four Pence, for his Pay &
Mileage, according to the foregoing account.
The Council taking into consideration the case of »
School-master, now confined in the Goal of the County of Lancas-
ter, he having been convicted of keeping a School, not having taken
the Oath of Allegiance according to Law, & fined by the Court of
Quarter Sessions of the Peace for the County of Lancaster, in the
sum of One hundred Pounds.
Ordered, That the fine of One hundred Pounds, adjudged by the
Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace for the County of Lancas-
ter, to be paid by Josh'a Bennett, (he having been Convicted in
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 653
the said Court of having kept a School, not having taken the Oath
or Affirmation of Allegiance to the State, according to Law,) be re-
mitted.
The Council met.
* Philad'a, Thursday December 31, 1778,
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Matt'w Smith, & > ™ ,
John Mackay, Thomas Scott, J "
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Captain Joho
Pearson, of the 9th Pennsylvania Reg't, or his order, for the Sum
of One thousand Dollars, for the Recruiting Service, the same to be
charged to his account.
A Letter from Robert Morris, mentioning his receiving a num-
ber of Arms from Cape Francois, of which 167 Arms belong to this
State, & that the freight of these, & of a former parcel, Amounted
to £622 18.
Ordered, That 167 Stand of Arms belonging to this State of
Pennsylvania, now in the hands of Rob't Morris, Esq'r, be deliv-
ered to Capt. Jos. Stiles, Commissary of Military Stores.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Robert Morris,
Esq'r, or his order, for the Sum of Six hundred & Twenty-two
Pounds & Eighteen Shillings, for the freight of Arms belonging to
this State, & imported by the said Morris from Cape Francois.
The Council observing in the Pennsylvania Packet of the 29th
instant, some acrimonious remarks by Brig'r Gen'l William Thomp-
son, of this State, in the Continental Service, on the Conduct of
the Hon'ble Thomas McKean, Esq'r, Chief Justice of this Com-
monwealth, & there being probability that the same may have ref-
erence to proceedings in Congress ;
On consideration,
Ordered, That the Delegates of this State in Congress, be re-
quested to furnish this Council with the proceedings of Congress
in such Cases as may probably in any wise have given rise to those
Charges & remarks, with the evidence which has appeared thereon ;
so far as Consistant with their duty to Congress, they are liberty
to make the same known.
Council taking into Consideration the Cases of James O'Bryan
k John Ellwood, now under Sentence of Death,
Ordered, That they, & each of them, be further reprieved, for
& during Sixty days, & that Warrants under the less Seal, for tha
Stay of Execution of their Sentence, be accordingly issued.
654 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That for the ensuing Year three of each of the follow-
ing News Papers be taken, Viz :
Mr. Dunlap's, Mr. Bradford's, Messrs. Hall & Sellers.
Council being informed that attempts had been nmde by attach-
ments, replevin & otherwise, to recover effects or Sums of Money
due, or pretended to be due, to the Plaintiffs in such suits by Trai-
tors attainted of High Treason : And
Whereas such proceedings without any Defendant to answer, may
be productive of much injustice, both public & Private ; To pre-
vent therefore, the good People of this State from putting them-
selves to unnecessary expence & trouble, the Secretary is ordered
to give Public notice, that the Attorney General has been directed
to appear in behalf of the State in such suits, & move to quash all
Process founded, or take such other steps as the Law may require, to
prevent such irregularities, & to caution all persons against purchas*
ing any Estate, effects heretofore belonging to such Traitor or Tra-
tors, (unless sold by the Public Agents.)
The property thereof being clearly vested in the State by the
act of General Assembly, intitled " An Act for the attainder of
divers Traitors, if they render not themselves by a certain day, k
for vesting their Estates in this Commonwealth ; And for mor.e ef-
fectually discovering the same, & for ascertaining & satisfying the
lawful Debts &; Claims thereupon," subject to all just demands,
for which a remedy is given in the Supreme Court by a summary
Process.
Ordered, That the Sheriff, or in his absence the Coroner, do im-
mediately execute the Process issued by this Council on the eighth
instant, upon the salt laying in Prichard's Store, on the South side
of Chestnut Street Wharf; that he deliver the same to Mr. George
Henry, Commissary of Stores ; And it being represented to this
board by the Commissary General for Provisions of the United
States, that the said salt is indispensibly necesssary for the use of
his department, it is further
Ordered, That Mr. Henry deliver the same at the current prioe
to the said Commissary, taking an exact account of the quantity,
& returning the same to this board as soon as possible; And that
upon Receipt of the purchase Money from the said Commissary
General, he pay the same, deducting his charges (if any.) <fe his
Commissions, to the Treasurer of the State.
Letter from Col. Hunter, Lieutenant of Northumberland, and
laid on the Table for an Answer.
Ordered, That the Secretary write to the Lieut, of Berks Coun-
ty, to call upon a Col. Lindemoth, or his Lieut. Colonel, stationed
last summer at Fort Jenkins, in Northumberland, for five Riffles
taken from one Webb, charged with disaffection.
A Letter from Gen'l Washington, dated 27th inst., respecting
the mode of supplying the Troops with Spirits & other necessaries,
& recommending a Mr. Moss to give information on this subject,
was read.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 655
Letter from Mr. Sprogell, Muster Master, inclosing a Muster
Roll of the Troops ordered as an Escort to the Convention Priso-
ners, & requesting some Pay to be advanced to him.
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Friday January 1, 1779..
present :
His Excell'y JOS. REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Read, *)
John Macky, John Hambright, & V Esq'rs.
Mathew Smith, Thomas Scott, J
Petition of John Tyler, respecting his account, &ca., was read.
Ordered, To lie on the Table.
Lieu. Will'm Macpherson having communicated to this Council
his intention of offering his service to Confess, &; requesting a re-
commendation,
Ordered, That in regard to the memory of his brother Maj,
John McPherson, who fell before the walls of Quebec, as well as
in consideration of his own merit, this Council do recommend
Lieu. William MacPherson to the favorable notice of Congress.
A Letter from Dan'l Roberdeau, Esq'r, was read.
The case of Henry Myers being now taken into consideration, k
it appearing that the party injured by him had recommended him
to the clemency of Council, & that he is very poor, & unable to
pay his fine,
Ordered, That the fine laid by the Court of Quarter Sessions
of the Peace for the County of Philadelphia, on Henry Myers,
now in the Gaol of the said county for misdemeanor, be remitted.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Robert Alli-
son, or his order, for the sum of Three Hundred Pounds, to be
charged to his account.
656 MINUTES OP THE
The Council met.
Philadelphia, Saturday January 2, 1779.
}
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Read,
John Macky, John Hanibright, & ^Esq'rs.
Matthew Smith, Thomas Scott,
The following returns of the election for chusing persons to be
returned for the consideration of Council, & appointment to be
Justices of the Peace, were now read, Vizt:
For Higb- street Ward, William Ball & Stephen Collins; For
Chesnut Ward, William Adcock & Joseph Morris ; For Walnut
Ward, Samuel Morris & George Henry.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in fav. of the Hon'ble
Joseph Hart, Esq'r, or his order, for the sum of Five Hundred &
Forty one Pounds and five Shillings, for his attendance in Council
Two hundred & seventy-five days, ending with the last year, Viz :
from the 1st day of April to the 2d Sept. inclusive, 155
days, a 35s. £271 5 0
from Septem. 3d to Decern. 31, inclusive, 120 days, a
45s, - - - - " 270 0 0
£541 5 0
An order was also drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the
Hon'ble Joseph Hart, Esq'r, or his order, for the sum of Four
Pounds & ten Shillings, for his expences in hastening the Militia
of Bucks County to escort the Convention Troops thro' this State
to Virginia.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of William Jor-
dan, or his order, for the Sum of Eighty Four Pounds, for fourteen
hailing, for repairs, &ca., near the State House.
Ordered, That this Council will hear the Complaints against the
Election for Councellor in the County of York, Ten days after the
day appointed for the next meeting of the General Assembly.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lodowick Spro-
gell, Muster [Master, or his order, for the Sum of five hundred Dol-
lars, to be charged to account of the said Sprogel.
}
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 657
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday January 4, 1779.
present : 4
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, &
John Maeky, Tho's Scott, }.Esq'rs.
Matt' w Smith,
Capt. Boys attended in Council, & received directions to keep a
guard at the Middle Ferry, to take care of the Bridge, & to spring
it in case of a thaw or a fresh.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Kebz, or
his order, for the sum of twelve Pounds & five Shillings, for riding
Express.
An order was also drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr.
Sam'l Harris, or his order, for the Sum of Eighteen Pounds and
fifteen Shillings, for one Month's Service, in the issuing of Stores
to the Militia in the County of Northumberland, in Continental
Service.
The Petition of Matthew Clarkson, Marshall of the Admiralty,
stating his difficulties with respect to the disposal of the produce of
the sale of the Sloop Active & her Cargo, & " craving the orders,
advice & directions of Council in that case," was read; and
On Consideration,
Ordered, That the Marshall of the Admiralty be informed that
it is clearly the Opinion of this Council that he is bound to obey
the orders of the Judge of the Admiralty as his immediate superior
in authority, according to the best advice & Council which he (the
Marshall) can obtain.
Capt. Will'm McPherson, late in the British Service, attended
in Council by order, & represented that he had some Months ago
resigned his Commission in the British Service, & having repeatedly
to Gen'l Clinton for leave to go out of New York he had been re-
fused, & that he made his escape from thence.
Whereas, the keeping of Gunpowder in or near any Town or
City is highly dangerous & contrary to Law ; And whereas, there is
reason to believe that considerable quantities of Gunpowder are now
Warehoused in the City of Philadelphia, & in the Towns of this
State, to the endangering of the lives of many of the inhabitants.
This board therefore, think proper to signify to all persons possess-
ing of Gunpowder, that strict enquiry will be made concerning the
nuisance aforesaid, & prosecutions commenced against all persons
Offending in the Premises.
VOL. XI.-— 42.
658 MINUTES OF THE
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of James Dim-
das, Paymaster of the Workmen at Billingsport in 1777, or his
order, for the Sum of One thousand Pounds, to be charged to his
account.
A representation of the case of Edward Agnew, belonging to
this State, made, Prisoner at the storming of Quebec, in the year
1775, & since suffering extreme distress & hardship in effecting his
escape, having failed in two attempts and been treated with great
serverity, & now effected it, & his representation being supported by
unquestionable testimony, being laid before the Council, & the
same appearing to be a case very singularly, & the spirit shewn by
this brave Man to be worthy of Particular notice;
Ordered, That a draft on the Treasurer be made out in favor of
the said Edward Agnew, for the Sum of Fifty Pounds, & the same
was done accordingly.
Ordered, That the case of the above mentioned Edw'd Agnew,
be recomended to the Board of War as highly deserving their par-
ticular notice.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday January 5, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH KEED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Yice President.
Joseph Hart, James Read, "J
John Macky, John Hambright, & lEsq'rs.
Matthew Smith, Thomas Scott, J
Capt. Fowler, late in the British service, attended in Council, and
represented that the ill treatment he had received in the British
service, had induced him, in the year 1775, to sell out, & that he
bad now brought with him his Wife to settle in this Country, hav-
ing come by the way of France.
The Council took into consideration the returns of Magistrates
elect for divers Wards in this City of Philadelphia; & there-
upon,
Ordered, That William Ball, Will'm Adcock, & Sam'l Morris,
the younger, be appointed & commissioned to be Justices of the
Peace for the City of Philadelphia.
ji itaM
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 659
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday January 6, 1779.
PRESENT I
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Read, 1
John Macky, John Hambright, & l Esq'rs.
Matthew Smith, Thomas Scott, J
An account of Work done by Evans & Matlack at the Market
House, was laid before the Council, in which the Journeymens'
Wages is charged at three Dollars, & the Superintendants' at Six
Dollars ^ day, which the Council are of opinion is not higher than
other Workmen now charge.
The Council being informed that some of the Armed Vessels
belonging to this State, had (last winter) taken some Prizes, and
Commod&re Hazlewood now applying for the direction of Council,
as to the distribution of the Money arising from the sale of the
same ;
On consideration,
Ordered, That the Prize Money arizing from the Prizes hereto-
fore taken by armed boats belonging to this State, be divided in
the following manner, Viz : The Commodore to draw one twelfth
part of the whole; Captains, (each) four Shares; First Lieutenants,
Two and half Shares ; Second Lieutenants, One & two-third
Shares ; Masters, one & two-third Shares ; Mates, one & one-third
Shares ; Gunners, one & one-third Shares ; Clerks of the Ship and
of the Battery, each one & one sixth Shares ; Stewards of the
same, one & one-sixth Shares; Boatswains, one & one-third Shares;
Carpenters, one & one-third Shares; Armourer, one & one-twelfth
Shares; Clerk & Steward, each one & one-third Shares; Privates,
one Share ; Cook, one Share; Drummers & Fifes, five-sixths of a
Share, each ; Boys, one -half of a Share, each ; Chief Surgeon of
the Fleet, (Ship excepted,) & Artillery and Director of the Hos-
pital, four & one-sixth Shades; Surgeon, four Shares; Surgeons'
Mate, one & two-third Shares ; Other Petty Officers, if any, one
& Two-twelfth Shares.
Council having observed in the Pennsylvania Packet a publica-
tion signed by William Thompson, Esq'r, a Brig'r General of this
State in the Continental Service, containing very high charges
against Thomas McKean, Esq'r, Chief Justice of this State, A
Publication of the said Thomas M'Kean, wholly denying that there
is any ground or foundation for such charges, either Public or
Private, and having also perused the proceedings of Congress al-
luded to in said Publication; and duly considering that the interest
660 MINUTES OF THE
and Honor of the State are deeply affected by such charges, that
if true and well grounded, such unworthy characters may be re-
moved from Offices of Honor and trust, or if ill-founded, that re-
paration be made to the injured Honor and dignity of the State,.
Do order, that the Secretary request Gen'l Thompson's attendance
in Council to-morrow Morning, at eleven O' Clock, to give the
Board such information and satisfaction in the Premises, as the
interests of the State in such cases require.
A Copy of which foregoing order, was immediately forwarded
by the Secretary to Gen'l Thompson.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday January 7, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President. J
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Read,
John Macky, John Hambright, & ^ Esq'rs.
Matthew Smith, Thomas Scott,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of William C,
Bradford, Paymaster of the State Fleet, or his order, for the Sum
of Two thousand Pounds, to pay off the State Fleet, and charge the
same to account of the said Paymaster.
A Letter from Brig'r Gen'l Thompson, assigning reasons for de-
clining to attend the Council.
<fc[
The Council met.
Philad'a, Friday January 8, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, &
John Macky, Tho's Scott, J- Esq'rs.
Jas. Read,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Col. Lewis
Farmer, or his order, for the Sum of Five thousand Pounds, to pur-
chase Rum, Sugar & other necessaries, for the Troops of this State
in Continental Service, agreeable to the Resolve of the Hon'ble
House of General Assembly ; the said Sum to be charged to Col*
Farmer's acco't.
1
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 661
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Thomp-
son, or his order, for the Sum of Thirty-six Pounds Seven Shill-
ings & Sixpence, for a Bill of Cooperage, on board the State
Schooner Delaware.
A petition of Capt. George Honey, of the Town Guards, repre-
senting that there is two Month's Pay due to them, Viz : August &
September, 1777, & that upon application to the board of Treasury
at Mr. Gibson's House, the accounts are delayed, & praying this
Council to grant an order or requisition to the proper department,
that the said accounts may be speedily settled, & what is due there-
on paid, was read ;
And on consideration,
Ordered, That in consideration of the poverty & necessity of the
Petitioners, this Council do request of the board of Treasury to give
an early attention to the claims of the Company of Town Guards.
A Letter from John & Alex'r Wilcocks, relating to a quantity of
Salt claimed by the State, was read.
The report of a Joint Committee of Congress & of this Board,
concerning divers quantities of Salt left in this City by the Enemy,
was read ;
And on consideration,
Ordered, That a Warrant under the less Seal of the State be
issued, Commanding the Sheriff of the City & County of Philadel-
phia to Seize a quantity of Salt abandoned by the Enemy, & now
lying in a Store the South side of Chestnut Street, & to make re-
port thereof to this Council forthwith.
Ordered, That a Copy of the report of the said joint Commit-
tee of Congress, & of this Council, relating to the Salt now in the
Stores belonging to Joseph Pritchard, on the South side of Ches-
nut Street Wharf, be laid before the State Attorney, for his opinion :
And that he be authorized, if he shall think it necessary, to consult
such able Council as he may think proper, and report to this
Council as soon as may be.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Saturday January 9, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esquire, President.
Joseph Hart, James Read, & ")
John Macky, Thomas Scott, (.Esq'rs.
Matthew Smith, J
An application from Matthew Irwin, Andrew Hodge, <fc John
Bayard, for some broken Cannon, taking out of the Augusta, & now
<>62 MINUTES OF THE
tying at Kensington, to be used as Ballast for some armed Briggs
belonging to them, was read; & thereupon.
Ordered, That George Henry, Esq'r, be directed to sell, at their
reasonable value, such of the Cannon taken out of the Augusta, as
are unfit for further use & cannot be repaired.
The Hon'ble Tho's Scott, Esq'r, laid before the Council a draft
of this board on the Treasurer, in the following Words, Viz :
" For £2000.
" In Council, Philad'a, Septem. 12, 1778.
" Pay to Mr. Moses Watson the Sum of Two Thousand Poundsr
to be by him delivered to Colo. John Proctor, Paymaster of Mili-
tia for the County of Westmoreland, & charge the same to the said
John Proctor.
"GEO. BRYAN, Vice President.
" To David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, ) & underwritten, " Accepted
Treasurer, j Sept. 22, 1778.
"DAVID RITTENHOUSE, Treasurer."
And the same appearing not to have been paid, it was endorsed
as returned unpaid.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer, in favour of the Hon'ble
Thos. Scott, Esq'r, or his order, for the Sum of Two Thousand
Pounds, to be by him delivered to Col. John Proctor, Paymaster
of Militia Sot the County of Westmoreland, & to be charged to
Colo. Proctor.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer, in favor of Henry Piercy,
of the 2d Pennsylvania Reg't, or his order, for the Sum of One
Thousand Dollars, for the Recruiting Service, to be charged to the
said Piercy.
The Council took into consideration the representation of Rob't
Smith, County Lieutenant, & Andrew Boyd, Sub-Lieutenant of the
County of Chester, respecting the Commissioners & Assessors of
fhe County of Chester, not legally elected, continuing to set, not-
withstanding the determination of the Hon'ble House of General
Assembly respecting the election of the said County; <£ there-
upon,
Ordered, That the Secretary be directed to write to the Com-
missioners & Assessors of the County of Ches!er, elected according
to Law, to take their seats at the board, & proceed to the duties of
their oflice.
Minutes January 10, 1779.
Ordered, That Mr. Stiles, Commissary of Military Stores, re-
eive the following Articles, & that his Receipt be a discharge to
Mr. Dehaven; Viz :
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 663
139 Setts of Gun-mounting, complete & finished, Stamps &
brands ; 113 Gun Locks; 237 Gun barrels; 121 lbs. Lead; 141
New Muskets, wanting Bayonets & Ramrods ; 25 New Muskets,
wanting Ramrods only ; 18 ditto complete ; 300 Gun Stocks.
The President laid before the Board a Letter from the Hon'ble
the President of Congress, inclosing sundry resolutions of Con-
gress.
" Fir^t — To enact Laws for detecting persons employed in making
Counterfeit Money, or passing it knowingly, dated 1 Jan'ry, 1779.
" Secondly — In calling in 15 Millions of Dollars the ensuing
Year, ■& 6 Millions annually for 18 Years to come.
" Thirdly— In calling in the Emissions of May 11, 20, 1777,
and April 11, 1778, both dated Jan'ry 2, 1779.
" Fourthly — In fixing the several Quotas of the said 15 Millions
upon the respective States in the Union, Dated Jan'ry 5, 1779."
Ordered, That the same be filed, in order to be laid before the
lion'ble House of Assembly at the next meeting.
Ordered, That the Fine upon John Smallwood be remitted, &
his offence pardoned.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday Jan'ry 11, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, John Hambright, & > ™ ,
John Macky, Tho's Scott, $ q
Petition of John Smallwood, now confined in the Ooal of thir
City, setting forth that he had been fined by the Court of Quarter
Sessions of the Peace of the County of Philadelphia, for the Sum
of Fifty Pounds, & praying the said fine may be remitted and he
enlarged from imprisonment, was read ; And a Certificate signed
by Dr. Fred'k Phile, being also read, that the said John Smallwood
was very ill with the Rheumatism all over his body, &ca. ; & there-
upon,
Ordered, That the fine & imprisonment of John Smallwood, now
confined in the Goal of the City of Philadelphia, be remitted, in
consideration of his great indisposition of body.
David Caldwell laid before the Council a draft of the late State
Navy board on Will'm Webb, Pay-master, for the Sum of ^141 10
11, " to be charged to the Continental Navy board," and it appear-
ing by Certificate that the same remains unpaid ; and thereupon,
664 MINUTES OP THE
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the said David?
Caldwell, for the Sum of One hundred #• forty- one Pounds Ten
Shillings & Eleven Pence, to be charged to the Continental Navy
board, to which the draft on the Treasurer of the Navy board wa&
annexed.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday Jan'ry 12, 1779.
PRESENT I
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, James Read, *)
John Macky, John Hambright, & >■ Esq'rs.
Matthew Smith, Thomas Scott, )
Proposals from Mr. Joseph Ogden for renting the Ferry on
Schuylkill, belonging to the City, was read & rejected.
Ordered, That the Secretary give notice in the Papers that the
House & bridge at the Middle Ferry is to be Rented, and the Sec-
retary will receive proposals from any person disposed to Rent the
same.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Parker,
Bricklayer, for the Sum of One hundred & fifty Pounds, to be
charged to his account.
Same day — Afternoon.
Present as Before noon :
Also, David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treasurer; Daniel Roberdeaa
& William Shippen, Esquires, Delegates of this State in Con-
gress.
And the Council conferred with the said Gentlemen on the situa-
tion of the State Treasury, & the probable effects which the Re-
solves of Congress for calling in the Bills of credit emitted by
them of 11th of April & of the 20th May, will produce thereon.
Capt. Joseph Dean, William Pringle, Mr. Purviance, & others,
attended the Council, <£ represented, That a considerable number
of sailors had assembled together under pretence of raising their
Wages, & had committed several unwarrantable acts of a danger-
ous tendency, unrigging Vessels, & taking away by force the
Workmen employed on board them.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 665
The Council thereupon recommended, by Letter to Plunkett
Fleeson & Benja. Paschall, Esq'rs, & others, the Justices, to exert
themselves in suppressing the said Riot, ^bringing the offenders to
Justice ; And there appearing an order of the Board of War to
Gen'l Arnold, to give such Military assistance as this Council shall
apply for, >
Ordered, That Maj. Gen'l Arnold be requested to give such
aid to the Justices of the Peace of this city as they shall apply for,
to suppress a Riot among the sailors.
James Claypoole, Esq'r, made returns of an Election chusing a
Representative for the City of Philadelphia, to serje in General
Assembly, held on the 5th instant, and the same was read ; whereby
it appears that WilFm Hollingshead was duly elected a Represen-
tative in General Assembly for the said City.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday Jan'ry 13, 1779.
present:
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Read, "1
John Macky, John Hambright, & >Esq'rs.
Matthew Smith, Thomas Scott, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Alexa. Craw-
ford, or his order, for the sum of Thirty. four Pounds fy Fifteen
Shillings, for stone Work done at the Privy in the State House
yard.
The Memorial of David Brown #• Edw'd Randolph, Lieuts. of
the fourth Pennsylvania Reg't, setting forth that they had been
stationed on the Frontiers of the State, fy were in great distress
for want of cloathing, was read; and thereupon,
Ordered, That Lieuts. David Brown & Edw'd Randolph, of the
4th Pennsylvania Reg* t, be furnished by Jacob S. Howell, State
Clothier, with each one suit of cloaths, 2 shirts and 2 pair of
stockings.
The Account of Lieu. Jacob Mosser, of the 6th Pennsylvania
Reg't, for Money advanced to Recruits, & for his service therein,
was inspected ; and thereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. Philip
i Mosser, of the 6th Pennsylvania Reg't, or his order, For the Sum
of Four hundred Dollars, for the recruiting service, to be charged
to his account.
666 MINUTES OF THE
An order was also drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Timothy
Matlack, Secretary, or his order, for the sum of Eight hundred
Dollars, to be charged to his account.
An order was also drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the
Hon'ble Mathew Smith, Esq'r, or his order, for the Sum of Six
hundred Dollars, St charge the same to his account.
Petition of Susanna Logan, praying a pass into New York, was
read; & thereupon,
Ordered, That a pass be granted to Susana Logan, not to return
unless her Husband shall return with her.
An order w#s drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Robert
Allison, or his order, for the Sum of One hundred Pounds, to be
charged to his account.
Whereas, Verbal applications have by experience, proved very
inconvenient to this Board, & productive of great delay to the Pub-
lic business j therefore,
Ordered, That the Secretary do give notice, that except in ex-
traordinary cases, all applications tocouncil are to be made in Wri-
ting, when they will be considered and dispatched in the order of
time, in which they are presented.
The Council Met. «
PhilAd'a Thursday January 14, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble Georgd Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Hambright, James Read &")
Jos. Hart, Matt'w Smith, lEsq'rs.
John Macky, J
Agreeable to a request of the Council, Maj. General Green,
Quarter Master General, attended in Council & entered into con-
ference on the Subject of the Bridge over Schuylkill, at the end
of Market Street, Col. John Coxe & Col. Charles Petit, assistant
Quarter Masters, also attended.
Joseph Ledree & Sam'l Oliver, presented to Council a return of a
Warrant for the holding an Election for chusing, by the freeholders
of South Ward, two fit persons to be returned to this Council for
the purpose of one of them to be appointed a Justice of the Peace
for the County of Philadelphia, from which it appears that no Vo-
ters had appeared at the time and place appointed for holding the
said Elections.
Ordered, That the Delegates of this State in Congress, be direc-
ted to apply to Congress for an advance of Sixty Thousand Pounds,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 667
which is become necessary, not only from the great expenditures of
the State for Congress, but much the more so by the resolve of
Congress of the 2d instant, for calling in two emissions of their
Bills of Credit.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Friday January 15, 1779.
present :
His ExcelFy JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Hambright, James Read, & "")
Jos. Hart, Math'w Smith, I Esq'rs.
John Macky, J
The Petition of Capt. Chris'r Getting, of the twelfth Regiment
of Pennsylvania, who was wounded, taken Prisoner, lost a Leg,
and now on Parole & in want of Cloathing, & praying a suit of
Officer's Regimental Cloathing, was read ; & on consideration,
Ordered, That Jacob S. Howell, the State Clothier, be directed
to furnish Capt. Christ'r Getting, of the 12th Pennsylvania Regi-
ment, with a suit of Officer's Regimental Cloathing.
The application of Capt. Will'm Mackey, of the — Pennsyl-
vania Regiment, who was wounded at the Battle of Brand^wine,
taken Prisoner & now on Parole, praying for a suit of Cloaths, was
read ; & thereupon,
Ordered, That Capt. Will'm Mackey be furnished by Jacob S.
Howell, State Cloathier, with a suit of Cloaths & two Shirts.
On consideration,
Ordered, That Benjamin Paschal, Esq'r, be appointed & Coin-
missioned to be one of the Justices of the City Court of Phila-
delphia.
The Petition of Mess. Purviance, Dean & Harbeson, praying to
be supplied with divers Stores, was read ; and thereupon,
Ordered, That Capt. Stiles, Commissary of Military Stores, be
directed to furnish Mess. Purviance, Dean & Harbeson, with 250Tbs
Gunpowder, 50 lbs Match Rope & 200 3ft) & 4ft>s Bunches of
Grape Shot, if they can be spared from the Public Stock, they
paying a reasonable Price for the same.
Capt. M'Cullough's recruiting account was inspected ; and there-
upon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieu. James
McCullough, of the 5th Pennsylvania Reg't, or his order, for the
Sum of Four hundred Dollars, for the recruiting Service, & to be
charged to his account.
668 MINUTES OF THE
An order was also drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lieu. Alex'r
Russel, of the 7th Pennsylvania Reg't, or his order, for the Sum
of Two hundred Dollars, for the Recruiting Service, & to be charged
to his account.
The Council took into consideration the return of the Election*
for chusing fit persons to be presented to this Council.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Saturday January 16, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Macky, John Hambright, & > ™ ,
Jas. Read, Tho's Scott, 5 ^sq rs*
Mrs. 'Parrock, Wife of John Parrock, late of the City of Phila-
delphia, attended in Council in consequeDce of the order of yester-
day, (she was attended by Mr. John Drinker & his Wife.) Mrs.
Parrock being informed that the Council had received intelligence
of her having been lately in the City of New York, She replied
that she had really not been there, nor out of this State j And upon
being informed of the complaint of George Becktel against her, re-
specting her demand of Rent, & that the Council conceived the
Rent was not payable to her, it being forfeited to the State by her
Husband; To which she replied, That the Estate was her own, be-
ing conveyed in trust by her Father to her use, & that she was
ready to shew her Title; & thereupon,
Ordered, That it be recommended to Jonathan D. Sergeantr
Esq'r, Attorney General, to inspect the Title of Mrs. Mary Par-
rock to a House & Lot of ground in Spring Garden, in the possess-
ion of George Becktel, which she claims to hold independent of her
Husband, John Parrock, & of such other Estate as she may claim
to hold in her own right, if she shall lay the same before him, &
report to this Council his opinion thereon.
Frederick Snyder's account of sundry small expences paid by
him, <fe for his attendance on Council from the 12th of October to
the 12th instant inclusive, being examined & allowed,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Frederick Sny-
der, Door-keeper, for the sum of Two Hundred & Two pounds four
Shillings & Seven pence, the Amount of his account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Tyler, or
his order, for the sum of Five hundred Pounds, to be charged to
his acoount.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 669
Ordered, That Frederick Hagner, Esq'r, be appointed to go to
Northampton & receive from John Tyler all the public property in
his hands, & transmit such of them as may properly be moved, to
Capt. Joseph Stiles, Commissary of Military Stores in this City, And
to sell such buildings and other property in that Town which may
belong to the State.
Ordered, That Mr. George Henry deliver to Captain Joseph
Stiles, Commissary of Military Stores, or his order, such Stores
now in his hands as he may have occasion for from time to time.
The Petition of Robert Shewell, praying in effect that the Coun-
cil order Mr. Isaac Wikoff to pay him for certain effects detained
by him from the Petitioner, was read & dismissed, The Council
having no power over Mr. Wikoff, & not being disposed to relin-
quish the claim of the State, without further consideration.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday Jan'ry 18, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon. George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Mackay, Ja's Read, & ) ^ ,
Matt'w Smith, Tho's Scott, $ ^s(* r8,
A Letter from Thomas Adams, Francis Lightfoot, and Meri-
wether Smith, Esq'rs, Delegates of the State of Virginia in Con-
gress, inclosing the Resolves of the llouse of Delegates of the
State of Virginia on the 9th of December, 1778, respecting the
line between the two States, was read. *
A Letter from Dan'l Roberdeau, Esq'r, inclosing a Resolve of
Congress, in the following words, Vizt :
"In Congress, Jan'ry 16, 1779.
" The Delegates of Pennsylvania laid before the Congress a Let-
ter of 14th, from the President of that State in Council, instruct-
ing them to apply to Congress for an advance of Sixty Thousand
Pounds, for the use of that State ', whereupon, on motion,
"Resolved, That the Sum of One Hundred & Sixty Thousand
Dollars be advanced to the State of Pennsylvania, the said State to
be accountable.
" Extract from the Minutes.
"CHAS. THOMSON, Secy'
670 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That the Sum of One hundred & Sixty Thousand Dol-
lars, ordered by Congress on 16th instant to be advanced to this
State of Pennsylvania, be paid to David Rittenhouse, Esq'r, Treas-
urer of the State.
In Council.
Monday Evening, Jan'ry 18, 1779.
Ordered, That Mr. George Henry apply to the Attorney General,
& state the proceedings respecting the Salt lately seized by order
of the Council in Jos. Pritchard's Store, and take his direction far-
ther on the matter; That Mr. Henry also employ an assistant
Council, to be recommended by the Attorney General, & advance
from the Money in his hands the necessary Fee; & that the Attor-
ney General be desired to get the Replevin issued at the suit of Mr.
Wilcox, quashed at the next Court, if, upon consideration, he & the
assistant Council shall judge it consistant with the rules of Law;
& that in the mean time Mr. Henry be directed* to see that the
seizure extend to all the Salt left in the City by Backham & Ash-
ton, British Merchants ; But if it shall be found that the said
salt is in the Possession of the Commissioners of the United
States, he is. directed to permit them to return it, upon their en-
gagement to account to the State for the value, if the property of
the Salt shall be finally determined to be in this State ; And that
Mr. Henry be furnished with a Copy of this order.
Ordered, That Mr. Howell, Commissary of Cloathing, get the
Cloth on hand cut out into suits of suitable sizes, & forward it to
the Camp ; that if there are not trimings on hand sufficient, to pro-
cure them & fold them up in each suit.
Petition of Robert Macky, setting forth that a valuation of the
armed BoarViper, made by Emanuel Eyre and Joseph Carson, in
pursuance of an order of this Council, was lost, &ca, was read ; &
thereupon,
Ordered, That Mr. Benjamin Eyre & Mr. Joseph Carson be re-
quested to Certify to the Council their valuation of the armed boat
Viper, retaken by Mr. Robert Macky last Summer.
The Council resumed the consideration of the case of the pro-
perty in the hands of Mr. Wikoff, imported in the Flora, claimed
by Mr. Robert Shewell, k which Mr. Wikoff has engaged to ac-
count for to this Council.
Ordered, That Thursday the fourth day of February next, be
appointed to hear Mr. Robert Shewell & Mr. Isaac Wikoff, re-
specting part of the Cargo of the Flora, which Mr. Wikoff has en-
gaged to account for to this Council, and which Mr. Shewell claims
as his property 'j And that the Secretary give notice hereof to the
parties
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. . 671
The following Proclamation against forestalling being read <fc
approved, was ordered to be published under the State Seal, signed
by the President & attested by the Secretary.
" Pennsylvania, ss :
u By the Supreme Executive Council of the Common- Wealth of
Pennsylvania :
"A PROCLAMATION.
"Whereas, The forestalling the Markets & engrossing great
quantities of Articles of usual Consumption, have a manifest ten-
dency to enhance the prices, odious & punishable by Law; But
when such practices are extended to Bread & the other necessaries
of life, they become distressing and ruinous to the industrious poor,
& most heinously criminal. In order therefore, to prevent as much
as possible the inhabitants of this State from unwaringly falling
into such dangerous & illegal practices, We do hereby make it
known, that we have caused prosecutions to be commenced against
some persons Charged with the above offences, and we do strictly
charge the Justices of the Peace, Constables & other civil Officers,
to make due enquiry into the above offences; & we do require the
faithful inhabitants & Subjects of this State to whose knowledge
the same may come, to make discovery thereof to the Officers of
Justice, in order that the perpetrators may be brought to speedy &
condign punishment.
" Given by order of the Council, under the hand of his Excel-
lency Joseph Reed, Esquire, President, & the Seal of the State, at
Philadelphia, this eighteenth day of January, in the year of our
Lord One thousand Seven Hundred & Seventy-Nine.
JOSEPH REED, President.
" Attested by order of the Council, T. M ATLACK, Secretary.
"GOD SAVE THE COMMONWEALTH."
Whereas, The wisest, freest, $• bravest nations, in the most vir-
tuous times, have endeavoured to perpetuate the memory of those
who have rendered their Country distinguished services, by pre-
serving their resemblances in Statues & Paintings; This Council,
Deeply sensible how much the liberty, safety, & happiness of
America in General, & Pennsylvania in particular, is owing to His
Excell'y General Washington & the brave men under his Com-
mand, do resolve, That His Excell'y Gen'l Washington be request-
ed to permit this Council to place his Portrait in the Council
Chamber, not only as a mark of the great respect which they bear
to His Excellency, but that the contemplation of it may excite
others to tread in the same glorious & disinterested Steps which
lead to public happiness and private honor, And that the President
672 MINUTES OF THE
be desired to wait on his Excellency the General, with the above
request, and if granted to enquire when & where it will be most
agreeable to him for Mr. Peale to attend him.
A Representation having been made by Colo. Andrew Boyd,
Waggon Master of the County of Chester, thro' James Young,
Esq'r, W. M. G. S., to this Board, that Jesse Jordan, a deputy
Waggon Master, was sent by Col. Boyd with a Brigade of twelve
Waggons to Philadelphia, under the Waggon Law of this State, to
convey Provisions from thence to New Windsor, in consequence of
orders from him, the Waggon Master General, of the 27th Sep-
tem. last, & that when the said Jorden returned home, he informed
Col. Boyd that when he arrived in Philadelphia with his Brigade,
he applied to John Mitchell, Esq'r, Deputy Quarter Master General,
for loading, who sent him with his Brigade to Egg harbour without
loading, with orders to load Merchandize there of private property,
& return with it to Philadelphia, which he did, that the loading
was delivered there into private stores ;
On consideration,
Ordered, That Mr. Mitchell be requested to state to Council,
in Writing, the transaction relating to Jordan's Brigade of Wag-
gons sent by him to Egg harbour, ascertaining the property, or to
whom the same was delivered.
The Council met.
Philad^, Tuesday Jan'ry 19, 1779.
present :
His Exceiry JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Read,
John Macky, John Hambright,
Matthew Smith, Thomas Scott,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
John Macky, Esq'r, or his order, for the Sum of Two Hundred
Dollars, to be charged to his account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Col. Lewis
Farmer, Commissary for purchasing a supply of necessaries for
the Pennsylvania Forces, or his order, for the sum of Ten Thous-
and Pounds, to be charged to his account,
ght, & WEsq'rs,
» J
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. ■ 673
The Council met,
Philad'a, Wednesday Jan'ry 20, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REEO, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Head, %
John Macky, John Hambright, & I Esq'rs.
Matthew Smith, Thomas Scott, J
The Council having considered the case of John Hays, Allen
M'Cultom,
Ordered, That the Paymaster of the State Fleet do pay of
Allen M'Cultom & John Hays, the first to the 22d, the other to
the 21st of September last, from which time they are to be deemed
discharged from the service.
The Council having obtained a state of the claim of Col. Atlee,
to an appointment as a Brig'r General in the Continental Army,
Ordered, That the same be transmitted to His Excell'y Gen'i
Washington, & his opinion requested thereon, and it was sent ac-
cordingly.
A Letter from Gov. Morris & WilFm Wkippies, Esquires, dated
the 19th inst., was read.
Whereas, it is alleged that the Court of Quarter Sessions of
the Peace for the City of Philadelphia, had adjourned so early
that divers persons said to have been guilty of misprission of Trea-
son, remained without trial, and this Council conceiving the speedy
trial of persons so charged to be of great importance to the Safety
of the State ; And Whereas, it is understood that the sitting of the
Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, will ren-
der it necessary for the said City Court to adjourn :
Ordered, That the Secretary be directed to write to the Judges
of the Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace for the City of
Philadelphia, & inform them it is the desire ©f this Council that
the said Court be adjourned to a short day, then to meet, attended
by the Grand Inquest of the City, in order to afford time for the
trial of Persons charged with Misprissions of Treasons.
Robert Macky laid before the Council a Valuation of the
Armed boat Viper, retaken by him from the Enemy, signed by
Benja. G. Eyre & Joseph Carson, amounting to three hundred &
fifteen Pounds j and thereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. RoVt
Macky, or his order, for the Sum of One hundred & fifty-seven
Pounds & Ten Shillings, his right of Salvage of the armed boat
Viper.
Petition of Elizabeth Atkinson, praying a Pass to New YorkT
was read, & granted, not to return.
TOL. XI. — 4S.
}
674 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met
Phixad'a, Thursday January 21 1 17791
present :
His ExeelTy JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Yice President.
Joseph Hart, James Read,
John Macky,. John Hambright & j* Esq*rs.
Matthew Smith, Thomas Scott,.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Major WilFm
Armstrong, Pay-master of the Workmen employed at Billings-
port^ or his order, for the Sum of Two hundred & fifty Pounds,, to
he charged to account of the said Armstrong.
.
The Council mefr.
Philadta, Friday January 22, 1779,
present :
His Exceiry JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan,. Esqrr, Vice President.
Joseph Harty James Read,
John Macky, John Hambrighfc,
Matthew Smith, Thomas Seott,
Council having received from John Mitchell,. Esq'r, D. Q. M.
G., a State of the transaction desired in pursuance of the Resolve
©f Congress of the inst., by which it appears he acted therein
m consequence of orders from Maj. Gen'l Arnold;
Ordered, That the Secretary make out a Copy of said Minute
with Mr. Mitchell's Statement, & transmit them to Maj. Gen'l
Arnold, requesting him to inform this board whether the property
for which the said Waggon* was ordered, was public or private ; if
the latter, to whom the same belonged, & farther to inform this
board by virtue of what Resolve of Congress or other Authority,
Public Waggons of this State were sent into another State to do
business merely of a private nature.
Ordered, Also, that the Q. M. Gen'l be desired to order Jesse
Jordan, a Waggon-master in bis employr to attend this board to
Satisfy them with respect to the employ of the Publio Waggons of
this State in Septemto last.
The Council taking into consideration the case of the bridge over
Schuylkill, as it relates to the Army of the United States, and
allowing 6 Waggons ^ day passing the Bridge over Schuylkill at
& [ Es^'s
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 675
7s. 6 each Waggon, which is not an improper advance on the old
price of Is. 3 each, there will be due for Passage £821 5.
Council thereupon, observing that the number of Waggons esti-
mated by the Gentlemen of the Quarter Master's department was
10, think that fixing the Sum at £SQ0 *$ Annum, they consult
the Interest of the State, with a due regard to that of the United
States ; And thereupon, propose that Sum for One Year only. The
State supporting the Bridge, or in case of unavoidable accidents,
keeping up a Ferry 'till the Bridge can be repaired.
Ordered, That Maj. John Curgill be requested to attend this
board forthwith, to answer a complaint exhibited against him from
the Quarter Master's department, of obstructing the passage of
Public Waggons at his Ferry, to the great injury of the service of
the United States, & the distress of the neighboring Farmers, whose
Foreage is consumed by the detained Waggons.
The Petition of Will'm Sproat, Lieu, of the 4th Pennsylv'a Regi-
ment, was read ) thereupon,
Ordered, That Mr. Howell, State Clothier, do furnish Will'm
Sproat, Lieu, of the 4th Pennsylv'a Reg't, with a suit of Cloaths,
2 Shirts. & 2 pair of Stockings.
Ordered, That Public notice be given, that the arrangement of
the Army being now nearly completed, all Officers of the State not
provided for, who have been Prisoners with the Enemy & are ex-
changed or otherwise released, & propose to enter into the service
again, are requested, agreeable to the Resolution of Congress of
the 24th Novem. last, to signify their intention to the President of
the State without delay, otherwise they will be omitted, & the Re-
gister made out accordingly, in which case it will be very difficult
& inconvenient to restore them to their proper Rank.
T. MATLACK, Sec'y.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Saturday January 23, 1779.
present:
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, James Read, "J
John Macky, John Hambright, & t Esq'ra
Mathew Smith, Thomas Scott, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of William Cris-
pin, Commissary of the State Fleet, or his order, for the sum of
Three Thousand Pounds, to be charged to his account.
An order was draam on the Treasurer in favor of his Excell'y
Joseph Reed, Esq'r, President, or his order, for the sum of five
hundred pounds, in part of his yearly salary.
676 MINUTES OF THE
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr Peter De-
haven, or his order, for the sum of Five Hundred Pounds, <fe
charge the same to his account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Matt'w. Smith,
or his order, for the Sum of Four hundred Pounds, to be by him
forwarded to Mr. Thomas Jordon, Pay-Master of Militia of the
County of Northumberland, to be charged to the said Jordon.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of His Excellency
Joseph Reed, Esq'r, President, or his order, for the Sum of Four
hundred & Twenty Pounds, for his attendance in Council to the
l^h of October last.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Monday January 25, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jas. Read, & ~) ™ ,
John Macky, John Hambright, 5 S(* rs'
A Letter from the Hon'ble James Ewing, Esq'r, requesting that
Summons may be issued for the attendance of the following per-
sons before this Council, on the 10th day of February next, the day
appointed to hear evidence on the contested returns of annual Elec-
tion held for the County of York, to wit : Alex'r Teas & Benj'a
Pedan, Esq'rs, & Sam'l Russell, James McKnight, Will'm Boyd,
Nathan' 1 McCuire, Nicholas Swartz & Matthew Adams, all of York
County ) thereupon,
Ordered, That Summons be issued accordingly.
The Resolve of Congress of the 21st August being read, & a
Letter dated October 3, 1778, Signed Matthew Clarkson, A. D.
Camp, directed to Gen'l Maxwell & Col. Shreuer, respecting the
Passage of one Miss Levy of this State to New York, being also
road, & the proceedings of this board being also considered, upon
which it appeared that Maj'r Gen'l Arnold, to whom M. Clarkson
is A. D. Camp, without disclosing the transaction, requested of this
Board Permission for the said Miss Levy to go to New York, which
for good reasons mentioned by the Vice President in his Letter in
answer, had been refused; x
Ordered, That the Secretary do write to Major Clarkson, & re-
quest his attendance in Council to-morrow at 12 O'Clock, to give
this Board such information herein as may be necessary.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 677
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday January 26, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jas. Read, & . ) ™ ,
John Macky, John Hambright. $ ^
A Letter from M. Clarkson, A. D. C. of this day's date, deny-
ing the right of Council to call him before them.
A Resolve of Congress of the 9th February, 1778, was read, &
also a Resolve of Congress of the 21st August last;
And on consideration,
Ordered, That a summons under the less Seal of the State be
Issued requiring Matthew Clarkson, Aid-da-Camp to Maj'r Gren'l
Arnold, to attend this Council to-morrow at 12 0' Clock.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday January 27, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, James Read, & / ™ ,
John Macky, Thomas Scott, J < % ■. '
A Letter from Gen'l. Roberdeau, containing the following Re-
solve of Congress of the 26th instant, Viz :
" In Congress, January 26, 1779.
" A Letter of the 25th, from His Excellency Joseph Read, Esq'r,
President of Pennsylvania, was read.
" Ordered, That it be referred to a Committee of five ; the Mem-
bers chosen Mr. Paica, Mr. Burk, Mr. Floyd, Mr. Holton, & Mr.
Root.
" Ordered, That the Committee proceed thereon, & having con-
ferred with the President & Council of this State on the Subject
of the said Letter, make Report with all convenient speed.
" Extract from the Minutes,
" CHAS. THOMSON, Sec'y,"
was read, <fc thereupon the Committee mentioned attended in Coun-
cil & a free conference thereon was had for several hours.
678 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday January 28, 177$.
•1
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Hambright, James Read,
Jos. Hart, Thomas Scott, J-Esq'rs.
John Macky,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Aaron Levy,
or his order, for the Sum of one hundred & fifty-nine Pounds & five
Shillings, for Gunpowder, supplied by him to the Militia of Nor-
thumberland County.
Petition of George Allen, belonging to the Armed boafFame,
aged 55 years, setting forth his ailment & inability to serve lon-
ger, and praying to be discharged, was read ; & on consideration,
Ordered, George Allen, now belonging to the armed boat Fame,
be discharged, he being unfit for duty.
The Memorial of Jonathan Cowpland, late Captain of the guard
boat Hawk, belonging to the State, now a Prisoner under Parole,
praying to have his subsistence until his exchange can be effected,
was read; and on Consideration,
Ordered, That the Pay & Rations of Capt. Jonathan Cowpland,
late of the armed boat Hawk, now a Prisoner on Parole, be con-
tinued until he be exchanged, until further orders from this Coun-
cil herein.
A Petition from John Wilson, of the Hancock, was read, pray-
ing to be allowed Pay as 1st. Lieutenant.
Ordered, That the Secretary send the said Petition to W. C
Bradford, the Paymaster of the State Fleet, & desire him to State
the matter to Council.
A Letter from the Sieur Gerard was read, relating to a duel said
to be fought, in which a French Gentleman was said to be a Party,
Plunket Fleeson, Esq'r, attended the Council, and informed the
Council That he had made diligent enquiry concerning a duel, said
to have been lately fought between Capt. Dougherty & a French
Gentleman, in which the latter was reported to have been wounded,
& to have died of his wounds ; and having examined on Oath di-
vers Witnesses thereon, he can trace it only as a report from Capt.
Dougherty.
And a Letter from the Hon'ble the Sieur Gerard, Minister Ple-
nipotentiary of His Most Christian Majesty, in answer to one from
this Council to him, was read, whereby it appeared that he was
satisfied there was not any foundation for the report that a Gentle-
man of his nation had been killed in a duel in this City.
SUPKEME EXECUTIVE €OUN€EL. «79
Passes to New York mot to return, granted to Eliza Rabb5
<Cath. Ebert, Carafe Hughes, & Christiana Poskets, but to oarry mo
uninspected Letters or Papers.
The Petition of DavM Franks, late Commissary of British Pri-
soners, Praying that Patrick Rice, his Clerk, may have a Pass to
go into New York to make a Settlement of accounts with the Com-
mander-in-Chief, was read ; & thereupon,
•Ordered*, That Mr. David Franks, for the special circumstances
of his case, obtain the approbation of Congress before this Council
grant a P iss to nis €iexk to go into New York.
A Letter from Gen^l Mcintosh states an inconvenience in the
Militia Law, from tke short period of Service.
Ordered j That the same be filed, -& laid before the Assembly at
their nest meeting.
Ordered, That a Proclamation issue agreeable to Act of Assem-
bly, for attain ting Thomas Gordon, of Oxford Township ; Holha
Joneg, Hatter, late of Gorman Town Township ; Isaac Taylor, of
Whitpain Township, Yeoman^ John Robinson of said Township,
Cordwainer; Daniel Jonos, of the Manor of Moreland, Yeoman ;
all of the County of Philadelphia j John Clark, late of the North-
ern Liberties, Yeoman**
The Council met.
PhilasV, Friday January 29, 177$
■}
PRESENT :
His ExceFy JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r^ Vice President.
John Hambrsght, Ja's Read, &
Jos. Hart, Thorn's Seott, }» Esq'rs.
John Maeky,
A Letter to tne Committee of Congress, consisting of Mr. Paca?
•& others, enclosing the Papers & extracts relating to the brigade of
Waggons sent by Gen'l Arnold to Egg Harbour.
The following orders were drawn on the Treasurer in favor of
Mr. Francis Bayley, or his order, for the Sum of One Hundred ■&
Ten Pounds and fifteen shillings, balance due for Printing Work.
* For the PiociaKoation &ee June "22d, folio wjng.
^ 7
', & WEsq'rs.
*«» J
680 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Phi&ab'a, Saturday January 30, 1779»
PRESENT *
His Exeell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Josepb Hart,
John Macky,
Thomas Scott,
Jesse Jordan, 12 Waggons under his command ; First orders to
go to N. River; Mr. Rush ordered him to go to Gen'l Arnold for or-
ders. He went & received the written orders contained in the
Letter of D. S. Franks, but had no information of the goods being
private property ; Capt. Moore met him at Coopers' Ferry, & they
went to the forks of Egg Harbor under his directions ; the^were
loaded with sugar, Tea, Coffee, sails, Rigging, swivel Guns, &
other Goods. A young Man, who was with Capt. Moore, did not
deny that the Goods were private property ; They were said to be
Rob Shewell's Goods, & others; gave a certificate for his Ferriage
on going & coming ; Did not apprehend danger from the Enemy ;
went down empty ; would not have gone with his consent if he had
known the errand was for private property ; came out to do a Tour
of duty j Waggons mostly came over the River loaded ; gave no
receipt for the goods, as Moore was with him & had the charge of
the Goods ; part of the goods were delivered up Second Street ;
The other Man who was with Moore he thinks, was the name
of Clark; received Continental Forage ; did not receive Pay on his
return: One of the Waggons unloaded in Second Street, not far
from the Church ; Several Waggons unloaded at Jesse William-
son's Ferry, about 22 bushels of Coffee ; Drew two days forage on
his return. Did not ask his pay when he returned ; Mitchell said
he would see us paid & he expected he was to be paid by the Pub-
lic as usual ; Mitehell said nothing to J. J. about Gen. Arnold on
their return; Applied yesterday to Mr. Mitchell for his money.
Several Waggons were rendered unfit for further service, and he,
J. Jordon, was permitted to return home on his own expence, &
he intended to return again to go to the North River. David
Cochran returned again afler having gone home. Had no conver-
sation with Mr. Mitchell about Pay, that matter was left to Mr.
Jordon. J. Jordon says, that until he was withiu 20 or 25 miles of
Egg Harbor he was " sure that he was going for a load of Provis-
ions. He made out his account as was usual, for his Services as
when in the Continental service ; That on shewing it to Mr. Mit-
chell, he said The Waggons were all appraised before they went
into service ; J. J. must go to Gen'l Arnold for his pay, & ordered
him to charge 75s p ^ day, & to pay the difference between that
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 681
Sum & the usual Continental to the Forage Master ; That on ap-
plying to Gen'l Arnold he bid him call again in the Evening. The
first he knew of the errand to Egg Harbor beiDg a private one
was in consequence of a refusal of Rations, until he had shewn his.
orders signed by D. S. Franks ; The difference in heading the two
accounts shewn was made by Mr. Mitchell's order ; the first being
a charge against the United States, the second against Gen'l Ar-
nold; Mr. Mitchell differed with him & insisted on striking off
two days of the time he was coming to Philadelphia, altho' he
sate out one day later than others (came the same distance) who
did not arrive 'till two days after, & who were, notwithstanding,
allowed their whole Price. Mr.- Mitchell insisted on his settling
this matter, & on his saying he would leave it unsettled, Mr. Mit-
chell said he should settle it, & if he did not Mr. Mitchell would
make him a Prisoner; That J. J. being determined not to be
made a Prisoner, that night he came off; He did not see Gen'l Ar-
nold when he went the second time, but there was a Note round
the account, expressing that he, Gen'l Arnold, would only Pay
from the day the Waggons left Philadelphia, & that Mr. Mitchell
might Pay the remainder. Mr. Mitchell wrote to Gen. Arnold that
he must pay the whole amount; Had not directions from Mr. Mit-
chell to attend, but came of his own accord ; Mitchell said J. J.
would have to go before the Council about this business, but said no
more to him about it; Mitchell said it was a business in which the
Public had nothing to do ; but said that the two days must be
struck off, as he would not have paid it in of the Public ;
Would not have entered in private service at the time, as he knew
he must perform his tour of duty, he chose to do it while the Roads
were good ; At the time he was called out he was offered £Q 5 p
day, if he found himself, to go to Indian River for salt ; Shew-
ell did not appear in this business.
Ordered, That Jesse Jordan, David Cochran, John Boyd, do re-
main in the City 'till to-morrow, to give Testimony on the business
before mentioned ; and that they attend at Plunket Fleeson, EsqYs,
to-morrow Morning at ten O'Clock.
Ordered, That Jesse Jordan, Deputy Waggon Master, David
Cochran & John Boyd, Waggon Drivers, be examined before Plun-
ket Fleeson, Esq'r, to-morrow at ten O'clock in the Forenoon,
concerning the employing ot a Brigade of the Public Waggons
belonging to this State, called forth into Continental service in
October last, by order of Gen'l Arnold, as is alledged, in order that
the Affidavits may be taken therein of the said J. Jordan, D. Coch-
ran, & J. Boyd.
Ordered, That Maj. Gen'l Arnold be notified to attend the afore-
said examination, if he shall think proper so to do, & that the At-
torney General be also notified to attend.
032 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday Feb'ry 1, 1779.
<•}
PRESENT I
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, » Jas. Read, &
Jac. Arndt, Matt'w Smith, J-Esq'rs.
John Macky,
The President laid before the Board a Letter from the President
& Council of Massachusetts Bay, dated 14th January, 1779, rep-
resenting a great scarcity of Bread, & requesting a suspension of
the Embargo for their relief.
Ordered, That the Receipt of said Letter be acknowledged, &
when this Board shall hear from Congress, to whom the said State
hath also addressed itself, a further answer be given.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Robert
Allison, or his order, for the Sum of Four Hundred Pounds, to be
charged to his, the said Allison's, account.
Also, in favor of Jacob Rotter, or his order, for the Sum of One
hundred & Fifty-three Pounds, for Thirty-four days' hire of a light
Waggon, to carry the Quaker Prisoners to Virginia.
Also, an order in favor of John Dialog, or his order, for the Sum
of One hundred & fifty-three Pounds, for thirty-four days hire of a
light Waggon, to carry the Quaker Prisoners to Virginia.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday February 2d, 1779.
b
present:
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Read,
Jacob Arndt, Matt'w Smith, & }.Esq'rs.
John Macky, John Hambright,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Jos. Stiles,
Commissary of Military Stores, or his order, for the Sum of Four
hundred Pounds, to be charged to account of the said Stiles.
The Congress having expressed their approbation of the Coun-
cil's granting a Pass into New York, to a suitable person to settle
the accounts of David Franks, late Commissary of British Prisoners,
Congress referring to His Excell'y Gen'l Washington, the time
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 683
& manner of going in ; And the Secretary reporting that be had
conferred thereon with Mr. Tench Tilgman, Aid de Camp to His
Excell'y the General, & that Mr. Tilghman had recommended it
to the Council to give Mr. Franks' Clerk a recommendation to the
Officer commanding on the lines to pass into New York, as a Spe-
cial Case.
Ordered, That a pass to New York be granted to Mr. Patrick
Rice, Clerk to Mr. David Franks, late Commissary of British Pris-
oners, & to return again ; & that Mr. Rice be recommended to
Gen'l Maxwell, the Officer commanding on the lines next the Ene-
my, that he be permitted to Pass without delay, it being a Special
Case.
Mr. Nesbitt, Mr. Wilcocks & Mr. Fitzsimmons, a Committee
appointed by the Merchants of this City, attended in Council &
represented the ruinous condition of the Trade of this State, our
Ports being blocked up by armed Vessels, which it was apprehend-
ed, would be induced in the Spring to come up our Bay & River,
and praying some protection, reminding the Council of the Vote of
General Assembly for the purchasing of an armed Vessel, to which
the Council replied, That the Assembly had not put Money into
their hands sufficient for that purpose, &ca.
Ordered, That Patrick Rice give Bond with two sufficient Sure-
ties, in the Sum of Ten Thousand Pounds, conditioned that he do
not take into the City of New York any Letters or papers of any
kind, save only his accounts, & the Papers & vouchers relating
thereto; That he do not by any means, directly or indirectly, bring
or send out of the City of New York, any Continental Money or
Goods of any kind; That he neither do nor say anything injurious
to the United States of America, And that he will bring out no Let-
ters or Papers of any kind except what relates to the accounts afore-
said, but what he will on his arrival communicate to this Council.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Wednesday February 3, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, "J
John Macky, McClean, & I Esq'rs.
James Read, Thomas Scott, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mease &
Caldwell, or their order, for the Sum of Six hundred & Seventy-
eight Pounds & Eleven Shillings, due to Mr. Thomas Barclay,
684 MINUTES OF THE
Merchant, for Salt Petre & Sulphur, (agreeable to the order of the
said Barclay.)
Maj. Gen'l Arnold is said to have left this City early this Morn-
ing.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. Will'm
Bratton, of the seventh Pennsylvania Reg't, or his order, for the
Sum of Three hundred Dollars, for the Recruiting service, &
charge the same to account of the said Bratton.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Jesse 0 ordan,
Waggon Master of a Brigade of Twelve Waggons from the County
of Chester, or his order, for the Sum of Four hundred & fifty
Pounds, to be charged to his account ; & repaid on demand.
Resolved, That the Waggons sent by Gen'l Arnold to Egg Har-
bor, having been drawn forth under the Law of the State, & the
Waggoners not being able to procure Payment, either from the Qr.
Master's department or from Gen'l Arnold, who is departed from
this City while the Complaint against him was depending, & they
being in great necessity, the board ou't to relieve them, so far as
to advance £450 until they can procure further redress ; & that
Jesse Jordan, the Waggon Master, give as pecial Receipt, to be ac-
countable therefor.
Ordered, That Colo. Hart, Mr. Hambright & Mr. Scott, be a
Committee to inspect the Goal of this City, & report the State of
the Prisoners therein to this Council.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday Feb'ry 4, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, ~)
John Macky, McClean, & I Esq'rs.
James Read, Thomas Scott, J
Resolved, That it is the clear & decisive opinion of the Board,
that the Several Fines for non-attendance and other delinquencies
on the Militia Law, ought to be regularly collected, <fe that the
Lieutenants & Sub-Lieutenants proceed against all persons who are
not exempted by express Laws of the State.
A Petition from Mrs. Straker, Wife of Mr. William Straker,
Praying a Certificate of the Permission of this Council for her Hus-
band & herself to pass to St. Eustatia, & from thence to the Island
of Barbadoes, was read ; thereupon,
Ordered, That a Certificate be accordingly issued for the said
purpose.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 685
The Petition of Hillary Baker, Jun., was read ; &
On Consideration,
Ordered, That Hillary Baker, Jun., be appointed & Commis-
sioned to be a Notary & Tabellion Public for the English & Ger-
man Languages & Interpreter of the same.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Friday February 5, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Read,
John Macky, Jacob Arndt, & J. Esq'rs.
McClean. Thomas Scott,
ki J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Jacob S. How-
ell, State Clothier, or his order, for the sum of Five Hundred
Pounds, to be charged to his account.
A* representation from William Crispin, Commissary of the State
Fleet, respecting Provisions & Stores in the hands of Gapt. Hous-
ton, was read ; &
On consideration,
Ordered, That the Provisions in the hands of Capt. Houston be
delivered to William Crispin, Commissary of the State Fleet ; &
that the Stores in the hands of the said Capt. Houston be delivered
to Mr. George Henry.
Mr. Clymer, Mr. Gardner, & Gen'l Lacey, a Committee of the
Hon'ble House of General Assembly, attended in Council, and in-
formed the Council that the House was now met & ready to pro-
ceed to such business as the Council shall think proper to lay be-
fore them.
The following Address of this Council to the General Assembly
of Representatives of the Freemen of Pennsylvania, Viz :
"In Council, Philad'a, Feb'ry 5, 1779.
" Gentlemen :—
" Your early and punctual attendance upon the Public business,
affords a happy presage that it will be conducted with Harmony
and dispatch, & must, demonstrate to our mutual constituents your
regard & attention to their Interests. We shall endeavour to mani-
fest a similar Spirit, & facilitate the measures which the public good
may require, so that you may not be long detained from your
families & private concerns ; and the interests of the Public effectu-
ally & happily promoted. We have yet to lament, Gentlemen, that
686 MINUTES OF THE
the futile & absurd ideas of conquering America are not yet so
extinguished in the minds of our Enemies, as to induce them to
give over the vain attempt, though it is highly probable, that in-
stead of the pompous & useless marches of large Armies through
a country which they could not conquer or retain, they will adopt
the meaner & crueller plan of depredation & sudden inroad Against
these; therefore, whether upon our Coasts or frontiers, it highly be-
comes us to make a seasonable provision; And in order to do this,
as well as answer the various exigencies of government, we must
request your earliest attention to your revenue, for without this you
cannot expect security in War, or tranquility in peace. It is not
to be expected that the current & ordinary income of the State will
answer the extraordinary expences of War & danger; but it is
high time the former should be ascertained, & so enlarged as to
afford a prospect of Payment of the Public debts in a reasonable
time. The policy of Congress in calling in so great a Sum as Fifteen
millions of Dollars, at " this time, will require a similar policy on
our part, so as to avail ourselves of the present plenty of Paper
Money, and lessen a proportionate part of the Public debt. But
in the meantime, it is our duty to acquaint your that when we en-
tered upon the execution of your Resolves of the 5th of December
last, we found our Treasury in a condition very inadequate for the
purposes you recommended, & we have justcau^e to apprehend that
our embarrassments on this subject are increasing, as the circula-
tion of two large emissions of paper money has been stopped in
ordinary Payment, though received at Public Offices, from which we
may naturally infer, that all public Payments will be made in those
emissions, useless to the possessor in the common course of busi-
ness. You will doubtless, therefore, esteem it necessary, if some
mode to supply the Treasury with such Money as may be current,
& upon such an estimate of the public expence as may be formed
under our present circumstances.
" Before we proceed to lay before you the several matters neces-
sary for your consideration, we think proper to acquaint you how
far the several resolutions of your last sessions have been carried
into execution.
" We have appointed Lieu. Col. Farmer, (a supernumerary offi-
cer,) Commissary for the purchase of the Articles enumerated in
your resolve of the 5th December, & he has made purchases to a
considerable amount. We applied to the Gentlemen of the Army
in December last, for a plan of distribution, which, when re-
ceived, the Articles will be forwarded for their relief & comfort.
The upper bridge on Schuylkill is in part carried away; the
Season of the year was too severe to admit the necessary work
to be done for its security, though every step was taken for that
purpose. The bridge at the middle ferry has been secured under
our direction, by the care of the Officers & men of the Gallies,
without any Article of considerable expence to the public. The
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 687
Cloathing of the Officers of the Army has been and will be an ar-
ticle of considerable expence ; Finding the public & the army in-
jured, in some respects, by the management of the department, we
removed one Officer and shall inspect the conduct of all others,
that abuses may not be repeated. We have disposed of all the Gal-
lies & armed boats, except such as were necessary for immediate
protection & defence, & could be well manned. We have discharged
& paid off the Officers and men of the State Fleet who were super-
numary, so as to reduce the remaining expence to a sum compara-
tively small. The heavy expence of the Gun factory, though we
had no reason to complain of the management of it, we have
wholly suppressed, from a view of our present stock of arms, & be-
lief that the State may now be supplied on cheaper terms. We
have discharged some old and heavy demands of the recruiting ser-
vice, the militia of the back Counties, and the Artificers formerly
employed in public works. The Current and usual expenditures
have also had their claims though but in part, satisfied. On the
Sixteenth day of January last, we procured from Congress Sixty
Thousand Pounds. The inconveniences of such applications to
the United States, & the difficulties upon them, are well known to
some of the Honorable members of your House ; and as the ad-
vance of Money to this State by Congress has been very great, (how-
ever the final balance of the account may be,) we cannot but be-
lieve you will approve of moderation & economy in such applica-
tions.
"With such various demands, & many of them very pressing, &
having no representation made to us, either collectively or individ-
ually, of any depredations on Trade until Monday last, till last
Week, & no suitable Vessell to be found in the Harbor, we did
not attempt to provide a Ship of War for the protection of Trade 5
for had no other difficulty occurred, the impossibility, in our cir-
cumstances, of answering the heavy demands which it would have
occasioned, was alone a sufficient bar ; We might also had here, that
our Treasury having only the reprobated emissions, (except the
Sixty Thousand Pounds,) this stroke of general finance has affected
all our measures."
" Agreeable to your desire, we made deligent enquiry after the
forestallers of flour and other provisions in this City, & caused sev-
eral suspected persons to be prosecuted ; but whether the com-
plaints were not well founded, or from a reluctance in the inhabi-
tants to appear on such prosecutions, the parties were dismissed.
We also issued a Proclamation, reprobating & prohibiting all such
practices. Most earnestly do we wish an effectual remedy might be
provided; but a more general detestation and abhorrence of them,
we apprehend, must take place, before such remedy can be had.
"We would now suggest such modes as have occurred to us to
remove, at least in part, some of those evils we feel, & many of
those we fear. We think there are many proper subjects of Taxa-
688 MINUTES OF THE
tion yet untouched, & others too lightly ; such as all Carriages for
pleasure & convenience only, & plate. The possessors of Slaves
& indented Servants, can also well afford to pay an additional duty.
These, with a general plan of Taxation adapted to the present
value of Money, & carried fairly & firmly into execution, would have
a great effect. But we would also recommend the Sale of the for-
feited Estates, with all convenient speed. The prices would bear a
proportion to the public debts, & at least put us on a certain foot-
ing in this respect. Considerations of a political kind, we think,
also press this measure forcibly. We would also recommend the
accumulation of fines & other pecunary penalties, not so much as a
fund of supply, as necessary for the advancement of public justice
& the good order of the government. Fees & other licence money,
& especially on Taverns, accruing to the State, & also such Fees as
accrue to Officers or others, & have not been sufficiently raised to
answer the exigencies of the present times, we think may also justly
admit of increase, under some general proportional estimate. For
we are bound to inform you that the present penalties for decline
of necessary, though troublesome Offices, or for neglect or miscon-
duct therein, & the allowances made, are now so reduced in value
as to afford no sanction or encouragement for the execution of the
Laws.
u We would also again bring into your view a plan for the gradual
abolition of Slavery, so disgraceful to any people, & more especially
to those who have been contending in the great cause of liberty
themselves, & upon whom providence has bestowed such eminent
marks of its favor & protection. We think we are loudly called
ou to evince our gratitude in making our fellow men joint heirs
with us of the same inestimable blessings, under such restrictions
k regulations as will not injure the community, & will impercep-
tibly enable them to relish & improve the Station to which they
will be advanced. Honored will that State be in the Annals of
History, which shall first abolish this violation of the rights of man-
kind, & the memories of those will be held in grateful & everlasting
remembrance, who shall pass the Law to restore & establish the
rights of Human nature in Pennsylvania. We feel ourselves so
interested on this point, as to go beyond what may be deemed by
some the proper line of our duty, & acquaint you that we have re-
duced this plan to the form of a Law, which, if acceptable, we
shall in a few days communicate to you.
" The uu happy disputes upon our borders, & progressive en-
croachments, especially on the part of Virginia, will naturally re-
mind us how important it is that there should be as early a decision
of these points as possible. By a Resolution of Congress passed
the 23d of December, 1775, it was recommended to the State of
Connecticut ' N^t to introduce any Settlers on the disputed lands
till the further order of Congress, or until the said dispute should
be settled.'
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 689
u The present depopulated state of that disputed Territory may
make it very proper, not only to remind the remaining settlers from
Connecticut of their precarious tenure, but the State itself of this
resolve, which we apprehend never had the effect intended. The
papers from Virginia, received since your late adjournment, are
transmitted herewith; from the'ta you will judge what probability
there is of a termination of disputes in that quarter. But so much
do we wish to relieve our unhappy brothers from these distressing
& irritating Claims, that we shall esteem our time and labor devo-
ted to a most valuable purpose, in executing any measures you may
determine for their relief, even to a personal attendance of any of
our members on the scene of controvercy, if you shall judge ifc
necessary. "
" Some municipal laws in the administration of Justice, we
would also recommend ; such as establishing a Court of errors on
judgments given in the Supreme Court. It appearing to us that
a determination of a single tribunal, binding upon the lives & pro-
perties of the Subjects of the State, without review or revisal in
any case, must, from the frailty of human nature only, soon be
productive of great inconveniences. We would wish they should
be prevented rather thfln remedied. The Suppression of Theatri-
cal entertainments, formerly recommended by Congress, to which
we would add Horse-racing, gaming & other diversions, productive
of idleness & dissipation of manners, seems to us to claim the no-
tice of the Representatives of an undepraved & ©economical people.
Duelling, that resource of misapplied courage, so dangerous to the
peace of families & society, has lately gro^n so much into prac-
tice that it may justly claim a share of your notice fy censure.
The abuses of the process of attachments &l replevins, which are
taken out upon the Estates of attainted Traytors, &; upon Seizures
for fines, & other public demands, call for some wholesome re-
straints.
" Some prudent & proper cautions against clandestine Marriages^
so often fatal to the peace & happiness of families, are highly de-
serving of notice. If, as in all other cases where a third party is
injured, the bond given on the Licence was assignable to the Parent
or Guardians, for their special benefit, & publications of all marriages
not celebrated upon Licence was required, it might have a happy
tendency to introduce a prudent restraint, without intrenching upon
the freedom of marriage, which, the policy of all wise States has
most judiciously encouraged & protected.
" VVe shall now offer the last, though not the least, object of your
public enquiry & deliberations ; we mean the nature & extent of
the claims or Estates of the late Proprietaries, and their consistency
with the interest & happiness of the people under the late revolu-
tion. To reconcile the rights &> demands of Society with those of
private justice & equity in this case, will be worthy your most se-
YG1U xi.— 44.
\
I
690 MINUTES OF THE
rious attention ; nor ought the magnitude of the object, or the
splendor & influence heretofore annexed to the power derived from
that source, deter you from the enquiry or dazzle you in the pur-
suit. The just regard due to the suspended rights of many indi-
viduals of this State, & the common interests of all, do not admit
that it should any longer be kept out of sight, though war, with all
its calamities & confusion, has hitherto excluded it from the notice
of a Government founded on the authority of the people only.
"JOSEPH REED, President."
being read, was approved ; and thereupon,
Ordered, That the said Message be signed by His ExcelFy, the
President, & laid before the House by the Secretary, together also
with the following Papers, Viz : Resolves of Congress of the 1st
of January & of the 2d January ; A Letter from the Delegates of
Virginia in Congress, & Resolves of the House of Burgesses of the
said State, respecting the line between that State & Pennsylvania,
dated
[Blank in Council Book.]
A Letter from Jeremiah Powell, Esq'r, President of the Council
of Massachusetts Bay, dated
[Blank in Council Book.]
A Letter from Gov'r Morris & William Whipple, Esq'rs, a
Committee of Congress, Respecting forestalling; and a Letter from
Col. Butler & others, respecting the Resolves of the House of No-
vem. 14 & Decern. 5th.
The Secretary reports, that agreeably to the order of Councilrhe
had presented to the House of General Assembly the Address of
the President & Council, & had laid before the House the Papers
the Council pleased to order.
The Resolves of Council respecting Maj. Gen'l Arnold being
printed,
Ordered, That the Secretary do inclose one to the authority of
each of the United States, and one to the Delegates in Congress of
each State.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in of the Hon'ble George
Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President, or his order, for the sum of three
Hundred Pounds, to be charged to his account.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 691
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Saturday February 6, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Read, "\
John Macky, Jacob Arndt, &, v Esq'rs.
— — McClean, Thomas Scott, J
On application.
Ordered^ That Mr. George Henry do deliver to Col. Flower,
Commissary of Military Stores, or his order, 375 two Pound Shot,
5 four Pound Shot, &, 12 Six Pound Shot, for the use of the State
of South Carolina, to be replaced by Congress.
Resolved, That a Supersedeas issue upon the Commission of the
Peace of the County of Cumberland, so far as respects John Holmes,
Stephen Duncan, Ephraim Steel, William Brown, John Harris,
John Schuller, James Maxwell, & John Work, who having been
elected & appointed Justices of the Peace for said County, have de-
clined accepting the said offices.
Resolved, That Sam'l Laird, of Carlisle, be Commissioned as a
Justice of Peace of the County of Cumberland.
Sundry Resolutions of the Senate & House of Delegates in Vir-
ginia, were delivered in by the Delegates of Congress from that
State, & read & ordered to be sent to tye Hon'ble House of As-
sembly.
The Council met.
Philad*a, Monday February 8, 1779,
PRESENT I
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt,
John Macky, John Hambright, & [►Esq'rs.
— * — — McLean, Thomas Scott,
ght,& j:
J
General Ewing attended, first time of his present coming tc
town.
Petition of Dr. Valentine Standly, jun'r, praying to be Paid ag
senior Surgeon of the State Fleet, & to be discharged, was read.
On consideration of his having been appointed Senior Surgeon
by the Navy board>
1 I
G92 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That Doctor Valentine Stanley, do receive pay & Ra-
tions as Senior Surgeon of the State Fleet until the first day of
this instant, February, & that he be discharged, according to his
request.
A Certificate of Mr. Holker, Agent General of the Royal Marine
of France, that he had taken to freight the brig Industry, George
Curwin, Master, with Provisions for the use of the Fleet of His
most Christian Majesty under the command of Count D'Estaing,
was read \ & thereupon,
Ordered, That the Naval Officer be directed to clear out the
Sloop Industry, George Curwin, Master, for the Island of Marti-
nique, with 48 barrels of Pork, 7 Tierces of Pork, 459 barrels of
Flour, 107 barrels of Bread, 1 barrel of Rice, & 6 'Pierces of Rice,
for the use of the Fleet of his most Christian Majesty, under the
command of the Count D'Estaing.
Ordered, That the Resolves of this Council of the 3d instant,
respecting Gen'l Arnold, be published in the several Newspapers of
this City.
Ordered, That the Resolve of Congress of the 9th of February,
1778, respecting the enquiring into the conduct of the Continental
Officers, be Re-published.
Ordered, That Capt. Boys be directed to order out one of the
armed Boats of the State, for the purpose of looking out & making
Signals to the Vessels outward bound : That Mr. Henry & Mr.
Crispin, do in their departments what may be necessary herein, so
that she may be sent out with all possible dispatch. The Boat to
continue on this duty as long as the weather will admit & the Ser-
vice requires.
Monday February 8, 1779, P. M.
Present as A. M., except John Hambright & Jac. Arndt, Esq'rs.
The Council took into consideration the account of Arthur Don-
aldson, he being present; & having spent some time thereon, & there
appearing to be a considerable Balance due to him,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Arthur Don-
aldson, or his order, for the Sum of Five Hundred Pounds, to be
charged to account of the said Donaldson.
■SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 693
The Council met.
Philab'a, Tuesday February 9, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Exeell' y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President
Hon'ble- George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Ewing, "*)
John Macky, Jac. Arndt, !>Esq'rs
McClean, John Hambright, & \ 4
Ja's Read, Tho's Scott, J
The Resolves of the Senate &' Delegates of Virginia, respecting
the disputed boundary, in addition to those received some time
since.
Ordered, To be sent to the House of Assembly forthwith.
A Petition from Joseph Jefferies, Waggon Master of York County,
praying that the Board will fall upon measures to Payment of the
Waggons employed in transporting the Baggage of the Conven-
tion Troops, was read; The Officers of that department in York
County having no orders ; therefore,
Ordered, That he apply to the assistant Q M. General in this
City, who is desired to give the necessary orders for that purpose.
Same Day, P. M.
Present as A. M., except John Hambright & Tho's Scott, Esq'rs.
The following orders were drawn on the Treasurer, Viz :
In favor of Ebenezer Cowell, or his order, for the Sum of Two
hundred & Fifty Pounds, to be charged to the said Cowell.
Mr. McLean informed the Council, that a Committee of the
Hon'ble House of General Assembly had been appointed to con-
sider of an application to the Congress for a Loan of Money to
this State, and that it was requested a Committee of this Board
might be added. (
On consideration,
Ordered, That Mr. Vice President, Col. Hart, & Mr. Ewing,
be a Committee to confer with the Committee of the Hon'ble House
of General Assembly, upon the subject of an application to Con-
gress, & report to this Council.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of George Rein-
hart, or his order, for the Sum of Fourteen Pounds Eleven Shil-
liDgs& Three Pence, for riding express to deliver a Letter to Major
694 MINUTES OF THE
G-en'l Arnold, by order of Council, to be charged to Congress ; the
said expence having incurred in the pursuit of a Resolve of Con-
gress of the 9th February, 1778.
The resignation of John Creigh, Esq'r, of his Office of Clerk of
the Orphans' Court of the County of Cumberland, was read.
The Petitions of William Lyons & John Agnew, Esquires, &
Mr. Henry McKinley, each praying to be appointed Clerk of the
Orphans' Court of the County of Cumberland, were read ; & there-
upon, the Votes being taken, William Lyons, Esquire, was unani-
mously chosen Clerk of the Orphans' Court of the County of Cum-
berland ; And thereupon,'
Ordered, That William Lyons, Esq'r, be Commissioned to be
Clerk of the Orphans' Court of the County of Cumberland.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
Tho's McKean, Esq'r, or his order, for the Sum of One Thousand
& five hundred Pounds, on account of his Salary as Chief Justice.
And the two following orders were also drawn on the Treasurer,
Vizt :
One in favor of the Hon'ble Tho's McKean, Esq'r, for the Sum
of Five hundred Pounds, to be by him forwarded to the Hon'ble
John Evans, Esq'r, & charged to him (the said Evans,) on Acount
of his Salary as one of the Judges of the Supreme Court.
And one in favor of Col. Sam'l Atlee, Esq'r, or his order, for
the Sum of Five hundred Pounds, to be by him forwarded to the
Hon'ble William Agustus Atlee, Esq'r, & charged to him, (the said
W. A. Atlee,) on account of his Salary as one of the Judges of
the Supreme Court.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday Feb'ry 10, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Ewing, ")
John Macky, Jacob Arndt, & t Esq'rs.
McLcne, Thomas Scott, J
Petition of Capt. Henry Martin, of the armed boat Lyon, now
ordered down the River, praying to be furnished with Rum, was
read ; and thereupon,
Ordered, That Will'm Crispin, Commissary, do furnish Capt.
Martin with Rum for the present Cruize down the River to Lewis
Town, for himself & his Crew.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 695
On application, a pass was granted to Heym Saloman to Virginia,
lie being recommended by Col. Farmer, & it appearing that he had
taken the Oath of Allegiance to the State.
The report of Col. Hart, Mr. Scott, & Mr. Hambright, a Com-
mittee appointed to inspect the State of the Prisoners in the Goal
of this City, was read ; &
On consideration,
Ordered, That the fines of the following named persons, now in
the Goal of tiie City and County of Philadelphia, be remitted.
Viz:
Mary Hood, Catherine Clark, Jane Williams, Susanna Craig,
Mary German, Ann Winters, John Shea, Francis Quin, George
Ludwick Fisher, & John Allen, they appearing to be unable to pay
the same.
On motion,
Resolved, That the Hon'ble House of Assembly be requested to
meet this Council in a free conference with them on the following
clause of the Twentieth Section of the Constitution :
[This minute was taken from the Journals of the House of As-
sembly.]
They (the Council) are to correspond with other States, &
transact business with the officers of Government, " civil & mili-
tary, &> to prepare such business as may appear to them necessary
to lay before the General Assembly"; Which being read, it was
thereupon,
Ordered, That Mr. Biddle & Mr. Smiley, be a Committee to
wait upon & inform the Hon'ble the Council, that this House will
confer with them on Monday next, at 10 0' Clock in the Morning,
on the Subject matter of the said message.
Mr. Biddle & Mr. Smiley, a Committee of the Hon'ble House
of Assembly, attended with the foregoing order of the House, &
informed the Council that the House had directed them to confer
with the Council concerning the place of conference, and on con-
sideration, the Committee & Council agreed, That the proposed
conference be held in the Council Chamber, at the time proposed
by the Hon'ble House of General Assembly, to Wit : On Monday
10 o'clock, A. M.
Ordered, That the complaint respecting the Election held for
the County of York, be heard to-morrow Morning, 10 o'clock.
696 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday Feb'ry 11, 177&
PRESENT.
His ExcelFy JOSEPH REED, Esq>r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Yice President.
Joseph Hart, James Ewing, ")
John Macky, | Jacob Arndt, & ! -p, ,
■ McLene, Thomas Scott, f^sq rs*
Jas. Read, J
John Orr, Esq'r, & others, on the part of the complainants
against the return of the Election for the County of York, for &
Counsellor to represent the said County in this Council, now being
present, The Hon'ble James Ewing, Esq'r, being party in the
Question, now in hearing before the Council, withdrew from his
Seat in the Council.
Daniel Mesterly, Esq'r, being duly sworn.
[Blank in Council Book.]
The Council met,
Philad'a, Friday Feb'ry 12, 1779.
PRESENT :
His ExcelFy JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r., Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Ewing, ~\
John Macky, Jacob Arndt, & J- Esq'rs.
McLene, Thomas Scott, J
Petition of J03. Carson, praying to be supplied with SOOlbs of
Powder & 20ibs of Match Rope, was read ;
And on consideration,
Ordered, That Capt. Stiles do supply Joseph Carson, or his or-
der, with Three hundred Pounds of Gunpowder, if it can be safe-
ly spared, he paying a reasonable price for the same.
A Sketch of the accounts of Samuel Cunniugham, Esq'r, being
laid before Council, on consideration, the following two orders were
drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the said Samuel Cuuningham,
Vii:
One for the Sum of Seven hundred & fifty Pounds, & One for
the Sum of Two hundred & fifty Pounds, both to be charged to
his account.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 697
Same day P. M. — The Council Met.
Present as A. M.
The Council then resumed the consideration of the evidence
given respecting the Election for the County of York, & the same
being read, and several hours spent thereupon, Council referred the
further consideration thereon until to-morrow Morning.
Received from the Hon'ble John Jay, Esq'r, Six blank Priva-
teer Commissions, & returned to him twelve bonds, received on issu-
ing the twelve Commissions received heretofore from him.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Saturday February 13, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Ilon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, ' Jacob Arndt, ^
John Macky, John Hambright,, & J-™ ,
McLene; Thomas Scott, [ s^
James Read, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Will'm Holli-
day, Pay-master of Militia of the County of Bedford, or his or-
order, for the Sum of Two Thousand Pounds, to be applied in Pay-
ing the Militia of the said County, for which Sum the said Holli-
day is to account.
A Certificate dated the 9th instant, of the election of William
Lyon to be Recorder & Register of the County of Cumberland, by
the Hon'ble House of General Assembly, was read- Thereupon,
Ordered, That Commissions be issued to William Lyons, appoin-
ting him to be Recorder & Register of the County of Cumberland.
The following two orders were drawn on the Treasurer, Viz :
One in favor of Elizabeth Irvine, or order, for the Sum of One
Thousand one hundred and Twenty-five Dollars, due to her broth-
er, Brig'r Gen'l James Irvine, for his Pay from the 26th day of
August 177 , to the 25th day of May 1778, inclusive, agreeable
to the order of the said Gen'l Irvine.
One in favor of William Rush, for the Sum of One Thousand
Five Hundred & fifty Pounds nine Shillings & Eleven Pence half
penny, for work done by him. (including an order of the late State
Navy board, dated March 9th, 1778, for the Sum of One Thous-
and One hundred and fifty One Pounds & Six Shillings, which ap-
peared to remain unpaid. )
«98 MINUTES OF THE
The Council resumed the consideration of the Election of a
Councellor for the County of York; & thereupon,
Resolved, That James Thompson, Esq'r, is duly elected to serve
as Councellor for the County of York.
Ordered, That Mr. George Erchelberger, of the County of
York, now in this City, do attend this Council on Monday next, at
Six O'Clock in the Afternoon, in the Council Chamber.
Council resumed the consideration of the contested Election of
a Councellor in the County of York.
2; Whether at the opening of & during the Election of the
1st District for York County, was not attended with such circum-
stances of Clamour & Terror, as to have an undue influence upon
the minds of the Judges & Inspectors, & thereby violate the free-
dom of Judgment & Election.
Whether such circumstances of Clamour and Terror attended
the opening & continuance of the above Election, as to afford Just
ground to believe the Judges & Inspectors did not exercise their
Judgment freely, & that thereby the freedom of Election was
violated. Yeas, — j Nay, 1.
Whether it appears to this board, that the Election of the 2d &
5th Districts were legally conducted.
Resolved, That James Ewing, Esq'r, is not duly elected to
serve as a Councellor for the County of York. No 8 : Yes 1.
Resolved, That James Thompson, Esq'r, is duly elected to serve
as Councellor for the County of York. Aye 8 : No 1.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday February 15, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble G-eorge Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt,
John Macky, John Hambright, &
McLene, Thomas Scott,
James Read
Esq'rs.
The Clerk of the Hon'ble House of General Assembly attended
& informed the Council that the House were ready to meet the
Council iu conference, agreeably to the order of the day.
Ordered, That the Secretary of the Council do wait on the
Hon'ble House of General Assembly, & inform the Honourable
House that the Couucil are now ready to confer with the Hon'ble
House, agreeably to the order of the day.
The Secretary reports that he had obeyed the foregoing order.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 699
The Speaker & the Members of the Hon'ble House of General
Assembly attended in the Council Chamber,
* His Excellency the President opened the Conference, by stat-
ing the business upon which they were now met. After several
hours spent in free conference, adjourned to four 0' Clock, P. M.
• The same day, P. M.
The Council & General Assembly met in conference, and having
spent some time in free communications of sentiments,
A Letter from Gen'l Mackintosh was read, which gave an ac-
count of an attack by the Indians on a party going from Fort Pitt
to Fort Lawrence, & of the probability of an attack on the Settle-
ment at Blackbury Creek, and a free conference was thereupon
had.
The Council Met.
Phil ad' a, Tuesday February 16, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jac. Arndt, &
John Macky, Tho's Scott, }>Esq'rs.
McLene
Two Letters from Mr. Holker, Agent & Consul of France, the
one of the 11th, the other of the 14th instant, were read; and on
consideration,
Ordered, That the said Letters be laid before the Hon'ble House
of General Assembly, with a Message therewith; And the following
Message being read, was approved & ordered to be signed by His
Excellency the President, Vizt. :
"In Council, Philad'a Feb'ry 16, 1779.
" Gentlemen :
"The Consul of His Most Christian Majesty, having before the
opening of the Session, represented to the President that the Sea-
men of his nation in the service of His Majesty, & also in the em-
ploy of his Subjects trading to this State, were frequently inveigled
& taken off by masters of Vessels, & others, Subjects of our State,
* This conference having been requested by the Council.
700 MINUTES QF THE
to the great injury of the Navy & Commerce of France, was de-
sired to give a written state thereof, & also of his expectations on
that subject. He has now laid before us a memorial, not only speci-
fying the grievance, but suggesting some measures of relief. We
herewith transmit the papers officially delivered to us for your con-
sideration, at the same time observing, that the special complaint
has been satisfactorily redressed, upon application to Capt. Barry.
" We also transmit to your Hon'ble House a complaint on the
same subject, exhibited to us by the Captains of the Gallies em-
ployed for the defence of the State, upon which this Council en-
tered into & published a cautionary resolve ; But whetherthis will be
sufficiently remedial, may admit of some doubt. We think proper
to recommend it to your notice.
"JOSEPH REED, President."
Whereas, George Erchelberger, a Deputy Commissary of pur-
chases for the United States, (of York town in the county of York,)
having at the last Election of the County of York for chusing a
Councellor to represent the said County of York in this Council,
used angry and threatening language to influence the Judges & In-
spectors for the first District of the said County, there assembled
in the Court House of the said County, & having afterwards, on the
15th & 16th of October, at a meeting of the Judges of the several
Districts of the said assembled, for the purpose of casting up the
votes taken in the several Districts of said County, & making re-
turn to this Council of the person elected to represent the said
County of York in the Supreme Executive Council, intruded him-
self violently and forcibly among the said Judges, & dictating to
them in what manner they should proceed in making the said re-
turn :
And upon divers of the said Judges refusing to act agreeably to
his directions, he, the said George Erchelberger, did call them, the
said Judges, so refusing, perjured Rascals, and declaring that they
should be sued with an hundred Writs before they left York Town,
with other threatening aud abusive language.
Resolved, Therefore, That the said George Erchelberger is guilty
of a high, crime & misdemeanor, a violation of the freedom of Elec-
tion, & breach of priviledge of this Council.
Whereas, George Erchelberger, of York Town, having not at-
tended, agreeably to the order of Council of
Ordered, That a warrant issue to the Sheriff of the City &
County of Philadelphia, commanding him to bring the body of the
said George Erchelberger before this Council forthwith.
An order was drawn on the Tieasurer in favor of James Ewing,
Esq'r, for the sum of Thirty-two Pounds & Eight pence, for his
attendance eight days, & Mileage twice on 89 Miles.
The President reported to Council, that upon conference held
with the Hon'ble House of Assembly, in their Chamber, in pursu-
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 701
ance of a Minute of the instant, He, in the name of the Coun-
cil, disavowed any claim officially or authoritively to propose Bills
& impose them on the House, And that the Council never inten-
ded or meant to be understood as making such a claim; But that it
appeared to them that the above clause in the Constitution, when
compared with that expression, of the power of the Assembly, may
be properly construed into a duty on the Council to frame drafts or
heads of Bills, which the House of Assembly may or may not
adopt or notice, in their discretion ; And that as the council, from
having the Execution of the Laws, may reasonably be supposed to
know were they are defective & where new laws may be necessary,
the of Assembly would be shortened, the laws probably
more accurate, & the business of the State transacted more benefi-
cially, harmoniously & expeditiously.
The conference then proceeded to consider the power & Duty of
the Council to instruct the Delegates of the State in Congress du-
ring the recess of the Assembly.
Whereupon it was agreed, that the Council may & ought to ad-
vise the Delegates of the State upon all matters occurring in the
Recess of the House of Assembly, wherein the Honor & Interest
of^the State is Concerned, so as the same be done consistently with
any instructions, which may have been receive^ from the House.
The Council met.
Pihlad'a, Wednesday Feb'ry 17, 1779.
PRESENT : *
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, "}
John Macky, John Hambright, & ! -ri ,
McLene, Thomas Scott, f ^S(l rs"
James Read, J
The Petition of John Turner, late belonging to the Washington
Galley, praying to be paid his Wages, was read; & it appearing
that he has a certificate of a discharge dated September 1, 1778,
Signed William Bradford, Chairman, & that he has lost an eye
while in the service, & unfit for service,
Ordered, That John Turner, late belonging to the Washington,
be discharged, & that he be paid his Wages until the first of Sep-
tember last,
702 MINUTES dF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday Feb'ry 18, 1779,
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, James Read, "1
John Macky, Jacob Arndt, & lEsq'rs.
McLene, Thomas Scott, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
James Read, Esq'r, for the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds, to be
charged to his account.
Petition of Peter Dehaven, praying direction of the Council re-
specting the outstanding Debts due to the State Gun factory, wa&
read.
Ordered, That Peter Dehaven be authorized to collect the out-
standing due to the Gun factory, without delay.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Friday February 19, 1779,
present :
Hia Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, ) ™ ,
John Macky, & } ^ r8'
A Letter from William Paca, Esq'r, respecting a Committee of
Congress on Gen'l Arnold's application for a Court Martial, was
read.
Mr. Nesbitt, Mr. G. Wilcocka, Mr. Donaldson, Mr. J. Caldwell,
& Mr. T. Fitzsimmons, a Committee of Merchants, attended the
Council, & communicated to Council a writing from the Merchants
of Baltimore, representing the distress occasioned by small priva-
teers on the Coast, & a conference thereon was read.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 703
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Saturday Feb'ry 20, 1779,
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, &,~\
John Macky, Tho's Scott, V Esq'rs.
McLene, J
The following orders was drawn on the Treasurer, Viz :
One in favor of Col. William Clark, Paymaster of Militia of the
County of Cumberland, or his order, for the Sum of Ten thousand
Pounds, to be charged to his account.
One in favor of Col. John Proctor, Paymaster of Militia of the
County of Westmorland, for the Sum of Ten thousand Pounds,
to be charged to his account.
Mr. Scott represented to Council, that the Sum of 1815 Dollars,
of the two emissions called in by Congress, was paid to him by the
Treasurer as part of the Money to be sent by him to Colonel Proc-
tor, of Westmorland, & requested that the same may be exchanged
for Current Bills.
Ordered, That it be recommended to the Treasurer to exchange
the aforesaid 1815 Dollars.
A Resolve of the General Assembly of this day was read, re-
specting three Petitions from the Militia of the County of "North-
ampton.*
[Blank in Council Book.] ,
Petitions to go into New York from the following named persons,
Were read, Viz : John Murray, Mary Cooper, Sarah "Engle, Mary
Munn, Christopher K. Allicocke, James Jones Wilmer, Martha
Green, Abigail Ott, Elizabeth Derwood & George Douglass.
Ordered, That the same be referred to Congress.
Petition of Cornelius Woodruff, convicted of Larceny in the
County of Westmorland, was read & rejected.
Petition of William Mitchell, convicted of Misprisions of Treason,
at a Court of General Quarter Sessions of the peace held at Hanna's
Town, for the County of Westmorland, in October last, praying
for the considerations therein expressed, Pardon, was read -y & also a
recommendation of the said Mitchell as an object to whom Mercy
ought to extend. Signed by
On consideration,
Ordered, That William Mitchell, convicted of Misprision of
Treason, at a Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace held for the
County of Westmoreland, in October last, be Pardoned 3 and let a
Pardon in due form be issued accordingly.
*Two of the Petitions were delivered by Mr. Morris, & the third, he says,
is lust.
70t MINUTES OF THE
The same Day, P. M.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble G-eorge Btvan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, McLene, } ^ ,
John Macky, & 5 ^SCl rs'
An application of Will'm 0. Bradford, Paymaster of the State
Fleet, for Money to Pay the Officers & Men, was read.
On consideration,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Will'm 0.
Bradford, Paymaster of the State Fleet, for the Sum of Onp thou-
sand Pounds, to be charged to his account; And
Ordered, That Will'm G. Bradford be directed to make out his
accounts, & lay the same before the Committee of General Assem-
bly.
Petition of James Talbot, praying permission for his Mother &
Sister to come out of New York, was read & rejected.
Petition of Mr. Benja. Lodge, praying to be allowed Cloathing
out of the State Store, was read & rejected, and he referred to the
Camp for his supply.
Petition of Capt. Hawkins Boone, of the Sixth Pennsylvania
battalion, a wounded Officer, praying to be allowed Cloathing out
of the State Stores, was read; & in consideration of his peculiar sit-
uation, & of the Spirited intrepidity of his Conduct in a Campaign
to the North Westward, under Col. Hartley, when his situation
might have justified his remaining at home,
Ordered, That Jacob S. Howell, State Clothier, do supply Capt.
Hawkins Boone, a woun'ded Officer, with one suit of Cloaths, two
Shirts, & two pair of Stockings.
Petition of Isaac Cohen, Capt. of Artillery, praying to be al-
lowed Cloathing for his Company of Artificers, was read, & refer-
red to Congress.
Application of William Crispin, Commissary, for Money, was
read ; <fc
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of William Cris-
pin, Commissary, for the Sum of Three Thousand Pounds, to be
charged to his account.
Whereas, the Hon'ble the Continental Congress did, on the
21st August last, Resolve as follows :
" Resolved, That when any persons are desirous of going within
the Enemy's lines, they shall apply to the Executive Powers of the
State to which they belong ; and if the said Executive Powers ap-
prove the motives & Characters of the Persons applying, & shall
be of opinion, especially at so critical conjunctures as the present,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 705
4hat no danger will ensue by granting such permission, that they
recommend them to the Officer commanding the Troops next to the
Enemy, who, upon" such recommendation, may, at his discretion,
permit the persons to go in."
And Whereas, Officers in the service of the United States have
exercised the powers mentioned in the above Resolve without any
application to this Board, & the same having been represented to
Congress on the 25th of January last, no determination has yet
been had or notice taken thereof, from which the exclusive power
of the Board in the Premises seems to be doubtful :
Resolved, Therefore, that this Council will not give any further
recommendations until the determination of the said power ; but
that persons desirous to go within the Enemy's lines, be referred to
the Hon'ble the Congress for their permission or licence.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday February 22, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Macky, John Hambright,
Joseph Hart, Thomas Scott, & \- Esq'rs.
McLene, Jacob Arndt,
1
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of "Will'm Ful-
lerton, or his order, for the Sum of Forty-five Pounds & ten Shil-
lings, for work done by him to the State Fleet.
Ordered, That Col. John Weitzel be notified to attend at the
Council Chamber to-morrow at 11 o'clock.
The Council met.
Phila^'a, Tuesday February 23, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Macky, Jacob Arndt,
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, & J-Esq'rs.
McLene, Thomas Scott,
ght,&j:
i, J
Col. John Weitzell attended the Council according to order, &
the Petition of divers of the Militia of the County of Northamp-
vol. xi.— 45.
706 MINUTES OF THE
ton, complaining of his, Col. Weitzell's conduct in calling out the
Militia of the said Battalion, addressed to the General Assembly,
& by them referred to this Council, was read. Col. Weitzell being
asked if he admitted the truth of the facts alledged against him,
he said he did not admit them, & thereupon he laid the Minutes of
the proceedings of him, the said Lieutenants & Sub-Lieutenants, in
the case, with some other papers, tending to justify his conduct.
On consideration,
Ordered, That Wednesday the 24th day of March next, be ap-
pointed to hear the complaint of the Petitioners of the fourth Bat-
tallion of the County of Northampton, against Col. Weitzele, in the
Council Chamber, & that the Parties have notice to attend with
their Witnesses, or with depositions taken, being Robert Levers or
John Arndt, Esq"rs, two of the Justices of the Peace of the Coun-
ty of Northampton, in the presence of the Parties, if they should
think proper to attend, after due notice given to them in writing.
The following three orders were drawn on the Treasurer in favor
of Warwick Coats, Sen'r, or his order, Viz :
One for Fifty-two Pounds & fifteen Shillings, for work done by
him on board the Franklin Galley.
One for Fifty-five Pounds & Fifteen Shillings, for work done by
him on board the Hancock Galley ; and
One for Seventy Two Pounds Seven Shillings & Six Pence, for
work done on board the Sloop Speedwell.
A Petition & Sundry Papers from the Overseers of the Poor be-
ing read & considered ;
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Board, that the Auditors
of the Accounts between the United States & this State, ought to
make a reasonable charge, as well for the use of the House of Em-
ployment, as the New Goal, Powder House & other Public build-
ings occupied by the United States, the State House excepted.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday February 24, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, ~)
James Read, John Hambright, & >■ Esq'rs.
John Macky, Tho's Scott, J
The Secretary informed the Council, That he had seen the origi-
nal entry in Mr. John Mitchell's memorandum book, respecting
Jordan's Brigade of Waggons sent by General Arnold to Egg
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 707
Harbor, dated October 22, 1778, & that it appeared clearly to him,
that the Note in the Margin of the said entry has been altered in a
darker coloured Ink &> a different hand writing. The word " went"
being written over what appeared to have been the word u sent,"
& the word " direction" (abreviated) written over what appears to
•have been the word " order" abreviated ; Whereupon, a message
was sent to Mr. Petit, requesting his attendance in the Council
Chamber, & he attended accordingly.
The Council then laid before Mr. Petit their information con-
cerning the alteration in the Deputy Quarter'Master's Book, & re-
quested him to lay the same book before this Council for their in-
spection, k after altercation on the subject, in which Mr. Petit gave
it as his sentiment; that the same could not be demanded of him of
right, he brought it, & on examination in Mr. Petit's presence,
the alteration plainly appeared, and there appeared also, in the same
book, that the last entry therein, of the 30th day of October last;
was totally obliterated, not by a^common erasure, but by a black
blot, done with evident design totally to conceal the entry there
made, consisting probably of two lines.
The Board taking into consideration the Conduct of John Mitch-
ell, Deputy Quarter Master General, in his said Office,
Resolved, That the said John Mitchell have notice, that the
board will proceed against him upon the resolve of Congress of the
of February, 1777, on the complaint of Andrew Boyd,
Deputy Waggon Master, & on the several facts appearing therein
in proof against him, unless he attend and shew cause to the con-
trary forthwith.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday February 25, 1779.
present :
His ExcelFy JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, \
John Macky, John Hambright, & [• Esq'rs,
McLene, Thomas Scott, J
Major Gen'l Armstrong attended in Council on his arrival in the
City.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Joseph Hud-
dle, or his order, for the Sum of Forty-Six Pounds Six Shillings
& Ten Pence, for Wharfage & Storeage due to the said Huddle from,
the State.
708 MINUTES OF THE
Mr. John Mitchell, Deputy Quarter Master General, attended ic
Council, & the Resolve of Congress of the 9th February was read
to him, and also divers proceedings relating to the calling of a large
number of Waggons in or about September last, (at least 1100
waggons,) & he was called upon to answer for his conduct in per-
mitting the Waggons of this State to be called into the service of
the United States, under the authority of Law, to be applied by
Gen'l Arnold to his private use, fy for the alterations evidently
made in his (Mitchell's) Memorandum book, of the entries made
of that transaction, aS an improper entry. Mr. Mitchell, among
other things in the course of his representation to Council, acknow-
ledged, That the blot in his Memorandum book of the 30th of Octo-
ber, 1778, was done by his order, to conceal a Memorandum entered
by his Clerk, of that date, "of the return of Mr. Jordan's Bri-
gade of Waggons from Egg Harbor, & that the obliteration was made
after the charge against Gen'l Arnold. for having used the Public
Waggons for his private business, had some to his (Mitchell's)
knowledge."
Adjourned to 5 O'Clock, P. M.
The same day, P. M.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, & 1
John Macky, Thomas Scott, lEsq'rs.
! — McLene, ' J
An Account of Col. Piper, Lieutenant of the County of Bedford.,
was laid before the Council.
Ordered, That the same be referred to a Committee of three, &
that Mr. Bryan, Mr. Macky, & Mr. Scott, be the Committee.
Council took into consideration the return of persons elected in
the Township of Makefield, in the County of Bucks, for Justices
of the Peace, in which John Chapman & William Neely are re-
turned ; & thereupon,
Ordered, That John Chapman be appointed & Commissioned to
be a Justice of the Peace for the county of Bucks.
SUPREME EXECXJTVE COUINCIL. 709
The Council met.
Philad'a, Friday February 26, 1779.
PRESENT :
His ExcelPy JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, "J
John Macky, John Hambright, & I Esq'rs.
McLene, Tho's Scott, J
Ordered, That the proceedings of this Board with respect to the
appropriation of the public Waggons of this State to private uses,,
by Gen'l Arnold & John Mitchell, D. Q. M'r Gen'l, be published
with all convenient speed, & also their proceedings in the case of
Matt'w Clarkson, Aid-de-Oamp to Gen'l Arnold.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Saturday February 27, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt,
John Macky, John Hambright, & ^ Esq'rs.
McLean, Tho's Scott,
b,<fe|
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
Tho's Scott, Esq'r, or his order, for the Sum of Three Hundred
Pounds, & charge the same to his account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Col. John Pi-
per, Lieut, of the County of Bedford, or his order, for the Sum of
One Thousand Pounds, for which Sum he is to account.
Ordered, That Charles Petit, Esq'r, Assistant Q. M'r General,
be requested to furnish Col. Farmer with twelve Waggons, to send
to Camp some necessaries for the Army.
The Petition of Dan'l Evans was read, & referred to the Board
of War, it appearing he was employed by that. Board.
An application from Capt. Lang to change 2,620 Dollars of the
reprobated Emissions, read & referred to Col. Hart & Mr. Scott.
On Consideration,
Ordered, That Col. John Bull be appointed to collect & secure
the plank & other materials of Sullivan's Bridge.
710 MINUTES OF THE
The Petition of Col. Francis Johnston, respecting expences in-
curred in procuring Cloathing, &ca, for the Regiment formerly
Gen'l Wayne's, was read ; & thereupon,
Ordered, That Col. Johnston's application be referred to the pro-
per Board, appointed by Congress for examining claims, with the
recommendations of Col. Johnston as an active & Zealous Officer,
which probably brought this burthen on him.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Rob't Allison,
or his order, for the Sum of Three Hundred Pounds, for which he
is to account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Col. Lewis
Farmer, or his order, for the sum of Two Thousand Pounds, to be
applied to purchasing necessaries for the Army, agreeable to the
Resolves of the Hon'ble House of G-eneral Assembly, & for which
sum the said Farmer is to account.
Petitions of Rich'd Footman & Magdelen Devine were read ;
Ordered, That the Act of Assembly having provided for the de-
terminations of all claims of the kind mentioned in their Petitions,
the Petitioners are referred to the remedy by the Law provided.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday March 1, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Macky, & } ™ ,
■ McLene, Jacob A.rndt, $ ^
This Board having at length received from the Camp a proposed
plan of distribution of the Articles provided for the Troops, agree-
able to a Resolve of the House of Assembly of the 5th of December
last, & also a recommendation of Captain Ziegler as a proper person
to distribute the same,
Resolved, That the said Captain Ziegler be & he is hereby ap-
pointed Distributor of the said Articles, & that he have such allow-
ance therefor as'the same Officer from the State of Maryland is al-
lowed,
2nd. Resolved, That the said Articles be distributed pursuant to the
said Resolve of Assembly, at one-fourth part of the Original Cost,
for Cash only, & that the usual allowance be made to Capt. Ziegler
for wastage.
3d. Resolved, That the said Articles be distributed in quantity
in the following manner, Viz : 1 pint of Rum ^ Week ; ^ Ration
*lt> Muscovado Sugar ; '§ do. \ lb Coffee j ^ do. 1 oz. of Tea ; *$
do. lib Chocolate ; 2 oz. hard Soap, £lb of Tobacco.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 7J1
4th. Resolved, That due regard be had in the said Distribution
to the Rank of the Officers, & that each Officer be entitled to draw
from the Store in exact proportions to the number of Rations to
which he is entitled on the Continental Establishment, Yizt : The
Weekly allowance of a soldier for every Ration.
5th. Resolved, That the Prices of the said Articles now sent, be at
the following Rates, Viz : Quart of Rum (21s. 3 & 23s. 9 f Gal-
lon) as in quality ; Pound of Sugar, 3s. 1 & 3s. 4, as in quality j
Pound of Tea, 14s. 9 ; Pound of Coffee, 3s. 6;« a Pound of Choco-
late, 6s. 3; a Pound of Tobacco,^ls 3 & Is. 10J; a Pound of hard
Soap, 2s. 4 £ ', Loaf of Sugar, 7s.* The above being the One-fourth
part of the Original Cost of said Articles.
6th. Resolved, That as the above Articles are designed for the
comfort of the Officers & Soldiers actually in Camp, none on Fur-
low be deemed entitled to draw for the time he is absent.
7th. Resolved, That Capt. Ziegler do make regular returns of
his issues to the Board once a Month, & be deemed accountable for
the Money accrueing to the State, after due allowance made as
aforesaid.
A Message to the General Assembly of Representatives of the
Freemen of Pennsylvania was read, considered, approved, & or-
dered to be signed by the President. And the same is as follows :
" Gentlemen :
" By an Act of Assembly passed the second day of January, A.
D., 1778, intitled ' An Act for the better supply of the Army of
the United States of America/ The several Officers appointed
under the said Act were directed to obey the orders & Instructions
of the Legislature, & during, their Recess, of the Supreme Execu-
tive Council. We have, during your Recess, distributed the
Cloathing procured, made some new purchases, & directed the Sale
of such Cloth on hand as was not suitable for the Army, & given
such other directions as appeared to us beneficial to the Army &
proper for the State.
u Mr. Howell, the present Receiver General, having signified his
intention to resign some time ago, we would wish you to make a
new appointment, & also direct the settlement of his accounts, with
those of Capt. Lang, late an Officer in that department. We ap-
prehend one Officer to be quite sufficient for that purpose, & if you
should not conceive the business too extensive, it might beattended
with a public saving to employ the purchasing Commissioner of the
Articles mentioned in your Resolution of the 5th of December.
In this view only we mention it.
" The Bridge on Schuylkill is an Article of considerable expence
to the Public, & the rates of Ferriage having been settled by Act
of Assembly, when the real & nominal value of money bore a more
just proportion to each other than they now do. These rates are at
present very inadequate & insufficient. By the papers transmitted
712 MINUTES OF THE
herewith, you will see what proposals the Quarter Master General
of the United States has made with respect to the use to be made
of the said Bridge by the Public Teams. As this part of the bu-
siness is yet incomplete, unless your Hon'ble House will finish the
Treaty we have had on this subject, it will be necessary to empower
this Board to act therein, as the Quarter Master has represented to
us that it will be very prejudicial to the public service to compel
the Teams to pay Toll as they pass respectively.
" In our message of the 5th of February, we observed that the
State of the Treasury, the Season of the year, & other circumstan-
ces, had concurred to prevent our purchase of a Ship for the defence
& protection of Trade. But having never lost sight of this im-
portant object, we now acquaint you that we have in contemplation
Two Vessels, which are recommended to us as suitable for the pur-
pose, one just launched, the other lately arrived from sea, provided
with Guns, &ca. The papers herewith will show an estimate of the
cost of the former. The proposals respecting the latter being not
yet answered, we cannot ascertain the probable expence, but, doubt-
less it will bear Some proportion.
" The ways & means of answering the expence in this case, will
deserve your attention, & we mention it the more particularly, that
if this important service should fail for want of the necessary sup-
ply, it may not be attributed to inattention or neglect in us; As
both interest & duty lead us to give all public relief to our mutual
constituents. In this instance, we have nothing to reproach our-
selves with, whatever may have been insinuated to the contrary.
We have now further to acquaint you, that in order to carry our
design into Execution more effectually, we some time ago wrote to
the States of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland & Virginia, respec-
tively, proposing an embargo on all outward bound Vessels, not
only to deprive our enemies of their expected prey, but in order to
enable us to man & fit out our Vessels of defence with the greater
expedition.
" From the spirit which seems to prevail in Maryland, we can
hardly doubt their concurrence, & we hope it will meet the appro-
bation of the other States j On our part nothing shall be wanting
to make effectual provision against every species of depredation,
whether on the Frontiers or elsewhere. We observe in your report
of the conference entered in your Vote of the February, an
idea is held forth that Council will prepare a plan of general de-
fence for the Frontiers & River.
" As a Committee of your Hon'ble House then existed for con-
sidering the State of the Frontiers, & providing for their defence,
ik had conferred with a Committee of Congress thereupon, have
since agreed upon a plan, & Congress have transmitted to us their
.Resolves thereupon, we apprehend no propositions from this Board
can be expected. The President, with several Gentlemen, whose
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 713
knowledge & experience may be of signal service, are going to-
morrow to view the several defences & State of the River, <fe to
consider what further addition may be made. Your Hon'ble House
will doubtless be acquainted with the result of their observations,
so far as the communication of them is consistent with the secrecy
necessary to public security. For as the objects of these means,
(Viz :) safety & a repulsion of the Enemy, are common to us all,
we can have no views or interests in which you do not partake.
And we trust our mutual exertions will convince the good people
of the State, that their dearest interests, either in the deliberative or
executive branches, are not committed to unfaithful or negligent
hands.
"JOSEPH REED, President."
In Council.
, Philad'a, March 1st, 1779.
Resolved, That the Hon'ble George Ross, Esq'r, be Commis-
sioned Judge of the Admiralty of this State, under the late Act of
Assembly : That this Board highly approve the firmness & Ability
he has hitherto shewn in the discharge of his said Office.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday March 2, 1779.
present :
Hon'ble Jos. Hart, McLene, ")
John Macky, Jacob Arndt, & V Esq'rs.
Tho's Scott, John Hambright, J
(His Excell'y the President gone down to view the River. The
Hon'ble Vice President absent.)
Mr. Scott took feave of the Council to go home.
714 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philap/a, Wednesday March 3, 1779.
PRESENT :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Macky, Jacob Arndt, & ~\
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, v Esq'rs.
McLene, . J
A Petition of Elias Lewis Treckel, was read \ & the same relat-
ing to a claim of his on a House forfeited to the State by Lawrence
Fagan; the same was rejected & the Petitioner referred to the
Judge of the Supreme Court.
A Certificate signed " Holker, Consul of France & Agent Gene-
ral of the Royal Marine," That the Brig Convention, William Al-
len, Commander, Blair McClenaghan, owner thereof, has been
Chartered to carry to Martinique 340 barrels of Bread, 60 barrels
of Pork, & 40 barrels of Flour, for account of his most Christian
Majesty, & for the use of the Squadron Commanded by His Ex-
cell'y Vice admiral Count D'Estaing, being read and considered :
Ordered, That the Naval Officer be directed to clear out the said
brig Convention.
The Secretary reports, That the Six blank Commissions for pri-
vate Ships of War, last received. from the Hon'ble the President of
Congress, have been issued.
Ordered, That application be made to the President for a farther
supply of blank Commissions for private Ships of War.
N. B. To write the Lieutenants of the Counties who have not
sent their accounts of Money advanced to the Recruiting service,
(Viz : Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, & Lancaster.)
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday March 4, 1779.
PRESENT :
The Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jacob Arndt, & ) ™ ,
John Macky, John Hambright, $ ^
(His Excell'y, The President, being indisposed.)
A Message to the Hon'ble House of Assembly being prepared,
was read, approved, & ordered to be signed, & is as follows :
[Blank in Council Book.]
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 715
The Council met.
Philad'a, Friday March 5, 1779.
present :
The Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, Jacob Arndt, & | ™ga>rg
John Macky, John Hambright, j ^
Business of consequence requiring the attention of a Committee
of Council, adjourned till to-morrow, 11 O'Clock.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Saturday March 6, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, & 7 -pqfl»rg
John Macky, — — Smith, 5
Capt. Shaffer applied to Council for some of the Timber taken
from the Redoubts near this City, for the purpose of making Buoys
for the River Delaware.
Ordered, That Rob't Allison do supply Capt. Shaffer with such
Timber taken from the Redoubts near this City, as he wants, to
make Buoys for the River Delaware, & take his Receipt for the
same.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday March 8, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, & ) ™ ,
John Macky, . Smith, 5 ff? rS*
Mr. Thompson, Councellor elect for the County of York, apT
peared, & with uplifted hands took the Oaths required to qualify
him to take his seat in Council, & he took his seat accordingly.
716 MINUTES OF THE
The Hon'ble Thomas Scott, Esq'r, having made application to
this Board for 5 lb. of Gunpowder, 10 ft), of Lead, & 20()0 Flints,
for the Militia of the County of Westmoreland, to be delivered to
Chris'r Hays, Esq'r, Sub-Lieutenant of the said County,
Ordered, That Capt. Stiles, Commissary of Military Stores, be
directed to make ready 5 lb. of Gunpowder, 10 lb. of Lead, & 2000
Flints, to be delivered to Chris'r Hays, Esq'r, Sub-Lieutenant of
the County of Westmoreland, for the use of the Militia of the
said County.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday March 9, 1779,^
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Thompson, & ")
John Macky, Smith, C Esq'rs,
John Hambright, }
Mr. Morris & Dr. Gardiner, a Committee of the Hon'ble House
of General Assembly, attended in the Council Chamber, & repre-
sented, That their House had made application to Congress, thro'
the Delegates of the State, to supply this Council with such sums of
Money as the Exigences of the State may require, until the Monies
arising from the State Taxes shall come into the Treasury ; & that
Congress had expressed the utmost readiness to comply with the re-
quest as far as they were able ; but that it appeared to them (the
Congress) necessary, (previous to a resolution of Congress on the
said application,) to ascertain with some degree of precision the sum
which would probably be wanted : Wherefore, the Hon'ble House
had appointed this Committee, to request that the Council will pre-
pare an estimate of the expence which will necessarily be incurred
in Six Months from the present time.
A return of Justices elect for the Township of Brothers Valley,
wherein it appears that Abraham Cable and Jacob Glasner, were
duly elected ; being read & considered,
Ordered, That Abram Cable be appointed & Commissioned to
be one of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Bedford.
The proceedings of Congress in the case of the Sloop Active,
being laid before the Council by Mr. Searle, the same were read.
Petition of William Dunwick, praying to allowed time to Pay
the Money due from him to the State, was read & considered ; there-
upon,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 717
Ordered, That Will'm Dunwick be allowed Twelve Months to
Pay the Sum due from him to the State, over & beside what he has
already given security for ) & in the mean time, that his Bondsman
be called upon to Pay the Money for which he hath become surety.
Petition of David Morgan, convicted of Horse Stealing, Praying
that his punishment as to the Whipping & Pillorying may be re-
mitted, was read & considered ; & thereupon,
Ordered, That the said Petition be not granted, the prevalency
of the Crime rendering it highly improper to remit the punish-
ment thereof.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday March 10, 1779,
PRESENT :
The Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, John Hambright, & ) ™ ,
John Macky, Tho's Scott, S *?% rs'
Adjourned to 4 O'Clock, Afternoon.
The same day, Afternoon — Present as in the Forenoon.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday March 11, 1779*
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, & > -p •>
* John Macky, Smith, $ ^ rs°
On application,
Ordered, That Capt. Boys do furnish Col. John Bull with such
Boats & assistance from time to time, as he shall have occasion for
Mu4 Island.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Will'm
Crispin, Commissary, or his order, for the sum of Four thou-
sand Pounds, for which Sum he is to account.
A Letter from Col. Stroud, praying that his Battalion of Militia
may be paid for their services, was read.
718 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That the Secretary be directed to write to Philip Boehm,
Paymaster of Militia of the County of Northampton, & direct him
to Pay off the arrearages due to the Militia, or give Council the
reasons for his Non-compliance.
A Letter from J. M. Nesbitt, requesting, on behalf of Mrs. El-
liot, that she & her daughter, &ca., may be permitted to come out
of the City of New York, to assert her claim to an estate left her
by her Grandfather, & now seized as the Estate of Andrew Elliot,
& to endeavour to obtain a support, &ca. , was read, & on consider-
ation,
Resolved, That the reasons assigned are not sufficient to induce
the Council to grant the request of Mrs. Elliott, it being clearly a
misconstruction of the Act, to suppose that the family of a person
attainted & residing with the enemy, can be entitled to any Pension
or allowance from the Estate.
The Petition of Rob't Hardie, a Prisoner on Parole, was read ;
on consideration,
Ordered, That a Certificate under the less Seal of the State be
made out, Certifying that Capt. Rob't Hardy is not nor was at
the time of his capture, an Officer in the service of this State or of
the United States, he having been broke by a Court Martial, for
disobedience of orders, on the 9th day of December, 1777, & there-
fore, he can only be considered as a Citizen & not as an Officer.
A recommendation of David Espy, Henry Didier & James Beaty,
to be one of them appointed Clerk of the Peace for the County
of Bedford, signed by six Justices of the Peace of the said County,
was read j and thereupon,
Ordered, That David Espy, Esq'r, be appointed & Commis-
missioned to be Clerk of the Peace of the County of Bedford.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Friday March 12, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Smith, & ) -p ,
rs.
John Macky, John Hambright,
A Letter from George Henry, inclosing his account of the sales
of several Vessels, &ca. and the payment of the proceeds to Dav'd
Rittenhousc, Esq'r, Treasurer.
A Committee of the Hon'ble House of General Assembly at-
tended in Council, & communicated intelligence received from
Bushy run of the killing of a number of Men there by the Indians.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 719
The Council taking into consideration the case of Col. Hunter,
Lieut, of the County of Northumberland, having raised by order
of this Council a Company of Men under the command of Capt.
James Murray, consisting of One Captain Lieutenant, Two Lieu-
tenants, One Ensign, One Surgeon, Five Serjeants, Four Corporals
& fifty-eight Privates, upon a bounty of Eighty Dollars p Man, of
which bounty Congress have Paid Eight Dollars p Man only,
Ordered, That Col. Hunter be paid the Sum of Seventy-Two
Dollars for each Man inlisted in the Company under the command
of Capt. Ja's Murray, including Serjeants & Corporals; & An order
was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Col. Sam. Hunter, Lieu,
of the County of Northumberland, for the Sum of Four Thousand
Eight Hundred & Twenty- four Dollars, for which Sum he is to ac-
count.
An order was also drawn on the Treasurer in favor of George
Henry, or his order, for the Sum of Five hundred Pounds, for
which Sum he is to be accountable.
On application,
Ordered, That William Crispin, Commissary, do supply CoL
Nicola, Town Major, with four Cords of Wood.
John Morris, Esq'r, Clerk of the Hon'ble House of General As-
sembly, attended the Council, & laid before them a minute of the
House of the 11th instant, respecting the defence of the frontiers of
the State, & the Petitions of divers inhabitants on the Frontiers of
the State.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Saturday March 13, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble Georqe Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Smith, & \ ^ ,
John Macky, John Hambright, 5 ^ rs*
The Petition of divers persons, praying that the execution of the
sentence of the Court against Dav'd Morgan, may be postponed,
was read ; and
On consideration,
Ordered, That the law be permitted to take its due course.
Petition of Edward Carlin, praying that his fine for Sailing Li-
quors without Licence, may be remitted, was read & rejected.
The Petition of John Estangh Hopkins, praying the Council to
cause certain wrecks belonging to this State, lying on the ground
of his Fishery in the River Delaware, to be removed, or that the
720 MINUTES OF THE
property of the same be granted to him, was read ; & on consider-
ation that an attempt has already been made to secure the wreck*
in the River, & the same has been found not to defray the expence
attending it,
Ordered, That this Council do vest in John Estangh Hopkins
the property of the Wrecks belonging to this State, now lying on
his Fishery ground, excepting only the Guns, which are expressly
reserved to the State j The Council paying the expence especially
accruing in raising & bringing off the same.
Ordered, That Mr. Blair, McClenaghan, Mr. George Henry, k
Mr. Joseph Rush, be requested to examine the Gutter Revenge, her
Stores, &ca, & make such other inquiries as may be necessary, to
ascertain her real value & fitness for a Guarda Costa, & report to
this Board, with as much expedition & Secrecy as may be.
Ordered, That Col. Smith & Capt. Hambright be a Committee
to confer with the Committee of theHon'ble House of General As-
sembly, respecting the estimate of expences for six Months, & lay
before them the estimation now made, amounting to £540,000.
Ordered, That the Secretary do apply to Col. Mitchell, D. Q.
M. G., for a Waggon, to convey to Shippinsburgh the ammunition
for the County of Westmorland.
His Excell'y the President, represented to Council, That applica-
tion had been made to him by Robert Taylor, a Prisoner, permitted to
come out of New York on Parole, to return again, or to send in ex-
change Frederick Verner, a Prisoner of Congress, now in the New
Goal ; & it appearing that the said Taylor was made Prisoner in
an attempt to bring with him out of Philadelphia, while in the
Enemy's possession, a quantity of Goods for the American Army.
Ordered, That application be made to Congress for an order to
their Prison keeper to deliver over the said Frederick Verner to
the Sheriff of the City & County of Philadelphia.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday March 15, 1779.
present :
Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, John Hambright, & \ ™ ,
John Macky, Smith, 5 ^ rs*
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President, or his order, for the Sum of
Three hundred & Fifty Pounds, balance of his Salary due to the
3d instant, & the same was signed by his Excell'y the President,
at his own House, before he set out for camp.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 721
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday March 16, 1779.
present :
The Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
- Jos. Hart, John Hanibright, & ) -ggQ>rs
John Macky, Smith, j ^
A Letter from Blair McClenaghan & others, concerning the
Cutter Revenge ) Also
Resolve of Congress for the delivery of Fred'k Verner to the
Sheriff of the City of Philadelphia.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday March 17, 1779,
PRESENT I
The Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, John Hambright, & ") ™ ,
John Macky, — Smith, | ^ rs*
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Robert Allison,
for the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds, for which sum he is to ac-
count.
The Council resumed the consideration of the Cutter Revenge;
and thereupon
Ordered, That Blair McClenaghan be requested to bid for the
Cutter Revenge for the Public Service, & to purchase her as cheap
as he can, not exceeding Forty-five Thousand Pounds.
The Secretary reports that he had delivered a Letter to Mr. Blair
McClenaghan, requesting him to purchase the Cutter Revenge,
for the State service, & that Mr. McClenaghan agreed to under-
take that service.
The proceedings of the Council be printed & ready to be deliv-
ered,
Ordered, That a Message to the Hon'ble House of General As-
sembly be sent into the House, together with a number of Copies
of the said proceedings ; And the same being prepared, approved &.
signed, is as follows, Viz :
" Gentlemen,
"The Council having received information that a number of
Waggons, called into Continental Service under the authority of
the Waggon-law of this State, had been applied to private use, at
a time when the calling out a very great number of Waggons had
vol. xi. — 46.
722 MINUTES OF THE
exceedingly distressed the good people of this State. They laid
before Congress a complaint against Major General Arnold, for this
abuse. The proceedings of the Council in this case being printed,
we transmit herewith a number of Copies for the use of Hon'ble
House, & at the same time assure you of our readiness to communi-
cate to your Hon'ble House the original papers relative to this
transaction.
"GEORGE BRYAN, Vice President.
" March 17, 1779."
Ordered, That the Secretary do present the said Message to the
House. The Secretary reports, that agreeable to order, he had pre-
sented to the Speaker in the Chair the Message of the Council.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday March 18, 1779.
PRESENT :
The Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, John Hambright & } ™ ,
John Macky, Smith, 5 ^ rs'
The late Proprietaries of Pennsylvania being this day to be heard
by Council before the Hon'ble House of Gen'l Assembly, the Coun-
cil adjourned, in order to attend in the House.
The Council met,
Philad'a, Friday March 19, 1779,
PRESENT :
The Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, John Hambright, & > T?aa>rs
John Macky, Smith, 5
A Letter from divers Officers of Col. Proctor's Battalion.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 723
The Council met.
Philad'a, Saturday March 20, 1779.
present :
The Hon'ble GEORGE BRYAN, Esq'r, Vice President.
Jos. Hart, John Hambright, & > ™ ,
John Macky, Smith, 5 ^ rs'
Received from the Hon'ble John Jay, Esq'r, Six blank Commis-
sions for private Ships of War.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. John Par-
ker, or his order, for the Sum of Fifty-One Pounds Eight Shillings
& Six Pence, balance due to him for work done at & about the
State House.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Monday March 22, 1779,
present :
The Hon'ble Joseph Hart, John Hambright, & > v ,
John Macky, Smith, 5 ^ rs*
The Council now receiving information that His ExcelPythe
President returned from Camp last Evening, & that he is indisposed
& unable to come abroad : And being also informed that it will be
agreeable to him to confer with the Members of the Council at his
own House.*
Adjourned to Six 0' Clock in the Evening, to meet at the Presi-
dent's House.
Same Day, [Six in the Evening] The Council met at the Presi-
dent's House.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President*
Jos. Hart, John Hambright, &> ™ ,
John Macky, Smith, 5 q IS'
His Excell'y informed the Council that he had the satisfaction to
assure that His Excell'y Gen'l Washington was taking vigorous
measures for covering the frontiers of this State, and for making an
* The Hon'ble Vice President's non-attendance was owing to the funeral
of his Father-in-law.
724 . MINUTES OF THE
attack upon the Indians in their own Country ; And that the Array
were in the best temper & disposition that could be wished. Also
same time, the Hon'ble Maj. Gen'l Armstrong, Mr. Searle, Mr,
Muhlenberg, & Mr. McLene, Delegates of this State in Congress,
attended in Council, and spent several hours in conference with
Council on the situation of Public affairs.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday March 23, 1779,
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble G-eorge Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, & > v ,
John Macky, Smith, \ ^ rs'
A Letter from Capt. Hazlewood was read, recommending one
Thomas Jones, an Invalid.
Ordered, That the Commissary supply said Jones with a Ration
in lieu of the 2s 6, he now receives.
A Letter from Christian Schaffer, Capt. of Artificers, was read,
informing the Board that there are two Cables now laying at the
middle ferry which will take damage if not taken care of, & that
there are some matters respecting the Bridge that requires atten-
tion.
Ordered, That Mr. Henry be directed to have proper care taken
of the Cables, & report what further may be necessary at that
place.
A Letter from the President of Congress was read, dated 22d
ins., including 2 recommendations of a Fast, to be appointed the
1st Tuesday in May.
An application was read from Matt'w Irwin, in behalf of him-
self & others, Owners of the Ship Gen'l Green, praying the deter-
mination of the Board with respect to the said Ship; There-
upon,
Resolved, That this Board will take the said Vessel, agreeable to
the terms proposed in the Letter of the ( .)
Resolved, That Mr. Blair, McClenaghan, & Mr. Matt'w Irwin,
be appointed Agents for the fitting out the Ship General Green
with all possible expedition, to cruize against the Enemy for the
protection of the trade of this State ; that they be allowed reason-
able Commissions for their trouble, & in case of any Prizes taken,
the same be put under their management & direction.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 725
The Council taking into consideration the critical situation of
their affairs with Congress, & being desirous of confering with the
Hon'ble House of General Assembly,
Ordered, That a free conference with the General Assembly be
requested, and the following Message being read, was approved &>
signed, Viz :
" Gentlemen of the Assembly :
" The Council request your Hon'ble House to meet them in a
free conference upon Sundry matters affecting the Interest & Hon-
or of this State, & the union & harmony of the United States of
America ; & that in case of concurrence, you will signify when it
will be most convenient for you to attend it.
" In Council, Philad'a, March 23, 1779.
" JOSEPH REED, President.'"
The following Letters were read, Viz : .
From His Excell'y Patrick Henry, Esq'r, dated March 13, 1779,
respecting an Embargo.
From His Excell'y Cassar Rodney, Esq'r, Gov'r of Delaware
State, dated March 13, 1779, on the same subject.
From Gen'l Sullivan, respecting Papers belonging to the Estate
late of Christopher Saur.
From Gen'l St. Clair, March 13, 1779, respecting bounty, &ca.
From His Excell'y Tho's Johnson, Esq'r, Gov'r of Maryland,
dated March 5, 1779, respecting an Embargo.
From the Board of War, inclosing Gen'l Arnold's resignation of
the Command of Philadelphia.
Also, a Letter from the Hon'ble John Jay, Esq'r, inclosing two
printed Copies of a Proclamation issued by Congress, recommend-
ing a Fast.
Resolved, That Col. Bull be authorized & requested to employ
suitable Workmen & Laborers to repair the Banks & Sluices at
Mud Island, to complete Barracks sufficient for 50 men, with prop-
er Apartments for Officers proportionate ; also, to construct as soon
as possible, at least Six Chevaux-de-Frize for different depths, & to
do such other Work as may be necessary to render the said Island
healthy and commodious, & that money be advanced to him when
necessary, for the Payment of the Persons employed.
726 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday March 24, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Joseph Hart, & John Macky, Esq'rs.
The Secretary reports that he had, agreeable to order, this Morn-
ing presented to the Hon'ble House of General Assembly the Mes-
sage of yesterday.
Tho's Smith & Stephen Chambers, Esq'rs, a Committee of the
Hon'ble House cf General Assembly, attended in Council, & in-
formed the Council That the General Assembly will attend in free
conference with Council this Afternoon at four 0' Clock.
The Conference to be in the Council Chamber.
Tho's Smith, Jonathan Hoge, Christopher Hays, Dr. Gardner &
Rob't Martin, Esq'rs, a Committee of the Hon'ble House of Gene-
ral Assembly for conferring with Council on the State of the Fron-
tiers, attended in Council, & a free and full conference thereon was
had, in which His Excellency laid before them information con-(
cerning the carrying the War into the Indian Country, so as to
strike a terror into the Savages & endeavour to shew the Committee
the necessity of encouraging the inhabitants to keep their ground
as far as possible.
His Excell'y the President & Council, & the Hon'ble Speaker &
the Members of the Gen'l Assembly, met in the Council Chamber.
His Excell'y the President then opened the business of the con-
ference, & stated the various applications made by the State of
Pennsylvania to Congress, & the total neglect of them all until the
late charge against Gen'l Arnold, & the conduct of that business
until its present Stage, Viz : A Report of a Committee thereupon,
which report is not yet adopted by Congress, but contains, as it is
said, very extraordinary resolutions, and such as must reflect his
dishonor on the State, & possibly affect the Union & harmony of
the whole. And he also read divers letters & papers relating to
the business, & he then, in the name of the Council, proposed to the
consideration of the Hon'ble House the appointing of a Committee
of each of the two bodies present to join together & request a con-
ference with Congress.
Divers Members of the Hon'ble House having expressed their
approbation of the proposal, the General Assembly retired.
A Letter from Mr. John Mitchell, D. Q. M. G.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 727
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday March 25, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
The Honorable Joseph Hart, Smith, & ) jjWrs
John Macky, John Hambright, 5 ^
Doctor Gardiner & W\ Shubert, Esq'r, a Committee of the Gene-
ral Assembly, attended in Council, & laid before the Council the
resolution of the General Assembly of this day, appointing a Com-
mittee of the said General Assembly to join with a Committee to be
appointed by this Council, & to request of Congress a free confer-
ence with a Committee of Congress upon divers transactions of that
Honorable body, which may have a tendency to interrupt the har-
mony & confidence so necessary for the common Interest of this &
the United States; and thereupon,
Resolved, That His Excell'y the President, The Hon'ble Vice
President, & the Members of Council now present, do join with the
Committee of the Hon'ble House of General Assembly, & request
& hold a conference with a Committee of Congress upon the sub-
ject aforesaid.
The Hon'ble House of Assembly having resolved that the Offi-
cers, Seamen, & Mariners, in the Naval Service of this State,
should be entitled to all the benefits to which the Officers and Sol-
diers of this State, employed in the Armies of the United States^
are entitled by the Resolutions of the 13th instant,
Ordered, That Capt. Boys, Commanding Officer of the Gallies,
do make out a complete return of the officers & men under his
command, & transmit the same, in order to enable and authorize
this Board to carry the above Resolve into execution.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Friday March 26, 1779.
PRESENT I
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Smith, \ ™ ,
John Macky, & $ ^ rs'
An application being made by the Rev'd Wm. Rogers, Chaplain
of the Pennsylvania Brigade, for a supply of Cloathing, agreeable
to Resolves of Assembly,
728 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That Jacob S. Howell, Receiver General of Cloathing,
do furnish the Rev'd Wm. Rogers, Brigade Chaplain, with a sup-
ply of Cloathing, according to his Rank.
The following orders were drawn on the Treasurer, Yiz :
In favor of Col. John Bull, for the Sum of One thousand
Pounds, to be applied in paying the Men employed in repairing the
banks at Mud Island, & for which he is to account.
In favor of Will'm C. Bradford, Paymaster of the State Fleet,
for the Sum of One Thousand & five Hundred Pounds, for which
he is to account.
In favor of Will'm Crispin, Commissary, for the Sum of Four
thousand Pounds, for purchasing Provisions, for which he is to
account.
The Council met.
Philab'a, Saturday March 27, 1779
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Yice President.
Joseph Hart, Matt'w Smith,
John Macky, &
I Esq'
rs.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Monday March 29, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Matt'w Smith, & \ ™ ,
John Macky, ' John Hambright, J "
A Letter from the Hon'ble Jeremiah Powell, Esq'r, President
of the Council of the Massachusets-bay, dated Feb'ry 28, 1779,
was read, by which it appears that a Committee from that State
have been appointed to endeavour to obtain a supply of Provisions j
& it also appearing that the said Committee are now in this City ;
The Council being disposed to give the earliest attention to their
application, do appoint this Evening, at six O'clock, in the Council
Chamber, to confer with the said Committee.
Col. Lewis Farmer having represented to the Council that he
had purchased goods for the use of the Army to the Amount of
£25,000, & praying an order on the Treasurer for the said sum,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 729
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the said Col.
Lewis Farmer, for the Sum of Twenty-five Thousand Pounds, for
which sum he is to account.
A Certificate of the Election of Chief Burgess, Burgesses, &
Constables of the Borough of Chester, being presented} was read,
by which it appears that David Cowpland, Esq'r, is duly elected
Chief Burgess ; William Evans, Robert Forgeson, & Will'm Ker-
lin, Esq'rs, Burgesses ; & John Shanlan, High Constable : And
the said David Cowpland appeared in Council, & took the Affirma-
tion required by the Constitution to Qualify him for the said Office
of Chief Burgess.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday March 30, 1779.
present :
A Letter wrote to the Chief Justice to know what has been done
on the intercepted Letter of Sam'l R. Fisher.
In pursuance of a conference with the Deputies of Massachu-
sets-bay, the following Message was sent to the Hon'ble House of
Assembly, together with the Letter received from the Hon'ble
the President of the said State :
" Gentlemen of the General Assembly :
"At the opening of the Session we laid before a Letter from
the Hon'ble the President & Council of the Massachusets Bay,
representing the very great scarcity of bread in that State, & re-
questing the fri3ndly aid of this State for fheir relief.
" Yesterday the Letter which now accompanies this message, was
presented by the Gentlemen who are mentioned in it, & are de-
puted by the General Court of that State to renew the former ap-
plication.
By refering to the Law passed last Session, intituled "An Act to
prohibit the exportation of Provisions from the State of Pennsyl-
sylvania for a limited time, you will observe that the relaxing
powers of this board do not reach the present case, so that, if upon
conference or otherwise with the Gentlemen deputed on this occa-
sion, your Hon'ble House should think proper to favor their appli-
cation, it will be necessary to extend the powers in this instance
also, as the transportation by land is deemed impracticable in our
present circumstances.
"JOSEPH REED, President.
"March 30, 1779."
730 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That Col. Smith deliver the same to the Assembly.
Col. Smith reported that he had delivered the said Message & pa-
pers to Doct. Gardiner, a Member of the House
A Resolve was received from the House of Assembly of the ad-
ditional encouragement to the 5 Companies of Rangers to be raised
in this State by Congress.
Resolved, That Capt. James Montgomery be appointed to the
Command of the Ship Gen'l Green, now fitting out by this State,
for the defence & protection of the Trade.
Resolved, That Major Henry supply Messieurs McClenaghan &
Irwin, with what Articles they want for fitting out the above ship,
taking Receipts therefor.
Resolved, That Mess. McClenagan & Irwin be authorized to ap-
ply to the Hon'bie the Marine Committee of Congress, for a loan
of such Naval Stores as they cannot otherwise procure, not doubt-
ing but the urgency of the service & the readiness this State has
always shewn in offices of the same nature, will induce that Hon'ble
Board to readily comply with our request.
Council taking into consideration the return of Justices for Ma-
honey Township, Northumberland County, & it appearing that the
Election was made by the Inhabitants, whereas the Constitution re-
quires it to be by the Freeholders,
Resolved, That the said return be transmitted to Mess Dan.
Rees & Chas. Gillespie, in order that a proper Election be had.
The Hon'ble Will'm Paca, Esq'r, Delegate for the State of
Maryland in Congress, attended in Council, & informed that Con-
gress having appointed a Committee to confer with the Joint Com-
mittee of Council & of General Assembly, he now, in the name of
the "said Committee, gives notice that they are ready to meet in con-
ference whenever the said joint Committee shall appoint ; where-
upon, Col. Smith was appointed to give notice thereof to Mr. Har-
ris, Chairman of the Committee of General Assembly, & to request
the said Committee of General Assembly to meet the Council this
Evening, at Six O'Clock.
A Message to the General Assembly.
[Blank in Council Book.]
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 731
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday Mar. 31, 1779.
PRESENT :
A Letter of thanks <fc acknowledgements from the officers of the
Army to the President of Council & Assembly, was read.
Ordered^ That the same be transmitted to the Hon'ble House of
Assembly.
Resolved, That Joseph Irwin, Esq'r, appointed one of the Cap-
tains of the 5 Companies of Rangers to be raised for the defence
of the Frontiers; Alex. Cray 1st Lieu., & Hardy Hill 2d Lieu, to
take Rank as may be settled hereafter, having respect to former
Rank & Service.
The following Message was sent to the Hon'ble House of Assem-
bly, together with the Letter from the Officers of the Army, &
the same are as follows, Viz :
" G-entlemen :
" The Letter from the Field Officers of the Pennsylvania line,
which accompanies this, being equally designed to manifest their
respectful acknowledgements fy regard to your Hon'ble House, as
to this Board, we accordingly transmit it.
"JOSEPH REED, President.
"March 31, 1779."
The Letter is as follows :
" Millstone Camp, March 27, 1779.
" Sir :
" Deeply impressed with the truest sense of gratitude, we beg
leave, in the name of all the Officers & Troops of the State, to re-
turn your Excell'y & the Hon'ble Council & Assembly our most
sincere & hearty thanks for the generous resolves passed in our
favor.
"It really affords us great pleasure to find our past Conduct
acceptable to you, & assure you, Sir, That our endeavours shall not
be wanting to merit the esteem & confidence of a virtuous Presi-
dent <fe Legislature, under whose auspices we hope to see unanimity,
wisdom, & public Interest flourish, and a Government that it will
be the duty & Interest of every individual in the State to support.
"And when called forth to the field, rest assured, Sir, we shall
732 MINUTES OF THE
exert every nerve to advance the honor & dignity of the State to f T
which we belong. With every sentiment of esteem & respect, we
remain your Excellency's & the Honorable Council's And Assem-
bly's Most Obedient and very Humble Servants.
"JAMES CHAMBERS,
" Colonel 1st Pennsylvania Reg.
"RICHARD BUTLER,
" Col. 9th Pennsylvania Reg.
"T. CRAIG,
" Col. 3d Penns'a Reg.
"WILLIAM WILLIAMS,
" Lieu Col. 3d Penns'a Reg.
"JAS. HARMAR,
" Lieu. Col. Commandant 6th Penns'a Reg.
"J. P. MENTGES,
Maj. 7th Pennsylva'a Reg.
"JOHN MURRAY,
Maj. 2d Penns'a Reg.
"THOMAS L. BYLES,
Maj. 3d Penns'a Reg.
"J. GRIER,
Maj. 10th Penns'a Reg't.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday April 1, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Matt'w Smith, ) ™ ,
John Macky, & $ ^s(* rs'
A Letter from Brig. Gen'l Du Portal.
A Letter from His Excell'y Gen'l Washington, dated 28th
March.
Another Letter from His Excell'y Gen'l Washington of the 29th
March, inclosing a Letter from Gen'l Maxwell of the 28th Mar.,
from Elizabeth Town.
The following two orders were drawn on the Treasurer, Viz :
In favor of the Hon'ble Jos. Hart, Esq'r, or his order, for the
Sum of Seventy Two Pounds Seventeen Shillings & Six Pence, to
be charged to his account; and
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 733
In favor of Col. John Bull, or his order, for the Sum of One
Thousand Pounds, for which Sum he is to account.
The following Recruiting instructions were agreed to, Viz : *
The Council met.
Philad'a, Friday April 2, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Matt'w Smith, ) v *
John Macky, & S q
A Petition referred by the Hon'ble House of General Assembly
to this Council, signed by Tho's Hazlewood, for himself & Officers
of the State Fleet.
On Consideration,
Ordered, That a Proclamation be issued enjoining a due obe-
dience to the Militia Laws, & the following being read, was ap-
proved & signed.
Ordered, That 600 be printed & sent forward to the several
Counties, by the Hon'ble Members of the House of General As-
sembly :
" Pennsylvania, ss :
" A PROCLAMATION.
"By Bis Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esquire, President, <Sc
Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania :
" Whereas, there is just cause to believe that our cruel & invete-
rate Enemies, despairing of the Conquest of America by open <fe
manly force, are about to adopt the mean and savage Policy of dis-
tress & depredation ; And as a vigourous, firm, & united resistance
can alone (under Providence) enable us to disappoint & defeat their
barbarous design, We do hereby most earnestly exhort the good
people of this State to prepare themselves for such events.
" And we do particularly enjoin & require the General Officers,
Lieutenants, Sub-Lieutenants, Field & other Officers of Militia,
diligently to exert themselves in arraying, training & disciplining
the Militia of the State, as by Law directed, Enforcing the said
Law against all delinquents, & encouraging & animating by their
presence & example, those brave & faithful Subjects who chearfully
* See Appendix.
734 MINUTES OF THE
stand forth in defence of the liberties of their Country. We do
also exhort & enjoin all Officers, both civil & military, to make
diligent search after the public Arms & accoutrements which have
been disposed & lost through the Country, & to recommend & en-
deavour to have all the Fire Arms in their respective districts &
Counties put in the best repair, so as to be ready on the shortest
notice. And as the designs of the Enemy, so far as they may re-
gard this State, must in their immediate effects (unless frustrated)
desolate those parts exposed to the Sea on one side & the frontiers
on the other, we do in a special manner recommend a spirit of
Union, harmony and mutual Affection, as the most effectual weapon
of defence, laying aside all animosities, dissentions & uncharitable-
ness, & then we need not doubt, but (with the blessings of God)
we may as we have heretofore done, repel our invaders, with shame,
disgrace & disappointment, & in a short time enjoy the blessings of
peace on free & honorable terms.
" Given by order of the Council, under the hand of his Excell'y
Joseph Reed, Esq'r, President, & the Seal of the State, at
Philad'a, this Second day of April, in the year of our Lord One
Thousand Seven hundred & Seventy-nine.
" JOSEPH REED, President.
" Attest— T. Matlack, Sec'y.
"GOD SAVE THE PEOPLE."
A Message to the General Assembly of Representatives of the
Freemen of Pennsylvania, was read, considered, approved & order-
ed to be signed by the President. And the same is as follows : .
" Sir :
" I send into the Assembly some papers laid before the Council
by Mr. Scott, one of the members. By them it seems probable
that Robert Culbertson, of Bedford County, who was authorized
by an act of the late Assembly, To seize Provisions for the use of
the Army of the United States, has been sued & saddled with
damages for taking Fifty Bushels of Rye from Jacob Wiltz, for
that purpose. Of the merits of this transaction the Council have
nothing to communicate. Perhaps some of the Gentlemen who re-
present Bedford County can furnish some explanations; particularly
Mr. Smith, who as Attorney brought the suit. This is au instance
in point of the abuse of Replevins in the case of Public Officers,
(whatever ground there was for an action,) an abuse to which we
hope you have put a Stop by the Law just passed.
" I trust you will take such order in this business as shall do
justice to Mr. Culbertson, as he was employed by the Legislature.
" I am, Sir,
" Your most obedient servant,
" JOSEPH REED, President.
" To the Hon'ble John Bayard, Esq'r, Speaker of the General
Assembly."
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 735
The Council met.
Philad'a, Saturday April 3, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, & > E ,
John Macky, }^S(lrs-
A Letter from the board of War to Col. B. Flowers, Commis-
sary of Military Stores, ordering the delivery of Two Pieces of
Iron Cannon, & Two Howitz, & as many Riffles from the Magazine
at Carlisle, as shall be necessary to Arm five Companies of Ran-
gers, to be delivered as they now are, & to be repaired by the State,
& to be returned if called for by the United States, they paying
for the repairs.
Ordered, That two 24 Pounders Iron Cannon, & two of the larg-
est Mortars, be delivered to Col. Proctor of the Artillery.
The Council having received information that Samuel R. Fisher
was not confined, according to his Mittimus,
Ordered, That the Secretary do write to the Sheriff & expressly
order that the Mittimus be put in due execution immediately.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer, in favor of Robert Allison,
for the Sum of Five hundred Pounds, for which he is to account.
The Council met.
\ Philad'a, Monday April 5, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon. George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, "J
John Macky, & WEsq'rs.
John Hambright, J
Ordered, That Capt. Joseph Stiles, Commissary of Military
Stores, do furnish to Messrs. Blair, Mc'Clenaghan & Matthew Ir-
win, or their order, such ammunition and Military Stores as they
shall have occasion for in the fitting out the Armed Ship General
Green.
The Joint Committee of General Assembly and of this Council,
now made the following report, Vizt :
" Whereas, the Hon'ble the Continental Congress have, for va-
rious good reasons, called out of circulation the whole of the emis-
736 MINUTES OF THE
sions of May 20th, 1777, & April 11th, 1778, under certain regula^
tions, as mentioned in their resolve of January 2d, 1779 :
" And Whereas, the manner of Exchange as therein mentioned,
would be grievous & burthensome to many of the good people of
this State, by reason of their very great distance from the place of
exchange, the smallness of the quantity many of those persons are
possessed, of & the enormity of Travelling charges ; many of the
persons so situated had better lose their little all than spend it
in negotiating an exchange. This House, ever desirous to relieve the
distresses of their constituents as much as in them lies, do
Resolve, That Thomas Hislap be, & is hereby appointed a Com-
missioner of Exchange for the County of Chester ; John Hubley
for the County of Lancaster ; Michael Hahn for the County of York ;
John Agnew for the County of Cumberland ; John Heester for the
County of Berks ; John Arndt for the County of Northampton ;
David Espie for the County of Bedford ; Robert Martin for the
County of Northumberland ; & Edward Cooke for the County of
Westmoreland, under the regulations herein after mentioned, Viz :
" That each of the said Commissioners of exchange before named,
shall give public notice, in their respective Counties, of their ap-
pointments to that duty; & shall upon application made, receive
such Sums of Money, of the dates before-mentioned, as may be
offered for exchange by every inhabitant of this State, before the
first day of June next, & pass his receipt for the same ; & shall
make fair entries, in a book prepared for that purpose, of the
names & surnames of each person depositing money, as also of the
Sum of Money so deposited, keeping each man's money bound in a
bundle by itself, fy indorced with the Owner's name, 8f the number
of Dollars contained.
" That each of the Commissioners aforesaid shall, before the
first day of June next, deposit all the Monies by him received for
the purpose of exchange, into the Continental Loan-Office of this
State, taking the Continental Jjoan-Officer's receipt for the same,
agreeable to the resolution of Congress.
"That the said Commissioners of exchange shall receive from
the Commissioner of Loans, new bills, to the Amount of the Sum
deposited for exchange, & shall, as soon as convenient, repay the
persons & cancel his receipts, reserving to himself, out of each
Man's money, at the rate of Two and a-half Dollars for every hun-
dred Dollars, for his trouble & expences in negociating said ex-
change."
" Ordered, That the Clerk of this House be directed to publish
these resolutions in all the German & English Newspapers, once
every week, for one month.
" Whereas, it was resolved the last sitting of this Assembly,
that the wages of the members of this House for said sitting, shall
be Two Pounds five Shillings per diem, & one Shilling & Six Pence
per mile, for their travelling expences ; The Speaker, Three Pounds
SUPREME 'EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 737
per diem, with the mileage allowed the members, & the Clerk of
the House Four pounds Ten Shillings per diem, for which a Law
should be passed this session, to provide for the same & the future
wages of said members :
" And Whereas, the necessary & unavoidable business of this
House has prevented said bill from being enacted into a Law j
therefore,
u Resolved, That each member of this House shall be allowed
for this sitting eight Dollars per diem j The Speaker Four
Pounds per diem, the Clerk of this House five pounds per diem,
his assistant Clerk Three- Pounds Ten Shillings per diem, &, each
& every of said members are to have & receive Two Shillings &
Six Pence per mile for every mile they shall travel to & from this
House, which, with the wages of last sitting, be provided for by a
Law next meeting of this House :
"And Whereas j the wages now allowed to our delegates in Con-
gress & the members of the Supreme Executive Council, are not
adequate to their necessary expences ; therefore,
" Resolved, That each Delegate in Congress for this State, shall
have and receive for every day he has or shall attend in Congress,
from the last election of Delegates for this State, Five pounds per
diem, & every member of the Supreme Executive Council, shall
have and receive for every day he has attended or shall attend oit
the duties of his Office, since the first day of February last, Three
pounls 1$ diem.
"On motion,
" Resolved, That Jar«d Ingersoll, Esq'r, the gentleman employed
as an assistant by the Attorney General, agreeable to a resolve of
this House in the case of the Proprietary claims, be allowed One
Hundred Pounds for his said services.
"The Joint Committee of Council & Assembly beg leave to
report to their respective Houses, That in pursuance of the resolu-
tions of the 25th of March last, That have conferred with the
Hon'ble Mess. Paca, Laurens, Adams, R. H. Lee, & Root, a
Committee of Congress on the subject matter of the representa-
tion made on the said day j That the same hath been fully & freely
discussed; That the Conferees of Congress gave this Committee
very ample assurances of the disposition of Congress to preserve
the most perfect harmony, &. remove all ground of apprehension or
uneasiness from the minds of the good people of this State ; That
such mutual overtures of friendship & explanation have been made
in the course of the said conference, as afford a prospect of lasting
harmony & confidence, Sl in order to cement and confirm these
happy <fc beneficial sentiments, & to disappoint the Enemies of the
common cause, who take encouragement from all appearances of dis-
union, it will be proper to give .some open proof of the happy
issue of this conference; for this purpose, the joint Committee beg
VOL. XI. — 47.
m MINUTES OF THE
leave to propose to their respective bodies the following Resolves-
as tending to promote the desirable & important end aforesaid.
Viz:
" Resolved, That the unanimity & harmony between the repre-
sentatives of the United States in Congress assembled, & each State
individually, have been, under God, the happy means of our past
success, .& the only sure foundation whereon to rest our future
hopes of terminating the contest with Great Britain with honor &
advantage.
" Resolved, That the Legislature & Executive authorities of this
State, entertain the most proper sentiments of veneration & esteem
for the Hon'ble the Continental Congress, fy repose a peifect confi-
dence in the wisdom & integrity of that Hon'ble body, which it is
their intention to manifest on all occasions.
"JOSEPH REED, President.
"In behalf of the Council.
'•'JOHN HARRIS,
"In behalf of the Assembly/7
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday April 6, 1779-
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Bambright, ) -™ ?
John Macky, & } ^ rS'
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Shields.
Esq'r, for the Sum of Two Thousand Dollars, to be delivered by him
to Capt. Jos. Irwin of the Rangers, to be applied in raising his
Company, the same to be charged to account of the said Capt.
Irwin.
A Representation from John Hubly, Esqyr, respecting the Mo»ey
expended by him in building a Store House at Lancaster, was read;.
& thereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Hubleyr
Esq'r, or his ordery for the sum of Eight hundred Pounds, to be
applied in paying for materials & to Workmen, for the building of
a Store House at Lancaster, for which Sum he is to account.
A Resolve of the Hon'ble House of General Assembly of the
Sth instant, was read ;
Ordered, That the same be inserted on the Minutes, & they are
as follows, Viz/t :
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. * 739
" In General Assembly.
« Monday April 5, 1779, P. M.
" Resolved, That the attention & care of the Supreme Executive
Council of this State in detecting public abuses, are highly accepta-
ble to this House, & that they will support them in the due dis-
charge of so necessary a duty.
" Resolved, That the Executive powers of Government have been
administered to the entire satisfaction of this House, & the general
content of the good people of this State ; & that this House cheer-
fully give this testimony of their approbation to his Excellency the
President, & the other members of the Council, as an earnest of their
resolution to support them in a continuance of the faithful & hon-
orable discharge of their duty, & a mark of their perfect confidence
& regard."
An order from Col. Flowers, for the delivery of so many Rifles
from the Magazine at Carlisle as shall be necessary to arm five Com-
panies of Rangers, &ca., being now presented to the Council ;
Ordered, That the same be delivered to Mr. John Carson, of
Carlisle, & that they be repaired under his care ; & if it should so
happen, That Mr. Carson should not accept of this appointment,
in such case Stephen Duncan, Esq'r, is requested to undertake &
complete the said business.
Another Resolve of the Hon'ble House of General Assembly of
the 5th instant, was read, & is as follows, Viz. :
" In General Assembly.
"Monday, April 5, 1779, P. fit
"Resolved] That the Supreme Executive Council be & they are
hereby empowered to borrow, on any emergency, any Sum of Money
not exceeding One Hundred Thousand Pounds, from any person <fe
persons willing to lend the same, & this House will at their next
sitting, provide for the re-payment of such Sum or Sum's borrowed
as above."
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of William Scott,
Esq'r, Pay-master of Militia, of the County of Bucks, or his order,
for the sum of One Thousand & Eight Hundred Pounds, for which
sum he is «to account.
Ordered, That Mr. Joseph Rush & Mr. James Craigg, be ap-
pointed to value the ship General Green, agreeable to the proposals
made to the State by the Owners of her, &, report thereon to this
Council.
A Recommendation (by Col. Proctor & other officers of the Regi-
ment of Artillery) of Capt. Amos Wilkinson, as a proper person to
receive & deliver out the Articles enumerated by a Resolve of Gen-
eral Assembly of fifth of December last, was read; k thereupon^
740 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That Capt. Amos Wilkinson be appointed to receive1
& deliver out to Col. Proctor's Regiment of Artillery, the Articles
enumerated in the Kesolve of General Assembly of the 5th De-
cember last, & that he do also deliver to the Rev'd Mr. Rogers,
Chaplain of the Pennsylvania brigade, now doing duty in Philadel-
phia, his Ration of the said Articles.
Ordered, That on Monday next this Council will proceed to
nominate & appoint the Officers of Marines on board the Ship
General Green, & that notice thereof be given in the Public Pa-
pers, in order that Officers who chuse to tender their service on this
occasion may have an opportunity so to do,
Resolved, That the Prize money of any Vessels which may
hereafter be taken by any of the Cruizers fitted out by this State,
be divided in such manner & proportions as shall be directed by the
Supreme Executive Council of this State, previous to the Sailing
of such Vessel, and Articles seized accordingly, & that the Officers,
Sailors & Marines of the Vessels now fitted, or which may hereaf-
ter be fitted out by this State, be subject to the like Articles of
War, Regulations and Tryal, as the Officers, Sailors & Marines of
the Gallies in the service of this State now are.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
Jos. Hart, for Seventy-Two Pounds Seventeen Shillings & Six
Pence, for which he is to account.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday April 7, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, 1
John Macky, & j-Esq'rs.
John Hambright, J
The Council resumed the consideration of the appointment of
Officers of the five Companies of Rangers, they having obtained
the best assistance from the Members of the General Assembly
that has been in their power ; & thereupon,
Ordered, That John Mcllhaddon be appointed Captain, Robert
Arthur First Lieutenant, of the Company of Rangers to be raised
in the County of Northumberland; That Thomas Cluggage be
appointed Captain, & — : Means First Lieutenant of the Com-
pany of Rangers to be raised in the County of Bedford; And that
Thomas Campbell be appointed Captain, Isaac Thompson first Lieu-
tenant, & Alexander Parker, second Lieutenant, of the Company of
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 741
Hangers proposed to be raised in the county of Cumberland ; And the
said Gentlemen are to take Rank respectively as may be hereafter
settled, having respect to former rank & service.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer, in favour of the Hon'ble
James M'Lene, or his order, for the Sum of Eighty-four Pounds
Eighteen Shillings & four Pence for his attendance in Council 32
days, &, Mileage on 155 Miles.
Memorial of Lewis Nicola, Town Major, praying an order for
the allowance of the Articles enumerated by the Resolve of Gen-
eral Assembly to be supplied to the Officers & Men of the Pennsyl-
vania Troops, was read ; & •
On consideration,
Ordered, That Col. Farmer do supply Col. Lewis Nicola, Town
Major, with the enumerated Articles ordered by General Assembly;
& that Col. Nicola draw the same with Col. Proctor's Regiment.
A Return of an Election held for chusing in Buckingham &
Warwick Townships, Two fit persons for Justices of the County
of Bucks, was read, by which it appears that John Wilson & Benja.
Snodgrass were elected ; & thereupon,
Ordered, That John Wilson, Esq'r, be appointed and Commis-
sioned to be a Justice of the Peace for the County of Bucks.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday April 8, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, "Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, > ™ ,
John Macky, & * J m% YS'
The Resolve of General Assembly of the 5th instant being read
& considered,
Resolved, That Mess. Blair, McClenaghan, & Matthew Irwin,
be authorized to receive any Sums of Money which have been or
may be subscribed by any persons on Loan to this State, the same
to be repaid in Six Months or sooner, if convenient to the State ;
That they give Receipts to such Subscribers, & to make return to
this Board, & to the Treasurer of the State, either paying over to
him*such Monies as they may receive, or passing the Accounts with
him thereupon, so as that the same be made a regular transaction
of the Treasury. [See also 742.]
The Hon'ble House of General Assembly having on the 24th
of March last,
742 MINUTES OP THE
Resolved, That th'eOfficers, Seamen, & Mariners, employed in
the- Naval service of this State, be entitled to all the allowances &
benefits to which Officers & Soldiers of this State be employed in
the Armies of the United States, are entitled by the Resolutions of
the Hon'ble House of General Assembly, passed on the 13th of the
said Month.
Ordered, That Mr. William Crispin be appointed Commissary
to purchase & distribute to the said Officers, Seamen, & Marines,
the Articles enumerated in the said Resolve of the 13th of March ;
& that this Council will allow a reasonable compensation for his
trouble therein.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Burd,
Esq'r, or his order, for the sum of Six Thousand Dollars, to be by
him paid to Capt. Tho's Cluggage of the Rangers to be raised in
Bedford County, & to be charged to th.e said Cluggage.
[On this order is endorsed a Note to Mess. McClenaghan & Ir-
win, requesting them to Pay the said Sum, & return the order on
the Treasurer as their Voucher.]
Whereas, these United States have been under a necessity, in
order to carry on the present Just and necessary War with Great
Britain, to emit very considerable Sums of Paper Currency, some
emissions of which have not been yet declared by a Law of the State
to be legal tender, & many evil minded & disaffected persons may
endeavour to take advantage thereof, to the prejudice of the public
as well as indviduals :
And Whereas, the length of the present Sessions, & the necessity
of the members of this House to return to their respective Coun-
ties, does not admit of complying with the necessary requisitions
of the Constitution, in order to the passing of a Law ) But this
House being desirous to express their detestation of such dangerous
& pernicious measures :
Resolved, That any person who shall refuse such of the Bills of
Credit emitted by the Hon'ble Continental Congress, as have not
been made a legal tender in payment of any Debt or Contract, in
which the Continental Bills of Credit which have been declared to
be legal tender might be legally tendered, such person is & ought
to be considered as an Enemy to his Country, & a betrayer of the
liberties thereof.
A Letter from the Hon'ble John Jay, Esq'r, enclosing Resolves
of Congress of the 23d March & 5th instant.
A Letter from Maj. John Browne, of the 5th Battalion of Phil-
adelphia County, inclosing his Commission, was read.
Ordered, To lie on the Table. '
Jacob S. Howell having resigned his appointment as Receiver
General of Cloathing, & the same being accepted, The Council de-
sire he will prepare his Accounts for settlement.
The Resolution of General Assembly of the 5th instant being
read & considered,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 743
Resolved, That Messieurs McClanaghan & Irwin be authorised
to receive any Sums of Money which have been or may be subscrib-
ed by any Persons on Loan to this State, the Sum to be repaid in
6 Months, or sooner, if convenient to the State. That they give
Heceipts to such subscribers, <fc make return to the Board, and to
the Treasurer of the State, either Paying over to him such monies
as they may receive, or passing the Accounts with him thereupon,
so as that same be made a regular transaction of the Treasury.—
[See antea 741.]
Whereas, the Hon'ble the General Assembly of this State did,
at the late Session,
" Resolve, That every Officer of the Continental Army should
receive Annually a Suit of Uniform Cloathes .; And also, that the
Officers, Marines & Sailors in the Service of the State, should be
entitled to the same allowances, benefits & Provisions, as the Offi-
cers and Soldiers in the Continental Army,"
Whereby it is become necessary to appoint a suitable person to
purchase <& procure Cloathing, agreeable to the said Resolve, & also
to issue the same, as far as the same may be done without attending
in Camp,
Resolved, That Lieu. Col. Lewis Farmer be appointed Commis-
sary of Cloathing, & perform the Duties aforesaid, & that he re-
ceive the same Pay & allowances as Mr. Howell has done.
Ordered, That Jacob S. Howell do deliver over to Col. Lewis
Farmer, all the Cloathing now in his possession belonging either to*
the State or the Continent, taking his Receipt for the game.
The Council met.
Psilad'a, Friday April 9, 1779.
PRESENT I
His ExcelPy JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President,
Joseph Hart,
John Macky, & J-Esq'rs.
% 1
•right, J
John Hambi
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Col. John Bull,
or his order, for the Sum of One Thousand & five hundred Pounds^
for which sum he is to be accountable..
744 MINUTES OF THE
The Council met.
Philad'a, Saturday April, 10, 1779 >
PRESENT I
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, > -™ ,
John Macky, & 5 ^ rs*
A Letter from the Treasury board, respecting Robert Leathaixu
a private in the 10th Pennsylvania Regiment.
Ordered, That Col. Hampton be desired to furnish Council -with
a Copy of the Commitment of the said Leatham.
Besohed, That the depositions taken on the Election of James
Thompson, Esq'r, Councellor for York County, be transmitted
to the Chief Justice & other Justices of the Supreme Court, who
are desired to consider the same, & also the Constitution of this
board, & the Act of Assembly respecting Election, & give their
opinion on the following question, Viz :
u Whether the Supreme Executive Council is, by the Constitu-
tion & Laws of this State, vested with power to proceed against
George Eichelberger for a breach of Priviledge, & Commit him to
Prison, agreeable to the practice of Representative bodies in cases
of breach of priviledge/'
The Petition oi Robert McNeil, a Prisoner now under Sentence
of the Court of Quarter Sessions of Lancaster County, for Stealing
a Horse, was read, & referred for further consideration when a
transcript of the Sentence is had.
The Petition of Christopher Crawford, a Sub-Lieutenant of Lan-
caster County, representing his difficulty in obtaining a Settlement
with the Lieutenant of the said County, was read.
Ordered, That the said Petition be sent to Colonel Galbraitrn
in order that satisfaction be given this Board thereon,, or the Peti-
tioner be satisfied.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 745
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday April 12, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, 1 -™aA>rc
John Macky, & j ^ rS'
Ordered, That the Secretary, as keeper of the Register for for-
feited Estates, do give notice that they will be sold in a short time,
which notice is as follows, Viz :
" The Public are .hereby advertised, that the real Estates late of
Joseph Galloway & Andrew \Wen, Esquires, late, members of the
Congress of the Thirteen United Colonies, now States of America,
for Pennsylvania; William Allen, the younger, Esq'r, sometime
a Captain & afterwards a Lieutenant Colonel of a Regiment or
Battalion of foot, in the service of the said United Colonies, now
States of America; James Rankin and John Rankin, both late of
the County of York, Yeomen ; Jacob Duck the younger, late of
the City of Philadelphia, late Chaplain of the said United States;
Gilbert Hicks, late of Bucks County, Yeoman ; Samuel Shoema-
ker, late Alderman of the City of Philadelphia ; John Potts, late
of Pottsgrove, in the County of Philadelphia, Yeoman ; Nathaniel
Vernon, late Sheriff of Chester County ; Christian Foutts, late
Lieu. Col. of Militia in the County of Lancaster; John Biddle,
late of Berks County, Yeoman, late Collector of Excise for the
said County, and late a Deputy Quarter Master of the Army of
the United States; John Roberts, late of the County of Philadel-
phia, Miller; Abraham Carlisle, House Carpenter; John Parrack,
Yeoman; Philip Marchinton, Alexa. Bartram, Traders ; Joel Evans,
Merchant; John Henderson, Mariner; Alexander Smith, Black-
smith & William Austen, Yeoman, late keeper of the New Jersey
Ferry, all of the City of Philadelphia ; Christopher Baur, the youn-
ger, late of German-town, Printer; David Thompson, Shipwright;
John Tolly, Mariner, both late of Southwark ; Henry Hugh
Ferguson, Esq'r, (late Commissary of Prisoners for General Howe,)
heretofore of Groeme Park, all late of the County of Philadelphia :
John Ellwood, late of Bristol Township, in Bucks County, Water-
man ; Samuel Biles, late Sheriff of Bucks County ; Michael Whit-
man, & Henry Skyles, Husbandman, & George Reine, Miller, all
late of Lancaster County ; Curtis Lewis, Blacksmith, & Richard
Swanwick, heretofore of the Custom House of Philadelphia, both
late of Chester County, Yeoman ; & Joseph Romich, late of North-
ampton County, Yeoman ; & John Young, heretofore of Grceme
Park, in the County of Philadelphia, late of the City of Philadel-
phia, Gentleman ; And Peter Campbell, Gentleman, and Isaac Al-
746 MINUTES OF THE
len, Esq'r, Attorney at Law, both late of Trenton, in the State of
New Jersey; And Andrew Elliott, Esq'r, now or late of New York city,
in the State of New York ; & others situate, lying & being within
divers Counties of this State, forfeited to the use of the Common-
wealth by the attainder of the said persons, & every of them, for
High Treason, will be speedily sold by Public Auction or Vendue,
to the best & highest bidders, exonerated & discharged of all for-
mer claims or demands made under any of the said Traitors ; the
said real Estates to be assured to the buyers by Deeds or Convey-
ances, under the Seal of the State, signed by the President or Vice
President in Council, upon payment of the purchase Money.
"And all Creditors & others are hereby informed, that by an Act
of Assembly entitled ' An Act for the attainder of divers Traitors,
if they render not themselves by a certain day, & the vesting their
Estates in the Commonwealth, & £or more effectually discovering
the same, & for ascertaining the lawful Debts & Claims thereupon,"
three Months are allowed to all Creditors & others having claims &
demands on the personal Estates late of the Traitors aforesaid, to
exhibit the same ; The said Three Months to be reckoned from &
after the date of the entry of such Estates in the Register kept by
the Secretary of the Supreme Executive Council ; & in Six Months,
for all claims on the Real Estates late of the Traitors aforesaid, to
be reckoned from & after the date of the entry of such Real Es-
tates on the Register kept by the Sheriff of the County were such for-
feited Estate lies. All such claims & demands to be made before
the Judges of the Supreme Court in term time, or in the vacation
to the Chief Justice, written on Parchment or Paper, Signed by
the parties making the same, or by their Attorneys or other Rep-
resentatives, testified by two or more subscribing Witnesses, attest-
ing the same, or in default thereof, every such claim or demand to
be void.
" And Whereas, by a Supplement to the Act of Assembly afore-
said, it is directed, ' That whenever such intended Sale (the Sales
of the said Real Estates forfeited as aforesaid) shall be advertised,
Public notice shall also be given, That the Creditors of the said
Traitors, & all claimants upon the said respective Estates, shall ex-
hibit their several claims & demands to the Justices of the Su-
preme Court, for Payment or satisfaction, as is by the said Act di-
rected, within Six Months thereafter, if residents within this State,
or within Twelve Months if residents within any other of the Uni-
ted States, or be forever barred from the recovery thereof; provided
always, nevertheless, that any Creditor or Claimant, shall at the
time of such notice given, be within the Age of Twenty One Years,
feme covert, non compos mentis, imprisoned, or beyond Sea, that
then such persons shall be at liberty to exhibit their claims or de-
mands as other persous now may, within Six Months, or if residents
within any other of the United States, within twelve Months after
such disability is removed.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 747
" Wherefore, public notice is hereby accordingly given, and all
Creditors & others concerned, are hereby called upon to make their
claims, & proceed in the manner as is in & by the said Acts of
General Assembly directed.
" Published by order of the Council.
"TIMOTHY MATLACK,
" Secretary & keeper of the Register for forfeited Estates/'
A Letter from Blair McClanaghan & Matthew Irwin, was read,
dated March 27, 1779 ; And thereupon,
Ordered, That James Montgomery be appointed Captain of the
Ship G-eneral Green. [See antea, page 730.]
A Letter from the board of War, recommending Jesse Thomp-
son, wounded & Scalped on the expedition against the Indians on
the East branch of Susquehanna, to the notice of the Council,
Ordered, That the Receiver Gen'l of Gloating do furnish the
said Jesse Thompson with such Cloathing as Mr. Hambright shall
on enquiry find to be absolutely necessary for him.
Resolved, That Capt. Rob't Caldwell, formerly an Officer in the
State Reg't commanded by Col. Atlee, taken Prisoner at Mount
Washington & lately exchanged, be appointed to the Command of
the Marines on board the Ship Gen'l Green, & John Hambright,
jun., Lieutenant of Marines on board the said Ship. See 751.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Tuesday April 13, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, ) -,-, ,
JohnMacky, & jJ^sqrs.
An application from Sam'l C. Morris, for himself & the Owners
of the Brig. Achiles, requesting to be supplied with 400 Shot, be-
tween 2 & 3 Pound weight, was read.
Ordered, That the said application be referred to Capt. Stiles and
George Henry, who are to report whether the State can spare the
Shot without inconvenience.
Whereas, frequent applications are made to this board for the
Remission of Fines & other Punishments inflicted on offenders by
the several Courts of Justice in this State, the determination upon
which deeply effect the safety of the inhabitants . & the cause of
Public Justice : Wherefore,
Resolved, That it be a standing Rule, that no such applications
be proceeded on, Farther than reading them, unless a transcript of
748 MINUTES OF THE
the sentence of the Court be also sent to this Board, signed by the
proper Officer, & that it will in future be expected that the Judges
of the Court before which any Criminal is convicted, or some of
them, do recommend the case to this Board, with their reasons for
so doing. #
A Letter from The Hon'ble John Jay, Esq'r, President of Con-
gress, of this date, inclosiDg Resolves of Congress of the 3d ins.,
respecting the -unanimity of the Unite! States, &ca.
On application of Col. Rich'd Hampton,
Ordered, That David Williams, committed by the Council, when
in Lancaster, for carry Provisions to the Enemy, be discharged on
Paying his Prison Pees.
Ordered, That the Fines due to the State from John Flaherty,
convicted of Larceny, & Adam McKean, also convicted of Larceny,
be remitted, & that they be discharged on their paying their Fees,
& making restitution to the Owners of the Goods Stolen.
A Draft by Congress on Mich'l Hillegas, Esq'r, Treasurer of the
United States, in favor of this Council, for the Sum of Two Mil-
lions of Dollars, was delivered to the Council by Dr. William
Shippen, Esq'r, in the following words, was read, Viz :
" Ordered, That the same made Payable to David Rittenhouse,
Esq'r, Treasurer of the State, & the same was endorsed accord-
ingly."
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday April 14, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Macky, John Hambright, ~) ™ ,
Joseph Hart, & j
A Letter from Mr. Matt'w Irwin & Mr. Robert Bridges, request-
ing to purchase two Twelve Pound, long Cannon, belonging to
the State :
Ordered, That Mr. George Henry do direct an appraisment of
two Twelve Pounders, long Cannon, now on Plumsted's Wharf, &
sell them to Matthew Irwin & Robert Bridges, if they can be
spared without inconvenience to the State.
The following three orders were drawn on the Treasurer, Viz :
In favour of His Excell'y the President, for the Sum of Five
Hundred Pounds, in part of his salary.
In favor of the Hon'ble John Hambright, Esq'r, or his order,
for the Sum of Ten Thousand Dollars, for the purpose of raising a
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 749
Company of Rangers in the County of Northumberland, & to be
by him forwarded to Col. Sam'l Hunter, Lieu, of the County of
Northumberland • the same to be charged to the said Hambright.
In favour of Philip Marsteller, Esq'r, Paymaster of Militia for
the county of Lancaster, or his order, for the sum of Fifteen Thou-
sand Pounds, to be charged to his account.
Also, an order wrfs drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the
Hon'ble John Hambright, Esq'r, for the Sum of Five HunaVed
Pounds, to be charged to his account.
Ebenezer Cowell exhibited an account of work done in repairing
of Arms ; & the same being examined,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer, in favor of Ebenezer
Cowell, or his order, for the Sum of Six Hundred & Thirty-eight
Pounds & Six Shillings, Amount of the said Account.
Petition of divers inhabitants of Augusta Township, in the
County of Northumberland, representing the inconveniency they
labor under from the want of a Magestrate in the East end of the
Township, & praying the appointment of John Simpson, whom they
recommend, was read ; but as the Council have not a right to ap-
point more Justices than are already Commissioned in the said
Township, the Prayer of the Petition cannot be complied with un-
til the Township shall be divided by the Justices in the Court of
Quarter Sessions of the Peace, & an Election held according to
Law.
A Letter of the 10th ins., from Ralph Pomeroy, Esq'r, Com-
missioner of Cloathing Accounts.
A Letter from the Consul of France
[Blank in Council Book.]
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday April 15, 1779
present :
His ExcelPy JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Macky, John Hambright, > ™ ,
Joseph Hart, & 5 M€L rs
Representation of Robt. McNair, one of the Agents for seizing
of forfeited Estates in the County of Northampton, in behalf of
divers persons who have heretofore purchased lands of Andrew
Allen, Esq'r, & who are now ready to Pay the residue of the pur-
chase Money, was read & referred to the Judges of the Supreme
Court, for their determination,
750 MINUTES OF THE
Capt. Zigler's Letter of the 10th ins., with the inclosures, being
read, & considered,
Resolved, That the Secretary do inform him, That the account
of the number of Rations, which is considered as the most material
article of information, is not to be omitted by any means, & that
no Women are to be included in the allowance, or can be hence-
forth carried upon the return ; That it is expected particular care
will be taken that no Articles issue to any officers or soldiers not
actually in Camp ; That he be desired to acquaint the Board what
allowance is made in the distribution of the like articles by the
State of Connecticut ; That these returns be transmitted to CoL
Farmer, to be examined & filed.
An application from William Crispin, Commissary, being read ;
thereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of William Cris-
pin, Commissary, or his order, for the Sum of Ten Thousand
Pounds, to be charged to his account.
A Petition of John Reynolds, praying to be appointed First
Lieutenant of the Franklin Galley, vacant by the advance of Sam'l
Carson, to be Lieu, of the Ship General Green, was read, together
with the recommendation of Nathan Boys, George Garland, Isaac
Roaels & Stephen Beaseley ; thereupon,
Ordered, That John Reynolds be appointed First Lieutenant of
the Franklin Galley, & Commissioned accordingly. •
The Petition of Isaac Ely, praying to be appointed Second Leu-
tenant of the Franklin Galley, vacant by the appointment of John
Reynolds to be 1st Lieu of the same, was read ; and a recommen-
dation by his superior Officers, were also read ; thereupon,
Ordered, That Isaac Ely be appointed Second Lieutenant of the
Franklin Galley, & Commissioned accordingly.
The Petition of Ann Tatnall, Widow of Capt. Robert Tatnajl,
late of the Porcupine Guard Boat, deceased, Praying that she may
be allowed his Pay & Rations from the. time of his being made
Prisoner until the third day of March last, the day of his Death,
he being at that time a Prisoner, was read ; & thereupon,
Ordered, That the Widow of Capt. Tatnall be allowed the Pay
& Rations of her deceased Husband until the third of March last,
the time of his decease. The Rations to be paid for at their value
when they became due.
Maj. Gen'l Armstrong having personally recommended James
Thompson as worthy of trust,
Ordered, That Mr. John Thompson be appointed Pay-master of
the Five Companies of Rangers now to be raised by authority of
Congress for the defence of the Frontiers of this State; & also
Muster Master of the said Five Companies, & to Muster such of
the Militia of the State as may be called into the Continental ser-
vice, for the defence of the North Western frontiers of the State ;
And that he be allowed Pay & Rations as a Deputy Muster Mas-
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 751
ter in the Continental Army, & also the Pay& Rations of a Reg't
Pay-master.
A Letter from the Hon'ble Matt'w Smith, Esq'r, of the 8th in-
stant.
Ordered, That James Collier be appointed Captain of the Com-
pany of Rangers proposed to be raised in the County of Lancaster,
William Young, first Lieutenant, & Will'm Kelso, second Lieuten-
ant, of the said County.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
John Hambright, Esq'r, for the Sum of Six Thousand Dollars, to
be by him forwarded to the Hon'ble Matt'w Smith, Esq'r, to be
applied in raising the Company of Rangers in the County of Lan-
caster.
Ordered, That Sam'l Carson be appointed first Lieu., Jacob De
Hart, Second Lieu, of the Ship General Green.
That Rob't Caldwell be appointed Capt. of Marines, & John
Hambright, jun., Lieu, of Marines on board the said Ship.™[See
747.]
The Council met,
Philad'a, Friday April 16, 1779.
PRESENT I
His ExcelPy JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, ~) w ,
John Macky, & 5 ^ rs'
A Certificate of the Valuation of the Ship General Green, at
^53,057 10, Signed by Joseph Rush, James Craig, jun., Thomas
Penrose & Sam'l C. Morris, was read.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Jacob S. How-
ell, Receiver General of Cloathing, or his order, for the Sum of
One Thousand Pounds, for which Sum he is to account.
Ordered, That a Proclamation be issued, recommending to the
good people of this State, to set apart the first Thursday of May
next as a day of Fasting, Humiliation & Prayer to Almighty God,
agreeably to the Resolve of Congress of the 20th day of March
last.
Council observing that the Act of Assembly of this State, enti-
tled " An Act to prohibit the Sale of Goods, Wares & Merchan-
dizes by Public Vendue, & to regulate Pedlars & Hawkers within
this State," is openly violated by the Sale of Goods at Auction in
this City, as tho' no such restraint were in force ; & being deter-
mined to bring the offenders against the Law to punishment,
752 MINUTES OF THE
Ordered, That the principal enacting Paragraph thereof concern-
ing Vendues be published, to the end that all persons who may be
proceeded against, may be without the excuse of ignorance.
' A Letter from Aaron Ogden, Major of Brigade of the 12th ins't,
enclosing a Receipt for Frederick Yerner, sent to New York in Ex-
change for Capt. Taylor.
A Letter from Ralph Pomeroy, Commissioner of Cloathing Ac-
counts, requesting to be furnished with the account of Cloathing
supplied to any of the Continental Troops.
Ordered, That the Receiver General of Cloathing for this State
do furnish to Mr. Ralph Pomeroy, Commissioner of Cloathing Ac-
counts, a complete account of the Cloathing furnished by him to the
Continental Troops, & that the same be forwarded with all possible
dispatch to James Mease, Esq'r, where Mr. Pomeroy will receive
them.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Moyes.
or his order, for the Sum of One hundred & Twenty-five Pounds
on account, & charge the same to his account.
Adjourned 'til Monday, His Excell'y the President, being under
the necessity of visiting the Fortifications on the River.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday April 19, 1779,
PRESENT !
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice-President.
Joseph Hart, John Hambright, & > ™ ,
John Macky, Jac. Arndt, \ ^
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Caleb
Lome, or his order, for the Sum of thirty-five Pounds, for cutting
the State Arms in Printer's metal. *
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Col. Lewis
Farmer, Commissioner for purchasing, &ca, or his order, for the
Sum of Fifteen Thousand Pounds, the same to be charged to ac-
count of the said Col. Farmer.
An application from Francis McClester, master-workman, em-
ployed in building Cheveaux de Frize, for 2 large double blocks,
one single block, one large Tackle fall, & 8 small blocks & falls,
was read ; thereupon,
Ordered, That Mr. George Henry do furnish Mr. Francis Mc-
Clester with 2 large double blocks, 1 single block, 1 large Tackle
fall, & 8 small blocks & falls, for which Mr. McClester is to ac-
•This Plate of the Arms is in the hands of Hall & Sellers.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 753
count to Mr. Henry. This Plate of the Arms is in the hands of
Hall & Sellers.
Petitions of Lieut's Honeyman & Pugh, praying to be allowed
to draw the enumerated Articles was read.
Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to further consid-
eration, Congress having lately made some regulations which may
include the Petitioners & which are not yet come to hand.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer, in favor of the Hon'ble
John Macky, Esq'r, or his order, for the Sum of Four Hundred.
Dollars, in part ot' his pay as Councellor.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Tuesday April 20th, 1779
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Macky, Jacob Arndt, > *, ,
Joseph Hart, & ■ j . ■ "
Capt. Hambright retired with leave for a few weeks.
A letter from the Hon'ble John Jay, Esq'r, President of Con-
gress, dated 18th ins. enclosing two Acts of Congress of the 14th
ins. One relative to persons going within the Enemy's lines ; The
other relative to the exportation of Provisions to the State of Mas-
sachusetts Bay.
• Petition of James Dundas, for Money, &ca; was read ; & there-
upon,
Ordered, That the Petitioner lay a state of his accounts before
the board, in order to warrant issuing as prayed.
On application by Col. Humpton,
Ordered, That the following named seven persons, now confined'
in the Goal of this City, on charges of Felony, be discharged, they
paying the fees <fc making restitution of the Goods stolen & the
Prosecutors respectively being satisfied, Viz :
Joseph Hoskins, alias Dukes, belonging to the 5th Pennsylva-
nia Reg't) Patrick Ivory, 1st Maryland Reg't ; John Cluney, Mary-
land-Reg' t; John Blaney, alias Seine, James Reynolds & John
Bowman, all of the 10th Pennsylvania Reg't; Joseph Brown, 9th
Pennsylvania Reg't
A Letter from the Judges of the Supreme .Court, dated this day,.
& enclosing a Trenscript of the conviction of George Hardy, of the
the City of Philadelphia, of Treason, at a Court of Oyer & Ter-
miner & General Goal delivery, held at Philadelphia, for t% City
voi. xi.— 48.
754 MINUTES OF THE
• & County of Philadelphia, on the eighth day of April instant, k
the sentence of the said Court, that the said George Hardy be
hanged by the Neck 'til he be dead ; & that Petitions of the Jurors
charged with the trial of the indictment of George Hardy, &ca ;
And also the Petition of a number of inhabitants in favor of the
said George Hardy ; And the same, with the inclosed Papers, were
read ; & thereupon,
Ordered, That a Warrant be issued for the execution of the
Sentence of the Court of Oyer & Terminer & General Goal de-
livery upon George Hardy; & that the same be executed on
Saturday the first day of May next, between the. Hours of Ten
O'Olock in the forenoon & two Q'Clock in the ilfternoon, at the
usual place of Execution.
Ordered, That the further consideration of the Petitions in
favor of George Hardy, be to Wednesday the 28th ins.
Ordered, That the Secretary do write to John Hubley, Esq'r, of
Lancaster, & request him to send down to Philadelphia the two
brass Field Pieces now in that Borough ; And to send down also,
by the same opportunity, the Writing Paper committed to bis
care.
The Council met,
Philad'a. Wednesday April 21, 1779,
present:
His ExcelFy JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Esq'rs.
Joseph tiart, Jacob Arndt,
John Macky, &
Resolved, That' Dav'd Rittenhouse, Esq'r, the Treasurer, be di-
rected to find sufficient security, to be approved of by the Judge of
the Amiralty, for the share adjudged to the State of the Prize
Sloop Active, taken by the Brigautine Convention & the Gerard
Privateer ; & take up the Money, which will exceed Eleven Thou-
sand Pounds, for the use of the State; One-half the Sum allotted
to the Convention coming to the State.
On Consideration,
Ordered, That Mr. Peter De Haven be appointed au Agent for
forfeited Estates in the County of Philadelphia.
A Recommendation from Col. Francis Johnston, of the Pennsyl-
vania Reg't, in favor of Benja. Marshall as a suitable person to be-
an Ensign in the said Regiment, being read; it was thereupon,
OrdAed, That Benjamin Marshall be appointed an Ensign in
the fiftli Pennsylvania Regiment, commanded by Col. F. John-
ston.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 755
Whereas, divers books belonging to the State Library are miss-
ing, & there is reason to apprehend that the same are in the hands
of persons who have had recourse to the said Library, & who have
neglected to return them ; therefore,
Ordered, That Public notice be given to all persons having
Books belonging to the State, to return the same to the Secretary
without delay, otherwise the Council will be induced to think they
are detained from improper motives, and to take further measures
for the recovery of them.
The Hon'ble George Ross, Esq'r, Judge of the Admiralty, at-
tended in" Council & took the Oath required by the Constitution
io qualify him. for his- said Office.
.1 The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday April 22, 1779,
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, ~)
John Macky, & J-Esq'rs.
Jacob Arndt;, J
The Memorial of Theobald Shubel being read,
Ordered, That the same be transmitted to the Justices of the
Supreme Court, & that they be desired to make immediate enquiry
into the facts charged, & do therein what to Justice shall apper-
tain.
A letter from His Excell'y Gen'l "Washington, dated the I9th
ins. was read.
A Petition of Matthew Gregg, Waggon Master of the County
of Cumberland, being read & Considered,
Ordered, That the Petitioner be informed, That as Waggon
Masters are absolutely necessary for the Public Service, &as it hag
been a practice for the Quarter Master General to pay the Wag-
goners when called forth under the Waggon Law, by a parity of
reasons every other necessary Officer ought to be paid in the same
manner, & that it will very much embarrass that service from which
the Quarter Masters department has derived so much benefit, if
difficulties are made in Payment.
Mr. Drayton returned 2 Yols. of State Tracts belonging to the
State Library.
Whereas, the Hon'ble House of General Assembly, on the Slsfe
day of August last,
Resolved, That it be recommended to the Supreme Executive
Council, to appoint Auditors to hear '& determine the claims of
756 MINUTES OF THE
John Eyre, and such other persons as have had Timber & Plank
taken from them by the Enemy, & employed in building the Re-
doubts & bridge near this City ;
And the said John Eyre now applying to have the said Resolve
carried into execution,
Ordered, That William Ball, Esq'r, William Moore, Esq'r, &
Mr. John Purviance, be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid :
And that they be directed to give Public notice of the time & place
of their meeting, & report to the Gen'l Assembly at their next
meeting.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of James Dundas,
Paymaster at Billingsport, or his order, for the Sum of Five Hun-
dred Pounds, for which Sum he is to account.
Ordered, That Two Companies of the Battalion of Artillery of
this City & the adjoining districts, be immediately called into ser-
vice, to relieve the Garrison at Mud Island & Billingsport,' consist-
ing of Col. Proctor's Reg't, now called into the field for other ser-
vice; And that the Lieutenant of the City & adjoining Districts,
be directed to draw out the said two Companies as soon as may be,
& send one of them to Mud Island, and the other to Billingsport.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Friday April 23, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, "J
John Macky, & lEsq'rs,
Jacob Arndt, i
A Petition of James White, praying permission for his Wife to
go into New York, was read.
Application of James Walsh to be appointed Superintcndant of
Armb, was read.
Application of Major Eyre, for the Payment of the Money due
for the Ship General Green, was read.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Benj'a Eyer &
Co., or their order, for the Sum of Fifty-three Thousand & Fifty-
seven Pouuds & Eleven Shillings, consideration Money for the Ship
General Green, purchased of the said Company for the use of the
State.
Information being received that there remains in the hands of
Esq'r Patterson, about 160 Stand of Arms & some Ammunition,
which was sent to arm the Militia who escorted the Convention
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 757
Troops thro' this State, & which Mr. Patterson is desirous of de-
livering up,
Ordered, That William Henry, Esq'r, Lieu, of the City, be re-
quested to send a suitable person to bring down the said Arms &
Ammunition.
An application from Maj. Armstrong, for Money to Pay the
Workmen employed at Billingsport, &ca.; thereupon,
Ordered, was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Col. John Bull,
or his order, for the Sum of Two thousand Pounds, to be charged
to his account.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Saturday April 24, 1779,
PRESENT :
His ExcelPy JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, ) TjiQ„»ra
John Macky, & j ^Sq
The return of Justices for
(Blank in Council Book.)
Petition of Capt. B. Van Hier, praying that his Troop of Horse
may be allowed to draw enumerated Articles, was read & rejected.
Whereas, it hath been heretofore represented by His Excellency
the Commander-in-Chief to this Board, that the intercourse which
has been maintained by the passing of so many Persons to New
York, is exceedingly prejudicial to the Interests of America general-
ly, & the safety of the Army in particular; & it being also appa-
rent that some persons who have been recommended to go within
the Enemies line on condition of not returning, have nevertheless
returned, & are now residing in this State.
Resolved, That this Board will not in future give any recom-
mendation but in cases of a particular & extraordinary nature, <$*
then only to such as shall be recommended to the Board by per-
sons of known good Character: And that in all cases where a re-
commendation is given upon condition of not returning without the
permission of. Public Authority, $• two good Securities be given for
the performance, or the application be rejected.
Ordered, That the following Pay be allowed to the Captain &
other Sea Officers on board the Ship General Green, Viz :
Captain 50 Dollars 'p month; 1st Lieutenant 30 Dollars % do;
2d Lieutenant 24 Dollars ^ do ; Surgeon 24 Dollars ^ do ; Mus-
ter Master 24 Dollars '§3 do; Master's Mate 15 Dollars *$ do:
758 MINUTES OF THE
Boatswain 13 Dollars ^ do; Boatswain's Mate 9 Dollars °§ do;.
Gunner 13 Dollars ^ do; Gunner's Mate 9 Dollars^ do; Carpenter
15 Dollars f do; Gunner's Mate 9 Dollars ^ do; Cooper 9 Dollars
$do; Midshipman 12 Dollars ^J do ; Armourer 9 Dollars ^ do;
Cook 9 Dollars f do; Steward 10 Dollars f do; That the Capt. of
Marines receive 30 Dollars ^ do, #• the Lieutenants 20 Dollars ^
do ; That the Capt. of the Ship General Green be allowed 40 Dol-
lars ip week for Subsistence in domestic Ports, in lieu of all Ra-
tions; fy whilst at Sea 20 Dollars ^ Week for Cabbin expences;
That the Lieutenants of the Ships, Surgeons, Captains, <§" Lieuten-
ants of Marines, whilst in actual service $* domestic Ports, be al-
lowed 20 Dollars ^ Week for subsistance, during such time as the
Ship is not in condition to receive them on board.
A letter wrote to the board of War, requesting to know whether
this State is a separate department from the department of the
Commander in Chief, within the meaning of the Resolution of
Congress of the Instant.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday April 26, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH HEED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, > ™ »
John Macky, k $ q "'
Mr. Peter Dehaven having declined the Office of Agent of for-
feited Estates,
Ordered, That Mr Thomas Cuthbcrt be appointed to said Office,
& that the Secretary give him notice thereof.
A Petitiou from Mr. Hunter, to Pass to New York, rejected; A
like Petition from Mary & Middleton Braddock, iu order to go to
Europe, to their Friends, granted upon condition of not returning,
and sureties given in £500 for the performance of the condition.
A Letter wrote to the Agents desiring them to recommend a
second Lieutenant & Master to the Ship General Green, & that
preference be given to the Old Supernumary Officers of the stater
if of abilities. At the same time inclosed recruiting instructions,
to Capt Caldwell, of the Marines; Also, enclosed Mr. Henry's list
of the Stores under his care, & directed the Agents to take as much
as they could from thence, to save expence.
A Letter received from the Board of War, informing that Raw-
lins Reg't would soon begin their March to Fort Pitt.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 759
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday April 27, 1779.
PRESENT '.
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, > £sa>rs
John Macky, & 5
A Letter was written to Congress respecting a proposed resum-
ing of the case of General Arnold.
Major Armstrong, superintendant of the workmen at the Forti-
fications on Delaware, applied for the use of a pair of Timber
Wheels.
Ordered, That the Secretary be directed to request of Col.
Mitchell, A. Q. M. G. to supply Maj. Armstrong with the use of
a pair of Timber Wheels, on his application for it.
Petition of A. Kleir, Colonel, praying allowance of enumerated
Articles, was read & rejected.
A return of an Election for chusing Justices of the Peace for
the District of West Fallowfield, Sadsbury & West Cales, in the
County of Chester, was read; by which it appears that William
Cloughan, Esq'r, & Joseph Parker, were chosen ; thereupon,
Ordered, That WilFm Cloughan, Esq'r, be appointed & Com-
missioned to be a Justice of the Peace for the County of Chester.
The following Two orders were drawn on the Treasurer, Viz :
In favour of Thomas Nevil, or his order, for the Sum of One
Hundred Pounds, to be charged to his account ; &
In favor of Robfc. Lollar„ Esq'r, Paymaster of Militia of the
County of Philadelphia, or his order, for the Sum of One Thou-
sand & five Hundred Pounds, to be charged to his account.
Application for a recommendation of Mrs. Duche to pass into
the City of New York with her children, being now read,
Ordered, That a recommendation be given to Mrs. Duche, wife
of the Rev'd Jacob Duche, to pass into New York with her chil-
dren, she giving security not to return again without permission
from the Authority of the State, in the Sum of ^61500.
760 MINUTES OF THE
The Council Met.
Pkilad'a, Wednesday April 28, 1779,
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Esq'rs.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt,
John Macky, &
An application for Money from Capt. Stiles ; & thereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. Jos.
Stiles, Commissary of Military Stores, or his order, for the Sum of
Five Hundred Pounds, to be charged to his acco't.
A Letter to the Secretary from Matt'w Clarkson, was read.
On consideration,
Ordered, That Matt'w Clarkson, Esq'r, be appointed & Commis-
sioned to be Marshall of the Admiralty. Matfc'w Clarkson offers
as sureties Mich'l Hillegas, Esq^r, & Dr. Ger. Clarkson, & they
are approved.
A Letter from Patrick Anderson of 27th ins , representing that
Elections of Officers in the Militia have been held in Chester
County, & voters admitted who have not taken the test, & returns
of the said Election by Col. Gronow.
Ordered, That the Secretary do write Col. Gronow, & enquire
into the aforesaid charge.
The Secretary represented to Council, that he had not been able
to determine whether the Fees on Marriage Licences were to be
raised, as well as the Fee Payable to the State, as on his own fees,
& requested their direction therein. On consideration of the Law7
it was the Opinion of Council that tho' Assembly probably intended
to have raised the Fee due to the State, yet the words did not fully
authorize the Secretary to raise it.
Petition of Rob't McNeil, a' Prisoner in the Goal of the County
of Lancaster, convicted of stealing a Mare, the property of John
Harris, was read ; And it appearing that having suffered the Cor-
poral Punishment adjudged, he had agreed to bind himself a Ser-
vant to Pay his Fees.
Ordered, That the further consideration of the case of Geo.
Hardy, now under sentence of Death, be referred to to-morrow.
A return of Justices elect for the district of lower Saucon Town-
ship, in the County of Northampton, was read, by which it appears
that John Biles & Authony Lirch the elder, were elected; & there-
upon,
Ordered, That John Biles be appointed <fe Commissioned to be
a Justice of the Peace for the County of Northampton.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, 761
The Council Met.
Philad'a Thursday April 29, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, ~)
John Macky, & t- Esq'rs.
Jacob Arndt, J
Passes granted to Robert Dunbar & Alexander McFarlin, to
North Carolina.
A Letter from Col. Rich'd Humpton, of the Tenth Pennsylvania
Reg't, respecting the settlement of his accounts, & a Note to him
from the Auditors of the Public Accounts; Thereupon,
A Letter was written to the Auditors on that Subject.
Andrew Boyd, Esq1!-, County Waggon Master of Chester County,
& his Deputies, having applied to this Board for their Pay in said
Offices,
Resolved, That is the opinion of this Board, that the same being
a regular charge to the United States, founded upon Law, & Calcu-
lated for their advantage, & which has been found beneficial to the
Quarter Master's department, it will promote the service & be most
regular that they should be paid by the Quarter Masters in the first
instance. County Waggon Masters is by Law entitled to Major's
Pay & Rations when in actual service, Deputy Waggon Masters,
Captain's Pay & Rations during actual service ; And that the Pres-
ent Petitioner^ be recommended to the Quarter Master General or
his Assistants, therefor,
The Board taking into consideration the great difficulty attend-
ing the attempt to Man the State Ship General Green, & that di-
vers of the Seamen which had entered themselves on board he'r,
have been induced to go on board Merchantmen, after having re-
ceived a great part of their bounty Money,
Ordered, That an Embargo be laid on all Ships & other Vessels
for & during the space of fifteen days, & that the Officers Com-
manding at Billingsport &; Mud Island be directed to stop all out-
ward bound Vessels until further orders from this Council.
The Council resumed the consideration of the unhappy case of
George Harding, & the two several Petitions of divers inhabitants,
The Petition of his Wife, The Petition of the Jurymen who convicted
him, & the representation of the Judges of the Supreme Court, be-
ing read, & some considerable time being spent in deliberation ;
thereupon,
Ordered, That this Council do dismiss the said Petitions.
762 MINUTES OF THE
A Letter from Gen'l St. Clair, requesting the Accounts against
Recruiting Officers to be sent to Camp, as many Soldiers Complain
they have not been paid their bounty,
Ordered, That a Transcript of said accounts be forwarded to
Camp, & that Gen'l St. Clair be informed that the Congress has
not furnished this Board with any Money for the Recruiting Ser-
vice.
Ordered, That the Secretary write to Thomas Hewitt, Esq'ry
k his Brother, the Justices of Northumberland, that the discharge
of a Soldier by a Court of Sessions is irregular and improper, the
Sessions not having such a power, and that Joseph McHarg, of the
12th Pennsylvatia Reg't, who has been lately discharged upon
his own Affidavit, ought to be delivered up to his proper Officer, &
procure his discharge in the usual form.
A Letter from Mr. Wilercks, in behalf of himself & others,
Owners of the Scho. Liberty & Brig Achilles, setting fcrth that
the same is bound to Statia, laden with Tobacco, and the other to
Martinico, laden with Flour, for the use of the French Fleet ; that
both are cleared, & requesting permits to pass the Forts, & engages
that no Seaman in the Service of the State on board either.
Resolved, That a Pass be given to the Achilles, on the Master
giving good Security in £2000, not to carry off any Seaman or Ma-
riner in the service of the State, or any Seaman belonging to the
Vessels of the Subjects of His most Christian Majesty, without
leave obtaiued from the Consul in Writing.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Friday April 30, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, ) -p ,
John Macky, & $ !
Ordered, That a Certificate be granted to Mrs. Duche, Wife of
Jacob Duche, late of this City, of her having obtained leave to depart
this State with her family & Children, on her Voyage to Great Bri-
tain, $• a recommendation to such of the Citizens of the United
States into whose hands she may fall, to treat her with kindness &
humanity.
An application being now made by John Wharton, Esq'r, in be-
half of the Navy Board middle department of the United States, for
permission for the Sloop Polly, Sanford Monroe, Master, laden
with 189 bbls. Flour, 11 bbls. of Middlings, & 100 bbls. of Ship
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 763
Stuff, for the use of the Navy at Boston, to clear out for the said
Port.
Ordered, That the Naval Officer be directed to clear out the said
Sloop Polly for Boston.
Ordered, That the Officer commanding at Billingsport & Mud
island, be directed to permit the Sloop Polly, Capt. Sanford Mon-
roe, to pass on her Voyage to Boston, any orders' to the contrary
from this Council notwithstanding.
The following Proclamation, laying an Embargo on Vessels Out-
ward bound, being read fy considered, was ordered to be issued.
" Pennsylvania, ss :
« A PROCLAMATION.
" By His ExeelVy JOSEPH REED, *E$q'r, President, & the Su-
preme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania :
u Whereas, the Hon'ble the General Assembly of this State,
at the earnest solicitations & instance of the Merchants & Traders
of this City, did resolve, that a Ship of War should be fitted out
with all Possible dispatch, for the protection & security of the Trade
& Commerce of this State :
" And this Board having accordingly procured and equipped a
Vessel for the said purposes, at a very great Public expence, it is
now represented that notwithstanding the great encouragement
given, a sufficient number of Seamen & Mariners have not yet en-
tered on board said Ship, & also that many Masters of outward
bound Vessels have received & carried off seamen belonging to said
Ship, who had taken the Public bounty, whereby there is just cause
to fear that the said Ship may be delayed on her Cruize, & our in-
veterate Enemies continue their depredations & insults without any
Check :
U ^^f^er therefore, the more effectually to execute the benefi-
cial motions of the Legislature, & answer the reasonable expecta-
tions of the Merchants and other Traders, by affording them imme-
diate relief & protection : (all other measures to remedy said evil
having been found ineffectual :)
" We do hereby lay an embargo on all outward bound Vessels
whatsoever, for & during the space of Fifteen days, and for that
purpose do forbid the clearing out & dispatch, & the sailing of any
Ship or other Vessel, of which the Naval Officer, the Commanding
Officers of the (rallies & of the Forts on the Delaware, & the said
State Ship, & all other Officers in the service of this State, are to
take notice & govern themselves accordingly.
"And, Whereas, it hath been represented to this Board that some
persons, preferring their own private gain to the benefit & service
764 MINUTES OF THE
of their Country, have clandestinely Shipped & exported Flour &
other Provisions, contrary to the Law of this State ; We do, there-
fore, hereby strictly enjoin & require all Merchants, Traders, Mas-
ters of Vessels, & others, to Pay a due regard to the said Law,
declaring that the most effectual measures will be taken to detect
<fc punish such parties in future, & the Law enforced in its fullest
extent.
" Given by order of the Council, under the hand of his Excell'y
the President, & the Seal of the State, at Philadelphia, this
thirtieth day of April, in the Year of our Lord One Thousand
Seven Hundred & Seventy-Nine.
JOSEPH REED, President.
" Attest :— -T. Matlack, Sec'y."
The Council met.
Philad'a, Saturday May 1, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Yice President.
Joseph Hart, "1
John Macky, & I Esq'rs.
Jacob Arndt, J
The Council again resumed the consideration of the case of
George Harding, now under sentence of Death, & ordered to be
executed this day ; & after a full consideration of his case,
Ordered, fhaLt the said George Harding be reprieved until the
end of the next Session of General Assembly, the word Session
being understood to mean sitting.
John Wilcox attended & represented that the Schooner Liberty,
Henry Hawkins, Master, had cleared out before the emhjpo was
laid, & that she has passed the Fortifications at Billings^rt and
Mud Island; & on Consideration,
Ordered, That the Scho. Liberty, Henry Hawkins, Master, be
permitted to pass on her voyage, any order of this Council hereto-
fore given to the contrary notwithstanding.
A Petition of Jacob Deisher, Supervisor of the Highways from
Maxetawney Township, in Bucks County, praying that the Records
may be searched for the return of a certain Road in the said Town-
ship was read ; and thereupon,
Ordered, That the Secretary do apply to Joseph Shippeu, Esq'r,
late Secretary or Clerk of the Council, & obtain from him the
Public Records belonging to his said Office.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 765
Letters from Col. Hunter, of Sunbury, Dr. Allison, & others,
relating to the depredations of the Indians.
Ordered, That Dr. Hutchinson be directed to procure a Box of
Medicines sufficient for a Regiment for four Months, & a case
of Instruments, to be forwarded immediately to Northumberland
County, to the care of Samuel Hunter, Lieutenant of the said
County.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Ilon'ble
Jos. Hart, Esq'r, or his order, for the Sum of Ten Thousand Dol-
lars, to be by him forwarded t« Col. Samuel Hunter, Lieutenant of
the County of Northumberland, & charged to the said Hunter.
Ordered, That Dr. Andrew Todd be appointed Surgeon of the
State Ship General Green.
The following were drawn on the Treasurer for Work done on
board the (rallies, Viz :
In favor of Hill & Marriott for the Sum of Two Hundred &
Sixty Pounds Two Shillings & Seven pence, & in favor of Hale &
Lawton, for the Sum of One Hundred & Thirty Eight Pounds
Ten Shillings & Three Pence.
Application of Samuel Dewees, Esq'r, Sub-Lieutenant of the
County of Philadelphia for 150 Stand of Arms, for the use of Two
Classes of the 7th Battalion of the said County,
Ordered, That Capt. Stiles do deliver to Samuel Dewees, Esq'r,
Sub-Lieutenant of the County of Philadelphia, One Hundred &
Ffty Stand of Arms, for the use of the Militia, for which Mr. De-
wees is to be accountable.
Ordered, That the Treasurer do exchange for James Hepburne,
a Sum of the Emissions of Continental Bills called out of circu-
lation, for Bills now Current, not exceeding Three hundred Dollars,
the same having been received by him of the Treasurer.
Petition of Henry Van Vleck was read, praying recommenda-
tion to pass into New York, &ca.
Ordered, That a Pass be granted to Henry Van Vleck to go
into New York k to return, bringing with him his Negroes.
On amplication by Col. Humpton,
Ordered, That the Fine adjudged .by the Court of Quarter Ses-
sions of the Peace for the County of Philadelphia, to be paid by
John Allen, now confined in Goal, be remittal ; & that he be dis-
charged, on Payment of his Fees; Doct. John Sparhawk, from
whom the Goods were Stolen, having had the same returned to
him,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Dav'd Ken-
nedy, Commissioner for purchasing of Cloathing for the Continen-
tal Army, in York County, or his order, for the Sum of Four Hun-
dred <fe Fifty Pounds, the same to be charged to account of the said
Kennedy.
A Letter from Mr. George Henry, Commissary of Military
Stores, with an Inventory & account of Sales, read & filed,
766 MINUTES OF THE
A Letter from Mess. McClenaghan & Irwin ; whereupon,
Ordered, That Mr. D. Hart be appointed Second Lieutenant, &
Mr. Hollingshead Master, of the Ship General Green.
Application from Robt. Knox & Coinp'y, setting forth that a
Brig belonging to them was cleared, and the Papers signed before
the Embargo took place, May 3d, 1779, & praying a Permit to
pass the Forts.
On consideration,
Resolved, That it is not consistent with the public Interest to
permit any Vessel to depart until the State Ship is sailed.
The two following orders were drawn on the Treasurer, Viz :
In favor of the Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, or his order, for
the Sum of Three Hundred & Fifty Pounds, to be charged to his
account.
In favor of Col. Lewis Farmer, Commissary for purchasing, &ca.
or his order, for the Sum of Six Thousand Pounds, to be charged
to his account.
The Council met
Philad'a, Tuesday May 4, 1779.
present:
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, } ™ ,
JobnMacky,& \ Estl rs
A Letter from the Hon'ble John Jay, Esq'r, President of Con*
gress, of this date, enclosing a Resolve of Congress, dated the 3d
ins., requesting such of the Militia of this State to take Post at
.Fort Mifflin & Biilingsport, in the room of Colonel Proctor's Men,
as shall be judged by the said President & Council sufficient ; the
said Militia to he allowed Continental Pay & subsistance, was read ;
And Council having ordered Two Companies of Militia Artillery
to go down to the said Forts, Council conceived that those two
Companies will answer the intention of Congress, & be entitled to
the Continental Pay & Rations under the said Resolve.
It being represented to Council that Robert French, Cornelius
Tlillman, & Benjamin Loxley, jun., are at this time endeavouring
to entice away tho seamen now in this Port, and induce them into
service in the neighbouring States, while an embargo is in force to
enable the Council to Man the Ship General Green, State Ship,
Ordered, That a Warrant be issued to the Sheriff of the City
& County, to take the said Robert French, Cornelius Hillraan, &
Renja. Loxley, jun,; and "bring them forthwith before this Council
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 767
On application by Doct. Jennings, who is stationed at Sunbury,
& under peculiar difficulties in this respect,
Ordered, That the Receiver General of Cloathing do furnish to
Doct. Jennings, Cloth of any Colour other than blue, & trim-
mings for a Coat & Jacket, Linnen for two Shirts, & two pair of
Thread Stockings.
Ordered, That Thomas Hale be appointed an Agent for seizing
of forfeited Estates in the County of Philadelphia, in the room of
Thomas Cuthbert, who has resigned.
The Council resumed the consideration of the abuses by Vendues
being held contrary to Law.
Ordered, That the Secretary be directed to write to & request
Edward Pole, Thomas Hale & Edward Evans, to pay attention to
this abuse, & that the Council will give them effectual support in
every legal measure which shall be taken for suppressing this grow-
ing evil, & order prosecutions to be instituted against offenders.
Resolved, That Maj. William Armstrong be appointed Paymas-
ter of the Workmen & others employed at Mud Island <& Billings-
port, or other public works on the Delaware, & that he settle the
accounts of Money already advanced to Col. Bull, so as to take up
the same from the beginning.
The Council met,
Philad'a, Wednesday May 5, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President,
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, "\
John Macky, & I Esq'rs,
Jacob Arndt, J
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Philip B'oehm,
jun., Paymaster af Militia in the County of Northampton, for the
Sum of Four Thousand Pounds, to be charged to his account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Major William
Armstrong, Paymaster of the Workmen at Billingsport, dbca., or
his order, for the Sum of Five Thousand Pounds, & to be charged
to his account.
Mr. John Chaloner, one of the Commissarys of Purchases, repre-
sented to the Council, that an Agent acting under authority of a
Law of the State of Maryland, had purchased of Mr. Levi Hollings-
worth a quantity of Flour, & thereby raised the Price of Flour
near five Pounds P cent,
Ordered, That the Secretary do write to Mr. Hollingaworth &
, desire him not to deliver the Fiour until this matter is enquired
into, and his attendance in Council immediately,
768 MINUTES OF THE
The Council having received information that Frederick Kessel-
man, late of this City, Trader, hath gone over to & joined the Eue-
my at New York,
Ordered, That a Proclamation be now issued requiring the said
Fred'k Kesselman to render himself on or before the 20th day of
June next,<& abide the Judgment of the Court, according to the Law
of the State, entitled " An act for the attainder of divers Traitors,
&ca, if they render not themselves by a certain day, & for vesting
their Estates in this Common-wealth, & for more effectually discov-
ering the same, & for ascertaining & satisfying the lawful Debts
tfc claims thereupon. ,
i ' Pennsylvania, ss :
"A' PROCLAMATION.
"By His ExcelFy Joseph Reed, Esq'r, President, & the Su-
preme Executive Council of the Common-Wealth of Pennsylva-
nia :
" Whereas, Frederick Kesselman, late an inhabitant of this State,
Trader, hath adhered to '& knowingly & Willingly aided & assisted
the Enemies of this State & of the United States of America, by
having joined their Armies at the City of New York;
We, the Supreme Executive Council aforesaid, by virtue of cer-
tain powers & authorities to us given, by An Act of General As-
sembly entitled
' An Act for the attainder of divers Traitors, if they render not
themselves by a certain day, & for vesting their Estates in this
Commonwealth, & for more effectually discovering the same, & for
ascertaining & satisfying the lawful Debts & claims thereupon,'
do hereby strictly charge & require the said Frederick Kessel-
man To render himself to some or one of the Justices of the
Peace, Supreme Court, or of the Justices of the Peace of one of
the Counties within this State, on or before the Twentieth day of
June next ensuing, & also abide his legal trial for such his Treason,
on pain that he, the said Frederick Kesselman, not rendering him-
self as aforesaid, & abiding his trial aforesaid, shall from and after
the said Twentieth day of Juoe next, Stand- & be attainted of High
Treason, to all intents and purposes, & shall suffer such pains &
penalties, & undergo all such forfeitures, as persons 'attainted of
High Treason ought to do ; And all the faithful Subjects of this
State are to take notice of this Proclamation, and govern themselves
accordingly.
" Given by order of the Council, under the hand of His ExcelFy
the President, & the Seal of the State, at Philadelphia, the fifth
day of May, in the Year of our Lord Oue Thousand Seven Hun-
dred & Seventy-nine.
"JOSEPH REED, President.
" Attest :— T. Matlack, Secret'y" •
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 769
Cornelius Hillman being brought before the Council, and heard
concerning the charge against him, and it appearing-that he had not
been concerned in Spiriting away the Seamen, after he knew of the
intention of Capt. French, He was dismissed.
The Council Met
Philad'a, Friday May 7, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, > « ,
John Macky, & S rS'
An Account of work done by Ebenezer Cowell, in repairing
Arms, was examined ; & thereupon,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Ebenezer
Cowell, or his order, for the sum of One Hundred & Seventy-Three
Pounds & thirteen Shillings, the amount of the said account.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
John Bayly, Esq'r, or his order, for the Sum of Sixty Pounds Fif-
teen Shillings & two Pence, balance due him for his attendance in
Council, Statement of which account is as follows, Via't:
" The State of Pennsylvania,
" To Jno. Bayly, Dr.
"For attendance in Council from May 29,1777, to the 5th
Feb'ry, 1778, when I resigned, being 253 days.
"Nov'r 8, 1778,
"Cr. Rec'd of D. Rittenhouse, in part, the sum of £lSi 11 6
" Due in Balance to John Bawly, - - - 68 15 %
u Absent during the above said time, Viz :
" 1777, In June 16 days,
"July 31
a
"August 6
a
"October3
u
"Novem 3
u
"Decern. 17
a
"7778, "Jan'y 14
a
"Feb'ry 3
(C
Absent days 93
a
<l Balance of days 16C
►, a 25s, -
^200 0 0
"Mileage for 80,. a 10d,
3 6 8
£203 6 8 £203 6 8
YOZ*. XI. — ±9*
770 MINUTES OF THE
Capt. Rob't French & Mr. Benja. Loxley, jun, were brought be-
fore the Council, & Mr. Loxley being examined, it appeared that
he had been in search of several Seamen who had deserted his ser-
vice after having entered on board a Vessel in which he was in-
terested :
And Capt. French being heard, & it appearing that he had been
endeavouring to Spirit away the Seamen, & having pledged his
Honor not to attempt to engage any Seamen in this State until after
the Ship Geu'l Green shall have Sailed;
Ordered, That Captain French do give Security to the State, him-
self in the Sum of One thousand Pounds, & one sufficient Surety
in the like Sum of One thousand Pounds, that he /will not directly
or indirectly entice away any Seamen from this State until after the
Ship General Green shall have Sailed.
A Letter from Lieu. Col. Adam Hubley, dated Mill-Stone Camp,
May 4, 1779, inclosing a Certificate Signed by Ar. St. Clair, Maj.
Gen'l, that Col. Hubley is elected Lieu, Col. in the Troops of the
State of Pennsylvania, &ca.
The Council took into consideration the return of Justices elect
for Mulberry Ward, by which it appears that William Rush, Esq'r?
& WilPm Colliday, were duly elected ; & thereupon,
Ordered, That Will'm Rush, Esq'r, be appointed & Commissioned
to be a Justice of the Peace for the City of Philadelphia.
Mr Matt'w Stony, proposing to the State that he will Sweep the
River in search of Anchors, &ca., & allow to the State one-fourth
part of what he may recover,
Ordered ', That the said Matt'w Strong have permission to sweep
the River in search of Anchors, &ea., he allowing to the State one-
fourth part of what he shall procure in so doing.
The following' Petitioners praying permission to go into New
irork, were read, "Viz :
Sarah Smith permitted to go, on giving Security ^15007 not to
return without permission from the State.
Peter Taylor permitted to go, on giving like security in the Sum
of £500.
Mary Carr & her Daughter permitted to go, in she having given
Security not to return without permission from the State.
Mary Hamilton permitted to go without giving security, her ease
being singular & distressing, & she without Friends.
The Petition of Mrs. Rebecca Shoemaker being again read &
considered, the Council were unanimously of opinion That she
cannot, consistent with the Interest of the State, be permitted at
present to go into the City of New York.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 771
The Council met.
Phxlad'a, Monday May 10, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, > ™ ,
John Macky, & 3 7
Capt. Martin, of the armed boat Lyon, attended in Council, Si
represented that divers of the Seamen belonging to the State Fleet
had disappeared, & that it was apprehended they were gone to Bal-
timore by persuasion of Capt. Robert French, & Duncan Mc-
Kenzie also appeared, <&; deposed that he saw two of the Men be-
longing to the said armed boat Lyon, in Company with Capt.
French's people, and that he believes they are gone off to Balti-
more with Captain French.
Ordered, That Capt. Martin do immediately proceed to Balti-
more, in Maryland, & use his utmost endeavours to secure & return
to their duty such of the Men belonging to the State fleet as he can
find.
Ordered, That application be made to the Quarter Master's de-
partment for a Horse for Capt. Martin, of the armed boat Lyon, to
go to Baltimore on Public business.
The Council being informed That there is not a supply of
Ammunition at Mud Island,
Ordered, That Col. Flower be requested to send down to Mud
Island, as soon as possible, a supply of ammunition for Two
Twenty-four Pounders & One Thirty-Two Pounder.
A Letter from Henry Haller, Esq'r, dated Reading, May 4, 1779.
Ordered, That the Secretary do write to Col. Haller, & desire
liim to send down a list of the Justices of the Peace for the Coun-
ty of Berks, who have taken the oath of Office, & also of those
who have neglected or declined to do so, with their reasons, so far
as has com.e to his knowledge.
The Council met.
Phxlad'a, Tuesday May 11, 1779.
present :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, ) ™ ,
John Macky, & } ^ rS*
Letters from Mr. Robt. Morris, informing of his having received
fr om Cape Francois Sixty Seven Stand of Arms, belonging to the
772 MINUTES OF THE
State ; from Col. Flower, requesting that future orders for Militaz j
Stores may come to him thro' the board of War; from Board of
War on several Subjects, dated May 10, 1779.
Return of officers of Militia from John Carothers, Esq'r, Lieu-
tenant of the County of Cumberland, dated May 1, 1779, by which
it appears that the fallowing Gentlemen were elected, Viz :
[Blank in Council Book.]
Ordered, That Commissions be accordingly issued.
Application was made by Col. Morgan Connor, for Cloathing
for the Eleventh Pennsylvania Reg't.
And application was also made for Cloathing for the fourth Penn-
sylvania Battalion.
Ordered, That the Receiver General of Cloathing, do immedi-
ately deliver to Lieu. Jeremiah Jackson, of the 11th Pennsylvania
Regt, Two Hundred Shirts & Cloth and Trimmings., for eight suits
of Cloaths ; And also One Hundred Shirts and Cloth and Trim-
mings for four suits of Cloaths, for the fourth Pennsylvania Regt.,
to be put up in a parcel, separate from the Cloathing ordered for the
11th Regt.
The following Petitions for permission to pass into New York,
was read, Viz : — Elizabeth Holdsworth, wife of James Holdsworth-
& Mary Ann Goreley.
Ordered, That recommendations be given to the said Eliza.
Holdsworth & Mary Ann Goreley, to be permitted to pass into New
York, they giving surety in the Sum of ,£500, not to return again
without permission first had from the State.
Ordered, That the 67 Stand of Arms belonging to the State, &
lately arrived from Cape Francois, now in the hands of Rob't Mor-
ris, E>:q'r, be delivered to Capt. Joseph Stiles, Commissary of Mili-
tary Stores.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Robert Al-
lison, or his order, for the Sum of One Thousand Pounds, to be
charged to his account.
On application,
Ordered, That the Sloop Betsey and Alithea, Joseph Basden
Commander, late from the Island of Bermuda, in quest of Provi-
sions to relieve the inhabitants of that Island from extreme neces-
sity, be permitted to pass the Fortifications on Delaware ; And also
the Sloop Betsy, William Popham Commander; Also, the Sloop
Little Bernard, Capt. Leonard Albony; the last mentioned, with
3 bbls. Flour, 3 bbls. Bread & 3 bbls. Beef or Pork, & the follow-
ing passengers, Viz : — Capt. John Osbourne, Capt. Erasmus Mo-
ritzen, Capt. Henry Fishorst, Mr. Frederick Dashong & Mr. John
Potts, agreeable to Petition.
Col. Grono, Sub-Lieutenant of Chester County, attended in con-
sequence of a Letter wrote him of the 28th April, And it appearing
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 773
that the Election referred to in the said Letter, was conducted
without a proper attention to the Test Law, & that the said Elec-
tion on that account is informal,
Ordered, That the same be vacated, & that Col. Grono be direc-
ted to hold a new Election as soon as convenient, & report to this
Board, that Commissions may issue without farther delay.
Application was made to Council in behalf of Edward Tew,
Rookloff Albertson, John Huddle, Joseph Best, James Craft, k
John Knox, requesting they may have permission to Sweep the
Delaware in search of Cannon &, Anchors, they restoring to the
State one-fourth part of all they shall obtain, <k giving to the State
a preference in the purchase thereof.
On consideration,
Ordered, That the said request be complied with, & the said
Edw'd Tew, Rookloff Alberston, John Huddle, Joseph Best, James
Craft, & John Knox, be authorized to Sweep the Delaware on the
terms proposed by them.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday May 12, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, "j -™ ,
John Macky, & j ^ rs*
(Jas. Read, Esq'r, now returned & took his Seat in the Council.)
Ordered, That the Sloop Betsy & Alithea, Capt. Jos. Basden,
be permitted to take on board Six barrels of Flour, Six bbls. Bread,
Six bbls. Pork, & twelve Kegs of Bread.
The following Letters were received & read :
From the Hon'ble Tho's Scott, Esq'r, of Westmoreland, dated
' April 9th, 1779, inclosing a Letter from General Mcintosh to Archi-
bald Lochry, Esq'r, Lieutenant of the County of Westmoreland.
From the same, dated April 26, 1779, enclosing return of Elec-
tion of Justices for Tyrone Township, in the County of West-
moreland.
From Archibald Lochry, Esq'r, Lieu, of the County of West-
moreland, Two Letters, both dated May 1, 1779, one of them, en-
closing a Resolve of the People of the said County.
All these relating to the State of the Frontiers.
Also a Letter from John Burd, Esq'r, dated May 5, 1779.
A Memorial from Francis Hopkinson, Esq'r, having been read
& considered,
774 MINUTES OF THE
Resolved That an order be drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the
said Francis Hopkinson, Esq'r, for the Sum of One Thousand &
five hundred Pounds, & that the same be delivered to him on his
giving Bond with sureties, that if any claims or demands shall here-
after be made on the Estate ot the Rev'd Mr. Jacob Duche, which
shall be allowed, so as to lessen the present apparent value thereof
to the State, that then the said Francis Hopkinson shall refund the
said One Thousand & five Hundred Pounds, or such part thereof
as the Justices of the Supreme Court shall decree, so as that the
said allowance may be made proportionate to the real Value of the
Interest accruing to the Common- Wealth from the said forfeiture,
any former allowance or decree notwithstanding.
The following three orders were drawn on the Treasurer,
Viz.:
In favor of Col. Lewis Farmer, Commissary, &ca., or his order,
for the Sum of Twenty Thousand bounds, to be charged to his ac-
count.
In favor of Capt. Joseph Stiles, Commissary of Naval Stores,
or his order, for the Sum of Three Thousand Dollars, to be charged
to his account.
In favor of his Excell'y Joseph Reed, Esq'r, President, or his
order, for the sum of One Thousand Pounds, to be charged to his
account, as part of his salary.
The return of Justices elect for Tyronne Township, in the
eounty of Westmoreland, being read, it appears that John Allen?
& James Paterson were elected ; thereupon.
Ordered, That Allen, Esq'r, be appointed k Commis-
sioned to be a Justice of the Peace for the County of Westmore-
land.
Ordered, That a Copy of the Letter from Gen'l Mcintosh to
Col. Lochry, be transmitted to the Board of War.
Maj. John Brown, of the fifth Battalion of Militia of the County
of Philadelphia, having sent in his Commission & expressed his in-
tention to resign the same, & it appearing that he stands charged
with misbehaviour.
Ordered, That the resignation of the said Maj. John Brown be
not now accepted.
Petition of Serjeant Cline, praying to be appointed Ensign, was
read, & dismissed ; no Serjeant being to be promoted but upon
special recommendation of the Officers of the Regiment to which
he belongs.
The Petition of Shewbart Armitage, praying to be appointed an
Officer in the Rog't of Artillery commanded by Col. Proctor, be-
ing read; & his recommendation by Col. Proctor considered,
Ordered, That Shewbart Armitage be appointed third Lieu, in
Col. Proctor's Reg't of Artillery.
A Certificate of an Election of Justices of the Peace for Barre
Township, in the County of Bedford, being read ; & it appearing
upon the face of it that there was some controversy about it,
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 775
Ordered, That the Secretary do write to the Hon'bleTho's Urie
Esq'r, & enquire into the circumstances of the Election, & report'
to Council as soon as may be.
Council having received information that divers Officers in the
Militia stand charged with Misbehavour, &d that there is a necessi-
ty of a Court of enquiry being immediately held : thereupon.
Ordered, That a Court of enquiry be appointed.
Ordered, That the Court of enquiry consist of William Bradford,
Esq'r, Col. 1st Bat'l, President; Sharpe Delany, Esq'r, Col. 2d
Bat'n; Will' in Will, Esq'r, Lieu. Col. 3d Bat'l j — - Boyd, Esq'r,
Maj. 4th Bat'n ; Jos. Copperthwaite, Esq'r, Col. 5th Bat'n ; Rob't
Allison, Esq'r, Lieu. Col. 6th Bat'n ; Tho's Nevill, Esq'r, Lieu.
Col. of Artillery ; Capt. Robert Smith, 1st Bat'n ; Capt. WiU'm
M'Culloch, 2d Bat'n; Capt. Cha's W. Peale, 4th Bat'n; Capt
Lieu: ;W in. Leonard, of the Artillery Bat'n; Lieu. Henry Mover,
of the 3d Bat'n ; Lieu. James Skinner, of the 6th Bat'n ; And
that a Commission be issued under the Seal of the State.
Petition of Peter Behaven was read; Thereupon,
Ordered, That Peter Behaven be appointed & Commissioned to
be Health Officer for the Port of Philadelphia.
Application was made by Mr. Blair McLenaghan, for the follow-
ing Stores for the Ship Gen'l Green, Viz.:
800 round Shot, 600 d'ble-headed Shot, 200 round Shot for 3
Pounders, 100 d?bie-headed do., 50 round of Shot for Six Pounders,
50 d'ble-headed do., 5 Sheets Copper, 300 lbs. of Sheat lead.& 2
Drums & Fifes.
Ordered, That Capt. Stiles make immediate enquiry whether the
above articles, or any of them, can be had from the Continental
Commissary of Military Stores, &, if so, to apply to the Hon'ble
Board of War for an order, it being to replace Articles of the same
kind lent to the Continent to go to South Carolina two Months
since.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday May 13, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Bxcell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, 1
John Macky, & lEsq'rs.
Jacob Arndt, J
And Mr. Thompson attended again & took his seat.
A Letter from the Hon'ble John Jay, Esq'r, President of Con-
gress, dated 12th ins., enclosing Resolves of Congress of the fifth
instant, respecting Commissary Trumbull's account.
776 MINUTES OF THE
A Letter from Col. Bartram Galbraith, dated 5th instant, re-
specting the Militia of Lancaster County.
Memorial of Samuel Story, praying to be appointed an Officer
in Col. Proctor's Regiment, was read. On consideration of his
recommendations,
Ordered, That Sam'l Story be appointed a Third Lieutenant
in Colonel Proctor's Regiment of Artillery.
Ordered, That Mr. Vice President, Mr. Jas. Read, & Col. Hart,
be a Committee to enquire into the legality of the late Election of
Managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital, & report to this Council.
The Council Met.
.Philad'a, Friday May 14, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan*, Esq'r, Vice President.
John Macky, Jacob Arndt, & ) ^ ,
James Read, & Thompson, 3
The President having laid before the Board a very complete &
elegant draught of the proposed Fortifications for the defence of
the River Delaware & the City, made by the General De Portail
& his Assistants, at the joint instance of Gen'l Washington &
this Board,
Resolved, That the thanks of this Council be given to General
De Portail, for his important services in this respect; & that, as
is customary on such occasions,
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the said Gen-
eral De Portail, for Two Thousand Dollars, which he be desired to
accept, as an additional acknowledgement, for his time & labor
spent in the service of the State.
Resolved, also, That an order be drawn in favor of Col. La Ra-
dine, assistant Engineer to Gen'l De Portland, for One Thousand
Dollars, & for Six Hundred Dollars in favor of Ville-
panche, to be delivered in like manner, for their services in the
same business.
A Petition from the Officers & Men of Col. Eyre's Battalion of
Militia Artillery, now in Garrison at the Posts on the River, was
read & considered ; Whereupon,
Resolved, That the Board is fully convinced of the Justice &
Truth of the facts set forth, &, the sentiments therein expressed ;
& that they will recommend the said application to the Hon'ble
House of Assembly, at the next Sessions for proper attention & re-
lief ) & that in the meantime, from a desire to do equal Justice, &
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 777
to encourage all those brave Men & true Patriots who turn out to
defend & protect the Country in time of danger, Mr. Crispin, the
Commissary of the State, be directed to supply them with Rum,
Tea, Sugar, Soap & other Articles furnished the Continental
Troops, agreeable to a Resolve of x^ssembly of the 5th of December,
in the same proportion & at the same Rates as the same are fur-
nished to any Troops in the service of the State ; The same to be
issued at the respective Posts, and to such only as are on actual
duty
Resolved, That Col. Bull do proceed to execute the Plan of For-
tification delivered in by Gen'l D. Portail, with all expedition, &
that the same be not in any respect departed from, without the
concurrence of this Board.
That the Refugee line at Billingsport, be repaired, at the least
expensive mode of completeing that Work.
Ordered, That the Commissaries of Stores, supply Col. Bull
with such Tools & other Articles as they may have, & he may want
from time to time, in carrying on said Works, taking his Receipt
therefor.
Resolved, That Col. Bull do confer with Capt Boys, & other
Captains of the Gallies, on the proper places to sink the new Che-
vaux-de-Frize, & determine the numbers necessary,
Resolved, That Col. Bull be allowed at the Rate of Twenty-four
Dollars ^ day, for his trouble & service for Superintending & di- '
recting said Work, & that the same do commence from the time
the said Col. Bull was engaged by this Board to attend said Work,
& collect materials, under a former Resolve; to Wit: the 27th Feb-
ruary last.
Whereas, the purposes intended to be answered by the embargo
on all Ships, &ca., has not yet been fully answered,
Resolved, That the Embargo on all Shipping be further contin-
ued for fifteen days, or until otherwise ordered by this Council.
"A PROCLAMATION.
" Pennsylvania, ss :
■u By His ExcelVy Joseph Reed, Escfr, President, & the Supreme
Executive Council of the Commonivealth of Pennsylvania: Jf
" Whereas, We, by our Proclamation, dated on the Thirtieth
•day of April last, did lay an Embargo on all Vessels within this
Port:
And Whereas, The purposes of the said Embargo are not yet
fully answered : We do therefore, think proper, & do hereby far-
778 MINUTES OF THE
ther continue the said Embargo until the first day of June next,
unless sooner revoked by the Authority of this Board.
" Given by order of the Council, under the hand of his Excel-
lency, Joseph Reed, Esq'r, President, & the Seal of the State at
Philadelphia, this fourteenth dayof May, in the Year of our Lord
One Thousand Seven Hundred & Seventy-nine.
" JOSEPH REED, President.
" Attest : T. Matlack, Sec'y."
An order was 'drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Frederick
Snyder, for the Sum of £233 2 1, (Two hundred & Thirty-Three
Pounds, Two Shillings & one Penny,) amount of his account, in-
cluding his Pay to the 12th instant, inclusive.
Charles Hil, Esq'r, Assist' t Q'r M'r Gen'l, having applied to the
Board for the approbation & Warrant to call out a number of
Teams for the transportation of Provisions and Stores for the Sup-
ply of the Troops ordered to the Western frontiers,
Resolved, That the same be complied with, & the Waggon Mas-
ters of Lancaster, York & Cumberland, (in which Counties the
said Provisions are) do furnish the number required with all expe-
dition, & that the same be as follows, Viz : — from Lancaster 40,
York county 30, Cumberland 25.
Gen'l St. Clair, Commanding officer of the Pennsylvania line.,
having certified that Adam Hubley, Esq'r, Lieu. Colonel of the
Reg't of the Troops raised by this State, is the oldest Lieu. Colo-
nel in the line, & therefore entitled to succeed to the vacancy made
by the resignation of Col. Hartley, in the 11th Reg't.
Ordered, That the said Lieu. Colonel Hubley be recommended
to the Hon'ble Board of War for the Commission of Lieu. Colo-
nel Commandant of the Eleventh Regiment.
The Council Met.
Philad'a, Saturday May 15, 1779.
present : '
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Jacob Arndt, & ~\
John iMacky, Thompson, V Esq'rs.
Ja's Read, J
An application from William Crispin, Esq'r, Commissary, for
One Thousand Pounds ; Thereupon
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Will'm Cris-
pin, Esq'r, Commissary, or his order, for the sum of Ten Thousand
Pounds, to be charged to his acco.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 779
A certificate signed by Holker, certifying that the Schooner
Swan, Capt. James Robinson, is freighted to transport Three Hun-
dred barrels of Flour to St. Pierre of Martinique, for the use of
the Fleet Commanded by His Excell'y, the Count d'Estaing. & ap-
plication by George Meade, <feca, Owners of the said Schooner, for
permission to clear out for St. Pierre accordingly.
Ordered, That the Naval Officer do clear out JEW St. Pierre,
Martinique, The Scho. Swan, Capt. Ja's Robinson, freighted with
Tnree hundred barrels Flour, for the use of the Fleet commanded
by His Excell'y, the Count d'Estaing.
Ordered, That the State Treasurer be requested to furnish the
Council with an account of the Monies paid by him upon orders
drawn by Auditors of accounts.
The Petition of John Taylor, a disabled soldier of the Flying
Camp, was read • thereupon,
Ordered, That it be recommended to the Justices of the County
of Northampton, to enquire whether the Petitioner has been wound-
ed in an engagement, or whether he has been disabled by natural
sickness ) if the former be the case, the said Justices will provide
for him, according to the Act of Assembly for the relief of disa-
bled soldiers & seamen, passed 18th September, 1777; if disabled
by natural sickness, it is recommended to the Overseers ,of the
Poor to make provision for the Petitioner, according to his circum-
stances & necessity. »
Letters from Gen'l Du Portail ; & from Board of War, dated
instant; from Col. Henry, with return of officers of Militia elected,
with the date of their election.
Ordered, That Commissions be accordingly issued.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Monday May 17, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, . — : — Thompson,
John Macky, James Read, & J-Esq'rs.
Matt'w Smith, • Jacob Arndt,
(Col. Smith having this day resumed his seat, in his return from
a visit to his family.)
A Letter from Lodowick Sprogell, Muster Master General of
Pennsylvania.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Lodowick
Sprogell, Muster Master General, or his order, for the Sum of
Three Hundred Pounds, to be charged to his account.
}
780 MINUTES OF THE
A like order in favor of Will. C. Bradford, Pay-master of the
State Fleet, or his order, for the Sum of One Thousand & five
Hundred Pounds, to be charged to his account.
An order was also drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Hon'ble
Matt'w Smith, Esq'r, or his order, for the Sum of Forty Thousand
Dollars, of which said sum Twenty Thousand Dollars are to be by
him sent to (3ol. Lochry, of the County of Westmoreland, to be
applied in rwsiog Men in that County; Ten Thousand Dollars to
be sent to the Captain of the Company to be raised in the Coun*ty
of Cumberland ; & Ten Thousand Dollars to be applied in raising
the Companies in Lancaster and in Northumberland Counties.
Ordered, That the Muster M'r Gen'l do Muster the Officers,
Seamen, & Marines of the Ship Gen'l Green, as near the time of
her sailing as may be. '
A transcript of the Record of conviction of Thomas Taylor,
Esq'r, late of Cocalico Township, in the County of Lancaster, be-
fore the Judges of the Supreme Court, held at Lancaster, on the fifth
day of May ins., of Felony & Robbery, & the sentence of the Court
thereupon : " That the said Thomas Taylor be hanged by the Neck
"til he be dead;" being read;
On consideration,
Ordered, That Saturday the fifth day of June next, be appointed
for the execution of the said sentence, between the hours of Ten ot
•the Clock & Two of the Clock of the same day, at the usual place
of Execution ; & that a Warrant, under the less Seal of the State,
signed by the President, & attested by the Secretary, be accordingly
issued.
A transcript of the record of conviction of Catherine Fisher, late
of the County of Lancaster, before the Judges of the Supreme Court,
held at Lancaster, on the fourth day of May instant, of Murder, &
the sentence of the Court thjfreupon : "That the said Catherine
Fisher be hanged by the Neck 'nl she be dead ;" being read ;
On consideration,
Ordered, That Saturday the fifth day of June next, be appointed
for the execution of the said sentence, between the hours of ten of
the Clock in the forenoon & two of the Clock in the Afternoon of the
same day, at the usual place of execution ; & that a Warrant, under
the less seal of the State, signed by the President, & attested by the
Secretary, be accordingly issued.
A transcript of the record of conviction of Tho's Crouch, late of
the Township of Exeter, in the County of Berks, Yeoman, before
the Judges of the Supreme Court, held at Reading, on the Eleventh
day of May ins., of Felony & Burglary, and the sentence of the
Court thereupon : " That the said Thomas Crouch be hanged by the
neck until he be dead;" being read;
On consideration,
Ordered, That Saturday the fifth day of June next, be appointed
for the execution of the said sentence, between the hours of Ten of
SlfPKEME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 781
the Clock in the forenoon & two of the Clock in the afternoon of
the same day, at the usual place of execution ; & that a Warrant,
under the less seal of the State, signed by the President, & attested
by the Secretary, be accordingly issued.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Tuesday May 18, 1779;
I PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble GeokGe Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Thompson,!
John Macky, James Read, & J- Esq'rs.
Matthew Smith, Jacob Arndt, J
A Letter from Col. Proctor, informing that three Men belonging
to his Reg't, Viz :
George Farrell, Patrick GofF and William Alexander, are now
confined in Gaol, are by their conduct rendered unfit for his Regi-
ment, & proposing that they be shipped on board the General
Green.
Ordered, That George Farrell, Patrick Goff & Will. Alexander,
now confined in the Gaol of Philadelphia, belonging to Col. Proc-
tor's Reg't of Artillery, enlisted to serve during the War, be ship-
ped on board the Ship General Green.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Wednesday May 19, 1779,
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, Thompson, 1
John Macky, James Read, & lEsq'rs.
Matthew Smith, Jacob Arndt, J
A return of an Election of Justices of the Peace for the Town-
ship of Barree, in the County of Bedford, being now laid before
the Board & considered,
Resolved, That by the Act of Assembly passed the 15th Feb'ry,
1777, each Township in Cumberland, Bedford, Northumberland &
Westmoreland, is restricted to one Justice of the Peace, & Robt.
Smith, Esq'r, having been commissioned as a Justice of the Peace
for the said Township of Barree, it is not within the power of this
782 MINUTES OF THE
Board to Commission another. If the Township is so large that
one Justice will be inconvenient, application should be made to the
Justices of the Peace at the County Court to divide the Township,
which being done, an election may be held for the Township so di-
vided, and a Justice of the Peace duly Commissioned.
. Capt. Martin having returned from Maryland, attended in Coun-
cil, & informed That he had secured & brought from Baltimore
four men belonging to the State Fleet; &that there were on board
Capt. Buchannan's Brig, Two men belonging to the State, which
which he could not obtain, & that one man belonging to the State
was detained by Capt. Loxley & Mr. Purviance, on a writ issued
for the recovery of Money advanced to him by them. Capt. Mar-
tin also exhibited an account of his expences, Amounting to Seven-
ty-five Pounds, which appearing to be as reasonable as the times
will admit of, the same is allowed.
Ordered, That the Pay master do pay to Capt. Henry Martin, or
his order, for the Sum of Eighteen Pounds fifteen Shillings, due to
John Brannon, one of the Seamen deserted, & the like Sum due
to Rob't Martin, another of the Seamen deserted, and charge the
same to the said Brannon & Martin :
And an order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Captain
Henry Martin, or his order, for the Sum of One hundred Dollars,
balance of his account of expences to Baltimore, to be charged
Captain Montgomery.
Ordered, That Capt. Jas. Montgomery be directed to charge the
Sum of One Hundred Dollars, one-half of the expences of Captain
Martin, on his journey to Baltimore, to the two Seamen belonging
to the Ship General Green, which Capt. Martin arrested at & brought
from Baltimore, one-half, (Viz.: eighteen Pounds & fifteen Shillings,)
%o edch.
Ordered, That Matt'w Dill be appointed a Sub-Lieutenant of
the County of York, in the place & stead of Mr. Rob't Stevenson,
lately deceased.
A Resolution of Congress of the 18th ins., recommending to the
Executive Powers of the States of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Mary-
land, Virginia & North Carolina, respectively, to permit One Thous-
and bushels of Indian Corn to be exported from each of the said
States, for the relief of the distressed inhabitants of the Bermuda
Islands, &ca., was read; & the same being considered,
Resolved, That it is very' clearly the opinion of this Council, that
the said Resolve of Congress cannot be complied with, consistent
with the Laws of this Commonwealth.
A Letter from Col. Walter Stewart, of the Second Pennsylvania
Battalion, recommending Will'in Murran to be appointed to be an
Ensign in the said Regiment.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 783
Ordered, That Will'm Murran be appointed an Ensign in the
Second Pennsylvania Battalion, commanded by Col. Walter Stewart.
Application was made by Mr. Jos. Pennell, for an order to the
Naval Officer to clear out the Continental Schooner Hannah <&
Polly, Davrd Latham Commander, bound to Boston, laden with
300 bbls. of Ship Stuff, & 51 bbls. of Bread, Shipped by the Com-
missaries of the Navy Board for the middle district, for the use of
the Navy.
Ordered, That -the Naval Officer do clear out the said Schooner
Hannah & Polly.
The Council met.
Philad'a, Thursday May 20, 1779.
PRESENT :
His Excell'y JOSEPH HEED, Esq'r, President.
Hon'ble George Bryan, Esq'r, Vice President.
Joseph Hart, • — Thompson,
John Macky, James Bead, &
Matthew Smith, Jacob Arndt,
tEsq'rs.
A Petition of Margaret Potts, Wife of John Potts, praying to be
permitted, with her three Children and a Maid Servant, to go into
New York, & to take with her three feather-beds with furniture ?
<fe some Kitchen furniture, was read ; & thereupon,
Ordered, That a recommendation be granted to Margaret Potts,
agreeable to her request, She giving security in the Sum of Two
Thousand Pounds, that she will not return without leave of the
Council ; And also, That the Articles mentioned be accounted for
with the Commissioner of forfeited Estates, if it shall hereafter
appear that they are now the property of John Potts.
A Petition from a number of Merchants addressed to Congress
respecting the Court of appeals, was sent into Council, with a re-
quest that Council would give the same their Countenance & have
it laid before Congress.
Ordered, That the same be delivered into the hands of the Dele-
gates of the State in Congress, with a request to them to lay it be-
fore Congress, & to express to them the concurrence of Council
therewith.
Ordered, That as the purpose of the Embargo is in a good degree
answered, That a Proclamation be issued for taking off & annuling
the same, & the following Proclamation being read & considered,
was ordered to be issued, Viz, ***'.
t i N
784 MINUTES OF THE
" Pennsylvania, ss .*
« A PROCLAMATION.
"By His ExcelVy JOSEPH REED, Esq'r, President, & Supreme
Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania :
"Whereas, the purposes for which the Embargo hath been lately
layed by our several Proclamations of the thirtieth day of April
last, & of the fourteenth day of May ins., on all Vessels outward
bound from this State, have been in great measure answered :
Wherefore, we do hereby revoke & disannul the same, hereby
permitting all Vessels, not exporting any Provisions contrary to
Law, to depart this Port, the aforesaid Prohibition notwithstand-.
ing, Of all which the Naval Officer & all others concerned, are to
take notice, & govern themselves accordingly.
" Given by order of the Council, under the hand of His Excell'y Jo-
seph Reed, Esq'r, President, & the less Seal of the State, at
Philadelphia, this Twentieth day of May, in the Year of our Lord
One Thousand Seven Hundred & Seventy Nine.
"JOSEPH REED,
11 President.
" Attest— T. Matlack, Sec'y.
A Letter from, Rob' t Morris, Esq'r, informing of the arrival of
Thirty-Three Arms from Cape Francois, belonging to the State,
Ordered, That Capfc. Joseph Stiles, Commissary of Military
Stores, do apply to & receive from Rob't Morris, Esq'r, Thirty-
Three stand of Arms belonging to the State.
*George Reid, one of* the Justices of the Peace for the County
of Lancaster, sent in nis .resignation, & the same was ree'd.
*He was chosen for Martick Township.
END OF VOL. XX.
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2250
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